Smithsonian's historic currency collection being scanned

I was probably a little optimistic about reaching the end of the Pennsylvania proofs. Boxes 17 and 18 have just been posted. And, again, here's a link if you want to sign up as a volunteer transcriber. Easy peesy. https://transcription.si.edu/user/register

 

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COMPLETED! Tonight I signed off on the last proof sheet in the last (and only) box of Wyoming nationals. What a great project! I learned a tremendous amount from looking through these and asking lots of questions. Thanks to all of you who also participated in the transcription process. Now we wait and see how long it takes for the Smithsonian to open the digital collection to the public.

 

According to History books, they were only used from Banks to Banks, and not meant for general circulation.

 

Thanks for posting this information.

 

A while back [20 years ago?] the Raleigh Coin Club had a bit of a surplus, so we decided to donate $1000 to the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian. They in turn invited us to a behind-the-scenes tour. We got to see things like Bust Halves struck in platinum [with a "P" punched in it so no-one mistook it for silver]. I collected currency, and asked to see the First Series Gold Certificates - color photos were not yet allowed, and I wanted to see if that series had gold backs - they did. Also looked at a few California proofs of banks I had never seen - the Southern California NB of LA has what I call a "Volcano" format [Ch# 3538 - unknown with this title per Kelly's 5th ed.] But although I had not requested it, they also brought out their three $100,000 bills, took them out of their holders, handed them to me and said "Now you can tell people you have held over a quarter million dollars in your hands." I had an extra issued stock certificate of the First National Gold Bank of Santa Barbara, so asked them if they would like it [has a great vignette of the harbor]; they said sure. So somewhere in the back rooms of the Smithsonian is that certificate that used to be mine.

 

It looks like all the currency stuff at the Smithsonian site has been completed. But I think I finally figured out how to add an image of Ch # 3538.

 

Here's a larger screenshot, Harry. Cool layout! I've been wondering when these proofs will be opened up for public viewing. Soon I hope -- it's been five months since transcription was finished.

 

One of the regular questions during this project has been, "When are these scans going to be available to the general public?" At the time the time transcribing was completed I didn't know. And then I got busy doing other things and it kind of fell off the radar.

Well, last night I did a little searching on the National Museum of American History website. I'm not sure when it happened, but all the proofs are now publicly viewable online! Just go to the museum's Collections page, then do a search for a state or town followed by "certified proof". If you want some eye candy, try Deadwood or Hawaii. You can also search by bank name and charter number. Wish you could search by denomination, but I haven't figured that one out yet.

Happy hunting!

 

I had just looked up the Smithsonian coin collection i saw in 2003. They closed the exhibit!? Best coin collection ever! I got excited seeing NE, Oak, Pine tree shillings hog money and literally everything. 1804 dollars, 1913 Nickel, silver center cent, $100k notes, it was orgasmic. The guard was looking at me odd so I pointed at coins and said values aloud. He didnt know what he was guarding. National treasures.

 

Awesome link Greg, thank you sir.

 

Unreal! They have a certified proof from my hometown Lima, Ohio. All of this stuff will be for sale eventually, right?

Thank you so much @gsalexan for your contributions and the link.

 

What a fantastic project you were on. And holy cow that notes are stunning.