The Numismatic Bibliomania Society

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About Us

The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization devoted to the study and enjoyment of numismatic literature. For more information please see our web site at coinbooks.org

Subscriptions

Those wishing to become new E-Sylum subscribers (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page link

Membership

There is a membership application available on the web site Membership Application

To join, print the application and return it with your check to the address printed on the application. Print/Digital membership is $40 to addresses in the U.S., and $60 elsewhere. A digital-only membership is available for $25. For those without web access, write to:

Terry White, Treasurer
Numismatic Bibliomania Society
P. O. Box 634,
Canal Winchester, Ohio
43110

Asylum

For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership questions, contact Terry at this email address: terrywhite5475@yahoo.com

Submissions

To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com

NNP Pagecount 1,811,665 pages

BUY THE BOOK BEFORE THE COIN


Sale Calendar

Volume 02, Number 22, May 30, 2018

Content presented in The E-Sylum is not necessarily researched or independently fact-checked, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM MAY 30, 2018

Wayne Homren 2017-03-15 full This week we open with selections from two literature sales, three new books and one review, an obituary and updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal.

Other topics this week include Chapman catalogs, St. Patrick coinage, shooting thalers, Sentimental Magazine medals, political slogans on banknotes, the Continental Dollar, Korea Summit challenge coins, the banknote printers strike, vertical banknotes, and Big Ben's pennyweight.

To learn more about architecture on Greek and Roman coins, French Colonial necessity notes, irradiated dimes, lacquer, slave charms, the Emancipation Proclamation medal, and the Perseverando Dollar, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

2018 NBS BENEFIT AUCTION DONATIONS SOUGHT

NBS Wiki logo The 2018 General Meeting of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS) will be held on Friday, August 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The meeting will conclude as usual with a benefit auction of numismatic books and related items donated to be sold for the benefit of the organization.

Donations have already been received from several NBS supporters, but more are needed to make the auction a success. NBS Board member David Fanning has volunteered to catalogue and conduct this year’s sale. Donated items may be sent to him at:

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers
141 W Johnstown Road
Gahanna OH 43230

He can be reached at df@numislit.com if you have any questions. All proceeds from the auction go to the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, with any expenses incurred in conducting the sale being donated to the NBS. Thank you for your consideration. Donations must be received by July 15.

A number of rare, useful, interesting and fun donations are already in hand. Another one is listed below. What can you add to the mix? -Editor

The hardcover edition of Fifty Years of Numismatic Bookselling: A Tribute to George Frederick Kolbe, one of only 20 bound in cloth (donated by David & Maria Fanning).

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NBS BENEFIT AUCTION AT 2018 ANA CONVENTION (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n09a04.html)

SELECTIONS FROM THE JUNE 2018 WORKMAN'S SALE

Alan Workman (Workman's Books, Orlando, FL) is holding his first bid sale of numismatic, paper money, treasure, and pirate books, which closes on Saturday, June 9, 2018. The bid sale includes 1500 lots of rare and hard-to-find references on Numismatics, Exonumia & Tokens, Banking Histories, Treasure, Pirates, Metal Detecting, Archaeology, History, and many other topics. Here are some selected lots. -Editor

Workmans Book logo

The Coin of Coins book cover Ancient Architecture on Coins book cover
Lots 54 and 55

Lot 54
de Callataÿ, François. THE COIN OF COINS: A WORLD PREMIER. The Israel Museum. 2004. 12mo, 46 pages; Softcover; . Subject: Coinage - Ancient

To view the complete lot desciption, see: 54 de Callataÿ: The Coin of Coins: A World Premier (http://www.icollector.com/de-Callata-The-Coin-of-Coins-A-World-Premier_i30112026)

Lot 55
Donaldson, T. L. ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE ON GREEK AND ROMAN COINS AND MEDALS. Argonaut Publishers. 1966. 8vo, 361 pages; Hardcover w/ DJ; . Subject: Coinage - Ancient

To view the complete lot desciption, see: 55 Donaldson: Ancient Architecture on Greek and Roman Coins and Medals (http://www.icollector.com/Donaldson-Ancient-Architecture-on-Greek-and-Roman-Coins-and-Medals_i30112027)

Byzantine Coins book cover Alexanders Coins and Alexander's Image book cover
Lots 59 and 66

Lot 59
Whitting, P. D. BYZANTINE COINS. G. P. Putnam's Sons. 1973. 4to, 311 pages; Hardcover w/ DJ; . Subject: Coinage - Ancient Byzantine

To view the complete lot desciption, see: 59 Whitting: Byzantine Coins (http://www.icollector.com/Whitting-Byzantine-Coins_i30112031)

Lot 66
Arnold-Biucchi, Carmen. ALEXANDER'S COINS AND ALEXANDER'S IMAGE. Harvard University Art Museums. 2006. 4to, 84 pages; Softcover; . Subject: Coinage - Ancient Greece

To view the complete lot desciption, see: 66 Arnold-Biucchi: Alexander's Coins and Alexander's Image (http://www.icollector.com/Arnold-Biucchi-Alexander-s-Coins-and-Alexander-s-Image_i30112038)

For more information, or to bid, see:
http://www.icollector.com/Treasure-Pirate-History-Coin-Paper-Money-Rare-Book-Sale-June-9-2018_a35018

To visit the Workman's Books web site, see:
http://www.workmansbooks.com/

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WORKMAN BOOKS ANNOUNCES JUNE 9, 2018 SALE (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a03.html)

KOLBE & FANNING OFFER ADAMS CHAPMAN CATALOGUES

An amazing set including the rarest-of-the-rare Chapman Brothers catalogues is offered in the upcoming Kolbe & Fanning sale of highlights of the John W. Adams numismatic library. Here's a preview. -Editor

EXTRAORDINARY ADAMS SET OF CHAPMAN BROTHERS CATALOGUES TO BE OFFERED BY KOLBE & FANNING July 14, 2018 Sale Includes Complete Chapman Set with All Published Plated Sales

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers are celebrating our 150th Auction by offering highlights of the John W. Adams numismatic library on July 14, 2018.

The Adams Library includes one of the finest collections of American numismatic auction catalogues ever assembled. Among the most impressive highlights are the Chapman catalogues.

Henry and Samuel Hudson Chapman published close to 200 auction catalogues, as a partnership and separately, between 1879 and 1932. Sale 150 will include every one of their catalogues--every unplated catalogue will be offered, as will every published plated sale. This is the first time such an offering has been made.

A few particularly noteworthy Chapman catalogues include:

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 28-1 Proskey copy of Bushnell sale Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 28-2 Proskey copy of Bushnell sale
Lot 28

Lot 28: David Proskey’s priced, named and plated auction room copy of the Charles I. Bushnell sale.

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 62-1 Ralph Barker Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 62-2 Ralph Barker sale
Lot 62

Lot 62: the very rare plated Ralph Barker catalogue, with two additional plates depicting a coin cabinet.

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 70-1 Charles Gordon Zug sale Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 70-2 Charles Gordon Zug sale
Lot 70

Lot 70: the 1909 Charles Gordon Zug sale with four photographic plates.

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 86-1 William Sleicher sale Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 86-2 William Sleicher sale
Lot 86

Lot 86: the exceptionally rare 1919 William Sleicher catalogue with six plates.

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 88 Dr. J.M. Henderson sale Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 90 Simpson sale
Lots 88 and 90

Lot 88: the plated catalogue of Dr. J.M. Henderson’s collection of half and large cents.

Kolbe-Fanning sale 150 lot 91 Alvord Sale plates
Lot 90

Lot 90: the rare plated version of the F.G. Simpson sale.

Lot 91: the 1924 catalogue of the F.R. Alvord Sale with five plates.

In addition to the fabulous plated catalogues listed above, Sale 150 also provides bidders with the opportunity to acquire some of the rarest unplated Chapman catalogues, including: the 1893 book sale (lot 53) and stamp sale (lot 54) of the John W. Kline estate; the 1898 H.M. Smith stamp sale (lot 58); the 1913 Bruce Cartwright sale (lot 76); the rare “Unlisted in Adams” Emil Caufman sale (lot 102); and Henry Chapman’s bidbook of the rare offprint of the Enrico Caruso coin sale (lot 112).

An extensive, full-color catalogue will be issued, and the sale will feature live online bidding using Kolbe & Fanning’s custom third-party online bidding platform. The online catalogue will be available shortly at bid.numislit.com; the printed catalogue will mail in a couple of weeks. Bidders wishing to make an appointment to view auction lots are invited to contact David Fanning at df@numislit.com. We are excited to be offering the Adams Library of classic American numismatic auction catalogues and look forward to sharing more previews in the near future.

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers LLC is a licensed and bonded auction firm in the State of Ohio. For more information, please see the Kolbe & Fanning website at numislit.com or email David Fanning at df@numislit.com.

E-Sylum US Mint ad04 WWI Dollar       NBS periodicals ad vertical

NEW BOOK: SAINT PATRICK COINAGE

A long-awaited new book by Syd Martin has been published! -Editor

The Colonial Coin Collectors Club Announces The Release of the
Definitive Book on the St. Patrick Coinage by Sydney F. Martin

Saint Patrick Coinage book cover MAY 27, 2018 – today, The Colonial Coin Collectors Club, (C4), released Sydney F. Martin’s latest book, Saint Patrick Coinage For Ireland and New Jersey. This is the fourth book published by C4 that has been written by Syd Martin, the former editor of the C4 Newsletter and current President of The American Numismatic Society. His other works are The Rosa Americana Coinage of William Wood, The Hibernia Coinage of William Wood, and French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America. These books are all considered the standard references for these series today.

Syd’s latest work covers a series that has long vexed researchers on both sides of the Atlantic – the St. Patrick coinage. In researching this book Syd traveled to Ireland and spent many hours in the archives in New Jersey in search of clues, discovering some fascinating answers and developing several new theories regarding the coinage. This coinage has long been shrouded in mystery as to when and where it was made, and for what purpose. Syd discusses the theories that have been proposed so far, and the pros and cons of each plus some exciting new theories of his own.

Saint Patrick coin

According to Lou Jordan, the Curator of Numismatic Collections for the University of Notre Dame, this book is “groundbreaking!” Phil Mossman, former editor of The Colonial Newsletter (CNL), writes that “Syd has described in detail the visual imagery and icons symbolized on these coins by hand-engraved dies. A total of 197 varieties of small St. Patrick coins have been meticulously cataloged by him and presented in an easy to follow format.” Mossman went on to state that “the nine varieties of large St. Patrick coppers, identified as a separate entity, are equally well presented.” Christopher McDowell, editor of CNL, states that “this is the most important book on colonial numismatics to be published in many years. It is doubtful that this book will ever be surpassed in its coverage of the series. If you collect St. Patrick coinage or are interested in colonial numismatics, this book is a must-have.”

In many ways this work is a collaborative effort, helped by many collectors who shared access to their St. Patrick collections for Syd to examine and photograph. The result is the first complete and illustrated catalogue of all known varieties in the series; unlike Syd’s earlier three books, this one features color photographs. Other topics covered include the manufacturing history of the coins, literary discussion of the series, a history of their circulation in America, and a fascinating Appendix that includes what Syd calls “Miscellany.” According to Phil Mossman, what Syd calls “Miscellany” is actually “well-researched inquiries into the lineage of an elusive series.” C4 is very proud to publish this book and its long association with Syd Martin.

The 528 page book is hardbound, with color illustrations throughout of the different coin varieties examined, with dust jacket. Saint Patrick Coinage: For Ireland and New Jersey, by Sydney F. Martin, is available for $95 for C4 members or $125 for nonmembers of C4, plus $7.25 shipping from bookseller Charles Davis, (numisbook.com), Box 1, Wenham, MA 01984, or telephone 978.468-2933

For more information, or to order, see:
http://www.numisbook.com/

NEW BOOK: SWISS SHOOTING THALERS AND MEDALS, 2ND

The May 24, 2018 issue of CoinsWeekly has an article by editor Ursula Kampmann reviewing a new edition of a book on Swiss shooting thalers and medals (linked below). Here's a rough translation of the information from the publisher's web site. -Editor

Die Schützentaler und Schützenmedaillen der Schweiz book cover 2nd edition 2018
564 pages, 23.5 x 28 cm, full color illustrations, hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-86646-162-8
Price: 85,00 EUR

This book, which has also been translated into English, deals with the history as well as the historical background of the shooting thalers and medals of Switzerland. More than 2,500 talers and medals from their beginnings in the early seventeenth century to the year 1960 were listed in detail and mostly reproduced.

From engraved single productions to medals with a circulation of several thousand copies, all pieces were supplemented with a rarity indication as well as two evaluations for the preservations "vz-unz / AU53" as well as "FDC / MS64". As a novelty for the first time in the more frequent pieces also a market availability was determined, which should enable the collector to estimate how often or how rare a corresponding medal really is today.

Three different index categories, chronologically by age, alphabetically by location, and also alphabetically by inscriptions, allow the collector to efficiently identify virtually any medal and look up it in the catalog. The current second edition has been substantially expanded, especially as regards information on individual medals. Several hundred newly discovered specimens were recorded, described and evaluated.

As far as the valuations are concerned, they have been revised from scratch and adapted to current market conditions. Thus, this book becomes an indispensable reference work when it comes to the determination and evaluation of shooting thalers and medals in Switzerland.

Die Schützentaler and Schützenmedaillen of Switzerland sample pages

To read the complete article, see:
Die Schützentaler und Schützenmedaillen der Schweiz (http://www.gietl-verlag.de/die-schuetzentaler-und-schuetzenmedaillen-der-schweiz/buchdetail/794/0/0/2.html)

To read the CoinsWeekly article, see:
Swiss shooting thalers and medals (http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/Swiss-shooting-thalers-and-medals/4?&id=5383)

For those wondering just what a "shooting thaler" is, there's a good article by BJ Searls on the PCGS web site; here's an excerpt. -Editor

1842 Swiss 4 Francs issued by Chur
1842 Swiss 4 Francs issued by Chur

The federal state of Switzerland is divided into Swiss cantons, or member states. In the 1800s and early 1900s, these cantons held Shooting Festivals, or "free shoots" tournaments. Originally, these festivals were fundraisers to aid the widows and orphans of the soldiers who had fallen in defense of their country. Shooting halls were erected and prizes were awarded to the sharp shooters.

Although the purpose has changed, the shooting contests continue to this day, now regulated by the federal government. The Swiss are avid supporters of the right to carry arms. Because they do not have an army, they depend on the citizenry for national defense. Recreational shooting is popular, in fact so much so, that the annual Feldschiessen weekend, the largest rifle shooting competition in the world, sees 200,000 in attendance every year. While a large percentage of households contain guns, the murder rate in Switzerland is one of the lowest in the world.

With each shooting festival, a commemorative medal was minted. For the collector, there are two distinct periods to consider when collecting Shooting Festival commemoratives. The first run is from 1842 to 1939. These coins are commonly called Shooting Thalers, and for the most part, are the equivalent in size and metal content to their legal tender counterpart. As such, these coins were circulated outside the festivals, although technically, they are medals. The second period, the modern commemoratives, runs from 1984 to date. These coins are not considered legal tender and were meant to be exchanged only during the festival.

1934 B Swiss 100 Francs issued by Fribourg
1934 B Swiss 100 Francs issued by Fribourg

To read the complete article, see:
Swiss Shooting Thalers (https://www.pcgs.com/news/Swiss-Shooting-Thalers)

NEW BOOK: FRENCH COLONIAL NECESSITY NOTES

Owen Linzmayer (publisher of The Banknote Book) recommends this new publication by Georges Bayle on the necessity notes and tickets of the french colonies. -Editor

Billets et tickets d'outre-mer book cover

We have a ton of revisions for subscribers this week, in large part due to information in an excellent new specialized catalog from France, Georges Bayle's "Billets et Tickets d'outer-Mer." This French-language book is an invaluable addition to the numismatic library of anyone interested in detailed historical information on French colonial emergency issues from World War I and II.

For more information, or to purchase, see:
lb70 - Billets et tickets d'outre-mer, émissions officielles dites "de nécessité" dans l'Empire colonial français (cgb.fr/billets-et-tickets-doutre-mer-emissions-officielles-dites-de-necessite-dans-lempire-colonial-francais-bayle-georges,lb70,a.html)

For more information on The Banknote Book, see:
http://www.banknotenews.com/banknote_book/banknote_book.php

U.S. MEDALS AND TOKENS IN MEGA RED 4TH EDITION

This Whitman press release provides more background on the token and medal information in the new edition of MEGA RED, the deluxe Red Book. -Editor

U.S. Medals and Tokens Featured in New MEGA RED, 4th Edition

s_MegaRed4_cover Collectors of exonumia (tokens, medals, and similar coin-like objects) will enjoy more than 50 pages devoted to their interests in the fourth edition of MEGA RED (the Deluxe Edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins). Eight of the book’s twenty-five appendices feature American exonumia ranging from dime-sized tokens to dollar-sized and larger medals. The 1,504-page MEGA RED is available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, as well as online (including at the publisher’s Web site, Whitman.com). It retails for $49.95.

Many of these specialized appendices are by Whitman Publishing numismatic director Q. David Bowers, who serves as senior editor of MEGA RED. Readers will find the following:

So-Called Dollars: Appendix G, written by Jeff Shevlin with additional research by Bill Hyder, is an illustrated 16-page feature on the So-Called Dollars of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, with historical notes, specifications, rarity ratings, and valuations in nine grades.

Dimes in American Popular Culture: Appendix H, by Joel J. Orosz, is a nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane with dime-related materials ranging from song lyrics to pulp magazines, plus political and satirical encased dimes, shell cards, tokens, related numismatic ephemera, and more. 9 pages.

Mega-Red-4_pg1419_Appendix-O Mega-Red-4_pg1402_Appendix-K

Advertising on a Dime: Appendix K, by Bowers, focuses on advertisements and political messages counterstamped on U.S. dimes; plus Civil War–era encased postage stamps of the ten-cent denomination. 6 pages.

Civil War Sutlers’ “Dime” Tokens: Appendix O, by Bowers, is a showcase of ten-cent tokens issued by licensed retailers known as sutlers, who typically traveled with Army troops during the Civil War and supplied the soldiers with goods. 3 pages.

Civil War “Dime” Store Cards: Appendix P, by Bowers, illustrates Civil War tokens issued to be redeemable for 10¢, standing in for the nation’s silver dimes, which were hoarded out of circulation by the summer of 1862. 2 pages.

Dimes as Planchets for Civil War Tokens: Appendix Q, by Bowers, explores rare silver tokens, struck over federal silver dimes, issued as numismatic collectibles during the Civil War. 2 pages.

Mega-Red-4_pg1376_Appendix-H Mega-Red-4_pg1361_Appendix-G

Irradiated Dimes: Appendix U, by Bowers, is an illustrated study of Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt dimes irradiated in isotope cabinets and encased in souvenir holders in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s as educational examples of atomic energy. 3 pages.

Modern U.S. Mint Medals: Appendix W, by Dennis Tucker, is an 11-page overview of bronze, silver, gold, and other medals struck by the United States Mint since the Bicentennial celebrations of the 1970s, including Congressional Gold Medals, World War I and World War II commemoratives, silver Presidential medals, and others.

The fourth edition of MEGA RED has a special focus on U.S. dimes with a 294-page feature section covering ten-cent pieces from 1796 to 2018, with more than 1,600 dime photographs and a study of 845 varieties. Images are from the Whitman Publishing historical archives plus coins photographed by Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, NGC and PCGS, the Smithsonian, and individual hobbyists who answered Whitman’s call for dime photographs.

MEGA RED is billed as the “biggest, most useful Red Book ever.” It measures 7 x 10 inches and has 1,040 more pages than the regular edition. The larger size and increased page count combined make MEGA RED five times bigger than the regular-edition Red Book. It prices more than 8,000 items in up to 13 grades each, with 48,000 individual values and more than 15,000 auction records covering circulated, Mint State, and Proof coinage. The book is illustrated with thousands of full-color images, including thousands that are new to this edition.

MEGA RED is available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online.

For more information, or to order, see:
MEGA RED: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe 4th Edition (https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Detail/MEGA-RED-A-Guide-Book-of-United-States-Coins-Deluxe-4th-Edition+0794845800)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: MEGA RED 4TH EDITION (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n13a04.html)

BOOK REVIEW: THE SENTIMENTAL MAGAZINE MEDALS

Jeff Rock of San Diego, CA submitted this review of a new book on some very interesting little medals. Thanks! -Editor

Sentimental Magazine Medals book cover We’ve all seen them – ESPECIALLY if you collect copper coins from the 18th century. A series of small, 25mm, medals featuring a bust on the obverse, the name of the individual on the reverse and (usually) the signature KIRK. It’s been fairly common knowledge that these were issued in England in the 1770s and were put out by The Sentimental Magazine as a promotional item, one medal given away with the early issues of that magazine.

Many collectors, especially American, have considered these to be tokens because of their diminutive size, but the magazine that issued them referred to them as medals and, in the UK at least, tradition dies hard; the fact that "medals" sounds far more grand would have certainly suited a new publication trying to make its mark in the competitive London market. For comparison purposes, these medals are a few millimeters larger than the US nickel.

There were 13 different people (including three women) depicted on the medals, mostly royalty and the aristocracy, though two outliers are also depicted – Oliver Cromwell more famous for his role in the killing of a royal (King Charles I), and David Garrick, the famous actor and playwright.

At the time of their issue, in 1773 and 1774, 9 of the 13 people depicted on these medals were still alive (besides Cromwell, the posthumous issues were George II, the Marquis of Granby and the Right Honourable William Beckford), and they can be seen as both honoring the people they depict as well as a bit of sucking up in the hope of patronage or some sort of recognition that would help increase circulation of the magazine.

American collectors are usually acquainted with the medal depicting Lord Chatham – better known on this side of the Atlantic as William Pitt (the Elder).

1773 Kirk Sentimentalist token

The medals often show a bit of light circulation, and it is likely that those saw use as a farthing, which is interesting because they actually predate the 18th Century Provincial Tokens (i.e. “Conder Tokens”) by over a dozen years. That said, the entire series is available without much searching, with the Chatham/Pitt piece being a bit pricier than the others because of the American connection, but a set of all 13 types in EF grade can be put together for under $500, and an AU/UNC set would likely run less than double that amount.

While a few smaller articles about the Sentimental Medals have appeared over the years, not much serious study was given to them. That has now changed with the publication of Sentimental Magazine Medals, by Martin Warburton, a British collector who previously co-authored a book on the Imitation Spade Guinea counters and advertising tokens. This 36-page booklet brings together all of the (admittedly limited) information that is known on the Sentimental Magazine medals.

The author looks at each type, as well as die varieties in the instances where more than one die pair was used (for those who like collecting by die variety, don’t worry, there are just four additional die varieties, so the entire set in copper is still a reasonable 17 items – though of course a few more can be added for die rotation and die state as well).

For the first time their order of issue is soundly laid out, with the month and year given – much of this information gleaned from an extremely rare surviving volume of the magazine in the author’s library (and for the book lover in all of us, the author goes into some detail about the finding and preservation of that volume). Warburton has found that the first medal was issued in March, 1773 for the very first issue of the magazine, and continued until March of the following year when they ceased (the magazine itself was published until 1777.

Warburton also discusses the off-metal examples known – there are pieces that have long since been called silver which prove to be something slightly different (and likely some false advertising on the part of the magazine publisher!), as well as gilt, white metal and brass specimens. The engraver, John Kirk, is also discussed. Full color photographs are included for all types and die varieties, and the booklet is printed on good-quality, glossy paper.

For collectors who have even a passing interest in these historic (yet still inexpensive) medals, the book itself can be ordered from the author. The cost is a very reasonable £10 for UK residents and £12 for those in the US. Payment can be made via PayPal (in British Pounds) to: martin@richardmills.net – and obviously include your name and mailing address. At the current exchange rate that comes to about $16, including postage – probably one of the least expensive additions to your library this year!

CDN Publishing ad06 subscribe

FRANK A. TRASK (1932-2018)

Coin dealer Frank Trask has passed away. His wife Susan and John Ostendorf (Secretary of the Civil War Token Society) provided information for this article. Thank you - we're sorry to hear the news. Susan is the president of CWTS and a longtime E-Sylum subscriber and contributor - she is pictured here with her husband. -Editor

Frank and Susan Trask Frank Trask was born on June 16, 1932 in Anneta, KY and raised in Gary, IN. The family moved to Ontario, CA. in 1948 where Frank graduated from Chaffey High School, then went on to Caffey College. He graduated from San Jose State University with degrees in sociology and psychology.

In 1952 he joined the Marine Corps where he served in the Korean Conflict in an air squadron helicopter unit. Honorably discharged in 1955 with rank of Sargent, he went into sales for the Auto Club of Southern California then on to management as a District Manager in Palm Springs where he met and married Susan, his wife of 47 years.

Frank spent 15 years in real estate sales until he discovered his passion for numismatics and became a coin dealer attending an average of 35 shows a year from Denver, Salt Lake City, Long Beach, and the San Francisco Bay area. Frank was a well-liked dealer in the western states. Dave Bowers liked to call him “Frank of the West”.

His love of the profession lead him to involve Susan in the business by encouraging to explore her own niche, Civil War Tokens.

Frank passed away in Bend, OR. on May 16, 2018 just one month shy of his 86th birthday.

CAROLINA TOKEN SOCIETY JOURNALS ON NEWMAN PORTAL

The latest addition to the Newman Numismatic Portal is the the Carolina Token Society journal CARTNEWS. Project Coordinator Len Augsburger provided the following report. -Editor

CARTSNEWSNov16Issue52_0000 CARTNEWS, published by the Carolina Token Society, has been digitized by Newman Numismatic Portal and is now online for the period 2004-2016. A recent issue (August 2014) describes a “good for” token of Profile Cotton in Jacksonville, AL, c. 1920, and relates how its proprietor William Ivan Greenleaf was hung in effigy, by a mob incensed with Greenleaf’s labor practices:

“Finally, when the people were mad enough, they went after their tormenter. They fetched Greenleaf from a closet and bore him to Big Spring, to the hanging tree. He didn’t seem to weigh all that much for a big shot, and they slung him from man to man like a rag doll as they cursed, laughed, and hooted. When they slipped the rope over his head the crowd screamed, and women in faded flower-print dresses pushed children behind them, so they could not see. In the glow of a hundred torches, they raised him high, their scarred arms and mutilated fingers his gallows. His face was covered with a toe sack, but they hung a sign around his neck so everyone would know: GREENLEAF. Then they let him drop.”

CARTSNEWSAug14Issue43_0001

Newman Portal acknowledges Tony Chibbaro, Don Bailey and Eric Schena of the Carolina Token Society for their assistance with this project.

Image: “Good for” token from the Profile Store, Jacksonville, AL, c. 1920.

Link to CARTNEWS on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/526524

This acquisition grew out of a conversation Eric Schena and I had at one of our Nummis Nova dinners. I was unaware of the club, but Eric's a longtime member and provided me with contact information.

What other club publications could be added to the Portal? We'd love to hear what you'd recommend, especially if you can put us in touch with the publishers. Contact me anytime at whomren@gmail.com. -Editor

NEWMAN PORTAL SEARCH: MARIS 66-V

Project Coordinator Len Augsburger offers observations related to content being searched for on the Newman Numismatic Portal. This week's search term is “Maris 66-v”. -Editor

Maris 66-v New Jersey copper obverse Maris 66-v New Jersey copper reverse

A Newman Portal user this week searched on “Maris 66-v,” using the NNP advanced search page and restricting content type to auctions. The Maris 66-v is a rare New Jersey copper variety, and Newman Portal locates only 48 listings in its database of over 5,000 auction catalogs. The recent ANS publication on New Jersey coppers (2013, by Roger Siboni, Jack Howes, and A. Buell Ish) describes the popularity of the variety:

“This distinctive coin has long been known among collectors as the ‘Braided Mane’ variety. The horse’s hair flows from the ears all the way down the neck in carefully engraved arcing lines that weave in graceful curves over and under each other. While the mane is gorgeous in its own right, the horse is beautiful as a whole. The name, the delicate engraving, and the slender, tapering muzzle make for a decidedly feminine appearance. A high grade specimen that shows the mane nicely will be a treasured prize in any Colonial coin collection.”

Siboni, Howes, and Ish report no uncirculated examples. An EF coin appeared in the Stack’s Bowers Americana sale of January 2013 (lot 11401) and realized $8,225.

Image: Maris 66-v New Jersey copper, from Stack’s Bowers Americana sale, 1/2013, lot 11041, realized $8,225.

Link to NNP advanced search:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/AdvancedSearchForm

THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHING COINS

Art of Photographing Coins lecture
On Saturday June 16, 2018, the American Numismatic Society's ace coin photographer will present a Money Talks lecture at the ANS New York headquarters. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics from a seasoned pro. -Editor

Alan Roche, the Society’s photographer, will present “The Art of Photographing Coins’. Roche will consider the various aspects involved in the production of high-resolution images of coins and banknotes. A hands-on photographic demonstration will show how you can photograph your own coins like a pro. The event will begin with a lunch at 1:00 and the lecture will start at 2:00. Space is limited. Please RSVP to membership@numismatics.org, or 212-571-4470 ext. 112.

For more information on the American Numismatic Society, see:
http://numismatics.org/

DWN E-Sylum ad02

MORE ON HOLED COINS AS SLAVE CHARMS

Regarding Abby Cooper's request for information on holed coins as slave charms, Carol Bastable of the Love Token Society submitted these postcard images gathered from eBay. -Editor

Holed dime Emblem of Good Fortune postcard Holed sixpence Emblem of Good Fortune postcard

Carol writes:

The dime was considered an emblem of good fortune. A similar postcard can also be found with a sixpence. The dime is the most common denomination used in love tokens (engraved coins). That might also tie to the sentiment on the card.

With the six pence, there is also a wedding rhyme about a six pence in the shoe. These postcards date to early 1900's which is of course a bit later time period but may still be rooted in tradition all the same.

As for special qualities, silver is regarded as an antiseptic (killing germs) and maybe this held some significance with the slaves. I do not know what year the antiseptic qualities were discovered but the wealthy have used it in silverware for centuries.

There are also sayings about babies being born with a silver spoon in their hands or mouths. I always interpreted that as a sign of affluence but again there is the health aspect to be looked at. In the Victorian period baby rattles were frequently made of silver and coral. Coral was to have had beneficial qualities as well.

The three cent silver and the half dime are the lowest possible denominations for silver coins and I would guess that it was difficult for slaves to come by money at all so these smaller denominations may have been better obtainable than larger sizes. I am sure that many escaped slaves also predate the three cent silver denomination, making the half dime the choice.

To view the complete eBay lot descriptions, see:
Emblem Of Good Fortune~One Thin Dime on Blue Ribbon~Silver Back Embossed~605/12 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Emblem-Of-Good-Fortune-One-Thin-Dime-on-Blue-Ribbon-Silver-Back-Embossed-605-12/292551795329)
emblem good luck fortune postcard six pence coin silver back forget me nots (https://www.ebay.com/itm/emblem-good-luck-fortune-postcard-six-pence-coin-silver-back-forget-me-nots-/263692209627)

Dave Lange writes:

With regard to Abby Cooper's inquiry about half dimes and your response that they were replaced with what we call the nickel, this actually omits a step. The copper-nickel five-cent piece was introduced in 1866 to replace the unpopular five-cent fractional currency notes, which themselves had been a substitute for half dimes. The similar three-cent piece of 1865 served this same purpose in redeeming the even more despised three-cent notes.

Arthur Shippee writes:

Thanks for the interesting article. Coins as amulets is an ancient practice, of course. John Chrysostom in the late fourth century refers to people using coins with Alexander the Great’s image as amulets.

Great point. I searched for references to the practice and as luck would have it I encountered a 2004 article from Historical Archaeology
By James Davidson titled "Rituals Captured in Context and Time: Charm Use in North Dallas Freedman’s Town (1869–1907), Dallas, Texas". Here are some relevant excerpts. -Editor

Holed coins from Freedmen's cemetary

Fifteen burials were found with pierced coins, interpreted here as charms. The origins of coins modified as charms are first traced to the British Isles and the Middle Ages, and then an explanatory model for their adoption by enslaved (and later freed) African Americans is presented. Turning to the Freedman’s Cemetery burial data, a detailed appraisal of the demographics of charm utilization within a late-19th-century urban African American community is given.

One of the more common artifact types encountered archaeologically, directly linked in historical accounts to spiritual beliefs, is the perforated or pierced coin, usually made of silver. The use of this artifact type to protect the wearer by warding off illness and witchcraft is well established in numerous ethnographies and treatises on folk belief (Puckett 1926; Rawick 1972–79), though as detailed below, the assumption that these charms are entirely African derived is erroneous.

Coins were recovered from 29 interments, spanning all time periods. All coins were American currency (in denominations ranging from pennies to quarters) and could be interpreted in various ways, largely dependent upon their placement relative to the body and their physical condition. Some likely were inadvertent inclusions (e.g., left undiscovered within a pants pocket). Others, such as unmodified quarters found in pairs, probably were associated with specific mortuary rituals, as “grave money,” or perhaps used to cover the eyes of the deceased (Puckle 1926:50–52).

Of particular interest here, however, are the perforated coins associated with 15 burials (Table 1; Figure 1). Recovered in association with the neck or ankle, these perforated coins are strongly reminiscent of charms known from folk belief accounts and indicative of everyday objects charged and imbued with attributes for supernatural control.

While the use of charms (i.e., talismans, amulets) was once widespread in both Europe and Africa, unmodified as well as altered (e.g., bent, perforated) coins as charms seem to be primarily European in form and origin. Silver, especially coin silver, once saw common usage in Europe as protection against witchcraft and the supernatural.

The modification of a coin by perforating it for suspension may well be an echo of an earlier pagan tradition of charm use, living on into Christian times, with the holing of a silver coin combining several charm elements and belief systems into a single object. First, to alter or modify a coin (i.e., make your mark upon it) is to imbue it with powers (hence the crooked sixpence). Second, in the British Isles, holed objects were considered magically charged. Rocks with holes in them, called Hag Stones, were commonly suspended from strings and used to protect homes, cattle, etc., against witchcraft. The antiquity of this belief is likely great, though known references to their use date at least as early as 1696 (Balfour and Thomas 1904:51; Merrifi eld 1988:162). Third, the silver content of the charm itself is a passive protective element and, at times, may even be used as an offensive weapon. For example, one certain way to kill a witch, or to make her reveal herself if she is disguised as an animal, is to shoot her with a silver coin but specifically with one that is crooked, holed or crossed (Balfour and Thomas 1904:54; Gutch and Peacock 1908: 75–76). The “crossed” silver coin, i.e., a coin with a heraldic cross in its design, is a fourth element of critical importance in coin charms and one with apparent connections to a pre-Christian, Celtic tradition.

To read the complete article, see: Rituals Captured in Context and Time: Charm Use in North Dallas Freedman’s Town (1869–1907), Dallas, Texas (http://users.clas.ufl.edu/davidson/Historical%20archaeology
%20fall%202015/Week%206%20material%20culture/Davidson%202004%20coin%20
cham%20article%20master%20version.pdf)

On a related note, see the "Buried Child's Mummified Hand Clutches Coin" article elsewhere in this issue. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
HOLED COINS AS SLAVE CHARMS (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a15.html)

ON SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT NOTES

Ken Hallenbeck of Colorado Springs, CO writes:

A couple of times a year, or so, we get someone from the nearby 7-11 contact our store with what they think might be a counterfeit note. They are always an older note such as a red seal or silver certificate. I can't recall ever that one turned out to be actually counterfeit. We're occasionally contacted by law enforcement about the same.

People do need to be vigilant against counterfeits, but sometimes their suspicions are misplaced, especially with older, genuine notes that circulate less frequently. It's not a new problem, as shown in the next item. -Editor

England 10 shilling banknote newspaper clipping Charles Farthing writes:

Reading the interesting story about Emory Ellis and his "fake" $10 bill in the latest E-Sylum reminded me of a 10 Shilling note I acquired many years ago, which I thought might be interest to readers. It came with the newspaper excerpt shown.

England 10 shilling banknote

Thanks, everyone. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MAN WRONGLY ACCUSED OF PASSING FAKE $10 BILL (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a36.html)

MORE ON POLITICAL SLOGANS ON BANKNOTES

Last week we discussed circulating banknotes with political slogans on them, such as the following. -Editor

Trump Lives Here on $20 bills

Jeff Kelley of Duxbury, MA writes:

Regarding the item on the $20 bill marked with a with a pro-Trump message, it is undoubtedly real, as multiple sellers on eBay list the rubber stamps used to create similar notes. The ones pictured in The E-Sylum appear to be home grown variations with the text handwritten. The rubber stamps have a similar message with an arrow that is positioned when stamping so that it points to the image of the White House.

On the other side of the political spectrum, someone is selling a "speech bubble" rubber stamp that says "Impeach Trump" that is meant to be stamped in such as way as to appear that the words are being spoken by George Washington (for the $1 bill) or whichever figure is on the note being used.

Ken Hallenbeck writes:

A while back I had a man buy something and he paid with several $20 bills. They looked just fine and I didn't turn them over, just put them in the cash drawer. Shortly after that we got to talking and he paid for another purchase with a $20 bill, but showed me the reverse with the stamp "Donald Trump Lives Here" on it. He proudly said that he had the stamp and was the person locally here in Colorado Springs who did the stamping.

Since I save notes with political or other stamps or writing on them, I saved the note. I then went to the cash drawer, and sure enough he had given me five with the stamp on them. Doesn't make much difference, they just go to the bank with our deposits I do prefer to collect notes of the $1, $2, or $5 denomination because they are cheaper to collect.

Incidentally, I'm still looking for one with Save the Spotted Owl stamped on it for my collection.

Phil Iversen submitted four photos from his collection of graffiti on U.S. currency with political implications of various kinds. Thanks! -Editor

She Got More Votes stamp

Responsible Gun Owner stamp

No Obama graphic stamp

Planes Flew Bush Knew graffiti

Susie Nulty of Colorado Springs, Colorado submitted this note with a "TAX CHEAT" stamp above the signature of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. -Editor

Tax Cheat stamp on $1 bill

Dr. Kavan Ratnatunga writes:

In the Sri Lanka Sunday Times I recently wrote an article on this topic since the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has had a strong campaign to demonetize them. A better Illustrated and linked version is posted on my web site.

Sri Lanka policy on mutilated banknotes

Thanks. Despite the dire warnings which caused an uproar in social media, "CBSL has decided to continue the service of exchange of willfully mutilated, altered and defaced currency notes from CBSL until further notice" See the articles online for more information. -Editor

To read the complete articles, see:
Truth about defaced currency notes (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/180513/business-times/truth-about-defaced-currency-notes-293369.html)
RTI reply on Defaced Currency Notes (http://notes.lakdiva.org/rti/DefacedCurrencyNotes.html)

Thanks, everyone. Mutilated notes of a different sort are discussed by Mark Hotz in his Bank Note Reporter article on "short snorters" and other banknotes with handwritten inscriptions and signatures. -Editor

To read the complete article, see:
Short snorters aid in exploration (http://www.numismaticnews.net/article/short-snorters-aid-in-exploration)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
TRUMP SLOGAN ON $20 BILLS (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a35.html)

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MAY 27, 2018

Paris Coin Cabinet Curator Jean-Baptiste Giard
Hadrien Rambach writes:

It is with immense sadness that I announce the death on 18 May 2018 of Jean-Baptiste Giard, former curator of the Paris coin cabinet, author of many books and articles among which two volumes of the museum's catalogue of Roman coins. His funerals will take place in Paris on 1 June 2018.

British Museum Exhibit Continues Throughout September
Regarding the British Museum exhibit highlighting six interesting lesser-known numismatic collections around the U.K., Henry Flynn adds:

The exhibition is on until the 30th September and is sponsored by Spink.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
READY REPLICAS AND MONEY MAGIC (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n18a26.html)

More on Chicago Coin Club Medals and Tokens
Addressing Dick Johnson, who reviewed his Medals and Tokens of the Chicago Coin Club book, author Bill Burd writes:

MEdals and Tokens of the Chicago Coin Club book cover Thanks for the review of my book in The E-Sylum last week. In addition to basing my book on my own collection, I read everything in the the Club archives. I also interviewed senior members of the Club and other collectors. I felt the book covered everything produced by the Club. So I was very surprised when I read your comment about having information on two items the Club produced that I did not list.

Then it struck me that you are probably referring to award medals that I touched upon in Appendix A. As I mention in the second paragraph of the Appendix - “it is not my intent to list all the award medals....”. I then go on to mention two medals produced by Medallic Art. Regardless of what you are referring to, I would appreciate you sharing any information you have on any medal produced for the Club.

With your information I will update the Club archives and inform the members.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
BOOK REVIEW: CHICAGO COIN CLUB MEDALS AND TOKENS (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a07.html)

1964 Coin World Guide to Coins
Chris Bower of Indianapolis, IN writes:

Coin World Guide to Coins book cover The article about the 1964 Morgan Dollar in the May 13th issue reminded me of a book I recently picked up at a local antique mall. The attached photo shows the cover. This book has a copyright date of 1964. I was a little excited to see the center image and see what they had to say. The surprising thing to me that despite the prominent "New Peace Dollar" on the cover it was never mentioned in the contents. I read the entire contents hoping to find what the news was. It was actually a neat little book that I believe was geared towards new collectors.

It left me wondering about the circumstances that caused them to feature it on the cover and then never address it again. I know that there were rumors about 1964 Peace Dollars existing and that PCGS has offered a reward for submitting one.

Interesting bit of numismatic ephemera - thanks! Covers are advertisements, especially for magazines sold from a rack. Maybe it's a "bait and switch" tactic or just a newsworthy item at the time that the publisher thought would help sell the publication. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
VIDEO: 1964 MORGAN DOLLAR AD (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n19a21.html)

On the British Lusitania Medal

British Copy of Goetz Lusitania Medal obverse British Copy of Goetz Lusitania Medal reverse

Paul Bosco writes:

It is true the medal is quite common. The English copies, 150,000 of them, are struck in iron. Originals were cast, in iron and bronze. There are two varieties, one reading "5 MAY" and a second with "MAY" corrected to the German "MAI". The box is much scarcer than the medal but not at all scarce. An example with the box still nice and the leaflet enclosed? Scarce, not rare. I believe there are variant leaflets, for different charities.

There is also an American copy, in a glossy grey leaden material. It is 5-10 times scarcer than the British copy. It was issued in a printed envelope, which is not so often present.

Interesting background. Popular medal for an unfortunate event. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: MAY 20, 2018 : British Copy of Goetz Lusitania Medal (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a24.html)

Cricket Coin Toss Question
Regarding the Cricket coin toss discussed last week, Pabitra Saha writes:

What happens when the match is on a neutral territory?

Kavan Ratnatunga writes:

Good Question, particularly for International Tournaments. When a match is played in a neutral territory like when games were not possible in Pakistan there is still a host. Not sure why in a few game series they don't alternate after the first match to average out any ground bias.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MAY 20, 2018 : Cricket Coin Toss In Jeopardy (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a14.html)

World Coin Games

Last week Gary Beals introduced his idea for World Coin Games. I forwarded the article to a number of people in organizations running events for young collectors, with good reception. -Editor

Gary Beals writes:

I have done the first session at a school with real, live kids and it went very well. My program is to create a desire to collect coins from just regular kids the age we were when we got started -- high school basically. The hobby needs new kids -- and who knows, they may bring Dad or Mom into the hobby -- I did in the 1960s!

I am happy to forward material to interested people and see what they can share.

World Coin Games
World Coin Games in action

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
INTRODUCING: WORLD COIN GAMES (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a27.html)

How to Improve and Strengthen the ANA

In this Coin Update article, Dave Bowers offers additional thoughts on encouraging new collectors of all ages. -Editor

Those in numismatics who emphasize the art, history, and romance of numismatics will stay for a long period of time, even lifetimes. These elements are essential.

Specialization is the key to longevity. If you look at the officers and contributors of articles to Early American Coppers, Colonial Coin Collectors Club, Liberty Seated Coin Club, Numismatic Bibliomania Society, Civil War Token Society, Token and Medal Society, John Reich Collectors Society, and other specialized groups you will see that most have been active for years!

One of the greatest potentials for ANA is people past the age of 65, especially those who are educated and have been successful in life.

To read the complete article, see:
Bowers on collecting: Changes for the American Numismatic Association (http://news.coinupdate.com/bowers-on-collecting-changes-for-the-american-numismatic-association/)

Making Amends for a Stolen Book
Dave Bowers writes:

On Friday I opened an envelope postmarked Dallas, TX. There was name and address of the sender. Inside was a handwritten letter from a lady who said that her husband was in the final days of his life and wanted to take care of something that had been bothering him for most of his life. Fifty years ago, she said, he stole a book from me. She enclosed a $20 bill from him to give to me.

Today at church I gave the $20 to our pastor, told her the story, and asked her to keep it on hand to give anonymously to some little kid for whom it would be a wondrous gift.

Great story. Not all naughty boys repent. -Editor

Checking In On Bernard von NotHaus

Not from a reader, but something interesting I stumbled across this week... So what has "Liberty Dollar" creator Bernard von NotHaus been up to lately? Check out his LinkedIn profile and web site. -Editor

From LinkedIn:

Bernard von NotHaus
Experience your inner spirituality with just one toke...

Experience

Cannabis Spiritual Center
Founder

Company Name Cannabis Spiritual Center
Dates Employed Apr 2017 – Present
Employment Duration 1 yr 2 mos
Location Malibu, CA

Liberty Dollar
Monetary Architect

Company Name Liberty Dollar
Dates Employed Oct 1998 – Present
Employment Duration 19 yrs 8 mos

From the web site:

Post a 100 Word comment about your cannabis spiritual experience on the Blog and we will send the One Toke to God book to you.

For more information, see:
Bernard von NotHaus (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-von-nothaus-09a9271/)
https://www.cannabisspiritualcenter.org/

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
LIBERTY DOLLAR CREATOR CONVICTED IN FEDERAL COURT (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n12a20.html)
LIBERTY DOLLAR CREATOR BERNARD VON NOTHAUS SENTENCED (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n50a16.html)
LIBERTY DOLLAR CREATOR VON NOTHAUS ISSUES "TRUMP DOLLARS" (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n48a33.html)
VON NOTHAUS TRUMP DOLLAR PRODUCTION SUSPENDED (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n14a20.html)

HLRC E-Sylum ad06 Buying

MORE ON SCHULMAN PERSONAL AND BUSINESS NAMES

Several readers wrote in with additional comments and observations on our discussion of the J. Schulman firm. Thanks! -Editor

Last week David Hill wrote:

Online resources refer to him as Jacob “Jacques” Schulman, and John Spring, in his 2009 book on ancient coin auction catalogs, calls the founder “the first Jacques Schulman.” In fact, according to Laurens, his name was simply Jacob. Jacques, Laurens’s father, came later.

John Lupia writes:

True, his name was Jacob (???? = Ya?aqov), but in Amsterdam personal names were typically translated into French. Hence, Jacob is Jacques. In the nineteenth century every numismatic publication and advertisement I have read about him and his business only refer to him as Jacques, never Jacob. I found his name as Jacob only in original birth records.

This reminds me of the confusion back in 2002 regarding the so-called James Ossuary purportedly discovered by Oded Golan, and the name James, where some called him Jacob. I published a lengthy list on original Synoptic-L (now defunct) giving dozens of equivalents in other languages so that researchers would not be confused or vexed when encountering the subject published in other languages.

Apologies to David Hill for not recalling his 2017 article and citing it. My online article on the Schulmans was actually written between 2011-2014, and only recently updated the week prior to its first appearance in The E-Sylum, based on my old unpublished notes. I will make additions based on David Hill's article when time allows crediting him for his fine work.

Martin Purdy writes:

While I can't add anything regarding the Schulmans, this question brings us close to the "translation of names" thread of a week or two back. My wife's father was Dutch, and was variously known as Jacobus, Jacques or Sjaak, depending on which way the wind was blowing. And when he got to New Zealand, "Jack" was much easier for everyone.

"Hans" complicates things - Hans Schulman may have been a different guy, but then Hans is often short for Johann/Johannes (John), which gets us back to Jack again. (Before anyone points it out, I know Jacobus/Jacques maps to James rather than John in English.) But I'll stop there and get myself a drink!

Paul Bosco writes:

The "Vincent" referred to would be Vincent Del Grosso, who worked for Hans in the 1970s, possibly earlier.

The imputation that there were two J. Schulman firms is misleading. In 1980 a 100th Anniversary auction was conducted. (I was the only American who crossed the ocean to attend. It was my first trip to Europe.) It is common for old numismatic firms to celebrate their antiquity. Henry Christensen Inc had a 150th Anniversary auction; the catalog intro did admit that they were ships' chandlers for much of that history. Spink date themselves to 1666, but I've never learned what they did before, say, 1885. Stack's, on the other hand, claim to go back to 1935, but I am confident they are older, probably going back to 1919 in coins and stamps, in New York City.

Thanks, everyone. -Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ON HANS SCHULMAN (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a13.html)

VOCABULARY TERM: LACQUER

Dick Johnson submitted this entry from his Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Terminology. Thanks. -Editor

Spraying medals with lacquer

Spraying medals with lacquer in a spray booth along with baking under heat lamps to dry the lacquer are last steps in manufacturing art medals.

Lacquer. A spirit varnish or shellac, clear or colored, which when applied to a medallic surface: (1) gives protection, (2) adds reflective or matte finish, (3) adds any metallic color, and (4) prevents tarnish. A thin application – even a few thousandths of an inch – forms a tough, durable, coating. Lacquer is fast drying and when thoroughly dried it is impervious to a wide range of environments and chemicals, making it ideal for the protection of medallic items or even a coin.

Two types exist: natural lacquer (Japanese, Chinese varnishes) made from tree sap diluted and colored with pigments; and synthetic or artificial lacquer which have a variety of chemical bases (most popular are pyroxylin, resins, ester gum, cellulose acetate); these lacquers dry rapidly forming a hard, durable surface. Two other types also exists: air dry force dry lacquer and baked acrilic. All are forms of ORGANIC COATING.

Art medal lacquering is required for protection of the surface. This is a function of the finishing department where it is performed with a spray gun in a spray booth (the booth prevents the spray mist from entering adjacent atmosphere). This is in contrast to the sculptural technique of surface metal protection of waxing, where a light coating of clear wax is applied to the surface. Artists creating art medals in their own studio can accomplish a lacquer coating with a spray can of lacquer where a spray gun, and spray booth, are not available.

What needs to be lacquered. Metal items that have been formed and finished need to be lacquered to preserve the finish or patina that had been applied to their surface. Copper and bronze objects are the greatest candidates for lacquering because their surface is so unstable (look how fast a red copper coin turns brown). Gold, at the opposite extreme, needs little lacquer at all because it is so inherently stable.

Bronze and silver art medals are lacquered for the reason to protect the surface that has been OXIDIZED and RELIEVED. The lacquer protects the color, the metal surface, and prevents undesirable TARNISH and TONING. Lacquering can also provide a GLOSS or SATIN FINISH.

How lacquer is applied. Formerly any item to be coated with lacquer was brushed on or dipped. Generally too much lacquer adheres to the object when either of these methods were used, thus the application by modern spray gun is far more desirable. A coating so thin it is imperceptible to the naked eye but thick enough for protection can be sprayed.

Even so, the amount of lacquer applied is a matter of personal taste, but too thick a coat becomes unsightly as it tends to build up in crevices and detail on numismatic items. A rule of thumb is thinner is better; two passes of the spray gun (one horizontal, one vertical) is sufficient.

Medallic items are laid out on wire racks large enough for a dozen or so medals to be placed. This is carried to a spray booth, laid flat inside on a turntable. After one pass of the spray gun is directed over the medals the turntable is rotated one-quarter turn. The second pass is made over the medals (this provides both vertical and horizontal spraying). A second wire rack is placed on top of the medals and with both hands holding the two racks tightly together, the operator brings these out of the spray booth, and flips them over (without, of course, spilling any of the medals).

Replaced in the spray booth, the top rack is removed and the second side is capable of being sprayed without humans ever having to touch the items. The wire rack containing the medals lacquered on both sides is then set aside to allow a thorough drying. To speed up the drying the tray of medals can be placed under heat lamps. Since this is usually a last step of production (unless the items must be suspended or fabricated in some other way), the wire rack is carried to the inspection table, after which the items are packaged.

Mechanical spray lacquering. Some medal makers have attempted to mechanize the step of lacquering since it is labor intensive. Equipment developed for the continuous flow spray processing of license plates has been adapted for medal production but this has not met with full success. The application of lacquer by a spray gun manned by a human operator is as much an artistic factor as the choice of patina color.

Lacquer as a coating. Once dried, lacquered objects become resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohol, and even heat up to 160° Centigrade (above this temperature, lacquer turns purple, then will strongly tarnish the item – FIREDAMAGED). Lacquered items are still protected with normal handling as the surface is impervious to perspiration and other contaminates found on the hands. Only when lacquered items are subjected to the strongest of solvents – as with benzene – will the lacquer be dissolved.

After medallic items have been lacquered they can be handled with human hands for all time, an important advantage of lacquering. The protected surface of art medals, for example, do not need to be embedded, encapusalted, housed in plastic, slabbed, or otherwise entombed. Lacquering provides this condition for touching and open display.

Lacquer as a reflective and coloring agent. Lacquer can change the reflectiveness or color of a finish, ranging from highly lustrous to a matte, from glossy to SATIN FINISH or less polished appearance. Pigments can be added to a clear lacquer to give a color tint to any item coated with that lacquer, as a GOLD TINT lacquer can be sprayed on any item.

To achieve a MATTE surface the medallic item can be heated slightly and sprayed with a light coat of lacquer. Since the previous step is a complete drying of the metal surface, this is done under heat lamps. Thus it is ideal to spray immediately after removing from under the heat lamps. A minimum number of passes with the spray gun is necessary.

For a more glossy, more reflective appearance the number of spray passes is increased, a thicker coating of lacquer is applied. This will give gloss to the surface, heated or room temperature, as the lacquer becomes more visible.

Also, by adding BRONZE POWDERS to lacquers a metallic finish can be applied. Despite the name, bronze powders can be added to lacquer to imitate any metallic color, as bronze powders can be made of any metal – even aluminum or brass – which, when sprayed on an item give it a gray or gold color.

Lacquer anomalies. Most problems with lacquer are derived from moisture. If moisture contaminates the lacquer and then sprayed on a medallic item, it may appear cloudy, called bloom in the art field. On the other hand if moisture is left on an object which is lacquered, a dark WATER STAIN will appear after about two year’s time.

Undesirable lacquering occurs when too much lacquer has been applied. It tends to pool, or build up in the crevices and at the edges where relief meets the field in both the device and lettering. This is not pleasing to the human eye.

Lacquer refurbishing. If any lacquered medal is dirty, dusty or has some grime, it may be cleaned with dilute soap solution, rinsed with lukewarm water and patted dry with a soft cloth. Dried adhesive and other surface contaminates may be removed from lacquered medals with toulene (which does not disturb the lacquer coating, as stronger solvents would do).

If the lacquer has worn spots, or if the item has a WATER STAIN, or if patina anomalies are present (as WIPE MARKS), or if the lacquer is cloudy, or it has been applied to thickly, to resolve any of these problems the lacquer may be removed – DELACQUERED – with a solvent as benzene. Then any patina work can be done; the object is completely dried (even baked to remove all unwanted moisture), then the object relacquered, sprayed with a new lacquer coating. This is done in most every case of REFINISHING.

Original lacquer. There is absolutely no way of knowing if an existing lacquer is original – the first lacquer applied by the item’s maker. There is no reason to retain any lacquer on a medallic item if it has any of the adverse conditions listed above. If a lacquer needs to be replaced, the item should be refinished. There is no special collector value to an original lacquer.
CLASS 09.1

Book lovers should be word lovers as well.

Looking for the meaning of a numismatic word, or the description of a term?  Try the Newman Numismatic Portal's Numismatic Dictionary at: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionary

Printed copies of the complete Encyclopedia are available. There are 1,854 terms, on 678 pages, in The Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology. Even running two a week would require more than 19 years to publish them all. Advance drafts are available for $50 postpaid with checks in U.S. funds only to Dick Johnson, 139 Thompson Drive, Torrington, CT 06790.

GEORGE LEWIS FANCHER (1852-1922)

John Lupia submitted the following information from the online draft of his book of numismatic biographies for this week's installment of his series. Thanks! As always, this is an excerpt with the full article and bibliography available online. This week's subject is coin dealer G. L. Fancher. -Editor

George Lewis Fancher (1852-1922), was born on October 8, 1852, in Camillus, Onondaga County, New York, son of Harry (1809-1896-), and Harriet Phillips Fancher (1812-1873), both native New Yorkers.

In 1870, he served a three year apprenticeship at a druggist on the corner of 8th Avenue and 43rd Street, New York City. The 1870 New York City Directory listed him as George S. Fancher working as a clerk in a drug store at 680 8th Avenue. He remained there until 1873.

In 1873 he moved to Plantsville, Connecticut, managing a drug store there for two years.

On December 3, 1874, he married his childhood sweetheart, Emma J. Fergus (1854-) of Camillus, New York.

In June 1881, Fancher was a correspondent of Ebenezer Locke Mason, Jr.

FANCHER, GL 1_19_1886 postal cover Fancher began advertising he is a dealer in Coins, Medals, Colonial, Continental and Confederate Money, Old Newspapers, Almanacs, Old and Rare Coins, &c., Bought, Sold and Exchanged.

On June 11-12, 1884, George Massamore, Sale 24, 1250 lots, sold part of the George L. Fancher collection together with A. M. Wortman, et alia.

Fancher was a coin dealer who published a Fixed Price List. He applied for ANA Membership in November 1903.

The 1920 U. S. Census lists him still living at 59 Meadow Street, Winchester, Litchfield County, Connecticut.

He died on November 15, 1922, at the family home at Camillus, New York.

To read the complete article, see:
FANCHER, GEORGE LEWIS (https://sites.google.com/a/numismaticmall.com/www/numismaticmall-com/fancher-george-l)

* * * * *

The entire inventory of the Lupia Numismatic Library is for sale. Individual items will be available before the remaining archives are broken up into parcels sold at philatelic auctions in the U. S. and Hong Kong. Check NumismaticMall.com frequently as dozens of new items with estimates will be posted daily until everything is sold.

All inquiries will be given prompt and courteous attention. Write to: john@numismaticmall.com .

GOLDSTEIN AND MCCARTHY ON THE CONTINENTAL DOLLAR

It took a while to get the permission to use the below photo, but here's an excerpt from the article on "The Myth of the Continental Dollar" by Erik Goldstein and David McCarthy in the January 2018 issue of The Numismatist, the official journal of the American Numismatic Association.

Thanks to Dr. Catherine Eagleton, Tom Hockenhull, Curator of Modern Money at the British Museum, Erik Goldstein, and Numismatist Editor Barbara Gregory for their assistance. -Editor

Continental Dollar sale leaflet

We all know that a frequently repeated theory tends to gain traction over time, often morphing into generally accepted fact. This seems to be the case with the Continental Dollar. But maybe it’s time for a fresh look at the plain facts, which is the intended goal of this article. Stripped bare, the truths behind the creation of these pieces are sure to raise some eyebrows.

Let’s start this exploration by leaving the stand­ard numismatic references on the shelf and heading right for the “primary sources.” These are the original words written, or not written, about the Continental Dollar during the time of its creation and initial availability, taken strictly from those familiar with the coins and the official entity that is supposed to have issued them. As such, these contemporaneous testimonies represent the most credible form of historical information on this subject.

The next several paragraphs describe the life of Pierre Eugene du Simitière, an early student and collector of American numismatics. -Editor

du Simitière died in October 1784 before he could complete his historiographical work. To settle his estate, his vast collection of coins, books and papers, as well as the contents of his private museum of natural history, were sold at auction in Philadelphia. Today, there are significant repositories of his papers at the Library Company of Philadelphia and the National Archives in Washington D.C.

Among the holdings of the latter are two texts of utmost importance to this subject. The first is du Simitière’s chronological list of the coins, medals and paper notes he acquired between August 1775 and December 1783, detailing 137 separate entries. Clearly a voracious and astute collector, du Simitière noted in his memorandum nine pieces of Massachusetts silver, seven Higley coppers and a Lion & Wolf medal, along with other material we’d all kill for.

Most important to our examination, no Continental Dollar was listed. Thus, du Simitière hadn’t acquired one by the end of 1783, more than seven years after their supposed date of striking. Curious, eh?

But wait, there’s more. Du Simitière also had a plan in the works to publish a history of the American colonial period and the Revolution entitled Common Place Book, 1775-1784, illustrated by “Medals, Seals, Coins, Devices, Statues, Monuments, Badges, &c…” Appearing at the end is a list of intended plates, including many familiar treasures like Comitia Americana medals and a Virginia “Happy While United” medal of 1780.

Entry No. 18, though, is of great interest to us:

A coin of the Size of a Crown, with devices and Mottos taken from the continental money, Struck’t in London on Type-Metal, and dated 1776.

Are we to believe that a historian and collector of du Simitière’s stature and awareness, with so many ties to the Continental Congress, was unable to collect an example of the pewter (that is, “Type-Metal”) money purportedly issued by that very governmental body? Could he have been so grossly mistaken about the piece’s true origin? How would you like to buy a bridge in Brooklyn?

Directing our attention across the ocean to London, we next delve into the ledgers left by Sarah Sophia Banks. Completed by 1815 and augmented until her death in 1818, these eight volumes detail the 9,000 numismatic items she collected, now fundamental cores of the collections at the British Museum and the Royal Mint Museum. First listed in Banks’ pre-1790 catalogue of acquisitions, the Continental Dollar in her collection was described as

Congress Dollar. 1776. never current, struck on speculation in Europe, for sale in America…

Toward the end of her life, Banks was tidying up the documentation of her legacy and had occasion to mention this enigmatic piece once again in a new ledger, this time adding further fuel to our collective fire. Added to her restatement of what she believed about these pieces, in her own hand, is a tipped-in flyer, measuring 61/8” x 43/8,” carrying these typeset words:

These American MEDALS at
Six-Pence Each

N.B. Representing the Paper Currency of a
Dollar, which goes for
Four Shillings and Six-pence in that Country.

E X P L A N A T I O N

The Thirteen Colonies united like a Chain, with
the Names of each on the Ringlets, the Words,
“AMERICAN CONGRESS” within, in the Cen-
ter, “WE ARE ONE” and with Rays of the Sun
shooting to each Ringlet, as a Glory.

The Reverse is the Sun going round its Orbit,
with a Motto “FUGIO” signifying, I fly:
under the Dial is “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.”
The Date, 1776, is the time they
declared Independency.

The Letters E.G, FECIT, its maker’s Name.

As was customary during the 18th century, certain medals—especially those with allegorical representations that might not have been easily understood on their own—were sold with descriptive flyers. Such was the case with a number of medals struck in Europe that commemorated the end of the Revolutionary War, and the Treaty of Paris. This ephemeral leaflet, carefully preserved by Banks, is perhaps the only surviving explanatory flyer that originally accompanied the sale of one of these “Congress Dollars.”

The full article runs seven pages, and I encourage anyone with an interest in the topic take a few minutes to read it. The authors summarize their conclusions and tease the follow-on article, which I understand is slated for the upcoming July 2018 issue of The Numismatist. -Editor

In light of the above evidence, can we accept these “Continental Dollars” as American-made Revolutionary coins of 1776? What if they are just cheap European commemoratives, privately produced as little more than “for sale” pieces of merchandise? In the near future, we plan to present a follow-up to this article, in which we will look at some of the questionable “facts” that have made it into print regarding this numismatic enigma.

To read earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NOTES ON THE ORIGINS OF THE CONTINENTAL DOLLAR (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n41a16.html)
ONGOING THOUGHTS ON THE CONTINENTAL DOLLAR (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n43a12.html)
CONTINENTAL DOLLARS REVISITED (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n14a13.html)

ALEXANDER HAMILTON'S REQUEST FOR COINS

A press release from Rago Auctions describes a 1793 letter from Alexander Hamilton to the Bank of the United States regarding copper for coinage. -Editor

Hamilton's request for coins

Seldom does one get to handle a piece of American history as important as a document written by one of our Founding Fathers. But to have both a document written by Alexander Hamilton requesting $10,000 for copper to be struck as the first coinage in the United States, as well as several of the coins minted under this request in the same auction series is simply serendipitous.

Both the letter and the coins will be offered for sale at Rago Auctions on June 9. The letter, penned and signed by Alexander Hamilton, reads as follows:

                                                                                   Treasury Department
                                                                                    December 18. 1793.

Gentlemen

For the purpose of obtaining a final settlement at the Treasury of the bills drawn on Amsterdam, I have this day issued a warrant on you in favor of the Treasurer of the United States for ten thousand dollars, being the amount of the bills furnished by you to the Director of the Mint. I have therefore to request that until an appropriation be made for the purpose (a circumstance which will shortly take place) you will be pleased to consider the said 10,000 dollars as an advance on account of the Mint. I have [illegible] a warrant to cover all your advances heretofore to that establishment [illegible] of two June for the purchase of copper which must also want an appropriation.

                                                                                    I have the honor to be,
                                                                                    With great respect, Gentlemen
                                                                                    Your Obed’ Servant.
                                                                                    Alex Hamilton

The President and Director
Of the Bank of the US.

The Bank of the United States was created to assume the Revolutionary War debts of several states; pay off the war debts accumulated through the Revolution by the United States Government; raise money to operate the new government; and create a common currency. This correspondence from Alexander Hamilton to the President of the Bank of the United States was an effort to fulfill the last of these aims, the creation of a common currency. The deposit requested in this letter was provided to the Treasury Department of the United States for the purchase of copper on behalf of the United States Mint. The mint struck the first official coinage in March 3, 1793.

Printed catalogues will be available for $20 each by calling 609.397.9374 or e-mailing a request to info@ragoarts.com.

What a great piece of numismatic ephemera! The sale includes some lower grade 1793 cents as well. -Editor

Bill Eckberg writes:

Actually, the coinage of Chain cents began in February, as the first were delivered on March 1, and they didn’t strike any coins at all on March 3, which was a Sunday.

Hamilton is a hot property these days, so it should bring a pretty penny. Most would think that Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, wouldn’t have to ask so formally for money from the Mint, but the Mint was under the State Department at that time.

View a complete online catalogue with color images at www.ragoarts.com and www.bidsquare.com, online on May 21.

E-Sylum Northeast ad01

THE 2018 KOREA SUMMIT CHALLENGE COINS

An E-Sylum reader sent me this story early in the week; it's been all over the news since then. -Editor

Trump-Kim challenge coin obverse Trump-Kim challenge coin

Weeks before President Trump and Kim Jong Un are scheduled to meet for a daylong summit, there is growing uncertainty over how the meeting will go — or whether it will even take place.

The administration is still moving forward with plans for the meeting, Trump says. And the White House Communications Agency has already ordered souvenir travel coins, like it does for many presidential trips.

The coins celebrate "peace talks" in 2018 — with no specific date.

Meanwhile, people on the Internet are amused — or in some cases, alarmed — by the coins the Trump administration has minted to commemorate the planned summit.

It's not unusual for the White House to mark a trip with a commemorative coin — known as a challenge coin and inspired by a military tradition.

But this coin is raising eyebrows.

Some people are just taking potshots — at Kim's double chin or the "romantic" pose.

Other critics say it was premature to mint a coin for a summit surrounded by so much uncertainty or are expressing concern that the coin paints Kim in too flattering a light for an autocrat.

The coin refers to Kim as "supreme leader." That is one of his titles in North Korea, but it's not one the U.S. typically acknowledges.

To read the complete article, see:
After Minting Coin For North Korea Summit, White House Accused Of Early Celebration (https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/05/22/613300929/after-minting-coin-for-north-korea-summit-white-house-accused-of-early-celebrati)

For a great summary of the media frenzy, see this CoinWeek article. -Editor

To read the complete article, see:
Media Makes Big Deal out of North Korea Summit Challenge Coin (https://coinweek.com/coins/medals-and-tokens/media-makes-big-deal-out-of-north-korea-summit-challenge-coin/)

Several readers including David Klinger forwarded this BBC News article. Thanks. -Editor

The Trump-Kim summit isn't happening - but has that only added to the allure of special coins made to commemorate the event?

Confusingly, there are in fact two commemorative coins doing the rounds.

The focus of most of the attention is the coin created by the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) - it hails the talks between Mr Trump and "Supreme Leader" Kim Jong-un.

Such coins are often presented to foreign guests and diplomats.

The other features silhouettes of Mr Trump, Mr Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in and is available from the White House Gift Shop website. Its popularity appears to be soaring, with demand crashing the site.

BBC North America Correspondent Anthony Zurcher says the WHCA coin could be the "1804 Dollar" of numismatics - referring to a series of coins created for diplomatic gifts in the 1800s that now command ultra-high prices.

To read the complete article, see:
Rush to buy Trump-Kim coin after summit cancellation (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44247174)

Dick Hanscom forwarded this follow-up article from the Daily Mail. -Editor

WHite House gift shop web page image

A commemorative coin featuring the faces of Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un has gone on sale at the White House gift shop for a discount after the US canceled its planned summit with North Korea.

The coins were listed on the gift shop's website for $19.95 as the 'Deal of the Day' on Thursday, down from its usual price of $24.95.

Peaked interest in the commemorative coins ended up crashing the gift shop's website in the hours after President Trump announced he had canceled his planned meeting with the North Korean leader.

The gift shop noted on the sale page that the coins would be made 'whether or not the summit occurs as scheduled' and also said that customers could get a refund due to the cancellation.

A separate coin which was released by the White House Communications Agency, shows Trump and Kim, described as North Korea's 'Supreme Leader,' in profile facing each other in front of a background of US and North Korean flags.

At the top of the front, the words 'Peace Talks' are emblazoned, with the date '2018' beneath.

The back of the coin features a picture of the White House, Air Force One and the presidential seal.

Trump blamed 'tremendous anger' and 'hostility' from the North Korean regime in calling off the June summit on Thursday.

Dick adds:

Not much of a discount for non-event...

To read the complete article, see:
Commemorative Trump-Kim summit coins go on sale for a discount as 'deal of the day' in White House gift shop after the US canceled its planned summit with North Korea (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5768735/Commemorative-Trump-Kim-summit-coins-sale-discount.html)

Arthur Shippee forwarded this bit of coin humor from The New Yorker. Thanks. -Editor

Rocket Man coin cartoon

Ultramodern numismatist Pabitra Saha forwarded this 2018 North Korea 5 Won "Destroy the United States, The Only Answer" coin. Thanks. -Editor

2018 North Korea 5 Won destroy the US reverse 2018 North Korea 5 Won destroy the US obverse

It's a proof aluminum coin and available on eBay. There is also a brass version. -Editor

To read the complete eBay lot descriptions, see:
L3268, Korea "Destroy the United Stated" Large Proof Coin, 2018 Alu, Rare (https://www.ebay.com/itm/L3268-Korea-Destroy-the-United-Stated-Large-Proof-Coin-2018-Alu-Rare/352360264328)
L3270, Korea "Destroy the United Stated" Large Proof Coin, 2018 Brass, Rare! (https://www.ebay.com/itm/L3270-Korea-Destroy-the-United-Stated-Large-Proof-Coin-2018-Brass-Rare/273158292869)

ANCIENT COINS IN ROBINSON AUCTION

Frank Robinson submitted this announcement of his upcoming sale of ancients. -Editor

Dealer Frank S. Robinson will conduct his 105th mail and internet auction of Ancient and Early Coins with a closing date of July 10. The sale will include 533 lots, with minimum bids set extremely low, and with bids to be reduced as competition permits. Robinson notes that reductions have averaged 15-25% in his recent sales.

Noteworthy among Greek coins in the sale are a classic Athenian Owl Tetradrachm in EF; An EF Bactrian Tetradrachm of Eukratides; an Elymais Tetradrachm of Kamnaskires III and Queen Anzaze; a rare 6th Century BC Lesbos Stater; an AEF Persis Tetradrachm of Autophradates I; a choice Stater of Kelenderis; and good run of Parthian coins.

Roman highlights include a VF Aes Grave Sextans; a Denarius of Mark Antony and Octavian graded EF; an EF Sestertius of Agrippina Senior; an Otho Denarius in VF; an EF Paulina Denarius; and a VF Eugenius Siliqua. The auction also includes Byzantine and other early coinages, group lots, literature, and a section of items offered at fixed prices

Robinson holds about three such sales annually, and tries to offer a broad range of material for advanced collectors as well as bargain hunters. Catalogs are free; contact Robinson at Box 8600A, Albany, NY 12208; phone/fax 518-482-2639; e-mail frank@fsrcoin.com. The full catalog, including enlarged color photos, will be found at http://emax.bid/en/auction228 .

Note that the auction is not yet online, so the link doesn't work quite yet. -Editor

NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS JUNE 2018 SALE ANNOUNCED

Steve Davis of Numismatic Auctions submitted this announcement of his latest sale. Thanks. -Editor

NA Sale 62 front cover Among the many highlights in the 120 page, 2500 lot Numismatic Auctions LLC Sale #62 auction catalog are a terrific run of US Coins, type and series coins, partial sets and more from Half Cents to Dollars including countless early Gen 1 PCGS rattler and NGC thick tombstone holder examples with conservative grades. The group contains a number of neat collector minor coins throughout - a total of over 500 unattributed Large Cents, an old time collection of Indian and Lincoln Cents, Buffalo Nickels & beyond. Complementing the minors are many Flowing Hair to Capped Bust and Seated coins, headlined by such rarities as a 1795 Half Dime in NGC MS65 and an 1815/2 Half Dollar in NGC AU55 as well as a terrific array of Seated Dimes to Dollars from a host of mints.

The US Coin listing is finalized by a strong mix of high grade raw, GSA Carson City and Gen 1 certified Silver Dollars; raw and slabbed Gold including a Mint State High Relief Flat Rim Saint Gaudens Double Eagle example plus Modern Gold & Silver Commemorative Coinage, Patterns & Paper. The Exonumia offering flaunts a few Key So-Called Dollar Rarities from the Don Ensley Collection and an amazing run of Abraham Lincoln related tokens, medals, bronzes and sculpture. The Canadian segment provides an outstanding grouping of rare early George VI Specimen and Prooflike Silver Dollars by date including the Rare 1945 and 1948 issues, Gold plus certified and raw collector grade minors, tokens and more.

The intriguing and historic Ancient ensemble encompasses an old collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine coinage with a 12 Caesars Set in Silver, a Greek Silver Type Set, single and multi-coin collector lots and more. Among the World Gold presentation is a highly diverse group of coins from 12 Ounces in size down to tiny India Fannams. Closing the circle of World Crowns and Minors is an impressive enumeration of British, British Commonwealth, Chinese & German; a huge group of Hundreds of Mexican and Latin American Silver 8 Reales and Minors, Russian Roubles & fractional Silver, Scandinavian and European material along with other World coinage in singles, sets, date/type runs and small group lots.

The catalog contains page after page, in our largest lot offering to date, detailing a vast plethora of international coinage along with intriguing study lots. In the midst of this amazing legion of coins are such jewels as a handsome 1486 Taler in VF, a Choice Mint State Birds Over Junk Chinese Dollar, a Choice Proof Waitangi Crown from New Zealand, a Rare Inverted Final Date Digit Variety 1705 Russian Rouble, Baptismal and Multiple Talers, Medieval & Hammered Coinage and much, much more.

As usual we bring a smattering of miscellaneous lots under the auction gavel to round out the sale alongside tokens, medals & paper money. Stay tuned for our next auction, Sale 63 which will have multitudes of large and miscellaneous lots!

To read the online catalog, see:
http://numismaticauctionsllc.com/uploads/Sale_62_Web_Sessions_1__2_and_3.pdf

To visit the Numismatic Auctions web site, see:
http://www.numismaticauctionsllc.com/

NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS JUNE 2018 SALE SELECTIONS

Here are some lots that caught my eye in Steve Davis' 62nd Numismatic Auctions sale. Steve kindly forwarded the photos for publication here. Thanks. -Editor

Lot 298: 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar

Lot 298 - 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar

1795 Flowing Hair. O-105, Rarity-4. Pleasing Fine and nice example of this scarce variety and the type in general.

I agree - this looks like a nice pleasing example of a great type coin. -Editor

Lot 483: Chopmarked Trade Dollar

Lot 483 - Chopmarked Trade Dollar

1876-S. EF-AU, Chinese merchant chop marks obv/rev, faint hairlines under pleasing toning

Chopmarked Trade Dollars aren't rare, but they're all different, like snowflakes. This is a pleasant-looking one with a nice group of readable chops. -Editor

Lot 860: Off-Center Steel Cent

Lot 860 - Off-Center Steel Cent

Lincoln Steel Cent, 1943. Struck 10% off-center. NGC Unc details improperly cleaned, cpl small spots still very attractive and lustrous.

Error coins are fascinating to collect, and one can learn a lot about the minting process from them. Steel cents aren't rare, but off-center ones are. Nice. -Editor

Lot 937: Boggs Unfinished Masterpieces Souvenir Card

Lot 937 - Boggs Unfinished Masterpieces Souvenir Card

BOGGS, James Stephen George (American Artist, 1955-2017). Unfinished Masterpieces – It’s not about money, 1996. Color print of Bureau of Engraving & Printing Souvenir Card for 1994 Intl. Paper Money Show, Memphis, TN artistically embellished with his drawing of a $20 Legal Tender Banknote with Serial Nos. 06221996/06229613 in green, Boggs thumbprint in bright orange and then signed in full and autograph formats as well as dated “6-22-96” & “13” all in ink. The back is blank. 10 x 7 7/8” on currency-like paper with red and blue fibers throughout.

Virtually as issued with a couple of very light diagonal bends at right. An excellent opportunity for the currency collector to own an entry-level Boggs creation. ($300-400)

I have many Boggs items in my collection, but not this one. I was at the Memphis show with him. He couldn't resist the thought of taking one of the BEP's "Unfinished Masterpieces" and finishing it off himself. -Editor

Lot 977: Emancipation Proclamation Medal

Lot 977 - Emancipation Proclamation Medal

Emancipation Proclamation, 1871. AR, 34.7g, 45mm, by William Barber, U.S. Mint. Julian CM-16b. Bust right/9-line inscription. NGC MS63, deep golden-brown with areas of blue-green iridescent toning obverse; silver-gray with traces of iridescent blue toning reverse. Rarely offered. ($2500-3000)

A classic U.S. Mint medal. -Editor

Lot 1003: Perseverando Dollar

Lot 1003 - Perseverando Dollar

Perseverando Dollar, 1775 (c. 1860-1876). HK-863. Tin, Rarity-7. MMNS as AU58 PL, some typical lt contact. Popular and infrequently available. From the Don Ensley Collection. ($200- 300)

Can anyone tell us the story behind these? -Editor

Lot 1007: Thomas Elder World War I Medal

Lot 1007 - Thomas Elder World War I Medal

Thomas Elder World War I Issues, 1917. HK-879. AL, Rarity-7. MMNS as AU50 PL, trace oxidation in stars and small area at center, otherwise reflective AU-Unc and presents well. From the Don Ensley Collection. ($200+)

Elder medals are a great and challenging series to collect. -Editor

Lot 1017: James Earle Fraser’s Oak Tree Cent Model

Lot 1017 - James Earle Fraser’s Oak Tree Cent Model

Commemorative One Cent Incuse Reverse Model, (1951). White alabaster plaster with bronze powder coating, 10.5 inches, unsigned but design executed by James Earle Fraser. Oak tree dividing legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; below ONE CENT/E PLURIBUS UNUM. Embedded notes on back “July-27- 1951/from July-23-1951 CAST/FINAL.” Penciled note “Circle enlarged for top of tree.” Virtually as made with original yellow dot sticker with “489” on back and additional label “Leidman/2300” on back. There is also a small area of staining on the back only.

From a letter by U.S. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross noted “The Oak tree as a symbol because Lincoln was a woodsman…It stands too for strength, ever renewing growth, and unity. Like a nation, it has roots, a trunk, branches, flowers and finally fruit.”

Originally sold in Joseph L. Lepczyk’s Sale No. 36, October 23-24, 1980, Lot 489. A unique opportunity for the collector. ($1000-2000)

Amazing item. -Editor

Lot 1018: Laura Gardin Fraser’s Plasters for 1947 Philippines Peso

Lot 1018 - Laura Gardin Fraser’s Plasters for 1947 Philippines Peso

[Philippines] General Douglas MacArthur Peso Obverse Positive & Negative Plaster Pair, 1947. White alabaster plaster, 14” & 15” respectively. Designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, signed. Design features ¾ facing bust of MacArthur, as a Five Star General, facing right with inscription DEFENDER AND LIBERATOR above; OF THE PHILIPPINES below; bust divides the inscription GEN DOUGLAS MACARTHUR; below the bust are Fraser’s initials “L.G.F.” and “OCT 20 1944”.

Both plasters accompanied by the 50 Centavo and Peso, 1947-S in lustrous Unc. The negative plaster grades EF with fine cracks noted around the circumference and into the raised edge with a couple of edge repairs; “L.G.F. FINAL MOLD” is penciled into the top edge. Nicely framed in matte black with black background, 21 x 21 x3 inches. The positive plaster grades EF with slight discoloration at cheek and ear and is framed in decorative brown wood with black background, 19.5 x 19.5 x 3 inches. Both ready for wall display.

Another unique opportunity. 2 plasters + 2 coins. ($1000-2000)

Indeed - a great opportunity! Unique items with a direct connection to one of America's greatest sculptors. -Editor

To visit the Numismatic Auctions web site, see:
http://www.numismaticauctionsllc.com/

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NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: MAY 27, 2018

Here's a selection of other interesting or unusual items I came across in the marketplace this week. Tell us what you think of some of these. -Editor

1641 Aire Siege Klippe

1641 Aire Siege Klippe

Lot number 792
Aire. Siege 1641.
Uniface klippe worth 2 livres 1641.
Very rare. Very fine.

A great siege coin - emergency money made from silver plate to pay troops. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
City. One-sided cliff to 1 Livre 1641, Brause-Mansfeld -; Vanhoudt 68 (https://www.kuenker.de/en/auktionen/stueck/193374)

1848 Lewis Cass Campaign Token

1848 Lewis Cass Campaign Token obverse 1848 Lewis Cass Campaign Token reverse

Lewis Cass: Key 1848 Campaign Token. Few items of any type are to be found for Zachary Taylor's 1848 opponent. Listed by Dewitt/ Sullivan as LC-1848-5, this 29 mm brass token is a collector favorite, in part because a Taylor mate was also issued. A clean, pleasing VF example.

I came across this obscure item on the Heritage web site. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Lewis Cass: Key 1848 Campaign Token.... (https://historical.ha.com/itm/political/tokens-and-medals/lewis-cass-key-1848-campaign-token/a/6189-43151.s)

Harpist Medal

HArp medal by Adolphe Rivet obverse HArp medal by Adolphe Rivet reverse

Harp music LA MUSIQUE By Adolphe Rivet silvered-bronze 57mm

I came across this one in the eBay stock of E-Sylum supporter Hedley Betts. I've seen plenty of coins with harps, but no one was playing them - with or without all their clothing. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Harp music LA MUSIQUE By Adolphe Rivet silvered-bronze 57mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/153031301131)

Pierre Jean Beranger Medal

Pierre Jean Beranger Medal obverse Pierre Jean Beranger Medal reverse

France-Literature-lyre-PIERRE-JEAN-BERANGER-Poet-By-Magniadas-bronzed-lead-58mm

Here's another Hedley Betts offering, also with a musical theme. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
France-Literature-lyre-PIERRE-JEAN-BERANGER-Poet-By-Magniadas-bronzed-lead-58mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/163058406675)

Recovery Token

Recovery token obverse Recovery token reverse

I've never seen of heard of these tokens before. Would anyone know where and when they were made, and for what purpose? A second lot has a number of assorted recovery token designs. -Editor

Recovery tokens

To read the complete lot descriptions, see:
Lot 52: Recovery Token Coin (https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/-1-c-2604D1D8A9)
Lot 53: 12x Various Recovery Token Coins (https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/-1-c-A30489A9F2)

KING PTOLEMY III GOLD COIN FOUND IN EGYPT

A gold coin of King Ptolemy III has been found at an archeological dig in Egypt. -Editor

Egypt gold coin of King Ptolemy III Egyptian archeologists say they have discovered parts of a huge red brick building dating back to the Greco-Roman period north of Cairo.

It says archeologists found a gold coin depicting King Ptolemy III, who ruled Egypt in the 3rd century B.C. and was an ancestor of the famed Cleopatra. It says the coin was made during the reign of King Ptolemy IV in memory of his father.

The ministry says archeologists have unearthed other artifacts in the area, including pottery vessels, terracotta statues, bronze tools and a small statue of a ram.

To read the complete article, see:
Archeologists discover Greco-Roman era building in Egypt (https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/archeologists-discover-greco-roman-era-building-in-egypt-1.3941375)

2018 SYMPOSIUM IN EARLY MEDIEVAL COINAGE

The Seventh International Symposium in Early Medieval Coinage is scheduled for the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge on Saturday, 13th October 2018. Contact organizer Tony Abramson at t.abramson@ntlworld.com . for more information or to register. The only charge is £10 payable in cash on entry towards the cost of morning and afternoon refreshments. -Editor

Fitzwilliam Medieval Coinage Symposium 2018

The Theme & Programme
The overall theme is England and the Wider World. The provisional programme includes:

Chris Scull & Andy Woods: Current work on the Rendlesham Hoard,

Stewart Lyon & Hugh Pagan: Some issues in Northumbrian chronology,

Kelly Marie Clarke & Katie Howarth: ‘Pierced, looped and framed: the (re)use of coins in jewellery in seventh-century Anglo-Saxon England’,

Adrian Marsden & Arent Pol: the Norfolk hoard of Merovingian tremisses,

Rory Naismith: 'A Mantle of Silver: England and Western Europe c. 900-1100'.

For more information, see:
http://www.anglo-saxon-coinage.co.uk/symposia/

2018 NETHERLANDS GOLD DUCAT

A World Mint News article by Michael Alexander describes the new redesigned 2018 Netherlands gold trade ducat coin, nicely illustrated with an image of the original coin the design is modelled after. See the complete article online for more information. -Editor

netherlands-2018-ducat obverse netherlands-2018-ducat reverse

The Royal Dutch Mint has today launched new gold trade ducats, which, for the first time in 32 years, will include a re-designed obverse depicting the historic knight which has been a featured motif and unique identity of these gold trade coins since they were first minted in 1586.

1724 gold ducat

The coin, which had its origins in Hungary, was produced in 1583. Although only a few pieces were minted at the mint in Dordrecht, this would be the start of a standardisation of a coin which has carried on for more than four centuries. The 1583-dated Hungarian ducats, as they were referred to, depicted a standing figure on the obverse with a crown and battle axe, and included a legend around the design which read: VIGILATE DEO CONFIDENTES (God vigilantly watches over). The reverse depicted a shield, which included the coat of arms of the issuing province, along with the legend: MO NO AVR COMIT HOLl ZEEL or, MOneta NOva AVRea COMITate HOLlandiæ and ZEELandiæ (New Gold Coin of the County of Holland and Zeeland).

To read the complete article, see:
Netherlands: 2018 gold ducats introduce new knight’s design on obverse (http://world.mintnewsblog.com/2018/05/netherlands-2018-gold-ducats-introduce-new-knights-design-on-obverse/)

AUSTRALIA'S RASCALS & RATBAGS COUNTERSTAMP

The Australian Coin Collecting Blog notes that the Royal Australian Mint has added an interesting twist to its roadshow for their new Australia's Convict Era 1788-1868 dollar coin - a counterstamp. This would be something for the U.S. Mint to try - it would be a nice collectible and extra incentive to attend product launch events. -Editor

2018-ratbags-rascals-australia-counterstamp-dollar The Royal Australian Mint are on the road again with a travelling roadshow. Visiting Melbourne and sites in Tasmania in May the roadshow will then continue through New South Wales in June. The first leg of the journey visits Melbourne CBD, the Port Arthur historical site, Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. The second leg visits Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Parramatta, Sydney CBD and Wollongong.

Visitors to these locations will have the opportunity to strike the “Australia” counterstamp onto the 2018 Ratbags and Rascals dollar coin -the coin that acknowledges the contributions of convicts to Australia’s history, heritage and folklore. The Mint will be setting up pop-up shops in each location with the mobile coin press especially for striking the counterstamp onto this coin design by Tony Dean. The theme of ratbags and rascals tells special stories of Australia’s convicts, some that were rascals and some that were ratbags but each contributing to our history. This roadshow is the only way to obtain the commemorative coin with this “Australia” counterstamp.

To read the complete article, see:
Rascals & Ratbags Roadshow -The Mint Tours the Country (https://www.australian-coins.com/coin-news/rascals-ratbags-roadshow-mint-tours-country/)

AMSA EXHIBIT: TEXTURE • TEMPERATURE • WEIGHT

Last week we discussed a new exhibit by members of the American Medallic Sculpture Association (AMSA) at Medialia Gallery in New York. Here are images of some of the new medals on display. Thanks to Tara Donahue and Mashiko for passing these along for publication here. -Editor

Daub_ComedyTragedy_obv Daub_ComedyTragedy_rev

Eugene Daub
COMEDY AND TRAGEDY (2017-second edition)

open edition
cast white bronze
54 x 56 x10 mm

Stevens-Sollman_amelia ob rev

Jeanne Stevens-Sollman
AMELIA EARHART (2017)
edition 4/8
cast bronze
100 x 120 x 12 mm

Mashiko_Ogino Mashiko_Ogino_closed_rev

Mashiko_Ogino inside ball in copy

Mashiko
DR. GINKO OGINO (2017)

edition 4/10
3 parts medal
cast bronze, wood with urushi
ø80 x 45 mm/closed

For more information on Medialia Gallery, see:
http://www.medialiagallery.com/

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
AMERICAN MEDALLIC SCULPTURE ASSOCIATION EXHIBIT (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a17.html)

Garrett Mid-American E-Sylum ad02

ORDERS AND MEDALS OF 2ND DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE

This summer Sotheby’s and Morton & Eden will offer Royal Orders and Medals from the collection of George, Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904), King George III’s Grandson. -Editor

2nd Duke of Cambridge medals

This July, Sotheby’s will offer at auction Royal Orders and medals from the collection of George, Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904), King George III’s grandson. This exceptional group of objects has been passed down by direct descent, and their appearance on the market represents a unique opportunity to acquire treasures which until now have been held privately.

The Orders and medals are primarily from the 2nd Duke’s collection, spanning the 19th century and the opening years of the 20th century, complemented by several pieces which were originally owned by the 1st Duke of Cambridge, the 2nd Duke’s father. Comprising approximately 80 lots with a combined pre-sale estimate in the region of £800,000, the auction will take place on 3 July 2018 at Sotheby’s London, in association with Morton & Eden, specialist auctioneers of war medals, Orders and decorations.

James Morton, Morton & Eden commented: “Sotheby’s and Morton & Eden are delighted to be combining our resources and expertise to present this outstanding Royal Collection for sale. It has remained in the hands of the Duke of Cambridge’s family since his death in 1904 and has for many years been displayed publicly at the Guards Museum, Birdcage Walk.

Throughout his long life, which spanned that of his cousin and close confidante Queen Victoria, George Duke of Cambridge played significant, active roles in the military, diplomatic and social evolution of the Nation. The Orders and medals offered in this auction present a unique record of service and honour, ranging from an exquisite Garter badge given personally to a young Prince in 1835 by his uncle, William IV, to the parure of insignia of the Royal House of Chakri bestowed upon the Duke by the King of Siam in 1897. The collection is further enhanced by the inclusion of a number of magnificent favourite pieces which originally belonged to the Duke’s father Adolphus, the youngest son of George III.”

To read the complete press release, see:
Sotheby’s and Morton & Eden to Offer Royal Orders and Medals from the Collection of George, Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904) King George III’s Grandson (http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/BID/6284034340x0x979524/FC35969B-432F-4F16-A226-61C62674075A/Royal_Orders_Medals_Press_Release.pdf)

AUSTRALIAN BANKNOTE PRINTERS STRIKE

In the so-why-don't-they-just-print-a-little-extra department is this item from The Sydney Morning Herald about sriking banknote printers. -Editor

Australia new $10 banknote Australia has stopped printing bank notes for the first time in a century after workers employed by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) took a lead from the bank's governor and went on strike for a bigger wage rise.

With wage growth in Australia crawling around the slowest pace on record, RBA governor Philip Lowe recently called on workers to demand fatter pay hikes.

Workers at Note Printing Australia (NPA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the RBA, stopped work on Friday, demanding a 3.5 per cent pay rise, rather than the industry average rate of 2 per cent the central bank is offering.

"If it is so important to lift wages across the economy then here is a rolled-gold opportunity for the Reserve Bank to show some leadership," said Tony Piccolo, regional secretary of print division at the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union. "Governor Lowe needs to practice what he preaches."

NPA has its only printing facility in Melbourne. Apart from Australian bank notes, it also prints currencies for other central banks using its polymer substrate technology, according to its website.

Customers include the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Bank of Thailand, Bank Indonesia and Central Bank of Kuwait.

To read the complete article, see:
Strike interrupts bank note printing for first time in a century (https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/strike-interrupts-bank-note-printing-for-first-time-in-a-century-20180525-p4zhhk.html)

ULSTER BANK ANNOUNCES VERTICAL BANKNOTE DESIGNS

A vertical orientation is a real attention-getter for banknotes, and upcoming issues from Ulster Bank use that format. -Editor

Ulster bank vertical banknote specimens

The unusual £5 and £10 notes designed by Ulster Bank can be spent across the UK and will also contain new security features.

New £5 and £10 banknotes with a “vertical” design have been shown off, in a first for a UK bank.

Ulster Bank said the more durable polymer notes, due to replace existing paper notes issued in Northern Ireland, were the result of a consultation with experts and members of the public.

While only the Bank of England can issue new cash in England and Wales, seven banks can do so across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Each note will have security features to prevent fraud but separate designs under the theme Living in Nature.

The bank said the £5 note highlights “the importance of the sea and migration” in Northern Ireland and features Strangford lough and Brent Geese.

The £10 version focuses on agriculture and heritage. It contains images of Lough Erne, the Irish hare, Guelder-rose shrubs and an Ulster Glade potato.

To read the complete article, see:
First for UK as ‘vertical’ banknotes shown off ahead of 2019 release (http://en.brinkwire.com/352633/first-for-uk-as-vertical-banknotes-shown-off-ahead-of-2019-release/)

BURIED CHILD'S MUMMIFIED HAND CLUTCHES COIN

Dick Hanscom of Alaska forwarded this Daily Mail article about a body found buried clutching a copper coin. Thanks. -Editor

The unusual remains of a baby buried 150 years ago have shed new light on the bizarre effects of copper on a decomposing body.

While the remains were almost entirely skeletonized, the body contained a single mummified hand.

Further analysis revealed the child was buried clutching a copper coin, which protected some body parts from decay. Flesh and discoloration could be seen in the areas closest to the copper; the dried up, flesh-covered forearm was stained green down to the bone, as were some of the vertebrae, a hip bone, and the leg bones.

The copper levels seen in the remains were several hundred times higher than average, according to the researchers.

‘While copper is essential for the functioning of some human enzymes, it is also known to have antimicrobial character and its compounds have been used as fungicides and bactericides for many years,’ the researchers explain.

Still, the process of ‘copper-driven quasi-natural mummification’ has not been documented, and this may be the first reported case.

With no coin present, though, the strange mummification remained a mystery for roughly a decade – until one day, the researcher discovered more storage boxes from the site, contained at a nearby museum, according to NY Times.

Coins buried with mummified child

Inside these boxes, Dr. Balázs found a corroded copper coin and a small ceramic pot, in which the tiny body was likely buried.

The analysis suggests the body was ‘surrounded by a moist microenvironment in the pot,’ the authors write, ‘where gradual diffusion of soluble copper originating from the coin was facilitated for a longer period of time, and this relatively isolated setting did not allow complete decay of the little dead body.’

The coin dates back to a period from 1858 to 1862, indicating that the child was buried long after the Medieval remains found at the same site.

While it wasn’t customary for Christians of that era to bury the dead with coins, the child likely died before baptism, according to NY Times, and was given the token to assist the journey to the afterlife.

To read the complete article, see:
(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5759063/Archaeologists-solve-mystery-150-year-old-remains-baby-one-mummified-hand.html)

E-Sylum ANA ad 2017-06-18

IN OTHER NEWS: MAY 27, 2018

Here are some additional items I came across in the media this week that may be of interest. -Editor

Back Up Your Life

While not numismatic, this article from MIT Technology Review tackles a topic that collectors and researchers need to consider: what happens to your digital life when you're gone? -Editor

The experience led Adamska to turn a background as a professional organizer into Back Up Your Life, a company focused on preparing people, particularly in their digital lives, for the day they can no longer speak for themselves.

Her services include conversations designed to identify everything that someone wants documented, stored, and shared. “If they are a writer, where do they store their writing? What if you have subscriptions or automatic withdrawals?” Adamska told MIT Technology Review. “If you get groceries delivered through Blue Apron, you could still keep getting an automatic delivery of groceries every week even after you pass.”

She creates plans for dealing with social-media accounts, online memberships, password storage, recurring financial payments, creative work, and more. And, just as important, she ensures that other people in your life know how to access them and how you want them to be handled.

To read the complete article, see:
Job of the future: Embalming your online persona (https://www.technologyreview.com/s/611162/job-of-the-future-embalming-your-online-persona/)

The Inverted Jenny

This is also non-numismatic, but it concerns another epic collectible item and the epic coin collector Col. E.H.R. Green. Thanks to Leon Saryan for passing along this Smithsonian Magazine article. -Editor

inverted_jenny stamp During his lunch break on May 14, 1918, William T. Robey, a bank teller at Hibbs and Company in Washington D.C., traveled, as he often did, to the post office on New York Avenue. There, he hoped to purchase a new stamp celebrating the launch of the U.S. airmail service, set to make its first official flight the following day.

The stamp was an impressive sight. It featured a Curtiss JN-4 or “Jenny”, the same plane set to deliver the mail the following day, and was printed in carmine rose and deep blue. The striking color scheme no doubt wooed buyers, but like many of the avid collectors who gathered at post offices in Philadelphia, New York and the nation’s capital, Robey also knew that it enabled an even more spectacular possibility—a printing error. It was just the second time the Postal Service had attempted a two-color stamp and with the fervor of World War I, sloppy mistakes were a more likely occurrence.

Among the many philatelists, Robey was the lucky one. Instead of flying high through the skies, the Jenny on his stamp appeared upside down, as if it were doing an elaborate aerial flip for some grand barnstorming performance. Even luckier for Robey, the person selling him the stamps on that fateful day had never seen an airplane and couldn’t tell the difference. When he saw the error, Robey saw opportunity, and he coolly asked to purchase a 100-count sheet for $24.

Soon after, he sent word of the mistake to fellow friends and collectors, and it didn’t take long for the news to spread to postal inspectors, who were eager to reclaim the errant stamps. Of course, Robey rebuffed their offers, and for a few days, he hid the sheet of stamps under the mattress in a one-room apartment he shared with his wife. Under mounting scrutiny, he was eager to make a deal, and in a panic, he sold the stamps to Eugene Klein, a Philadelphia businessman an avid philatelist for $15,000.

To read the complete article, see:
How the Inverted Jenny, a 24-Cent Stamp, Came to Be Worth a Fortune (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-inverted-jenny-24-cent-stamp-came-be-worth-fortune-180969090/)

Scratch and Sniff Stamps Debut

In the is-it-an-error-if-it-smells-like-Play-Doh department is this announcement from the U.S. Postal Service. -Editor

Scratch and Sniff stamps Ah, the sweet smells of summer: freshly cut grass, barbeque on a grill, the beach and suntan lotion. Now add stamps to that list.

The U.S. Postal Service said Monday that it will issue its first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps that will aim to evoke the sweet scent of summer. The 10 different stamp designs each feature a watercolor illustration of two different ice pops on a stick.

There will be one scent for all of the stamps and the secret smell will be unveiled when the Postal Service issues the stamps on June 20, according to U.S. Postal Service public relations representative Mark Saunders.

To read the complete article, see:
U.S. Postal Service announces first-ever scratch and sniff stamp with popsicle scent (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/05/21/post-office-scratch-and-sniff-stamp-summer/629469002/)

High School Finds Coins in 1921 Time Capsule

Canadian Coin News reported on a high school's opening of a time capsule from 1921. Some nice coins were found inside. -Editor

Great Lakes High time capsure coins

A time capsule hidden in the cornerstone of Sarnia’s Great Lakes Secondary School (GLSS) in August 1921 was unveiled late last month.

Among the contents of the 97-year-old time capsule, which was opened on April 28, were five coins, including 1920 50- and 25-cent pieces as well as 1921 10-, five- and one-cent pieces.

To read the complete article, see:
Sarnia high school discovers 1920, 1921 coins in 97-year-old time capsule (http://canadiancoinnews.com/sarnia-high-school-discovers-coins/)

HOW DOES BIG BEN KEEP ACCURATE TIME?

Harry Waterson passed along this video confirming that ‘pennyweight’ is still a viable term. It's an excellent explainer on how London's Big Ben chimes on time. -Editor

Big Ben 2

Big Ben 3

To watch the complete video, see:
How Does Big Ben Keep Accurate Time? (https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qad6Q_RbQQ0?rel=0)

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