A Tale of Two Coins

Hello.

In amidst all the random items found in my wallet, there are two items that stand out. I am in possession of two of the large sized ‘silver’ dollar coins: one is the bicentennial Eisenhower, the other an actual silver Liberty dollar. They are constantly falling out of my wallet, and are a constant source of worry that I will lose them. So why keep them in there, instead of someplace safer? Because of what they symbolize. Allow me to explain.

As it may (or may not) be known, at one point in my life I was not the best with handling money. I’d get a paycheck and blow it within a couple days, broke until the next paycheck. I didn’t really think of the future, living in the now. It probably wouldn’t have been a big deal if I was making a good amount of money… but that was hardly the case. Finally, one day in the late 90’s I realized that this was no way to exist. I couldn’t keep this up; I needed a plan. So I went to the local bank and acquired the Eisenhower. This dollar was the key to my new way of thinking.

I dubbed it ‘My Last Dollar’ and stuck it in my wallet. As I did that, I made a personal vow to never be so broke again that I would have to spend it. And that I would do whatever it takes to ensure I would even have to think about it. I like to think I have done quite well with this, as I have worked hard to earn and save so its value is never considered. Though wallets and other contents have changed, the coin has stayed a constant.

The second dollar has a different origin, starting similarly, but having vastly different meaning.

About a year ago, I got the brilliant idea that it might be time to upgrade the ol’ coin. I have always liked actual silver coins and thought it might just be time for a symbolic upgrade; a visual reminder that I have been doing better for myself. Of course I know absolutely nothing about coins; so after a week or so of random confused searching, I finally broke down and asked the one man I knew who collected coins: my father.

After I told him what I was looking for and why, he looked thoughtful for a couple minutes, and then told me to wait where I was. He disappeared for a few moments, then came back and handed me the silver dollar you see.

As I was studying it, he asked “You see the date?” I nodded. “You know what it signifies?” I looked harder at the date and thought hard about it. Then it hit me: 1923 was the year my Grandfather was born. I gratefully thanked him and promptly placed it in my wallet.

So now I have my actual silver dollar, but I realized I just couldn’t just get rid of the original coin. It had been with me through rough times and it just didn’t feel right to lose it when things started going pretty well. So both stay in my wallet, constant reminders to try harder with my goals-

And that it is time to buy a new wallet…