Coal Miner's Dollars also known"Pyrite Suns"

Now on display in the Zeigler Library

Come by and view this wonderful display.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO SEE A LARGER VIEW

Thanks to Wesley Thompson who provided the display to the Library.

Different Forms that the Coal Miner's Dollars Come in many shapes and sizes

Below appears to be a prehistoric turtle shell brought up from the pits of a Southern Illinois Mine.

The Story

Pyrite Suns

Pyrite suns are found 300 feet deep only in the Southern Illinois coal mines.   The Suns are found in a narrow seam lying on top of the coal vein.  Miners bring  them out in their lunch buckets.  By doing this they are preserving what would otherwise be destroyed in the mines.  These were originally thought to be marcasite, but research by the Smithsonian Institute has proven them to be pyrite, iron sulphide.  Due to their composition, they are very durable.  Being surrounded by black shale and coal makes it a difficult cleaning process, but unveils their hidden natural beauty.  They date back 350 million years, and one of the present theories of origin has them as pyritized fossil replacement.

Note: After researching the Pyrite Suns - I found the selling prices on these types

from $20 to several hundred and in couple of cases over $1000.

If you enjoyed the display at the library - tell others so they can see it also.

Let us know also at Library  Click Here to email the Librarian

Many of the pictures on this site are located on books
and CD's located on the Zeigler's Memorabilia page

Thanks to those who have contributed pictures and memorabilia that is viewed on this site.