NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: NOVEMBER 5, 2023

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V26 2023 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 26, Number 45, November 5, 2023, Article 26

Here'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

Ostrogoths, Theoderic AV Solidus. In the name of Anastasius I. Rome, AD 493-518. D N ANASTASIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly to right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and fallen enemy motif / VICTORIA AVGGG ?, Victory standing facing, head to left, holding long jewelled cross; star in right field, COMOB in exergue. Metlich 4; Ladich 31; Lacam pl. 58, 86; MEC 1, 13; BMC Vandals 62; NAC 25, 643; Roma XXVII, 828; Roma XXV, 1134; Roma XXIII, 1155 (hammer: 7,000 GBP). 4.42g, 20mm, 6h.

Mint State; some minor scratches on rev., highly lustrous. Extremely Rare; Arslan & Metlich cited the existence of only five specimens of this type.

From the Roma Numismatics Auction XXIX. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
Ostrogoths, Theoderic AV Solidus. (https://romanumismatics.com/243-lot-615-ostrogoths-theoderic-av-solidus?auction_id=143&view=lot_detail)

Obverse Legend: OLIVAR DG RP ANG SCO HIB & PRO. [Oliver, by the Grace of God, of the Republic of England Scotland Ireland etc, Protector]

Reverse: Ornate crowned shield quartered with the cross of St George, cross of St. Andrew and Irish harp; with the Protector's family arms, a lion rampant, at the centre.

This is the largest coin struck for one of Britain's most important historical figures.

Oliver Cromwell is one of the most remarkable and controversial figures in British history - some historians describe him as nothing more than as a king-killer, Winston Churchill regarded him as a military dictator, while yet others celebrate him as a hero of liberty.Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper

Cromwell rose to prominence during the British Civil War (1642 - 1651) - a military conflict over the way in which England was governed. Cromwell demonstrated his ability as an effective commander of men in the military and was quickly promoted from leading a single cavalry troop to being one of the principal commanders of the army that defeated the Royalist troops. Finally, Cromwell played a fundamental role in the defeat of the royalist forces in two decisive engagements - at the Battle of Naseby, and also at the Battle of Langport.

In the months and years that followed the end of the Civil War, Cromwell signed the death warrant for King Charles I; he dominated the short-lived "Commonwealth of England", and was finally sworn in as "Lord Protector of England" on December 16th, 1653.

This title meant that Cromwell was effectively England's head of state for life, he assumed all the powers and trappings such a position might endow.

From Andrew Crellin's Sterling & Currency website. See the complete item description for more historical background. -Editor

Gem 68 Walker with intense golden rim toning. Last trade non CAC @8813 and CAC @ 16,450. A lone 68+ sold for 50,400. None of the 3 are any nicer than this beauty.

A modern coin with an uncommon grade and nice eye appeal. From the website of Harry Laibstain Rare Coins. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
1941 50C PCGS MS68 (http://hlrc.com/Inventory/CoinViewer?id=870842003&c=23)

1936 Berwick PA Sesquicentennial Wooden Dime. A wooden nickel is a wooden token coin or flat note, usually issued by a merchant or bank as a promotion, sometimes redeemable for a specific item such as a drink. Scrip and tokens have often been issued locally in times of severe economic distress such as financial crises and the Civil War. During the Great Depression, after the failure of the Citizens Bank of Tenino in Tenino, Washington, the local Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the local newspaper to issue scrip equivalent to 25% of people's bank deposits that could be spent at local merchants. Blaine, Washington, soon did the same with both flat scrip and, in response to requests generated by news and word of mouth, coins that included a 5-cent piece. The Chicago World's Fair in 1933 issued wooden nickels as souvenirs, and the tradition of wooden nickels as tokens and souvenirs continues to the present day.

We've all been told not to take any wooden nickels. What about a wooden Quarter? [Yeah, the lot desciption says dime..] -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
1936 Berwick PA Sesquicentennial Wooden Dime (https://www.proxibid.com/lotinformation/80361236/1936-berwick-pa-sesquicentennial-wooden-dime)

United States Numistamps Collection from the 1970's. Numistamps are 1,25" x 3/4" stamp shaped medals designed by noted coins enthusiast Mort Reed. The front of the medals are imprinted with the obverse and reverse of coins. Numistamps are manufactured by Art Medals and there are (65) in this binder collection. Note, many medals are detached from pages. The condition of medals are excellent.

I never acquired one of these for my numismatic ephemera collection. Interesting 1970s merchandising concept. This set is from an upcoming Dana J. Tharp sale. -Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:
#123: United States Numistamps Collection (https://www.danajtharpauctions.com/United_States_Numistamps_Collection-LOT15789.aspx)