The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 24, June 17, 2007, Article 24

ARTICLE ON THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONNECTION TO NUMISMATICS

The Black Enterprise web site published a nice article on the "Black
Connection To Rare Coins" this week.  It would benefit from illustrations
of the items discussed, but gives a good overview black numismatica and
how to begin a collection.  Here are some excerpts:

"The 'slave token,' an English copper coin dating from 1793, was
struck to resemble the British penny and circulated as money by English
abolitionists as a call to end slavery. Today the coins are valued at
$300 each. 'There are only a handful of us collecting them,' notes
David Neita, director of sales for American Heritage Minting...

"'The only black folk on currency — [usually] southern obsolete and
Confederate money—are pictured working in fields,' says Neita.

"Millions of the Booker T. Washington commemorative half-dollar,
designed by African American sculptor Isaac Scott Hathaway and
inscribed with 'from slave cabin to hall of fame' were issued from
1946 to 1954. Individually they sell for $40 (for a 67-grade, 1950 D
coin) to $12,500. Hathaway also designed the Carver-Washington
commemorative half-dollar that pictures conjoined busts of Washington
and George Washington Carver.

"Neita says it's impossible to be an expert on every coin and suggests
developing an area of specialization. He outlines here what every
numismatist, or student of the coin, should know...  Theme strengthens
a collection. Before spending a dime on a Buffalo Nickel or any other
coin, buy the book, advises Neita."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

	coinbooks.org Web

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