Welcome to The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 39, September 26, 2004:
an electronic publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.
Copyright (c) 2004, The Numismatic Bibliomania Society.


BIBLIOPHILE FRANK VAN ZANDT ILL

  We have received news that former NBS officer Frank
  Van Zandt is in the hospital, seriously ill.  Your good
  wishes are appreciated.  The address is:

  Frank Van Zandt
  6032 Van Zandt Road
  Livonia, NY 14487


KARL MOULTON OCTOBER 2004 PRICE LIST

  Karl Moulton's October 2004 fixed price list of numismatic
  literature has been published.  In his welcome letter he writes:
  "The market for American numismatic literature exploded on
  June 1, 2004.  That's the day the John J. Ford Library, Part I
  was sold for $1.66 million in Riverside, California by everyone's
  good friend, George Frederick Kolbe.  I attended the sale and
  was frequently frustrated by the record setting prices.  For
  instance, by top bid of $14,000 wasn't enough to secure a
  deluxe copy of Ard Browning's 1925 Quarter book...
  You've probably heard and seen it before, but right now both
  the coin and literature markets are extremely active.  Even items
  on e-Bay are receiving very strong bids."


LAKE BOOKS SALE #76 CLOSING

  Fred Lake of Lake Books writes: "This is a reminder that our
  sale #76 closes on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 5:00 PM
  EDT. You may view the sale at Current Lake Sale

  A cautionary note: We have another hurricane (Jeanne) bearing
  down on the Florida peninsula as I write this (Saturday noon)
  and, although we do not anticipate that our location will suffer
  wind damage, there is a real possibility that we may lose power.
  If that happens and lasts until the day of the sale, we will
  postpone the closing date until Tuesday, October 5, 2004. I
  will email everyone after the storm passes to keep you informed."

  [Following up his email with a phone call this afternoon, Fred
  reports that the storm has indeed knocked out their power,
  and the contingency plan is in effect - the sale closing date will
  move to October 5, 2004.  We wish our best to the Lakes
  and hope their power will be restored quickly.  -Editor]


MORE ON IVAN'S WRATH

  Nolan Mims writes: "Sorry to hear that Ivan caused so much
  trouble in Pittsburgh. He was not a welcome guest anywhere.

  We got hit pretty hard in Mobile, but Gulf Shores and Pensacola
  were much worse. For all practical purposes, Gulf Shores no
  longer exists. Much of Pensacola was heavily damaged. For
  them it was a lot worse than Frederick in 1979. The storm
  took a 20 mile eastward jog at the last minute and that saved
  Mobile.  The highest winds recorded here were 102 MPH
  which is still pretty bad.  I lost power a little before 11
  Wednesday night and got it back Monday around 7 PM, so
  it was off almost a week.  I was fortunate with just a few tree
  limbs down, but I don't have many trees. It will be weeks
  before power is fully restored to some areas.

  I appreciate the phone calls and e-mails from my friends in the
  numismatic community."

  [I learned Monday that Tom Fort's home was affected a bit
  by the storm with some basement water, but nothing major.
  However, they were without power for two days and ended
  up moving out for the weekend.   I also spoke Monday with
  Ed Narcisi, owner of the nearby Etna Coin shop in Etna, PA,
  one of the towns hit hard by Ivan in Pittsburgh.  Our tour bus
  passed the shop on the way back to the convention center.
  Luckily, the shop is on a patch of high ground.  Neighbors
  just a block or two away were under three feet of water.

  Ed had to spend Friday night in his shop - his neighborhood
  was an island, leaving no way out.   Local police imposed a
  curfew and patrolled the street every fifteen minutes to prevent
  looting. The cleanup continues, with traffic still being detoured
  around some work areas a week later.  President Bush
  swooped in earlier this week to tour the affected areas.  I
  visited Ed's shop Saturday afternoon, and the nearby area is
  still a frightful sight.  Rail traffic won't be "on track" again for
  some time - there are still mounds of debris on the rails.
  Now back to numismatics... -Editor]


PARMELEE STRAWBERRY LEAF CENT FOUND

  John Kraljevich of American Numismatic Rarities writes:
  "After 60+ years, the Parmelee Strawberry Leaf has come
  back to light. It's the finest of 4 known Strawberries (the
  unique NC-2 and 3 NC-3s) by a factor of 2: the Condition
  Census is 7-3-3-2.

  The piece was first offered in an 1877 Scott sale, then was
  sold in the Parmelee sale, which was its last auction
  appearance. The piece was owned by Dr. Hall and Virgil
  Brand, then was sold to a Mr. Staples in 1941 for $2,750 by
  James Kelly. A few months earlier, B.G. Johnson had
  purchased a group of no less than 17 choice 1793 cents,
  all of which were Condition Census. All 5 1793 NC
  varieties then known were included in that single purchase
  from the Brand collection.

  The coin is still with the original 1941 envelope marked
  $2,750. The piece has remained in the same family until
  now, hidden from sight for years. Mr. Staples, the last
  owner of record, was killed in action in 1943 in the Solomon
  Islands, and he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star
  for his service there.

  Of course, the whole story will be told in great detail in the
  November 2004 ANR sale catalogue. The sale itself will be
  held in Baltimore November 30-December 1.  If you weren't
  at the Starr sale in 1984, this might be the first time in most
  of our lifetimes we've had the chance to bid on a Strawberry
  Leaf cent.

  The coin has been certified by NGC at the request of the
  owners of the coin (as F-12). We're thrilled to be chosen to
  handle this piece!

  If folks need more information about the auction, I can be
  reached at johnk at anrcoins.com."

  [An article about the coin's rediscovery was published early
  Tuesday evening on the Associated Press wire and posted
  on the web site of Maine Today.  The article was datelined
  Auburn, Maine.  Here are some excerpts:

  "A 1700s penny that´s nearly the size of a half dollar and if
  authentic could be worth a fortune surfaced in a jewelry
  and coin shop.

  The 1793 coin is known by the "strawberry leaf" name
  because of a trefoil sprig on its tail side."

  "The coin was in the possession of the owner´s family since
  1941, when it was purchased by a collector for $2,750..."

  To read the full story, see:
  Full Story

  This article in the Boston Herald has an image of the coin:
  Boston Herald Story


KLEEBERG ON THE NC-2 STRAWBERRY LEAF CENT

  For more information on the Strawberry Leaf cent, see the
  Proceedings of the 1996 American Numismatic Society
  Coinage of the America's Conference.  The Sheldon NC-2
  variety is being discussed; the recent discovery of the
  Parmelee coin is Sheldon variety NC-3

  "ANS curator John Kleeberg re-examined the strawberry leaf
  cents of 1793. The term "strawberry leaf" was coined by David
  Proskey, when he wrote a series of articles on large cents for
  the Coin Collector's Journal. The unique strawberry leaf cent,
  with ONE CENT low, was first found in circulation by Mr.
  Meader of Providence, RI, in 1845. He sold it to Richard
  Winsor, and Winsor lent it to be photographed for the Levick
  plate. At the Winsor sale in 1895, Crosby bought it, and he
  sold it to Dr. Thomas Hall a few months later. A particular
  thrill for the audience was that the present owner of this piece
  brought it to the conference and displayed it. Kleeberg
  reviewed the evidence, and pointed out that there are so many
  differences in the lettering of the strawberry leaf cent that it is
  clear that its letters are hand-cut, not made with punches. It is
  not a product of the United States Mint. Kleeberg argued that
  it was a counterfeit made circa 1793-95. A lively discussion
  ensued, when some members of the audience, including R. W.
  Julian, suggested that the cent might not be a counterfeit, but a
  private pattern by a coiner who did not have access to punches."

  More Info


STAHL HEADING TO PRINCETON

  From the press release: "The Princeton University Library is
  very pleased to announce the appointment of Alan M. Stahl
  to be Curator of Numismatics, effective 13 September 2004.
  Stahl holds a PhD in history from the University of Pennsylvania.
  From 1980 to 2000, he served as Curator of Medieval
  Coins and of Medals at the American Numismatic Society
  (New York), with responsibility for two collections containing
  about 50,000 objects in total. In addition to his curatorial work,
  Stahl has taught ancient and medieval numismatics and has
  been a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, Notre
  Dame University, and Rice University. His research and
  publications have focused on the late antique and early medieval
  world. He is the author of seven books and more than 75 articles.
  His monograph Zecca: The Mint of Venice in the Middle Ages
  (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000) was the recipient of
  American Publishers' Professional/Scholarly Award in
  Economics (2001). His current research involves a manuscript
  notebook kept by Michael of Rhodes, a Greek seaman of the
  early 15th century.

  The Numismatic Collection of the Princeton University Library
  is in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections,
  in Firestone Library. The collection includes nearly 10,000
  classical Greek and Roman coins; 800 Byzantine and Western
  medieval coins; thousands of late antique and early Islamic
  coins excavated at Antioch-on-the- Orantes between 1932
  and 1939; 2,000 American coins and more than 2,500 pieces
  of Colonial, Continental, and Confederate paper money;
  more than 2,000 medals, including the recently donated C. C.
  Vermeule Collection; and thousands of other items. Stahl's
  responsibilities for the Princeton Numismatic Collection will
  include acquisitions and donor relations, description and
  data-base cataloging, public services, outreach to Princeton
  faculty and students, and exhibitions. Stahl succeeds Brooks E.
  Levy, who served as Curator of Numismatics from 1966 until
  her retirement in June 2004."


GEORGE THOMAS PORTRAIT PLAQUE INFO SOUGHT

  Philip Mernick, London, England writes: "I wonder if a
  subscriber to The E-Sylum can help me with this medal - it is a
  mystery (to me). It is 75 mm in diameter and is NOT made of
  metal.  It commemorates Major General George H. Thomas's
  defence of Chickamauga(?)    It was engraved by Borrel, Paris
  and  published by Tiffany & Company, New York in 1866. The
  fact that it was designed in France (and purchased in Paris some
  years ago) and Tiffany exhibited at the Paris International
  Exhibition of 1867 makes me wonder if it is made of Bois Durci.
  This composition material made by heating a mixture of wood
  flour and blood proteins under great pressure and temperature
  was used to make a large series of portrait plaques which
  include Washington, Lincoln and Seward. Can anyone with
  access to information on Civil War commemoratives tell me if
  this medal is recorded and if so what material it is believed to be
  made of?"


TAYLOR & CHALLEN COIN PRESS INFO SOUGHT

  Dan Gosling writes: "I need help researching the coining
  presses of Taylor & Challen Ltd.  Are there any books or
  articles on equipment used to strike coins?   I have read the
  sections in:  "A Numismatic History of the Birmingham Mint"
  by James O. Sweeny and "Striking Impressions" by James A.
  Haxby. Thanks for your help."


OCALA NUMISMATIC BOOK PROJECT

  Art O'Connell, President of The Ocala Coin Club writes:
  "The Ocala Coin Club, Ocala Florida has undertaken a
  project to provide numismatic reference books to the
  Media Centers in each of the Middle Schools in Marion
  and Citrus Counties.

  Each school is being given a hardbound copy of the Red
  Book and a copy of "Coin Collecting for Dummies" during
  September of 2004. The club plans to make this an annual
  event."

  [Great job!  Is anyone aware of other local clubs with
  similar projects?  -Editor]


DOLLAR HOARD RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES

  Chick Ambrass writes: "I was just watching a CSI episode
  (based in Las Vegas), where the son of a casino owner is
  killed,  and he has a vault outside town in the desert, with
  23 tons of silver.   This is similar to the story of the Las Vegas
  Morgan dollar hoard that turned up a couple of years ago."

  [Has anyone else seen the episode?  Are there other parallels
  to the real-life story?  -Editor]


ANS BUILDING NAMES QUIZ CONTINUES

  Last week's quiz question regarding the numismatic
  luminaries whose names are chiseled in stone on the
  old American Numismatic Society building in New
  York is someone who "was a 19th century French
  numismatist.  He was probably most well-known for his
  study of Spanish coinage struck in the time of the Visigoths
  and during the rise of Christianity on the Iberian peninsula.
  He is also known for his volumes on Italian Renaissance
  medals."

  The still-very-much-alive John Burns was the first to
  respond, submitting the following one-word answer:
  "Heiss"    If I were a schoolteacher, I'd only give half
  credit.  Heiss who?

  NBS President Pete Smith writes: "This week's quiz
  was a challenge for me. I have one book on Renaissance
  medals and have studied the topic but not all related literature.
  I thought of people like Philip Grierson and George Miles
  but they are too modern.

  Last night I pulled my Clain-Stefanelli bibliography off the
  shelf and found the name of Aloeiss Heiss after about a
  ten minute search. He appears to meet your criteria but is
  not a household name in my household."

  The answer is indeed Aloeiss Heiss.

  Now for the next quiz.  The next name belongs to "a Polish
  historian and numismatist.  His works on Polish history ...
  were published in twenty volumes.  In addition, he wrote
  two  important works on numismatics: the two volume
  La Numismatique du mayen age (1835) and Etudes
  numismatiques (1840)."


FIRST CONFEDERATE CURRENCY COLLECTOR

  Bibliophiles and numismatic history buffs needn't be
  collectors of Confederate Currency to enjoy Fred Reed's
  article in the October 2004 issue of Bank Note Reporter
  (see p34).  Titled "Who Was the First Confederate
  Currency Collector?" the article is a very interesting read,
  and makes use of a number of contemporary newspaper
  accounts.

  Since we seem to have fun with quizzes I won't publish
  the name of the collector until next week's issue.  Anyone
  care to hazard a guess?


ERIC NEWMAN HONORED BY UNIVERSITY

  Washington University in St. Louis recently honored
  numismatic scholar Eric P. Newman and his wife
  Evelyn:

  Eric Pfeiffer Newman

  Eric Newman was born in St. Louis in 1911. He earned a
  bachelor's degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  in 1932 and a juris doctoris from WUSTL in 1935.

  After practicing law for 52 years, he retired from Edison
  Brothers Stores in 1987 and now serves as president of the
  Harry Edison Foundation.

  As one of America's foremost numismatists, Newman is
  renowned for his scholarly contributions to the subject and for
  his exceptional private collection of U.S. and Colonial American
  coins and paper money. The avocation began more than eight
  decades ago, when his grandfather gave him an 1859 U.S.
  copper-nickel cent.

  Selections from his collection will soon be displayed in the
  University's Newman Money Museum, which will occupy 3,000
  square feet in the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at the
  Sam Fox Arts Center."

  To read the full article, see: Full Article


VERDIGRIS ON LITERATURE?

  Nancy W. Green, American Numismatic Association
  Librarian writes: "Have other readers experienced verdigris
  on literature? The library has a Stack's catalog of the
  Anderson Dupont sale, September 24, 25, 1954. The
  cover is copper  and has great verdigris.  It does not appear
  to be mold because it does not wipe off even when
  moistened slightly. Just wanted to "share"."


FIRST COIN STILL A MATTER OF DEBATE

  Regarding David Klinger's question about the first coins,
  Reid Goldsborough writes: "The question of the world's first
  coin, long debated, is still very much under debate, with many
  scholars joining in. In trying to answer the  question, much
  depends on the definition you use for "coin." All coins are
  money (doesn't include exonumia) but not all money is in the
  form of  coinage. Few numismatists would classify the flat
  roll of uninscribed bronze bullion at the Numismatic Museum
  in Athens, described in last week's E-Sylum, as a coin. Much
  also depends on how you interpret the archeological evidence
  or whose interpretation of the archeological evidence you
  believe. And much depends on how definitive you feel the
  evidence needs to be before you put forth or accept any
  given theory. I  covered this debate, and argued for the
  Lydian Lion as the world's first coin, in recent articles for
  The Numismatist and The Journal of the Classical and
  Medieval Numismatic Society. I've also put together an
  expanded version of these articles at this Web page: Consolidated Articles "


INTERVIEW WITH NEW NICKEL DESIGNER

  The Silver Springs Gazette has an article interviewing the
  designer of the newest jefferson nickel:

  "Joe Fitzgerald, a Silver Spring artist who dabbles in portrait
  paintings and specializes in landscape pieces, is probably most
  proud of the work he recently did on a canvas spanning less
  than an inch wide.

  His work will be found in people's pockets, car ashtrays and
  between couch cushions beginning early next year when the
  United States Mint releases two newly designed nickels,
  Fitzgerald's recent project.

  "It's beyond imagination to have 1.5 billion pieces of your art
  out there," Fitzgerald said. "The idea that people will collect
  these for hundreds and thousands of years is unbelievable."

  Fitzgerald's design was among 144 submitted by U.S. Mint
  sculptor-engravers and members of the Mint's new Artistic
  Infusion Program."

  "The first nickel, one of two that will be released next year,
  was in part designed by a North Carolina artist, who depicted
  an image of a grazing buffalo on one side to recognize
  American Indians and wildlife encountered by the expedition.
  The front side of the nickel, which will appear on the two
  designs released, is of a newly designed Jefferson, created by
  Fitzgerald.

  The image includes a profile of Jefferson in the early 1800s
  with his pointy nose and sharp chin. Next to him, "Liberty" is
  written in Jefferson's handwriting. Fitzgerald said he wanted
  to emphasize the former president's role in creating the
  Declaration of Independence and defining liberty for the
  United States.

  "I wanted to convey the intelligence, the strength and the
  incredible determination that you see in Jefferson's eyes,"
  said Fitzgerald, 54.

  It was a challenge to fit all of Jefferson' traits on such a small
  portrait of one of Fitzgerald's greatest heroes, he said."

  To read the full story, see: Full Story


FOUR IDEAS FOR THE 2009 LINCOLN CENT

  Dick Johnson writes: "Two Senators from Illinois have
  expressed four ideas for the 2009 Lincoln cent ? the cent that
  will honor the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln?s birth and the
  centennial of the introduction of the Lincoln Cent with Victor
  David Brenner?s designs.

  On Tuesday September 21, 2004, they announced they would
  like to see the U.S. Mint create four separate designs for the
  reverse of the 2009 cents: (1) Lincoln?s birth in Kentucky;
  (2) his youth in Indiana; (3) a professional life in Illinois (where
  he was lawyer and state lawmaker); and (4) the presidency in
  Washington DC.

  Senators Dick Durbin and Peter Fitzgerald made the
  announcement which has the backing of the Lincoln Bicentennial
  Commission. Durbin serves as the co-chairman of the commission.

  I have written about this upcoming numismatic event previously
  in The E-Sylum (latest: vol 7, no 28, July 11, 2004).  I hope all
  this is not just political talk, that Congress will authorize the U.S.
  Mint to do something really interesting for collectors."

  This week's story: Lincoln Story


AUCTION ETIQUETTE

  Steve Pellegrini writes: "I think that the recent discussion
  about auction bidding is perhaps the most important and
  potentially the most helpful subject we members have tackled
  in quite awhile. I hope that both our Dealers and Collectors
  will consider submitting their experiences, observations and
  advice about participating in numismatic auctions. This is a
  subject in which we all have a vested interest in fully
  understanding and mastering - and which, I believe, we've
  just begun to scratch the surface.

  Because travel has become difficult for me over the last few
  years I now exclusively participate in auctions as a Mail
  Bidder or as an On-line Bidder.  Even after years of bidding
  in this way I still have enough questions to fill the space of
  our Newsletter twice over. And I'm pretty sure that my
  questions fall into the category of Frequently Asked Questions.

   'Snaps' for Numsiguru Dick Johnson for providing his 10 Tips
  For Bidding. (I've recently noticed that the teens in my family
  are now using the term 'Snaps for' in the same way we might
  use the term 'Kudos for.' Don't ask me the origin of this new
  phrase. Any educated guesses out there?  I may not make it
  to the next edition of the OED and am curious."

  One tip offered to dealers by an anonymous reader is:
  "If you are upset by bidders always bidding the minimum
  prices, don't publish them!"


TWENTY-CENT BOOK STILL MISSING

  Regarding Lane Brunner's quest for the Rupp work on
  Twenty Cent Pieces, American Numismatic Association
  Librarian Nancy Green rites: "The library had a copy of this
  booklet but according to the shelf list it was lost in 1983.
  (Yes, we still have the old card catalog and shelf list with
  lots of helpful information.) There is a note on the card that
  says, "privately published in a limited edition of seven
  copies." Another note in Lynn Chen's handwriting says,
  "No more copies."

  The library does have two copies of Paul Andersen's "The
  Twenty-cent piece, an introduction to the series" (GB25.A6
  1980, 13pp.).  There was a Mr. Rupp in the membership
  files but he is no longer a member and would be quite elderly.
  So perhaps this illusive monograph can become the new
  "Holy Grail" of numismatic literature. I will look for further
  developments in The E-sylum."


PRICING AND BARGAINING

  Regarding our earlier item about pricing in 99s, Henry
  Bergos writes:

  "Some years ago when I had my fabric store I decided
  that "9's" were a trick.  I marked all my "89" cents a yard
  fabric 90 cents, 79 cent, 80 cents and so on. It HURT
  my business! the people were so STUPID that they wanted
  something in the "70's not 80's" etc. Back to 79 and 89 ...

  Numismatists MUST bargain. It seems congenital. Some
  years ago I decided to make all coins at my table net priced.
  One jerk --- err--- gentleman asked about a BU war nickel.
  I told him $8. "But how much is it for me?"  "You see the sign
  I made. All coins net priced."  We can save time on the
  arguing. He didn't buy it.   Same next month, same guy.
  Business DIED.   Next month same jerk - err - guy, same
  coin. "How much is this coin?" I said $12.  He offered $10.
  I said YES."


2005 ANA SUMMER SEMINAR

  Dan Gosling send this recipe for a "2005 Dream Vacation"
  at the next American Numismatic Association Summer
  Seminar:

  June 25
  Arrive at Colorado Springs for Session 1 ANA Summer
  Seminar. Gail Baker and her staff are sure to host another
  FABULOUS week of education and entertainment. The
  Summer Seminar is the numismatic bargain of the year.

  June 26
  Line up early for the ANA Library Spares Sale. Nancy Green
  always provides the best opportunity each year to fill up your
  empty shelves.

  July 1
  Celebrate Canada Day (like your July 4th) at the Colorado
  Springs Coin Show. Summer Seminar attendees get in early.
  After loading up on bargains at the coin show drive to the
  old mining town of Cripple Creek and play the slots and
  enjoy an inexpensive steak dinner.

  July 2-8
  Sight see the Colorado Rockies and visit Aspen, Leadville,
  Vail and Estes Park on your way through Wyoming and
  Montana. Cross the Canadian Border and stay in Calgary,
  Alberta in time for the opening of the Calgary Stampede.

  July 8-20
  Tour Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Edmonton.
  World class scenery and the World's largest mall with 800
  shops and service.

  July 21-24
  Attend the Canadian Numismatic Association annual
  convention hosted by the Calgary Numismatic Society.
  Learn why Canadian coins, tokens and paper money are
  all the rage! View the numismatic collection at the Nickle
  Arts Museum.

  July 24
  Drive to San Jose via the Rogers Pass, Vancouver, Seattle,
  and the Oregon Coast.

  July 27-31
  Attend the ANA convention.

  July 31
  Drive back to Colorado Springs via Yosemite and Salt Lake.

  If driving is not your thing, you could attend the second week
  of Summer Seminar instead and fly to Calgary in time for the
  rodeo and the CNA convention . Remember to rent a car
  and do the loop through Banff, Jasper and Edmonton. Calgary
  has lots of flights that will get you to the ANA convention.

  Here's hoping you can find the time!"


CHRISTIE'S BOBBY MURDOCH SALE REPORTED

  The Evening Times of Scotland reported on a recent football
  memorabilia at Christie's in London. (that's "soccer" for us
  ignorant Yankees).

  "A MILLIONAIRE city businessman today revealed he had
  spent £44,000 buying Lisbon Lion Bobby Murdoch's medal
  collection.

   The most expensive single item bought by former Parkhead
   director Willie Haughey was the player's 1967 European Cup
   winners' medal which cost £17,925."

   "Today the businessman said he planned to pass all the
   Murdoch items to the club museum for Celtic fans to enjoy."

   "I will hand over the medals to the club museum, so all Celtic
   fans can enjoy them for years to come.

   "That was the main reason why I was so keen to bid for
   them."

   "Mr Haughey bought 28 other medals belonging to the Scottish
   international during a sale of football memorabilia at Christie's
   in London.

   The collection includes a silver runners-up medal from the
   Milan final along with three league championship medals and
   four Scottish Cup winners badges."

  To read the full article, see: full Article


NEW BOOKS ON HAMILTON AND NEW YORK HISTORY

  Arthur Shippee forwarded reviews of two books which also
  caught my eye.  They are not directly numismatic, nor do they
  dwell only on financial matters.  But  Ron Chernow's "Alexander
  Hamilton", and Russell Shorto's "The Island at the Center of the
  World." look like very interesting books related to the early
  history of New York City and the roles played by the founding
  fathers of the U.S. financial and monetary system.
  The reviews are by Walter Isaacson and was published in
  New York Magazine, 17 May 2004.  Here are some
  excepts:

  "In addition to The Federalist Papers, Hamilton made one
  other great contribution. As Washington's choice to be the
  first Treasury secretary, he created the financial structures
  that tied the nation together and made it, and New York, a
  commercial power. The capital was then in lower Manhattan,
  and on his second day in office, Hamilton arranged a large
  loan from the Bank of New York. He then set to work on
  a plan for the government's fiscal machinery, which resulted
  in his famous 40,000-word Report on Public Credit."

  "Hamilton wanted New York to become the nation's capital,
  which likewise aroused Jefferson's opposition. The city was
  so associated with Hamilton and his commercial vision that
  his enemies called it Hamiltonopolis. "They saw it," writes
  Chernow, "as an Anglophile bastion dominated by bankers
  and merchants who would contaminate the republican
  experiment." Washington and Jefferson were pushing instead
  for a rural site alongside the plantations of the Potomac.

  Realizing that Madison had the votes to block his cherished
  debt plan, Hamilton was willing to trade away the capital as
  a compromise. The stage was thus set for the most historic
  dinner party ever held in Manhattan. Present at Jefferson's
  rented house on Maiden Lane were Hamilton and Madison.
  The Virginians pointed out that the plan unduly penalized their
  state, which had paid off most of its debts. They would need
  something in return: a national capital on the banks of the
  Potomac.

  In some ways, Hamilton struck the better bargain. The debt
  plan determined forever that the states would be weaker than
  the central government. Creating this foundation for federal
  power and taxation in America was more important to
  Hamilton than winning the capital for New York. Indeed, the
  creation of vibrant financial markets helped make New York
  what it is today, and helped New York make America what
  it is today.  In the realm of economics, if not politics,
  Hamilton's New York vision of America would end up
  prevailing. "He was the messenger of America's economic
  future, Chernow notes, "setting forth a vision of an urban
  manufacturing society."

  "Hamilton had succeeded in binding the country together
  under one central economic and fiscal system.  Hamilton
  had promoted a forward-looking agenda of a modern
  nation-state with a market economy and an affirmative
  view of central government," Chernow writes. "It was the
  northern economic system that embodied the mix of
  democracy and capitalism that was to constitute the
  essence of America in the long run."

  More Info


MORE ON UNWANTED COINS

  David Gladfelter writes: "Undoubtedly the Canadian "Loonie"
  finds acceptance because it does not have to compete with the
  paper dollar as does our "Cagi." The only argument for
  retaining our paper dollar is inertia ... same reason the Canadians
  have gone metric and we haven't.

  When riding our local rapid transit I like to change $10 or $15
  into dollar coins and then pass them out, one at a time, sort of
  like a numismatic Johnny Appleseed.  In Prague recently I traded
  a Sacagawea dollar for the lovely Czech 10 and 20 korun
  millennium commemorative coins. Made my day.

  The Kennedy half dollar admittedly has <101 uses but here in
  timely fashion is one of them. For Halloween treats we get a
  few rolls of half dollars and put fright stickers on them. Some
  of the kids have never seen this coin before. Others say "Wow,
  I got an alien ... I got a Frankenstein ..." etc.   No unwanted
  candy or fruit to police up off the ground, and no hidden razor
  blades or needles for their parents to worry about. Try it in
  your neighborhood."


FEATURED WEB SITE

  This week's featured web site is about the Canadian Loon dollar.
  Canadian Loon
  Wayne Homren
  Numismatic Bibliomania Society