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Westward Travel Yields Little-Publicized Numismatic Attraction
[by Jeff Reichenberger #1933]
When traveling to Colorado the numismatic minded individual naturally turns their attention the Colorado Springs, home of the American Numismatic Association, where you will find the wonderful Edward C. Rochette Money Museum, and the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library among the headquarters. Next the Colorado coin inquisitor would likely travel north to the Mile High City, where the United States Mint Denver awaits one who was savvy enough to reserve a tour in advance.
But there is a lesser-known, yet fun numi-destination in Denver. ‘The Money Museum, a billion dollar experience’, resides within the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Denver Branch. The exhibit entitled ‘AMERICAN CURRENCY – History Through Money’ offers a plethora of treats for the hungry numismatic explorer. Currency is featured in this ‘through-the-years’ exhibit but also displays a bit of coinage interspersed to fill in the gaps.
The absolutely free tour begins at check-in. This is the Federal Reserve Bank after all and security is tight. Your identification is required, followed by metal detection – airport security style. Once through the main entrance, you are greeted by a vintage safe-turned-display-case. Therein you will see a mint bag of nickels, a stack of gold bars, and instructions how to log in to the optional cellphone audio guide. If the audio guide isn’t your cup of tea, the exhibit brochure does a fine job helping you walk along with numbered explanations that correspond with the display.
The brochure begins: “The history of banking in the United States can be seen through its currency. The evolution of currency reflected in this exhibit demonstrates the needs of a rapidly expanding nation struggling to establish a reliable monetary and banking system. Creating trust in paper notes has been an enduring theme in the history of American banking and currency.” The text then gives a paragraph or two under each of 18 numbered titles that correspond with the actual notes on display.
Kids design their own currency!
Emmy earns a Fun Guide!
1) Continental Currency 1775 – 1790.
2) Gold Coin 1795 – present.
3) State Bank Notes 1837 – 1863.
4) Texas Dollar 1837 – 1840.
5) Confederate Currency 1861 – 1864.
6) Demand notes 1861 – 1917
7) Silver Coin 1792 – 1863
8) Fractional Currency 1862 – 1876
9) National Bank Notes, Old Series 1863 – 1928
10) National Bank Notes 1929 - 1935
11) Gold Certificates 1865 - 1933
12) Silver Certificates 1878 -1963
13) Federal Reserve Bank Notes 1913 - 1935
14) Uncut Sheets of Currency
15) Gold and Silver U.S. Bullion Coins
16) Federal Reserve Notes 1913 - present
17) Mis-struck Coins
18) Misprinted Currency
Once through the currency history lesson, the walls and floor standing kiosks are filled with family friendly interactive fun. Kids can make rubbings of classic or whimsical currency devices, create their own digital currency, and learn to detect a counterfeit twenty dollar note.
Next you are enticed to prove what you have learned by participating in the museum treasure hunt. Find answers to the 20 questions and receive Jay the Eagle’s Fun Guide, a coloring, game, and brain teasing puzzle book to test your money knowledge. Exiting the museum you are treated to a $165 bag of shredded currency.
All in all, a fun and educational numismatic hour spent in Downtown Denver – not at the Mint!
The Museum walls are filled with notes!
Confederate notes.
Bizarre denominations.
Beautiful ornate engraving.
Error notes
Have an interesting numismatic topic you’d like to share with your fellow NOW members?
Send your article to evan.pretzer@protonmail.com today!!!