Visit our NBS Sponsors

About Us The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit association 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 can go to the following web page Subscribe You may Unsubscribe Here 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: Jeff Dickerson, Treasurer Numismatic Bibliomania Society P. O. Box 578, Weatherford, TX 76086 Asylum For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership questions, contact Jeff at this email address: treasurer@coinbooks.org Submissions To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com BUY THE BOOK BEFORE THE COIN Sale Calendar Watch here for updates!

 

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 AUGUST 17, 2025

New subscribers this week include: Dr. Fernando Fuentes, courtesy Roberto Jovel; and Cameron and Daniel Scheirer, courtesy of Bruce Perdue. Welcome aboard! We now have 7,088 subscribers.

Thank you for reading The E-Sylum. If you enjoy it, please send me the email addresses of friends you think may enjoy it as well and I'll send them a subscription. Contact me at whomren@gmail.com anytime regarding your subscription, or questions, comments or suggestions about our content.

This week we open with events at this week's ANA convention, two new books, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, and an amazing numismatic discovery.

Other topics this week include American Silver Eagles, the first ANA convention, fractional currency, the 1804 dollar, notes from readers, the Osborne Mint, tons of auction previews, elephants on ancient coins, and the new maker of the Kennedy Center Honors.

To learn more about the Guide Book of U.S. Coins, errors on Salvadorian coinage, U.S. Congressman Mike Castle, James A. Stack, Sr., Fred Douglas, the Louis Braille commemorative dollar, "The Numismatic Bookie", the Father Flanagan's Boys Home Sale, the Higgins Museum, the ANA "Lamp of Knowledge", the State of Louisiana Medal, the State Department Life Saving Medal, and Clearing House scrip, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

 

KOLBE & FANNING AT 2025 ANA WORLD'S FAIR OF MONEY

David Fanning writes:

Read more here

NBS EVENTS AT 2025 ANA WORLD'S FAIR OF MONEY

Jeff Garrett
speaks on the Guide Book of U.S. Coins

One of the best-selling books of all time of any genre, the ubiquitous "Red Book" has been informing U.S. coin collectors since the first edition was published in 1947.

Now in its 78th edition, the Guide Book of U.S. Coins has become collectible itself, with the earliest editions especially prized. Jeff Garrett, Guide Book Senior Editor, will speak on the challenges of keeping this foundational reference accessible and authoritative at the same time.

 

Read more here

 

NEW BOOK: AMERICAN SILVER EAGLES 5TH EDITION

American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Silver Bullion Coin Program
By: John M. Mercanti and David J. Ryder

Whitman proudly announces the highly anticipated release of fifth edition of American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Silver Bullion Coin Program. This fully revised edition comes just in time ahead of the 40th anniversary of the iconic Silver Eagle and kicks off a broader celebration of coauthor John Mercanti's remarkable 50-year career as a visionary artist, designer, and numismatist.

Since its introduction in 1986, the American Silver Eagle has become the most collected silver bullion coin in the world, with more than 673 million struck to date. In this new edition, coauthors John M. Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and David J. Ryder, the 34th and 39th Director of the Mint, team up to offer unparalleled insight into the coin's history, production, and enduring popularity.

Read more here

 

NEW BOOK: SALVADORAN COINS WITH ERRORS

Roberto Jovel writes:

 

Read more here

 

MICHAEL N. CASTLE (1939-2025)

Michael N. Castle, widely known as a dedicated public servant who brought a bipartisan, common-sense approach to policy-making, died on Thursday, August 14, 2025 in Wilmington, Delaware following a long illness.

Governor Castle was a two-term Delaware Governor from 1985 to 1992. He served as Delaware's lone Member of Congress from 1993 to 2011, making him the longest-serving U.S. Representative in the state's history. He was Lt. Governor of Delaware from 1981 to 1985 and a member of the Delaware General Assembly, serving in both the State House of Representatives and in the State Senate from 1966 to 1976. He also served as Deputy Attorney General.

Congressman Mike Castle was a founding member of the Republican Main Street Partnership, a leading organization for centrist Republicans, and worked in a bipartisan manner to help move people from welfare to work, support fiscally responsible government, improve public education, and protect the community. He served on the House Committee on Financial Services, Committee on Education and Workforce and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Read more here

NEWMAN PORTAL: THE FIRST ANA CONVENTION

The First ANA Convention

This week thousands of attendees will descend on Oklahoma City, where a numismatic cornucopia awaits, replete with social gatherings, formal presentations, auction lot viewing, and a several-hundred dealer bourse. The first ANA convention, held October 7-8, 1891, at the Commercial Hotel in Chicago, was a considerably calmer affair.

Read more here

VIDEO: COLLECTING FRACTIONAL CURRENCY

Read more here

 

STACKS BOWERS: UNPUBLISHED 1804 DOLLAR

For every numismatist alive today, there was never a time when there wasn't 15 known 1804 dollars. The numbers have been carved in stone: eight known Class I dollars, a single overstruck Class II in the National Numismatic Collection, and six known Class III dollars, of which three are permanently impounded.

When Stack's Bowers Galleries sells highlights from the James A. Stack, Sr. Collection this coming December, a 16th known specimen will find its first new home since Stack's passing in 1951. Graded PCGS Proof-65 (CAC)(CMQ), it is far and away the finest of the Class III examples in private hands. It is also the only 1804 dollar of any type to have received CAC or CMQ approval. No Class III 1804 dollar has sold at auction since our offering of the Berg-Garrett-Pogue example in March 2020, and no 1804 dollar of any kind has sold since August 2021, when we sold the finest known Class I 1804 dollar, the Childs-Pogue specimen, for a world record price for the issue of $7.68 million.

James A. Stack, Sr. aggressively worked to acquire connoisseur quality rare coins during the era he collected, from the late 1930s until his passing in 1951. Though he had a residence on Long Island, Mr. Stack (no relation to the founders of our firm) spent most of his time working in Manhattan and living in a Midtown apartment. He made the best of his ready access to Stack's store, first on 6th Avenue and later on West 46th Street, purchasing superb examples of rare U.S. coins of every composition and era.

Read more here

MORE ON THE JAMES STACK JR. 1804 DOLLAR

Where James A. Stack Sr. acquired it is a mystery that may never be solved - but for more than 70 years, one of the rarest coins in American history sat quietly in his family's collection.

Stack, a prominent New York banker and one of the most discerning coin collectors of the 20th century, began building his collection in the late 1930s with a bold goal: to assemble the most complete and highest-quality cabinet of U.S. coins possible.

He pored over landmark sales, forged relationships with top dealers, and handpicked pieces not just for rarity, but for their pristine condition and impeccable provenance.

Read more here

WHAT THOSE PAPER MONEY DOODADS ARE CALLED

Gene Hessler writes:

Read more here

MORE ON AUTHORS ON COINS AND MEDALS

Marie Gibbs writes:

Rob Luton writes:

David Luftig writes:

Read more here

 

LOUIS BRAILLE COMMEMORATIVE MEMORIES

I am excited to share a personal story with E-Sylum readers about the Louis Braille Commemorative Silver Dollar and my involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo during its launch.

In November 2008, the National Federation of the Blind partnered with Whitman to promote the upcoming Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, issued by the U.S. Mint in 2009. This coin was a remarkable tribute to Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system, on the 200th anniversary of his birth. What made this commemorative so special was its inclusion of embossed Braille script, making it a readable Braille coin—much like the 2003 Alabama State Quarter, which featured Helen Keller's name in Braille.

At that time, I was serving as the general manager of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo. Together with my bourse manager, David Zielinski, we had the privilege of working closely with John G. Paré, Jr. and the leadership of the National Federation of the Blind. We visited their headquarters to better understand their mission, the significance of Braille literacy, and to help bring this coin to the Baltimore Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo.

Read more here

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: AUGUST 17, 2025

"The Numismatic Bookie" Closes Shop
NBS Historian Joel Orosz writes:

Read more here

 

OSBORNE MINT ANA COIN STRIKING CEREMONY

Osborne Mint in Cincinnati hosted a striking ceremony on July 23rd for the 2025 ANA Show Eagle coin, celebrating history, artistry, and numismatic tradition. This marks the second release in the acclaimed ANA Show Eagle series, which debuted at the 2024 World's Fair of Money.

The event gathered an impressive roster of industry leaders and honored guests, including acclaimed designer Joel Iskowitz, American Numismatic Association President Tom Uram, Osborne Mint executives, and other dignitaries. Attendees were welcomed with light snacks and refreshments before embarking on a guided tour of Osborne Mint, offering an inside look at America's oldest private mint and its historic production process.

Read more here

VOCABULARY TERM: RIM/EDGE JUNCTURE

Rim/edge Juncture. The point where the horizontal plane of the face of a struck piece meets the vertical plane of the edge. This point is most angular in proof coinage with a sharp 90° angle. In production run struck pieces it may exhibit a slightly rounded or bevel corner since the metal does not flow to that exact point. If the planchet is oversize, or there is too much pressure exerted by the dies, then metal will flow out at this point (it is the only place for it to go). This anomaly will create a burr or flash (also called a wire edge in America or knife edge in England). Continued striking with this problem would probably break the collar or the die. The closest word to the concept of rim/edge juncture is the architectural term arris, the sharp edge where two surfaces come together (but either surface may be curved, not necessarily one surface flat like coins and medals).

Read more here

BOOKS ON COINS, MEDALS AND TOKENS

As discussed last week, authors appear frequently on coins and medals. The same is not true for books. The medal shown last week with the cover of the "Red Book" may be unique in showing the title of a book on a medal. Books, when shown, represent a generic book or a book logo rather than a specific book.

Read more here

STACK'S BOWERS: SUMMER GLOBAL SHOWCASE AUCTION

1624 Maurice Prince of Orange, Dutch Victory in Brazil Medal. By Jan Van Bylaer. Betts-22, Van Loon II:155, Forrer I:317, Medallic Illustrations 91. Silver. MS-61 (PCGS). 67.9 mm. 68.3 grams. Obv: Bust of Maurice of Orange in rich brocaded tunic and ruff 3/4 right, script legend lists titles as Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, Governor (Stadholder) of the United Provinces. Ornate border presents Arms of the seven provinces, clasped hands with arrows. Rev: Crowned oval Arms of Orange-Nassau within the British Order of the Garter, dynastic motto Ie Maintiendray (I shall Maintain) below. Although Betts stated that this medal commemorated Dutch victories in both Peru and Brazil, Christopher R. McDowell (2022) has corrected this to show that it was issued to commemorate the successful attack on São Salvador da Bahia, Brazil's Portuguese capital, by Admiral Willekens on May 8, 1624.

Read more here

ARCHIVES INTERNATIONAL SALE 105

France......, & St. Pierre et Miquelon, ND (1950-60) to 1978. Lot of 13 Issued Banknotes. Includes: Saint Pierre et Miquelon - French Administration, ND (1950-60), 5 Francs, P-22; ND (1950-60), 10 Francs, P-23; Banque de France, 1927, 10 Francs, P-73d; 1940, 50 Francs, P-85b; 1952-53, 100 Francs, P-128d (4) and P-128e; 1968, 5 Francs, P-146b; 1965, 10 Francs, P-147a; 1978, 100 Francs, P-149f (2). Notes range from VF to AU condition. (13). Sold "AS IS" no returns accepted.

To read the complete item description, see:
France......, & St. Pierre et Miquelon, ND (1950-60) to 1978. Lot of 13 Issued Banknotes. (https://auction.archivesinternational.com/France-St-Pierre-et-Miquelon-French-and-Colonial-France-Issued-Banknotes-ND-1950-60-to-1978_i57566613)

Read more here

 

HERITAGE: PEH FAMILY COLLECTION TREASURES

An exceedingly rare Pattern that offers a peek into the implementation of the Ducaton as a denomination of United East India Company coinage is among the top offerings of an elite collection that will be featured in Heritage's ANA World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction August 27-29.

Read more here

GADOURY NOIR NUMISMATIC RARITIES

Numismatic Rarities at Gadoury Noir

4 October 2025
Gadoury Auctions
Monaco, Hôtel Le Méridien

Gadoury Auctions has established two auction series in recent years: the blue catalogue presents entire collections, while the black catalogue features numismatic highlights from antiquity to the present day, sourced from various collectors. And this catalogue is indeed full of highlights. Main focal points are on antiquity, France and Italy as well as Casa Savoia. But there are also many noteworthy pieces from other fields. The auction will take place in Monaco on 4 October 2025. On the previous day, the coins and medals offered in the blue catalogue will be auctioned off by collection. A separate auction preview has been published for the blue catalogue.

Read more here

WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: AUGUST 17, 2025

Tuesday August 12 brought the monthly meeting of my Northern Virginia numismatic social group, Nummis Nova. We were meeting a week early to avoid a conflict with this week's American Numismatic Association convention, and because our host was Julian Leidman of Maryland, we met at one of his favorite restaurants, Jerry's Seafood in Bowie, MD. Since it's summer and a long drive for our Virginia regulars, we had a smaller turnout. But it was nice to have a group small enough where we could see and converse with everyone present. It was also nice to have a private room.

I arrived early, shortly after 6pm. Soon Jon Radel arrived and they seated us early. We had a good chat before others entered the room - Roger Burdette, John "JK" Kravjevich and Julian himself. Julian had a large purple shiner around his right eye, and I shied away from taking group photos. When we were done teasing Julian for "pinching the wrong woman's bottom", he told us he'd been to the same restaurant a few nights earlier and taken a spill on the way out. Ouch! Luckily he didn't break anything, but that black eye will take a while to heal.

When our food came JK took this photo of my dinner - Jerry's specialty, the Crab Bomb.

Read more here

NGC ANCIENTS: ELEPHANTS

World Elephant Day is celebrated August 12 to bring attention to the plight of elephants. All three of the world's elephant species — the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant — are endangered.

Elephants have always been well-known for their strength and grace, but in ancient times they also were prized for their value in battle. Various Greek, Roman and Carthaginian coins feature elephants, with the following being excellent examples.

Following Alexander's death at the age of 32, his kingdom was divided among his lieutenants. This gold stater was struck under one of Alexander's generals, Ptolemy I (323-282 B.C.), founder of the Ptolemaic Kingdom based in Egypt. The reverse shows a chariot drawn by elephants.

Read more here

TIFFANY TO REDESIGN KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

For more than 47 years, a D.C.-area family has made the medals for the Kennedy Center Honors — gold-plated medallions outfitted with satin ribbons in rainbow colors and presented to luminaries including Al Pacino, Johnny Cash, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen and the Grateful Dead.

James Baturin, an 86-year-old retired marking device manufacturer, said he, his wife, Mila, and their two kids assembled more than 255 awards — mostly from the kitchen countertop of their home in Bethesda, Maryland — since the Kennedy Center Honors began in 1978.

That relationship abruptly ended earlier this month, just days before President Donald Trump announced the first class of Kennedy Center honorees under his leadership of the arts complex, which will go to glam metal band Kiss, Broadway and West End star Michael Crawford, country music legend George Strait, actor Sylvester Stallone and singer Gloria Gaynor.

Read more here

LOOSE CHANGE: AUGUST 17, 2025

1,400-year-old Coin Jar Found in Vietnam
The ancient city of Adrianopolis was an important ecclesiastical administrative center, and several famous religious figures were born or lived here, making Adrianopolis an extremely popular pilgrimage site.

And while excavating in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis, experts from Karabük University unexpectedly found a strange object.

These are ten coins estimated to be around 1,400 years old, contained in an earthenware jar. The coins date back to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constans II.

Perhaps this was not a treasure trove intentionally hidden or buried, but more like a local family's piggy bank.

To read the complete article, see:
Archaeologists puzzled after finding 1,400-year-old coin jar (https://www.vietnam.vn/en/tim-thay-chiec-binh-tien-le-1-400-nam-tuoi-gioi-khao-co-boi-roi)

Read more here

ABOUT THIS ISSUE: AUGUST 17, 2025

Read more here