Coin show commemorates Civil War sesquicentennial

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, two unusual exhibits will be included in this weekend's Georgia Numismatic Coin & Currency Show at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton.

An 1862 Gatling gun and a display of all W&R Railroad paper currency issued during the war will be exhibited in addition to the coins and currency of 300 dealers attending.

"A Gatling gun is not something you see frequently," said Dennis Schafluetzel, Georgia Numismatic Association spokesman.

He said the gun's display is courtesy of Mark Thompson. It is a fully functional, 1862 model, .58 caliber with an open brass breach, capable of firing 200 rounds per minute.

Every guest attending the show will receive a free elongated penny featuring the Gatling gun. The pennies will be rolled on-site by Vicky and Lee Bowser of Alexander, Ariz., using a device similar to those that flatten coins as souvenirs at tourist attractions. The device has two metal rollers and a die that imprints the image of the Gatling gun, Schafluetzel explained.

"If you hand them [any] coin, they'll run it for you and put the Gatling info on it as well," he said. "It's a keepsake from this particular show."

Bob Hartje will present an educational program geared to children at 1 p.m. Saturday.

In keeping with the Civil War emphasis, Schafluetzel said he is displaying "all the paper currency that the W&R Railroad put out during the Civil War, which is about 30 kinds of notes."

Schafluetzel encourages visitors to bring coins or currency from home for which they need identification. In addition to showing, selling and buying, vendors will give free appraisals.