Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Portrait Medal of James Smithson"

Legendary Coins and Currency Homepage

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:55:25 GMT

This highly interactive online exhibition includes a game and timeline and allows students to rotate and zoom in on objects from the National Numismatic Collection for detailed examination. A glossary linked to the exhibition will help students learn challenging vocabulary. History, at times, gives certain objects special significance, and they become legendary. Unlike money that changes hands daily, legendary coins and currency are larger than life, and tell a unique history of the United States. Legendary Coins and Currency shows how major events in the nation's history have played a role in the evolution of America's money and determined how a select few pieces of currency have become important symbols of the American experience.

Legendary Coins and Currency Timeline

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:55:25 GMT

This interactive timeline will introduce students to a unique and interesting perspective of American history as they navigate chronologically through the objects included in the online exhibition entitled Legendary Coins and Currency. The timeline spans the years 1652 through 1974 and includes artifacts from every era of American history. Clicking on the images on the timeline will allow students to rotate and zoom in on objects from the National Numismatic Collection for detailed examination.

Lost in the Coin Vault

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:55:25 GMT

In this interactive game, students will enhance their analytical skills as they decipher clues and closely examine objects from the National Numismatics Collection in order to solve mysteries and escape from the coin vault. A fun way to learn about numismatics and explore American history, this activity is one of the learning resources included in Legendary Coins and Currency, an online exhibition.