HistoryFacts: George Washington Skipped a Silver Dollar Across the Potomac?

 

Photo credit: Fine Art/ Corbis Historical via Getty Images

Myth: He Skipped a Silver Dollar Across the Potomac

Legend says that Washington once tossed a silver dollar a mile across the Potomac River to the other side. This enduring claim plays into the mythos surrounding his physical strength and larger-than-average height (he was 6 feet, 2 inches tall). But the tall tale probably stemmed from stories of lesser feats, including Washington’s grandson’s claim that the former President tossed a piece of slate across the Rappahannock River, which is much narrower than the Potomac. Indeed, silver dollars didn’t even exist during Washington’s lifetime. The use of silver for coins didn’t begin until 1794 (five years before his death), and true silver dollars weren’t minted until 1878. 

Note:  The above comes directly from their website.

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