As a follow-up to this, I asked Tett why he never wrote an article about this for Penny-Wise, as it is a remarkable and fascinating story. He told me that we wanted to, but the Director of the Library did not want the government to know about the coins because he was afraid they would take them for taxation purposes.

Interested readers can access these records at https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/523464, the specific collection is filed under the year 1995.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
BERNARD ALAN EDISON (1928-2018) (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n16a07.html)
ROSE M. TETTENHORST (1936-1989) (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n16a26.html)
R. TETTENHORST (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n17a12.html)
VATTEMARE'S 1861 CATALOGUE (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a26.html)

NEWMAN'S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BROADSIDE

Bob Kebler writes:

The official handwritten Declaration of Independence wasn't even signed until Aug. 2, 1776. That revered, calligraphic version is in the National Archives, much faded.

But a copy at Washington University in St. Louis actually was made earlier than the official document. The university was given in 2015 a rare, printed broadside and has built a permanent display of its copy.

Only seven Southwick broadsides are known to survive. Washington University's copy is one.

Brand says that the Southwick broadside was actually the first signed Declaration, with Rhode Island's secretary of state, Henry Ward, signing it to attest to its legitimacy.

The university's copy was owned by Eric and Evelyn Newman for six decades, hanging on the wall of their Clayton home.

"He was very proud of it," says John Hoover, who saw the Southwick broadside in the Newmans' home. "It's a very princely gift to Washington University."

The Newmans were active philanthropists in St. Louis, with Evelyn Newman involved in starting the Greater St. Louis Book Fair and the ScholarShop. She died in 2015; Eric Newman, a lawyer and coin authority (his collection eventually brought $72 million at auctions), died in 2017.

The Newmans donated not only the historic Declaration of Independence to Washington University, but gave some $10 million to help refurbish its library.

To read the complete article, see:
Made in 1776: Rare copy of the Declaration of Independence goes on view at Washington U. (https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/books-and-literature/made-in-rare-copy-of-the-declaration-of-independence-goes/article_7e07b5dd-3129-5ebc-a0da-47169f0fd0ae.html)

To view the complete video, see:
"Hot news" – The Southwick Broadside (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxHlfBo_UBI)

To listen to a St. Louis Public Radio interview baout it, see:
Rare copy of Declaration of Independence on display at Wash U (http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/rare-copy-declaration-independence-display-wash-u#stream/0)

BREEN AND TAXAY AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATES

Breen-Taxay First Coinvestors Certificate

Dave Lange writes:

Taxay and Taxay Associates Certificates
Tom Caldwell of Northeast Numismatics writes:

Tom adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
BREEN AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATES ON NEWMAN PORTAL (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a08.html)

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 8, 2018

The Treasures of Paris Coins

Francois R. Velde writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
SOME RECENT COIN DESIGNS: JULY 1, 2018 (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a21.html)

Other London Corresponding Society Tokens

Chris Bower of Indianapolis writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JULY 1, 2018 : 1795 London Corresponding Society Token (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a23.html)

Chinese Sycee Bullion Pieces

Howard A. Daniel III writes:

Ted Puls writes:

Ken Spindler of San Diego writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JULY 1, 2018 : Chinese White Metal Trade Token (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a23.html)

Coin Hoards in English History
Jeff Garrett writes:

For more information, see:
https://www.archaeology.org/issues

Hawaiian Statehood Special Medal Set
Regarding the Hawaiian statehood medals, Jan Monroe writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
THE MISSPELLED HAWAII STATEHOOD MEDALS (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a11.html)

Penalty Shootout Coin Proposed
David Pickup writes:

What. Just. Happened?

England fans have never experienced the feeling of winning a World Cup penalty shootout but the positive vibes that have carried Gareth Southgate's team so far continued on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout to reach the quarter-finals of Russia 2018.

To read the complete article, see:
World Cup 2018: England won a penalty shootout and the nation lost it (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44705768)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS ROYAL MINT RARITIES : The 2012 London Olympics Coin (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n35a30.html)

QUERY: EAST INDIA COMPANY COIN FIELD PATTERN

The government and treasury of St. Helena, in association with the East India Company, have issued a new silver coin that launches the bullion coin programme which will be under the guidance of the East India Company. The new silver one-ounce coins, which are official legal tender in Saint Helena for one pound, includes a reverse design that features the historic shield that was depicted on the gold spade guinea – first issued in 1787 during the reign of King George III. The guinea denomination itself was first introduced by Charles II in 1663 and has the distinction as being the first English machine-struck coin. Originally worth one pound (or 20 shillings), over time its value fluctuated with the price of gold until 1717 when Britain adopted the gold standard and its value was fixed at 21 shillings.

The "spade" guinea was so-called due to the shape of the shield seen on its reverse which contained the various representations of the British Kingdom that resembled a shovel or spade. It is also noteworthy to mention that the coin's moniker of a "spade" may have alluded to the nickname of King George III who was known as "the farmer king" or "Farmer George" since His Majesty was known to prefer his time in the countryside tending to his gardens and also showed a keen interest in agriculture. The coat of arms, which is depicted on the new silver bullion spade guinea ounce coins, includes the crests representing the realms within the United Kingdom during the near 60-year reign of King George III.

The obverse bears the elegant effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by internationally renowned sculptor Raphael Maklouf. The text around the Queen's portrait includes the name of issuing authority of St. Helena, the denomination £1, and the year 2018.

Both the obverse and reverse feature a distinct East India Company traditional pattern in the fields. The reverse bears the distinctive quality mintmark of the East India Company which is seen below the primary design. The East India Company and the government of St Helena have a long and historic association with the issuing of coinage, which was first issued in 1821.

To read the complete article, see:
East India Company Coin Field Pattern (http://news.coinupdate.com/st-helena-and-east-india-company-new-silver-bullion-one-ounce-coin-features-historic-spade-guinea-motif/)

To read an earlier E-Sylum article about the East India Company, see:
A REVIVED EAST INDIA COMPANY STRIKES COIN (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a23.html)

THE WASHINGTON HALL OF FAME MEDAL

This medal honored the inauguration of the Hall of Fame and the building housing statues of the HoF inductees, all completed by the year 1900, the date of this medal. It was dedicated in 1901.

The building was originally the library on the campus of the New York University in the Bronx. The library was removed to a new building in 1972, leaving this building largely vacant, save for several university offices. It served as the site of the dedication ceremonies of new bust installations.

On the west side and extending on the north is the Colonnade with open segments where the busts of the HoF inductees are located. Of numismatic interests the majority of the sculptors of the busts were medallists, with coin engravers Augustus Saint-Gaudens, James E. Fraser, Laura Fraser, Hermon MacNeil, John Flanagan, and Chester Beach were among the bust artists,

The concept of the Hall of Fame was that of the first Chancellor, Dr. Henry Mitchell MacCracken. To his credit every aspect was well designed and executed. George Washington was the only inductee chosen by unanimous vote among 27 other inductees that first year,

It was an obvious choice to place Washington on this inaugural medal. It was to be high quality. Instead of making it in America MacCracken chose the Austrian Mint in Vienna, and Chief Engraver Anton Scharff (1845-1903) to create the medal.

It was struck in both silver and bronze. My silver version is one of my favorite possessions. As a medal dealer I sold six in bronze over a ten-year time.

The committee to name the new inductees met every fifth year, adding new Americas who met their concept of fame. Sculptors were commissioned to prepare bronze busts, these were installed in the Colonnade. Eighty-three had been chosen by 1960, 13 were added later.

Because of the popularity of collector medals in the 1960s a consortium of four organizations gathered to sponsor a series of medals of the Famous American inductees at the HoF. In eight years 3-inch medals were struck in bronze, 1 ¾-inch in bronze and silver of all 93 inductees.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) medal

The consortium consisted of New York University, which owned the HoF, the National Sculpture Society, whose members created the medals, Medallic Art Company, to strike the medals, and Coin & Currency, to market them.

The medals were to contain a portrait of the Famed American, the reverse a scene signifying their accomplishment. Other than the University's name there were no other restrictions, allowing the artists free reign to be as creative as possible. The entire series consists of 93 medals; these are illustrated in my list of series on the Medal Collectors of America website.

The Washington medal was a forerunner of the Hall of Fame medal series, not connected to the series. The medal honoring the start of the series, in effect, the Keystone Medal (1960-060) was created by Donald DeLue in 3 ¼-inch size.

The public can tour the Colonnade during daylight hours, class tours are encouraged from nearby schools. The HoF has an administrator; I became familiar with three consecutive administrators in the years approaching the HoF's centennial. Together we prepared plans to raise revenue for the Hof by establishing a gift shop and selling the medals at the site.

In 1973 New York University suffered financial trouble and sold the campus -- HoF included -- to New York State to be replaced by the Bronx Community College. Its new director was an academic administrator who had little interest in the HoF. She also had no desire for an entrepreneurial venture. To her profit was the antithesis of the grants and gifts received for the support of the College.

One of the ideas a HoF director and I had was to restrike that original Washington Medal, marking it in some way for the centennial. I contacted the Vienna Mint. Would you believe, they found the hundred-year-old dies in a museum! They were eager to work with us.

Unfortunately, our plan was rejected by Lady Administrator. You can't earn a profit for the Hall of Fame.

And today, the original Hall of fame is in limbo, as, perhaps twelve, fifteen hundred Halls of Fame exist in America, MacCracken did not trademark the name. His idea was so good it has been widely adopted. It is in public domain for anyone to use.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles see:
HALL OF FAME FOR GREAT AMERICANS MEDALS (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n23a23.html)
MORE ON HALL OF FAME FOR GREAT AMERICANS MEDALS (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n24a14.html)
MORE ON THE HALL OF FAME MEDALS (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n25a12.html)
MEDAL SELECTIONS FROM NUMISMAGRAM: AMERICANA : Washington Hall of Fame Medal (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n26a22.html)

CENTRAL STATES SUSPENDS AUTHOR GRANT PROGRAM

Bob Dylan once wrote, "The times they are a changing…" Like our times, our education programs are changing as well. After analysis and review, the board has voted to suspend some programs that were shown to be less than cost effective and some that were shown to be less popular with our membership. The programs suspended are: The Library Book program, The Author Grant program and the Traveling Seminars.

The programs that we will be continuing have shown to have your support and also effectively share our educational mission. The continuing programs are: The Club Speaker program and The DVD program.

At the convention we will also continue our very popular and well supported speaker programs. The Heritage Educational Forum will continue due to the substantial sponsorship by Heritage Auctions. We will also continue our popular exhibit area at the convention. And, we are excited to announce an addition to our education offerings at the convention. The History in your Hands Foundation, a Chicago based numismatic educational organization, will be leading our programs for beginning and young collectors.

It's been said that "No one likes change". That may very well be true. Change is hard. It upsets the status quo and the things of which we have become familiar. Yes, the times they are a changing… and even though change is hard to accept, this change is necessary.

Mitch adds:

For more information about the Central States Numismatic Society, see:
http://www.centralstates.info/

To read an earlier E-Sylum article, see:
CENTRAL STATES AWARDS 2016-2017 AUTHOR GRANTS (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n41a04.html) ï»

VOCABULARY TERMS: SO-CALLED DOLLAR, SOUVENIR MEDALS

Jeff Shevlin's article in last week's E-Sylum included his definition of so-called dollars. He said "So-called dollars are historical U.S. medals that commemorate a person, place or event in the United States history. They are 33mm to 45mm in size." There is more, of course, so I have chosen the term for this week in The E-Sylum for readers to respond. I agonized for years for a better definition than the half-page long one in the 1963 standard work by Hibler and Kappan. Shevlin boiled their definition down to two lines.

It was not until I studied similar items – gedinkthalers in Germany and jettons in France – did I realize the one factor that made them different from other medals -- they were struck on coining presses as were coins. So-called dollars are coin-medals.

Since the term "so-called dollar" is so fuzzy and indistinct I believe it should be replaced with a more accurate term – say Souvenir Medal. So I have added it to today's terms. It would not eliminate any existing medals from those already assigned and listed in HK, but would, in fact, add more varieties, as a larger medal to the dollar size of so-called dollars.

If you have an opinion whether to change the use of the term "souvenir medal" for "so-called dollar" please e-mail me at dick.johnson@snet.net and copy Wayne Homren. A discussion in The E-Sylum would be a useful start.

So-called Dollar. Originally political medals struck in silver similar to a United States silver dollar including such items as Bryan dollars (1896, 1900) and Lesher or Referendum dollars (1900–1901). Later the term was corrupted to include any medal similar in size and relief – but not necessarily similar in composition – to the U.S. silver dollar (1 1/2-inch or 38mm) or gold dollar (14mm). The term is similar in concept to a German word, GEDENKTHALAR, a coin-like medal in similitude to the large silver coins of three or five-mark denomination, and to the French word, JETTON, for a small, coin-size medal. True so-called dollars are indeed COIN-MEDALS, struck on a coining press, utilizing equipment normally used for striking large coins: UPSETTING (rimming) machines, blanking dies, collars and such.

There was no problem utilizing exact diameters of existing coins when these medals were issued for the U.S. centennial of 1876 and for the Columbian Exposition of 1892-93, nor for the political medals of 1896-1901. Silver dollar-size vending machines and turnstiles did not exist at that time but with the rise of this industry in the 20th century, slug laws were enacted to prohibit the manufacture of coin-like pieces that would work in these machines.

These problems were noted as early as 1904 when the round Louisiana Purchase Exposition coin of admission (HK 305) was replaced by the octagonal varieties (HK 306 and 307). The round variety was too similar to a silver dollar. Later, in 1939, the Manufacturers Trust Company, a bank which obtained the contract to issue the official medal of the 1939-40 New York World's Fair, changed from its original intention for a round medal to an oval one (HK 491) just because of their concern with these slug laws.

The term "so-called dollar" is not precise and current usage has further corrupted it to include a wide variety of medals from 33 to 45mm diameter (including commercial, fair and exposition pieces, and others). To clarify the term, it should be employed to include only those medals of the above-mentioned diameters struck in a coining press , and exclude art medals of any size. See COIN-MEDAL, SOUVENIR MEDAL, COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL, GEDENKTHALER, JETTON.
CLASS 01

References:
O16 {1963} Hibler and Kappen

Coin-medal. A medal made like a coin – struck in a coining press on an upset blank with low-relief coining dies. The appearance of a coin-medal is like that of a coin in every aspect, it just does not have a denomination and is, of course, not intended as money. The similarity between coin-medals and coins include size, method of manufacture, type and height of relief, composition, and some technical factors, like the presence of a rim (from UPSETTING) and the option to have a smooth or REEDED EDGE (from the type of COLLAR). Coin-medals are also like coins in that they may – or may not – have a proof surface; they differ in that sometimes they are given a patina finish rather than remain COIN FINISH.The original concept of SO-CALLED DOLLAR in the United States and GEDENKTHALER in Germany, was that these numismatic objects were coin-medals, as close to coins as possible, but without denomination and status of a circulating medium. Both so-called dollars and gedenkthalers were in imitation of large silver coins – the U.S. silver dollar, and the German three- or five-mark coin.

There are several inherent reasons for the popularity of a struck piece of this size (approximately 38mm or 1 1/2 inches): (1) convenience – it is a large coin and a small medal in one size; (2) design size – it is ample size for the designer to express his artistic design; (3) but most important of all, the machinery for producing such pieces is readily available, high-speed coining presses, upsetting machines and others, all could easily accommodate this size piece.

Thus what began as an imitation of a silver-dollar size coin around the turn of the 20th century became somewhat standardized for souvenir medals, collector medals – and the boom of the 1960s in America – the proof finish silver medal. All are medals, but closely resemble coins. See SO-CALLED DOLLAR.
CLASS 01

Souvenir Medal. A medallic memento; a medal issued in honor of a public celebration or event. The occasion of the event can be anything: an anniversary, dedication, fair, exposition, coronation, inauguration, launching or any such public celebration. The medals issued upon the completion of a public project – roadway, bridge, tunnel, dam or such – all fall within this category. Souvenir medals are often sold to the public or given to some participants. They fall within the large class of COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS, and become permanent historical mementos of the celebration.

For the original owners, possession of such a medal recalls their personal involvement – their participation, or attendance, or sheer endorsement of the event, its sponsor, or its subject matter. Souvenir medals are significant for the historical information they provide. We know of the date of the first step on the moon by man, or the delayed coronation of King Edward VII or the completion of the Alaskan pipeline – or thousands of events in history – because of permanent medallic memorials issued for these events.

Souvenir medals – like all commemorative medals – are a broad category of medallic art, in contrast to those award, prize or recognition medals given to recipients, or to medals of purely artistic or commercial nature. Souvenir medals are also very similar to HISTORICAL MEDALS because they almost always bear a date. Likewise they include all the medals known as SO-CALLED DOLLARS.
CLASS 12.6

Jeff Shevlin responds:

JEFF SHEVLIN AWARDED ORDER OF THE PEACOCK
Dick Johnson adds:

Looking for the meaning of a numismatic word, or the description of a term?  Try the Newman Numismatic Portal's Numismatic Dictionary at: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionary

Or if you would like a printed copy of the complete Encyclopedia, it is available. There are 1,854 terms, on 678 pages, in The Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology. Even running two a week would require more than 19 years to publish them all. If you would like an advance draft of this vital reference work it may be obtained from the author for your check of $50 sent postpaid. Dick Johnson, 139 Thompson Drive, Torrington, CT 06790.

OTHO JACOB BIERLY (1871-1957)

Otho Jacob Bierly (1871-1957), was born on October 15, 1871, at Funkstown, Washington County, Maryland, son of Jacob H. Bierly (1847-), a blacksmith and a native of Hagerstown,Washington County, Maryland, and Mary Ellen Leckrone (1851-), also a native of Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland.

In the 1896 Baltimore City Directory he is listed as a motorman living at 610 North Monroe Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

In the 1899 Baltimore City Directory he is listed as a manager at 503 West Franklin Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

He joined the ANA in November 1900, and became ANA Member No. 210.

In 1901, he is listed in Wallace's American Trotting Register, as the owner of Ella Cain, a thoroughbred Mare, at Funkstown, Maryland. Sometime in 1901, he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

O. J. Bierly correspondence with Samuel H. Chapman

In April 1902, he applied for membership in the A.N.A. and in May became ANA Member No. 210. He lived at 122 St. Clair Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1905, his address was 201 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In June 1914, he was a graduate of the Emory Brother hood Bible Class, at Emory Methodist Episcopal Church, Highland Avenue and Rippey Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was one of 46 police officers to take the bible course and graduate.

In the 1915 Pittsburgh City Directory he is listed as a Policeman living at 5917 Rippey Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Otho J. Bierly correspondence with Farran Zerbe postmarked January 4, 1909

In 1936 he moved back to his native Funkstown and lived with his sister Annie (1889-), and brother-in-law John White Johnson (1881-) at their home on Baltimore Street.

In August 1956 he was hospitalized at Washington County Hospital and released.

He died on December 12, 1957 at Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland.

To read the complete article, see:
BIERLY, OTHO JACOB (https://sites.google.com/a/numismaticmall.com/www/numismaticmall-com/bierly-otis-j)

John adds:

I reached out to Bill, who writes:

The entire inventory of the Lupia Numismatic Library is for sale. Individual items will be available before the remaining archives are broken up into parcels sold at philatelic auctions in the U. S. and Hong Kong. Check NumismaticMall.com frequently as dozens of new items with estimates will be posted daily until everything is sold.

All inquiries will be given prompt and courteous attention. Write to: john@numismaticmall.com .

QUERY: A ZERBE-HEEREN CONNECTION?

I used to live in Pittsburgh PA and am interested in researching the Heeren Bros Company of Pittsburgh PA. I've read a TAMS Journal article from 1982 and a Numismatist article from 2004 and have seen an ANA video on the subject from when the ANA was in the 'burgh in 2011.

I was wondering if you kept up with any of the latest info on that jeweler/medal producer? I saw that an auction lots sold by Dr. Fanning containing Heeren Bros items in the last decade.

Part of my interest is the fact that I collect so-called dollars, and I am trying to figure out if there is a connection between Zerbe, Heeren Bros, and the 1904-05 small gold dollars that he sold. Zerbe lived near Pittsburgh PA around the turn of the century (1890s-1900s) when Heeren was quite active.

I already know of one connection. I purchased the attached medal (Zerbe store card) in a recent Heritage auction which is an unlisted possibly unique silver-plated lead trial for Zerbe as well as being a Bryan piece, not listed in Schornstein. The reverse of the medal is clearly a Heeren Brothers design, not recognized as such in the original lot description (also attached). The reverse design is similar to R-PIT-4A. So, it really makes me wonder what other connections exist...

I would appreciate any ideas or directions for research in this area.

INDIANA STATE MUSEUM HEEREN BROS COLUMBIA SHIELD

David Buchanan, Curator, Decorative Objects and Furniture, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites writes:

From the collection of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

To read earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
QUERY: THE HEEREN BROTHERS COLUMBIA SHIELD (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n36a10.html)
MORE ON THE COLUMBIA SHIELD (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n37a12.html)
HEEREN FAMILY BACKGROUND ON THE COLUMBIA SHIEL (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v18n23a22.html)
ANOTHER COLUMBIA SHIELD LOCATED (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n08a16.html)

VIDEO: EAC REMEMBERS R. TETTENHORST

Collector R. Tettenhorst–real name Bernard Alan Edison–built an amazing collection of half cents and was a revered member of the copper collecting community. Edison was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 23, 1928. He was a scion of the Edison family, who founded the famous Edison Brothers shoe store chain.

At the 2018 EAC Convention, several members of Early American Coppers (EAC) gathered to discuss some of their fondest memories of "Tett" and the impact he made on their lives. In the video above, CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan speaks to the EAC's Bill Eckberg, Denis Loring, Harry Salyards, Bob Kebler, and Mike Packard.

To read the complete article (and watch the video), see:
CoinWeek: EAC Remembers R. Tettenhorst, Numismatist (https://coinweek.com/dealers-companies/eac/coinweek-eac-remembers-r-tettenhorst-numismatist/)

SUMMER SEMINAR BOOK SALE FINDS

Each year I teach a class at the ANA's Summer Seminar, and one of the most anticipated events for all is the fund-raising book sale at ANA headquarters. It kicks off Saturday evening, after student registration and the seminar orientation. Everyone is eager to secure a low number for entry into the book sale room, as occupation within this small space is rationed for safety. There's always a mad scramble for those who get in the earliest, and there are often some pretty nice books and catalogs that go for a fraction of their values at auction.

Since my library is pretty much complete for all the titles I'd want or need, I typically bypass that first session altogether. I do like bonding with students and my fellow instructors, but not in quite such a physical manner, as the room becomes all elbows and knees in a matter or moments.

The book sale reopens the next day during lunch time, and that's when I make my first pass. There's never a concern that I've missed something important, as I seek the items that others leave behind. My purchases consist of popular, unscholarly hobby magazines, dealer buying guides and ephemera of the sort that sells for 25 cents apiece (by the last day of the sale, prices have been slashed to the point where $5 will buy as much as one can carry). These are the bits of numismatic literature that tell me the where, when and how much of coin folders, albums and gadgets that I collect as hobby history and use for researching my own books.

During this year's event I scored a long run of The Coin Press, a decidedly unsophisticated monthly published by Frank Spadone in East Orange, New Jersey. The issues run from 1959 through the end of 1961, when this title was purchased by Krause Publications. Initially, just the "The" was dropped from the title, but it re-emerged as COINS Magazine with the first issue of 1962 and continues as such to the present day.

I found some real nuggets that will be of interest. These include an early photo of Q. David Bowers with Empire Coin Company partner Jim Ruddy, as well as the first publication of the Large Date/Small Date varieties of 1960 cents which topic came to dominate all the remaining issues of 1960 in this and other popular journals. Best of all, perhaps, is a scathing report of Walter Breen's speaking engagement at the Middlesex Coin Club in New Jersey. A more unlikely setting could not be imagined, as the members were likely all focused on BU rolls, proof sets and BIE Lincolns, much to the disgust of prickly scholar Breen.

WHICH NAPOLEONIC MEDALS DID PEALE SEE?

FINALLY!!! I've been trying for years to figure out which Napoleonic medals Franklin Peale saw being made at the Paris mint in 1833/34. He mentions them in his 1835 Mint report and, if I recall, in a letter back to Moore, but it's just an off-hand comment about the Paris mint striking a large run of Napoleonic medals (I have to re-find the exact quote).

Everyone I've asked for years has responded that it would be nearly impossible to tell since the French frequently struck and restruck all sorts of Napoleonic medals.

Anyway, I met Bill Goetz, who specializes in French medals and coinage, at the Baltimore show and he suggested the Arc de Triomphe series. That proved to be a no-go as the dates were a little later. However, that lead me to Mssr. Nicolas Guy Antoine Brenet, who did quite a bit of work for the French mints, including a series of 20 Napoleonic medals which were exhibited at the 1833 Paris Salon (see PDF).

Then I found a set of 26 gilt bronze Napoleonic medals by Brenet in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (see photos). I've emailed Dr. Thayer Tolles of The Met and Bill to see if we can ID the 1833 Paris Salon pieces and get more info on the gilt set. That's probably a gift or diplomatic set. The "extra" pieces may be earlier or later medals by Brenet as he did exhibit at several Paris Salons. Or he may simply have chosen 20 of the pieces for exhibit and the 6 "extras" simply represent the full range being struck.

Either way, we finally have a solid view of what Peale saw and yet another object lesson in why it pays to keep digging even when everyone else thinks you're chasing the impossible. Plus, I got another cool set to collect.

PAINTING RECREATES JEFFERSON'S COIN TRANSACTION

Paintings of scenes from American numismatic history have been created now for more than a century, but most artists have struggled to paint works of art that also get the history right. Steve Roach contributed a feature story, "Your Own Numismatic Masterpiece," to the July 16, 2018 issue of Coin World, telling how a newly-created painting has combined artistry with known historical facts. Author Joel J. Orosz commissioned artist Carlton Eddy of Helotes, Texas to paint a different kind of numismatic artwork, recreating, both aesthetically and accurately, an actual pivotal moment in the history of American numismatics.

Dunsmore: Washington Inspecting the First Money Coined by the United States

The most familiar American numismatic historical painting is "Washington Inspecting the First Money Coined by the United States," painted in 1914 by artist John Ward Dunsmore on a commission from Frank H. Stewart, who had owned the last three remaining buildings of the first United States Mint. Dunsmore was a first-rate artist, and "Washington Inspecting" is a beautiful work of art. As history, however, the painting is pure bunk, depicting, as it does, a group of people who mostly never visited the Mint, attending a ceremony that never occurred, all set in a Mint building that did not exist in 1792.

In the course of research for 1792: Birth of a Nation's Coinage, Orosz and co-authors Len Augsburger and Pete Smith discovered that Thomas Jefferson's Memorandum Book, a ledger of his personal household expenses, contained an extensive record of Jefferson's involvement with the creation and distribution of the first coin minted under the authority of the United States Constitution: the 1792 half disme.

The Memorandum Book detailed how Jefferson delivered $75 worth of silver to the Philadelphia Mint on July 11, 1792, and received 1,500 half dismes on July 13, just before leaving for his summer vacation at Monticello. The first overnight stay on the 10-day journey was at an Inn located in Chester, Pennsylvania, about 15 miles southwest of center city Philadelphia, where, as Jefferson noted in his Memorandum Book, he paid 30 cents to "servts" in tips.

This was the first unambiguously decimal transaction recorded in the Memorandum Book, and it means that these six 1792 half dismes Jefferson tendered comprised the first transaction using coins struck by the U.S. Mint: the first of many billions to come.

Co-author Pete Smith captured the moment of that first transaction, when Jefferson tipped the Inn's porter those six half dismes, with Jefferson's daughter Maria looking on. Smith's oil painting, which combines artistry and historical accuracy, is the cover art for 1792: Birth of a Nation's Coinage, published by the Ivy Press, Inc. (a subsidiary of Heritage Auctions) in 2017. After the book appeared, inspired by Smith's example, Orosz began a collaborative process with artist Carlton Eddy to recreate the moment later in the evening of July 13, 1792, when Jefferson recorded the first transaction in his Memorandum Book.

Eddy's oil painting depicts Jefferson seated in his room at the Inn, recording the day's events by glowing candlelight. Nearly every detail in the painting is modeled upon late 1790s originals, including Jefferson's travel box containing a set of coin scales. Jefferson's hand is visible making entries in the Memorandum Book, and Jefferson himself appears in the mirror on top of the table, where he is literally reflected, and also symbolically reflecting, on the significance of the day's momentous events. Half dismes spill from a pouch, and two have landed, obverse and reverse, on the open page of the Memorandum Book. More details about the Eddy painting, and on the process by which Orosz and Eddy co-created it, can be found in Steve Roach's July 16, 2018 Coin World feature story.

Eddy: Thomas Jefferson, Evening, July 13, 1792, Chester, Pennsylvania

Carlton Eddy has been an official Coast Guard artist since 1988, and regularly paints aviation subjects for the U.S. Navy. Over the past few years, his artistic ambit has expanded to include numismatics, depicting coins, especially in historical settings. Eddy's clients have included Heritage Galleries and professional numismatists around the nation. His work is on display at, among other museums, those of the U.S. Naval Academy, and the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola. He may be reached at: sketcheddy@yahoo.com

The co-authors have created a new edition of 1792: Birth of a Nation's Coinage, limited to only 14 copies, featuring the Eddy painting, "Thomas Jefferson, Evening, July 13, 1792, Chester, Pennsylvania" as the cover art, with the Smith painting, "The First U.S. Coin Enters Commerce, Chester, Pennsylvania, July 13, 1792," as the book's frontispiece. Thirteen numbered copies have been distributed to the co-authors and to those who were especially helpful with the book's research and publication. One numbered copy will be offered as part of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society Benefit Auction, to be held on August 17, 2018, at the NBS annual meeting during the 2018 ANA Convention.

TAMS MEETING AND BANQUET IN PHILADELPHIA

As we prepare for the ANA's World's Fair of Money to be held in Philadelphia from August 14-17, TAMS is excited to announce that plans are falling into place for our usual Wednesday meetings and banquet. Below are the specifics – plan to attend!

Wednesday, August 15

Board meeting Room 121A
Philadelphia Convention Center 8:00 a.m.

General Membership Meeting Room 117
Philadelphia Convention Center 1:00 p.m.
Speaker will be Ernie Nagy, incoming TAMS president, on the "Satire of Hard Times Tokens"

TAMS Banquet - hosted at Maggiano's Little Italy, 1201 Filbert St., Philadelphia

Tickets - $50.00 per person – includes a fabulous meal + door prizes, an auction, and the awarding of the Mishler Cataloging Awards and the Schenkman and other Literary Awards.

Begins at 6:30 p.m. We have 50 spots for reservations, so you will want to make sure you get your reservation to Kathy Freeland early. Please note that checks will not be cashed until after the banquet, so if you want to just call or e–mail with a reservation, that is fine as well, as long as you pay either prior to or at the dinner.

Meal will include beverage of choice (no alcohol, although there will be a cash bar just outside the banquet room), Classic Bruschetta, Chopped Salad and Chopped Apple & Walnut Salad, Lasagna, Spaghetti with Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, Tilapia, Tiramisu and a fresh fruit plate.

If you have auction items you would like to donate to the society, please contact Kathy Freeland as well.

Kathy Freeland – PO Box 195, Mayville, MI 48744
Phone Number – 989-843-5247
E-Mail ksfdaf@sbcglobal.net

For more information on TAMS, see:
http://www.tokenandmedal.org/

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: JULY 8, 2018

1771 North Carolina Five Shillings

Early American currency went through several stages of development in colonial and post-Revolutionary history of the United States. Because few coins were minted in the thirteen colonies that became the United States in 1776, foreign coins like the Spanish dollar were widely circulated. Colonial governments sometimes issued paper money to facilitate economic activity. During the American Revolution, the colonies became independent states; freed from British monetary regulations, they issued paper money to pay for military expenses. The Continental Congress also issued paper money during the Revolution, known as Continental currency, to fund the war effort.

One by one, colonies began to issue their own paper money to serve as a convenient medium of exchange. In 1690, the Province of Massachusetts Bay created "the first authorized paper money issued by any government in the Western World." This paper money was issued to pay for a military expedition during King William's War. Other colonies followed the example of Massachusetts Bay by issuing their own paper currency in subsequent military conflicts.

To read the complete lot description, see:
1771 Five Shillings - North Carolina Colonial Currency Note (https://www.pristineauction.com/a1625174-1771-Five-Shillings-North-Carolina-Colonial-Currency-Note)

1783 Peace of Versailles Medal

1783 Peace of Versailles, Libertas Americana French Medal NGC MS62 (Betts-608)

A fascinating piece made in a white metal. Closely related to the famous Libertas Americana medal, this piece was struck to commemorate the Peace of Versailles, ending the Revolutionary War.

To read the complete lot description, see:
1783 Peace of Versailles, Libertas Americana French Medal NGC MS62 (Betts-608) (https://www.davidlawrence.com/rare-coin/151108)

1853 $2.50 Gold Liberty Love Token

To read the complete lot description, see:
1853 $2.50 GOLD LIBERTY LOVE TOKEN (http://www.silvercityauctions.com/1853-2-50-GOLD-LIBERTY-LOVE-TOKEN_i30636652)

Chinese Prancing Horse Gaming Token

CHINA. Szechuan. 5 Cent Horse Gaming Token, ND (ca. 1912). PCGS AU-55 BN Secure Holder.

Duan-2281var. (2011 edition); Duan-3621(2005 edition). Struck in copper. Obverse: prancing horse; Reverse: spray of orchids. Lovely oxblood tone.

To read the complete lot description, see:
60265 CHINA. Szechuan. 5 Cent Horse Gaming Token, ND (ca. 1912). PCGS AU-55 BN Secure Holder. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-BF79M)

Chinese 5 Cash Commemorative Token

CHINA. Szechuan. 5 Cash Commemorative Token, ND (ca. 1918). PCGS MS-63 BN Secure Holder.

CL-Unlisted; Y-Unlisted; CCC-Unlisted; cf. Duan-3627. Struck in copper, reverse blank (not uniface). It is theorized that the production of these pieces was ordered by a high ranking official, thought to be the director of the Tientsin mint, in 1918 the lunar year of the horse to commemorate the birth of his new son. Three denominations were made (5 Cash, 10 Cash and 20 Cash), but due to their intricate high relief designs the reverses were left blank. The dies were produced by die-sinking and hubbing presses rather than the normal coining press. The following year in 1919(Year of the Goat) silver tokens were made to commemorate the birth of a new baby girl(see L&M-1000A). Horse is well struck up with tender detail, both sides deep brown.

To read the complete lot description, see:
60526 CHINA. Szechuan. 5 Cash Commemorative Token, ND (ca. 1918). PCGS MS-63 BN Secure Holder. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-BF4EE)

1935 Connecticut Half Dollar

To read the complete lot description, see:
1935 Connecticut 50c NGC/CAC MS66 (https://www.davidlawrence.com/rare-coin/1533394)

Gold One Celeston Set

Celestia - The Nation of Celestial Space Historical 6 Piece Set

1959 token struck in 0.900 fine gold by James Thomas Mangan for the "Nation of Celestial Space" (Celestia for short). Mangan laid claim to all of space in Jan 18, 1949. The obverse shows Ruth Mangan, James Mangan's daughter with "MAGNANIMITY" on the head band. Apparently there are 4 total varieties: 1959 and 1960 UNC (as shown) and 1960 and 1961 proof (not seen). The reported mintages are 540 in 1959 and 200 in 1960.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Celestia - The Nation of Celestial Space Historical 6 Piece Set (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Celestia-The-Nation-of-Celestial-Space-Historical-6-Piece-Set/173206378030)

To read an earlier E-Sylum article, see:
FEATURED WEB PAGE: NATION OF CELESTIAL SPACE (http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n07a31.html)

ROMAN COINS FOUND AT VULCI

An exceptional discovery was made at the Vulci archaeological site, where a treasure of coins from the 3rd century B.C. was found intact, according to a statement from the site's scientific department.

The discovery included 15 large bronze coins, which were likely originally stored in a leather bag.

They were found above the closing tile of a burial site together with an iron strigil (a tool that was used to clean the body) and numerous ceramics, all clearly part of a funeral ritual for two deceased.

One of those buried there, who was male, had another coin similar to the others placed on his left shoulder together with a bronze clasp, along with other objects in iron and ceramics that completed the burial kit.

His death may have been the result of an iron object, possibly a spear, found near the skull.

The second of the two buried there was cremated and the incinerated bones were wrapped in a shroud that was likely closed with a bronze clasp that was found next to it and was nearly identical to the other. Other objects were found in the vestibule of the tomb together with another burial, including a small circular pyx (chalice) with a lead cover.

The coins are part of the first Roman issue and have the prow of a boat on one side and the image of the god Janus Bifrons on the other, representing the passage of the dead from the world of the living to the underworld.

To read the complete article, see:
Treasure of coins found at Vulci archaeological site (http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2018/07/03/
treasure-of-coins-found-at-vulci-archaeological-site_89467e5f-b991-4010-b0bf-9f4eaa937285.html)

HENRY VIII ANGEL SOUGHT IN MURDER INVESTIGATION

Police believe a rare 470-year-old coin may prove the key to snaring the savages who fatally injured a pensioner in his own home.

The reward for information leading to Arthur Gumbley's killers has been cranked up from £10,000 to £40,000.

Detectives believe items taken during the break-in may prove vital in cracking the case.

And the most distinctive of those is a Henry VIII Angel cold coin, forged between 1544 and 1547.

Arthur, a keen metal detectorist, uncovered the treasure while combing a field. Also taken was a House of Parliament pot and a unique gun-shaped knife.

Eight inches in length, one side is designed as a bayonette, the other a pistol with wooden handle.

Someone has possession of those distinctive items.

Arthur's daughter Sue Boys said: "We hope the coin will prove important because it is so different.

To read the complete article, see:
How rare coin could hold vital clue to murder of Arthur Gumbley (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/how-rare-coin-could-hold-14846786)

1982 NETHERLANDS-AMERICAN 50 GULDEN

The Schulman Numismatists, auctioneers in Amsterdam, have included a scarce and very rare gold coin minted in 1982 which commemorated the 200th year of Dutch-American friendship that will go under the hammer on the 29th and 30th June. It is understood that the 50-gulden coin was presented to President Ronald Reagan for the occasion of the state visit of HM Queen Beatrix and HRH Prince Claus, which also marked the 200th year of friendship between the two countries.

The obverse carried an effigy of Queen Beatrix facing in the left direction with her legend placed below the portrait in three lines.

The reverse design integrated the symbols of the two countries into one conjoined design, the heads of a lion and an eagle, with the denomination of 50 GULDEN and the commemorative years 1782 – 1982 placed along the upper left edge. This anniversary coin was also the first time this denomination had been minted and was also released as a circulating sterling silver commemorative coin.

According to ex-employees of the Dutch State Mint, a total of six gold pieces were minted and placed in wooden presentation cases with the Dutch coat-of-arms. The actual mintage and how many pieces were disposed of have never been confirmed. To date, only this example has been seen in a public sale. It is understood this very coin was previously offered for sale by auction in 2016 and was written about in an educational article published in the Muntkoerier magazine by authors Jacco Scheper and Marcel van der Beek. The consignor acquired the coin in early September 2015 from Nancy Reagan's former designer, who worked with her to redecorate the White House.

To read the complete article, see:
1982 Netherlands-American 50 Gulden (http://news.coinupdate.com/netherlands-and-united-states-exceptional-presidential-gift-of-scarce-gold-commemorative-coin-to-be-auctioned/)

IRAN'S SULTAN OF COINS

Iranian police have arrested a man they say hoarded two tonnes of gold coins in order to manipulate the local market.

Tehran police chief Gen Hossein Rahimi said the unnamed 58-year-old had used accomplices to collect an estimated 250,000 coins over the past 10 months.

He dubbed him the "Sultan of Coins".

Iranians have been buying up gold coins since the US abandoned a nuclear deal with Iran in May and said it would reimpose sanctions, triggering a fall in the value of the country's currency.

Two weeks ago, traders at Tehran's Grand Bazaar shuttered their shops and join protests in the capital prompted by the collapse of the rial and rising prices.

To read the complete article, see:
Iran's Sultan of Coins (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44710012)

BLACK HOLE SPINNERS

Carrying this many Black Holes is not advised and extremely dangerous.

We did it.

A pocket sized black hole that can be carried with you. This is an actual black hole (it's not) that you can carry with you. If you're not aware, black holes are dangerous so please be careful near the event horizon because nothing can escape the gravitational pull of a black hole. The escape velocity of a black hole is faster than the speed of light which basically means that nothing can get away.

As a young boy, unlike most young boys, I couldn't have cared less about black holes, planets, solar systems or anything in our cosmos. I have no idea why, just didn't care. Recently (possibly my mid-life crisis), I've become more than fascinated with all things space. I'm not going to claim to be anything remotely close to an astrophysicist, astronomer or astro-anything for that matter. I can't even call myself an amateur astro-anything, but I learn something new every day and with every new bit of knowledge comes a dozen more topics I have to look up. The cosmos is too much. No, really, it's TOO much! Many of you already know this but for those of you that don't...look it up. Look anything up. Look up the size of the sun or the distance between planets or how long it took the Voyager to exit our solar system. Not familiar with the Voyager, look that up too. One of the most incredible facts to me is the distance of everything! It's all too mind bending and more than our feeble human minds can comprehend. So here's my little homage to my newfound love...

I combined my new love of the cosmos with what I currently do...make spinning things (for the most part). I enlisted the help of my favorite coin maker, Shire Post Mint, to help me bring it to life. They nailed it. Exactly what I'd imagined. A bonus that I wasn't even considering is how tactile the top surface is. Quite soothing indeed...which is ironic because black holes aren't soothing at all.

To read the complete article, see:
Event Horizon Spin Coin (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jllawsonco/event-horizon-spin-coin)

RARE HBC PROMISSORY NOTE AT REGINA COIN SHOW

An extremely rare Hudson's Bay Company £1 1870 Promissory note issued at Fort Garry during the Red River Rebellion will be on display at the Regina Coin Club Show and Sale in October.

In 1869, the newly formed Government of Canada purchased Rupert's Land from the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). In one small corner of the territory was the Red River Colony, situated where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet in what is now downtown Winnipeg. Most of the people in the Red River Colony were mixed race Metis, descendants of both French and English voyageurs, fur traders and farmers.

The first lieutenant governor, William McDougall, ordered surveyors to plot the land according to the square township system used in Ontario. Meanwhile, most of the Metis had previously made their farms on long, narrow lots fronting the rivers, and many did not have clear title to the land they farmed. By late 1869, Louis Riel emerged as the Metis leader and prevented the surveyors from entering the colony.

By late 1869, Louis Riel and his Metis supporters took over the fort at Fort Garry. In January 1870, Riel gained the support of most of the English-speakers in the colony, who agreed to form a Provisional Government to discuss terms to enter Confederation with Canada.

But not everyone in the settlement approved of the Metis demands. A small group of English-speaking Canadians in the area was opposed. These settlers organized a militia and some were captured and imprisoned at HBC trading fort a Fort Garry for attempting an insurrection against the Provisional Government.

Thomas Scott, an Orangeman, was sentenced to death by firing squad. Scott's death inflamed Ontario Protestants against the Metis, French-speakers and Catholics.

The Provisional Government then sent a delegation to Ottawa to negotiate. They were immediately imprisoned but soon released and entered negotiations with Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, who later agreed to enshrine many of the demands of the people of Red River Colony.

Manitoba, much smaller than it now is, became Canada's fifth province. Among the rights enshrined for the new province were a representative government, French language rights, separate Catholic schools and land rights for the Metis.

According to George B. Winship's manuscript, "Red River Disturbances," Louis Riel demanded that the HBC reopen their business so the colony and its Provisional Government could function properly as the rebellion and the closing of the HBC fort had drastically affected the fur trade and other trade as well. Riel guaranteed to protect the HBC in exchange for a loan of $25,000.

According to Winship, the HBC "tacitly complied with the demand, but in the matter of the loan they asserted that they did not have that amount of money on hand."

The problem was solved when it was suggested that HBC Promissory notes could be printed at the New Nation newspaper.

Winship, who printed the notes, recalled in his memoir: "Some heavy weight brown paper was procured, and the body of the note was set in long primer italic type… and the denomination of the bill in large type…. A certain number of sheets of paper were counted out for me to print and I was enjoined to account for all of them, spoiled and unspoiled. About $25,000 of these notes were printed and put in circulation after being signed by the Hudson Bay Co. officials."

After printing, the notes were signed by John Henry McTavish, the HBC clerk. They were then rubber stamped in red a few days later by William Mactavish, the Governor of Rupert's Land.

The £1 note on display is one of only a handful of Promissory notes still in existence. The notes were issued in four denominations: 5 shillings, one pound, 5 pounds and 10 pounds.

Canadian Prime Minister John A. Macdonald ordered troops under the command of Colonel Garnet Wolseley to take control of the new province. When the troops arrived at Fort Garry in August 1870, some of the Metis leaders, including Louis Riel, had left for exile in the U.S.

While in exile, Riel was elected to Parliament three times, but never took his seat as he feared he would be either imprisoned or hung for his role in the Red River Rebellion.

The Regina Coin Club show and sale takes place October 20-21, 2018 at the Turvey Centre near Regina.

For more information on the Regina Coin Club, see:
http://www.reginacoinclub.com/

DID RUSSIA WORLD CUP BANKNOTE PREDICT WIN?

Few people could have predicted Russia's run from FIFA's 70th-ranked country to a spot in the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals. The Bank of Russia knew, however.

Kinda.

The Bank printed special 100 ruble notes in commemoration of the nation's hosting gig, a practice it had previously undertaken with special bills for the 2014 Winter Olympics and Russia's 2015 annexation of Crimea. The 2018 printing, however, seems to have predicted the future with its imagery.

Specifically one image of a diving player just barely getting his left foot on a ball. Turns out, that's exactly how Igor Akinfeev would save Iago Aspas's shootout penalty kick to give Russia one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Here's the note (check out the top left corner and not the guy, uh, totally botching a save).

To read the complete article, see:
Did Russia World Cup Banknote Predict Win? (https://www.sbnation.com/2018/7/3/17532682/bank-of-russia-special-100-ruble-note-world-cup-save)

IN OTHER NEWS: JULY 8, 2018

1904 Olympic Gold Medal Brings $125,000

To read the complete lot description and price realized, see:
BASKETBALL – An Olympic Gold Medal awarded for Basketball to George Louis Redlein (1885-1968), St. Louis, 1904. (https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/books-manuscripts/basketball-an-olympic-gold-medal-awarded-6145960-details.aspx)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
1904 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL FOR BASKETBALL (http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n20a32.html)

Will The New Academy Issue A Prize Medal?

The Swedish Academy is not awarding a Nobel prize for literature this year, but a group of Swedish cultural figures are coming together to bestow their own version of the world's most prestigious literary award instead, as an act of protest at the scandal that has engulfed the academy.

The scandal, which kickstarted debate about the academy's patriarchal nature and fights in the Swedish media between academicians, led to a wave of resignations and to the postponement of this year's prize "in view of the currently diminished academy and the reduced public confidence".

In its place, more than 100 Swedish writers, actors, journalists and other cultural figures have formed the New Academy, which will hand out its own award this autumn, following the same timeline as the Nobel.

To read the complete article, see:
Alternative Nobel literature prize planned in Sweden (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jul/02/alternative-nobel-literature-prize-planned-in-sweden)

Post Office Owes $3.55 Million Over Statue Mixup

Left: Original Statue of Liberty
Right: Robert Davidson's Las Vegas replica

A sculptor who created a replica of the Statue of Liberty for a Las Vegas casino was awarded $3.5 million in damages last week after the US Postal Service (USPS) accidentally used a photo of his statue – rather than a photo of the original statue in New York harbor – on one of its most common stamps.

If you bought a "forever" stamp between 2011 and 2014, there's a good chance that it showed the face of the Statue of Liberty replica that sculptor Robert Davidson constructed for the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The Post Office licensed a photo of Davidson's statue from the image service Getty for $1,500, initially believing it was a photograph of the original statue. (The license only covered the rights to Getty's photograph of the statue – not the statue itself.)

The stamp with the resulting image was released to the public in December 2010; it took four months before anyone pointed out the mistake to the Post Office.

To read the complete article, see:
Post Office owes $3.5M for using wrong Statue of Liberty on a stamp (https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/07/post-office-owes-3-5m-for-using-wrong-statue-of-liberty-on-a-stamp/)

See also:
Postal Service misidentifies Statue of Liberty in stamp in a $3.5 million mistake (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/07/06/postal-service-misidentifies-statue-liberty-stamp-million-mistake/762306002/)

Harry Waterson writes:

FIDEM Medals 2018

Every two years, the world's largest organization of medal artists and other aficionados of the medal comes together at the FIDEM congress. The acronym is a French one: "Federation Internationale de la Medaille," which is pretty easily translated to: International Federation of the Medal. Held at a different location each time, this year's federation or medals congress was in Ottawa, Ontario, hosted in large part by the Royal Canadian Mint and the Canadian Museum of Nature. It featured artists, scholars, collectors and others who are interested in any aspect of medal making and collecting.

To read the complete article, see:
Medals of FIDEM: Breaths of fresh creative air (http://www.numismaticnews.net/article/medals-of-fidem-breaths-of-fresh-creative-air)

VAULT RELEASE – RARE LINCOLN PENNIES!!!

Security Coin Advisory Marketing (SCAM) offers this limited opportunity.

Available only from us:

Vault Bags of Lincoln Pennies guaranteed to have either the Lincoln Memorial or a Shield on the reverse. We assure you that there are no wheat reverse coins; guaranteed. Every coin is certified as MS-71 by Certified Rarities Authentication Professionals (CRAP). This is a higher grade than any other rare company can offer! Other certification services offer no coins at all above MS-70.

Each coin is guaranteed to be made at the Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint. We guarantee that there will be no West Point coins, doubled dies, or striking errors.

Each bag contains 1,000 pennies, as counted by our row of uniformed guards on our production line (with security vaults in the background). Wait! There's more! As a bonus every bag will also include five (5) Jefferson nickels guaranteed to have been minted since 1937!

Your cost is just $49.95 per bag! (Plus just $10 shipping) Strict limit of 10 bags per buyer per day; offer expires December 31, 2019. Each bag comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

This offer is limited only to buyers who can qualify on these points:

1. You must have a zip code starting with a number from 0 to 9. Anyone without a zip code cannot place an order. This is a very strict rule; sorry, no exceptions.

2. Our toll-free operators are available only from 12:01 a.m. until 11:55 p.m. each day, except April 1. Positively no orders can be placed from 11:55 p.m. to 12 midnight, or on April 1.

3. Payment must be made in cash or by credit card. In addition, American Gold Eagles are accepted at the spot price for bullion, less 10% service and handling.

Disclaimer: SCAM is an independent company. We are not affiliated with the government or any numismatic association. Thus, we can give more liberal investments than would be possible under regulation. With us the sky's the limit! We do not reveal our clients' names to any agency or authority. Only you will know of your private reserve!

The prices of collectible coins can vary depending upon the economic climate, the weather, the strength of the aftermarket (if there is one), and other factors. Accordingly, neither SCAM nor any other company can guarantee profits. We do mention that there are some pennies such at 1793 that sell for thousands of dollars.

FEATURED WEB SITE: SHORT SNORTER PROJECT

Short snorter signed by WWII Marine Corps fighter ace and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Joe Foss

http://www.shortsnorter.org/