The California Numismatist

Numismatic Fall 2015 California State
Association of V. 12, No. 3 Numismatic

Southern California $9.95 Association
Paranormal
Money,
page 18...
The
California
Numismatist
The California Numismatist
Official Publication of the
California State Numismatic Association
and the
Numismatic Association of Southern California
Fall 2015, Volume 12, Number 3
About the Cover The California Numismatist Staff

John Duff shares his and wife Editor Greg Burns
Ruth’s fascination with paranormal P.O. Box 1181
money with us in his article starting on Claremont, CA 91711
[email protected]
page 18. Read up on dragons, witches,
angels, vampires, and other creatures Club Virginia Bourke
of the night, all populating the hobby Reports 10601 Vista Camino
we share. My advice, though? Perhaps South Lakeside, CA 92040
you don’t want to read this too late at [email protected]
night (bwahahahaha)...
Club Sally Johnson
Reports PO Box 10416
North San Jose, CA 95157-1416
[email protected]
Advertising Roy Iwata

c/o CSNA
P.O. Box 2449
Seal Beach, CA 90740-1449
[email protected]
Visit Us on the Web
The California Numismatist has a Web
site at www.CalNumismatist.com. You can
find the official scoop there in between
issues. Also, both CSNA and NASC main-
tain their own Web sites at:
www.Calcoin.org
www.NASC.net
2 The California Numismatist • Fall 2015
Contents
Articles
Collecting 1804 Dollars
Charlie Catlett ............................................................................................... 10
Another Numismatic Fascination Discovered
Bill Febuary ................................................................................................... 14
Paranormal Paper Money and Coins
John Duff........................................................................................................ 18
So What Does “Rare” Really Mean?
Mark Benvenuto ............................................................................................. 26
Great Seal Spawns Numismatics Designs, National Pride
Jim Wells ........................................................................................................ 30
Columns
Presidents’ Messages Phil Iversen and Howard Feltham ................................................ 4
Editor’s Page Greg Burns ................................................................................................ 6
California Token Spotlight Merle Avila ......................................................................... 38
It Makes Cents Dr. Sol Taylor ........................................................................................ 40
Numismatic Luminary Jim Hunt ................................................................................... 42
The Emerging Hobbyist Michael S. Turrini................................................................... 44
ANA Report Jim Hunt ................................................................................................... 52
Association Reports
Corresponding Secretaries’ Reports ................................................................................. 8
Association News Items and Events (starting on page) ................................................. 46
GSCS Report.................................................................................................................. 46
CSNA Educational Symposium Report ......................................................................... 49
Goings On ...................................................................................................................... 56
Around the State ............................................................................................................ 62
Everything Else
CSNA Membership Application .................................................................................... 41
We Get Letters ............................................................................................................... 60
Directory of Member Clubs ........................................................................................... 70
NASC Membership Application ................................................................................... 73
Calendar of Events ......................................................................................................... 74
Advertisers Index ........................................................................................................... 75
Officers, Boards, and Chairs .......................................................................................... 76
Writing for The California Numismatist ........................................................................ 78
Numismatic Nostalgia.................................................................................................... 79
The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 3

Presidents’ Messages
NASC...
Well, NASC’s GSCS is over and

now in the record book. Great sum-
mer weather prevailed again as in past
years and there were some great bar-
gains available, too, if you kept a keen
eagle eye out in looking around.
This year we had more dealers
which made the room much fuller. We
also had for the first time a supply and
book dealer who was very busy selling
to the many people who were looking
for a specific item.
The exhibits were moved into the
bourse room so that more people had
a chance to see them than in previous
years and to vote for their favorite. I
hope that this will be expanded next
year and more people willing to share
their collecting topics with others; it’s always nice to see different items you may
not have known about, plus getting some tips how to improve the exhibits for
the ANA show next summer in Los Angeles.
With a bigger push with our advertising this year we were able to see a lot of
new faces that we have not seen in the past and hope that they will continue to
attend and possibly become members too.
The awards banquet on Saturday was well attended and this is always a hoot
with delicious food to please everyone. We presented awards to exhibitors, club
bulletin editors, and also recognized members of 25 and 50 years, in addition to
those people who graciously served during the last term. A big congratulatory
salute goes out to all of them.
Two of the more popular events during the show were the Boy Scout Merit
Badge Clinic as well as the drawing for the opportunity to win one or more of
the 35 gold coins in the raffle. This is just one of the many benefits we have to
help support the local clubs.
A big “thank you” goes to all that were involved with every aspect of the
show. Without their dedicated effort this would not be possible and we will strive
to make it happen again next yyear with yyour help. Will you join with us?
Phil Iversen
NASC
N President
CSNA...
Here we are three-fourths of the
way through the year, and your CSNA
membership is gaining more and
more benefits. For those in Northern
California there was a symposium
with four great speakers, hosted by the
San Jose Coin Club. Let’s give a big
“thank you” to Sally Johnson who did
all the hard work in co-planning this
event. Second, we have lowered your
CSNA dues to $20 per year and given
you more options to pay, plus offer-
ing lifetime memberships. Third, our
website (www.calcoin.org) is offering
more information, with continuous
improvements to keep you informed
about CSNA and numismatics in
California. Fourth, we are continuing
to take in donations with our matching fund program, and a grand total to date of
$2,095. The funds go back to the membership in funding numismatic education
programs. Finally, we have been updating the bylaws, and we will soon finish
the policy and procedures section which has needed updating.
Next, I must say for those who did not know, TCN has been recognized for
the 11th straight year as the top regional club publication by the ANA, and our
editor, Greg Burns, deserves praise and credit for doing a great job.
With regrets, Director Gene Berry, Jr. resigned due to family obligations, and
Recording Secretary Jon Maria Marish resigned due to health issues. They will
both be greatly missed, and did a wonderful job while performing their duties.
We are working very hard to fill these important positions, and will keep you
updated when their replacements are at hand.
Please remember to give a CSNA membership as a lasting gift, especially to
a YN, and don’t forget those matching fund donations; we only have five months
left to achieve that yearly sum of $10,000. Also please remember to support
your local coin clubs. California is a big state and the collecting fever runs from
the northern state border all the way down to its southern border; we are all in it
together—don’t break the he link in the numismatic cchain.
Howar Feltham
Howard
CSNA President
Editor’s Page
I’m actually ahead of schedule for
this issue, mostly because I have some
vacation (Alaska tour/cruise) and busi-
ness travel (Mesa, AZ) coming up and
don’t have any time to dawdle or dally.
You’ll notice on the page to the
right the names of the many authors
and contributors to TCN who were re-
sponsible for our award from the ANA
for our 2014 publication year. Lots of
familiar names on that list, as well as a
few new ones. Let’s hope the new ones
become more familiar going forward.
While we’re mentioning it, there is a
tremendous satisfaction that comes
from seeing your story in print, so I’d
like to encourage folks who haven’t
written before to please consider giv-
ing it a try. You’ll get lots of support from me, and I already know that whatever
topic grabs your interest in numismatics, there are already many TCN readers
eager to hear about it.
Speaking of interesting stories, this issue certainly has its fair share. Take
a peek at the table of contents on page 3 and you’ll see we have some unusual
articles, as well as our typical selection of top-notch material from our stable of
knowledgable columnists.
The end of the year will fast approach, so consider now how you want to
spend these final months. I do hope you’ll attend some (or even better all) of
the events the associations and clubs are trotting out for us. There’s the CSNA
convention in Long Beach that’s sure to please (the 133rd such event down south
if that impresses you), and if you’ll glance at page 74 you’ll see a complete
listing of club shows. One’s sure to be within driving distance from you, and re-
ally, when was the last time you went? Chop, chop, better write it down in your
calendar before you forget.
In closing, remember that while we at TCN appreciate all our readers, we
like you best!
Greg Burns
Editor

Team TCN Comes Through
for the Eleventh Time...
TCN won the ANA’s “Best
Regional Publication” award in their
“Outstanding Numismatic Publica-
tion” contest for the 11th straight
year in 2015 (for the 2014 publica-
tion year).
Authors, columnists, and other
contributors to this latest accolade
include (in alphabetical order):
Joel Anderson (author)

Lila Anderson (staff support)
Merle Avila (columnist)
Mark Benvenuto (author)
Virginia Bourke (columnist)
Greg Burns (author/editor)
Charlie Catlett (author)
Bill Febuary (author)
Tom Fitzgerald (author)
Jim Hunt (author/columnist)
Roy Iwata (staff support)
Richard Jewell (author)
David Lange (author)
Sally Johnson (columnist)
Jim Phillips (author)
David Schwager (author)
Sol Taylor (author/columnist)
Michael Turrini (columnist)
Jim Wells (author)
TCN has been very happy to have been awarded this honor from the ANA
beginning with our very first publication year, so please do let the fine volunteers
listed above know that you appreciate their efforts, because without them there
would be no TCN.
Corresponding
Secretaries’
Reports
CSNA—
by Donald L. Hill
I hope you are all having a nice summer. Not too hot in the shade would
be good. Your CSNA board of directors has responded to suggestions from the
membership and you’ll find a new dues structure listed in this issue. I think
you’ll be pleased. There will be changes coming in other areas too.
We were notified of the passing of Michael A. Graham, of Mountain High
Coins & Collectables in Bend, Oregon. Mr. Graham was CSNA member R-2262
and had been a member since 1970. We offer our condolences to his family and
friends. We understand his business remains open and serving the numismatic
community.
NASC—
by Harold Katzman
Due to some update data entry provided to the publisher, some new members
may have not received their previous TCN copy. Copies are being mailed out
under separate cover for those missing the last issue. If any new member has
other missing issues or mailing issues, please contact me.
CSNA New Members Steve Benedict ...................................................#3158

R6431 ........................................................Jim Malone Robert Wu ..........................................................#3159
R6432 .................................................. Richard Bluhm Mary Dann .........................................................#3160
William Swonger ...............................................#3161
CSNA Membership on 15 August 2015 Roger Pollock.....................................................#3162
Associate ....................................................................5 John Barkley ......................................................#3163
Junior..........................................................................3 Dennis Tarrant ....................................................#3164
Life .........................................................................133 Jennifer Belcher .................................................#3165
Member Clubs..........................................................25 Grant Shobar ......................................................#3166
Member Clubs Life ..................................................12 Donnie Andrews.................................................#3167
Regular ...................................................................189 Thomas Balayja .................................................#3168
Business ...................................................................14 Benjamin Berry .............................................#3169 Jr,
Total .......................................................................381 William Berry................................................ #3170 Jr.
Tammy Berry .....................................................#3171
NASC New Members Bill Drovin .........................................................#3172
Mike Supple .......................................................#3155 Mark Baskin .......................................................#3174
Ernest Miller ......................................................#3156 Mark Hoffman ....................................................#3175
Ethan Satter ........................................................#3157 Clint Dove ..........................................................#3176

Oran Belgrave ...................................................# 3177 NASC Membership on 15 August 2015
Kevin Kaufman ..................................................#3178 Junior Members .........................................................3
Conrad Meyer ....................................................#3179 Life Members ...........................................................12
Club Members..........................................................24
NASC Deceased Members Regular Members ...................................................121
Catherine Bullowa ..........................................SM 234 Sustaining Members...............................................131
Total Membership ..................................................291
Dear Members—Please Note!

If you’ve moved, please help us keep our addresses up to date. Take a moment to drop us
a short note to ensure that you keep getting your copy of The California Numismatist:
CSNA—Donald L. Hill NASC—Harold Katzman
c/o CSNA, P.O. Box 4003 P.O. Box 3382
Vallejo, CA 94590-0400 Tustin, CA 92781-3382
[email protected] [email protected]
Michael Aron is
buying! Cut out
the middle man
and call us directly
for the best offer
for your coins!
Enjoying Your Hobby?

Ever wonder what’s going to become of it in the future?
Who will be doing the research when the current crop of
“greybeards” is gone? Better hope someone promotes it to
the general population and gets young people involved at
an impressionable age...
Hey, that’s just what CSNA and NASC do!

And now, you can help them to ensure there will be some-
one around interested in your collection when it comes
time to pass it along by making a tax-deductible donation
today. Simply send a check to either of the association
corresponding secretaries (addresses on page 9), identify
your gift as a “fund-raising donation”, and then receive acknowledgement in
TCN (or not, as you wish) along with a tax-deductible receipt.
Collecting 1804
Dollars
by Charlie Catlett
Imagine owning an 1804 dollar,

the “king of coins”, a fabulous rarity,
a desired beauty. But what would you
do with it? Stick it in a vault, wait for
it to gain value over several years, On November 11, 1834, orders
then auction it off? Maybe display were placed with the mint by the State
it somewhere (heavily insured and Department for two sets of “specimens
guarded, presumably)? Unless you are of each kind now in use, whether of
in the “1%”, odds are you will never gold, silver or copper” for presentation
even own one. Personally I really to the King of Siam (modern Thai-
don’t even care to own one. Sure it land) and the Imam of Muscat. Proof
would be nice to have an investment strikes of every denomination that
piece. But I may be the only numisma- year were included, but no silver dol-
tist who doesn’t really like these coins. lars had been minted since 1804. Mint
Just about all collectors are interested records show a total of 19,570 silver
in coins by date, mint mark, variety, dollars were struck in 1804; how-
etc. The problem with the 1804 dollar ever it is believed they were all dated
is that it was not minted in 1804. Can 1802 or 1803 from leftover dies. So
you imagine our mint getting away when the mint wanted to complete the
with something like that now? It presentation sets with a silver dollar,
would be required to put a tiny “copy” it just decided to make up a few more-
on the coin somewhere. The Austrian with the date of 1804. Besides the two
mint has gotten away with minting presentation coins, six others were
Maria Theresa thalers dated 1780 for also produced by the mint and were
centuries, but they are only worth their used to trade with collectors for pieces
weight in silver. China is probably desired for the Mint’s coin cabinet.
minting US 1804 dollars now, but that Numismatists became aware of
is a different story. The 1804 dollars these 1804 dollars around 1842 after
were minted in 1834 and 1857, and are one was illustrated in an article pub-
worth millions. They technically are lished by two mint employees. In re-
fantasy issues. So what gives? sponse to numismatic demand, several
The Dutch leeuwendaalder was also known in
the US as a “lion dollar”, and when the coin
was very worn and the design indistinct, a
“dog dollar”. The legend of “CONFIDENS.
DNO. NON. MOVETVR” translates to “Who
trusts in the Lord is not moved.” In the US
in the early 18th century it was the most
important circulating coin, and contained
29.2 grams of silver. They ceased being
minted in 1713, and their dominant role in US
commerce was then replaced by the Spanish
milled dollar.
more examples were surreptitiously portrayed on the coin. Soon coins

produced by mint officials sometime were being minted from mines in
in the 1850s or later. And the rest is other valleys, with different names;
history. But there are a couple of 1804 they eventually all became known as
dollars that were actually minted in thalers, and the name spread to other
1804, and are readily collectible. And countries like the Netherlands. The
these also have historical interest. But term dollar was the anglicized term
first, a bit of historical perspective. for these coins, and the term was com-
If you go back in American history, monly in use in the colonies.
the first “dollars” were most likely the Getting back to 1804 dollars
Dutch leeuwendaalder or “lion thaler”, though, there are two in particular that
first minted in 1575. These dollar- are relatively easy to collect. Many of
sized coins circulated as legal tender us were taught about George Wash-
in the colonies. Lion thalers featured ington crossing the Delaware River
a rampant lion on the reverse, as can during the Revolutionary War. The
be seen in the image above. In 1804, story goes that he threw a silver dollar
Netherlands did mint a Rijksdaalder, across the river to see if it was frozen
and Prussia minted an 1804 thaler. or not. The trouble with this story is
Going back even farther, the very that we (the United States) did not
first thaler was minted in 1518. “Thal” even have dollars minted until 1794.
is the German word for valley, and a Coins from several countries were
“thaler” is a person or thing from the legal tender in the colonies, and the
valley. The coin was a “Joachimst- most common one (and most likely
haler”, a silver coin minted from metal thrown by Washington, if he did such
mined near the city of Joachimsthal a thing), was a Spanish milled or “pil-
(St. Joachim’s Valley) in Bohemia, lar dollar”, an eight reale coin. And
now the Czech Republic. Joachim, those were minted in the Americas, in
the father of the Virgin Mary, was Mexico, in 1804. The obverse portrays
King Charles IV (or IIII as shown on his coin above) reigned from 1788 to 1808 when he
abdicated the throne due to riots and the threat of revolution (he passed away in 1819).
His“full” name (and we do mean full) was Carlos Antonio Pascual Francisco Javier
Juan Nepomuceno José Januario Serafín Diego.
Carlos IIII, and the reverse shows two million dollars’ worth of Span-
the Pillars of Gibraltar surrounding a ish coins into American dimes and
crowned shield. quarters. The seigniorage profit on this
In 1793, our new coinage law venture paid for the entire operation
gave legal tender status to the Span- of the mint for 1858. Interestingly,
ish dollar and large silver coins of the wording of the act specified the
France. By 1830, approximately one exchange rate for the above-mentioned
in every four coins in circulation was smaller denomination coins. It out-
made in one of the numerous Spanish lawed all larger denomination foreign
colonial mints. This legal status was silver and gold but did not specify ex-
to be temporary until the Philadelphia change rates or if was to be in cents—
mint could meet the demand for coins. that could have been more problematic
The law was renewed six times, until for the dollar-sized coins. The coin-
foreign coins were finally demonetized age act of 1857 also eliminated the
in 1857. And when Congress finally heavy large cent and half-cent pieces,
passed the Coinage Act of 1857, the authorizing the smaller flying eagle
mint agreed to accept any Spanish or cents instead. This was convenient for
Mexican coins in exchange at the rate exchanging foreign silver with more
of 25 cents for the two reales, 12½ affordable copper-nickel cents.
cents for the one reale, and 6¼ cents There is one other 1804 dollar coin
for the half reale. The catch was that worth collecting: the Bank of Eng-
these worn silver coins could be ex- land dollar token. In England toward
changed for only two years, and only the end of the 18th century, after a
for new 1857 or 1858 flying eagle number of years of silver shortage,
cents! The mint made and sold over a large number of captured Spanish
75,000,000 cents and recoined over American eight reale coins (Spanish
King George III reigned from 1760 to 1820 when he passed away at Windsor Castle. His
reign was longer than any other male British monarch. He must have had a tremendous
store of energy, for he fathered 15 children. Interesting, because he was born two months
premature and initially thought to have little chance of survival.
milled dollars) became available, most “Bank of England dollars”, and there
originating from Mexico and Peru. were a number of die varieties. Coins
It was therefore decided to counter- showing a little of the undertype, par-
mark the obverse with an oval stamp ticularly the date, are more valuable.
bearing the head of King George III And the coins were also minted in
stamped over the face of Spanish King 1810 and 1811, but still with the 1804
Charles III or IIII. These were issued date. So it is possible to find a 1804
in 1797 with a value of four shillings Bank of England dollar with a hint of
and nine pence (five shillings equals a later date from the underlying Span-
a crown). A few French silver ecus ish coin on it! But the strength of the
and even fewer American dollars were striking was so good that most com-
also counterstamped. There was a lot pletely obliterated the underlying coin.
of satirical comment about these coins To enhance public acceptance, the re-
depicting “the head of a fool on the verse featured a new design of seated
head of an ass”, and “two kings’ heads Britannia, the first time it appeared on
are not worth a crown”. Records show any British coin. She was flanked by a
that 3,744,583 foreign dollars were beehive (a symbol of industriousness)
counterstamped. and a cornucopia (standing for abun-
It soon became apparent that a dance or prosperity). They may not be
large number of forged countermarks as appealing as the US 1804 dollar to
were in circulation, so the stamp was you, but these other “dollars” still hold
changed to an octagonal shape which an interesting place in numismatic his-
also became a target for forgers. In tory.
1804 it was decided that Spanish dol-
lars should be completely overstruck
with new dies. They were to be called
Another Numismatic
Fascination
Discovered
by Bill Febuary
What happens when a person wan- listed there with all of the types and
ders off from their normal coin and descriptions needed for researching
currency collecting hobby and discov- each piece of foreign currency that I
ers things they had put aside years ago have in my collection. That particu-
and were not even thinking about as lar book was World Paper Money by
part of their collection? Albert Pick and is the seventh edition,
I recently uncovered all of the volumes one and two. They provide all
foreign currency that I had laid aside the necessary research material needed
for years, and now I think that it might for locating and appraising each and
become interesting because there are every note. The two editions have
so many different types of notes in been barely used and provide a raft of
that collection. Many of them were information, and will be valuable for
collected when I did coin and currency my research in labeling and categoriz-
appraisals for friends and relatives ing all of the notes in my collection.
and I received them as part of their So here again, the numismatic
payment. I merely laid them aside hobby never dies, it just keeps becom-
thinking they were not very interesting ing more and more interesting, and
at the time. But now I have discovered I believe I have found a new love in
there were so many varieties from so numismatics with foreign currency.
many countries that it has become a As I looked through the various
fascination with me. I put them away packs of foreign currency, I suddenly
in stacks and packs years ago and now realized that one of the larger packs
am starting to open up the packs and was filled with nothing but World War
am discovering some real oddities. It’s II Japanese invasion notes in various
almost something entirely new that I denominations including one centavo,
am discovering late in my numismatic five centavos, ten centavos, 50 centa-
career. vos, ½ shilling, one shilling, ¼ rupee,
Luckily, I purchased the best cur- half rupee, one rupee, ten rupees, one
rency catalogs years ago, in the hard peso, five pesos, ten pesos, 100 pesos
back edition, because I was using and ten dollar notes.
those catalogs for researching US cur- Most of the Japanese invasion cur-
rency; now I find that they are helpful rency appears to be in almost uncircu-
since every country in the world is lated condition, so were possibly only
One advantage that paper money has that most coins, tokens, and medals do not is the
ability for the designer to incorporate a colorful and sometimes subtle palette into their
work, as so aptly illustrated by these two notes from Mexico and the Philippines.
lightly used. None of the notes have prices of US currency might want to
any apparent dates printed on them, take a look at foreign currency which
but we know they were used exten- is cheap at today’s prices.
sively in several war torn countries I have several favorites in foreign
during World War II currency, but it would be difficult to
These and all the currencies in the pick out just one note from each of
various coin and currency appraisals those. Mexico has such colorful cur-
I have done over the years are both rency, and each note from the past was
interesting and educational to behold even more colorful than today’s notes.
and are worthy of researching and So my first choice would be Mexican
learning more about their background. currency. My earliest Mexican cur-
So anyone that has an interest in rency starts in the 1950’s with the one
currency, but cannot afford the high peso notes and each has such elabo-
This display was put together by the author’s friend, William G. Harrison (whose initials
are shown bottom right), and explains some basic facts about these unusual notes. Har-
rison attended many Fresno Numismatic Society meetings, collected coins and paper
money, and passed away in 1999, leaving this nice display piece to the author to remem-
ber him by upon his passing.
rate details on the obverses and the of such low denomination value today.
reverses with bright reddish color and Yet, the art work on each of them is
ornate designs. They are fascinating to marvelous.
look with the bluish hues and colorful Japanese invasion notes would be
art work. The many small denomina- my second choice. This is probably
tion pesos follow in the same type more of a fascination with history
of modernistic art work and have than anything else, but here again my
such colorful designs with pictures favorite is things about history and I
of places in Mexico on the five peso love the history of currency and how
notes. This trend continues all the way it began and why. Each invasion note
up to the 100 pesos notes which prob- has its own story as these notes were
ably are no long being used because placed into effect because of World
Here’s a dream come true. What currency collector wouldn’t love to have been here with
a rake and a few large Hefty trash bags? The official caption for this photo is: “Pho-
tographer Kneels on a Street Littered with Japanese Invasion Money, Rangoon, 1945”.
Frank Bond, Army Air Corps, 40th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, stationed in
India and Burma. - Bond Photographic Library, University of Chicago.
War II and the Japanese government currency during World War II in so

seizing various countries currency many different ways, but kept their
and bringing its own currency into the own denominations using pesos as the
country that was being occupied. The base denomination. They varied in
notes begin with a simple small one size and were extremely colorful and
centavo and go all the way up to 100 had so many different designs on them
pesos notes depending upon which over the years. These remain one of
country they were being used in. my favorites because I have so many
Philippines notes would come in Philippine friends and enjoy sharing
third. These notes vary in size and stories with them about their currency
denomination and are extremely color- and how it is normally about a 40 to 1
ful, and were combined with the US ratio in value with our own currency.
Paranormal Paper
Money and Coins
by John Duff
Paranormal paper money and coins 1922 German 10,000 marks “vam-
are a new and unique approach to pire” note. This inflationary note was
collecting in numismatics that began produced a few years after the end
several years back when my wife and of World War I and used a portrait
I combined her interests in the genre of a German farmer painted by the
of written fiction and media around famous German Painter, Albrech
paranormal characters and stories (this Durer (1471-1528). When this note
included the True Blood books and is turned sideways the neck of the
HBO series, the Twilight books and engraved portrait looks like a vampire
movies, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and sucking the blood from the life of the
the many movie adaptions, the televi- portrayed German farmer. At the end
sion series “The Vampire Diaries”, of World War I many Germans felt the
“The Originals”, and “Being Human”) Versailles Treaty and the allies were
and my interest in numismatics. My sucking all the life from Germany
wife and I decided to begin looking and its people. So what was said to
for and collecting paper money and be a vampire sucking the blood from
coins that depicted dragons, vampires, Germany on this note rang a bell for
werewolves, devils, angels, witches, many Germans. Albrech Durer in
ogres, elves, and other paranormal the 15th and 16th centuries certainly
characters such as father time, Old did not paint this portrait with this in
Man Winter, and the grim reaper. mind as neither WWI nor the writing
While I have many numismatic in- of Dracula in 1897 had yet occurred.
terests I can say this collection is one Still this is one of our favorite notes in
of the more interesting and can come our collection and crisp uncirculated
with some very unusual history. We examples are inexpensive and readily
really enjoy working together to con- available.
tinually find new and interesting items.
Fortunately, many of the paranormal Dragons
paper money and coins we have col- In the time before modern science
lected have not been extremely rare and paleontology, as humans found
or expensive, especially the many Ger- dinosaur fossils they would at times
man notgeld. equate these fossils to dragons and use
these fossils as evidence that drag-
Vampires ons existed. Of course we know now
Our collection began when I this is not true but the legends and
pointed out to my wife the well known stories that exist about dragons have
The 1922 German 10,000 mark
notgeld note is also known as the
vampire note. The vampire
can be a little hard to see,
so we’ve isolated the crea-
ture’s face in the graphic on the
right. He’s latched onto the neck
of his unfortunate victim, suppos-
edly sucking his life’s blood.
persisted through time. These legends Chinese calendar’s 12-year repeating

and stories are very different in the cycle. The year 2012 was the most
East than in the West. So when we recent year of the dragon. Other years
talk about dragons we must talk about of the dragon are 2000, 1988, 1976,
Eastern dragons and Western dragons 1964, 1952, 1940, and 1928. More
separately. children are born during the years of
Eastern Dragons—Eastern Drag- the dragon as Chinese want their chil-
ons are considered benevolent, power- dren to be associated with dragons that
ful and associated with the emperors can mean luck, power, and success.
and nobles in the East. They have no Western Dragons—European
wings but fly magically. The Chinese dragons exist in folklore and mythol-
dragon is the highest-ranking animal ogy as well. Western dragons are
in the Chinese animal hierarchy and generally depicted as living in rivers
is the only mythological animal of the or having an underground lair or cave.
12 animals that are represented in the They have wings and hard scales and
Chinese Empire, Ta Ching Government Bank, 100 dollars, 1910.
breathe fire and are often depicted as castle filled with gold and treasure and
malevolent. Dragons are sometimes is often associated with a great hero
used to protect treasures. who tries to slay it.” [Wikipedia]
“In folktales, dragon’s blood often St. George Slaying the Dragon—
contains magical properties. For ex- According to legend the story of Saint
ample, in the opera Siegfried, dragon’s George and the dragon took place in
blood allows Siegfried to understand a place called “Silene”, Libya; the
the language of the Forest Bird. The Golden Legend (an medieval manu-
typical dragon protects a cavern or script) is the first to place this legend
As legend has it, Chinese dragons

have five toes, Korean dragons four,
and Japanese dragons three, though
these conventions are not always
followed. Recipes for
dragon include “dragon
toes” (scallops wrapped in bacon),
“dragon eggs” (eggs simmered in
soy sauce, then filled with bell
pepper, salsa, and mayo),
and a “dragon toe cocktail”
(bourbon, ginger, ginger ale, and
crushed cucumber), yum!
An 1821 British gold sovereign show-
ing Saint George slaying the dragon.
Tales of Saint George go back to at
least the seventh century, and the
episode with the dragon back to the
tenth or eleventh centuries. Gold
sovereigns of various years are
available for under $300 at today’s
gold prices (about $1,100 per ounce).
in Libya as a sufficiently exotic locale, that the lot fell on the king’s daughter,
where a dragon might be imagined. who is in some versions of the story
The town had a pond where a called Sabra. The king, distraught with
dragon dwelled that haunted all the grief, told the people they could have
countryside. To appease the dragon, all his gold and silver and half of his
the people of Silene used to feed it kingdom if his daughter were spared,
two sheep every day, and when the but the people refused. The daughter
sheep failed, they fed it their children, was sent out to the lake, dressed as a
chosen by lottery. It happened one day bride, to be fed to the dragon.
This series of five

German notgeld notes
illustrate the birth of a
two-headed dragon.
Vlad III, the inspiration for Dracula, ruled Wallachia
in Romania from 1456 to 1462 and struck no coins of
his own, but there are several that were issued from his
grandfather, Mircea the Elder, that circulated dur-
ing Vlad’s reign. One gruesome story recounts that
when the Turkish Sultan’s emissaries
refused to remove their helmets
in his presence, Vlad sent all
of their heads back to the
Sultan with their helmets
nailed on with iron spikes.
His brutal ways brought
upon him the nickname
“The Impaler” (“Tepes” in
Romanian) and his blood-
lust was known throughout
Europe in the 14th century.
Saint George by chance rode past on four ox-carts. Fifteen thousand men
the lake while all this was happen- baptized, without women and children.
ing. The princess, trembling, sought [Adapted from Wikipedia.]
to send him away, but George vowed Order of the Dragon—The Order
to remain. The dragon reared out of of the Dracul (Dragon), was founded
the lake while they were conversing. in 1408 by Sigismund, King of
Saint George fortified himself with the Hungary (1387-1437) and later Holy
sign of the cross, charged the threaten- Roman Emperor (1433-1437). It was
ing beast on horseback with his lance established like the military orders of
and gave it a grievous wound. Then the Crusades, requiring its initiates to
he called to the princess to throw him defend the cross and fight the enemies
her girdle, and he put it around the of Christianity, in particular the Ot-
dragon’s neck. When she did so, the toman Turks. The Order flourished
dragon followed the girl like a meek in the 15th century. It was particu-
beast on a leash. larly important in Hungary including
She and Saint George led the drag- Croatia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and
on back to the city of Silene, where it Romania, in fighting off the Ottoman
terrified the people at its approach. But Empire.
Saint George called out to them, say- Vlad III (1431-1477), the figure
ing that if they consented to become who inspired Dracula, was a member
Christians and be baptized, he would of the Order, as well as his father, Vlad
slay the dragon before them. The king II (Died in 1447). Mircea the Elder
and the people of Silene converted to (1386-1418) was father of Vlad II and
Christianity. George slew the dragon, grandfather of Vlad the Impaler.
and the body was carted out of the city “Note: Mircea was the son Voivo-
Canadian $1 note of 1954. Enlargement of the “devil’s
face” in the Queen’s hair.
dio Radu 1 of Wallachia and Lady Stoker’s novel and the concept of a
Calinica thus being a descendant of blood drinking immortal vampire.
the House of Basarab. He was the
father to Vald II Dracul and grandfa- Devils and Angels
ther of Mircea II, Vlad The Impaler The 1954 Canadian banknotes
(Dracula). All would at one time or all featured a portrait of Elizabeth
the other ruled Wallachia, with Mircea II, based on a photograph taken by
II and brother Vlad Ţepeş both being Yousuf Karsh, placed on the right side
able military commanders (the latter of the obverse, the first series to carry
would eventually become one of the the portrait of Elizabeth as queen. The
most notorious leaders in history, and photograph was the same one used
the inspiration for the novel Dracula for the 1952 Canada 2-cent stamp, but
by Bram Stoker.” [Wikipedia] was flipped to have Elizabeth II face
Abraham “Bram” Stoker (8 No- left, and the diamond tiara she was
vember 1847 – 20 April 1912) was an wearing was removed. The final image
Irish novelist and short story writer, was engraved by George Gunderson,
best known today for his 1897 Gothic master engraver at British American
novel Dracula. During his lifetime, he Bank Note Company, after receiving
was better known as personal assistant approval from Elizabeth II. There has
of actor Henry Irving and business been speculation that the engraving
manager of the Lyceum Theatre in of the devil in hair Queen Elizabeth
London, which Irving owned. II was intentional but this was never
It is this early history of the Order proven to be true and the hair was
of Dracul and the legends and stories re-engraved and these 1954 notes were
about Vlad the Impaler that inspired re-issued.
The pied piper of Hameln illustrated
on German notgeld from the same
town; on the left note, leading away
the rats; on the right, the children.
The story of the Pied Piper of proceeded to play his flute again in
Hameln, Germany, is one of my which the towns’ children followed
favorites as I enjoy playing the flutes. him to the nearby river where they too
In this story the town of Hameln hired would drown.
the pied piper during the years of the Walpurgisnacht or “Witches
black plague to rid the town of rats. Night” is an ancient festival to wel-
This he did by playing the flute that come the spring weather and to drive
the rats followed into the nearby river away evil spirits. It is commonly cel-
all then drowning. Upon returning to ebrated April 30 or May 1 throughout
the town the town elders refused to much of Europe. Halloween has some
pay him what they promised. He then similar roots.
1922 German notgeld

from Braunschweig
showing witches riding
broomsticks, goats, and
pigs, while terrorizing
travelers.
This design was originally created during the
French Revolution by Augustine Dupré.
A winged angel inscribes the inspired
French Constitution, set on a pedestal
above Dupré’s signature. During the
Reign of Terror in the mid-1790s Du-
pré claimed to have been saved from
the guillotine by the angel coin in
his pocket. Dupré is said to have
made a quick prayer as he knelt
beneath the deadly blade. A bolt of
lightning then struck nearby, ignit-
ing a panic and halting his execution.
Within six months Dupré was released,
after which he always remained thankful
for the coin’s protection.
We have focused on vampires, and I so really enjoy learning from

dragons, devils, angels, witches, and each paranormal coin or paper money
the like found on circulated money as we come across. We will continue our
much as we can and have not ventured search.
into the area of Greek, Roman, and I also must thank Walt Ostromecki,
other mythological figures and gods president of the ANA, for his interest
that are found on so many ancient and enthusiasm in paranormal paper
coins. The field is obviously broad and money and coins, and his willingness
deep, and ripe for mining. to share our assorted collection with
Numismatics is so rich in history other numismatists in his travels.
and legends, and my wife Rosemary
The Elgin Watch Company issued several

varieties of “Father Time”
tokens now listed in
Rulau’s Standard
Catalog of
United States
Tokens
1700-1900.
Over twenty
varieties of the
tokens were issued
as warranty cards for
their watch movements (an example
23 jewel movement at left) and also as
“Adventurer Club” membership cards.
So What Does
“Rare” Really Mean?
by Mark Benvenuto
If you have been collecting for 1909-S VDB is a rare coin. There
any length of time, and if your were 484,000 minted, and today
relatives and friends know it would be surprising if a
about your hobby (or pos- ttenth of them had survived
sibly, in their terms, your in MS-65 or higher. Still,
passion or mania), someone one can argue that what
has most likely asked you mmakes this coin rare is not
about rare coins, or what the number of them that ex-
th
makes a coin rare. Recently, ist, but the collector demand
ist
one friend appears to be ffor them. After all, if one
fascinated by the 1909-S tenth of them were still in
VDB cents—even though some decent MS grade,
he is not a coin collector— tthat’s enough for every
and has convinced himself ccollector who is also an ANA
that there really isn’t anything member to own one.
mem
rarer than that. Several reasoned
conversations with him in which I’ve The 1916-D Mercury Dime
pointed out quite a few US coins that Like the just-mentioned cent,
are rarer than that 1909-S VDB the 1916-D Mercury dime is
have not budged his opinion. another coin that has plenty
an
It’s that old situation where oof collector demand and in-
one can say, “I’ve made up terest, and that has held that
my mind; don’t confuse me interest for decades. It has
with facts!” a total mintage of 264,000
Whether or not I’ll ever coins, which certainly makes
co
change my friend’s mind is an it sseem rare. It is definitely
open question, but my con- lless common than every oth-
versations with him have er date and mint mark in the
piqued my own interest in Mercury dime series, which
what rare actually means. hhave mintages between the
Let me explain, using a few millions and tens of millions.
m
examples. But is it really all that rare?
Bu
The 1909-S VDB Cent The 1894-S Barber Dime

If for no other reason than to honor Moving to a coin like this is a huge
this already-decided friend’s opinion, jump, to a coin that is rare no matter
let’s agree that to some extent the how a person looks at it. The original
nu
number of these this perception that they are desired
ddimes—24— keeps several millionaires bidding on
makes the 1916- any that comes to auction, and the rest
D Mercury dime of us salivating, as it were.
look as positively
ccommon as dirt. The 1913 Liberty Nickel
One can even debate
On If we’ve just been
whether or not
w brave enough to
tthese are collect- state that the
ible dimes, since 1804 dollars are
one crosses the not truly coins,
aauction block so well, we’ll take
rarely and with so
rar a further step and
much press, and since say that the five
the prices they command are more 1913 Liberty
than the cost of most people’s homes. nickels are the
But the hype itself might be the reason result of illegal
that dimes like this are considered col- activities at the
lectible rarities. US Mint over
a century ago.
The 1804 Silver Dollar They were not part off
If hype keeps anyy the Mint’s annual production, were
coin in the news, secreted away for several years, and
the 15 “originals” wouldn’t
w even exist if they had ever
and restrikes of been
b pursued by the Secret Service
the 1804 dollar with the zeal that has been put into
certainly qualify chasing down some other US coins
as coins with a lot of questionable origin. But they do
of hype. These dol- continue to exist, and are perceived by
lars weren’t made many
m collectors to be one of the chief
in the year for rarities
r of US coinage.
which they bear
the date, were Going to Extremes?
never designed to The 1870-S
circulate, and were Seated Liberty
produced basically on half
h dime and the
an executive order. One might even be 1849 $20 double
tempted to argue they are not actually eagle tie for the
coins—they’re presentation medals. rarest a coin
But the way the numismatic communi- can get,
ty has embraced these dollars over the with a
years puts any such arguments to rest whop-
and labels these as incredible rarities. ping
Once again, they are not coins most of total of
us can ever dream of collecting. But 1 each!
While neither is q
qualify as an entire series that is rare,
collectible, and y underappreciated. First struck in
yet
while the double 1854, there were 138,618 of the $3
eagle resides in gold pieces that year. That’s rare based
the Smithson- on
o the numbers we have just seen—
ian collection, and
a yet that date is the most common
both are still listed $3
$ gold piece date by far! The series
by many of the never
n again went up to six figures
major reference in
i any one year, had only nine other
books and price years where the mintage was over ten
listings, perhaps thousand coins, saw 26 years with
keeping us all in mintages
m between 1K and 10K, and
a perpetual state of had
h three years with mintages down
hoping and dreaming. in
i the hundreds. In all that, the only
“rarity” folks tend to concentrate on
The Most Common $3 Gold among these gold pieces is the 1873. It
Piece seems then that there is much more to
On purpose rarity
r than just how many coins were
we’ve moved made
m in a single year.
from coins that
are considered Other Rare US Coins?
rare at almost Now obviously, we have missed
half a million plenty
p of US coins that are rare
to coins that are enough
e that they fall into the zone
unique. Yet we’ve
w just seen, from 484K down to 1.
amidst all this And
A yes, some of them, like the 1928
are numerous Peace dollar, are collector favorites,
other United while
w others, like the 1886 Seated
States coins that Liberty
L quarter with a mintage of only
have to qualify as 5,000
5 coins, are largely unknown.
rare, but that very few But
B overall, we now have a somewhat
people seem to consider in any detail. broader view of just what makes a
The $3 gold pieces may actually coin rare.
Special TCN “Thanks” to Jim Phillips!

Jim recently came to the rescue of the Bavarian State
Library in Germany by donating copies of TCN from summer
and fall of last year. Seems the intermediary who was handling
the library’s subscription service went belly-up, and left the li-
brary’s shelves bare for those two and one other issue. Since TCN CN
doesn’t normally keep a stock of any past issues, an e-mail wass
quickly sent out to our list, and Jim quickly answered the call
and provided the copies that TCN could not. Thanks, Jim!
Great Seal Spawns
Numismatic Designs,
National Pride
by Jim Wells
A dealer recently showed me a
medal at a coin show when I was
searching for coins. I have a limited
knowledge about medals, but the
medal struck my fancy. Better yet: af-
ter he talked me into buying it, I have
had a fascinating time researching its
history and its ties to American coins
and paper money.
The dealer’s offering was a large
US Mint medal with a familiar-look- The Great Seal’s obverse led to the heral-
ing design. It marked the centennial dic eagle design on US coins.
of the Great Seal of the United States.
The Great Seal is used to authenticate Americans: Washington, Franklin,
official documents issued by the US Adams, and Jefferson, and well-
federal government, and is considered known Mint figures: Scot, Boudinot,
our national coat of arms. The Seal’s Snowden, and Barber. Important roles
obverse depicts an eagle with shield, were also played by lesser-known
holding arrows in one talon and an names: Barton, Thompson, Hopkin-
olive branch in the other. In his beak is son, and Lossing.
a ribbon inscribed E Pluribus Unum. The Seal’s journey began on July
Many people will recognize the design 4, 1776, the same day that indepen-
from its appearance on government dence from Great Britain was de-
documents and facilities. I recognized clared by the thirteen colonies. Before
it as the ‟Heraldic Eagle” featured on adjourning for the day, the Conti-
many US coins. Which came first – nental Congress named a committee
the coin designs, or the Great Seal? to design a Great Seal, or national
emblem, for the new nation. The com-
Background of the Seal: a mittee consisted of Benjamin Franklin,
Prolonged Development Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams,
Research soon brought me some three of the five men, led by Jefferson,
interesting historical stories. The who had just crafted the Declaration
Seal’s history involves well-known of Independence. But their mastery in
The first committee of Franklin, Adams,
and Jefferson had written a masterful
Declaration of Independence, but could
not devise an acceptable design for the
Great Seal.
writing did not translate to expertise

in artistic conceptions. They had little
experience with heraldry, yet came
up with several elaborate designs.
Franklin had recently created the ‟Fu-
gio” sundial design, and chain links
with colony names for Continental
Currency (and later for Fugio copper
coins), and soon he was to suggest
the concept and mottos for the iconic
Libertas Americana medal. But for the
Seal, he cryptically proposed a depic-
tion of Moses parting the Red Sea (a
feat representative of our Declara- Unum. Congress considered all of
tion?) Jefferson, fresh for his success these designs, but was not moved to
with the Declaration, and a vocal action. The issue was tabled.
advocate of a decimal monetary sys- Four years later, a second commit-
tem, strangely proposed showing the tee of three different congressmen was
wandering children of Israel (akin to formed. They devised a striped shield
our wandering colonies?) John Adams flanked by an Indian and a standing
backed a painting of ‟The Judgment Liberty. Even after several modifica-
of Hercules.” Fortunately, heraldic tions, Congress still did not approve.
consultant Pierre Eugene du Simitiere In 1782, a third committee pro-
was brought in; he turned away from posed an obverse with a maiden and
scriptures and mythology toward more soldier flanking an elaborate shield.
conventional heraldic designs with On the reverse was an unfinished
shields, a female Liberty, an American pyramid designed by the commit-
soldier, and the phrase E Pluribus tee’s heraldic consultant, William
Early proposals for obverses of the Great Seal: designs from the first, second, and third
committees, and Thompson’s drawing.
1782 die design and die; the current Great Seal.
Barton. Again, Congress took no a combination of elements from all

action on this design, instead turning three committees. The third committee
the assignment over to the Secretary was first to use an eagle, though not
of the Continental Congress, Charles a bald eagle. Charles Thomson’s bald
Thomson. Within a week he developed eagle design with wings outstretched
a design with an eagle on the obverse, (or “displayed,” in heraldic terms)
and modified the pyramid from the supports a shield with a blue star-less
third committee’s reverse. Thomson’s chief (top of shield) and white and red
design was submitted to Congress on stripes below. Thomson wrote: “The
June 20, 1782, and approved the same Escutcheon (shield) is born on the
day. Six years of indecision, one day breast of an American Eagle without
of bipartisanship! No records exist of any other supporters, to denote that
any filibusters, political arm-twisting, the United States ought to rely on their
or backroom deals. own Virtue.” The eagle holds a bundle
of 13 arrows in its left talon, and an ol-
The Obverse: Why an Eagle? ive branch with 13 leaves (this medal
The eagle was not proposed for the shows 16) and often 13 olives in its
Great Seal until several other designs right. The number 13 is used often,
had been considered. Eagles have been representing the 13 original states.
used throughout history as a symbol In the eagle’s beak is a ribbon
of power, courage, and freedom. The inscribed with the now-familiar phrase
Romans used a golden eagle to stand E Pluribus Unum (Latin for “out of
for strength, skill, and bravery. Ger- many, one.”) E Pluribus Unum was
man emperors, Russian tsars, France’s never codified by US law, but was
Napoleonic Empire, and Austrian considered a de facto motto of the
emperors chose the eagle on their United States until 1956 when the US
coats of arms. The regal bald eagle or Congress passed an act adopting In
white-headed eagle, when fully grown, God We Trust as the official motto.
has a pure white head and neck, and in After additions and removals, both E
addition, is native to North America. Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust
The bald eagle on the Seal’s now appear on all American coins.
obverse may be familiar to most On the Seal, the eagle turns
Americans, even if the symbolism its head towards the olive branch
and history is not. The design was (‟peace”) side instead of the arrows
Variations of the Great Seal obverse are shown on many US coin reverses: draped bust
silver denominations, capped-bust-to-right gold, Liberty head double eagles, Barber half
dollars and quarters, and Kennedy half dollars.
(‟war”) side, symbolizing that the heraldic eagles. A decade after autho-
United States has “a strong desire for rizing the Great Seal, Congress passed
peace, but will always be ready for the seminal Coinage Act of 1792 that
war.” The war and peace theme and established the nation’s coinage. It
the shield design originated with the specified that ‟the reverse of gold and
second Congressional committee. In- silver coins have an eagle and United
spiration may have come from a 1775 States of America.” Initial coin de-
South Carolina bill showing a sheaf signs showed various other designs of
of arrows, and a 1775 Maryland note eagles, but all were quickly replaced.
with hands holding an olive branch The heraldic eagle was substituted on
of 13 leaves. Eagles holding symbols all three denominations of gold coins
of war and peace were contained in a (quarter eagles to eagles) starting 1795
1702 emblem book owned by Benja- until 1807, and on all five denomina-
min Franklin. The motto E Pluribus tions of silver coins (half dimes to
Unum was also used by the first com- dollars) starting 1798 until 1807.
mittee, perhaps adopted from Frank-
lin’s We Are One motto on Continental Which Claw for Arrows,
Currency. The constellation of 13 stars Which for Olive Branches?
‟surrounded by clouds and glory” On all eight silver and gold de-
came from the second committee. nominations, Mint engraver Robert
The Seal’s design was adopted Scot switched the warlike arrows to
rapidly in numismatics as the ‟he- the more honorable right claw, and the
raldic eagle,” and has appeared in peaceful olive branch to the less hon-
several variations. The 1787 Brasher orable left claw. Critics call this either
Doubloon, 1787-1788 Massachu- a heraldic blunder or tasteless saber-
setts coppers, 1791-1792 George rattling bravado. No documentation
Washington portrait pieces, and other explains if it was due to Mint Director
post-colonial issues show versions of Elias Boudinot’s militant hyperpatrio-
The Great Seal’s obverse was shown on the back of 1923 $5 Silver Certificates.
tism, or merely Scot’s repeated errors. The Reverse: Why a

The correct arrangement has been Pyramid?
used with minor variations on James The reverse of the medal and origi-
Longacre’s Liberty Head $20 gold of nal seal shows an unfinished pyramid
1849-1907, Charles Barber’s silver of 13 steps. Why an Egyptian-style
quarters and half dollars of 1892-1915 pyramid – to signify monumental
(copied from the dies he prepared for achievement? Long-lasting empire?
the Great Seal medal), and Gilroy In his ‟Explanation of the Device,”
Robert’s Kennedy half dollars since Thomson wrote ‟The pyramid on the
1964 (officially the ‟Presidential Coat reverse signifies strength and dura-
of Arms.”) These more modern ver- tion.” The pyramid is topped by a
sions have the ‟proper” arrangement triangle with “the All Seeing Eye”
of arrows and olive branches. (also called Eye of God watching over
The Seal’s obverse appears on humankind, or the Eye of Providence)
several modern commemoratives in a burst of rays.
coins, including the 1984 Olympic The ‟unfinished” pyramid (indicat-
Torch Bearers $10, the 1991 Mount ing our republic was unfinished) and
Rushmore Anniversary dollar, the the overall design were conceived by
2008 Bald Eagle Recovery and the third committee, heavily influ-
National Emblem coin, and the 2011 enced by their consultant William
US Army dollar. John Mercanti’s Barton. The pyramid came from a
adaptation of the Seal has appeared 1778 Continental currency $50 note
on bullion silver eagle dollars since designed by Francis Hopkinson, which
1986 (showing 13 stars, 6 arrows, and had a flat-topped, stepped pyramid and
12 olive leaves, but who’s counting?) the motto Perennis (‟everlasting.”)
The Seal also appears on some paper The committee added the phrase Deo
money. Favente (‟With God favoring.”) In
So which came first? The 1782 Thomson’s final design, he substituted
Great Seal predates all of these numis- the mottoes Annuit Copptis (‟God
matic appearances. had favored our undertakings”), and
Pyramids designs: the 1778 Continental $50 note, the third committee’s 1782 proposal,
Lossing’s 1861 version, today’s official version.
below: Novus Ordo Seclorum (‟New he showed an apparently original ver-

Order of the Ages” adapted from sion of the reverse. The 13 steps were
Virgil.) The Roman numerals for 1776 changed into tapered blocks, and the
are on the base of the pyramid, as used Eye of Providence to a left eye. Loss-
by the first committee. American Seal, ing’s reverse has heavily influenced
Egyptian pyramid, Latin mottoes, revisions up to today’s official version.
Roman numerals: a world-class col-
laboration. A Masonic Influence?
In an 1856 Harper’s Magazine Some conspiracy theories postulate
article, historian Benson John Lossing a sinister influence by Freemasonry
wrote about the Great Seal, in which in the founding of the United States.
The pyramid reverse has appeared on two

designs of paper money: the $50 Continental
Currency of 1778 (which predates the Seal),
and on the reverse of all $1 bills since 1935
(along with the Seal’s obverse.) President
Franklin Roosevelt personally switched the
obverse and reverse positions before approv-
ing this $1 design.

The Great Seal’s press at the State
Department.
Some claim the Eye of Providence

above the pyramid is a common Ma-
sonic emblem, and the Great Seal was
created by Freemasons. But the Eye of
Providence was little used by Masons
in the 1780s, and not adopted as a
Masonic symbol until 1797. The Eye
of Providence was rather a common
Christian motif from the Middle Ages.
The only known Freemason among
the various Great Seal committees
and designers was Benjamin Franklin,
and his ideas were not adopted. Yes,
several Masons were among Amer-
ica’s founders, and several Masonic All subsequent Secretaries of State
principles parallel America’s founding have been responsible for applying the
principles. But no conspiracy has ever Seal to diplomatic documents.
been shown. On September 15, 1789, the United
States Congress ordered ‟that the seal
The Seal’s Press: a Busy heretofore used by the United States
Mechanism in Congress assembled, shall be, and
The first die for the Seal was cut in hereby is declared to be, the seal of
1782, and kept in the State House in the United States.” Slight revisions to
Philadelphia. The engraver was possi- the design were made six times until
bly Robert Scot, who engraved similar 1986, the current die. The Great Seal
designs on our coinage. A die of only quickly became a popular symbol of
the obverse side is made. It was first the nation.
used by its designer, Continental Con- The die and its press have been
gress Secretary Charles Thomson, on housed in wooden cabinets over the
September 16, 1782, to verify signa- decades. They were apparently saved
tures on a document which authorized from damage when Washington was
George Washington to negotiate a burned during the War of 1812, but
prisoner exchange with the British. no one knows by whom. The current
Charles Thomson remained the press and its mahogany cabinet date
keeper of the seal until the Federal from 1904. Today it is displayed in a
government was formed in 1789. glass enclosure in the Department of
President Washington then asked State’s main building. It is currently
Thomson to deliver the seal to the used several thousand times each year,
Department of Foreign Affairs, which to certify treaties, international agree-
kept it until the Department of State ments, appointments, and ceremonial
was created under Thomas Jefferson. communications.
Reverse of the Great Seal medal.
The Medal: a Centennial

Commemoration
The 62 mm (2½ inch) medal was
designed in 1882 by the Mint’s Chief
Engraver Charles E. Barber, and is
catalogued as CM-20 in R. W. Julian’s
Medals of the United States Mint: The
First Century, 1792-1892. Julian de-
scribes how the medal was suggested
by Lieutenant Charles Totten during
the centennial year of the original
Seal. Totten eventually published a
two-volume set of books on the Great 1882 to the reverse. Silver and bronze
Seal. Director of the Mint Horatio medals were struck, and sales began
Burchard wrote Superintendent A. in September 1882. The Mint contin-
Loudon Snowden, who was in favor of ued to strike copies into the Twentieth
striking the medal. Snowden knew that Century.
his uncle, former Director James Ross Designing the seal was more diffi-
Snowden, had researched and identi- cult than anticipated: it took six years,
fied the original designers of the seal. three committees, and the combined
But Director Burchard complained efforts of over a dozen patriots. But
that forgers may use the medal to pro- the resulting design is now recognized
duce fraudulent documents. Snowden around the world, and had stood as a
appealed to Secretary of the Treasury widely-used emblem of a sovereign
Charles Folger, who finally approved nation and a free people with high
the project. Barber finished the dies hopes for the future. All Americans,
quickly, adding the dates 1782 (date of and especially numismatists, can take
the first seal) and the centennial year pride in its symbolism.
The Great Seal of the US is also used or adopted into Seals for other
Government branches, departments, commissions, and documents.

California Token
Spotlight
Shining on: the Grand Hotel, Santa Rosa
by Merle Avila
By the 1870’s Santa Rosa was a

regional center frequented by trades-
men and merchants who stayed in
downtown hotels. The Grand Hotel,
built in 1873 and shown here at Main
and Third Streets, had 40 rooms and
13 suites. As stagecoaches, trains, and
wagons carried travelers through the
far reaches of the north coast, hotels
and resorts sprang up to serve their
needs. One of the most prominent
of these was the three-story Grand
Hotel. It had running water, gas,
marble washstands, carpeted halls, and
black walnut and rosewood furniture.
The Grand had many merchants and
professionals in residence. In 1889 a
physician, a city councilman, and the
editor of the newspaper, The Repub- Oakes,
O k th the G
Grand’s
d’ ddriver,
i “took
“t k all
l
lican, all made their homes at the the arrivals that night” to the Grand.
Grand Hotel. The bar at the Grand The Grand Hotel was destroyed in
was the town’s social center by the the 1906 earthquake. One of the few
turn of the century. Stanley, Jeblett, people on the street in the early morn-
and Julliard sold stoves, hardware, ing hours when the earthquake struck
and agricultural implements from the saw the Grand Hotel collapse follow-
same building. Competition was keen ing a sound like wagon wheels on a
among the hotels as each instituted cobblestone drive and a visible wave
omnibus service from the two railway passing through the street. Landlord
depots to their respective establish- Michael McDonough and his grand
ments. One evening in the fall of 1896 piano were shaken out of the building
The Grand Hotel had a big night. It and onto the sidewalk. Mr. Mc-
was recorded that L. Genazzi, driver Donough was last seen sitting safely
for the Occidental Hotel, fell asleep at on top of his piano covered only by an
the Southern Pacific depot and George American flag.
Top—the Grand Hotel in
1885. By the end of the
1800’s Santa Rosa had
about 100 buildings and
400 citizens.
Middle—the Grand before

the 1906 quake, looking
south from the top of the
Courthouse along “Main
Street” now Santa Rosa
Avenue, Grand Hotel at
left.
Bottom—the Grand after

the collapse during the
1906 quake.
Also—obverse and
reverse of cancelled
(opposite page) and
uncancelled tokens for the
Grand, the cancellation
being accomplished via
the hole punched through
the token.

It Makes Cents:
Playing the MS (Mint State) Game
by Dr. Sol Taylor

In 1999 the Population Report steel cent graded MS68 as selling at
from PCGS listed no 1926S Lin- auction for over $4,000. In 1999 there
coln Cents in MS65Rd. Since then was only one known at that grade. Per-
some two dozen have been certified haps it was that single specimen that
at MS65RD (“red”) by the three top was sold. More likely many high grad-
grading services. ed 1943S cents were submitted until
One of the first to achieve such one (or more) MS68 coins emerged.
a lofty MS rating sold at auction for Whether this was touted as “one of a
over $30,000. According to Dave kind” is not disclosed in the catalog.
Bowers in an article a few years Since many BU rolls of 1943S still
ago, he knew of perhaps dozen or remain unopened, chances are some
more 1926S cent that were graded collectors will play the “MS game” to
as either MS65RB (red-brown) or submit the best specimens for a “MS
even MS64RD that were elevated home run”. This is true for many oth-
to MS65RD status. The dealer who ers in modern series where there is no
owned the lesser graded coins in- incentive to slab coins that retail under
dicated he kept miniscule details of one dollar, for one or two or a few to
these coins only to see some of them hit the MS68 or higher levels. In the
rise to MS65RD status, either by illicit 1955S cents, millions were stored in
processing or simply overgrading by vaults for decades (over eight million
the grading service. Other examples in the Robert Friedberg estate alone).
throughout the series are known to BU rolls are offered online by many
expand into the highest ratings over dealers for the going retail price of un-
the years, not mainly from discoveries der $20 a roll. Back in 1999 over 150
in old collections, but rather by either were graded by PCGS as MS66RD
dabbling in coloration or resubmis- and 15 as MS67RD. One was graded
sions hoping for an extra point or MS68RD. Today those numbers are
two. In the early years of slabbing considerably higher as more collectors
coins (pre-1990) a 1909VDB, a single choose to play the “MS Game”.
known MS67RD, was sold for $3,500 In 2006 a 2003 Lincoln cent was
to an investor noting that (at the time) graded as MS70, a perfect specimen
it was the only 1909VDB graded and the first and only one graded
that high. Since then dozens have not MS70. Someone paid over $13,000
only reached MS67RD level but even for the coin. Only a year later the coin
gone higher. Today 1909VDB cents in developed a couple of spots and was
MS67RD usually go for under $200. returned to PCGS for a refund and is
In an issue of a recent (2015) now worthless. Another casualty of the
Heritage publication, they cite a 1943S “MS game”.
CSNA Membership Application
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can pay via
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Overseas $10 (additional to above)
Name:
Address:
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I herewith make application for membership in the association subject to its
constitution and by-laws.
Signature:
Sponsored by (optional):
Send this application, including a check/money order payable to “CSNA” for
your dues, addressed to:
Don Hill, CSNA Cooresponding Secretary
PO Box 4003
Vallejo, CA 94590

Numismatic
Luminary
by Jim Hunt
Our Numismatic Luminary was Joyce stopped at a table and she
born in Mobile, Alabama, where she and the gentleman behind the table
lived until she met and married a began a conversation. She told him
young navy cadet who was stationed she was from Alabama and he told
in Pensacola, Florida. Shortly after her he was from New Orleans. He
their wedding her husband was trans- lived six blocks down the street from
ferred to Corpus Christi, Texas. Later, her home in Claremont. Her sons and
when he was discharged from the his sons had been in the same class at
navy, they moved to Long Beach, then Claremont High School. He told her
to Claremont. You may now recog- he was a flight instructor and owned
nize our Numismatic Luminary as the a twin-engine Cessna airplane. She
Southern lady, Joyce Kuntz. Joyce and told him she was taking flying lessons
her husband were blessed with three at Cable airport where his plane was
sons; later one of those sons would located. They found that they had so
give them three grandchildren and much in common he invited her to
just recently their first great-grandson. have dinner with him after the coin
Joyce recently lost one of her sons to a show. Joyce accepted. This invitation
massive heart attack. became a whirlwind courtship and the
In the early 1960’s Joyce returned two were married four months later.
to school and earned her degree in Joyce married G. Lee Kuntz, an avid
Nursing/Phlebotomy. Her first job was US large cent collector and well-
working for the Claremont Colleges at known Southern California numis-
their infirmary caring for the students matist. They recently celebrated their
who became ill during their school 38th wedding anniversary.
year. As the years passed Joyce and After their marriage, Lee would
her husband were divorced. In the bring his new wife to coin shows and
1970’s Joyce went to work for the San club meetings. Joyce enjoyed the new
Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland. adventures and making new friends.
There she met people who became He signed Joyce up as life member in
friends and they invited her to fly in CSNA and NASC and also many of
their airplane. Joyce enjoyed it so the coin clubs where he was a mem-
much she began to take flying lessons. ber. Joyce became more involved in
After one of her lessons she stopped at the activities of the hobby. She was to
the Elks Club in Pomona where a coin take over the awards program and the
show was taking place. Joyce was a banquet for NASC after the decline
collector of silver dollars and was in of Ethyl Lenhert’s health. Under the
hopes of adding to her collection. leadership of six NASC vice presi-
dents she arranged and put on
the NASC banquets. She opened
her home and hosted the awards
committee to read member club
newsletters and determine the
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
and also to nominate a person for
the Richard P. Goodson award.
These meetings concluded with a
delicious lunch served by Joyce.
Under the new NASC president
she was appointed to be the 2015
awards chair.
Joyce holds many of CSNA’s
offices and chairs. She is the
historian, medals and events coor- the ANA for 16 years.
years
dinator, plus CSNA’s Medal of Merit, She and her husband have received
by-laws, and policy and procedures many awards, both the CSNA Medal
chairperson. She is also the chairper- of Merit and the NASC Richard P.
son for the CSNA banquets. Joyce and Goodson Award, Numismatic Ambas-
Lee host an invitational gathering for sador Award, ANA’s Glenn Smedley
CSNA members attending the South- Memorial Award, three ANA Presiden-
ern conventions. Wine and heavy hors tial and a CSNA Presidential Award.
d’ oeuvres are provided by Joyce and Joyce and Lee are world travelers,
Lee. This gives attendees a great op- they have traveled to 65 foreign coun-
portunity to socialize prior to the start tries, all seven continents, and have
of the convention. missed only two of our 50 states. They
When CSNA and NASC together flew Al and Dorothy Baber to the US
were the Golden State Coin Show Virgin Islands in Lee’s plane where
(GSCS), Joyce introduced the Friday they enjoyed two weeks of leisure. In
night supper for the dealers and work- September 2015 their next trip will
ers. She would provide and prepare be to visit Niagara Falls and Eastern
the food and see that all had supper Canada.
after the Friday night set-up. The show Not being a coin collector today,
opened Saturday morning. she enjoys attending coin shows with
Joyce was the hostess for the all their activities and collecting new
GSCS hospitality room in Pasadena. friends. Her advice is to enjoy your
She was the hospitality hostess for friendships. Treasure their friendship
the ANA World’s Fair of Money in for in the coin collecting hobby and in
Anaheim in 1995 and in San Francisco this environment you will meet special
in 2005. She was assistant general numismatic people. Remember who
chairman for the ANA World’s Fair of you met and what they collect and
Money in 2009 held at the Los Ange- why they impressed you. For today,
les Convention Center. Joyce and her their knowledge may not pass your
husband were national volunteers for way again.
The Emerging
Hobbyist
by Michael S. Turrini
Hello and howdy!
First, I asked Shawn Chin to
share again some insights, and he
first wrote for the winter 2014 TCN.
As a young twenty year-old college
student, still quite active with numis-
matics, please read and consider his kids or teenagers but young or middle
comments. age adults to enter and to enjoy
Second, during the recent July our hobby? Any thoughts? Reply to
2015 Royal Canadian Numismatic [email protected] or PO Box
Association (RCNA) Convention, the 4003, Vallejo, California, 94590-0400.
RCNA’s really strong and solid “youth Thanks! —MST
numismatics” was evident. I, again, I am Shawn Chin and a junior at
had the privilege of calling lots in the Saint Mary’s College of California.
convention’s youth auction, and the I feel that there needs to be more
outgoing ANA president, and fellow interest in coin collecting amongst the
CSNAer and NASCer, Dr. Walter A. younger generation. Aside from our
Ostromecki, Jr., attended the auction, generation being interested in video
called a few lots, and distributed com- games or electronics, we can introduce
plimentary coins to the avid youthful the hobby of coin collecting through
bidders. certain applications on our smart-
During a discussion later, those phones or go to certain events that
in charge—and their opinion is take place around the area.
respected—were quite adamant that There are some applications on the
“youth numismatics” is “youth only” smartphones that can be used such as
and stops at age 18. The discussion Instagram. I personally use this ap-
had evolved from what do we do for plication to post pictures of my recent
those not 18, but 28, 38, 48, or even purchases or coins from my collec-
58, who are interested in “our world tion @uscoin_collector. I also use the
of money” hobby. Hum? application to follow other people’s
Before going into Shawn’s com- accounts that have the same interests
mentary, your Emerging Numismatist in coins as me. Others use Instagram
Coordinator asks TCN readers for to promote their businesses as well as
their thoughts: what should CSNA coin collecting by posting photos of
or NASC or local coin clubs provide, free coin giveaways in order to expand
assist, and help with those no longer on their followers and introduce the
So-Called Dollars Quality So-Called Dollars bought
and sold. I attend all major coin
shows in the US buying and selling
from the
So-Called Dollars. If you would like
So-Called Guy to receive information about my
services or be added to my sales
list, write, call, or e-mail me at:
[email protected]
or visit my collectors web site:
www.So-CalledDollar.com
Jeff Shevlin
1894 E. William St., Suite 4-240
Carson City, NV 89701
[email protected]
Phone: (916) 955-2569
hobby to all sorts of people from all in the coins. This is their chance to
around. There are many young adults look at the wide variety of coins that
that start simple collections; even many dealers put out for display to
some that live in different sell.
states go metal detecting My experience in using
and find a variety of coins applications
aapp like Instagram,
ranging from Indian head and
a going to coin clubs
cents to silver dollars. and
a coin shows, has made
The younger genera- my
m interest in coins grow
tions should attend the deeper.
de I also got to know
local coin clubs or coin other numismatists
shows. The schedule from around the Bay
and locations of local Area and from other
coin clubs can be found states. There are many
online or you can get flyers at coin more applications that can be
shows. There are many different coins found on smartphones related to coin
to look at, and many can learn about collecting, but in my personal opinion
the coin’s age, history, and different going to coin clubs and coin shows
grades. I see many kids with their paris the best experience for beginning
ents at the coin shows showing interest collectors.
GSCS Report
Staff
The 2015 Golden State Coin Show was well attended and by all accounts a
success. Business was good for the dealers, which means many collectors found
happy additions for their collections (or in some cases happy sales from their
collections). The following pages share a bit of what went on at the show and, in
particular, the Saturday evening banquet...
Mary Yahalom (center) along
with her sister, Sue, and Alex
Jaramillo, staffed the registra-
tion desk to the show and as you
can see by the look of delight on
Alex’s face, were quite eager to
collect show-goers entry fees.
Dealers reported above-average
attendance at the show, so it
looks like the extra advertising
paid off for everyone.
The morning of the show, ANA

President Walt Ostromecki
presented Harold Katzman with
an ANA Presidential Award for
Harold’s significant contribu-
tions to the hobby, and for his
participation on the ANA’s poli-
cies and procedures committee
in particular. The handsomely
framed award was accompanied
by a enameled lapel pin with the
same theme.
At the Saturday evening banquet
Mary Yahalom and Don Foster
(center) had to bribe adult-
beverage guard G. Lee Kuntz to
part with some of the avail-
able wares. Let’s hope that Lee
turned in the cash to the restau-
rant at the end of the evening;
we’d like to be welcomed back
next year.

The banquet was again held at
the Coco’s in Arcadia, a venue
that’s always been a reliable
treat, both from the just-the-
right-size of the facility, to the
friendly hospitality and plenty
of delicious food served up by
hostess Cindy. Salad, salmon,
chicken, prime rib, rice, pota-
toes, vegetables, and a bevy of
desserts and beverages greeted
the lucky attendees.
Exhibits Chairman Roy Iwata
(center) presents the first place
exhibit award to Ken Spindler
(left) for his exhibit on “The
Story of Chinese Chopmarked
Silver Coins”, and the second
place exhibit award to Phil
Iversen for his exhibit “Fiesta
De Los Angeles”.
Jeff Stahl received the Speaker

of the Year Award, presented
here by Awards Chair Joyce
Kuntz, for his many forays out
to various Southern California
clubs to share his knowledge
and stories on a variety of top-
ics. Jeff’s current passion is for
Mexican coinage.
Awards for outstanding 2014

club newsletters went to:
1st—Bay Cities Coin Club
(Editor Jack von Bloecker,
now deceased, and accepted
on behalf of the club by Phil
Iversen, right), 2nd—Hemet Nu-
mismatists (Editor Jim Phillips,
center), and 3rd—the Glendale
Coin Club (Editor Mike Kittle,
left).

The following were recognized
for their years of membership.
Twenty-five years: Scott Travis and
Arri Jacob. Fifty years: California
Exonumist Society, Verdugo Hills
Coin Club (VHCC), Richard Stri-
ley, Edwin Bulujian, Joel Rettew,
William Barrett, Michael Zagorin,
and Douglass Robinson. Photo
shows Phil Iversen (left) congratu-
lating Don Berry of VHCC.
Current President Phil Iversen

made a presentation to Outgoing
President Alex Jaramillo (left),
thanking him for his years of
service to NASC as the previous
president.
Awards Recognition Event Chair-

man Mike Kittle (left) presents
Master of Ceremonies Harold
Katzman with a token of apprecia-
tion.
Below left: Joyce Kuntz presents

the Junior Achievement Award
to Adrian Drouin. Below right:
Joyce also presented the Richard P.
Goodson award to Greg Burns.

CSNA Educational
Symposium Report
Staff
Hosted by
the San Jose
Coin Club, ac-
companied by
lunch, and held
August 22, the
event drew over
40 attendees who
enjoyed the four
speakers pictured
following...
Standing from left: speakers Lloyd Chan and Michael Turrini, Coordinator Herb Miles,
speakers Dean Birge and Donald Pannell. In front, Coordinator Sally Johnson.
Herb Miles (left) presenting
speaker Donald R. Pannell
a certificate of appreciation
and medal for his talk on
“Sacagawea Dollars You Didn’t
Know About.” Also called
golden dollars, these coins were
first minted in 2000, though in
some years none were struck
for general circulation, only for
collectors. There’s even an unre-
leased 22-karat gold variety.
Herb Miles (left) present-

ing speaker Dean R. Birge a
certificate of appreciation and
medal for his talk on “What’s a
Shinplaster?” Shinplaster was a
common name for paper money
of low denomination circulating
widely in the frontier economies
of the 19th century, primarily
the period from 1837 to 1863,
known as the “Free Banking
Period.”

In the middle of the event, and
to bolster the sustainment of
everyone, for the low cost of $10
attendees had the opportunity to
enjoy a luncheon of lasagna and
spaghetti, salad, french bread,
dessert and drinks, and all the
numismatic fellowship one could
desire. Looks like delicious good
fun!
In the afternoon, Herb Miles

(left) presenting speaker Lloyd
G. Chan a certificate of ap-
preciation and medal for his talk
on “Introduction to Collecting
Ancient Coins.” Lloyd is so pas-
sionate about the topic that even
after the event was over he was
found to still be “talking coins”
with the clean-up crew.
Speaker Michael S. Turrini

held sway on “Money from the
Titanic.” Describing himself
as a “Titanic Victim”, here
CSNA Past President Turrini
relives his last moments on the
sinking ship, describing his
efforts to load the final lifeboats
and graciously giving up his
lifeboat seat to a young lady, to
the chuckles and laughs of the
attending symposium crowd.
RIP Ron Awerkamp

Born 3/14/33 in Los Angeles, later
living in Costa Mesa and member of
the Greater Orange County Coin Club,
Ron passed away 6/16/15. Buried at
Inglewood Park Cemetery 6/22/15
beside wife Donna who predeceased
him. Active in scouting, Ron enjoyed
the outdoors and bowling. Ron worked
at Pacific Press/Arcata Graphics as a
pressman from the ages of 18 to 50. Ron Awerkamp (on right) with son Jon.
ANA Report
by Jim Hunt
The big news from the ANA is Many of you know Donn
the results of the election of the new Pearlman, a publicist who has worked
officers and the board of governors for for more than 50 years to promote
2015–2017. Jeff Garrett (Lexington, the ANA. He has previously been
KY) has been elected president, and awarded the Glenn Smedley Memo-
Gary Adkins (Minneapolis, MN) vice rial Award, the Medal of Merit, and
president. The new board members the Exemplary Service Award. He
are: Col. Steve Ellsworth (Clifton,VA), will receive the coveted Farran Zerbe
Dr. Donald H. Kagin (Tiburon,CA), Award, the highest award bestowed by
Dr. Walter Ostromecki (Encino, CA), the ANA at the World’s Fair of Money
Dr. Ralph Ross (Sugar Land, TX), in Rosemont on August 14, 2015.
Greg Lyon (St. Louis, MO), Thomas In an e-mail received from Joe
A. Mulvaney (Lexington, KY), and Boling, he notes that many of his
Paul Montgomery (Oklahoma City, exhibit judges serve the ANA in other
OK). The top runner-up for the board ways as well and are being recognized
is Brian Hendelson (Bridgewater, NJ), for their contributions by the ANA.
who would be selected to serve in case The Medal of Merit goes to Tony
of the incapacity or resignation of one Swicer; the Glenn Smedley Award to
of the newly elected board members. Mitch Ernst, Jay Galst, Brett Irick, and
By the time this reaches you, the Dany Rothfeld; the Adna Wilde Award
World’s Fair of Money at the Donald to Mark Lighterman; Numismatist of
E. Stephens Convention Center in the Year to Fred Schwan; and the Hall
Rosemont, Illinois, will have already of Fame to David Schenkman and
ended and ANA members will be James Charlton (posthumously).
looking forward to the National Mon- Remember that the next big
ey Show to be held in Dallas, Texas, at ANA event in California will be the
the Dallas Convention Center, March World’s Fair of Money to be held at
3-5, 2016. the Anaheim Convention Center on
The ANA has a couple of discount August 9-13, 2016. Encourage all your
offers that you may want to take collecting friends to attend.
advantage of: (1) Favorable insur-
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Bausch and Lomb magnifiers and 25%
discounts on Krause publications and
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CSNA Southern Show 2015
Holiday Inn - Airport
2640 Lakewood Blvd.
Long Beach, CA
562-498-5410
Friday, November 20
Noon to 4:30 Show set-up (signs, cases, etc.))
4:30 Open for dealers and exhibitors only
8:30 Set-up closes for dealers and exhibitors (doors locked/secured)
Saturday, November 21
8:00am CSNA Board meeting
8:00 Open for dealers and exhibitors only
9:00 Scout Clinic (ends at 12:00pm) - tentative schedule; please check!
10:00 Open to the public
10:30 Educational Forum
1:00pm Educational Forum
2:00 CES meeting and club benefit auction
5:30 Bourse closes to entry traffic
6:00 Bourse closes for the day
6:00 No-host hospitality gathering prior to banquet
7:00 CSNA Banquet (Redondo Room in Tower Building)
Sunday, November 22
8:30 Bourse open for dealers only
10:00 Open to the public
2:30 Exhibitors can remove their exhibits
3:30 Bourse closes to entry traffic
4:00 Show closes
6:00 Security ends
Special Room Rate: $119

The host hotel has offered a special reduced room rate to those attending the
CSNA convention for overnight stays during the convention (you must mention
“CSN” or “CSNA”). You may book rooms at this special $119 daily rate (tax not
included, so long as they’re still available), which includes double occupancy
with two double beds. Additional guests, up to a maximum of four per room,
can be accommodated for $10 extra each. High speed Internet included, private
balcony, and triple-sheeted beds with soft and firm pillows. Sounds nice, huh?
Saturday Evening Banquet
in the Redondo Room—the
Finest Skyline City View
Dining in Long Beach
Choice of:
Chicken Marsala Enjoy an evening with your numismatic

-or- family and friends in the Redondo Room
Rib Eye Steak at the top of the hotel. This venue boasts
unbeatable California-style cuisine and a
view of the Long Beach skyline, ensuring
...each accompanied by salad, po- patrons a memorable experience.
tatoes, seasoned vegetables, rolls and
butter, dessert, and coffee or tea.
No-host social 6pm

Dinner 7pm
The program will include a ce-

lebrity roastee (wonder who that will
be?), association awards, and a special
treat: four items will be auctioned off
at random times throughout the course
of the evening (be sure to bring some
cash along with you so you can enjoy
participating in the bidding!).
CSNA Banquet Tickets

Tickets for the CSNA banquet are available for $39 per person. Please
complete coupon and mail, or make other arrangements with Joyce Kuntz at the
contact points listed below no later than 11/14:
Steak tickets X $39 = (steak total):
Chicken tickets X $39 = (chicken total):
Mail to: (total meals)
Joyce Kuntz
697 Scripps Drive
Claremont, CA 91711
[email protected] or (909) 621-2196
Goings On
by Greg Burns
Hiya! As usual there’s been
lots going on lately. Both associa-
tions buzzing with communications,
e-mails, meetings, whatever. Let’s Unfortunately, Recording Sec-
dive right in. retary Jon Maria Marish was absent,
CSNA had another meeting in Tu- and a few weeks after the meeting
lare in mid-July. I carpooled up with announced that she, too, would have
some of my fellow wizards and made to resign her position. She’s struggled
the following notes: with health-related travel difficulties
Treasurer Roy Iwata held on to and reluctantly has passed the baton
the many bags of gold totalling some over to CSNA President Feltham to
$54,872.54. There was an increase bestow elsewhere.
over the last report of $1,780.22, but Best wishes to both Gene and Jon
only because of cash donations of in the coming months ahead.
$4,400 (or more), meaning that absent Librarian Don Hill reported that
the largess of a few we would have there was a steady trickle of visitors
been down over $2,700. Some of that to the institution, most being drop-ins
loss is due to poorer than expected fi- looking for “What do I have,” and
nancial results from conventions (none “How much is it worth?” Don is still
in the north and financially squeaking working on converting the records
into the black in the south). There’s an over to the ANA style listing, and
old saying, “Strike while the iron is anticipates that taking a year or so
hot,” and through the end of the year to complete. There is a partial listing
we have a matching fund grant for do- available on www.calcoin.org, and it’s
nations received (see page 9 of the last searchable in case you’re interested.
issue for donation form or just send I heard mention that Herb Miles,
you money in marked “for matching on behalf of the Pacific Coast Nu-
grant”; we’ll get the idea), so have a mismatic Society, has put the old
go with your checkbook if you’re so NASC “Visual Eduction Library” (a
inclined, and for the time being it will collection of slide shows mostly) to a
count double. Powerpoint format, and either that or
Director Gene Berry had to resign a PDF version is planned to be posted
due to some unexpected family re- on the CSNA website for clubs to use.
sponsibilities. We’ll miss his candor Web-related news: I heard some
and frank input, but look forward to mention about a CSNA Facebook
his possible future return when things page, but don’t know what the timing
in that arena settle down in coming for that is.
years. I understand that Edwin Hoff- Symposiums were mentioned.
mark, Jr., will be stepping in to fill that San Jose has one imminent with four
role for the time being. speakers, and another one is planned
down south for April of next year. we were told it would be a topic for
You’ll read about it all in TCN of the upcoming NASC board meeting.
course. Guess you all saw something new
Joyce Kuntz and her committee in your last TCN mailing—a hand-
have completed publishing an updated stuffed postcard advertising the NASC
set (21 copies) of “Policy and Proce- Golden State Coin Show. Turns out
dures” books for the various directors it’s dirt-cheap ($7.02 to be precise;
and elected positions, including a copy yeah, you read that right) to have that
of the bylaws, lists of CSNA presi- done at the time of mailing, and so
dents and medal recipients, and an even though many TCN recipients
up-to-date inventory of the remaining aren’t in that geographic area it was
medals in CSNA’s strongbox. “Lot- still a prudent thing to do to ensure
sawork” as they say; thanks, Joyce! we got the word out. My guess is that
We briefly discussed conventions won’t be the last of that type of thing.
and shows, with the acknowledge- In closing it was announced that
ment that the northern effort was now Herb Miles would be helping as fa-
out of the picture. Too bad—we could cilitator and moderator at the San Jose
use the publicity and the funds. As Symposium (which will be over by the
far as the southern effort, we didn’t time you read this). The next meeting
have a tentative budget yet, though for CSNA will be at the Long Beach
President Feltham said that the bourse convention at 8am on Saturday. Be
table sales were going well and that there or be square.
he planned on releasing a budget to NASC held their board meeting
the board shortly. There was some the morning of the opening day of
brief discussion on having a second the Golden State Coin Show (GSCS).
southern show, centered in the San Meetings on the day of the GSCS are
Diego area, but it sounded like it was always a little rushed due to some of
too financially risky for anyone to put the participants also being dealers who
their shoulder to it. need to attend to their tables, but we
Lots of lively debate on a new squeezed in quite a bit for the hour and
dues structure. See elsewhere in this a half we met.
TCN for the new CSNA membership You can read up on the essence
application reflecting the outcome. of Corresponding Secretary Harold
We again brought up the topic of Katzman’s report on page 8 of this
joining CSNA and NASC to combine issue. Harold also told us that he had
finances and eliminate redundant mailed out 23 copies of TCN to cor-
positions (too few folks spread too rect a snafu in the last mailing which
thin, and getting worse; witness two didn’t include some of our newest
resignations at this meeting alone, NASC members, so hopefully every-
and NASC is in a similar boat). But to one is all “up to speed” in the TCN-
make it work the two presidents have delivery department. If not, please do
to maneuver the topic onto the table contact Harold and let him know, and
with both groups...long overdue in my he’ll make it right.
opinion. Anyways, we’re supposed to Treasurer Tony Micciche reported
hear more on this topic coming up, as that the NASC moneybags contained
exactly $41,995.06, not including the Club Gold Benefit Drawing, and
gold which had been acquired for the Harold Katzman had jinned up a bevy
drawing at the show. It’s an asset, and of different promotions to sell tickets.
Harold reported that around $3,000 We won’t have the totals by the time
had been spent for the gold, so there’s this issue goes to press, but my guess
that, too. is that we didn’t lose much, if any.
Historian George Moore III, Don Berry agreed to a new ap-
Publicity Chairman Bob Thompson, pointment as grievance chair. Should
and Speakers Bureau Chair Virginia be a cushy job as it’s such a genial
Bourke were all absent, so nothing crowd.
to report from those quarters. There Policies and Procedures Chair Har-
was apparently some confusion about old Katzman (he wears a lot of hats,
when the meeting was to be held (last huh?) brought up three new revisions
issue of TCN said Sunday, but turned for everyone to look over and vote on.
out to be on Saturday), so perhaps that The revised president’s one passed, as
contributed to their absences. did the revision to the corresponding
Walt Ostromecki relayed some of secretary’s one. We started running
the news relating to the 2016 ANA out of time, so a revision to a little-
World’s Fair of Money event at the used “Participation Incentive Policy
Anaheim Convention Center next and Procedure” was tabled till the
August 9-13, 2016. Garrett Burke was next meeting. It appears most member
scheduled to swing by the GSCS to clubs don’t realize that NASC is a
go over some event medal concepts, confederation of clubs, and that each
and folks should start thinking about club should send a representative to
submitting exhibit applications (I was discuss and vote on matter before the
told that Roy Iwata would be working NASC group. Perhaps the participat-
that), and applications to speak at the ing incentive approach will encourage
Numismatic Theatre events. Walt also more club reps, the idea being that
presented an ANA Presidential Award representatives could earn credits for
to Harold Katzman, and the thud of their attendance and participation at
Harold’s jaw dropping to the floor (re- NASC meetings and functions, and
ally, you should have seen his numbed those credits could be used for offset-
and surprised reaction, it was classic) ting banquet or gold drawing ticket
was felt as far north as San Francisco. costs.
Awards Chair Joyce Kuntz told Property Chairman Robert Wu
us she was ready with the awards for suggested updating some of the NASC
the banquet that night, and Awards signage and cases, but I didn’t hear of
Recognition Event Chairman Mike any definite outcome of that.
Kittle thanked Joyce for her guiding Sargent at Arms Glenn Frank, like
help as he made the arrangements for the grievance chair, had nothing taxing
the banquet held that evening. See the to do, but was present just in case.
GSCS report in this issue for more Webmaster Jim Phillips reported
info on the evening’s festivities. on the progress, now complete, of get-
As previously mentioned, about ting Paypal and credit cards accepted
$3,000 was spent for the Member for membership dues and other in-
come on the NASC site (www.NASC. The next NASC meeting will be
net). Jim also reported that he intended held at the same facility, the Ma-
to start an NASC Facebook page, but sonic Center in Arcadia, on Saturday,
hasn’t gotten much past the concept October 10th, at 10 a.m. Because it
stage at this point. Look for more info was missed in the August meeting (in
on that in our next issue. part due to lack of time) I’ve asked for
Mike Kittle gave us a short sum- one of the agenda items for October to
mary on the 501c3 status, and it be to follow up on the topic of CSNA
sounds more complex than initially and NASC potentially merging into a
envisioned. Lots of forms, statements, new state-level organization. Assum-
paperwork, some going back to 2009 ing that discussion takes place, then
or so. Ick. The group will keep work- we’d at least have some NASC input
ing on it though. into a CSNA discussion at the
NASC voted to cover the cost of meeting held in conjunction
giveaway coin booklets to the 70- with CSNA’s Long Beach
some Boy Scouts scheduled to attend convention November
the workshop at the GSCS, so that was 21-22. Both the NASC
good support for local YNs. There and CSNA meetings
being no corrections to the previous are open, so feel free
meeting’s minutes and no announce- to drop in...
ments, Phil Iversen banged his gavel
and concluded the meeting.
Enjoying Your Hobby?

Are you grateful for the fun you’ve had over the years?
Consider the enjoyment future generations can have if
they’re properly introduced to numismatics. Sure would
be nice if there was an organization that was set-up to help
spread the word...
Hey, that’s just what CSNA and NASC do!

And now, you can help them to ensure that others get the
message about our terrific educational hobby by making a
tax-deductible donation today. Simply send a check to either
of the association corresponding secretaries (addresses on page 9), identify your
gift as a “fund-raising donation”, and then receive acknowledgement in TCN (or
not, as you wish) along with a tax-deductible receipt.
We Get
Letters...
Got some thoughts you’d like to share with
other readers, comments on articles or
opinions you’ve read in TCN, or otherwise
have something you’d like to say? Let your
voice be heard and write to us via snail-
mail to CSNA, PO Box 1181, Claremont,
CA 91711, or better yet drop us an e-mail
at [email protected]. Submitted ma-
terial may be edited for form or content...
So That’s Where it Went! had never heard of such a coin. I only

Greg: I bought a coin collection wish he had lived to see this one.
from a Whittier Coin Club member’s If anyone is interested in seeing the
estate this weekend. It contains a story. coin, feel free to email me at Soltay-
In 1970 (or 1971) I was using [email protected].
Nik-A-Date on a batch of dateless buf- —Sol Taylor
falo nickels. One of them clearly was
the very scarce 1918/7D. I took it to Our Authors are Tops!
the Long Beach Coin Show and after Hi Greg,
making the rounds I sold it to Maurice Great summer 2015 TCN!
Jensen, a Long Beach coin dealer, for Hope that your hand has healed by
$20 (or thereabouts). At the show he the time you receive this.
later told me he had sold it to a young Already sent Mark Benvenuto a
collector who popped it into his album note about how much I liked his story,
and announced his set was complete. and also liked Bill Febuary’s piece.
Last week (June, 2015) I was A version of that would make a great
called by a family member of a late “Guest Commentary” in Coin World!
Whittier Coin Club member to buy If you could forward this on, that
his collection. Sorting through all would be appreciated! If you could put
the albums, boxes, bags, and loose me in touch with Jim Wells, too, that
items, I noted in the buffalo nickel would be fantastic too as we enjoyed
album a dateless coin in the slot for his “A to Z” piece.
the 1918/7D nickel. Upon closer —Steve Roach
examination, it was indeed a very Editor-at-Large, Coin World
clearly visible 1918/7D. And in all
likelihood it was the very same coin I (Greg’s note: thanks for all well-
discovered some four decades earlier. wishes received after I had second-de-
I had mentioned the coin earlier in my gree burns [last name, funny joke, ha,
correspondence with buffalo nickel ha] on my right hand a couple months
collector the late Len Ratzman. He ago. All better now!... GB)
Awards Presented by ANA
President Ostromecki
ANA President Walt
Ostromecki presented four awards
to California numismatists re-
cently (five if you’ll look at page
46). Three were ANA Presidential
Awards thanking the recipients
for being dedicated to promoting
numismatics through the education
of its members, the general public,
and the numismatic community.
One was a Numismatic Point of
Light award as special recognition
for commitment and service to the
numismatic community.
An ANA Presidential Award went
to TCN Editor Greg Burns (top photo,
l.) at a meeting of the Glendale Coin
Club (GCC), which was appropriate
since Greg got his start in numismatic
publishing in 1995 when he took over
editing the GCC’s newsletter, The
GlenCoin News.
ANA Presidential Awards also
went to Jim Hunt (second photo) and
Andrew Woodruff (third photo) in the
San Diego area at the Heartland Coin
Club (HCC) who have enhanced the
numismatic hobby with their many
and varied educational outreach ef-
forts over the years.
Also at the HCC meeting, Walt
presented Jeff Goettler (fourth photo)
with the ANA Numismatic Point of
Light Award. Jeff is a tireless and de-
voted YN hobby advocate, promoter
and mentor. He has been the primary
go-to guy for youth activities and
outreach programs held at coin clubs
show in the greater San Diego area.
Jeff commented, “ I simply love to
work with kids and see the smiles my
introduction to coin collecting brings
to their faces.”
Around the State...
Club Reporter—North
Sally Johnson
P.O. Box 10416
San Jose, CA 95157-1416
[email protected]
Club Reporter—South
Virginia Bourke
10601 Vista Camino
Lakeside, CA 92040-1605
[email protected]
Ginny’s Gleanings: As I write this fires are raging in Northern California.

Take care, please. Coinarama in San Diego was very successful this year. Kay
Lenker was bourse chairman for many years and has passed the torch to Steve
Fahrlender who is off and running with it. Clubs all over are sending best wishes
to their favorite leprechaun, Tom Fitzgerald, and are hoping he feels better soon.
On a sadder note, long-time numismatist Jerry Yahalom, a mentor and a tutor for
many, has passed on. Club members are sending their love to Mary and the fam-
ily. “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls” from a Simon
and Garfunkel song.
Sally’s Sayings: It’s been a busy year and lot of things going on. My home
club is hosting the CSNA 16th Annual Educational Symposium, Saturday Au-
gust 22, at the American Legion Hall in San Jose. We had some struggles with
our day and conflicts but it looks like it’s a go! I am still amazed that I’m still
not getting all of my newsletters for the TCN and don’t know how to get folks
to send or email them out on a regular basis. Some months I get them and others
I don’t. This year is going by very quickly and I see some changes this year that
are positive and that’s folks starting to take an interest in getting shows back on
track and sharing information which will help long term for all involved. We
are one community and need to work together as a team. We have a nice group
of members visiting our club from other clubs and would recommend this to
all of you who can get around and enjoy learning new things and meeting great
people. We all need to step out of our comfort zone and enjoy our hobby.
Club Reports...
WOODLAND HILLS COIN CLUB Bill Pagel and Phil Iversen
shared their love of numismatics at an employee appreciation luncheon at
Northrop-Grumman for over two hours giving away tokens and coins and meet-
ing information. In June Phil presented a coin-grading clinic. Larry Buck and
Phil are always working on behalf of this club and it is appreciated.
WHITTIER COIN CLUB Dr. Sol Taylor provided the video 1943 Copper and
1944 Steel Lincoln Cents at the June meeting. In July, Sharon Arndt provided
her program Finding Your Ancestors and told how to proceed with this very
popular hobby. Orville Pencille turned 91 at the June meeting. Happy birthday!
VERDUGO HILLS COIN CLUB Charter member Bob Thompson spoke

at the June meeting on Postage and Fractional Currency and Encased Postage
Stamps. The gold winners at the brown bag auction in May were Dennis Berry,
Ellie Gordon, Michael Dedman, and William Berry. Mark Baskin, vice
president of Covina Coin Club, provided the July program speaking on Antique
Counterfeit Detection Scales and Devices. He has been collecting them for many
years. The annual Rick Gordon Ice Cream Social was a huge success. Of course
it was! Jay Robinson presented Guess the Coin Game in August. Only a very
small portion of any coin is shown and members have to guess which coin it is.
VALLEJO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY A wine and cheese event is the theme

for this year’s Al Renn Auction, one of our two annual fund-raising auctions.
This year’s auction retains the numismatic-only concept but adds wine with
proceeds earmarked for funding for emerging numismatists of any age. Thanks
to donations from Scott Griffin, Dennis and Martha Crockett, Bob Luna,
Michael Turrini, “Steamer Stanley”, and others, our society is building means,
activities, and efforts, to bring and aid new coin hobbyists. Additional donations
are encouraged. For example, Ray Martin, our friendly caterer, will be donat-
ing a nice gift basket. Donations of coins or wine are asked. Also, the ANA has
heard of our efforts and are parceling “stuff” to our society.
UPLAND COIN CLUB – Members were informed a little more on a little-

known fact of WWII history when guest speaker Jim Phillips did his talk in
May on Operation Bernard: Nazi Counterfeit British Pound Notes. G. Lee
Kuntz showed a film from the ANA convention in 1958 which was enjoyed
by all. Sean Moffat presented the June program and explained the title of his
talk, The Good Days and the Bad Days of Minting Coins and Medals. It was a
fascinating subject and members learned quite a bit about the minting process.
Harold Katzman has a clever program he presented at the July meeting. He
gives a quiz of certified and rare coins with prizes to the best graders.
STANISCLAUS COIN CLUB August was our annual club picnic. In contrast
to the craziness of the show, the picnic is much more relaxed. Also, this is the
month to start working up your design for next year’s club medal. Entries must
be received by a board member by the start of our September board meeting.
For those of you in the area on our meeting nights, don’t miss out! Wondering if
your chip is in the bag? Maybe this is the month for it to be pulled! We’ve had
a few meetings without a winner for our Last-Shot Silver Drawing, so the silver
pot is starting to build up again. We’ll have our two big events for the juniors:
the junior auction, and the junior bags for our Christmas party. Donations of
prizes for our juniors are always appreciated. If you have something that doesn’t
quite fit your collection, consider donating it to brighten a YN’s day.
SAN JOSE COIN CLUB would like to send a huge thank you to Ed Sins for
his talk last month on Sea Stories. He shared some of his knowledge and history
with our members. A special thank you also goes to our June speaker Lloyd
Chan for making the long trek from up north to share his wealth of knowledge
with our members on Trade Dollars. We can all agree we learned something
new from Lloyd. A special thank you goes to our July speaker Ray Johnson for
his talk on San Jose Coin Club Exonumia. If you would like to read the history
of the last 50 years of the SJCC, see Ed Sins to get a copy of his book. “Thank
you” goes to Rick Hagen for putting on the chef’s hat and cooking dinner for
our members which included polish dogs, salad, and all the fixings. Well wishes
go out to Dan Shattuc who has been in the hospital recently. SJCC wishes you a
speedy recovery and hopes to see you at the next meeting. Also, Charlie Cobb
is recovering at home after having surgery. Get well soon, Charlie.
SAN DIEGO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY Kay Lenker’s presentation in June

was on one of her favorite topics, Women on US Dollar Coins, and delighted
the members. Mike Shaw brought in several British statutes dated 1812, 1814
and 1815, issued by King George III awarding property and titles to the Duke of
Wellington for defeating Napoleon. Ken Spindler shared early visitor passes to
Congress dating from 1903-1908. Jim Wells collects small models of histori-
cal buildings and uses them often to improve his award-garnering exhibits. In
August, members bragged about their finds at the recent Coinarama coin show.
SAN BERNARDINO COIN CLUB Author Greg Burns presented a talk in

May almost to the day of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 thrilling members.
He had copies of his book on Karl Goetz’s medals, Commemoration of Death:
the Medals of the Lusitania Murders, available. The annual white elephant sale
was held at the June meeting. Some of the proceeds from this are used to pay
for the annual summer picnic. Lee Kuntz presented an ANA film in July. Norm
Sturgess has decided to resign his position of treasurer after 40 years! Many
thanks for all your years of hard work. He will continue as a board member.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY COIN CLUB reached the halfway point of the

year with their last meeting in May. Twelve meetings down and twelve more to
go. They say time flies when you are having fun. Feeling happy that we filled
our remaining vacancy with Rick agreeing to be the recording secretary for the
rest of the year. June was our picnic at Tempo Park. In July we had Other Hobby
Night and an open board meeting. You always find out some things about the
club members at these meetings. Also, we have the fall show to start planning
for in October. We are still looking for someone with marketing experience to
assist us in putting together a plan and to take over the marketing of the shows.
REDWOOD EMPIRE COIN CLUB Topic for the July meeting: Your Best
Father’s Day Story Related to Coins. The club sends get-well wishes to Frank
V., who is still recovering from an illness. We celebrated Lee Gong’s birthday
with his favorite, a fruit basket cake courtesy of Connie P. Gary C. has a type
set of Sacagawea dollars and talked about the 2015 coin. It has the date on the
edge, which always stumps people unfamiliar with it. Guy S. brought in an
extension of a US type set, with some Hard Times tokens from the 1830s. The
club was saddened with news of two members who recently passed away. How-
ard Jacobs was a member from the 1990s and 2000’s who attended regularly
and enjoyed the camaraderie in the club. Also George Wenzlaff, a fairly recent
member who enjoyed the meetings and had humorous anecdotes about coins.
The club offers condolences to both families. Our show will be February 12-13,
2016, in the Finley Building at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION is pleased to

announce that it is sponsoring its 2nd Annual California Numismatic Seminar on
Saturday, September 26, at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin
St., Vallejo. For more information call 707-246-6327 or email emperori@juno.
com. There will be five presenters: Paul R. Johnson, Edgar D. Fulwider, Dr.
Robert J. Chandler, Clifford L. Mishler, and David E. Harper. Free admis-
sion, door prizes, on-site simple lunch, and access to the CSNA library on site.
LONG BEACH COIN CLUB Harold Katzman presented an entertaining

program in April, My 10 Favorite Coins, which actually had 12 items. Jeff Stahl
discussed California Gold Coins in June. A white elephant sale in July brought
in a lot of goodies. President Bob Wu discussed the Grading of Indian Coins
while members munched out on Polly’s delectable pies.
INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO Ginny

Bourke and Steve Fahrlender using Powerpoint images proved helpful for her
talk on Canadian Colonial Tokens in April. Jeff Lewis provided a Powerpoint
presentation of Ferdinand VII in May. Mike Shaw just happened to have three
proclamation medals of Ferdinand VII to tell about. Lincoln Higgie brought
several coin references and two Spanish colonial eight reales. Ken Spindler
brought in a vast array of Mexican and Latin American silver coins issued under
Ferdinand VII. Mike Shaw used the slide program given to us by NASC featur-
ing British Campaign Medals. Bob Fritsch always provides a challenging quiz
related to the monthly theme.
HEMET NUMISMATISTS Members were still raving over the Super-Auction
at the April meeting. Rafael Flores again (he has been doing this for a very long
time) spearheaded the club’s annual picnic in May at the Gibbel Park in Hemet.
He was a very busy man and did an outstanding job. President Ken Busby and
his wife Ellen provided the June entertainment with a Powerpoint presentation
from their recent travels in the national parks of the US. July featured the annual
club anniversary luncheon. Dot Williams did all the organizing again this year.
HEARTLAND COIN CLUB Kudos to John Weiss and his team for another
very successful one-day coin show in May. The club was honored when ANA
President Walter Ostromecki became the guest speaker in June. His topic was
Money of the Afterlife and he brought all types of money to explain how they are
used. While there he presented awards to Jim Hunt, Andrew Woodruff, and
Jeff Goettler. Andrew always comes up with a challenging quiz.
GREATER ORANGE COUNTY COIN CLUB Coinage Laws of the United

States was the topic Timothy Cassidy-Curtis spoke on in June. Bourse Night
was featured in July and members buy, sell, trade coins, and have a good time.
GLENDALE COIN CLUB May’s meeting was doubly nice. Pizza party and a
video presented by Jeff Shevlin and William Hyder on Panama-Pacific Expo
Official Medals. Clarence Scherich won the PCGS MS-70 2014 baseball dol-
lar in April. Lucky Luke Mitchell won the five-ounce Gettysburg silver ATB
in May. Jerry Yahalom was a long-time member of this club and served in all
capacities over the years. His shoes will be very difficult to fill. Carey Hauser
and Kim Krueger presented the June program on the various religious images
on coins from all over the world. It was, therefore, fitting that these two won the
top prize in June: an 1892-S Morgan dollar, MS-65 since they are moving out of
state and this was their last meeting. Jay Robinson presented a nice program at
the July meeting about the Liberty Seated Dollar, 1840 to 1873.
FRESNO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY will be celebrating their 70th anniver-

sary next year. Since they have a club medal every five years, the club anniver-
sary next year will be a milestone event. In preparation for production of medals,
President Obler contacted the company that has made medals for the club in
the past, Masterpiece Medallions. Phillip Plettner had a letter printed in the
“Letters” section of a recent issue of Coin World. Phil is on his way to being a
noted numismatic journalist. On the coin show front, state quarters will go to all
juniors attending our October show, and mint sets going to juniors completing
the “Coin Safari” (a coin identifying challenge for juniors 16 and under). Luis
Ramos has been in contact with the ANA and the US Mint in obtaining material
for YNs attending the show. Dennis Olswang shared a series 1934-A ten-dollar
yellow seal silver certificate and Thomas Harrison commented on the talks
about the treasury putting a female on a US currency note. The most likely note
is the twenty-dollar bill and it looks like Harriet Tubman is the front runner.
FREMONT COIN CLUB thanks Rashel Wren for volunteering as new cor-
responding secretary. FCC dues are now due and inactive members will not be
able to submit auction lots if dues are not current. There is also a gold drawing at
the Fremont Coin Show. FCC will be hosting a pizza party after the coin show at
the Centerville Round Table for all people who worked at the show. If members
worked both the setup and tear-down or work a total of 4 hours at the reception/
ticket sale table, then they will be invited. Non-competitive exhibits from our
members for the 2015 coin show are: Coins/Tokens of my Birth Year by Briita
Ehlers, My World of Half Dollars by Wanda Johnson, Some of the Tools Used
for Coin Collecting by Bob Lusk, and Seated Liberty Quarters by Keith Scott.
FAIRFIELD COIN CLUB Gene Berry displayed his gas pump replicas in
three sizes. Frank Harvey showed five sheets of commemorative stamps.
Richard Bluhm and Michael Turrini shared first day covers. The Fund Raiser
Drawing conducted and sponsored by Scott Griffin realized $1,690. Winners
were Don Hill ($250), Joel Minadeo ($100), President Belleau ($50), and the
club treasury ($1,290). Hotdog and Bingo Night: there were hotdogs, hot-links,
buns, chili, cheese, diced onion, mustard, relish, catsup, sides, and drinks.
DOWNEY NUMISMATIST Albertus Hoogeveen spoke on Netherlands

Provincial Coinage recently. At 78, he was passing up young Boy Scouts on
a 30-mile back-pack hike on the Pacific Crest Trail during the Memorial Day
weekend. Way to go, Al!
DIABLO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY During Other Hobbies Night 14 mem-

bers shared their non-coin hobbies. The Cunhas won an award for their Mar-
tinez memorabilia, Bob Luna for his gun shells, and Terry Van Diver for his
hunting picture exploits and pennies flooring. James Laird won Truman P&D
dollar coins as part of a drawing for entering the presentation. Concord Police
Officer Paul Van Diver agreed to assume the task of being present for the club
monthly meetings at the Concord Police Station Meeting Room. Thus there is
no need to relocate the monthly meetings upon the retirement of Officer Robert
Jadick. Herb Miles recently talked on WWII POW Camps and Australian Camp
Tokens as well as The California Missions and Medallions. Guest Donna Vito
was the winner of $52. James Laird won the collection of mission medallions
generously donated by Herb Miles.
CUPERTINO COIN CLUB thanks Michael Turrini for speaking on Dirty

Facts, Clean Legacies, and He Did That: The Presidents. The June meeting fea-
tured Other Hobbies Night. Members shared bird watching, trains, hiking, pens,
comics, and castles. The 2015 banquet will be Sunday, October 25, at the Blue
Pheasant. Social hour will be at five with dinner at six. July’s Hot Dog Night
was a yummy success. Many thanks go to those members who helped set-up and
clean-up and brought something to share. The August meeting will feature the
Annual Beauty and the Beast Contest. Now is the time to search your collec-
tion for the loveliest, shiniest, most lustrous coin you have and enter it into the
beauty contest. You can also start scouring the street gutters outside your house
to find the most worthy entry for the beast contest.
COVINA COIN CLUB Editor Helen Desens is a dedicated editor; when her
computer went “buggy”, she wrote the entire newsletter by hand. VP Mark
Baskin is doing a great job of obtaining speakers. In May, Sean Moffat present-
ed a slide program on how coins and medals are minted. His talk was informa-
tive and enjoyable. In June, John Duff and his wife Rose covered Paranormal
Paper Money (editor’s note: see John’s article on this topic in this very issue of
TCN). Jack Reeves turned 91 in July. The theme for Show and Tell in July was
Patriotic Motifs on Coins and Currency.
COINEERS COIN CLUB’s May meeting did a twist on the familiar Show
and Tell; members were asked to create their own theme. Member Debbie has
spoiled all the others with her decadently delectable desserts at each meeting. In
June, the theme was How Low Can You Go?. Lance Dohe did a special presen-
tation on the topic What is Money? Lance continued his talk at the July meeting.
CHULA VISTA COIN CLUB members learned how to determine a counter-

feit pillar dollar from Doug Hildenbrandt at the April meeting. Ralph Munoz
brought in his very early US quarters dated 1731-1838. He likes them for their
subtleties from the hand-carved dies. Dealer-member Ted Koopman reminded
all that the monthly North County Coin Show in Anaheim has resumed after
a six-month hiatus. The first meeting was busy! The club plans a potluck in
August.
BURBANK COIN CLUB – Members and guests kept Phil Iversen and Don
Fujitani busy in their coin appraisal event but they were still looking for more
people when it ended. Members who share their coin stories are given tickets for
an “opportunity drawing”. The club is busy planning their Christmas party.
PCNS Centenary centenary, and the ordering deadline

Celebration Banquet has passed as of June 30. The limited
The Pacific Coast Numismatic So- mintage medals are planned to be
ciety will be holding their 100th year released at the banquet.
anniversary banquet on September 26, PCNS was founded by Farran
7pm, at the Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jef- Zerbe and a group of San Francisco
ferson Street (Fisherman’s Wharf), in collectors in 1915 when Zerbe came
San Francisco. Banquet tickets can be West to supervise the US Mint exhibit
ordered online at www.pcns.org/orders at the Panama-Pacific International
for $45 per person. Exposition, and is the oldest coin orga-
Silver and bronze medals have nization west of the Mississippi.
been ordered to commemorate the
Anti-Counterfeit Gold Shield Technology
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PCGS HOLDER
GOLD SHIELD SECURITY
99.99% Inert Plastic Resin
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MAXIMUM VALUE | MAXIMUM SECURITY | MAXIMUM LIQUIDITY

PCGS has once again raised the bar for numismatic security, creating a new
holder that is virtually impossible to replicate. The new PCGS holder is built with
covert and overt security features, and enables collectors to readily verify the
authenticity of the holder.
Get the new holder and see for yourself. Your coins will thank you
and the market will reward you.
www.PCGS.com/Security
Directory of
Member Clubs
Changes should be sent by a club officer via mail to the applicable association’s corresponding secretary.
CSNA and NASC membership status is indicated in parentheses at the end of each club’s listing.
Alameda Coin Club—meets 1st Tuesday, 6:45 p.m., Alameda Free Library, 1550
Oak Street, Alameda; mailing address: P.O. Box 1763, Alameda, CA 94501-
0202. (CSNA)
Bay Cities Coin Club—meets 2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m., El Segundo Library, 111
W. Mariposa Ave., El Segundo; mailing address: c/o Jack von Bloeker III, 5714
Apia Drive, Cypress, CA 90630. (NASC)
Burbank Coin Club—meets 1st Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., Joslyn Center (Nutrition
Room), 1301 W. Olive Ave., Burbank; mailing address: c/o Don Fujitani, 215
Cedar Heights Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. (NASC)
California Exonumist Society—meets twice a year during the semi-annual
CSNA Conventions; mailing address: Michael S. Turrini, P.O. Box 4104,
Vallejo, CA 94590-0410; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA, NASC)
California State Numismatic Association—meets up to twice a year during
CSNA conventions at various locations; mailing address: Don Hill, P.O. Box
4003, Vallejo, CA 94590; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.
calcoin.org. (CSNA, NASC)
Chula Vista Coin Club—meets 1st Thursday, 6:30 p.m., San Diego County Li-
brary, Bonita Branch, 4375 Bonita Road, Bonita; mailing address: 10601 Vista
Camino, Lakeside, CA 92040; Web site: www.chulavistacoinclub.org. (CSNA,
NASC)
Coineers Coin Club—meets 3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m., 4675 Tecolote Road, San
Diego, CA; mailing address: 829 Portsmouth Court, San Diego, CA 92109.
(CSNA, NASC)
Covina Coin Club—meets 3rd Wednesday, 8:00 p.m., San Dimas Royal Mobile
Homes Clubhouse, 1630 W. Covina Blvd., San Dimas.; mailing address: Helen
Desens, 282 W. Bygrove St., Covina, CA 91722. (CSNA, NASC)
Cupertino Coin Club—meets 2nd Friday, 7:30 p.m., West Valley Presbyterian
Church, Parish Hall, 6191 Bollinger Avenue, Cupertino, CA; mailing address:
P.O. Box 448, Cupertino, CA 95015-0448; Web site: www.cupertinocoinclub.
com. (CSNA)
Delta Coin Club of California—meets 1st and 3rd Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Eagles
Hall, 1492 Bourbon Street, Stockton, CA 95204; mailing address: P.O. Box
690761, Stockton, CA 95269-0761; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA)
DHHS Numismaniacs Coin Club—meets periodically, Dana Hills High School,
33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA; Mrs. Mary Danna (club advistor),
email: [email protected] or text @DHHSNumismaniacs to
23559 for updates about the club. (NASC)
Diablo Numismatic Society—meets 3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Concord Police
Department meeting room, 1350 Galindo St., Concord; contact: James Laird,
president, (925) 200-2276; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.
diablocoinclub.org. (CSNA)
Downey Numismatists—meets 4th Monday, 7:30 p.m., Downey Retirement
Center, 11500 Dolan Ave., Downey; mailing address: Albertus Hoogeveen, P.O.
Box 222, Downey, CA 90241. (NASC)
Fairfield Coin Club—meets 4th Wednesday (except December), 7:00 p.m.,
Grace Episcopal Church, Parish Hall #1, corner of First and Kentucky Streets,
Fairfield; mailing address: P.O. Box 944, Fairfield, CA 94533-0094. (CSNA)
Fremont Coin Club—meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Fremont Elks Club,
38991 Farwell Drive, Fremont; mailing address: P.O. Box 1401, Fremont, CA
94538-0140; Web site: www.FremontCoinClub.org. (CSNA)
Fresno Numismatic Society—meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Las Palmas Ma-
sonic Center, 2992 E. Clinton Ave. Fresno ; mailing address: P.O. Box 11525,
Fresno, CA 93773-1525; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.
fresnocoinclub.com. (CSNA)
Glendale Coin Club—meets 2nd Friday, 7:00 p.m., CitiBank, 2350 Honolulu
Blvd., Glendale; mailing address: GCC, c/o Michael Kittle, P.O. Box 388,
Agoura Hills, CA 91376-0388; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.
GlenCoin.com. (NASC)
Greater Orange County Coin Club—meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Costa Mesa
Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave.; mailing address: 2032
Kornat Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; e-mail: [email protected]; phone:
(714) 546-0931; Web site: www.occoinclub.com. (CSNA, NASC)
Heartland Coin Club—meets 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Bostonia Park Rec.
Building, 1049 Bostonia St., El Cajon; mailing address: Jose M. Gallego, P.O.
Box 191448, San Diego, CA 92150; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA,
NASC)
Hemet Numismatists—meets 3rd Wednesday, 12:00 Noon, Provident Savings
Bank, 1600 Florida Avenue (Northwest Corner Giard and Florida), Hemet; mail-
ing address: P.O. Box 36, Hemet, CA 92546. (CSNA, NASC)
International Numismatic Society of San Diego—meets 4th Wednesday, 5:45
p.m., North Park Adult Rec. Center, 2719 Howard Street, San Diego; mailing
address: P.O. Box 161081, San Diego, CA 92176; Web site: www.inssd.org.
(CSNA, NASC)
Leisure World Coin Club—meets 2nd Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Clubhouse No. 3,
Room 2, Seal Beach Leisure World; mailing address: Austin Overholtz, 1331
Pelham Road, #67A, Seal Beach, CA 90740. (NASC)
Liberty Numismatic Society—meets 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Millbrae City
Library, 1 Library Avenue, Millbrae; mailing address: P.O. Box 300, Millbrae,
CA 94030-0300; Web site: LNS.ANAclubs.org. (CSNA)
Livermore Valley Coin Club—meets 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Livermore Public
Library, Community Room “B”, 1188 South Livermore Ave., Livermore; mailing
address: P.O. Box 610, Livermore, CA 94550. (CSNA)
Long Beach Coin Club—meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m., Millikan High School Caf-
eteria, 2800 Snowden Ave., Long Beach; mailing address: P.O. Box 8101, Long
Beach, CA 90808. (CSNA, NASC)
Northern California Numismatic Association—meets annually during Nor-Cal
coin shows in various communities; mailing address: Michael S. Turrini, P.O.
Box 4104, Vallejo, CA 94590-0410; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA)
Numismatic Association of Southern California—meets four times per year;
mailing address: Harold Katzman, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382; e-
mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.NASC.net. (CSNA, NASC)
Pacific Coast Numismatic Society—meets 4th Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Fort Mason
Center, Building C, San Francisco; mailing address: P.O. Box 457656, San Fran-
cisco, CA 94147-5656; Web site: www.pcns.org. (CSNA)
Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists—meets at PAN conventions; mailing
address: PAN, 1985 Lincoln Way, Suite 23 #225, White Oak, PA 15131; e-mail:
[email protected]; Web site: www.pancoins.org. (CSNA)
Redwood Empire Coin Club—meets 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Veterans Memo-
rial Building, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa; mailing address: P.O. Box 9013,
Santa Rosa, CA 95405-0013; Web site: www.RedwoodEmpireCoinClub.com
(CSNA)
Sacramento Valley Coin Club—meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.,
North County Corporate Yard, 5026 Don Julio Blvd., Sacramento, CA; mailing
address: P.O. Box 160122, Sacramento, CA 95816; Web site: SacValCC.org.
(CSNA)
San Bernardino County Coin Club—meets 3rd Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Highland
Senior Center, 3102 E. Highland Ave., Highland, CA; mailing address: P.O. Box
2745, San Bernardino, CA 92406. (CSNA, NASC)
San Diego County Inter-Club Numismatic Council—meets 1st Saturday in Feb-
ruary, May, August and November, 10:00 a.m., North Park Adult Center, 2719
Howard Street, San Diego; mailing address: 10601 Vista Camino, Lakeside,
CA 92040; Web site: www.coinarama.org. (CSNA)
San Diego Numismatic Society—meets 1st Tuesday, 6:15 p.m., North Park Adult
Center, 2719 Howard St., San Diego; mailing address: Lenker, P.O. Box 6909,
San Diego, CA 92166-6909. (CSNA, NASC)
San Francisco Coin Club—meets 4th Friday, no-host dinner 6:30 p.m. at the
Tennesse Grill, 1128 Taraval, San Francisco, followed by an informal meeting
in same location; mailing address: POB 880994, San Francisco, CA 94188-
0994. (CSNA)
San Jose Coin Club—meets 2nd Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., American Legion Hall,
Post #318, 1504 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose; mailing address: P.O. Box 5621,
San Jose, CA 95150-5621; Web site: www.sanjosecoinclub.org. (CSNA)
Santa Maria Coin Club—meets 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Edwards Community
Center, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria; mailing address: P.O. Box 7186, Santa
Maria, CA 93456. (CSNA)
Stanislaus County Coin Club—meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.,
Denny’s Restaurant, 1525 McHenry Ave., Modesto; mailing address: P.O. Box
1672, Modesto, CA 95353-1672; Web site: www.stancocoinclub.org. (CSNA)
Upland Coin Club—meets 3rd Saturday, 7:00 p.m., Magnolia Rec. Center, 651
W. 15th Street, Upland; mailing address: P.O. Box 8272, Alta Loma, CA 91701.
(NASC)
Vallejo Numismatic Society—meets 1st Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Florence Douglas
Senior Center, Room A, 333 Amador (between Florida and Georgia), Vallejo;
mailing address: Michael S. Turrini, P.O. Box 4281, Vallejo, CA 94590-0428;
e-mail: [email protected]; phone: (707) 642-0216 or (707) 246-6327.
(CSNA)
Verdugo Hills Coin Club—meets 2nd Monday, 7:15 p.m., CitiBank, 2350
Honolulu Ave., Montrose; mailing address: P.O. Box 26, Tujunga, CA 91043.
(NASC)
Visalia Coin Club—meets 4th Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., Visalia Senior Citizen Center,
310 North Locust, Visalia; mailing address: 204 West Main Street, Visalia, CA
93291. (CSNA)
Western Token Society (WESTS)—meets annually; mailing address: P.O. Box
723, Merced, CA 95341. (CSNA)
Western Wooden Money Club—meets at various San Francisco Bay area local
coin shows, about four times per year; mailing address: Michael S. Turrini, P.O.
Box 3467, Fairfield, CA 94533-3467; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA)
Whittier Coin Club—meets 1st Thursday, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., at the Santa Fe
Spring library on Slauson Ave just east of Norwalk Blvd, Whittier; mailing ad-
dress: 540 Teakwood Avenue, La Habra, CA 90631. (CSNA, NASC)
Wisconsin Historical Society—816 State St., Madison, WI 53706; phone: 608-
264-6535; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.wisconsin-
history.org. (NASC)
Woodland Hills Coin Club—meets 2nd Thursday, 7:00 p.m., 21240 Burbank Blvd.
(East Gate), Building 30, Woodland Hills; mailing address: P.O. Box 5207, Sher-
man Oaks, CA 91413; e-mail: [email protected]. (CSNA, NASC)

NASC Membership Application
Membership Category Cost
Junior (under 18) $10
Individual $25 Includes subscription to
Individual (3 years) $70 The California Numismatist!
Club $30 or three years for $85
Sustaining (lifetime) $300 (50 years of age or older)
Sustaining (lifetime) $500 (under 50 years of age)
Name:
Address:
City:
State: Zip:
E-mail:
I herewith make application for membership in the association subject to its

constitution and by-laws,
Signature:
Sponsored by (optional):
Mail along with check/money-order for the amount of the dues noted above to:
Numismatic Association of Southern California
Attn: Harold Katzman, Corresponding Secretary
P.O. Box 3382
Tustin, CA 92781

Calendar of Events
...mark your calendars
and plan to attend!
We use www.CalCoin.org and www.NASC.net as the sources for TCN. To include your event
please send information regarding the event to CSNA Webmaster Lloyd Chan at lchanfi[email protected]
and NASC Webmaster Jim Phillips at [email protected].
October 2-3 Sacramento Valley Coin Club Fall Coin Show, Four Points
by Sheraton, 4900 Duckhorn Dr.; bourse, Robert Shanks, 10
Fox Oak Ct., Sacramento 95831, 916-204-5168.
October 3-4 Buena Park Coin Show, Retail Clerks Hall, 8550 Stanton
Ave., Kerry Pieropan, 714-271-8946.
October 9-11 Diablo Numismatic Society (Walnut Creek), Elk’s Lodge
1475 Creekside Dr.; website, www.diablocoinclub.org; bourse,
James Laird, 925-200-2276.
October 10 Santa Maria Coin and Collectable Show, Mussell Senior
Center, 510 E. Park Ave., L. Nash, 805-937-3158, free admis-
sion.
October 11 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
Suites Hotel, 3100 Frontera St., J. Atkinson, 562-225-2166,
free admission and parking.
October 17-18 Delta Coin Club (Stockton), 51st Annual Coin Show, Eagle’s
Hall, 1492 Bourbon St., Ruben Smith, 209-982 -5961, free
admission.
October 24-25 Fresno Coin Club Annual Coin Show, Las Palmas Masonic
Center, 2992 E. Clinton, Richard Hunter, 559-738-8128.
October 25 Glendale Coin Club Coin and Paper Money Show, Van
Nuys Masonic Hall, 14750 Sherman Way, bourse: Nick Rulli,
213-250-4354, [email protected]
November 1 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
November 1 Pennisula Coin Club Coin and Collectibles Show, Peninsula
Coin Club, Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, Fred
van den Haak, 650-380-4181, [email protected].
November 6-7 Sacramento Coin Show (McClellan), Lions Gate Hotel, 3410
Westover St., Peter McIntosh, 916-317-9055, mcintoshcoins@
yahoo.com.
November 7 Visalia Coin Club Coin Show, Sons of Italy Hall, 4211 W.
Goshen Ave., L. J. D’Andrea, [email protected],
559-738-8128.
November 13-14 South Bay/Sunnyvale Coin Show, The Domain Hotel, 1085
E. El Camino Real, Bill Green, 925-351-7605, info@norcal-
coinshows.com.
November 14 Heartland Coin Club Fall Coin Show (Santee), Cunnane
Social Center at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 9310
Dalehurst Rd., [email protected], www.
heartlandcoinclub.com.
Nov 15 Coin Show (Van Nuys), Van Nuys Masonic Hall, 14750
Sherman Way, Richard Murachanian, 661-287-1651, ramrare-
[email protected], free parking.
Nov 21-22 CSNA 133rd Southern Convention and Coin Show
(Long Beach), Long Beach Airport Holiday Inn, 2640 North
Lakewood Blvd., Howard Feltham, [email protected].
Nov 21-22 Marin County Coin Show (San Rafael), Four Points
Sheraton Hotel, 1010 Northgate Dr., www.griffincoin.com.
December 6 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
December 6 Sacramento Coin Show (McClellan), Lions Gate Hotel, 3410
Westover St., Peter McIntosh, 916-317-9055, mcintoshcoins@
yahoo.com.
January 8-9 East Bay/Concord Coin Show (Concord), Clarion Hotel,
1050 Burnett Ave., Bill Green, norcalcoinshows.com.
January 22-24 San Jose Coin Club Coin and Collectibles Show, Double
Tree Hotel, Bayshore Ballroom, 2050 Gateway Pl., www.
sanjosecoinclub.org, admission $4.
Advertisers Index
Ancient Coin Club of Los Angeles ..................................................................... 29
DH Ketterling Consulting ................................................................................... 53
Excelsior Coin Gallery ........................................................................................ 29
Fragner & Fragner, Ltd. ...................................................................................... 53
Galaxie Designs .................................................................................................. 53
Glenn Schinke ..................................................................................................... 73
Heritage Rare Coin Galleries .............................................................................. 80
Jeff Shevlin So-Called Dollars ............................................................................ 45
Joel Anderson ...................................................................................................... 41
Masterpiece Medallions ...................................................................................... 29
Michael Aron Rare Coins...................................................................................... 9
PCGS Professional Coin Grading Service .......................................................... 69
Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) ............................................. 51
Star Coins .............................................................................................................. 7
Ted’s Coins & Stamps ......................................................................................... 29
CSNA
Elected Officers, 2015-2016
President........................................................................................................................... Howard Feltham
[email protected], 2550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Space # 229, Torrance California 90505
Vice-President ...................................................................................................................Harold Katzman
[email protected], 714-838-0861, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382
Corresponding Secretary ..................................................................................................... Donald L. Hill
[email protected], P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA, 94590-0400
Recording Secretary ........................................................................................................................ <open>
<TBD>
Treasurer ..................................................................................................................................... Roy Iwata
[email protected], P.O. Box 2449, Seal Beach, CA 90740-1449
Board of Directors
Past President ...Michael S. Turrini, [email protected], P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA 94590-0400
Members at Large: <open>
Edwin Hoffmark, Jr., [email protected]
Herb Miles, [email protected], 5423 Highland Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
Joe Adams, [email protected]
Bill Pfeifer, [email protected]
Jeff Stahl, [email protected]
Ken Stempien, [email protected]
Andrew Woodruff, [email protected]
Appointed Officers
Librarian............................................................................................................................... Donald L. Hill
[email protected],
CSNA Library, c/o Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum,
734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590-5592
Curator ................................................................................................................................... G. Lee Kuntz
[email protected], 697 Scripps Drive, Claremont, CA 91711-2640
Director of Education ............................................................................................................... Phil Iversen
[email protected], P.O. Box 5207, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Editor......................................................................................................................................... Greg Burns
[email protected], P.O. Box 1181, Claremont, CA 91711
Historian...................................................................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
These Non-Voting Appointees Perform Special Duties for the Association

Emerging Numismatist Coordinator .............................................................................. Michael S. Turrini
[email protected], P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA 94590-0400
Finance Committee Chairperson...................................................................................................Jim Hunt
[email protected]
Medals/Events/NASC Representative .....................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
Membership Coordinators ................................................................ Gene Berry, Jr. (San Francisco Area)
[email protected]
Andrew Woodruff (San Diego Area)
[email protected]
Joe Adams (San Bernardino/Riverside Area)
[email protected]
Bill Pfeifer (LA/Orange County Area)
[email protected]
NCNA Representative.................................................................................................... Michael S. Turrini
[email protected], P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA, 04590-0400
Webmaster............................................................................................................................Lloyd G. Chan
For most current contact info please visit www.CalCoin.org

NASC
Officers, 2015-2016
President................................................................................................................................... Phil Iversen
[email protected], 818-509-9774, P.O. Box 5207, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Vice-President ........................................................................................................................... Mike Kittle
[email protected], 818-451-9199, P.O. Box 388, Agoura Hills, CA 91376
Corresponding Secretary ................................................................................................... Harold Katzman
[email protected], 714-838-0861, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382
Recording Secretary ....................................................................................................Albertus Hoogeveen
[email protected], 562-862-6666, P.O. Box 222, Downey, CA 90241-0222
Treasurer ..............................................................................................................................Tony Micciche
[email protected], 909-822-7709, 9936 Toyon Ave., Fontana, CA 92335
Historian.......................................................................................................................... George Moore III
[email protected], 714-996-2510, 4340 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807
Board
Jim Phillips Howard Feltham Bob Thompson
Glenn Franks Don Berry Robert Wu
Alex Jaramillo (immediate Past-President)
Officer Emeritus
Treasurer Emeritus, Kay Edgerton Lenker
Committee Chairs
ANA Representative .........................................................................................................Walt Ostromecki
Awards .....................................................................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
Awards Recognition Event........................................................................................................ Mike Kittle
CSNA Representative ..............................................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
Editor......................................................................................................................................... Greg Burns
Finance and Budget..............................................................................................................Tony Micciche
Gold Benefit Drawing ....................................................................................................... Harold Katzman
Grievances...................................................................................................................................Don Berry
Legal Advisor ....................................................................................................................... James Waldorf
Membership ....................................................................Albertus Hoogeveen, Gary Beedon, Mike Kittle
Photographer ............................................................................................................................. Greg Burns
Property ...................................................................................................................................... Robert Wu
Publicity .............................................................................................................................. Bob Thompson
Sergeant at Arms .................................................................................................................... Glenn Franks
Speakers Bureau.................................................................................................................Virginia Bourke
Webmaster.................................................................................................................................Jim Phillips
Young Numismatists ...................................................................................................................Don Berry

Writing for
The California Numismatist
Articles—should be relevant to coin collecting or coin club
experiences, and are accepted with the understanding that they are
unrestricted from publication. Please indicate if the article has been
previously published, and if so, where. Digital files are preferred
via e-mail to [email protected]; typed copy is also acceptable
mailed to The California Numismatist, P.O. Box 1181, Claremont,
CA 91711. The author’s name and contact information should ap-
pear on the first page or on an accompanying cover letter or e-mail.
The California Numismatist reserves the right to edit all items for format or content. As a guide to the
general writing style typically preferred for use in our publication, please see the journal’s website at
www.calnumismatist.com.
Images—relevant to the articles and of a resolution suitable for publication (generally 300dpi)
are appreciated. If the author lacks photographic equipment, material may be sent to The California
Numismatist for reproduction, but only with prior arrangement. The preferred format for digital files is
JPG or TIF, though other formats may also be acceptable (GIF, PNG, etc.) depending upon the editor’s
capabilities at the time.
Author’s Biography—New authors interested in providing the information should submit

a brief biography (150 words or less) that includes pertinent data, such as place of birth, professional
background, hobby interests and affiliations, and numismatic awards and accomplishments.
Annual Awards—Each contributor to The California Numismatist is eligible for consideration

for prestigious literary awards. These awards are conferred annually and are accompanied by the eter-
nal gratitude of the editor.
Next deadline for material submission: November 15, 2015
Advertising
General—The California Numismatist is an educational journal
published four times per year and distributed to all California State
Numismatic Association (CSNA) and Numismatic Association of
Southern California (NASC) members as a membership benefit.
Circulation is approximately 800 and most issues are 80 pages. All
advertising is accepted subject to the approval of the editor.
Guidelines—Digital files preferred, but we are happy to

make your ad up for you at no charge with sufficient advance notice. Digital proofs of your ad can be
provided upon request and at that time ad revisions may be requested. Annual ads may be changed at
each issue.
Payment—Cancellations of annual contracts will be rebilled at the prevailing per-issue rate. Pay-
ment should be made to “CSNA” or “NASC” and forwarded to the advertising manager prior to ad
placement.
Rates B/W B/W Color Color

Space Per Issue Annually Per Issue Annually
Inside Rear Cover n/a 540 n/a 810
Full Page 140 400 210 600
Half Page 85 250 125 375
Quarter Page 45 130 75 210
Publication Deadlines—February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
Numismatic
Nostalgia
Fifty Years Ago
• The NASC Quarterly was edited by Wayne Dennis, printed by Shamrock
Litho in Los Angeles, and the cover price was listed at 50¢ a copy.
• NASC acquired a 40-pound, 16-inch, Yap Island stone from John Donald
(son of the NASC treasurer). John was in the navy and had it shipped from
Guam where he was stationed. The piece was recently sold, in part due for
the need for funds, in part due to its infrequent display. It was the last of the
NASC money collection.
• From CSNA’s Calcoin News: “How many of us know how we (numisma-
tists) came by our name? In early Babylonian days, the word ‘numis’ meant
seal or stamp, and many Babylonians carried a seal, to impress others. The
plural for this was ‘numisma’ and it was only a short step from that to the
word ‘numismatist’.”
Twenty-Five Years Ago
• Calcoin News cost $1.50 with yearly dues of $5, and CSNA announced that
Mary Brooks, former US director of the mint, had been made an honorary
life member, the first so honored in CSNA’s then-33 year history.
• Ed Fulwider, then a senior die-setter at the US Assay Office in San Fran-
cisco, wrote an article in Calcoin News titled “If You Knew Susie” in which
Ed relayed the trials and tribulations of getting the Susan B. Anthony dollar
struck and into the hands of consumers.
• Total membership of CSNA was 1,552. That same year NASC’s Quarterly
listed “800” as mail subscriptions, bringing the total (potentially some dupli-
cated) combined membership to 2,352. Your editor is drooling.
Ten Years Ago
• There was no longer a separate NASC
Quarterly or Calcoin News, only
TCN, and the third issue in 2005
carried the sad news of the tragic
passing of Thelma Katzman (Harold
Katzman’s mother) from an automo-
bile accident. Thelma was a fire-
cracker of a woman, energetic NASC
volunteer, dispensed a great zest to all
around her, and is missed by many.
• TCN reported on the just-concluded
2005 ANA’s World Fair of Money, A deliriously happy Thelma with
held in San Francisco. adoring husband Jack in 1953.
®
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Numismatic Fall 2015 California State

Association of V. 12, No. 3 Numismatic

About the Cover The California Numismatist Staﬀ

Advertising Roy Iwata

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 3

Well, NASC’s GSCS is over and

6 The California Numismatist • Fall 2015

Joel Anderson (author)

CSNA New Members Steve Benedict ...................................................#3158

8 The California Numismatist • Fall 2015

Dear Members—Please Note!

Enjoying Your Hobby?

Hey, that’s just what CSNA and NASC do!

Imagine owning an 1804 dollar,

more examples were surreptitiously portrayed on the coin. Soon coins

War II and the Japanese government currency during World War II in so

persisted through time. These legends Chinese calendar’s 12-year repeating

As legend has it, Chinese dragons

This series of five

1922 German notgeld

We have focused on vampires, and I so really enjoy learning from

The Elgin Watch Company issued several

The 1909-S VDB Cent The 1894-S Barber Dime

Special TCN “Thanks” to Jim Phillips!

writing did not translate to expertise

Barton. Again, Congress took no a combination of elements from all

tism, or merely Scot’s repeated errors. The Reverse: Why a

below: Novus Ordo Seclorum (‟New he showed an apparently original ver-

The pyramid reverse has appeared on two

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 35

Some claim the Eye of Providence

The Medal: a Centennial

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 37

By the 1870’s Santa Rosa was a

Middle—the Grand before

Bottom—the Grand after

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 39

by Dr. Sol Taylor

State: Zip: Phone:

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 41

The morning of the show, ANA

46 The California Numismatist • Fall 2015

Jeﬀ Stahl received the Speaker

Awards for outstanding 2014

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 47

Current President Phil Iversen

Awards Recognition Event Chair-

Below left: Joyce Kuntz presents

48 The California Numismatist • Fall 2015

Herb Miles (left) present-

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 49

In the afternoon, Herb Miles

Speaker Michael S. Turrini

RIP Ron Awerkamp

Custom small item and jewelry engraving using professional

The California Numismatist • Fall 2015 53

Special Room Rate: $119

Chicken Marsala Enjoy an evening with your numismatic

No-host social 6pm

The program will include a ce-

CSNA Banquet Tickets

Enjoying Your Hobby?

Hey, that’s just what CSNA and NASC do!