The E-Sylum v14#04, January 23, 2011

[esylum at binhost.com]

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    The E-Sylum
  
  An electronic publication of
  The Numismatic Bibliomania Society


Volume , Number 04, January 23, 2011
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WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM JANUARY 23, 2011
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JOSEPH R. LASSER 1923 - 2011
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NEW BOOK: SILVER DOLLARS STRUCK UNDER THE PITTMAN ACT OF 1918
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NEW BOOK: A GUIDE BOOK OF U.S. COINS, PROFESSIONAL 2ND EDITION
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BOOK REVIEW: A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES PAPER MONEY, 3RD EDITION
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DICK JOHNSON SEEKS NEW TERMS FOR NUMISMATIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
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KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC BOOK PUBLISHING
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DAVID LANGE ON PUBLISHING IN NUMISMATICS
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BOSTON-AREA CLUBS HOST PROGRAM WITH BENTLEY, SUNDMAN, AND BOWERS
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ROBERT J. LEUVER ON THE TENURE OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES
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MORE ON IMAGES OF ENGRAVER WILLIAM BARBER
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MORE ON SCULPTOR OSCAR NEMON AND WINSTON CHURCHILL
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1856 ARTICLE: THE GREAT SEAL OF THE UNITED STATES
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SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NUMISMATOURIST: FINLAND AND SERBIA
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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: JANUARY 23, 2011
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HERITAGE TO HOLD SMITHSONIAN BENEFIT AUCTION
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INTERVIEW WITH COIN ARTIST AND DESIGNER DANIEL CARR
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FURTHER CONFESSIONS OF A USED-BOOK SALESMAN
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WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: JANUARY 23, 2011
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STACK'S JANUARY 2011 NEW YORK AUCTION GLEANINGS
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PROFESSOR STUDIES ASTROLOGICAL SYMBOLS ON COIN OF ANTIOCHOS VIII
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DEAD MAN'S PENNIES STILL TURNING UP
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ELVIS NOVELTY BANKNOTE FOOLS GERMAN BANK CLERK
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FEATURED WEB PAGE: BRITANNIA ON BRITISH COINS
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Click here to read this issue on the web





WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM JANUARY 23, 2011





Among our new subscribers this week are
Richard Licato, courtesy of Howard Daniel, 
Thomas J. Uram, courtesy of Ed Krivoniak, 
Richard Alekson, courtesy of John and Nancy Wilson, and
Frank Draskovic.
Welcome aboard! 
We now have 1,395 email subscribers, plus 111 followers on Facebook, including Marc Stackler and Richard Jewell.


This week we open with sad news of the loss of another numismatic giant.  In literature news, we have another new book on CD-ROM from Roger Burdette, a new edition of the Professional Red Book, and a review by Mike Marotta.


Other topics include new numismatic terminology, electronic publishing, sculptor Oscar Nemon, and the Great Seal of the United States.
To learn more about an evening with Anne Bentley, Dave Sundman, and Dave Bowers, the numismatic collection of the National Bank of Serbia, Slovenian bus tokens and Dead Man's Pennies, read on.  Have a great week, everyone!


Wayne Homren
 Numismatic Bibliomania Society




JOSEPH R. LASSER 1923 - 2011



George Kolbe writes:



I was saddened to learn of the death of Joseph R. Lasser. Over the years, I encountered Joe at New York coin conventions and once or twice a year, sometimes more, we would converse by telephone about various topics: "America's Foreign Coins" and their intricate history often being principal among them. 


Joe had a rare enthusiasm and an inquiring, indefatigable intellect. No doubt instrumental to his success in the financial world, these qualities produced an immeasurable numismatic bounty. His involvement with Colonial Williamsburg, the American Numismatic Society, and his writings only hint at the impact. More importantly, he was a warm caring family man and, in various ways, he helped a number of collectors and dealers who became, in some part, extended members of his family. Joe will be sorely missed.




I was also sad to learn in Friday's issue of the ANS enews that "Mr. Joseph R. Lasser, former Council Member, scholar, collector, benefactor and friend to the American Numismatic Society, passed away in January."  Joe was one of the numismatic greats of this country.  Earlier in The E-Sylum he shared with us how he'd learned the ropes of the hobby as a boy from his neighbor Julius Guttag.  See below for excerpts from these earlier E-Sylum articles.
-Editor



"Julius was the numismatist and he was my first teacher in the field
of coins... If I had been a 'satisfactory' child during the week, I
was privileged to visit Julius at his home on Sunday and carry the
trays of coins Julius was studying from the second floor tower and
safe to Julius' first floor study. It necessarily was a slow and
precise trip.


Notes would be taken; coins would be described and I, the 11-12
year old student, would be enriched by Mr. Guttag's knowledge.
He was extremely strong in Latin American material and the catalogue
of his collection still is a worthwhile resource."


To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:

JOE LASSER ON HIS NUMISMATIC MENTOR, JULIUS GUTTAG

(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v09n47a15.html)


I find it difficult to believe that counterfeit Lions were struck in Mexico during our colonial period. There was no specific incentive to create false coins in Mexico and it's not logical to think that someone could positively identify where a counterfeit was minted. 


Mr. Hallman apparently has his story backwards. It is possible (and probable) that the Dutch Lion Dollar he found was made with Mexican silver. From about 1550 to 1750 65-70% of all the new silver that came into the world was from Spanish colonial Mexican and Peruvian (today's Bolivia) mines. As the arguably largest commercial sailing nation -- that did not have any silver mines -- it is completely logical and normal that Lion Dollars could -- and did -- reach Pennsylvania. 


After all, the Dutch controlled the Colony of New York until the 1660's and some of the first paper money of New York in 1709 stated its value in Lion Dollars. Yes, there are "imitation" Lion Dollars minted in several other European countries -- primarily Italy and Germany -- although there is one from Transylvania -- that clearly illustrate the trade currency role of Lion Dollars. It was a "Bullion World" and Mr. Hallman's find is another small confirming episode. 


To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:

JOE LASSER ON DUTCH LION DOLLARS IN COLONIAL AMERICA

(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n34a12.html)



Thanks to Erik Goldstein of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for providing the above photo of Joe and his dates of birth and death: September 25, 1923 and January 17, 2011. Other numismatists have written remembrances in online - here's one from Jean Elsen.
-Editor



Today the numismatic community of the old and the new world loses the kindest and most generous coin collector and numismatist. 
I had the privilege to have a very close and friendly relation with Joe for over 30 years. His letters and telephone calls were always so warm and encouraging. 


He was a man of his word, a generous person, always interested in learning new things about numismatics and related history, an expert on Dutch and Belgian 16th century silver coins and coins of the besieged cities in the 80 Years War. 


Joe was my best friend in the United States. He visited me in Brussels several times. 
I will miss him. 


Jean Elsen Bruxelles Belgique (Belgium)


To read the complete article, see:

JOSEPH R. LASSER

(www.legacy.com/guestbook/nytimes/guestbook.aspx?n=joseph-lasser&pid=147910006)




NEW BOOK: SILVER DOLLARS STRUCK UNDER THE PITTMAN ACT OF 1918


Roger Burdette forwarded this press release for his latest book, a CD-ROM of information on silver dollars.  Congratulations!
-Editor




Seneca Mill Press LLC is proud to release a superb CD-ROM of unique silver dollar production records from 1921 through 1928. Silver Dollars Struck Under the Pittman Act of 1918, edited by Roger W. Burdette, includes high resolution images of the original Treasurer’s journal in convenient PDF format. 


The Treasurer’s journal presents daily production of silver dollars at all three mints in their original manuscript format. This is the only complete production record for Pittman silver dollars, yet only a handful of researchers have ever examined these important records since their re-discovery four years ago. Now collectors and silver dollars specialists can examine documents that were completely unknown to van Allen and Mallis, Breen, Taxay, Bowers and others.


This is the first and only published edition of these invaluable historic resources.


As a special bonus, the full text of the Pittman Act of 1918 is included along with a Federal Reserve Bank discussion of silver purchases since the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.


Lastly, the Silver Dollars Struck Under the Pittman Act of 1918 CD-ROM features a newly completed essay on the background of the Pittman Act and the role of Mint Director Raymond T. Baker.


This definitive edition was prepared by numismatic research specialist Roger W. Burdette. Original documents from the National Archives in College Park, MD were photographed and adapted for publication. All images are a combination of manuscript and typescript. Although not directly searchable, these image files are easy to use and print for personal use.


Silver Dollars Struck Under the Pittman Act of 1918 is available for an introductory price of $8.95 (regularly $12.95) postpaid from the publisher, Seneca Mill Press LLC. Discount orders accepted for 30 days.


To order send check or money order for $8.95 to: Seneca Mill Press LLC, PO Box 1423, Great Falls, VA 22066.


Bibliographic Entry:
Burdette, Roger W., ed. Silver Dollars Struck Under the Pittman Act of 19183. Seneca Mill Press, LLC, PO Box 1423, Great Falls, VA 22066. CD-ROM, 1 disc in case.
ISBN 978-0-9768986-3-4
American History; Economics; Numismatics


About the Author/Editor


Like many collectors, Roger W. Burdette began the hobby of coin collecting by attempting to fill cent and nickel albums from pocket change. During the 1970s he specialized in coin photography and produced the images for popular advertisements and hobby books. After a pause of several years, Mr. Burdette became interested in numismatic research. During more than seven years of research he has uncovered a wide array of new information including many previously unknown events.


Mr. Burdette is the author of three critically acclaimed numismatic research books: Renaissance of American Coinage 1905-1908, Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1915 and Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921. Each book was awarded the prestigious NLG Book-of-the-Year Award. The trilogy covers the origin, design and initial production of our nation’s most beautiful coinage. He is also the author of A Guide Book of Peace Dollars released by Whitman Publishing in November 2008.


He has written numerous articles for Coin World magazine, Coin Values magazine, Coins magazine and The Numismatist. He is a contributor to the Guide Book of United States Coins, the 8th and 9th editions of J. Hewitt Judd’s United States Pattern Coins, Experimental and Trial Pieces, and the USPatterns.com website. He has also contributed to Whitman Publishing LLC books on double eagles, nickels, type coins, silver dollars, quarters and others, and contributed to David Lange’s Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels.


Mr. Burdette lives near Washington, DC with his daughters and canine editorial advisor, Ivan. He is employed by a nationally known nonprofit research and development corporation.




NEW BOOK: A GUIDE BOOK OF U.S. COINS, PROFESSIONAL 2ND EDITION


Dennis Tucker of Whitman Publishing forwarded this release about the new edition of the Professional version of the "Red Book", A Guide Book of United States Coins. 
-Editor




Whitman Publishing has released the second edition of its expanded version of the best-selling Guide Book of United States Coins (known within the hobby as the “Red Book”). The 384-page volume, called the Professional Edition, is intended for intermediate and advanced collectors, numismatic researchers, professional coin dealers, auctioneers, and investors. It is available online (including at WhitmanBooks.com), at bookstores nationwide, and from hobby dealers and booksellers.


The Professional Edition is 45% larger than the regular-edition Red Book, at 8.5 x 11 inches, and is spiralbound for convenient reference. It retails for $29.95.


Features of the Professional Edition include:


Detailed coverage of every federal coin type, half cents through double eagles, plus classic commemoratives, Proof and Mint sets, and bullion.

Expert guidance on striking and sharpness characteristics for each type—valuable information when comparing coins for purchase.

Insight on availability and condition rarity for each type.

Detailed grading instructions, including for Mint State and Proof coins.

Certified population summaries for every date and mintmark—including the number certified, the average grade, and the percent in Mint State.

Expanded valuations, including multiple Mint State and Proof levels, plus Full Bands, Full Bell Lines, Cameo / Deep Cameo, and other specialized designations.

Recent auction data for coins listed.

Additional die varieties in every denomination, with close-up photographs for easy identification.

Informative chart notes that expand on the history, characteristics, and market values of significant coins.

Detailed research, estimated mintages, and market information on early 1800s–early 1900s Proof coinage, including gold.

High-quality, full-color photographs (more than 1,600 altogether) of both circulation strikes and Proof coins, for every type.

Enlargements of key focal points and varieties—many more than in the regular edition.

A new section on the U.S. Mint’s silver, gold, and platinum bullion coins.

A 2009–2010 rare-coin market review, with a look forward to 2011.



The Professional Edition’s editorial team consists of Senior Editor Kenneth Bressett, Research Editor Q. David Bowers, and Valuations Editor Jeff Garrett. Dozens of hobby leaders contributed their expertise to the book’s production.


“The first Professional Edition came out of the gate strong and the second edition is even better,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “We’ve made many small but useful improvements and additions, including thumbnail photographs of every classic commemorative; dozens of new type-coin photos; and more close-ups of key details.”


“Readers wanted a section on the Mint’s bullion coins, so we’ve added in-depth coverage of that field,” Tucker said. “And the rare-coin market review puts recent hobby activity in perspective.”


All of the book’s coin valuations, certified populations, and auction data have been reviewed and updated for the new second edition.


“The Red Book Professional Edition gives its users real-world market information on every coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint,” said Whitman president Mary Counts. “As a single-source reference it has no comparison.”



I have a copy of the new edition, and it's hefty!  Nice photos and lots of great information.  I'm not sure I can add much to the earlier review of the 1st edition and the above updates, but I can say I like the new section on U.S. bullion coins - it's a nice overview of the subject which by now covers a lot of ground.
-Editor



To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:

BOOK REVIEW: A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS (PROFESSIONAL EDITION)

(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n52a04.html)





BOOK REVIEW: A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES PAPER MONEY, 3RD EDITION


Mike Marotta submitted this review of the new edition of  A Guide Book of United States Paper Money by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg.  Thanks!
-Editor




A Guide Book of United States Paper Money by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg (3rd Edition; Whitman Publishing, 2011; 405 pages; $24.95) is a full-color catalog of the entire array from the first interest bearing notes to finance the War Between the States, to the most recent issues of the Federal Reserve: National Bank Notes, Treasury Notes, Legal Tender Notes, Silver Certificates, and Gold Certificates.  


The complex iconography and lavish art of these banknotes retell the history of our nation from Columbus to De Soto, from Pocahontas to the Pilgrims, from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle of Lake Erie.  Here are the farms and farmers, the factories and mechanics, steamships and steam locomotives.  Miss Electricity lights up the world, rising up from America in a whirlwind of Olympian allegory.  The first aeroplane is but a shadow.  These paper promises are a gallery of portraits that are almost synonymous with America: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln.  But, here, too are John Marshall and John Quincy Adams, Stephen Decatur and David Farragut, Thomas Hart Benton and Henry Clay, along with a pantheon of more and less famous generals and politicians of the Gilded Age.  


The material is arranged by denomination ($1 to $100,000) and then by series. Each chapter begins with a historical summary of the denomination including collecting tips for each series.  And, of course, there is a table of values by grade.  In each category, the authors deliver a rich array of examples.  You will find national bank notes from New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, of course, but also Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Oakland, and Honolulu, as well as Jerseyville, Rondout, and Caddo.  


It is an easy challenge at numismatic quiz bowls to ask when the motto “In God We Trust” first appeared on Federal paper money.  I was surprised to discover how much unpaid debt from the War of 1812 is still being carried by collectors.  Whether or not you actively pursue these artifacts of commerce, this book is an important and enjoyable guide to the history of America as displayed on the fiduciary instruments of our republic.  






THE BOOK BAZARRE

AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS:  Are your books carried by Wizard Coin Supply? If not, contact us via 

www.WizardCoinSupply.com 

with details.  We are interested in further expanding our already exceptional selection of 
in print titles.






DICK JOHNSON SEEKS NEW TERMS FOR NUMISMATIC ENCYCLOPEDIA


Dick Johnson asks, "What term of numismatic technology have you created that you would like to see in my upcoming encyclopedia?"
-Editor



I am sending out my manuscript on coin and medal technology for my first peer review this month. It contains 1,851 technical terms in the field of making, describing, cataloging, collecting and curating numismatic items -- at least those that are diestruck or cast. (It does not cover paper money or similar items).
 

There is still ample time to include a term or two that I may have overlooked. I am appealing to E-Sylum readers to reflect on their own use of technical terms in the field, particularly those that our knowledgeable readers have originated themselves.  Isn't it interesting to note that you have coined a new term in the coin and medal field?
 

Walter Breen in all his numismatic writing invented two new terms:
 

ELECTROTRIAL -- An electroformed trial piece. That is what he named those galvanos of the Buffalo Nickel by James Earle Fraser that he had Henri and Felix Weil make for him, before he was satisfied enough to have hubs made to send the U.S. Mint.
 

BOUNDARY -- The line between contrasting metals of the core and the clad metal in a clad coin composition.

 
I could not resist creating two new terms as well, because no existing term covered exactly what is meant. My two are:

 
MODULATED RELIEF -- The rise and fall of three-dimensional sculptural surface; the total surface planes and curvatures forming a coin or medal design.

 
RIM/EDGE JUNCTURE -- The point where the horizontal plane of the face of a struck piece meets the vertical plane of the edge.  
 

That last term is useful in describing proof coinage as pressmen seek to strike a proof coin where the metal flows to and completely forms a sharp point at that intersection but not one scintilla more metal  (it would cause a WIRE EDGE if it did).  The architectural term "arris" is the closest I found to indicate such a point, but this didn't seem to fit coins, thus I invented my own term.
 

So, what technical term in the coin field have you invented? Don't send me terms on condition or those trade puffing terms about how exquisite your coin is. I want terms of factual conditions in the field.
 

Email me at 

dick.johnson at snet.net
.


I will acknowledge all those I accept for inclusion and guarantee your name will be mentioned for the next 70 years -- as long as my book will be in print.




KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC BOOK PUBLISHING


Scott Tappa of Krause Publications submitted this follow-up on our discussion of electronic numismatic books.  Thanks!
-Editor



Last week I read Scott Barman’s blog post on e-books in numismatics, and was happy to see the discussion move to The E-Sylum. I’d like to add a few points to the discussion.


First, we wholeheartedly agree with Dennis Tucker’s assertion that quality content is of utmost importance. We at Krause Publications feel privileged to be part of a group of publishers worldwide, large and small, who continue to serve interesting, educational, essential content to collectors from novice to expert.


Our move into electronic publishing has gone well. We began selling our Standard Catalogs on disc in 2007, and those products continue to gain market acceptance each year. Others have noted what makes CDs attractive: portability, image enlargement, the ability to print individual pages. 


In 2009 we moved to “slice and dice” our content as digital downloads. This allows us to produce content that manufacturing and distribution challenges would not allow us to otherwise produce, and collectors can focus in on their niche interest.


This year you will see more and more KP books available for e-reader devices like the iPad, Kindle, Nook, etc. For instance, here are links to Kindle editions of two recent releases, Warman’s U.S. Coin Collecting and Canadian Coin Digest.



Warman’s U.S. Coin Collecting on Kindle

Canadian Coin Digest on Kindle






Numismatic books face certain challenges in formatting for e-readers. In particular, our catalogs are image-heavy, which makes them very large files, and this can make them difficult to download. Thus, expect to see KP create e-reader specific products that are smaller and more focused than our large catalogs.


Our parent company, F+W Media, has made e-books a top priority. In fact, we are hosting the second annual Digital Book World conference in New York City starting today (January 24), and are keenly focused on staying at the front of this market revolution. 




If you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding Krause Publications’ books, e- or otherwise, feel free to contact me at scott.tappa at fwmedia.com.


To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:



()




DAVID LANGE ON PUBLISHING IN NUMISMATICS


Dave Lange submitted these thoughts on publishing in numismatics inspired by topics in last week's E-Sylum.  Thanks!
-Editor



I have thoughts on two subjects brought up in the most recent issue.

 
Regarding the growth of electronic publishing in numismatics, I've considered this possibility as a cost-reducing measure. I'm currently preparing a book on coin albums and folders as a follow-up to my last book on coin boards. This new book will be much larger, as it deals with a greater number of publishers and products, so the printing of hardcopies will be expensive. 


I'd like to stick with my American printer, since that company did such a good job with color accuracy in the coin board book, but more and more coin book publishers are going to China for such work. I just don't know whether I can get a product that will satisfy me when dealing with the printer solely by telephone or email, and I'm not planning any trips to China to oversee the work.
 

The problem I have with doing a book solely in electronic format is one which many numismatic authors and publishers may have encountered---ours is a hobby that caters mostly to older people. I know that the buyers of my current book and the subscribers to my price lists and newsletters are mostly my age and older. A number of them don't have computers or email, so I still have to send out my quarterly publications by snail mail to a fair number of customers. I get orders from them in the same manner, oftentimes long after an item already sold to an email subscriber. I have a feeling that if I were to ofter my next book in both hardcopy and electronic editions, the former would be far more popular.
 

The situation would be different if I were writing a book about a numismatic topic that is of more interest to younger collectors. A title on American Eagle bullion coins or statehood quarters might do very well electronically, but books that appeal strongly to a nostalgia market would not be as successful. I suspect that I will go with a hardcopy print run exclusively for the next book, even though it take a few years to break even on the cost.
 

The other subject which caught my attention was that of "author's paralysis," the fear of publishing before one's work is perfect. I knew that additional coin board varieties would turn up subsequent to publication, and indeed they have. I've found about a dozen new varieties since the book came out, perhaps three or four major ones and the rest minor. Readers of my book have also reported new, minor varieties within their own collections. 


I would love to publish a new, updated edition of my book, but I can't with so many copies of the first edition still on hand. The solution I've found is to announce new discoveries in my quarterly Coin Board News and issue a completely updated Check List and Value Guide annually to all persons on my mailing list. This is the only practical way to keep current for a subject that does not sell the thousands of books required for a second edition.
 

The risk of incompleteness is always present when publishing a reference in a field that was hitherto undocumented. I've tried to create numbering systems for my board and album books that will permit for additions, but certain new varieties may not fit comfortably into the existing numbering sequence, and this problem will only grow over time (just look at the ongoing debate over Sheldon's numbers for large cents in the EAC's Region 8 weekly newsletter). 


After enough time has passed, I may have to revisit this numbering and make some fundamental changes, but that's still a long way down the road. I'm relieved that I was able to publish what I knew about coin boards just to get it on the record before my passing, and I'm attempting to do the same with folders and albums. The good news is that I'm fairly confident I'll be around long enough to accomplish that goal. What the hobby will do with the resulting information is anyone's guess.


To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:

WHERE ARE THE ELECTRONIC NUMISMATIC BOOKS?

(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n03a14.html)




BOSTON-AREA CLUBS HOST PROGRAM WITH BENTLEY, SUNDMAN, AND BOWERS


Dave Bowers forwarded this release about a blockbuster program planned for April at a combined meeting of the New England Currency Club and the Boston Numismatic Society.
-Editor




An Evening with Anne Bentley, Dave Sundman, and Dave Bowers
Monday, April 11



You are invited to see and hear THREE WINNERS in Waltham, Massachusetts, on April 11. A great evening program about coins, tokens, medals, and paper money featuring three well-known numismatic personalities awaits you at a special combined meeting of the New England Currency Club and the Boston Numismatic Society. The BNS, founded in 1860, is one of America’s oldest institutions in the field.


The three presenters will be there to share their experiences, comment on the marketplace, perhaps predict or try to predict the future, and answer your questions. Come and be prepared to have a great time. You will meet:








Anne Bentley: Curator at the Massachusetts Historical Society, and custodian of some of America’s greatest numismatic treasures, who last summer presented a highly-acclaimed program for the ANA. She is highly acclaimend as an author, writer, researcher, and speaker. You probably know that, founded in 1791, the MHS is the oldest historical society in America.


David M. Sundman: Chief executive of Littleton Coin Co., with over 300 employees, one of America’s largest rare coin dealerships. Littleton has found many “treasures” in the hands of the public—including the very first National Bank Note ever issued! He will share some of his finds with you, tell of the depth and breadth of the market, and more.



Q. David Bowers: Chairman emeritus of Stack’s-Bowers Numismatics and numismatic director of Whitman Publishing, LLC, who began his dealership as a young teenager in 1953, and since that time has handled just about every rarity in the book and most of the major collections—Norweb, Eliasberg, Bass, and more. Dave is the author of over 50 books, a popular columnist, and past president of the ANA and PNG.


The program will be about an hour or so. Complimentary beverages and snacks await you. Wait! There’s more! Whitman Publishing Company will give as door prizes some hot-off-the-press copies of the brand new 2012 edition of A Guide Book of U.S. Coins, these in addition to other great books! You may be a winner! We look forward to seeing you!


The event begins at 7:15 in the church hall of the Trinity Congregational Church, 730 Main St. (Rt 20) Waltham, Massachusetts. You are cordially invited. If you are not a member of the sponsoring clubs, please reserve space for you and your friends




ROBERT J. LEUVER ON THE TENURE OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES


Bob Leuver is a regular E-Sylum reader and contributor.  A former Executive Director of the American Numismatic Association, before that Bob was the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. from 1983–1988.  He's probably tired of hearing jokes that "he made more money than Warren Buffett and Bill Gates combined."   Bob submitted these thoughts inspired by our earlier discussion of the tenure of political appointees such as Directors of the Mint and B.E.P.
-Editor



The Director of the US Mint has been favored a bit more than other political positions in the Federal government, at least regarding their tenure.
 

I remember J. Elton Greenlee, my boss, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, did a study on the length of tenure, or, at least, the time that political appointees spent in their appointed position.  Mr. Greenlee was a career Federal employee.  Our discussion took place at the time of the Ford (R) Carter (D) change of administration.
 

Mr. Greenlee's study found that the average tenure of political appointees was 18 months.  That study included the position of Director of the Mint.
 

For some 50 years, and even through today, the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a career Federal employee, who, generally, has risen through the ranks.
  

The fact that the BEP is the only Federal agency operating entirely on a commercial cost-accounting system and that it is a highly technical operation has saved the BEP from political appointees and the politics associated with such an appointment.
  

I became Assistant Director for finance and administration in 1979, during the Carter administration.  That did cause some political anxiety when the Director's position became vacant in December 1982.  On January 1, 1983, I was appointed Acting Director and confirmed in that position on February 22, 1993,  by Secretary Donald Regan, when the White House failed to act.


Of course, you are aware of the Plum book, denoted by the color of its cover.  The Plum book is published by the Government Printing Office every four years, and includes all the positions in the Federal government subject to a political appointment.  I shuddered when I noted that the Plum book edition published at the end of President Reagan's first term listed my own job, the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.   


To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:

MORE ON THE TENURE OF U.S. MINT DIRECTORS

(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n03a13.html)





THE FIRST BLOCKBUSTER OF THE NEW YEAR!


The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint, by Joel Orosz and Leonard Augsburger, debuted at the 2011 FUN Show. Bowers calls it “amazing” and “brilliant.” You will, too! Learn how Frank H. Stewart destroyed—and then saved—a national treasure. 336 pages, hardcover, full color, $24.95.
Order your copy at 
www.WhitmanBooks.com , or call 1-800-546-2995.





MORE ON IMAGES OF ENGRAVER WILLIAM BARBER



Readers of The E-Sylum are a sharp-eyed bunch. 
Charles Riley of the U.K. writes:


I had a look at the photo of William Barber in my copy of Julian's "Medals of the U.S. Mint" following the article and photograph in the last 
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The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization
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There is a membership application available on the web site
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To join, print the application and return it with your check
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$25 elsewhere.  For those without web access, write to:

David M. Sundman, Secretary/Treasurer
Numismatic Bibliomania Society,
P. O. Box 82 Littleton, NH 03561

For Asylum mailing address changes and other membership
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dsundman at LittletonCoin.com

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