Well, I've finally gotten around to posting something for this week's theme. I had it in the back of my mind, but I've been so focused on the S challenge, I kept putting it off.
The coins in this collage have a special meaning to me. Of course, if you've been following me for a while now, you've probably figured out a lot of things have special meaning to me!! Anyway, the center collection came to me via a game. I'd gone to a Christmas party where everyone contributes a grab bag gift and then the participants take turns choosing a gift from the pile. The trick is that those who choose after you, can choose your gift if they want to, leaving you to, once again, draw from the pile. I HATE these games, to put it midly. I always get something I love, and someone takes it from me. This time was no different. I had the cutest little ornament and one package from the end of the game, someone took it! I opened the last package with, shall we say, NO enthusiasm whatsoever! But, inside was this collection of coins. It seems they were collected while the giver had traveled all around the world on business. Now, they reside in a bowl on my coffee table and many a visitor has enjoyed rumaging through them to see where they came from. It wasn't such a bad alternate gift afterall!
The coin flanking my collection is very special indeed. It commemorates the State of West Virginia's 100th birthday and was given to me by Dr. Perry E. Gresham, a former president of Bethany College, when I visited the school in 1974. Dr. Gresham was so pleased by my determination to go to college in West Virginia (that's another story!), he wanted me to have this coin. I still remember sitting in his office in shock that he would give me, a stranger, such a valuable coin. But I guess he saw something in me that compelled him to be so generous.
The front side of the coin features the outline of the state, its number in joining the union and a satellite dish (I can't remember what it signifies) along with the years 1863 and 1963.
The state seal is depicted on the backside of the coin. It features the date, June 20, 1863, when West Virginia joined the union, two figures representing agriculture and industry, a vine representing stability and a Phrygian cap with rifles laid beside it symbolizing freedom and independence which will be maintained by force if necessary. The state motto, "Montani semper liberi" (Mountianeers are always free), completes the insignia. I am uncertain of the metals it's made of. Someday I will have to take it to an appraiser to be sure. But for now, it not only holds symbols of the 35th state, but memories of my alma mater and a special person who welcomed me there.
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri- you are awesome! @kimmiesue Thanks Kim- I'm just dabbling with it and I knew this would fit the theme. By the way- I just loved the picture of Elias with his missing tooth- adorable! That's quite a (little/not so little) guy you have there!
I love your whole story, Ann! I can SO relate. . .I always come home with the worst prize possible. (And say, I will never do that again!) lol
This is a wonderful picture!!!
@karenann Thank you Karenann- I know that some people love this game but the time I got the coins was the second to last time I played. The last time I played I got stuck with the tackiest candle I ever saw! I honestly haven't played since. Hooray!!
@digitalrn@elizabeth@espyetta Thank you Rick, Elizabeth and MaryBeth for those lovely compliments! They mean so much!! (I'm finding a lot of fellow "survivors" of the present game here MaryBeth!)
@kimmiesue Thanks Kim- I'm just dabbling with it and I knew this would fit the theme. By the way- I just loved the picture of Elias with his missing tooth- adorable! That's quite a (little/not so little) guy you have there!
This is a wonderful picture!!!