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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: Charles Heck, Treasurer Numismatic Bibliomania Society P. O. Box 2058, Bluffton, SC 29910-2058 Asylum For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership questions, contact Chuck 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 December 11, 2021 WORKMAN BOOKS Watch here for updates!

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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 7, 2021

New subscribers this week include: Li Tiesheng of Inner Mongolia PRC. Welcome aboard! We now have 6,733 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.

I went to the library to see if could check out a book on Pavlov's dogs and Schrodinger's cat. The librarian said that it rang a bell but she wasn't sure if they had it or not.

This week we open with an new NBS podcast, a Kolbe & Fanning numismatic literature sale, two new books, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, and more.

Other topics this week include coin cartoons, physical bitcoins, Q. David Bowers publications, the 2021 Coinage of the Americas Conference, gallantry medals, U.S. coin dealer organizations, Betts medals, upcoming auctions, coin finds, and Hiram Fleming's banknote.

To learn more about Lo Linkert's Cointoons, Empire Topics, Victor David Brenner, James Barton Longacre, Abe Lincoln and money of the Civil War, the misplaced 1804 dollar, the Travel Car Coin Museum, scrip payable in Confederate Treasury Notes, the Humble Oil medal, the California Coin Dealers Association, Edward the Elder, Jerusalem Estates, and the the Harlem Hellfighters, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

NBS BIBLIOTALK PODCAST: TOP 100 LIBRARY

NBS Podcast A Top 100 Library, LIVE with Leonard Augsburger and Joel Orosz

The latest episode of the NBS Bibliotalk podcast, A Top 100 Library, LIVE with Leonard Augsburger and Joel Orosz, is now available on the NBS website and other popular podcasting platforms such as Buzzsprout. In this episode, taped during the recent NNP Symposium, Len and Joel informally discuss the NBS Top 100 survey published in The Asylum in 2009.

The top 100 concept itself is explored, and the list is sliced in multiple ways, including the most challenging or most valued items. Len and Joel specifically evaluate the top ten items for content and scholarship, and along the way offer opinions on the collectability of various top-100 items. The NBS survey has gathered traction since its publication, with multiple collectors using the list as a collecting guide.

Link to A Top 100 Library, LIVE with Leonard Augsburger and Joel Orosz on the NBS podcast page"
https://www.coinbooks.org/resources/podcast.html

Link to the Top 100 list on the NBS website:
http://wiki.coinbooks.org/index.php/The_One_Hundred_Greatest
_Items_Of_United_States_Numismatic_Literature

KOLBE & FANNING BUY OR BID SALE NUMBER 17

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers have announced our latest Buy or Bid Sale, which begins now and will close on Monday, November 15, 2021. With hundreds of new additions, the sale focuses on modestly priced books, giving collectors an opportunity to add to their libraries at minimal cost.

The sale includes over 1600 works on ancient, medieval and modern coins, as well as general works, periodicals and sale catalogues. Buy prices have been kept low to promote sales. To further encourage participation, the firm is offering free domestic shipping to bidders spending at least $300; there is also no packing and processing fee for this sale. Again, please read the Terms of Sale before participating.

As the name of the sale suggests, customers may bid on items they wish to acquire or buy them outright at the published price. The Terms of Sale will give full instructions on how to participate: please read it carefully.

There is no printed catalogue. The PDF catalogue is available now for downloading from the Kolbe & Fanning website at numislit.com. Please send all bids to orders@numislit.com or use the bid sheet included at the end of the PDF catalogue.

 

NEW BOOK: FRANKLIN'S WORLD CARTOONS

Language historian and numismatist Claire Franklin explores the humor of coins and the ancients in Franklin's World—now published in a book.

You might not immediately think of cartoons when you think of coin collecting. But the hobby has had its share of humorists over the years, including cartoonists.

Edward C. Rochette—the late Mr. ANA, executive director emeritus of the American Numismatic Association, for whom its national museum in Colorado Springs is named—drew a cartoon called Numispest for Numismatic News, starting shortly after the newspaper debuted in 1952. Journalist Leon Worden quotes Rochette's recollection of the first comic: I think the very first one was a guy standing there cleaning his coins, and the acid was dripping down, eating his pant leg, and somebody was saying, ‘I think it's a little too strong for coins' (COINage Magazine, volume 42, number 5, May 2006).

Cartoonist Bill King (1922–2006) also drew a weekly editorial gag panel for Numismatic News for many years.

Krause Publications in 1966 released the 128-page A Coin Collector's Selection of Cointoons: Selected Cartoons from the Pages of Numismatic News and Coins Magazine.

In 1979 Plainsman & Jolex published the similarly named Lo Linkert's Cointoons, a collection of the German/Canadian gag cartoonist's numismatic funnies.

And more recently we have the delightful and smart Claire Franklin.

Dr. Franklin (she earned her doctorate in classical philology at the University of Reading, England, with a thesis on Studies in the Intellectual Milieu of Posidonius of Apameia) has drawn hundreds of numismatic cartoons, regularly published at CoinsWeekly.

For more than 10 years, readers have enjoyed Franklin's drawings, puns, jokes, wisecracks, and wordplay online. She mostly delves into the rich territory of Greek, Roman, and other ancient coins.

On Saturday, November 6, 2021, Franklin's cartoons will finally debut in print form. Her book will be officially presented at a vernissage in the historic dining room of Emperor Maximilian I at Hasegg Castle in Hall, Tyrol.

After opening remarks by Joachim Stollhoff of Munzen & Medaillen GmbH (the book's publisher) and CoinsWeekly founder and editor Ursula Kampmann, the cartoonist will talk about her Franklin's World cartoon and the humor to be found in coins.

To read the complete article, see:
Notes Published: A new cartoon book for coin collectors—Franklin's World (https://news.coinupdate.com/notes-published-a-new-cartoon-book-for-coin-collectors-franklins-world/)

NEW BOOK: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHYSICAL BITCOINS

This Encyclopedia explores the recent phenomenon of physical crypto-currency and the infrastructure that surrounds it.

These are metal coins that reference various crypto-currencies of which Bitcoin is currently the most prominent. Many of these coins are funded with digital currency that can be extracted and used at will. Others are themed to celebrate the emergence of digital currency.

The new hobby of collecting physical Bitcoin and related crypto-currencies has created an expanding industry in which dozens of companies and individuals create and sell their coins to a growing market of collectors. This work covers 57 such manufacturers. There is also a thriving trade in pre-owned coins. Physical crypto-currencies have become rare objects with the highest value sale to date reaching one million dollars on the re-sale market.

This Encyclopedia provides the intrigued reader with an in-depth understanding of the subject and equips the collector with an excellent reference source.

Physical crypto-currency is worthy of study because it is evidence of the notable technological and social progress relating to the continued development of a new system of value. The concept of a digital currency that is based on mathematical principles is simply revolutionary, and will in one way or another eventually reshape the world and society in which we live.

These coins are the artifacts of that future.

Publisher : Cryptonumist;
Revised, from Original Softcover ed. edition (November 18, 2016)
Language : English
Hardcover : 286 pages
ISBN-10 : 0995089922
ISBN-13 : 978-0995089921
Item Weight : 1.83 pounds
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.94 x 11 inches

For more information, or to order, see:
Encyclopedia of Physical Bitcoins and Crypto-Currencies, Revised Edition (https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Physical-Bitcoins-Crypto-Currencies-Revised/dp/0995089922/ref=sr_1_1)

To read the complete article, see:
GreatCollections Offering First PCGS-Certified Casascius Physical Bitcoin (https://coinweek.com/auctions-news/greatcollections-offering-first-pcgs-certified-casascius-physical-bitcoin/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
PHYSICAL BITCOINS, BOGGS, AND EXPENSIVE PIZZA (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n42a07.html)

LECTURE: BANK OF ENGLAND MONEY TALK

 

We are presenting a series of live online talks via MS Teams to delve into our history and current work. Our latest talk will be on Friday 12 November 12.30-1.30pm

Talking about money can be a taboo subject for some. Let our curator, Kirsty Parsons, ease you into these conversations through our collection. During the talk, we will explore some of the interesting stories behind money, how currency gained value, and much more!

Join curator Kirsty Parsons for a free online talk as she eases you in to conversations about money through items in our collection.

Kirsty will share fun and interesting stories about money, explore how currency gained value, how money really can talk, and much more!

To register for the talk, see:
Museum virtual talk - Talk Money Week - 12 November at 12.30-1.30pm (https://kslink.me/f/41591058/127e/)

 

NNP: VINTAGE PUBLICATIONS OF Q. DAVID BOWERS

Mint Master Covers Vintage Publications of Q. David Bowers

The November 2021 issue of The Mint Master, issued by the Utah Numismatic Society, includes a feature article on vintage house publications of Q. David Bowers. Doug Nyholm writes, Q. David Bowers began his numismatic career in the early 1950's and in April of 1958 his Bowers Coin Company merged with the Triple Cities Coin Exchange to form the Empire Coin Company. Shortly thereafter the 1st edition of Empire Topics was published with the date of May-June 1958. Empire Topics was continued by The Bowers Review and Empire Review. Later Bowers house organs include the long running Rare Coin Review, Numismatic Sun, and the little known Paper Money Review (2006), of which two issues were published.

Nyholm recently asked Bowers if he might ever issue another hardcopy newsletter. Bowers felt not, as the Internet has completely changed the landscape for such dealer publications. Instead of eagerly snatching the latest Rare Coin Review from the mailbox, today's collectors anxiously refresh web pages waiting for their favorite coins to appear.

Image: cover of Empire Topics, December 1958 - January 1959 issue

Link to The Mint Master on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/533919

Link to Rare Coin Review on Newman Portal
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/512756

VIDEO: THE COIN MARKET WITH PATRICK PEREZ

Patrick Perez Offers Coin Market Insight and CDN Updates at ANA Coin Convention 2021.
VIDEO: 9:16.

Patrick Perez, Editor, CDN Publishing,
David Lisot, Interviewer, Coin Television.com.

Editor of the Greysheet, Greensheet, and Coin Dealer Newsletter, Patrick Perez shares his perspective of the first American Numismatic Association Convention in more then one year since the COVID outbreak.

An excerpt of the video is available for viewing on the Coin Television YouTube Channel at:
https://youtu.be/FdnAK-NxPzQ

 

VIDEO: ANS COAC 2021

 

Our first hybrid conference is now available to watch. The 2021 Coinage of the Americas Conference delved into famed sculptor Victor David Brenner to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth in 1871. Sponsored in association with the Resolute Americana Collection and the Stack Family, this was the first COAC since 2009.

Francis D. Millet and Victor Brenner: The Path to the Penny
Jonathan Kagan

Victor D. Brenner and the Medallic Art Company
Jesse Kraft

Victor D. Brenner and the Prince Henry of Prussia Medal
Peter van Alfen

Victor David Brenner's Society of the Cincinnati Medal in Context
Patrick McMahon

A Song to Brenner: Public Art and Sculpture in the Round
Taylor Hartley

A Trial List of Non-Medallic Sculpture by Victor D. Brenner
Scott H. Miller

Victor D. Brenner and the Painterly Influence of Joaquín Sorolla
Christopher J. Bach

New Discoveries in the Works of Victor D. Brenner
?Jesse Kraft, Patrick McMahon, and Scott H. Miller

LINCOLN'S LEGACY: MONEY OF THE CIVIL WAR

 

This special Living History Program couples an established Abe Lincoln Interpreter with Co-Authors of the recently released book, Minting, Printing & Counterfeiting in the Civil War.

According to Mr. McBride, Secretary of PAN and himself a highly-regarded living history interpreter representing statesman Benjamin Franklin,

 

Money Matters of the Civil War Tales with Abe Lincoln will include:

• 1861-1864: Lincoln appeals to Loyal Women from the steps of the US Treasury Building---Homefront Sanitary Fairs Raise Money
• 1862, 63, 64: Lincoln Authorizes 3 new U.S. Branch Mints in the West to make up for shortages of small change
• 1862: Legal Tender Act - Lincoln authorizes US Greenbacks as legal tender to pay for the war - Greenbacks open the door for Treasury Girls
• 1865: Secret Service – Curtails Rampant Counterfeiting

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
PAN TALK: MONEY MATTERS OF THE CIVIL WAR (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n43a08.html)

 

WHITMAN FOLDER BANQUET PROGRAMS

 

Dave Lange writes:

       

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: OCTOBER 31, 2021 : Tom Uram and the PAN Banquet Programs (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a18.html)

JEAN COHEN'S LINCOLN CENT BOOK

 

There was a recent discussion of the Howard Newcomb book on cents and similar publications that reproduced the author's handwriting rather than being typeset. This reminded me of something along that line that I meant to submit earlier.

A book I bought a few years ago is Jean Cohen's massive work on Lincoln Cent varieties that was published in 1969. While the text is in conventional printing, the book is illustrated with standardized line drawings furnished by error/variety specialist Mort Goodman and then meticulously drawn on by Cohen herself. There are over a dozen categories covered, most of them minor flaws of the sort that seemed to obsess collectors during the 1960s. Cohen drew exactly what she saw on the coins, producing thousands of illustrations that fill this 600-page book. A cloth-covered volume, it is quite heavy, and I had to pay more for the postage to ship it to me than the book cost!

   

All of the information has been superseded by later works or simply rendered irrelevant by time, so I did not acquire the book for its reference value. Instead, I just had to own something over which the author clearly spent so many hours drawings squiggles and blobs. The sample pages attached only begin to hint at the amazing variety and breadth of the illustrations.

I couldn't find out much about Jean Cohen. It doesn't appear that she belonged to the ANA; at least, I couldn't find a membership application for her. According to the NNP she did have some brief articles published in Coin World during the late 1960s, but I wasn't able to read them. About the only thing I can add to her story is the presentation letter found within my copy of the book. I can't say for certain who "Frank" is, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were Frank G. Spadone, who did so much to promote these same sort of minor errors and varieties. I couldn't locate any review from 1970, when the letter was written, but I did find one written by Alan Herbert in the August 1973 issue of The Numismatist.

   

 

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: NOVEMBER 7, 2021

You Misplaced WHAT?!
In a November 4, 2021 David Lawrence Rare Coins email blast, John Brush wrote:

 

The Travel Car Coin Museum
Carol Bastable writes:

 

To read the lot description, see:
World's Greatest Travel Car License Plates Coin Stamp Collection Card/Postcard (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Worlds-Greatest-Travel-Car-License-Plates-Coin-Stamp-Collection-Card-Postcard-/353653919739)

The First Buffalo Nickels

  Bob Van Ryzin writes:

At the July 11, 1934 meeting of the Chicago Coin Club, as reported in the August 1934 issue of The Numismatist, Chicago Coin Club president J. Henri Ripstra "announced the recent death of Franklin McVeigh, former Secretary of the Treasury, and told of his presenting buffalo nickels to members of the Chicago Numismatic Society several months before they were issued for circulation."

Bob adds:

Willard Hotel Tokens
Regarding the Willard Hotel, Dave Schenkman writes:

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
GREENBACKS AND THE WILLARD HOTEL (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a13.html)

Marika Somogyi Free-Standing Medal
Mel Wacks writes:

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
VOCABULARY TERM: FREE-STANDING MEDAL (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a11.html)

Commemorative Legal Tender Coins Spent in the U.S.?
Regarding the story about a British man who tried to pay for petrol with a £50.00 commemorative coin and was arrested by the police, David Pickup writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
SPENDING LEGAL TENDER COMMEMORATIVE COINS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n43a32.html)

Georgia Railroad Scrip Payable in Confederate Treasury Notes
Rebecca Rush of Talisman & Coiner Productions writes:

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: OCTOBER 31, 2021 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a18.html)

Holabird Numismatic Sales
Fred Holabird writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
HOLABIRD AMERICANA 2021 AUTUMN AUCTION (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n43a20.html)
SELECTIONS FROM THE HOLBIRD 2021 AUTUMN SALE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n43a21.html)

The Roman Representation of a Peacock

 

Mike writes:

To read the complete lot description, see:
Mariniane (254-258). Antoninien ND (257), Rome. (https://www.biddr.com/auctions/mdcmonaco/browse?a=2096&l=2301008)

"Authenticated" Counterfeit Coins
Jack D. Young writes:

 

To read the complete articles, see:
From the Dark Corner: An Authenticated Counterfeit 1882 Great Britain Shilling (https://coinweek.com/counterfeits/from-the-dark-corner-an-authenticated-counterfeit-1882-great-britain-shilling/)
From the Dark Corner: An Authenticated Counterfeit Gold No Stars 1796 Quarter Eagle (https://coinweek.com/counterfeits/from-the-dark-corner-an-authenticated-counterfeit-gold-no-stars-1796-quarter-eagle/)

CloudCoin

The Theory of a Perfect Money (https://2018.freedomfest.com/theory-perfect-money-sean-worthington/)

Beyond Bitcoin: The Future of Digital Currency (https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bitcoin-Future-Digital-Currency-ebook/dp/B076MQCRG6)

16 essential differences between grandfather Bitcoin and the agile CloudCoin (https://medium.com/cloudcoinconsortium/16-essential-differences-between-grandfather-bitcoin-and-the-agile-cloudcoin-5b7876dfb51f)

Sean Worthington: Beyond Bitcoin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ag1d_jEW0s)

Sean Worthington from CloudCoin talking to Kevin Harrington of Shark Tank || cloud coin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6DofFxkfNk)

https://cloudcoin.global/

Denver Mint Wooden Box

I have a wooden box dated 1913 that says Property U.S. Government Mint and artwork of the Buffalo nickel on its side. Do you know who made it? Readers came through on this question published in the May 7 issue. Tennessee dealer Gayle Pike writes: I used to have one. It came from a company called Service Merchandise, sort of a catalog/discount store. I got mine mid to late 1970s, maybe very early 1980s and bought it at the Service Merchandise in Memphis. Seems to me they were around $20. I remember thinking it was high for a wood box, but bought it because it had coins on it.

To read the complete article, see:
Wooden box origins described by reader (https://www.numismaticnews.net/archive/wooden-box-origins-described-by-reader)

 

Here's the eBay lot:
Rare 1913 Vintage Buffalo Nickel Crate - Denver Mint, Coin Collector, US Gov't (https://www.ebay.com/itm/203689142125)

QUERY: HUMBLE OIL MEDAL

 

John Catiller writes:

PHILADELPHIA LONGACRE NUMISMATIC FELLOWSHIP

 

The Library Company of Philadelphia welcomes applications for a new fellowship to explore the social and political history of the U.S. Mint and numismatics during the early 1840s to late 1860s as it relates to the political, economic, and social environment leading up to and immediately following the American Civil War.

The Numismatic Innovation Fellow will conduct research focused on the Library Company's James Barton Longacre Collection containing 1,300 engravings, drawings, correspondence, diaries, daybooks, and forty die trials from the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint from 1844 to 1869. Correspondence relates to topics, such as coin design, use of aluminum, Chilean coinage, and conflicts with Chief Coiner Franklin Peale (1795-1870). The Fellow will also have access to the Library Company's vast collection of books, graphic arts, manuscripts, and art & artifacts.

Possible research topics surrounding the U.S. Mint include, but are not limited to: political, economic, and historical background including influence by the various Mint Directors and Chief Engraver Longacre on the creation, design, and materials used for die-trials, patterns, and medals during this period. Explore our holdings on our website or contact Linda August, Curator of Art & Artifacts, laugust@librarycompany.org for more information. An inventory of the Longacre Collection is available upon request.

Award
The Fellow will receive a stipend of $5,000 and lodging at the Library Company's Cassatt House residence (1320 Locust Street) for four to eight weeks.

Requirements
The Fellow will be expected to commit four to eight weeks in residence at the Library Company. The fellowship will include the authoring of a series of blog posts or an online exhibition for the Library Company's website that is based on their research and in consultation with Library staff. They will also participate in a public program, such as a lecture, to be hosted at the Library Company. The entirety of the project must be completed by summer 2023.

The Fellow will launch their project with an exploratory meeting, as well as toward the end of the residency share their research process and findings, with Founding Sponsor Kurt Brintzenhofe.

Eligibility and Evaluation
We welcome proposals from scholars from a range of backgrounds and at all career stages, including graduate students; contingent, junior, and senior faculty; as well as independent scholars; and curators and collections staff at cultural institutions.

To read the complete article, see:
Numismatic Innovation Fellowship (https://librarycompany.org/numismatic-innovation-fellowship/)

STACK'S BOWERS GALLERIES IS HIRING

 

Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to make your hobby your career. Stack's Bowers Galleries is seeking motivated, knowledgeable numismatists on both coasts to join our world-renowned staff of experts. Our firm is expanding and now is a great time to make numismatics your profession. In all cases, compensation will be commensurate with experience.

For our Orange County headquarters we are seeking qualified numismatists who have a solid base of knowledge in the areas of U.S. coins and paper money or world coins and paper money, and enjoy writing and research. The position in each specialty includes processing consignments and helping to prepare authoritative, interesting descriptions of rare coins, tokens, medals, and paper money for our auctions and other presentations. Send your resume, writing samples, and other information to Careers@StacksBowers.com.

For our new Philadelphia Gallery, we are looking for a motivated individual with a general, broad-based interest in numismatics. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential as the position requires interaction with the public. Responsibilities will include helping clients with purchases and sales, communicating with clients via phone and email, securing auction consignments, and assisting with paperwork and inventory security. Interested? Contact Mark Schimel by phone at 212-582-2580 or by email at MSchimel@StacksBowers.com.

VOCABULARY TERM: GALLANTRY MEDAL

Gallantry Medal. A medallic item bestowed for noble and chivalrous behavior; early such medals were bestowed to knights, in modern times moreso to heroes of military action. Gallantry medals have followed the change in the definition of the word gallantry since the time of the crusades.

History of gallantry medals. In feudal times gallantry meant the chivalrous actions of men toward women, as the knight who was charged with the protection of ladies (as during travel). This noble action was the basis for some early orders, societies of men whose purpose was civilized behavior. (Makes one wonder what uncivilized conditions existed during feudal times!) These orders (societies) sometimes took on a religious manner, in others a military nature. They were often organized by royalty. The lowest rank was the knight or chevalier, with as many as four to seven classes, the highest class would be that of the king.

The badges of these orders were considered gallantry medals and each class was more distinct than those below it. Thus the class of the badge indicated the rank of the recipient, differing by larger size, more elaborate design, more jewel encrusted, in more precious metal and such. These decorations were usually made by jewelers and employed much of the technology of medal making (diestruck blanks, enameling, goldplating, fabricating, suspension and such).

Modern gallantry medals. In the middle of the 19th century medals were created and bestowed for gallantry – exceptional or brave action in military battle. England established the Distinguished Conduct in the Field Medal in 1854, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal in 1855, the Sea Gallantry Medal and others as military actions dictated, or with a new monarch (the Victoria Cross bore the portrait of the queen and was a gallantry medal). With the introduction of air battles, a gallantry medal for the Royal Air Force was established. Other countries followed in similar fashion in Germany, France and most combative countries of the world.

In the United States gallantry medals include the Congressional Medal of Honor, Purple Heart. These are made at the U.S. Mint and by private medal manufacturers; here again using much of the same technology of medal making discussed in this encyclopedia.

Gallantry medal distinction. To add distinctiveness (and exclusiveness) to a gallantry medal they are purposely designed with the full range of medal characteristics in mind. They are designed in unusual shape sometimes with exotic trimming, with openwork, sometimes with multiple enamel and enameling. Their suspension is more detailed, often with elaborate ribbons, headers and devices.

Since gallantry medals are the highest rank of a nation's decorations, they are purposely designed to look distinctive by shape and elaborate decoration. This is in contrast, say, with campaign medals or victory medals, which are both usually round and usually widely distributed to all who participated in a campaign or military service.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
Gallantry Medal (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/515975)

 

WILLIAM IDLER'S WILL

Last week I wrote about William and Robert Idler. As I was doing the research, Julia Casey sent me a copy of William Idler's will. It includes a couple of interesting provisions.

The will includes the typical legal boilerplate language found in a will. Idler directs that his bills should be paid and his property should be sold with the proceeds going to his heirs. Idler had five children and the estate should be distributed as five shares.

His oldest son, Jacob, died on November 24, 1900, and William's will was signed on the day of the funeral, November 28, 1900. William left one-fifth share to support his grandson, Lewis Idler. Another one-fifth share went to the children of his daughter, Mary Idler Brown. A third one-fifth share went to his daughter, Rosanna Idler Haseltine. Then the will gets interesting.

William Idler left two shares, each one-fifth of his estate, to his second son William Idler, Jr. He left nothing to his third son, Robert. Although he left nothing to Robert, Robert and William were named co-executors of the estate.

The will makes no specific mention of coins. They would have been included in personal property to be sold for the benefit of the estate. Traditional numismatic lore says that some rare coins passed from William Idler to his son-in-law, John W. Haseltine. However, William Idler's will gives nothing to John W. Hazeltine and one-fifth share to Haseltine's wife. There may have been an agreement within the family that Haseltine would sell the coins for the benefit of the estate, but this is only conjecture.

Robert Idler was not in the coin business before the death of his father. He may have joined Haseltine as a partner, but had little financial assets to put into the business and he presumably would have received nothing when Haseltine sold his father's coins.

As a legal document, Idler's will spells out his intentions in black and white. However, the actual application of the will leaves some puzzles unsolved.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WILLIAM AND ROBERT IDLER (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a12.html)

U.S. COIN DEALER ORGANIZATIONS

American numismatic trade organizations go back at least to 1946. Some formed to conduct lobbying efforts related to state and federal regulation of the industry. Some promoted standards of conduct to inspire confidence in customers. The regional and state organizations are primarily in the business of promoting coin shows. Many regional organizations serve the same function but don't include coin dealers in their name.

American Coin Dealers Association, Inc. (ACDA)

They established a code of ethics for dealers but were criticized for loose grading standards. Horace Grant was president in 1946 with Aubrey Bebee as vice president. Frank Katen was secretary before he specialized in numismatic literature. Initial membership dropped off and they faded around 1950.

Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG)

Aubrey Bebee was one of the founding members of the PNG in 1955. They had stricter standards for membership than the ACDA and remain active in 2021.

Retail Coin Dealers Association (RCDA)

The RCDA was organized around 1960. They conducted annual shows 1964 to 1974. Wilson F. Walters served as president and later as executive director.

National Association of Coin and Precious Metals Dealers (NACPMD)

This was founded in April 1981 as a lobbying organization. Burton S. Blumert was a director and executive director of the organization. They faded away around 1984.

Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA)

ICTA was formed about 1983 with Luis Vigor as chairman. It supports lobbying efforts for legislation related to commercial numismatics. The name was changed to The National Coin and Bullion Association in 2021.

National Coin and Bullion Association (NCBA)

NCBA is the new name for ICTA as of 2021.

State and Regional Organizations

Some organization names might raise suspicion. There is a dealer who advertises as past president of a dealer organization but that organization does not show up on a search of the Newman Numismatic Portal.

California Coin Dealers Association was incorporated in 1970.

California Professional Numismatists Association was incorporated in 1975. They stopped advertising in 1981.

Capital District Coin Dealers Association conducted shows in Albany, New York, 1974 to 2020.

Coin Dealers of San Diego County was noted only in 1981.

Dallas Coin Dealers Association (DCDA) was organized June 4, 1978. They conducted shows into 1984.

Hawaii Stamp and Coin Dealers Association was founded in 1982 and active up to 2020 (pre-Covid).

Minnesota Organization of Numismatists (M.O.O.N.), was formed about 1963 and conducted annual shows for more than fifty years. They announced that the October 2021 show would be their last show.

The Lehigh Valley Retail Coin Dealers Association changed their name to Pennsylvania Retail Coin Dealers Association, Inc. in 1975. Then they disappeared.

Professional Coin Dealers Association of South Florida conducted shows 1983 to 1992.

Retail Coin Dealers Association of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana held their first convention in 1961, and apparently their last.

Texas Coin Dealers Association (TCDA), organized in 1980 for Texas bullion dealers.

Utah Retail Coin Dealers Association left little trace in numismatic media.

There are probably other similar organizations that have not been mentioned.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
QUERY: RETAIL COIN DEALERS ASSOCIATION (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n20a17.html)
MORE ON THE RETAIL COIN DEALERS ASSOCIATION (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n21a18.html)
HANK BIECIUK AND THE RETAIL COIN DEALERS ASSOCIATION (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n22a12.html)
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 31, 2021 : Query: Maryland Dealer William Bromley (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n44a08.html)

HARVEY STACK'S NUMISMATIC FAMILY, PART 108

 

The year 1990 was one of renewed growth in the numismatic market. After the quick but major drop in the stock market in October 1987, it took until late 1989 into early 1990 for the market to regain what it had lost. Most businesses had been negatively affected and some had failed altogether. Some banks had failed, and many industrial stocks had difficulty surviving. However certain assets held their value or lost just a fraction of it. These were the tangible markets, such as precious metals, including jewelry. In a similar way the numismatic hobby was less affected than other businesses. It seemed those who had built collections, such as series of early federal issues and rare and unusual coins held on to their collections as a store of value, as well as a pastime they enjoyed and items they took pride in owning.

Assisting in this stability were the efforts that had been taken by the ANA and others to establish grading standards and increase accuracy by using a numerical grading system. While there were differences of opinion about this in the professional dealer community, it did make things clearer for those entering the hobby. Likewise, the establishment of PCGS and NGC in the second half of the 1980s provided a greater level of confidence to collectors that they were getting the product they were paying for. This confidence meant more and more people entered numismatics, which was good for everyone.

Stack's continued to provide wide ranging numismatic services, both in the New York store and through auctions and conventions. However, the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the next decade had some challenges to the Stack family and the business. I and my cousin, Norman, both were diagnosed with cancer (me with lymphoma and Norman with prostate cancer). This meant that we were not able to work as much as we had in the past, either in the store or on the road. We did stay involved, and I continued to work as much as I could. Norman continued to catalog from his house in Long Island, which was only a few blocks from my home and that of my son, Larry. We would drop things off in the evening and pick up what he had completed. Our staff provided wonderful support, often working into the night and on weekends so we could continue to grow and maintain our position in the hobby. The teamwork was exceptional and highly appreciated.

After more than 50 years in the business, Stack's was well established and maintained a client base of both buyers and sellers, as well as good support for our auctions. Stack's received enough consignments and collections to maintain our active public auction program and the market prices seemed advantageous to the sellers. Even with the challenges that the firm faced at this time, we were pleased to be able to present 11 separate auction catalogs that featured a number of prestigious collections and important pedigree coins. We opened the year with another offering from the important James A. Stack, Sr. Collection and the sales would continue throughout the year and include our 55th Anniversary Sale in October. In my next article I will give more details on the important events that made up our 1990 auction season.

To read the complete article, see:
Harvey Stack Remembers: Growing up in a Numismatic Family, Part 108 (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=harvey-stack-remembers-108)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
HARVEY STACK'S NUMISMATIC FAMILY, PART 107 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n43a15.html)

BETTS PERIOD OF DISCOVERY MEDALS

 

In Stack's Bowers Galleries upcoming auction of the E Pluribus Unum Collection, Part 3, we will offer 36 Betts Medals, as listed in American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals. These medals are interesting artifacts that document the past and allow us to relive history. As the Preface of the book states: "Medals are original documents in metal. In studying them we study history at its source. As contributions to the knowledge of the history of portraiture, dress and habits; as indices of then existing information in architecture, geography and the natural sciences; and as a means of restoring the knowledge of structures long destroyed, the aid of Medals is not to be over estimated." In short, C. Wyllys Betts thought that collecting medals as a source of historical documentation was important. As the E Pluribus Unum Collection, Part 3 approaches, we encourage you to consider the history that you can acquire. Not only are you purchasing a key medal for your collection, but you are purchasing original historical records of the past.

This week, we are featuring the first 33 Betts Medals, as listed in C. Wyllys Betts' original book. These first 33 medals are considered the Period of Discovery and cover the dates of 1556 to 1631. The medals shown here are historical auction records from past auctions at Stack's Bowers Galleries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To read the complete article, see:
An Archive of Betts Medals Reviewed in Advance of the E Pluribus Unum Collection (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=stacks-bowers-historical-archive-betts-medals)

To view the sale, see:
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/auctions/3-TWME2/the-november-2021-baltimore-auction-session-1-the-e-pluribus-unum-collection-part-3-peace-medals-washingtoniana-colonial-copies-lots-10001-10355

FRANK ROBINSON DECEMBER 2021 COIN AUCTION

 

Dealer Frank S. Robinson will conduct his 117th mail and internet auction of Ancient and Early Coins with a closing date of December 7. The sale will include 538 lots, with low minimum bids, and bids to be reduced as competition permits. Robinson notes that reductions have averaged 15-20% in his recent sales. There is no buyer fee.

 

Highlights include several very Choice classic Athenian owl tetradrachms; an AEF Baktrian Tetradrachm of Eukratides I, dynastic pedigrtee issue with busts of Heliokles and Laodike; a rare Elymais Tetradrachm with conjoined portraits of Kamnaskires III and Queen Anzaze; a Choice VF archaic Kaulonia stater; and a rare Parthian Tetradrachm of Mithradates I, Sellwood 13.2 in VF, as well as a VF drachm of Phraates and Musa.

 

Among Roman coins there is a choice grade Julius Caesar elephant denarius; an AEF/VF Nerva sestertius; and a Choice EF large bronze of Jovian. This sale will also feature offerings from Robinson's personal collections of early Spanish and English coins, a selection of early Chinese coins, mostly in group lots.

 

The auction further includes Byzantine and other early coinages, other group lots, literature, and a section of items offered at fixed prices.

 

Robinson holds about three auctions annually, and tries to offer a broad range of material for advanced collectors as well as bargain hunters. Catalogs are free; contact Robinson at Box 8600A, Albany, NY 12208; phone/fax 518-482-2639; e-mail frank@fsrcoin.com. The full catalog is at his website, www.fsrcoin.com.

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: NOVEMBER 7, 2021

Ionia Ephesus Drachma

Ionie, Éphèse. Drachme ND (IIIe-IIe s. av. J.-C.).

Argent - 4 g - 17 mm - 12 h

Pour un magistrat au nom de //A?IO//. TTB.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Ionie, Éphèse. Drachme ND (IIIe-IIe s. av. J.-C.). (https://www.biddr.com/auctions/mdcmonaco/browse?a=2096&l=2300960)

1700 Nuremberg 1/8 Ducat

Nuremberg (ville de). 1/8 ducat ND (1700), Nuremberg.

Fr.- ; Or - 0,43 g - 13,5 mm - 12 h

Très rare. Fantôme du mouton au revers. Superbe.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Nuremberg (ville de). 1/8 ducat ND (1700), Nuremberg. (https://www.biddr.com/auctions/mdcmonaco/browse?a=2096&l=2301028)

Edward the Elder Penny

Wessex, Edward the Elder (899-924), 'Two Line' Penny, Circumscription Cross Type, Gundbert, + EADVVEARD REX, cross pattée, rev. GVND | BERT MO in two lines, separated by a row of cross pattées, pellet above and below, 1.47g, 3h (SCBI 26, 141; SCBI 29, 437; North 649; Spink 1087),

To read the complete lot description, see:
WESSEX, EDWARD THE ELDER (899-924), 'TWO LINE' PENNY, CIRCUMSCRIPTION CROSS TYPE, GUNDBERT (https://live.spink.com/lots/view/4-452RH7/wessex-edward-the-elder-899-924-two-line-penny-circumscription-cross-type-gundbert)

1851 Great Exhibition Award Medal

101847 | GREAT BRITAIN. Great Exhibition bronze Award Medal. Issued 1851 and awarded to members of the council [here unawarded] (88mm, 12h). By W. Wyon & J. F. Domard (after H. Bonnardel) at the Royal mint in London.

BHM 2461; Eimer 1455. Gem Mint State. Deep red-brown surfaces, with a great glossy nature and delightfully problem-free fields and rims. A very rare offering of this medal presented to members of the council, with just 174 such pieces awarded, and this example assuredly standing as one of the finest and most problem-free.

To read the complete lot description, see:
101847 | GREAT BRITAIN. Great Exhibition bronze Award Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/101847)

Cut-Down "Copperhead" Cent

1854 US Large Cent

Coin has been shaved down to Half Cent size. Coin weight = 6.16 grams.

Used for secret identification by the "Copperheads" during the US Civil War.

From the internet: Copperheads (Peace Democrats) began to use the portrait side of copper coins as badges and tokens for identification and promotion of their cause during the early years leading up to the Civil War. They were considered "snakes" ("Copperheads") by the Unionists/Northerners.

To read the complete lot description, see:
1854 US Large Cent, Shaved Down To Half Cent Size, "CopperHead Cent", Civil War (https://www.ebay.com/itm/133920236662)

WWI Liberty Loans Relic Medal

Obverse: Victory Liberty Loans (eagle and building pictorial). Reverse: Awarded / By / The U.S. Treasury / Department / For / Patriotic Service / In Behalf Of The / Liberty Loans. Made From Captured German Cannons. 1" diameter, holed for suspension. Nice patina on this World War I collectible.

To read the complete lot description, see:
World War I Liberty Loan Medal Made from German Cannons [134163] (https://holabirdamericana.liveauctiongroup.com/World-War-I-Liberty-Loan-Medal-Made-from-German-Cannons-134163_i43490728?t=HEBNW2)

Football/Soccer Medal

To read the complete lot description, see:
Lot 1013: Vintage Medal (https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/Vintage-Medal-1013-c-0174838B83)

WEXFORD EBAY MEDAL SELECTIONS

1862 London International Exhibition Prize Medal

LISTING IS FOR A 1862- INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION PRIZE MEDAL, BRONZE, 77MM, BY L.C. WYON AFTER DESIGN BY D.MACLISE.

Obverse-BRITANNIA SEATED RIGHT, RECEIVING GIFTS FROM KNEELING FIGURES. THREE FEMALE FIGURES STANDING TO RIGHT, THE BRITISH LION CROUCHED IN FOREGROUND.

REVERSE- INSCRIPTION WITHIN CLOSED WREATH "1860/ LONDINI/ HONORIS/ CAUSA" (/PRESENTED/ AT LONDON BECAUSE OF DISTINCTION) UNAWARDED- NO ONES NAME IS ENGRAVED ON THE EDGE, PER THE CUSTOM FOR THIS PRIZE MEDAL. BHM 2747-EIMER1553

To read the complete lot description, see:
1862- International Exhibition, London, Prize Medal, Bronze, 76mm, 221 grams (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194456148569)

1891 Homage to Medalists Medal

LISTING IS FOR A 1891 ALPHONSE LECHEVREL,SC., "HOMAGE TO MEDALISTS" PLAQUETTE, SILVER, 48 X 66 MM, MONNAIE de PARIS. OBVERSE: NUDE FEMALE, SEEN FROM BEHIND, WRITES THE NAMES OF IMPORTANT MEDALISTS ON A SCROLL (SOME OF THE NAMES INCLUDE OUDINE, J.C. CHAPLAIN, ROTY, CHAPU, BOTTEE, DUPUIS); TO THE LEFT , MEDAL MAKING EQUIPMENT. REVERSE-LAUREL BRANCH. SIGNED BY LECHEVREL BOTTOM RIGHT OF TREE.

THE PLAQUETTE IS NOT COMMON IN BRONZE, BUT IT IS RARE IN SILVER! FORRER, VOL. 3, PP357-362, ILLUSTRATED P. 360

To read the complete lot description, see:
Alphonse Lechevrel, Sc.-1891, Homage to Medalists Medal, Silver, 48 x 66 mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194389049636)

1920 Dammann 'Feriam Sidera' Medal

LISTING IS FOR A 1920 PAUL MARCEL DAMMANN,SC., BRONZE MEDAL, 50 MM, "FERIAM SIDERA". OBVERSE- A NAKED WOMEN IS TYING HER WINGED SHOES TO HER FEET. A LONG FLOWING SCARF IS BLOWING IN THE WIND BEHIND HER. LEGEND: "FERIAM SIDERA" IS IN THE FRONT FIELD. THE SCULPTOR HAS SIGNED THE PIECE TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT M. DAMMANN.

REVERSE- TWO CRANES ARE IN FLIGHT FROM THEIR NEST WHILE TWO REMAIN. MEDAL IS NOT LISTED IN FORRER

To read the complete lot description, see:
1920- Paul Marcel Dammann, Sc., Feriam Sidera Medal, Bronze, 50 mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194389077247)

1945 Rene Chambellan Iwo Jima Flagraising Medal

LISTING IS FOR A 1945- SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS, # 31, RENE CHAMBELLAN,SC., 73MM, MACO, .999+FINE SILVER. OBVERSE-FLAG RAISING ON MOUNT SURIBACHI, IWO JIMA. REVERSE- TRUNCATED SWORD WITH HILT UP AND VICTOR'S PALM BEHIND. A GREAT HISTORICAL MEDAL AND IN FINE CONDITION, TOO! ONE OF ONLY 60 ISSUED!!!!

To read more about the iconic image, see:
Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raising_the_Flag_on_Iwo_Jima)

To read the complete lot description, see:
1945- Society of Medalists, # 31, Rene Chambellan, Sc., .999+ Fine Silver, 73mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194449183879)

1956 Porcelain East German Olympics Medal

1956-EAST GERMAN COMMEMORATIVE PORCELAIN MEDAL, MELBOURNE, 16TH OLYMPIC GAMES, WHITE MEISSEN PORCELAIN, PARTIALLY COLORED, 53MM. OBVERSE-COLOR RINGS WITHIN OLYMPIC MOTTO

REVERSE- 6-LINE LEGEND OF THE EAST GERMAN NOC.

THE GERMAN TEAM INCLUDED ATHLETES FROM EAST & WEST GERMANY. HOUSED IN ITS PRESENTATION CASE. A VERY NICE PIECE FOR YOUR OLYMPIC COLLECTION!

To read the complete lot description, see:
1956-East German Commemorative Porcelain Medal, 16th Olympic Games, Melbourne (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194455553944)

1985 NSS Henry Herring Memorial Medal

LISTING IS FOR A 1985- ALBINO MANCA, Sc.- NATIONAL SCULPTURE SOCIETY, HENRY HERRING MEMORIAL MEDAL AWARDED TO FRANK ELISCU ON MAY 14, 1985. IT IS GILT BRONZE, 76.5MM,MACO. AWESOME MEDAL DESIGN

To read the complete lot description, see:
1985 NSS Henry Herring Memorial Medal Awarded to Frank Eliscu Gilt Bronze,76.5mm (https://www.ebay.com/itm/194449032807)

To view all current lots, see:
https://www.ebay.com/str/wexfordrarecoinsandmedals/

JERUSALEM ESTATES COINS BUILDING NAMES

A Coin Is Worth More Than A Thousand Words

As we approach the Yom Tov of Chanukah, we've been taking a closer look at one of the historical Jewish coins in our collection. This incredible coin hails from the time of the Chashmonaim, and is called the coin of Matisyahu Antignos - the last king of the illustrious dynasty that fought for the preservation of Torah under oppression. The coin depicts the klei hamikdash, including the beautiful golden menorah that was lit every night by the Kohen Gadol.

 

The unique location and character of Jerusalem Estates meld naturally with the historic context of Yerushalayim, and especially with the historic coins which constitute a living testimony to the Jewish life which once flourished at this very spot.

It was for this reason that the architects of Jerusalem Estates decided to name each of the thirteen buildings for a historic coin, to bring the site full circle and connect it to our contemporary lives, as we long for those same days of glory.

 

The coins which have accompanied the Jerusalem Estates flagship project throughout its development were cast in three periods: the time of the Chashmonaim, the Great Revolt, and the time of Bar Kochba.They give expression to proudly proclaimed beliefs, like the inscription “ירושלים הקדושה”, as well as fervent hopes for a better future, such as the inscription “לגאולת ירושלים” from the Bar Kochba period.

Many more of these ancient artifacts remain under the surface, just waiting for our nation to return and settle the land once more.

Aaron adds:

For more information, see:
Schneller Orphanage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneller_Orphanage)

WEST NORFOLK MEDIEVAL GOLD COIN FIND

 

A hoard of early medieval gold coins discovered by two people with metal detectors is the largest of its kind ever found in England, reports Nadia Khomami for the Guardian.

Buried in what is now West Norfolk around 600 C.E., the trove of 131 coins and 4 gold objects is larger than a cache famously found at Sutton Hoo in 1939. (Earlier this year, the Netflix movie The Dig drew renewed attention to the excavation, which unearthed a purse containing 37 gold coins, 3 blank gold discs and 2 gold ingots, among other rare artifacts.) The region where both hoards were found—now eastern England—was once part of the Kingdom of East Anglia.

Prior to the newly publicized cache's discovery, the largest known coin hoard from the early medieval era (around 410 to 1066 C.E.) was a purse with 101 coins found at Crondall in Hampshire in 1828. According to Michel Shutterly of CoinWeek, the so-called Crondall Hoard was either lost or hidden between 635 and 650. The majority of the coins were gold pieces known as thrymsas. A separate hoard found in Staffordshire in 2009 constitutes the largest trove of precious metal from the period, but it contains no coins.

According to the statement, most of the coins are Frankish tremisses, a small gold coin minted in what is now France during the Late Antiquity period (around 284 to 700 C.E.). The cache also contains nine gold solidi, a larger coin from the Byzantine Empire worth about three tremisses.

To read the complete article, see:
See the Largest Trove of Early Medieval Gold Coins Ever Found in England (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/hoard-of-gold-coins-is-englands-largest-early-medieval-find-180979022/)

To read the complete article, see:
Largest Anglo-Saxon gold coin hoard found in Norfolk (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-59151380)

HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL

 

Last month Congressman Tom Suozzi attended a White House signing ceremony in the Oval Office as President Joseph Biden signed legislation to award the Harlem Hellfighters a long-overdue Congressional Gold Medal.

It is never too late to do the right thing. When I first met with the Willett family and listened to their stories, I knew we had to get this done and today, with the president's signature, the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act is now law, Suozzi said. Awarding the Harlem Hellfighters the Congressional Gold Medal ensures that generations of Americans will now fully comprehend the selfless service, sacrifices and heroism displayed by these men in spite of the pervasive racism and segregation of the times. I am grateful to the many people who helped see this long-overdue recognition come to fruition, including Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Adriano Espaillat.

Espaillat, of Harlem, is one of the lead co-sponsors of the legislation.

The Harlem Hellfighters' Congressional Gold Medal represents only the 179th ever awarded to institutions, people or events, since the American Revolution.

The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American infantry regiment in WWI that spent 191 days in combat, more than any other American regiment. In 1918, the U.S. Army decided to assign the Hellfighters to the French Army for the duration of American participation in World War I because many white American soldiers refused to perform combat duty with African Americans. The U.S. Army refused to issue the regiment weapons. They were instead issued French weapons, helmets, belts and pouches, although they continued to wear their U.S. uniforms.

Nicknamed Hommes de Bronze (Men of Bronze) by the French and Hollenkampfer (Hellfighters) by the Germans due to their tenacity, the Hellfighters were the first unit of the French, British, or American armies to reach the Rhine River at the end of the war. The unit earned 11 French citations and a unit Croix de Guerre and 170 soldiers were awarded the French Croix de Guerre.

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress, to honor those, individually or as a group, who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field, long after the achievement. The practice of issuing gold medals to honor recipients from the military began during the American Revolution.

The Congressional Gold Medal will be designed and struck by the United States Mint and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and at events associated with the Harlem Hellfighters. Bronze versions of the medals are struck for sale by the U.S. Mint, and may be available in both larger and smaller sizes.

There have been only two other Congressional Gold Medals awarded to distinguished African American military groups: the Tuskegee Airmen in 2007 and the Montfort Point Marines in 2011, both from World War II.

To read the complete article, see:
President Signs Harlem Hellfighters Bill: Regiment Earns Congressional Gold Medal (https://longislandweekly.com/president-signs-harlem-hellfighters-bill-regiment-earns-congressional-gold-medal/)

HIRAM FLEMING'S BANK OF CAIRO NOTE

 

Here at the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center in Jackson, assistant archivist Lyle Johnston often regales me with examples of atrocious spelling and cheap prices in files from the county's probate court, in the 1800s. Most of these are on the inventory and valuation taken for the deceased's estate auction, where "chizzles" and a "fawling leaf table" went for such staggeringly low prices that it's a wonder there were any proceeds to speak of. But these loose papers with their bare facts and scrolled handwriting hold a wealth of information.

Let's take the file for Hiram Fleming. Born in 1804, he was one of nine children of Revolutionary War veteran Mitchell Fleming. Hiram married twice, and had a daughter, Martha, with his second wife, Margaret Stephenson. Martha died at age 3, in 1846. He was only 38 when he died in 1843.

His file is typical in some respects: his heirs are listed; a complete inventory of items sold at his estate sale is included, as is a list of buyers; one page is marred by an inkstain. Overall, for papers that are close to 200 years old, they're in remarkably good shape.

A particularly unusual find in this file, though, is a piece of cash currency. A dollar bill from the Bank of Cairo at Kaskaskia, Illinois, is nestled in among these documents. Neither Lyle nor I had come across this before -- cash money was fairly rare in the 1840s in Southeast Missouri.

To read the complete article, see:
Hiram Fleming's banknote (https://www.semissourian.com/story/2916167.html)

ARTIST BURNS CASH

 

An anonymous artist is celebrating the anniversary of Satoshi Nakamoto's famous Bitcoin white paper publication in a novel way: by burning a whole lot of cash.

The controversial new art series will be launched via OpenSeas.io (a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace) on Halloween. Fiat's on Fire is a collection of NFT videos showing the burning of more than $10,000. It all kicks off with a hundred $100 bills being burned from various angles until they are all reduced to nothing more than ash.

The collection is part of a wider, combustion themed series, designed to highlight the growing inequities within our current financial systems.

 

For more information, see:
Fiat's on Fire (https://opensea.io/collection/fiats-on-fire)

To read the complete article, see:
Anonymous Artist Burns over $10,000 in Cash - NFT Week Begins Early (https://bywire.news/articles/anonymous-artist-burns-over-dollar10000-in-cash-nft-week-begins-early)

FAMILY HOLDS SOLDIER'S KEEPSAKE FOR 106 YEARS

 

A Palestinian family has presented an Ottoman soldier's keepsake to Turkey's mission in Jerusalem after handling it with exceptional care for over a century.

During World War I, an Ottoman soldier who was transferred to another front wrapped all of his money in a piece of cloth and entrusted it to the Palestinian Alul family's forefathers before moving on to his new assignment.

The family handled the keepsake with care for 106 years before handing it over to Turkey's Consul General in Jerusalem on Thursday.

Ragip Hilmi el-Alul, a family member, told Anadolu Agency that the story dates back to 1915, when the soldier gave his money to Sir Rusdu, a well-known shopkeeper in Nablus, saying, "I will take it back if I can return."

The soldier, whose identity was unknown to the family, never returned, and the grandchildren of Sir Rusdu continued protecting his keepsake, expecting that the soldier or one of his relatives would come to claim it.

The family presented the keepsake to Turkey's Consul General in Jerusalem, Ahmet Riza Demirer, in a ceremony held in the Nablus Governorate.

The soldier's or his heirs' names are unknown, Demirer said, adding Turkey will protect the keepsake as finely as the Alul family. "We promise that this keepsake will be a symbol of this friendship, this history," he added.

Wishing the keepsake will be handed down to an heir if one appears, Alul said: "We want this keepsake's story to be protected at a Turkish military museum."

To read the complete article, see:
Palestinian family protects Ottoman soldier's keepsake for over century (https://www.aa.com.tr/en/life/palestinian-family-protects-ottoman-soldiers-keepsake-for-over-century/2412824)

LOOSE CHANGE: NOVEMBER 7, 2021

Antiquities Regulation Update
 

To read the complete article, see:
EP136: Peter Tompa updates antiquities regulations and its effect on numismatists (https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/cwpod_ep136)

Coin Found in Holding Cell for Gladiators

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Roman gladiators, doomed prisoners and wild animals anxiously awaited their fate in a small room at the Richborough amphitheater in southeastern England. Now, reports Jack Malvern for the London Times, archaeologists have identified the ruins of this ancient carcer, or holding cell.

In addition to the amphitheater, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a triumphal arch and other structures in and around Richborough. Made of chalk and turf, the amphitheater was large enough to seat 5,000 spectators. It would have hosted public spectacles and entertainment, such as wild animal hunts, executions and gladiatorial combat.

Researchers have discovered a trove of artifacts during the dig, which began in mid-September and is set to conclude this month. Finds include butchered animal bones, coins, personal items, pottery fragments and the skeleton of a cat.

To read the complete article, see:
Holding Cell for Gladiators, Doomed Prisoners Found at Roman Amphitheater in England (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/holding-cell-for-gladiators-and-doomed-prisoners-found-at-dig-site-in-england-180978996/)

Derbyshire Iron Age Hoard Declared Treasure
 

Five rare Iron Age gold coins found in a field in Derbyshire have been declared as treasure.

The coins, which have stylised wreath and horse patterns, were found in a farmer's field near Whitwell in 2019.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard they dated to the 1st Century BC and may have been produced by the Cornovii tribe.

The coins will now be valued before any reward is divided between the landowner and finders.

To read the complete article, see:
Derbyshire Iron Age gold coin hoard declared as treasure (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-59177436)

Fake Banknotes Imported to Japan
 

Two Vietnamese nationals working in Japan who have been indicted for circulating counterfeit currency were served fresh arrest warrants by Tokyo police on Nov. 4 on suspicion of importing counterfeit old 10,000-yen (about $88) notes with a portrait of the 6th-7th century Japanese prince Shotoku Taishi printed on them.

In relation to the latest arrests, the pair are suspected of working with third parties in around early September to hide 400 bogus 10,000-yen bills in international mail, and importing them by sending the package from a post office in Vietnam to Narita Airport in east Japan's Chiba Prefecture. Some 530 counterfeit 10,000-yen notes have been confiscated from the suspects' home and elsewhere.

To read the complete article, see:
2 Vietnamese nationals suspected of importing fake Japanese banknotes arrested again (https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211105/p2a/00m/0na/007000c)

Lebanese Carry Worthless Stacks of Cash

Restaurant owner Antoine Haddad has been in business for over 35 years but says he is running out of hope as Lebanon struggles with one of the deepest financial crises of modern times.

The Lebanese pound lost around 90% of its value in the past two years, propelling three quarters of the population into poverty.

Pub-owner Moussa Yaakoub is also taken aback by the amount of cash he needs to run his business.

"I have never before held in my hands this amount of money," he said as he counted some 10 million pounds, worth $6,600 at the pre-crisis rate but now less than $500 at the market rate.

That much money used to cover a pub's operation for months, but now only pays a couple of bills, he said.

To read the complete article, see:
Lebanese carry 'worthless' stacks of cash after currency crash (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanese-carry-worthless-stacks-cash-after-currency-crash-2021-11-03/)