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V14 2011 INDEX       E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 14, Number 30, July 24, 2011, Article 15

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 24, 2011

On Document Theft
Regarding the item about the arrest of a prominent collector and author at the Maryland Historical Society for stealing documents, Len Augsburger writes:

I've spent a lot of time at both the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The MdHS published my book, Treasure in the Cellar, in 2008. My current book, Secret History of the First United States Mint, was aided by source material at the HSoP - we located the fire insurance policy for the first Mint property in that collection.

The news of this theft is a punch in a gut. Archival repositories struggle with the balance of public access and good security, and anytime something like this happens everyone is a loser. As researchers we lose access and in turn the institutions fail to advance their mission of illuminating and sharing history. As researchers and collectors we must be extra vigilant in looking for the bad guys - pay attention to the researcher next to you at your local historical society - and if you see anything suspicious in the marketplace don't be afraid to speak up.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE MAN WHO LOVED PRESIDENTIAL MEMORABILIA TOO MUCH? (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n29a18.html)

More on the Snell Chinese Coin Collection
Bruce W. Smith writes:

Snell Chinese Coin Collection The article about the pending sale of the John Snell collection of modern Chinese coins really caught my attention. There was an earlier sale of his coins by a small coin dealer in Michigan, Fred Knust, in the 1990's I think. The collection Fred had was fairly small, and I believe, all copper coins. Also from the collection were a couple steel dies for a Chinese copper coin, probably a Hunan Republican 20 Cash. Michael Chou of Champion Gallieries Hong Kong Auctions bought the dies, and I believe they were, in the last couple years, in one of his sales.

The information about the family is interesting. One of Snell's sons wrote a biography of his father, which I have in my library. There isn't much about numismatics as I recall. Snell, the collector, lived in China for quite a few years, and was an ANA member. He ran some ads in The Numismatist in the 1920's trying to interest Americans in modern Chinese coins. He also wrote an article on the subject which was published in The Numismatist.

To read the complete article, see: "TIME CAPSULE" SNELL COLLECTION OF CHINESE COINS OFFERED www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n29a16.html)

ON OPERATION BERNHARD NOTES
Joe Boling writes:

Operation Bernhard note Regarding the Operation Bernhard notes being auctioned in Shropshire, first, I am surprised that these notes can be openly sold within the UK, since the genuine notes have not been demonetized. The Bank of England will still pay current notes in exchange for any white note delivered to them that passes their tests for authenticity. Second, the Bernhard notes are not at all rare (as you find stated in the full text of the article, following the link that you provided). Unless some of the others (not shown) are from branches outside London, I would be astounded if they bring even 750 pounds, let alone the 2000 that are cited as the seller's expectation.

I bought my Operation Bernhard notes opening in a shop in central London. The article quoted an estimate of 2,000 pounds for the group of four notes, or about 500 pounds apiece. Even that figure seemed high to me. Interesting and important notes, but not incredibly rare. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: OPERATION BERNHARD COUNTERFEIT NOTES RECOVERED FROM LAKE TOPLITZ TO BE SOLD (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n29a23.html)

OLDEST INTACT BOOK IN EUROPE
Alan Luedeking writes:

I doubt there are any coins in it, but this is interesting nonetheless! Imagine paying $18 million for one book...

St. Cuthbert Gospel A £9m appeal has been launched by the British Library to buy the oldest intact book in Europe, a palm-sized leather-bound copy of the gospels buried 1,300 years ago in the coffin of Saint Cuthbert.

The Cuthbert Gospel, on loan to the library since 1979, is regarded as of such importance that the National Heritage Memorial Fund has raided its reserves to offer a £4.5m grant, half the purchase price and the largest single acquisition grant in the library's history. The Art Fund and the Garfield Weston foundation have each promised £250,000.

If the appeal succeeds, the library has agreed the gospel will be displayed half the time at Durham cathedral, where it was found with the body of the saint when his coffin was reopened in 1104.

The gospel is still in its original 7th century leather cover, which has survived in perfect condition.

To read the complete article, see: British Library Seeks £9m to buy oldest book in Europe (www.afanews.com/news/british-library-seeks-9m-to-buy-oldest-book-in-europe)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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