I like large copper coins, from the Roman uncia and sestertius to the English and Irish Pennies. Between those marks you can find a slew of 19th century coins that traveled the world. When I see a Victoria Young Head penny that is worn flat, I think of its travels across oceans and continents. Canadian Maritime Tokens and Dutch stuivers circulated up and down the Atlantic. French 20 centimes, Mexican 50 centavo Aztec Pyramids, Dutch Duits and Stuivers, Canadian Martimes tokens, American Hard Times tokens, I fall in love with each one I see. The idea that grabs me is that the commerce and things it brings come down to the common person. A copper penny: what did it buy? Waxing eloquently off... Michael
