› added 7 years ago

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TIL that the half-penny was discontinued in 1857 because it was worth too little. But in 1857, the half-penny had more purchasing power than today's dime.

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epP9J TIL a 2,000-year-old sapphire ring believed to have been owned by Roman Emperor Caligula sold for £500,000 in 2019. The sky blue ring also has an etching on it that's thought to depict Caligula's fourth and last wife, Caesonia.
oO5o TIL that the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska is never more than 55 meters deep.
16V5V TIL in 1982, Linn Electronics released the LinnDrum drum machine as a cheaper and more widely produced product than its predecessor, the 1980 Linn LM-1. The LinnDrum then became a staple of ‘80s music, and was used by artists like Prince, MJ, Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, John Carpenter, and more.
0wwlv TIL John Wayne Gacy was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, was a Chicago precinct captain for the Democrats, supported Carter and had his picture taken with First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
8avbV TIL The Centennial Light is the world's longest-lasting light bulb, burning since 1901. It is often cited as evidence for the existence of planned obsolescence in later-produced light bulbs.