Julia Casey recently learned about a private coin in Vermont. -Editor

"I recently spoke at the Dorset Historical Society about my research into the Crane Ring of counterfeiters in Rupert, Vermont. One of the attendees was Glenn Campbell, a talented artist who runs the Campbell Plaster & Iron foundry in West Rutland. Glenn had some interesting perspectives on 18th century cast counterfeit coins, which came from his years of experience in working with molten metals.

"He also gave me, for free, this terrific Trilobite that he had made! It is about 28mm x 20mm and weighs 10.6g. There is no legend or denomination. Glenn has a neat little experiment where he hands out these beauties and tells people to value it as they please. He leaves it up to the local community to put them into barter commerce for goods and services. Though I won't be doing that with mine as it is a definite keeper and a lovely souvenir of my day in Dorset!"

Thanks! This naturally reminds the numismatist of the private issue in nearby Connecticut circa 1737-1739 - the Higley Coppers, some with the legend "Value Me As You Please." -Editor