The E-Sylum v21n44 November 4, 2018

Sun Nov 4 19:08:18 PST 2018

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The E-Sylum

  An electronic publication of
  The Numismatic Bibliomania Society

Volume 21, Number 44, November 4, 2018
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WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM NOVEMBER 4, 2018
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SELECTIONS FROM THE NEWMAN NUMISMATIC LIBRARY
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KOLBE & FANNING BUY OR BID SALE NUMBER 8
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NEW BOOK: SO-CALLED DOLLARS PACIFIC COAST EXPOS
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NEW BOOK: PAPER MONEY MESSAGES VOLUME 2
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BOOK REVIEWS: ANCIENT COIN BOOKS
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WES RASMUSSEN (1934-2018)
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NEWMAN PORTAL ADDS MORMON MONEY BOOKS
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SALMON AND GILL JOIN THE CCAC
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ANA SEEKS SPEAKERS, EXHIBITORS FOR PITTSBURGH SHOW
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NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: NOVEMBER 4, 2018
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THE EMERGENCY MONEY OF LEIDEN
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MORE ON RISLEY & MCCOLLUM'S HIPPODROME TOKENS
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HYDRA IMAGES IN NUMISMATICS
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VOCABULARY TERMS: BLANKED, BLANKING
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JAMES GALEN (1840-1906)
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DENNIS TUCKER REMEMBERS J.T. STANTON
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HARVEY STACK'S NUMISMATIC FAMILY, PART30
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BALDWIN HORSEMAN $10 STRUCK ON LARGE CENT
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JOHN PINCHES TWO-HEADED MORGAN DOLLARS
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ON THE MINT'S MANUFACTURED RARITIES
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ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT LAUNCHES TREASURE HUNT
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NOVEMBER 2018 MEDAL SELECTIONS FROM NUMISMAGRAM
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NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: NOVEMBER 4, 2018
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2018 TEMPTATION OF THE SUCCUBUS
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MORE NEWMAN SALE X CURRENCY HIGHLIGHTS
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MORE NEWMAN SALE XI VOLUME 1 COIN HIGHLIGHTS
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MORE NEWMAN SALE XI VOLUME 2 LITERATURE HIGHLIGHTS
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GOLDBERG'S OFFERS RARE JUDAEAN MATERIAL
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AN 18TH CENTURY COIN FIND IN BULGARIA
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CULTURAL PROPERTY NEWS: LATEST COURT RESULTS
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ROYAL MINT PLANS BREXIT COIN
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EXECUTION SCENES IN NUMISMATICS
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PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON MEDAL PUZZLE 
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WAFFLE CANCELLED MARTHA WASHINGTON EXPERIMENTAL QUARTER
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SCIENTIST SOUGHT FOR BANK OF ENGLAND BANKNOTES
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NORWAY'S NEWEST PIXELLATED BANKNOTES
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BANKNOTE CUFFLINKS
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Content presented in The E-Sylum  is not necessarily researched or independently fact-checked, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society.

WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM NOVEMBER 4, 2018

New subscribers this week include: 
Phil Beauchamp of the Pheli Mint;
Glen Wilson, and
Jeff Wing.
Welcome aboard! We now have 5,779 subscribers.

Thank you for reading The E-Sylum. If you enjoy it, please send me the email addresses of friends you think may enjoy it as well and I'll send them a subscription (but let me know if they are located in the European Union). Contact me at whomren at gmail.com anytime regarding your subscription, or questions, comments or suggestions about our content. 

This week we open with selections from the upcoming Newman numismatic library sale, a Kolbe & Fanning Bid-or-Buy sale, two new books, a review, and a remembrance of large cent collector Wes Rasmussen.

Other topics this week include the emergency money of Leiden, hydra images in numismatics, collector and publisher James Galen, manufactured rarities from the U.S. Mint, more Eric P. Newman collection highlights, the Royal Mint's Brexit coin, and Norway's pixellated banknotes.

To learn more about Cogan's 1858 sale of U.S. cents, George Clapp's annotated Doughty, Mormon currency, how coin blanks are made, J.T. Stanton's â€œtighty-whiteysâ€, 
two-headed Morgan dollars, the Venice Film Festival Award medal, the temptation of the succubus, the the hefty howtizer, and banknote cufflinks, read on. Have a great week, everyone!

Wayne Homren 
Editor, The E-Sylum

SELECTIONS FROM THE NEWMAN NUMISMATIC LIBRARY

The magnificent numismatic library of Eric P. Newman is being auctioned this week by Heritage.  Here are some lots that caught my eye.  For more, see another article on the sale later in this issue
-Editor

 Lot 15162 : Abel Brewster's Plan 

Brewster, Abel. A Plan for Producing an Uniformity in the Ornamental Part of Bank or Other Bills Where There Is Danger of Forgery, and for Furnishing the Public with a Convenient and Infallible Test for the Same... Philadelphia: Printed by Thomas Town, No. 3, Norris's Alley, 1810. 8vo, self-covered and stitched, as issued. 16, (2) pages; 1 finely engraved plate depicting ornamental bank note designs framing descriptive text relating to them. An extremely rare publication, virtually unknown to most of the collecting world. Eric P. Newman had acquired this copy by January 30, 1964, at which time he wrote about it to Dr. Julian Blanchard. It was reproduced in the Winter 1966 issue of the Essay-Proof Journal.

Brewster's pamphlet was published in direct competition with Jacob Perkins. Brewster states that Perkins had been trying to thwart his efforts in the area of bank note security by claiming infringement of patents, which Brewster considered baseless. Perkins had published his famous Bank Bill Test (also present in this sale) just the year before. Brewster's plate is very well printed, and he clearly understood the problems faced by bank note printers and had sound ideas about addressing them. It is also clear, however, that the battle was won by Perkins. Shaw & Shoemaker 19634. Worn and with some fraying at the edges; plate with some browning and light wrinkles, but better preserved than the text due to its smaller size. Good, with a very good plate. This may be the first time this work has been offered in the sale of a numismatic library.
Estimate $2,000.

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/brewster-abel-a-plan-for-producing-an-uniformity-in-the-ornamental-part-of-bank-or-other-bills-where-there-is-danger-of-forger/a/1283-15162.s

Lot 15196 : Original Subscription Set of Crosby

Crosby, Sylvester S. The Early Coins of America; and the Laws Governing Their Issue. Comprising Also Descriptions of the Washington Pieces, the Anglo-American Tokens, Many Pieces of Unknown Origin, of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, and the First Patterns of the United States Mint. Boston: Published by the New England Numismatic and Archaeological Society, 1873 / Published by the Author, 1875. 4to [30.5 by 24.5 cm], as originally issued in 11 fascicules numbered 1-12 with printed paper covers. 1873 and 1875 title pages and introductions present. (2), v, (5), 11-381, (1) pages [different pages (2), v, (1), comprising the revised title and introduction, laid into Fascicule 11-12]; 110 wood engravings in the text; 2 folding heliotype manuscript facsimiles; 10 fine heliotype plates of coins and tokens. Housed in a black cloth slipcase.

An original subscription set of Crosby's masterpiece, the foundation upon which all subsequent works on early American coinage have been built. Entirely in its original state. The Early Coins of America was not intended to be the work of Crosby alone. Appointed the head of a committee of six by the New England Numismatic and Archaeological Society and charged with publishing a work on early American coinage, Crosby soon found himself alone in the pursuit. Not only was the research and composition of the work done almost entirely by Crosby, ultimately he also had to publish it. The 12 parts (as issued in 11) were published separately and distributed to subscribers in printed wraps: it was left to the subscriber to eventually bind his or her copy upon completion. Very few sets remain extant as here in their original state.

State with overprinted coin numbers on Plates IV and V (see Eric P. Newman's "Bibliographical Foreword" to the 1983 Quarterman reprint for information on plate states). Coin 15a on Plate VII hand-numbered in pencil, apparently as always. Without the handwritten correction, occasionally seen, to Miss Eliza Susan Quincy's name in the subscribers' list on page 381. Clain-Stefanelli 12115*. Davis 291. Grierson 218. Sigler 603. Parts 11 & 12, as issued in one fascicule, with detached (but present) front cover. Generally an exceptionally fine, well-preserved set.
Estimate $12,000

Wow.  These unbound subscription sets are scarce as hen's teeth and a centerpiece of any library of American numimatic literature.  A great prize for the winning bidder.
-Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/crosby-sylvester-s-the-early-coins-of-america-and-the-laws-governing-their-issue-comprising-also-descriptions-of-the-washing/a/1283-15196.s

Lot 15203 : George Clapp's Annotated Doughty 

Doughty, Francis Worcester. The Cents of the United States: A Numismatic Study. Extensively Illustrated from Selected Specimens. New York: Scott, 1890. 8vo, original olive-brown cloth, elaborately decorated and lettered in gilt, depicting a 1793 Flowing Hair large cent. (6), 115, (1) pages; text figures; 2 tables (1 folding); 4 lithographic plates of coins. Very good. Heavily annotated throughout in pencil by George H. Clapp with numerous inserts laid in, including: two handwritten letters from Charles Clapp on Classic Head large cents; two typewritten studies of 1808 cents by S.H. Chapman; one handwritten letter by George Henry Davis also on Classic Head cents; a typewritten letter by James Macallister; two handwritten letters from Howard R. Newcomb, both on large cents, one of them continuing onto a second sheet; a number of inserted notes written by George H. Clapp; 4 pages of handwritten commentary by George Clapp on 1808 cent varieties; several rubbings and impressions o
 f large cents; a printed advertisement for the Doughty book; and a Lyman Low circular signed by Frank Higgins. Previously in the library of Frank C. Higgins, with his bookplate; signed on the front blank by Higgins and dated 1899; signed by George H. Clapp on the same blank, dated 1921, below which Clapp has written: "The notes on margins in this book are the beginnings of my revision of these early dates."

An extraordinary volume. The Doughty work is not terribly well appreciated in our day, as it is generally regarded as little more than a compilation of existing research (most of it conducted by David Proskey)--which is true, but this particular copy of Doughty is the most exciting large cent book we have encountered in years. The commentary in the annotations is thorough and rigorous, as is all of Clapp's writing. He was not one to suffer fools gladly, and his comments on Doughty's work are not infrequently harsh, but this book has far more to offer than entertainment value. It would be important even if it hadn't a single inserted item--but it does, and the letters and other inserted notes are also substantive and important. The letters from Newcomb in particular show the level of cooperation between these two researchers and their mutually held trust and respect. The letters from Charles Clapp show quite clearly that his knowledge and observations have been underappreciate
 d over the years, overshadowed as he was by his brother. This is a wonderful item and is one of the highlights of the Eric P. Newman library.
Estimate $5,000.

A unique and important item - you can't get much closer to numismatic history than this.
-Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/doughty-francis-worcester-the-cents-of-the-united-states-a-numismatic-study-extensively-illustrated-from-selected-specimens/a/1283-15203.s

Lot 15232 : Hall's List of the Connecticut Coppers 

Hall, Thomas. A Descriptive List of the Coppers Issued by Authority, for the State of Connecticut, for the Year 1787. Boston: Privately printed, for additions and corrections, 1892. 8vo, original black half calf, gilt, with brown cloth sides; upper cover lettered in gilt. 58 pages. First 16 pages with corresponding reverse page numbers filled in by hand in ink.

 Hall's rare work was intended to be distributed among a select circle of fellow collectors. With the benefit of their comments and additions to the list, a final version of the work was to be published--but it never reached fruition. The original leather binding used poor materials and most copies are either rebound or (as here) in well-worn condition. Spine worn and chipped. Contents very good or better.
Estimate $2,000.

A classic rarity.
-Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/hall-thomas-a-descriptive-list-of-the-coppers-issued-by-authority-for-the-state-of-connecticut-for-the-year-1787/a/1283-15232.s

 Lot 15323 : BEP Specimen Scrapbook 

[Jewell, H.C.]. Specimens and Cost of Engraved Work. Spine title cited. Scrapbook of finely engraved portraits, vignettes, and bank note design elements, assembled for the use of Bureau of Engraving and Printing Chief Henry C. Jewell, possibly by BEP Chief Engraver George W. Casilear, c. 1876-1877. Oblong 4to, original brown half morocco, gilt; spine with four raised bands, ruled and lettered in gilt, with H.C. JEWELL impressed in gilt at the base of the spine. Approximately 60 leaves, interleaved with ruled paper. Of these, 25 leaves have various finely engraved portraits, vignettes, bank note elements, and related designs affixed to them. There is a total of 11 portraits, 8 vignettes, and 143 design elements. No text accompanies the engravings.

An intriguing scrapbook with some exceptionally well-rendered engraved design elements, many of them made for bank notes and bonds. Beyond the spine lettering, there is no text to assist us in determining the context in which this book was assembled. A very interesting letter from Raphael Ellenbogen to Eric P. Newman, dated October 28, 1996, attempts to shed some light on the matter, and speculates that the book was compiled by George W. Casilear between 1865 and 1870, but this is not entirely accurate. At least two of the engravings make reference to committees planning for the U.S. Centennial in 1876, and one is dated 1872, giving us the earliest date at which it was likely to have been made. Given that Jewett served as Chief of the BEP only in 1876 and 1877, it seems safe to assign the production of this volume to those years. It was clearly not intended for special presentation, as the binding is fairly ordinary and the spine lettering points to a purely practical functio
 n. While the binding is rubbed and worn at the extremities, the engravings are clean and crisp. A lovely book.

A trophy for the collector with an interest in art and engraving.
-Editor

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/-jewell-hc-specimens-and-cost-of-engraved-work/a/1283-15323.s

 Lot 15404 : The Case, Trevett against Weeden 

Varnum, James M. The Case, Trevett against Weeden: On Information and Complaint, for Refusing Paper Bills in Payment for Butcher's Meat, in Market, at Par with Specie. Tried before the Honourable Superior Court, in the County of Newport, September Term, 1786... Providence: Printed by John Carter, 1787. 8vo, somewhat later red quarter straight-grained morocco with marbled sides; spine lettered and decorated in gilt. (4), 60 pages. Very rare. Evans 20825. Sabin 98638. Binding quite worn, with spine covering mostly lacking and front cover detached, but present. Pages a little browned, but generally very good or better. Estimate $600.

Ex: Charles I. Bushnell, with his bookplate.

To read the complete lot description, see:

https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/varnum-james-m-the-case-trevett-against-weeden-on-information-and-complaint-for-refusing-paper-bills-in-payment-for-butcher/a/1283-15404.s

To read earlier E-Sylum article, see: 

NEWMAN SALE XI VOLUME 2 LITERATURE HIGHLIGHTS

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a18.html)

KOLBE & FANNING BUY OR BID SALE NUMBER 8

Numismatic Booksellers Kolbe & Fanning submitted this announcement of their eighth â€œBuy or Bid Saleâ€ which closes on November 14, 2018. Good luck, everyone!
-Editor

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers have announced their eighth â€œBuy or Bid Sale,â€ which begins now and will close on Wednesday, November 14. The sale focuses on modestly priced books, giving collectors an opportunity to add to their libraries at minimal cost.

There will be no printed catalogue. The PDF catalogue is available now for downloading from the Kolbe & Fanning website at

numislit.com. 

As the name of the sale suggests, customers may bid on items they wish to acquire or buy them outright at the published price. The Terms of Sale will give full instructions on how to participate: please read it carefully. 

The sale includes over 1300 works on ancient, medieval and modern coins, as well as general works, periodicals and sale catalogues. â€œBuyâ€ prices have been kept low to promote sales. To further encourage participation, the firm is offering free domestic shipping to bidders spending at least $300; there will also be no packing and processing fee for this sale. Again, please read the Terms of Sale before participating. 

Please send all bids to 

orders at numislit.com

 or use the bid sheet included at the end of the PDF catalogue. 

NEW BOOK: SO-CALLED DOLLARS PACIFIC COAST EXPOS

Here's the press release for a new book on So-Called Dollars by Jeff Shevlin and Bill Hyder.
-Editor

So-Called Dollars from the Pacific Coast Expositions

So-Called Dollar dealer Jeff Shevlin and William D Hyder announced the release of their new
book, So-Called Dollars from the Pacific Coast Expositions. It is an illustrated reference and is
the second in a series of books Shevlin plans to publish to redefine and expand the field of
collecting So-Called Dollars. Preface by Q. David Bowers.

Shevlin and co-author William D. Hyder share the stories, history and events of the expositions
that were held on the Pacific Coast. From the 1894 California Midwinter Exposition through the
1962 Seattle World’s Fair there were eight major expositions held on the Pacific Coast. The
heart of the book is the in depth analysis of all of the So-Called Dollars, historical U.S. medals,
associated with those great expositions. Dozens of previously unknown medals and varieties
are identified that will help collectors interested in this fascinating series of historical medals.

1894 California Midwinter Exposition

1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition

1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition

1915-16 Panamaâ€“California Exposition

1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition

1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition

1962 Seattle World’s Fair

So-called dollars are historical U.S. medals that commemorate a person, place or event in the
United States history. They are 33mm to 45mm in size.

Hardbound editions with over 300 full color pages, 81â„2 x 11, are $59.95. A very special signed
and numbered collector’s edition with a medal encased in the cover, limited to 95 copies, is
available for $95. Shipping is $4.50 per book.

To order your book contact:

Jeff Shevlin, the So-Called Guy
1894 E. Willian St., Suite 4-240
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (916) 955-2569
Email: SoCalledGuy at Hotmail.com

http://So-CalledDollar.com

NEW BOOK: PAPER MONEY MESSAGES VOLUME 2

I don't believe we were aware of Volume 1 of Jeffrey Wing's book when it debuted in January 2017.  I came across the book's web site this week and discovered a Volume 2 was just published in June 2018.  This volume focuses on German Notgeld (Emergency Money), where the first volume covered the world.  A planned third volume "will focus on Paper Money that is Christian themed."  Here is information from the web site and Amazon.  The price is $49.99.
-Editor

This Volume 2 continues the author’s intriguing account of paper money, focusing on the German notgeld used for emergency currency in the early 1900s. Notgeld is particularly interesting for the imagery and text used in its design, which will connect the reader to a broad range of historical subjects, such as the hyperinflationary period that struck Germany between 1914 and 1924 and the struggles of the Jewish people in that country and others. 

The author uses the notgeld to explain the devastation of the German economy when the price of goods increased by the hour and for instance a 1,000,000,000,000-mark note had the value of only 22 cents (U.S.)! Many of the notgeld seen in this book was used by the Nazis for propaganda against the Jews and expressed the anti-Semitism so prevalent in that day. Battles, witches, spirits, Christianity, miracles, and the Catholic Church are some of the many themes expressed by the notgeld artwork and the associated text. The reader will find this abundantly-illustrated book to be rich in history and a rewarding study of paper money.

Amazon review by Steijn (5 Stars):

This is a lavishly-produced and intelligent review of the subjects and symbolism found on German "Notgeld" banknotes of the hyperinflation period. Given that the catalog of such notes runs to many volumes, a book like this can really only show a sample and point the way, but the book does so very, very well. There are so many hidden messages, jokes and complaints in these notes that you can study them for decades and still find surprises.

Printed on high-quality paper and in full color throughout, this is a book you don't just park on your coffee table, you read and reread it over and over again. A great addition to your "Notgeld" library and an essential book if you are interested in what the German national mood really was while their currency's value evaporated. Highly recommended!

Amazon review by Tony (5 Stars):

This 2nd volume in the â€˜Paper Money Messages’ series by Jeff Wing, specialises in German notgeld (emergency money issues). There is a whole story to be told about notgeld and Jeff has really done an excellent job here. The imagery on the depicted notgeld issues are superb and illustrate the different and varied points being made throughout the publication. The many different topics and themes depicted on the notgeld are discussed with great enthusiasm and research has obviously been actioned with great diligence.

The author obviously has a real passion for banknotes and notgeld issues and that oozes from the narrative. The hidden messages of the graphics and texts are explored in great detail and the reader is slowly drawn into an historical web of feelings, beliefs and out-cryings. This is a â€˜must-buy’ for any passionate banknote and notgeld collector. Superb in presentation and depictions, you will not be disappointed. You will learn a lot from this book and the notgeld will become even more interesting as a result.

About the Author
Paper Money Messages, a Pictorial Perspective (Vol 1 and 2) is a result of Jeffrey J. Wing’s journeys over the past twenty years to more than thirty countries, including particularly those to some of the world’s poorest countries. Volunteering with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) and TransformAsia in Cambodia, he has used his engineering skill to assist the Christian organizations in the development of schools, orphanages, and hospitals in those countries. 

Jeffrey’s interest in paper money originated from these diverse travels when he began to collect local currencies. Experiencing a country that had faced economic and political turmoil made him reevaluate the true value of paper money. In addition, he recognized that the imagery on a nations currency was often a significant reflection of that nation’s history and value system.

 More and more Jeffrey realized the importance that a book about paper money might have to those with not only a general interest in currency but the subject would have a much wider appeal, extending to persons with an appreciation of the money’s colorful imagery or to students of history. Jeffrey resides in Raleigh North Carolina, with his wife, Christy, and children Reese and Hannah.

Product details
Paperback: 242 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (April 17, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1981161368
ISBN-13: 978-1981161362
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

For more information, or to order, see: 

https://papermoneymessages.com/

BOOK REVIEWS: ANCIENT COIN BOOKS

On October 30, 2018 Mike Markowitz published a CoinWeek article recommending a group of coin books for beginning collectors of ancient coins.  He made some great choices.  Here's a short excerpt - see the complete article online.
-Editor

The best advice this or any other coin collector ever got is, â€œBuy the book before you buy the coin.â€

For beginning collectors of early and modern American coins, the choice of reference books is simple. If you have The Official Red Book®, you’re probably good to go. With 463 compact pages of comprehensive, reliable information â€” at a list price of just $17.95, the Red Book is a no-brainer.

Collectors of ancient coins face a more daunting task.

Ancient coins come in tens of thousands of types, with hundreds of â€œissuing authoritiesâ€ (empires, cities, tribes, and rulers) and the books that document all this information represent centuries of accumulated scholarship â€” not all of it in English.  Ancient coin books can be costly, and hard to find.

In general terms, ancient coins fall into two broad categories:  Roman and â€œGreek.â€ For convenience, coins issued by many peoples who spoke Semitic, Celtic, Central Asian and other languages are lumped into the â€œGreekâ€ category.

CoinWeek asked me to recommend five books that might make up a beginner’s reference library for classical numismatics.  But as J.R.R. Tolkien used to say, the tale grew in the tellingâ€¦

If you’re not quite sure where to start, the best 
first choice is Ancient Coin Collecting by Wayne Sayles. With a list price of about $22, the second edition delivers 312 pages of solid advice, with over 300 photographs and many charts and tables.  As one reviewer noted, â€œI wish I had this book twenty years ago when I began collecting.â€ Other titles by the same author cover Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and other coins, plus Classical Deception, the best non-technical book on counterfeit ancients. If these are the only ancient coin books you ever buy, you will be glad you did.

To read the complete article, see: 

Ancient Coin Books: A Collector’s Reference Library for Classical Numismatics

(https://coinweek.com/recent-articles-video/ancient-coin-books-a-collectors-reference-library-for-classical-numismatics/)

WES RASMUSSEN (1934-2018)

Pete Smith submitted this remembrance of large cent specialist Wes Rasmussen.  Thank you!  The top photo is from the Heritage sale of Rasmussen's collection.
-Editor

Wes Rasmussen

(10/5/1934 â€“ 11/2/2018)

I met Wes Rasmussen in the early 1980’s through our mutual friend, Dick Punchard. The
three of us became the Minnesota contingent to EAC conventions and travelled together to
California copper auctions including Phil Van Cleave (1986), Robbie Brown (1986) and Jack
Robinson (1989). On a couple of our trips we were joined by Bob and Tom Matthews.

When Wes bid at auction, he was not just interested in adding to his collection. It was a
competition and he did not like to lose. There were times when I saw two large egos with deep
pockets go up against each other. The result may have been a sale price well above current
market value.

Wes was in the printing business doing general commercial printing with Litho-Tech
Services. I recall that they specialized in printing vinyl covers for loose leaf binders. In 1986
Wes arranged for Litho-Tech to print and distribute Penny-Wise to members of EAC.

Litho-Tech printed the Attribution Guide for United States Large Cents 1840-1857 by J. R.
Grellman and Jules Reiver (1986). The two-volume set had a printed vinyl cover.

Litho-Tech also printed Bill Noyes’ book on large cents. In 1991 I traveled with Bill Daehn
to Chicago for the ANA convention. We packed up 100 copies of the book in Bill’s car to deliver
to the show in Chicago.

Litho-Tech published the John Wright book on middle date cents in 1992. They
continued to publish Penny-Wise until 2005. The company was sold to Glen Taylor, owner of the
Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wes was active with the Lions Club and served as president of the local chapter. He asked
me to speak about Colonial coins at one of their lunch meetings. I learned about the Lion’s tail
twister but don’t think he would do well at a coin club meeting.

Canterbury Downs opened as a Minnesota race track in 1985 and the state promoted horse
racing as an industry. Wes hopped in the saddle as a horse owner (not as a rider). I don’t recall if
he won any races as owner.

I frequently visited him in Bloomington, Minnesota, in a large house on the bluff overlooking
the Minnesota River. Wes enjoyed watching deer and other animals in the parkland below. When
Wes was considering a move to Las Vegas, he and his wife, Judy, wanted to stay in Minnesota
until their daughter Kathy was married. Wes wanted to see his daughter coming down the grand
staircase in her wedding gown.

I didn’t see much of Wes after he moved to Las Vegas in the 1990’s. He served as president
of EAC from 1996 to 1999 and as host of the EAC convention in 1997 and again in 2002 with Al
Boka and Jeff Gresser. I don’t know how much he was a gambler. I know that he collected
casino chips and was an active member of the â€œSilver Strikersâ€.

In 2005 I attended the FUN show with my employer. The Heritage sale of the Wes
Rasmussen collection was held at the same time. I greeted Wes and Judy and a lot of old EAC
friends at the sale. I had my eye on a couple of coins but was not a successful bidder.

In June of 2010 I went to Las Vegas for the CC&GTCC convention. I was surprised to see
that Wes had a table there. He was selling ten ounce silver rounds from casinos. As the show was
closing I talked with him about his success at the show. He said that sometimes you can buy your
way out of a show. Apparently his purchases were better than his sales.

Judy died on October 29, 2016, after sixty years of marriage. Wes moved to Wisconsin, at
least for the summers, but continued to visit Las Vegas. It was on one of these visits in October
that he suffered a stroke and did not recover.

Pete Smith, Dick Punchard and Wes Rasmussen at the 1986 Philip Van Cleave sale; photo courtesy Kagin's via Pete Smith

NEWMAN PORTAL ADDS MORMON MONEY BOOKS

The latest additions to the Newman Numismatic Portal are two books by Doug Nyholm on Mormon currency. Project Coordinator Len Augsburger provided the following report.
-Editor

Mormon Currency, 1837-1937 and Updates & Short Stories Added to Newman Portal

Author Douglas Nyholm has released two volumes related to Mormon numismatics for publication on Newman Portal. Mormon Currency, 1837-1937 (2nd edition, 2015) begins with the 1837 Joseph Smith-signed notes of the Kirtland (OH) Safety Society Bank. Interestingly, the Smith signature is desirable even though many examples are thought to have been signed by Smith’s â€œscribesâ€ and not Smith personally. Notes are also signed by other Mormon church dignitaries. 

Mormon paper money follows the migration of the church from east to west, including bank notes of Monroe, MI and scrip from Nauvoo, IL. From here Nyholm moves to the more well-known gold coinage of the Gold Rush era. To complement the gold pieces, a host of scrip and small-denomination currency continued to be issued. This portion of the catalog is the most valuable contribution of the book, illustrating and detailing hundreds of emissions. The overall work is indispensable for collectors of Mormon numismatics, and will be the standard reference for some time. The NLG named this work the Best Book on U.S. Currency for 2010.

Doug Nyholm has also released a companion volume, Updates & Short Stories About Mormon Currency (2018). This work contains a variety of supplementary material including historical essays, grading, trial strikes, and a review of the Eric P. Newman collection of Mormon scrip, several examples of which sold at the 5-figure level. The Bishop’s General Storehouse $10, pictured here, sold for an astounding $25,850 (Newman VII, 10/2015, lot 18616). Prior to the Newman sale, Nyholm speculated the Bob & Carol Campbell example was the only such piece held privately.

Link to Mormon Currency (2nd edition, 2015) on Newman Portal: 

https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/556921

Link to Updates & Short Stories About Mormon Currency (2018) on Newman Portal

https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/556922

SALMON AND GILL JOIN THE CCAC

In a press release this week the U.S. Mint announced two new appointees to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.  
-Editor

The United States Mint is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC). The two new members will fill the vacancies created by the expiration of appointments.

Samuel H. Gill was appointed to represent the interests of the general public, replacing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Mr. Gill is a transportation, logistics, and supply chain technology expert who has run his own consulting business for more than 20 years. Mr. Gill is a former executive at the American Trucking Associations in Alexandria, Virginia, and started his career with Arthur Andersen and Company in Washington D.C. He is a certified public accountant and has been an avid coin collector since childhood.

Robin Salmon was appointed as the member specially qualified in medallic art and sculpture, replacing Heidi Wastweet. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Ms. Salmon has been on the staff of Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve located just south of Murrells Inlet, in South Carolina, since 1975. She oversees the acquisition, exhibition, and conservation of Brookgreen’s art, history, library, and archives collections, and directs the activities of the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Center for American Sculpture, bringing prominent sculptors to Brookgreen annually for residencies, lectures, and workshops.

Congratulations, and good luck. I added a portrait of Robin Salmon found on the web.
-Editor

For more information on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, see: 

https://www.ccac.gov/

ANA SEEKS SPEAKERS, EXHIBITORS FOR PITTSBURGH SHOW

The American Numismatic Association is recruiting exhibitors and speakers for the Pittsburgh National Money Show March 28-30, 2019.  Who better than E-Sylum  readers, the smartest bunch of collectors around!  How about some numismatic literature exhibits?
-Editor

APPLICATIONS. Exhibitors must file a separate application for each exhibit, designating the group and classification
in which it will be entered. Exhibit applications must reach the ANA no later than January 18, 2019. 

EXHIBIT TEXT GUIDELINES. Exhibitors, in preparing their texts, may choose to use information verbatim from
one or more sources. For details judged as â€œbasic numismatic information,â€ such as mintage, designer, composition, etc.,
it is sufficient that sources for such information will be shown in a list of references. For text relating more to â€œspecial
numismatic information,â€ such as historical, biographical, or economic matters, it is best for exhibitors to present
information in their own words. Text or illustrations lifted directly from other sources should be directly attributed to
those sources. Instances where material is presented as â€œoriginalâ€ that has been copied from other sources will result in
significant point deductions. 

For an application and rules, see: 

Exhibit Application

(https://www.money.org/uploads/2019%20PIT%20Exhibits%20Application.pdf)

Exhibit Rules

(https://www.money.org/uploads/2019%20PIT%20Exhibits%20Rules.pdf)

ANA Money Talks presentations are 30- to 45- minute programs, including questions from the audience, and should include a digital presentation.  They are scheduled on the hour.  

A brief description of your presentation as well as a brief biography is required and these items must be submitted with your proposal form.  This information is used to promote your talk and for your introduction.

The following equipment will be provided: a laptop computer (Windows, Office, and PowerPoint 2007), a digital projector, a projector screen, a laser pointer, and one exhibit case.  

To submit a proposal, see: 

https://www.money.org/numismatic-events/money-talks#form

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: NOVEMBER 4, 2018

 Cogan's 1858 Sale of U.S. Cents 

Earlier this week Jim Neiswinter
wrote:

160 years ago today, Nov. 1, 1858, was the first Ed Cogan sale. The 77 cents realized $128.68. The result of this sale was published in Philadelphia newspapers and was credited by Cogan as "the chief cause of the unprecedented demand that arose for obtaining coins."

Thanks!  A landmark event.
-Editor

 Another Brasher Doubloon Electrotype 
Bob Marcus of
Chapel Hill, North Carolina writes:

I discovered with great interest the Stack’s Baltimore sale this week of the Dubois Brasher electrotype (circa 1860).  I was greatly impressed  by Craig Sholley’s communication to The E-Sylum displaying great knowledge.  Then following carefully considers my careful examination of the original on exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution (slide by side) and the photos of the electrotype just sold.

I own what I am 100 percent certain is an electrotype of the doubloon made by Dubois from the original, circa 1860.  My example is identical in every respect (save one).  Briefly, it exhibits the scratches, weaknesses, depressions, etc. that are present on both the aforementioned genuine example in the Smithsonian and the electrotype just sold this past week.  The distinction is that the electrotype I own is fully gilt which I assume was done at the time of production.

Here is the provenance (or circumstances)as to how I acquired the piece.  In the late 1960s I was friendly with Colonel Bill Smothers who was affiliated with Midas Coins od Annandale, Virginia.  Bill purchased an extensive collection of colonials, politicals, and tokens directly from a family which had not been disturbed in any way since the 1880s.  The collection was extensive yet did not include any U. S. Coins.  I purchased the subject electrotype from Bill in addition to some colonials and Lincoln politicals.  It became clear to me this indeed was a Dubois electrotype.  My problem had been there was no known example of another Dubois electrotype to compare it with and have it verified to be as described.  I submitted it last year to ANACS for authenticating and they returned it as â€œcounterfeitâ€.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 

THE 1787 BRASHER DOUBLOON ELECTROTYPE

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a13.html)

 John J. Ford and New Netherlands Office Photos Sought 

Dave Bowers writes:

I  am preparing an extensive article on the life of John J. Ford, Jr., and invite anyone with pictures of JJF, New Netherlands office and auction room, or related to send them to me, for possible use (will be credited).

Can anyone help?  Here's one photo The E-Sylum  has of Ford.  It was taken at the 2000 ANA S.S. Central America exhibit (by Dave Bowers!)
-Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 

NEWMAN PORTAL RELEASES NEWMAN-FORD CORRESPONDENCE

(http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n30a06.html)

 Grover Criwsell's Two Dollar Bills 
Kevin Flynn's old "counterfeit" $10 bill reminded Bob Leuver of a related story. The former Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Executive Director of the American Numismatic Association submitted this in May, 2016.

The indomitable Grover Criswell, a man of many numismatic talents and as keen sense of humor, was on a tedious flight from the East coast to the West coast. In need of a libation to shorten the trip, he asked the flight attendant for a stout spirit drink. To pay, he pulled out a half-sheet of $2 bills, and cut one out to pay for the drink - or did he tear one off from a checkbook he'd made?  Anyway...

The flight attendant notified the captain, who called ahead to Los Angeles, the flight's destination. Grover was met by the police and Secret Service when he exited the plane. It took Grover a bit of time, probably in an inconspicuous and dungeon-type room at the airport, to explain he wasn't a counterfeiter, but, rather, THE preeminent, worldwide numismatic scholar and coin dealer--as only Grover could. May Grover rest in peace and the stories of his life brighten any numismatic conversation.

Thanks. I never met Criswell, but he was one of a kind.
-Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: 

NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MAY 8, 2016 : Grover Criswell's Two-Dollar Bills 

(http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n19a11.html)

SPENDING AN OLD $10 BILL: GOOD DEED GONE BAD

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a11.html)

 National Coin Hobby Act Enforcement 
Yosef Sa'ar of
Elat on the Red Sea writes:

Do you have an information on enforcement of the National Coin Hobby Act  which required the word COPY on replicas, fakes and other junk?
I would be eager to read something about this US regulation. Maybe your readers can help

I haven't heard much lately on if or how this is being enforced today.  Can anyone fill us in?  Thanks.
-Editor

 Bikini Coingirl 
John Regitko writes:

Re: BIKINI COINGIRL;
What were the coins again? I forgot to look at the coins.

Um, wheat cents.  I think.
-Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 

BIKINI COINGIRL

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a28.html)

THE EMERGENCY MONEY OF LEIDEN

Henk Groenendijk submitted these comments on the emergency money of Leiden.  Thank you.
-Editor

In the October 28, 2018 E-Sylum a 5 Stuiver or ¼ Gulden paper emergency coin from the Dutch city of
Leiden is shown. The manufacturing process is described as follows: â€œshredded prayer books and
bibles were made into a macerated pulp and formed into pressed cardboard-like sheets. The sheets
were than impressed with dies and either struck in collars or trimmed into perfectly round "coins."â€

This is not correct, a description of this process, together with lots of other information, can be
found in â€œHet Noodgeld van Leiden, waarheid en verdichtingâ€ (The emergency money of Leiden, fact
and fiction) by Arent Pol and Bouke Jan van der Veen. (ISBN 978-90-12-12452-2). This booklet, based
on a study of contemporary documents, is the printed version of a lecture given in 2007 in Leiden
commemorating the siege and relief of Leiden in 1574.

In this booklet it is stated that the cardboard sheets were made by bookbinder Jan Adriaensz. by
gluing together unused printed sheets. Two types were made, thick cardboard for the 1 Gulden (20
Stuiver) pieces and a thinner one for the ¼ Gulden. From these glued together pages planchets for
coining were cut by stamping. From specimens that have fallen apart the separate sheets can clearly
be seen. An example of such a paper 1 Gulden piece from a recent MPO auction is shown below 

(https://mpoauctions.com/nl/bladeren?aid=32&cid=20089&lid=128548)

Interesting is that nearly all surviving specimens show a small counterstamp of a lion in an oval of
dots. This counterstamp can also be seen on the Newman specimen, near the right leg of the lion.
The counterstamp was applied to authenticate genuine pieces. This was needed as already within a
few weeks after issue fake specimens appeared.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 

NEWMAN SALE X CURRENCY HIGHLIGHTS : Lot 20014: 1574 Netherlands Siege of Leiden 5 Stuiver

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a16.html)

MORE ON RISLEY & MCCOLLUM'S HIPPODROME TOKENS

Bob Schuman writes:

 In response to your article on the â€œRISLEY & McCOLLUMâ€ token in the last issue of Ihe E-Sylum, I am the owner of the piece pictured. It was very interesting to read about the history of Thomas McCollum and the circus researched by Margaret Kirby. This type of historical background is one of the joys of collecting tokens. 

>From the numismatic perspective, I also own the very rare piece with the same obverse but with the reverse inscribed PREMERIE (which I take to be a misspelling of the word PREMIERE). I know of no other specimen, but would love to acquire an example with DEUXIEME on the reverse if one exists. Do any of your readers know of such a piece? Thanks again for producing the most interesting and informative publication in numismatics.

You're welcome, and thanks for sharing your information.
-Editor

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: 

NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: MAY 21, 2017 : Risley & McCollum's Hippodrome Token

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n21a23.html)

MORE ON RISLEY & MCCOLLUM'S HIPPODROME TOKEN

(http://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n43a08.html)

HYDRA IMAGES IN NUMISMATICS

Last week we discussed a German medal featuring a man battling a hydra, and I wondered about  other coin or medal designs featuring that mythical multi-headed creature.
-Editor

William Todd writes:

The image of a hero in combat with a hydra is one of the most common of German or Austro-Hungarian images in First World War medallic art.

I attach an image from my collection of one of the finest - artistically speaking - by a Swiss artist working in Hungary, Richard Adolf Zutt.  It’s not an exceptionally rare piece and bronze examples (as opposed to silver) can usually be picked up relatively cheaply.

I also suggest anyone interested in the subject examine a copy of a book reviewed in your pages some months ago:
Klose, Dietrich O. A. Europas Verderben 1914 1918: Deutsche und österreichische Medaillen auf den Ersten Weltkrieg.  2016.
This book contains a number of excellent examples illustrated in color.

Gary Greenbaum writes:

The medal for the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen issued by the (losing) Danes shows a soldier battling a hydra-like creature.

To read the complete item description, see:

Medal 1801 World Medals Denmark Christian VII Silver Battle of Copenhagen PCGS AU55 TOP GRADE PCGS AU55 TOP GRADE

(https://www.ma-shops.com/enumismat/item.php?id=17395&lang=en)

Ed Hohertz submitted these classical  images of the hydra from the auction archives of Classical Numismatic Group. Thanks.  
-Editor