What Was The Mint Cabinet?
| Mrdavie
Google has failed me! It cannot lead me to a page that clearly explains what the Mint Cabinet was or is. Q. David Bowers has referred to it in a number of articles in The Numismatist. My best guess is it was (or is) the symbolic place where examples of all coins and bills produced by the U.S. Mint are stored, and which were (are) used for exhibitions. Can you correct or elaborate on my description? Thanks in advance.
Comments
Kepi
Level 6
It sounds like a wonderful place that's for sure! ; )
CoinLady
Level 6
I believe the Mint Cabinet is the US MInt's own collection of items, now in the Smithsonian, where only a tiny fraction (if that much) is available for viewing.
Mrdavie
Level 3
Found a little more info keying off Smithsonian and using it to search: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/613675/the-mint-cabinet-of-1838
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
I would love to do some research I'm an area like that. Imagine the article or book you could write. Also the knowledge you would have.
Mike
Level 7
It's in the Smithsonian Institute were they keep rare coins and pattern coins unless you have credentials to do research no one gets in there except famous Numismatics.
"SUN"
Level 5
I will try to explain the "Mint Cabinet" as I see it. It the U.S. Mint's collection of coins, medals and other items that it has produced or acquired. The mint had to acquire some items from collectors, since it did not keep an example of everything they struck. The coins and medals from the Mint's Cabinet were given to the Smithsonian years ago. Hope this helps.
Longstrider
Level 6
Google failed me also. I would email Mr. Bowers and just ask him. He and his assistant are very friendly. I have done similar things for him and he always answers. May take a little time with all the shows now.. Good luck and let us know. Thanks! qddarchive@metrocast.net That is from his articles in Coin World. He posted it...
Mrdavie
Level 3
Thank you for that suggestion. I did email Mr. Bowers. His reply was to search for his book, “American Numismatics Before The Civil War”, or check it out from the ANA Library. The info is in that book.