I just wanted to wish all of our US members a very happy Independence Day and encourage us all to consider the words of our Declaration of Independence. The following excerpts are only the first two paragraphs: When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Remember that today (like other independence days) mean more than fireworks, food, and beer. I have some relevant coins for this discussion! And to keep it legal, here is a much-older coin from a failed rebellion.
Well put Bing! Happy 4th to you and I hope you are feeling much better. 1925 Stone Mountian Memorial Half-Dollar
INDE ET LIB North America Continental Confederation State of Connecticut Copper Cent (s.1787) 29.9 mm x 9.08 grams (140 grains) Obverse: Laureate bust of a man left - Latin Legend AUCTORI CONNEC Reverse: Liberty Seated on globe holding an olive branch holding Spear resting on shield. Latin Legend INDE ET LIB Ref: CSC Miller 4-L. Note: Silky Brown Patina.
LIBERTAS: "Libertas, along with other Roman goddesses, has served as the inspiration for many modern-day symbols, including the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in the United States. According to the National Park Service, the Statue's Roman robe is the main feature that invokes Libertas and the symbol of Liberty from which the Statue derives its name." Wikipedia RR Porcius Laeca 125 BCE AR Den Roma - Libertas in Quadriga holding pileus and rod crowned by Victory flying S 146 Cr 270-1 RR Egnatius Maxsumus 76 BCE Bust Libertas pileus behind- Roma Venus stndg cupid on shoulder Wolf Head Sear 326 Cr 391/3
Happy Birthday America!! For an old gal, you're still looking pretty damned good! How about a 'Seated Liberty' ??
From a 'foreigner', here is a salute to you on your country's independence day! A country where I spent a large part of my youth and where I got my education. I always felt welcome there. Here is the first U.S coin, a Fugio cent: authorized by the American Congress and commissioned by the fledgling U.S government in July 1787. They were the first widely circulated coins of the american government. Also, a 1791 cent, bearing the bust of George Washington, 1st president of the United States. It is said that the depiction of his likeness on coinage was against George Washington's own desires, who felt that having his image on coins would appear to have the 'stamp of royalty'. Fugio Cent, 1787. UNITED STATES - WE ARE ONE Washington Cent, Small Eagle, 1791.
Somewhat better. Still having a hard time moving around. Regardless, I will have a good Independence Day celebrating our freedoms which we sometimes take for granted. We are the land of plenty as symbolized by the Cornucopia: I don't normally sign off a posting but today I feel compelled to do so. JW Harper A proud American
Two photos. We are renting this week about 2 miles from First Encounter Beach on Cape Cod. Look it up and you will understand it's name. The gentleman in the first photo is the descendant of the first arrivals. His family name is all over Cape Cod. He is also a navy veteran and the local historian. He just happens to be a year round resident and we are his neighbors this week. I lucked out since I know the area and love history. The Native Americans who no longer live here..... well that is another matter. btw The sun is setting over Plymouth Mass across the Bay Happy summer everyone. Count your blessings.
Apologies for having not an ancient which I feel suitable to this celebration so I give you my only US Colonial: 1723 Rosa Americana Penny. Martin 2.31-F.1, W-1282, R.4 Happy 4th!
The most incredible coincidence in History: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-jefferson-and-john-adams-die .......... and on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
You may be a foreigner, but it is I that has "double vision" after seeing your awesome early American coinage. Wow.