This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.

The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

And,

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Proverbs 9:10
Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding

Our culture is wearying. Not only is it non-stop and fast-paced, but it is also so full of contention and controversy that it is maddening, stressful, and frustrating.

God accurately catches the essence of our time when He tells Daniel, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4). The word picture is of a multitude of people scurrying around like ants, but unlike ants, their scurrying is erratic, futile, and unproductive. The New English Bible creatively renders this, “Many will be at their wits’ end,” suggesting both frustration and a kind of psychosis in the people as they struggle to keep up with and understand what is happening around them.

It is no wonder that many throw up their hands and give up trying to battle the culture. Some of these simply give in and go with the flow, while others check out altogether, finding a place out in the country, throwing out their televisions and having as little to do with the rest of us as possible. Many others, knowing they cannot escape to rural tranquility due to job or family commitments, do their best to withdraw privately from the exasperating culture.

Our culture, with its 24-hour news cycle and information overload, obfuscates every important matter. From the mainstream media to mysterious entities that claim detailed insider knowledge, virtually none can be trusted as they manipulate facts into contradictory stories about almost every news item. That is an unsound basis on which to build a functioning and productive society.

We are warned that things will only get worse as the end approaches (Matthew 24:6, 8, 21; II Timothy 3:1, 13). Society will continue to break down, violence and deception will increase, and persecution of those who live morally will intensify—not a positive outlook as we prepare for the kingdom of God.

(Adapted and excerpted from *https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/weekly/id/189/our-enervating-culture.htm)

With all the fanciful speculation swirling about concerning the much heralded “10 Days of Darkness”, I thought I might present a few thoughts, from a source that can be absolutely trusted, about being quiet, a shutdown, if you will, an escape to tranquility that might actually be profitable to read, think about and even do.

Be still and know that I am God

This thought comes from Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; / I will be exalted among the nations, / I will be exalted in the earth.”

This verse comes from a longer section of Scripture that proclaims the power and security of God. Here is the whole psalm:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Notice that the majority of the psalm is written in the third person as the psalmist speaks about God. However, God’s voice comes through in verse 10, and the Lord speaks in the first person: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be still. This is a call for those involved in activity, to be still. The word still is a translation of the Hebrew word rapa, meaning “to slacken, let down, or cease.” It is only after our own activity on our behalf has stopped that we can acknowledge our trust in God. Christians often interpret the command to “be still” as “to be quiet in God’s presence.” While quietness is certainly helpful, the phrase means to stop frantic activity, to let down, and to be still. For God’s people being “still” would involve looking to the Lord for their help (cf. Exodus 14:13); for God’s enemies, being “still” would mean ceasing to fight a battle they cannot win.

Know that I am God. Know in this instance means “to properly ascertain by seeing” and “acknowledge, be aware.” How does acknowledging God impact our stillness? We know that He is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), omnipotent (all-powerful), holy, sovereign, faithful, infinite, and good. Acknowledging God implies that we can trust Him and surrender to His plan because we understand who He is.

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. It was tempting for the nation of Israel to align with foreign powers, and God reminds them that ultimately He is exalted! God wins, and He will bring peace. During Isaiah’s time, Judah looked for help from the Egyptians, even though God warned against it. Judah did not need Egyptian might; they needed reliance on the Lord: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

When we are still and surrendered to God, we find peace even when the earth gives way, the mountains fall (verse 2), or the nations go into an uproar and kingdoms fall (verse 6). When life gets overwhelming and busyness takes precedence, remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Stop our activity, run to Him and fall into His arms. Acknowledge that He is God and that He is exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God.

*https://www.gotquestions.org/be-still-and-know-that-I-am-God.html

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Is the shitstorm quite here yet?

Nope. Maybe it will arrive with full declass, unless people who can prosecute and arrest do their usual “ignore.” Aided and abetted by the Yellow Stream Media, which is good at its real job.

How about Heels Up Kamaltoe Harris? What a piece of work, thumped into the ground by VPOTUS Pence. Except, of course people will be encouraged to forget about this.

So in all there’s been plenty to watch going on this last week, but not much actual movement. It’s like watching the contents of a blender for half an hour, then being surprised that as fast as that stuff has been moving…it’s still on your kitchen counter after all that time.

But the temperature continues its slow climb.

And President Donald J. Trump kicked COVID’s ass.

I’d say that qualifies as a good week!!

Public Service Message

This one bears repeating.

It has been pointed out that all of the rioting is nominally on account of criminals who resisted arrest in one form or another, and someone suggested schools ought to teach people not to resist arrest.

Chris Rock on a similar vein, in 2007

Granted an “ass kicking” isn’t the same as being shot, but both can result from the same stupid act. You may ultimately beat the rap, but you aren’t going to avoid the ride.

A Reminder Of Today’s Big Issue.

Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People...Our campaign represents a true existential threat, like they’ve never seen before.

Then-Candidate Donald J. Trump

Needs to happen, soon.

Lawyer Appeasement Section

OK now for the fine print.

Please note that our menu has changed, please listen to all of the options.

This is the WQTH Daily Thread. You know the drill. There’s no Political correctness, but civility is a requirement. There are Important Guidelines,  here, with an addendum on 20191110.

We have a new board – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation.

And remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
4. The first rule of gun safety: Don’t let the government take your guns.
5. The gun is always loaded.
5a. If you actually want the gun to be loaded, like because you’re checking out a bump in the night, then it’s empty.
6. Never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
7. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
8. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
9. Social Justice Warriors, ANTIFA pukes, BLM hypocrites, and other assorted varieties of Marxists can go copulate with themselves, or if insufficiently limber, may substitute a rusty wire brush suitable for cleaning the bore of a twelve or ten gauge.

(Hmm a few extras seem to have crept in.)

Coin of The Day

Give No Quarter!

It’s my words to Trump, Barr, et. al. but it’s also indicative of how tough it can be to collect early quarters.

You wouldn’t know it today from their sheer ubiquity today, but the US quarter dollar was not always popular. Which means the earlier dates can be especially rare. And no one–no one–has ever put together a date and mint set in uncirculated condition. I know this, because in many cases no uncirculated example is known to exist. No, I’m not talking about the many different years when no quarters were made, I’m talking about years quarters were made, yet no example has come down to us today in unworn condition.

The US mint began making quarter dollars in 1796. And then, after punching out 6,146 of them, they stopped. The best guess is that 600 or so of them still exist today. This is the first quarter, and it’s a one-year type, because the design changed the next time they made them.

The next quarters came out in 1804-1807, a grand total of 554,900 made, about 3000-4500 of them surviving today. The eagle is of a totally different style.

Then more made in 1815, 1818, 1820-1825, 1827, 1828, then the mint started striking coins “in collar” (i.e., there was a ring around the dies to contain the metal when it flowed), so quarters became thicker and of smaller diameter.

Finally, with collar but essentially the same design there some regularity from 1831-1838. In fact the next year no quarters would be struck would be 1922, then possibly 1931. Quarters were made in 1975 but none bore that date. (You all should remember why.)

The Seated Liberty style began in 1838 and ran through 1891. I’ve discussed some of the minor and temporary changes to these coins previously (1853-5, 1873-4).

As regularly issued as these were, some dates, especially from San Francisco, simply haven’t come down to us in uncirculated condition.

From 1891 to 1916 we had the Barber series, from 1916-1930 we had the standing liberty series, and then from 1932 onwards, the Washington Quarter. I believe I’ve talked about all of these as well, but just in case a refresher is needed:

The most significant change in the whole series, arguably, came about in 1965 when the government started issuing copper-nickel clad quarters. The mint must have been an interesting place, as one press would be stamping out 1964 quarters until they ran out of silver, and the one next to it would be cranking out clad crap. The mint claimed they would look so much alike that they’d be interchangeable, but I’m sure all the silver disappeared within nanoseconds. Gresham’s Law (bad money drives out good money) is true.

No quarter given, indeed. The early quarters are harder to collect than the other denominations (half dollars are comparatively easy), they aren’t given away; you will eat Ramen for a few months after some of your acquisitions, to save money.

Obligatory PSA/Reminder

Just one more thing, my standard Public Service Announcement. We don’t want to forget this!!!

Remember Hong Kong!!! And remember the tens of millions who died under the “Great Helmsman” Chairman Mao.

中国是个混蛋 !!!
Zhōngguò shì gè hùndàn !!!
China is asshoe !!!

For my money the Great Helmsman is Hikaru Sulu (even if the actor is a dingbat).

What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

In the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). What exactly does it mean to be poor in spirit, and why does being poor in spirit result in the kingdom of heaven? Why is “poor in spirit” something God wants us to be? Why would God want us to be “poor” at anything?

Some propose that Jesus is speaking of financial poverty, that He is advocating being poor so that riches and possession don’t come between us and God. While it is true that Jesus elsewhere warned against seeking riches (Matthew 6:24), that does not seem to be Jesus’ point in Matthew 5:3. Jesus is speaking of being “poor in spirit”; i.e., being “spiritually poor.” In the beatitudes, Jesus is concerned with spiritual realities, not material possessions. What, then, does it mean to be spiritually poor?

To be poor in spirit is to recognize your utter spiritual bankruptcy before God. It is understanding that you have absolutely nothing of worth to offer God. Being poor in spirit is admitting that, because of your sin, you are completely destitute spiritually and can do nothing to deliver yourself from your dire situation. Jesus is saying that, no matter your status in life, you must recognize your spiritual poverty before you can come to God in faith to receive the salvation He offers.

Why and how does being poor in spirit result in the kingdom of heaven? While the phrase can be broad in meaning, “kingdom of heaven” essentially refers to salvation. The kingdom of heaven is both eternity in heaven with God after death (Romans 6:23) and the eternal quality of life with God before death (John 10:10). God offers us salvation as a gift, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, the full payment for sin’s penalty. Before we can receive this gift, we must understand that we cannot make ourselves worthy of it. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We must recognize our sinfulness before we can understand our need for a Savior. We must admit our spiritual poverty before we can receive the spiritual riches God offers (Ephesians 1:3). We must, in short, be “poor in spirit.”

When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” He is declaring that, before we can enter God’s kingdom, we must recognize the utter worthlessness of our own spiritual currency and the inability of our own works to save us.

*https://www.gotquestions.org/poor-in-spirit.html

This Sanctuary Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.

It is also a place to read, post and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.

In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts.

We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.

Please show respect and consideration for your fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name calling, ridicule, insults, baiting and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.

In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.

Please also consider the Guidelines for posting and discussion , outlined here https://wqth.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/dear-maga-open-topic-20190101/

Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this intellectual haven that Wolf has created for us.

The Storm is upon us.
Please remember to Pray for our President.

AND WHAT TIME IS IT?
TIME TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

It’s time to replace
a failed and CORRUPT political establishment
with a new government
controlled by you, the American People.
~ Candidate Donald J. Trump ~

Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights.
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.

And,

On this day and every day –

God is in Control
. . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . .
Keep Looking Up

Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.

“This day is holy to the Lord your God;
do not mourn nor weep.” . . .
“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;
for this day is holy to our Lord.
Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

With the events of the day swirling around us like debris in the Maelstrom, we need to step back . . . and look up . . . for a much needed blessing of perspective.

This life we are living now is not all there is.

The bible says, “When this tent we live in – our body here on earth – is turned down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.” The bible simply calls your earthly body a “tent” but refers to your future body, in heaven, as a “house.”

The day your heart stops beating will be the end of your body and the end to your time on earth, but it will not be the end of you. Death is not the end of you. Death is not your termination, so there are eternal consequences to everything you do on earth.

There is more to earth than just here and now. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death — in eternity — than you will here. Earth is a staging area, the preschool, or the tryout for your life in eternity. So stop living your life in regrets and living your life with a negative attitude. God has a plan and God has his reason for everything. Don’t ruin this “tent” we are in now, because of a bad day or a bad week or even a bad month. Don’t you know the saying, “You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.” It’s so true. Life is full of terrible things, but if you look past those terrible things you will find all the amazing things in life.

*https://www.theodysseyonline.com/life-earth-versus-life-heaven

Let me assure you that heaven does exist! Heaven isn’t something people dreamed up because they couldn’t accept the idea that this life is all there is. Heaven is real — and we know it because Jesus Christ came back from the grave to assure us it’s real. Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

The main difference between earth and heaven is that this world has been marred by sin — but heaven has not. Heaven is perfect, because heaven (unlike earth) is free from sin’s devastation. Never forget: Sin is like a crippling disease that corrupts and destroys everything it touches — not just the human race, but all creation. Only at the end of the present age, the Bible says, will “the creation itself … be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom (from sin) of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).

But heaven hasn’t been touched by sin, nor will it ever be because heaven is the dwelling place of God, who is absolutely holy and without sin. This is why we must not only be forgiven, but we must be cleansed of our sins if we are to enter heaven. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Bible says that “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

We can barely imagine what it would be like to live in a world that is totally free from all sin and sickness and death. But someday we’ll live in a place like this: Heaven.

billygraham.org/what-is-the-main-difference-between-earth-and-heaven

China Asshoe Saturday!!!

The Debate

Well, let’s just say that in a battle of wits Joe Hiden is unarmed.

Actually he was pretty well wired for this one…except that when one says “wired,” they usually mean really tensed up and ready to go. In this case, he was literally wired. From two sightings of what was probably something illicit (by the rules of the debate), to his black beady eyes, to his body language, right down to saying “good luck” at the beginning (d’oh!) it’s plain Joe had some of the help he needed to take on President Trump.

But only some of it.

He did end by urging everyone to get out and vote as it will make a difference.

Don’t worry, Joe, I will.

Let’s see, what else…Klinton foundation in the crosshairs, Flynn again in the news, ACB up for SCOTUS…oh, yeah, that reminds me.

The difference between this time and with Merrick Garland is NOT that Obola didn’t nominate someone, and Trump did. Because they both did. No, it’s the likely fate of the nomination in the Senate. So if the Dems should be getting mad at someone for alleged hypocrisy, it’s the Senate, not the President. But really the Dems shouldn’t get mad, they should just f*ck right the hell off.

Justice Must Be done.

Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People...Our campaign represents a true existential threat, like they’ve never seen before.

Then-Candidate Donald J. Trump

Lawyer Appeasement Section

OK now for the fine print.

This is the WQTH Daily Thread. You know the drill. There’s no Poltical correctness, but civility is a requirement. There are Important Guidelines,  here, with an addendum on 20191110.

We have a new board – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation.

And remember Wheatie’s Rules:

1. No food fights
2. No running with scissors.
3. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone.
4. Zeroth rule of gun safety: Don’t let the government get your guns.
5. Rule one of gun safety: The gun is always loaded.
5a. If you actually want the gun to be loaded, like because you’re checking out a bump in the night, then it’s empty.
6. Rule two of gun safety: Never point the gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
7. Rule three: Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
8. Rule the fourth: Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

(Hmm a few extras seem to have crept in.)

The Mandatory Coin

Queer as a three cent piece?

Well, no. The fact of the matter is we had not just one, but two distinct series of three cent pieces circulating at the same time in the United States. And a three dollar gold coin.

The federal government, however, never did issue a three dollar bill, so those actually are…queer. (Private banks could issue their own banknotes backed by deposits and the bank’s assets until 1862, and there were all sorts of funky denominations, including three and even seven dollar notes.)

Oh, and I almost forgot–there was a US government issued three cent bill once upon a time. (Just so you know there’s balance with the three dollar coin).

As is probably seeming to be entirely too usual for my stories, it goes back to the 1850s though at least it’s not 1853 we’re talking about this time.

Nope, it’s 1851 we’re concerned with. On March 3rd a law was passed authorizing the minting of a three cent silver coin, with 12 3/8 grains of .750 fine silver. The act also specified that the devices (design) would be conspicuously different from the other silver coins.

Why? Because this silver coin was seriously underweight compared to the others. That was done deliberately, because (as you may have read a few weeks ago) we were going through a substantial silver coin shortage at the time, because gold had become relatively cheap after the California gold strikes. These coins didn’t have enough silver in them, so hopefully they’d be spared the melting pot.

As to why they chose three cents for the denomination, the rationale usually guessed at was that that was the price of a postage stamp. I find that unconvincing, to be honest. We didn’t have an eight cent coin when first class postage was eight cents.

Another reason I’m not convinced is that apparently before 1847 postal rates were based on distance and even after 1847 I can’t really find a statement that the rate was three cents. The first thing I find is that in 1863 the rate was six cents, dropping as low as 2 cents in 1885, going up a bit then back down to two cents under President Hoover. Even as late as 1968 the rate was five cents, telling me the postal service had become more and more efficient over the years. Nothing else that cost 6 cents during the civil war cost a mere 5 cents in 1968!

Anyhow, I started with 1851, not 1853, but that’s not to say that 1853 has nothing to do with this story. Shortly after the act of February 1853 that cut the weight of the half dime, dime, quarter and half dollar and ended free coinage of silver, another act was passed raising the silver content of the three cent piece to match the others. And yes, arrows were added to the design here too, to denote the change.

Another distinguishing feature of this, versus the prior design, is that the star now has three raised outlines, rather than no such outline. And incidentally, it’s tough to find this sub-type well made. You can see some softness in this picture; it’s not untypical even for a mint-state coin. In 1858, another design change was made, reducing to two the number of outlines on the star.

In 1854, we have the three dollar gold piece. It looked a lot like the then-current one dollar coin, complete with Indian Princess wearing African bird feathers on her head dress. These are generally a bit expensive in high grades, more so than you’d expect from the roughly 15% of a troy ounce of gold contained in the coin.

Then in 1862, when it became plain that the Civil War wasn’t going to end in just a few months, and that there was a genuine danger the United States would break apart, all of the silver and gold in circulation simply…vanished. People were hoarding it, expecting the Irwin Schiff to really hit the fan soon.

So what we had in circulation was one cent pieces (“pennies”) and paper money from banks. Nothing in between. (The 5 cent nickel we know today didn’t exist yet, which is why I talk of half dimes…they were silver, half the weight of a dime.) That was a pretty dire situation, and a bunch of things were done to try to correct it. The United States began issuing paper money, for the first time since the constitution had been ratified–this was as a result of nearly being bankrupt by 1863. (There were interest bearing notes issued during the War of 1812, but they weren’t paper money as we think of it today.) We also required banks to join the national bank system if they wished to issue money; that put them under federal supervision and standardized the design of the bank notes (a not inconsiderable benefit for people wary of counterfeits).

But perhaps the craziest thing we did was issue fractional paper money! Yes, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent notes! These were considerably smaller than “full size” paper money, but most relevant is the third issue, where a three cent note was introduced, running from 1864 to 1867.

“But,” you say, “The Civil War ended in 1865, Steve.”

Yes the war ended in 1865. The coin shortage did not. In large part because the government had issued too much paper money, and had to work to bring it back into par with gold and silver. It looked like this would finally happen in 1876, so the mint started ramping up production in anticipation of the day they’d be able to release coins and not have them disappear. Then WHAM!!! the day arrived, and almost instantly all the old coins came back from hiding. When added to the mint’s big output, this flooded the economy with coinage, so the mint got to go back to sleep again for a few years.

Pretty much all of the silver three cent pieces made between 1863 and 1872 were melted down; those years are expensive today except as proofs (specimens specially made for collectors; these got saved and are often more common today than mint-state pieces from the same year). They had become superfluous, and the series was terminated in 1873 along with the half dime. [The last of the three cent silvers illustrated above is probably a proof coin.]

And in case you’re wondering, yes, people did sometimes call them “trimes” back then, as a play on “dime” and “tri”, but more often they were called fish scales.

So one more piece to the story.

Another desperate measure we undertook to get something hard into circulation, was new denominations of base metal coinage. We introduced a two cent piece in 1864 (and discontinued it in 1873). We introduced a three cent nickel in 1865, and discontinued it in 1889.

This three cent nickel is about the size of a dime. I even heard just a few years ago a man telling me he had found one of these in what was supposed to be roll of dimes! And since it was the same composition as our “nickel” which hadn’t come out yet, it briefly was nicknamed the “nickel.”

And finally, in 1866 we introduced the five cent nickel we use today. That and paper money are the two lasting legacies of the Civil War.

With a three cent and five cent nickel coin actually circulating, it’s no wonder the mint dropped the two identical (but silver) denominations in 1873 that were not circulating!

The three cent nickel and the three dollar gold piece both met their demise in 1889 (along with the one dollar gold), after which point we had, excluding the gold that they had and we don’t, our modern system of denominations. The only thing left to do to turn it into the crap we use today is losing the silver from the dime, quarter and half dollar, and losing the copper out of the cent.

Standard Disclaimer: None of the coins shown are ones I own, though I’ll admit (in this case) to owning some examples of each of these designs. Prospective burglars should note that gold and silver aren’t the only heavy metals I collect, and that the other, unnamed heavy metal is kept a lot closer to me than the coins are.

Important Reminder

To conclude: My standard Public Service Announcement. We don’t want to forget this!!!

Remember Hong Kong!!!

中国是个混蛋 !!!
Zhōngguò shì gè hùndàn !!!
China is asshoe !!!