Collectors of early American copper coins sometimes take to name calling. They like to call ratty old cents "Scudzy." It is a horrible name, for sure. Why do they engage in this schoolyard banter?
The answer is this. They are apologists. They are assuaging their own guilt. They are afraid of what others might say about them. Why do they engage in this irrational behavior?
Well, the fact is that many copper collectors possess scudzy coins. And -- get ready for this -- they like them. Yes, that's right. Some collectors enjoy the ruggedness of a well-worn, corroded cent. Shhh, but don't tell anyone.
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| Call me Relic! |
Scudzy cents wear their history on their face. All of us do. Is it scary? Yes it is. But, it is true. And deep down, we like the taint of history. Scudzy coins look the part: old. They are relics.
Relics are bits of history. Or are they?
History is an abstract concept. Philosophers say that history is nothing more than thinking about history in
the present. In fact, we do not know if there ever was a history. It could have
been made up by bearded academics over coffee and donuts.
This is where the
scudzy cent, reeking of verdigris, comes in – stage left. It is our best evidence that something did happen way back
when.
If you are getting this vibe, then check out my new page entitled: Scudzy Cents go with the Nail. A version of this was originally published last year in the PennyWise journal of the Early American Coppers Club. Hope you enjoy it.
And, let's stop the name calling. Instead of "scudzy," let's just call these unloved coins "relics." Oh, beautiful relics ...
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