Winning Set Details

2024/25 Best Modern Set

77818 Points

⭐️Smithsonian® Collection

By The Benson Collection

The Smithsonian Institution, or simply “the Smithsonian”, is a group of museums and education / research centers created by the U.S. government for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Founded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967. The Smithsonian Institution has historical holdings of over 157 million items, 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers, a zoo, and historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in Washington, D.C. Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines. Why is this set relevant to the world of numismatics? The Smithsonian Institution houses the largest collection of coins, medals and tokens in the world—approximately 1.6 million issues. As an avid collector, I would be remiss if I didn’t in some way pay homage to this esteemed organization for its preservation and education of all things numismatics. The Smithsonian coin and medal programs feature issues produced by the U.S. Mint as well as prominent, established private mints. Smithsonian-licensed, limited-mintage replicas of some of America’s premier coin and medal design patterns appeal to me on a deep, profound level. The artistry and vision of George Morgan, William Barber, Anthony de Francisci, et al., are brought to life through these marvelous recreations. The rich history associated with these issues is as vast as it is extraordinary. I can’t help but wonder what our coinage and economic state would look like today had some of these patterns been released to the public. For instance, Barber’s Gold Union and Half-Union designs, $100 and $50 denominations respectively, were intended to spur commerce due to the influx of gold from the 1849 California Gold Rush. Since only gold was trusted for commerce, larger denomination gold coins would allow merchants and banks to transfer large sums of money more efficiently. Even the establishment of a new U.S. Mint branch in San Francisco in 1854 didn't alleviate the problem. Ah, the what ifs… So, there you have it—my homage to the Smithsonian. This set is one of my favorites. It represents “why” I collect. It is as beautiful to behold as it was difficult to build. Read more...

⭐️Smithsonian® Collection

By The Benson Collection

Owner Comments:

Gallery

NGC Expert Comments:

The Smithsonian Collection offers one of the most intellectually rewarding experiences in modern numismatics. Encompassing both official and private issues from 2007 to 2023, this 77-coin category spans Chinese medals commemorating beloved pandas to precious metal reinterpretations of famous U.S. coinage. The Benson Collection is 93% complete, with no close second in sight. This set educates as much as it dazzles: included are three versions of A.A. Weinman’s proposed Peace dollar design, a revelation to many collectors. Rich in history, beautifully executed, and expertly curated, this is a connoisseur’s collection that brings the National Numismatic Collection to life in a tangible, personal way.

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