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<h4>About Us</h4>
<p>The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization promoting numismatic literature. For more information please see our web site at <a href="http://www.coinbooks.org" title="http://www.coinbooks.org" target="_blank">coinbooks.org</a></p>
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<h4>Subscriptions</h4>
<p>Those wishing to become new E-Sylum subscribers (or wishing to Unsubscribe) can go to the following web page <a href="https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum" title="https://my.binhost.com/lists/listinfo/esylum" target="_blank">link</a></p>
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<h4>Membership</h4>
<p>There is a membership application available on the web site <a href="http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_member_app.html" title="http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_member_app.html" target="_blank">Membership Application</a></p>
<p>To join, print the application and return it with your check to the address printed on the application. Membership is only $15 to addresses in the U.S., $20 for First Class mail, and $25 elsewhere. For those without web access, write to:</p>
<p>David M. Sundman, Secretary/TreasurerNumismatic Bibliomania Society<br />P. O. Box 82 Littleton, NH 03561</p>
<h4>Asylum</h4>
<p>For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership questions, contact David at this email address: <a href="mailto:dsundman@LittletonCoin.com" target="_blank">dsundman@LittletonCoin.com</a></p>
<h4>Submissions</h4>
<p>To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, just Reply to this message, or write to the Editor at this address: <a href="mailto:whomren@gmail.com" title="mailto:whomren@gmail.com" target="_blank">whomren@gmail.com</a></p>
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<h4>BUY THE BOOK BEFORE THE COIN</h4>
<br>
</p>
</div>
<div class="box">
<h4>Sale Calendar</h4>
<p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.lakebooks.com">April 26, 2011</a>
<li><a href="http://www.numislit.com">June 2, 2011 KOLBE & FANNING</a>
<li><a href="http://www.finenumismaticbooks.com">June 11, 2011 SKLOW</a> <li><a href="http://www.finenumismaticbooks.com">October 1, 2011 SKLOW</a> </ul>
</p>
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<font size=+1>
<a name = "top">
Volume 14, Number 13, March 27, 2011
</a>
</font>
<br><br>
<ul><li><a href='#article1'>
WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM MARCH 27, 2011
</a><li><a href='#article2'>
NEW BOOKS: SPECIALLY BOUND EDITIONS OF THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE U.S. MINT
</a><li><a href='#article3'>
NEW BOOK: PRECIOUS METAL: INVESTING AND COLLECTING
</a><li><a href='#article4'>
NEW BOOK: WORLD WAR II SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS
</a><li><a href='#article5'>
NEW BOOK: ECONOMIC HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF ANCIENT MACEDONIA
</a><li><a href='#article6'>
INTERVIEW WITH MARK BORCKARDT OF HERITAGE
</a><li><a href='#article7'>
QUERY: FRANKLIN MINT COLLECTORS SOCIETY CLUB ROOM
</a><li><a href='#article8'>
LATEST MOVE FOR THE HUNLEY, THE LUCKY COIN SUBMARINE
</a><li><a href='#article9'>
SAN FRANCISCO MINT GOLD DELIVERY BOOK OFFERED
</a><li><a href='#article10'>
USPS BOOKS SHIPMENTS: THE WHOLE DAMP STORY
</a><li><a href='#article11'>
SILVER DOMINATING AUCTION MARKET
</a><li><a href='#article12'>
STICKERED SILVER DOLLARS GOT PROMOTER IN HOT WATER
</a><li><a href='#article13'>
SAVING UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS AND OTHER NUMISMATIC RESEARCH
</a><li><a href='#article14'>
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MARCH 27, 2011
</a><li><a href='#article15'>
THE ATLANTIC EXAMINES NOTORIOUS U.S. COINS
</a><li><a href='#article16'>
CHILE ISSUES NEW POLYMER 1000 PESO BANKNOTES
</a><li><a href='#article17'>
ARTICLE PROFILES PARIS MINT DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHE BEAUX
</a><li><a href='#article18'>
FEATURED WEB PAGE: AMERICAN TAX TOKEN SOCIETY
</a></ul> </div>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.coinbooks.org/club_nbs_esylum_v14n13.html">
Click here to read this issue on the web
</a>
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<h3 id = "article1"><a name="article1">
WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM MARCH 27, 2011
</h3></a>
<p>
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2405448807_8d77ee9ab4_t.jpg"
width="67"
height="100"
alt="Wayne Homren"
align="left"
hspace="5"
vspace="5">
<p>
Among our new subscribers this week are
Bernard Olij and
John Huffman.
Welcome aboard!
We now have 1,408 email subscribers, plus 125 followers on Facebook, including
Aleksey Chernov and Galecio Tan Merian Septo.
<p>
Thanks to all of this week's contributors for their patience while I worked through
the blogger's nightmare, a computer crash. On Monday evening I found myself staring at
the fateful Microsoft Blue Screen of Death - my old laptop was no more. Luckily, most of
my E-Sylum tools are web-based, and I have web acccess to my email accounts. I also use
a service that automatically backs up my data files. It took some time to collect the
needed pieces, but it all came together in plenty of time, thanks to my wife's handy computer.
<p>
Thank goodness the crash came just
AFTER publishing an issue, not just before a deadline. I've got a spiffy new laptop
now, and although my environment isn't back to 100% yet, all the essentials are there.
My apologies if any submissions slipped through the cracks - please resend them and we'll
catch up next week.
<p>
This week we open with information on four new numismatic books and an interview
with Mark Borckardt of Heritage Auctions.
Other topics include the "Lucky Coin" submarine, stickered silver dollars, and the Paris Mint.
<p>
To learn more about war savings stamps,
the private Franklin Mint Collectors Society Club Room, and a "Gold Delivery Book"
containing original handwritten records from the San Francisco Mint
, read on. Have a great week, everyone!
<p>
Wayne Homren
<br/> Numismatic Bibliomania Society
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article2"><a name="article2">
NEW BOOKS: SPECIALLY BOUND EDITIONS OF THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE U.S. MINT
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
George Kolbe forwarded this information about two new versions of the Orosz/Augsburger
book on the U.S. Mint. Unfortunately, one is already sold out.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5227904302/" title="Secret History of the U.S.
Mint by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5227904302_a1ee1a9ac6_m.jpg"
width="135" height="171" align="right" alt="Secret History of the U.S. Mint" /></a>
Kolbe & Fanning LLC, Numismatic Booksellers, are pleased to announce
that they have been commissioned by the authors to produce specially bound
editions of Joel Orosz and Leonard Augsburger’s exciting new book <i>The Secret
History of the First U.S. Mint</i>, just published by Whitman.
<p>
Two special editions
were produced. The first, limited to 25 copies, is bound in green quarter morocco
with a red leather spine label and decorative Japanese cloth sides. It is nearly
ready for distribution and copies are priced at $245 plus $10 shipping in the U.S.
Fewer than 20 are currently available. The second special edition, bound in
green full morocco and limited to 10 copies, is sold out.
<p>
Orders for the quarter
morocco edition may be placed by contacting KOLBE & FANNING LLC,
NUMISMATIC BOOKSELLERS, 141 W JOHNSTOWN ROAD, GAHANNA OH
43230-2700. Tel: (614) 414-0855; Fax: (614) 414-0860; email: df@numislit.com
<p>
A sample of the quarter leather edition will be available for viewing on
April 1st and 2nd at the upcoming Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo.
Joel and Len will have a table at the show on both days and will be pleased to
accept orders.
<p>
<div class="box">
<p>
Len Augsburger provided these images. Thanks!
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5562510411/" title="Secret History deluxe by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5562510411_2fa5e005d1_m.jpg" width="208" height="240" alt="Secret History deluxe" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5562510429/" title="Secret History super_deluxe by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5562510429_a2c1540731_m.jpg" width="216" height="240" alt="Secret History super_deluxe" /></a>
</center>
<p>
Len adds this announcement:
<div class="quote">
<p>
Authors Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz will be set up at the Whitman Baltimore Expo
this Friday and Saturday (April 1-2), adjacent to the Whitman Publishing booth
(#1463). In addition to signing copies of their book, <i>Secret History Of the United
States Mint</i>, recently published by Whitman, the authors will have on display a
variety of artwork, tokens, medals, and ephemera related to Frank H. Stewart and his
commemoration of the first United States Mint. Len and Joel will give a
presentation on their book at 2 P.M. Saturday, in room 301 of the Baltimore
Convention Center.
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article3"><a name="article3">
NEW BOOK: PRECIOUS METAL: INVESTING AND COLLECTING
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Dennis Tucker of Whitman Publishing forwarded this press release on a new title about precious metals.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5557264094/"
title="Precious Metal by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img
src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5557264094_c382ae0f7e_m.jpg"
width="160" height="240" align="right" alt="Precious Metal" /></a>
Whitman Publishing Releases New Book,
<br/><i>Precious Metal: Investing and Collecting in Today’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum Markets</i>
<p>
Whitman Publishing has released a new book on collecting and investing in silver, gold, and platinum bullion and rare coins. The full-color 144-page book, <i>Precious Metal</i>, has a foreword by award-winning author and coin dealer Q. David Bowers. It retails for $9.95 and is available online (including at WhitmanBooks.com) and from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide.
<p>
<i>Precious Metal</i> was written to answer questions that collectors and investors have about gold and silver, whose values have increased dramatically in recent months. “We receive many letters and emails about buying, selling, investing in, and collecting precious metals,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “The book covers silver and gold, and also platinum and palladium, two relative newcomers to the bullion field.”
<p>
<i>Precious Metal</i> teaches the reader how to make smart decisions when buying these commodities; how to sell without being taken advantage of; the best formats of precious metal to invest in; collecting rare coins; traps and pitfalls to avoid; and where to find further guidance.
<p>
Sections include: A foreword by award-winning researcher Q. David Bowers • What Is Gold, And Why Is It Valuable? • Silver: Gold’s Little Sister, Valuable In Its Own Right • Platinum and Other Precious Metals • The Recent Precious Metals Boom • Selling Your Precious Metals • Buying Precious Metals • Dealing With the Experts • Avoiding Counterfeit and Altered Coins • and an appendix of resources.
<p>
<i>Precious Metal</i> gives guidance on bullion coins vs. rare coins; where to go for expert advice; worldwide resources (including contact information for world banks, central mints, and agencies); bullion value charts, coinage specifications, weight conversion tables, and other technical data. The book is illustrated with more than 400 beautiful full-color photographs.
<p>
<i>Precious Metal: Investing and Collecting in Today’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum Markets</i>
<br/>ISBN 0794833993
<br/>144 pages, 6 x 9 inches, Softcover, Full color.
<br/>Retail $9.95
<div class="ctabox">
<center><h4>THE BOOK BAZARRE</h4></center>
<b>RENAISSANCE OF AMERICAN COINAGE</b>:
Wizard Coin Supply is the official distributor
for Roger Burdette's three volume series that won
NLG Book of the Year awards for 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Contact us for dealer or distributor pricing at
<a href="http://www.WizardCoinSupply.com">www.WizardCoinSupply.com </a>.
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article4"><a name="article4">
NEW BOOK: WORLD WAR II SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
The March 26th, 2011 issue of the MPCGram (a newsletter for collectors of Military Payment Certificates
and other military and war related numismatic items) announed the publication of a new book.
Here's a copy of the announcement. The book is being released at the group's MPC Fest, a
gathering hosted by Fred Schwan in Port Clinton, OH. See below for contact information to inquired about
later availability.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
The new book World War II Savings Bonds and Stamps will be of interest to
Gramsters and many in the numismatic and philatelic collecting fields. The
large-format, full-color book covers the subject area in detail not found in any
other reference book.
<p>
In the area of World War II bonds, the book covers in detail Series E, Series F
and Series G bonds that were issued first as defense bonds, then after Pearl
Harbor as war bonds. Later in the war all three series were reduced in size.
That seems like a simple enough, three different series in two size of course in
several denominations, but the field is actually more complex--beautifully so.
For the first time the book describes and illustrates new varieties that have
been previously unknown to collectors.
<p>
For example, the bonds formerly known as large size are now known to exist in
two sizes! Furthermore, the change is size was accompanied by a shift in the
location of the perforations of the bonds from left to top. This is only the
most important new variety discovered and listed--there are others as well.
The system as it was introduced in 1940 was supplemented with two additional
denominations as the war progressed. The first was a Series E low $10
denomination known as the soldiers' bond because it was introduced to make it
easier for the common solider to participate in the savings system. Later, after
the death of President Roosevelt, a $200 denomination was added to the program
with the portrait of the late president. The $10 bonds are scarce and the $200
rare.
<p>
Defense and war savings stamps were part of the overall savings system. They
were issued in denominations from as low as ten cents to $5. Their use is
described and the stamps listed in detail in the catalog.
<p>
The stamps were saved in small albums that were provided free to the public.
Allow the albums are fairly well-well known to the collecting communities, no
listing of them has ever been attempted--until now. These listings are based on
the efforts of Fester and Gramster Bruce Potter.
<p>
The listings and the book itself are based on the 1995 one-page listings and
descriptions by Fred Schwan and Joe Boling in World War II Remembered. From that
humble beginning the field has grown to the point where this complete book is
both necessary and desirable if not necessary. This new book also has the
fingerprints of these two collectors--Schwan as coauthor and Boling as general
editor.
<p>
The balance of the editorial platoon consists of collectors Larry Smulczenski,
Jim Downey, and Mark Watson as authors. Bond collector and promoter Warner Talso
provides a thoughtful foreword.
<p>
The book is being released at MPCFest XII where the entire editorial team was
scheduled to to be present. Unfortunately, authors Downey and Watson were
sidelined by medical problems.
<p>
Nonetheless, Schwan, Smulczenski, Talso and Boling are available at the Fest to
sign the new book which they saw for the very first time as the other assembled
Festers.
<p>
The full-color, large-format, soft cover, 48 page, limited-production book is
available for $20 (plus $2) postage to Gramsters now. Furthermore, If you
reserve your book by 2300 hrs Saturday, you will receive your book autographed
per your request. All books reserved this way will be autographed by the
editorial team present in Port Clinton either personally to you or generically
at your request. It will include other unannounced features (and some not
thought of yet). Send your reservations to MPCGram@yahoo.com.
<p>
An addition special collector's edition is being prepared. This edition includes
all of the autographs mentioned, extra pages for note taking, spiral binding,
special numbering, and a variety of stamps (rubber and postage). This special
version which will be mailed later includes a standard edition which will be
mailed promptly so that you do not have to wait to receive and use your book.
The special edition is $85 (postpaid). Again, make your reservations at
MPCGram@yahoo.com.
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article5"><a name="article5">
NEW BOOK: ECONOMIC HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF ANCIENT MACEDONIA
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
<p>
<i>Coins Weekly</i> published an article about a new book relating to numismatics of Ancient Macedonia.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5557274494/"
title="Ancient Macedonia by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img
src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5557274494_394f16a0d2_m.jpg"
width="185" height="240" align="right" alt="Ancient Macedonia" /></a>
Yannis Touratsoglou, well-known Greek numismatist, has published a study,
which is dedicated to one of the most important kingdoms of Antiquity.
It is titled <i>A Contribution to the Economic History of the Kingdom of
Ancient Macedonia (6th-3rd cent. BC)</i>.
<p>
Our knowledge regarding the character and the specific features of the economy
of the Macedonian kingdom from the second half of the 6th century BC to the early
3rd century BC comes limited in quantity, spread over several ancient literary
sources, and furthermore is of variable importance. It is rather impressive that
while there is a considerable number of economic studies for other areas of the
ancient Greek world, such as that of Athens, or those of the Seleucid and the
Ptolemaic kingdoms, the economy of Macedonia until recently remained in the
shadow, quite neglected by research.
<p>
The new monograph by Yannis Touratsoglou attempts to fill in this gap, tracking
down the economic data of the Macedonian kingdom alongside with the historical
events and the geographical parameters. Applying his erudition on history and
culture, acquired through his scientific involvement with this northern Greek
territory for many years, Yannis Touratsoglou thoroughly reconstructs the financial
management of the state by the Macedonian kings. With ample bibliographic
documentation he sheds light on many of the particular socio-economic circumstances,
both during the mutation of Macedonia from a peripheral entity into the regulator
of the Hellenic affairs, as well as during the time when it emerged as an
international power due to the bold campaign of Alexander the Great.
<p>
To read the original article, see:
<a href="http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=505">
Important Book on the Economic History of the Kingdom of Ancient Macedonia
</a>
(http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=505)
<div class="ctabox">
<center>
<h4>
THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE FIRST U.S. MINT
</h4>
By Joel Orosz & Len Augsburger
<br/><br/>
<i>
Kolbe & Fanning are pleased
<br/>to announce the availability of a</i>
<h4>SPECIAL EDITION</h4>
HANDSOMELY BOUND IN
<br/>GREEN QUARTER MOROCCO
<br/>AND LIMITED TO 25 COPIES
<br/><br/>
$245.00 PLUS $10 SHIPPING IN THE U.S.
<br/><br/>
FEWER THAN TWENTY COPIES ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
<br/><br/>
Sample available for viewing at the authors’ table on April 1 & 2
<br/>at the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo
<br/><br/>
ADVANCE ORDERS TAKEN THERE
<br/>FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ORDERS CONTACT
<br/><br/>
KOLBE & FANNING NUMISMATIC BOOKSELLERS
<br/>141 W JOHNSTOWN ROAD, GAHANNA OH 43230-2700
<br/>(614) 414-0855 • df@numislit.com • GFK@numislit.com
</center>
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article6"><a name="article6">
INTERVIEW WITH MARK BORCKARDT OF HERITAGE
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
<i>Coin Update News</i> published a nice interview with Mark Borckardt,
Senior Cataloger at Heritage Auctions. Here are some excerpts.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5562982208/" title="Mark Borckardt by Numismatic
Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5562982208_2e26559673_o.jpg"
width="100" height="118" align="right" alt="Mark Borckardt" /></a>
<b>What is your favorite coin that you currently own?</b>
<p>
Most people are surprised to learn that I have no coin collection.
Since I work with great coins on a regular basis, I believe that my own collection,
if I had one, would fall far short of my expectations.
<p>
However, I have an extensive numismatic library, so I will say my favorite book(s)
is copy number one of the two volume <i>Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the
United States, A Complete Encyclopedia</i>, by Q. David Bowers.
Dave autographed the first set out of the first box received from the printer in 1993, and presented that set to me in thanks for my contributions to the work.
<p>
<b>How did you get started in numismatics?</b>
<p>
My earliest recollection is 1963, when I was given a copy of the 1964 Guide Book
by a member of the church where my dad was the minister. I don’t recall the name
of the church but it was in the vicinity of Monroe, Michigan, the home of ANA
founder Dr. George Heath.
<p>
<b>What drew you to the research aspect of numismatics?</b>
<p>
I have always had a love of history, and numismatics provides a medium to
study many aspects of history, including finance, politics, and especially,
people. I thoroughly enjoy the historical personalities involved in our hobby,
from Mint employees such as David Rittenhouse to collectors like Louis Eliasberg,
and dealers such as B. Max Mehl.
<p>
In June 1989 I accepted a position with Bowers and Merena Galleries, and for more
than a decade I worked on a daily basis with Q. David Bowers. His partner, Ray Merena,
once described it as an “immersion course” in numismatics, and I agree.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without that experience. Thank you, Dave.
<p>
<b>You are a very accomplished author; would you say that you were an author first, or a numismatist?</b>
<p>
It is important to distinguish between collectors, numismatists, and numismatic authors.
A collector is someone who sets about accumulating items in a given series with little or
no interest in the background of those coins. For example, there are many people who collect
the state quarter series, or Lincoln cents, or some other series, having no knowledge of the
background of coins in each series. Eventually, they will seek the knowledge that makes a numismatist,
or they will lose interest and find a different hobby. I began as a collector and as a dealer.
<p>
Numismatists take the next step and seek knowledge to better appreciate the coins that they own
or handle, primarily through formation and use of a numismatic library.
<p>
Despite your kind words, I consider myself a numismatist but not a numismatic author.
I consider people such as Dave Bowers, Ken Bressett, Roger Burdette, R.W. Julian, David Lange,
Eric Newman, and others to be numismatic authors. My work is mostly background research that
has appeared in various books by others.
<p>
<b>Do you have any advice for young numismatists who aspire to be authors?</b>
<p>
Study and learn all aspects of numismatics, from minting technology to finance and history.
A complete understanding of how coins were made is imperative, from the earliest days to the
present. Knowledge of national and world finances and financial history is also important.
For example, knowledge of the California Gold Rush goes a long way toward understanding the opening of the San Francisco Mint, as well as authorization of the double eagle. Knowledge of world history and politics is also extremely important. Further study might include art and art history.
<p>
Being a numismatic author is extremely rewarding, but it doesn’t pay the bills.
Everyone that I know who writes numismatic references has a “real job.” In many
cases, that job also involves numismatics, such as being a dealer, cataloger,
curator, or reporter. In other cases, the job is entirely unrelated to numismatics.
A second career choice is extremely important.
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://news.coinupdate.com/interview-with-marck-borckardt-senior-cataloger-at-heritage-auctions-0736/">
Interview with Mark Borckardt, Senior Cataloger at Heritage Auctions
</a>
(news.coinupdate.com/interview-with-marck-borckardt-senior-<br/>cataloger-at-heritage-auctions-0736/)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article7"><a name="article7">
QUERY: FRANKLIN MINT COLLECTORS SOCIETY CLUB ROOM
</h3></a>
<p>
Len Augsburger writes:
<div class="quote">
<p>
I wouldn't normally repost something from the PCGS US coin forum, but I
thought it was a really interesting question, perhaps Esylum readers can answer.
The author of the original post is John Baumgart.
</div>
<p>
So I'm looking at this Franklin Mint Collectors Society folio and it enumerates the
rights and privileges bestowed upon Society members. Two items intrigued me.
The first is that members are ex-officio advisors to The Franklin Mint. Has anyone
here (that would be willing to admit to having been a member of such an elite society)
acted in that capacity?
<p>
The other item of interest was "use of the private Collectors Society Club Room, which
will soon be established at The Franklin Mint." As yours truly has never gotten any
closer to a private club room than the Red Carpet Club at O'Hare or the Lufthansa lounges
in Frankfurt and Munich, what must have lain beyond the velvet ropes and heavy doors of
the exclusive private Collectors Society Club Room at the Franklin Mint remains but a
fantastic mystery.
<p>
I can only imagine it being decorated with the finest orange and purple
velours, vinyls, and shag carpets, with rare photographs, documents, and perhaps even
galvanos not only of their modern, mid-'70s offerings, but also historic material dating
back to the early '70s. Vast arrays of plates would wrap around the upper part of the
wall in the bar area for your amazement while sipping sherry, listening to soothing
music with a lot of "ba-ba-ba-ba" in the lyrics, and rubbing elbows with other collectibles
elite, exchanging droll stories. In the vast landscape of 1970s collectibles, surely this
club room was Xanadu. Or maybe it was more like a dentist's waiting room.
<p>
Are there any
here who were so privileged so see this club room and are no longer sworn to secrecy as
to it trappings? Was Longacre taken here in the days of his youth to entice him with
visions of the high life afforded those in the circles of international tax code?
<p>
<div class="box">
Hmmm. I've never heard of this either. Anyone?
-Editor
</div>
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=810997">
Collector's Universe message Boards
</a>
(forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=810997)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article8"><a name="article8">
LATEST MOVE FOR THE HUNLEY, THE LUCKY COIN SUBMARINE
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Longtime <i>E-Sylum</i> readers have read about the Confederate submarine Hunley, where the
"lucky coin" of Lt. Dixon was found. This article
describes the latest news in the ongoing work to restore and display the lost Confederate submarine.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/4874568852/"
title="Lt Dixon Lucky Coin Found on Hunley Submarine by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4874568852_ac549e8d2e_o.jpg" width="165" height="164"
align="right" alt="Lt Dixon Lucky Coin Found on Hunley Submarine" /></a>
After sitting in the same spot for 10 years, the H.L. Hunley is finally ready to move.
Well, a few feet anyway.
This summer, the team at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center will take the 19th century submarine
out of the lift cradle that’s held it since 2000 and set it upright for the first time since 1864.
It sounds pretty simple, but it’s a significant step in the project — and an ordeal that has taken
nearly as long as it took to recover the sub from the ocean floor.
<p>
The rotation, as the scientists call it, will set into motion the final phase of the sub’s rehabilitation
— and may answer lingering questions about its disappearance in the dark days of the Civil War. People
have waited a long time for those answers, but the crew at the Lasch lab has moved cautiously because,
well, they don’t want to drop it.
<p>
The Hunley became the first successful combat submarine on Feb. 17, 1864, when it sank the USS
Housatonic, a Union blockade ship. Shortly after the attack, the Hunley disappeared. No one knows
why. This project is in part meant to prepare the sub for display in a museum, and in part to fill
in the blanks in history.
<p>
Paul Mardikian, the senior conservator on the project, said it will take a year to completely
remove all the concretion from the 40-foot sub.
“No one has ever seen the sub like that,” Mardikian said.
In the meantime, the crew continues to restore the hundreds of artifacts found inside the
Hunley. Mardikian just finished work on binoculars that belonged to the sub’s captain,
George E. Dixon. They look more like theater glasses than modern binoculars.
“They are Hunley-sized,” Mardikian notes. “Small submarine, small binoculars.”
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://www.thestate.com/2011/03/21/1744818/scientists-finally-ready-to-right.html">
Scientists finally ready to right the Hunley
</a>
(www.thestate.com/2011/03/21/1744818/scientists-finally-ready-to-right.html)
<p>
To read an earlier E-SYlum article, see:
<a href="http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n32a16.html">
UPDATE ON THE HUNLEY, THE LUCKY COIN SUBMARINE
</a>
(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v13n32a16.html)
<div class="ctabox">
<center><h4>FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR WHITMAN ORDER!</h4></center>
Pay $0.00 shipping on your entire purchase when you preorder your 2012 edition
(65th-Anniversary) Red Book. Four formats are available: spiralbound ($14.95),
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Offer good until April 5, 2011. Order
at <a href="http://www.WhitmanBooks.com" target="_blank">www.WhitmanBooks.com </a>,
or call 1-800-546-2995.
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article9"><a name="article9">
SAN FRANCISCO MINT GOLD DELIVERY BOOK OFFERED
</h3></a>
<p>
William A. ("Bill") Shirley writes:
<div class="quote">
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5564465820/" title="Cover by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5564465820_e59b8c350c_m.jpg" width="204" height="240" align="right" alt="Cover" /></a>
I thought your group might be interested to know
that I just posted eBay item # 290548470584 which is a "Gold Delivery
Book - Coiner" containing original handwritten records from the San
Francisco Mint during the July 1906 to June 1911 time period.
Obviously, I'm trying to get a free plug in <i>The E-Sylum</i>.
My auction is running to March 29, 2011.
</div>
<p>
<div class="box">
Sure - this item is right up our alley. Thanks!
-Editor
</div>
<br/><br/><br/><br/>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5564465802/" title="Spine by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5564465802_d25be401b5.jpg"
width="103" height="500" align="left" alt="Spine" /></a>
This is an original record book from the United States Mint in San Francisco
( the San Francisco Mint ). This book was thrown out or sold after the Mint
closed years ago, along with the minting equipment and other items. The book
is bound in leather and cloth. It is marked, in gold lettering, on the spine "
Gold Delivery Book - Coiner - Form No. 865 - U.S. Mint San Francisco - U.S. Government Bindery ."
<p>
The pages are designed to be able to be filled in with the number of the delivery,
the number of drafts, the amount in dollars, the actual weight, the legal weight,
the variation, and denomination of all coin deliveries made to the superintendent.
<p>
The records in this book begin with July 26, 1906, and continue until June 22, 1911,
on 45 pages (22 two-sided pages plus 1 one-sided page). Some pages appear to have
been torn from the book, i.e., the records between October 18, 1906, and August 13, 1907,
are missing and page remnants remain. In addition, a two-sided page with data for
September 17. 1910, to October 19, 1910, appears to be missing. Records for the Coiner's
Delivery of Gold on September 20, 1907, and October 6, 1907, are contained on two facing pages, well bound, but separated from the main 45 pages by approximately 41 (double-sided) pages after the bulk of the records. The information seems to be presented by date of the month and details the number of half eagles, eagles, and double eagles delivered. The type of coin delivered (e.g., double eagle) is stamped with a rubber stamp.
<p>
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5564474430/" title="3 by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5564474430_a1d5389c24.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="3" /></a>
</center>
<p>
To visit the eBay auction, see:
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/U-S-MINT-SAN-FRANCISCO-GOLD-DELIVERY-BOOK-COINER_W0QQitemZ290548470584QQcategoryZ530QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8033259771967700612#ht_758wt_1139">
U.S. MINT SAN FRANCISCO GOLD DELIVERY BOOK - COINER
</a>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article10"><a name="article10">
USPS BOOKS SHIPMENTS: THE WHOLE DAMP STORY
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Joel Orosz submitted this report on a scary recent experience
with numismatic literature shipped via the U.S. Post Office.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
I need to begin this truly turgid tale by telling you that, for the past 25 years, I have enjoyed a wonderful
relationship with the Kalamazoo office of the United States Postal Service. My “mailbox” consists of a
slot in my garage wall, and anything too large to fit into that slot has invariably been left under a small
covered entryway that is literally one step to the left of the mail slot. For a quarter of a century, my
numismatic literature purchases have arrived under that entryway, safely sheltered from Kalamazoo’s
sometimes tempestuous weather.
<p>
In the early days of March, I received a slip from my mail carrier, informing me that a much-anticipated
package from Colorado Springs—my lots from David Sklow’s recently-closed 12th Mail Bid Sale—was
being held pending my signature to accept delivery. As I have dozens of times before, I signed the slip
and left it for my carrier to pick up the next day, secure in the knowledge that in two days’ time, the
package would be waiting for me when I came home.
<p>
The day appointed for delivery dawned rainy, but what did I care? Twenty-five years of experience told
me that when I pulled into my driveway that evening, the package would be snug under the covered
entryway. Imagine my surprise when I arrived that evening to find the entryway package-less, and a
sodden cardboard box sitting instead on the completely uncovered front stoop, some 20 feet away from
the entryway.
<p>
With a celerity surprising for a middle-aged acolyte of Robert Maynard Hutchins (“Whenever I feel like
exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes”), I reached the box, and when I lifted it, discovered several
dismaying facts. First, water ran off the top in rivulets. Second, the sides of the box sagged with the
weight of the contents. Third, the bottom was so saturated that it left a wet trail across the house.
Grim visions of the contents filled my mind, including a particular 18th century volume that would surely
be fit for nothing but a decent burial, most likely at sea.
<p>
My sense of foreboding intensified as the soggy cardboard gave way into puddles of pulp. The packing
peanuts inside were literally awash in rainwater. Then, a sliver of hope: I discovered that all four of the
lots I won were encased in a cocoon of bubble wrap, with seams well-taped. The outside of the bubble
wrapped bundle was drenched, just as were the packing peanuts, but when I carefully prized apart the
seams, I discovered that very little moisture had penetrated within. Then, extracting each of the four
individually-wrapped lots in turn, I found, to my immense relief, that the tight plastic sleeves around
them, again, well-sealed, had repelled what water had made it through the bubble wrapped barrier.
Incredibly, David Sklow’s thorough packing had completely protected all four of the lots from what
otherwise would have been diluvian disaster.
<p>
All kudos to David Sklow, who proved to me that his rueful jest “Tape is my Life!” was not just idle
blather. Old-time bibliomaniacs will recall that the late John Bergman literally wrote the book on how
to properly pack numismatic books for shipment. David has proven to be a worthy successor to John as
the Panjandrum of Packaging, for which he has earned my eternal gratitude.
<p>
But how did it come to pass that David’s heroics became necessary? At first, I was absolutely
gobsmacked as to how the postman on that fateful day—a substitute for my normal professional carrier,
obviously—had come to leave David’s shipment out in the rain. Instead of taking one small step to the
left, and leaving the package under cover, he had turned completely around, walked ten paces down my
driveway, then turned right and walked another twenty paces to leave the box on the unprotected front
stoop. How could such a thing have happened?
<p>
Finally, however, I deduced the identity of the postal substitute on that rainy Kalamazoo afternoon: it
must have been none other than the long-time proprietor of The Money Tree, Myron Xenos. It all made
perfect sense. Myron is always found around numismatic literature, and anyone who knows his political
persuasion understands that he would do absolutely anything to avoid taking even one tiny step to the
left. Case closed! But I forgive Myron this small indiscretion, for David Sklow’s nonpareil packing saved
the day. And never again will I grumble at the difficulty of opening another package from David, for
when it comes to numismatic books, tight and dry beats wet and wild any day!
<p>
<div class="box">
Whew! That was a close one!
-Editor
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article11"><a name="article11">
SILVER DOMINATING AUCTION MARKET
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Dick Johnson submitted these thoughts on silver and the auction market.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
Silver hit a high of $37 at mid-week as auction houses are flooded with antique
silver consignments. I subscribe to Artifact.Live Auction Alerts and Friday set a
first time example of all seven auctions featured this day contained silver objects,
often shoehorned in with books or paintings.
<p>
Grandma's silver teapot is brought out of storage to be rendered into cash. It seems
every silver item is sure to sell as investors are buying at the inflated price.
Most think silver will rise to $50 an ounce.
<p>
Unlike the Hunt Brothers silver boom of the 1980s in which they attempted to corner
the world market for the medal, this is broad based demand caused by uncertain
economic times.
<p>
Obviously this is affecting the price of silver coins. I have witnessed common date
silver dollars rise from $9 to $29 at my local coin club over the last few years.
You pays your money and you takes your chance.
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article12"><a name="article12">
STICKERED SILVER DOLLARS GOT PROMOTER IN HOT WATER
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
This article features an unusual collectible sometimes encountered in numismatic circles -
silver dollars to which an advertising sticker has been applied.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5564571496/"
title="Silver Springs Stickered Silver Dollars by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5564571496_f5b924fd4c_m.jpg" width="240"
height="180" align="right" alt="Silver Springs Stickered Silver Dollars" /></a>
Before the era of Internet marketing and electronic billboards, tourist attractions
relied on ingenuity and orchestrated promotions to attract business. Silver Springs,
in the 1940s-'60s pre-Disney days, was no exception and was in its heyday as a movie
set Mecca and famed Florida attraction.
<p>
Past owners Carl Ray and W.M. “Shorty” Davidson were constantly seeking publicity to
keep the springs in the footlights. Chief publicity generator William Ray, owner Carl
Ray's son, was involved in constant promotional projects.
<p>
While the majority of Ray's promotions were highly successful, one campaign in the
late 1950s almost landed him in federal prison.
<p>
“We wanted to show the townsfolk the impact of the springs on our local economy.
We bought $20,000 in silver dollars (at face value) and paid our employees and vendors
in them. We always had a cash payroll, but for a few weeks, we paid in coin. We put
stickers promoting the springs on the reverse of the uncirculated dollars,” he said.
“I clearly recall a phone call from The Associated Press asking for comment on the
Secret Service investigation of Silver Springs.”
<p>
Dumbfounded, he denied any knowledge or basis for inquiry.
<p>
“I was adamant, and then the next call was from a very serious federal agent. I was
informed I was facing possible charges and big fines for every coin we defaced by
putting on the decals. He said the stickers were gumming up the counting machines
in the Federal Reserve regional bank in Atlanta.”
<p>
To avoid legal sanctions, Ray had eight women stationed in the conference room at
the springs, tasked with cleaning the coins.
<p>
“We received all the silver dollars going through the four banks of Ocala and tried
to recover as many as possible. I am glad we avoided legal problems and as it worked
out, we enjoyed better relationships with local businesses,” Ray said.
<p>
Tom Fulford of Dunnellon was a teen working his first job with the Bartlett Deer
Ranch, a popular springs venue, and recalls the silver salary paydays as being in
1958 or '59.
<p>
“I was really excited, but a lot of the workers were upset. They wanted to save the
dollars, but they needed the money. I am lucky that my dad bought mine from me and
held them,” he said.
<p>
Fulford recently sold his late father's collection to Will Moore, a professional
numismatist.
<p>
"In my forty years doing this, I've only handled two groups similar to this (size).
On several occasions, I've handled a lot of singles," Moore said. "The biggest mistake
I've seen is people removing the tourist dollar sticker, thinking they'll put the coin
back to original state. The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars are worth about $30, but with the sticker,
I'd say they're worth double that."
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://www.ocala.com/article/20110324/ARTICLES/110329839/1402/NEWS?Title=Silver-Springs-silver-dollars-nearly-land-co-owner-in-federal-prison">
Silver dollars nearly landed park co-owner in federal prison
</a>
(www.ocala.com/article/20110324/ARTICLES/110329839/1402/NEWS?Title=<br/>
Silver-Springs-silver-dollars-nearly-land-co-owner-in-federal-prison)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article13"><a name="article13">
SAVING UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS AND OTHER NUMISMATIC RESEARCH
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Pete Smith's query on what to do with unpublished manuscripts prompted these responses fom readers.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
Dick Johnson writes:
<div class="quote">
<p>
I expect librarians from each of the major numismatic libraries will reply to Pete
Smith's plea in last week's <i>E-Sylum</i>. One would expect them to gush: Send those
unpublished manuscripts to my library, we will gladly accept these at our
institution!
<p>
But there is a bigger problem here. Manuscripts are the tip of the exposed iceberg.
What isn't seen and supports those manuscripts - and wasn't mentioned by Pete last
week - is a much larger volume: the research papers, photographs, photocopies, news
clippings, and tons of notes. Add to that now computer files and discs.
<p>
So the key to all this in one word is SPACE. Does the institution have the space to
acquire more material? Also does the institution have the PERSONNEL to catalog,
archive and conserve such material? Otherwise if it sits in dead storage it is not
of much use to anyone.
<p>
Here are some tips to numismatic researcher-writers:
<p>
1. Organize your material. Use any physical format you are comfortable with, but
organize. Use plenty of cover sheets and summaries or abstracts.
<p>
2. Keep related material together. Put it in notebooks or in file folders and
folders in expandable files or boxes.
<p>
3. It is somewhat useful to put dates on these. If you have written several drafts,
this will help identify the latest version, for example.
<p>
4. Contact a library of your choice before you die, ask first if they will accept
it, give a general description, how much space it occupies. Ask how they plan to
catalog, conserve and make available your material to other scholars.
<p>
5. Put explicit instructions in your will and let family members know of this
explicit disposition desire on your part.
<p>
6. If you feel your "papers" are of such volume, scholarly value and importance that
they have a monetary value, spell out explicit instructions. These can include such
plan as to hold a closed auction of say, three or four institutions of your choice,
and let them bid on your "papers." Highest bidder wins with the money to go to
your estate.
<p>
7. Or you may decide to start deaccessioning your papers by gift to a chosen
institution at any time, before you die. Downsizing has some decided advantage,
gives you more room to create more documents, papers, manuscripts!
<p>
I have a handful of horror stories of the entire life work of both authors - and
artists who I have worked with - where their entire estates were destroyed. Perhaps
I will relate these next week in <i>The E-Sylum</i>.
<p>
But allow me to give a pitch for a new museum. Name and location still a top secret.
But it will be concerned with numismatic technology - how coins and medals are made
and have been made for all time. I am involved since this is my strong interest in
the field.
<p>
We would welcome any papers, manuscripts - published or unpublished - research
material and such to be housed in this museum. Contact me. I will gush over how
this will be the best such institution in the world to house your material forever
and make the best use of it. Also I am interested in such material on medals and
medallic art. dick.johnson@snet.net
</div>
<p>
Bill Eckberg writes:
<div class="quote">
<p>
By all means, don't let good information disappear!!!
The issue is only one of money. If you have information and you don't need/care to make money off it
(for that matter, how many numismatic specialty books actually make any money?), just self-publish
in electronic form and make it available on the Internet.
<p>
Sending it to a library will just get it lost in storage and probably never even cataloged.
Remember the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark?" But any document can easily be converted to PDF
and distributed electronically. Club websites (larger clubs like NBS or ANA) could serve as
repositories for such information that could be freely made available to members.
Isn't this already done on a general basis?
</div>
<p>
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
<a href="http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n12a16.html">
CAN UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPTS BE SAVED?
</a>
(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n12a16.html)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article14"><a name="article14">
NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MARCH 27, 2011
</h3></a>
<p>
<b>Other Chinese Fakes</b><br/>
Regarding the new book on Chinese fakes of Norwegian coins, James Higby writes:
<div class="quote">
<p>
When all of a sudden I started seeing multiple offerings on eBay of Norwegian
speciedaler types that I had not seen in three decades, I was forced to tentatively
conclude that they were all fakes. To that category I would have to add coins of
Italy and her colonies, Gold Coast, Zanzibar, and Swiss cantons, especially the
shooting thalers. I am sure that by now the list has grown quite lengthy, and that
more such books will be needed.
</div>
<p>
To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
<a href="http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n12a04.html">
NEW BOOK ON CHINESE FAKES OF NORWEGIAN COINS
</a>
(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n12a04.html)
<p>
<b>Local Coin Show Publicity</b><br/>
<div class="box">
Dick Johnson forwarded this article about the promoters of a monthly Michigan coin show.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
Kids are the future of coin collecting. Don Reid thinks if they learn
about currency like the wheat penny, they'll develop an interest just as he did as a boy.
<p>
Reid is always promoting the hobby. He and Mark Storey began encouraging
collectors four years ago by holding the first Redford Coin Show.
<p>
“We found it difficult to get into small shows on a monthly basis and knew
other people in the same boat so we founded this,” said Reid. “The show's
been growing and growing. Coin collecting can be expensive. We give coin collectors an opportunity to come buy, sell and trade coins they picked up during the month.”
<p>
Hannah Reid loves coin shows. Don introduced her to the events in 2007 when
they were dating. Born in Warsaw, Hannah believes her collection of Polish
coins is the largest in the tri-state area.
<p>
“The coins bring back memories,” said Hannah Reid who left Poland in 1972 at age 19.
<p>
Hannah compares Polish commemorative coins to U.S. quarters minted for each state.
<p>
“It's interesting because Poland commemorated for each city, a quarter size coin
from 1999 to 2008 and are now doing the same with park animals. They copy what the American mint does.”
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20110324/NEWS16/103240655">
Show organizers to offer children free Wheat pennies to encourage coin collecting
</a>
(www.hometownlife.com/article/20110324/NEWS16/103240655)
<p>
<b>Quiz: Seven Questions on Britain's Five Pound Note</b><br/>
<div class="quote">
<p>
Dick Hanscom forwarded this BBC News quiz on the five pound banknote. Who can get a perfect score? (Don't ask what I got)
-Editor
</div>
<p>
To take the quiz, see:
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12823993">
7 questions on fivers
</a>
(www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12823993)
<div class="ctabox">
<center><h4>THE BOOK BAZARRE</h4></center>
<b>DAVID SKLOW - FINE NUMISMATIC BOOKS</b> offers the Q. David Bowers Research Library Sale Part V on
June 11, 2011, including:
<i><b>Thomas Snelling's 1762-1777 works; A View of the Silver, Gold, Counterfeits, Jetons
and Plates of English Medals</b></i>.
<a href="http://www.finenumismaticbooks.com">www.finenumismaticbooks.com</a>.
PH: (719) 302-5686, FAX: (719) 302-4933. EMAIL: <a href="mailto:numismaticbooks@aol.com" target="_blank">numismaticbooks@aol.com</a>. USPS: Box 6321, Colorado Springs, CO. 80934. Contact me for your numismatic literature needs!
</div>
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article15"><a name="article15">
THE ATLANTIC EXAMINES NOTORIOUS U.S. COINS
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
<i>The Atlantic</i> published a short article this week highlighting the 1804 silver dollar and other notorious U.S. coins.
Check it out.
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5565247928/"
title="1804 dollar by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5565247928_7fcb2c39f5_m.jpg"
width="240" height="209" align="right" alt="1804 dollar" /></a>
No collection in America has more storied coins than the National Museum of American History.
In the gallery below, we've collected five of their most famous pieces, with descriptions
inspired from my conversation with curator Dr. Richard Doty.
<p>
<b>1804 SILVER DOLLAR</b><br/>
Long story short: This coin is an 1850s counterfeit of a 1830s coin that says "1804."
It is the illegal replica of a coin that never should have existed in the first place.
And it is quite possibly the most famous American coin in the world.
<p>
What makes a coin expensive, anyway? "The biggest thing is demand," says Dr. Richard Doty,
a curator at National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
"You can have a roman coin that is 2,000 years old and unique, but if there is no demand or legend around it, it's nothing, "he said.
<p>
In 1909, for Lincoln's 100th birthday, the U.S. Mint made half a million Lincoln pennies
designed and by Victor David Brenner, who engraved his initials on the reverse. The
government wasn't pleased, and so Brenner was told to leave off the initials on subsequent
issues. Still, about half a million pennies with Brenner's initials were released. Coin
collectors suddenly realized that the coin would be scarce enough to be valuable and
interesting enough to generate high demand. Today it's probably the most popular American
one-cent piece ever made.
<p>
"A coin has to have notoriety," Doty says. "If you have three collectors and two coins
you have a market. If you have three coins and two collectors you don't."
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/03/the-amazing-history-of-the-most-notorious-us-coin/72885/">
The Amazing History of the Most Notorious U.S. Coin
</a>
(www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/03/the-amazing-<br/>history-of-the-most-notorious-us-coin/72885/)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article16"><a name="article16">
CHILE ISSUES NEW POLYMER 1000 PESO BANKNOTES
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
Dick Hanscom forward this articles on new Chilean banknotes. Thanks!
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5554774764/" title="Chile 12000 Pesos by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5554774764_c8335d69a1_m.jpg" width="207" height="240" align="right" alt="Chile 12000 Pesos" /></a>
The president of Chile’s Central Bank showed pictures and described the virtues of the country’s new 1,000-peso (currently worth about US$2.04) banknote this week. This was the fifth and final addition Chile’s new family of banknotes, which have gradually replaced bills in circulation for 30 years
<p>
Like the new 2,000 and 5,000 peso banknotes, introduced in September 2009 and November 2010, respectively, the new 1,000 peso banknotes will be made of a durable polymeric material, and will have more security features to prevent counterfeit.
<p>
Such features include a transparent window showing the portrait of the portrayed hero on the right side of the banknote, as well as a 3D watermark bank located in the note’s left-hand side.
<p>
The drawings on the bill follow the pattern of other the recently introduced banknotes, showing a Chilean hero on the front and the landscape of a famous Chilean landmark on the back.
<p>
The front of the new banknote shows a portrait of Ignacio Carrera Pinto, a captain of the Chilean army during of the 19th century War of the Pacific against Bolivia and Peru.
<p>
The National Park of Torres de Paine—a world-renowned national park in Chile’s southernmost Magallanes Region—is showcased on the back.
<p>
The new bills will begin circulating on May 11, 2011, first to commercial banks and then, gradually, to ATM’s located throughout the country.
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article17"><a name="article17">
ARTICLE PROFILES PARIS MINT DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHE BEAUX
</h3></a>
<div class="box">
P.K. Saha forwarded this article from a French publication which profiles the current director of the Paris Mint. Thanks!
-Editor
</div>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5564890521/" title="Christophe Beaux
by Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr">
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5564890521_d6d3f8a0c7_m.jpg"
width="160" height="240" align="right" alt="Christophe Beaux" /></a>
At the helm of the Paris Mint since 2007, Christophe Beaux has given the venerable institution a jolt of new energy.
This March he launches a renovation project
that will transform the Mint and its Left Bank neighborhood.
<p>
If La Monnaie is fast becoming one of the trendiest spots in the city, it’s always been one of the most beautiful.
The masterpiece of architect Jacques-Denis Antoine, the neoclassical building constructed between 1771 and 1777 to
house the workshops of the French national mint has miraculously remained unchanged. Now, elegant as ever, it’s
shedding its out-of-date image.
<p>
Behind this transformation is the ambitious, discreet and poised, 44-year-old Christophe Beaux, a graduate of the
prestigious Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) and a former assistant director at the Ministry of Finance. When
Beaux was named head of La Monnaie in 2007, he inherited an enterprise which had kept its monopoly as a mint but
came with a host of problems.
<p>
Recently designated as an EPIC, a state-owned industrial and commercial company, the mint is now required to show a
profit—a goal it reached in 2009, with annual sales totaling €126 million. The Paris mint does not produce French
euros—those are minted in Pessac, in the Gironde region around Bordeaux, along with Greek euros and foreign coins
including the Saudi riyal and the taka for Bangladesh. In the workshops of La Monnaie de Paris, which cover nearly
two and a half acres, some 130 workers produce collectors’ items—coins, medals and art objects, using precious
metals and age-old techniques. La Monnaie’s
boutique has long been a source of unusual, if conservative, gifts.
<p>
The biggest change orchestrated by Beaux is yet to come. The Monnaie’s major renovation will kick
off in March. Architect Philippe Prost won the design competition for the project, which will take
two years to complete. “The idea we have in mind is to create a veritable Murano for metal, open to
the public,” says Beaux, referring to Venice’s glassmaking island. “Far from being a handicap, our
factory will become an attraction. We want to make visible this living heritage, our savoir-faire,
our remarkable tradition of artisanat and art. All within a carefully preserved historical environment.
<p>
“We’re going to reopen six portes cochères (carriageway doors) on the rue Guénégaud and three entrances
on the other side,” he explains. “With the central courtyard and the two side courtyards, La Monnaie will
have the look of a village. A vast garden and several boutiques will be open to strollers. And we haven’t
forgotten restaurants—to taste Guy Savoy’s artichoke soup with black truffles, you’ll have to come here
in the future.” In fact, three-star chef Savoy will be leaving his long-time flagship restaurant in the
17th arrondissement to install himself in the Monnaie’s superb salons with views on the Seine, and he
will also open the Métal Café for more affordable fare.
<p>
To read the complete article, see:
<a href="http://francetoday.com/articles/2011/03/19/christophe_beaux.html">
CHRISTOPHE BEAUX
</a>
(francetoday.com/articles/2011/03/19/christophe_beaux.html)
<div class="box" align="right"><a href="#top"><small>Back to top</small></a></div><h3 id = "article18"><a name="article18">
FEATURED WEB PAGE: AMERICAN TAX TOKEN SOCIETY
</h3></a>
This week's Featured Web Page is the offical site of the American Tax Token Society.
<div class="quote">
<p>
Sales tax tokens (and other exonumismatic and philatelic pieces used in the
process of collecting sales taxes) were used in several states, primarily in
the Midwest, South, and Southwest, in the 1930s and 1940s. Although in some
cases they were legal until the early 1960s, for the most part they were
discontinued shortly after World War II.
<p>
Except for occasional political pieces opposing a proposed sales tax in one
of the few states still lacking one, the collecting field is closed in the
sense that no more tokens are being issued and none are in public circulation.
However, there continue to be new discoveries of unknown pieces, major die varieties,
a wide variety of historical materials, and other items.
</div>
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coinbooks/5565761633/" title="Illinois Sales Tax Token by
Numismatic Bibliomania Society, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5565761633_060d6d24df_m.jpg"
width="238" height="240" alt="Illinois Sales Tax Token" /></a>
</center>
<h2>
<a href="http://www.taxtoken.org/">
www.taxtoken.org
</a>
</h2>
<div class="ctabox">
<img src="http://cbt.coinbooks.org/global/images/layout/masthead_image_001.gif" border="0" align="center"/>
</div>
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