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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MARCH 29, 2026
Numorum Hungariae Transilvaniae Information Sought "I went to the 57th California International Antiquarian Book Fair last month. A fascinating experience. I am not a book collector but I bought this old book on Hungarian and Transylvanian numismatics because I liked the pictures of some of the coins and medals. I presumed that I would never see some of these but your March 1 issue of The E-Sylum described a coin (LOT 906: WORLD: HUNGARY: Leopold I, 1657-1705, AV 5 ducats) from Steve Album's sale that I found in my book. "Would any of our bibliophiles have more information about this book?" 
The coin 
The coin image 
Nice purchase! Can anyone help? -Editor
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
Vitry Publication Sought "I am searching for a complete citation of a publication by Vitry dealing at least in part with French commemorative medals of the First World War. The enigmatic citations (e.g. Vitry 59; Vitry II, 13) were used in descriptions for a number of medals by Pierre Roche in the Stack's Bowers Fall 2024 World Collector Choice Auction of the David B. Simpson Collection. "I contacted the writer of those descriptions, but he explained that he had merely copied Mr Simpson's brief notes accompanying the medals, and that he was at a loss to provide a further bibliographic reference. If any reader could supply more information, I would be grateful." Can anyone help? -Editor
Dannreuther U.S. Proof Coins Vol. III: Silver Shipped John "JD" Dannreuther reports that his new two-part volume on proof silver coinage has been shipped to everyone who ordered, so be on the lookout. -Editor 
JD adds: "Of course, the USPS might take their sweet time delivering them! Most should arrive this coming week."
To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
A Renaissance for Bois Durci (Hemacite) Last week I mentioned that Bois Durci seems to be having a renaissance lately, but didn't know why. -Editor Brett Follmer writes: "Last year I saw this post from x.com. This is the first time I had heard of it and wanted to know more. I wonder if the surge in interest comes from the same source." 
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
Melted Buffalo Nickels Paperweight "This is my paperweight: a small pile of fused, Indian Head/Buffalo nickels from a hotel fire in Salt Lake City, Utah in the 1930s." Neat - thanks. Last week I'd joked with Donn about a gold bar I thought would make a fun paperweight. -Editor
To read earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
Uniface Rogers Coal Company Trade Note $5 Sample Note Thanks to my picking an obsolete email address for Dave Schenkman, I didn't get his input in time for my Numismatic Diary article last week - so here's a belated addition. Sorry Dave - thanks! -Editor Dave writes: I brought three or four notes, but here's a picture of the one I think most interesting. I purchased it a couple of months ago; here's the seller's description. RARE UNIFACE SAMPLE $5 ROGERS COAL CO TRADE NOTE SCRIP c1885 LITCHFIELD KANSAS The provenance of this obsolete note: found in a huge scrapbook compiled by a Chicago engraver named Enzweiler / Ensweiler who was employed as a "steel and copper engraver" (according to the Federal Census). This individual - using very oversized scrapbooks with extremely sturdy pages - preserved hundreds of engraving examples / samples (likely professional mementos) from the early 1890s up to the mid-1920s. He MAY have worked for the Western Bank Note and Engraving Company, the Western Division of the American Bank Note Company, but that is a strictly a mere guess on my part. I was not able to ascertain his employer. He passed away in the mid-1900s. This is from his estate, having passed through several generations of descendants. 
Nice note - great vignettes. The Latin motto "Ad Astra Per Aspera" translates to "to the stars through the rough terrain." -Editor 
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
New Coin Grading Scheme I think we are all agreed coin collectors need a reliable, accurate and scientific method of grading coins. This new scheme that will be used from 1st April. It is based on the rarity of a coin, token or medallion and is guaranteed to be ok. The grades are:
Please check your coins and regrade your collection now! Remember everyone is one of a kind and enjoy National Unique Day! A uniquely unique system! -Editor
Aureo & Calicó Has Changed Ownership A press release this week announces a change of ownership for Spanish firm Aureo & Calicó. -Editor 
Aureo & Calicó S.L. is a globally recognized name in the numismatic world, headquartered in the Calicó building near the Roman walls in the historic center of Barcelona. The company's origins date back to 1784, making it the oldest numismatic firm on the European continent. In 2007, the company Aureo purchased Calicó to form the present organization. Managing Director Ms. Teresa Sisó has decided to transfer the ownership of the company in order to ensure its long-term future as an independent numismatic auction house. As of March 11, 2026, the ownership of the company has been transferred to Mr. Hugo Vanhoudt and Mr. John Saunders, a European American cooperation, prompting a major step into the future of the company. The experienced and dynamic team will continue to develop and expand the business under the leadership of Ms. Teresa Sisó.
For more information, see:
Michelle Benton's Harriet Tubman 20 Dollar Bill I've written before about J.S.G. Boggs' "Women's Series" of imagined banknotes including the $100 note depicting Harriet Tubman. Hiep Hoang notes that Tubman was also the subject of a recent work by artist Michelle Benton. The painting was sold by Weschler's of Rockville, MD. Thanks. -Editor 
Lot 187: Michelle Benton (American 20th/21st Century), Harriet Tubman 20 Dollar Bill, Acrylic on Board, Signed l.r., Unframed: 24 x 36 in. (61 x 91.4 cm.) 
The J.S.G. Boggs Tubman Note
To read the complete lot description, see:
Kolbe & Fanning Instagram Reels For our bibliophiles, I just wanted to mention the new Instagram Reels Kolbe & Fanning have been posting. Well done - check them out. -Editor 
See:
Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: Subscribe All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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