In
December of 1911, the Connecticut State Library was given a vast collection
of currency, coins and medals assembled by Joseph C. Mitchelson.
Mitchelson, of Tariffville, Connecticut was a member of the U.S. Assay
Commission and was the first American to be elected to the British
Numismatic Society. Originally comprising over 10,000 U.S. and foreign
coins, the collection continued to grow and now includes some of the most
rare and unique specimens in the world.
The sampling of American coins on display at the Museum of Connecticut
History spans the period from the 17th century to the present. Included
are such rarities as Connecticut's Higley Copper token and the ultra
high relief 1907 $20 Gold Double Eagle.