WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM APRIL 8, 2012

There were no new subscribers this week. We have 1,526 email subscribers, plus 174 followers on Facebook.

This week we open with an update from David Sklow, word from Dick Johnson on a great online resource for numismatic researchers, and a review of the new Haxby guide on Canadian Coins and Tokens.

Other topics include: Dr. John Coffee, The Dalles, Women at the U.S. Mint and BEP. To learn more about April Fools, coins made of Titanium Nitride Plated Inox, and Col. Green and the Inverted Jennys, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren (whomren@gmail.com)
Numismatic Bibliomania Society

SKOW MAIL BID SALE #16 CLOSES JUNE 2, 2012

DAVID SKLOW - FINE NUMISMATIC BOOKS
MAIL BID SALE NO. 16 CLOSES JUNE 2, 2012
THE CHARLES MOORE LIBRARY
WORKS ON CANADIAN AND U. S. NUMISMATICS

The Moore Library offers bidders a rare opportunity to purchase some items of great rarity as well as items that have not been offered in many years: Complete sets of The Canadian Bankers' Association Journal, The Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal, The Canadian Numismatic Journal, The C. N. A. "Bulletin"; also many rare works of Robert Wallace McLachlan, Jos. LeRoux and P. N. Breton, over one hundred nineteenth and early twentieth century auction catalogs with high ratings by Adams for their Canadian content; and more.

The sale also features important selections from the library of Myron Xenos including super deluxe edition of Browning by Breen; super deluxe leather album "The Invasion of Louisville"; the Chapman brothers Frossard bid books; three deluxe editions of works by David Lange all serial number one; and more notable consignments.

Bids may enter bids by mail, telephone, email or fax. The sale closes at 8pm mountain time, June 2, 2012. Note, any bids left on our answering machine or sent by email or fax on or before midnight will be accepted. View our catalog on-line: www.finenumismaticbooks.com or request a hard copy at no charge.

David Sklow-Fine Numismatic Books
P.O. Box 6321
Colorado Springs, CO 80934

PH: 719-302-5686
FAX: 719-302-4933
EMAIL: numismaticbooks@aol.com
WEB: FineNumismaticBooks.com

BENEZIT INTERNATIONAL ARTIST DIRECTORY NOW ONLINE

Oxford University Press has just acquired the rights to place the English language edition of the full 14 volumes of Benezit online. Benezit is the French directory of international artists now covering biographical data on 170,000 world artists. First published in 1911 it has progressed through eight editions, from 3,000 pages in early editions to 20,608 pages in the latest printed format, first offered in English in 2006.

Oxford has merged Benezit artist biographical information with the 34-volume Grove Art Dictionary, with illustrations and listings of artists' work with references to published articles and other data for more in-depth information and where to obtain even more. Oxford acquired Grove Art in 2003.

This massive art reference information resource can now be accessed with an Oxford subscription for individuals of $195 per year (or $19.95 per month). Or perhaps visit your nearby college or large city library where they might have an institution subscription allowing researchers free access. More info at oxfordindex.oup.com

I was enamored with Benezit for the last ten years as I was (still am) compiling a directory of American Artists of Coins and Medals. I acquired my printed set of Benezit in 2007 after I learned the English version had only become available in 2006. I reported on this in The E-Sylum (December 2, 2007; Vol 10, No 49, Art 9). I turned over every page of those 14 volumes searching for the 3,356 artists I knew made American coins and medals (took me six weeks!).

This produced slightly over 700 hits allowing me to cite the Benezit reference to my artist listing -- and flesh out other biographical data I was missing. Dates of birth and death are most important placing artists in a correct quadrant of American coin and medal production. I still find Benezit useful for checking on newly uncovered artists as I touted in The E-Sylum in 2007.

Those 700 hits are less than one percent of the estimated 7,700 artists of North America, that Oxford claims are currently online. This is in contrast to the 65,000 American artists listed in Peter Hastings Falk's three-volume work, Who Was Who in American Art, published 1999. I found 1,135 coin and medal artists listed therein (2.06%). Perhaps this figure is high as I had some input by furnishing Falk my entire databank. His editors added many of those artists' entries.

William A. Burd (Chicago Coin Company) read that E-Sylum article and bought two of the English language sets. One set he donated to ANS in New York, and one he placed in his shop library. (Reported in E-Sylum February 1, 2009, Vol 12. No 5, Art 7). He allows customers to research numismatic information among the 12,000 volumes he has on tap in his coin store.

While I did not search the entire 34 volumes of Grove Art Directory, I did spot check it for known coin and medal artists and found the content rather weak for such artists and numismatic content. I have not cited it at present in my databank but with internet access this may be useful for others.

My current plan is not to publish my databank as a hardbound book, but rather place American Artists of Coins and Medals, Diesinkers, Engravers, Medallists and Sculptors on the internet this year for free access to everyone. I have three advertisers lined up who wish to have their advertising message on that databank. These are dealers who believe this will attract viewers who have medals and tokens they are seeking to identify and sell.

Also the databank would be ideal for numismatic writers who seek accurate information on the artists of numismatic items they are writing about. If you are such a writer contact me: dick.johnson@snet.net. Be specific in your artist request.

BOOK REVIEW: A GUIDE BOOK OF CANADIAN COINS AND TOKENS

A Guide Book Of Canadian Coins and Tokens, 1st Edition by Dr. James A. Haxby, 2012, Whitman Publishing, LLC,
Reviewed by: John and Nancy Wilson, NLG

A Guide Book Of Canadian Coins and Tokens, 1st Edition by Dr. James A. Haxby was released in 2012 and is another, "An Official Whitman Guidebook." This Hardcover, 464 page reference is fully illustrated and includes 1,600 full-color photos which include some enlargements. We think that this 1st edition of Canadian Coins and Tokens will stimulate greater interest in the collecting of Canadian coins and tokens.

This guide book covers all the Canadian colonial and provincial coinage from the coinage of 1670, along with modern issues from 1867 to date (coinage of the Dominion of Canada). It also covers the mintages and retail values in up to 12 grades. The major chapters are separated by the different color banners at the top of the pages.

Also included are circulation strikes, plus specimen coins, proofs, brilliant uncirculated along with other special-finish formats. Included are bullion coins, die varieties, commemoratives, misstrikes and errors, coin sets, patterns, and test tokens. The historical information, minting process and manufacturing facilities will be useful.

The book also has sections on grading and pricing, money before coins, French regime coinage, fur trade and other tokens. Of great importance the author has included auction records. One staggering price shown is the $1,000,000 paid for a gold Maple leaf 100 kg bullion coin in 2007. Authentication, third party grading and toning are also covered.

The most popular coin book ever written is the Red Book of U. S. Coins now in its 65th Edition. We think this 1st Edition Canadian Coins and Tokens book by Dr. Haxby will now become the most popular Canadian Coin book ever written. The small size of 6 by 9" makes it easy to carry to coin shows.

Dr. James A. Haxby has brought to the numismatic marketplace a reference that is bound to be a huge success and best seller. With the start of MLB it will be a "Grand Slam" for Whitman Publishing, LLC. For information on purchasing this book, which retails for $19.95 you can contact the publishers at: Whitman Publishing, LLC, 3101 Clairmont Rd., Suite G, Atlanta, GA. 30329, (800) 546-2995, www.whitmanbooks.com

FARE BOX EDITOR DR. JOHN COFFEE SIDELINED BY INJURY

David Gladfelter forwarded this note sent out to members by Keith Haney of the American Vecturist Association, the club for collectors of transportation tokens:

David adds:

For more information about the American Vecturist Association, see: www.vecturist.com

APRIL FOOLS 2012

Last week's April Fool's item caught a lot of people off guard, but most managed to get the joke. Here are some of the reader comments.

Donn Pearlman writes:

Phil Iversen writes:

I had to write back "April Fool!", and Phil responded, "You got me good this time! Let's hope that others did not take it as seriously as I did. " Alan Weinberg said he and Harvey Stack also swallowed the bait, but most of the readers I heard from were amused - even lawyers!

David Ganz writes:

Another reader writes:

Bob Neale writes:

Don Erlenkotter writes:

At least one person at ANA headquarters got the joke - this was posted on their Facebook page Monday:

Kerry Wetterstrom replied:

Kerry adds:

The misspelling of McNall's name was one of the clues to the dicey nature of the article. But his "I haven't felt stigmatized by my past yet" quote is real. That together with the fact that he wrote a book about the experiences that landed him in jail led me to believe McNall would be a good sport about it. He's paid his debt to society and that chapter is behind him.

Be sure to check out his book - it's well written and an interesting read with a lot of numismatic connections as well as background on his ownership of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. "Fun While it Lasted: My Rise and Fall in the Land of Fame and Fortune".

Craig Eberhart writes:

Dan Demeo writes:

NBS Vice President Marc C. Ricard writes:

Loren Gatch writes:

Richard Branson and Virgin Holidays have reacted to holidaymakers' frustrations over exchange rates and poor value by launching a new currency today.

The 'Branson' will be accepted as legal tender at all Virgin Holidays destinations from April 2nd and can be bought through one of the company's 100 retail outlets in the UK as well as in resorts upon arrival. The 'Branson' launch follows research commissioned by Virgin Holidays and think tank Gray HL Division which found poor exchange rates polled highest in reasons for not traveling to a holiday hotspot, followed by bad weather, having to take vaccinations and deadly insects.

To read the complete article, see: Richard Branson and Virgin Holidays launch new Branson currency (www.virgin.com/travel/news/richard-branson-and-virgin
-holidays-launch-new-currency-1)

In a rare Sunday announcement, Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner announced that beginning in 2013, the U.S. Mint will change the size and composition of U.S. coinage in an effort to the government additional money.

Beginning in 2013, all coins struck by the U.S. Mint will be made of a inox (stainless steel) and will have its diameter reduced in size by 25-percent. The thickness of the coins will not change.

For colored coins, the one-cent coin will be plated with copper to maintain its traditional color. For the dollar coins, the inox planchettes will be treated with titanium nitride (TiN) to add hardness to the coin and give it a golden color. Titanium will be used as a coating on the silver-colored coins.

To read the complete article, see: Treasury Overhauls Circulating Coins (coinsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/treasury-overhauls-circulating-coins.html)

Early this morning, Coronado's Bruce Johnson was able to recover roughly $410,00 in silver slot-machine coins from the S.S. Monte Carlo from it's partially, sand-submerged position on Coronado Beach near the Coronado Shores. Yes, you read that correctly, $410,000 in silver coins from a ship that has been beached for over 75 years - completely out in the open. A combination of heavy winter storms, extremely low tides and a Florida-based scavenger service proved to be a perfect storm for one very pleased Coronado local.

Bruce said, "Being born here in Coronado, I grew up listening to stories about all the rumored loot that was trapped inside the Monte Carlo after it sank back in 1936. About two years ago, I made contact with a Florida Keys scavenger crew and we planned the 'attack'. Once we were able to pinpoint the strongest 'metal/silver signal' using a customized LOL (Low Oceanic Locator), it was as easy as cracking a concrete egg!".

To read the complete article, see: Lifetime Local Bruce Johnson Finds $410,000 in Silver Coins from S.S. Monte Carlo Wreckage (http://www.ecoronado.com/profiles/blogs/lifetime-local
-bruce-johnson-finds-410-000-in-silver-04012012715)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: ANA TO NAME NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a06.html)

ELECTROTYPE PORTRAIT IDENTIFICATIONS

Regarding Christopher Eimer's question about the identification of the portrait on a bronzed electrotype, Andrew Pollock writes:

Christopher Eimer writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 19TH CENTURY U.S. PORTRAIT IDENTIFICATIONS PROPOSED (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a10.html)

QUERY: AGING A PERSON'S PHOTO TO HELP WITH ATTRIBUTION

There were a couple of votes last week for a younger Jefferson Davis in response to the unknown 19th Century electro portrait submitted by Christopher Eimer which it may or may not be... but this past week I received my own lesson in Davisology, albeit on the other end of the age spectrum (which may be of tangential interest to the discussion).

Last week on eBay I listed an early sepia celluloid pinback commemorating the Mississippi Division Confederate Reunion held in Jackson, Miss. in 1903 that I acquired in a major Mississippi - Louisiana collection that I purchased ten years ago. The pin featured an unidentified picture of an aging man that I did not recognize. Thinking locally, I searched all of the CSA generals that I could find that 1) commanded the Mississippi Division or commanded a unit that served in Mississippi, or 2) was native of Mississippi, and 3) survived the war to grow old enough (which greatly narrowed the field). The only somewhat close match to me was Braxton Bragg whom I offered as a potential candidate but I also asked to be enlightened if anyone knew.

The South immediately rose again and informed me (in force) that the image is the last known photo of Jefferson Davis, circa 1898 or so which was also the year of his death. In 1903 his wife Winnie donated their home named Beauvior to the Sons Of Confederate Veterans to be used as a home for elderly CSA soldiers.

Every police procedural show on television has an expert that can construct or computerize an image of a person to show what they would look like 15 - 30 - 45 years later in life... possibly we could hire one of those many experts to do a reversal on the images we have of an older Prexie Jefferson Davis to see if we come up with Chris Eimer's electro bust?

MORE ON THE SMITHSONIAN'S LINCOLN MEDAL

Regarding Dick Doty's question about a medal in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian, NBS president Dan Freidus writes:

Ed Hohertz writes:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dick Doty writes:

Ed Hohertz continues:

Dick Doty adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: QUERY: LINCOLN MEDAL ORIGIN SOUGHT (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a16.html)

MORE ON THE PROPOSED U.S MINT AT THE DALLES, OREGON

1849 $5 Oregon Beaver gold coin (image from CoinFacts.com)

R. S. Neale writes:

Dave Bowers adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE PROPOSED U.S MINT AT THE DALLES, OREGON (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a08.html)

COLONEL GREEN AND THE INVERTED JENNY

Dave Hirt writes:

To read the complete article, see: FRELINGHUYSEN STAMP COLLECTION BRINGS RARITIES TO MARKET (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a18.html)

MORE ON THE SCHULMAN MEDALLIC HISTORY OF MONEY AND BANKING

Dick Johnson writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: QUERY: SCHULMAN MEDALLIC HISTORY OF MONEY AND BANKING (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a15.html)

2012 MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL PAPER MONEY SHOW SPEAKERS

The speakers series for the 2012 Memphis International Paper Money Show to be held June 8-10 has shaped up to be particularly strong this year with a diverse range of topics so there is something for everyone.

• Official Counterfeiting by Joseph E. Boling
• Paper Money of Palestine and Israel by Carlton Chambliss
• Currencies of North Viet Nam during the American War by Howard Daniel & Roger Urce
• Short Snorters and Other Numismatic Souvenirs of WWII by Ray and Steve Feller
• Inside the Treasury - National Bank Notes from Behind the Scenes by Lee Lofthus
• $5 Series of 1882 Brown Back Title Block Layouts by Peter Huntoon
• State and Territorial Seal Varieties on the Backs of Series 1875 and 1882 Nationals by Peter Huntoon & Andrew Shiva
• The New National Bank Note Census - Hickman/Kelly/Gengerke/Huntoon rolled into one by Andrew Shiva, National Currency Foundation
• Series of 1929 Replacement Notes by James Simek
• 19th Century Counterfeit Currency Detection and Prevention Literature by Michael Sullivan
• The Birth of Confederate Paper Money by Wendell Wolka
• The Complete Story of the $1 Legal Tender 1928 Red Seals by Jamie Yakes

ANA MUSEUM SHOWCASE IN DENVER FEATURES AUDIO TOURS

ANA Museum Showcase in Denver to Feature Amazing Rarities
Exhibits explore Lesher Dollars, 1792 Half Disme and more

The American Numismatic Association's signature Museum Showcase, featuring rare and historically significant numismatic treasures, will be on display at the 2012 Spring National Money Show, May 10-12 in Denver.

The showcase includes rarities from the ANA's Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and exclusive private collections. Located on the bourse floor at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, the showcase will feature informative, museum-quality exhibits with audio tours. Several rarities will make their Showcase debut in Denver, including the 1792 Half Disme.

"The Museum Showcase is an unparalleled feature of ANA shows and provides visitors with an educational and entertaining view of spectacular numismatic objects," ANA President Tom Hallenbeck said. "We are able to present these treasures because of our wonderful collection and the generosity of our members."

Most exhibits will be accompanied by Money Talks, the ANA's cell phone-guided audio tours, which are written and narrated by some of the country's most knowledgeable authors and experts. Go to www.NationalMoneyShow.com/museum-showcase to listen to podcasts of these tours as they are released.

Following is a list of Museum Showcase exhibits to be displayed in Denver. The ANA is also completing arrangements for exhibits on Indian Peace Medals, Colorado territorial gold and Colorado gold nuggets.

The 1792 Half Disme
An estimated 1,500 half disme silver coins were struck in the basement of a saw-maker's shop in Philadelphia in 1792 because the U.S. Mint was not yet operational. The coins - slightly smaller than a modern dime and weighing half as much - were first authorized by President Washington under the Mint Act of 1792. Thomas Jefferson, who was then serving as secretary of state, personally received the coins on Washington's behalf.

Modern researchers estimate that about 275 of the 1,500 originally struck survive today. The coin on display in the showcase was donated to the Money Museum in January by Steven L. Contursi, president of Rare Coin Wholesalers of Irvine, Calif.

Lesher Referendum Dollars
Seldom-seen, oddly shaped Lesher Dollars are interesting, rare pieces of money in Colorado's history. These octagonal silver "coins" were privately issued by Joseph Lesher in Victor, Colo., in 1900 and 1901 to boost local commerce and support silver mining. Various merchants punched their names into the coins, which was a form of advertisement and a message that Lesher dollars could be used to trade for goods and services at said business.

It's not clear how many Lesher dollars were actually struck — Lesher himself said in a 1914 interview that between 3,000-3,500 were minted, but noted Lesher Dollar researcher Adna Wilde believed only about 1,870 were made, of which only 550 were documented at the time.

Money Talks audio tour: Token dealer and Lesher Dollar collector Chris Marchase tells the story of Joseph Lesher's unusual dollars. Call 719-325-7608 and press 5#.

The Idler/Bebee Class III Specimen 1804 Dollar
Known as "The King of U.S. Coins," the 1804 dollar is extremely rare, with only 15 known examples. No U.S. dollars dated 1804 actually were struck in that year; Class I specimens were struck in 1834-5 as diplomatic gifts (8 known), while Class II (unique) and III specimens (6 known) were struck during the 1850s for collectors. The Idler/Bebee specimen was donated to the ANA by Aubrey and Adeline Bebee in 1991.

Money Talks audio tour: Kenneth E. Bressett, who co-authored "The Fantastic 1804 Dollar" with Eric Newman, discusses the lore, origins and history behind the 1804 Dollar. Call 719-325-7608 and press 1#.

The McDermott/Bebee Specimen 1913 Liberty Head "V" Nickel
Five Liberty Head nickels were made in 1913 under mysterious circumstances. The existence of the nickels was unknown until 1919, when an advertisement in The Numismatist offered to purchase any example for $500. The ad was placed by Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee. In 1920 Brown exhibited all five nickels at the ANA convention in Chicago. The McDermott/Bebee specimen was donated to the ANA by Aubrey and Adeline Bebee in 1989.

Money Talks audio tour: NGC Chairman Mark Salzberg has authenticated all five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels and has many insights on these coins. Call 719-325-7608 and press 2#.

To listen to the audio, see: Museum Showcase (www.nationalmoneyshow.com/museum-showcase)

WOMEN AT THE U.S MINT AND BEP

Adjusters in the 1890s

A woman inspector at work at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

To view the complete video, see: Women Making History at the United States Mint & Bureau of Engraving and Printing (www.youtube.com/watch?v=quEBnKpTVmg&feature=youtube_gdata)

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: APRIL 8, 2012

Bowers Pens History of Silent Movies
Regarding my comment that our move from plain text to HTML was like "stepping into the Technicolor Land of Oz from the dreary black-and-white past", Dave Bowers writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE E-SYLUM : HOW MANY ISSUES? (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a02.html)

Corrections
Joe Levine writes:

The jury's still out on Joe's senility, but mine is plainly creeping in - these were all in an email response from Joe BOLING. We've fixed our back issue archive. Sorry!

Another mistake in the issue was that I'd linked Henry Scott Goodman's ad to his 'museum site' (karlgoetz.com) and not the correct sales site which is karlgoetzmedals.com. We also fixed this in the archive and the ad is rerunning in this issue. Sorry!

7 Questions on Defunct Coins
Dick Hanscom forwarded this link to a BBC News quiz inspired by the impending demise of the Canadian cent: 7 questions on defunct coins (www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17613742)

Who can get all seven right? Dick got 5, but admits to guessing on two of his correct answers. I only managed to get 2!

Civics 101 Test
Here's a non-numismatic quiz forwarded by Dave Bowers. I did much better on this one - 90%! Dave notes that "super-impressively, Dennis Tucker is far in the front with just 1 wrong!!!"

Full Civic Literacy Exam (from our 2008 survey) (www.isi.org/quiz.aspx?q=FE5C3B47-9675-41E0-9CF3-072BB31E2692)

1940 Census Records Released

The site was inundated with user requests when it opened. As of yesterday morning this note was posted there:

Where to Find El Sitio No. 2 Online
Horacio Morero writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: URUGUAYAN NUMISMATIC PUBLICATION EL SITIO NO. 2 AVAILABLE (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a05.html)

Richard Crosby Remembers Hank Spangenberger
Richard Crosby of Pittsburgh, PA writes:

Exactly When Will Canada Stop Producing the Cent?
The big news last week was Canada's decision to stop producing their cent. Regarding Coin World's headline "Canada to Stop Producing Cent in the Fall", Dick Johnson writes:

Coin World Article on PHX Bux
A reader pointed out that there was an article by Jeff Starck in Coin World about the Phoenix "PHX BUX" coins. Thanks! I couldn't locate an individual web page, but the article can be found in the archives of complete issues. See the July 27, 2009 issue, page 5: "'Discount Art Tokens' circulating in Phoenix' Art District".

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS PHOENIX "PHX BUX" COINS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a20.html)

THE COLORADO SPRINGS COIN CLUB 50TH ANNIVERSARY MEDAL

This year marks the semi-centennial of the Colorado Springs Coin Club. The club was established in 1962 and has promoted numismatics in the Pikes Peak region since its inception. Over the years its membership has included many nationally prominent numismatists among who are Adna G. Wilde Jr., Al C. Overton, Edward C. Rochette, Kenneth E. Bressett, Kenneth L. Hallenbeck, Robert W. Hoge, Steven J. D'Ippolito, Thomas Hallenbeck, William C. Henderson and many others.

To celebrate this event the Colorado Springs Coin Club commissioned noted coin designer and medalist Daniel Carr and his Moonlight Mint to design and strike their 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal.

Mr. Carr submitted the winning design for the New York and Rhode Island Statehood Quarters while the Maine quarter design used by the United States Mint was based on his concept. World Coin News awarded his Rhode Island quarter design its' 2001 Coin of the Year (COTY) award as the best "Trade" (circulating) Coin in the world. Mr. Carr also submitted designs that reached the finalist stage for the Wisconsin, Florida, California and Colorado quarters as well as for the reverse of the Sacagawea Dollar.

The obverse of the club's medal features an image of the Palmer statue located in downtown Colorado Springs which depicts the founder of the city, General William Jackson Palmer, astride his horse. Placed in the background is a panoramic view of Pikes Peak.

The medal's reverse features the image of a gold coin based on the 1861 Clark, Gruber and Company "Pikes Peak" Liberty Head design bearing the fantasy date of 1862 which is 100 years prior to the founding of the club.

Satin finish medals are expected to be available for distribution by the end of April with proof-like medals available in the mid to late June timeframe.

SCREW ALASKA WITH WOODEN RADICALS

Ever wonder what your editor was doing in 1976? Through a fortunate purchase, we can show you! About 1976 (I can't remember the exact date), I issued the wooden nickel above. It compared the intrinsic value of the wood to Federal Reserve notes. I don't know how many were made, but my guess is 200. Of that number, 100 had a gold nugget attached and were serially numbered.

1979 marked the 20th anniversary of Alaska statehood. This was the time of the native land claims, the antiquity act, national monuments and D-2, which locked up massive amounts of public land in Alaska.

I thought it appropriate that a suitable commemorative should be issued, hence the Alaska Statehood Commemorative Kit. You got a large wooden token and a screw. Just follow the directions.

GILROY ROBERTS EXHIBIT TO OPEN AT THIRD PHILADELPHIA MINT

A replication of former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts' artist's studio has found a permanent home for public exhibit at the Community College of Philadelphia in a structure that once served as the third Philadelphia Mint.

The exhibit is being developed as an outgrowth of the pledge of a $1.02 million donation from the Gilroy and Lillian P. Roberts Charitable Foundation to further educational outreach at the college.

The gift represents the largest single private donation in the school's 46-year history.

The donation will be used to exhibit and preserve items from the personal collection of Gilroy Roberts, the ninth chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. Roberts served in the presidentially appointed chief engraver's post from 1948 to 1964.

Officials at the college are hoping that the Roberts exhibit — planned for a circular hallway within the 1700 Spring Garden St. building's rotunda — can be ready by late fall. However, officials suggested the process could be accelerated after learning from Coin World March 28 of the American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money to be held Aug. 7 through 11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. That would allow the college to showcase the exhibit during the ANA show.

The Spring Garden Street structure that served as the third Philadelphia Mint is located just over a mile away from the convention center and the ANA's 225,000-square-foot bourse.

Until the formal preparation and installation of the Roberts exhibit, Murphy said, "the collection is being stored right in the Mint Building. As you may imagine, there are many VERY secure places in the building from the days when coins were minted in precious metals."

The Roberts Collection includes many of Gilroy Roberts' sculpturing tools, including some homemade items; plaster models and galvanos for coins and medals, including some of the coins and medals produced; sculptures and paintings; materials used for design inspiration; coin and medal drawings; photos of the third Philadelphia Mint from its days as a functional production facility; and even an engine used for engine-turned engraving, Murphy said.

In addition to displaying Roberts' personal items, the exhibit is also being designed to include educational interactive components.

Since the college's acquisition of the Mint Building in 1971, the facility's rotunda has primarily been used for receptions and art exhibitions.

To read the complete article, see: Gilroy Roberts exhibit to open at third Philadelphia Mint (www.coinworld.com/articles/gilroy-roberts-exhibit-to-open-at-third-phila/)

RECONSTITUTING THE EAST INDIA COMPANY

Joe Boling writes:

Philip Mernick asks a similar question. He writes:

East India Company - Owning a Company that Once Owned Us (www.indiamarks.com/guide/East-India-Company-Owning-a
-Company-that-Once-Owned-Us/18183/)

To read the complete article, see: East India Company mints mohur, cash again (articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-29/kolkata/31254350_1_eic-coinage-act-royal-mint)

An E-Sylum readers points out:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: A REVIVED EAST INDIA COMPANY STRIKES COINS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n14a23.html)

PINEDA COLLECTION OF PHILIPPINE COINS AND PAPER MONEY

As some have already seen elsewhere, Lyn Knight is going to be offering what I consider to be the best collection of Philippine coins and paper money that has ever been assembled. This signal event will take place at the Memphis show on Sunday, June 10. A special catalog is being prepared just for this sale, and it should take a good portion of that day to get through it. This marvelous collection was formed over about 40 years by a Bakersfield CA neurologist, Dr. Greg Pineda, whom I have known for most of that time. In fact, he asked that I do a lot of the write-ups and that's exactly what I am in the midst of right now.

I feel that Gramsters should like to know more about this spectacular Philippine sale because there are most definitely some items that should be of special interest to them. Among those are the Treasury Certificates dated 1936 and 1941 that were requested by the War Department during WWII. Some of these are very scarce now, and one in particular is among the rarest of them all. It's the 10 pesos dated 1941 that was tumbled around with floor sweepings and assorted dirt to make it resemble a circulated note. A limited number of 1, 5 and 10 pesos were thus treated; while the 1 peso is occasionally found, I know of but a single 5 pesos and only two examples of the 10, both in low grade as would be expected. Pineda's is the better of the two and it will be offered in the sale.

Another area of more than passing interest is Pineda's coverage of the VICTORY issues and those same notes with the Central Bank overprint added to the backs. This collection has ALL the signature varieties of the very tough 100 and 500 pesos notes, no small feat even many years ago as they just were not saved. Who cold afford to put away a 500-peso note worth $250 US just because it was pretty. Some of these are true rarities with so few known.

In general, Pineda's paper money presents a wonderful array of early Spanish-Philippine notes plus his great coverage of the Silver and Treasury Certificates, Philippine National Bank (complete, including the three overprints of 1919), and Bank of the Philippine Islands also complete.

In coins, there is a fabulous group of counter-stamps, high-grade Spanish issues, all the rare proofs of 1903-08, plus a great many Spanish and US issues in extremely choice grades. If you have any interest at all in these series, especially under the US which is so popular today, then this auction is an absolute MUST on your schedule.

For more information on the MPC Gram, contact: MPCGram@yahoo.com

THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT MINTCHIP CHALLENGE

John Mutch writes:

The Royal Canadian Mint MintChip Challenge invites software developers to create innovative digital payment applications using MintChip, a R&D phase technology available only to challenge participants. Developers and the public are also encouraged to share ideas for how a digital currency can be used.

Winners will receive approximately $50,000 in gold from the Mint as well as promotional exposure. Prizes will be awarded for the apps that best demonstrate the potential value of the MintChip technology and have the greatest potential impact on digital payment technology. Submitted apps can run on Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows or desktop and mobile browsers.

The Mint will provide participating developers with a software developement kit (SDK), two microSD MintChips, and two remote MintChip accounts they can use to integrate the Mint's technology with their digital payment applications.

The public and developers have approximately four months to share ideas and build their submissions. A panel of distinguished judges from the tech, venture capital, media, and retailer industries will select winners, and the general public will vote to identify a "Popular Choice" winner.

To learn more about the MintChip Challenge, see: The Royal Canadian Mint is challenging software developers to create apps for MintChip, the evolution of currency. (mintchipchallenge.com)

THE DEATH OF BOOKS

The Pew Internet and American Life Project says 21% of Americans have read an e-book in the last year as of February. That's up from 17% in December.

It also surveyed Americans to find out what they like about e-books versus print books. The result is below. As you can see, print books are only better for reading with a child, and sharing with friends.

To read the complete article, see: CHART OF THE DAY: The Death Of Printed Books (www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-e-books-versus-print-books-2012-4)

FEATURED WEB PAGE: QUEEN HANDS OUT MAUNDY MONEY

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