LOOSE CHANGE: FEBRUARY 9, 2020

A Banknote Guide to the U.K.

You've probably had all of them in your pocket at some point or another, but the famous faces on our British bank notes have a lot more to them than just cultural kudos. Club writer, Hannah Ralph, takes a look at the destinations these trailblazing Brits held most dear

To read the complete article, see:
A BANK NOTE GUIDE TO THE UK (http://theclub.ba.com/february-2020/en/a-bank-note-guide-to-the-uk/)

Montreal British Milita Token

Chief among our recent buys is a fantastic Montreal British Milita token. This is one of those pieces that appears in every edition of the Charlton guide, but go try and find one on the bourse floor. You won't find one. They come up from time to time in auctions, but they are pretty darn scarce. I spoke with one dealer recently who hadn't seen one in 15 years. I have not handled one in the ten years I have been doing this, and as a (former) Montrealer am delighted to finally pick one up.

To read the complete article, see:
JLRC Is Off To A Great Year! (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/jlrc-blog/2020/2/5/jlrc-is-off-to-a-great-year)

Presidential Medal of Freedom Analysis

President Donald Trump awarded his 15th Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh on Feb. 4.

This award was notable for two reasons. First, it was controversial because Limbaugh is a polarizing political figure. And second, this marked the first time that any president awarded a Medal of Freedom during a State of the Union address.

Typically, Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremonies occur once or twice per year and provide Americans with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of various people who have made an important contribution to U.S. culture. Because the president selects recipients with total discretion – American or otherwise, living or dead – this award also says a lot about the president himself.

What achievements or contributions does the president consider important? What groups of people most easily win his favor? And how does he hope to shape his legacy, judging by the company that he chooses to keep?

To find out, we've analyzed every Presidential Medal of Freedom ever awarded, and the presidents who awarded them – including Trump.

To read the complete article, see:
What Trump's picks for the Presidential Medal of Freedom – like Rush Limbaugh and Antonin Scalia – say about him (https://theconversation.com/what-trumps-picks-for-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-like-rush-limbaugh-and-antonin-scalia-say-about-him-131362)

Continental Dollar Found in Junk Box

Grading in the Paris office for PCGS is always a thrill. The submissions in Europe always trend to yielding treasures not often seen. The last grading event in Paris left seasoned graders blown away with one of these discoveries. In a single coin submission sat a 1776 Continental Currency Dollar, a coin that is highly treasured and not often seen. What made this coin special was it was found in a junk box for 50 cents euro.

1776 Continental Dollars feature an obverse of three rings. The center ring design is a sundial, with the rays of the sun and text below the dial, “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.” The next ring features “FUGIO” and the sun. The last ring contains the text, “CONTINENTAL CURRENCY.” The reverse features a design of interlocking chain links around the border of the face, featuring the names of the 13 colonial states. The reverse design contains two rings, the center of two rings reads “WE ARE ONE” and the ring around the center ring reads “AMERICAN CONGRESS.” The coins have several varieties in the spelling, ornamental designs, or in metal compositions. While produced in a variety of metals, the coin was most often struck in pewter.

The intent of the Continental Dollar was originally believed to be pattern or circulation issue coinage for the continental United States to circulate alongside the banknotes that Congress had authorized and issued. However, in recent years others have argued that the coins were actually medals, made as satire by England – struck in pewter to mock the worthless value of the currency of the United States. While the origin of these pieces is still under debate, the 1776 Continental Dollars are important early coinage celebrating the birth of the brand-new nation of the United States. This iconic coin has been heavily counterfeited and many restrikes have been produced privately.

To read the complete article, see:
PCGS Paris Office Certifies 1776 Continental Dollar Found in Junk Box for 50 Cents (https://www.pcgs.com/news/pcgs-paris-office-certifies-1776-continental-dollar)

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