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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 (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page link 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 upcoming auctions

 

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 JUNE 29, 2025

New subscribers this week include: Ashley Wickens-Rumble, courtesy Steve Hill; and Jared Goldfarb. Welcome aboard! We now have 7,228 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 three new books, the 2025 IAPN Book Prizes, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, notes and submissions from readers, and more.

Other topics this week include paper money errors, small sized paper money of the Great Depression, Ron Landis, James Jarvis, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, fixed price and auction selections, new Canadian coins, the Franklin Expedition rescue token, the Army Rangers Congressional Gold Medal, Continental Currency, and the Bank of England.

To learn more about Australian coins, Bianca Bart, numismatics of the Spanish Caribbean, Medieval Pennies, Canadian Decimal Coinage, Louisiana sculptor Angela Gregory, Emperor Maximilian's final request, an AI-powered coin identification app, the Complete Electronic Numismatic Trading Systems, the Dead Sea Scrolls of Online Numismatics, Confederate Currency, and the Case of the Bloody-Nosed Counterfeiter, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

 

NEW BOOK: AUSTRALIAN COIN & BANKNOTE VALUES

Renniks Australian Coin & Banknote Values 33rd Edition
By: Michael Pitt

This comprehensive guide to Australian Coin & Banknote Values contains over 4,900 unique images and countless thousands of valuations. This book is a must for all collectors, whether you are just a beginning or an advanced collector. The latest information is compiled using weighted averages to assist pricing accuracy. Quality reproduction of photos makes it easy to identify items. Covered are copper, silver, gold, nickel, and all coins and notes used in Australia from 1800 to the present. Subjects include Pre-Decimal and Decimal currency and privately issued banknotes, war issues, and privately issued tokens. Also included are the latest Royal Australian Mint, Perth Mint & Australia Post Numismatic Covers.

Weight: .945 kg
Dimensions: 24.5 × 17 × 2.5 cm
Editor: Michael Pitt
Publisher: Renniks Publications
Publication Date: July 2025
Binding: Softcover (stitched and glued)
SKU: R33
Size: 245 x 170 x 20mm
Pages: 392
Illustrations: 4,900 colour images

For more information, or to order, see:
Renniks Australian Coin & Banknote Values 33rd Edition, Hardcover (Pre-Order) (https://renniks.com/shop/renniks-australian-coin-banknote-values-33rd-edition-hardcover-9780648793687/)
Renniks Australian Coin & Banknote Values 33rd Edition (https://renniks.com/shop/renniks-australian-coin-banknote-values-33rd-edition-softcover-9780648793670/)

NEW BOOK: UNITED STATES PAPER MONEY ERRORS

United States Paper Money Errors, 5th Edition
By: Dr. Frederick Bart and Bianca Bart

Whitman Brands is proud to unveil the long-awaited fifth edition of United States Paper Money Errors—a richly illustrated and fully revised guide to one of the most exciting areas of paper money collecting. Authored by the expert father-daughter team Dr. Fred Bart and Bianca Bart, this cornerstone title—originally published by the Coin & Currency Institute under the stewardship of Art Friedberg—has officially joined the Whitman family as the flagship title of its new Professional Series™.

"We're honored to continue the legacy of this essential book under the Whitman name," said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. "As the market for paper money grows, especially in errors, this fifth edition couldn't come at a better time."

Few areas of numismatics generate as much buzz as paper money errors, with their eye-catching misprints and one-of-a-kind manufacturing quirks. The new edition of United States Paper Money Errors dives deep into this captivating niche with over 550 full-color images, detailed explanations, updated values in up to four grades, the universally recognized Friedberg Numbering System™, and rarity guides that make it easy for both newcomers and veteran collectors to understand what makes error notes so special.

Now structured according to the actual production sequence of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the book offers readers a behind-the-scenes tour of how U.S. paper money is made—and how things occasionally go wrong in unforgettable ways. Historic BEP photographs add a layer of depth, contrasting past and present methods of printing.

"We've seen a noticeable rise in interest around paper money—especially among younger collectors looking for something unique and attainable," said Dr. Fred Bart, longtime expert and pioneer in error-note research. "This new edition not only modernizes the content but strengthens the foundation for learning. I'm thrilled to see Whitman carry it forward."

"Working with my father on this project has been incredible," added Bianca Bart, co-author and contributor to the new edition. "Collectors will love the expanded content, streamlined structure, and visual appeal. Error notes are truly the most entertaining part of currency collecting—and this book brings that excitement to life from first and second printing errors to overprints to fold and other miscellaneous errors."

Dr. Fred Bart and Bianca Bart are both highly active and widely respected figures in the numismatic community, known for their expertise, innovation, and longstanding contributions to the field.

Dr. Frederick J. Bart is a recognized authority on U.S. paper money errors, with decades of experience collecting, researching, and writing on the subject. Working alongside her father, Bianca Bart quickly rose in the field, becoming CEO of Executive Currency, and continues to drive innovation in the industry while honoring its legacy.

As part of Whitman's new Professional Series™, United States Paper Money Errors offers advanced insights for dedicated collectors seeking to expand their expertise. The series will also include titles like United States Pattern Coins, Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins, and other specialized categories in numismatics. Each volume delivers in-depth history, technical detail, and authoritative pricing data curated by industry experts.

Published by Whitman®, the most trusted name in numismatic literature, United States Paper Money Errors is available for pre-order now at Whitman.com and Amazon. It will also be available at Whitman's Ebay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and other authorized retailers nationwide mid July.

Whitman is the leading producer of numismatic books, guides, and reference materials. Known for trusted titles like the A Guide Book of United States Coins (the "Red Book"), Handbook of United States Coins (the "Blue Book"), and A Guide Book of United States Paper Money, Whitman is committed to educating and inspiring collectors of all ages and levels.

For more information, visit www.whitman.com.

About the Authors

Dr. Frederick J. Bart is a recognized authority on U.S. paper money errors, with decades of experience collecting, researching, and writing on the subject. He has been featured on CNN, NBC, FOX, the History Channel, and in USA Today and the Robb Report for his insights into currency anomalies and collecting. Bart specializes in serial number one national banknotes and $100 large-size type notes, and is a longtime member of the Professional Numismatists Guild, American Numismatic Association, and Professional Currency Dealers Association. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in numismatics today.

Guided by her father's path but forging her own, Bianca B. Bart developed a passion for numismatics at a young age. Fascinated by the unusual, she holds a deep appreciation for errors—and an even deeper interest in uncovering how they occurred. Working alongside her father and later interning at a top-tier grading firm, she quickly rose in the field. Within a few years, she earned full membership in the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild, becoming its third-youngest inductee. In 2023, she became CEO of Executive Currency and continues to drive innovation in the industry while honoring its legacy. Coin World has recognized her as one of the most influential people in numismatics.

For more information, or to order, see:
United States Paper Money Errors, 5th Edition (https://whitman.com/united-states-paper-money-errors/?searchid=1742820&search_query=United+States+Paper+Money+Errors+)

For more information, or to order, see:
United States Paper Money Errors, 5th Edition (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0794853943)

NEW BOOK: DOCUMENTS OF THE HISPANIC CARIBBEAN, VOL 3

All the documents in this documentary book, VOLUME III, belong to the National Historical Archive of Madrid. With this documentary collection, we have tried to emulate the efforts and honor the memory of great Puerto Ricans of the 19th century, such as Don Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, Don Román Baldorioty de Castro, Don José Julián de Acosta y Calbo, Don Ramón Emeterio Betances, and Don Segundo Ruiz Belvis, who together in 1851, formed the Society for the Collection of Historical Documents of the island of San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico (Sociedad Recolectora de Documentos Históricos de la Isla de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico).

That first significant effort made by these honorable men to transcribe primary sources in the archives in Spain about Puerto Rican history was the cornerstone of Puerto Rican historiography. That is why, in honor of these illustrious human beings and following the furrow of the path traced by them, I contribute my grain of sand with transcriptions of manuscripts, but in this case, on the subject of the use of currency in Puerto Rico and the economic aspect. The whole book is in Spanish.

Sobre cantidad a que asciende el situado que cobra la isla

El gobernador don Salvador Meléndez acompaña documentos de la Contaduría justificativos de la cantidad a que asciende el situado que cobra la isla y que no se ha modificado desde la R. O. de 27 de junio de 1784 (1811).

However, the first document to which we refer is from the beginning of the 19th century (1811), in which Governor-General Don Salvador Meléndez accompanies documents of the Accounting Office justifying the amount of the situado (Mexican Subsidy) charged by the island, which had not been modified since the Royal Order of June 27, 1784.

Embarque de setenta cajones con ochavos y uno con plata

Se comunica el embarque para Puerto Rico de 70 cajones con ochavos y uno con plata, en el vapor correo ‘Almogabar' (1860).

The second file we refer to dates from the second half of the 19th century (1860) when the Spanish authorities communicated the shipment to Puerto Rico of 70 crates with Ochavos and one with silver on the mail steamer "Almogabar."

Sobre convertir billetes del Tesoro en deuda amortizable

El Gobierno General de la isla gestiona con la 'Sociedad Anónima de Crédito Mercantil' la conversión de los billetes del Tesoro emitidos para indemnizar a los que fueron poseedores de esclavos en deuda amortizable. Acompaña el folleto Antecedentes relativos a la conversión de los billetes del Tesoro de Puerto Rico y creación de un banco completo de circulación. Puerto Rico, (1881).

In the third file presented, dated 1881, the General Government of Puerto Rico manages, together with the "Sociedad Anónima de Crédito Mercantil," the conversion of the Treasury notes issued to compensate those who enslaved people into amortizable debt. The printed brochure is also attached with transcripts titled "Background Regarding the Conversion of Puerto Rico Treasury Banknotes and Creation of a Complete Bank of Circulation on the Basis of the Mercantile Credit Society" (“Antecedentes Relativos a la Conversión de los Billetes del Tesoro de Puerto Rico y Creación de un Banco Completo de Circulación sobre la Base de la Sociedad de Crédito Mercantil.")

Proponen la creación de bancos y entidades de crédito

Memoria redactada por el intendente don Miguel Cabezas, en la que se propone la creación de bancos y entidades de crédito como solución a la crisis económica ocasionada por l

The fourth file presented, dated 1883, contains a report written by the Treasury Intendant, Mr. Miguel Cabezas, proposing the creation of banks and credit institutions as a solution to the economic crisis caused by the circulation of foreign currencies in Puerto Rico.

Refundición de pesos mejicanos y otras medidas económicas

Plan que propone la Sociedad de Crédito Mercantil para refundir los pesos mejicanos, evitando así que su excesiva circulación llegue a hacer desaparecer la moneda española, y medidas provisionales tomadas para atenuar los efectos de la crisis monetaria. Acompañan sueltos de varios periódicos recogiendo artículos en que se apoyan las medidas tomadas. (1883-1885).

In the fifth file presented, dated between 1883 and 1885, the Sociedad de Crédito Mercantil proposes a plan to recast the Mexican pesos in circulation in Puerto Rico. They proposed doing this to prevent their excessive circulation from causing the Spanish currency to disappear, and provisional measures were also proposed to mitigate the effects of the monetary crisis. At the end of the manuscript are transcripts from several newspapers in Puerto Rico that include news about the measures taken regarding the monetary situation in Puerto Rico.

Circulación de moneda en Puerto Rico y medidas para evitar la crisis monetaria por que atraviesa la isla

Por Real Orden de 8 de junio de 1893, se pide al gobernador general de Puerto Rico información amplia sobre la crisis monetaria por la que atraviesa la isla, consultando al comercio y la agricultura, Cámara de Comercio, Intendencia de Hacienda y demás centros, para que opinen sobre los medios más eficaces para sustituir la moneda mejicana por la nacional, proponiendo medidas concretas (1893).

In the sixth file presented, dated 1893, the Royal Order of June 8, 1893, is discussed, by which the governor-general of Puerto Rico is asked for extensive information on the monetary crisis that the island is going through. The file consulted the opinion of commerce and agriculture, the Chamber of Commerce, the Intendancy of the Treasury, and other centers so that they could give their opinion on the most effective means of substituting the Mexican currency for the national one, proposing concrete measures to carry out the monetary exchange.

Piden que siga circulando la moneda de plata de 20 reales

El gobernador del Banco Español de Puerto Rico don L. García Alonso solicita que quede sin efecto la orden que declara fuera de circulación legal la moneda de plata de 20 reales de sistemas anteriores al Decreto de 19 de octubre de 1868 (1894).

In the seventh file presented, dated 1894, the Spanish Bank of Puerto Rico governor, Mr. L. García Alonso, requested that the order declaring the silver coin of 20 reales from systems before the October 19, 1868, Decree, be null and void.

Telegramas cruzados referentes al canje de moneda

Telegramas cruzados entre el ministro de Ultramar y el gobernador general de Puerto Rico y los comisionados de los puertos de Cádiz y Santander, referentes al canje de moneda (1895–1896).

The eighth and last file presented in this documentary book contains transcriptions of telegrams sent between the years 1895 and 1896 regarding the exchange of currency in Puerto Rico between the Minister of Overseas Affairs, the Governor General of Puerto Rico, and the commissioners of the ports of Cadiz and Santander.

For more information, or to order, see:
Documentos Numismáticos del Caribe Hispano (Siglo XIX) Tomo III (https://www.lulu.com/es/shop/angel-navarro-zayas/documentos-numism%C3%A1ticos-del-caribe-hispano-siglo-xix-tomo-iii/paperback/product-q6dgkyj.html?q=&page=1&pageSize=4)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NEW BOOK: NUMISMATIC DOCUMENTS OF THE HISPANIC CARIBBEAN (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n15a05.html)
NEW BOOK: DOCUMENTS OF THE HISPANIC CARIBBEAN, VOL 2 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n10a05.html)

2025 IAPN BOOK PRIZES ANNOUNCED

Peter Preston-Morley writes:

1st Prize: KIND, Jean-Yves. Catalogue des Monnaies Royales Françaises. 1: Monnaies d'or Louis IX à Louis XII; 2: Monnaies d'or François Ier à Louis XVI

2 vols. Bibliothèque Nationale de France/Éditions V. Gadoury, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2024
ISBN 978-2-90660-256-4
Price: €95. Order from www.gadoury.com

2nd Prize: CARBONE, Lucia. Local Coinages in a Roman World: Second Century BC-First Century AD
2 vols. American Numismatic Society, New York, 2024

ISBN 978-0-89722-419-2 and 978-0-89722-420-8
Price: US $325. Order from www.numismatics.org

3rd Prize: VANHOUDT, Hugo, and SAUNDERS, John. The Gold Coinage of the Low Countries
Hugo Vanhoudt, Heverlee, NL, 2024

ISBN 978-1-73565-981-7
Price: €100. Order from vanhoudt.hugo@gmail.com

AAMLID, Jan Olav. Siam Specimen Banknotes: Third Series
House of Coins, Pattaya, Thailand, 2024
ISBN 978-6-16608-792-5
Price: GBP 55, casebound. Order from www.spinkbooks.com

BRZIC, Aleksandar. Hallmarking of Gold Coinage in Serbia and Yugoslavia 1882-1941
Österreichischen Forschungsgesellschaft für Numismatik, Vienna, 2024
ISBN 978-3-95042-687-8
Price: €55. Order from www.phoibos.at

BUSTOS, Alejandro Martínez. Amonedación de Luis Fernando I, rey de Hispania y de las Yndias
Briggs & Bustos, Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico, 2024
No ISBN.
Price: US $175. Order from www.worldnumismatics.com

CHAPONNIÈRE, Olivier. Bons au Porteur Billets de Banque, Genève 1830-1906
Société Antoine Bovy, Geneva, 2024
ISBN 978-2-97016-330-5
Price: 50 CHF, €50, US $50. Order from www.cfnumis.com

COLANTONIO, Eduardo. Billetes Argentinos 1884-2024
Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2024
ISBN 978-6-31004-255-8
Price: US $45. Order from www.monedasbilletes.com

DELGADO, Ignacio Gutierrez. Los Doblones de a Ocho Escudos [2nd edition] v 2 vols. Ignacio Delgado, Zaragoza, Spain, 2024
No ISBN
Price: US $325. Order from www.sedwickcoins.com

DELZANNO, Roberto. Sveriges Kungliga Medaljer 1521-1872
2 vols. Robert Delzanno Numismatik, Älvsjö, Sweden, 2024
ISBN 978-9-15271-681-6
Price: SEK 995. Order from www.delzanno.se

GREENHALGH, David. The Galata Guide to Medieval Pennies Part II: Henry IV-Henry VI
Galata Print, Llanfyllin, Wales, 2024
ISBN 978-1-90871-526-5
Price: GBP 45. Order from www.galata.co.uk

HARNEY, Gareth. Moneta: A History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins
Penguin Random House, Oxford, England, 2024
ISBN 978-1-84792-750-7
Price: GBP 22. Order from www.ukbookshop.org

HAYMANN, Florian. Antike Münzen sammeln
Battenberg Gietl Verlag, Regenstauf, Germany, 2024
ISBN 978-3-86646-248-9
Price: €29.90. Order from www.battenberg-gietl-de

 

HENGEVELD, Dennis. Paper Dreams in the Golden State; A History of California through its Paper Money
Stack's Bowers Galleries, Costa Mesa, CA, USA, 2024
ISBN 979-8-21898-500-4
Price: US $49.95. Order from www.stacksbowers.com

KUMAR, Sanjeev. Treasures of the Gupta Empire [2nd edition]
Archaeopress UK, Bicester, England, 2024
ISBN 978-1-80327-795-0
Price: GBP 120. Order from www.archaeopress.com

LACOURT, Jean. Sesterces des Antonins (96-192), V: Commode César (166- 176), Commode Auguste (176-192)
Jean Lacourt, Paris, 2024
ISBN 978-2-95815-284-0
Price: €49. Order from www.cgbfr.com

PECKHAM, Colin. The Peckham Collection
Galata Print, Llanfyllin, Wales, 2024
ISBN 978-1-90871-525-8
Price: GBP 55. Order from www.galata.co.uk

SHIOTA, Keiichi. Classical Islamic Coin's Chronicle
Daruma International Galleries, Tokyo, Japan, 2024
ISBN 978-4-99134-280-6
Price: JPY 88,000. Order from www.darumacoins.co.jp

THÉRET, Philippe, and TAILLARD, Michel. Le Franc. Les Essais, Les Archives. Charles X (1824-1830)
Éditions Les Chevau-légers, Paris, 2024
ISBN 978-2-37909-054-7
Price: €150. Order from www.cgbfr.com

TURNER, Rob. Dominion Decimals: Canadian Decimal Coinage from 1867 to 1907
Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, Markham, ONT, Canada, 2024
ISBN 978-1-55383-606-3
Price: CAN $75 or US $60. Order from www.rcna.ca/book/index

WILKINSON, Tom. Emergency Money: Notgeld in the Image Economy of the German Inflation, 1914-1923
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA, 2024
ISBN 978-0-26254-680-5
Price: US $50. Order from www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NEW BOOK: CATALOG OF FRENCH ROYAL GOLD COINS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n23a04.html)
NEW BOOK: LOCAL COINAGES IN A ROMAN WORLD (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n28a03.html)
NEW BOOK: GOLD COINAGE OF THE LOW COUNTRIES (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n17a03.html)
NEW BOOK: HALLMARKING OF GOLD COINAGE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n51a05.html)
NEW BOOK: BILLETES ARGENTINOS 1884 – 2024 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n41a09.html)
NEW BOOK: OCHO ESCUDOS, 2ND EDITION (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n30a05.html)
BOOK REVIEW: ANCIENT ROME IN TWELVE COINS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n02a08.html)
NEW BOOK: PAPER DREAMS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n45a03.html)
NEW BOOK: SESTERCES DES ANTONINS - IV (96-192) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n49a04.html)
NEW BOOK: LE FRANC - CHARLES X (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n50a04.html)
NEW BOOK: CANADIAN DECIMAL COINAGE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n22a04.html)
NEW BOOK: EMERGENCY MONEY (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n28a06.html)

CAN YOU FIND THIS FRANKLIN MINT MEDAL?

Can You Find a Franklin Mint Medal?

This week the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen, LA contacted us in search of a medal by the Louisiana sculptor Angela Gregory. Dick Johnson's Databank lists 14 medals for Gregory (1903-1990), including the 1972 ANA convention medal. The museum is currently developing an exhibit that will feature Gregory's work.

The elusive piece is Gregory's 1965 Civil War Centennial medal, engraved for Franklin Mint's National Commemorative Society series. This medal is no. 13 in the series, and an example resides in the American Numismatic Society (1965.338.1). Franklin Mint records indicate a production of three pieces in platinum and 5,249 examples in silver. No doubt many of these were melted in the 1970s as silver prices spiked toward the end of the decade. Can E-Sylum readers locate an example for sale?

Link to Angela Gregory entry in the Dick Johnson Databank:
https://archive.org/details/johnsondatabankGtoI/page/n147/mode/2up?view=theater

VIDEO: DEPRESSION SMALL SIZE PAPER MONEY

Sundman Lecture Series If ever there was monetary excitement paralleling our current economic situation, it was the Great Depression. The U.S. banking system had collapsed, money was being hoarded, and commerce had slowed to a crawl. Today's bailouts were attempted back then under the guise of emergency issues of currency - cheap money that governments and institutions hoped would stimulate circulation and commerce.

Peter Huntoon is a noted expert on U.S. paper money and author of books and scholarly articles. He is a longtime instructor at the ANA's Summer Seminar. In this video presentation you will see and hear:

• The Great Depression and its effects on society
• How the stock market was affected
• Emergency Banking Relief Act passed by Roosevelt on March 9, 1933
• Actions by the Federal Reserve and the issue of bank notes
• Issuance of Executive Order of April 5, 1933 that confiscated gold
• What caused the silver certificates of 1933 to be issued and why they are so rare
• Gold Reserve Act of 1934 and new authority given to the President
• Reasons of examples for the issuance of the small size notes of 1933 and 1934
• Foreign Exchange Stabilization fund

Speaker(s): Peter Huntoon.

To watch the complete video, see:
Small Size Paper Money: Emergency Money of the Great Depression (https://youtu.be/Agd9wdBZpso)
Small Size Paper Money: Emergency Money of the Great Depression (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/557337)

MORE ON RON LANDIS

1857 $10 Vaquero Reproduction
Cary Bown writes:

At the 2004 ANA Summer Seminar

George Cuhaj writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
RONALD WAYNE LANDIS (1954-2025) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a05.html)

 

MORE ON JAMES JARVIS

Ray Williams writes:

Julia Casey writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JUNE 22, 2025 : Signed by James Jarvis (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a09.html)

 

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JUNE 29, 2025

German, not French

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
Numismagram Medal Selections: June 22, 2025 : 103192 | BELGIUM. Art Deco bronze Medal (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a15.html)

More on John Highfill
Dennis Tucker writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
JOHN WAYNE HIGHFILL (1943-2025) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a04.html)

On the 10th Edition Redbook with 9th Edition Style Cover

"Mr. Redbook" Ken Bressett writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
: 10th Edition Redbook with 9th Edition Style Cover (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n24a09.html)

The Many C4s

Before tiring of the game, Pete Smith added these:

David Gladfelter writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
THE THREE C4S (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a06.html)

More on the Drummer Boy Quarter Controversy

Wayne Pearson writes:

Wayne adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
: The Drummer Boy Quarter Controversy (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a09.html)

Interview with a Lady Manager
Ron Guth writes:

To watch the video, see:
Rebecca Felton: Former U.S. Senator (1929) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAD3WO7SOJU)

ANA Awards
Jeff Burke writes:

Harry Waterson writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JUNE 22, 2025 : Medal of Merit (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n25a09.html)

The Case of the Bloody-Nosed Counterfeiter

 

VOCABULARY TERM: RIBBON DRAPE

Ribbon Drape. Folded and sewn ribbon from which a medal is suspended. Ribbon drapes add color, suspend a medal providing a means to wear it, and are attached to some means of fastening to a garment or uniform. The medal is usually looped by integral loop – made at the same time as the striking of the medal – or by a soldered loop, attached after it is struck and finished, or by a lug which is a part of the medal and is drilled to provide the opening for a ring.

The loop is affixed to a jump ring that is usually large enough to pass through the fold in the ribbon drape. At the top of the ribbon the two ends are sewn together and fastened by a concealed bar to a stem and clasp or other attaching means as a pin and clasp. The same ribbon for the ribbon drape is used for the ribbon bar. For military medals the color is part of a scheme and is unique for that particular campaign or valor award. For educational use a school's colors are used. National colors – as red, white and blue for America – become somewhat universal and are a stock ribbon available for anyone to use for any purpose.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
Ribbon Drape (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/516654)

A COMMENTARY ON AWARDS

For two weeks I was planning another article for the week, but that collapsed on Thursday morning. I am falling back on a project I worked on earlier in the week.

In 1995, ANA President Ken Bressett appointed me chair of the ANA Awards Committee. I have maintained an interest over the years. I try to post the awards to the individual entries in American Numismatic Biographies.

Each year the ANA sends out a request for award nominations. Many of the awards are for service to the ANA. Often a retiring board member will get a Glenn Smedley Memorial Award, if nothing else.

There are others who are honored for service at the local level, a regional level or for a specialty club. Some clubs take advantage of the opportunity to nominate their club members. Some clubs never nominate anyone. Thus the results are uneven. People who are equally deserving of an award are left out for lack of a nomination.

Nominations require a description of past service to the hobby. People who submit a nomination often consult with the person to assemble that list. In other cases the person receiving the award writes the nomination and submits it through a willing helper.

If you know someone who deserves an ANA service award, consider making the effort to submit a nomination.

The original Krause Publication Numismatic Ambassador Award often was given to show promoters with long service to their club. Frequently the names would be unfamiliar and I had to scramble to provide a biographical listing. If the person has a common name, I might not be able to figure out a biography.

This past week I posted the results from the 2025 Coin World List of 100 Most Influential People in Numismatics. I am often amused and sometimes confounded with the results.

It is clear to me that the emphasis is on commercial numismatics with little interest in numismatic education.

In the original 2020 list, Q. David Bowers and Ken Bressett were on their Top 10 list. By 2025, they were both off the list, Sorry guys, you are no longer influential.

The 2024 list had a category for Researchers/Authors. This included the influential David T. Alexander, Ken Bressett, Roger W. Burdette, Beth Deisher, Tom Delorey, Bill Fivaz, Ron Guth, R. W. Julian, and Joel Orosz. They were all dropped from the 2025 list.

New to the list this year are Ralph and Phyllis Ross, listed as a family. Ralph was not considered influential when he was ANA president. Tom Uram is listed but he is noted as past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists rather than as past president of the ANA.

In the past I commented that Coin World advertisers had a strong chance of being considered influential. I looked at the June monthly issue of Coin World. I found that 25 of the most influential people were connected to ads in that issue.

The Coin World list has been criticized for ignoring foreign numismatists. Ulrich Künker of the German auction firm made the list for the fifth year. They have a full-page ad in the June issue.

I think the Coin World list has a value if you recognize it for what it is. If you think of Numismatics as an industry, it tells you who are the big players.

For more information on the ANA service awards, see:
Awards Categories and Nomination Forms (https://www.money.org/service-awards-categories/)

 

EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN'S FINAL REQUEST

Last month I walked through the halls of Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. Portraits of Maximilian and his wife Carlota still hang in the rooms where they once lived. Standing there brought to mind two coins we are offering this August in our Summer Global Showcase Auction.

• MEXICO. 20 Pesos, 1866 Mo. Mexico City Mint. Maximilian I. NGC AU 55
• MEXICO. Peso, 1866 Pi. San Luis Potosí Mint. Maximilian I. NGC MS 61

Both coins were struck during Maximilian's brief reign in Mexico (1864 – 1867). Seeing where he once ruled, and understanding the history behind these coins, gives a deeper appreciation for them.

Maximilian's story ended on June 19, 1867, when he was executed by a firing squad. But to understand how he got there, we have to go back to the Jecker Bonds scandal. Mexico had suspended payments on foreign loans, and Napoleon III of France saw an opportunity. With the United States caught in a civil war, Napolean used the so-called Jecker Bonds as his way to begin French intervention in Mexico.

Napoleon offered Austrian Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg the throne of Mexico, promising support and popular backing. The idea of ruling a modern empire appealed to Maximilian and in 1864, he accepted and moved into Chapultepec Castle under French protection. Meanwhile, Benito Juárez, the constitutional president, refused to recognize Maximilian's regime. Juárez was exiled into New Orleans, but he continued to organize resistance.

After the United States Civil War ended, everything shifted. The U.S. government reasserted the Monroe Doctrine and pressured France to withdraw. By 1866 the French had withdrawn, but Maximilian chose to remain in Mexico, giving Juárez the opening he needed to reclaim control of the country. Maximilian was captured, tried, and sentenced to death. History records his last words in Spanish as:

"Mexicans. I die for a just cause. The independence and freedom of Mexico. May my blood be the last to be shed for the good of this country. Viva México." He then pointed to his chest and said, "Aim well. Fire here."

According to historical accounts, Maximilian handed each soldier in the firing squad a 20 Pesos gold coin and asked them not to shoot him in the head, hoping that his mother would be able to see his face one last time.

Now, 158 years later, his coins are still with us. They remain as historical reminders of Mexico's brief Second Empire 1864 – 1867.

Knowing the full story, and having stood in the place where it began, made the short-lived Maximilian coin series come to life for me. If you are interested in owning one of these historic pieces, they will be available in our Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction.

To read the complete article, see:
Emperor Maximilian's Final Request Involved Gold Coins (https://stacksbowers.com/emperor-maximilians-final-request-involved-gold-coins/)

HOW LARRY BRILLIANT BUILT THE INTERNET

Before the internet took over the world, psychedelic rock band The Grateful Dead were among the first – and most influential – forces at the dawn of online communication.

[T]he Dead shaped far more than rock, psychedelia and '60s drug culture. Thanks to a group of music-loving tech enthusiasts, the Dead popularised what some call the first real online community. Generations later, the ideas formed in this pioneering digital space still reverberate through our daily lives.

Fans of the Dead, known as "Deadheads", were inspired by the band's embrace of all things technological, from their pioneering sound systems to their immersive multimedia visuals. Many fans were technologists and engineers themselves, working in Silicon Valley or at universities around America with access to early internet technology – which they were using by the late 1970s to swap hot commodities like Grateful Dead setlists and illegal drugs.

In the 1980s, years before the World Wide Web, a virtual online community emerged called the Well (the Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link). Centered on the San Francisco Bay Area of California, the Well not only thrived in its own right, but proved to be one of the most influential factors in the birth of the internet as we know it today. And its long life was in large part thanks to fans of the Grateful Dead.

The Well was borne out of a project started by writer, activists and businessman Stewart Brand, who began producing a print publication he called the Whole Earth Catalog in the 1970s. Inspired by the back-to-the-land movement which was seeing thousands of hippies across America start up communes, the Catalog was designed to provide "access to tools" – its slogan – that anyone could use to build their lives around the ecological and spiritual principles of the movement. That meant that alongside the physical tools it offered for sustainable living – like solar stills, looms, and seed kits – it featured an array of books and pamphlets by thinkers – like Buckminster Fuller and Marshall McLuhan – meant to provide insight into how to lead better, more thoughtful lives. The Catalog was enormously influential, and not just on hippies. Apple cofounder Steve Jobs called it "one of the bibles of my generation" in a famous 2005 speech.

The Catalog proved very popular, selling a million copies by 1972. Larry Brilliant, a doctor and activist who also happened to be the owner of computer company Networking Technologies International, approached Brand with the idea of putting the Catalog online. It was a radical idea at a moment when most people had never even heard of the internet. But Brand saw the potential in giving readers of the Catalog a place to talk to each other. Brilliant provided the money and equipment while Brand helped onboard users and build the community's culture, and in 1985, the Well went online.

The Well was a "bulletin board system" (BBS), an early text-based approach to online communication that long predated the mainstream internet. People could dial into a BBS using a computer and a phone line, where they would send messages and share files. But the Well was more advanced than other BBS's. In the 1980s, these systems typically ran off a single modem, usually in someone's home, and only one person could dial in at a time. Real-time conversation between multiple users was impossible. The Well, operating out of the Whole Earth Catalog's San Francisco office, was among the first to change that. It was professionally run on command-line PicoSpan software, and sported the hardware necessary for multi-user use and conversation – fifty people could be online chatting at the same time. This was a revolutionary experience.

At its launch, the Well was populated by a diverse group of conversationalists. The canny owners gave free invitations to journalists, computer enthusiasts and other prominent figures in a culture centred on Silicon Valley-style experimentation and forward thinking. The Well emphasised independence and ownership: the login screen told users "You own your own words". Many see it as the first time user-generated content was recognised as the inherent value proposition of an electronic tool.

Eisenhart, at the time the editor of a Bay Area computer magazine MicroTimes, remembers how Grateful Dead fanzines made her think about connecting members of the fandom. "[The fanzines] would get these heartrending letters from people who thought they were the only Deadheads in their state, but now at least they could connect with other Heads," she says. "I was very drawn to the ability to overcome the barriers of time and space to connect with those you had some actual affinity with."

Before long, the Well's Grateful Dead space exploded in popularity. At $2 an hour to dial in (about $6 or £4.50 today) along with its $8 membership fee ($23 or £17.20 today), the Deadheads' devotion to endless discussion of their favourite band helped fund the entire platform.

For cyberspace denizens who wanted to engage in discussion and collaborate with the people who were shaping the future of virtual communities, the Well was the place to be. Alongside the Well's many Deadheads, members included technology journalists like John Markoff and Steve Levy; entrepreneurs Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist; Steve Case, founder of AOL; homebrew computer enthusiasts like Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak; phone phreakers and hackers; libertarians; hippies; and even the founders of Wired magazine.

The Well represents a moment in history when, as founder Stewart Brand put it in Rheingold's book, "personal computer revolutionaries were the counterculture". Long before the mainstreaming of social media and smartphones, a virtual community was a truly groundbreaking concept.

To read the complete article, see:
How the Grateful Dead built the internet (https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250618-how-the-grateful-dead-shaped-social-media)

To watch the 2021 NNP Symposium panel on the early days of online numismatics, see:
The Early Days of Online Numismatics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afImQ8EsYc)
The Early Days of Online Numismatics (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/598044)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
FIRST COIN CHAT ROOM? (https://coinbooks.org/esylum_v04n46a09.html)
THE E-SYLUM, NUMISMATISTS AND TECHNOLOGY PIONEERS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v10n03a06.html)
LARRY BRILLIANT, NUMISMATIC INTERNET PIONEER (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n12a31.html)
HOW WELL WE ARE FIGHTING COVID-19? (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n28a17.html)
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: JUNE 20, 2021 : Books, Books, Books (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n25a25.html)

NUMI V3: AUTOMATED AI COIN SORTING PROTOTYPE

Numi v3: Automated AI Coin Sorting Prototype

Last summer, I shared my journey of building an AI-powered coin sorting robot, Numi v2. After several months of development, I paused the project because AI technology wasn't quite ready. However, by March, AI advancements convinced me it was time to pick it back up.

The past two months have been an intense sprint to complete Numi v3, just in time for the Colorado Springs Coin Club Show and the ANA Summer Seminar. I'm thrilled to announce that after hundreds of hours of work, Numi v3 is ready for its public prototype debut!

I'll be demoing Numi at:

• Colorado Springs Coin Club Show [June 27th–28th]
• ANA Summer Seminar [June 28th–July 3rd]

If you can't attend, check out this video demo!

Why I Created Numi
I'm a passionate coin collector and technologist [former technology product manager]. I believe strongly in the potential of Artificial Intelligence to positively impact our hobby. Many people still underestimate the potential benefits of AI to the hobby.

Numi v3 will initially focus on Lincoln Wheat cents, sorting them efficiently by year and mint mark. Numi was built to be flexible and there are plans to expand it to cover every US series and world coins.

How Numi Works
Numi v3's sorting chassis is constructed from over 500 LEGO pieces, powered internally by a Raspberry Pi 5. I wrote the software in Python with help from Cursor AI, totaling approximately 14,000 lines of code.

When starting Numi, you'll first encounter a welcome page offering two operational modes: Standard Mode and Dealer Mode.

Standard Mode handles Numi's essential functions:

• Controlling LEGO motors to guide coins smoothly through the machine
• Using dual cameras to capture high-resolution photos when coins enter the viewing area
• Basic user interface for displaying and saving photos securely to Google Cloud
• AI analysis of coin images via Google Gemini 2.5 Flash (a powerful and affordable image recognition AI from Google)
• Automated sorting by decade and year
• Fully automated looping process for continuous sorting

Creating Standard Mode was by far the biggest challenge. I had to meticulously engineer every mechanical detail and software component from scratch. Once established, it laid the groundwork for easily adding other useful modes.

Dealer Mode, designed in collaboration with feedback from coin dealers nationwide, enables dealers to quickly identify valuable coins within bulk lots.

In Dealer Mode, you start by specifying coins of interest through a custom watch list:

Once running, Numi alerts you when it identifies coins matching your list, capturing detailed images and tracking analysis costs (approximately $6 per 10,000 coins analyzed). Numi can analyze roughly one coin every 15 seconds, or around 5,000 coins per day.

After processing, you can generate a custom Google Sheet report listing discovered coins along with image links.

Dealer Mode is configured for real-time feedback at demonstrations, helping me refine Numi based on practical insights from actual dealers.

With the core system in place, developing additional modes is straightforward. One idea I'm particularly excited about is Collector Mode, which would help collectors complete coin albums interactively. Users would see a digital album highlighting missing coins, dynamically updated as Numi sorts and identifies them.

I'm eager to hear your ideas or additional scenarios you'd find helpful!

Consider Numi v3 a working prototype and proof of concept. My main goal at upcoming events is to gather community feedback on the broader impact of automated AI coin sorting and its future potential.

This project has undergone significant evolution over the past two years. Initially, Numi v1 was a customized ChatGPT-powered coin grader. Numi v2 automated silver coin sorting from circulation. Each iteration brought valuable lessons that shaped this latest version. The goal has always remained the same though: to make AI genuinely beneficial and approachable for everyone in our hobby.

Looking ahead, I'll focus on refining Numi based on real-world tests. Collectors from around the country have reached out with interest in helping them sort through their bulk wheat hoards. I've had dealers offer to have me come in and run through their bulk wheaties to get concrete numbers on how much time is saved and extra revenue generated.

Thank you for following my journey with Numi v3. I hope to meet you at the upcoming show or seminar!

Justin Hinh, aka Dansco Dude

To watch the complete video, see:
Numi v3: Automated AI Coin Sorting Robot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n13DanOc5hs)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NUMI: AI-POWERED COIN IDENTIFICATION APP (https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n47a10.html)
UPDATE: AI-POWERED APP NUMI (https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n52a12.html)
REVISITING NUMI (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n16a09.html)
NUMI V2.0 COIN IDENTIFIER & SORTER (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n28a14.html)

1907 UHR DOUBLE EAGLE AT OKLAHOMA ANA

The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, designed by acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and later presented to his widow on behalf of President Theodore Roosevelt, will be displayed at the American Numismatic Association 2025 Oklahoma City World's Fair of Money® (www.WorldsFairofMoney.com).

On loan courtesy of California collector Dan O'Dowd, owner of the legendary Tyrant Collection (www.TheTyrantCollection.com), this historic, famous coin is graded PCGS Proof 68 and will be a highlight in the ANA's Museum Showcase exhibits at the convention, August 19-23.

Described by many experts as America's most beautiful coin design, O'Dowd acquired the famous $20 denomination gold piece for $2,115,000 in 2015. It is now insured for $5 million, and this will be only the third time it has been publicly displayed in a decade.

"I am excited about this coin," stated O'Dowd.

"It is not only the most beautiful coin America has ever produced, but it also rivals anything created by any other country. Saint-Gaudens admired ancient Greek style and wanted to create something America would be proud of after President Roosevelt asked him to help redesign early 20th-century U.S. coinage," explained O'Dowd.

The coin has inverted edge lettering of the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the designer's initials, ASG.

Saint-Gaudens died in 1907, and his estate received this Ultra High Relief in 1908.

"This is a great numismatic rarity," stated Ira Goldberg, CEO of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. Goldberg is among those who have assisted O'Dowd in building the Tyrant Collection of U.S., world, and ancient coins, which is often described as the world's most valuable rare coin collection in private hands.

"The United States Mint produced less than two dozen 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle patterns. It required multiple strikes in the coining press to bring up the design, and the coins could not be stacked on top of each other because the relief was so high. The relief was subsequently reduced so the coins could be mass-produced for circulation," explained Goldberg.

This example of the 1907 Ultra High Relief was retained by Saint-Gaudens' widow, Augusta, and then inherited by their son, Homer. It was loaned by the family to the American Numismatic Society in New York for decades until 1950, then privately sold in the 1970s. O'Dowd purchased the coin at the Heritage Auctions Florida United Numismatists auction in January 2015.

The coin has rarely been seen in public since an exhibition in 1914. After adding it to the Tyrant Collection in early 2015, O'Dowd displayed it only twice until now: at the 2021 ANA Chicago World's Fair of Money and the February 2022 Long Beach Expo.

For additional information about the Tyrant Collection, visit www.TheTyrantCollection.com. Additional information about the ANA 2025 Oklahoma City World's Fair of Money convention is available at www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.

ATLAS NUMISMATICS SELECTIONS: JUNE 29, 2025

1082842 | GREEK. PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Ptolemy III (posthumously struck under Ptolemy IV). (Pharaoh, 246-222 BC). Struck posthumously under Ptolemy IV, 219-217 BC. AV Mnaieion or Octodrachm. NGC Ch. AU (Choice About Uncirculated) Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5 Fine Style. Alexandria. 26mm. 27.79gm. Bust of deified Ptolemy III right, wearing radiate diadem and aegis, ornate trident over left shoulder, the central tine ornamented with lotus finial; dotted border / ?TO?EMAIOY-BASI?EOS// ?I below, dotted border. Cornucopia bound with radiate royal diadem, containing grain ear, pyramidal cake, and pomegranate, grape cluster hanging from left side of rim. CPE 888 (same obverse die); Svoronos 1117.

Ex Heritage Auctions, Auction 3037 (5 January 2015) Lot 30940.

$44,500

To read the complete item description, see:
Posthumous Octodrachm of Ptolemy III (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082842/)

1082351 | AUSTRIA. Franz Joseph I. (Emperor, 1848-1916). 1873 AV 8 Florins-20 Francs. PCGS MS66+PL (Prooflike). By Anton Scharff. Vienna. Edge: Incuse lettering, VIRIBVS VNITIS (With united forces). 5.81gm. Laureate head right, heavy whiskers / Crowned imperial double eagle divides denominations. KM 2269; Friedberg 502; Jaeger 362; Schl. 590. Deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted cameo devices. This piece is certified as a prooflike mint state example but we believe it is a proof or special striking after comparing it to the surface's fabric of the standard issues. There is a small mint-made reverse lint mark at the I of IMPERIVM (common to proof dies where the dies were frequently wiped with a cloth prior to striking).

$19,500

To read the complete item description, see:
Deeply Prooflike Franz Josef 8 Florins or 20 Francs (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082351/)

1082623 | GERMAN STATES. Saxony-Albertine. Friedrich August I. (1806-1827). 1825 AE Medal. PCGS MS63. By H. Gube, Loos workshop. 50mm. 82.08gm. Bust of Blumenbach facing left with his coat draped over his head. / Three human skulls. Brettauer 125; Merseberger 4481 (in Eisen). Dedication of German physiologists on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the doctorate of the Göttingen natural scientist and professor Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752-1840).

$675

To read the complete item description, see:
Popular Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Medal (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082623/)

1082590 | GREAT BRITAIN. England. William and Mary. 1693 AR Sixpence. PCGS MS63. Conjoined bust of William and Mary right / Cruciform crowned arms with WM monograms and date numerals in angles. KM 481; SCBC-3438; ESC 1529.

$4,950

To read the complete item description, see:
Exceptional William and Mary Sixpence (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082590/)

1082548 | GREAT BRITAIN. George IV. (King, 1820-1830). 1826 AR Crown. PCGS PR64. Edge: SEPTIMO. GEORGIUS IV DEI GRATIA. Head left / BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:. Helmeted arms with garland. KM 699. SEPTIMO on edge; SCBC-3806; ESC-2336 (Prev. ESC-257).

$37,500

To read the complete item description, see:
1826 Proof Crown (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082548/)

1082941 | HUNGARY. Joseph II. 1782-B ·X· AR Thaler. NGC MS63. IOS · II · D · G · R · IMP · S · A · - G · H · B · REX · A · A · D · B · & · L ·. Angels holding crown above arms / S · MARIA MATER DEI - PATRONA HUNG. Radiant Madonna and child. KM 395.1; Dav.-1168.

$2,250

To read the complete item description, see:
Choice Mint State Joseph II Thaler (https://atlasnumismatics.com/1082941/)

Updates to their online inventory are issued monthly.

For more information and to sign up for the firm's monthly newsletter, visit:
atlasnumismatics.com.

STACK'S BOWERS: JULY 2025 CONFEDERATE CURRENCY SALE

T-5. Confederate Currency. 1861 $100. PMG Very Fine 30. No. 1559. Plate B. A product of the Southern Bank Note Company out of New Orleans. This evenly circulated and rather original T-5 $100 is a particularly eye appealing sight and features no endorsements on the verso. Estimate: $1,250 - $1,750.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-5. Confederate Currency. 1861 $100. PMG Very Fine 30. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1WYG/t-5-confederate-currency-1861-100-pmg-very-fine-30)

T-15. Confederate Currency. 1861 $50. PMG Very Fine 20. No. 9720. Plate A. By far one of the most popular issues of the Confederacy to be produced by the Southern Bank Note Company before New Orleans fell to the Union in May 1862. This specimen offers much in the way of eye appeal and comes without any distracting cancellations often seen on other T-15s. Even circulation does well to speak to the honesty of this specimen that managed to circulate without sustaining damage or any number of impairments sustained from the years that followed the end of the American Civil War in 1865 thanks to improper storage or carless handling by the numismatists of past generations. Bold details are further exemplified by the centermost vignette and the depictions of Ceres and Justice who may be seen at left and right while rich and vivid colors are demonstrated by the orange-tinted (or vermillion) protector seen below the primary vignette and above the signature panels. This is by far an extremely handsome example of a coveted albeit short-lived design from the early days of the conflict. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-15. Confederate Currency. 1861 $50. PMG Very Fine 20. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1X0F/t-15-confederate-currency-1861-50-pmg-very-fine-20)

T-17. Confederate Currency. 1861 $20. PMG Very Fine 25. No. 2440. Plate A. A short-lived design produced by Hoyer & Ludwig that was quickly replaced by the ever-common T-18. Good color and eye appeal are readily perceptible even despite a tight cut typical of the T-17. The tendrils of the green underprint notably extend over Liberty's head on this specimen. Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-17. Confederate Currency. 1861 $20. PMG Very Fine 25. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1X0M/t-17-confederate-currency-1861-20-pmg-very-fine-25)

T-22. Confederate Currency. 1861 $10. PMG Very Fine 25. No. 14618. Plate A. PF-1. An attractive mid-grade example of this ever popular design from the Southern Bank Note Company of New Orleans. This design features a trio of vignettes with the primary vignette represented by family of Native Americans overlooking a town in the distance. The two remaining vignettes are represented by Thetis at left and the likes of a Native American woman holding an ear of corn along the right margin. The orange underprint retains its distinctive coloration and lacks apparent evidence of oxidation. Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-22. Confederate Currency. 1861 $10. PMG Very Fine 25. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1X3T/t-22-confederate-currency-1861-10-pmg-very-fine-25)

T-24. Confederate Currency. 1861 $10. PMG About Uncirculated 50. No. 25330. Plate K. A lightly circulated example of well-made design produced by Keatinge & Ball. This specimen is printed on paper watermarked "TEN." The watermark may be seen between "TEN DOLLARS" and "THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA" seen below the redemption clause. Estimate: $800 - $1,200.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-24. Confederate Currency. 1861 $10. PMG About Uncirculated 50. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1X4A/t-24-confederate-currency-1861-10-pmg-about-uncirculated-50)

T-31. Confederate Currency. 1861 $5. PMG Very Fine 25. No. 5121. Plate A. A rather attractive design produced by the Southern Bank Note Company of New Orleans. The T-31 is a design ripe with allegorical symbolism with a quintet of allegorical figures at center with wharfside commercial scene in the background. Minerva may be seen at left opposite a vignette depicting a statue of George Washington as a Roman Senator on display in the Doric Hall of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. PMG comments "Cancelled." Estimate: $600 - $800.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-31. Confederate Currency. 1861 $5. PMG Very Fine 25. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1X7A/t-31-confederate-currency-1861-5-pmg-very-fine-25)

T-41. Confederate Currency. 1862 $100. PCGS Banknote Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ. No. 8560. Plate W. PF-22. A rather scarce prospect at this level of preservation. Distinct and almost frame-like margins serve as the primary attraction on this Gem Uncirculated T-41 $100 that comes printed upon watermarked paper with "CSA" in script letters and also features a trio of IP stamps from Augusta on the verso. Estimate: $400 - $600.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-41. Confederate Currency. 1862 $100. PCGS Banknote Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1XES/t-41-confederate-currency-1862-100-pcgs-banknote-gem-uncirculated-65-ppq)

T-41. Confederate Currency. 1862 $100. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ. Penned Military Endorsement "Maj. Richard J. Hill QM, 22nd Regiment Alabama Volunteers." No. 47545. Plate X. Many pleasing qualities can be observed with regards to this T-41 $100 that was graded Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ by PMG. However, this note is not simply a conditional outlier, it also features a rather scarce penned military endorsement attributable to Major Richard J. Hill who served with the 22nd Regiment Alabama Volunteers from the beginning and all the way through 1865 when Hill was paroled at Montgomery after seeing action during the Atlanta Campaign the year before. Estimate: $800 - $1,200.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-41. Confederate Currency. 1862 $100. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ. Penned Military Endorsement "Maj. Richard J. Hill QM, 22nd Regiment Alabama Volunteers." (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1XGX/t-41-confederate-currency-1862-100-pmg-choice-uncirculated-63-epq-penned-military-endorsement-maj-richard-j-hill-qm-22nd-regime)

Lot of (3) T-64. Confederate Currency. 1864 $500. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 63 PPQ. Consecutive Serial Numbers. A rare offering that stands evocative of the day this group was likely first saved over 160 years ago. This group of T-64 $500s offers (3) notes that are all by no means your average specimens. Laden with distinctive color and uncommon eye appeal, little is left to wonder regarding the quality of these specimens which have all earned a grade of Choice Uncirculated 63 PPQ from PCGS Banknote. The notes in this lot represent the B Plate Position from three consecutive sheets. Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Lot of (3) T-64. Confederate Currency. 1864 $500. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 63 PPQ. Consecutive Serial Numbers. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1XRY/lot-of-3-t-64-confederate-currency-1864-500-pcgs-banknote-choice-uncirculated-63-ppq-consecutive-serial-numbers)

T-67. Confederate Currency. 1864 $20. PMG Very Fine 25. Serial Number 2. No. 2. Plate A. Part of the second sheet issued for the $20 denomination under this emission. Bold shades of dark red may be seen in the company of a single-digit serial number of "2" while the back shows obvious signs of discoloration. Even so this is a rare prospect for the collector and one bound to please whomever may place the winning bid. PMG comments "Discoloration, Minor Repairs." Estimate: $800 - $1,200.

To read the complete item description, see:
T-67. Confederate Currency. 1864 $20. PMG Very Fine 25. Serial Number 2. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K1XZD/t-67-confederate-currency-1864-20-pmg-very-fine-25-serial-number-2)

STACK'S BOWERS JULY 2025 WORLD PAPER MONEY SALE

BELGIAN CONGO. Banque du Congo Belge. 100 Francs, 1.2.1929. P-11f. PMG Very Fine 30. Without place of issue. While we are no stranger to rare Belgian Congo notes, we have only offered this variety twice before, with this being the finest example offered by us to date, despite some minor restoration that, if anything, has only helped improve the appearance of this piece. Equal in appearance, if not better, than the piece from the Scott Lindquist collection, which we sold in May of 2023 for $16,800 (that piece was graded PMG Very Fine 25 with a 'stained' comment). We will keep our estimate for the present piece at a modest level, but don't be surprised if a similar figure is needed to bring this rarity home. PMG Comments "Minor Restoration". Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
BELGIAN CONGO. Banque du Congo Belge. 100 Francs, 1.2.1929. P-11f. PMG Very Fine 30. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K02TU/belgian-congo-banque-du-congo-belge-100-francs-121929-p-11f-pmg-very-fine-30)

DENMARK. Nationalbanken i Kjobenhavn. 100 Kroner, 1897. P-4b. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58 EPQ. Surely one of the highlights of the present auction, this 1897 dated 100 Kroner is an extremely rare type in any grade, but especially so in such lofty condition. This type was introduced for circulation in 1888 and, after a slight change in the watermark, would be issued until 1910. Despite having been issued for over two decades survivors of this type are very rare; in fact, we can make the claim that this note represents one of the great rarities of European paper money from around the turn of the century. This date has the printed signature of J.C. Jacobsen at left and an unidentified manuscript signature at right.

PMG has graded just two examples of this Pick number. Of those two, this is by far the finer, as the other is graded Choice Very Fine 35. That example is included in an advanced long-term collection and is unlikely to come to the market anytime soon. We are not aware of any pieces having appeared at public auction for almost two decades, further confirming the rarity of this type. Both PMG graded examples, including the 1897 dated example offered here, feature a red "MAKULATUR" overprint on the back, along with punch hole cancellation near the signatures. This cancellation was applied upon withdrawal of the note. Amazingly, the present example spent very little (if any) time in actual circulation, and is seen here in fully original condition, with just some handling limiting the grade. It would make for the perfect representative in an advanced Danish collection and will certainly be cherished by whoever is able to bring this rarity home today. Estimate: $15,000 - $17,500.

To read the complete item description, see:
DENMARK. Nationalbanken i Kjobenhavn. 100 Kroner, 1897. P-4b. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58 EPQ. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K03GV/denmark-nationalbanken-i-kjobenhavn-100-kroner-1897-p-4b-pmg-choice-about-uncirculated-58-epq)

FRANCE. Tresor Central. 5000 Francs, ND (1944). P-109s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. The highest denomination of this important and historic series of France that played an important role in the restoration of the country's economy after World War II. Introduced into circulation in June of 1945, these notes replaced notes issued by the Vichy regime during the war. Three denominations were issued, which remained in circulation for about a year, and were then withdrawn. The 5000 Francs seen here in specimen format is the highest denomination and it is rare in any form. According to the Banknote Book just seven issued notes are known to exist, making specimens an attractive alternative, although they are very scarce as well. This specimen is tied for finest in the PMG population report as of the time of cataloging and is nicer than the piece we sold in our recent Maastricht auction for $5,280 (that piece graded PMG 64 with a comment for a previous mounting). Not to be missed. Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000.

Provenance: From the Al Kugel Collection.

To read the complete item description, see:
FRANCE. Tresor Central. 5000 Francs, ND (1944). P-109s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K03S8/france-tresor-central-5000-francs-nd-1944-p-109s-specimen-pmg-choice-uncirculated-64-epq)

ITALY. Banca d'Italia. 5000 Lire, 12.5.1960. P-85c. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 68 PPQ. After World War II, the Bank of Italy kept the classic designs, with small differences, such as in the seal. The higher denominations especially would take until the 1960s until they were finally replaced with updated notes in smaller formats. This is one of the finest examples of this large-format type we have ever offered, and it is in near perfect-grade, as fresh as the day it was printed, and worthy of a premium bid. Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
ITALY. Banca d'Italia. 5000 Lire, 12.5.1960. P-85c. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 68 PPQ. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K04W4/italy-banca-ditalia-5000-lire-1251960-p-85c-pcgs-currency-superb-gem-new-68-ppq)

LEBANON. Banque de Syrie et du Liban. 250 Livres, 1939. P-21s. PCLB 55s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64. Without a doubt one of the highlights of this sale and one of the most important Lebanese notes we have ever offered. The 1939 series of the Banque de Syrie et du Liban offers some of the most iconic Middle Eastern notes in existence, but unfortunately, high-grade examples are scarce to non-existent for most denominations. This even applies to specimens, which were often (mis)handled and are typically encountered in lower grades. As such, this is not just the sole finest example of this type in both issued format as well as specimen, it is also the only uncirculated example graded, with the next finest specimen graded a paltry 53 in comparison.

The highest denomination of the 1939 series seen here the front shows the baptistery of St. John's church in Byblos and the Sea Castle in Sidon on the back. As a typical product of French printers, it is on fairly thin French banknote paper with appealing French pastel colors, which are bright and culminate in an artful ensemble seldom found on any other series of notes. Both sides show a fairly non-obtrusive black specimen stamp. Clear originality can be seen in the PMG holder. A premium example destined for one of the finest Middle Eastern collections. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
LEBANON. Banque de Syrie et du Liban. 250 Livres, 1939. P-21s. PCLB 55s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K04Y9/lebanon-banque-de-syrie-et-du-liban-250-livres-1939-p-21s-pclb-55s-specimen-pmg-choice-uncirculated-64)

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JUNE 29, 2025

Prints of 1970 Menconi Ohio's Aerospace Pioneers Medal

After Ralph J. Menconi (American, 1915-1972)
Ohio's Aerospace Pioneers, 1970
Photographic print on paper mounted on board
Signed in plate to lower edge of one

To read the complete lot description, see:
Prints After Ralph Menconi "Ohio's Aerospace Pioneers" Bronze Medal, 1970 (https://www.ebth.com/items/14162964-prints-after-ralph-menconi-ohio-s-aerospace-pioneers-bronze-medal-1970)

1980 Russian Olympics Bronze Plaque

AN OLYMPIC BRONZE PLAQUE/MEDAL FROM THE 1980 USSR GAMES
Depicts two male sprinters with Olympic logo verso.
15 cm D

The 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics was boycotted by approximately 60 countries.

To read the complete lot description, see:
AN OLYMPIC BRONZE PLAQUE/MEDAL FROM THE 1980 USSR GAMES Depi... (https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/lot/
3f09426ccd331d06bb295b3fabec95a5/1f1638c9faeb7c2641b7b1e9c67628d0/
the-june-auction-of-fine-art-and-antiques-to-include-as-lot-669/)

1912 France International Exhibition of Economics Medal

FRANCIA Medaglia 1912 Esposizione Internazionale di Economia Opus: Rasumny AE Dorato (g 95 - Ø 60 mm) al bordo punzone e BRONZE

To read the complete lot description, see:
Lot 2205: Foreign medals - FRANCIA Medaglia 1912 Esposizione Internazionale di Economia... (https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/-4D1496482F)

Philippines Anting-Anting Medal

PHILIPPINES: Anting-Anting Medals, AR medal (35.65g), "1001", YL-15, Honeycutt-1420, 42mm silver anting-anting medal, angel blowing trumpet with moon and stars with "TD - YD - 1001" around // St. Joseph receiving coins from dove over sun with PATRIARCA SENOR SAN JOSE VIRTUD DE COMMERCIO around, crude surfaces on reverse from manufacture, reeded edge, VF. Anting-anting are religious talismans used as tangible representations of Filipino's beliefs. They are very crudely made and were supposedly produced in Laguna Province. One source gives their dates of manufacture as approximately 1950 to the mid-80's. The dates sometimes represented on the medals are fictitious. There are many different obverse and reverse types, and were paired to create many combinations.

To read the complete lot description, see:
PHILIPPINES: Anting-Anting Medals, AR medal (35.65g), "1001", VF (https://www.sarc.auction/PHILIPPINES-Anting-Anting-Medals-AR-medal-35-65g-1001-VF_i57108209)

1958 Israel Gold Medal

To read the complete lot description, see:
(0.434 oz, 13.5 g AGW). Israel. 1958 Gold Medal. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1K9F8T/0434-oz-135-g-agw-israel-1958-gold-medal)

Book: 250 Years of Platinum Coinage
250 Years of Platinum Coinage: World Coins and Medals in Platinum and Palladium from 1740 to 1990
Fuchs, Willy

Publisher: MDM
Publication Date:1991
Pages: 172
Binding: Hardcover

To read the complete item descriptions, see:
250 Years of Platinum Coinage: World Coins and Medals in Platinum and Palladium from 1740 to 1990 (https://www.abebooks.com/250-Years-Platinum-Coinage-World-Coins/32231568031/bd)
FUCHS, Willy.: 250 Years of Platinum Coinage, Braunschweig 1991, 172 S., zahlr. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/365317755364)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
ON PLATINUM AND PALLADIUM COINS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v09n17a27.html)
COUNTERPUNCHED PLATINUM 1814 HALF DOLLAR PATTERN (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n26a19.html)
INFLATION MONEY AND PROPOSED PLATINUM COIN DESIGNS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n02a23.html)
1831 RUSSIAN PLATINUM 6 RUBLE OVERDATE (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v18n22a20.html)

CANADIAN MURANO MONARCH BUTTERFLY COIN

Campbell River watercolour artist Caren Heine recently had a fourth collector coin featuring her artwork released by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Launched on May 16, the half-kilo silver coin depicts a meticulously handcrafted monarch butterfly in Murano glass from Italy. It includes Heine's rendering of milkweed and the perennial wildflower menzies larkspur in the background. The beautiful botanical artwork is influenced by Heine's original watercolour painting and milkweed from her garden.

"Being a monarch, its favourite habitat is the milkweed, so I did in the background milkweed and I chose a flower that I am comfortable with from B.C. that I have often painted," she said. "It's called a menzies larkspur."

With only 800 of these collector coins produced, the coin, which made of 99.99 per cent silver, costs $2,099.95. It is 85.52 millimetres in diameter.

The Mint's "Murano Monarch Butterfly – Half Kilo Fine Silver Coin" is "truly unique to your selectively gold-plated coin, which, from start to finish, celebrates art in its many forms – from the original watercolour painting that the design is based on (as seen on the accompanying art card), to the delicate butterfly that is sure to inspire."

"Unfortunately, I can't afford to buy one as an artist," said Heine, chuckling. "They never give us a free one."

Heine has designed three other coins with the Royal Canadian Mint, including a gold coin of the B.C. Dogwood, the N.W. T. Mountain Avens, and a maple path with a Swarovski crystal.

To read the complete article, see:
Campbell River artist designs botanical artwork for Royal Canadian Mint silver coin (https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/entertainment/campbell-river-artist-designs-botanical-artwork-for-royal-canadian-mint-silver-coin-8089396)

CANADIAN MOON SKY RAVEN COIN

If you loved anything holographic when you were a kid, Canada's new coin will certainly have you mesmerized.

The Royal Canadian Mint released the Moon Sky: Raven — 1 oz. Fine Silver Coin that showcases the Raven, which plays a central role in many Inuit legends. It's the Mint's only holographic coin in 2025.

The holographic effect was created by striking 3D embossing micro-textures into the coin's surface during the minting process. According to the Crown corporation, the colours on the hologram may appear iridescent, shifting between hues like blue, green, yellow, or red, depending on the lighting and the angle from which it's viewed.

"The spectrum of colours seemingly shifts depending on the viewing angle, creating the illusion of motion as it illuminates the raven's feathers," reads the description.

The obverse features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Collectors can buy the coin on the Mint's site for a hefty $144.95.

It has a low mintage of only 7,500 coins, so grab one while supplies last.

To read the complete article, see:
Canada has a new mesmerizing holographic coin that changes colour (https://dailyhive.com/canada/canada-holographic-coin)

1852 FRANKLIN EXPEDITION RESCUE TOKEN

A rare Arctic rescue button was sold at auction on Tuesday for £6,000, which was 10 times its pre-sale estimate.

Auctioneer Brian Goodison-Blanks, of Bearnes, Hampton and Littlewood in Exeter, said only three other examples of this type of button were known to exist in the Smithsonian Institute and private collections.

The Arctic rescue button was part of a 19th Century expedition.

The rare piece of Arctic and Naval history attracted international interest in the specialist maritime sale.

After the disappearance of Sir John Franklin's Northwest Passage Expedition aboard HMS Terror and HMS Erebus in the 1840s, there were over 30 subsequent searches for the lost expedition members. Mr Goodison-Blanks said: "As well as using balloons with notes tied to them and placing collars on Arctic foxes with messages to communicate to any survivors, search party teams took 'Rescue Buttons' which they handed out to Inuit hunters to pass onto any of Franklin's men they came across. "The face of the button has locations of provisions and routes of search ships and dated to the reverse 1852."

To read the complete article, see:
Rare Arctic rescue button makes £6,000 at auction (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j4n53pywwo)

See:
Tokens of friendship, tools of diplomacy: buttons and medals in exploration* (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21533369.2017.1406691)
The Franklin Expedition 50th Anniversary Commemorations: Arctic Veterans and Medals from the Frozen Zone (https://glennmstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Franklin-Exp.-50th-Aniversary-Com.-2018.pdf)
A Franklin Expedition Guide to Greenwich's Polar Worlds (https://www.illuminator.blog/p/polar-worlds.html)

WWII RANGERS GET CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

More than 80 years after they took part in D-Day, the largest naval, air and land operation in history, members of the all-volunteer World War II Ranger battalions were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.

"They were America's best," Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson said during a June 26 ceremony on Capitol Hill as two World War II Rangers listened in person and three more tuned in virtually. "The Rangers led the way as America and the Allied Powers clawed back the continent of Europe, and in their courage, all Americans found something to be proud of, and the free world found a reason to hope."

The June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion saw over 150,000 Allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy, France, and it was a key turning point that enabled France's liberation from Nazi control and the eventual defeat of Germany in the spring of 1945. Over 9,000 Allied troops were killed or wounded, according to an Army webpage.

During World War II, the Army activated six Ranger battalions, according to an Army website on the Rangers. The Rangers fought in North Africa, Europe and the Pacific, according to the Army. The Rangers earned their motto, "Rangers lead the way!" as the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions took part in the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach.

Under heavy fire from the Germans, the Rangers depended on one another to fight back, Sen. Tammy Duckworth said during the ceremony.

"When asked what kept him going in the face of the battle, Pfc. Wardell, who is here today, said that it was his buddies," Duckworth said, referring to former Pfc. John Wardell. "He said he knew he and his buddies were highly trained [and] that no matter how bad things got, that they would always, always look out for one another."

The act was signed into law on June 7, 2022. The bill passed the Senate in October 2021 and the House on May 11, 2022.

The Association of the U.S. Army supported and helped advocate for the legislation, and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmie Spencer, an AUSA senior fellow who served as an Army Ranger, served on the committee designing the Rangers' Gold Medal.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the "highest expression of national appreciation," and it is given "for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions," according to a Senate website.

As he accepted the medal, Wardell, who is the last living member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion from World War II, according to the Army, said that the Rangers' legacy of courage, sacrifice and resolve will live on.

"We trained hard, worked with determination and took on missions others thought were impossible," he said. "From the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to the battles across Europe, [we] didn't do it for recognition. We did it out of duty to one another and to our country. Today, I accept this medal on behalf of all World War II Rangers, especially those who never came home."

To read the complete article, see:
WWII Rangers Receive Congressional Gold Medal (https://www.ausa.org/news/wwii-rangers-receive-congressional-gold-medal-0)

For other coverage, see:
Point Pleasant Beach native gets Congressional Gold Medal as one of last WWII Army Rangers (https://www.app.com/story/news/military/veterans/2025/06/27/wwii-army-ranger-from-point-pleasant-gets-congressional-gold-medal/84373242007/)
WWII Army Ranger from NEPA honored with Congressional Gold Medal (https://www.timesleader.com/news/1704762/wwii-army-ranger-from-nepa-honored-with-congressional-gold-medal)
'Rangers lead the way' -- World War II Army Rangers honored with Congressional Gold Medal (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rangers-lead-world-war-ii-army-rangers-honored/story?id=123232807)
Last living WWII Army Rangers awarded Congressional Gold Medal (https://www.cbsnews.com/video/last-living-wwii-army-rangers-awarded-congressional-gold-medal/)
SD Delivers Remarks at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring WWII Army Rangers [Image 23 of 23] (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9133984/sd-delivers-remarks-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony-honoring-wwii-army-rangers)

ON CONTINENTAL CURRENCY

Here is a discovery that I thought would interest readers. By way of background, Peter Schreiner, 1853-1937, was born into one of College Point's oldest and reputable families. He became an architect and builder and built many of the buildings in the community, some that still stand today.

While many readers may know about the history of paper money in America, I admit to being totally unaware that such a thing as a four dollar bill had ever existed, I did some research and learned much. The four-dollar bill was issued by the Continental congress between 1775 and 1779 along with bills in denominations of one, two three, five, six, seven, eight and twenty dollars. The basis of this money was in Spanish milled dollars and two million dollars were issued in 1775.

A wild boar was depicted on the four dollar bill rushing on the spear of a hunter with a motto reading Aut Mors Aut Vita Decora, "either death or an honorable life". Names were signed on each bill and other devices were used to prevent counterfeiting, but it happened to a large extent anyway. It was initially thought that the war would not last long, so the two million in various denominations were followed swiftly by an additional three million. By 1780, the amount of continental money issued totaled more than 242 million dollars.

In order to prevent any depreciation as well as to give it the widest circulation, laws were enacted by congress with several states declaring it legal tender for all debts. With this much paper money in circulation, quite naturally it began to depreciate making it literally true that it was "not worth a continental." While I've used that expression many time over the course of my life, it's nice to know where it came from.

P.S. Much of the information was gleaned from an article I found about a trunk filled with Continental money many found in a barn on the east side of the Hudson River published in 1931.

BUILDING THE BANK OF ENGLAND EXHIBIT

13 June marked the birthday of Bank architect Herbert Baker, and we celebrated it in the best way we could think of - by announcing a new exhibition!

Opening 16 September 2025, our brand new exhibition Building the Bank will uncover the dramatic transformation of the Bank of England's iconic Threadneedle Street site.

In the lead-up to the exhibition, there'll be a whole host of events to get involved in, including:

• Curator-led talks exploring Baker's vision and legacy
• Architecture walking tours tracing 300 years of Bank history

More details and event listings will be available on our website closer to the opening date.

Continuing this architectural theme, we ran a series of free walking tours, to celebrate the London Festival of Architecture 2025. Our participants learnt about the Bank's transformation from its founding in 1694 to the building we know today.

Beginning with the Bank's earliest homes at Mercer's Hall and Grocer's Hall, then around the Threadneedle Street site, the tour concluded in the Museum, where participants discovered Soane's master manipulation of light.

Missed it? Stay tuned to hear when our next walking tour tickets become available - subscribers to our newsletter are the first to hear!

Try and catch the details...

We're continuing last month's theme of looking into the details. Take a look at these symbols found on and in the Bank's architecture and learn about the splendid symbolism behind them!

Rooted in Greek mythology, the Medusa head is used as a protective symbol. Sir John Soane, architect to the Bank from 1788, was fascinated by it, adding it to his designs to add a sense of narrative.

This Medusa head can be found somewhere in the Museum - keep an eye out for it when you next visit.

 

This keystone is sculpted with the face of Father Thames, the mythical personification of London's river.

He wears a bridge as a crown and mysteriously resembles Zeus - we wonder where sculptor Charles Wheeler might have gotten his inspiration from...

To read the complete article, see:
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/

LOOSE CHANGE: JUNE 29, 2025

American Gold Eagles

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the American Gold and Silver Eagles. This anniversary is sure to draw considerable attention to an already-popular segment of the hobby. The US Mint will most certainly be issuing special coins to celebrate the milestone, as well. NGC will offer a host of special labels for the 40th anniversary, similar to what they have done in the past.

A set of American Silver Eagles is affordable and can be completed with a modest cash outlay. Silver Eagles have been produced since 1986, with coins struck in Uncirculated and Proof. The mint has also sold several special finish coins for collectors, including Reverse Proof and Enhanced Uncirculated. A more recent innovation has been coins with special privy marks, such as the ones struck to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Upon their release last week, the coins quickly sold out.

The American Silver Eagles contain one ounce of pure silver and have an impressive physical appearance. With silver bullion selling for around $36 per ounce, the issues are attractive for collectors of limited means.

These contrast sharply with the American Gold Eagles series. These coins range in size, and are produced in weights of 1/10 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce. The Mint began producing these in 1986, in accordance with the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The coins are guaranteed by the US government to contain the stated amount of gold and are required to contain gold sourced in America.

The obverse features a modern rendition of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle design that was first used in 1907. Coins struck from 1986 to 1991 are dated with Roman numerals. In 1992, the Mint switched to Arabic numerals. The reverse design of a family of eagles was created by Miley Frost and features a male eagle carrying an olive branch above a nest with a female eagle and hatchlings. In 2021, the reverse was updated to feature a close-up portrait of an eagle. The new design was created by Jennie Norris. These bullion coins are legal tender and carry face values of $5, $10, $25 and $50.

To read the complete article, see:
Jeff Garrett: American Gold Eagles (https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/14200/)

Norwegian 1660 2 Skilling Spelling Error

The 2 Skillings of the Danish-Norwegian King Frederik III are what we would call "small change." Weighing slightly more than one gram, their value was limited, and even though the emissions were large they circulated heavily, and finding a Mint State example can be quite a challenge. The L. E. Bruun Collection includes an impressive number of Mint State examples, but today I would like to direct your attention to a VF-25, we are selling in the September 2025 CCO auction of selections from the Bruun Collection.

The Norwegian 1660 2 Skilling doesn't normally stand out. It's a common year, it's a common type, and it looks like any other Norwegian 17th century 2 Skilling. This particular example, however, does stand out.

On the reverse of the coin the denomination is written in the center. It should say ‘II SKILLING DANSK' but instead it reads ‘II SKILLING DANSS'.

A rare coin with a spelling error is still a rare coin. A common coin with a spelling error will gain value percentage-wise. So it is with this coin: It goes from being a €50 coin to who knows, maybe double that, maybe much more. Only time, and the auction hammer, will tell.

To read the complete article, see:
A Norway 2 Skilling 1660 with a Spelling Error (https://stacksbowers.com/a-norway-2-skilling-1660-with-a-spelling-error/)

Coins and Banknotes Disappear From China

You have to get up early if you have any hope of spotting them, and you must stay alert to identify them in the aisles. At the Xinmin fresh produce and vegetable market, located in the heart of Beijing just North of the 2nd Ring Road, the oldest customers are now the last to keep using coins and banknotes, which are vanishing from the rest of Chinese society.

The world's second-largest economy has undergone rapid digitization, and all daily transactions – from supermarkets to cafés, taxis to public transportation – are now made with one of two apps that have become vital to life in China: WeChat or Alipay. Their green and blue logos are displayed at every payment point, and many businesses no longer even keep a traditional cash register, but instead simply scan the QR code presented by the customer. Many taxis refuse cash payments, as do many neighborhood grocery stores, which often do not have the change to give back in any case.

Ma Dian, a fruit and vegetable vendor from Hubei who works at this covered market in the capital, observed that the trend surged abruptly over the past decade, becoming what he calls a "radical change." "I still accept cash only to help the very elderly. Below the age of 80, almost everyone has switched...

To read the complete article (subscription required), see:
In China, coins and banknotes have all but disappeared (https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2025/06/28/in-china-coins-and-banknotes-have-all-but-disappeared_6742800_19.html)

ABOUT THIS ISSUE: JUNE 29, 2025

 

Wayne Homren
Wayne Homren is the founding editor of The E-Sylum and a consultant for the Newman Numismatic Portal. His collecting interests at various times included U.S. Encased Postage Stamps, merchant counterstamps, Pittsburgh Obsolete paper money, Civil War tokens and scrip, Carnegie Hero Medals, charge coins and numismatic literature. He also collects and has given presentations on the work of Money Artist J.S.G. Boggs. In the non-numismatic world he's worked in artificial intelligence, data science, and as a Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Garrett Ziss
Garrett Ziss is a numismatic collector and researcher, with a focus on American paper money and early U.S. silver and copper coins. He is also a part-time U.S. coin cataloger for Heritage Auctions. Garrett assists Editor Wayne Homren by editing and formatting a selection of articles and images each week. When he's not engaged in numismatics, Garrett is pursuing a Master's Degree in Quantitative Economics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Pete Smith
Numismatic researcher and author Pete Smith of Minnesota has written about early American coppers, Vermont coinage, numismatic literature, tokens and medals, the history of the U.S. Mint and much more. Author of American Numismatic Biographies, he contributes original articles to The E-Sylum often highlighting interesting figures in American numismatic history.

Greg Bennick
Greg Bennick (www.gregbennick.com) is a keynote speaker and long time coin collector with a focus on major mint error coins and US counterstamps. He is on the board of both CONECA and TAMS and enjoys having in-depth conversations with prominent numismatists from all areas of the hobby. Have ideas for other interviewees? Contact him anytime on the web or via instagram @minterrors.

John Nebel
Numismatist, photographer, and ANS Board member and Fellow John Nebel of Boulder, CO helped the ANA and other clubs like NBS get online in the early days of the internet, hosting websites gratis through his Computer Systems Design Co. To this day he hosts some 50 ANA member club sites along with our coinbooks.org site, making the club and our E-Sylum archive available to collectors and researchers worldwide.

Bruce Perdue
Encased coinage collector (encasedcoins.info) Bruce Perdue of Aurora, Illinois has been the volunteer NBS webmaster from its early days and works each week to add the latest E-Sylum issue to our archive and send out the email announcement.