THE COINAGE OF SAN SERRIFFE

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V25 2022 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 25, Number 16, April 17, 2022, Article 6

Earlier I'd asked, "Who can tell us numismatic connections to the republic of San Serriffe?" The definitive article on "The Coinage of San Serriffe" by Pete Smith appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of our print journal The Asylum. Here's an excerpt. -Editor

This has the best of everything we look for in numismatic literature. It is the definitive work on the topic; a limited edition with fine printing and binding; a low mintage coinage; and a fascinating story. It has a long title, The First Fine Silver Coinage of the Republic of San Serriffe: The Bird and Bull Press Commemorative 100 Coronas Including an Account of this Legendary Republic and its Connection with the Bull and Bird Press. With a description of similar rarities and special mention of Martin Coles Harmon, King of Lundy Island. By Henry Morris. It was published in 1988.

The work includes two parts in a slipcase. The first item has text printed on French mouldmade Arches paper by the Bird and Bull Press. The second item is a folder with examples of the coinage.

Much of the work is devoted to discussion of Unofficial Coins of the World as described by Richard Kenney in The Numismatist from 1962 to 1964. Apparently the favorite of Morris was coinage produced for Lundy Island by Martin Coles Harmon.

The first edition was limited to 350 copies. This includes one silver commemorative coin in the folder. Also included was a bibliography of Bird and Bull Press publications over the past thirty years and has a certificate for 1000 shares of Bird and Bull stock.

What is described as the numismatic edition included examples of the silver, alu.minum and bronze coinage with a print run of 125. My recent acquisition has this three coins set.

Coins in the folder were issued to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of Bird and Bull Press. On the obverse is the Bird and Bull pressmark with Latin legend that translates as. the remembrances of past labor is sweet. On the reverse is a classic Athenian owl and legend Republic of San Serriffe / 100 Coronas. The accompanying folder identifies the designer as Rosemary Tottoroto, engraver as Kenneth D. Douglas, and project coordinator as Stella L. Blazier.

The edge numbered, one ounce silver proof piece was issued in an edition of 500. Only 105 pieces were produced in aluminum and antique bronze. An additional five presentation pieces were struck in .999 gold.

The booklet I received also has two pieces of currency in the denomination of 25 Coronas, Series of 1986. These were hand printed in black and blue with serial numbers in red.