Liberty Bell Replicas

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Want to see the Liberty Bell on America’s big birthday, but don’t have the time or money for a pilgrimage to Philadelphia? Have no fear: Chances are, there’s one at a state Capitol, museum or even a fire station near you.

TAG: That’s reporter Bernie Bennett.

VERBATIM:
It won’t be the original, but it’ll be a dead ringer.

For a savings bond drive in 1950, the Treasury Department commissioned copies of the famously broken bell, one for each U.S. state and several territories. Except for the serial numbers, they were faithful replicas – right down to the Pass and Stow trademark and a faux crack.

There’s a small but growing group of “bell hunters” who’ve dedicated themselves to visiting as many of the replicas as possible.