LOOSE CHANGE: NOVEMBER 10, 2019

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V22 2019 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 22, Number 45, November 10, 2019, Article 27

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

Numismatic News published a great article by Bob Julian on the Capped Bust Half Dollar. -Editor

Patterson did not think that the current chief engraver, Robert Scot, was capable of executing the new artwork, so the President was asked to authorize the employment of an assistant engraver named John Reich. Patterson believed that Reich, an indentured servant freed by Chief Coiner Henry Voight, was better suited to carry out the new artistic direction on the coinage.

It was made clear to the President that Reich was wanted for the specific task of redesigning our coinage. Jefferson, of course, knew that there already was an engraver at the Mint but that he was a Federalist, and one assumes that a member of the President's political party would, of course, do a better job.

The President, whatever his views on coinage design, had very clear ideas about spending public money, and it was not until March 1807 that Director Patterson was able to persuade the Chief Executive to permit Reich to be hired as an assistant engraver at the sum of $600 per year. (Scot received $1,200 per annum). Shortly thereafter, Reich arrived at the Mint and began to prepare designs under Patterson's supervision.

To read the complete article, see:
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, 1807-1836 (https://www.numismaticnews.net/article/the-capped-bust-half-dollar-1807-1836-2)

I listened to this one earlier this week. It's a nicely done interview with numismatic writer and videographer Lianna Spurrier, who has done such as great job on videos for the Newman Numismatic Portal this year. Check it out. -Editor

This week on the CoinWeek Podcast, we talk to Lianna Spurrier– a numismatic writer and videographer. One of a new generation of coin professionals entering the industry. Lianna writes a column for CoinWeek IQ and it is our pleasure to introduce you to her next… on the CoinWeek Podcast.

The flip of a 1923 silver dollar could determine the next mayor of Magnolia, OH, a small town south of Cleveland. -Editor

A coin toss will determine the winner if Boyd and Downes remain tied after election results are certified in two weeks.

That's how outgoing Mayor Robert Leach got the job, winning a coin toss in 1979. Leach chose not to seek re-election after running unopposed for 9 consecutive terms.

A 1923 Peace silver dollar is believed to have been used to break election ties in Stark County since the early 1940s.

David Sundman forwarded this article from The Times about a shipment of banknotes impounded in Malta. Thanks. -Editor

Malta has seized a massive shipment of unofficial currency believed to have been on its way from Russia to a Kremlin-backed warlord in Libya.

The money is thought to have been printed at a mint in Russia and was destined for the self-styled Marshal Khalifa Haftar, a Gaddafi-era general whose forces are attempting to overthrow the UN-backed government in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

Two 56 cubic-metre containers packed full of the currency were confiscated in September, Maltese security services confirmed. Like most western countries, Malta recognises the government in Tripoli.

To read the complete article, see:
Money impounded on way to warlord (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/money-impounded-on-way-to-warlord-7nnkmkp56?shareToken=2da52dbd9d495e1856cb127521458a72)

If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, then maybe it shouldn't be surprising to learn that a side of sunflowers makes it easier to swallow banknotes. -Editor

Corrupt officials around the World have mastered the art of hiding bribe money, but a Moscow transport security officer has come up with a new, pretty unhealthy method on Wednesday when he stuffed his mouth with banknotes and tried to swallow them as he saw police approaching his office.

Major Sergei Salov of the Russian Interior Ministry's Transport Directorate for the Central Federal District, mixed banknotes worth 10,000 Russian rubles (US$156) with sunflower seeds he found in his drawer to get the bills down more easily, Crimerussia news outlet reported.

Salov reportedly managed to eat one 5,000-ruble banknote and one 1,000-ruble banknote almost completely, but could not manage the remaining four 1,000 notes.

I prefer fava beans and a nice Chianti... -Editor

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