The other day I watched an episode of The Waltons. The kids were trying to raise money for their mom and dad can have a quiet vacation to themselves. Coming up short, Grandpa sold his prized 1863 2 cent piece to Ike the grocer for $20. Grandpa kept it in his pocket for years and years. When he showed Ike, it was in perfect condition. Also, no cotton gloves on this show.
An 1863? Well it is possible, even though the 2 cent piece entered mint production and circulation in 1864. In 1863 there were a number of Pattern pieces produced. They are identified as J-305, J-306, J-307, J-308, J-309, J-310, J-311, J-312, J-312A, J-314, J-315, J-316, J-317, and J-318. Details are available in the The Official Red Book series publication "United States Pattern Coins", by J. Hewitt Judd, M.D..
Apparantly nobody in Hollywood has access to a Red Book. Factual mistakes like this one (that could easily be corrected after a quick glance in a Red Book) are common in movies and television shows.
Agreed, but it wouldn't have even required a Red Book to check. Obviously, they didn't check anything, but then facts arn't Hollywood's stong point anyway. LOL
Are you sure it was 1863? I remember watching that episode and recall it being an 1864. I doubt the value would be any where near $20 during the depression.
It might have been an 1864. I know I just sold an 1864 and I thought it was a year younger. I was surprised it was in such good shape for being in Grandpa's pocket all them years. Ike was haggling and Grandpa said he could get thirty bucks for it. Like I said before, they didn't use gloves.
