The E-Sylum v7#31, August 1, 2004

[whomren at coinlibrary.com]

Welcome to The E-Sylum: Volume 7, Number 31, August 1, 2004:
an electronic publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.
Copyright (c) 2004, The Numismatic Bibliomania Society.


LAKE BOOKS SALE #75 PRL AVAILABLE

   Fred Lake of Lake Books writes: "The prices realized list for
   our sale #75 which closed on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 is now
   available for viewing on the Lake Books web site at:
   http://www.lakebooks.com/archive.html

   The PRL is available in either PDF or MS WORD format.
   When you reach the "Past Sales" page either scroll down to
   sale #75 or click on the link marked "2004" to see the links.

   The sale was a very busy one and we appreciate the spirited
   bidding."


SPINK LITERATURE OFFERINGS

   Hadrien Rambach writes: "As in every issue of the Numismatic
   Circular, the oldest fixed-price list in the numismatic world,
   founded in 1892, and now published every two months, the
   August issue of Spink's Circular will offer many rare and out-
   of-print numismatic books.  There are 100 items in this
   interesting issue, on many different subject areas:

   Italian coins (a complete, but for a reprint of the 20th volume,
   of the “Corpus Nummorum”), Banknote forgeries (two copies
   of the rare “Report of the Committeee…” of 1819), English
   coins (with a superb and almost complete set of the “British
   Numismatic Journal”), etc. Some of the bindings on the books
   in this list are exceptional: a full morocco binding on a copy
   of the “Monete Cufiche” (Milan 1819), a superb set in the
   original Spink morocco binding of the “Biographical Dictionary”
   by Forrer (1904-1930), the crimson quarter morocco set of
   Roman Imperial Coins from the Bastien library, a full calf
   “Numismata Orientalia” by Marsden, etc.

   However this issue of the Circular is mainly notable for its
   antiquarian rarities. It includes no less than three different
   and early editions of Bude’s “De Asse”, including an amazing
   1532 Parisian edition which according to Dekesel is not held
   in any public-library in Paris! This list of books also includes
   the first edition of Agricola’s “De mensuris & Ponderibus”.
   A highly unusual item is also listed for sale, being a series of
   coin-engravings by the famous artist Jacques Callot (1592-
   1635). A large selection of coins is, as usual, also included."


AUCTION CENSUS DEADLINE EXTENDED

   Karl Moulton writes: "By request, the deadline for the19th
   century auction catalogue census, being conducted by the
   Numismatic Bibliomania Society, has been extended to the
   end of October.  Several people with large libraries have
   asked for more time.  If you haven't added your material to
   this compilation and wish to contribute, contact me at
   numiscats at aol.com and I will send out a census form."


A WONDERFUL LITERARY SURPRISE

   Lane Brunner writes: "The end of the day was the same as
   most others. After a warm greeting from my kids following
   work, I noticed a small box with a  familiar label. "How nice,"
   I thought, "a package from Charlie  Davis."  I just purchased
   a copy of Musante's book on the medallic  work of Bolen,
   so I was anticipating a package and reasoned that  Charlie
   just sent it very quickly.

   After dinner and time with the kids, I sat down for a quiet
   read. Much to my surprise, the book was not the anticipated
   one on Bolen's work, but rather a copy Gilboy's book on
   Pillar coinage, "The Milled Columnarios of Central and South
   America. Spanish American Pillar Coinage 1732 to 1772,"
   and the book was number 4 of 500. This was indeed a
   special book, albeit not my special book. Naturally, I
   thought Charlie made a rare shipping error. Now, it's not that
   I naturally assume Charlie makes mistakes; quite the opposite.
   I could not, however, think of any other reason why I would
   have received this wonderful book.

   I sent Charlie a short email telling him of the book and
   asking if I can forward the book to its awaiting new owner. A
   little while later, Charlie returns my message indicating that the
   book was a gift for me and he was asked to send it without
   any paperwork included. I was speechless.

   Since the topic of the book is rather focused and concerns
   an area in which I am attempting to educate myself, it is a
   timely and much appreciated gift.  My literary benefactor
   remains unknown, but is obviously someone who appreciates
   fine numismatic literature. If the kind person who sent me this
   wonderful gift is reading this passage, please know that the
   book will have great use in research and education and will
   be a valued addition to my library. Thank you so very much!"


NBS 25TH ANNIVERSARY ARTICLE

   Thanks to Numismatic News for publishing online a short
   article on the 25th anniversary of the founding of our Society.
   Based on a press release by E. Tomlinson Fort, editor of our
   print journal The Asylum, the article descibes the forthcoming
   276-page special  issue "containing articles from hobby figures
   such as researcher Q. David Bowers, researcher Professor
   John Cunnally, Dr. Christian Dekesel of the Bibliotheca
   Numismatica Sicilians in Belgium, researcher Dr. David
   Fanning, former NBS President Wayne Homren, Douglas
   Saville of Spink and Son in London, and NBS President Pete
   Smith."

   To read the full article, see:
   http://www.collect.com/interest/article.asp?id=11765

   The article has one mistake, however - it describes The
   Asylum as being 25 years old, but the anniversary is of the
   founding of our organization in 1979; the first Asylum
   issue arrives a year later.


UH-OH: ANNIVERSARY ISSUE  DELAYED

   Tom Fort writes: "The good news is that we (myself, David
   Fanning and George Kolbe) recieved the proofs of the
   Summer issue of The Asylum from the printer. The bad news
   is that they were not up to the standards we expected.  I am
   working to rectify these problems with the printer. Sadly,
   they will delay publication and it is very unlikely that the issue
   will reach members before the ANA convention. While this is
   certainly a disapointment to many (especially myself), I feel
   that it is better that we have first rate production to go with
   our first-rate articles. The one silver lining in this large cloud is

   that those who successfully bid on the proofs we will be
   auctioning at the ANA wil get to read the issue before
   everyone else. Also, I will have a bound proof with me at
   the ANA, if you see me I will be happy to show it to you."

   [Tom also wanted me to add, for the benefit of those attending
   the Great Numismatic Libraries of Pittsburgh tour, that there
   is a cat in residence at his home, so those with allergies should
   be aware. -Editor]


ANA LITERATURE EXHIBITS

   Chief Judge Joe Boling reports that there are four exhibits
   totaling seventeen cases entered in Class 22, Numismatic
   Literature at the upcoming American Numismatic
   Association convention in Pittsburgh.  Be sure to take a look.
   Their titles are:

  1. Coin Boards 1934-2004
  2. A Tribute to Randolph Zander
  3. An 18th Century Magnum Opus
  4. Numismatic Literature of Western Pennsylvania Numismatic
      Society Members: The First 100 Years


GRAVER PHOTOGRAPHIC NUMISMATICS TALK

   NBS member Nicholas M. Graver returns to his home town,
   presenting "Photographic Numismatics", a slide lecture in the
   Numismatic Theatre at the upcoming ANA convention in
   Pittsburgh, Wednesday afternoon, August 18 at 3:00.   The
   updated talk shows numismatic items related to Photography,
   and all manner of Photo Antiques having a "money" connection.
   Audience members will receive an elongated nickel, depicting a
   photographer and his studio camera taken from a CDV photo
   in the Graver collection.  This piece describes Nick as
   photographic antiquarian (collector of daguerreotypes, photos,
   etc.)

   Readers not attending ANA, may receive the elongated nickel,
   by sending a SASE to N.M. Graver, 276 Brooklawn Dr.
   Rochester, NY 14618.


U.S. ESSAY, PROOF AND SPECIMEN NOTES, 2ND EDITION

   The 2nd edition of Gene Hessler's "U.S. Essay, Proof and
   Specimen Notes" has been published.  From the Press Release:

   A FEAST FOR THE EYES! That's what is being said about
   the 2nd edition of U.S. Essay, Proof and Specimen Notes.
   This expanded 272-page book is a banquet of remarkable
   bank note illustrations that have never been published before.
   For illustrations of U.S. paper money designs that "might
   have been" and rare issued notes that are shown here for the
   first time, this is the only source available. The first edition was
   published in 1979.

   "Meticulously researched and written by the premier researcher
   of U.S. paper money of our generation, the new work rightfully
   deserves a prominent place along side Gene Hessler's other
   standard and classic U.S. currency, engraving and bond volumes."
   Fred Reed, editor of PAPER MONEY

   Paper money catalogs mention but have never illustrated three
   1863 interest-bearing treasury notes of $500, $1000 and $5000.
   The author has uncovered these rarities and now you can see
   them for the first time. In addition to proofs and specimens of
   rare notes you will see designs that will make you wonder why
   they were never issued.

   There are very few remaining drawings and sketches that
   preceded the final design and ultimate engraving of bank notes.
   In these pages there are examples of these rare images and
   references to the artists who created them.

   Collectors will want this book just for the color illustration on
   the cover. Professor Roman Hellmann, retired designer for the
   National Bank of Austria created this $1 design with the portrait
   of Thomas Edison as a test piece for a De La Rue Giori Press.
   In the foreword to the 1st edition, James A. Conlon director of
   the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from 1967-1977 said,
   "I am particularly impressed by Mr. Hessler's research on
   proofs, essays and experimental designs-the what 'might have
   been.'"  This book includes information that would have been
   lost, Mr. Conlon says, "if it were not for the imaginative
   interest and diligent research of devoted scholars like Gene
   Hessler. I learned new and interesting facts in the pleasurable
   reading of this well-done work."

   The foreword to this edition by Executive Vice President
   Stephen L. Goldsmith of R.M. Smythe & Company lends
   another perspective. "The new edition," he says, "comes at a
   time when interest in paper money is at an all-time high, and for
   a variety of  reasons." This new edition will be extremely
   valuable to collectors.  Mr. Goldsmith continues, "I believe
   there was another important element at work, the constant
   effort of Gene Hessler, researching, writing, lecturing, and
   tirelessly teaching us to appreciate the rich heritage of
   America's paper money."

   Gene Hessler, past editor of PAPER MONEY is the author of
   three additional books (the Comprehensive Catalog of U.S.
   Paper Money, An Illustrated History of U.S. Loans, 1775-1898,
   and The Engravers Line) with another to be published in 2005;
   he has written over 300 articles including columns for Coin
   World and the Numismatist. He served as curator for The
   Chase Manhattan Bank Money Museum and the St. Louis
   Mercantile Money Museum.  Mr. Hessler, a retired musician
   has traveled the world and has performed with many of the
   most famous names in jazz and classical music. He is listed in
   various editions of Who's Who in the Midwest, America and
   the World.

   The cost of the book is $40; a limited collectors' edition is $95.
   Include $4 per order (not per book). Send orders to BNR Press,
   132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. Order online at
   www.papermoneyworld.net, or use PayPal
   (bnrpress at papermoneyworld.net.)


PHILIPPINE JOURNAL BARRILLA INFO SOUGHT

   Ralf Böpple of Stuttgart / Germany writes: "I have a question
   for the E-Sylum community - maybe somebody can come up
   with a quick answer. I am looking for the period during which
   the Money Museum of the Central Bank of the Philippines
   published their journal BARRILLA.

   The first volume came out 1974, it was published quarterly
   until 1979 and semi-annually thereafter. The Library of Congress
   does not state that the publication was discontinued, but on the
   homepage of the Central Bank there is no hit for the title as
   search word. Does anybody know whether the journal was
   stopped being published, and if so, when?"


ISRAELI NOTE FALLS VICTIM TO CREDIT CARD USE

   Bill Rosenblum writes: "Another enjoyable E-Sylum as usual.
   In regard to the item about the trooper collecting fines on the
   spot via credit card it seems that the increased use of credit
   cards in Israel has stalled the issuance of a 500 Sheqalim note
   (about $110 US)  there. The note was scheduled to be released
   a few years ago but  according to my contacts there so many
   people now use credit cards that  the need for the note has
   decreased dramatically. Ten years ago very few Israelis (at
   least the ones that I did business) with used credit cards; now
   more than half my sales to Israelis is by credit card."


DICKESON PANORAMA ON EXHIBIT

   NBS President Pete Smith writes: "Last night (7-29-04) I
   visited the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. What drew me was
   their exhibition "Currents of Change / Art and Life Along the
   Mississippi River, 1851-1861."  A highlight was a panel from
   John J. Egan's Mississippi panorama, "The Monumental
   Grandeur of the Mississippi Valley."  They also had a video
   screen where a  viewer could scroll through the entire
   panorama, some 430 feet long.

   This panorama was used as a backdrop for Professor
   Montroville Wilson Dickeson who toured and lectured before
   the Civil War. He is known to bibliophiles for the first
   American numismatic encyclopaedia published in 1858.

   For me, seeing the Dickeson / Egan panorama was as exciting
   as seeing four 1913 Liberty nickels. (But not as exciting as
   seeing the fifth.) Also on exhibit was a large marble of
   Hiawatha by Augustus Saint Gaudens, another numismatic
   connection. The exhibit has been extended into October."


PITTSBURGH CONVENTION SUPPLEMENTAL WEB PAGES

   Regarding the web address published last week for the
   benefit of those attending the upcoming convention of the
   American Numismatic Association in Pittsburgh, Bill
   Rosenblum also asks: "Your list of eating establishments in
   Pittsburgh will be put to good  use. You said it was a
   supplemental list. Was there another list published with
   other places listed that I missed?"

   There are no other restaurant lists that the convention
   committee has published.  "Supplemental" meant that all
   the web pages prepared by the local committee are meant
   to supplement the information provided on the ANA's
   web site.   The pages are hosted on the web site of PAN,
   the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists.  See
   http://www.pancoins.org/ana/.


THE ENIGMATIC COUNTERSTAMPED QUARTERS

   Regarding last week's item about the  "E" and "L"
   counterstamps found on the obverse of many 1815 and
   1825 U.S. quarters, Tom DeLorey writes: "I tend to doubt
   this theory, on the grounds that the counterstamps
   apparently were done in the Mint with the coins resting in
   the reverse die to prevent distortion of the reverse surface
   during the counterstamping.  The same thing was done with
   the 1848 $2-1/2 "CAL." counterstamp, with the coins
   resting in the obverse die during the process. A private
   organization would not have had this option available to
   them, unless one of their members was a Mint employee
   with high privileges.
.
   My personal theory is that the "L" was meant to
   commemorate the widely heralded visit of Lafayette to
   America in 1825. However, I have no idea who "E"
   might have been. Does anybody have a good account of
   Lafayette's tour that might prove a visit to Philadelphia,
   and if so does it mention a traveling companion with the
   initial "E"?


SELTIC SULTURE

   Dave Kellogg writes: "I enjoyed the debate within the v7#27,
   July 4th edition regarding the pronunciation of certain Latin
   words.  For example, "Another is the word Caesar.  In
   English, it's See-sar; in classical Latin, it's Ky-sar."  And,
   "The letter c in Latin was hard, regardless of what letter
   followed ....".  Based on the above, should we then refer to
   the Celtic Civilization as the Keltic Kivilization?  Or, if that
   sounds odd, perhaps we should go with the soft c, as in
   Seltic.  The Seltic Sivilization - that sounds better.  Now
   about the Celtic Culture.  I guess it should be the Seltic
   Sulture!"


CHASE MANHATTAN MONEY MUSEUM HISTORY

   Regarding last week's question about the disposition of the
   Chase Manhattan Money Museum collection,  Robert J.
   Galiette writes: "Gene Hessler may be a good source of
   information regarding the Chase Manhattan Bank Money
   Museum.  He used to be curator of it.  He's also an
   accomplished musician and he'd tell me that it was very
   convenient being in New York because he regularly had
   musical engagements in which he could participate during
   parts of the day.

   His former work as curator is noted in some of his books,
   such as on the dust jacket of "An Illustrated History of U.S.
   Loans, 1775-1898", BNR Press, 1988, a book for which
   Gene spent fifteen years gathering photographs of loan
   documents that in many cases existed only as unique proof,
   specimen or remainder examples.

   Thanks for your invaluable work with the E-Sylum.  It's a
   labor of great dedication on your part to have it come
   forward so regularly each week."

   Martin Gengerke writes: "Regarding your story on the
   whereabouts of the Chase Manhattan Money Museum
   holdings - I can fill you in a bit on the paper money.

   Some notes went to the American Numismatic Society,
   but the bulk of the federal notes and (I believe) the
   obsolete as well, went to the Smithsonian Institution.

   One notable exception is the 1862 $1 Legal Tender note
   with Serial Number 1, from the first series of the issue.
   This note, with a vignette of Salmon P. Chase, is the first
   Dollar Bill issued by the United States - it went to Chase,
   and eventually to the Chase Bank. The bank still has it today.

   The first $2 bill issued by the U.S. is also known, and
   was sold by R.M. Smythe a few years ago."

   Douglas Mudd, Curator/Director Money Museum,
   American Numismatic Association writes: "The bulk of the
   Chase Manhattan Money Museum collection went to the
   National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian –
   something like 26,000 objects, including the primitive money
   collection, the checks (as you mentioned), and a wide
   selection of paper money and coins of the U.S. and the
   world."

   Fred Reed gives this chronology:  "In 1967 Gene Hessler
   became curator of Chase Manhattan Bank Money Museum.
   The Chase Manhattan Bank Money Museum closed in 1977.
   David Rockefeller negotiated to give the Chase Money
   Museum Collection to the Smithsonian Institution's National
   Numismatic Collection.   On Jan. 16, 1978, the Smithsonian
   Institution acquired the Chase Manhattan Bank money
   collection. On Feb. 7, 1979, the Smithsonian Institution
   unveiled highlights from the Chase Manhattan Bank Collection
   to great fanfare."

   Pete Smith writes: "I believe the majority of the coins from
   the Chase Manhattan Money Museum were put on long term
   loan to the Smithsonian. I visited the Smithsonian around 1986
   and saw a special exhibit of the Chase coins. I recall that I
   bent over a case to get a close look at a "Jefferson Head"
   cent and set off a security alarm.  I believe those coins were
   later transferred permanently to the Smithsonian.

   The national museum's exhibit of coins was already old when
   I visited. I believe it was installed some 20 years previously
   and had not been updated to correct a few errors in the
   exhibit. I agree that it is time for the exhibit to close, but I
   wish it would be replaced with a new exhibit.

   Gene Hessler writes: "I was the last curator (1967-1975) of
   the Chase Manhattan Bank Money Museum.  I was
   completely against closing the museum, since it continued to
   draw numerous visitors every day, as many as 1500 per day
   during peak tourist seasons.

   When the bank decided to close the museum and donate the
   collection to the Smithsonian for a major tax deduction, I saw
   no need for the Smithsonian to have another 1804 silver dollar.
   I explained this to the PR Department, who was responsible
   for the museum. Therefore, I was responsible for and was
   successful in having the 1804 dollar and a few pieces of world
   paper money sent to the American Numismatic Society."

   [My info on Eric Newman's role in obtaining the 1804 dollar
   for the ANS was based on an item found on the ANS web
   site.  Thanks for setting the record straight.  -Editor]


PROMINENT COLLECTOR UNMASKED?

   Last week, W. David Perkins gave us this question at the end
   of his submission on "a prominent early silver dollar collector
   (active in the 1950s and 1960s)"  He asked, "What was the
   name of the “prominent collector?”  Hint, this collector was
   the subject of a talk I gave at the NBS Annual Meeting a few
   years ago at the Philadelphia ANA Convention."
   There have been no guesses submitted yet.  I'll publish my
   answer next week.


JOHNSON IS A FAST READER!

   We at The E-Sylum love words, and Dick Johnson sends
   us two new numismatic word definitions.  He writes: "I'm
   still reading the August issue of "Readers' Digest."  Last
   week I wrote about the typo 'model' for 'medal,' about the
   athlete who won a 'bronze model.'  That was on page 18.
   This week I am up to page 47 (I'm a fast reader!)  I
   learned two new words -- 'arcadian' is related to
   coin-operated games and 'paradigm' is a set of two coins.
   I'll bet the last is a set of P-D ten-cent coins."


FEATURED WEB SITE

   This week's featured web site is submitted by Larry Mitchell:

   "This site provides information about the United Kingdom
   Honours System, which includes the Order of the British
   Empire, the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the Royal
   Victorian Order, and several other awards.  Provides details
   about award eligibility, order of wear for badges and
   decorations, and details about bravery awards such as the
   George Cross, the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal:"

   http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/ceremonial/


  Wayne Homren
  Numismatic Bibliomania Society


  The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a
  non-profit organization promoting numismatic
  literature.   For more information please see
  our web site at http://www.coinbooks.org/
  There is a membership application available on
  the web site.  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 North America, $20 elsewhere.
  For those without web access, write to W. David
  Perkins, NBS Secretary-Treasurer,
  P.O. Box 3888, Littleton, CO  80161-3888.

  For Asylum mailing address changes and other
  membership questions, contact David at this email
  address: wdperki at attglobal.net

  To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum,
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