After the shine is gone

Dirty money
London, ON
September 2012

Shininess can be a temporary thing, as the perfectly reflective surface of something new slowly - or not so slowly - gives way to the scratched, dulled and otherwise marred surface of something that's gone a few laps. If you look carefully, you might be able to see flashes of its former brilliance. But otherwise, it's usually a one-way trip to forgetaboutmeville, where no one bothers looking or caring anymore.

There are enough analogies here to fill a Dumpster (itself a perfect example of unshininess, but we'll leave that one for another day.)

While I realize the $10.56 Cdn. on display here may no longer be the object of a currency collector's desire, it has just as much ability to fill my kids' piggy banks as the shinier, perfectly turned out stuff. Which reminds me to never underestimate the hidden power of things that may have faded, things we might otherwise dismiss.

Or people. Hmm...

Your turn: Scratches and grime can tell a story. What would the story of these coins be?

One more thing: We're still taking Thematic shiny submissions. It won't hurt a bit. Just go here.