The E-Sylum v26n19 May 7, 2023

[The E-Sylum]

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


Volume 26, Number 19, May 7, 2023
** WAYNE'S WORDS: THE E-SYLUM MAY 7, 2023 <#a01>
** KOLBE & FANNING BUY OR BID SALE NUMBER 21 <#a02>
** NEW BOOK: REBEL EMPERORS OF BRITANNIA <#a03>
** NEW BOOK: INDIAN BANKNOTES 2023 <#a04>
** NATIONAL BANK NOTE SUMMARY DATA PUBLISHED <#a05>
** WILLIAM H. MCALLISTER IV (1941-2023) <#a06>
** TIM H. LAPOINTE (1947-2023) <#a07>
** NEWMAN NOTES ON THE BAR COPPERS <#a08>
** VIDEO: ANCIENT & MODERN MONEY & GOLD <#a09>
** BUSHNELL'S COMPENDIUM CATALOG, PART THREE <#a10>
** ON THE FADING OF DIGITAL IMAGES <#a11>
** TOKEN AND MEDAL POTENTIAL ANSWERS <#a12>
** ON WITHDRAWING COINS FROM CIRCULATION <#a13>
** NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MAY 7, 2023 <#a14>
** IMPRIMATUR: A SPECIAL KIND OF APPROVAL <#a15>
** VOCABULARY TERM: MOLECULAR MEMORY <#a16>
** WHO WAS R. A. WILSON? <#a17>
** HARRY “PARKYAKARKUS” EINSTEIN <#a18>
** CSNS HONORS JOHN DANNREUTHER <#a19>
** MONEY AND BOOKKEEPING <#a20>
** NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: MAY 7, 2023 <#a21>
** DAVISSONS E-AUCTION 46 HIGHLIGHTS <#a22>
** TCNC EXTRAVAGANZA SALE SELECTIONS <#a23>
** NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: MAY 7, 2023 <#a24>
** ROMAN COIN TREASURE FOUND IN ITALY <#a25>
** ROMAN COIN FIND IN ROMANIA <#a26>
** VIKING COIN HOARD SELLERS SENTENCED <#a27>
** 1854 PENNY SHOT BY ANNIE OAKLEY <#a28>
** CIVIL WAR HISTORY THROUGH COINS <#a29>
** UNITED STATES TRADE DOLLARS <#a30>
** AMERICAN WOMEN QUARTER HONOREE EDITH KANAKAʻOLE <#a31>
** KING CHARLES III CORONATION COINS <#a32>
** TAIWAN SELLS SPECIAL SERIAL NUMBERS <#a33>
** REVERSE ATMS ARE COMING FOR OUR CASH <#a34>
** LOOSE CHANGE: MAY 7, 2023 <#a35>
** BEDFORDSHIRE COLLECTOR'S FAMILY UNCOVERS COINS <#a36>






  

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To comment or submit articles, reply to whomren at gmail.com

 



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 MAY 7, 2023





New subscribers this week include: 
Dan Duncan.
Welcome aboard! 



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. Contact me at whomren at gmail.com anytime regarding your subscription, or questions, comments or suggestions about our content. 



Random opening joke: I auditioned for the role of Hamlet, but it was not to be.



This week we open with a numismatic literature sale, two new books, two obits, updates from the Newman Numismatic Portal, notes from readers, and more.



Other topics this week include the Bar Coppers, gold, digital images, Rinaldo Wilson, Harry Einstein, John Dannreuther, Annie Oakley, money and bookkeeping, fixed price and auction offerings, coin hoards, Trade Dollars, Coronation coins, and special serial numbers.



To learn more about the Rebel Emperors of Britannia, Indian banknotes, National Bank Notes, Winslow Howard, withdrawing coins from circulation, coal company scrip, molecular memory, the Serbian Assassin medal, 
 the revolutionary "Bolita" peso, and reverse ATMs, read on. Have a great week, everyone!



Wayne Homren 
Editor, The E-Sylum




 

Image of the week


 

 














KOLBE & FANNING BUY OR BID SALE NUMBER 21



Numismatic Booksellers Kolbe & Fanning submitted this announcement of their latest "Buy or Bid Sale" which closes on May 16, 2023. Good luck, everyone! 
-Editor



 






Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers have announced our latest “Buy or Bid Sale,” which begins now and will close on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. With hundreds of new additions, the sale focuses on modestly priced books, giving collectors an opportunity to add to their libraries at minimal cost.



The sale includes over 1400 works on ancient, medieval and modern coins, as well as general works, periodicals and sale catalogues. “Buy” 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 is also no packing and processing fee for this sale. Again, please read the Terms of Sale before participating.



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.






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

numislit.com. Please send all bids to 

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



To read the complete catalog, see:


https://www.numislit.com/images/upload/kolbefanningbob21.pdf


 














THE BOOK BAZARRE

 BIBLE LORE AND THE ETERNAL FLAME  
—Kenneth Bressett’s latest book is a numismatic and archaeological trip through Biblical times, a roadmap of the Old and New Testaments that explores history through coins. Beautifully illustrated and entertainingly written by a master of the craft. Order your copy online
at 
Whitman.com
, or call 1-800-546-2995.








NEW BOOK: REBEL EMPERORS OF BRITANNIA



SPINK has published a new book on the coins of Carausius and Allectus.
Fascinating topic!
-Editor






The Rebel Emperors of Britannia, Carausius and Allectus

Sam Moorhead and Graham Barker



One of the most exciting periods of Britain’s history under the Romans remains largely unknown today. Yet, at the end of third century AD, two men successively ruled the island, together with parts of the Continental coast, as emperors of Britannia for a period of ten years.  They minted their own coins, initiated Britain’s first truly integrated defence system and successfully repelled an invasion from the mighty Roman empire. This is the story of Carausius and Allectus – the rebel emperors of Britannia.



They were major thorns in the side of Rome and posed a huge threat to the authority of Diocletian and Maximian. It took ten years, after Carausius first rebelled, for the Roman empire to mount a second invasion and this time it was successful. Britain rejoined the ‘Eternal Light of Rome’ and the victory was accompanied by tremendous celebrations.  






There was an attempt to wipe the names of Carausius and Allectus from history but enough evidence remains to piece together this extraordinary episode in the annals of Britain. The rebel emperors were recorded in a few later histories and found fame again in the 18th century. Carausius, in particular, was celebrated as a great naval hero who stood up to the might of Rome.



Contemporary sources in the third century AD damned them as criminals and pirates. This book aims to set the record straight and details the remarkable achievements of Carausius and Allectus, the rebel emperors of Britannia.



240 x 152mm

244 pages

Hardback, with colour illustrations throughout

ISBN: 9781912667918



For more information, or to order, see: 


The Rebel Emperors of Britannia, Carausius and Allectus | Sam Moorhead and Graham Barker

(https://spinkbooks.com/products/the-rebel-emperors-of-britannia-carausius-and-allectus-sam-moorhead-and-graham-barker)

 





 







NEW BOOK: INDIAN BANKNOTES 2023





Pabitra Saha passed along information about a new book on Indian banknotes.  Thank you!
-Editor




Indian Banknotes 2023 

British India Portuguese India French India Republic India 1861-2022

By Sainath Reddappa



FIRST EDITION

Hard Back

650 Pages

Full Color Illustrations





   

 

 






Content


Preface


Acknowledgment


Pricing


Catalogue Layout


Catalogue Numbering System


Introduction


British India Bank Notes


Portuguese India Banknotes


French India Banknotes


Republic India Bank Notes


Gulf Notes


HAJ Notes


Bibliography


Important resources




 






For more information, or to order, see:


For more information, or to order, see:

(http://indianbanknotes.in/product/indian-banknotes-2023-british-india-portuguese-india-french-india-republic-india-1861-2022-1st-edition-by-sainath-reddappa/)

 






















NATIONAL BANK NOTE SUMMARY DATA PUBLISHED



The Society of Paper Money Collectors has published a huge trove of data on National Bank Notes and their issuing banks. Compilers include pioneer researcher Louis Van Belkum, Peter Huntoon, Andrew Pollock, and Mark Drengson, sourced from records at the National Archives, Comptroller of the Currency Reports, Bankers Magazine,  National Currency and Bond Ledgers, and  the Bureau of Engraving and Printing certified proofs at the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian.  A herculean  task!  Congratulations and thanks to all.  Amazing work.
-Editor




 

Huge Release of National Bank and National Bank Note Summary Data




 





Southern California volcano layout, a layout unique to the first title used by this bank, from an issue of 2.670 sheets of 10-10-10-20s of which this is the first reported.



 
The Society of Paper Money Collectors has just posted four huge EXCEL data sets that you can download and manipulate. They provide a big picture overview of the note-issuing national banks and the national bank notes that those banks issued



The data presented is primarily transcribed from Comptroller of the Currency annual reports and contemporary records maintained by the Comptroller of the Currency’s staff that are now housed in Record Group 101 at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. The accuracy and completeness of these data, particularly such things as the summary corporate histories in spreadsheet 1, is dependent upon reports having been received by the Comptroller’s office and the fidelity with which the information was recorded. This information is known to be incomplete, especially information pertaining to predecessor and successor territory/state banks and mergers involving territory/state banks. Consequently, the information provided here should be viewed as a starting point as you research a particular bank.



In cases where specific data such as organization or opening dates are missing, the compilers of these spreadsheets were unable to recover that information from the available records. The reason is that critical records such as organization reports are missing or in the case of opening dates, the information wasn’t recorded.






The sources for the names of the bank presidents and cashiers presented in spreadsheet 2 are listed in the spreadsheet. Most are from the Comptroller of the Currency annual reports. Consult the SPMC Bank and Bankers data base when you delve into a particular bank because that resource often contains the full names of the presidents and cashiers as well as other officers in the bank and even biographical profiles of these men.



Everyone makes transcription mistakes and typos—everyone: the clerks in the Comptroller’s office who recorded the data, the typesetters who prepared the Comptroller annual reports, the clerks who sent plate orders to the printers, the siderographers who laid-in the bank information on the printing plates, the compliers of these spreadsheets. We have made serious strides in cleaning up such problems and continue to do so.


 




1 - Key Bank Data (1863-1935, all charters 1-14348)


                Organization date if available


                Charter date


                Opening date (1901-1909)


                Closing date with fate if before 1936


                Last outstanding taxable circulation


                Summary corporate history

               





2 - Bank presidents, cashiers, total resources, circulations by year (1863-1935)



3 - National bank notes issued by bank title (1863-1935)


                Exact title found on issued notes


                Series/type/sheet combination/beginning and ending serial numbers


                Title change dates:


                Supplemental title information





4 - Characteristics of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing certified proofs (Series of 1875, 1882, 1902, some Original)


                Smithsonian Scan number


                Bank


                Series


                Type


                Sheet combination


                Plate letters


                Treasury signatures


                Certification date (1876-1929)


                Plate date


                Sorting aids (columns 0 through W)





To access the data, see: 


National Bank & National Bank Note Summary Data

(https://www.spmc.org/nb-nbn-summary-data)

 





 







WILLIAM H. MCALLISTER IV (1941-2023)



Patrick Parkinson passed along this article on the passing of Washington Post reporter Bill McAllister, who covered national news while also maintaining a column about philately and numismatics.  Thanks.
-Editor






Bill McAllister, a Washington Post national reporter in the 1980s and 1990s who wrote a long-running column on coins and stamps, died May 1 at a hospital in Fairfax County. He was 81 and a resident of Fairfax City.



The cause was pneumonia and complications from covid, said his son William H. “Billy” McAllister IV.



Mr. McAllister, widely known as “Buddy,” joined The Post in 1975 with an assignment to rove Virginia for stories. He later served eight years overseeing statewide news coverage before moving to the national staff as a general-assignment reporter.



Besides writing about political and policy developments across many federal agencies, he cultivated a journalistic specialty focused on the Postal Service and had a column about stamps and coins published in the Weekend section.






After retirement from The Post in 1999, he wrote for Linn’s Stamp News, a publication for stamp collectors.



William Howard McAllister III was born in Durham, N.C., on Nov. 6, 1941. His father, a banker, went overseas as a Navy signalman during World War II. In those wartime years, Buddy was raised by his mother and aunts, one of whom later gifted him a small mimeograph machine on which he published a neighborhood newspaper for a penny.



In his teens, he became a regular freelancer for several newspapers in his home county and was paid 10 cents a column inch. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1964 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also completed a master’s degree in journalism in 1966.



To read the complete article, see: 


Bill McAllister, Post reporter who wrote on stamps and coins, dies at 81

(https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/05/03/bill-mcallister-washington-post-reporter-stamps-dead/)

 













TIM H. LAPOINTE (1947-2023)



Jeff Garrett writes:


"Our good friend Tim Lapointe  passed away at the recent Central States convention.  Tim has been a coin dealer since the 1970's and worked for many of the biggest companies in the business, including New England Rare Coin Galleries when it started.  Tim was loved by everyone on the coin show circuit which he was a mainstay for decades.  We are all saddened by the loss."






Sorry to hear the news.  Here's Tim's online obituary.
-Editor







Tim H. LaPointe

Chicago 1947 - Chicago 2023




Timothy Harold LaPointe passed away on April 27, 2023. No, the H is not for Hustle, as fitting as it may have been! A wise man: he knew how to maneuver among his comrades. "Know the rules so you can play the game," he taught. An athlete, a soldier, a leader, and a provider, Tim is himself a rarity. As intense as he was at times, Tim was the first to make light of a bad situation when he saw that those he cared for were truly worried. Though an abundance of power was displayed when fighting for what he believed was right, Tim's loyalty and love were the truest displays of his strength. Tim is not to be missed, but appreciated, because he made sure to leave a lasting impression all over this world.



Tim's friends and family have been honored to know this extraordinary man. His legacy lives on through his wife, Beth; two sons, Jason (Erica) and Kyle; and granddaughter, Payten.






Julian Leidman writes:


"Tim and I were colleagues for well over 40 years. Always a gentleman, he was admired and appreciated by the numismatic fraternity. My sincere condolences to the family."





Via Tim's son Kyle, Jeff adds this career timeline:


1974-Old Roman Coin Exchange

1978-New England Rare Coin Galleria

1982-Royal Coins

c1985-Heritage Rare Coin Galleries

1989-Ryan James

1991-Numismatic Investments of Ohio

c1995-Vintage Coins & Collectibles

c2007-Tim LaPointe Rare Coins






Thanks also to Bob Steinberg for passing this along.
-Editor




To read the complete article, see: 


TIM LAPOINTE OBITUARY

(https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/toledoblade/name/tim-lapointe-obituary?id=51802710)

 
                       









 



NEWMAN NOTES ON THE BAR COPPERS



The latest addition to the Newman Numismatic Portal is the Eric P. Newman research file on Bar Coppers. Project Coordinator Len Augsburger provided the following report.
-Editor



 









 Newman Notes on the Bar Coppers 



A recent addition to the Newman Portal is the Eric P. Newman research file on Bar Coppers. Of unknown origin, these pieces were first noticed in 1785 and reported in the New-Jersey Gazette. Included in this file is a paper presented by Harry W. Colborn to the Western Pennsylvania Numismatic Society in 1993, a lengthy list of differences between authentic pieces and 19th century Bolen copies, and detailed notes on forged examples. Newman further collected photographs of false pieces and compiled early auction appearances of Bar Coppers.




Good old Harry! He was a regular in my days attending meetings of the W.P.N.S.  If memory serves I was present for his talk.  He'd be glad to know his paper is being preserved.  Check it out. 
-Editor



 






Images: (1785) Bar Copper, NGC MS65 BN, ex. Newman IV (Heritage Auctions, May 16, 2014), lot 30383, realized $64,625.



Link to Newman files on Bar Coppers: 


https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/543562


 



 

 







VIDEO: ANCIENT & MODERN MONEY & GOLD



The David Lisot Video Library on the Newman Numismatic Portal can be found at:


https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/multimediadetail/522852




We highlight one of his videos each week in The E-Sylum.
Here's one from 1997 with R.E. McMaster, Jr. speaking on gold.
-Editor



 









Learn how gold has been important. Speaker(s): R.E. McMaster, Jr..




A romp through history with quotes and sayings about gold.
-Editor




To watch the complete video, see: 


Perspective on Ancient & Modern Money & Gold

(https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/560404)







 







BUSHNELL'S COMPENDIUM CATALOG, PART THREE



Here's the third of three summaries of articles by Joel Orosz on Bushnell’s Compendium Catalog, originally published in our print journal, The Asylum.  While The E-Sylum is free to all, only paid members of NBS receive  The Asylum. To join, see

https://www.coinbooks.org/about/membership.html
.



This one discusses Winslow Howard.




WINSLOW HOWARD SALE
The article provides information on the life of Winslow J. Howard, a prominent numismatist. He was
born in New Hampshire and began his career with Tiffany & Co. in New York City. Howard became
interested in collecting coins about 1850 and lobbied for the regular production of proof coinage in the
U.S. in 1855. He was an active collector and bidder in auctions in the 1850s, including the 1855 Pierre
Flandin sale and the John W. Kline auction. In 1857, Howard corrected a mistake in a newspaper article
about the "old red cent."



ECSTASY OF EARLY 1858
The text provides a historical account of Winslow J. Howard, an American numismatist, who was among
the first people to print a "wanted to buy" list for old coppers. In 1858, Howard made significant
intellectual contributions to John Hickox’s research-based monograph on American coinage and was
visited by Dr. Montroville Wilson Dickeson, who examined his collection to write his landmark American
Numismatical Manual. Howard sold some of his coins to George N. Dana of Boston, including the Non
Dependens Status engraved copper, which he believed to be unique and one of the pattern pieces
engraved and designed by Paul Revere. The other featured coin was the Washington half dollar of 1792,
which Howard found even more fascinating. Charles B. Norton published a feature on these two coins,
along with engravings and descriptions of the coins, in his Norton's Literary Letter No. 2 in 1857.






AGONY OF 1858
In 1858, Winslow Howard was diagnosed with consumption (tuberculosis) and moved to New Mexico
for a drier climate. He spent the next four decades moving from town to town in the Western US,
opening jewelry shops and collecting a variety of precious objects. He married Abbie Stratton in 1865,
but their long-distance relationship and Howard's tuberculosis caused tension and eventually led to
divorce in 1881. Howard also developed an interest in collecting plants and insects, which he displayed
in his shops and sent to interested scientists. Many of his specimens were new to science, but he
received little credit for his discoveries.


 

The only known portrait of Winslow J. Howard



ITINERANT COLLECTOR
Winslow Howard was a well-known coin hobbyist in the second half of the 19th century, who lived in
New Hampshire and New York. After moving to the mountain West, Howard became one of the few
numismatists in the region. He found ways to keep his hand in the numismatic game by displaying rare
coins from his collection, hanging out his shingle as an assayer, and opening a shop in Denver. In 1882,
he moved to Silver City and experienced a resurgence of his numismatic interest. In 1884 and 1886,
Howard consigned his numismatic collections for auction. The American Journal of Numismatics
reviewed the sales, and Howard's collections contained rare and choice specimens of coins and medals
of Mexico and Spanish American countries.



LONG-LOST HOWARD SALE
The text discusses the Winslow Howard sale of coins and medals that occurred in 1856. The sale was not
a free-standing auction sale catalog and was sold as a tag-on to a catalog of books. The dearth of
information about the collection and the fact that it was sold as an addenda made the sale obscure. The
only evidence of the sale's existence was recorded by Charles Ira Bushnell in 1859, where he recorded
sales of coins and medals at public auctions in New York City. Q. David Bowers noted the obscurity
surrounding the Winslow Howard sale in 1998. Attinelli offers possibilities to consider and notes two
entries cataloged by Leavitt Delisser & Co. The text then discusses the next step of identifying the book
sale catalog that included the addenda. McKay's American Book Auction Catalogues 1714-1934 does not
provide any answers.





HOWARD SALE, LOST AND FOUND
The article discusses the history of the Howard addenda, which is a collection of coins that were sold at
a Leavitt Delisser & Co. trade sale of books in New York City on May 17, 1856. The article provides
information on the history of Leavitt Delisser & Co., the advertisement for the trade sale, and the
cataloger of the Winslow Howard sale. It explains why the identification of the Howard sale was elusive
for a long time and provides insight into the auction process during the 19th century.



HOWARD SALE OF MAY 17, 1856
The text describes the May 17, 1856 auction of coins and medals by Leavitt, Delisser & Co., with
particular focus on the addenda that describes lots 196-247. The author compares the original addenda
to the columns clipped from it and pasted into a compendium catalog by a collector named Charles Ira
Bushnell. Bushnell made several annotations, including grading and rarity judgments, that differ from
the catalog. The author provides examples of this with lot 196, a Washington Before Boston medal, and
lots 198 and 204, a Gobrecht dollar and a 1791 Washington Cent. The author also notes that Bushnell
cut the original addenda to size to match his catalog and discarded useful information from the original
in the process.



HOWARD SALE: ORIGINAL ADDENDA AND ATTINELLI REPRINT
The text discusses the Howard sale of coins and medals, held in 1856. The untrimmed original addenda
and a priced unnamed reprint of it, both in the Library of the ANS, provide useful insights about the sale.
The untrimmed addenda reveals that there were four additional unnumbered lots of coins offered, one
printed on the addenda itself and three manuscript lots added in pencil. The total realization of the
three unnumbered manuscript lots, 64 cents, when added to the total return of the addendum's 52
numbered lots, $37.97, yield a total realization of $38.61 for the entire addenda. It is noted that the
proceeds of the 195 lots of books that preceded the sale of Howard's coins were possibly included in the
mix, either added to the $38.61 realized by the numismatic lots or posted instead of the numismatic
realization. The Howard addenda was a hurried emission from a bookseller, not a coin dealer, and was
therefore ephemeral to numismatists from the time of its issue. At some point before the publication of
Numisgraphics in 1876, someone decided to reprint some of the rarities of the American series,
including the Howard addendum, with nominal numbers in excess of the mid-1870s demand.





BUYERS AT THE HOWARD SALE
The Winslow Howard auction of 1856 was dominated by "Cash" buyers, who paid invoices on a cash-
and-carry basis, while only seven named individuals bought the remaining 14 lots, including "Wilson" or
"Willis," "Hayes" or "Hays," and "Oliver." The identity of "Wilson" or "Willis" and "Hayes" or "Hays"
remains unknown, while "Oliver" is believed to be James Oliver, a founder of the American Numismatic
Society. The buyers of the three manuscript lots in the ANS addenda are "Fish" or "Fisk," "Curtis," and
yet another "Cash." It is also noted that no one was a named buyer in all three sales (Flandin, Groux, and
Howard addenda).



AFTER-SALE REPORT
The article discusses the auction of Winslow J. Howard’s coin collection, which was held in May 1856.
The article reports on a clipping from the New-York Dispatch which was printed two weeks after the
sale. The summary begins factually but quickly turns promotional, written by Howard himself. The article
criticizes Howard’s sales report as a bit over the top, as the prices realized in the auction were middling
and not enormous. The article concludes with Howard's philosophical rumination on the cultural value
of coin collecting.



To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: 


BUSHNELL'S COMPENDIUM CATALOG, PART ONE

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n17a07.html)


BUSHNELL'S COMPENDIUM CATALOG, PART TWO

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a13.html)

 






















ON THE FADING OF DIGITAL IMAGES



Peter Huntoon submitted the following, which happened to land in our April Fool's issue. This was not a joke on his part.  It is something we should get to the bottom of. There may be something occurring that all of us should be aware of. Your experiences, suggestions and comments will be most welcomed.
-Editor




 
Fading of Digital Images

Peter Huntoon




I have tens of thousands of moderate (300 dpi) to high-resolution (1600 dpi) digital images of
U.S. currency, Bureau of Engraving and Printing certified proofs, scanned National Archives documents,
scanned historic photos, even family photos, both black and white and color. The vast majority of these
are saved as JPEG images but in other popular formats as well. They are stored on the hard drives of my
high-end HP Envy laptops and towers, in Western Digital external mass storage devices, on removable
disks, etc. Many of these images are embedded in PowerPoint presentations, in WORD documents, etc.






It is irrefutable that all of these images are fading with time. If this problem is not specific to me,
then the issue is absolutely huge. Digitization of archival material has become an institutional mainstay.
The personnel at the Newman Portal recently reported that they have surpassed capturing 5 million
images. At the rate my images are deteriorating, they will be useless within half a century.



Most of my photo archive has been assembled since 1990 and my PowerPoint documents and
WORD files since 2000. Fading is progressive and is very obvious within 10 years.



When I need to use older scans, it is necessary to load the image into a photo processor and
significantly kick up the contrast. This salvages much of the image but loss of resolution is inevitable and
the subtle shades are lost. You only get to do this a couple of times before the scan is ruined. When I
recycle a PowerPoint presentation that is a decade old, it is necessary to pull out every image to
enhance it as best as possible and reload it.



I have raised this topic with a few purveyors and users of this technology. Reactions are
surprising. The knee jerk usually is vehement denial. Next comes tech-savvy rhetoric implying that this is
impossible with digital storage, that I am somehow an incompetent consumer of this technology who
doesn’t know secret handshakes to prevent loss, or worse. Hmm, sounds like good ol’ 2020s American
political discourse!



What I desire is a dispassionate discussion. Before leaping in, it would help greatly if you would
look at your oldest digital images to see how they are faring.



All of you who are into archival work already have been plagued by photographs, microfilm,
sound recording, photocopies, etc., that have faded with time.



Could it be that I am serving as the canary in the cage in this digital coal mine?



This issue deserves serious dialogue by serious people. If real, it is big.




When I pulled American Numismatic Association Curator Doug Mudd into the discussion, he replied seriously.
-Editor






"Interesting... I have not experienced this except in cases where jpeg images have been repeatedly saved - so here are my thoughts on the origin of this problem. The jpeg image format is well known as a "lossy" format, i.e. each time you save a jpeg, it loses some of its information - this is because it was designed to be used on the web, where memory space was at a premium - so the jpeg format uses an algorithm to compress an image's information (to different levels as you can see when you save a jpeg in photoshop - you can chose the amount of compression, but even with the least compression, there is information loss). That is why tiff, psd, and more recently, raw image "non-lossy" formats are recommended for archival purposes - as I understand it (but I cannot guarantee this), there is no loss with these image formats. Unfortunately, these formats are unusable in most common applications, particularly for use on the web - and are much larger than their equivalent jpeg, gif
  and png format versions, which are the formats most used for online applications. I understand that the png format is recommended by archivists for web purposes as it is less lossy than jpeg. The size or resolution of the original image has nothing to do with the problem - it is all about the image format.



"The one thing that I learned many years ago about digital image quality preservation, and have taught in my digital image classes ever since, is to ALWAYS save a master image - preferably in tiff or other stable format - though it works for jpeg as well. When you need the image, always use "save as" to create a new working image from the original (i.e. never "save" changes to the original master), which will prevent the loss of information from the original. I have not noticed fading from original images.



"With that said, I will have to go back to some of my older powerpoints to check on if the images in them have faded (lost information) - but I believe that the only way that they can lose information is if the files they are saved in (word documents, powerpoint presentations, etc.) have been repeatedly saved, thus losing a bit of information from the embedded images each time. Anyway, I do not have a computer degree, but I have used photoshop and worked with digital images since 1993 or so."






Note that Doug was talking about loss of resolution WHEN SAVING A FILE, not losses that occur in an otherwise unaltered file. And he's quite correct.



These were the gag images and captions I added to the piece - they were not submitted by Peter.  
-Editor



 

A 1636x700 Image Digitized in 2016

 

The Same Image Today




So can a digital file change over time?  The knee-jerk reaction of myself and others is "No, of course not."  But why do we believe that?  For many it's a simple unquestioned assumption.  For me it's my software engineering background and the work of pioneers such as Claude Shannon of Bell Laboratories, considered "the Father of Information Theory."  Shannon was addressing data in transit, but the same principles apply to data at rest. One key element is the checksum, a number computed based on the digits within the message.  The mathematics as proven by Shannon and others (and borne out by decades of subsequent research and experience), is that the probability of an incorrect checksum is infinitesimally  small, and if the checksum matches then the data in the message was received correctly.



So does this work for data at rest? Well, most commercial software relies on these checksums to validate files on input.  The checksum is recomputed and compared against the checksum stored in the file, and if they don't match, the file is rejected as corrupted.



So is that foolproof?  Well, a skilled hacker could theoretically insert changes to both the data and checksum so that future readers of the file would be none the wiser.  That gets into the principles of 
non-repudiation, a gold standard for databases that ensures the integrity and origin of the data in such a way that it can be independently verified and validated.



Now most of our storage systems do not have such high standards, but it is also unlikely that an evil hacker organization is stealing our cultural heritage bit-by-bit to render files unusable over decades without anyone noticing.



So what is Peter noticing?  There may well be something going on at the file level, but there are other links in the chain to consider.  Things that can change over time include:


The physical storage mechanism


The physical computer


The operating system version (which controls access to files)


The program used to open and render the file


The software version of the program


The physical screen used to display the file





And those are just the computer hardware and software.  What about the external factors?


Lighting in the room


Our eyes





No one's got a time machine we could take back and revisit the original experience. But experiments could be done, doing the best to mitigate the above factors.  What changes occur with differing hardware or software? Is there one key culprit that makes images appear faded?



Who else has some old image files? How were they created and viewed back then?  How do you view them now?  How do they look to you?  How do they look to others?
-Editor




To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: 


QUERY: THE FADING OF DIGITAL IMAGES

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n14a17.html)


APRIL FOOLS 2023

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n15a14.html)

 



  

 







TOKEN AND MEDAL POTENTIAL ANSWERS

Last week Paul Horner asked:


"I have found references to two historical medals/tokens that I cannot locate images or any other information on.  Perhaps a reader can help!



"ca. 1832 during the South Carolina nullification crisis:  "South Carolina rang with the rebel yell...Then events turned ominous, for medals were struck bearing the inscription: "John C. Calhoun, First President of the Southern Confederacy."   pg 14 of Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy 1833-1845  Vol III Robert V. Remini



"Christian Gobrecht  "Coin Work... he engraved brass dies for Morocco covers of the Boston Token,  also a large eagle with expanded wings for a Philadelphia token."   pg 48 The Venus Numismatics Dictionary of Artists...1792-1977   by Francis Pessolano-Filos."






Julia Casey came through with the following research.  Thank you!
-Editor







I started researching the Calhoun medals reference, and from the start, I became suspicious that these medals were a bit of "yellow journalism" by the Washington Globe and never existed, but I couldn't prove that.  Now though, I think I found some evidence.  The first article is from the Star and Banner, Gettysburg, PA May 14, 1833, and the second is from the Charleston Mercury, June 3, 1833. 


 






Regarding the Gobrecht "large eagle with expanded wings", perhaps this was not a metallic token but the annual publication.  The Philadelphia publication was "The Atlantic Souvenir" and I think it was referred to as "The Token" as well - like the Boston one.



Here is the Atlantic Souvenir from 1827 with a "large eagle with expanded wings."  Maybe this is what was meant?


 




Paul Horner writes:


"Please extend my thanks to Julia Casey.   I believe that she nailed both of my inquiries exactly!   It is amazing how fast and accurately that readers respond to questions of all kinds."






Thanks to both Paul and Julia, for some interesting questions as well as some swift answers.
-Editor




For more information, see: 


The Token and Atlantic Souvenir

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Token_and_Atlantic_Souvenir)

The Atlantic Souvenir

(https://exhibits.library.sc.edu/literary-annuals/the-atlantic-souvenir/)



To read the complete article, see: 


NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: APRIL 30, 2023 : Token and Medal Information Sought

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a16.html)

 
                      






















ON WITHDRAWING COINS FROM CIRCULATION



John Regitko of Toronto, Canada submitted these notes on the large-scale withdrawal  of coins from circulation.  Thank you!
-Editor




In the last E-Sylum, David Pickup, under the heading "New King, New Coins?" stated: "The cost of removing vast quantities of coins from circulation and minting their replacements would be staggering. The only example I can think of in modern times was the recall of Commonwealth coins after the Restoration. I suppose you can understand it as those coins would not have been thought quite nice!"



Here are a few updates:



The recall of the pre-Euro coins from many countries that joined the European Union was done out of necessity. The coins were waffled and then sold to smelters for melting and repurposing.



In June 2003, the U.S. began waffling coins that were quietly being removed from the distribution system. This included Eisenhower dollars, Susan B. Anthony Dollars, the new series of Presidential dollars, Sacagawea dollars, State quarters, Kennedy half dollars, 5-cent Jefferson and 10-cent Roosevelt pieces. They all have one thing in common - the melt value exceeded the face value.






The popular round £1 coin of Great Britain was replaced starting on October 16, 2017 with a new 12-sided version. It was not the result of changing its metallic content, size or weight due to its high melt value. It had nothing to do with changing from the British Pound to the Euro dollar...but for a different and very unusual reason.



If you are just going to replace one size and shape of a coin with another size and shape of the same denomination, why bother? The reason had to do with the ease of counterfeiting the One Pound coin and being able to spend them without difficulty. This is borne out by the admission of the British Royal Mint that 1.45 million of the £1 coins that were returned to the Mint during the recall were counterfeit. The British Mint said fakes could not be readily distinguished from the genuine
coin, which is why a new coin was introduced.



In case the logic of replacing the coin escapes you, the Government has admitted defeat in tracking down and bringing criminals responsible for the counterfeiting and the distribution. Instead, they bowed to the success of criminals by withdrawing the round £1 coin.



While the reason for replacing the British coin is somewhat unusual, the process of accumulating and destroying the old coins is also unusual in all its simplicity when you compare it to the recall of pre-Euro coins. The Euro countries accumulated the pre-Euro coins at banks and other money handlers across Europe, then waffled the, to demonetize them before shipping them to smelters. In contrast, the U.S. Mint waffled the silver coins themselves in-house before shipping them to smelters. Instead of being accumulated in various locations and waffled before being shipped to a smelter, the £1 coins were shipped directly by the banks in Great Britain, without being waffled, to the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales. They were then melted in-house at the Mint and the metal used to help create some of the replacement £1 12-sided coins.



A little known program was instituted in 2004 in Canada following the introduction of multi-ply plated steel (MPPS) coins. Its objective was to cull older-composition coins from circulation and replace them with coins of the new multi-ply plated steel specifications. If the method of cancelling the legal status of coins by waffling worked previously in the U.S. and Europe, why not use it in Canada?



The Royal Canadian Mint contracted with Brink's to accumulate the old coins under a project called "Alloy Recovery Program" (ARP) where they segregated the old coins when they sorted, counted and rolled coins coming in from banks and commercial customers, waffled them and waited for instructions from the Mint to which smelter they should be shipped (the Mint obtained bids from smelters for these waffled coins).



The Mint also made a deal to segregate pre-MPPS coins with Coinstar (I believe in the Province of Quebec only) to turn over any found in their counting machines and turn them over to Brinks for waffling.



Canada's recall of the older pure nickel coins is still ongoing, thanks to the Royal Canadian Mint's ongoing contract with Brinks, although Coinstar is no longer accumulating the older coins due to the cost of seperating versus what the Mint is willing to pay Coinstar.



If you want any more details, you will have to wait for my new 800-page letter-size (3-ring punched) book on the workings of the Royal Canadian Mint. I hope to announce the availability of this Covid-project by year-end.



To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: APRIL 30, 2023 : New King, New Coins?

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a16.html)

 













NOTES FROM E-SYLUM READERS: MAY 7, 2023



 On the the George I ‘Dump' Farthing 
 



Regarding the George I ‘Dump' Farthing, 
Erik Goldstein writes:


"I’m not so sure these were cast.  Perhaps their planchets were?"






Good question.  The pictured coin does not look cast.  Can anyone shed light on this?
-Editor




To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


THE GEORGE I ‘DUMP' FARTHING

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a29.html)








 More on Golda Meir 
Ken Berger writes:


"You said you forgot that Golda Meir was born in the U.S. You didn't forget because she wasn't. Born in Kyiv in what was then the Russian Empire, Meir immigrated to Wisconsin as a child with her family in 1906."






Guess I didn't read the article closely enough - it does say she arrived in the U.S. as a child.
-Editor




Former ANA Executive Director and former Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Bob Leuver writes:


"I have  wonderful photo taken when shaking hands with Mrs. Meir. This was after an extended one and one-half hour meeting with the Prime Minister. I was part of a State Department Delegation to meet with principals of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel, in that order. Mrs Meir said she enjoyed the questions posed by the Delegation member seated next to me and me. Ms Meir asked where I was from and I said “a suburb of Milwaukee.” In response to her question, “Which one?” I replied, “Chicago!” at the instance the photo was snapped. 



"Golda Meir was an Israeli stateswoman, politician, teacher, and kibbutznik who served as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Born in Kiev, she emigrated to the United States as a child with her family in 1906, and was educated in the US, becoming a teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 



"The gentleman seated next to me and I asked all the questions for one hour. No one of the other 10 members of the delegation had asked any questions. Unbeknown to us, the air conditioner behind the PM blocked out our questions and her responses. After one hour her chief of staff, Simcha Dinitz, said her next appointment had arrived. The PM waved him off and said, “I am enjoying these questions!”  Mr. Dinitz, who is  in the photo, subsequently was Ambassador to the US, 1973-79."




 




To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


GOLDA MEIR COMMEMORATIVE COIN PROJECT

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a30.html)



 Cruciform Scepter 


Peter Jones  writes:


"Another entertaining and fascinating half hour spent reading this week's E-Sylum!
Thank you!
In the article on the Irene solidus, you suggest she holds a crucifix. I wonder whether a more accurate term might be a cruciform scepter."






Good point - you could be right.
-Editor




To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


PRINCETON'S BYZANTINE COIN COLLECTION

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a26.html)



 On Using ChatGPT 
Martin Purdy writes:


"I experimented with ChatGPT a few times recently, once asking it to produce a brief biography of me in a numismatic context.  It started out reasonably well, with material doubtless extracted from some of my online publications ... but then it went on to say I'd served as President of the British Numismatic Trade Association, of which I've never even been a member. That left me a little mystified, as well as being suitably cautioned about the reliability of the program, at this stage at least."





To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


READER COMMENTS ON CHATGPT

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a12.html)



 More on Norm Peters 
Michael Sanders writes:




"I just want to say a few words on your recently noted passing of Norm Peters.  I knew Norm for 20 years and he was one of my favorite old-time numismatists, someone I truly enjoyed speaking with at length.  He was very knowledgeable and willing to share research.  I found it strange that his limited obituary did not mention his mail order coin business.  Over the years I bought quite a bit of various exonumia from his pricelists.  The last list that I saved is dated No. 167 from Spring 2020.



"The last time we spoke he was busy researching a very rare complete five piece set of Norse American medals that he had just acquired.  Rest in peace Norm, you will be missed."





To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


NORMAN G. PETERS (1940-2023)

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n18a08.html)



 Hailey Ola Coal Company Scrip Notes 


I was curious about some coal company notes I saw on eBay.  They were being offered in quantity, and I wondered if these were remainders or reproductions, as many of these scrip notes are rare today.  So I reached out to the expert, Dave Schenkman. 
-Editor




 




Dave writes:


"The notes are neat, but very common. They are listed in my forthcoming book, "Coal Mine Company Obsolete Notes and Scrip," which will be published this summer, and I noted "In January 1901, The Hailey Ola Coal Company was incorporated as the result of a merger between Hailey and the Ola Coal and Mining Company (see Ola for notes of this company). Hailey owned 50% of the new company’s stock, with the remainder split between L. W. Bryan, James Elliott, and G. L. Blackford, owners of the Ola company." Haileyville was named for Daniel Morris Hailey, a wealthy doctor who owned several mines in the area."





To read the complete lot descriptions, see:  


1900's 5 Cents Indian Territory Oklahoma Hailey-Ola Coal Co. Obsolete Unc.

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/283456237922)


1900's 25 Cent Obsolete Indian Territory Oklahoma Hailey-Ola Coal & Mining Co.

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/284329391084)


1900's $1 Indian Territory Oklahoma Hailey-Ola Coal Co. Obsolete Uncirculated

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/283456240921)



 Query: Weimar White Liberty Seated Dollar Book Signature  
Adrián González-Salinas writes:


"Some weeks ago I bought the amazing book "The Liberty Seated Dollar 1840-1873" by Weimer W. White
[Sanford J. Durst / Numismatic Publications / New York, NY / (c) 1985 / 83 pages, blank, (4) / 15.8 x 23.5 cms].
Even if I haven't Liberty Seated Dollars, I enjoyed reading the history of this marvelous coinage series.



I have a doubt about Mr. White's signature because it appears on an adhesive label and including the book's number
(in my own case: 157 of 500 hard cover books).
My question is: Do all "The Liberty Seated Dollar 1840-1873"  books were signed by Mr. White using an adhesive label or 
are there some exceptions using this practice?"




 





 





I checked my copy of the book, and it has a similar white label with White's signature.  My copy is No. 96.  What do others see in their copies?  It's possible that some examples exist without the label, as there is a space for a handwritten number.



 Liberty Seated Collectors Club President Len Augsburger doesn't have a copy of the hardbound, but notes that the now standard work is Liberty Seated Dollars / A Register of Die Varieties by Dick Osburn and Brian Cushing (2018).
-Editor




 Royal Canadian Numismatic Association heading to Halifax 
Serge Pelletier writes:




"The Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) will be holding its annual convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from July 20 to July 22.



"While the official dates are July 20-22, the activities begin on Wednesday July 19, with a coin grading workshop and a two-day educational symposium session.



"On Wednesday afternoon, Lloyd Chan will be speaking about collecting the coins of Alexander the Great; Doug Shand, a diver, will speak on archeology and Nova Scotian shipwrecks; and Mark Dalrymple who will speak of the numismatic legacy of Alexander Keith and his brewery.



"On Thursday morning, Jeff Wilson will discuss Nova Scotia exhibition medals; Kyle Knapp will speak on how counterfeiting was death and about forgeries, replica’s, and unofficial coinage in Colonial America; and François Rufiange will speak of the Canadian “Victory Nickel” of 1943.



"On the afternoon, Eric Leighton will speak of the train on the 5-dollar note of the Dominion of Canada of 1912; Michael Turrini will discuss the money of the Titanic; and Geoffrey Bell will close the symposium with a talk on banks and rails.



"The remainder of the convention will include the usual meetings of specialized clubs, a bourse with 28 dealers from across Canada, and the annual banquet where Canada’s highest numismatic awards will be presented."






Sounds like a great event!
-Editor




For more information, see: 


https://www.rcna.ca/2023/






 

 







IMPRIMATUR: A SPECIAL KIND OF APPROVAL



Dennis Tucker's Coin Update column examines the very special endorsement received by Ken Bressett's book, Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame.  Here's an excerpt - see the complete article online.
-Editor






Numismatic books come with all kinds of endorsements and recommendations.



Some are printed on a “What Readers Are Saying” page in the front. For example, the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties has endorsements from Mark Borckardt, Jeff Garrett, Dr. Richard Doty, and other well-known numismatists. Len Augsburger, president of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, says, “With this single volume, the eagle-eyed collector will be prepared to identify valuable coins that many others have missed.”






Another part of a book that frequently contains praise is the foreword. In the foreword to the third edition of the Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins, John Frost, president of the Barber Coin Collectors Society, says this about the book’s author: “Q. David Bowers introduces a new generation of collectors to Charles Barber, and fuels their passion for his important and wonderful coins.”



There’s another kind of endorsement, of sorts, that comes from a perhaps unexpected source: the Roman Catholic Church, whose official approval is known as Imprimatur.



Under the Code of Canon Law, canon 827, the Church recommends that books dealing with sacred scripture, theology, canon law, ecclesiastical history, and religious or moral disciplines, “as well as writings which especially concern religion or good morals,” be sent to the local Catholic authority for judgment before publication.



Imprimatur allows a book to be used as instructional text in elementary, middle, and higher-level schools, and to be exhibited, sold, and distributed in churches and oratories.



In the formal process of Imprimatur, a book manuscript is first reviewed by a censor liborum, typically a priest, who’s authorized to certify it with Nihil Obstat. Translated as “Nothing Hinders,” this is the Church’s official declaration that the manuscript is unobjectionable on moral grounds and has no doctrinal errors.



Barring any objections from the censor liborum, or following any corrections, the manuscript is considered by the local bishop. It’s within his authority to grant it Imprimatur, the Church’s formal approval for publication.



During the editorial process for Kenneth Bressett’s most recent book, Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame, we submitted his manuscript to the permanent-deacon chief of staff at the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Douglas Flinn. He became our main guide through the process. The manuscript was assigned for review to The Rev’d Lawrence C. Brennan, who earned his S.Th.D from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, and at the time was director of diaconal formation for the Diocese.



“I am very impressed with the sweep of the history that [Mr. Bressett] presents,” Fr. Brennan wrote after his review of the manuscript. He recommended a few small edits (for example, “Bishop Jerome of Dalmatia . . . is more commonly known as St. Jerome”). His careful reading of the text was evident. “On page 66,” he observed, “it is stated that Constantine established Christianity as the state religion of the Empire. Constantine ended the persecution of Christianity in 313, but the establishment of Christianity as the state religion is attributed to Theodosius I in 391.”



“Overall,” he wrote, “I find nothing in the manuscript that is offensive to faith or doctrine.”



After minor corrections to the text, and with Fr. Brennan’s declaration of Nihil Obstat, the Church’s Imprimatur was granted by The Most Rev’d James R. Golka, Bishop of Colorado Springs.





Following Church guidelines, we printed the Imprimatur on the reverse side of the book’s title page.



After nearly 100 years of creating numismatic books, folders, and albums, you’d think Whitman Publishing would have seen and done everything under the sun. But it wasn’t until Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame that we sought an official Imprimatur from the Roman Catholic Church.



As far as I’m aware, this was the first time a Whitman Publishing book has earned this distinction. Of course, most of our books have no reason to be reviewed for Imprimatur, but still, it was a nice affirmation! And a feather in the cap of Ken Bressett, for writing an excellent manuscript deserving of the Church’s confidence.



To read the complete article, see: 


Notes Published—Imprimatur: A special kind of approval

(https://news.coinupdate.com/notes-published-imprimatur-a-special-kind-of-approval/)

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


NEW BOOK: BIBLE LORE AND THE ETERNAL FLAME

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v25/esylum_v25n05a03.html)















VOCABULARY TERM: MOLECULAR MEMORY



Here's another entry from Dick Johnson's Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Terminology.  Interesting phenomena.
-Editor




 Molecular Memory. 
The surface metal of a struck piece has a tendency to return minutely to its original configuration before it was struck; also called creep or drift. It is imperceptible to the human eye, but can be observed under magnification. This striking problem is cured, somewhat, by a longer extrusion dwell in the press cycle to prevent the metal from springing back while the die is still in the most extended position. Also, of course, it is eliminated by repeated impressions as in multiple striking.






To read the complete entry on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see: 


Molecular Memory

(https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/dictionarydetail/516352)





 

 







WHO WAS R. A. WILSON?





Dennis Tucker of Whitman Publishing, producer of A Guide Book of United States Coins a.k.a. the Red Book initiated a conversation this week that
 E-Sylum Feature Writer and 
American Numismatic Biographies author Pete Smith examines in his article this week.  Thanks!  I and others were stumped, and try as I might I could not locate a copy of the book Dennis mentioned in what I used to think was my very extensive collection of U.S. numismatic books and ephemera.  Pete as usual has given the topic an extensive treatment, and we're very grateful.
-Editor




 

Who was R. A. Wilson?





I received an email from Dennis Tucker on Tuesday, May 2, asking about R. A. Wilson. Tucker
inquired about a book with a red cover that has similarities to other books with red covers.
Tucker wrote:


“I have so many questions. I wonder if the styling of “R.A. Wilson” deliberately apes “R.S.
Yeoman”? Or did Wilson come first? Was he active in the early 1930s, when the American
Standard Book is supposed to have started --- when Yeoman was just beginning his sales career
at Western?”








This is a collection of items I found. If I had known where this was going when I started, I might
have saved it for a feature article in The Asylum.





Rinaldo Alexander Wilson was born at Rochester, New York, on November 23, 1888. His father
was James Wilson and mother was named Balfour. I did not find them in the 1900 Census.



Wilson became interested in coins in 1907 while employed at The Sovereign Bank of Canada.



Rinaldo Wilson was a distance runner and a pedestrian, the popular term for people who walk
long distances. In 1908 it was announced that Wilson planned to walk from the Flatiron building
in New York to Takoma, Washington, a distance of 3400 miles in 90 days, beginning on
February 20. Newspapers reported on his departure but none reported completion.



In 1909 he participated in the Tacoma marathon as one of eight runners. When the third place
winner finished, the remaining runners, including Wilson, withdrew from the race.



In January 1910, Wilson planned to walk from Tacoma to New York, leaving on January 31.
Apparently, he was unable to secure financial backing and abandoned the trip.



Later, in June 1910, he announced that he would run from Butte to New York, a distance of 2500
miles, in 60 days. He planned to run at night. Again, there were no reports of completions.



In 1913, it was announced that Wilson would join Peter Terway and Victor Morman in a race
through every principal town in the United States. This was expected to take two years. Terway
and Morman appeared at other events during that period suggesting that the distance event never
happened.



It appears that Wilson was much better at promoting events than he was in getting sponsors and
completing the events.



He was married to Ellie Berthanna Sathen (1891-1977) on March 4, 1916. They had four
children. His marriage license gave his profession as salesman.



He served as a private in the Marines during the First World War. He was stationed at Quantico,
Virginia, and posted overseas in France.



In the 1920 census, his profession was listed as toy manufacturing.



In 1920 it was announced that Wilson would attempt to run from Seattle to New York, beginning
on May 10. On his run he would wear his Marine uniform and promote the Corps. Again. no
follow-up reports. I doubt if he completed any of the events mentioned.



The 1922 birth record for his daughter lists his address at 8129 S. Figueroa and occupation at
Powerplus Oil.



In the 1930 Census, his profession was listed as candy salesman.



In a 1962 recollection, Wilson mentioned that he was annoyed with advertising for the 1913
Nickel and felt that a book was needed that had accurate information. He soon began publishing
a series of coin books with various similar titles.


 






In 1930, the American Catalog was published. His publishing company was American
Numismatic Company, located at Box 11655, Wagner Station, Los Angeles 17, California.



In 1932, American Coin Book was published by American Publishing Company at 3959 West
Sixth Street, Los Angeles 3. California. Some editions show a longer title, American Coin Book
and Standard Retail Premium List of All United States Coins. The twenty-fifth edition was
published in 1957.


 






In August 1934, The Numismatist announced the membership application of R. A. Wilson with
address as P. O. Box H, Hyde Park, Los Angeles, California. His collecting interests were Half
Cents and Civil War Tokens. In September he was confirmed as member 4546.



In 1934 he released The Federal Catalog of all United States Coins.



A 1935 ad in the May issue of The Numismatist had a picture of a book with the title The
American Catalog and Standard Premium List of All United States Coins. Alongside was the
written description of The American Coin Catalog of all United States Coins. Wilson was not
mentioned in the ad.


 






In 1936 he reported that he was teaching a class on coin collecting.



In 1938, Wilson sponsored Joseph Oberwise for membership in the ANA. Oberwise ran ads in
Wilson’s American Catalog. Wilson. In turn, placed ads on the back of Oberwise coin boards.
David Lange devoted page 178 of Coin Collecting Boards of the 1930s & 1940s to a discussion
of Wilson.



Lange discussed the proliferation of premium books like those published by Wilson. “Widely
distributed to persons who knew nothing of actual rarities and values, these books were
considered a blight by most reputable dealers and collectors.”


 






The 1938 edition of American Catalog of All United States Coins had an illustration of the 
1918-S 8 over 7 quarter before this was generally published elsewhere. Wilson kept up with changes.



In the 1940 Census, his profession was listed as catalogue publisher.



At the 1940 ANA convention, R. A, Wilson was recognized for sponsoring the most new
members as a lay member, (not an officer) He was unable to attend, having suffered an
automobile accident.



In 1946, Roland C. Atwood issued National Check and Premium List of All U. S. Transportation
Tokens. This was published by the American Numismatic Company of Los Angeles.



In 1951, R. A. Wilson, Sr. donated a copy of American Catalog to the A.N.A. It was described as
“a 104-page book that is well illustrated and with several special features.”



In 1957, The Numismatist described one of the books:


“Silver anniversary edition of The American Coin Book, compiled by R. A. Wilson, Sr., a pioneer
in the reporting of coinage statistics. The prices quoted are the result of checking dealers’
advertised prices and over 210 coin auctions of five months. Freak and die-marked coins are
listed and reports of coins melted or destroyed are given. Lists up to nine different coin
conditions, fair to proof. Printed on coated paper, 112 pages, paper bound, $1.25. Available from
your coin dealer or the publisher, the American Numismatic Co., Box 11655, Wagner Sta., Los
Angeles 17, Calif.”







The title page of some books stated that Wilson was the president of the Collectors’ Exchange
Bank in Los Angeles. They issued wooden nickels dated 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 and possibly
others.



Wilson was an active member of the A.N.A. and in California organizations. He made
presentations to clubs and conducted radio interviews. In his time he was consulted on questions
of authenticity.



In 1962, Rinaldo retired and passed the business on to a new generation. Publication was taken
over by James S. Wilson and the American Publishing Company at 3959 West Sixth Street, Los
Angles. James was the second son of Rinaldo.



In 1962, Coin World stated, 


“This feature has been a trade R. A. Wilson mark [sic] of the catalog for
previous editions. This year is no different up to nine conditions are priced. Published under
different names in its thirty year history The American Catalog, The Federal catalog. The
American Standard United States Coin Book and American Standard Book of All U. S. Coins the
publication is most widely known as the American Catalog.”







American Standard Book of all United States Coins was issued with a cover date of 1964. It was
edited by R. A. Wilson and J. S. Wilson. James Sethen Wilson (1918-1964) was the son who
served in WWII and Korea, rising to the rank of major. His death in 1964 may have brought the
end to the business.



Rinaldo Wilson died in Los Angeles on October 23, 1978. His obituary in the Los Angeles Times
was very brief and mentioned three surviving children, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grand-
children. He is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery.



List of Wilson titles mentioned somewhere:


American Catalog – Short form of title #2.


American Catalog and Standard Premium List of all United States Coins – Cover Title.


American Coin Book – Short form of title #4.


American Coin Book and Standard Premium list of All United States Coins.- Cover Title.


American Coin Book and Standard Retail Premium list of All United States Coins – Title page
of #14


American Standard Book of all U. S. Coins – Cover Title.


American Standard Book of all United States Coins – Title page of #8.


American Standard Coin Book – Cover Title.


Catalog of American Rare Coins – Cover Title. (1937).


The American Catalog – Short form of title #11.


The American Catalog and Standard Premium List of all United States Coins - Cover Title


The American Catalog of all United States Coins – Title page of #11.


The American Coin Book – Short form of title #14.


The American Coin Book Standard Premium List of all U.S. Coins – Cover Title


The American Coin Catalog of All United States Coins – Advertised, not seen.


The American Standard Catalog of all United States Coins – Title page of #2.


The American Standard United States Coin Book – Title page of #4.


The Federal Catalogue of all United States Coins (1934) – Not seen.


Wilson’s American Rare Coin Catalog – Title page of #20 (1935)


Wilson’s Catalog of American Rare Coins – Cover Title.





“We stand on the shoulders of giants.” Raymond and Yeoman may have done it better, but
Wilson did it first. I believe Wilson’s contributions over thirty years are under-appreciated by
current numismatists.



This article was compiled over a period of three days without access to any of the books. I
suspect a longer study with the books would clarify sources and what material was included and
repackaged across the various titles and editions.




Given Pete's evidence, I concur that Wilson is under-appreciated by
today's numismatists and numismatic bibliophiles.  Can anyone add more to this story?



I wonder if the "R.A. Wilson" styling was an attempt to sound less ethnic, although his full name was used in the non-numismatic newspaper articles Pete found.  In college I worked with a young man whose first name was Rolando.  He later legally changed it to Ryan, and at the time I could only wonder why - I thought "Rolando" was way cooler than "Ryan", and maybe today it would be. 



The Wilson publication has its "quirks", and while it may have preceded  the Whitman publication, the latter out-improved its content, and that's a big reason why today when collectors refer to the Red Book, they mean A Guide Book of United States Coins from Whitman.



Here are some of the idiosyncrasies Dennis notes in the 1960   American Standard Book of All U.S. Coins.  A note on p127 states that their publication began in 1931.
-Editor








"Of the 1694 “God Preserve London” Elephant token Wilson opines, “Some claim these as half-pennies but I fully believe they were really half-dollars in copper.”



"His coverage of Alaska, prominently advertised on the front cover, has no illustrations and just two lines of narrative: “Beads, furs and clothing were used for money. Blue Hudson Bay trade beads were in great demand. An influx of beads reduced them to 25¢.”



"The Philippines gets a full page of photos (but no pricing and very little numismatic information, some of it incorrect).



"Error coins are lavished with three pages of coverage, apparently underwritten by Michael Kolman Jr. and affording nearly a full page to illustrate the “Mint Error Kolit Position Gauge,” which error collectors still use today.



"In the silver dollars section Wilson invokes a grand old name of numismatics that most hobbyists today have never heard: “Mr. Norman Shultz of Salt Lake City is the out-standing authority on United States silver dollars. In the interest of true reporting he has generously given his time in compiling the premium values of silver dollars in this book.” Mr. Shultz was a Red Book contributor at the time, as well.



"In the commemoratives section, Wilson’s advice sounds like it was written by Betty Crocker: “Collectors should . . . put all dis-colored coins or Uncirculated coins that have lost their mint bloom, in a solution of half a teaspoon of cream of tartar and half a cup of water, for twenty seconds. Rinse in cold running water, dry and dip in alcohol for a few seconds. This will return the original brilliance to coins.”



"Mintages are separated in the back of the book, which was still the style of the Red Book at the time. (The modern Red Book format of including mintages within the coin listings would come in 1962.) For his mintages, Wilson gets lazy/hazy on the specifics, writing, “No coinage figures are shown for gold coins because, on account of huge meltings of no record, they mean nothing.”"


























HARRY “PARKYAKARKUS” EINSTEIN



American Numismatic Society Librarian David Hill published a Pocket Change article about collector, actor and comedian Harry “Parkyakarkus” Einstein.  Here's an excerpt; see the complete article online.
-Editor






Recently I was leafing through an old Numismatist from the 1940s, looking for something or other, when a name leapt off the page at me: “Parkyakarkus.” It appeared in an advertisement of numismatic wants placed by American Numismatic Association member 7174, who was looking for some rare $5 and $10 gold pieces. I knew this name. It was the moniker used by old-time comedian and character actor Harry Einstein (1904–1958), father of actor and filmmaker Albert Brooks—known for movies like Taxi Driver, Broadcast News, and Drive—and Bob Einstein—remembered for his “Super Dave Osbourne” character and for playing Marty Funkhouser on the show Curb Your Enthusiasm. Could this possibly be the same guy? Well, considering the likelihood of there being two Parkyakarkuses, and given the Beverly Hills address in the advertisement, the answer, inevitably, was yes.






This will come as no surprise to anyone paying attention to the world of US coin collecting in 1986. That year Bowers and Merena auctioned off the Harry Einstein collection, an event covered widely in the numismatic press and also in the New York Times (May 4, 1986)—though in that paper top billing went to an 1804 dollar (the Garrett specimen), which was in the same sale but was unrelated to Einstein.



Harry Einstein started out in radio, basing his loveable Parkyakarkus character on the Greek immigrants he encountered in his father’s antique store in Boston. He was a regular on Eddie Cantor’s show in the 1930s and later appeared in some movies. In the 1940s he got his own radio show on NBC, Meet Me at Parky’s, which only increased his fame. According to the Numismatist (Sept. 1948, p. 618), when the kids in the Los Angeles Junior Coin Club found out Parkyakarkus had sponsored their group, “enthusiasm rose to new heights.”





Einstein was a serious coin collector. Dave Bowers noted in the promotional materials for the sale that his collection had “those two essential ingredients that are so highly desired in numismatics: quality and rarity.” He promised that the catalog would contain “some of the greatest American rarities to cross the auction block in our time.” The collection included nearly complete sets of gold $1 and $3 dollar pieces, a gem proof 1879 $4 Stella, multiple high relief double eagles, and various other prized gold pieces, as well as large and small cents, shield and liberty nickels, and silver and gold commemoratives. It also included the rarities he had been seeking back in 1945: the 1920-S, 1930-S, and 1907 “rolled edge with periods” eagles, and the 1909-O and 1929 half eagles.



Einstein, an ANS member from 1945 to 1949, built his collection with the help of his good friend, Professional Numismatics Guild founder Abe Kosoff. Kossoff remembered Einstein as being “well-read and a keen student of current affairs” and a savvy collector. In his Coin World column (Jan. 13, 1982, p. 40), Kosoff reminisced about the time a dealer confronted Einstein, asking why he didn’t bid in his sale. “I wasn’t sure it was an auction sale,” Einstein told the seller, “because I saw the same coins in one catalog of yours after another.” “Either they were not rare or they were not sold, or both,” he said. “So I didn’t care to bid.”



Parkyakarkus is the kind of name that really sticks in your head. Another unforgettable thing about Einstein is the manner of his death. In 1958 he was performing alongside other show biz giants like Danny Thomas, George Burns, and Dean Martin at a Friar’s Club event honoring television legends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Laughter filled the hall as one comic after another took turns at the microphone. Suddenly, Einstein, who had a history of heart trouble, collapsed, slumping against a horrified Milton Berle, who began screaming for a doctor, his cries only eliciting more guffaws from the audience, who thought the whole thing was a joke. Eventually, they got Einstein backstage, where doctors in attendance scrambled to restart his heart, improvising with whatever was at hand, cutting open his chest with a pocketknife and employing live electrical wires. But it was all in vain. Einstein had died at 54. His collection then went into a bank vault, where it sat for 40 years be
 fore reappearing in the Bowers and Merena sale of 1986.



To read the complete article, see: 


Parkyakarkus

(https://numismatics.org/pocketchange/parkyakarkus/)















CSNS HONORS JOHN DANNREUTHER



Central States has announced its 2023 awards. Here's the press release.
Congratulations to the winners!
-Editor






The Central States Numismatic Society
(www.CSNS.org) presented its annual Q. David Bowers Award this year to prolific
numismatic researcher, acclaimed author, and well-known dealer John Dannreuther.
The prestigious award was presented at the CSNS annual convention in the Chicago
suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois on April 29, 2023.



Born in Mississippi, Dannreuther is President of John Dannreuther Rare Coins
(JDRC) in North Hollywood, California and was a co-founder of the Professional Coin
Grading Service.



Important reference books he authored or co-authored include The Official Guide
to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection; Proof Gold Coinage of the United States;
Early U. S. Gold Coin Varieties, a Study of Die States, 1795-1834; and United States
Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold.






Among the previous honors he has received, Dannreuther was named the 2007
Numismatist of the Year by the American Numismatic Association, and in 2022 he
received the Clemy Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Numismatic Literary
Guild.



“When I proposed the creation of the Q. David Bowers Award in 2019, I thought it
was important that Central States also recognize the contributions made by the
numismatic professionals of our hobby,” explained CSNS President Mitch Ernest. “We
like to think of this as a Lifetime Achievement Award. John Dannreuther epitomizes who
we want our award to recognize and what it stands for.”



Named after prominent dealer and esteemed numismatic author Q. David
Bowers, recipients of the Bowers Award are chosen by the Central States Numismatic
Society Convention Committee led by Convention Manager Larry Shepherd.



Ernst also presented CSNS 2023 Medal of Merit Awards to David Heinrich of
Ohio and Bill Brandimore of Michigan.



For additional information about the Central States Numismatic Society and its
annual conventions visit 

www.CSNS.org.

 













MONEY AND BOOKKEEPING



>From the Delancey Place blog comes this excerpt from  A Brief History of Money: 4,000 Years of Markets, Currencies, Debt, and Crisis by David Orrell.   I was unaware of this title.  Interesting background.  Thanks to Pablo Hoffman for passing this along.
-Editor






The expansion of money was made easier as it became more virtual with the arrival of the concept of negative numbers and double-entry bookkeeping:



"The fall of the Roman Empire saw a drastic reduction in trading activities, markets, and even the size of cities, with the population of Rome declining from as many as a million in the 2nd century AD, to about 30,000 by AD 550. The power vacuum was filled by the Christian and Islamic religious authorities who, instead of stamping out coins to pay soldiers, preferred to hoard precious metals in churches and monasteries, often melting it down as decoration for sacred symbols.






"One result of this transformation -- versions of which occurred also in China and India -- was that money became increasingly virtual. Like the Sumerian shekel, it was an abstract score-keeping device more than something you could weigh in your hand. And once again, the birthplace of this next monetary revolution was in Mesopotamia -- with the difference that this time it was led by Islamic money lenders. As today, Islamic finance did not allow usury, but did permit profit-sharing, or charging a range of fees. The system relied heavily on credit instruments, including the promissory notes known as sakk, or 'cheques'. The fact that such transactions were backed only by a signature meant that in business a person's reputation or credibility (from the Latin credere for believe or trust) was all-important.


 




"As seen in the previous chapter, the invention of money was closely tied to the invention of numbers. It is therefore unsurprising that this developing credit system coincided with the mathematical discovery of negative numbers (a concept which will be familiar to anyone who has overextended their credit card). The first explanation of how to work with both negative numbers, and the number zero was given in the 7th century by the Indian mathematician Brahmagupta, whose book The Opening of the Universe was written entirely in verse. He called positive numbers 'fortunes' and negative numbers 'debts', which made the connection with money clear. Zero was the unique number whose negative is itself (he didn't invent the concept, but he did show how to use it in equations). Translations of his book spread these concepts through the Islamic world, where the number zero was incorporated in the Arabic number system. From there, word spread to Europe through the Moorish conquest of Spa
 in.



"The use of the Arabic number system was popularized by the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci (1170-1250), who learned the Arabic system as a child while growing up in Bugia (now in Algeria). In his 1202 book Liber Abaci (Book of Calculation) he showed how calculations such as division or multiplication were far easier using Arabic numbers than they were with the Roman system. Many of the examples involved financial activities such as money-changing, the calculation of interest, book-keeping, and so on, and the book soon found an audience with merchants.



To read the complete article, see: 


MONEY AND BOOKKEEPING -- 5/3/23

(https://www.delanceyplace.com/view-archives.php?4855)

 













NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: MAY 7, 2023



Jeremy Bostwick at Numismagram forwarded these three medals and a token from his most recent addition of new material at his website. For all of the new additions, please visit 

https://www.numismagram.com/inventory.
-Editor



 




 102405  |  UNITED STATES. Lincoln/Grant/McKinley gilt copper Medal. 
Issued 1900 for the Republican convention (44mm, 25.38 g, 6h). LINCOLN GRANT McKINLEY, jugate busts left of Lincoln, Grant, and McKinley / PHILADELPHIA / NATIONAL / REPUBLICAN / CONVENTION / JUNE 19th 1900 in five lines; scrolled border with each Republican presidential nominee since the party's founding in 1856 (Frémont) through its most recent in 1896 (McKinley); the noted inverted doubling gives an enticing and most unusual ghosting effect. Edge: Plain. King 446. Choice Mint State. Extremely brilliant and vibrant, with evidence of nearly 180º double striking on the reverse. A very rare offering in gilt, and even that much more so in such an elevated state of preservation and with such a dramatic striking error upon the reverse. $865.






The 1900 presidential election saw a re-match of 1896, with the Republican William McKinley pitted against the Democrat William Jennings Bryan. Before the general election, however, was the Republican Party nominating convention, which was held in Philadelphia in June. McKinley, the sitting president, was renominated by acclamation, with New York's governor, Theodore Roosevelt, nominated as his vice president. This medal, celebrating the re-nominated McKinley, features his bust along with two other previous stars of the Republican party—Abraham Lincoln, the party's first winner (and two-time winner, at that) of the presidency, and Ulysses S. Grant, the party's first candidate to serve a full two terms, as Lincoln was assassinated very early in his second term. In a twist of fate, McKinley would also win a second term later in 1900, but, like Lincoln, would also fall to an assassin's bullet early in that second term, being succeeded by Roosevelt.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


102405 | UNITED STATES. Lincoln/Grant/McKinley gilt copper Medal.

(https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102405)


 




 102374  |  GERMANY & EUROPE. The Russian Ambassador receives the Serbian Assassin cast bronze Medal. 
Dated 1914. "Serajewo/Der Funke des Weltbrandes"—on the spark of the global conflagration (57mm, 57.08 g, 12h). By K. Goetz in München. DER RVSS GESANDTE VON HARTWIG EMPFÄNGT SERB MÖRDER, Russian ambassador Hartwig standing left, receiving Serbian assassins and presenting them with a bag of money / DER FVNKE DES WELT-BRANDES, assassin advancing on a road to Sarajevo, holding bomb behind back. Edge: Plain. Kienast 132; Klose 1.1; Art of Devastation p. 81, fig. 5. Choice Mint State. Deep brown surfaces, with a slightly matte nature. An important and scarce issue recounting the events leading up to what would cause the first of the two great world wars. $595.



Starting merely as a local issue between Austrian-dominated Serbia and the Russian Empire (who wished to have greater influence in the Balkans), World War I escalated upon the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian crown prince, Franz Ferdinand, along with his wife Sophie in the streets of Sarajevo in 1914. Conducted by Serbians who were members of the Black Hand, this caused Austria to punish Serbia, with Russia then coming to the aid of Serbia. In turn, Germany's decades-old alliance with Austria brought her into the conflict against Russia, with France and Great Britain (owing to their own alliance with Russia) in against Germany and Austria. Through numerous alliances, this Balkan issue quickly spiraled into the largest conflict then seen by the world.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


102374 | GERMANY & EUROPE. Beginning of WWI cast bronze Medal.

(https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102374)


 




 102431  |  FRANCE. Marseille. Savon "Le Chat" aluminum Advertising Token of "20 Units." 
Issued circa 1925 (42mm, 9.87 g, 10h). SAVON LE CHAT / C FERRIER MARSEILLE, facing head of cat within circular and octagonal border / Ste DU JETON PRIME PARIS 1910-1925 / 20 UNITÉS, diademed bust of Cyrnos left. Edge: Some marks as made, otherwise plain. Mint State. Slate gray surfaces with enchanting brilliance and a slight pullaway nature to the color. A fairly scarce and interesting advertising jeton from post-WWI France. $145.



Ferrier was a soap maker who founded his company in Marseille in 1853, with his "Le Chat" brand being a popular detergent for washing clothes. By the turn of the century, the company started producing smaller bars of soap intended for personal hygiene. In 1909, they added a washing powder to their line of products. The company is still in operation today, popular for its manufacturing of a natural, biodegradable formula for cleaning hands.



This token served as an advertising piece for the company, with the added benefit of being used as a form of money during the economic instability in the middle-war years.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


102431 | FRANCE. Marseille. Savon "Le Chat" aluminum Token of "20 Unités."

(https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102431)


 




 102379  |  GERMANY. Heidelberg. Dog Lovers' Association gilt bronze Award Medal. 
Issued circa 1930 (45mm, 32.79 g, 12h). VEREIN DER HUNDEFREUNDE FÃœR HEIDELBERG UND UMGEGEND E. V. within collar, head of dog right with oak and laurel wreath / EHRENPREIS within garlanded laurel wreath. Edge: Plain. Mint State. Charming yellow surfaces. Includes box of issue. $195.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


102379 | GERMANY. Heidelberg. Dog Lovers' Association gilt bronze Award Medal.

(https://www.numismagram.com/product-page/102379)

 





 







DAVISSONS E-AUCTION 46 HIGHLIGHTS



In an email to clients this week, Marnie Davisson published some highlights of the upcoming Davissons E-Auction 46.
-Editor



 




E-Auction 46 closes in just under two weeks, on May 17th!



It opens with an interesting array of collectible gold (Lots 1-39), then a nice variety of Ancient Greek coinage (Lots 40-74).



A select Roman Provincial group (Lots 75-81) is followed by an interesting offering of beautifully toned Roman Republican denarii (Lots 82-93).



The Roman Imperatorial (Lots 94-99) and Imperial (Lots 100-144) sections include many rare, historic coins with a broad representation of the twelve caesars, then extends into the fourth century and late Empire.





 




Ancient Rome is followed by the Byzantine Empire with an interesting offering of varied denominations.



Heading into the Medieval era, be sure to take note of the exceptional quality sceats of Anglo-Saxon Britain and the Continent from the Zabel Collection (153-180), some nice hammered pennies of early English Kings (181-188), and a high point — the extremely rare and choice Ecgberht (184).


 



 




British Hammered and Milled, British Tokens, US, World, and Large Lots finish out this sale.



For more information, see: 


http://www.davcoin.com/


 





THE BOOK BAZARRE
RENAISSANCE OF AMERICAN COINAGE: Wizard Coin Supply is the official distributor for Roger Burdette's three volume
series that won NLG Book of the Year awards for 2006, 2007 and 2008. Contact us for dealer or distributor pricing at www.WizardCoinSupply.com.








TCNC EXTRAVAGANZA SALE SELECTIONS



Here are some lots that caught my eye in the May 23 Extravaganza sale from The Canadian Numismatic Company.
-Editor



 




1921 50¢ PCGS Superb Gem Mint State-66. The King of Canadian coins. Ex Parrino & Ex Norweb example. Tied with only 1 other example for Finest known! An Absolute supreme example with mild pink and purple like tones over extensive and strong lustre. PCGS has certified only 2 examples of this extremely rare piece in Mint State-66, the population report shows 3 but only 2 pieces remain in PCGS MS-66 holders. A highly attractive and beautiful example to add to the best of collections! The auctioneer believes that it is extremely unlikely that any similar or better example will ever be found this nice or offered for sale, making this an unique opportunity to acquire this amazing Canadian classic rarity. Basically, this could possibly be your unique chance to purchase this elusive treasure. Worth a premium bid. This coin presents an important opportunity for Registry Set collectors. From the Tangen Collection.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


1921 50¢ PCGS Superb Gem Mint State-66. The King of Canadian coins. Ex Parrino & Ex Norweb example. Tied with only 1 other exam

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/418/lot/259)





 




The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1867 $1 CH75-10-02a #39459, Legacy Currency Grading Very Good-10. Minor restorations. Nice eye appeal and good margins on this very early issued note.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1867 $1 CH75-10-02a #39459, Legacy Currency Grading Very Good-10. Minor restorations. Nice eye

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/432/lot/440)


 




The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1917 $5 #B819726 CH-75-16-04-06a, Legacy Currency Grading Gem Uncirculated-65PPQ. This is a bright and pristine issue with great eye appeal.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1917 $5 #B819726 CH-75-16-04-06a, Legacy Currency Grading Gem Uncirculated-65PPQ. This is a br

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/432/lot/445)


 




The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1917 $20 #058087 CH-75-16-04-20, General manager in Lower case italics. Legacy Currency Grading Choice Very Fine-30. Seldom offered in any grades. Very scarce variety. 5 KNOWN EXAMPLES



To read the complete lot description, see: 


The Canadian Bank of Commerce; 1917 $20 #058087 CH-75-16-04-20, General manager in Lower case italics. Legacy Currency Grading

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/432/lot/447)


 




Trade Tokens; Pokemouche N.B., In Goods Store Cards 1 Cent issue. Considered to be quite rare for issue. The fact that these are Tokens printed on a light paper/card type material made them increasingly fragile to the elements and many were destroyed. Surviving pieces are impossible to number however, the presence in any sales or Auctions in the last 10-15 yrs is next to none.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


Trade Tokens; Pokemouche N.B., In Goods Store Cards 1 Cent issue. Considered to be quite rare for issue. The fact that these

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/433/lot/665)


 




LC-16A1, Breton 562 - Molsons Reeded edge, Thick - ICCS EF40, a nice chocolate brown problem free example with very sharp details.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


LC-16A1, Breton 562 - Molsons Reeded edge, Thick - ICCS EF40, a nice chocolate brown problem free example with very sharp detai

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/433/lot/696)


 




MT-7, Breton 568 - 1862 Weir & Larminie Encased 10 Cent Token. A magnificient piece from the unique Canadian series of encased stamp tokens by the famous Weir & Larminie bankers and specie brokers from Montreal. Among the nicest around. CCCS AU-50.



To read the complete lot description, see: 


MT-7, Breton 568 - 1862 Weir & Larminie Encased 10 Cent Token. A magnificient piece from the unique Canadian series of encase

(https://auctions.canadiancoinsandpapermoney.com/auction/217/the-extravaganza-sale-major-sale/session/433/lot/738)

 













NUMISMATIC NUGGETS: MAY 7, 2023



It's been a few weeks since I've had time to compile any of these.  Although many have now been sold, here's a selection of interesting or unusual items I came across in the marketplace in recent weeks.  Tell us what you think of some of these.
-Editor




 Henri IV le Grand Medal 








France - Henri IV le Grand (the Great), with Marie de Medici by Guillaume Dupre. Bronze medal, 1605 (later restrike)



(signed: G. Dupre.F.1605 // G.Dupre.F.).



Obverse: Henric IIII r chris maria augvsta  Busts of Henri, facing slightly right, and Marie, facing right, both in full regalia.



Reverse: PROPAGO IMPERII   Henri facing right to Marie, joining hands with child allegory between them, a dove coming down from the heavens with crown in beak.



Bronze, 100 mm, weight 469 gram,



UNC, Attractive toning.




Beautiful piece.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


France. Henri IV (1589-1610). Medal 1605 (later restrike)

(https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/69843407)









 1807 Half Eagle 








1807 $5 NGC MS64 (Capped, Bust Left)



A supremely desirable type with sleek mint luster and lemon yellow gold coloration. Quite flawless for the grade and the eye appeal is off the charts!




Gorgeous coin!  From the recent David Lawrence Rare Coins sale.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


1807 $5 NGC MS64 (Capped, Bust Left)

(https://www.davidlawrence.com/rare-coin/2483470)



 1861 CSA Montgomery $100 










Military Endorsement "Capt. T(homas) G. Williams Capt & CS" T3 $100 1861 PF-2 Cr. 3 PMG Choice Uncirculated 63.



Bearing serial no. 813, this note was part of a second shipment of 1,000 $50-$100 two subject sheets that was spirited out of New York City, according to some sources, just minutes ahead of federal authorities who were determined to intercept this shipment before it left by sea. On April 25th, federal officers raided the New York plants of both ABNCo and National Bank Note Co. putting a permanent end to further production and shipments of fiscal instruments for the Confederacy by either company (although the New Orleans branch of the ABNCo continued to produce notes into early 1862 under the name of the Southern Bank Note Company). The back has an endorsement that this note was paid out by Capt. T[homas] G. Williams Capt[ain] C[ommissary] S[ubsistence] on May 20, 1861 in Lynchburg, VA. The note is virtually as nice as the day it was issued, with great colors, bright paper, and well printed design elements including vignettes of America at left and a train at a busy station at
  center. While this was a super-rush job, National Bank Note found the time to make subtle modifications to the vignette of America to "de-federalize" its appearance. PMG mentions faint evidence of previous mounting on the back. A worthy addition to any Confederate collection.




A great Confederate note.  From the Heritage May 5 CSNS US Currency sale.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


Military Endorsement "Capt. T(homas) G. Williams Capt & CS" T3 $100 1861 PF-2 Cr. 3 PMG Choice Uncirculated 63.. ...

(https://currency.ha.com/itm/confederate-notes/1861-issues/military-endorsement-capt-t-homas-g-williams-capt-and-cs-t3-100-1861-pf-2-cr-3-pmg-choice-uncirculated-63/a/3592-21006.s)



 1913 Revolutionary "Bolita" Peso 








Chihuahua. Revolutionary "Bolita" Peso 1913 AU58 PCGS, KM610, GB-78. "1 through PESO" variety. An exceedingly scarce and thoroughly iconic Hidalgo del Parral type. This praiseworthy example is encouragingly well-detailed despite its somewhat crude origins. The metallic silver patina, with a few darker notes scattered about, has a wonderful icy sheen resting atop. Just a touch of friction from a short stint in circulation is evident, but despite this, remains among the absolute finest, bested only by four Mint State specimens between both grading services.




>From the Heritage May 7, 2023 Silver Mesa sale.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


Mexico: Chihuahua. Revolutionary "Bolita" Peso 1913 AU58 PCGS,...

(https://coins.ha.com/itm/mexico/chihuahua/mexico-chihuahua-revolutionary-bolita-peso-1913-au58-pcgs-/a/61310-24330.s)



 Salvador Dali Tribe of Simeon Medal 








Salvador Dali Homage to Israel Tribe of Simeon Silver Art Medal. Issued for the 25th Anniversary of the State of Israel. Designed by Salvador Dali. Struck by the Medallic Art Co. Part of a 12 medal set representing all twelve tribes of Israel. Serial number 1981. Approx. Net Weight: 79.2 grams 




Interesting medal from an artist not typically known for medals.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


SALVADOR DALI HOMAGE TO ISRAEL TRIBE OF SIMEON SILVER ART MEDAL

(https://www.bradfordsauction.com/auction-lot/salvador-dali-homage-to-israel-tribe-of-simeon-si_D3B4BAB987)



 George Ohr Token 








George Ohr token Biloxi, MS ceramic 1.25"dia




We discussed  George Ohr's clay rebus tokens back in 2021- see the linked article for more information.
-Editor




To read the complete lot description, see: 


Lot 145: George Ohr token

(https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/George-Ohr-token-145-c-D224C54A2D)



To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


GEORGE OHR'S PROVOCATIVE CLAY TOKENS

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n50a23.html)















ROMAN COIN TREASURE FOUND IN ITALY



Michael Kodysz passed along this story about a coin find in Italy. Thanks.
-Editor



 




Archaeologists in Livorno, Italy, are putting together the pieces of a great mystery that began with a stunning find.



While hiking in a cleared area of a Tuscan forest northeast of Livorno, a member of the Livorno Paleontological Archaeological Group spotted a few glimmering coins in the dirt in November 2021. Upon closer inspection and excavation, researchers determined that the find included 175 silver Roman denarii coins. Nearly all were in good condition, making this one of the few hoards of ancient coins found intact, according to the group.



But the discovery prompted a number of questions: Whose treasure was it? Who were they hiding it from? And why didn’t they come back for it?






The archaeological group, along with the archaeologist official for the provinces of Pisa and Livorno, Dr. Lorella Alderighi, has spent more than a year measuring, weighing and documenting the coins, according to a news release posted on its Facebook page. Now, the researchers think they have some answers.



“This treasure is about a person’s life, the savings of a soldier’s life and his hopes for building his farm,” Alderighi said via email. “However, it also tells a sad story: (T)he owner of the coins died before he could make his dreams come true using his savings. The coins tell his story.”



The hoard will soon be on display in an exhibition at the Museum of Natural History of the Mediterranean in Livorno from May 5 to July 2, Alderighi said.





The owner of the hoard buried it in a terra-cotta pot, which served as a sort of piggy bank. The earliest coins in the stash dated to 157 or 156 BC, and the latest up to 83 or 82 BC, according to the archaeological group’s release.



During that time, 175 denarii would have been a soldier’s salary for about a year and a half, Alderighi said. Now, the treasure has a value of around 20,000 to 25,000 euros, she added.



To read the complete article, see: 


Buried treasure, including nearly 200 Roman coins, found in Italy

(https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/01/world/roman-coins-buried-treasure-italy-scn/index.html)

 













ROMAN COIN FIND IN ROMANIA



Another Roman find turned up in Romania.  Thanks to 
Leon Saryan for passing this along.
-Editor



 




Perhaps in a hurry or perhaps planning ahead, someone buried a treasure trove but never returned. A metal detectorist in Romania just found it 1,700 years later. 



The metal detectorist stumbled upon the buried treasure while searching in Dolj county, according to an April 25 news release from Cosmin Vasile, president of the Dolj County Council. 



The hidden stash contained 1,168 silver coins from ancient Roman times, the release said. Photos show the piles of tarnished, blue-green discs. One cleaned coin, silvery and shiny, gleams against the surrounding pile. The coin has a central figure holding something in each hand and a ring of text around the edge.






The Roman coins like those found in Dolj were commonly used in ancient Dacia, Radu Dumitrescu, an expert with the Oltenia Museum, told the Romanian news outlet Gazeta de Sud. The coins are at least 1,700 years old and were likely buried amid the devastating conflicts in third century Dacia, he said.



Experts will work on determining the value of the coins as they are cleaned. Afterward, the finds will be preserved at the Oltenia Museum, the release said. 



Dolj county is about 150 west of Bucharest and along the Romania-Bulgaria border.



To read the complete article, see: 


Someone buried treasure 1,700 years ago and vanished. Metal detectorist just found it

(https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article274927746.html)

 













VIKING COIN HOARD SELLERS SENTENCED



When I saw a new article from Smithsonian Magazine about coins, I expected to find it was written by a National Numismatic Collection curator.  As it turns out, it was simply written based on articles in The Guardian and elsewhere.  But anyway, here's an update on the case of the men arrested for illegally selling a medieval coin hoard. See the earlier E-Sylum articles for more background.  Thanks to Arthur Shippee for passing along the Guardian article as well.
-Editor






Several years ago, police in England conducted a dramatic sting operation to recover 44 missing ninth-century coins. Now, two men, Roger Pilling and Craig Best, have been sentenced to more than five years in prison for conspiring to sell them.



Two of these coins are particularly unusual: Each depicts both Alfred the Great, the king of Wessex, and Ceolwulf II, the king of Mercia. While Ceolwulf is usually considered a minor historical figure, the coins suggest that his role could have been far more significant.






“The coins literally enable us to rewrite history,” says Gareth Williams, the curator of early medieval coins at the British Museum, per the Guardian’s Mark Brown.



History has long portrayed Alfred the Great as a heroic leader who successfully fought off Viking invasions. In contrast, Ceolwulf has gone down in history as a puppet ruler beholden to the Vikings.



These coins, however, depict both kings, showing “beyond any possible doubt that there was a political and economic alliance,” says Wiliams in a statement from the Durham Constabulary. “Together the two kings carried out a major reform of the coinage, introducing high-quality silver coins, with the ‘two emperors’ design symbolizing this alliance.”



The coins are part of a larger treasure that two metal detectorists uncovered in Herefordshire, England, in 2015. The find qualified as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act, which established protocols for when treasure hunters are required to report their discoveries. 



The men, however, did not report the treasure. In 2019, both were given jail time. “The treasure belongs to the nation,” Judge Nicholas Cartwright said at the sentencing, per Steven Morris of the Guardian. “The benefit to the nation is [that] these items can be seen and admired by others.”



To read the complete articles, see: 


These Ninth-Century Coins Change Our Understanding of Alfred the Great

(https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/coins-alfred-the-great-ninth-century-180982103/)


Two men guilty of conspiring to sell history-changing Anglo-Saxon coins

(https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/27/two-men-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-history-changing-anglo-saxon-coins-illegally)

 

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 


VIKING COIN HOARD SEIZED

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n34a23.html)


ANGLO-SAXON HOARD COIN STING

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n16a23.html)















1854 PENNY SHOT BY ANNIE OAKLEY



Never had one of these in my counterstamp collection.  Bonhams is selling an 1854 Penny shot by Annie Oakley.
-Editor



 






A Rare 'Oakley' 1854 Penny Coin



Annie Oakley's act included the shooting of coins thrown into the air which were then stamped 'OAKLEY' and handed out to members of the audience. For a related half-penny see Christie's London, Fine Modern Sporting Guns and Vintage Firearms including Annie Oakley's Winchester, 24 March 1993, lot 128








Annie Oakley (1860-1926) was born Phoebe Ann Moses in Darke County, Ohio. She was born into a poor family and much of her early life was spent 'shooting for pot'. Her first gun was a Parker 16-gauge supplied with a hundred brass shells. Annie gradually achieved local fame for the cleanness of her kills and she excelled in local turkey shoots, her reputation leading eventually to the match against the man who was destined to be her husband. Frank Butler was one of a number of itinerant sharpshooters who travelled the United States, and the match took place in Ohio in 1881. The bet was $100, a sizeable sum at the time, and Frank was astonished by the appearance against him of a 'little slim girl in short dresses'. Annie won 23 to 21 and a romance developed between the two which was to last a lifetime. They married and Frank Butler became Annie's manager, their early married life being spent as travelling performers. It was at this time, in 1884, that Annie appeared before Sitti
 ng Bull, victor of the Battle of Little Big Horn, who was, in Annie's words, 'about as much taken by my shooting stunts as anyone else ever has been...he raved about me and would not be comforted.' Sitting Bull insisted upon adopting her and he named her 'Little Sure Shot' in tribute to her marvellous shooting abilities.



Her skills took her to performances with the Sells Brothers Circus and finally to the show that won her her greatest acclaim - Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. At the time, a female exhibition shooter must have been a remarkable sight in such a 'rough-and-tumble' world. Annie would open the shows, 'tripping in, waving, bowing and blowing kisses'. Standing out in her feminine but practical clothes, the diminutive Annie would break clays and glass balls in any number of combinations and with any type of firearm. She would fire pistols from each hand, fire rifles lying prone across chairs or held above her head; she shot from every conceivable position in a manner that, reported the Fall River (Mass.) Evening News, 'causes the men to marvel and the women to assume airs of contented superiority.' At one time she shattered a record 4,772 out of 5,000 glass balls and one of her favourite tricks was to fire a rifle backwards over her shoulder whilst sighting in a mirror. She was so go
 od that some thought the glass balls filled with an explosive that would detonate when she fired.



In 1887, the Wild West Show sailed for London and Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Here she opened at Earl's Court, the show generating tremendous public enthusiasm with the English. Special performances were commanded by Prime Minister Gladstone, by Edward, Prince of Wales, and finally by Queen Victoria herself who, asking to meet Annie, called her 'a very, very clever little girl.' She also met Charles Lancaster from whom she ordered the first of a number of guns, including 12 and 20-bores.



Annie was soon known as 'the wonder of both continents...the greatest rifle and wing shot in the world' and in 1899 in the year of the Paris Universal Exposition, she appeared before the French President and assembled grandees. The Show moved on, for a three year tour of Europe, calling at Dresden, Venice, Rome, Vienna, Barcelona and Munich, where Annie saved Prince Luitpold of Bavaria from an enraged bronco called 'Dynamite' knocking him to the ground inches from disaster. A second tour of Europe opened in 1891 during which Annie shot the ashes off a cigarette placed in Crown Prince Wilhelm's (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) mouth, thereby, as some later said, missing her chance to prevent the First World War.



The later years of Annie's life were marked by a true stardom and the peace that comes from the final realization of one's goals in life. She was able to perform as an actress, to build herself a new home in Maryland and to escape some of the rigours of the travelling life; her life, however, was still full of shooting and gentle tuition. She died 3 November 1926, a remarkable and universally loved woman.



To read the complete lot description, see:  


A Rare 'Oakley' 1854 Penny Coin

(https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28726/lot/208/a-rare-oakley-1854-penny-coin/)



To read the complete press release, see:  


Rare Coin Shot by Annie Oakley at Bonhams Arms and Armour Sale in Knightsbridge

(https://www.bonhams.com/press_release/36452/)

 



 




 




CIVIL WAR HISTORY THROUGH COINS



I didn't manage to get this into the last issue, but even though the auction has now ended I wanted to publish this nice set of mini-articles from Fred Holabird about some interesting and significant coins associated with the U.S. Civil War. 
-Editor




 1861-O $20 Liberty Head Gold Piece 
 



Could this be "Confederate Money"?



All of the 1861 coins minted in Charlotte, Dahlonega and New Orleans are of keen and intense interest by Civil War and Confederate collectors.



Louisiana joined the Confederacy on Feb. 4, 1861. Five days earlier, the State had seized the US Mint in New Orleans. 






The story is important and complex (see History of the New Orleans Mint by Doug Winters). Bowers (US Gold Coins, 1982) states that the US Government struck 5,000 pieces before the State seized the Mint, the State struck 9,750 coins, and the Confederacy struck 2,991 coins for the total of 17,741.



Officially, that means 16.7% of the 1861-O $20 gold coins are "Confederate money."



Mint Director Snowden went on the warpath, recommending to Treasury Secretary Samuel P. Chase that the Government remove the 1861-O gold coins from circulation and render them not lawful legal tender. The President and Secretary Chase chose to ignore Kint Director Snowden, and the 1861-O remained legal tender, even though 12,741 coins were struck illegally, which also means they did not have the usual assay checks. A study of the fineness of 1861-O $20 gold coins is thus of great interest.


 




 1865 US $20, SS Republic Treasure 
 



The SS Republic was launched in 1853 as the SS Tennessee.



In 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil War, she was stuck in port at New Orleans. Confederates took control of the ship for use as a blockade runner as the CSS Tennessee. But Union forces, after capturing New Orleans, took the ship and put it to use as the USS Tennessee. During the Battle of Mobile Bay, the Tennessee was used to attack Ft. Morgan.



The ship was damaged in a hurricane in 1864 and pulled out of military service. When it was sold at auction in 1865, it was renamed the SS Republic.



The Republic left New York on October 18, 1865, bound for New Orleans. According to her captain, she was carrying passengers and a cargo of $400,000 in coins, mostly in gold $10 and $20 pieces, intended for use as hard currency after the Civil War. 



Five days in, the ship encountered a hurricane off the coast of Georgia. Leaking in the hull extinguished the fire in the boiler, and the ship stalled, taking on water faster than her crew and passengers could bail her. At 4 pm on October 25, 1865, she sank.



The passengers and crew escaped in four lifeboats and a makeshift raft. Most of the passengers and crew survived, although several were lost on the raft before they could be rescued. All the coins were lost. Until 2003...



In August 2003, the wreck was located by Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. about 100 miles southeast of Savannah, Georgia, in about 1,700 feet of water. A salvage effort recovered about one-third of the rare 19th-century gold and silver coins carried aboard, worth an estimated $75 million!



 1859-O Counterstamped "TN" Seated Liberty Half Dollar 
 



As a counter-stamped coin from the S.S. Republic, the coin bears additional importance. The Republic sank off the coast or Louisiana in October, 1865, carrying coin for both public and private parties, as well as a payroll for soldiers. 



With the Civil War over, New Orleans was beginning to prosper. This coin, dated 1859, may have had a portion of its life originating in Tennessee in 1861.



At the onset of the Civil War, Tennessee was approximately 70% Unionist. But after the attack at Fort Sumpter, the political tide changed, such that when the state voted on secession in July, the secessionists barely won the vote, and Tennessee became the last state to enter the Confederacy. The state had loud political factions, and this coin emphasizes that fact, as a Tennessee loyalist clearly stamped TN, 1861 on this coin during these difficult first six months of 1861. This is a unique and fascinating coin!

 













UNITED STATES TRADE DOLLARS



A Greysheet article by  Michael Garofalo provides a great summary of the birth, life, and death of the U.S. Trade Dollars, illustrated with some great examples of the coin and patterns for it.  Here's an excerpt - see the complete article online for more, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one of my favorite numismatic books, The United States Trade Dollar by John Willem.
-Editor



 

 1872 Amazonian Pattern Dollar 



One of the most important developments to come out of the Coinage Act of 1873 was the creation of a United States Trade Dollar silver coin. John Jay Knox, who was the Deputy Comptroller of the Currency, had proposed the idea of a new silver coin for use in Asia. He held discussions with Louis Garnett, who had been both the San Francisco Mint’s Assayer and Treasurer. Garnett did not actually want a new legal tender silver coin. What he originally suggested was a disk made of silver or a stamped silver ingot, at a uniform weight and fineness. He wanted to call it a “silver union,” as opposed to it becoming yet another silver coin. These disks or ingots would be standardized and without any change or modification. The idea was to initially compete with the Mexican 8 Reales silver coin, which was the current preferred coin by Chinese merchants, and to later supplant it as the preferred medium of exchange in China and Japan.






Chinese and Asian merchants had, for decades, accepted the Mexican 8 Reales coin as the coin of choice. These merchants despised any changes to the design or weight and fineness, as they wouldn’t be certain that the change was authorized by the Mexican government or if they were looking at a counterfeit copy. But due to the new reign of Emperor Maximilian, a portrait of the new Emperor was now added and the 8 Reales coin was modified from the old design. These Asian merchants now were rejecting the Mexican 8 Reales silver coins all across the Orient. This provided a great opportunity for a new coin to become the primary coin to circulate in Asia.



During 1872 the U.S. Mint, under the direction of Chief Engraver William Barber, struck numerous pattern coins in anticipation of passage of this coinage bill and the need for a commercial dollar or trade dollar coin. Prior to the legislation being signed into law, the denomination was changed from “Commercial Dollar” to “Trade Dollar”


 

 1872 Commercial Dollar pattern 



Bailey, Banks, and Biddle, the jewelers and silversmiths headquartered in Philadelphia at that time were also asked to create some possible designs as well. But the Mint and the Secretary of the Treasury preferred the designs that Barber had created.



The Coinage Act of 1873 became law on February 12, 1873 but it was not until July of that year that the actual striking of a Trade Dollar coin commenced. Coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Carson City and San Francisco mints during that inaugural year.



The Mint kept the number of strikings low, in order to determine how well received these coins would be in China. When the first shipment of this new coin arrived in China, official tests and complete assays were conducted by the Chinese government. The results were that this new coin was exactly as described and the Chinese Government issued an official proclamation that the coin is “legal tender.”



In 1877, the American consul in Hong Kong provided a report to our Secretary of the Treasury on the reception for the U.S. Trade Dollar. The two leading banks that traded with foreign countries—the Oriental Bank and the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation stated:


“The United States Trade Dollar has been well-received in China and eagerly welcomed in these parts of the country when the true value of the coin is known. It is a legal tender at the ports of Foochow and Canton in China, and also at Saigon and Singapore. Although not legally current in this colony, it is anxiously sought after by the Chinese, and in the bazaars, it is seldom to be purchased.



If proof of the estimation in which the Trade Dollar is held in the south of China, we need only state that the bulk of the direct exchange business between San Francisco and Hong-Kong (which is very considerable) is done in this coin, the natives preferring it to the Mexican dollar!”





Mintages grew and more and more coins were being exported to Asia. But by 1874, some Trade Dollars began appearing in American commerce. By 1875, due to the value differences between the United States and China, a number of Trade Dollars were re-imported back to the United States.



Enterprising individuals would buy them at the actual silver value which was now under face value. Unscrupulous employers would buy them at under face and pay some of their employees with one or more Trade Dollars in their pay envelopes.



The experiment worked well as long as these coins were exported, and the price of silver remained stable. As more coins came back to the United States, the value dropped further. Some businesses accepted Trade Dollars so as not to offend their good customers, but they found that they could not deposit these coins at face value in their banks. The Mint stopped producing Trade Dollars for exportation to Asia by 1879 and thereafter only Proof Trade Dollars were struck for collectors.



It wasn’t until the Coinage Act of 1965, which restricted the use of .900 fine silver in American dimes, quarters and half dollars that Trade Dollars were again monetized as legal tender silver coins.



To read the complete article, see: 


United States Trade Dollars: Born of Need, Died from Greed

(https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/united-states-trade-dollars-born-of-need-died-from-greed)

 













AMERICAN WOMEN QUARTER HONOREE EDITH KANAKAʻOLE



You can often count on local publications to provide additional color relating to national coins, their designers and subjects.  This piece from Hawaii discusses the colorful Edith Kanakaʻole.
-Editor






The life and legacy of the late cultural icon Edith Ke’kuhikuhiipu’uoneonaali’iokohala Kenao Kanakaʻole was celebrated Saturday on the Big Island with a mural, a U.S. quarter and lots of shared memories of dancing, culture, relationships and connections.



The celebration was held at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, where the Honomū native, known lovingly as Aunty Edith, taught from 1974 to 1979. She created courses and seminars on Hawaiian language, ethnobotany, Polynesian history geneology and Hawaiian chant and mythology.



Kanakaʻole died nearly 44 years ago, at age 65 on Oct. 3, 1979, but she is still beloved for bringing Hawaiian culture, not only as an educator but also as a kumu hula and composer, to the masses.






Now, Kanakaʻole also will be forever part of U.S. history with her very own coin created by the United States Mint, which designs and issues five quarters per year to honor American women whose achievements, triumphs and legacies reflect the strength and resilience of the nation. 


 




The coin shows Aunty Edith with her hair and lei poʻo (head lei) morphing into the elements of a Hawaiian landscape, symbolizing her life’s work of preserving the natural land and traditional Hawaiian culture. The commemorative quarter also bears an inscription in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, “e hō mai ka ʻike” or “granting the wisdom.” The phrase comes from a well-known oli (chant) Kanakaʻole composed that asks for knowledge to be bestowed upon the chanter. 



At the celebration, there was a welcoming oli and speeches from representatives from the local and state government, as well as the university, and hoʻokupu, or gifts or offerings. 



There also was the unveiling of a large mural of Aunty Edith that was created by artist Kamea Hadar. He collaborated the design with Kūhaʻo Zane, Kanakaʻoleʻs grandson and creative director at Sig Zane Designs. The mural is on the Hall named after Edith Kanakaʻole at UH Hilo.



Following the presentations, a large crowd of attendees walked around the Edith Kanakaʻole Hall to see several displays in surrounding classrooms with people talking stories, sharing culture and memories, dancing, music and food. There were rooms where Edith’s voice and videos were looped.



Also in attendance were local fans, such as Steven Stein, a local coin collector and part of the Big Island Coin Club that has been in existence for 50 years. He said it was “wonderful news” to hear Aunty Edith was chosen to be on the coin. 



“It’s about time,” he said. “She’s an instrumental person of Hawaiian descent.”



To read the complete article, see: 


Aunty Edith’s life celebrated with mural, U.S. quarter and shared stories at UH Hilo

(https://bigislandnow.com/2023/05/07/aunty-ediths-life-celebrated-with-mural-u-s-quarter-and-shared-stories-at-uh-hilo/)

 





 







KING CHARLES III CORONATION COINS



David Pickup passed along this Royal Mint web page with information about the makers of the coins commemorating the coronation of King Charles III.  Thank you!
-Editor



 




On 6 May 2023, the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey. In honour of this significant celebration, we are delighted to announce that we will be releasing a coronation coin collection that bears The King’s first official crowned coinage portrait. Featuring curated historic sets and beautifully crafted coins available across a number of denominations, including a UK 50p coin, £5 coin, The Sovereign, and a limited number of fine gold and silver coins struck in a variety of sizes, the collection features one of three exclusive reverse designs.





 




The designer behind the reverse of the UK 50p coin in the collection is Natasha Jenkins, a product designer at The Royal Mint.



Natasha Jenkins has worked for The Royal Mint for nearly seven years, and this is the third time The Royal Mint Advisory Committee has selected one of her designs for use on a UK coin. Her other designs chosen for inclusion appear on the Remembrance Day 2020 £5 coin and Commonwealth Games 2022 UK 50p coin.





“When my manager, Lee R. Jones, gave me a call to say that I had won the 50p design for the coronation, I was very shocked – I really couldn’t believe it! When I enter any competitions for The Royal Mint, I never actually think I will win. I’m always extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to take part! I was just as shocked this time round as I was when I first won a competition in 2020.”



“It’s an honour to have a coin that represents such an iconic time in our British history. In the future I will be able to look back and show my children this coin that I designed for King Charles III’s coronation and feel proud.”



To read the complete article, see:  


Meet the Maker: Natasha Jenkins

(https://www.royalmint.com/shop/monarch/charles-iii/coronation/meet-the-maker-natasha-jenkins/)


 




A heraldic designer who has a prolific portfolio when it comes to creating designs for coins and medals, Timothy Noad has designed the reverse of the £5 ‘crown’ in the collection. No stranger to creating celebratory, royal designs, his designs were previously selected for medals commemorating Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, as well as three designs, in 2002, 2005 and 2022, for rare changes to the reverse of The Sovereign.





“Royal commissions are always special, this one in particular because it relates to the new king and his coronation, perhaps the most important occasion of all. Royal symbols appear on a lot of British coins, so it is always an exciting challenge to find new ways of representing them.”



“I was delighted and very honoured to be chosen. I know how important crown coins celebrating royal occasions are for all kinds of collectors. For most of us, this will be the first coronation we will ever see. As I created many designs for coins and medals during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, it is thrilling to have my design used for this highly significant occasion in the reign of the new King Charles III.



“I remember being given a Silver Jubilee Crown when I was at primary school in 1977 and this led to an interest in collecting coins, including The Queen’s Coronation Crown coin of 1953. I had no idea that I would be creating the next one!”



“I have worked as a heraldic artist at HM College of Arms for 36 years so often portray royal symbols and regalia in my work. Personally, I am fascinated by royal history and pageantry. There is also a local connection. The goldsmith who made the Crown Jewels for Charles II was Sir Robert Vyner, who lived here in Ickenham on the edge of London, where I have also lived for my whole life.”



To read the complete article, see:  


Meet the Maker: Timothy Noad

(https://www.royalmint.com/shop/monarch/charles-iii/coronation/meet-the-maker-timothy-noad/)


 




“As with all such projects that involve the members of the Royal Family, I look forward to my work being seen and appreciated at the highest levels of society.”





“I felt a degree of satisfaction and pride, mixed with a certain amount of trepidation in that it was a very detailed design that would require a good deal of very careful work in the modelling stage.



“As is the case with many of the coins that I have designed for royal occasions, I looked to the past for my inspiration. In this instance, I looked at the style of decoration prevalent during the reign of Charles I.”



“Thankfully, over the years, I have amassed a quite large library of books that feature heraldry and decorative design through the ages. I have also worked in the antique trade as a restorer for many years, so I have a fairly wide knowledge of the subject.”



“The process I use during the design stage is in itself one of iteration. I begin by sketching out my initial design on tracing paper, then by a process of overlaying more sheets of tracing I can manipulate and rearrange the content until I am satisfied with the finished result. At this point I transfer the finished image to card for presentation.”



To read the complete article, see:  


Meet the Maker: John Bergdahl

(https://www.royalmint.com/shop/monarch/charles-iii/coronation/meet-the-maker-john-bergdahl/)


 




The tradition of producing coronation medals has been in place for centuries. Historically, gold, silver and bronze medals have been struck to commemorate the coronation of a monarch’s coronation, which are then given to members of the Royal Family as well as selected members of the household, members of state and public servants.



To commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, we have struck a coronation medal that is exclusively available to purchase from The Royal Mint Experience. Edwina Ellis, who has designed several coins for The Royal Mint over the years, including a set of four Bridge £1 coins, created the winning design for the medal.



“I think a good part of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth feel connected to the monarchy, as it did not change for most of their lifetimes. Although any connections felt towards royalty are one-sided for most of us, perhaps they are real enough? I’m older than King Charles III and, just like him, I am still working. I remember when the last king died, my mother explained to me why the Australian Broadcasting Corporation were playing solemn music all day. I feel quite connected to this subject matter!”



“I tried to think of as many different aspects of the coronation as I could, but I kept coming back to the royal regalia. It bristles with symbolism, history and meaning, and St Edward’s Crown is its centrepiece.”



“I started with a visit to Westminster Abbey, photographing and drawing for inspiration. I then pored over books on the regalia. Looking back at the last coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II in film, stills and the order of service was revelatory, too. But anything, however moot, must be graphic, fit the space, and tell a story – or it’s out.”



“I found the St Edward’s Crown to be the most compelling object to represent the coronation of King Charles III. It is only ever used for the actual act of the coronation and is never touched by anyone who isn’t the reigning monarch, the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Crown Jeweller.”



“Discovering that Westminster Abbey also bristles with symbolism, history and meaning, and its façade offset the crown’s symmetry was a tricky part of the design to get right. The fan vaulted interior, the choir screen and the coronation chair all fell by the wayside through the process, so that the St Edward’s Crown could be the focus of the final design.”



“The main challenge was getting the St Edward’s Crown to work just right with the setting. Fitting and juxtaposing the crown and the location of Westminster Abbey was a long journey that I hope is hidden. A good finished design has to look a little spontaneous: nobody needs to know how long I wrestled with specific details!”


 





Strangely, the article failed to include an image of the medal. Luckily, David found an image on the Royal Mint's Twitter feed.
-Editor




To read the complete articles, see: 


Meet the Maker: Edwina Elli

(https://www.royalmint.com/shop/monarch/charles-iii/coronation/meet-the-maker-edwina-ellis/)

https://twitter.com/RoyalMintUK/status/1649397578419535872



 




David adds:


"The portrait is similar to some of the Commonwealth coins of George VI."





To read the overall article, see: 


The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III UK Coin Collection

(https://www.royalmint.com/shop/monarch/charles-iii/coronation/register/)

 


David also sent this information about a Charles II coronation medal.  Thanks.
-Editor




Catch! A coronation medallion fit for a king.



At the coronation following the Restoration commemorative medallions were distributed to the congregation. The diarist Samuel Pepys recorded that “medals [were] flung up and down by my Lord Cornwallis of silver, but [Pepys] could not get any. Another witness, Elias Ashmole, noted medals, “flung abroad… medals both of silver and gold… as a princely Donation or Largesse…”  


 






Bust of Charles II  crowned in royal ermine robes, wearing collar and George of the Garter. On the obverse Charles II in royal robes, holding the sceptre, is seated on a throne; Peace, hovering over him, places the crown upon his head.  The inscription reads 
EVERSO . MISSVS . SVCCVRRERE . SECLO . XXIII . APR . 1661. 
Inscription translation: Sent to support a fallen age, 23 April, 1661.



Illustration by kind permission of Charles Riley, Coins & Medals 


www.charlesriley.co.uk
















TAIWAN SELLS SPECIAL SERIAL NUMBERS



We've reported on this trend before, and I can't understand why the U.S. hasn't climbed on the bandwagon to cash in on people's taste for special serial numbers.
-Editor



 




Bank of Taiwan is to auction banknotes with “special” serial numbers starting on May 18, the central bank said on Thursday.



People tend to favor banknotes with certain serial numbers, particularly those with numbers that are homophones of Mandarin words related to prosperity or wealth. Some people are willing to pay large sums for them, as has been seen at 21 similar auctions held by the central bank over the past 10 years.






Among the most coveted notes are those with serial numbers containing one or more eights, such as “888” or “168,” because the number eight is a homophone for “prosperity” in Mandarin, while one and six, when individually enunciated, mean “all the way.”



Serial numbers featuring consecutive numbers, such as 123456, are also considered collectibles.



A total of 4,395 banknotes with 121 sets of numbers are to be auctioned, each with two English letters at the beginning and end.



The central bank said that the state-owned Bank of Taiwan, the country’s largest lender, is to conduct the auction online starting at 10am on May 18 and conclude at 10am on May 23.



The central bank said the auctions had made NT$69.56 million (US$2.3 million) for the government since the first auction in October 2012.



To read the complete article, see: 


Bank to auction ‘special’ banknotes

(https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/07/2003799322)

 














REVERSE ATMS ARE COMING FOR OUR CASH



In the I'm-not-dead-yet-but-on-my-way department, reverse ATMs are becoming a thing.  Like a CoinStar machine for folding money, these babies accept cash and spit out a prepaid card.
-Editor






Traditionally, ATMs spit out cash to bank customers who insert their debit or credit card. But in a twist, a reverse concept — receiving a prepaid card from an ATM in exchange for cash — is rapidly growing in popularity.



Cash has been in decline for a while. In 2019, currency was used in 26% of consumer payments, a sharp decline from 40% in 2012, according to the Atlanta Fed. And the COVID-19 pandemic further encouraged a nationwide push away from physical currency, in part because of sanitary concerns and convenience.






The shift is fodder for the rise of the reverse ATM.



Jim Mohs, associate professor at the University of New Haven, told the Washington Examiner that the growth in popularity for this new breed of ATMs is relatively fresh. Still, he noted that despite only first learning about their existence recently, he has seen two of them while out and about in Connecticut over the past month or so. One was at a retail location, and the other was in a restaurant.



“Quite frankly, it’s a new phenomenon. Usually, the banks have the ATMs, you’re taking out of your account, or you’re taking money as an advance on a credit card or something, or you’re depositing checks, or you’re doing whatever your normal banking activities are,” Mohs said. But the reverse is now becoming a reality at retail stores and restaurants across the country.



With these new ATMs, users deposit the cash they have on them, which is then placed on plastic cards that they receive and can be used to spend. The idea comes as cash-only stores and merchants are quickly becoming replaced with cashless and card-only locales.



Reverse ATMs might be costly to purchase and maintain for businesses and venues such as hotels, casinos, amusement parks, and sports stadiums, where they are growing in popularity. Yet an increasing number of businesses are starting to see that the benefits outweigh the negatives, such as user fees at some of the machines.



Naushervan Beg, a partner and business development executive at Wavetec, which sells reverse ATMs, told Axios that reverse ATMs are becoming a competitive business space.



“Cash carries a lot of friction, right?” Beg said. “Many venues are willing to pay for the machines because, for them, the bigger pain point is taking the cash.”




Has anyone seen one of these in the wild?  They've apparently been around for a while. The image above comes from a 2020 article. 



These disposable money cards could be a partial solution to the problem of anonymity with credit and debit cards, which are directly tied to an individual.  I could take cash from my bank's ATM, put it in a reverse ATM and buy my burritos anonymously.  Of course, someday bank ATMs could dispense anonymized prepaid cards too.  But while tracing transactions would be much harder, with subpoenas law enforcement probably could still track you down to inquire about your purchase of plastic sheeting, a gun, a shovel, a Sawzall and three bags of lime.  But as a selling point to anonymity-craving customers, banks could go the way of Apple and other tech firms that use nearly unbreakable encryption that they don't keep a key for, requiring the resources of a nation-state to crack.



Found via News & Notes from the Society of Paper Money Collectors (Volume VIII, Number 46, May 2, 2023).  Thanks!



In another example of the disappearance of cash, here's what happened when I tried to pay cash at a local fast food restaurant at lunch Saturday.  My tab was $10.34.  I offered to add four cents to my $20 "if that's not too confusing."  The young cashier said she could handle it, but after handing her the bill and coins she then looked puzzled, handed back the coins and rang up the sale.  But apparently she entered the bill as a $10, then entered another $10. So far so good.  The cash register correctly computed my change - $9.66.  But she was still puzzled and brought over her manager, an older woman I figured would just tell her to "give the man $9.66."  But no - they talked it over and then handed me a $10 and a quarter ($10.25).  I just thanked them and walked away. I'd had enough.



Now, I'm no Luddite and do use credit and debit cards frequently.  And while I wouldn't mind just paying thru the store's app, I was turned off by a bad experience at my local 7-11.  One morning they rang up my purchases wrong, and after much back and forth and button pressing and machine beeping, they got the total right. But what I didn't realize at first was that they hadn't successfully cancelled the original wrong sale - they just added a new charge on top, basically picking my pocket for several dollars.  It took weeks to straighten that out and get my money back.  So I still use the app to get rewards, but I pay with cash so I know what I'm handing over.
-Editor




To read the complete articles, see: 


It's not easy being green: Reverse ATMs are on the rise amid declining cash use

(https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/economy/reverse-atms-rise-declining-cash-use)


Infection Fears Could Give a Boost to a ‘Reverse ATM’ That Takes in Cash, Dispenses Cards

(https://www.digitaltransactions.net/infection-fears-could-give-a-boost-to-a-reverse-atm-that-takes-in-cash-dispenses-cards/)






LOOSE CHANGE: MAY 7, 2023



Here are some additional items in the media this week that may be of interest.
-Editor



 Charles III on Canadian Coins 


After much speculation, Canada has announced that King Charles III will appear on Canadian banknotes and coins.
-Editor




Canada's $20 banknote and coins will be getting a new look featuring King Charles III, the federal government announced amid celebrations marking the King’s coronation.



Following the historic coronation on Saturday, the Bank of Canada said its next design process will replace Queen Elizabeth II's portrait with King Charles' on the $20 bill. Additionally, the Royal Canadian Mint will redesign Canadian coins to feature an effigy of the King, keeping up with the century-old tradition of having the reigning monarch appear on Canadian coins.



No details were given regarding when the redesign process would take place, but the federal government says Canadians should expect to see the design of the new coin effigy “in the coming months.” Meanwhile, updates to the $20 bill will likely “take a few years.”



To read the complete article, see: 


King Charles III will be the new face of Canada’s $20 bill, coins

(https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/king-charles-iii-will-be-the-new-face-of-canada-s-20-bill-coins-1.6388071)









 Sunday Times Article on Richard Beale


The Sunday Times has an article about Richard Beale and the gold Eid Mar aureus recently repatriated to Greece.
-Editor







The Sandhurst graduate, one of the world’s rarest coins, and a £3m ‘fraud’
A detectorist and former soldier who made £10m from setting up his own auction house is accused of falsely selling a coin from 44BC.



Richard Beale’s company sold the Eid Mar coin for a record-breaking £3.24 million and the Sicily Naxos silver coin for £240,000 at the same auction in October 2020.




On a bleak, windy morning in December 2006, Sandhurst graduates prepared to formally completed their military training. Among the new officers who passed out was a quiet, scholarly young man called Richard Beale who spent his time off searching for treasure with a metal detector.



Almost 20 years later, Beale, 38, is the owner of one of the world’s foremost auction houses for rare and collectable coins, with net assets of more than £10 million. He is also due in New York criminal court tomorrow accused of the fraudulent sale of one of the world’s “rarest and most valuable ancient coins”.



To read the complete article (subscription required), see: 


The Sandhurst graduate, one of the word's rarest coins, and a £3m 'fraud'

(https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-sandhurst-graduate-one-of-the-worlds-rarest-coins-and-a-3m-fraud-2sj76kw22)



To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see: 


RICHARD BEALE OF ROMA NUMISMATICS ARRESTED

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n11a16.html)


IAPN STATEMENT ON FALSE PROVENANCES

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n12a13.html)


IDES OF MARCH COIN RETURNED TO GREECE

(https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n13a27.html)


 Apple AirTags Foil Armored Car Robbery 


In the heist-movies-will-never-be-the-same department, here's the story of a quickly-solved Brink's robbery, passed along by Paul Horner.
-Editor




Two men got away with more than $1 million Tuesday morning from a Brink’s truck parked outside a Homewood grocery store, authorities said.



What they didn’t know was a location tracking device was inside bundles of cash, which led police right to them, federal authorities said.



Devonte Davis and Darrell Singleton, who were both charged with armed robbery, appeared before a magistrate judge in federal court Wednesday, where they were held pending detention hearings next week, federal authorities said.



The armed robbery happened on the 3100 block of West 183rd Street in Homewood about 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, authorities said. The two suspects allegedly attacked a guard and lugged several containers filled with about $1.1 million from the armored truck, according to the federal complaint.



One of the plastic bins they took had an Apple AirTag location tracking device capable of “live transmitting” its location and about an hour later police tracked them to the 12400 block of South Justine Street in Calumet Park, authorities said. Officers found “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” the tracking device, two guns, several Brink’s items, including a deposit slip, and clothing matching the description of what the suspects were wearing, according to the complaint.



To read the complete article, see: 


Tracking device leads feds to two suspects in heist of more than $1 million from Brink’s truck

(https://www.yahoo.com/news/tracking-device-leads-feds-two-194500790.html)


 California Gold Rush 2.0


Here's another article on the new California gold rush.
-Editor






In the aftermath of an unusually wet winter, Californians are bracing not only for flooded fields and raging rapids, but also for a potential treasure hunt that experts are dubbing “Gold Rush 2.0.” 



“It’s one of those 100-years events,” Mark Dayton, a Sacramento Valley metal detector expert, told The Hill. 



With one atmospheric river after another this past winter, snowpack on the Golden State’s mountain peaks piled up to unprecedented heights. But as that snow gushes down the hillsides, the fast and furious flow is shuttling other materials along with it.   



“What happens is the material is being ripped literally right off the walls of the creeks as they reshape themselves,” he added. 



By “material,” Dayton means gold. And he said he anticipates a lot of it this year 



To read the complete article, see: 


California readies for treasure hunt as floods wash up ‘Gold Rush 2.0’

(https://thehill.com/policy/equilibrium-sustainability/3990790-california-readies-for-treasure-hunt-as-floods-wash-up-gold-rush-2-0/)



 Remembering the Old Man of the Mountain 


Waaaaay back in 2003 we reported on the demise of the famous rock formation featured on the 2000 New Hampshire state quarter.
-Editor



 








America has lost an old, old friend.   New Hampshire's
  "Old Man of the Mountain" went to meet his maker this
  week.  The natural rock formation, long a symbol of the
  state, was featured on the New Hampshire state quarter
  in 2000.   From today's Portsmouth Herald:



  "The venerable granite symbol of New Hampshire slid
  unseen down a mountain and into the past sometime
  Friday or early Saturday morning."






This New York Times article shows that the "granite icon that symbolized the state’s grit has not faded from memory."
-Editor




In the annals of natural rock formations resembling human faces, New Hampshire’s Old Man of the Mountain was an unrivaled specimen.



Viewed from exactly the right spot on the ground below, the massive stack of granite ledges coalesced into the spitting image of a wizened man’s profile, from sloped forehead to jutting chin, an unlikely bit of magic treasured by generations of New Englanders.



And yet. Beloved as he was, the Old Man, may he rest in peace, was a pile of rocks — until the wee hours of May 3, 2003, when the five slabs unceremoniously collapsed, victims of the same slow-moving geologic forces that had sculpted the human likeness in the first place. So why, 20 years later, is the stone face still mourned in New Hampshire like a fallen president, the subject of songs and poems, a Statehouse proclamation and a virtual remembrance event that drew hundreds of viewers on Wednesday?



“It’s a very predictable question, and one we are still struggling to answer,” said Brian Fowler, a geologist who helps run the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, created after the collapse to nurture the memory of the lost tourist attraction. “I think it was a timeless and very reassuring kind of symbol, and people thought it was never going to fall.”


 

The Old Man of the Mountain in 1958



To read the complete article, see: 


Why the Fuss Over a Rock Formation That Fell? Don’t Tell New Hampshire That.

(https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/05/us/nh-old-man-mountain-rocks-collapse.html)






BEDFORDSHIRE COLLECTOR'S FAMILY UNCOVERS COINS



Hidden treasure finds often make their way into the media.  Here's the story of a Bedfordshire, England family that's been finding coins stashed all over a dead collector's house.
-Editor



 




The family of an interested coin collector was stunned to discover more than 1,000 valuable coins hidden around the house after his death.



The secret collection is made up of over 1000 pieces of history and is expected to fetch close to £18,000 at auction.








The businessman from Luton, Bedfordshire has spent 50 years amassing a rare collection, but his family has no idea how many collections he has hidden.



His routine packing quickly turns into a treasure hunt for his widow and daughter when they discover coins in shoeboxes, dressers and desk drawers. 



The collection includes a £1902 Edward VII gold coin worth £700, a half crown of William IV 1834 worth £120 and a crown of George III 1819 worth £160. The William III tiara is worth £150.



“I found most of the coins a few months ago but in the weeks that followed, I found more,” said the widow, who asked not to be named.



“I keep finding more every time I clean out another part of the house.



“They are in drawers and cabinets or wrapped in other things. Most of them are in the closet but I found many other things locked in my husband’s old desk.



“I didn’t know he had that many and to be honest, I think he forgot about some of them.



To read the complete articles, see: 


We discovered secret collection of 1,000 rare coins in our house – now we’re selling them for almost £18k

(https://ustimespost.com/we-discovered-secret-collection-of-1000-rare-coins-in-our-house-now-were-selling-them-for-almost-18k/)


COINING IT IN We discovered secret collection of 1,000 rare coins in our house – now we’re selling them for almost £18k

(https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/22264549/secret-collection-of-1000-rare-coins/)









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