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This Web site, Legendary Coins and Currency, has been created in conjunction with a gallery exhibition on display at the Smithsonian Castle. This exhibition, which opened on December 8, 2005 and will close in January 2008, explores rare and historically significant artifacts from the National Numismatic Collection (NNC)—more than half of which have never been on view, or not for many years. Coins, bills, medals, and captivating oddities—such as pattern designs, fake coins, and homemade clam shell money from the Great Depression—are on display.
Visitors to Legendary Coins and Currency can examine some of the NNC's rarest and most prized pieces to learn why history has elevated these artifacts to legendary status. Of particular interest is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, the most celebrated 20th-century coin; the 1877 U.S. $50 (“Half Union”) patterns, the largest coins ever struck; and the 1849 Double Eagle ($20), a significant reminder of the American gold rush. Other objects include a 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling; the 1906 Barber pattern Double Eagle; and the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, often considered America’s most beautiful coin.
This exhibition was produced by the National Museum of American History, Behring Center. It is sponsored by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America, the New York Mint and Numismatic Conservation Services, LLC. |
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Admission: Free
Location: Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive,
N.W.
Hours: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except
December 25.
Parking and Transportation:
Limited parking is available on streets near the Mall from 10 a.m. to midnight. Metrorail’s Blue and Orange lines stop at the Federal Triangle and Smithsonian stations, which are near the Mall. For more information, call Metro at 202-637-7000.
For Further Information:
Call Smithsonian visitor information: 202- 633-1000 (voice) or 202-357-1729
(TTY), Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., or email info@si.edu.
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