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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!

 

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 19, 2021

No new subscribers this week. We now have 6,718 subscribers.

Thank you for reading The E-Sylum. If you enjoy it, please send me the email addresses of friends you think may enjoy it as well and I'll send them a subscription. Contact me at whomren@gmail.com anytime regarding your subscription, or questions, comments or suggestions about our content.

This week we open with Alain Poinsignon numismatic library sale results, one new book, Q. David Bowers, print-on-demand, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, notes from readers and more.

Other topics this week include Philadelphia Mint Melter and Refiner James C. Booth, former Coin World editor Beth Deisher, dealers Ray Burns and Ian Laing, American artist Benjamin West, Numismatic Centurians, the Cartagena Convention, auction previews, First Coinvestors, banknotes of Afghanistan and Columbia, and Christmas in numismatics.

To learn more about Leo Hamburger, Adolph Hess, George Hearst, Henry Cogswell, Karl Moulton, Jorge Proctor, photo certificates, dictators on coins, money in movies, the burin graver, Gadsby's Tavern, the Husum taler, the Fairy Tale King, Pepin the Short, and the ancient Celtic coinage of Britain, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

KÜNKER POINSIGNON LIBRARY SALE RESULTS

Our three-day eLive Premium Auction 357 ended with the final part of the numismatic library of Alain Poinsignon.

We would like to thank all participants for their great interest and active participation. For some of them the hammer fell only after very long bidding battles. Of particular interest were the auction catalogs of the Parisian auction house Etienne Bourgey as well as the Frankfurt/Main based auction houses Adolph E. Cahn and Adolph Hess. Furthermore, the fixed price and auction catalogs of Dr. Jacob Hirsch, Munich and the Italian coin dealer Rodolfo Ratto received great interest.

We would especially like to thank Alain Poinsignon for his confidence in us. With the auction catalogs 342/344 and 357, we hope that we have been able to create a lasting memorial for his numismatic library. Even though the publications will pass into new hands through the auction, the auction catalogs are not only intended to commemorate Alain Poinsignon, but to encourage all coin enthusiasts to build up a numismatic library of their own.

Lot number 3011
JOSEPH BAER, SOTHERAN & CO.
Auktion vom 7.10.1872 u.f.T., Frankfurt/Main.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 340 euros.

Lot number 3035
G. THEOD. BOM & ZOON
Auktion vom 17.-22.12.1888, Amsterdam.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 430 euros.

Lot number 3153
ETIENNE BOURGEY
Auktion vom 2.-6.3.1925, Paris [Maurice Carpentier].
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 350 euros.

Lot number 3169
ETIENNE BOURGEY
Auktion vom 7.-12.5.1930, Paris [Maurice Carpentier].
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 310 euros.

Lot number 3192
ADOLPH E. CAHN
Auktion [9] vom 25.2.-2.3.1901, Frankfurt/Main.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 490 euros.

Lot number 3267
ADOLPH E. CAHN
Auktion 83 vom 17.7.1933 u.f.T., Frankfurt/Main.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 700 euros.

Lot number 3648
LEO HAMBURGER
Auktion [76] vom 19.10.1925 u.f.T., Frankfurt/Main.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 800 euros.

Lot number 3771
ADOLPH HESS
Sammelband von Festpreiskatalogen [5; 11] der Kollektion Montenuovo.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 400 euros.

Lot number 3812
ADOLPH HESS NACHF.
Komplettausgabe der 3 Auktionskataloge der Sammlung Meyer-Gedanensis.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 525 euros.

Lot number 3887
ADOLPH HESS NACHF.
Auktion [142] vom 10.-14.3.1913, Frankfurt/Main.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 525 euros.

Lot number 4012
DR. JACOB HIRSCH
Auktion 11 vom 4.5.1904, München.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 950 euros.

Lot number 4014
DR. JACOB HIRSCH
Auktion 13 vom 15.5.1905 u.f.T., München.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 850 euros.

Lot number 4930
ADOLPH WEYL
Konvolut von Festpreislisten, Berlin 1879-1900.
Estimate: 10 euros, Hammer price: 1.450 euros.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
POINSIGNON LIBRARY, INTERNATIONAL COIN TRADE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n48a04.html)

 

NEW BOOK: GEORGE HEARST

Hearst was born in 1820 into modest yet comfortable circumstances in Missouri, where his father owned three small farms. Farming interested young George not at all, but when he was 15, lead was discovered near his home. The subsequent diggings fascinated him. I think I was naturally a mineralogist, he would write years later. The knowledge seems to me instinctive.

When gold was discovered in California, Hearst headed west with plenty of competition: There were perhaps 800 San Franciscans before the metal revealed itself at Sutter's Mill. By the time Hearst arrived, in the fall of 1850, the city's population had swelled to 25,000, with more than 100,000 hopefuls scouring the riverbeds.

Hearst joined them, and after some discouraging months seeking gold along the rivers—which were overcrowded and quickly exhausted—he turned to the mountains. By then he was looking for quartz, not because it was valuable, but because he had learned that during the volcanic birth of California's coastal mountains, streams of molten quartz carried gold along with them and imprisoned it as they cooled.The knowledgeable prospector could crack open a stone and see within its snowy depths a gleaming yellow filling. Hearst's friends gave him the name Quartz George.

Then came Washoe, part of Utah Territory at the time. Hearst had heard about silver deposits there, and bought a share of a mine. At first nobody believed that the ore he brought back to San Francisco was valuable, but finally the head of the San Francisco Mint agreed to give it a look—he offered Hearst and his associates $91,000 after costs, or about $3 million today, for what turned out to be one of the earliest extractions from the Comstock Lode. After that, the money never stopped.

Nor did Hearst. In the following decades he traveled throughout the West, sometimes coming up dry, more often not. Some 65 miles outside of Butte, Mont., in 1883, Hearst began digging at the Anaconda Mine, where they struck a bed of pure copper. Continuing to delve, they found that the bed was thirty to forty feet wide and descended more than a thousand feet. In other words, Mr. Bernstein writes, it was the greatest copper strike on the planet.

He had a rival in Clarence King, a fellow appraiser of mines. Both the Southerner and the Westerner in Hearst disliked what Mr. Bernstein describes as King's high-minded northern sensibilities. King, for his part, remarked that Hearst was bitten on the privates by a scorpion; the latter fell dead.

Perhaps inevitably for a man of his wealth, Hearst went into politics, ending his days as a Democratic senator from California. This is surely the least appealing part of his career. Still, there is a warmth to the man that makes him good company throughout the book, and charm in his downright language, as when he said, When I was young I had very strong religious views, and was brought up to a thoroughly orthodox way; but after leaving home my ideas got broader, and on studying these things for myself, without any influence from parents, or ministers, I came to the conclusion that I knew just about as much about it as anybody, and I knew nothing.

To read the complete article (subscription required), see:
'George Hearst' Review: A Head for Metals (https://www.wsj.com/articles/george-hearst-review-a-head-for-metals-11639345597)

 

COINWEEK ON DAVE BOWERS' RETIREMENT

Quentin David Bowers, better known in numismatic circles as Q. David Bowers and known to his family and friends as simply Dave, has announced his retirement as a columnist from both The Numismatist and Coin World.

He has accomplished much writing for both publications, earning the respect of generations of coin collectors and numerous awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild. As readers and consumers of both publications, his regular presence will be missed.

We have long been fans of Q. David Bowers' lengthy catalog of numismatic works. In fact, as is the case with so many in the hobby, we met Dave first through his columns and then his many numismatic books. Charles' first Bowers book was his 1983 treatment on the collecting life and accomplishments of Virgil Brand. Soon thereafter, we read other works in his back catalog: Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States (1993); Commemorative Coins of the United States (1991); The History of United States Coinage as Illustrated by the Garrett Collection (1979); United States Gold Coins: An Illustrated History (1984); and his novel and exciting work Adventures with Rare Coins, published in 1979.

His columns touch on many stories and side streets contained in his larger works, but the informality of his shorter work allowed collectors a more intimate insight into Bowers' point of view.

Q. David Bowers may have retired his two columns but Dave is still here for his family and friends and friends in the hobby. We are thankful and better off for Q. David's continued service and hope that the extra time he gives himself will now afford him the opportunity to continue the good work he most certainly has planned out.

To read the complete article, see:
Q. David Bowers Retires Two Major Columns As Storied Career Continues to Reshape Numismatics (https://coinweek.com/people-in-the-news/q-david-bowers-retires-two-major-columns-as-storied-career-continues-to-reshape-numismatics/)

BOWERS ON COLLECTING COLUMN RETIRED

The retirement of the ubiquitous and prolific numismatist, author, and columnist Q. David Bowers from his American Numismatic Association and Coin World columns was announced earlier this week. We at Coin Update and Mint News Blog have a similar announcement to make regarding his weekly Bowers on Collecting column. As keen readers may have already noticed, we have been publishing some more of his archived work in previous weeks as his active workload was gradually trimmed down toward retirement.

Bowers' earliest piece on Coin Update was Tribute to Saint-Gaudens by de Francisci, and he has since been a frequent contributor. In January 2018, his Bowers on Collecting column commenced, and ever since he has provided his unique insight to Coin Update readers on a weekly basis.

One can hardly think of numismatics without the name Bowers coming to mind. His work has inspired, enlightened, and contributed to the hobby in an incalculable number of ways. From his writing and consulting with Whitman Publishing (made formal in 2003 when he joined the firm as Numismatic Director), to his active roles in the retail and auction markets (since the 1950s), to fostering and collaborating in historical research (also since the 1950s, including as a founder of the Rittenhouse Society), Bowers has made his mark in every way a person can in the hobby. He is known for his encyclopedic memory about coins and the history behind them, recalling every detail in a manner so similar to his published content that the two are irrevocably married.

We will continue to rerun occasional articles selected from the archive of his weekly Bowers on Collecting column. And Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker assures Coin Update readers that there are new Bowers books in the works, covering U.S. quarter eagles and half eagles, private and territorial gold coins, obsolete paper money, the history of coin collecting in America since colonial times, and other topics, including his own autobiography.

Having personally worked with Dave Bowers, I can say it's been an experience I will never forget. Those of us in the hobby are undoubtedly standing on the shoulders of giants.

To read the complete article, see:
A legend retires (http://news.coinupdate.com/a-legend-retires/)

THE BENEFITS OF PRINT-ON-DEMAND

David Menchell wrote:

Jeff Rock wrote:

David writes:

Syd's book is a born-POD title, 8.5 x 11, 600 pages, full-color throughout on 70-lb. paper for the hardcover edition and 50-lb. for the paperback. We showed off a test-printing at the ANA World's Fair of Money earlier this year to great interest, and I am glad the book is now finally available for purchase. The ANS was gifted the completed manuscript by Syd's widow. Ute Wartenberg knew he was working on it prior to his passing, and I think he had literally dotted the last i and crossed the last t only a day or so before he died. Syd wrote the words and had literally hundreds of color images tied to the text. His wife knew where everything was, so it was easy to transfer the files. Jesse Kraft here at the ANS read the volume for content and was able to correct a few things, and then I line edited it to improve the English a bit and to whip it into ANS house style. I also typeset the volume and designed the cover, which features dozens of numismatic artifacts showcased inside the book. The manuscript and art were in such good shape that the book practically designed itself, and I am thankful for Syd's care and attention to detail.

As for POD generally at the ANS, we are intending to use it for the following:

1. Rescuing out-of-print books and journal numbers, ensuring quality and using the same design files or high-definition scans of our very old titles. While not a first printing, the content and size will remain the same as originally published and will also be branded as official ANS publications. This will protect the buyer from either over-spending or purchasing a cloned copy of an ANS work being sold by predatory publishers on Amazon. People can buy directly from us.

2. On some occasions there are unbudgeted-for volumes (like Syd's) that require near-immediate production and publications. We can use POD to get around what might be (in his case) a $15,000 printing bill for a few hundred copies printed on spec.

3. Some books will be born-POD to keep things affordable for readers, especially younger people, graduate students, and hobbyists on a budget.

The ANS will not become 100% POD (at least for as long as I am here). Some books require offset printing and, as in the case of books featuring color reproductions of banknotes, stochastic printing, something POD just can't deliver. POD books should not be considered as second-class citizens. Case-in-point is Faustina the Younger, which is a born-POD book, which the author graciously allowed us to experiment with POD to our (and his) satisfaction. For cases where we publish something that might only sell less than 200 copies, POD seems to be an affordable route to take.

On the chance that a book is under-printed, we can do a second printing using POD instead of re-investing another $10k–$20k in a reprint, which might not sell out the second time around. We did this for White Gold and Coins of the Ptolemaic Empire, making both available in hardcover and paperback this time, while trying to keep prices down somewhat for readers who missed out on the initial run.

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
NEW BOOK: GREAT AMERICANS HALL OF FAME MEDALS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v22/esylum_v22n22a09.html)
ANS ANNOUNCES PRINT-ON-DEMAND PROGRAM (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n48a05.html)
NEW BOOK: COMMEMORATIONS OF WASHINGTON (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n48a06.html)

NEWMAN PORTAL ADDS JAMES C. BOOTH PAPERS

Newman Portal Adds James C. Booth Papers

The Science History Institute in Philadelphia holds the papers of James C. Booth, U.S. Mint Melter and Refiner in Philadelphia from 1849 to 1887. Newman Portal subsidized the scanning of this material earlier this year and this content is now available on NNP. Included are over 300 pieces of correspondence related to Booth's activities at the Mint.

An 1852 letter, for example, from Booth's brother-in-law notes

This letter refers to Richard McCulloh's pamphlets attacking Booth (published in 1851 and 1852). As Booth served in the Mint another 36 years after publication of this work, the charges seem to have not greatly threatened his career.

McCulloh wrote yet another pamphlet in 1853, this time attacking Chief Coiner Franklin Peale, a rare document highly prized by bibliophiles and better known than the works from 1851 and 1852. All three of the McCulloh pieces are available on Newman Portal.

Image: Extract of September 8, 1852 letter from Conrad William Faber to James Curtis Booth

Link to James C. Booth papers on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/544527

Link to Richard S. McCulloh pamphlets:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/booksbyauthor/1333

NNP NUMISMATIC NOTABLE: BETH DEISHER

Beth Deisher, In Her Own Words

Newman Portal has released the latest installment of its interview series, Numismatic Notables. This episode features a wide ranging discussion with Beth Deisher, Coin World editor from 1985-2012. From her time in Iran as a member of the International Farm Youth Exchange to working against counterfeiters in her retirement, Deisher offers opinions on the evolution of coin collecting and the related media coverage over the last generation.

Deisher played an important role as an advocate for coin collectors in Washington, D.C., and was instrumental in the formation of the States Quarters program and the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee. Deisher has had an insider's view of the legislative activity related to the U.S. Mint and reveals tidbits such as Donna Pope's crash course in numismatics upon her appointment as Mint Director in 1981. This episode was produced by Lianna Spurrier, Numismatic Marketing, and features Len Augsburger as interviewer.

Link to Beth Deisher interview on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/609452

VIDEO: CLEVELAND COIN DEALER RAY BURNS

Ray Burns Shows Overprint $20 Bill at PAN 2021
VIDEO: 2:53.

Ray Burns, Cleveland Coin Dealer, David Lisot, Interviewer, CoinTelevision.com. October 29, 2021.

Ray Burns has been in numismatics more than fifty years. At 80 years old he has seen a lot of coin shows. Hear Ray talk about the numismatic market and the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatics Coin Convention. Best of all he shows an example of a $20 bill overprinted that someone received from an ATM!

An excerpt of the video is available for viewing on the Coin Television YouTube Channel at:
https://youtu.be/JdZsQuSJ7R8

 

MORE ON HENRY COGSWELL

Michael Wehner writes:

To read the Loren Gatch article, see:
All Benefactors of Man I Claim as My Brethren: Henry D. Cogswell and his Fountains of Philanthropy (https://www.spmc.org/blog/%E2%80%9Call-benefactors-man-i-claim-my-brethren%E2%80%9D-henry-d-cogswell-and-his-fountains-philanthropy)

DR. HENRY DANIEL COGSWELL POLYTECHNICAL COLLEGE CHECK DATED 1899. With PORTRAIT of this NOTED SAN FRANCISCO DENTIST, TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT LEADER and the MAN WHO ESTABLISHED PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAINS ALL OVER the USA.

With SLOGAN... ALL BENEFACTORS OF MANKIND I CLAIM AS MY BRETHREN

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 12, 2021 : More on Dr. Henry D. Cogswell (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a12.html)

 

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 19, 2021

More on Karl Moulton
Dave Steine writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
KARL V. MOULTON (1953-2021) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a05.html)

More on George Orr's Clay Tokens
Steve Roach writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article and issue, see:
GEORGE OHR'S PROVOCATIVE CLAY TOKENS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a23.html)
Volume 24, Number 50, December 12, 2021 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/club_nbs_esylum_v24n50.html)

First They Came For The Statues...

To read the complete article, see:
First They Came For The Statues... (https://numismaticdetectives.com/blog/f/first-they-came-for-the-statues)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 5, 2021 : On Purging the Numismatic Record (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n49a09.html)
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 12, 2021 : More On Removing Published Material (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a12.html)

Steve Martin and Sam Buttrey
Bruce Bartelt writes:

Back when he made his big debut as a contestant on the show, Buttrey earned a flurry of comparisons to Steve Martin. He's got the platinum white hair, great sense of humor, and his voice even sounds a little like the Only Murders in the Building star's cadence. Audiences also found another Martin coincidence in the fact that Martin famously portrayed King Tut on Saturday Night Live and King Tut was one of the categories in his first game.

To read the complete articles, see:
'Jeopardy!' Fans believe the new finalist resembles Steve Martin. (https://washingtonnewsday.com/health-wellness/jeopardy-fans-believe-the-new-finalist-resembles-steve-martin/)
Steve Martin Doppelgänger Sam Buttrey Wins 'Jeopardy!' Professors Tournament (https://decider.com/2021/12/17/steve-martin-doppelganger-wins-jeopardy-tournament/)

Link to ANS library catalogue is:
Review Article : Calculating ancient coin production, again. / S. E. Buttrey and T. V. Buttrey. (https://donum.numismatics.org/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=152457)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 12, 2021 : Ted Buttrey's Son Sam on Jeopardy! (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a12.html)

Robert H. Lloyd and the 1934 ANA Convention Photo
Scott E Douglas writes:

Scott adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ABOUT ROBERT H. LLOYD (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a14.html)

Goebel Reeves and American Yodeling
Ken Berger writes:

Andrew Pollock writes:

Bruce Smith writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
TROUBADOURS OF THE TRAVEL CAR COIN MUSEUM (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a10.html)

How Could You Possibly Misspell "Pithecophaga Jefferyi" ?
Earl Honeycutt writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
PHILIPPINE 1000 PISO NOTE CORRECTED (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a25.html)

More Photo Certificates
Ken Berger writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ON KNIFE MONEY CERTIFICATION (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a11.html)

The Walking Dead Numismatists
Dave Lange writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ABOUT ROBERT H. LLOYD (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a14.html)

Dictators on Coins
Reader Steve writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: DECEMBER 5, 2021 : On Purging the Numismatic Record (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n49a09.html)

Money in Movies
Reader "Mr. Movie-Money Buff" Steve writes:

Query: Cuban Medal Information Sought

Michael Lueders writes:

1910 Wanamaker Santa Claus Medal

1910 Philadelphia Pennsylvania Merchant Token. Good Health Good Luck A Happy New Year For 1910 John Wanamaker. Merry Christmas with Santa Claus on obverse.

To read the complete item description, see:
1910 Philadelphia Pennsylvania Merchant Token Wanamaker Santa Claus Christmas (https://www.ebay.com/itm/203747181871)

Oxford Numismatic Society Christmas Greeting

For more information on the Oxford Numismatic Society, see:
http://www.coinclubs.org.uk/Oxford.htm

BENJAMIN WEST DESIGNS BRITISH COINAGE

Mitch Fraas writes:

To read the complete catalog, see:
https://www.williamreesecompany.com/images/upload/december121321-web-interactive.pdf

VOCABULARY TERM: GRAVER

Graver. A cutting or shaving tool used by an engraver to handcut metal, as a die or flat engraving. (Also a graver is the person who engraves by hand, but such a person is more apt to be called an engraver). The graver tool is held in one hand and each stroke is necessary for one bite at a time (the metal removed is called dead metal). Gravers remove metal to form the relief design or lettering and engravers can cut an image in either positive or negative. Gravers were used by the first coin engravers (600 bc) and still in use today, making them the oldest continuously used coin making tool in existence.

Gravers are made in a multitude of cutting faces and sizes, each engraving tool serving a different cutting function. These include:

The lozenge or burin is the most employed graver. It is also called a diamond point graver. Not only can it be used for very fine work, for detailing relief in diework, but also for lines in flat engraving. Its wedge-shaped cutting point is ideal since every stroke of this graver leaves a wedge- shaped trough that has beveled sides (necessary for dies to strike and withdraw, see bevel). The other gravers are used for specific functions as indicated.

An oldtime engraver may have dozens or hundreds of gravers, of varying ages, on hand – many duplicating each other – but will have a few favorites he uses moreso than others. In practice he will have laid out on his bench and use the one he just sharpened, or the handiest, or the one with the most comfortable handle.

Gravers are made of tool steel (in Switzerland, Germany and America); obviously the steel must be of greater hardness than the metal being engraved (see engraving). The basic tool is called a graver blank before the cutting end is shaped and before it is sharpened. The opposite end is called the tang, the tang fits into the handle. New steel gravers are sold without handles. Thus the engraver can choose a size and shape handle he prefers, or make his own. Remember, a craftsman is only as good as his tools, so an experienced engraver will devote a lot of attention to the important qualities of his tools.

Modern gravers are made of harder material, in carbide or cobalt steel. While they have less opportunity to chip, they require special attention in sharpening (as with a diamond wheel). Also some gravers have been attached to a flexible shaft and a small compressor that will pulsate or impact from 80 to 1200 times per minute, making these power gravers ideal for deep cutting and for removal of a gross amount of metal.

Sharpening engraving tools. Gravers must be maintained with a sharp cutting point, a fine abrasive oilstone was most used for sharpening (Arkansas oilstone among the best). These require a light coating of oil to lubricate the stone. With extensive sharpening, however, oilstones develop tracks and groves. Most modern engravers have chosen, instead, to use a ceramic stone for sharpening since it is permanent, does not require a lubricant and does not develop groves. It remains flat forever.

Mechanical sharpeners are available that hold the graver, handle and all, in perfect fixed position during sharpening. Power hones offer a rotating grinding wheel, while the graver is held in a similar fixed position. If a burr forms on the end of a graver – from any kind of sharpening – it is removed by simply jabbing it into a block of wood.

To test the sharpness of his graver, an engraver will make a tiny cut on one of his fingernails. Professional engravers can be identified by the great number of such small cuts on a thumbnail – opposite the hand from the one which he normally holds a graver. (Thus a right handed engraver will test the thumbnail on his left hand!)

Parts of the graver. The drawings identify the parts of a typical graver – face, heel, shank or tang, and handle – also how the graver is held, and the angle at which it should be used is illustrated. Handles come in different shapes, lengths and with optional flat sides. Flat-sided handles are necessary to allow room for the fingers when cutting shallow furrows (and to keep gravers from rolling off the workbench.)

In the past most engravers made their own gravers as well as other tools, or obtained these from the estates of engravers who died. Constant sharpening shortens their length, but they never wear out. Broken or chipped gravers are simply ground smooth and sharpened again. See engraving.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
Graver (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/516014)

100-YEAR-OLD NUMISMATISTS

There have been previous attempts in The-Esylum to identify numismatists who have lived to the age of one hundred. I am updating the list from my notes. Perhaps some don't qualify as a numismatist, but if they have been mentioned, they are included.

Carl G. Boehmer (5/8/1906 – 6/8/2011) lived 105 years, joined the ANA in 1936 as member 5422, and just qualified as a 75-Year Member.

James E. Charlton (7/26/1911 – 9/20/2013) lived 102 years. He was life member 1677 of the ANA, joining in 1950 and being a member for 63 years.

William S. Dewey (12/5/1905 – 4/2/2006) lived 100 years, joined the ANA in 1933 and became life member #52 in 1939 making him a member for 73 years.

Edward Gans (8/30/1887 – 2/13/1991) lived 103 years, joined the ANA in 1940 and was honored for 25 years in 1965.

Dr. Jesse C. Green (12/13/1817 - 7/26/1920) lived 103 years. He was not an ANA member but was mentioned in The Numismatist upon his hundredth birthdate and again upon his death. The Numismatist speculated that he was the oldest collector in the United States.

Robert L. Hendershot (8/7/1898 – 3/22/2005) lived 106 years, joined the ANA in 1931 as member 3867, and was a member for 74 years.

Genevieve T. Herdegen (8/30/1886 – 7/12/1989) lived 102 years. She made a donation to the ANA of the Robert T. Herdegen Collection and was given an ANA Medal of Merit. There is no indication that she was a collector or a member of the ANA.

Clyde Hubbard (2/26/1916 – 11/9/2020) lived 104 years, joined the ANA in 1950 as member 18455 and was a member for 70 years.

Honora Nora W. Hussey (3/26/1915 - 11/8/2020) lived 105 years. She served as superintendent of the Denver Mint. She was not an ANA member.

Robert Hepworth Lloyd (5/18/1906 – 10/10/2009) lived 103 years, joined the ANA in 1926 as member 3024, attaining 83 years of membership. He became the senior member of the ANA in 1995 following the death of 90-year-old John Amos West. Thus, he was senior member for 14 years.

George Francis Marlier (1/12/1868 – 9/1/1967) lived 99 years, 8 months. He was ANA member 102, joining on June 1, 1899, making him a member for 68 years. He had been the senior member of the ANA.

Eric P. Newman (5/25/1911 – 11/15/2017) lived 106 years. He joined the ANA in 1935 as member 4624 and was a member for 82 years. He would have been senior member of the ANA for eight years after the death of Lloyd in 2009.

Nellie Tayloe Ross (11/29/1876 – 12/19/1977) lived 101 years. She served as director of the Mint. She was not a member of the ANA.

Carl H. Subak (1/31/1919 – still living) is 102 years old, joined the ANA in 1948 as member 15379. He was last mentioned in The Numismatist in 1991 and did not get a 50-Year award.

Who is currently the senior member of the ANA? One possibility is Ken Bressett. He was born in 1928 and joined the ANA in 1947 as junior member 14350. He will qualify for the 75-Year Member Award next year, still well short of being a 100-year-old numismatist.

Kudos to Pete Smith for his thorough summary of longevity records for 75-year members of the A.N.A. It is surprising to learn how few actually remained active throughout their lives. 2022 will mark 75 years since 1947, and a time to once again consider those who may still be actively involved. After a bit of research I have found only two. Robert Hendershot joined the ANA in 1931 and was a member for 74 years. Sadly, he died at age 106, and missed his diamond anniversary.

Harvey G. Stack joined the ANA in 1947 as Junior Member J-14872, and is still very actively involved.

Kenneth E. Bressett joined the ANA a month or so before Harvey in 1947, as Junior Member J-14350, and is now Life Member #369, and still as active as ever.

The first ANA convention that I attended was Boston in 1948, and I have missed only five since then. I have also been involved with every ANA summer seminar since 1974. Other records show that I am also the longest active member of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, the Rittenhouse Society, the New England Numismatic Association, and possibly the American Numismatic Society.

One who truly enjoys every aspect of the hobby ---Ken Bressett

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
A.N.A. 75-YEAR MEMBERS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a15.html)

NORA W. HUSSEY (1915-2020)

Nora Hussey was not a collector but worked in industry as Superintendent of the Denver Mint. As such she qualifies for the list of 100-year-old numismatists.

She was born as Honora Lillian Walsh in New York City on March 26, 1915. Her parents were Michael and Lillian Rosenberg Walsh. She attended New York University and America College.

She was married to Shirley Beaumont Hussey (1913-2000) in Texas in 1946. They had no children. They made their home in Sturgis, South Dakota, in 1952. Shirley established Hussey Trucking Company to move livestock.

The Findagrave site for Shirley identifies his first wife as Louella Maureen Hansen Brooks. She married Shirley Hussey on April 4, 1941, and had a son, David.

While living in Texas, Shirley and Nora shared an interest in cowboys and rodeo competition. Nora worked as a bookkeeper and timer for events on the national rodeo circuit.

People get to become Superintendent of the Mint because of their service to their party. Nora was the first woman chairman of the Meade County Republican Party serving from 1964 to 1972. Then she served on the Republican National Committee from South Dakota, serving 1972 to 1981. She was the South Dakota chairman of the Reagan for President Committee, a delegate to the Republican National Nominating Convention and a Presidential Elector for Reagan in 1980. The president nominated her for Superintendent of the Denver Mint and she served 1981 to 1987.

Hussey established a good working relationship with the ANA. In 1982, she hosted visitors who came by bus from the ANA Mid-Winter convention in Colorado Springs. Later in June of 1982, she attended the dedication of an addition to ANA headquarters. Other tours were given during the ANA Summer Seminars. She also participated in educational forums at the California State Numismatic Society during her term in office.

She moved into Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Spearfish in 2012. As the end of her life approached, she was moved into Hospice House in Rapid City. She died there in Rapid City, South Dakota, on November 8, 2020. She is buried next to Shirley in Auburn, Washington.

In 1982, she was interviewed by Dr. Walter A. Ostromecki Jr, for Coin World. She was quoted, I am amazed at the great lengths collectors go to in pursuing the hobby interests. I am also intrigued at the high prices being paid for coins that are 50 or 100 years old. I didn't realize so many old coins were still around.

Walter Ostromecki later related a story about his interview with Superintendent Hussey. During his visit he was arrested by Mint security for taking a picture of the Superintendent's pink painted rest room. It turned out to be a practical joke orchestrated by Hussey. There was a video recording of Walter's daughter who was screaming and crying. She did not think the joke was funny.

HARVEY STACK'S NUMISMATIC FAMILY, PART 111

In 1992 the growth of the numismatic market continued. More collectors started visiting our shop, ordering from us, and responding to our auction sale catalogs. In addition, more people were attending coin club meetings, and joining with other collectors at the various conventions all across the country. Our staff had increased, and some started joining Larry and me at many of the shows we attended. They had the opportunity to meet and chat with our clients. Business seemed to be gathering steam as each month passed.

Stack's was receiving important collections to sell at public auction from many old-time collectors we had served over the years, as well as from estates and trust officers. Just for our May auctions we received multiple consignments that, because of their importance, we offered in three separate catalogs in conjunction with the Metropolitan New York Numismatic Convention held annually. Two of the major consignors, Herman Halpern and Gilbert Steinberg had been very active with this famous show for years and both felt that this would be a very successful venue for consigning, as there was a vast number of collectors who always attended.

Over the counter sales added to the year's success, and now that the general commercial market had rebounded, prices began to improve in nearly all series. The exception was the sale of late issue Proof sets and special "medallic" items from the Mint, resulting from the fact that several years earlier they had flooded the market and now desire for such pieces was down. The Mint realized that sales of their products were dropping off and substantially reduced the number struck. However, the prices they affixed to the new issues were beyond what the market could absorb, so these also dropped in value. But scarce and rare coins improved in value, and were once again highly sought by collectors.

The cataloging team had been led by my cousin Norman Stack, just three weeks younger than I, while my son Larry and I dealt with the "business of business," so to speak. However, as noted earlier, we had to make some adjustments as Norman had developed cancer and had to limit his work and his cataloging time. With his diagnosis in early 1991, and the treatments he was receiving, we decided he needed to limit his work and stay home from the office whenever he could. Larry and I would bring the coins to his home, (which was less than a mile from my home on Long Island) and let him rest when he had to, and work when he could. We could stop by in the evenings and the mornings to deliver and pick up items, and this gave him something to do while he was receiving treatments and distract him a little from the pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and by October 1992 he had to stop working. By the middle of November 1992 he had passed away.

This was a major blow to me as Norman was not only my first cousin, but a warm and close friend, with both of us having joined Stack's in 1947. He was dedicated to numismatic, which he loved, and really enjoyed his cataloging work. He was respected by the staff and our experts, as well as by the many collectors and dealers with whom he had done business for 45 years. He and I had shared a "partner's desk," where he sat on one side facing me on the other. Surrounding us was a large section of our library that included the catalogs that had been published for decades by Stack's and other dealers and scholars. Our extensive library of references on Ancient, World and United States coins was in an adjacent room. We worked tirelessly at the combined desk, depending on each other to complete our work.

Catalog production was very different in those days, with photographs limited to black and white. The photographer would take the pictures and deliver sets of pictures of various intensity. We would choose the ones we liked best, cut them out, mount them on index cards, paired obverse and reverse and then send them to the printer who had them made into "copper cuts" that were used to illustrate the catalogs. There was a lot of work that went into this and many who visited were amazed at what went into the production of our printed catalogs – comparing it to cutting paper dolls. Norman and I would work together at our desk for hours and I remember it as a fun and funny time in our lives together.

Besides working closely together, since we lived near each other, Larry and I would pick up Norman when traveling to and from work. We would talk shop on the way to work, and the way home, so that we could take care of business matters during the commute. We never had a disagreement and many an important business decision was done in that matter.

Larry and I enjoyed being with Norman and we still miss him greatly. With Norman's passing, our responsibilities in the office naturally increased, and my daughter, Susan, who had been with us since she graduated college in 1976, took on the job of full charge bookkeeper, as well as extra responsibilities in office management. It was a family business and when we lost someone, as we had previously with my father, Morton, my Uncle Joseph, and my cousin Benjamin, family members stepped up to fill any voids that were created. By late 1992, Larry and I took over full control of Stack's and the business continued to thrive. Despite this being a time of personal difficulty and loss for the Stack family, 1992 was still a major year when public auction history was made by Stack's, as will be discussed in my next article.

To read the complete article, see:
Harvey Stack Remembers: Growing up in a Numismatic Family, Part 111 (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=harvey-stack-remembers-111)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
HARVEY STACK'S NUMISMATIC FAMILY, PART 110 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n49a14.html)

Did you know that Stack's Bowers Galleries has begun to produce EdgeView videos of inscribed medals? Our video production team continues to strive to provide customers the best representation of the items available for bidding. It is important that our customers are able to see the entire medal and the EdgeView videos are a logical solution. Our Stack's Bowers Galleries YouTube Channel has a playlist dedicated to the EdgeView videos. All videos currently in the playlist are from the Gem Collection of British Military Medals that will be sold in the Stack's Bowers Galleries January 2022 Auction of the New York International Numismatic Convention. See below for an example of these videos.

To read the complete article, see:
Did You Know That Stack's Bowers Galleries is Producing EdgeView Videos of Medals? (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=stacks-bowers-galleries-edge-view-videos-youtube-channel)

CARTAGENA MMXXI CONVENTION

This past week, between December 1 and 5, the Third International Convention of Historians and Numismatists (Cartagena MMXXI) gathered in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. The official medal of Cartagena MMXXI, designed by Carlos Huatuco Nanzer. Bronze, 33 mm.

Hosted by the Colombian Numismatic Foundation, the event featured 28 in-person speakers and an additional 23 virtual presentations. The event included Latin American numismatic luminaries such as Jorge Baccera León of Colombia, Jorge Proctor of Panama/Florida, Hilton Lucio of Brazil, Eduardo Dargent of Perú, and so many more. There were representatives from Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Similarly, the event was sponsored by many different organizations, several of whom are very well known even to those who may not be familiar with Latin American numismatics—such as Coin World, Heritage Auctions, PCGS, and Stack's Bowers.

While there were a few pre-conference events (guided tours, etc.), for me, the conference opened on the evening of December 1 with a ceremony at the Palacio de la Proclamación, the freshly-restored palace where Cartagena's independence from Spain was declared on November 11, 1811 (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. The opening ceremonies at the Palacio de la Proclamación, as some of the delegates hold the newly-released commemorative postal issue.

The palace is located deep within the fortified walls of the old Spanish fort. After the ceremony, we wined, dined, and were entertained by traditional folkloric music and dance, witnessed the launching of a commemorative postal issue, as well as the donation of an important decoration to the Naval Museum of Cartagena by Richard Caccione. There were over 140 individuals in attendance that evening.

The following four days were filled with the most up-to-date research on Latin American numismatics. The conference itself was held in a beautiful downtown resort located along the shores of the Caribbean, the Intercontinental Cartagena de Indias.

Figure 6. Myself and Jorge Proctor. Although the preeminent scholar in Latin American numismatics, Jorge is willing to have fun with his topic as he dressed up as a Spanish conquistador during his presentation.

To read the complete article, see:
CARTAGENA MMXXI: THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF HISTORIANS AND NUMISMATISTS (http://numismatics.org/pocketchange/cartagena/)

WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: DECEMBER 19, 2021

Although one nice early U.S. gold coin was passed around the table, there was little numismatics and a whole lot of fellowship at this month's meeting of my Northern Virginia numismatic social group Nummis Nova. We met with our spouses for our annual holiday event, held this year at Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, VA. It was our first such event in two years due to the pandemic, and the first since the passing of longtime member Joe Levine.

Dave Schenkman was our host, and he'd arranged for the room at Gadsby's. John Gadsby operated the hotel and tavern from 1796 to 1808. His establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held there in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Dave has an article about Gadsby and a piece of paper money he issued in the January 2022 issue of The Numismatist.

The rooms were candlelit and our servers were wearing late 1700s garb. Here are some photos.

FROM LEFT: Phyllis Haynor, Dorothy (Dot) and Tom Kays, Jon Radel, Dave Schenkman, Eric Schena

Clockwise, from left: Daryl and Phyllis Haynor, Dorothy (Dot) and Tom Kays, Jon Radel, Joanne and Dave Schenkman

Far end: Eric Schena

Continuing clockwise on right: Mike Packard, Chris Neuzil, Steve Bishop, Wayne and Karin Herndon. Photos by Wayne Homren

Here are some additional photos from Tom Kays. Thanks.

A great time was had by all. Happy holidays, everyone.

THE KÖHLMOOS COLLECTION AT KÜNKER

The Köhlmoos Collection at Künker

Time to make a note in your calendar: Künker's January Auction Sales 2022 will take place on Wednesday instead of Thursday, and in Osnabrück instead of Berlin. Several collections will be on offer, including the second Köhlmoos Collection of the usual legendary quality.

It was one of the great highlights in the history of the legendary Münzen und Medaillen AG to auction off the Annemarie and Gerd Köhlmoos Collection in 2001. The wealth of rarities and the quality of the offered talers exceeded everything that even the most experienced dealers had encountered in their lifetime. Most of the pieces on offer were the best known specimens of the respective coin type – regardless of whether they were minted in the 16 th or 19th century. At the time, the successful entrepreneurial couple sold their joint collection in order to finance a robot-assisted production plant in Rotenburg an der Wümme for their company JUWEL-Aquarium. Immediately thereafter, the two began to assemble a second collection. Now, the coins from the German States of this second collection will enter the market, once again to finance a new production plant, which is intended to make the leader in the field of aquaristics independent of non-European suppliers. And – as one would expect – the coins of this collection are of incredible quality.

The Köhlmoos Collection is only one of many highlights of the two auction sales 358 and 359, which will be held on Wednesday, 26 January 2022 in Osnabrück. Save the date and note the venue in your calendar! Due to the current health situation, Künker decided not to hold the January Auction Sales as part of the World Money Fair as they usually do.

Both auctions 358 and 359 comprise a varied offer of top quality with great rarities, especially from the German States. These include selected lösers from the Friedrich Popken Collection, gold issues from Bavaria and numerous rarities.

Moreover, on 1 and 2 February 2022, another part of the collection of a connoisseur will be on offer. eLive Premium Auction 360 contains about 900 lots, mainly with German coins minted between the Middle Ages and the 19th century.

Catalog 358: German Coins – Highlights from the Annemarie and Gerd Köhlmoos Collection

From Anhalt to Würzburg, from Romanesque bracteates to representative issues from the Renaissance and impressive talers of the Baroque period to the purist coinage of the Enlightenment: this is the wide range of coins gathered in the Köhlmoos Collection. The name stands for quality – just like the first Köhlmoos Collection, the second one, which was assembled by Annemarie and Gerd Köhlmoos between 2001 and 2020, is characterized by pieces of quality and an eye for excellent engravings. It goes without saying that great rarities are also part of the collection. At this point, we will only mention three of them: a taler by John of Küstrin, minted in 1545 in Krossen (estimate: 40,000 euros), a taler of Ferdinand of Bavaria as Bishop of Paderborn, minted in 1620 in Brakel (estimate: 50,000 euros) and a taler of Frederick I of Schleswig-Holstein, Denmark and Norway, minted in 1522 in Husum (estimate: 50,000 euros).

In addition to talers, the collection also includes extremely rare fractional pieces, i.e. half talers, quarter talers, two thirds talers and dicken.

Lovers of medieval coins should also take a close look at this collection because it contains extremely rare and interesting bracteates of the highest quality. At this point we will mention a bracteate by Albert the Bear for his Margraviate of Brandenburg (estimate: 10,000 euros), a bracteate by Conrad of Wettin, minted in Meißen for the Margraviate of Meißen (estimate: 6,000 euros) and a bracteate by Louis III of Thuringia, minted in Gotha (estimate: 7,500 euros).

And that's enough: it is better to use pictures than words to illustrate the exquisite works of art that the Köhlmoos Collection has in store for all those who appreciate high-quality issues.

No. 21: Bentheim. Ernst Wilhelm, 1643-1693. Reichstaler 1659, Münster. Extremely rare. About extremely fine. Estimate: 30,000 euros

No. 34: Brandenburg. John of Küstrin, 1535-1571. Taler 1545, Krossen. Very rare. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 40,000 euros

No. 137: Nuremberg. Guldengroschen 1528. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 30,000 euros

No. 151: Paderborn / Diocese. Ferdinand of Bavaria, 1618-1650. Reichstaler 1620, Brakel. Extremely rare, the only specimen on the market. Extremely fine. Estimate: 50,000 euros

No. 167: Palatine – Zweibrücken – Veldenz. John I, 1569-1604. Reichstaler n. d., Zweibrücken. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 25,000 euros

No. 182: Saxony. Frederick III the Wise, Albert and John, 1486-1500. Taler n. d., Annaberg or Wittenberg. First klappmünzentaler. Very rare. Very fine. Estimate: 20,000 euros

No. 223: Schleswig-Holstein / Royal Danish territory. Frederick I, 1490-1523-1533. Taler 1522, Husum. So-called Husum taler. Extremely rare. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 50,000 euros

No. 245: Württemberg. Eberhard III, 1633-1674. Reichstaler 1640, Stuttgart. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 20,000 euros

Catalog 359: Gold Issues from Bavaria

Auction 359 begins with 63 lots of magnificent Bavarian gold coins and medals from an Upper Bavarian private collection from Staffelsee. The issues cover the time frame from William V to the Fairy Tale King Ludwig II. Connoisseurs will discover rare guldens, ducats and multiple gold coins of the Renaissance period, magnificent commemorative issues from the Baroque era, river gold, medals and much more. The collection is not only of interest to those who are enthusiastic about Bavarian numismatics: since Bavarian history was closely connected with Austrian history, collectors of Habsburg coinage should also study the offer carefully.

No. 304: Bavaria. Maximilian I, 1598-1651. 6 ducats 1627, Munich. Off-metal strike from the dies of the half reichstaler. Extremely rare, second known specimen in private possession. Extremely fine. Estimate: 25,000 euros

No. 312: Bavaria. Maximilian II Emanuel, 1679-1726. 5 ducats n.d. (1685), Munich. Gift of the Bavarian Landesstände (regional states) for his wedding with Maria Antonia, daughter of Leopold I of Austria. Very rare. Extremely fine / Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 15,000 euros

No. 320: Bavaria. Maximilian III Joseph, 1745-1777. Gold medal of 10 ducats 1765 by A. Widemann commemorating the wedding of his sister Josepha with Emperor Joseph II of Austria. Very rare. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 10,000 euros

No. 339: Bavaria. Maximilian (I) IV Joseph, 1799-1806-1825. Off-metal strike in gold of 5 ducats from the dies of the 1/2 schulpreistaler (school token) n.d. (minted until 1837). Extremely rare. About FDC. Estimate: 30,000 euros

Catalog 359: Selected Lösers from the Friedrich Popken Collection

In catalog 359, another part of lösers from the Friedrich Popken Collection will be on offer. Everyone who closely followed Künker's last auction sales will know that this is an impressively diverse collection with numerous rarities. This time, 38 lots will be offered. Two lösers will be highlighted here: a Julius löser of 10 reichstalers, minted in 1578 in Heinrichstadt (Wolfenbüttel), and a löser of 6 reichstalers of 1634 minted from the silver of the St Jacob mine.

No. 365: Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. Julius, 1568-1589. Löser of 10 reichstalers 1578, Heinrichstadt (Wolfenbüttel), minted with the dies of the löser of 5 reichstalers. Extremely rare. Very fine. Estimate: 20,000 euros

No. 371: Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. Frederick Ulrich, 1613-1634. Löser of 4 reichstalers 1617, Goslar or Zellerfeld. Very rare. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 7,500 euros

Auction 359: Coins and Medals from Medieval and Modern Times

As every year, the January Auction Sales offer both very special collections and rare individual pieces from all over the world. Although there are some lots in the lower four-digit range on offer, this auction focuses on the heavyweights of numismatics. If you are looking for a diverse offer of coins in the high price range, this auction is for you.

Let us mention a few specific examples: a speciestaler by Frederick the Great, minted in 1755 in Berlin (estimate: 60,000 euros), a gold löser of 20 ducats, minted on behalf of Christian the Elder, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Administrator of Minden (estimate: 300,000 euros), a triple real of the city of Cologne, minted with the dies of the guldengroschen (estimate: 75,000 euros), a six-fold ducat of the Passau bishop Joseph Dominikus von Lamberg, minted in 1753 for his golden jubilee of priesthood (estimate: 100,000 euros), and an 18-fold ducat of Johann Georg I, minted in 1627 in Dresden (estimate: 125,000 euros).

The section of Habsburg coinage also contains a considerable amount of multiple gold coins of the kind minted by Emperors to be used as gifts, for example a 10-fold ducat by Ferdinand II, minted in 1632 in St Veit (estimate: 75,000 euros) or a 10-fold ducat of Ferdinand III, minted in 1657 in Breslau (estimate: 150,000 euros).

Among the 137 lots with world coins and medals, you will find numerous selected rarities. We will mention a gold medal of 20 ducats issued on the occasion of the bombardment of Copenhagen in the Great Northern War (estimate: 50,000 euros), an eightfold Louis d'or à la tête laurée, minted by Louis XIII in 1640 in Paris (estimate: 100,000 euros), a Proof Una and the Lion (estimate: 80,000 euros), a Russian gold coin with the portrait of Nicholas II, minted according to the weight standard of the Latin Monetary Union of 1902 (estimate: 80,000 euros), and a 10-fold ducat of the Transylvanian Prince Stephan Bocskai, minted in 1605 (estimate: 100,000 euros).

For lovers of Swiss coinage there is an extensive offer of multiple gold coins from Basel, Bern and Lucerne. And collectors of interwar-Czechoslovakian coins can look forward to an extensive series of these coins that also contains great rarities. Auction 359 ends with a small, fine selection of eight lots with orders and decorations. The outstanding piece is a specimen of the Order of the Black Eagle, created during the reign of Frederick William IV, awarded to Lieutenant General Ernst von Pfuel (1779-1864) on 18 January 1844 in a private audience.

No. 441: Brandenburg-Prussia. Frederick II, 1740-1786. Speciestaler 1755, Berlin. Trading coin. Extremely rare. About FDC. Estimate: 60,000 euros

No. 450: Brunswick-Lüneburg-Celle. Christian, 1611-1633. Gold löser of 20 ducats n.d. (1611-1633), Winsen. Extremely rare, probably unique. NGC AU55. About extremely fine. Estimate: 300,000 euros

No. 505: Cologne. Triple real 1516, minted with the dies of the guldengroschen. Extremely rare. Very fine to extremely fine. Estimate: 75,000 euros

No. 541: Passau. Joseph Dominikus von Lamberg, 1723-1761. 6 ducats 1753, Vienna, on his golden jubilee of priesthood. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 100,000 euros

No. 550: Saxony. John George I, 1615-1656. 18 ducats 1627, Dresden. Minted with the dies of the double reichstaler. Only known specimen. Graffiti with face value XVIII on the obverse. Extremely fine +. Estimate: 125,000 euros

No. 620: HRE. Ferdinand II, 1592-1618-1637. 10 ducats 1632, St Veit. Extremely rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 75,000 euros

No. 625: HRE. Ferdinand III, 1625-1637-1657. 10 ducats 1657, Breslau. Extremely rare. NGC MS62. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 150,000 euros

No. 668: Denmark. Frederik IV, 1699-1730. Gold medal of 20 ducats 1700, unsigned, probably minted in Hamburg, commemorating the siege and bombardment of Tönning by Danish troops in 1700 and the siege and bombardment of Copenhagen by Swedish, English and Dutch fleets in 1700. Extremely rare. NGC MS62. Extremely fine to FDC. Estimate: 50,000 euros

No. 671: France. Louis XIII, 1610-1643. Huit louis d'or à la tête laurée 1640, Paris. NGC AU50. Extremely rare. About extremely fine. Estimate: 100,000 euros

No. 683: Great Britain. Victoria, 1837-1901. 5 Pounds 1839, London. Una and the Lion. Very rare. Proof. Estimate: 80,000 euros

No. 741: Russia. Nicholas II, 1894-1917. 37 1/2 roubles (100 francs) 1902, St Petersburg. Only 225 specimens minted. About FDC. Estimate: 80,000 euros

No. 750: Switzerland. Basel. 12 ducats n.d. (first half of the 17th century). Probably the 2nd known specimen. PCGS MS61. Extremely fine. Estimate: 100,000 euros

No. 785: Czechoslovakia. 10 ducats 1934, Kremnica, commemorating the re-opening of the Kremnica mine. Original strike. Only 68 specimens minted. About FDC. Estimate: 20,000 euros

No. 793: Transylvania. Stephan Bocskai, 1604-1606. 10 ducats 1605. Very rare. NGC AU55. About extremely fine. Estimate: 100,000 euros

Catalog 360: Coins and Medals from Medieval and Modern Times of Outstanding Quality – The Collection of a Connoisseur

On 1 and 2 February 2022, eLive Premium Auction 360 offers a wealth of coins of perfect quality with starting prices from 10 euros. From the Carolingian period to the German Empire, the connoisseur assembled an extensive collection, paying particular attention to quality. Therefore, coin enthusiasts will find a wealth of historically interesting pieces that are aesthetically pleasing at the same time. The collection of a connoisseur is proof that you do not need much money to assemble a coin collection that can give indescribable joy!

No. 1001: Carolingians. Pepin the Short, 752-768. Denarius, Saint-Cirgues de Clermont- Ferrand. Extremely rare. Very fine +. Estimate: 5,000 euros

No. 1156: Augsburg. Off-metal strike in silver of the dies of the 1730 ducat. Extremely fine +. Estimate: 50 euros

No. 1158: Augsburg. Double reichstaler 1740. Very rare. About FDC. Estimate: 3,000 euros

No. 1383: Hannover. George V, 1851-1866. 1/6 taler 1859. About FDC. Estimate: 50 euros

No. 1407: Frankfurt. Kreuzer 1773. About FDC. Estimate: 20 euros

No. 1487: Königsegg-Rothenfels. Franz Hugo, 1737-1771, and his brothers. Reichstaler 1759. About FDC. Estimate: 4,000 euros

No. 1540: Nuremberg. Reichstaler 1711. Very rare. Prooflike. Estimate: 6,000 euros

No. 1688: Saxe-Saalfeld Johann Ernst VIII, 1680-1729. Reichstaler 1727, Saalfeld. Very rare. About FDC. Estimate: 6,000 euros

To order a catalogue contact Künker, Nobbenburger Straße 4a, 49076 Osnabrück; phone: +49 541 962020, fax: +49 541 9620222; or via e-mail: service@kuenker.de. You can access the auction catalogs online at www.kuenker.de. If you want to submit your bid from your computer at home, please remember to register for this service in good time.

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: DECEMBER 19, 2021

Caria, Halikarnassos Didrachm

Lot 085. Caria, Halikarnassos. Ca. 340-334 B.C. AR didrachm. Ex Ponterio 2011; Ex NAC.

Caria, Halikarnassos. Ca. 340-334 B.C. AR didrachm (19 mm, 7.00 g, 12 h). Head of Apollo facing slightly right / ?I?O?AP, Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding labrys and scepter. SNG Copenhagen 597. SNG von Aulock 2376. SNG Kayhan 891. EF, lustrous wirh golden highlights.

Ex Ponterio 2011; Ex NAC.

A masterful engraving of Apollo, expressive and stoic in his appearance. Final series of coins struck before Alexander the Great arrives a short time after Pixadorus, him knowing the end was near. Careful and slight additional cleaning done to uncover luster

To read the complete lot description, see:
Lot 085. Caria, Halikarnassos. Ca. 340-334 B.C. AR didrachm. Ex Ponterio 2011; Ex NAC. (https://agoraauctions.com/listing/viewdetail/53238)

Whitman & Son Chocolate Token

Post Civil War 1876 token Miller / Rulau Pa Ph 494A, unlisted, Nice Uncirculated. Whitman & Son, Chocolate, Confections, Bon Bons, Twelfth & Market St. Phila. I Always Buy There I Will In The Future (200-300).

Steve adds:

To read the complete item description, see:
1876 Philadelphia Pennsylvania Centennial Token Whitman Chocolate COPPER Unlist (https://www.ebay.com/itm/224731871148)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Medal

FRANCE. Paris. Notre-Dame Cathedral Silvered Bronze Medal, ND (1855). PCGS SPECIMEN-63.

cf. Ross-M150 (for bronze issue); cf. van Hoydonck-122 (same); cf. Reinecke-40 (same). By J. & L. Wiener. Diameter: 59mm. Obverse: Exterior view of the cathedral from the south-southeast; Reverse: A view of the interior looking down the nave toward the apse from an eyepoint just slightly to the right of the center of the center aisle. Stuck in delicate relief, and with a light wash of silver on the bronze surfaces, this artistic medal gives the beauty of Notre Dame its full due. RARE and rather alluring.

To read the complete lot description, see:
FRANCE. Paris. Notre-Dame Cathedral Silvered Bronze Medal, ND (1855). PCGS SPECIMEN-63. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-USU3E/france-paris-notre-dame-cathedral-silvered-bronze-medal-nd-1855-pcgs-specimen-63)

Fapricela Medal

To read the complete lot description, see:
ART BRONZE MEDAL / DRAWING INDUSTRY FAPRICELA (https://www.ebay.com/itm/255273052817)

Northeast Numismatics T-Shirt

A Northeast exclusive! Colorfully designed t-shirts with a replica of the USPS' iconic Numismatic 29 cent stamp design from 1991. (Postage is double this at 58 cents today!). Available for $15 in our Books and Supplies section. Quantities available in sizes small to 2 XL, while supplies last. They are a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend. These could make for a great last-minute holiday gift!

To read the complete lot description, see:
https://www.northeastcoin.com/inventory.jsp;
jsessionid=B7C77A2AB9F07221250CC77E4C0515A8

THE ANCIENT CELTIC COINAGE OF BRITAIN

FOR ANCIENT GREEKS and Romans, Britain was a mysterious land at the northern edge of the world.

As early as 2000 BCE, the Phoenicians traded with the Celtic tribes of Cornwall (the southwestern tip of England) for the valuable tin essential to making bronze.

By the third century BCE, coins from the Mediterranean world began to arrive in Britain, perhaps with mercenaries returning home from service on the Continent. Gold staters issued by the Belgae, imitating the widely circulated issues of the Macedonian king Philip II (reigned 359 – 336 BCE, father of Alexander the Great) entered Britain in large quantities in the second century BCE. Gold quarter staters of about 1.5 grams were the main fractional denomination.

Ancient British coinage was produced in gold, silver, and copper alloys over a period of about 150 years. It ended with the Roman conquest of Britannia by the legions of Emperor Claudius beginning in 43 CE.

Britain, Kent Region. Cantiaci. Uncertain rulers. Ca. 120-100 B.C. Cast Æ unit (17 mm, 3.93 g, 2 h). Thurrock MA type. Laureate head of Apollo left / Bull butting right; no trace of inscription (MA) remaining. ABC 43; Van Arsdell 1402-42; BMC 660-5; SCBC 62. Dark greenish-black patina. Estimate: 200 USD. VAuctions > Auction 325 30 June 2017 Lot: 4 realized: 120 USD.

CELTIC COINS. BRITANNIA. REGINI AND ATREBATES. Anonymous. Stater, gold, Selsey Two-Faced Type, about 70-35 BCE. AV 6.02 g. Resolved, laureate head r. Rev. Disjointed horse prancing r. with triple tail and resolved driver, below, eight-spoked wheel. ABC 47, 485; Van Arsdell 210-1. Estimate: 1200 CHF. Hess-Divo AG > Auction 338 3 December 2019 Lot: 1072 realized: 1,500 CHF (Approx. 1,521 USD).

Britannia, Durotriges, AR Quarter Stater. 58 BCE – 43 CE. Five-armed starfish, lines of pellets between each arm / Zigzag thunderbolt and line of pellets across field; eight-rayed lighting flash with rectangular body to each side. VA 1270-78; BMC 2780-81; ABC 2220. 0.94g, 14mm. Estimate: 200 GBP. Roma Numismatics Ltd > E-Sale 36 27 May 2017 Lot: 10 realized: 300 GBP (Approx. 384 USD).

To read the complete article, see:
The Ancient Celtic Coinage of Britain (https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/the-ancient-celtic-coinage-of-britain/)

 

THE 1853 NO ARROWS OR RAYS QUARTER

1853 Liberty Seated Quarter. No Arrows or Rays. Briggs 1-A, FS-301. Repunched Date. VF-35 (PCGS).

While 44,200 coins were struck and delivered in two batches on February 7 and 19, 1853, it is likely that many were quickly melted after the new weight standard was enacted on February 21. All were struck from a single die pair, the obverse bearing strongly repunched date digits, 53. Years ago this was referred to as another 1853/2 variety, a tradition that remains in use for the gold denominations with similar die cutting anomalies.

W. Elliot Woodward reflected upon this rare quarter dollar in the 1885 sale of the J. Colvin Randall Collection: "The discovery of the quarter dollar is due to an interesting incident which occurred in this way; a broker was weighing a quantity of silver coins; the weight was found to surpass, by a number of grains, the value of the coins by count. After repeatedly weighing and counting, critical examination revealed the fact that one of the quarters weighed several grains more than any of the others, and gave to collectors a variety hitherto unknown. Diligent search, carefully continued for many years, has added to the piece first discovered possibly a dozen examples, -- I think not more."

To read the complete item description, see:
1853 Liberty Seated Quarter. No Arrows or Rays. Briggs 1-A, FS-301. Repunched Date. VF-35 (PCGS). (https://www.stacksbowers.com/pages/lotinfo.aspx?LotId=1623541)

STANLEY APFELBAUM AND FIRST COINVESTORS

Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen's The Encyclopedia of United States Silver & Gold Commemorative Coins: 1892-1954 has always been one of my favorite books. Sure, the topic's been done better, most recently by Swiatek himself. And yes, the book is hopelessly optimistic about what was then the future value of the series. But it felt like it was written by authors who really knew the series, and understood what collectors want to know.

Taking a different approach than Don Taxay and his earlier work, the Encyclopedia made you feel like you had privileged access to the always fascinating, sometimes sketchy, inside scoop on some of America's most interesting novelty coins.

What stands out in the minds of many readers is the peculiar way in which the book is laid out. Starting from the premise that every commemorative was created by swindlers and frauds, the coins are listed beside the Latin phrase Corpus Delicti, which means the body of the crime and refers to the facts necessary to the existence of a crime (as in the death of a victim in a murder case). The groups and individuals behind the pieces are identified as Suspects or Accessories, and Swiatek and Breen's description of each coin's design process comes under the header Modus Operandi. It gives the Encyclopedia a kind of True Crime atmosphere, and makes each story seem like an episode of Dragnet. While all along, the authoritative and collegial manner in which the authors write lulls you into a great sense of trust and camaraderie.

Little did I realize, in all the times I've read the book, that some of the fun and games had at the expense of the original purveyors of America's commemorative coin series was also being had on me as well. It seems that the publishers had more at stake than just selling books.

To read the complete article, see:
Booker T. on the Tarmac: A Story About First Coinvestors (https://coinweek.com/coins/commemoratives-coin-guide/booker-t-on-the-tarmac-a-story-about-first-coinvestors/)

 

THE FIRST BANKNOTES FROM AFGHANISTAN

Introduction of Paper Money in Afghanistan

In August of 1919, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Afghan war, the country of Afghanistan severed its ties with Great Britain, which had previously had effective control over Afghanistan's foreign policy. Amanullah Khan became Emir (later King) and ended the country's isolation from the rest of the world. As part of his reforms he would introduce the first paper money in the country. The notes, which were uniface, were issued by the Afghani Treasury in four denominations: 1 Rupee (Pick-1), 5 Rupees (Pick-2), 50 Rupees (Pick-4) and 100 Rupees (Pick-5). The 1 and 5 Rupees were dated either SH1298 or SH1299 (1919 or 1920 AD respectively), while the 50 Rupees was only dated SH1298 and the 100 Rupees was only dated SH1299. The notes had a perforated left edge to which was attached a stub, which was to be removed upon issuance and kept at the Treasury. The notes were printed locally (as were all from the first two series) and carried no watermark.

Afghanistan 5 Rupees SH1298 (1919 AD). The first date and part of the earliest paper money issue of Afghanistan. The stub at left contains the date and serial number and was to be retained at the Treasury after the notes were issued. Notes with the stub intact (as on this example) are worth more than notes without the stub.

New Notes Introduced
This first series was largely unpopular with the local population due to the lack of the image of the Emir and their unfamiliarity with the concept of paper money. In 1926, when Amanullah Khan changed his title to King a new series was issued, now denominated in Afghanis. This series, printed on both sides, was introduced in 1926 and included a 5 Afghani denomination (Pick-6) and a 10 Afghanis (Pick-8). New designs were introduced in 1928: a 10 Afghanis (Pick-9) and 50 Afghanis (Pick-10). The 1926 and 1928 series exist both with serial numbers as issued and without serial numbers, which are most properly classified as remainders. The notes contain either no watermark or lattice pattern watermark. A different 5 Afghanis (Pick-7) is perhaps best classified as a proof and may or may not have been issued for circulation (although we would argue it was not, as most survivors are high grade and clearly circulated examples typically not come on the market).

A remainder of the second issue 10 Afghanis, issued SH1307 (1928 AD). Without serial numbers, this particular example was never issued into circulation.

During the Afghan Civil War in the late 1920s, Habibullah Kalakani defeated Amanullah Khan and ruled Afghanistan from January to October 1929. During this period, known as the Baccha i Saqao revolution (named after the nickname of Habibullah Kalakani) examples of the 5, 10 and 50 Afghanis of the second issue that were in circulation at the time were validated with three purple handstamps. Listed in the Pick catalog as Pick-11, Pick-12 and Pick-13, all carry serial numbers and are generally in lower grades. The handstamps are usually found on either side in varying combinations. It must be noted that examples with all three handstamps clear are scarce, as most examples have at least one or more of the handstamps blurred, making them hard to read.

Purple handstamps are seen on this 50 Afghanis dated SH1307 (1928 AD), indicating that it was validated during the Baccha i Saqao revolution. Unusually, this example has survived in uncirculated condition, although the majority of these revolutionary issues are found in lower grades.

A New Discovery
A new variety of a 10 Afghanis with single black handstamp has recently appeared. Previously unreported, it at first glance appears to be linked to the Baccha I Saqao revolution. The text reads amir habibullâh khâdame dine rasul allâh (Emir Habibullah servant of the religion of God's Prophet = Bacha-ye Saqao) and it has a date in the lunar calendar (AH1347, or 1929). Unusually, the handstamp is not placed on an issued note but on a remainder of Pick-9. Whether this was an unauthorized trial piece or a local issue remains unclear, but as this was never reported in almost 100 years since it was issued the number of pieces with this handstamp must be very small.

10 Afghanis with single black handstamp, unreported until now. Possibly a local issue or trial piece, this is definitely linked to the Baccha i Saqao revolution, although its exact significance remains unknown until now.

Conclusion
The discovery of this piece proves that not only the early banknotes of Afghanistan are worthy of further study (there are other mysteries, such as the presence of what appears to be ink stains on the first issue, that appear to be too uniform to be coincidental) but also that there are new discoveries waiting to be made. A basic type set of the first two issues of Afghanistan is relatively easy to complete, although the higher denominations of the first issue are difficult to find with the stub attached. Specialists can dive further into this series, but as of yet little has been published about these fascinating banknotes, meaning that much detail remains to be discovered. For a selection of early Afghani banknotes currently listed on our website, please see the Kabul Collection of Afghanistan, ending on December 22.

To read the complete article, see:
A Closer Look at the First Banknotes from Afghanistan (https://www.worldbanknoteauctions.com/news/banknotes-from-afghanistan/)

COLOMBIA NOTES IN STACK'S BOWERS NYINC SALE

Lot 20152 Estado Soberano de Panama. 3 Pesos, 1866-73. P-S188. PMG About Uncirculated 55.

To read the complete lot description, see:
COLOMBIA. Estado Soberano de Panama. 3 Pesos, 1866-73. P-S188. PMG About Uncirculated 55. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-UQ1BY/colombia-estado-soberano-de-panama-3-pesos-1866-73-p-s188-pmg-about-uncirculated-55)

Lot 20153 El Estado de Santander. 1 Peso, 1880. P-S204. PMG Extremely Fine 40.

To read the complete lot description, see:
COLOMBIA. El Estado de Santander. 1 Peso, 1880. P-S204. PMG Extremely Fine 40. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-UQ1C5/colombia-el-estado-de-santander-1-peso-1880-p-s204-pmg-extremely-fine-40)

Lot 20160 El Banco del Departmento de Bolivar. 50 Centavos, 1895. P-S421a. PMG Choice Very Fine 35.

To read the complete lot description, see:
COLOMBIA. El Banco del Departmento de Bolivar. 50 Centavos, 1895. P-S421a. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-UQ1DV/colombia-el-banco-del-departmento-de-bolivar-50-centavos-1895-p-s421a-pmg-choice-very-fine-35)

Lot 20171 Banco Nacional. 5 Pesos, 1899. P-S622r. Remainder. PMG Fine 12.

To read the complete lot description, see:
COLOMBIA. Banco Nacional. 5 Pesos, 1899. P-S622. PMG Fine 12. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-UQ1HE/colombia-banco-nacional-5-pesos-1899-p-s622-pmg-fine-12)

Lot 20192 El Banco Nacional de los Estados Unidos de Colombia. 50 Pesos, 1881. P-145. PMG Choice Fine 15.

To read the complete lot description, see:
COLOMBIA. El Banco Nacional de los Estados Unidos de Colombia. 50 Pesos, 1881. P-145. PMG Choice Fine 15. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-UQ1MI/colombia-el-banco-nacional-de-los-estados-unidos-de-colombia-50-pesos-1881-p-145-pmg-choice-fine-15)

To read the complete article, see:
Impressive Offering of Colombian notes in the January 2022 NYINC Auction (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=colombian-banknote-highlights-from-stacks-bowers-galleries-nyinc-auction)

LOOSE CHANGE: DECEMBER 19, 2021

Canadian Numismatist Ian Laing

Long-time dealer Ian Laing, the 43-year owner of Winnipeg's Gatewest Coin, has earned a spot in Coin World's Most Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020.

The only Canadian on the Top 60 list of numismatics' key players over the past six decades, Laing was chosen by the U.S.-based hobby publication for his lifelong interest and success as a coin dealer and collector. Since acquiring Gatewest in 1978, Laing has grown the business into the world's largest dealer of Canadian coins while handling most, if not all, of Canadian numismatics' major pieces.

To read the complete article, see:
Ian Laing sole Canadian among 'top 60' influential numismatists (https://canadiancoinnews.com/ian-laing-sole-canadian-among-top-60-influential-numismatists/)

The Pig Rupee

A one-rupee coin issued by the erstwhile British Raj over a century ago was met with much ridicule in the country as the design of an elephant on the King's robes resembled a pig, recollects a well-known numismatist in the city.

The people of India declined to honour a ?1 silver coin with a bust of King George V, issued by the erstwhile British Raj in 1911, as they felt that the feet and short tail of the elephant figure resembled a pig, which is considered unclean by Indians.

To read the complete article, see:
How the British Raj was forced to withdraw the 'pig rupee' (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/how-the-british-raj-was-forced-to-withdraw-the-pig-rupee/article37964913.ece)

Urban Myth: Scraping Polymer Notes

A fast-spreading "urban myth" has Christchurch residents accusing each other of using counterfeit money and illegally damaging banknotes, the Reserve Bank warned on Saturday.

"People are being told that you can tell a fake banknote by scraping it with a coin, and if the printing comes off revealing the plastic then it's a fake," spokesperson Peter Northcote said.

"This is completely false, not one of our recommended ways to check a banknote, and actually illegal defacement."

To read the complete article, see:
Kiwis tricked into illegally defacing banknotes (https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/12/kiwis-tricked-into-illegally-defacing-banknotes.html)

A 1927 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Even though this year has felt longer to me than any other year in living memory, somehow Christmas is only one week away. Yet again, all of my best efforts of getting organised have failed and I am panic buying anything that can be delivered the next day.

You can only imagine the sheer relief I felt when I discovered this advertisement in our collection: 'Presents that can be purchased with one or more £5 notes.' Exactly what I am looking for, consider my friends and family sorted!

This advertisement was created in 1927 by Watson Prickard, a clothing store based in Liverpool. It's a 'flashnote', which is a fancy way of saying an advertisement or coupon that looks a bit like a banknote.

Now as jovial as this all is, the company that issued this advertisement ended up getting in a fair bit of trouble, which is why this advertisement became part of our museum's collection. An important memo was tucked behind the flashnote which gives a bit more background to the case.

... the Bank of England wasn't tickled with the reproduction so closely resembling a banknote. I can't imagine HM Treasury was too chuffed either, as apparently Watson Prickard also copied £1 Treasury banknotes, although we sadly don't have examples of these in the collection. In the end, the matter was passed to the Public Prosecutor.

Now you might be saying, hang on, the advertisement was not intended as a forgery! It certainly wouldn't convince anyone if you tried to use it in a shop. But according to the Bank at the time, it did copy enough elements of a banknote to be considered risky.

I don't know what happened next with the trial, but the company made it through this hiccup. It continued as a family business and liquidated in 2017. Regardless, what I can say is, if you are currently panicking and need a last minute gift idea, might I suggest a dumb valet or motoring gloves?

Happy holidays from all of us at the Bank of England Museum!

To read the complete article, see:
A 1927 Christmas Gift Guide (https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum/blog/a-1927-christmas-gift-guide)

CHRISTMAS COINS NATIVITY SCENE

Lot 239 Auction: 13th - 15th September 2017 Coins and Historical Medals from the Collection formed by the late Revd. Charles Campbell. Sold for £6,000 Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000. Papal States, Clement VII, Quarter-Ducato, Holy Year issue [1525], nativity scene, rev. Pope opening the Holy Door, 9.70g/12h Illustration kind permission of © Dix Noonan Webb.

Saint Francis of Assisi is believed to have first had the idea of a nativity scene in 1223. Perhaps he wanted to bring the story to life in a simple way. He had been on a visit to the Holy Land, where he had visited Jesus's traditional birthplace. The typical nativity scene, now used in churches across the world, has been adopted for this Papal coin. Giulio de' Medici was born in about 1478 in Florence. He was the nephew of Lorenzo the Magnificent, and was elected pope on 19 November 1523, with the name Clement VII. He was a patron of artists like Raphael, Michelangelo and Cellini. In 1525 he proclaimed a Holy Year and commissioned a special issue of commemorative coins. The reverse shows the pope using a silver hammer to break down the Holy Door of St. Peter's, while in the clouds above St. Peter with his key unlocks the gate of Heaven.

The Nativity scene in contrast to the papal figure is simple and informal. There is a very homely feel with the animals peering over the stall.

Mary the mother of Jesus looks pleased but Saint Joseph looks slightly overwhelmed. The baby, Himself, is robust and hearty and is quite large for a new born. Interestingly the monks on the other side, who are admiring the Pope's actions look more like shepherds to me. The Latin inscription Hodie Salus Facta Est Mundo: Today the salvation of the World is accomplished.

If you cannot afford £6,000.00 for a coin with a nativity scene, here is how to recreate one with modern (mainly) coins!

I have chosen a 1958 halfpenny from Ghana with a star to go on the top.

The next coin represents the inn. An inn is a place that serves food and drink where you can stay overnight. There are plenty of Seventeenth Century trade tokens featuring inns. I have chosen one from the King's Head in Aylesbury issued by William Dawney when he was innkeeper in 1657. The inn is still open to this day.

Then for animals we have a 2 rupee coin from Nepal with a pair of oxen, a sheep on a Falkland Islands 20 pence a two pence from Guernsey with a cow and a baby cow and a donkey on a two pence from Saint Helena. The coin in the centre is a 20 pence from Gibraltar featuring the Madonna and baby Jesus.

Angels bit more difficult as not have a gold angel lying around but I did find a shepherd and sheep, not on a coin but on a medallion from the Cromwell era. This is a Dutch copy of a medallion dated 1658.

No wise men! Have to leave that to January. Happy collecting Christmas