SELECTIONS FROM HOLABIRD FEBRUARY 2020 SALES

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V23 2020 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 23, Number 5, February 2, 2020, Article 24

Here are some numismatic items that caught my eye in the upcoming Holabird sale. -Editor

The first two are Franklin half dollars, dated 1953, enclosed in hard plastic enclosures. Both are silver dollars. Cases read, "Aragon Ballroom, Lick Pier, Ocean Park". The Aragon Ballroom on Lick Pier in the Ocean Park district of Santa Monica, California, was a social-dance venue opened under the Aragon name in March 1942 by Swing Shift dance promoter Harry Schooler. The ballroom and the pier, named Lick's Pier, was erected in 1922. Lick's Pier was located at the foot of Navy Street adjoining the south side of the Pickering Pier. Lick's Pier was, in 1922, almost entirely in Venice.

The third coin commemorates John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States. Kennedy's birth year, 1917 and year of his death, 1963, are on each side of Kennedy's name. The coin encased is a Kennedy 1964 half dollar.

Nice souvenir group. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Two Masonic Pennies (112391) (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/Two-Masonic-Pennies-112391_i35647019)

California State Agricultural Association large size silver award medal. Complex obverse design composed of images relating to California commerce, agriculture, and mining with a bust of Ceres on the central pedestal with the California bear at its base. Reverse engraved to San Francisco artist Emma Turner for Color Photography 1876. 44.6mm. Silver. Toned Unc

Nice medal. Actually, it says "Colored photography". If I understand the history correctly, in 1876 color photography was still experimental. But artists and technicians would colorize black-and-white photos, typically portraits paid for by families. -Editor

For more from Wikipedia, see:
Hand-colouring of photographs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand-colouring_of_photographs)

Medal struck as a thank you for donations to the French Ransom Fund (Franco-Prussian War fund). The obverse of the medal features the head of Ceres, the symbol of liberty in the Third French Republic. "CONCO" on her head band stands for Concordia symbolizing harmony among the people, nourished by peace. The reverse wreath of laurel and oak encloses the text, "QUI DONNE / A LA FRANCE / PRETE / A DIEU.," or "Who gives to France, will be repaid by God." The legend above, "SON NALE DE CALIFORNIA," translates as the "National Subscription of California." It is signed V. & CO, the hallmark of the W. K. Vanderslice & Co., a silver manufacturing firm in San Francisco later acquired by Shreve. Rare 30.1mm. WM. VF/EF

Interesting piece of history. I wasn't familiar with the French Ransom Fund. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
French Ransom Fund Thank You Medal (114097) (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/French-Ransom-Fund-Thank-You-Medal-114097_i35647078)

The popular ostrich farm was a weekend destination for families in the early 1900s. The 1915 date and the reverse inscription touting work with the government and Audubon societies make it possible this medal was issued for their exhibit at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Struck by Robbins Co. 37.16mm. Silver. Unc

I can't say I've ever seen an ostrich farm medal before - or any numismatic item picturing an ostrich. Are there others? Don't judge me for wearing ostrich plumage. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Ostrich Farm Medal, Pan-Cal Exp? (114115) (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/Ostrich-Farm-Medal-Pan-Cal-Exp-114115_i35647097)

Lot 3189: Oregon-Washington Depression Scrip

5 Pieces. Depression scrip was used during the depression era of the 1930's as a substitute for government issued currency. Because of the banks closing temporarily and the lack of physical currency, someone had to come up with another form of currency to keep the economy going and a way for trade to continue.

1. Two Silverton Scrip of Oregon. Both black border, orange underprint, vignette of waterfall, American Legion logo, dated April 1933. #689, 25c, F-VF cond. 50c, dateline April 1933, EF cond.

2. Two Heppner Sheepskin Scrip, $5, #E0343 (VF) and E0137(F), Issued Heppner, Ore. 1933, backed by Morrow County Municipal warrants.

3. Kelso Washington State Golden Jubilee 1959. Five wooden Nickels Face green border, vignette Buffalo and Indian in corners, reverse in red same vignettes. Very good condition.

The Sheepskin Scrip is well known - I wasn't familiar with the Silverton Scrip notes. Nice group. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Oregon/Washington Scrip (currency) (112455) (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/Oregon-Washington-Scrip-currency-112455_i35647158)

This exceptional Numismatist Library is x-Bob Johnson Collection, long time San Francisco dealer. Subtitled "An Illustrated Monthly Devoted to the Science of Numismatics," it contains 54 volumes, 1888-1953 Index, then 1894-1953, missing only the 1888-1893, 1907. All are hard bound by year in black bindings with gilt edge/binding lettering. This is one of the most important research series for any advanced numismatist. All in excellent condition.

Still essential for numismatic bibliophiles and researchers. Web sites make it easy to search for and find information, but reading is easy and pleasant when you can just pull the volume off your shelf and sit back. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Numismatist- Nearly Complete Run (75562) (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/Numismatist-Nearly-Complete-Run-75562_i35647163)