Content presented in The E-Sylum is not necessarily researched or independently fact-checked, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM OCTOBER 4, 2020

New subscribers this week include: Robert Gordon. Welcome aboard! We now have 6,564 subscribers.

Thank you for reading The E-Sylum. If you enjoy it, please send me the email addresses of friends you think may enjoy it as well and I'll send them a subscription. Contact me at whomren@gmail.com anytime regarding your subscription, or questions, comments or suggestions about our content.

This week we open with the latest Kolbe & Fanning numismatic literature sale, two new books and updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal.

Other topics this week include odd & curious money, Oxford's earliest coin collections, new slab technology, stars on U.S. coinage, early numismatic literature of Canada, collector C.E. Gilhousen, the ANA museum, auction previews, half cents, a new edge-lettered cent, horse gaming tokens, and ritually-killed coins.

To learn more about Woodward's very rare "A" sale, the rabbit hole coin find, the American Bank Note Company, the Antiquarian and Numismatic Society of Montréal, Alfred Sandham, narrative relief, Barbara J. Gregory Outstanding Club Publications, the Maurice Storck Collection, the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition medal, Laura Gardin Fraser's unadopted plaster for the Washington quarter reverse, and celebrated ventriloquist Mr Joseph Askins, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

KOLBE-FANNING AUCTION SALE 157 ANNOUNCED

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers are announcing our Sale 157, which will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The 500-lot sale features highlights from the extraordinary library of American coin catalogues collected over the course of more than 50 years by P. Scott Rubin. Including catalogues published between 1851 and 2020, the Rubin Library is the most extensive and wide-ranging library of American coin catalogues to be offered in many years—and perhaps ever. While most of the catalogues focus on U.S. coins, it should be noted that quite a number of them feature ancient and world coins, and the sale includes something for everybody.

Some highlights of the sale include:

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NEW BOOK: CASH IN YOUR COINS, 4TH EDITION

Whitman Publishing is releasing a larger, updated new edition of Beth Deisher's Cash In Your Coins: Selling the Rare Coins You've Inherited. The 336-page fourth edition will debut in October 2020. It will be available online (including at Whitman.com) and from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide for $19.95.

Cash In Your Coins tells readers who have inherited a numismatic collection how rare their coins are, how to value them, and how to sell or donate if they decide to liquidate all or part of an estate. Author Beth Deisher, an award-winning journalist and retired editor of Coin World, draws on more than 35 years of experience helping people understand and collect coins, paper currency, medals, and tokens.

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NEW BOOK: AUSTRALIANS AWARDED 2ND EDITION

Australians Awarded 2nd Edition (Australian Medals, 780 pages, Full Colour)
$49.95

This second edition is without question the most comprehensive reference of honours, decorations, awards, medals and official forms of recognition to Australians ever produced. Australians Awarded has been compiled over 15 years to create 800 pages of in – depth detail on Honours, Medals and Decorations to Australians from 1770 to 2013.

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OPITZ ODD & CURIOUS AND TRADITIONAL MONEY ON NNP

Charles Opitz Odd & Curious Reference Collection to be Sold

Kagin's has announced the sale of the Charles Opitz reference collection of odd and curious money, scheduled for the ANA National Money Show in Phoenix, AZ, on March 12. Odd and curious money encompasses just about anything outside of the familiar "form factors" of typical metal coins and paper money. Porpoise teeth, cardboard coins, woodpecker scalps, and hoe money are only a few of the hundreds of categories available to the collector of non-traditional forms of money.

Charles Opitz's excellent guide to the subject is available on Newman Portal, and this massive 843-page compendium represents a lifetime of research on the subject. With multiple illustrations on nearly every page, this will be the definitive guide for the foreseeable future. For collectors with any interest in the subject, the Opitz sale will be an important opportunity to view and study these intriguing objects.

Link to Charles Opitz Odd & Curious and Traditional Money on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/booksbyauthor/1482

VIDEO: GREATER TULSA COIN CONVENTION

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AUDIO: OXFORD'S EARLIEST COIN COLLECTIONS

Ep. 07: A Brief History of Oxford's Earliest Coin Collections

The Planchet, Season 1, Episode 7. An interview with Andrew Burnett (CBE, FSA, FBA), retired Deputy Director of the British Museum and Keeper of its Department of Coins and Medals, and co-author of Roman Coins, Money, and Society in Elizabethan England. Image: Elias Ashmole by an unknown artist, ca. 1688, after the portrait by John Riley.

The seventh episode of The Planchet features an interview with Dr. Andrew Burnett, retired Deputy Director of the British Museum and its Keeper of Coins and Medals, who also presided over the Royal Numismatic Society from 2013–2018. Burnett discusses the origins of many of the earliest coin collections kept at Oxford (including those of the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum), the colorful personalities of 16th- and 17th-century collectors (esp. Elias Ashmole), plus a primer on early numismatic catalogues of public collections in Britain and what happens when a coin collection catches fire.

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PCGS ANNOUNCES NFC TECHNOLOGY FOR SLABS

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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 4, 2020

More on Ed Leventhal
Tony Terranova writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
JIM BISOGNANI REMEMBERS ED LEVENTHAL (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n39a20.html)

Read more here

SEEING STARS ON UNITED STATES COINAGE

Dave Lange writes:

Count the stars...

Among the most common design elements on United States coins are stars. Many of the older USA coin types featured 13 stars, representative of the original states that declared their independence from Britain in 1776.

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AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY PARAGUAY ALBUM

AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY
Album of 101 banknote specimens and proofs, representing the entire range of the company's production on behalf of banks in Paraguay from 1882 through 1940; bank notes mounted on loose manila office binder sheets, with typed production notes.

Most banknotes in exceptional condition, some with minor evidence of staining caused by adhesive bleed through.

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VOCABULARY TERM: NARRATIVE RELIEF

Narrative Relief. The use of multiple figures and scenes of events in continuous sequence. Narrative relief, also called continuous relief, is much like a comic strip without panes. In medallic form narrative relief is called a register which employs multiple ground lines with the multiple designs crossing over a ground line or two.

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CHARLES "CLARKE" ELLSWORTH GILHOUSEN (1869-1952)

C. E. Gilhousen is famous for his outstanding gold coin collection. He was a photographer, real estate agent, miner, and auto dealer who amassed one of the most prestigious collections in American numismatic history.

Charles "Clarke" Ellsworth Gilhousen (1869-1952), was born on December 13, 1869, Kahoka, Clark, Missouri, son of William Henry Gilhousen (1841-1932), and Sarah Ellen Clarke Gilhousen (1843-1938).

He was educated at The Dalles, Oregon.

Gilhousen worked as a professional photographer until 1899.

On June 1, 1892, he married Laura "Lulu" Pollock (1873-1918), at Kahoka, Clark, Missouri. They had a son Howard "Holly" Clarke Gilhousen (1895-1969).

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WILSON DOLLAR CENTENNIAL MEDALS

Wilson Dollar 100-year Anniversary medal in Gold

This year, to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Manila Mint, restrikes of the Wilson Dollar are being offered for sale. The restrikes have been struck using the original Wilson Dollar obverse die engraved by George Morgan.

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ANA MONEY MUSEUM REOPENS TO PUBLIC

The Money Museum in Colorado Springs has reopened to the public after being closed for nearly six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum is open on a revised schedule with limited days and hours – Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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2020 ANA AWARDS

Leaders in numismatics are essential for helping others to grow within the hobby. Whether that leadership is provided through teaching, mentoring, research, writing or leading conventions and shows, these activities help foster learning for all collectors. The American Numismatic Association's (ANA) biggest influencers were recognized during two virtual awards programs on Sept. 1 and 2.

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THE MAURICE STORCK COLLECTION

1796 Draped Bust Quarter

The Maurice Storck Collection, to be offered October 14-17, ranks among some of the freshest offerings Heritage has ever brought to auction. His World Coins and Currency were auctioned in August and realized huge premiums for their certified grades. His U.S. coin collection spans the spectrum - with many of the coins being off the market for decades - including a large group of coins that were last offered publicly as part of the famous King Farouk auction in 1954!

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THE JOHN ROSE BRITISH TOKEN COLLECTION

Almost 500 lots of British Tokens spanning 300 years and covering all corners of the UK from the Collection of John Rose will be offered in a live/online auction by International coins, medals, banknotes and jewellery specialists Dix Noonan Webb on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

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NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: OCTOBER 2020

101139 | FRANCE & GERMANY. Corbara, Corsica silver Trench Art. Engraved on an undated French Franc

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EDWARD I GROAT

Get Your Groat: A 700 Year Old Treasure

The Groat was a medieval European coin equal to 4 Pence. This long-defunct denomination is well-known to collectors of British coins. The first Groat to be struck was under King Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307 AD. Edward I was the son of King Henry III, who experienced turmoil during his reign when his barons rebelled and demanded reforms. The rebellion was eventually quelled, but it was shortly thereafter when Edward learned that his father had passed away, and he was now King.

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13TH CENTURY ISLAMIC PRESENTATION GOLD COIN

An exceptionally rare Islamic gold coin from the Ghorid dynasty, dating from the early 13th century is estimated to fetch £200,000 – £300,000 when it comes under the hammer of specialist auctioneers Morton and Eden in London in London on Thursday 22 October 2020.

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WASHINGTON QUARTER AND PEACE DOLLAR PLASTERS

According to the consignor, these items were likely the property of Victor DeMeo, who passed in 1947 and were subsequently inherited by William DeMeo. Victor was a sculpture artist and photographer who had a longtime professional relationship with James Earle Fraser. He frequently brought his son William to the Fraser NYC studio. There they met such luminaries of the time period as Charles Gibson, Lindbergh, Ann Harding. Jack Johnston, Charles Atlas, Elihu Root, Edwin Robinson. Victor photographed James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser in studio settings as well as his and Laura's sculptures and sculpture subjects.

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HALF CENTS STRUCK ON TALBOT, ALLUM & LEE TOKENS

At 241 Water Street in lower New York City, the firm of Talbot, Allum & Lee engaged in the India trade, importing goods by ship. Formed in 1794, the partnership operated only until 1796. Principals included William Talbot, William Allum, and James Lee. This particular district of the city was a beehive of activity with vessels continually arriving and departing. Numerous ships' chandlers, grog houses, cheap lodging places, and other establishments for the convenience of sailors did a lively business.

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TENDER: AN EDGE-LETTERED CENT ART PROJECT

The artist Jill Magid describing her art project, "Tender,"
at a shop in Manhattan's financial district.

A conceptual artist walked into a bodega during a pandemic carrying a box full of pennies.

The place was one of those ubiquitous New York smoke shops that uses tobacco pipes in their signage instead of the letter "S." The artist was named Jill Magid, and she approached the man at the counter, giving a pitch that she didn't quite have down to elevator length.

"I want to pay for this in pennies," she said, picking up some Ferrero Rocher chocolates. "They're engraved as part of a dispersed monument. See?"

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THE HORSE GAMING TOKENS OF SZECHUAN

Much like the American pastime poker often involving some friendly monetary wagering, so too it is for Mahjong in a large portion of the Far East. Though playing cards have been around for over a millennium, likely being introduced in the 9th century A.D. (coincidentally enough, during China's Tang dynasty), the game of Mahjong likely had its debut during China's final imperial family, the Qing dynasty in the mid-18th century. Involving 144 tiles with various symbols and Chinese characters, it is generally played with four players employing a turn-based strategy and may have derived from an earlier game known as Mah-tiae ("hanging horse"). Numerous variants to general game play and house rules can exist, though the overall look to the design on the tiles tends to remain fairly consistent, with bamboo and flowers, for example, playing a large role. Given the scoring system involved, the use of gaming counters or tokens is a necessity, with many tile sets often including them as well. Any type of counter, however, can obviously fill this 'token' role, allowing for a player to personalize their set and, in turn, the gaming experience.

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CRIMEAN WAR MEDALS OFFERED

One of the earliest Victoria Crosses ever awarded is coming to auction at London specialist saleroom Dix Noonan Webb.

It was given to Australian resident Seaman James Gorman of HMS Albion, for his gallantry while defending the right Lancaster Battery at the Battle of Inkerman in the Crimean War on November 5, 1854.

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STEVENS MEDAL FOR STUDENTS IN ART

Daniel Fearon, the numismatic consultant, has just brokered the sale of an important and long-lost cast bronze medal by the painter, designer and sculptor Alfred Stevens (1817-1875), to the British Museum. In 1856 Stevens entered a competition for the design of "The Local Art Prize Medal of the Department of Science and Art". It was a competition finally won by Antoine Vechte with his high Victorian design filled with minute detail and made by the then new electrotype process. Stevens's design was quite the opposite and a wonderfully free design with three flowing figures. It is some 6 inches in diameter and uniface, as dictated by the terms of the competition and has a fine dark patina.

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OFF-CENTER SILVER WASHINGTON QUARTER BROCKAGE

Error Coin Sidelines George Washington

George Washington has been relegated to the sidelines on a fabulous error coin that Heritage will be offering in the December 15th special error coin auction. In a world of collecting where mistakes are desirable and often very valuable, error coins are highly sought after by collectors as examples of what can go wrong when the careful, precise US Mint makes a mistake!

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AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THE FREE SILVER CAMPAIGN

In the latest issue of the ANS Magazine, Helena Kagan wrote an admirable article that articulated the nuances of the Free Silver campaign led by Democratic nominee, William Jennings Bryan, during the Presidential race of 1896. Republicans, with William McKinley as their candidate, were in favor of keeping the gold standard as the sole basis for our nation's currency. This group of monometallists was dubbed the "St. Louis platform." Democrats on the other hand were for the free coinage of silver, allowing silver and gold to circulate together at a rate of 16:1—polymetallists known as the "Chicago platform."

Notably, as Kagan concludes, Bryan and the Free Silver campaign was not a mere blip in United States politics that was gone by the next election cycle, but one that had initiated a shift of progressive ideals towards the Democratic Party that culminated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt—who often receives credit for this turn. In fact, Kagan notes that much of the New Deal had incorporated much of the Democratic platform of 1896 and the basic motives for Bryan are now fully implemented into the national monetary system. While the United States uses neither gold nor silver coinage, the fiat currency now in circulation largely encapsulates the spirit of the Free Silver campaign.

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MAGGIE LENA WALKER'S SAVINGS BANK

Citigroup Inc. recently announced that Jane Fraser would become its chief executive next year, making her the first woman CEO of a major Wall Street bank. If Ms. Fraser has finally cracked the glass ceiling, it was Maggie Lena Walker who first battered down the walls.

The daughter of a former slave, Walker became the first Black woman ever to head a U.S. bank when she founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Va., in 1903. Her success came from doing what great entrepreneurs do: Walker zeroed in on an underserved market and focused her prodigious energy on meeting its needs.

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RITUALLY-KILLED COINS?

Bob Van Arsdell writes:

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LOOSE CHANGE: OCTOBER 4, 2020

More on Damnatio Memoriae on Roman Coins

During his short reign (37–41 CE), Caligula declared himself a god and tried to exclude the Senate from the political process to establish an absolute monarchy in Rome. This situation finally led to his murder on January 24, 41 CE. He was so hated that he received the dubious distinction of being the first Roman ruler whose memory was condemned. This damnatio memoriae, "condemnation of memory,"included the destruction of his statues and public inscriptions. His coins did not escape this condemnation; they were pulled from circulation and melted down whenever possible. Some of them were countermarked, like several bronze coins from the ANS collection. These bear the countermark TICA celebrating the new emperor Tiberius Claudius Augustus and also effacing the features of Caligula's portrait.

Another Roman ruler, mostly remembered for his extravagance and tyrannical behavior, was the emperor Nero (54–68 CE). After his suicide on 9 June 68 CE, the Senate formally declared him an official enemy of the Roman state and his memory was condemned. His commemorative monuments, such as the triumphal arch in Rome honoring victories in Armenia seen on an ANS sestertius, were destroyed.

Neronian bronze coins, like the Caligula coins before, were countermarked. The stamp SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) not only canceled and revalidated Nero's coins, but also symbolically reclaimed them for the Senate and Roman People.

To read the complete article, see:
DESTRUCTION OF EMPERORS' IMAGES ON ROMAN COINS FROM THE ANS COLLECTION (http://numismatics.org/pocketchange/imperial-images/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MONEY PEOPLE HATED: DAMNATIO MEMORIAE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n39a29.html)

Read more here

LOST LANGUAGES DISCOVERED

Saint Catherine's Monastery, a sacred Christian site nestled in the shadow of Mount Sinai, is home to one of the world's oldest continuously used libraries. Thousands of manuscripts and books are kept there—some of which contain hidden treasures.

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FEATURED WEB PAGE: CHILEAN NITRATE TOKENS

www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/57127-token-nitrate-of-chile