WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM JULY 21, 2013

Thanks to Jim Wells' persistence in contacting AOL support, our issues with AOL subscribers not receiving their issues may have been resolved. Hear, hear! A few AOL subscribers have already reported that one of their earlier issues has appeared in their inbox.

This week I'm mailing the issue normally, and hopefully our AOL readers will receive it normally as well. If you're one of the folks I've been in touch with about this, please let me know if your issue arrives. If all is well I won't respond, since I've been overwhelmed with AOL-related messages in recent weeks.

No new subscribers this week. We have 1,661 email subscribers, plus 240 followers on Facebook.

TAKE NOTE: Due to a family vacation, next week's issue will be published early, and the following issue may be skipped.

This week we open with updates from numismatic booksellers Kolbe & Fanning and Lake Books, followed by word on FIVE new books.

Other topics include CSNS author grants, the numismatics of Mrs. O'Leary's cow, headline coin exhibits, CIA medals, and shipwreck finds.

To learn more about Vermontensium Pillarium, an update to Attinelli, the Mickley 1804 dollar, Packard, Kentucky scrip, and Dr. Roper's 1793 Chain Cent, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

KOLBE & FANNING 129TH MAIL-BID SALE RESULTS

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers held their 129th mail-bid sale of important numismatic books on Thursday, July 18. Featuring selections from the Del Bland library and other properties, the sale included works on ancient, medieval and foreign coins, as well as outstanding publications on U.S. numismatics.

The sale was one of our best mail-bid sales in recent years, with strong participation and active bidding. The prices below do not include the 15% buyers’ premium:

—Del Bland’s remarkably fine complete set of Stack’s catalogues (lot 556) brought $13,500

—The complete Erbstein collection, bound with the rare 1911 Hess sale of Hermitage duplicates (lot 83), brought $1300

—A complete set of Barney Bluestone catalogues (lot 253), brought $2300

—A fine set of Fiala’s Katalog der Münzen- und Medaillen-Stempel-Sammlung des K. K. Hauptmünzamtes in Wien (lot 73), brought $825

—A rare plated Chapman catalogue of the Simpson collection (lot 354) brought $3600; several other plated Chapman catalogues also sold, including Earle ($3200), Jenks ($2600), Gable ($2100), Sargent ($2000) and others.

—Mayer’s rare bibliography of Islamic numismatics (lot 132) brought $800

—Del Bland’s impressive set of Hesslein catalogues (lot 433) brought $2700 after very active bidding

—Mehl’s Numismatic Monthly, complete (lot 484), brought $1500

—Charles Elmore Green’s deluxe, photographically illustrated Dunham catalogue (lot 488), brought $2700

—Ormsby’s very rare 1862 Harvest of Counterfeiters (lot 510) brought $1600.

The full prices realized list can be found on the Kolbe & Fanning website at www.numislit.com.

For more information on Kolbe & Fanning sales, please contact David Fanning at df@numislit.com or (614) 414-0855.

LAKE BOOKS 115TH MAIL-BID SALE CLOSES JULY 23, 2013

This is a reminder that Lake Books' 115th mail-bid sale of numismatic literature closes on Tues., July 23, 2013 at 5:00 PM (EDT). The 481-lot catalog may be viewed on our web site at www.lakebooks.com/current.html and has reference material for all numismatic items including United States books and sale catalogs, World books and catalogs, Paper Money, Tokens and Medals, Exonumia, and some interesting lots covering allied collecting arenas.

You may place your bids via email, fax, or telephone until the closing time. Remember tie bids are won by the earliest bid received. Good Luck with your bidding, Fred

Lake Books
6822 22nd Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
727-343-8055 Fax: 727-381-6822

Fred adds:

NEW BOOK: AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS TO 1875

A Documentary History of American Numismatics : Chronicling American Numismatic History

This is a multi volume series designed by John N. Lupia as the American counterpart of the Encyclopedia of British Numismatics.

Regina Caeli Press is neither affiliated with A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd nor with Spink & Son Ltd. The above aforementioned series A Documentary History of American Numismatics : Chronicling American Numismatic History is exclusively the property of Regina Caeli Press.

Volume 1 : American Numismatic Auctions To 1875 : A Chronicle of American Numismatic History.© ISBN: 978-0-9826739-1-1

A solid Introduction provides a substantial setting into which is placed the history of American numismatic sales. Well over 700 entries with more than 200 numismatic auction sales "Not in Attinelli" more than 400 pages of numismatic auctions listed from the earliest period in American history to the end of 1875.

The entries are American numismatic auctions both coins, medals and numismatic literature, and salient information on the history of American numismatics and collecting in America from its beginning to the end of 1875 -- following the time-frame established by Attinelli.

The book includes the first part of Attinelli but expanded and enlarged to incorporate the myriad of new entries. Also, the three numbering systems in the book do not tally as Attinelli since he had multiple entries for the same auction in many cases, which are now combined into their respective auction entry. So although Attinelli could claim more than 400 auction entries that number is reduced in this new revised expanded and enlarged edition.

Each entry is annotated with commentary and bibliographic references, some illustrated. The three numbering systems are (1) chronicling American numismatic history and the history of collecting in America, (2) coin auctions, (3) numismatic auctions. An additional numbering system monitors what is not in Attinelli and what is in Attinelli.

An indispensable reference tool for scholars and researchers especially for catalogers and those researching provenance of various specimens and numismatic literature.

ISBN: 978-0-9826739-1-1
Regina Caeli Press
8.5" x 11"
Paperback
400 pages
(forthcoming September 2013)
$165.00 + S&H

First printing is a short run of 100 copies. If the market so demands a second printing will ensue after the first printing is exhausted.

For more information, see: A Documentary History of American Numismatics Series (https://sites.google.com/site/numismaticmallcom/american-numismatic-history)

John adds:

NEW BOOK: THE COINAGE OF MAXENTIUS

In the series “Etudes Suisses de Numismatiques”, issued by the Swiss Numismatic Society, a new, important work on Roman coins has recently been published. It is a corpus of the coinage of Maxentius with a detailed commentary that exceeds by far that what the RIC can provide.

Let’s start with the catalog that certainly will attract most interest. This is no die corpus – no one would be able to prepare such a thing given the wealth of material from the 3rd century, but a listing of all types and subtypes, i.e. literally everything Maxentius has to offer. Arranged according to mints, dates, metals, Vincent Drost presents the basis of his work, in which he is much more meticulous than the RIC. All collectors who enjoy the different variants of late Roman coinage will find a marvelous overview here.

As already said, this is the basis, and the catalog being written in French is no obstacle to its comprehensibility for every single type and subtype is illustrated in the plates. Strictly speaking, it is here where the author’s work truly starts, with the material he makes talk at great length.

Don’t worry if your schoolroom French is a bit rusty. As I said before, the Swiss Numismatic Society has published this book, meaning that the author provides a detailed 17-page summary of his results that was being translated into Italian, English and German. Quite a luxury one would wish for, for the sake of spreading knowledge in other countries as well. Additionally, the 17-page summary most likely gets more readers than the actual text that covers 200 pages.

Before I forget: the book comes with a gadget, or a ‘bhaltis’, as it is called in Switzerland (it translates as ‘keep it‘). All those who don’t want to carry a heavy catalog with them on coin fairs but own a tablet, can make use of a CD with a PDF file of the catalog which can easily be fed into the tablet. Hence, even on tour no Maxentius collector has to go without identifying his coins. Should I call it a pity that there isn’t (yet) an interactive column one can mark with a cross?

If you would like to order the new catalog you may do so by writing an email to distributor Paul-Francis Jacquier.

To read the complete article, see: The coinage of Maxentius (www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=2143)

NEW BOOK: SOCIO - RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL STUDY OF THE ANCIENT INDIAN COINS

Authors (s): Swati Chakraborty (Author)
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 9789350501047
Pages: xvi+394p., 23cm.
Pub. date: 11.07.2013, 1st.ed.
Publisher: B.R. Publishing Corporation
Language (s): English
Bagchee ID: BB79396
List price: US $ 83,00
Bagchee price: US $ 74,70

The Present work strives to reflect-through the prisms of numismatical sources-the forces at work in the fields of religion, society, art and culture during the pre-Christian and post-Christian period up to the end of the rule of the Gupta Kings in Northern India. It also delves into the epigraphic, literary and other sources as and when necessary.

The first chapter contains a history of coinage, the evolution of coins right from the early crude pieces to artistic Gupta coins, to coins of alien rulers and a large range of silver and copper cast variety. The second records the manifestations on coins of different religious traditions held sacred during different periods. While the third attempts to highlight social growth, the fourth accommodates an interpretation of the artistic impulses of those times. The fifth and the concluding chapter is as much a homage to as a retrospective study of the cultural past of India.

No facet of study has been left unexplored in this tantalizing study of facets of coins.

For more information, or to order, see: Socio - Religious & Cultural Study of the Ancient Indian Coins (www.bagchee.com/books/BB79396/socio-religious-cultural-study-of-the-ancient-indian-coins)

NEW BOOK: ANA GRADING STANDARDS FOR U.S. COINS, 7TH EDITION

Whitman Publishing announces the launch of the expanded 7th edition of the Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins. For the first time the book is published completely in full color. It will debut at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago, August 13, 2013. The 384-page spiralbound-hardcover guide has a retail price of $19.95. It can be pre-ordered at www.Whitman.com, and after the ANA show will be available from book stores and hobby retailers nationwide.

“This is the only grading guide officially sponsored and endorsed by the American Numismatic Association,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Its text draws on years of experience from leaders in the field, and it now includes hundreds of full-color enlarged coin photographs.”

Grading experts praised the 6th edition, published in 2006. ANA life member and award-winning researcher Bill Fivaz called it “an indispensable aid to properly grading your U.S. coins—the very foundation of smart buying, selling, and collecting.”

The comprehensive 7th edition spells out the official American Numismatic Association grading standards for each United States coinage series. Every denomination minted since 1793, from half cents to gold double eagles and commemoratives, is studied in 384 pages of easy-to-follow text and photographs.

• Every standard grade is illustrated and described in detail.
• Text descriptions of 30 levels pinpoint grades from Poor to Mint State.
• High-resolution color photographs illustrate exactly what features to look for.
• All 11 levels of Mint State are discussed in detail.
• Featured case studies highlight techniques, beyond grading numbers, that smart buyers use when seeking coins.

Editors Kenneth Bressett and Q. David Bowers also discuss the importance and evolution of coin grading; early grading-system proposals; the Sheldon 70-point scale; the start of the ANA’s professional grading service; the history of the ANA Grading Standards; changing interpretations in the marketplace; third-party, professionally graded (“slabbed”) coins; secrets for grading success; lighting and magnification; characteristics of coin surfaces (including die marks, planchet quality, contact marks, wear, and repairs); aspects of striking and die weakness; the concept of Full Details; split grades; Proof coins and impaired Proofs; strike vs. grade, and the importance of sharpness; natural coloration of coins; cleaning, processing, polishing, and similar factors; coin conservation; coin doctoring; storage and handling of coins; overgrading; and other important related topics.

The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins, 7th edition

Edited by Kenneth Bressett, with narrative by Q. David Bowers
ISBN 0794838243
384 pages
Spiral-bound hardcover
Full color
Retail $19.95

NEW BOOK: STRIKE IT RICH WITH POCKET CHANGE, 4TH EDITION

It takes a keen eye to spot them -- and a little know-how -- but errors on coins produced by the U.S. Mint occur every year. And these errors can be worth a fortune to coin collectors. Strike It Rich with Pocket Change, 4th Edition, shows the reader how to detect errors, what to look for and how to cash in on them.

This book by Ken Potter and Brian Allen has a strong appeal for someone with a mild to dedicated interest in coins, while drawing upon the treasure hunter in all of us -- anyone who is looking for a hobby that does not require a great up-front investment, yet offers the potential of discovering valuable rarities. Any collector who has completed the standard set of a type or series now has an opportunity to broaden the scope of that collection.

• The "Everyman" book focuses on coins readily found in pocket change and appeals to the treasure hunter in all of us
• Attractive and easy-to-read format - no insider or complicated jargon to confuse the reader
• Detailed images with arrows to guide the eye, aiding in identification of treasures

Ken Potter and Dr. Brian Allen are leading experts in the field with an absolute passion for uncovering the next scarce variety that eludes the U.S. Mint's quality control procedures. Ken Potter has been a dealer in U.S. coins, specializing in errors and varieties, for many years with a sterling reputation for accuracy and a keen eye. You can visit his website which he regularly updates with new coin discoveries: http://koinpro.tripod.com. Brian Allen has been collecting since childhood.

For more information, see: Strike It Rich with Pocket Change, 4th Edition (www.sellcoinbooks.com/us-coin/strike-it-rich-with-pocket-change-4th-edition)

CENTRAL STATES AUTHOR GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 31, 2013

Bruce Perdue writes:

CSNS to award $40,000 to Authors

"Grants for Authors Doubled" The CSNS Board in its April meeting voted to double the amount of money available to authors who wish to research, write and publish numismatic books. Beginning July 1 of this year, $40,000 will be available to prospective authors. Grants of up to $5,000 may be applied for.

Additional information can be obtained from CSNS Education Director, Ray Lockwood, 765-664-6520 or email: sunrayofmarion@aol.com

Second-year Book Grants

CSNS awarded $20,000 to Authors

Six authors writing about a variety of subjects, ranging from square coins to Protestant Reformation medals, have been awarded Central States Numismatic Society publication grants for 2012..

Second year grants include:

Michael Van Den Heuval of Fredericksberg, Denmark: $275 to complete and publish a book about square coins of the world: 1900-2008.

Dr. Lawrence Lee of Lincoln, NE: $3,800 for research leading to an expanded article on coins found at Fort Atkinson.

Wendell Wolka of Bargersville, IN: $5,000 to photograph medals to be included in a 500 - 600 page catalogue of numismatic items related to the Protestant Reformation.

Prue Morgan Fitts of Wolfeboro, NH: $4,000 for partial funding of a self-published book titled A Beginner's Guide For Identifying Byzantine Coins.

Jesca Scaevola of Columbia, MO: $5,000 for original research in India on rare coins known as “Kusana” bronze coins. Her objective is to publish her findings as a masters dissertation and an eventual book on the subject.

Kathy Freeland: $1,925 Grant Awarded for her book on Red Cross Numismatics during WWII.

Interested authors should contact Education Director Ray Lockwood at 2075 E. Bocock Rd., Marion, IN, 46952 or sunrayofmarion@aol.com for additional information and/or to apply for a grant.

For more information, see: Third-year Book Grants (www.centralstates.info/bookgrants.html)

MORE ON MRS. O'LEARY'S COW AND NUMISMATICS

In response to Michael Sanders' question, Rich Hartzog writes:

Dave Schenkman writes:

If you're from Chicago, very likely you already know all about Mrs. O'Leary and her cow. The year was 1871, and the story centers around a forty-something year old lady by the name of Catherine (Kate) O'Leary who lived on the West Side of Chicago. Kate kept an assortment of animals and a wagon in a crowded barn on her property, and made a living by milking her five cows twice a day.

As you know, winters in Chicago can be very cold. The O'Learys had prepared well. They had plenty of coal for heating their house, and there was a good supply of hay on hand to feed the animals.

The question that remains unanswered to this day is, did Mrs. O'Leary's cow start the Great Chicago Fire of 8 October 1871? According to legend the now-infamous bovine kicked over a kerosene lantern, setting off a blaze which ignited the barn and then the entire block. From there it spread to the South Side of town, resulting in this country's worst disaster to date. Thousands of downtown buildings were destroyed and losses totaled in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

But there are other versions of the story. Mrs. O'Leary maintained that she went to bed early that evening, and an official inquiry was not able to establish any guilt on her part. It was also theorized that a meteor fell to earth that night and started the fire.

And then there's a press release, written about a man by the name of Louis M. Cohn in 1944 following his death, which said in part that he and Mrs. O'Leary's son, in the company of several other boys, were shooting dice in the hayloft . . . by the light of a lantern, when one of the boys accidentally overturned the lantern, thus setting the barn afire. Cohn even admitted to scooping up the money as he ran from the barn.

No matter what her involvement actually was, Mrs. O'Leary has become part of Chicago's history and folklore. In 1938 the legend was revived in a movie titled In Old Chicago. Kate O'Leary became the widow Molly O'Leary, and although the story was changed considerably, the fire was attributed to the now-famous cow, Daisy.

In 1905 the well-known Chicago die sinking firm, F. H. Noble and Company, issued a numismatic reminder of the fire. Struck in nickel plated brass on a 32mm planchet, the nine-line inscription on one side of the piece reads DEAR OLD CHICAGO / NOBLE CHICAGO / POPULATION 2.000.000. / 20 MILES LONG 15 MILES WIDE / 4.152 MILES OF STREETS. / 25 RAILROADS DAILY TRAINS 1138 / PRESENTED BY F. H. NOBLE & CO. / ADV. SHOW COLISEUM / CHICAGO. OCT. 1905. A building, which I assume to be the coliseum, is depicted in the center.

Depicted on the other side of the piece is a scene of early Chicago, and the following inscription: CHICAGO 1833 / POPULATION 200 / INCORPORATED CITY 1837 / OLEARYS COW / BECAME DISCOURAGED / OCT. 8 1871. THE FIRE WAS / EXTINGUISHED BY RAIN / OCT. 10 SAME YEAR.

The medalet was obviously issued for the advertising show mentioned in its inscription. No doubt F. H. Noble & Co. exhibited there, and gave the pieces away as souvenirs or as samples of their work. It is interesting to note the brief, somewhat cryptic, mention of O'Leary's cow. Apparently even in 1905, thirty-four years after the fire, the issuer assumed that the subject matter was so familiar to most people that no additional wording was needed.

While writing this article another item relating to the Chicago fire came to mind. This 24mm nickel alloy token is well known to collectors, and it's listing in Dr. Wright's American Business Tokens (number 1544) establishes it as being from the nineteenth century. One side reads NICKEL / FROM THE / RUINS / OF THE / N.W. SHOW CASE MF'G C. / OCT. 9TH 1871. The reverse depicts a showcase, with the inscription RE ESTABLISHED / AT / 59 & 61 S. CANAL ST. / CHICAGO. I imagine it was struck shortly after the fire, when the N.W. Show Case Manufacturing Company relocated and resumed business.

The United States Mint even got into the act, striking a 51mm medal which was, as it states in its inscription, MADE FROM THE CHICAGO COURT HOUSE BELL. According to R. W. Julian's Medals Of The United States Mint, where it is listed as CM-13, five hundred of these medals were struck to the order of H. S. Everhard and Company in 1872. The dies were cut by William Barber.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: QUERY: DEAR OLD CHICAGO MEDAL INFORMATION SOUGHT (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a15.html)

QUERY: WHERE IS DR. ROPER'S 1793 CHAIN CENT TODAY?

What a great issue! The Newman coins from Col. Green, More items from the JJ Ford estate coming to the market, More comments on the Moulton book. More on JV McDermott, Etc., and tracing a coin to the Dr Roper collection.

That one has always been of interest to me as I own a copy of the Roper catalog. I can't wait to return home to read the whole Numismatist article. However I would have thought it might have been a different coin than the one mentioned.

Some years after the sale the American Journal of Numismatics had an article on the Roper Sale. (Now I am only writing from memory since I am not at home). The AJN stated "a 1793 cent was sold for 10 cents, it may have been poor."

The next issue printed a letter from the buyer, Ammi Brown who said it was a 1793 link cent in the condition as it left the die. He said that he gave an opening bid of 10 cents, and it was knocked down to him. This should really narrow the search for that one, as how many link (Chain) cents are known in that condition, and at least the first buyer is known. Happy searching!

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE “DR L. ROPER.” COUNTERMARK ENIGMA (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a14.html)

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 21, 2013

Thanks to Francois Velde
John Sallay writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: THE 1768 ROYAL ACADEMY MEDAL DESIGN SOURCE (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a19.html)

Scary Hobby Ramifications of 3D Printing
Bill Eckberg writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: A 3D PRINTED BOOK OF TEXTURES AND RELIEFS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a22.html)

On Cataloging Encased Coins
Regarding books on Encased Coins, Bruce Perdue writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 14, 2013 : Rich Hartzog On Token And Medal Books Yet To Be Published (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a12.html)

2012 Finland 5 Euros Wildman Coin Follow Up
Bob Knepper writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JULY 14, 2013 : 2012 Finland 5 Euros Wildman Catalog Number (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a12.html)

Coin Twins: Vermontensium Pillarium

Fred Michaelson writes:

1860 HARPER'S READER DESCRIPTION OF U.S. COINS

READER REACTIONS TO BOWERS' THOUGHTS ON JOHN J. FORD

In his earlier Coin World column, Dave Bowers wrote:

Tom Fort writes:

David Gladfelter writes:

Michael Sanders writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: DAVE BOWERS' FINAL WORD ON JOHN J. FORD (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a08.html)

THE NOVA CONSTELLATIO PATTERN SET DISPLAY AT THE 2013 ANA

A unique set of four 1783 Nova Constellatio patterns, insured for $15 million, will be displayed by Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) and Beverly Hills dealer Kevin Lipton on behalf of the coins' anonymous current owner at the Chicago American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money, August 13 - 17, 2013. The one copper and three silver coins were recently certified by PCGS and the exhibit will be at the PCGS booth (#701) at the ANA convention.

"The Nova Constellatio coins arguably are the first patterns for a United States coinage system, and this set of four is one of the great treasures of United States numismatics," said David Hall, a PCGS Co-Founder and President of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT).

"I had not personally seen three of these coins since the famous 1979 Garrett sale, and I’d never before seen the copper piece. Holding the four coins was an amazing experience. I just couldn’t stop looking at them, and my mind kept imagining what it was like in America in 1783," explained Hall.

"The denomination indicated on them is simply 'Units.' They were the brainchild of Robert Morris, the Superintendent of Finance during the Confederation period."

The 1783-dated Nova Constellatio patterns in the display will be the unique copper 5 Units, graded PCGS PR66BN; one of three known silver 100 Units (known as a "Mark"), PCGS PR66; the unique Type 1 silver 500 Units ("Quint'), PCGS PR65+; and the unique silver 1000 Units, PCGS PR65+.

"It was a great pleasure to examine these coins. We hope that this pleasure now can be shared by many others at the ANA. Not only are these coins important historically, but they have been carefully preserved and remain in pristine condition. PCGS is very pleased to have been chosen to authenticate and grade these magnificent pieces," said PCGS President Don Willis.

"Three of the coins in the display -- the 100 Units, the Mark and the Quint -- trace their pedigrees back to Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress. All four in the display were once owned by John J. Ford, Jr., one of the most important American numismatists of the 20th century."

"The 5 Units was not known to still exist until it was discovered in a collection in France in 1977 and eventually purchased by Ford the following year. Ford purchased the other three Nova Constellatio patterns at the November 1979 Garrett Collection auction," explained Willis.

The current, anonymous collector acquired the historic four-coin set in 2007 from the Ford Family Trust in a private transaction through Stack's, according to Lipton who is representing the owner.

MCDERMOTT 1913 LIBERTY NICKEL DONATION TO THE ANA

We think readers will like the three attached images. One is of the 1967 catalog cover. The second has information along with a photo of J. V. holding the nickel. This page also has personal autographs of Aubrey Bebee and his wife Adeline Bebee. We received the catalog from Gene Johnson. His autograph is also on the page.

The last image is page 2241 which contained the nickel. The autographs of the Bebee's were obtained in 1989 in a room at the Colorado Springs, Colorado - Broadmoor Hotel. A party was held there honoring the Bebee's.

We can still remember ANA Museum Director Bob Hoge coming into the room carrying a briefcase with the nickel inside. Everyone there had a chance to hold the nickel. It was at this ANA Coin Show that the nickel was donated to the ANA Museum. We took a picture of Aubrey holding up the nickel. This photo was later turned into a slide and would have been part of one of our educational programs on Numismatic Luminaries.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: MORE MEMORIES OF J.V. MCDERMOTT (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n29a13.html)

THE MICKLEY 1804 DOLLAR

Jim Duncan of New Zealand writes:

There is no other coin in American numismatics with as storied and famous a history as the Class I 1804 $1, of which only eight exist. Heritage Auctions will be offering the Mickley-Hawn-Queller specimen of the 1804 $1, graded PR62 by both PCGS and NGC, from The Greensboro Collection, Part IV, as the lead lot in its Platinum Night event on Friday, Aug. 9, the centerpiece of the company’s Aug. 8-10 U.S. Coins Signature® Auction in Rosemont, IL.

“The Class I 1804 $1 is the undisputed King of American coins,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, “and it is always an event when one of them shows up for auction. It’s the rare chance for a top collector to add their name, or the name of their collection, to a history that will never diminish in importance. It is, in many ways, numismatic immortality for whoever comes out on top, and we expect there will be many vying for that honor.”

It is widely believed that the 1804 $1 was not minted until about 1834, when the State Department ordered special sets of the coins struck specifically for diplomatic purposes. Records indicated that several of the Class II and Class III 1804 silver dollars were minted after that. In fact, Mint records from 1804 indicated a delivery figure of 19,570 silver dollars, though it is commonly held in numismatic circles that these were all leftover coins dated 1803.

To read the complete article, see: The Mickley-Hawn-Queller 1804 Silver Dollar (coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1104&lotIdNo=7001)

To read the Queller sale description, see: HNAI the Queller Family Collection, 1804 Silver Dollar

WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: JULY 21, 2013

Last week's issue was such a whopper I ran out of time to write up my numismatic diary. So here goes, with the help of fellow Nummis Nova attendees Tom Kays and Aaron Packard. The monthly meeting of my Northern Virginia numismatic social group was held last Tuesday, July 9th at Ted's Montana Grill in Balston, VA (near Arlington). Mike Packard was our host.

At my request he'd picked al location near the Metro to accommodate an out of town guest, a mystery stranger none of us had ever met. I arrived first and took a seat in our private room in the back. Gene Brandenburg arrived next, inspected the wine list and ordered a couple bottles.

After exchanging a few texts to learn his whereabouts, my phone rang and I stepped outside to meet Matt R., an E-Sylum web site visitor who shared images of his collection of Central Intelligence Agency medals. Figuring him for a spook who worked at CIA HQ in Langley, near where many of our dinners are held, I invited him to join us sometime. He said he'd plan to, but I was wrong about his location - he'd have to travel here. And this month he did, taking a train to Union Station and then the Metro to the restaurant.

One of Matt R.'s CIA medals

We met outside and talked for a while. He had his whole collection with him, and when we got back to the table he started laying it out - one rare medal after another. I brought a couple recently-purchased CIA medals of mine. He already had these, but agreed mine were nice.

Matt's not a numismatist like most E-Sylum readers, but he has an eye for detail. And like a top numismatist, he knows the diagnostics of real and fake CIA medals. There are a lot of fakes out there, especially on eBay. Viewing his collection and listening to his commentary was a real education.

My Recent Purchase: CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal

My Recent Purchase: CIA Medal of Merit

Other attendees included Dave Schenkman, Joe Levine, Lenny Goldberg, Roger Burdette, Eric Schena, Jon Radel and Tom Kays. Eric is preparing a talk on token denominations for the kid's event at the upcoming Annandale coin show. I'll be on vacation with my family, and Jon and Tom talked with him about the logistics and will be there to help out.

Tom Kays writes:

Under Secretary of Defense medal for Environmental Security

Garrison Commander's Award For Excellence medal

Assistant Secretary of the Army medal

Aaron Packard I brought several examples of tokens to the meeting. His notes and images appear below.

Our food was excellent and conversation (and drinks) flowed freely. Dave Schenkman and I told some jokes as everyone was getting ready to leave. Then I walked outside with Matt R. One of the items passed around the table had caught his eye - a hobo nickel. Perhaps he has a new collecting theme on the horizon. I thanked him for coming so far just for our dinner meeting. It was a delight to meet him and view his medal collection in person; it was a great opportunity to see these rare items all in one place. Then he slipped away into the night, returning to an undisclosed location.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY MEDALS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n02a16.html)
MORE ON CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY MEDALS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n05a12.html)
SOME MORE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY MEDALS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n06a14.html)

THE G.W. THORNE CARD NARAMORE-STYLE LEGAL TENDER CARD

Last fall I added the item shown this month to my collection, and I was excited to get it. Not only is it a Lincoln item, and I gravitate toward Lincoln images, but it is also linked to my interest in anti-counterfeiting measures, about which I wrote several hundred thousand words published in this periodical’s sister publication Bank Note Reporter over the years. It also dovetails my interest in photographic history.

It was also previously unknown to me and also to every other “expert” who I could wrangle an opinion out of.

This slightly larger than CDV-sized calling card was printed and circulated by a 19th-century New York City photographer. Some readers may already have noticed that it bears resemblance to the Naramore “Souvenir” United States Treasury Note and National Bank Note cards that bore approved “photographic copies of the circulating notes issued by Act of Congress, taken from proof impressions on file in the U.S. Treasury Department.”

These were issued as a 18-note card deck or mounted on a wall poster to assist bank tellers and merchants in determining whether the notes passing through their change drawers were legitimate or counterfeit bills.

Incredibly, Naramore, an enterprising Connecticut entrepreneur, secured a patent on these one-fourth size reproductions of real currency on July 19, 1866, and also permission to publish them from U.S. Treasury Secretary Hugh McCulloch 11 days later.

Naramore’s cards were printed in New York City by Maverick, Stephen & Co., and published and copyrighted by the American Photograph Co. of Bridgeport, Conn.

I have made a concerted study of these items as part of my interest in counterfeiting in the Civil War era, as have other collectors.

All Naramore cards are scarce and highly prized. For me the gem of the litter is, of course, the Naramore reproduction of the $10 greenback with its Charles Burt Lincoln portrait.

We know that some very rare Naramore cards bear the additional imprint of a New Haven, Conn. tailor by the name of T[homas] Hurle on the face of the Naramore cards.

It reads: “T. HURLE, Merchant Tailor, 448 Chapel St., opposite New Haven Hotel.” He advertised “Gent’s First Class Garments Made to Order in the Best Style,” and “Gent’s Furnishing Goods,” and “Canes and Umbrellas.”

The Hurle cards are about as rare as hens teeth, however this new G.W. Thorne card is completely new to the literature and may, in fact, be unique.

To read the complete article, see: New York Photographer: Legal Tender Business Cards (www.numismaster.com/ta/numis/Article.jsp?ad=article&ArticleId=27027)

NATIONAL NUMISMATIC COLLECTION CURATOR POSITION OPEN

Bill Rosenblum writes:

This position is located in Division of Armed Forces History, National Numismatic Collection within the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The employee is responsible for carrying out the research, collections management, exhibitions development and education mission of the museum.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• A copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and unofficial college transcript(s).
• Requesting a writing sample of no more than 12 pages.

DUTIES:

• Researches American history through objects and collections as well as traditional sources.
• Collects and manages large and diverse collections.
• Plans and develop exhibition concepts and content as a team member in specialty area and as part of team for broader subject areas.
• Has previous professional scholarly experience within the discipline of American Numismatics. Understands monetary devices and their systems, their economies, and their historical context.

To read the complete job description, see: Job Title: Museum Curator (Numismatics) (/www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/347199200)

ROMAN COIN HOARD ON DISPLAY IN SCOTLAND

A MEDIEVAL heraldic badge worn by a diplomat negotiating between Scottish and English forces during the reign of King Edward I was among the treasure trove artefacts unearthed in Scotland in the past year.

A hoard of coins used to bribe hostile clans after the Romans retreated from Scotland were also handed to the Crown.

There were 316 cases of historical items being handed over to the Treasure Trove Unit in 2012-13, up from 152 the previous year. The unit aims to ensure significant or important finds are kept for the nation and go on show in museums.

Among the other significant finds was the coin hoard of 219 denarii dated circa AD200. The Crown said the date of the deposition would suggest it might be connected with the bribing of the native population to which the Roman Empire resorted when it had withdrawn from Scotland. The coins have gone to the Scottish Borders Museum Service.

To read the complete article, see: Scotland coining in it out on the treasure trail (www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/scotland-coining-in-it-out-on-the-treasure-trail-1-3007664)

1715 TREASURE FLEET COINS FOUND OFF FLORIDA COAST

"Constantly searching for a needle in a haystack" is what Brent Brisben says he does for a living, and on days like Saturday, the payoff makes the work worthwhile.

Brisben owns the 1715 Treasure Fleet Queen's Jewels salvage company. This weekend, he and his crew of three found quite a few "needles" in their oceanic "haystack" -- 48 gold coins that date back 300 years, to be exact.

The coins, called escudos, were part of the treasure aboard a fleet of 11 Spanish galleons wrecked by a hurricane off the Florida coast on July 31, 1715. It was this famous shipwreck that gave this part of Florida its nickname, The Treasure Coast.

The coins appear to be in good condition, and still have some legible dates and markings. The oldest bears the date 1697; the youngest is dated 1714. The 48 coins have an estimated value of $200,000 to $250,000, said Brisben. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the expedition is that the coins were found just 100 feet from the shoreline, in only six feet of water.

Though Brisben admits his work is exciting, he says it's not like you see in the movies. "You may expect to see a big galleon on its side with treasure chests overflowing, but it's not like that at all," he said.

"With shipwrecks that old, most of the organic material like the actual wood of the ship is gone, due to deterioration. What's left are mostly metals and pottery... china, silver buckles, bronze cannons and gold coins."

To read the complete article, see: Gold! $250K in centuries-old coins found (www.cnn.com/2013/07/14/us/florida-treasure-found/index.html)

To read the complete article, see: Divers find $250,000 in gold coins among the wrecks of 11 Spanish ships that sank off Florida coast 300 years ago (www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2364165/250-000-gold-coins-discovered-ruins-11-Spanish-ships-wrecked-Florida-coast-300-years-ago.html)

ODYSSEY MARINE RECOVERS SILVER FROM SS GAIRSOPPA

A US deep-sea exploration company says it has recovered about 48 tons of silver from a British cargo ship that was sunk by a torpedo during World War II.

The haul comes from the SS Gairsoppa, which was hit by a torpedo from a German U-boat about 300 miles off Ireland's coast in 1941. It now sits 15,420ft deep.

Salvage firm Odyssey Marine Exploration said it is the heaviest and deepest recovery of precious metals from a shipwreck ever made.

So far, workers have brought up more than 1,200 silver bars, or about 1.4 million troy ounces, worth about £23.7 million (about $37 million).

The company is under contract with the British Government and will get to keep 80 per cent of the haul after expenses. The remaining 20 per cent will go to the Treasury.

SS Gairsoppa was steaming home from India in 1941 while in the service of the Ministry of War Transport when she was torpedoed by a Nazi U-boat.

She sank in British waters about 300 miles off the south west coast of Ireland. Only one of her 84 crew members survived.

To read the complete article, see: A £23m payday: U.S. company recovers 48 tons of silver from British wartime shipwreck off Irish coast (www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2176025/U-S-company-recovers-48-tons-silver-British-wartime-shipwreck-Irish-coast.html)

FEATURED WEB PAGE: 1918 GERMAN IRON TOKEN

www.cointalk.com/threads/wwi-german-iron-token.19091/