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NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JANUARY 3, 2021Here's a selection of interesting or unusual items I came across in the marketplace this week. Tell us what you think of some of these. -Editor
Wilkins Counterstamp on 1823 Irish Halfpence 
1823 Irish Halfpence (KM 150) Countermarked "DR. G. G. WILKINS." (stamped in an arc) Dr. G. G. Wilkins was an infamous dentist in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, who also sold firearms and animal pelts among other items, and thus his building acquired the name "Fort Wilkins". (I have seen an image of his building.)
Date of issue: Circa 1860's.
Brunk W-610.
A moderately common counterstamp on a very uncommon undertype. From Bob Merchant's latest eBay offering. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
1840s Temperance Movement Pledge Token 
1847 U.S. Large Cent, holed Countermarked "J. BYRNE. / SIGNED / THE PLEDGE / 1860 / MARCH. 2" Stamped in individual letters on planed reverse of host coin. This is a token of the mid-19th century U.S. Temperance Movement. The auction lot description is as follows: [ A fascinating use of a large cent, and a scarce numismatic memorial to an important cultural movement of the period. The pledge was that of the Sons of Temperance: "I will neither make, buy, sell, nor use as a beverage any spirituous or malt liquors, wine, or cider." Beginning around 1840, the so-called "Washington Movement" was the first of many waves of temperance movements that had political agendas. The National Division of the Sons of Temperance was founded in 1844; at the time J. Byrne took the pledge and wore this badge as a reminder of his teetotalism, Abraham Lincoln was a staunch supporter and took an active speaking role for the organization. ] (See the Spencer Radnich article in the October 2004 issue of the TAMS Journal for more information.) Ex. Bowers and Merena Galleries, 13-15 March 2003 auction, lot 3280. Another great piece from Bob Merchant's latest eBay offering. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
1843 New Brunswick One Penny Token 
New Brunswick. Victoria bronzed copper Proof "Bust/Ship" Penny Token 1843 PR64 Brown PCGS, KM2, Br-909, NB-2A, Robins-29203. Plain edge. Medal alignment. A glossy medallic striking that offers bold detail paired with wonderful chocolate-brown surfaces that spill over into hues of auburn and deep purple when tilted beneath light.
Very nice New Brunswick token offered by Heritage. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
1900 Paris Exposition Medal 
OBVERSE
Obverse description: Bust of Marianne draped on the right, wearing the Phrygian cap decorated with an oak branch; an oak tree in the background and a town with a pond in the background.
REVERSE
Reverse description: An athlete carrying the flame, carried in the air by a victory wielding a laurel wreath; Petit and Grand Palais in the background. Signed: J. C. CHAPLAIN Beautiful Art Nouveau medal. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
Chopmarked 1905-S Philppines Peso 
CHOPMARKED COINS: PHILIPPINES: U.S. Territory, AR peso, 1905-S, KM-168, several large Chinese merchant chopmarks, plus one assay chop, VF, ex D. R. Bain Collection. Not the prettiest coin, but great obverse chopmarks. Nice example of a coin that heavily circulated in the region. From the upcoming Stephen Album sale. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
Large Cent Pie Crimper Wheel 
"Coin has been pierced and had a handle added so that it could be used as a pie crimper tool. The crimper/jagger part is made from an 1845 Large Cent on which the details including the word "Liberty" are clear & the date is easily readable. The handle has pleasing natural rich patina from age & use. The coin crimper/jagger part has a dark rich layer of patina combined with some corrosion from age & use. This is entirely original & has never been cleaned or tampered with in any way." I've seen Large Cents turned into washers and gears, but a pie crimper is a first for me. -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
Stereoview Coin Photo 
1870's stereoview photograph which shows the reverse of an 1822 English coin with King George slaying the dragon design. This rare stereoview shows the most classic & memorable of all English coin designs. This card has rounded corners matt as issued. The card measures 6 15/16 inches by 3 3/8 inches. There is no photographer's identification but the card is most likely English. The card is in excellent condition with only light age toning. Quite an unusual & certainly a very rare stereoview as we have never seen another example in our 50+ years of involvement in early photography. The pie crimper seller has a second one on offer as well. But here's another item that caught my eye. I've seen stereo cards of scenes at the U.S. Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing, but was unaware of cards picturing specific coins. Does anyone have one of these in their collection? -Editor
To read the complete lot description, see:
Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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