Old Copper
Oct. 21st, 2018 02:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ashetlandponyI really regret selling my coin collection, now more than half-a-lifetime ago. I started collecting in 1965, when I was just shy of 10, and my first coin was a 1900 Indian Head penny (which I actually do still have), bought at a coin show in Phoenix, Arizona.
Anyway, in 1967, Mom and I went to the UK for the first time. Our first stay was in Glasgow, Scotland. The morning after our arrival, we went to the Avis agency to rent a car. I guess Mom paid the deposit with a travelers cheque, and she got back change, so of course I wanted to have a look at it.
Instantly I spotted a very worn, chocolate brown penny. On the front was Queen Victoria! I turned it over and saw the date on it. 1901! I couldn't believe it! I'd never seen a coin that old in circulation before. The girl at the counter smiled and told me old coins like that weren't uncommon at all, especially the 'coppers'. Oh, boy! I loved the UK already. This was going to be coin-collecting heaven!
But, for some reason, when I cashed in my coins in 1982, I parted with my original 1901 Victoria penny. I don't know why; it had no real value other than the sentimental kind. Even now, I picked up these lookalike pennies on eBay for less than $5 for both. Glad to have them, even if they're not the exact same old copper that thrilled me so much all those years ago.
Anyway, in 1967, Mom and I went to the UK for the first time. Our first stay was in Glasgow, Scotland. The morning after our arrival, we went to the Avis agency to rent a car. I guess Mom paid the deposit with a travelers cheque, and she got back change, so of course I wanted to have a look at it.
Instantly I spotted a very worn, chocolate brown penny. On the front was Queen Victoria! I turned it over and saw the date on it. 1901! I couldn't believe it! I'd never seen a coin that old in circulation before. The girl at the counter smiled and told me old coins like that weren't uncommon at all, especially the 'coppers'. Oh, boy! I loved the UK already. This was going to be coin-collecting heaven!
But, for some reason, when I cashed in my coins in 1982, I parted with my original 1901 Victoria penny. I don't know why; it had no real value other than the sentimental kind. Even now, I picked up these lookalike pennies on eBay for less than $5 for both. Glad to have them, even if they're not the exact same old copper that thrilled me so much all those years ago.
