I love seeing all of your scans and posts, but it got me thinking: I've never been to a museum that displays currency and coins, etc. Anybody have any recommendations? I'd love to see an 1899 Indian Chief and some of the educational notes in person. (Yes, I guess I could go and peruse a high end dealer's stock but I feel kind of weird doing that if I don't have the intention / cash to purchase).
That's a good point... I have never been to a really large show. I should make an effort to do that this year if I can get time away from work.
If you want to see notes that won't come up at any show, check out the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. They have quite a few incredible notes on display. A lucky few seasoned collectors have been able to go through the Smithsonians collection for numismatic research, but they're not really available to the public. The Smithsonian is going to be the cream of the crop. More rarer notes than the FRBs.
Here's a link to the Smithsonian/ National Museum of Americam History coin collection - fun to look through and just wish! http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/subjects/coins-currency-and-medals
There is always the ANA museum in Colorado Springs. I have been there several times, and the featured Bass Collection is always great to see.
Here's a link to the FRB-SF collections: http://www.frbsf.org/education/teacher-resources/american-currency-exhibit
The Bureau of Engraving & Printing always brings a very impressive currency display when they attend a major coin show. Unfortunately that's becoming a less common occurence.
The government is self-insured. In case of theft or destruction, the BEP honcho calls down to the sweat shop and says, "Hey, Fred, print me an extra $1.4 mil today, somebody shoplifted us in Poughkeepsie..." My guess would be that OMB told them to quit spending so much on travel.
That's probably close to the mark. They did say they were under budgetary constraints, across the board. I was told they no longer attend stamp shows, even major ones, because they are "out of the stamp business."
About five years ago, I spent a good bit of time looking at a very large American coin collection at the Smithsonian. I don't remember if it was a regular exhibit or a special showing. You could ask them via email.
