Welcome to The E-Sylum: Volume 10, Number 38, September 23, 2007:
an electronic publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.
Copyright (c) 2007, The Numismatic Bibliomania Society.


WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM SEPTEMBER 23, 2007

We have 1,185 subscribers.  This week we open with some details on lots in
George Kolbe's upcoming John J. Pittman Library sale.  Next we have
publication announcements for the Jack Collins book on 1794 Dollars and the
third and final volume in Roger Burdette's 'Renaissance of American Coinage'
series. Next, Dennis Tucker and I discuss David Lange's new book on Coin
Collecting Boards.  I also offer a few gleanings from recent numismatic
auction catalogues and periodicals.

Next up is a vision statement for the Gallery Mint Museum. In other museum
news, the Vatican opens a new Philatelic and Numismatic Museum.  In queries
this week, Paul Sherry asks about the Pitt Club and when the first cameo
proof appeared.

In follow-ups from previous issues, we have recollections of Robert
Batchelder from several E-Sylum readers, Bob Mueller provides information on
the New York State Woman Suffrage Party Harvest Week, and readers offer
further observations on high relief coinage.  To learn about Wyoming's
nonagenarian numismatist or job openings at the U.S. Mint in Denver,
read on.  Have a great week, everyone.

Wayne Homren
Numismatic Bibliomania Society


KOBLE NUMISMATIC LITERATURE SALE #104: JOHN J. PITTMAN LIBRARY

George Kolbe forwarded this press release for his upcoming sale:
"Auction Sale 104: On November 1, 2007 George Frederick Kolbe/Fine
Numismatic Books will conduct their 104th auction of rare and out
of print numismatic literature, a remarkably important sale
featuring works from the John J. Pittman Library and an extensive
selection of classic numismatic reference works covering the
numismatic spectrum. Printed catalogues will be available in early
October and can be ordered by sending $15.00 to Kolbe at P. O.
Drawer 3100, Crestline, CA 92325. The 1105 lot catalogue is also
accessible free of charge at the firm’s web site (www.numislit.com).

"Some Sale 104 highlights (estimates are given within parentheses):
A complete, very fine set of the American Journal of Numismatics
($20,000); a fine complete set of the Numismatic Chronicle ($15,000);
A nearly complete set of 153 Chapman Auction Sale Catalogues ($8,500);
Elder’s extremely rare plated 1921 Gehring Sale ($4,500); five works
by Julius Meili, including all three volumes of Das Brazilianische
Geldwesen ($450-$1000);

"John J. Pittman’s very fine First Edition/First Issue Red Book
($1,500); a complete set of B. Max Mehl Auction Sale Catalogues
($3,250); a very fine hardbound set of American Numismatic Society
Numismatic Notes and Monographs ($6,500); sets of the remarkable
Montagu & Murdoch sales of English coins ($650-$1,250); Howland Wood’s
set of Volumes 3-6 of The Numismatist ($4,500); two complete sets of
The Elder Monthly ($1,000 & $1,500); well over a dozen plated large
format Chapman Catalogues, many in exceptional condition, including
Tom Elder’s Bushnell Sale ($4,000), a near new Siedlecki Sale ($1,500),
Carl Würtzbach’s annotated 1916 Bement ($1,500) and 1918 Jackman Sales
($2,000); fascinating numismatic correspondence and ephemera, including
B. Max Mehl’s announcement of his move to New York City and Wayte
Raymond’s announcement of the formation of the United States Coin
Company; George Fuld’s plated 1890 Parmelee Sale ($1,750);

"Over a dozen antiquarian numismatic titles, including the 1517 first
edition of the first illustrated numismatic book: Illustrium Imagines
by Andrea Fulvio ($4,500); a very fine Set of Forrer’s Weber Collection
of Greek Coins ($2,500); a complete ten volume set of Pedrusi’s 1694-1727
monumental catalogue of Roman coins in the Farnese Museum ($5,000);
Frank Van Zandt’s collection of 158 copies of Evans’ Illustrated History
of the United States Mint ($6,500); a very fine set of the Collection de
Luynes Monnaies Grecques ($1,500); A. W. Jackman’s plated 1910 Major
Lambert Sale ($1,500); and a very fine set of Anne Robertson’s Roman
Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet ($1,250). In addition to the many
highlights, a number of inexpensive numismatic publications are included
in the sale, some with estimates as low as $5.00."


1794: THE HISTORY AND GENEALOGY OF THE FIRST U.S. DOLLAR BY JACK COLLINS

George Kolbe also forwarded this Publication Announcement for the
Jack Collins Book on 1794 Dollars:

"Orders are currently being taken for 1794: The History and Genealogy
of the First United States Dollar, by Jack Collins & Walter Breen.
This important work is a meticulous census of all specimens known to
Jack Collins at the time of his death in 1996, accompanied by a history
of the dollar written by Walter Breen. Copies will be produced on a
high quality laser printer, will feature enlargements of nearly all
of the coins described, and will be spiral-bound in plasticized card
covers. The edition will be strictly limited to the number of orders
received by November 1, 2007. Copies may be obtained by sending $65.00
to Kolbe (postpaid in the United States, California residents add
$5.04 sales tax)."


ROGER BURDETTE'S 'RENAISSANCE OF AMERICAN COINAGE 1909-1915' NOW AVAILABLE

[Below is the complete press release for the much-anticipated third
and final volume in Roger Burdette's 'Renaissance of American Coinage'
series.  I'm very much looking forward to seeing the book.  Roger's
series is based on extensive and often groundbreaking research into
archival materials related to this key period of change in American
coinage. -Editor]

In 2005 author Roger W. Burdette released his groundbreaking research
book Renaissance of American Coinage, 1916-1921 to critical and collector
acclaim. In August of 2006 the book was honored with the Numismatic
Literary Guild’s coveted Book-of-the-Year award.

Less than a year later, in May 2006, a companion volume, Renaissance
of American Coinage, 1905-1908 was released to the delight of collectors
and numismatic professionals. For the first time, Mr. Burdette presented
the story of the Saint-Gaudens-Roosevelt collaboration based on hundreds
of previously unknown documents and design models. In August of 2007
this book was also given the Numismatic Literary Guild’s Book-of-the-Year
award.

Many wondered what the author’s next work would be and Seneca Mill
Press is proud to announce publication of Renaissance of American Coinage,
1909-1915. As the last of the author’s three volume research study, Mr.
Burdette covers the years from 1909 through 1915, thus completing what
may be the most detailed American numismatic research ever undertaken.
Collectors, researchers, historians, curators and catalogers now have
nearly one thousand pages of  carefully researched history into the
most dynamic and creative period in American coinage.

Renaissance of American Coinage, 1909-1915 begins with Theodore
Roosevelt in August 1908, now a lame duck President, as he decides
to have medalist Victor David Brenner adapt his Lincoln medal design
for use on the one cent coin. As Brenner repeatedly attempts to add
more coin designs to his commission, Mint Director Frank Leach keeps
things focused on the cent. Finally, he gives up on the artist and
has mint engraver Charles Barber make the last modifications to the
new design – including replacing the artist’s name with his initials,
V. D. B. on the reverse. By the time the new cent was released to
the public the Taft Administration was in charge. Its inexperienced
officials, over reacting to newspaper comments, removed Brenner’s
initials and precipitate confusion that lasts to this day.

While the issuance of new designs retreated until 1913, the mint
pushed forward with consideration of a Washington five cent coin
design by engraver Barber and a new mint director, A. Piatt Andrew,
brought increased efficiency and controversy to the Bureau.

Andrew is probably the least known or understood director of the
past hundred and fifty years. His drive for modernization and
efficiency resulted in the introduction of new automatic weighing
and press feeding equipment, and created substantial reductions
in employees at the mints. Yet, Andrew also launched an attempt
to confiscate pattern and experimental coins from collectors, and
was responsible for destroying much of the Mint Bureau’s artistic
heritage. Throughout these events Renaissance of American Coinage,
1909-1915 continues the tradition of preceding volumes by presenting
copious references to original sources.

By 1911, with George Roberts now back as Director, the mint embarked
on an extensive program of alloy, and coin size and shape experiments.
These were further pushed forward by consideration of the Coinage Act
of 1912 which proposed new denominations and the use of aluminum.
Coinciding with these experiments were the first tentative contacts
between the mint and sculptor James Earle Fraser. Using his talent
and persistent drive, Fraser convinced a reluctant mint to award him
its commission to redesign the nickel, then completely captivated
officials with coin-sized electrotypes and praise for the mint and
its employees. Although interference by a small vending machine
manufacturer delayed the Buffalo nickel’s release, President Taft
was able to distribute a handful to Native Americans just three weeks
before he left office.

Commemorative coins issued for the Panama-Pacific International
Exposition are usually discussed in references on such items. However,
these four designs and their artistic freedom are direct predecessors
to the magnificent silver coinage designs of 1916 and 1921. Here, Mr.
Burdette presents not just the usual descriptions, but shows what
some of the rejected designs looked like as well as examining possible
inspiration for Barber’s unusually creative work of the half dollar
and quarter eagle. Numismatists will especially interested in the
revealing reports from Treasury officials on Farran Zerbe’s efforts
in selling the commemorative coins.

The book also includes a section revealing a cache of Treasury
Department gold coins that was later turned over to the Philadelphia
Mint collection. Renaissance of American Coinage, 1909-1915 concludes
with information on the collection curator’s habit of providing
specimens of newly struck coins to favored museums.

Like its predecessor volumes, Renaissance of American Coinage, 1909-1915
is a work of superior numismatic scholarship, destined to be a much-used
reference for the next generation of collectors, specialists, dealers
and auction houses. Although this work concludes Mr. Burdette’s book-
length publications for the 1905-1921 period, he is presently at work
on a specialized book on Peace dollars.

Special Note:
Production of Renaissance of American Coinage, 1909-1915 was
underwritten by Heritage Auctions of Dallas, Texas.

Availability:
Renaissance of American Coinage, 1909-1915 by Roger W. Burdette
will be available in hard cover from Seneca Mill Press, P. O. Box
1423, Great Falls, Virginia 22066. The expected release date is
September 15, 2007. The retail price is $64.95 per copy however a
limited time pre-publication offer is available from the publisher
at $44.95, post paid. The offer expires September 30, 2007.

Contact:
Seneca Mill Press
P. O. Box 1423
Great Falls, VA 22066
SenecaMillPress@aol.com


SCOTT SEMENS ALTERS NUMISMATIC LITERATURE STRATEGY

Scott Semens forwarded some background information on his numismatic
literature stock and selling strategy.  He writes: "I've always dealt
in coins and exonumia from under-researched areas, so I felt it prudent
to make available what literature exists, and encourage those engaged
in research, hence the blossoming of my numismatic literature business.
I'm now throwing in the towel somewhat, because so much is now
available directly from overseas sellers via the Internet and eBay.

"Also, surface mail from the U.S. was eliminated in the last round
of postal rate increases, which will impact my overseas business -
and that of all U.S.-based book dealers.  What used to cost $11 to
mail to Europe now costs $31.  I plan to keep stock of about 100 of
the most important and/or profitable titles in Eastern numismatics
and search out worthy out-of-print works, but will allow the rest
to sell down.

"My book site has always been more than a simple for-sale offering,
as I include mini-reviews, comparisons to similar works, shots of
sample pages, and price estimates for ALL useful books, whether I
carry them or not.  Going forward I will include even more links to
self-publishing authors, publishers, and other booksellers for
titles which I do not or can not stock competitively."

NEW ARRIVALS, ALL CATEGORIES:
coincoin.com/bkNew.htm

REGULAR STOCK BY REGIONS   (middle column on page):
coincoin.com/directory.htm


NUNISMATIC ART OF INDIA BY B. N. MUKHERJEE

The following is taken from the publisher's press release about
a new two-volume work by B.N. Mukherjee titled "Numismatic Art
of India".

"Vol. 1: Numismatic Art of India: Historical and Aesthetic
Perspective - is the first of the publication entitled Numismatic
Art of India: Documentation of Materials. This volume deals with
the numismatic art of India up to c. AD 1835. The modern age in
Indian coinage commenced in about that year. The present treatise
is divided into ten chapters and three appendices. While all the
chapters are written by Prof. B.N. Mukherjee, appendices I, II
and III are written respectively by Dr. Sabita Sharma, Dr. S.
Suresh and Dr. Danish Moin, and revised and rearranged by Prof.
Mukherjee. There are (a) List of Abbreviations and (b) Select
Bibliography. Numerous plates at the end illustrated several of
the points discussed in the preceding pages.

"This volume contains a comprehensive history of art in Indian
coins during the early and mediaeval periods. It embodies the
first ever attempt in this directions. It is expected that the
present treatise will be well received by the academic world.

"Numismatic Art in Mediaeval India (Second Phase) - The Coins
of the Mughals and their Contemporaries / 10. Epilogue. Vol. 2:
An Album of the Masterpieces of Indian Coins. This Illustrated
work is the second of the four volumes. The present volume contains
an Album of Masterpieces of Indian coins. The Album includes
photographs of excellent Indian coins of early and mediaeval
periods (with some exceptions). Each photograph is provided with
a caption. The relevant coins are significant for the study of
numismatic art of early and mediaeval India. The Album is expected
to be of great help to the students of art and coins and also to
the interested public."

For more information on Numismatic Art in India, see:
Numismatic Art in India

For a list of the publisher's other books on Numismatics, see:
Other Books


LANGE'S COIN COLLECTOR BOARD BOOK ARRIVES

In response to my email letting him know I'd received my copy of
his new book on Coin Collecting Boards, David Lange writes: "Thanks
for letting me know that my book arrived. I was beginning to imagine
that no one would receive it.

"I had a meltdown of sorts with my book mailing. The new postal
regulations in effect since May 14 are so draconian that the USPS
returned every copy I sent out by priority mail, and I discovered
them sitting in the station this past Thursday. It seems that we
can no longer tape the edges of the priority mail flat rate envelopes.
Of course, I did this because they would otherwise never withstand
the journey. The USPS doesn't want anyone sending material that
weighs more than 13 ounces by first class or priority mail, because
the package may contain a bomb! The good news is that they have no
problem with me sending my bombs by media mail, so that's the course
I'll have to take with the remaining books.

"The one question the clerk couldn't answer for me is why anyone
would pay $4.60 to send something that weighs no more than 13 ounces
when such material isn't worth the added expense of priority mail.
He just stood there in stunned silence with beads of sweat running
down his contorted face."

[Dennis Tucker wrote a very nice review of Dave's book on the
Collector's Universe coin forums.  With permission I'm reprinting
it here, with my own comments added below. -Editor]

"I just received a copy of Coin Collecting Boards of the 1930s and
1940s: A Complete History, Catalog and Value Guide, by David W.
Lange, self-published through his Pennyboard Press.

"Not surprisingly, it's an amazing work of scholarship!

"Lange has gathered up a thousand strings and woven them into an
engaging history of these previously unsung products --- sturdy
cornerstones in the foundation of modern coin collecting. He tells
the stories of the companies, publishers, personalities, dealers,
marketing mavens, journalists, and everyday collectors who fueled
a multi-million-dollar business during the Great Depression,
taking numismatics out of the exclusive domain of the wealthy
and leisured (who could afford an expensive piece of non-essential
furniture like a coin cabinet), and bringing it to the living rooms
and kitchen tables of workaday America.

"The book is written with Lange's signature style, a combination
of the best instincts of the journalist, the historian, and the
technician. He makes heavy-duty research look easy --- a rare talent
--- and tells a good story while sharing huge amounts of information.
The subject matter in the hands of a less gifted writer and researcher
would have come off dry and dusty. Lange brings it to life, backed
up by primary documents, first-person interviews and anecdotes, and
a wealth of vintage and modern photographs, illustrations, and
newspaper clippings. There's much to learn here, and Lange is a
good teacher.

"Mary Jo Meade's clean and stylish design is a strong partner in
the book's high quality. Meade, the research assistant and graphic
designer for Lange's History of the United States Mint and Its Coinage,
has delivered another beautiful composition. Her choice of fonts and
ornaments lures the reader back in time without being clichéd or
kitschy, and the page layouts are balanced and inviting.

"A foreword by David Sundman and a preface by Lange comprise the
front matter, along with a page of acknowledgments that indicates
the depth of his research. The introduction explores the historical
background and legacy of coin boards. A chapter discusses why coin
boards deserve our attention as collectibles, as well as grading,
storage, and other aspects of collecting. The book features profiles
and sidebars on vendor stamps, the Manthei Collection, J.K. Post, R.S.
Yeoman, L.W. Schnelling, the Great Depression, the Ritterbrands, the
Trenton Saving Fund Society, and other important topics.

"The board-by-board section --- the 'Catalog and Value Guide' of the
book's subtitle --- offers a detailed study of each type and variety
of board published in the decades covered, plus mavericks and select
moderns. Each is cataloged by Lange Number. Pricing is indicated for
four grade levels, and is rounded out by a handy check list for the
collector.

"The book's back matter includes a bibliography, image credits,
and a select index.

"Overall we have a fun, finely detailed, attractively packaged,
and interesting book that serves both the casual reader and the
enthusiastic collector. It will appeal to anyone interested in
the people and products of a classic boom era in American numismatics.
Congratulations to David Lange on a wonderful addition to the
hobby's literature!"

To read Dennis' original review on Collectors.com, see:
Full review

[Dennis has made my reviewing job an easy one.  Although I could
probably say "ditto" and stop here, I do want to add that the period
typeface and stylish design are delightfully appropriate for the
subject matter.  And although my personal preference would be for
a hardcover, the oblong spiral binding is quite usable.

It's hard to compliment David enough for the achievement this book
represents.  It's truly a pioneering effort, the kind that comes
along all too rarely in numismatics, because frankly, it's damn hard.
In his preface David correctly acknowledges that "It's fun to write
up one's research and ultimately see it in book form, but it's not
so pleasurable to perform all the drudgery associated with it."
With the publication of this book the hobby has been greatly enriched,
but it should not be forgotten that many long hours and days were
spent plodding through dusty libraries and archives and personally
visiting a number of locations around the country.

The illustrated catalog portion of the book is quite usable and
detailed, with each board type and variety being assigned a reference
number.  The checklist and value guide are both handy and invaluable.
But the true delight of the book is the narrative description of the
history of the coin board and the colorful anecdotes of the lives of
their creators and distributors.  Some are quite well known, such
as Richard Yeo, but most until now were quite obscure to today's
hobbyists.

Congratulations to Dave for a real and lasting contribution
to the literature of numismatics. -Editor]


NEW MAGAZINE FOR RELIC HUNTERS: AMERICAN DIGGER

"'It's not their little Greybird Relics shop in the Big Shanty
Antique Market in Kennesaw that pays their bills, or the Victorian
jewelry, 19th-century dominoes, ancient coins or Civil War bullets
they sell on their Web site. It's the slick-covered American Digger
magazine they started 'on a wing and a prayer' in January 2005.

"They felt publishing might produce a more predictable income than
selling relics.

"So far, she says, 'the magazine has struck a chord out there,
with 1,600 subscribers around the world already.'

"Bigger and thicker than the average Newsweek, the magazine is
filled with pictures of artifacts, such as patent medicine 'miracle
cure' bottles, 15th-century coins from Eastern Europe, Victorian
jewelry and all sorts of relics dating from the War of 1812 to
the Civil War.

"It's also full of advertisements from companies that sell metal
detectors and books for history buffs.

"'We're not getting rich, but we're doing well,' Butch says.
'We've tapped into something out there.'

"'We have unearthed rare saloon tokens, gold nuggets and solid
gold $1 pieces worth thousands of dollars,' he says.

"'There are magazines out there for all sorts of things,' Butch
Holcombe says. 'Ours concentrates on things that are newly dug
up. The real interest is in seeing what's just been found because
it says a lot about what's still out there. And there's an
awful lot.'"

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


DICK JOHNSON REPORTS FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS FIDEM CONGRESS

Dick Johnson writes: "Art medals of the world are alive and
depending upon who you talk to they may also be said to be 'alive
and well.' The major art medal event in America for decades took
place at the 30th FIDEM Congress held at Colorado Springs September
18th to 22nd, an event usually held every other year in Europe.

An exhibition of 1,500 medals from artists in 32 countries were
on display in the exhibition gallery of the American Numismatic
Association headquarters building (with lectures at the nearby
Antlers Hilton Hotel). Well lighted exhibit cases displayed medallic
items in a range of compositions from wood to gold. But a preponderance
of mixed media seemed to dominate the international exhibit, as were
medallic themes, art styles, shapes, attachments, patinas and sheer
visual delights. The word 'wow' can never be overused at an art
medal exhibit.

The official medal of the event was revealed -- and offered for sale
-- a stunning art medal of extreme creativity. A complete medal is
presented in a single medal. But with a rearrangement of up to four
specimens of the same medal five different layouts can be achieved.
The medal was struck in arc shape with a male head on the obverse
and a female head on the reverse to fit a notch at the base. The medal
is the invention, design and modeling of Sarah Peters of Falmouth,
Massachusetts, who is new to art medals. Tip to collectors: buy four
medals as the charm is to rearrange the medals in a new pattern each
time.

A massive catalog covered every one of the 1,500 medals with a bonus
'FIDEM at 70' parallel exhibit. The main exhibit contained the recent
work of world medallists in this permanent form of hand-held art --
numismatics contribution to glyptic art. The parallel exhibit contained
150 medals of exceptional medallic work of the past. The latter were
in color in contrast to the black-and-white illustrations of the main
exhibit. The 373-page catalog was a credit to the publications
department of ANA who prepared it.

A new feature of this FIDEM was a Saturday bourse among artists.
This was dominated by American and Canadian artists who could easily
transport medals for sale. Only one European artist, Czech Otakar
Dusek, took advantage of this as other art medallists perhaps did
not wish the hassle of customs and toting a heavy load of potential
sale items. Dusek also gave a slide presentation of his medal of
Czech president dissident Vackav Havel, at the Colorado Springs
Fine Arts Center next door to ANA on Friday evening.

Next week: Look for a report of who won the grand prix for the
top art medal, and what country won the 'Art Medal Olympics' from
a medal collector's standpoint."


DICTIONARY OF PARANUMISMATICA OUT OF PRINT

With the help of Bob Lyall we got in touch with author Brian Edge
who writes: "Sorry to say, but 'The First Dictionary of Paranumismatica'
is out of print and I really do not know where you could get a copy.
You could try searching on the internet for a second hand copy but
most of the 250 copies went to either libraries, museums throughout
the British Isles and to well established collectors so few copies
turn up.  You might try Paul and Bente Withers (paul@galata.co.uk).
Paul is a big numismatic book and coin dealer over here and I have
known him have a copy or two over the years.

"The hobbies of Exonumia and Paranumismatica are separated by the
Atlantic Ocean!  It is a fact that US tokens are not collected in
the UK.  Obviously there will be collectors over here but they do
not find items for their collections over here.  It is quite a rare
thing to find a US item in a dealer's tray over here - I guess they
just ship any they get to fellow dealers over there.  I am sure
most collectors will have a sample or two in their collections e.g.
Civil War Cents but they are not generally collected.
Paranumismatica would include Civil War Cents as they are tokens but
does not cover scrip or paper money.  Store cards are classified as
Advertising Tickets over here.

"My description of the term Paranumismatica: Any coin-like object,
which is not a coin of the realm, produced in metal or plastic;
normally unofficial and bearing an inscription with or without a value.

"So we do overlap in many respects in the token area but for reasons
stated above we have our own names for our respective interests."

 DICTIONARY OF PARANUMISMATICA SOUGHT
 esylum_v10n33a16.html


GLEANINGS FROM RECENT NUMISMATIC PERIODICALS AND CATALOGUES

The September 26-29 Heritage auction features the Frederick Mayer
collection of over 350 U.S. Encased Postage stamps.  Lot #13043 is
an amazing association item, a silver pitcher presented by employees
of the National Currency Bureau (forerunner of the Bureau of Engraving
and Printing) to their boss Spencer M. Clark on Christmas Day, 1864.

The Dix Noonan Webb 4 October 2007 sale catalog features a number
of interesting notes, but I especially enjoyed The Tony Wild Collection
of Isle of Man Banknotes and the Simon Narbeth Collection of Early
South African Banknotes.

The Stack's October 11, 2007 catalog of Part XIX of the John J, Ford
Jr. collection is yet another mind-boggling assemblage of important
numismatic rarities, this time featuring the David Proskey - F.C.C.
Boyd - John J. Ford Jr. collection of United States Postage Envelopes
and the Boyd-Ford collection of U.S. Fractional Currency.  Simply
astounding.

H.R. Harmer, Inc is offering Part II of their sale of the American
Bank Note Company Archives on October 17-19.  Mostly stocks and bonds,
yet filled with many numismatic specimens such as Depression Scrip,
experimental Tyvek & polymer notes, and a great collection of U.S.
Postal Notes.  My favorites are the U.S. Confederate currency vignettes
from the famous Montgomery issues (lot 1752).   For the researcher are
invaluable items such as a unique archival record book of Hawaiian
banknotes containing letters, records and other material from the
1880s through 1923 (lot 1862).

The September 3, 2007 issue of Coin World noted that the Civil War
Token Society has opened discussions with a cable television network
about the possibility of creating a half-hour documentary about the
token and other Civil War money (p79).

The September 2007 Numismatist Letters to the Editor section includes
a great letter from Russ Rulau which opens, "Editor Barbara Gregory
and her staff are to be commended for elevating the numismatic content
of Numismatist to its glory days some 50 to 70 years ago.  The August
2007 issue features perhaps the most important article in decades."
Russ goes on to compliment David Lange on his "Father of the Coin
Board" article which was derived from material compiled for his recent
book on the topic.  I'd like to second Russ' opinion and congratulate
Dave once again for his specific achievement, and recognize the ANA's
Numismatist staff for the impressively increasing quality of the
club's journal.

And speaking of impressive journals, Curry's Chronicle, the quarterly
journal of the Carson City Coin Collectors of America seems to get
bigger and better with each new issue.  The Fall 2007 issue is a whopping
84 pages of great material, a true bargain in return for the $20 annual
membership dues.

The November 2007 issue of Coin Worlds' Coin Values magazine has a nice
article by Timothy Benford on coin replicas.  It mentions a book begun
(but never finished) by Michael Czapla describing Gallery Mint coin
reproduction die varieties.  Does anyone have a copy of the manuscript?
Has anyone picked up the ball?


GLEANINGS FROM THE DETROIT FREE PRESS DIGEST, 1863

W. David Perkins writes: "I was in Detroit on business last week,
and before flying home on Friday spend a few enjoyable hours doing
some research at the Burton Historical Society, Detroit Public
Library Detroit, Michigan.  My research was numismatic, pertaining
to Detroit Civil War Store Card tokens and also a little on my
family genealogy.  My great-great grandfather, Wm. Perkins, Jr.
opened the Perkins Hotel in Detroit in 1847.  In 1863, he issued
two CWT Store Cards, one for the Perkins Hotel and one as Wm. Perkins,
Jr., Grocer & Provision Dealer.  I have been collecting and researching
these Store Cards for over a decade, and have published 15 or so
articles on them in the Civil War Token Journal and in TAMS Magazine.

"The Hotel, Grocery & Provision Store, Meat Market and Livery were
all located on the corner of Grand River, Middle Street and Cass
Avenue in downtown Detroit.  I located two files with quite a few
different photos of the Perkins Hotel, all previously unknown to me.
I also located the land records for the acquisition of this property.

"Viewing this Detroit Free Press Digest was a little like 'going
back in time' for me.  Following are a few of the 'fun' findings,
in no particular order.

"'November 17, 1863:  'Penny tokens of copper can be furnished at
$7.50 by John Gault, New York City.'  Many E-Sylum readers will
recognize Gault's name.  I assume it was $7.50 for 1,000 tokens,
these likely being made from 'stock dies' and what we term Patriotic
Civil War Tokens today.

"May 24-26, 1863:  'F. Behr has sold out his business near the Post
Office and will open in a new place, 926 Jefferson Avenue, opposite
Miller's garden, May 21.'  The Fred Bayer 'Ein Glas Bier' token is
the second rarest Detroit CWT, with maybe only 4-8 examples known.
Perhaps this sale of his business helps explain the rarity of his
token?

"July-December, 1859:  'At a democratic meeting in the Eighth Ward
[Detroit, Wayne County] addresses were made by Ex-alderman Gallagher,
James Dale Johnson, John Quigley, William Perkins, Sen., Richard H.
Finley and others.'  William Perkins, Senior is my great-great-
great grandfather.  I never knew he was a Democrat?  It was neat
to find something pertaining to him.

"March 15-17, 1863:  'A man named Fields has been arrested for
robbing the boot and shoe store of Charles B. Goodrich, corner
of Grand River and Cass Streets.'  Goodrich advertised his location
on his CWT Store card as 'Opposite the Perkins Hotel!'  I wonder
if Fields took any Civil War tokens out of the till???

"September 19, 1866:  I'll end with the following, and a brief
story, 'Richard Benson, living on Middle Street near Perkins'
stables is a worthless vagabond.  He came home drunk and turned
his family out of doors!'

"The barn or livery held up to 150 horses per my research.  Dealer
Mike Ringo purchased a tin-type photo of the Livery stable of the
Perkins Hotel at a gun show in Portland, Oregon during the same
time the 1998 Portland ANA was being held.  The tin-type made its
way to me via Dealer Steve Tanenbaum and a very good coin friend
who purchased it on Friday afternoon (after I had left the show
to return to Denver).  My good friend shipped it via over-night
mail, arriving on my birthday!"


THE GALLERY MINT MUSEUM VISION

On September 7 an item about the planned Gallery Mint Museum appeared
on Blogging Arkansas, a web site featuring Arkansas businesses.  The
article describes the vision for the future museum:

"You are standing in the sun-lit atrium of a newly constructed building
set in a pine forest in northwestern Arkansas. In front of you, an
immense, two-story waterwheel turns slowly to the sound of gushing
water. Attached to the giant wooden wheel are various shafts, gears,
pulleys, levers and other mechanical devices, all moving in their own
syncopated rhythm. These moving parts in turn drive other machines:
big bellows puff air into a blast furnace; a rolling mill squeezes
metal into thinner and thinner strips; a drop-press hammer is cranked
back into position. You hear the heavy clang of a sledge hammer
slamming down on hand-held steel die. In the background, a tour
group chats excitedly among themselves. The air smells like wood
fire and melted metal. A buzz of energy fills the place. Welcome
to the Gallery Mint Museum.

"As you tear your eyes off the mesmerizing mechanical motion of the
turning water-wheel, you see other galleries and hallways opening
invitingly beyond. Through one window you glimpse a museum conservator
in a state-of-the-art laboratory, working to {restore an old screw
press}. Other technicians are cataloging and researching the Museum's
collection. You pass a large library full of numismatic reference
works relating to minting technology; at its tables several researchers
are busy gathering information from out-of-print books and manuals.

"Once inside the main exhibition area, you stroll through 6,000-square
feet of exhibits, galleries and living-history worksites, where historic
minting methods are being re-enacted. You note that permanent exhibits
are devoted to each of the major minting technologies, including hand-
hammered minting (Greek, Roman and Medieval), Chinese coin casting,
rolling mill coinage and screw press and steam press technology. You
see that each of the historic United States minting facilities is
represented by an exhibit devoted just to it. The role of the
engraver, the private minter and many other aspects of the numismatic
arts are also presented with attractive, interactive displays. Two
smaller galleries contain traveling exhibits from other museums
and artists.

"In another section of the building, you see a few classrooms and
activity centers where accredited seminars and classes in engraving
and minting technology are being taught. One large, multi-purpose
area serves as a conference room and public rental space, a place
for outside groups to hold meetings or social events.

"There are other areas of the museum building where the casual
visitor is not allowed. But one can be assured that the collection
storage, vaults, workrooms, museum offices and other behind-the-scenes
areas are also carefully laid out and planned in accordance with
professional museum standards.

"Before you finally leave the Museum, stop by the Gift Shop and
see the amazing variety of gifts and goods that relate to money
and minting. There are puzzles, games, artwork, and many other
money related items. There are books, books and more books. And
of course, there is plenty of coinage available for purchase as
well: modern-day proof and mint sets from countries all over the
world; reproduction coinage from the Gallery Mint; bullion coins,
Biblical coins for the tourists.

"This then is the vision of the Gallery Mint Museum. A world-class
research facility with a comparative collection, a complete library
and state-of-the-art laboratory. One with strong, on-going educational
and outreach programs, including living-history demonstrations of
minting technology, seminars, and classes in engraving and minting
technology. One that is active in publishing books about minting.
One that abides by the guidelines of ethics and accreditation that
have been established by the American Association of Museums (AAM).

"This vision can be encapsulated in a simple mission statement: The
Gallery Mint Museum is devoted to the preservation and advancement
of the numismatic art forms and technologies.

"Preservation in the sense that we will keep and preserve for
future generations the physical tools and machinery of minting;
Advancement in the sense that we will become a center of ongoing
research and discovery of the numismatic arts."

To read the original blog entry, see: Full Story

To visit the Gallery Mint Museum Foundation web site, see: gallerymintmuseum.org/


RECOLLECTIONS OF ROBERT BATCHELDER

Peter Mosiondz, Jr. writes: "I was saddened to hear of the passing
of Robert Batchelder, truly a gentleman in every regard.

"I recall his small office on South Penn Square in Philadelphia,
opposite City Hall on the southwest corner. I was just getting
interested in coins during the mid-to-late 50s and fondly remember
visiting him almost every Saturday. Yes, the coin shops all were
open on Saturdays back then. As a young lad not yet in his teens
and with a limited amount of funds, he showed an extraordinary mount
of patience. Most times I just looked because most of his coins were
of a better caliber than I could afford. He was very instrumental
in mentoring me and my friends as well.

"Years later, after the office was closed and he moved to Ambler,
I had occasion to visit him. And I also encountered him at many
shows up until sometime in the 1990s.

"I do not recall when he gave up coins for autographs but he was
well respected in both fields."

George Kolbe writes: "I did not know Robert Batchelder well but
I thought some E-Sylum readers might find it interesting that he
was the source of the Joseph Mickley Diary now residing, through
the good graces of Harry W. Bass, Jr., in the American Numismatic
Society Library. I bought it from him in New York City at an
Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America Book Fair circa 1981
and sold it to Armand Champa at a very small profit; then bought
it again, on behalf of Harry Bass, at the relevant Bowers and Merena
Champa library sale. About a dozen years ago, I travelled to West
Ambler and bought Batchelder's remaining numismatic books. He had
a nice downtown location but his business appeared to be winding
down at the time."

I knew Bob Batchelder in the days of Herb Tobias, Ed Shapiro,
Foxy Steinberg, Max Kaplan, Dan Messer, Bob Jenove, Charles Wormser,
Cathy Bullowa, Ed Hipps and other then-prominent East Coast coin
dealers.

Alan V. Weinberg writes: "Bob was a well-respected, clean shaven,
handsome, crew-cutted dealer who always seemed to handle what were
then really nice quality mid-range coins like Gem toned Proof Barber
halves at $50 and large cents and other rare but affordable coins.
At the time there was no differentiation  by grading point and not
much difference in price between mediocre proofs and Gem Proofs.
I don't recall him handling any of the great multi-thousand dollar
rarities like some of his contemporaries - he catered to the
sophisticated, knowledgeable mid-range collectors who could afford
to spend a few hundred or even a thousand dollars or so.

"Bob was personable and never talked down to this then-young collector.
I distinctly recall him sitting around the periphery of Manhattan's
Park Sheraton Hotel ballroom bourse floor at the then - 2nd biggest
coin show in the country, the March-April Metropolitan New York Coin
Show put on by the NY Numismatic Club under the then-leadership of
Martin Kortjohn - who strictly enforced rules against any dealing
on the bourse floor other than by bourse dealers.

"All of a sudden, Bob disappeared from the numismatic scene,
without warning, and took up autographs. I never heard a bad thing
said about him and so presume he just got tired of coins and their
seemingly 'high prices'. I recall going through the same stage in
1962 when I thought prices were getting ridiculous and sold my
numismatic library with a complete set of large plated Chapmans
through Aaron Feldman, at his apartment on Manhattan's West End
Ave, to a then just-beginning Harry Bass. I was there."


SUBSCRIBER PROFILE: CHARLES RILEY

It's been a while since we've published a subscriber profile,
and since I managed to mangle his name in my last London Diary,
here's a profile of  CHARLES Riley of Aylesbury, 20 miles east
of Oxford, England.

Charles has been a professional numismatist since 1990, in London
first with Glendining's between 1990 and 1994, where amongst many
properties he catalogued the six thousand silver coins of the
fifteenth century Reigate Hoard, sold at auction in 1992. From
1994 to 2005 he was a cataloguer and auctioneer of coins and medals
at Baldwin's, before launching his independent coin and medal
dealing business and consultancy, Charles Riley Coins Medals.

As an enthusiastic collector of coins since the 1970s, his initial
collecting interests were in British and French medieval coinage,
developing a particular interest in Commemorative Medals, both
British and foreign."

To visit Charles Riley's web site, see:
charlesriley.co.uk/


QUERIES: FIRST CAMEO PROOF, PITT CLUB

Paul Sherry writes: "I was reading Dick Johnson’s article “Canadian
Mint Advances Minting Technology”, in particular the statement
“innovations first appeared on medals.  If it was satisfactory on
a medal it could then be applied to a coin. We have proof coins
today because a proof surface was first applied to a medal (Pitt
Club Medal, London, 1762).”

"Does anyone know what year the cameo proof first appeared?
Also, and any information on the Pitt Club would also be
appreciated."

 ROYAL CANADIAN MINT ADVANCES MINTING TECHNOLOGY
 esylum_v09n50a19.html


LONDON BLACKFRAIRS BRIDGE CORNERSTONE MEDALS

Paul Sherry writes: "While trying to research the Pitt Club I
stumbled across the following numismatic reference to the William
Pitt (the Elder) bridge in London (now named Blackfriars bridge)
and thought others would find it of interest.

The excerpt is taken from the book 'London' by Charles Knight,
published in 1842 by Charles Knight and Co. 'Erection of the Bridge'
appears on page 122.  The book is available for download from
Google Books at this URL: Google Books

"'The first stone was laid on the 31st of October by the Lord Mayor,
Sir Thomas Chitty, attended by the members of the Committee, and a
brilliant assemblage of other personages, when various coins were
deposited in the proper place, and certain large plates, of pure
tin, with an inscription in Latin stating that the work was
undertaken " amidst the rage of an extensive war," and ending with
the following glowing eulogy on the minister : " And that there
might remain to posterity a monument of this City's affection to
the man who, by the strength of his genius, the steadiness of his
mind, and a certain kind of happy contagion of his probity and
spirit (under the Divine favor, and fortunate auspices of George
II.), recovered, augmented, and secured the British empire in Asia,
Africa, and America, and restored the ancient reputation and
influence of his country amongst the nations of Europe, the citizens
of London have unanimously voted this bridge to be inscribed with
the name of William Pitt." Among the other medals deposited in the
stone was a silver one, which had been cherished as the memorial
of the young architect's first triumph, the medal given him by the
Academy at Rome.

"'Should some future antiquary, say in the year of Our Lord 5842,
have the rummaging of these stones, we may imagine the delight
with which he would arrive at this.'

Paul adds: "The first Blackfriars Bridge (the one the 'London'
book mentions) was built between 1760 and 1769.  It was replaced
between 1860 and 1869.  I have sent an email to the City Bridge
Trust enquiring if there are any records of what happened to
those numismatic items when the first bridge was replaced.  Were
they salvaged, or did they end up as landfill?

"I have identified the silver medal Robert Mylne entombed in the
bridge.  It was one of two medals awarded to him over a 5 year
period while he was a student at the Academy of St. Luke in Rome.
The chief prize in the highest class of architecture was the
first instance of a native of Great Britain obtaining that honor.
google.com/books

"The medals could have been made by the Hamerani family of medalists
in Rome and may have look something like this gold one:
Full Story

"I’m now trolling through the London Metropolitan Archives to see
if there are any references to the lost Mylne medal."

[The above Google Books reference is an 1862 work titled "Memoirs
of the Distinguished Men of Science of Great Britain living in 1807-8".
The book also contains (beginning on p19) a section on Matthew Boulton.
It may tell us little new about a famous man like Boulton, but for
lesser-known figures in particular Google Books is a gold mine of
information waiting for numismatic researchers to dig into it.
-Editor]


NEW YORK STATE WOMAN SUFFRAGE PARTY HARVEST WEEK 1916 MEDAL INFORMATION

Regarding Sam Pennington's query about the 'New York State Woman
Suffrage Party Harvest Week 1916' medal, Bob Mueller writes: "A
November 23, 1916 New York Times article confirms that the sculptor
was Alice Morgan Wright:  '... At the morning session of the
convention the prize to the woman who obtained the greatest number
of suffrage signatures during harvest week was awarded. It was a
medal designed by Alice Morgan Wright, and went to Mrs. Cornelia
de Zeng-Foster of Syracuse.'

Bob adds: "An article in the November 22, 1916 Syracuse Herald
attests that the 'Harvest' was one of workers for the cause. But
it raises a new question as to the exact name of the recipient,
which is somewhat different than that reported by the Times.

"'Mrs. Gard Foster of this city has won the State medal for
securing the greatest number of new workers for suffrage. The
announcement was made this morning at the forty-eighth annual
convention of the New York State Woman Suffrage party which is
being held In Albany. Suffragists from all parts of the State
were striving for this honor during the "harvest week" from
October 16th to 21st in a concentrated campaign to increase
the list of workers.

"'Mrs Foster is chairman of the second assembly district of
the fifth campaign district. She came to this city only a few
months ago from Auburn and immediately plunged into suffrage
work. She is also a member of the Kanatenah club and represented
this organization at the annual convention of the Federation
of Women's clubs held last week in Rochester.'"

 QUERY: MEDAL OF NEW YORK STATE WOMAN SUFFRAGE PARTY HARVEST WEEK 1916
 esylum_v10n37a11.html


FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON HIGH RELIEF COINAGE

Regarding the responses to his observations on high relief
coinage, Carl Honore writes: "If, as I correctly stated,
technical difficulties prevent high relief coinage being struck
by our presses, then how did the Brits do it?  The 1799 pieces
with the cambered fields are absolutely perfect in production
strikes.  I still maintain that this is a possible technology
if the dies are correctly manufactured in the first place.  I
would still maintain that, since so many type I buffalo nickels
were struck, that cambered dies were in fact feasible.  As
long as the designs were built around the center of the model,
the process should work fine.

"I know that undercut sculptured features are of course
impossible.  I was using the term "high relief" as others
in the hobby had been using the term for years.  What we really
mean is bas relief with scooped fields.  The scooped fields or
cambered convex die surfaces are to keep the designs below the
rim of the coin.

"The 1913 type I buffalo nickel has such fields.  There was no
reason to switch to flat fields and to sink the lettering below
the mound on the reverse as long as the convex fields were in
place.  That is my whole point.  If you observe Kuchlers 1799
penny and farthing pieces you will see how much detail remains
even in circulated condition.

"The double eagles should have been manufactured in so-called
high relief.  Anything less would have resulted in much wear
of the valuable metal, thus decreasing the value by weight of
the denomination.  Since gold, with the addition of copper is
a softer metal by comparison to cupro-nickel or even bronze,
the die wear would have been less extensive.

"Read back what I said about excuses in abandonment of high
relief having to do with design complication.  Again, that
was a lame excuse.  If the Brits could do high relief coinage
in mass production, we could too.  The type I buffalo nickel
is my own case in point.  Too many pieces exist with detail
even in the rock to convince me that the design wouldn't strike
up right.  I owned six at one time in grades VF-XF with legends
completely readable, even on the rock.

"Here is what I think concerning Kuchler and Boulton and Watt.
To get both the detail in the coin designs and to get the cambered
fields at that time, the coins were most likely hot struck; the
blanks were heated and then fed into the press.  The coining
operation would have work-hardened the final products.  The draw
back would of course be that excessive heat transferred to the
dies would make them brittle over time.  I believe this is why
hot striking the coins in circulation would not work.  It would
be too labor intensive to heat the blanks.  Any thoughts on
this one?"

Roger Burdette writes: "Per the discussion on high relief and
polished specimens, etc. readers will find considerable information
on this in "Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921" including
letters from Weinman and MacNeil about the problem. The National
Numismatic Collection dimes and quarters are from polished dies
and the curvature of field was obviously a problem for the
Philadelphia Mint. Half dollar pattern dies were also polished
but the NNC halves do not seem to show signs of mirrored fields.
Weinman's second version of the half and dime both had higher
relief than their predecessors or the versions used for
circulation."


QUIZ ANSWER: THREE U.S. COINS WITH DESIGNER'S NAME

Last week John Dannreuther offered the following numismatic
trivia question: "What are the three U.S. coins that have the
designer's name on them?

"Hints: One of them is an early pattern (considered a regular
issue by some), one is a regular issue (considered a pattern
by some), and the last one is a pattern (no controversy for
this one, but it was issued to honor a recently departed Chief
Engraver)."

No one gave this one a try - what gives?  Last week's issue
was delivered late, but I know it hit the streets.  I guess
everyone thought someone else would send something in.

John's answer: "The first is the Birch cent, which is a pattern
to some and regular issue to others.  The second is, of course,
the easy one - the Gobrecht dollar (1836 only), but it's a regular
issue once considered a pattern.

"The third is the 1870 Longacre 'tribute' pattern dollar (Judd-1008-1019).
A true pattern! This was issued after Longacre died in 1869 and one
wonders if it was a tribute to the long-serving Chief Engraver
(1844-1869). Only Charles Barber (1879-1917) served longer. The
Longacre punches, including the one used on this pattern, are in
the Smithsonian. The "L" was used for gold dollars, the JBL was
used on the double eagles, and LONGACRE was used on the pattern.
The "L" on the Indian is raised, so was punched into the die,
while these are used to punch into hubs, then transferred to
the dies.

"Actually, some will call the Longacre pattern two coins or more,
really, as there are metal composition varieties. (J-1008-1013 is
the Longacre Indian Princess with the Standard silver dollar
reverse, while J-1014-1019 is the same obverse combined with
the regular Liberty Seated reverse)."


WYOMING STATE QUARTER LAUNCH CEREMONY

"“It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal,” said Earl Stewart, a retiree,
who had each of his fists closed around five rolls of quarters.

"The Stewarts and more than 1,000 others packed the Cheyenne Civic
Center to get a free Wyoming quarter and to hear rousing music
by the University of Wyoming marching band.

"Speeches by Gov. Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John
Barrasso and U.S. Mint Director Edmund C. Moy were received by
boisterous applause and standing ovations.

"Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included State
Treasurer Joe Meyer, Auditor Rita Meyer, Superintendent of Public
Instruction Jim McBride and Department of State Parks and Cultural
Resources Director Milward Simpson.

"Also present were Wyoming legislators, members of the advisory
committee that helped develop the design of the quarter and former
Wyoming resident and NBC news correspondent Pete Williams, who
served as emcee.

"After the ceremony, a mob of impatient fourth-graders from
Cheyenne schools surrounded the Capitol Building steps and waited
for Freudenthal and other top officials to distribute free quarters.

"When the celebration ran slightly behind schedule, the children
pumped their firsts in the air and loudly chanted: “We want Dave,
we want Dave,” a slogan intended to induce Freudenthal to appear
with the promised quarters.

"When Freudenthal did emerge, the sounds of the children's cheers
and happy screams could be heard for blocks.

"Members of the University of Wyoming women's WNIT championship
basketball team waded through the crowd, which fanned out across
much of the front Capitol lawn, and handed a quarter to each
eager child.

"Barry Burkart of Cheyenne, a lifetime Wyoming resident, took
off work to attend. Burkart called the ceremony “just amazing”
and said he was especially pleased by the large turnout.

"“I think over time the state quarters have kind of lost their
attraction to the public, but I think it's neat that Wyoming
is turning out for its own quarter,” Burkart said.

"For those who couldn't attend Friday's celebration, quarters
in commemorative cards are available at banks across the state
for $2. Rolls of quarters in original U.S. Mint wrapping are
available for a limited time at Oregon Trail Banks in Cheyenne,
Guernsey and Chugwater.

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


WYOMING'S NONAGENERIAN NUMISMATIST

"The launch of the Wyoming quarter isn't just exciting for Leva
Carlson - it's a day her family members say the 93-year-old woman
has been living for.

"'She used to say, 'The Wyoming quarter is coming out in 2007;
I have to live that long,' ' said Jennie Tietema, Carlson's
granddaughter.

"Wyoming's quarter is the 44th in the 50-state quarter series
that began in 1999, and Carlson has faithfully collected each
coin of the series since the beginning.

"The Wyoming quarter is significant to Carlson, because she was
born in the Equality State in 1913. 'I was born and raised in
Wyoming, married here and going to be buried here,' she said.

"She has collected the series for her children and grandchildren
- from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Few Philadelphia
quarters (or P-quarters) make it to Wyoming, so Carlson and her
family had to find ways to obtain coins minted out east.

"It's a pastime Carlson loves, and that keeps her mind sharp,
her family said.

"'It gives her something to do,' said Charles Carlson, her
son in Missouri. 'Mother's definitely a big fan of these
state quarters.'"

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


U.S. CONGRESS APPROVES SACAGAWEA DOLLAR REDESIGN

"Congress on Tuesday approved a redesign of the Sacagawea dollar
in hopes of enticing consumer and business use of the gold-colored
dollar. Under legislation passed by voice vote in the House and
sent to President Bush for his signature, new editions of the coin
honoring the young Shoshone who helped Lewis and Clark on their
trek to the Pacific Ocean more than 200 years ago will come out
in 2009.

"The new coins will continue to depict Sacagawea and her child,
but they will feature scenes on the reverse side, changed annually,
commemorating the achievements of other Native Americans and Indian
tribes.

"The Sacagawea dollar was first minted in 2000 to replace the Susan
B. Anthony dollar coin. But like its predecessor, it failed to win
public acceptance and today is produced only for sale to collectors.

"The bill requires that the newly designed Sacagawea coins comprise
at least 20 percent of all $1 coins minted each year and instructs
the Treasury Department to carry out an aggressive campaign to
encourage commercial enterprises to accept and dispense the coins.

"Among design suggestions are the Cherokee written language, the
Iroquois Confederacy, the World War II codetalkers and Olympic
athlete Jim Thorpe."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE DENVER U.S. MINT

W. David Perkins writes: "The Tuesday, September 18, 2007 issue
of the Wall Street Journal (page B10) had advertisements for
three Denver, Colorado U.S. Mint positions:

Deputy Plant Manager, with a salary range of $111-145K.
Coin Production Manager, salary range $95-123K.
Supervisory Die Manufacturing Specialist, salary range from $95-123K.

For more information, the advertisement suggested to go to
www.usajobs.gov.  Denver is sure a nice place to live ..."


BEP UNVEILS NEW FIVE DOLLAR BILL DESIGN

"Honest Abe will become Colorful Abe with splashes of purple and
gray livening up the $5 bill.

"The government showed off the new bill Thursday in an Internet
news conference — a high-tech unveiling that officials say is
entirely appropriate for a 21st century redesign of the bill
featuring the Civil War president, Abraham Lincoln.

"Originally, the five wasn't going to be redesigned. But that
decision was reversed once counterfeiters began bleaching $5 notes
and printing fake $100 bills with the bleached paper to take advantage
of the fact that some of the security features were in the same
locations on both notes.

"We wanted this redesigned bill to scream, 'I am a five. I am a
five,'" Larry Felix, director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
said in an interview with The Associated Press. "We wanted to eliminate
any similarity or confusion on the part of the public between the $5
bill and the $100 bill."

"The bureau will start printing the new notes next week at its
facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The goal is to have 1.5 billion $5
bills ready to be put into circulation, at a date still to be
determined.

"Perhaps the most striking change is a new large-size 5 printed in
the lower right-hand corner of the backside of the bill in high-
contrast purple ink. That feature was added to help the visually
impaired.

"The next bill to get a makeover will be the $100. It will feature
the most advanced safeguard yet, a new security thread composed of
650,000 tiny lenses that will magnify micro-printing on the bills
to give the effect of having the images move in the opposite
direction than the bill is being moved."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


VATICAN OPENS NUMISMATIC MUSEUM

According to a Catholic News Agency article, "On September 25 the
new Philatelic and Numismatic (Stamp and Coin) Museum on the Vatican
Hill will be inaugurated as part of the Vatican Museums.

"The Museum showcases the entire Vatican City philatelic and
numismatic production from 1929 to date, including a wide selection
of postmarks, sketches, typographic plates, plasters, bronze casts
and other items illustrating the different stages in the productions
of stamps and coins. There is also a collection of philatelic material
and postal history (1852-1870) relating to the Papal State. The
paintings on display in the Museum are all original artist sketches
used to create stamps, postcards and aerograms."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story


FAROUK LIMERICK, TAKE TWO

Dick Johnson writes: "Arthur Shippee is correct, of course - the "R"
is for 'Rex", not 'Regina'.  But his limerick demands equal
doggerel in return:

There once was a critic named Shippee
Who caught my Farouk "R" slippee.
 Farouk kept his regal R
 In a royal palace jar,
And signed all his cards with a letter after PP."


FEATURED WEB SITE: FIDEM

This week's featured web site is F.I.D.E.M., the International
Medal Federation.  "Its aims are to promote and diffuse the art
of medals at international level, to make the art known and to
guarantee recognition of its place among other arts by increasing
awareness of the art, history and technology or medals, mainly
through publications and the organisation of international events.
F.I.D.E.M. also organises a congress every two years and an
international exhibition of the art of medals in order to promote
exchanges among artists and to make their work known internationally."

fidem-medals.org


  Wayne Homren
  Numismatic Bibliomania Society