GREG BENNICK INTERVIEWS ERIC SCHENA

Eric Schena, a well-known fixture in the numismatic research fraternity, specializes in "off the beaten path" material, with an emphasis on numismatic items of the mid-Atlantic region. He is especially focused on merchant tokens and scrip, which are often the only surviving artifacts of long-forgotten commercial enterprises. Given the geographical area, there is significant crossover with coal mines and related company stores.

Unlike the U.S. Mint, which centralizes information related to federal coinage, token researchers have to cast a wider net, with the Ingle-Schierloh records being one important source of information. This firm manufactured tokens for hundreds, if not thousands of firms, and some of their records survive. These confirm the low mintages of many issues, and it is not uncommon that examples survive to the extent of ten or fewer pieces. Unlike federal coins, however, these can often be acquired at remarkably low prices.

Schena also looks to old business directories, many of which he has on microfiche. Few researchers can claim to own their own microfiche reader, and Schena takes his place among this elite group. Ebay contains its own needles in a haystack, and Eric discusses the lucky acquisition of a 19th century bank minutes book.

Newman Portal acknowledges Greg Bennick, who has now contributed ten interviews, capturing stories of collectors past and present. Coin collectors are in many ways historians, and even those not involved in the research side of the hobby act as curators and stewards for the next generation of those to come.

Link to Eric Schena interview audio on Newman Portal:
Eric Schena Interview (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/639081)

Link to transcript of Eric Schena interview:
Eric Schena Interview (Transcript) (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/639095)

Link to Ingle-Schierloh Company records:
Ingle-Schierloh Company (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/531624)

Link to Greg Bennick Interviews on Newman Portal:
Greg Bennick Interviews (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/multimediadetail/548505)

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