Slaty Fork, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Linwood Farmers Market has more than produce these days, as a new vendor offers shiny one-ounce copper bars. Sold two for $5, the copper bars have captured the hearts of Snowshoe Mountain workers, many of whom have received them as tips.
Sandwiched between two long-time local produce farmers, Dave Doctor lays out the copper bars and some silver rounds. He suggests people hold the bars to feel their density. “People shake the bars because their eyes see a small bar, but their hands feel something more substantial,” says Doctor.
He pitches the bars as tips, a thank-you gesture, gifts for youngsters, and for indirect barter. Doctor also mentions folklore suggesting pressing copper to bee stings.
Doctor says he’s given out about 70 bars since arriving from Washington, DC, early last month. A bartender at Old Spruce Draft House said, “I don’t know his name. I only know he tips me in copper.”
Minted by Osborne Mint–not the U.S. Treasury–the bars are .999 copper, with a buffalo image on the front. Though copper runs about $4.50 per pound, minting costs raise the bar price.
Of course, the market has local produce–much of it picked that day–such as hot and sweet peppers, heirloom tomatoes, sourdough bread, shea-butter soap, and artisan wood cutting boards. Bring the toddlers and their bicycles to use the short dirt bike track.
The Linwood Farmers Market occurs every Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, Doctor doesn’t start until 4:00 p.m. due to his remote ‘day-job’. Selling copper is truly a ‘side-hustle’ for him, since he ebikes down the mountain.
The market season runs until Sept 18th at Linwood ALIVE! at 1 Snowshoe Drive.
