Karen Lee of the National Numismatic Collection writes:

What a challenge to narrow picks to just a few! I'll be equally curious to learn what E-Sylum readers suggest. Many of you are very familiar with the collection, having been there for research.

Here is an 1838 gold sovereign, which may have been one of those used to convey James Smithson's bequest to the United States for the creation of the Smithsonian Institution.I think my own votes would veer toward the earliest coinage of our nation, such as 1791 Washington cents, a 1792 Half Disme or the 1794 copper pattern dollar. Some of the most important early U.S. coins aren't in the collection, though, like the 1783 Nova Constellatio Silver pattern set. I'd also love to see the Thian albums of Confederate currency, an original Confederate currency printing plate, or George Morgan's sketchbook. But where to stop? I'd rather see it all!

Anyway, I'll look forward to reader suggestions, and will compile them for the next issue (and pass them along to Karen). Thanks! Remember, we're looking for overarching themes and just one to three object nominations from each reader. Choose thoughtfully!