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NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: SEPTEMBER 26, 2021Here's a selection of interesting or unusual items I came across in the marketplace this week. Tell us what you think of some of these. -Editor 
The half dollar proved to be an acceptable alternative to silver dollars. Researchers have differing opinions about exactly how many 1794 half dollars were struck, but the prevailing consensus (based on Mint delivery warrants) suggests 5,300 1794 half dollars were delivered in December 1794 and 18,464 half dollars dated 1794 were delivered on February 4, 1795 for a total of 23,464 pieces struck. A survival rate between 3% and 4% -- typical for early Mint issues -- further supports the estimated mintage. Approximately 800 1794 half dollars are thought to survive, including all grades and varieties. Flowing Hair half dollars circulated extensively. They were a "blue collar" coin -- less spectacular than the silver dollars, but often the preferred denomination in commerce. For today's collectors, 1794 half dollars offer a relatively affordable alternative to the rare and expensive 1794 dollars, although no one would turn down an opportunity to have both. In relation to their mintage, 1794 half dollars are far rarer in high grades than their dollar counterparts, and they are equally rare in terms of the sheer number of high-grade survivors (AU and finer). Uncirculated 1794 half dollars are great rarities, with just 9 Mint State pieces reported by PCGS and NGC combined. A nice coin from the Heritage October Long Beach sale. -Editor
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Civil War token Fuld MA115E-2a R6 NGC MS66 RB 20% Red with great cartwheel luster. Jos. H. Merriam Medalist, Die Sinker And Letter Cutter Established 1850 No. 18 Brattle Square, Boston Jos. H. Merriam, Boston 1863 Not One Cent. We sold this very token on eBay in October 2018 where it realized $785. A beautiful Merriam die sinker storecard offered by Steve Hayden. -Editor
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PRISON TOKEN GRASS LAKE MICHIGAN GOOD FOR An interesting-looking prison token with an unusual blue color. -Editor
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An online search found some additional information. -Editor Camp Cusino was created in 1951. It is located one mile west of Shingleton, Michigan. The camp was officially called the Cusino Corrections Prison Work Camp and was part of the Corrections Conservation Prison Camp Program in the State of Michigan. The name Cusino was taken from a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that was located four miles east of Melstrand, Michigan. In 1951, some of the CCC buildings were moved to Shingleton for the prison camp. The inmates were trustee status and many worked for the neighboring Cusino Wildlife Research Station. Other inmates were transported daily to do timber stand improvement and maintain area state parks.
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The highest award in Canadian numismatics. Awarded to Dr. Harold Don Allen in 2003. It weighs .75 troy ounces and is 1.5 inches in diameter. After 1989, the medal was gold plated on sterling silver. The medal was designed by Arnaldo Marchetti and originally produced by the Lombardo Company in Quebec. It is now produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. The obverse features a bust of the famous Canadian numismatist J. Douglas Ferguson with the inscription J. Douglas Ferguson Award: the reverse shows allegorical figures representing hard work, prosperity, victory science or knowledge. A rare opportunity to acquire a Canadian icon specimen. Accompanied with J. Douglas Ferguson Award Certificate, and banquet program. A beautiful medal. From the upcoming Geoffrey Bell Toronto Coin Expo Sale. -Editor
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(t) CHINA--EMPIRE. Ta Ching Government Bank. 5 Dollars, 1909. P-A77s. Specimen. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67 EPQ. (S/M#T10-31). Printed by ABNC. Specimen overprint, serial numbers and punch cancels. Portrait vignette of Li Hung Chang at left along with a gazebo at right with large central multicolored guilloche between. Ornate blue under-printed design covers the face with location protectors at far left and right. Brown inks make up the lathe frame. Original paper throughout with vivid ink and a lovely Gem appeal. PMG has graded 16 notes for this pick variety, with this note being tied for the finest encapsulated by their service with just a single note. PMG Pop 2/None Finer. A colorful American Bank Note Company product in the upcoming Stack's Nowers September 2021 Hong Kong Auction. -Editor
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c1750 Philadelphia Colonial Paper Money Broadside Pennsylvania resists London's moves against colonial-issued paper money. A rare and unusual broadside that discusses an anti-paper money bill then pending in Parliament. The anonymous author takes pains to demonstrate that while some colonies (especially those in New England) followed practices that led to the devaluation of their currencies, Pennsylvania had been prudent in limiting the amount in circulation and exhorting in closing: "IT is humbly hoped that this Bill WILL NOT PASS." Bristol B1170, Shipton & Money 40217 with both assigning a date of 1742. This date is likely based on the mention of the siege of Cartagena (1741) in the text. However the text references additionally the capture of Cape Breton Island which would suggest this broadside was produced sometime after 1745. Printed broadside, 418 x 265mm (partial split at lower horizontal crease, slight loss along left margin infilled with laid paper, light foxing) tipped along lower margin into a half-calf quarto folder. Please note this lot is the property of a private individual. For bibliophiles, researchers and colonial paper money mavens is this c1750 Philadelphia broadside discussing an anti-paper money bill then pending in Parliament. From the Christie's October Online Auction 19988. -Editor
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A partly printed check drawn on the Office of Discount & Deposit in Washington, filled in and signed by Van Buren May 26, 1826 to pay Mr. Cambersling $107.60. Very good condition, the usual cancellation cuts not affecting the signature. Printed checks of Van Buren are inexplicably rare on the market. Only a handful have ever been sold; simple handwritten payment orders are the norm for him. Something to financial history, check and autograph collectors. Unfortunately the item is not fully imaged. -Editor
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Wayne Homren, Editor The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org. To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com To subscribe go to: https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum All Rights Reserved. NBS Home Page Contact the NBS webmaster 
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