NNP

Some numismatic research questions can be resolved quickly. One of them played out this afternoon, when Central States Numismatic Society President Mitch Ernst forwarded to me and Newman Portal Project Coordinator Len Augsburger this message from website visitor Terry Crain, with the subject line "1964 copyrighted coin".-Editor

"I am a Beatles researcher and author (Beatles U.S. memorabilia, etc.). I have an odd but intriguing question:

"A copyright was issued on Nov 18, 1964, for a "Numismatic Bug. [Dimensional Beatle-like.]" It was copyrighted to a Bettye J. Klauss, who I believe was a member of the Evansville Numismatic Club at that time.

"I was wondering if any of your members had an image of this piece, or if an image exists in your archives. I am curious because it was listed as 'Beatle-like.'

"Any information or leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!"

"A related page from the October 1963 Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine is attached. This content is not related to the music group but is rather a comedic send up of over-enthusiastic coin collectors.

"A related token seems to have been produced from this idea and was marketed in the January 1965 issue of Coins magazine (ad attached). The coin craze sweeping the country at that time was intense, strong enough to support the sale of what we today consider to be a somewhat goofy promotional item.

"The copyright number is GU38095. The copyright office in Washington, DC can probably supply a copy of the application for a small fee. I'm guessing the application will describe the item in the ad, but you would have to get a copy to verify."

"That's IT! I have the copyright from The Library of Congress, and the copyright numbers match! Thank you so much for your info and research! This made my day!

"It is much appreciated!"

So now - who's got one of these Coin Bug items? And who was the manufacturer?-Editor

"If anyone comes forward with an image of their own, I would love to see it.

"By the way, this research is for my newest book I'm working on..."Copyrighting The Beatles." I am listing all the Beatles and Beatles-related copyrights in The Library of Congress and telling stories about them.

"I seem to be drawn to wacky things, because my first book was about all of the weird and wacky licensed Beatles memorabilia items (dolls, games, jewelry, clothes, etc.) that were on the shelves of Woolworths and others from 1964-1966. This "bug coin" fits right in!"

So what numismatic Beatle items are out there - tokens, medals etc.? I'll bet there are some, with or without copyrights.

Wait - this just in - Pete Smith reports that one of the coin bug items recently sold on eBay. Poor photos, though. At least we know these do exist.-Editor

Pete also located this article from The Press Tribune, Roseville, California, for December 16. 1964. Thanks!-Editor