The toning is ugly on that coin and it appears to have been cleaned in the past so details grade. Welcome to CT.
Something's responsible for the splotchy way that toned. Could be the surface was meddled with at some point, I agree.
"City of New Orleans" is a country folk song written by Steve Goodman (and first recorded for Goodman's self-titled 1971 album), describing a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad's City of New Orleans in bittersweet and nostalgic terms. Goodman got the idea while traveling on the Illinois Central line for a visit to his wife's family. The song has been recorded by numerous artists both in the US and Europe, including two major hit versions: first by Arlo Guthrie in 1972, and later by Willie Nelson in 1984. An article in the September 2017 issue of Trains magazine chronicles the writing and recording of the song and includes a biographical sketch of Steve Goodman.
I heard years ago it hit an open switch. That makes sense when you consider the lyrics, then get to the line, "...and the steel rail still ain't heard the news." It ain't heard it was open up ahead. But that's the clue, at least as I'd always heard it...
My Grandfather and Father were Engineers on the CB&Q. They worked from Central Illinois to Central Iowa. I was a Conductor on those same routes. My other Grandfather was a Shop Superintendent on Steam on the same line. This goes back to about 1900. When I heard the song it described the past, present and future of railroads. I had seen live all the lines expressed in the song. Sort of a 'been there, done that' feeling. I wasn't sure of the history of the song, but I can tell you that it is very accurate and appropriate.
Just give me 2 days and a bottle of Wild Turkey (not for the coin....at least not intended for Mr. Boat's coin) and I'll make a new coin of this rascal.
