Well, today I'm going to tell you some things you may not know about the Liberty Bell that adorns the reverse of the Franklin Half Dollar: 1. The Liberty Bell weighs 2,080 pounds. The yoke weighs about 100 pounds. From lip to crown, the Bell measures three feet. 2. The circumference around the crown measures six feet, 11 inches and the circumference around the lip measures 12 feet. The Liberty Bell is composed of approximately 70 percent copper, 25 percent tin and traces of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver. 3. .The Bell is suspended from what is believed to be its original yoke, made of American elm. 4. The cost of the original bell, including insurance and shipping was £150, 13 shillings and eight pence ($225.50) in 1752. The recasting cost slightly more than £36 ($54) in 1753. 5. In 1876, the United States celebrated the Centennial in Philadelphia with a display of replica Liberty Bells from each state. Note: Pennsylvania’s display bell was made out of sugar. 6. Some people think, on the Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania is misspelled "Pensylvania." They are wrong because in 1752 "Pensylvania" was one of several acceptable spellings. 7. The strike note of the Bell is E-flat. . 8. The Bell has had three homes: Independence Hall (the Pennsylvania State House) from 1753 to 1976, the Liberty Bell Pavilion from 1976 to 2003 and the new Liberty Bell Center beginning on October 9, 2003 Here's a photo of the Bell: http://philadelphia.about.com/library/gallery/bllibertybell11.htm Side note: On April Fools Day, in 1996, Taco Bell ran a full-page advertisement in national newspapers claiming to have purchased the Liberty Bell. It was an April Fools' joke, but the stunt got nationwide coverage including most major radio and TV news stations. Hope you enjoyed this trivia... Clinker
Seeing this icon of American history up close and personal was well worth the sometimes lengthy waiting line at it's former pavillion location. I haven't been in Philly since it was moved to the new center. :thumb:
Thanks for the trivia Clinker. My wife and son and I were in Philly last year a few times and got the chance to see it in its new home. The security there is just like any major airport, which is a good thing. We really enjoyed seeing it.
Thanks for the trivia. That bell sure has some history behind it. :thumb: Some of those I didn't know, such as it's tone is E flat, etc. Thanks for sharing. Phoenix
I was at the new center a couple months ago during my trip to Philadelphia and it was well worth it. I didn't have to wait much at all...of course, I was there in January during the week-so thats probably not the busiest time (although Independence Hall had quite a line). Anyway, if your in Philly...it is deffinately worth seeing.
Thanks for all your comments...and your photo...RichieB16...Forgive me for mispelling TRIVIA... Clinker
