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About Us The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit association devoted to the study and enjoyment of numismatic literature. For more information please see our web site at coinbooks.org Subscriptions Those wishing to become new E-Sylum subscribers (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page link Membership There is a membership application available on the web site Membership Application To join, print the application and return it with your check to the address printed on the application. Print/Digital membership is $40 to addresses in the U.S., and $60 elsewhere. A digital-only membership is available for $25. For those without web access, write to: Jeff Dickerson, Treasurer Numismatic Bibliomania Society P. O. Box 578, Weatherford, TX 76086 Asylum For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership questions, contact Jeff at this email address: treasurer@coinbooks.org Submissions To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com BUY THE BOOK BEFORE THE COIN Sale Calendar 11/2/2024 - Kolbe & Fanning 1/4/2025 - Workman's Books

 

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 NOVEMBER 3, 2024

New subscribers this week include: Anne Hooker of the Monticello Coin Club, courtesy Chip Howell. Welcome aboard! We now have 7,264 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 three new books, a book award, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, ANA, and ANS, notes from readers, and more.

Other topics this week include restrikes of the U.S. Mint, error coins, the New Jersey Numismatic Society, the Peace 2000 coin program, inaugural medals, the Beijing International Coin Expo, cardboard scrip, auction previews, the South Africa peace medal, and the money backing slavery.

To learn more about Numismatics of the Borderland, Ernest Keusch, Assay Commission medals, proof finishes, the Amateur Coin Collectors Club, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, the Althea Gibson American Women's quarter, Michael Moran, the Lord Baltimore Sixpence, the Bar Copper, the Haitian Gourde, and the effects of pestering, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

 

NEW BOOK: RESTRIKES

Restrikes, Storied Treasures of the U.S. Mint
by Kevin Flynn

Restrikes, Storied Treasures of the U.S. Mint by Kevin Flynn is currently at the printers. This book is being self-published, with only a limited number printed. The book is 8 1/2 by 11, 466 pages. Softcover Retail $75.00.

Restrikes were struck from the early 1830s through 1885. In the context of coins and numismatics, "restrike" normally implies and is defined as a coin that is struck not in the date which is stamped on the coin. The normal exception to this rule is in the early 19th century when it was an acceptable Mint practice to use working dies dated from the previous year in the beginning of the current year. For example, 1803 dated dollars were struck in the first quarter of 1804. Die steel was scarce and production of new working dies slow. In addition, the Mint more than likely did not want to waste unused working dies at the end of the year. Another normal exception is reverse working dies that were carried forward over several years and used to strike coins. As these reverses were undated, they could normally be used in subsequent years if they were not worn.

Read more here

 

NEW BOOK: COINS OF EASTERN MOUNT OSSA

The Bronze Coins of Eastern Mount Ossa in the Thessalian Perioikic Region of Magnesia ?Homolion, Eureai, Eurymenai, and Melioboia?
(Numismatic Notes and Monographs 173)

by Anna Magdalena Blomley

This monograph examines the Late Classical and Hellenistic bronze coinages of five mints in the Thessalian perioikic region of Magnesia. At the core of this work lies a new die-study of the coins produced by the strategically and economically important coastal cities of Homolion and Meliboia as well as the lesser-known mints of Eureai, Eurymenai, and Rhizous. Combining this die-study with a close examination of the cities’ topographical context in a border region between Thessaly and Macedon and drawing on archaeological data from Magnesia and beyond, the monograph addresses key questions concerning the chronology, denominations, and circulation patterns of the bronze issues minted on eastern Mount Ossa. This analysis not only throws new light on coin production in Late Classical and Hellenistic Magnesia, but also allows a discussion of the possible military and non-military functions of the region’s different bronze issues.

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NEW BOOK: GUIDE FOR COIN COLLECTORS 2.0

Gids voor Muntverzamelaars 2.0
(Guide for Coin Collectors 2.0)

To promote numismatics and support coin collectors, the ‘Guide for Coin Collectors’ has been thoroughly updated. This new edition, commissioned by Numismatica Zuidwest-Vlaanderen and compiled by Arnaud Grispen and Laurens Aernout, provides valuable knowledge and practical support for both novice and experienced collectors.

For everybody (e.g. metal detectorists, family members, ...) who are just starting to show an interest in numismatics, this guide serves as an accessible introduction. The aim is to inspire them to build a collection and to give them a better understanding of this fascinating hobby.

The Guide 2.0 includes the following chapters:

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NUMISMATICS OF THE BORDERLAND WINS AWARD

The borderland region of El Paso, TX, and Juarez, Mexico has a new reason to celebrate! Local El Paso numismatist (and author) Jason Alan Elwell received an Honorable Mention for his book Numismatics of the Borderland: The El Paso / Juarez & Las Cruces Region 1st Edition in the category of Best Reference Book 2024. This award was given by the International Latino Book Awards, the largest award in the USA celebrating achievements in Latino literature. The (ILBA) is hosted by Empowering Latino Futures, a Non-Profit 501(C)3 out of Los Angeles, CA.

For the 2024 book competition, the (ILBA) had 239 judges review 6,000 books totaling 235,000 pages of literature. As each author and book competed for their respective category, only a fraction of submissions were selected to receive an award. The 2024 (ILBA) award ceremony was held on October 19, 2024, at the Los Angeles City College located in East Hollywood. At the ceremony, Jason Elwell accepted his Honorable Mention and could be seen sharing his thoughts about what makes borderland numismatics so special.

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A RARE NEW JERSEY COLONIAL NOTE

A Rare New Jersey Colonial Note

Certain numismatic items fall into the class of "very hard to find, but not necessarily expensive when you do." A recent example is a New Jersey January 26, 1756 18-pence note, offered by Stack’s Bowers as lot 97006 in their October 24, 2024 Collector’s Choice Online Auction. The Stack’s Bowers catalog indicated "No. 4083. Plate A. Third War Issue. The earliest dated New Jersey 18d of all known pieces.

This extremely rare piece is believed to be unique and features the signatures of Samuel Nevill, Joseph Yard, Joseph Hollinshead. Unrepresented in the collections of Boyd, Ford, Newman, Budde and other numismatic luminaries. Pinned and sewn to prolong circulation." This example realized $216.

The Newman inventory, entered by hand into a 1967 first edition copy of Early Paper Money of America, confirms its absence in the Newman collection. Indeed, the Heritage Auctions archive lists only three examples of any January 26, 1756 denomination, while Stack’s Bowers lists four pieces, going back to sales of 2005. Most notes of these emissions were redeemed, leaving few examples for modern collectors.

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VIDEO: COLLECTING ERROR COINS

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AN EXPLOSION OF NUMISMATIC BOOKS

We love to alert readers to new numismatic books. And a new publication of a long-lost manuscript from a long-dead numismatic author would be a sensation, like the score of a Chopin waltz recently discovered in the Morgan library.

To read the complete article, see:
Hear a Chopin Waltz Unearthed After Nearly 200 Years (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/arts/music/chopin-waltz-discovery.html)

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ANA RECOGNIZES NJNS 90-YEAR MEMBERSHIP

"The American Numismatic Association Recognizes the New Jersey Numismatic Society with 90-Year Club Award"

In August 2024, the American Numismatic Association recognized the New Jersey Numismatic Society (NJNS) for 90 years of continuous membership dating to 1934. The NJNS received a beautiful acrylic engraved plaque to mark this special occasion. In addition, the NJNS was listed in the 90-Year Clubs section of the "Membership Anniversaries" in The Numismatist, August 2024, p. 59.

At our October 2024 meeting, Ray Williams, NJNS Vice President, showed the in-person and online Society members the ANA award and explained how the plaque featured the engraving inside the acrylic.

The NJNS was founded in 1933 and joined the ANA in 1934.

 

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2024 ANS ARCHER M. HUNTINGTON AWARD

On October 19, 2024, the American Numismatic Society (ANS) welcomed over sixty members and visitors to its headquarters in New York City for the 167th Annual Meeting of the ANS. Following the meeting, the 2024 Archer M. Huntington Award for Excellence in Numismatic Scholarship was presented to Dr. William E. Metcalf, who provided the Silvia Mani Hurter Memorial Lecture on "The Making of Roman Provincial Coinage (X)."

The Annual Meeting featured presentations from ANS officers and staff on accomplishments from the last fiscal year, and the election of a new class of trustees. Attendees enjoyed viewing new acquisitions to the collection on display, including items generously donated to the coin cabinet and library in the last year. The ANS would like to congratulate the newly elected Fellows, Dr. Andrew M. Burnett, Dr. James E. McClellan, and Dr. Roberta Stewart.

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2025 ANS GALA ANNOUNCED

The Board of Trustees of the American Numismatic Society (ANS) is pleased to announce the 2025 Trustees’ Award to the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC), to be presented at the ANS Annual Gala on January 16, 2025, at the Century Association. This award honors the organizers of NYINC, as the convention is one of the most significant events in the United States for the numismatic community, bringing together collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts of world and ancient coins, including many supporters of the ANS.

The first NYINC was held in December 1971, and in the decades since has become the most prominent convention in the United States for dealers and auction houses for world and ancient coins. Today, in addition to the bourse and auction sessions, the convention hosts club and society meetings, lectures, and a variety of other events that have encouraged friendships within the numismatics community. The NYINC has also served as a critical venue to organize charity auctions in support of non-profit institutions including the ANS.

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THE PEACE 2000 COIN PROGRAM

Last week Wayne Pearson asked:

Bob Leonard writes:

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THE PEACE 2000 COIN PROGRAM PROPOSAL

A unique concept of circulating commemorative coins with designs promoting global peace is being considered by several mints for implementation in the year 2000. The proposal for spreading a message of peace around the world was developed by a group known as the Future of the Hobby Committee.

Representatives of all aspects of the hobby serve on the committee which was developed and supported by the American Numismatic Association. The Peace Coin Program is being spearheaded and managed by ANA Vice President Kenneth E. Bressett.

"The year 2000 will be a time of special importance to collectors," Bressett said. "This is a date we have all waited to see on our coins. It is a time when people everywhere will stop to take a careful look at their money and its message.

"This program is designed to encourage and support all nations in the issuance of circulating coins that embody peace, freedom and human rights. It is a massive undertaking but one that will spread a most vital message around the world."

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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Civil War Cardboard Scrip Reference
Bob Leonard writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 27, 2024 : Civil War Cardboard Scrip Discovery (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n43a13.html)

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TRUMAN LIBRARY INAUGURAL MEDAL EXHIBIT

Matthew Chiarello writes:

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2024 BEIJING INTERNATIONAL COIN EXPO

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VOCABULARY TERM: PROOF FINISH, PART 2

Later in the 20th century abrasive blasting was done with glass particles because the grit size could be smaller. This created tiny pits that had different characteristics than those made with mineral abrasives. To partial treat a die's surface would require masking or use of a jig to prevent the blasting to any desired surface, a somewhat complicated procedure. Thus most such dies were given this treatment to the entire die's surface. Selected and lightly polished planchets could be used.

A type of matte proof in which the texture is provided by sandblasting the die with extremely fine-grain sand. Even so the minute cavities created by the sand particles are larger than acid etched cavities. Later in the 20th century abrasive blasting was done with glass particles because the grit size could be smaller. To partial treat a die's surface would require masking or use of a jig to prevent the blasting to any desired surface, a somewhat complicated procedure. Thus most such dies were given this treatment to the entire die's surface. Selected and lightly polished planchets could be used.

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WILLIAM CHARLES HIBBERT, SR. (1909-1968)

My article this week is about a man you probably never heard of and his international coin club that has nearly been forgotten. The club newsletter that might reveal club history is missing from the Newman Numismatic Portal leaving many questions unanswered.

William Hibbert was born on April 4, 1909, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of Joseph William Hibbert (1881-1943) and Sarah Jane Hawthorn (1888-1942). Joseph owned a print shop. At the time of the 1930 Census, William worked as a printer.

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KELLEN HOARD INTERVIEW, PART FOUR

GREG BENNICK: That's great. So, with that in mind, let's bring it back to coins. Not because I couldn't talk to you about the rest of this for the next three hours, but I'm convinced that at least one or two people want to hear about the CCAC. So maybe tell us what that is and go into as much detail as you like. Not one thing you've said so far has been not interesting. All of its fascinating and I love it. So yes, the CCAC. Tell us about it and your involvement with it.

KELLEN HOARD: Sure. So, I’ve been a member for the last year and a half-ish. My origin story for ending up on the CCAC: of course I had been somewhat familiar with it. You know, it has an impact on the American hobby especially, in many different ways. So, I’ve been familiar with it, but didn't know much about it. But I saw they were accepting applications in a couple of years ago for members of the general public. And I was pondering whether or not I should apply. And I asked a former member, who shall remain nameless, and he said, "Yeah, you should absolutely apply. But just so you know, you probably won't get it, you know, especially on your first time."

Those words are deeply motivating to me. I love hearing things like that. So, I said, okay, I have to apply now. I have to get it the first time. So, I applied, went through the interview process and whatever else, had a great time, and ended up on the committee. I have had the chance to work on some really neat pieces. It's a cool committee for the members especially, for a couple of reasons.

One, you get to work really hands-on with some of the Mint's really talented staff, artists, et cetera. And two, you get to have a hand in designing the coins, or at least recommending designs for the coins. Of course, it's the Treasury Secretary's final call, but you get a chance to have a role in that. Three, you get a chance to learn about things you wouldn't learn about otherwise, in really neat and inspiring ways. You're learning about segments of history that Congress or whoever has decided to feature on coins and medals, that you may not have heard about otherwise. And what's remarkable is that for pretty much most programs, where there's a person or idea featured on the coin, they will have a liaison who comes and talks to the committee, either in person or on Zoom.

It might be someone's family member, the person you're featuring, a member of their family. When we did the Harriet Tubman coins, it was members of the Harriet Tubman House and Underground Railroad Foundation. I know before my time, they had, some members of Jackie Robinson's family. We just recently did a Congressional Gold Medal for the Iran hostages, and we had some of the former hostages come and speak with us. You get really interesting insight into the lives of these people directly from the people who knew them, or at least had known so much about them. So I’ve really enjoyed that as well.

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KENTUCKY COLONEL MICHAEL MORAN

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear on August 20, 2024, commissioned award-winning numismatic author, lecturer, and researcher Michael F. Moran as a Kentucky Colonel, a distinction recognized as the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels defines such a commission as "recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state, and nation."

Mike Moran’s work is known in Kentucky and his influence extends well beyond. He is a managing partner of Valley Lumber, a major building-products supplier based in Colorado. He is also active in the oil and gas industry. Among his charitable and community activities, Moran is former chair of the Advisory Board of the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky, and he has served as Treasurer, Trustee, and Executive Committee member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association.

On the federal level, he is currently in his third four-year term on the U.S. Treasury Department’s Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The CCAC was established by Congress to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on the themes and designs of all U.S. coins and medals. As a senior member of this Committee, Moran serves as an informed, experienced, and impartial resource to the Treasury Secretary, representing the interests of American citizens. Most recently he served on a subcommittee advising the United States Mint on themes for circulating coinage celebrating the nation’s 2026 semi-quincentennial.

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NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: NOVEMBER 3, 2024

102647 | UNITED STATES & GERMANY. Colonial America and Preußen (Prussia) silver Medal. Issued 1763. The Treaty of Hubertusburg and the end of the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War in America) (44mm, 21.94 g, 12h). By Johann Leonhard Oexlein. IAM REDIRE AVDET (now she dares to return...), Germania standing facing, head right, holding scepter and grain ear; mountains and plowman in background; in two lines in exergue, GERMANIA / PACATA (...with Germany being at peace) // NVNCIA PACIS (the messenger of Peace), view of the Hubertusburg Palace; above, Fama (Rumor) flying right, blowing in one trumpet and holding another; D 15 FEBR MDCCLXIII in exergue. Edge: Plain. Betts 446; Pax in Nummis 595; Olding 931; Henckel 1658. PCGS AU-58. Pleasingly toned, with mostly gunmetal gray hues mixing with hints of gold and deep cobalt. Compare to an NGC AU-58 that realized a total of $504 in Heritage's March 2023 World Medals and Tokens Showcase Auction #61312, lot 22180 (and for which its current owner now wants at least $756), and a PCGS SP-61 (severely hairlined as well) that realized a total of $1,320 in the Stack's Bowers February 2022 CCO Auction, lot 73771. $595.

To read the complete item description, see:
102647 | UNITED STATES & GERMANY. Colonial America and Prussia silver Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102647)

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RICHARD ROSSA CARDBOARD SCRIP

Galesburg, Illinois Chit. Sydney Myers & Company. 1862 10 Cents. Choice Uncirculated.

A chit contemporary to the American Civil War issued by Sydney Myers & Co out of Galesburg, Illinois. This institution also redeemed scrip notes (notably Watuga) from the surrounding areas based on what limited information can be found. This piece previously sold for $332.75 back in May 2001.

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SBG NOVEMBER 2024 NUMISMATIC AMERICANA

1777 B. Franklin of Philadelphia Medal. Unidentified English Medalist. Betts-547, Greenslet GM-40, Adams-Bentley 14. Bronze. Specimen-63 BN (PCGS). The origins of the 1777 B. Franklin of Philadelphia medal are obscure. The distinctive portrait, and the unusual basining of the reverse, bring to mind a group of medals that are clearly related: the 1778 Washington "Voltaire" medal, the 1777 Chevalier D'Eon medal, and the 1776 David Hume medal. Tony Lopez did a good job punchlinking this group in the June 2008 MCA Advisory, and finding that a group of medals shares a punchset is good evidence if not a slam dunk that they come from the same workshop. The August 2008 issue of the same journal features a detailed examination by English medal mensch Christopher Eimer, reflecting on the conversation he and Richard Margolis had shared years earlier discussing many of the same connections among these medals, while cautioning that little evidence connects these medals to the liberal-minded ceramics makers Wedgwood and Bentley.

Provenance: Ex New Netherlands Coin Company, January 23, 1963; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part XIV, May 2006, lot 337.

To read the complete item description, see:
1777 B. Franklin of Philadelphia Medal. Unidentified English Medalist. Betts-547, Greenslet GM-40, Adams-Bentley 14. Bronze. Specimen-63 BN (PCGS). (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1E2VY1/1777-b-franklin-of-philadelphia-medal-unidentified-english-medalist-betts-547-greenslet-gm-40-adams-bentley-14-bronze-specimen-63)

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SOVEREIGN RARITIES WORKMAN COLLECTION, PART 3

In last week’s E-Sylum we showcased the finest currency Penny of 1922 with the later reverse, this week we exhibit the Satin Finish specimen coin which has some subtle differences to the reverse from the currency version. The main difference being with the distance between the upward flourish at the rear of Britannia’s helmet and the plume beyond as well as other sharpened differences. The Satin finish patterns were completely unknown to UK collectors until the 1990s when the two only known examples turned up together as an obverse and reverse from a Specimen set with satin finishes supplied to the South Africa Mint Museum back in 1924. The colonial mint commenced work in Pretoria in 1923 with an extremely rare issue of currency Sovereigns and became more established by 1924. Seemingly two Specimen sets of coins were ordered from the Royal Mint London though a record does not survive, and the coins subsequently displayed in Pretoria. The coins ranging from a Halfcrown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence, Penny, Halfpenny and Farthing all have satin finishes and all dated 1924 except the Penny. The Threepence being of especial interest as there were no British currency threepence issued for this date, only as maundy money. The Penny could not be dated 1924 as there were no 1924 Pennies made that year. The nearest date to supply was 1922 and it was coupled with this later style reverse which was adopted to currency properly from 1927 onwards and for this satin finish Penny slightly different to the few currency versions of the 1922 Penny with 1927 reverse. It would seem the satin finish piece therefore came before what would become the adopted reverse from 1927 onwards due to the subtle differentiation explained above. The other example of the satin finish specimen is in a privately held complete set still, the coin offered here being from the set that was broken up for individual sale. The complete set was auctioned by Heritage in New York in 2004, the individual satin finish specimen Penny we have here has never been auctioned individually and slabbed as NGC SP64 brown satin with a £6,000-£8,000 estimate it will be interesting to see what results on 19th November 2024.

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THE SOUTH AFRICA PEACE MEDAL

A spectacular medallic enigma will be offered for sale at auction by Sovereign Rarities in November: lot 40, Auction XV, The Highcliff Collection, 19 November 2024.

The British Empire Medal, South Africa War, 1901, also known as the Campaign in South Africa, and as the South Africa Peace Medal, is a rare item under any circumstances but the example in question is distinct, noticeably different and may be the first of its kind ever offered, or even a unique variety.

As with all good numismatic detective work, there are more questions than answers for now. Why does it weigh nearly half a kilo, considerably more than other strikings in silver? Why is it stamped SILVER on the edge but not stamped with an issue number?

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MEDIEVAL RHENISH GUILDER FOUND IN POLAND

A medieval gold Rhenish guilder was recently discovered near Kamien Pomorski in West Pomerania.

According to experts, the coin is a gold Rhenish guilder, the standard gold currency coin of the Rhineland during the 14th and 15th centuries.

The obverse depicts Otto von Ziegenhein, an important figure in the Holy Roman Empire who served as the Archbishop and Elector of Trier from 1419 to 1430.

The museum emphasised that the discovery of such a coin in Poland is extremely rare and underscores the region’s historical significance as a centre of trade and political interaction in the 15th century.

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ELECTIONS AND VOTING IN NUMISMATICS

I do not claim to understand American politics but here are some items connected with elections and voting.

2003 Fifty pence coin to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Formation of the Women's Social and Political Union (Suffragettes). Designed by Mary Milner Dickens. The figure on the coin is chained to railings and she holds a banner.

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WSJ ON BANKNOTE COLLECTING

Even as the world increasingly moves toward digitized commerce, where transactions are conducted with the tap of a credit card and billions of dollars are moved electronically between banks, there is one group of people for whom hard cash is still king: collectors.

As an alternative asset class, collectible banknotes offer significant potential value to investors, and the market for these paper artifacts is thriving. Aris Maragoudakis, director of world currency auctions at Stack’s Bowers Galleries in Costa Mesa, Calif., estimates the hobby sees annual trade of well over $500 million globally.

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BANKING ON SLAVERY

Pablo Hoffman writes:

"Just as for any other merchant, access to credit was critical for the numerous slave traders who transported hundreds of thousands of surplus enslaved individuals from the states of the old South to the booming cotton and sugar plantations of the frontier. As Allen Gunn of Yanceyville, North Carolina, complained in 1835 to his slave-trading partner Joseph Totten, who was then traveling in Alabama: ‘[E]very man that can get credit in the Bank and his situation will let him leave home is a negro trader.’ Yet as far as southern bankers were concerned, slave traders were little different from any other interstate merchant. Traders discounted their own sixty-day promissory notes at a Virginia or North Carolina bank and purchased enslaved individuals with the proceeds. They then transported the people to Mississippi or Louisiana, selling them at a profit-sometimes for cash but often receiving another promissory note as payment, which they discounted at a local bank. With the balance, they repaid their original promissory note and began the cycle anew. As Isaac Franklin of the slave-trading firm Franklin & Armfield advised his Richmond, Virginia, associate Rice Ballard ( of the firm of R. C. Ballard & Co.) in January 1832, ‘should you stand in need of funds you may borrow from your Banks at 60 or ninety [days] with full confidence that the money will be remitted to meet it.’

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LOOSE CHANGE: NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Felix Schlag's Jefferson Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel was first struck in 1913, so its 25th anniversary would occur in 1938. The U.S. Mint found Fraser’s popular and iconic design hard to fully strike. The San Francisco and Denver Mints especially, had a difficult time creating fully struck specimens. After 25 years without a design change, federal law permitted a new design to be created, without an act of Congress. The Coinage Act of September 26, 1890 permitted the Director of the Mint to change a coin’s design, as long as it was approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.

So, in 1938, the Treasury decided to hold a competition to design a new Five Cent coin, honoring the third president, Thomas Jefferson. The prize for the winning entry was $1,000.00, a substantial award in 1938. Three hundred and ninety artists and would-be coin designers entered the competition. The winner selected was a German émigré named Felix Oscar Schlag.

To read the complete article, see:
The Rarities In The Underappreciated Jefferson Nickel Series (https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/the-rarities-in-the-underappreciated-jefferson-nickel-series)