“Specimen of massive Nickeloan Pyrrhotite, a constituent of the primary ore body at the Gap Nickel Mine, Gap, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania (Dana locale). The Gap mine ranks as the first productive Nickel mine in North America. Owned and operated by Joseph Wharton, Founder of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and one of the most fervent lobbiest for the first U.S. 5 cent nickle coin. (pictured at right) The coin was finaly commissioned in 1866, and the Nickel used in the production of these coins came directly from the ore processed from this mine. Specimen size: 9 x 6cm. From the PA Annex of my personal collection, acquired in 2003. ”
Mark Heintzelman - 17th October 2005