This morning I was writing the biography of a coin collector who had been a farmer. It occurred to me that I could not think of another farmer who was a coin collector. Can any E-Sylum reader identify a farmer who had a collection good enough to be mentioned in numismatic literature?

Here are photos of a copy Hogge money shilling I bought recently for £2.50. Looking at the internet I am wondering if it is a Dickeson copy. Any thoughts?

Got this dollar bill with graffiti (graffitus?) not seen before: NOT TO BE USED / FOR BRIBING / POLITICIANS / AMEND THE CONSTITUTION. Now what self-respecting politician would take a one dollar bribe?

In the last E-Sylum you wrote, "I've heard all about the stealing and smuggling of ancient coin finds. But melting? This item from The Times of India discusses a proposed law to prohibit the melting of ancient coins. Really? Is it possible for them to be worth more simply as bullion?"

No, they are obviously not worth more as bullion but the melting does not surprise me.

India has 37% of all the illiterate adults in the world. This equates to 287 million illiterate Indian adults (which is the largest population globally), according to a report by U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Thus, an illiterate individual who has an old coin knows it has no current monetary value and therefore cannot be spent. However, he also knows that the coin is made of gold or silver (and quite possibly alloyed with another metal) which does have a value. So, the obvious decision is to melt the coin, separate the gold or silver, and sell it. Also, it is highly unlikely that even if the individual knew of the coin's collector value that he would have access to the market where it could be sold.

So, you should not be surprised by the melting of old rare coins solely for their bullion value.

Also, gold is very important in Indian culture. At the time of marriage a dowry (preferably gold) must be given. Many poorer families spend literally every last cent they have on the dowry. Without a dowry, the daughter will have an extremely difficult (if not impossible) time trying to get married. (This is one reason why sons are preferred over daughters. Also, why female infanticide is practiced). The gold is made into jewelry. Gold jewelry is very common in India.

When I read that they wanted to put Bowie's face on a banknote I immediately asked myself, "Which One?" Which face that, is - as the article notes, celebrity Bowie was a chameleon, changing looks and personas on a regular basis.

Here's a great opportunity for a new anti-counterfeiting measure: his face could morph from the Thin White Duke, to Ziggy Stardust when you change the viewing angle. Let's see ne'er-do-wells fake THAT!

The attached coin represents a Kingdom of France 1756 Ecu du Bearn (Pau) with an undetermined countermark. It may be a 'C' for Cayenne, a 'G' for Guadeloupe, or something else. Any suggestions or insights from E-Sylum readers would be appreciated.