Hi Guys. Im writing a research paper on coins during 1906. Because im not in 6th grade but a sophomore in high school, I have to connect the coins to something along the lines of how coins were used during the early 1900's, the regularity of coins used in the early 1900's etc. If you have any topics please post them, and if you have any good websites please post!! Thanks guys!! Greg B.
In 1964 I was in a California high school. That year the US stopped making coins out of silver. I wrote a term paper on the subject for a history class and received an "A" on it. I recycled the paper for a college freshman English class. Still an intersting topic.
You targeted a good year - 1906. Am I assuming that you are targeting coinages related to the Great SF earthquake? I'm sure the striking of coins in SF mint stopped for a while and this might be a good reading material: http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.com/san-francisco-mint.html Otherwise, I know zilch about US coinages.
Why don't you try to connect the coins to the 1906 San Francisco earth quake. Maybe something along the lines of how the quake affected the supply of coins to the west coast. The San Francisco Mint did suffer some damage at that time, but how long did it remain close, what where the production numbers for the coins minted, an so forth. Lou
You might speak of the Gold Standard which started in the US in 1900 (according to Wikipedia) and lasted a few decades. At the time (1906) there were what is known as Liberty Head gold pieces in denominations of $2.50, $5, $10, & $20. Also, during 1906 the regular circulation coinage consisted of the Indian Head cent, Liberty Head nickel, the Barber dime, quarter, and the half dollar. The Morgan dollar was retired in 1904 and did not resume until 1921 where it was replaced by the Peace dollar the same year.. You might mention that the composition of the dime, quarter, half, and dollar was made up of 90% silver during the period. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Consider 1906 (as mentioned) the San Francisco earthquake, and the 1901 S quarter, mintage of 72,000 vs the 1913 S quarter, 40,000 yet several times the value in spite of the higher mintage. Supposed reasons include the destruction of many of the '01S's in the earthquake and subsequent fire. Good luck, let us hear about your ideas as you develope them.
Also it might be interesting to note that there was another mint that serves as the 'oldest surviving structure to have served as a U.S. Mint' (wikipedia) and that was the New Orleans Mint, mint mark "O". It was retired in 1909.
Thank you for the great ideas from the best! I think i am going to research about the SF earthquake and how it affected coinage. Thanks for the great ideas again!
Howabout you write about Teddy Roosevelt and the beginning of the Renaissance of American coinage? Even though the first patterns were struck in early (very early) 1907, I believe the original meeting between Roosevelt and St Gaudens was the year before.
Another interesting angle - 1906 was the first year of the Denver Mint. Maybe tie that in with the 1890s Colorado Gold Rush up near Cripple Creek, the ensuing population surge, the availability of local bullion, and the need for coins. Also... I gather the new Denver Mint got state of the art equipment. There are some very nice 1906-D coins. I have a $10 that looks proof like - really fabulous. Best wishes !
Good tie-in ! First meeting might have been even earlier than 1906. Surely it took a while to get everything lined up for 1907 minting. Might also mention Bela Lyon Pratt, who did the fabulous Indian $2.5s and $5s.
WHERE were you guys when I WAS in high school and college in the 70's??????? I am oscillating between jealousy and envy right now! P.S. My son is a freshman in college. He actually asked me how we wrote papers "back then".........
GREAT IDEAS. I cant decide between the Denver Mint topic, Teddy Roosevelt Topic, and The Sn Fran Quake and how it affected the mint.
There is no reason why you must be specific on just one event. I think all of them are tied down to how it affected the coinages circulated at that time.
