I had a unique opportunity to have my second, in-person meeting with a WINS member and also tour the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Gallery. Tom and I have swapped coins on more than one occasion since we are both world coin collectors. We’ve discussed meeting but both of our schedules make it pretty difficult. As it turned out, Tom was coming into DC for work-related business and took the time to schedule a visit with the Smithsonian. Tom was kind enough to invite me along. I’m actually embarrassed to admit I hadn’t yet been to the Gallery.

We met near the Gallery just off the metro, shook hands, and made our way to the National Museum of American History. I hate to use such a bad cliché, but I felt like the blind leading the blind. If anyone is wondering about customs and courtesies regarding blind folks, don’t be afraid to ask. The best method is to let them take your arm and walk together.

Because Tom is blind, his museum experiences are a little different. The Smithsonian was kind enough to provide us a special “viewing” in their vault where they pulled some bills, coins, and replicas for us to handle. They had some same-size replicas of ancients like the Cappadocia AR. Tetradrachm, Populonia Silver coin and a Lydia EL. Asiatic half-stater (695 BC). They had a plate-sized replica of the Greek “Athenian Owl” Tetradrachm and a 1 Euro coin. Tom seemed to particularly enjoy the plate-sized replicas as he could feel each and every individual letter and shape.

There were also some oddball items like a seashell that was used in California during a recession, island bead money, a thing called “hat money”, and a few others I cannot recall. Among the original coins and bills they allowed him to handle were an 1800s 2 Roubles Russian coin in AU condition, Russian 100 and 1000 Rouble bills (both 1919), and old US 25 cent Bill, and a few old German emergency notes from post WWII. We had a great time holding and hearing about the history of the objects.

From there, we were given a guided tour through the National Museum of American History. We passed by everything from Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers, to the first MAC computer, to the original Stars Spangled Banner. We then went into the Numismatic Gallery and discussed some of the rare and unusual items in there. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that we stood in front of coins like the 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent, 1913 Liberty Nickel, 1907 $20 Double Eagle, and the 1934 $100,000 note. Each of these items have their own unique history and value that exceeds the amount of money I will probably make in the next 20 years.

We spent some time in front of a portion of the Gallery that dealt with improved technology for blind collectors. It showed a bill scanner that used sounds and vibrations to inform the user what he or she is holding. It had the commemorative quarter with Hellen Keller on it and even had a Braille letter from Hellen Keller herself. We had a good time in the gallery and I for one was amazed at the amount of items that have been donated.

The next part was probably the most exciting part for Tom because it was the most interactive. The last portion of the museum was an interactive, hands-on area. It had the old bicycles with large front wheels and tiny back ones, an old alarm clock, rotary phone, MAC II, and washing machine. Tom was able to touch and maneuver each of these items and get a feel for what folks used on a daily basis 50-100 years ago.

We completed our experience with a trip out to dinner and a great chat over a beer. It was a great experience and one I hope to replicate in the future. Our visit to the Smithsonian actually inspired us to design a display for the Smithsonian that has US coin replicas that are large enough for blind folks and kids to feel the details of the coins the way Tom did with the Athenian Owl. I’ve purchased 3” replicas of most US coins and am working on compiling detailed coin descriptions that allow blind folks to read and follow along as they trace the coins. The project is slowly getting off the ground and I’m hoping to have a report for the next Newsletter. Of course, donations are welcome and encouraged! If you would like to donate replicas, time to write descriptions, or donate money to purchase more replicas, please message me!