Most Improbable US Paper Money

Release: MARCH  21, 2025

     To call Abe Lincoln a humble man would be a massive understatement.  He was beyond self-effacing.  Though ascending to the presidency, Abe referred to himself as “ungainly” and “plain-looking.”  Once captured by the new-ish medium of photography, Lincoln remarked to the photographer, “That picture gives a very fair representation of my homely face.”

    In 1862, during Lincoln’s term in office, fresh paper currency was nationally introduced to the United States.  This new form of banknote replaced those previously issued by private banks.  Many of those banks had gone out-of-business making their very official looking currency worthless and leaving customers holding the bag.  Hence the need for reliable government-backed currency....

A Pending Revolution For Collectors

Release: MARCH  14, 2025

     There are plenty of people around today who were alive 50 years ago.  They will recall, in 1975, the entire nation was prepping for our bi-centennial – 200 years of officially being the United States.  For the record, that name was officially coined in April of 1776 when it appeared in an anonymous article in the Virginia Gazette printed in Williamsburg.  The term evidently gained quick acceptance because, barely two months later, Thomas Jefferson used it in his first draft of the Declaration of Independence.  As we know, it stuck....

Are We In A Golden Age?

Release: MARCH  7, 2025

    I’d wager that, at some point, pretty much everyone believes they are living in the “golden age” with personal computers, iPhones and TVs.  Consider, a century ago.  Cars had evolved from “tin lizzies” with a hand crank, to the “new” Ford Model T.  World War I had ended; frozen foods invented; movies with sound were a reality as was international telecommunication.  For folks in 1925, how could things possibly be any better?

    In decade after decade, technological, medical and living advantages keep getting more amazing.  Then, eventually, advances are accepted and become ordinary – that is, until the next astonishing milestone.

    The term “golden age” itself is defined by that perpetual and indestructible metal, gold.  The lust and quest for gold is the common denominator of not just recent decades but of millennia dating back to ancient Egypt.  That’s when, around 3,000 BC, humans first began to discover gold....

The Ideal Place To Get Lost In A Hobby

Release: Feb. 28, 2025

    A multi-part series called “The Americas” is now on TV.  Tom Hanks narrates the spectacularly filmed expose´ of scenic areas in North and South America.  The visuals are staggering with high-definition footage from under the ocean to soaring aerial vistas.  The pictures are more vivid and compelling than most have ever seen, transporting the viewer to impossible destinations....

Pennies Or Headaches From Heaven?

Release: FEBRUARY 21, 2025

“Please put a penny in the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do. If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you.”

           Traditional Children’s Song

    Decades ago, a friend visiting from out-of-town purchased some items at a local store.  As we left, he did something I’ve not forgotten.  He threw the change in his hand into a nearby park.  I asked why in the world he had done that.  He replied, “it was just a bunch of pennies.”  Just pennies.  Time was, people would do almost anything for “just a bunch of pennies....”

Is Trump Making Cents? We’ll See.

Release: FEBRUARY 14, 2025

     It may finally be time.  It’s been talked about for decades.  Now, it’s actually on the table.

    Donald Trump (with substantial help from DOGE appointee Elon Musk), has proposed the US penny that has circulated in our change for over two centuries become a mere memory.  The president’s initiative is an effort to save $85 million per year.  That’s how much more it costs to mint pennies over their face value – more than three-cents per penny.

     This isn’t a new concept.  It’s been kicked around before, but, not always because of production costs.  Some people have advocated their demise because they believe pennies are a pain.  They contend penny candy and other low-cost items are long gone so pennies are just an annoyance of pocket change.  Maybe.  But, historically, they once were anything but....

Honorary Month May Finally Be Worth Something

Release: FEBRUARY 7, 2025

    Once upon a time, having a month designated for a person, place, thing or cause was something special.  In a sense, it still is.  Sadly, sometimes, it’s gotten a tad out of hand.  A few too many things now qualify making it hard to differentiate between the serious and trivial.

    Maybe it’s because it’s gotten a little too easy.  From appearances, if the aunt of your brother-in-law’s yard man’s mechanic happens to tune up a Congressman’s car, he might have enough sway to persuade the government official to have a month designated for most anything.

    Case in point, during February, we’re celebrating Black History Month.  That’s substantial.  Yet, during the same 28 days, we are treated to: National Bird-Feeding Month; National Children's Dental Health Month; National Freedom Day; National Send a Card to a Friend Day; Thank a Mail Carrier Day; and (I’m not making this up) National Ice Cream For Breakfast Day.  All those are, of course, in addition to Groundhog Day; Valentine’s Day and President’s Day....