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COIN TRICKS FOR THE POLITE HOST OR HOSTESS Dennis Tucker of Whitman Publishing submitted this review of a coin-related book he purchased recently. -Editor I was in Ocala, Florida this weekend and I picked up a little book from 1921 --- one of the innumerable guides from that era that instructed girls in proper etiquette, how to throw a nice party, etc. For $1 it was a bargain --- an amusing glimpse into yesteryear. The preface sums it up: "This collection of games and stunts has been prepared for the express purpose of meeting the many requests of the day for successful recreation programs for large and small groups of men and girls, in which round-dancing has no part." (Reminds me of the old joke: "Why do Baptists disapprove of premarital relations? Because it might lead to dancing.") The book is divided into chapters on ice-breakers, stunts, parties, races, games, etc. The section "Tricks" includes one called "The Elusive Dime" --- sure to pique the interest of any collector. It reads: Take one of the old coinage of dimes with a good clear milling around the edge. Press it on some one's forehead. Remove your hand and allow him to shake his head and see if he can shake the dime off. If pressed firmly, it will stick and will be hard to shake off. The individual of course must not wrinkle his forehead. After several have been given a trial, carefully remove the dime from the next man's head after pressing it firmly on his forehead. He immediately starts to shake his head, thinking the dime is still there. What hijinks! At the ANA World's Fair of Money next month, when you're relaxing with some friends, pull out a dime --- make sure it's a Barber dime with a good clear milling around the edge --- and break the ice with a good old-fashioned numismatic prank. I imagine a raw dime will work best, as opposed to a slabbed one. There are a few other games and stunts involving coins in the book. Interested E-Sylum readers are directed to Ice Breakers and the Ice-Breaker Herself (Edna Geister, The Woman's Press, New York City, 1921). P.S. I bought this book at the same flea market where, a few weeks ago, I found Stephen King's Skeleton Crew, which includes a short story with a walk-on cameo by a mysterious bag of double eagles. Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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