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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 1/4/2025 - Workman's Books 1/8/2025 - Numismatic Antiquarian Bookshop Lang 1/25/2025 - Kolbe & Fanning

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 DECEMBER 22, 2024

New subscribers this week include: Joel Jacobs, courtesy Tracy Ibberson; and Brian R. Welcome aboard! We now have 7,257 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to my holiday travel, next week's issue could arrive a day or so late.

This week we open with a numismatic literature sale reminder, two new books, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, notes from readers and more.

Other topics this week include the 1715 Treasure Fleet, Roman Provincial coinage, Virginia coinage, French coinage, Nellie Tayloe Ross Day, fixed price and auction selections, an "1822 Half Eagle", and (what else?) Santa Claus notes.

To learn more about the Moneta Collection, the hallmarking of gold coinage in Serbia and Yugoslavia, colonial American Conder tokens, credit cards picturing coins, Emperor Norton, coins of The Mexican Revolutionists, Richard Margolis, misprinted U.S. paper money, rack marks, the Bill Henderson Supper Club, the Abbey Cent, Gnadenpfennigs, and San Francisco Mint vending machine tokens, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

 
Image of the week

WORKMAN'S BOOKS SALE 7 REMINDER

 

Workman's Books Seventh sale, highlighted by the David L. Baker Library, is in full swing with only TWO WEEKS left to get registered and start reviewing lots for bidding. David Baker enjoyed a wide-range of interests that are reflected in his considerable library. He collected books that focused on Spanish American, United States, Ancient and British numismatics, sunken treasure, treasure hunting, metal detecting, the American Civil War, the Wild West, Native American artifacts and cultures, Maritime, shipwreck and Florida history, military relics, ancient civilizations, fossils, archaeology and pirates. You can get a feel for the collection through some of the highlights featured below. The sale will be held in one session. Session I lots will begin closing starting at 10:00 AM EDT on January 4, 2025 and includes 733 scarce, vintage, and out-of-print books.

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COLLECTION MONETA LIQUIDATION SALE

 

Thirty years ago, I created the "Moneta Collection" (www.moneta.be).

At that time, it was obvious that the coming years would be difficult for numismatics, monetary economics and history. Already, credits, positions and resources were beginning to diminish. At the same time, archaeological remains were increasingly looted and coin catalogues remained rare compared to the number of archaeological sites.

It was necessary to find a place to publish without constraints, only according to scientific needs, with the necessary number of pages and plates. Making basic documentation, inventories, photos, new classifications and new studies accessible, that was the goal of the "Moneta Collection": what was published became available to everyone.

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NEW BOOK: 1715 TRICENTENNIAL DISCOVERY

• In depth analysis of the gold coins discovered
• Full color pictures and identification of each gold coin from the Tricentennial Discovery
• Discussion on the "Royal" gold coins of the Tricentennial Discovery
• Full color pictures and identification of each of the "never-before-seen" missing gold coins of the Tricentennial Discovery that only surfaced in 2024
• Documentation of the discovery in press releases and photos
• Printed on 8.5x11" using 80# coated paper and premium color inks with hard cover
• First edition limited to 100 numbered copies
• Price on the higher numbers (51-100) set at $55+$15 shipping and handling
• 122 pages
• Interested parties can email: sal@historyhunts.com to reserve a copy.

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NEW BOOK: HALLMARKING OF GOLD COINAGE

Hallmarking of Gold Coinage in Serbia and Yugoslavia 1882–1941
Aleksandar N. Brik

• ISBN: 978-3-9504268-7-8
• Publisher: Austrian Research Society for Numismatics
• Format: Hardcover, approx. 248 pages
• Language: English
• Release date: November 6, 2024

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ROMAN PROVINCIAL COINAGE V.2 & V.3 ONLINE

 

RPC volume V.2 and V.3 are now available online. They cover all Roman provincial coinage issues from Pertinax to the death of Macrinus (AD 193-218) in all the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. They include over 11,000 type descriptions and over 45,000 coins from 317 cities. The geography extends from Bithynia to Egypt.

Volume V.2 will be edited by A. Hostein and J. Mairat, with M. Amandry, F. Delrieux. and P.-O. Hochard.

Volume V.3 will by edited A. Burnett, with M. Amandry, L. Bricault, J. Mairat, S. Matthies, and D. Miebach.

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NNP ADDS VIRGINIA COINAGE NEWSLETTER

 

Newman Portal Adds Virginia Coinage Newsletter

Published by Bill Veach from 1990-1993, the Generation Newsletter featured content related to the Virginia 1773 halfpence. Veach outlined the rationale in the initial solicitation: "The ‘Generation' is a select group of Colonial Virginia Halfpenny collectors, recently organized in Vienna, VA to protect the integrity and to promote the welfare of these 217 year old specimens of American history. Being the very first authorized (legal) coinage in the American monetary system, it is imperative that they be more widely recognized as such."

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A CHRISTMAS GREETING CARD

 

A Christmas Greeting Card

Gold coins make traditional Christmas gifts, and, in 1916, a few fortunate recipients were presented with examples of this encased McKinley gold dollar. The obverse legend of this piece, from the American Numismatic Society, reads CHRISTMAS GREETINGS 1916 / FROM TRACY R. BANGS, while the reverse legend is W.H. BURR MINNEAPOLIS / MINN, presumably identifying the manufacturer. The McKinley gold dollar was struck by the U.S. Mint in 1903 as a commemorative of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which was held in St. Louis in 1904.

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VIDEO: COLONIAL AMERICAN CONDER TOKENS

 

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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 22, 2024

Credit Cards Picturing Coins
Adrian Gonzalez Salinas writes:

 

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY NOVEMBER 24, 2024 : Credit Cards! (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n47a18.html)

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DAVID MUIRHEAD INFORMATION SOUGHT

For many years, I was looking for the Glendining's Catalogue of "The Coins of The Mexican Revolutionists 1913-1917" The Property of David Muirhead, Esq. Wednesday 25 March 1936 auctioned in London, England. Catalog's Features: Soft Covers. 8vo (17.8 x 24.1 cms). Pages: 7,(1). Total Lots: 52.

In the past I had found only two appearances of this catalog:
1) Noonans (London) - 06 July 2005, Lot # 1643
2) Kolbe & Fanning (Gahanna, OH) Select Numismatic Books at Fixed Prices - February 2016 Lot # 18

This catalog can be downloaded from The Newman Numismatic Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?AucCoId=512958&AuctionId=533612

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TOM'S SEMI-NUMISMATIC DIARY: DECEMBER 22, 2024

 
Nummis Nova Table from both ends before we
acquiesce to Julian Leidman, the rightful head of any table.

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RICHARD MARGOLIS AND FRENCH COINAGE

 

Richard Margolis (1931-2018), the eminent American professional numismatist, passed away on November 24, 2018. During his lifetime, he developed a real passion for French coinage dating from the French Revolution to Louis XVIII and possessed an incomparable library and collection of nearly 3,000 coins for this period. Behind a great man there is often a remarkable woman. Sara his wife, had always encouraged him in his passion and she was, with her husband, among of the founders of the famous New York International Numismatic Convention. For all French collectors, Richard Margolis will remain a model for his research and publications on our coinage!

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RARITIES AT THE 2025 NATIONAL MONEY SHOW

Visitors to the American Numismatic Association (ANA) 2025 National Money Show® (NationalMoneyShow.com) in the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, February 27-March 1, can have the thrill of being close up to more than $100 million of historic rare coins and currency, including famous rarities on display from the ANA Edward C. Rochette Money Museum.

"Money is history you can hold in your hands, and we are proud to have more than $100 million of numismatic treasures for the public to enjoy at the National Money Show," said Thomas J. Uram, president of the nearly 25,000-member ANA (money.org).

"It's incredible that such small treasures can hold so much value and history, and we want everyone to have the chance to see this remarkable show in person," stated Uram.

Among the special exhibits from the ANA Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are two of the world's most famous and valuable rare coins, the McDermott-Bebee 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the Idler/Bebee Type III 1804 Bust silver dollar.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to view one of the approximately 40 known surviving gold 1933 Eagles designed by acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

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VOCABULARY TERMS: RACK, RADIAL, RAW

Rack Mark. Evidence on a medallic item at three or more points in which coloring, finish or lacquer is missing. The tiny points are where the medallic item was supported while it was worked on, as during a finishing or lacquering operation. Rack marks usually appear at three equidistant points along the edge where the supporting prongs, wires or stilts make a point of contact and thus prevent any finishing at those points. See stilts.

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BILL HENDERSON SUPPER CLUB

I enjoyed reading Dr. Larry Lee's comments on the Bill Henderson Supper Club. I thought I would share my recollections of one of their dinners.

I spent the first week of June 2013 in Colorado Springs. I was there to do research in the American Numismatic Association Library. Mostly I was making notes on auction appearances of the 1792 half disme. I had an interest in that topic at the time.

I was staying at the Econo Lodge Motel on Nevada Street, across from the Hallenbeck Coin Gallery. Shortly after I got to town, I walked over there. I was amused to see they were using a Yap stone as a door stop. Tom was out of town but Ken Hallenbeck was there.

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NELLIE TAYLOE ROSS DAY PROCLAIMED

The 100th anniversary of Nellie Tayloe Ross' inauguration as the first woman governor of both Wyoming and the United States was will be recognized as Nallie Tayloe Ross Day Jan. 5, 2025 following a proclamation signed by Gov. Mark Gordon.

A ceremony involving Gov. Mark Gordon reading the proclamation took place Friday at the Sweetwater County Courthouse. Students from Bridgette Nielsen's social studies class, who helped draft the proclamation, were in attendance as well, along with county residents and other elected officials.

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NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: DECEMBER 22, 2024

 

102996 | ITALY. Papal States. Pope Pius VII bronze Medal. Issued 1807 for the renovation of the outer wall of the Colosseum in 1806 (68mm, 144.61 g, 12h). By Tommaso Mercandetti at the Rome mint. PIVS SEPTIMVS PONTIFEX MAX, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mantum, and ornate pallium // AMPHIT FLAVIVM REPARATVM, façade of the repaired outer wall of the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre); in three lines in exergue, ANNO A NATIVITATE / CHRISTI / CI?I?CCCVI [MDCCCVI]. Edge: Some light marks as made, otherwise plain. Patrignani 45; Bartolotti 78; Weber 232; Bertuzzi 76. Choice Mint State. Deep chocolate brown surfaces, with great depth among the devices and brilliance in the fields. An exceptional architectural type, and one that remains free from the commonly encountered scuffing and bruising that most exhibit. Characteristic die break on the reverse, though still from an earlier state than most. $1,095.

Construction on the Colosseum was begun in the early portion of the reign of Roman emperor Vespasian, with the iconic edifice completed during the reign of his elder son and successor, Titus. Given their importance in its creation, it later gained the name of the Flavian Amphitheatre in honor of their dynastic family. Some estimates point to its capacity being some 80,000 spectators, with crowds likely routinely averaging more than 60,000. While it fell into disrepair during the ensuing centuries, efforts were made to renovate the outer wall during the reign of Pius VII—the event commemorated on this highly impressive architectural medal that predates many of the other Italian, Belgian, and British architectural medals that would come to life in the mid-19th century.

To read the complete item description, see:
102996 | ITALY. Papal States. Pope Pius VII bronze Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102996)

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ARCHIVES INTERNATIONAL SALE 98B SELECTIONS

 

Lot # 24. Bermuda. Monetary Authority and Government, 1937 to 1984, Group of Issued Banknotes. Bermuda, 1937-84. Lot of 9 Issued Banknotes, Includes: Bermuda Government 5 Shillings, P-9b, 1937; 10 Shillings, P-10b, 1937; 5 Shillings, P-18a & 18b, 1952-1957; 10 Shillings, P-19a & P-19b, 1952-57; Bermuda Monetary Authority 1 Dollar, P-28b, 1978-84. Notes range from Fine to VF condition. (9).

To read the complete lot description, see:
Bermuda. Monetary Authority and Government, 1937 to 1984, Group of Issued Banknotes. (https://auction.archivesinternational.com/Bermuda-Monetary-Authority-and-Government-1937-to-1984-Group-of-Issued-Banknotes_i55105493)

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HERITAGE AUCTIONS: ELLSWORTH LARGE CENTS

Magnificent coins from an extraordinary collection of large cents featuring every one of the Sheldon number varieties from 1796 through 1814 will land in new collections when they are sold January 9 in Heritage's The COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection of US Large Cents 1796-1814 US Coins Signature® Auction as part of the FUN Convention in Orlando.

"1796 was a transitional year in American numismatics," says Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. "That was the year the Mint switched from the Liberty Capped Bust design to the Draped Bust design. This collection starts with the Draped Bust coins, and many of the coins are the finest known, or at least one of the finest known examples."

A collector since he was in middle school, Ellsworth is one of "the most celebrated collectors of these early large cent varieties," a longtime numismatist who enjoys a broad reach within the collecting community.

"Back when these coins were minted, they were the people's money," Ellsworth said in a 2022 interview with PCGS. "These one-cent coins are what people used to buy bread, horseshoes and the other things that people used to buy. If you had a silver dollar or a $2.50 gold piece, you were carrying a lot of money. But large cents were spent on everything, and some of these coins saw thousands of uses … In some cases the finest-known example of a certain variety may be AG3 or G4. Anything XF or over can be exceedingly rare."

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KUENKER AUCTION SALE 418, PART TWO

A Unique Ensemble of Gnadenpfennigs

The term "gnadenpfennig" is used by numismatists to refer to a group of heavy gold coins with an elaborate contemporary mount, added to allow the owner to wear the specimen on a necklace or a headpiece. Such gnadenpfennigs were badges of honor given by princes to their most important officials and councilors. The possession of a gnadenpfennig of one or several rulers was a coveted symbol of status and privilege, especially for imperial knights. That is why people liked to wear them on portraits. In fact, very few of these precious objects have survived to this day. And that should come as no surprise. These coins were objects of daily use and therefore subject to wear and tear. In addition, they lost much of their prestige after the death of the prince depicted on them. It is therefore likely that many gnadenpfennigs were later melted down. Only a few of them still exist today. Künker is proud to be able to offer some of them in its Berlin Auction Sale. Here are a few selected examples.

No. 13: Sweden. Gustav II Adolph, 1611-1632. 1631 gnadenpfennig. From the collection of the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. Estimate: 75,000 euros

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COINS OF KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II

On February 11, 2025, Czech videogame developer Warhorse Studios will release the much anticipated sequel to their 2018 action roleplaying game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The game, set in 15th-century Bohemia, follows the events of the war between King Wenceslaus IV and Sigismund, then King of Hungary. For the sequel, Warhorse Studios will continue the story of the first game and offer players an even richer and more realistic experience, including an expanded map that brings the medieval city of Kutná Hora to life as well as a large playable area in the Bohemian countryside.

This realism is front and center in both games, with local customs, clothing, and architecture well-researched and faithfully presented. Even the game's economic system is based on the coinage of the period – and gamers might be surprised to know that many of these coins are affordable and collectible. In this article, CoinWeek Ancients writer Mike Markowitz provides an important overview of those coins and the historical events surrounding their issue. This deep lore undoubtedly will elevate one's understanding of the game upon its release.

Wenceslaus IV

Wenceslaus IV became King of Bohemia on the death of his father, German Emperor Karl IV, one of the most powerful European monarchs of his time. Wenceslaus (Wenzel in German, Václav in Czech) reigned from 1387 to his death in 1419. He was also Duke of Luxembourg and titular "King of Germany" from 1376 to 1400 (failing to obtain election as Holy Roman Emperor). A weak ruler, he was often in conflict with Bohemian nobles and his younger half-brother Sigismund, King of Hungary. Wenceslaus supported the religious reforms of Hus and his followers, but after he died in 1419, events quickly spiraled out of control.

Gold gulden of Wenceslaus IV, 1378-1419. Auerbach Mint. Value: $15,500.
Image: Sincona AG/CoinWeek.

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1715 TREASURE FLEET FIND: 200 MORE COINS

 

Treasures and mysteries are still being found in equal measure on the seafloor off Florida's Atlantic Coast where a fleet of Spanish ships sank during a 1715 hurricane.

Among the latest finds over the summer: 200 silver coins, a flintlock, an unusual tan vase and a mysterious set of bronze keys, according to a news release from 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels LLC.

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2024 ADVENT COIN CALENDAR, PART FOUR

19. Cake

Divus Antoninus Pius, Denarius, 161, bare head right, rev. CONSECRATIO, crematorium of four tiers, surmounted by quadriga.Everyone likes cake especially at Christmas. I know this is not a cake but it looks like one.

20. Bells

Another coin from Latvia who have produced beautiful seasonal coins

21. Charity

It is traditional to think of people in need at this time of the year. we can contribute to food banks, homeless charities or community Christmas meals

Poland 2 Zlots 2012 - 20 Years of The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity

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SAN FRANCISCO MINT VENDING MACHINE TOKENS

 

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JOHN FERRERI'S 1822 HALF EAGLE

Shown below is the only 1822 $5 gold piece I will ever own. That's OK! One is enough. I don't think I could put up with the notoriety if I had two. It's hard enough to keep the numismatic media away as it is. My specimen is in good shape but not perfect. I never even bothered to have it slabbed! That costs money, you know!

The best part of this story is the amount I paid for this rare fella! I bought it in 1995, about 35 years ago when prices were a lot lower. For that I remain, thankful. If I remember correctly I paid less than one hundred dollars for it. Of course I have been approached many times by collectors and dealers who were interested in purchasing it. Unfortunately I didn't personally know any of them. If I am going to sell this rare piece it is going to be to someone I personally know who will take good care of it, as well as I have.

Some collectors can become too protective about some of their better purchases and not even display them at a club meeting. I think they are afraid of someone else getting wind of such a desirable piece and subsequently speaking too loudly about it to folks outside of our collecting fraternity. Then, you know what could happen!

I have taken pains in scanning this trophy so you all can see it at least in the pages of this journal. Unfortunately there was not enough room on this page so it will appear just around the corner on the following page. Enjoy!

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STACKS BOWERS NOVEMBER 2024 SANTA SALE

On November 22, 2024, Stacks Bowers held a "Showcase" auction that featured a selection of Santa Claus notes and related items. As major collectors of these types of items, we registered to bid on some lots that would help our collection. Our collection includes 28 Santa Claus Notes which include all known vignettes (one is unknown) and most of the cities that issued them. We also have all but one of the known stock certificates. We also have collections of other related ephemera and tokens and medals.

The "Santa Claus Collection," as this selection was called, only had nine lots with most of them belonging to Candace Kagin. It is not very easy to find issued and circulated Santa Claus Notes, but this sale had four of them with three probably being unique. Most of the Santa Claus Notes that you find today came from the 1990 Christie's sale of the American Bank Note Company archives which John attended. Several other collectors of Santa Claus notes and vignettes were Roger Durand, John Ford and Herb and Martha Schingoethe. All of these great collectors are no longer with us and the sale of their collections were attended by us. Out of these, Roger Durand had the largest collection of Santa Claus Notes and vignettes. In 1988 Roger Durand authored a soft bound limited to 300 numbered copies reference called "Interesting Notes About Christmas." If you have an interest in these notes and vignettes, we recommend you purchase it. All the known and unknown notes and vignettes along with other Santa ephemera are listed in the reference.

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE: DECEMBER 22, 2024

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
GREYSHEET LAUNCHES RED BOOK PODCAST (https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n50a09.html)

 
Editor Wayne Homren, Assistant Editor Garrett Ziss

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