Has anyone considered collecting coins that were issued during a war? For example, since I have ancestors in the Civil War I'd like to pick coins issued during those years. Likewise, one of each coin denominations minted during WWII would be a set I would put together since my dad and mom served. Other wars both big or small could comprise a set of coins that I think would make an interesting collection. What do you all think?
There is a guy on the NGC Registry who created a custom set for all foreign coins minted by the US during WWII and both the collection and his presentation are freaking tremendous. The U.S. Mint Goes to War It just goes to show you that with a little imagination and creativity, anyone can create a noteworthy collection.
Interesting article. My focus, however, would be centered around U.S. coins, ones my ancestors would be more likely to use on a daily basis. I think such a collection would have more meaning, not only to me, but to others who had relatives in a conflict.
There were very few coins in actual circulation during the Rebellion. Most coins were hoarded to such an extent that the government issued fractional paper currency and people actually encased postage stamps in brass and mica holders to take the place of coins.
Interesting. Given that the red book shows many different coins issued during the Civil War years, and that I have seen and owned coins in that range, I guess it won't be too hard to put together such a collection.
Were recycled shell cases actually used to mint cents in 1944/45? I've heard this was discussed, but never actually implemented.
This sort of collecting has existed for many years. The Civil War era coins are quite popular, expecially the Union gold pieces. Here is a World War II cent set that I bought at a show many years ago. The Wayte Raymond holder dates from the late 1940s to early 1950s. If you are not familiar with the history, the U.S. issued the standard bronze cents at the beginning of the war for the U.S. in 1942. Copper was a strategic war material so the mint switched to steel with a zinc coating in 1943. The public hated the steel cents so in 1944 and '45 the mint used metal recovered from old war shell casings. The color was slightly different, but no one cared. It didn't make much difference once the coins turn brown in circulation. In 1946, the standard alloy returned.
That's pretty good! Now I would add to that nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. I would want one of every denomination.
