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WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: MAY 24, 2026
Chris and Robert Hoppensteadt were among the first to arrive. The stragglers this month were Julian Leidman and Erik Douglas who'd first gone to the OTHER Vaso's Kitchen in another part of Alexandria. The great crowd of regulars was rounded out by Mike Packard, Mike Markowitz, Jon Radel, Eric Schena, Dave Schenkman, John Kralvevich and Steve Bishop. As usual I brought along some numismatic literature, and one of the books held a coin - one of those recently conserved and slabbed 1861-O Half Dollars from the SS Republic. 
Here's more information from last week's issue. Finest Known Rare Coins has recently "declustered" a large mass of approximately 1,000 1861-O half dollars recovered from the SS Republic. These coins are available for individual purchase. The cluster was previously displayed in a traveling exhibit. All coins are now certified by NGC with the "Shipwreck Effect" qualifier. 
Erik Douglas said it was the best condition "Shipwreck Effect" coin he'd seen. These were uncirculated or nearly so when the ship sunk in 1865. I ordered it last month when Adam Crum's Finest Known first made the announcement. The coin came in a compartment within the faux-leather book with gilt edges (top left). There's a frontispiece and four pages of text followed by a hollowed-out slab-sized rectangular cavity holding the coin. Nicely done.
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
I also brought a copy of the new late date Large Cents Variety Identification Guide by Robert Powers (see last week's article for more information). The final book I brought was a purchase from Alan Workman's recent numismatic literature auction - Jerry Roughton's 1990 Academy Due Bills of North Carolina. I'd never owned or even seen a copy before, so I knew it was rare. Eric Schena, Dave Schenkman and John Kraljevich all agreed that titles on North Carolina numismatics are all pretty rare. I don't collect the notes, but look forward to reading about them.
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
Missing was Tom Kays, my "easy button" for writing these Nummis Nova diaries. Tom brings a handy light setup and photographs a lot of the items that get passed around the table. The attendees provided several images this time. Here are some of my photos from the evening. 
From left: Mike Packard, Chris Neuzil, Mike Markowitz, Robert Hoppensteadt 
From left: Jon Radel, Eric Schena, Dave Schenkman, John Kraljevich, Steve Bishop 
Big smile from Julian Leidman while Mike Packard and Chris Neuzil converse 
Robert Hoppensteadt and Erik Douglas being attentive 
Jon Radel and Eric Schena reviewing the Powers Large Cent Variety book 
From left: Jon Radel, Eric Schena, Dave Schenkman, John Kraljevich Dave showing off stock certificate (see below for more information) Here are images some attendees shared of items they brought to the meeting.
Gallienus Antioch ad Maeandrum Coin "This is one of the big crude Antioch ad Maeandrum coins with the bridge struck by Gallienus, one of my favorite ancient types and really tough to come by deeply struck and detailed on a full sized flan." 
Caria, Antioch ad Maeandrum. Gallienus, 253-260 AD, AE 38 23.63 g. Vs:. A [V KA P] O GALLIHNOS. Bust of the Emperor in helmet and crown of rays with shield and lance to the left. Rev.: ANTIOXE / WN bridge of Antioch on the Meander tower with arched tower right. On the bridge, the river god Meander with branch in arm. J.Nollé, Gephyra 6, 2009, 13e. Rare! Beautiful Brown Patina, extremely fine. Also ex Ed Waddell, RPC X this is the plate coin for the type and probably finest known. Robert adds: "Our table conversations were all over the place - food, recent auctions, travel, how close to melt are dealers buying gold and silver, the items passing around, etc..."
Justinian I Tremissis 
Justinian I, 527–565. Tremissis, 542–565, Thessalonica. Bust / Victory holding globus cruciger and wreath; star in field. 6h; Sear 173E. 1.45 g; 15.5 mm. Rare.
Steve's Beauties 
Toned 1881-S Morgan Dollar 
Prooflike 1881-S Morgan Dollar 
Toned 1882-S Morgan Dollar 
Prooflike 1890-CC Morgan Dollar 
Toned 1893 Morgan Dollar 
1893-S Morgan Dollar
Turks & Caicos Islands Token
"Reynolds was one of the few merchants who used tokens in the 19th century on TCI and unfortunately these tokens led to some abuse of the truck system (basically piece work) leading to their ban in 1881. He issued three denominations: 6 1/4 cent (half bit), this 1 bit piece, and a 25 cent (2 bits) piece, all very rare. This was one of those pieces I thought wouldn't come my way, but good fortune struck a couple weeks ago and was able to get this very rare piece." $100 Belfast Mining Company Note 
"According to Fred Holabird, author of the book Gold! At Pigeon Roost; the Story of America's First Gold Mining Scrip, the Pigeon Roost Mining Company and the Belfast Mining Company were both incorporated in 1834. The Belfast company was a very short-lived venture, and only a few of the notes they issued have survived. Undoubtedly they pre-date the opening of the Dahlonega Mint."
Koppenhaver, Schenkman & Van Ormer, Inc. 
It was another great evening of numismatic fellowship - always a highlight of my month. 'Til next time!
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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