LOOSE CHANGE: OCTOBER 3, 2021

   

The Bank of New York, founded in 1784, came into possession of a keg of original 1787 Fugio copper cents sometime around the time they were manufactured. Over many years, beginning at least by 1859, bank officials passed these out to favored clients and employees and made some available to numismatists. Included were some of the scarce type with UNITED above and STATES below on the label across the reverse (in contrast, most other varieties have these words to the left and right sides).

The keg of coins deposited at the Bank of New York, 44 Wall Street, remained unopened until 1856. After this time the hoard became widely known and, among other citations, was mentioned as follows by W.C. Prime in his book, Coins, Medals, and Seals (copyright 1860, published in 1861): "Within the past year a keg of these [Fugio] coppers was found in the vault of a New York City bank, in fresh proof condition. This statement has been doubted; but we are indebted to the cashier for fine specimens of the contents of the keg, which abundantly prove the truth of the story. A recent discovery of the old dies, and possibly a manufacture of new dies, or repairing and retouching the old, has made these coins very common in various metals."

By about 1948 some 1,641 pieces remained in possession of the bank and were numismatically analyzed by Damon G. Douglas. It was learned that the pieces were made from two batches of planchets weighing on average 143 grains and 155 grains respectively.

To read the complete article, see:
The Bank of New York Hoard of Fugio Coppers (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=bank-of-new-york-hoard-of-fugio-coppers)

   

The 59 distinct designs of the silver and gold classic commemoratives are often collected by theme. The bald eagle depictions are some of the most interesting and popular of these sets. From Robert Scot's early Mint small eagle to the majestic in-flight version that graces the newest Silver Eagle bullion, our national bird has been portrayed numismatically with a number of artistic interpretations. This is done nowhere more diverse than in the varied imagery utilized in the classic commemoratives. With the designers allowed a certain latitude, the depiction of the eagle in the commemorative series is arguably the most artistic in all of U.S. numismatics.

To read the complete article, see:
The Eagles of the Classic Commemoratives (https://coinweek.com/coins/commemoratives-coin-guide/the-eagles-of-the-classic-commemoratives/)

Dean Kamen is flummoxed. Flabbergasted, even.

Typically measured in his speech and manner, the Bedford inventor and entrepreneur was recently venting his frustration and chagrin at what he sees as a missed opportunity for New Hampshire to celebrate someone who was universally admired: Concord's own Christa McAuliffe.

After years of behind-the-scenes work by Kamen and members of New Hampshire's Congressional delegation, Congress in 2019 approved a commemorative coin honoring McAuliffe, the Concord High School teacher who inspired the world and who died in the Challenger disaster on Jan. 28, 1986.

Kamen said he donated $5,000 worth of the coins to the Concord planetarium that was built in McAuliffe's honor. He'll also donate coins to the SEE Science Center he created in the Manchester Millyard.

But Kamen issued a call to action for others to act before it's too late.

He's willing to work with any group — businesses, teacher's unions, educational associations, PTAs, civic organizations, anyone else — that wants to spearhead a campaign to promote the coins, he said. The holidays are coming up, too; wouldn't a commemorative coin be a unique gift, he asked.

To read the complete article, see:
Dean Kamen issues 'call to action' to promote coins honoring Christa McAuliffe (https://www.unionleader.com/news/education/dean-kamen-issues-call-to-action-to-promote-coins-honoring-christa-mcauliffe/article_2f0733e9-8a69-54a4-9a14-f40b439abbaa.html)

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