NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MARCH 30, 2025

Publishers of Numismatic Book Reprints

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ON BONANZA BOOKS (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n12a05.html)

Token Help Sought

 

I came across your site online as I was searching for information about a token I found metal detecting about a week ago, here in Ontario, Canada. Of course, I have lots of questions about it, and there does not seem to be a lot of information out there in the numismatic communities. So I am hoping that you could help me with a few things, especially as it seems that the token is indeed quite rare.

First of all, I have taken it to a coin dealer in town, and the person I talked to almost dismissed it because of its green patina. However, other sources indicate that environmental, natural patina on an old coin does not necessarily decrease its value. What do you think? I have included photos of the token. The detail is very good, although the bust has some (old) scratches, and there is a bit of corrosion on the harp side. The soil in which it was found was well drained, so I believe that helped maintain the integrity of the metal.

The shop did a test on the token, and I was told it was made of 94% copper and 6% zinc. The employee's opinion was that it should be regarded as the copper version (BL-35A1), because the zinc content was so low. He thought that the brass version (BL-35A2) would have a much higher percentage of zinc. On the Numista site, an example is listed, with a value of $495 shown for VG condition. The only other example I could find was shown by Heritage Auctions, but no value was indicated for that token.

There are a couple of features on this token which I have not found in the descriptions I've found to this point. First of all, it has a die rotation of 180 degrees (up/down), and the sites mentioned above do not indicate that any known examples have that rotation. Secondly, the reverse harp side is double stamped around the harp on the left and above. I'm not sure if these factors have an effect on the value of the token. It has a mass of 5.1 g, and a diameter of about 27 mm.

So if you or someone you know can provide any assistance to help me discern the rarity, condition, and possible value of this token (not that I am planning on selling it), I would be very appreciative! I'm really just pleased and excited that I could save a little history and bring it back into the light of day."

I passed this along to dealer Jacob Lipson in Ottawa, who writes:

Coincraft is Hiring

Do you like History? Do you like meeting people?

Then this may be the job for you!

Coincraft, Britain's Coin Shop is looking for someone to join their small, friendly sales team at their flagship shop in Central London.

We are centrally located just across the street from the British Museum in Bloomsbury. We only deal with collectors we DO NOT sell anything for investment nor do we deal in gold bullion. We have been here for the past 48 years and many consider us the oldest coin shop in the country. Our shop is famous both for the range of items on offer and our friendly staff that is ready to help collectors. You will be able to call on one of the largest and varied stocks in the country to back you up. Whether dealing with specialist collectors or newcomers to collecting, we pride ourselves on providing the best service.

This is a full-time job, Monday to Fridays, 9.30 am to 5.00pm and would suit someone who is enthusiastic and who would enjoy helping collectors, both new and established, who visit our shop. Knowledge of numismatics is helpful but not essential

 

If you are interested in joining our team, please contact accounts@coincraft.com with your CV for further details.

To read an earlier E-Sylum article, see:
SUBSCRIBER PROFILE: RICHARD LOBEL OF COINCRAFT (https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n12a17.html)

Proof Trump Inaugural Medals
Jeff Kelley writes:

To read the complete article, see:
Bronze and silver inaugural medals being made for sale (https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/bronze-and-silver-inaugural-medals-being-made-for-sale)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
2025 TRUMP OFFICIAL INAUGURAL MEDAL (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n09a30.html)

The Tom and Abe Show

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
DOGE TAKES AIM AT THE PENNY (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n04a26.html)

Digging for Ancient Coins

 

For more Rhymes with Orange cartoons, see:
https://rhymeswithorange.com/cartoongallery

Righting Rules
And Roger Moore writes:

 

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web