Visit our NBS Sponsors

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 Workman October 22, 2022

 

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 OCTOBER 23, 2022

New subscribers this week include: John Torres, courtesy Chris McCawley; IBNS and ANA member Brian Keller, James Haas, Kevin Harvey, and Donna Moon. Welcome aboard!

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 four new books, (sadly) another obituary, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, notes from readers and more.

Other topics this week include sculptor Hermon MacNeil, the Oriental Numismatic Society, American Silver Eagles, reeded edge half dollars, Boss Tweed, Chauncey Lee, multiple fixed-price and auction selections, numismatic diaries from Nummis Nova and the PAN show, Hobo nickels, and coin stacking.

To learn more about the Pan-American Exposition Medal of Award, Portuguese Guinea banknotes, Maldives Local Coins, Auctions West, numismatic uses for Photoshop, the Canada Vexator Token, North Carolina Nationals, Confederate Bonds, the Salt City Coin Book, and West African Manilla, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren
Editor, The E-Sylum

 

NEW BOOK: HERMON ATKINS MACNEIL

HERMON ATKINS MACNEIL
American Sculptor In the Broad, Bright Daylight
by James E. Haas

Hermon Atkins MacNeil has been written about in a variety of anthologies of American sculpture with brief, sometime quite serious essays, but never in a full book. Through the use of sound and thorough scholarship, Hermon Atkin MacNeil: American Sculptor in the Broad, Bright Daylight is the first comprehensive, straight-forward accounting of his life. He was born in 1866 and died in 1947. Producing more than 250 sculptural creations, he was one of the most accomplished and highly respected sculptors of his era, with a world-wide reputation for outstanding work. But to his neighbors in College Point, Queens, New York, where he lived and worked for forty-five years, what he did was equivalent to being an electrician or a school teacher, just a career, nothing special.

The book delves into the details of his major and even not so major commissions, how each of his many works of art came into existence, and how they were seen through the eyes of his contemporaries, friends, writers, and critics who expressed opinions of his works within the context of the times in which they lived. Every day, in cities and towns across America, people pass by monuments, reliefs on buildings, or even glance at the face of a coin and never consider the human beings that brought them into existence, the discussions about the symbolism of the piece or even its placement. This book brings all of this to life, including details of the political and historical environment of the era, the accolades and the rejections.

Included are endearing personal stories about this extraordinary artist's family, friends and background. In addition to a parallel narrative detailing the creative life of his wife Carol Brooks MacNeil, much attention is paid to her fellow women sculptors and the challenges they faced. Including over 200 photographs and images, this is a book to be read and enjoyed by art lovers, especially those with an interest in sculpture, and to be available in the reference library of every art school, college and university, as well as each city or town where one or more of his works is on display.

About The Author
James E. Haas has written five books on the history of College Point, New York. This Gunner at His Piece: College Point, NY and the Civil War with Biographies of the Men Who Served. It was followed by Conrad Poppenhusen: The Life of a German-American Industrial Pioneer, St. Fidelis Parish in College Point, NY: The First Seventy-Five Years, 1856-1931, To Honor Fallen Heroes: How a Small, German-American Village in New York City Experienced the Great War and Conrad Poppenhusen: The Man Who Made Combs and Founded a Town – a Biography for Young Readers ages 9 to 12. Born and raised in College Point, and a graduate of St. John's University, he lives with his wife Lynne in Severna Park, Maryland.

The book is 313 pages long and contains over 200 photographs. Tracing his life from his earliest years through the various stages of his education, professional and personal life, I write about the medals he designed, his Quarter, and how important to his career was his uncle Henry Mitchell.

I believe Henry Mitchell played some role in his interest in medals, as may have Henri Chapu, a master in low relief who taught medallic art at the Acade´mie Julian. He was MacNeil's teacher in 1889-1890.

If anyone is responsible for MacNeil's development in this métier, it would have to be Karl Bitter who I suggest asked him to design the Medal of Award for the Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, 1901. Indians appear on this medal, along with the Hopi Prayer for Rain. MacNeil's award of the first Rinehart scholarship, a distinction shared with Alexander Phimister Proctor, was heavily influenced by the twenty-three Indian pieces he fashioned during the summer of 1895 in the southwest. He also did a prospector and a cowboy, but it was the Indian who had caught his fancy.

There are those who believe that MacNeil should have not veered from that which brought him to fame, but as much as the classical beauty surrounding him captivated Hermon, he could not, nor did he want to get the Indian out of his soul. That being said, his objective in life was to earn his living through his art and like many artists, he diversified, not necessarily by choice, but by opportunity and his own need to expand his artistic horizons.

As fate would have it, his last large-scale work, an equestrian, was not that of an Indian, nor a cowboy, but that of a horseman, a Pony Express rider dedicated in St. Joseph, MO in 1940. He thought of it one of his best.

For more information, or to order, see:
HERMON ATKINS MACNEIL (https://store.bookbaby.com/book/hermon-atkins-macneil1)
Hermon Atkins MacNeil: American Sculptor In the Broad, Bright Daylight (https://www.amazon.com/Hermon-Atkins-MacNeil-American-Sculptor/dp/1667855166/ref=sr_1_1)

BANKNOTE BOOK PORTUGUESE GUINEA CHAPTER

CDN is proud to announce the initial publication of this 27-page catalog covering 310 varieties of notes issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (National Overseas Bank) from 1909 to 1971. This chapter features up-to-date and accurate pricing for these scarce issues. As always, full-color images are included throughout.

Subsequent issues are covered in the Guinea-Bissau chapter, already published. Collectors are also advised that this chapter should be used in conjunction with the Banco Nacional Ultramarino Signature Varieties chapter to view and understand the myriad signatures found on these notes.

Subscribers, please log in to Greysheet to access the Portuguese Guinea chapter.

To read the complete article, see:
Portuguese Guinea Chapter of The Banknote Book Published (https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/portuguese-guinea-chapter-of-the-banknote-book-published)

 

ORIENTAL NUMISMATIC SOCIETY AUTUMN 2022

CONTENTS

A Letter from Your Secretary General
Pankaj Tandon

A Brief Note on Two Newly Discovered Denominations of Eucratides I Megas: Tridrachms and Pentadrachms
Chenyu (David) Zeng

A Not So ‘Unfortunate' Kushano-Sasanian Coin
by Joe Cribb, Hans Loeschner, René Traum and Klaus Vondrovec

Re-reading a Silver Coin of Ancient Arakan and the Chronology of the Chandra Kings
Md Shariful Islam and Joe Cribb

An Analytical Examination of Georgian–Sasanian Coins and Their Meaning in Numismatics
Jonathan Ouellet

King Mindon's Early Coinages
Jun Li

ONS News
Pakistan Region Meeting 7 August 2022

Book notice

Copper Coins of Muscat and Oman dated AH 1311–1316 (1893–1899 CE)
by Scott E. Cordry

Book reviews

Chinese Numismatics: The world of Chinese money
by Helen Wang, François Thierry and Lyce Jankowski with an introduction by Joe Cribb

Maldives Local Coins 1070-1331 AH – AD 1660-1913
by Peter Budgen

A Letter from Your Secretary General

Dear ONS members,

I write these words to you from Warsaw, Poland, as the International Numismatic Congress winds down on its last day. It is a rare time to meet colleagues and friends from all over the world and to forge new ties with scholars working on similar topics or sharing some common interests. Also, of course, it is a time to hear about new research in many different fields of numismatics. I personally feel very inspired to move forward on our Society's project to construct an oriental coins database, having heard what strides are being made in the building of online databases for many other types of coinage.

Traditionally, the congress is also marked by the release of a publication, the Survey of Numismatic Research, which offers overviews of the numismatic research findings for the last six (this time, seven) years. In the past this has been a printed publication. This year, however, while a paper version is still available, the Survey is being offered as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.inc-cin.org/survey.html. I count at least 14 chapters of relevance to our members; be sure to check it out.

The sessions on oriental coins were of course of prime interest at the congress. Below is a complete list of the papers relevant to our members. They are listed in the order in which they appeared on the congress schedule so that presentations on similar topics are listed together. As you can see, it was a rich and varied selection of present-ations, making for a very interesting five days. A highlight of the congress was the informal ONS reception held at the National Museum and organized by the head of the coin department there, Andrzej Romanowski, with the assistance of member Emilia Smagur. About 30 people (including a few prospective new members!) gathered to chat and socialize over snacks and drinks. Our thanks to Andrzej and Emilia for their hospitality. Finally, mark your calendars! The next congress will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, in September 2027.

With warm regards, Pankaj Tandon

For more information, see:
https://www.orientalnumismaticsociety.org/

BOOK REVIEW: GUIDE BOOK OF AMERICAN SILVER EAGLES

Whitman Publishing's new Guide Book of American Silver Eagles, by Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, will debut this December, available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide. Here, Q. David Bowers, the namesake of Whitman's popular Bowers Series of numismatic reference books (of which McMorrow-Hernandez's work is no. 27), reviews the new volume and shares some thoughts on American Silver Eagles.

As 2022 enters the holiday season, Whitman Publishing is releasing the first edition of the Guide Book of American Silver Eagles—and I say first edition because I'm certain many more will follow! The bullion coin series it covers has been with us for more than 35 years, and shows no sign of slowing down.

There's something to be said for longevity in the hobby of coin collecting. The Bowers Series of reference books—of which this is volume 27—will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, and I myself have been in numismatics as a hobbyist and a professional for 70 years.

Maybe you're new to the hobby yourself, and American Silver Eagles are your gateway to the fun and excitement. Or you might be a longtime collector, and these coins are a series you've collected for decades, or one you're just beginning to explore. Whatever your experience level, you have a talented guide in Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, who shares insight to help you understand and appreciate American Silver Eagles. Read and learn from Josh's book, and you can build a beautiful and valuable collection of your own.

Josh himself is no newcomer to the hobby. He's written about coins for many years, as a freelance journalist, a market reporter, and a book author. His enthusiasm for American Silver Eagles is contagious!

In 1986, the year the American Eagle bullion program was launched, Florence M. Schook was president of the American Numismatic Association. My own term as president had just ended. Florence emphasized, as I always have, the importance of knowledge in the hobby, more than just buying and selling, and she dedicated her energy to educating collectors, especially young collectors. She would be pleased to see the growth in the number of coin-related books published since then, certainly in the past 20 years.

American Silver Eagles deserve their own books among the hobby's literature. They're popular—any program that sells 600 million or more coins is an unqualified barnburner! And they appeal to a variety of interests. Maybe you're an investor or speculator, looking to build a reserve of precious metal. American Silver Eagles fill the bill nicely. You could be a hobbyist who collects from pocket change and has never bought a rare coin before, and be drawn in by the American Silver Eagle's attractive designs. If you like challenging and interesting series, American Silver Eagles boast Proof coins of flawless quality, rarities that make the 1909-S V.D.B. cent look common, and many innovative new finishes and formats to collect. And if you're a history buff, as I am, the American Silver Eagles beckon. They were born in a fascinating numismatic era and they connect to many points of national and international historical interest.

I remember in 1985 I was introduced at a symposium as one of the leading figures in the coin industry. This prompted me to reply that I don't consider myself an industrialist—someone who presides over factories and loading docks and railroad connections. Instead, I consider myself to be a professional numismatist. I might be industrious, but I'm not an industrialist! In the same era of 1985, 1986, 1987, as the American Eagle program was in planning and then got underway, more and more newcomers to coin-collecting were expressing interest in investment and price appreciation. A senior numismatist at my firm, Bowers and Merena Galleries, shared with me typical questions he was hearing from people just entering the hobby: What kind of profits will I see next year on coins I buy today? What newsletters should I subscribe to if I want to maximize my investment? What coin series is the hottest now? What will be hot tomorrow?

In the Guide Book of American Silver Eagles, Josh McMorrow-Hernandez explores the almost unique collector/investor energy that these coins enjoy—part of what sells them in the millions. Not only do they capture the eyes and imaginations of hobbyists, but they also appeal to investors and speculators, the silver bugs and stackers attracted to their precious-metal content. This two-audiences-in-one appeal isn't entirely unique: There's another coin series that shares the same high level of popularity among both collectors and investors. That coin is the classic Morgan silver dollar of 1878 to 1921, a personal favorite of mine. Inside his delightful new book, Josh shows us why many collectors and dealers consider the American Silver Eagle to be the Morgan dollar of today.

Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the biggest and most important coinage programs of modern times. There's a lot to learn in the Guide Book of American Silver Eagles, and fun to be had while collecting. Enjoy!

A Guide Book of American Silver Eagles, first edition.
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez; foreword by Q. David Bowers.
ISBN 0794849792. Softcover, 6 x 9 inches, 384 pages, full color.
Retail $29.95 U.S.
https://whitman.com/guide-book-of-american-silver-eagles/

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NEW BOOK: GUIDE BOOK OF AMERICAN SILVER EAGLES (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n39a03.html)

BOOK REVIEW: NUMISMATICS FOR EVERYONE

Book Review: Numismatics for Everyone / La numismatique pour tous
by Steve Woodland, CD, P. Eng., FRCNA

Title: Numismatics for Everyone = La numismatique pour tous
Author: Serge Pelletier
Publisher: Lighthouse Publications (Canada)
ISBN: 978-2-9821129-0-2
Size: Letter
Greyscale pages: 470
Colour pages: 64
Binding: Adhesive
Suggested retail price: 86.95 CAD; 79.95 USD; 78.95 EUR

Ever wonder about the meaning of something that appears on a coin, bank note, medal, or token? The answer can now be found in Serge Pelletier's Numismatics for Everyone / La numismatique pour tous, the latest addition to his long list of numismatic publications.

This new release is a bilingual English-French compendium of numismatics with over 16,000 entries that run the gamut of the numismatic spectrum. The comprehensive volume was designed and written to appeal equally to collectors, students, and researchers at all levels, from beginner to professional.

Published by Lighthouse Publications Canada, the book contains 470 pages of text and 64 plates of high-quality colour images. Entries are organized alphabetically, with special sections on numismatic abbreviations, numbers and symbols, world alphabets, and much more. Easy to read and understand, the text, images, and tables deliver an in-depth and systematic overview of world numismatics.

This invaluable book is the result of some 25 years of research and compilation. It is a companion reference to Pelletier's 2008 The Canadian Numismatic Dictionary / Le dictionnaire canadien de numismatique and his defining series of catalogues on Canadian municipal trade tokens.

Pelletier holds a B.A. in Translation, is a 31-year military veteran, and is currently the Canadian representative on several international military terminology committees.

His numismatic writing, which includes hundreds of articles in numismatic publications worldwide, has been formally recognized with awards from the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, Numismatics International, and the Numismatic Literary Guild. He is also an award-winning editor at the regional and national level.

Pelletier is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, the Canadian Numismatic Research Society, and the Ontario Numismatic Association. He is also a recipient of the J. Douglas Ferguson Award, the highest award in Canadian numismatics.

The book is now available directly from the publisher at https://www.lighthousecanada.ca and will soon be available from your favourite dealer.

NENA 78TH CONFERENCE BOOK SIGNING REPORT

The bi-annual Coin and Currency Expo sponsored by EBW Promotions, LLC (www.nhcoinexpo.com) was held in Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday-Saturday October 14-15. The spacious facility had 120 dealer booths and the New England Numismatic Association (NENA) sponsored its first Book Signing event there on Friday featuring numismatic authors and a Young Numismatist program on Saturday. Exhibit competition was also overseen and judged by NENA.

Authors wishing to take part in the next book signing event next Fall are asked to please contact John Ferreri at johnnybanknote@yahoo.com.

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NENA 78TH CONFERENCE BOOK SIGNING EVENT (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n39a12.html)

DAVID LISOT (1953-2022)

Bill Rosenblum writes:

Blaine Shiff writes:

Chriss Hoffman writes:

Cindy Wibker of Florida United Numismatists (FUN) writes:

Peter Huntoon writes:

John and Nancy Wilson writes:

To listen to the Podcast, see:
CoinWeek Podcast: #168: Remembering David Lisot, CoinWeek Co-Founder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cw_LJUAHC0)

Rick Lank writes:

Dennis Tucker writes:

In a Coin World article, Paul Gilkes wrote:

To read the complete Coin World article, see:
Hobby videographer David Lisot, 69, dies after minor surgery (https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/hobby-videographer-david-lisot-69-dies-after-minor-surgery)

Newman Numismatic Portal Project Coordinator Len Augsburger writes:

Link to David Lisot videos on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/multimediadetail/522852

Link to Advanced Search on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/advancedsearchform

VIDEO: DAVID LISOT INTERVIEWED BY BEN FRANKLIN

David Lisot Interviewed by Ben Franklin
at the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists Convention 2021.
VIDEO: 16:09.

Patrick McBride, Ben Franklin, Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists, David Lisot, CoinTelevision.com. October 29, 2021.

Imagine being interviewed by Benjamin Franklin! Entrepreneur and veteran coin reporter for CoinTelevision.com. David Lisot had just that opportunity at the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists on October 29, 2021. Mr. Franklin asks David about his extraordinary experience videotaping the numismatic hobby. He delves into the intricacy of David's s experiences and what were the most important aspects. If you want to see David Lisot who championed preserving the history of numismatics for more than 40 years on video then watch this interview!

The video is also available for viewing on the Coin Television YouTube Channel at:
https://youtu.be/iQFaA0hl11g

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
OLIVER LAWRENCE LISOT 1927-2013 (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n12a13.html)
VIDEO: DAVID LISOT INTERVIEWED BY BEN FRANKLIN (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a08.html)

NNP ADDS REEDED EDGE HALF NEWSLETTER

Newman Portal Adds Jim Koenings' Reeded Edge Half Newsletter

Jim Koenings continues to archive the Reeded Edge (1836-1839) half dollar issues, publishing installments on a monthly basis, each of which is dedicated to a single die marriage within the series. The latest issue, #42, covers the 1839 GR-8 variety, referencing the die marriages as published by Dick Graham in A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars (2012). In total, Graham identified a total of 55 marriages in this short-lived series. Koenings' work serves as a useful companion to the Graham reference, adding data on market appearances, rarity, and censes of individual marriages. The Koenings' work is issued electronically, which more easily supports the expanded content that might not be included in typical die marriage references.

Image: 1839 Reeded Edge Half, GR-8, with rotated dies, as profiled in the October 15, 2022 issue of Koenings' Reeded Edge Half Newsletter. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

Link to Koenings' Reeded Edge Half Newsletter on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/540192

MORE NUMISMATIC USES FOR PHOTOSHOP

I would like to follow up on Bill Eckberg's piece discussing the use of Photoshop as an analytical tool. I've used Photoshop overlays with images of ancient coins to confirm die links, but I've never used color in the way that he has. His example showing that the 1792 disme and 1793 half cent dies were produced from the same obverse hub has been enlightening.

Aside from Photoshop's use in the more scientific endeavor of confirming die or hub linkages, I would like to share with your readers ways in which I've found the software to be useful for education. For example, as part of a talk I presented about coins of the Severan Dynasty, I used Photoshop to overlay images of three denarii of Emperor Geta, all struck from the same reverse die. My intent was not to demonstrate the obvious die linkage between the coins, but to illustrate how circulation wear affects the details of a design. Each coin is in a different state of wear, and I used Photoshop to create an animated GIF showing the reverse design transitioning from a state of lesser to greater wear. I achieved this effect by sequentially fading the upper layers into the lower layers.

In the same presentation I used Photoshop for the purpose of clarifying a rather complex reverse design on a sestertius of Caracalla. The catalog description is:

Septimius Severus and Caracalla (and Geta in background, just visible between them) standing left in military dress, holding transverse spears in left hands; before them, two soldiers, one standing facing holding vertical spear, the other standing facing, head left, holding vertical standard; at the feet of the soldiers, captive seated right.

It would be a challenge to identify all the components of this design on a well-struck, uncirculated or extra-fine example using just the naked eye, even with magnification. But on my coin, circulation wear, encrustations, and a severe double strike all contribute to obfuscating the scene, and the written legend surrounding it, even more.

In Photoshop I used color to highlight the individual letters in the legend, as well as the human figures in the design, making the coin much easier to read. I also added text labels to identify the figures in the scene as specific individuals corresponding to the catalog description. In my presentation I included only still images on separate slides showing the raw coin and then the color-enhanced version, but I've combined them in an animated GIF to show here.

I hope Mr. Eckberg's discussion of his analytical uses for Photoshop, and my examples showing some educational or illustrative uses, might inspire others to explore ways to harness this powerful software for numismatic uses.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 9, 2022 : On Photoshop As an Analytical Tool (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/club_nbs_esylum_v25n41.html)

BOSS TWEED CARICATURES

Rex Stark writes:

James Higby writes:

Bill Dalzell of Classical Numismatic Group writes:

For the complete cartoon, see:
Boss Tweed: 'Two Great Questions' (https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/political-cartoon-by-thomas-nast-of-william-marcy-boss-news-photo/1813305)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 16, 2022 : Altered Fractional Currency Portrait (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a16.html)

Michael Merrill adds:

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 23, 2022

Sylvester Sage Crosby's FindaGrave Page
Steve Tompkins writes:

To read the updated Find a Grave page, see:
Sylvester Sage Crosby (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/244751707/sylvester-sage-crosby)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
SYLVESTER SAGE CROSBY (1831-1914) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n41a20.html)
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 16, 2022 : Sylvester Sage Crosby's Resting Place (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a16.html)

J.S.G. Boggs Flips Us Off
Bob Van Arsdell writes:

Ken Spindler of San Diego writes:

Jeff Koyen writes:

Bob Van Arsdell adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
BOGGS ESTATE SELLS NFTS, RECEIPT AND CHANGE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a17.html)

Farouk Sale Sleeper Lot
Rex Stark of Gardner, Mass writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: OCTOBER 16, 2022 : On "Sleepers" in Large Auction Lots (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a16.html)

The Perfect Banknote

Bob Leuver writes:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
QUEEN ELIZABETH II PLATINUM JUBILEE NOTES (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a31.html)

VOCABULARY TERM: MATRIX

Matrix. The element which gives form to something else; as a die from which a piece is struck. In striking a coin or medal, a matrix is a working die; it is negative (concave) for striking positive pieces. The matrix for striking can be made in any of three ways: 1) from a patrix, hub, or master die; (2) cut from a dieshell on a die-cutting pantograph; or (3) handcut engraving.

In diesinking a matrix is the pattern for a letter punch, called a matrix plate. Diesinkers, particularly early ones, made their own letter puncheons, and often, their own matrices. The matrix plate would be formed of hardened steel and an iron punch would be softened, pressed into the matrix plate, then it would be hardened by quenching. It could then be used to punch letters into a die.

In electroforming a matrix is also considered a pattern, the mold from which an electrogalvanic cast is made; it is wired as the cathode to form the cast by electrodeposition. The resulting galvano reproduces the matrix exactly. This matrix is also called core pattern, mandrel, or (in England) a former.

In bas-relief the matrix is the background from which the relief is formed; thus the matrix can be considered the metal (or other composition) from which the relief emanates on a cast or struck piece. In openwork it is the matrix that is removed to form open space.

To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
Matrix (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/516274)

CHAUNCEY LEE (1763-1842)

A recent article discussed Sylvester Sage Crosby and the first American coin book illustrated with photographs. The topic this week is Chauncey Lee and the first book illustrated with an engraving of an American coin.

Chauncey Lee was born in Salisbury in the British Colony of Connecticut, on November 9, 1763. His parents were the Reverend Jonathan Lee (1718-1788) and Love Graham (1732-1820). Chauncey was married three times. The first was in 1795 to Abigail Stanton (1770-1805). They had four children. As with the Crosby family, a surviving son took the name of a deceased child. His second marriage was in February 1807 to Olive Harrison (1774-1818) and produced three children. His final marriage on October 21, 1818 was to Rebecca Green Haynes (1773-1841) and her second marriage.

He graduated from Yale College in 1784 and was admitted to the bar in 1786. After a few years of law practice, he became a minister in Colebrook about 1789. In 1796 he became the principal of Lansingburgh Academy in Troy, New York. He was a pastor at Colebrook 1800 to 1827 and at Marlborough 1828 to 1837.

He then moved to Hartwick, New York, where he died on December 5, 1842 and is buried at Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown, New York.

Lee wrote poetry and also was the author of The American accomptant: being a plain, practical and systematic compendium of federal arithmetic, in three parts: designed for the use of schools, and specially calculated for the commercial meridian of the United States of America, published in 1797.

The book represents two firsts for American numismatics. An engraved plate frontispiece had illustrations of six coins. One was an American small gold eagle ($10) dated 1795. The others were a 1780 Spanish Pistole, a 1725 Portuguese Half Moidore (2000 Reis), a 1786 French Guinea, a 1766 Portuguese Johannes and a British Guinea. This was the first printed illustration of an American coin.

It has also been suggested that the book is the first to illustrate a dollar sign. This is controversial. There is evidence of an earlier appearance. There is also question if the symbol in the book is really a dollar sign. Page 56 of the book includes symbols for a cent, dime, dollar and eagle. Both the dime and dollar are similar to the dollar sign. This was discussed in The E-Sylum in 2011.

Page 56 also had a table showing the value of the six gold coins illustrated on the Frontispiece.

Published biographies have inconsistent information. The famousamericans.net site gives his year of birth as 1718, his date of death as November 5, 1842, and his year of retirement as 1885. This would add him to the list of hundred-year-old numismatists and also one who worked until he was 166 years old. As an experienced researcher, I tend to mistrust such information.

To read the book on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
The American accomptant; being a plain, practical and systematic compendium of Federal arithmetic in three parts : designed for use in the schools, and specially calculated for the commercial meridian of the United States of America. (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/562544)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
THE AMERICAN ACCOMPTANT: 1797 BOOK USING DOLLAR SIGN (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n26a18.html)
MORE ON THE AMERICAN ACCOMPTANT AND THE FIRST PRINTED DOLLAR SIGN (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n30a10.html)
SYLVESTER SAGE CROSBY (1831-1914) (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n41a20.html)

CENT COUNTERMARKED WITH PATENT DATES

1882 US Indian Head Cent

Countermarked "PATENTED / (7 Dates)"

The entire countermark is from a single die punch within a serrated outline.

The dates are as follows:

OCT. 7, 1879
OCT. 26, 1880
FEBY. 1, 1881
JUNE 3, 1884
MAY 12, 1885
AUG. 10, 1886
OCT. 19, 1886

Some US patent date research should uncover the issuer of this unusual countermark.

To read the complete lot description, see:
1882 US Indian Head Cent, Counterstamp "PATENTED / (7 Patent Dates)" (https://www.ebay.com/itm/134270865347)

JACOB LIPSON INVENTORY SELECTIONS

1658 de Levi, duc d'Ampville Medal

46mm. 57.7 grams. Pointing hand and BRONZE on edge. Signed I. HARDY F. Struck at the Paris Mint between 1845 and 1860. This is a scarce medal featuring the portrait and arms of Francois Christopher de Levi, duc d'Ampville, who served as the ninth Viceroy of New France from 1644 to 1660. Seldom offered in any condition, this one exhibits unmarked deep brown surfaces with glossy fields and fully struck devices. An exceptional example. Stack's offered a later restrike in 2016 (MS65 Red Brown NGC) that realized $793.13 USD.

To read the complete item description, see:
1658 de Levi, duc d'Ampville Medal, McLachlan-XV, Betts-39, Leroux-303. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1658-de-levi-duc-de-dampville-medal-mclachlan-xv-betts-39-leroux-303)

1811 Canada Vexator Token

6.10 grams. Thick flan with rounded edges. Central definition is strong on each side with typical weakness around the peripheries. Chocolate-brown surfaces are smooth and glossy. Almost certainly better than the assigned grade; these tokens were poorly made and detail is seldom bold and never uniform.

Ex: Robinson; Coté; Warren Baker; Donald G. Partrick Collection.

To read the complete item description, see:
1811 Canada Vexator Token, Breton-559, VC-3A1. VG10 BN NGC. Ex: Partrick. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1811-canada-vexator-token-breton-559-vc-3a1-vg10-bn-ngc-ex-partrick)

1837 Molson Token

7.76 grams. An iconic Canadian token struck by Jean-Marie Arnault of Montreal and issued by Thomas and William Molson of the same city. The vast majority of Molson tokens that come to light appear in VF to XF and AU condition. Mint State examples are rare, but so are those that show signs of extensive circulation. This olive-gold example clearly circulated in the local economy. Its surfaces are smooth and problem-free, yet they retain almost full legends and bold devices with partial interior detail. Only ALL at the upper reverse is mostly illegible. An interesting and readily appealing example of this famous design.

To read the complete item description, see:
1837 Molson Token, Breton-562, LC-16A3. Thin Flan, Reeded Edge. VG-Fine. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1837-molson-token-breton-562-lc-16a1-thin-flan-reeded-edge-vg-fine)

1837 Lower Canada Habitant City Bank Half Penny Token

VI in line. Obverse of Courteau-1n and Reverse of Courteau-2a. This token is gorgeous with coppery golden-brown colour that dominates each side. It is fully struck with razor-sharp detail on the Habitant's face and the thistle. The obverse is in a late die state with numerous spindly cracks. Minimally marked.

To read the complete item description, see:
1837 Lower Canada Habitant City Bank Half Penny Token, Breton-522, LC-8A1. Unc Red and Brown. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1837-lower-canada-habitant-city-bank-half-penny-token-breton-522-lc-8a1-unc-red-and-brown)

Lower Canada Banque du Peuple Rebellion Sou

The political nature of this token with the star and Liberty cap on the reverse symbols of the Patriotes, and its Montreal origin (struck by Jean-Marie Arnault) make it one of the more popular issues in the Lower Canada series. This attractive example is strong for the VF grade level. Deep brown surfaces are glossy, if a bit unevenly struck along the left obverse border.

To read the complete item description, see:
(1837) Lower Canada Banque du Peuple Rebellion Sou, Breton-716, LC-4A2. VF30. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1837-lower-canada-banque-du-peuple-rebellion-sou-breton-716-lc-4a2-vf30)

1877 Indian Cent

A superior collector-grade example in problem-free condition. Each side shows strong detail, including a bold date, with glossy chocolate-brown surfaces. Only 852,500 examples of the 1877 Indian cent were struck, making it the singular key to the series.

To read the complete item description, see:
1877 USA Indian Head Cent. (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/inventory/1877-usa-indian-head-cent)

To visit Jacob's website, see:
JACOB LIPSON RARE COINS (https://www.jacoblipsonrarecoins.com/)

SPOOKY NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS

102005 | FRANCE & NETHERLANDS. Lodge La Vertu gilt silver Medal. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the lodge and the gunpowder explosion at Leiden (38mm x 45mm, 20.63 g, 12h). By D. P. Wilno. VIRTUTIS SOCIIS FRATERNO MORE LIGATIS PROSPERA CONTINGIT CLAUDERE LUSTRA DECEM DIE 19 OCT 5807, female personification of Leiden kneeling right, trying to hold back the Grim Reaper (as a skeleton), holding scythe; demolished city in background; altar bearing scrolls and decorated with ouroboros and 1/2 between them; in three lines in exergue, DIE 12 IAN DEUS / NOS OMNES / SERVAVIT / VIVAT LUDOVICUS NAPOLEON BENEFICUS HOLLANDIAE REX! / civic coat-of-arms; in nine lines below, DUM REPETET SUBITAM, / TIBI, REX: TUA LEIDA RUINAM, / REDDETUR GRATAE DEBITUS / URBIS AMOR. / VIRTUTIS NOMEN FRATRUM / LAUDESQUE MANEBUNT, / DUM PIETAS MISERIS / DULCE LEVAMEN ERIT. / S. S. V. D. E. Edge: Some marks at a portion of the edges, and with loop and clasp attached at the top; otherwise plain. Bramsen 669; Dirks 1933; Julius 1809. Mint State Details. Some deeper toning nearer the peripheries on the obverse, though numerous hairlines from a prior cleaning are noted. Nevertheless, extremely rare and interesting, with just 48 produced in gilt silver, and 154 in silver, one of the latter recently selling for €2,640 in September 2022. $1,895.

A massive explosion took place in the city of Leiden in January 1807 which, at the time, was a part of the Kingdom of Holland—a client state among Napoleon's exploits across Europe. Given the expectation that the kingdom would be attacked by the British, a great deal of gunpowder was ordered to be on hand, with one of the barges carrying the munitions sparking an explosion that destroyed a portion of the city and killing some 155 people. The temple of the Lodge La Vertu was located in the blast zone, hence the reference to it on this medal. Upon hearing of the destruction, the King of Holland, Louis Napoleon (Bonaparte), arrived to assist in rebuilding the city and calming the public. One such medal was made in gold for the king, while another 48 in gilt silver and 154 in silver—one less than the number of lives lost in the blast.

To read the complete item description, see:
102005 | FRANCE & NETHERLANDS. Lodge La Vertu gilt silver Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102005)

101887 | GERMANY. Johann Friedrich Blumenbach bronze Medal. Issued 1825. Commemorating the Jubilee of the Anthropologist's Doctorate (50mm, 66.73 g, 12h). By G. Loos and H. Gube in Berlin. I FR BLUMENBACH NATO GOTHAE D 11 MAII 1752 DOCT CREATO GOTTINGAE D 19 SEPT 1775, bust left / NATURAE INTERPRETI OSSA LOQUI IUBENTI PHYSIOSOPHILI GERMANICI D 19 SEPT 1825, three human skulls, as classified by Blumenbach: Caucasian, Ethiopian, and Mongolian. Edge: Plain. Storer 398; Brettauer 125. Choice Mint State. Rich glossy brown surfaces, with great reverse relief. An ever-interesting and haunting type. $695.

Blumenbach was an anthropologist from the University of Göttingen and specialized in the study and classification of human skulls from around the world—later known as craniometry. At the time of his death, he owned 245 whole skulls and fragments, along with two mummies. The term ‘caucasian' as a descriptor of race was also derived from him, as his influential use of it in 1795 quickly caught on in scientific circles. For more information on Blumenbach and a modern analysis of his career—as well as a reference to this medallic issue—visit Nell Irvin Painter's Why White People Are Called ‘Caucasian?'"

To read the complete item description, see:
101887 | GERMANY. Johann Friedrich Blumenbach bronze Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/101887)

102018 | FRANCE. Banquet of Socialist Women satirical brass Medal. Issued 1848 (28mm, 6.20 g, 12h). LE DIABLE PRÉCHANT L'EVANGILE (the devil preaching the Gospels) / C'EST NOUS QUI SOMMES LES VRAIS APOTRES (it is we who are the true apostles), seminude Devil standing facing, with horns, wings, tail, and hooklike appendages / SOUVENIR / DU BANQUET FRATERNEL / DES FEMMES SOCIALISTES / LE JOUR DE NOEL / 1848 (a souvenir of the fraternal banquet of women socialists on Christmas Day) in five lines. Collignon 1015. Choice Mint State. Brassy yellow surfaces, with a great deal of brilliance. $225.

Ex J. Eric Engstrom Collection.

Though the French Revolution may have served as a republican cause for men, the sentiment didn't exactly extend to women, with the later revolution in 1848 serving to further the cause of female rights in France. Given the number of satirical medals issued at this time pertaining to the events of the day, it is rather predictable that there would be one such as the piece here, alluding to the idea that the devil must assuredly be involved with such licentious pursuits for women...like voting, education, and employment.

To read the complete item description, see:
102018 | FRANCE. Banquet of Socialist Women satirical brass Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102018)

102024 | NETHERLANDS. Maastricht. Chapter of St. Servatius's Church lead Funeral Token (Begrafenisloodje). Dated 1828. Receipt for funeral expenses or as a funeral commemorative (28mm, 12.74 g, 12h). Skull and crossbones / ECCLESIÆ STI SERVATII, upright key. Edge: Some roughness, otherwise plain. Cf. Minard p. 196, 359 (cancellation punch on the reverse). Fine. Fairly well worn and some scattered marks, but still rather clear on the obverse. A very rare and engaging type. $465.

Begrafenisloodje served multiple roles in the Low Countries during the 16th-19th centuries, acting as payment for gravediggers, pallbearers, or other funerary expenses, or acting as a commemorative for the funeral of the deceased—either to those attending the ceremonies or to the respective church in remembrance of the departed. Where they were utilized to indicate payment, a punch was generally placed upon one or both sides to act as a form of "cancellation" for the services rendered and payment received.

To read the complete item description, see:
102024 | NETHERLANDS. Maastricht. St. Servatius's Church lead Funeral Token. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102024)

 

COINCRAFT OFFERS COINS IN QUANTITY

I founded Coincraft – Britain's Coin Shop in 1955, we only sell to collectors, we do not sell anything for investment and we do not borrow money from the bank. Over the years we have accumulated one of the largest inventories of British coins and banknotes in the world. Because when we buy a hoard we do not dump it, we just put it in stock.

As I am now 78 years old, and feel that it is time to lighten up our inventory a bit. I would prefer to sell all of an item to one person or company, that way there will be no competition between companies. I am listing some of the fantastic items that we have in quality, you provide the idea and we provide the coins and banknotes. Many of these items you cannot get elsewhere, especially in the quantities that you need to do a big promotion.

Our prices are reasonable considering the years we spent putting this inventory together. Yes, you may be able to buy 5 or 10 pieces some places at a cheaper price, but no promotion is viable with those sort of numbers. For example the 1977 Silver Jubilee crown in cupro-nickel is being advertised for between £10 and £20. We have 16,000 pieces in stock and our price is as low as £1.75!

• Farthings: George VI Uncirculated including WW2 4-6,000 available
• Halfpenny: The Golden Hind Sir Francis Drake's ship, 1967 BU the last pre-decimal Half Penny 100,000 available
• Edward VII 1d complete date set 1902-1910: 1,000 sets available
• Penny: 1967 much rarer than the Halfpenny BU 6-10,000 available
• The Last Sterling Silver Threepence: George V 1911-1919 including many World War One dated coins 35,000 available, biggest hoard in the world!
• Brass Threepences 1967 BU 10,000-20,000 available.
• Silver Sixpences Kings George V and George VI 1920-1946: a number of different types, a great gift for weddings, ‘a silver sixpence in her shoe', 50,000 available.
• 1887 Queen Victoria shilling for her Golden Jubilee: only issued for 2 years 500 available and in nice condition.
• Silver Shillings: George V and George VI on the George VI we have both English and Scottish designs, 5,000-15,000 available.
• Silver Florins George V & George VI: 2,000-5,000 available.
• Silver Halfcrowns George V & George VI: 2,000-5,000 available.
• 1935 Silver Jubilee Crown, this country's first commemorative coin, for the Silver Jubilee of George V, also known as the rocking horse crown 500-1,000 in stock.
• 1960 New York Exhibition Crown 500 available.
• 1965 Churchill Crown 10,000 available, always popular.
• 1972 Silver Wedding cupro-nickel Unc 2,000-5,000 available.
• 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown 16,000 available as low as £1.75.
• 1980 Queen Mother's 80th birthday 2,000-5,000 available.
• 1981 Charles & Diana wedding crown the last crown ever 2,000-5,000 available.
• 1981 Charles & Diana Sterling Silver Proof 500-800 available.
• Ecu Mint Set 1992 a private issue in colour folder 600 available very flashy.

• £1 Portrait note the first Bank of England note to portray the Queen Fine 3,000.
• £1 Pictorial note that last ever £1 note last issued 1984 Very Fine 3,000.
• £5 note, the last issue of a £5 note printed on paper, all Bank of England notes are now printed on plastic, Choice Uncirculated 4,000 available, try and find them anywhere else in any condition and these are choice Uncirculated.
• Uncut Sheet of 3 Bank of England £5 notes printed on paper. Each note has the same serial number but each note with a different prefix, in a colour folder only 1,500 made we have 700 available.
• Stamford, Spaulding and Boston White £5 banknote 1890-1910, the bank was bought out by Barclays Bank, then the signature was cut out to cancel them. Fine- Very Fine 4,000 pieces available they are over 100 years old and scarce.
• British military £5 note, the largest denomination issued Crisp Unc 20,000 in stock.
• British Military £1 note 3 different available Crisp Unc 20,000 of each available.

• Ancient Roman coin of Constantius II, 317-361 AD, reasonable copper coins with a portrait of the Emperor, we have 5,000 pieces available. Now think of what you can do with these coins…

Have a look at this partial listing and give Phil a call and talk to him about what you need. For a promotion, for gifts for the unusual Coincraft has it.

CNG ISLAMIC AUCTION 2 ANNOUNCED

An unpublished early Islamic gold dinar from the ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful,' an extremely rare gold double-dinar minted for presentation to a high-ranking official in the year AH 343 (AD 954/5), and an extremely rare Arab-Sasanian silver drachm depicting the Caliph Marwan I (AH 85-86 / AD 685- 705) are among highlights of Classical Numismatic Group's second dedicated auction of Islamic coins, to be held live and online Thursday, October 27, webcast from London, UK.

We are doubly proud of Islamic Auction 2, said Steve Lloyd, Islamic specialist for Classical Numismatic Group LLC. The 330 lots offered here include a number of unique, beautiful, and historically important pieces, and to be able to offer an unpublished Umayyad dinar from the ‘Mine of the Commander of the Faithful' is a real privilege.

The auction will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in the Library of the Bloomsbury Hotel in London, commencing at 13:00 BST. We are excited to be holding CNG's first live room auction in London, Lloyd explained.  We know that many of our clients enjoy the convenience of online bidding, but there is still nothing quite like the experience of a live auction held in a saleroom. After more than two years of lockdowns and travel bans under the pandemic, we are especially looking forward to seeing many of our clients in person again. The sale will be webcast worldwide via CNG's Auction Mobility platform, and bidders can participate in real-time via the website www.cngcoins.com and the firm's smart phone app.

CNG Islamic Sale 2 comprises 330 lots of gold, silver and bronze coinage, with estimates totaling nearly $1.6 million. The Mine of the Commander of the Faithful gold dinar is Lot 82 in the sale, carrying an estimate of $750,000. While a handful of other Mine dinars are known, this is the only specimen of this date, AH 93 (AD 711/2), which has ever crossed the block. Scholars have suggested that the gold used to strike these dinars came from a mine in Arabia which belonged to the Caliph himself.

Other highlights of the sale include:

Lot 91, a unique Umayyad silver dirham from the mint of Bamm, dated AH 80 (AD 699/700), estimated $40,000. Bamm is a previously unrecorded mint for Umayyad silver, and this is the first time in almost a decade that a new Umayyad dirham mint has come to light.

Lot 294, an extremely rare presentation double dinar, naming all seven Isma‘ili Imams, struck at Jalalabad in the year AH 343 (AD 954/5), estimated $40,000.  This handsome coin bears witness to the spread of Isma'ilism in the eastern part of the Islamic world during the 4th/10th century.

Lot 11, an extremely rare Arab-Sasanian drachm, dated AH 75 (AD 694/5), depicting a standing figure of the Caliph ‘Abd al-Malik b. Marwan (AH 65-86 / AD 685-705) in traditional Arab dress, with his hand on the hilt of a sword.  Estimated $30,000, this is the earliest depiction of a caliph on Islamic silver coinage.

Lot 128, a unique presentation dirham likely struck by Zubayda bint Ja'far, wife of the Caliph Harun al- Rashid. Dated AH 186 (AD 802), it is estimated $25,000.  Zubayda was known by the title Umm Ja'far, ‘Mother of Ja'far,' and it has been suggested that this coin was struck in one of her palaces.

Lot 288, a remarkable silver Samanid cast medallion issued at Bukhara in AH 358 (AD 968/9).  Estimated $25,000, this extraordinary piece bears a portrait copied from an earlier pre-Islamic type, but whose features have been subtly modified, possibly to resemble the Samanid ruler, Mansur b. Nuh.

Lot 204, the earliest known gold dinar of the Arab Amirs of Crete, dated AH 270 (AD 883/4). Estimated $15,000, this unique coin is overstruck on a Byzantine solidus of Theophilus (AD 829-842), traces of which can still be seen.

Lot 329, the rare and impressive Ottoman Gold Imtiyaz Medal named to Imam Yahya of the Yemen (AD 1918-1948), probably awarded after the Treaty of Daan. (Estimate $15,000)

Pre-bids on all coins in Islamic Auction I may be placed via the company's website, www.cngcoins.com.

Inquiries about Islamic Auction 2 may be sent to Steve Lloyd at stevelloyd@cngcoins.com. To receive a copy of the full-color catalog, contact Classical Numismatic Group LLC at CNG@cngcoins.com, or call (717) 390-9194. Clients in the United Kingdom and Europe may contact CNG's London office at (+44) 20-7495-1888.

MORE COLTRANE ESTATE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONALS

Rare and important North Carolina Nationals collected by the late Mike Coltrane for decades are offered in an unreserved online Showcase auction by Heritage Auctions on October 30, 2022. The collection chronicles North Carolina's post-Civil War banking history including the part Mike's ancestors played. Daniel B. Coltrane, Mike's great-great grandfather, was one of the founders of the Concord National Bank. He and son Lester D. Coltrane were officers (see lots 96043 through 96070 for the father-son signature combination of President and Cashier respectively). Some of the notes Mike's banker father (Lester D. Coltrane III) accumulated over the years, along with Mike's private purchases, are newly reported and being auctioned for the first time.

Collectors will be intrigued by significant types from rarely encountered Original Series and 1875 types to 1929 Small Size rarities, many of which are in excellent condition. And there are a number of sole reported examples from their charters and types. As with his forebears, Mike continued the tradition of giving back to the community. Proceeds from this currency Showcase sale and upcoming U.S. Coins Signature auction will be donated to charity, through the Foundation for the Carolinas, to assist individuals in need as well as for community betterment. We hope you will take the time to review this important offering.

Charlotte, NC - $5 1882 Date Back Fr. 534 The Commercial National Bank Ch. # (S)2135 PMG Very Fine 30. Lot 96030.

A note with broad appeal. Not only is this a scarce charter and type, it is also a coveted "Circus Poster" title block layout which is more often seen on 1882 $5 Brown Backs.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Charlotte, NC - $5 1882 Date Back Fr. 534 The Commercial National Bank Ch. # (S)2135 PMG Very Fine 30.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/charlotte-nc-5-1882-date-back-fr-534-the-commercial-national-bank-ch-s-2135-pmg-very-fine-30/a/62264-96030.s)

Concord, NC - $10 1902 Date Back Fr. 618 The Concord National Bank Ch. # (S)3903 PMG Very Fine 25. Lot 96043.

A great rarity from the bank. One of two $10 1902 Date Backs reported, and the first ever offered at auction. Significantly it is hand-signed by two of Mike's banking ancestors: L. D. Coltrane (cashier) and D. B. Coltrane (president, and a founder of the bank). Those signatures continued in use into the small size issuing era.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Concord, NC - $10 1902 Date Back Fr. 618 The Concord National Bank Ch. # (S)3903 PMG Very Fine 25.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/concord-nc-10-1902-date-back-fr-618-the-concord-national-bank-ch-s-3903-pmg-very-fine-25/a/62264-96043.s)

New Berne, NC - $5 1875 Fr. 402 The National Bank of New Berne Ch. # 1632 PMG Very Fine 20. Lot 96180.

The spelling of the city now officially known as "New Bern" has been historically variable. As seen on these early notes, "New Berne" was used for a time. This attractively graded 1875 $5 was purchased privately by Mike, is one of two reported, and reaches auction for the first time.

To read the complete lot description, see:
New Berne, NC - $5 1875 Fr. 402 The National Bank of New Berne Ch. # 1632 PMG Very Fine 20.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/new-berne-nc-5-1875-fr-402-the-national-bank-of-new-berne-ch-1632-pmg-very-fine-20/a/62264-96180.s)

Roanoke Rapids, NC - $20 1882 Value Back Fr. 584 The First National Bank Ch. # (S)5767 PMG Very Fine 25. Lot 96200.

Only five $20 1882 Value Backs are reported from North Carolina, and this is the only one from the charter. Mike acquired this in 1989, and it has not been available to collectors until now.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Roanoke Rapids, NC - $20 1882 Value Back Fr. 584 The First National Bank Ch. # (S)5767 PMG Very Fine 25.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/roanoke-rapids-nc-20-1882-value-back-fr-584-the-first-national-bank-ch-s-5767-pmg-very-fine-25/a/62264-96200.s)

Serial Number 1 Sanford, NC - $10 1929 Ty. 2 The National Bank of Sanford Ch. # 13791 PMG Extremely Fine 40. Lot 96212.

One of four serial number 1 notes in the collection, and the most unusual. The bank is a late1933 charter emitting notes for a short period before the end of National Currency issues. Of the nine reported notes from the bank, this is the only number 1 note.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Serial Number 1 Sanford, NC - $10 1929 Ty. 2 The National Bank of Sanford Ch. # 13791 PMG Extremely Fine 40.. ... (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/serial-number-1-sanford-nc-10-1929-ty-2-the-national-bank-of-sanford-ch-13791-pmg-extremely-fine-40/a/62264-96212.s)

Wilmington, NC - $100 1882 Date Back Fr. 571 The Murchison National Bank Ch. # (S)5182 PMG Very Fine 20. Lot 96242.

Only three banks in North Carolina issued this rarely seen high denomination type, but all the six known survivors are from this charter. This was last auctioned in 2005 and is also in a bold grade.

To read the complete lot description, see:
Wilmington, NC - $100 1882 Date Back Fr. 571 The Murchison National Bank Ch. # (S)5182 PMG Very Fine 20.. .. (https://currency.ha.com/itm/national-bank-notes/wilmington-nc-100-1882-date-back-fr-571-the-murchison-national-bank-ch-s-5182-pmg-very-fine-20/a/62264-96242.s)

This important collection, featuring 259 lots, will be auctioned online on Sunday, October 30, 2022, commencing at 6:00 PM Central Time (7:00 P.M. Eastern). For further sale information contact Susan Bremer at SusanB@HA.com. Lot viewing is available by appointment at Heritage's Office in Dallas. Contact Jose Berumen at JBerumen@ha.com or 214-409-1299. All lots are currently on view online and open for bidding now at ha.com/62264.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
COLTRANE ESTATE NORTH CAROLINA NATIONALS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n42a24.html)

TCNC PROMINENCE VIII SALE

Welcome to The Prominence Sale VIII event. This auction of more than 2400 numismatic lots features three major collections joined by selections from over 70 other consignors across North America. The first three sessions are highlighted by three attractive coin and banknote collections. The R & G collection of Canadian Copper, The South Shore Collection Part III, The MC Collection Part II of Military medals and Canadian banknotes.

The R & G Collection holds a premium selection of carefully chosen elusive copper issues. All of the coins are graded by ICCS and each piece has been carefully selected and is attractive and proper for the grade attributed, some surprises and attractive issues.

Also featuring in this auction; an elusive 1921 50 cents in Specimen-62. An amazing 1887 1 cent in Superb Gem Mint State-66 red graded by PCGS, a superb 1882H 5 Cents Gem Mint State-65, a very scarce 1932 50 Cents in Gem Mint State-65. A beautiful 1926 1 cent in Gem Mint State-65, a stunning selection of War medals and pistols. A great 1924 $5 Queen Mary in Gem condition, a 1967 1 cent in Tin certified by PCGS. An ultra rare 1937 $50 Osborne in gem condition, a rare 1866 $1 St.John Overprint, a lovely 1878 $2 in VF grade.

The two Jewels of The South Shore Collection Part III are the 3 note set from the Weyburn Security bank and the 1954 $1000 Devil`s face in choice Uncirculated condition. Both are Unique and excessively rare. Several Proof and Specimen notes top graded from The Gem collection are also included in session 1. In session 3, you will find a nice assortment of tokens, US & World gold & silver coinage as well as banknotes.

In a separate catalogue (Volume 2), you will find Sessions 4, 5, 6 and 7. It includes over 1200 lots of Canadian coins, banknotes and a huge selection of bulk lots. In addition, a superb section of War medals and artefacts, counterstamped coins, and other numismatic items.

This fantastic Prominence Sale VIII event should make some spectacular moments and active evenings of auctioning. We expect this to be one of the most prestigious numismatic online events of 2022 featuring several rarities never offered to the public. Our sincere thanks to the consignors for entrusting us with the fantastic task of selling their collections. We hope you enjoy this catalogue as much as we enjoyed making it. This should be a memorable sale!

For more information, or to bid online, see:
The Prominence Sale VIII (https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/211/the-prominence-sale-viii)

To read the Prominence Sale VIII catalog 1, see:
https://www.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TCNC-2022-Prominence-Sale-VIII-LR-1.pdf

To read the Prominence Sale VIII catalog 2, see:
https://www.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TCNC-2022-Prominence-Sale-VIII-2-LR.pdf

 

MONTGOMERY COLLECTION OF CONFEDERATE BONDS

LYN KNIGHT CURRENCY AUCTIONS & ARCHIVES INTERNATIONAL AUCTIONS PRESENT THE HISTORIC MONTGOMERY COLLECTION OF CONFEDERATE BONDS & FISCAL DOCUMENTS TO BE AUCTIONED ON NOVEMBER 17, 2022

The Public Auction will be held by Lyn Knight Currency Auctions in Overland Park, Kansas

The Montgomery Collection of Confederate Bonds & Fiscal Documents will be auctioned on November 17, 2022 by Lyn Knight Auctions in association with Archives International Auctions and will consist of 512 lots including numerous C.S.A. Bond rarities. This is one of the most significant offerings of Confederate Bonds and Fiscal Documents to be sold at auction since the Frederick R. Mayer Collection of Confederate Banknotes and Bonds was offered by R.M. Smythe at their Memphis 2007 Auction. I would also like to acknowledge both Grover Criswell and Dr. Douglas Ball for their pioneering contributions to the study of this field of finance of the Confederacy and the collecting of C.S.A. bonds.

The Montgomery collection was put together over a fifty-year period by a passionate collector who was striving to complete his Confederate Bond collection. There are over 300 different types and varieties of Confederate bonds and when duplicates appear, evidently, it was to obtain either a lower Serial Number or better condition example for his collection. The Montgomery Collection contains 43 examples of bonds with the Serial Numbers of 10 or lower, which includes 9 different Serial #1 bonds, as well as, 5 different Serial #2 bonds. The collection also includes many examples that deserve further research and include varieties with Serial Number ranges outside what was previously documented for those issues.

The first Confederate bonds were issued in Montgomery, Alabama, which was the first capital of the Confederacy, when it was formed in February 1862 by the seven States that had seceded from the United States following the election of Lincoln. The capital was moved to Richmond, Virginia in May of 1861. Highlights from the Montgomery Collection includes 6 different examples of the February 28, 1861, Montgomery, Alabama issues of the T7 through T10 rarities, from $50 to $1,000 denominations, all printed by American Bank Note Company, New Orleans, including 3 examples with the location changed to Richmond, Virginia, from Montgomery, Alabama. In addition, there are 6 examples of desirable T11 to T14 bonds including an outstanding Unissued, $100, T14-B21 bond with only 7 or 8 known to exist, with the other T-11 and T12 bonds being rarity 8.

Additional highlights include a Richmond, Virginia, October 26th , 1861, T115-B141, $500,000 Bank Note Loan Certificate, which lists as a Rarity 7; a C.S.A. Act of February 17th, 1864, T162-B341, $8000, S/N 15 bond which is unique with this denomination; an outstanding S/N 1 bond, C.S.A. Act of February 17th, 1864, T172-B352, $100,000, denomination rarity; a historic C.S.A. Act of April 21st, 1862, $1000, T124-B151, numbered with the last S/N 1000 for the issue out of 1000 printed, and signed on the back by James Murray Mason, who was forcibly removed from the CSA ship, Trent, by the U.S. Navy, precipitating an international incident with Britain, known as the Trent Affair. This bond is one of four certificates procured by John J. Ford, who acquired S/Ns 997 to 1000, from the Erlanger firm in London in the late 1950s; dozens of additional rare and desirable bonds are present in this collection, with many not appearing at auction in decades and some making their first appearances at auction ever.

Archives International Auctions is privileged to offer this historic collection of C.S.A. scripophily, in association with Lyn Knight Currency Auctions, that is sure to attract intense interest from beginning to advanced collectors and dealers, with many of these bonds rarely if ever appearing at auction, stated Dr. Robert Schwartz, President of Archives International Auctions.

Previews will be limited and by appointment only. We will do our best to accommodate anyone who desires additional information and photographs. For questions, please call 913.338.3779 or email support@LynKnight.com.

The online catalog and Live Bidding Platform for the Thursday, November 17 th , 2022 auction is on Lyn Knight Currency Auctions' website at LynKnight.com and can also be viewed as a Virtual Catalog or a Live Linked downloadable PDF on their website or from this press Release. To pre-register for Live Internet Bidding, log on to LynKnight.com.

You may also write to Lyn Knight Currency Auctions at P O Box 7364, Overland Park, KS 66207, U.S.A., or email them at support@LynKnight.com. To learn more about the auction planned for November 17th, 2022, log on to www.lynKnight.com.

To view the Virtual Catalogue, see:
https://archivesinternational.auctioneersvault.com/catalog/
The_MontGomery_Collection/index.html

To view the Live Linked PDF, see:
https://archivesinternational.auctioneersvault.com/catalog/
The_MontGomery_Collection/The_MontGomery_Collection.pdf

 

TARASZKA COLLECTION POLISH RARITIES

Stack's Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce the offering of Polish rarities from The Anthony J. Taraszka Collection in their January 2023 New York City auction. Prized among European issues are the coins of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and of Poland more broadly. Many of the most notable collections in history have featured Polish rarities: Farouk, Czapski, and Brand, among a litany of others. To this renowned group can be added Anthony J. Taraszka.

Carefully curated for rarity and quality, The Taraszka Collection of Polish Coins offers types that have been off the market for decades and items that may not reappear for a generation. This collection heavily features gold from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, presenting both circulating pieces and medallic ducat-weight pieces. Several extremely rare branch mint Ducats are offered, including a 1585 Ducat and a 1593 10 Ducat from the Malbork Mint. The Vilnius Mint is represented by a 1586 Stephan Bathori Ducat and a 1622 Sigismund III 10 Ducats. Perhaps the most difficult mint to acquire, Riga, is represented in this collection by a 1619 Sigismund III Ducat. It has been estimated that no more than 20 Riga Ducats from the reign of Sigismund III have survived. Additionally, The Taraszka Collection contains a 1655 Swedish medal struck at the Riga Mint in the weight of 10 Ducats during the period of Swedish Occupation known as the Deluge.

Danzig gold issues remain as popular as ever, and this sale will include a phenomenal dually dated 1613/1614 10 Ducats from that city. Those seeking a complete monarchal set of Ducats will be thrilled by a 1671 Ducat of Michal Korybut, who is perhaps the most challenging Polish ruler to acquire such a coin for. A Taler of John III Sobieski graded AU-58 by PCGS is of phenomenal quality and preservation and should hold great appeal for any collector of Polish coinage.

This brief overview of highlights from the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection showcases the uncommon nature and numismatic importance of the cabinet. It will cross the block at the Stack's Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the New York International Numismatic Convention, January 12-14, 2023. For further information, telephone 800-458- 4646, email info@StacksBowers.com or visit the firm's website at StacksBowers.com.

To preview the coin lots, see:
January 2023 NYINC Auction - Auction Preview - The Anthony J. Taraszka Collection of Polish Coins featured in the upcoming January 2023 NYINC Auction (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/auctions/3-ZPUU5/january-2023-nyinc-auction-auction-preview-the-anthony-j-taraszka-collection-of-polish-coins-featured-in-the-upcoming-january-2023-nyinc-auction)

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: OCTOBER 23, 2022

1892 Princess Isabel Silver Medal

BRAZIL. Princess Isabel Silver Medal, 1892. Paris Mint. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, Unc Details.

By A. Desaide. Diameter: 31mm. Of French manufacture. Obverse: head of Isabel facing right; Reverse: coat-of-arms of Brazil, motto above. This lovely medal commemorates Princess Isabel of the deposed Brazilian monarchy. The expressive portrait is displayed with fine detail and in high relief. Both sides are pleasingly lustrous and lightly toned to a mottled dove gray.

To read the complete lot description, see:
BRAZIL. Princess Isabel Silver Medal, 1892. Paris Mint. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, Unc Details. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-ZO19C/brazil-princess-isabel-silver-medal-1892-paris-mint-pcgs-genuine-cleaned-unc-details)

Sweden Johan III Medal

SWEDEN: Johan III, 1568-1592, AE medal (65.83g), ND (1699-1700), as Hildebrand-3, as Stenström-112, 52mm bronze medal for the Accession of Johan III by Arvid Karlsteen, uniformed bust right with IOHANNES - III D G REX SVECIAE around // large central crown with INIVSTI CARCERIS IVSTVM PRAEMIVM around, heavy contact marks in reverse field, brown, plain edge, EF-AU, RR. While the silver originals of these medals were struck in 1700, the series in bronze is more enigmatic. None are found on the search engines. These may have also been struck in 1700, or perhaps a somewhat later date.

To read the complete lot description, see:
SWEDEN: Johan III, 1568-1592, AE medal (65.83g), ND (1699-1700), EF-AU (https://www.sarc.auction/SWEDEN-Johan-III-1568-1592-AE-medal-65-83g-ND-1699-1700-EF-AU_i46692693)

Dr. Láng Imre Enameled Bronze Medal

HUNGARY. Dr. Láng Imre enameled bronze Medal. Issued 1970. Commemorating the retirement of the brain surgeon and professor (117mm x 131mm, 12h). By Tápai A.

DR. LÁNG IMRE • 1970 •, bust facing slightly right / Incuse skull facing slightly left, offset by a light green enameling, yielding an almost glowing effect; in three lines below, MESTERSÉG / HIVATÁS TUDOMÁNY / MUVÉSZET (Láng's motto: "craft, profession, science, art"). Edge: Plain.

Huszár & Varannai 410; Bóna 50. As made. Dark brown surfaces, with lighter highlights and the skull on the reverse being offset by a lighter green color. Very rare and an extremely interesting design.

To read the complete lot description, see:
101936 | HUNGARY. Dr. Láng Imre enameled bronze Medal. (https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/101936)

1960 Jamaica 5 Pound Banknote

JAMAICA. Government of Jamaica. 5 Pounds, 1960. P-48b. PMG Choice Very Fine 35.

Printed by TDLR. Watermark of pineapple. A problem free mid-grade example of this "b" variety 5 Pound note.

To read the complete lot description, see:
JAMAICA. Government of Jamaica. 5 Pounds, 1960. P-48b. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-ZMZJJ/jamaica-government-of-jamaica-5-pounds-1960-p-48b-pmg-choice-very-fine-35)

TOM KAYS NUMISMATIC DIARY: OCTOBER 23, 2022

Daryl Haynor our dinner host, chose Mamá Tigre! Restaurant (Mexican food remixed with an Indian slant) in Oakton for the October Nummis Nova meet-up. Guests included Jonas Denenberg, Dave Ellison and Jim Glickman along with regulars Wayne Herndon, Steve Bishop, Tom Kays, Eric Schena, Jon Radel, Mike Packard, Julian Leidman, Roger Burdette, and Dave Schenkman. We missed seeing Wayne Homren (our illustrious founder), our dinner host Daryl Haynor, and Kellen Hoard, an invited guest who was suddenly buried in homework at college and could not unearth himself from study for the evening of festivities.

About our guests:

Jonas Denenberg (invited by Wayne Homren) is a high schooler (Junior Year), a high-volume coin dealer, and part-time inventor, who moonlights in packaging and mailing coin purchases to fulfill customers' orders from his super-charged, virtual coin retail sales business. While he does have a physical business office, unlike traditional brick and mortar coin shop owners who rely on walk-ins, Jonas is in the vanguard of a new cohort of digital-native coin dealers that can, and do sell coins nationwide, via independent social media venues so quickly, that they turn over their stock and recoup their investment as a goal, on a weekly basis.

Weekends are spent in attending local coin shows in order to restock their virtual stores with great quantities of real US coins, obtained from old-fashioned coin dealers who do not sell online, in high volume, or with such expediency. I predict Jonas will be hiring for, and expanding his coin business, once out of high school, and some of us old timers at the Nummis Nova dinner table may expect to be working for him as wholesale pickers in the near future.

James (Jim) Glickman (invited by Mike Packard) is a visiting scholar, regional vice president (Region 1 for Connecticut, New Jersey, the Canadian Maritimes, and Quebec), and longtime member of the Colonial Coin Collectors Club (C4). Jim specializes in collecting State Coppers, by variety, especially from New Jersey and New York, as well as colonial paper money. Jim has published online educational videos for C4 conventions including Collecting American Colonials 101 – Hold History in your Hand which is free and available at https://colonialcoins.org/conventions/

Dave Ellison (invited by Tom Kays) was the longtime secretary of the Virginia Numismatic Association, and still serves in similar capacity for the Fairfax Coin Club. His collecting interests are diverse from Ancients to Scandinavian (Sweden/Denmark/Norway) Exonumia, and he brings new energy and perspectives to the table. He sat next to Roger, Wayne and Mike (as eclectic a mix of coin folks as might be found) and we will have to see what his impressions of the evening were.

Early arriving guests included Jonas Denenberg (Right) James Glickman (2nd from Right) and Dave Ellison (4th from Right) along with regulars from Left: Jon, the mysterious other Wayne H., Roger, and in stripes, Mike.

At Nummis Nova dinners, even if you are there from the start, once numismatic objects begin to flow about the tabletop, it is difficult to capture the significance of every treasure, let alone who brought it, and why? We must rely on each bringer of numismatic treasures to further explain, entertain, and enlighten us on the rest of the story associated with their artifacts to know the full background. Here are but a few snippets and impressions about the amazing items nestled amongst the guacamole and chips that night.

Barney Bluestone (Central New York's Leading Numismatic Dealer) The Salt City Coin Book – United States and Canadian Coins Illustrated of 1934

In talking with Jonas about coin prices and how inexpensive they seem back in the olden days he was agog at seeing an unbelievable price for 1913 nickels. It just so happened I brought ephemera in honor of Wayne Homren, being a 1934 price buying guide from Barney Bluestone. The page on nickels reads as follows:

Hard to believe not long before this price guide was published, 1913 Liberty Head Nickels went for face value if you could find one.

As the evening progressed, numismatic objects grew curiouser and curiouser as they emerged at tabletop before our Mexican entrees arrived. Here are some nice objects seen by Nummis Nova attendees.

1785 Large Date, Pointed Rays, Nova Constellatio copper in MS-61 BN Condition per NGC

1778 Massachusetts Colonial Note (with cod fish and Pine Tree reverse) for Four Pence in Uncirculated 62 condition per PMG

German Apollo 8 Medal for crewmen Borman / Anders / Lovell who circled the moon in 1968

Old French coins from a Lis-counterstamped, Douzain aux croissants (Sol marque de Quinzes of 1640 for New France) to Ecus and Louis d'ors, span Louis XIIII's reign, to Louis XV (John Law era issues)

Other objects seen in passing but not pictured include:

• 1788 Massachusetts Cent (Ryder 7-M) in VG-Fine condition with lamination errors on both sides
• German 5 Reichmark from 1930 with Graf Zeppelin

Play along as Nummis Nova diners do experience amazingly diverse numismatic treasures yet may miss hearing their introductions. What follows is an image quiz for some of the more enigmatic objects seen at table. What do you make of them? Who made them? How old are they? What is their significance? Who is on them is fairly easy, but you see how, if you are on the far end of the table and did not hear the owner explain why they are significant, you may speculate for a time about them.

Tom's guest Dave Ellison adds:

WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: OCTOBER 23, 2022

Exhibits
I made a beeline to the exhibit area, which is always a highlight of the PAN shows.

Barber Coinage Exhibit
I only photographed a few of the great exhibits; here's one on Barber Coinage. Sorry for the unavoidable lighting glare.

Bronze West African Manilla
Someone had a great exhibit of West African Manilla.

National Currency
Some numismatic literature and bank bags caught my eye in this one.

Steigerwalt Catalogs
Speaking of numismatic literature, there was an impressive exhibit of Steigerwalt catalogs near the speaking area.

Civil War Showcase
Before hitting the road I made sure to stop at the Civil War Showcase to say hello to Rick Lank and Becky Rush.

I was only in the building a couple hours and missed more people than I had a chance to talk with. I sat down for a bit with Pat McBride and visited with Rich Jewell, Larry Dziubek, Dick Gaetano, Larry Korchnak and Melissa Kahn.

Spotted in passing or from a distance were Jeff and Mary Lynn Garrett, Al Boulanger, Bob Hurst, David Kahn and others.

Pat McBride sent me this wide-view photo of the busy bourse floor; that's Garrett Ziss in the University of Pittsburgh shirt on the left. See the next article in this issue for additional photos from the Civil War Showcase.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN), see:
https://pancoins.org/

 

2022 FALL PAN SHOW CIVIL WAR SHOWCASE

Richard Crosby, Terry Carver & Becky Rush discussing GAR medals and WRC (Women's Relief Corps) memorabilia on Friday. Richard and Terry are now regular contributors to the Civil War Showcase.

Terry Carver was on board on Saturday for the nearby KidZone and explained GAR medals and ribbons to young numismatists and their parents as they visited with us……

Ed Krivoniak, all around behind-the-scenes logistical mastermind for PAN visiting at our Booth

Larry Korchnak (on the left), numismatist and specialist on the subject of Siege Coins – spoke at 1 pm on Friday

For more information on the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN), see:
https://pancoins.org/

JAVIER FIORE HOBO NICKELS

For more information, see:
Javier Fiore Art & Hobo Nickel Coins (https://fiorehobonickelart.jimdofree.com/)
Jav Fiore (https://www.facebook.com/javierf.art)

For more articles on coins, tokens, medals and paper money, subscribe to E-Sylum at
http://e-sylum.org/

 

GRAVITY-DEFYING COIN STACKING

Coin stacking is more than just a leisure activity. It has become an artistic craftsmanship that creates mesmerizing and breathtaking sculptures out of coins. In order to create coin stacking sculptures, one must have a steady hand and a great sense of balance. Unlike traditional sculptures, the coins are stacked without any glue or plaster to keep them together. Instead, the artist will have to arrange the coins in proper position so the weight of the coins provides support. In other words, the artist has to create intricate arrangements while defying gravity. Sound like a tough challenge, right?

Well, not everyone has a careful hand and an outrageous sense of balance. And this truth makes Japanese Twitter user @thumb_tani (aka Tanu) an extraordinary artist. Tanu uses coins of different denominations to make use of each distinctive size and weight. He precisely positions each coin to achieve a more compelling effect. For example, he often uses a single upright coin as a base for a complex sculpture. One look at his coin stacking sculptures and you might think that they could stumble any moment. But there's no denying that the apprehension of a collapsing sculpture is what makes it more exciting to look at.

To add more varieties into his coin stacking sculptures, Tanu also uses other objects aside from coins. He uses spoons, toothpicks, marbles, tweezers, and glass jars to help stabilize the coins in place. You can see all of his breathtaking coin stacking sculptures on his Twitter page.

To read the complete article, see:
Japanese Man Has Conquered The Art Of Gravity-Defying Coin Stacking (https://www.awesomeinventions.com/gravity-defying-coin-stacking-sculptures-tanu/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
AMAZING COIN STACKING VIDEOS (https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n50a36.html)

FEATURED WEBSITE: LOVETT TOKENS & MEDALS

This week's Featured Web Site is Dave Baldwin's Lovett Tokens & Medals site, suggested by Paul Horner. Thanks.

Paul adds:

http://lovetttokensmedals.blogspot.com/