NNP Blog
488 records found.
Dec
05
2024
An Early U.S. Mint Researcher
Courtesy of Roger Burdette, the identity of an early Mint researcher has been uncovered. In 1899, Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Daniel M. Fox wrote to Mint Director James P. Kimball regarding the research work of Henry W. Crotzer, a cutter in the coining department at the Philadelphia Mint. Prior to the transfer of Mint records to the National Archives in the 1930s, the only way to examine historical records was within the Mint itself, and access would have been much easier for someone who was already a Mint employee.
Fox first describes Crotzer’s work in processing archival material from the Post Office and then writes “he has made up a very large book showing the correct coinage for each year by denominations – which is a very valuable record for reference….in making up this book he made careful examination and comparison, step by step, of books and records in the office of the Coiner of this Mint, especially comparing and verifying the records, checking errors, and when possible harmonizing discrepancies.”
Historical research tends to ask more questions than it answers, and, while the discovery of the identity of Crotzer is an interesting tidbit, one can only wonder as to the disposition of the Crotzer’s “very large book.” Is it today preserved in some dusty corner of the Mint or in the Director’s office?
Link to Daniel M. Fox letter summarizing Henry W. Crotzer’s work: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/642906
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Fox first describes Crotzer’s work in processing archival material from the Post Office and then writes “he has made up a very large book showing the correct coinage for each year by denominations – which is a very valuable record for reference….in making up this book he made careful examination and comparison, step by step, of books and records in the office of the Coiner of this Mint, especially comparing and verifying the records, checking errors, and when possible harmonizing discrepancies.”
Historical research tends to ask more questions than it answers, and, while the discovery of the identity of Crotzer is an interesting tidbit, one can only wonder as to the disposition of the Crotzer’s “very large book.” Is it today preserved in some dusty corner of the Mint or in the Director’s office?
Link to Daniel M. Fox letter summarizing Henry W. Crotzer’s work: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/642906
Nov
18
2024
Michael Bourne Publishes Research on the 3-cent Pattern Series
Documenting a nearly 50-year quest, Michael Bourne’s Comprehensive Catalog of 3c Patterns serves not only as the definitive catalog of the U.S. 3-cent pattern series, but also chronicles the formation of this important father-and-son collection. The U.S. Mint produced nearly a hundred different 3-cent patterns (including the off-metal strikes), dated 1849 to 1885. Bourne provides commentary for each issue, presents an extensive list of market appearances, and lists the finest known pieces. This is no mere recitation of auction catalog listings drawn from online resources, but rather a deep exploration of the literature than has uncovered examples in fixed price lists, private collections, and institutional cabinets.
Judd, Davis, Adams-Woodin, and Pollock numbers are all cross-referenced. Bourne would have been more than justified in renumbering the entire series, but, with respect to Dr. Judd, he has instead suggested a set of changes to future editions of the Judd reference. As such, this work will be an indispensable companion to Judd’s United States Pattern Coins.
Multi-generational collections are the exception rather than the rule, as the collecting gene is not always transmitted from parents to children. The Bourne collection demonstrates a sustained commitment to a single idea, and it is completely appropriate that Michael has memorialized the collection in a comprehensive and authoritative manner.
Link to Comprehensive Catalog of 3c Patterns on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/booksbyauthor/554217
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Judd, Davis, Adams-Woodin, and Pollock numbers are all cross-referenced. Bourne would have been more than justified in renumbering the entire series, but, with respect to Dr. Judd, he has instead suggested a set of changes to future editions of the Judd reference. As such, this work will be an indispensable companion to Judd’s United States Pattern Coins.
Multi-generational collections are the exception rather than the rule, as the collecting gene is not always transmitted from parents to children. The Bourne collection demonstrates a sustained commitment to a single idea, and it is completely appropriate that Michael has memorialized the collection in a comprehensive and authoritative manner.
Link to Comprehensive Catalog of 3c Patterns on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/booksbyauthor/554217
Nov
12
2024
The AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER Hard Times Token
The recent sale of the Low-54a Hard Times token, the AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER variant, reminds us once again that “collectors don’t buy coins, they rent them.” Of the four known pieces, at least seven auction appearances are identified since the Ford IV sale in 2004. Newman, Ford, and Partrick all owned examples (the same could be said of the Confederate half dollar), and these examples appeared on the market as these important collections were dispersed. Both the Newman and Ford pieces have traded hands at least once since their appearance in these respective sales.
Eric P. Newman traced the first appearance in print of the Low-54 and Low-54a tokens to the November 23, 1837 Emancipator, an anti-slavery newspaper. This research was presented at the ANS Coinage of the Americas Conference in 1994 and appeared in the related proceedings. Additionally, Newman presented on the topic at the 1993 ANA convention, video of which is available.
Link to “Heritage Sells Schuman Hard Times Tokens”: https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n45a26.html
Link to “The Promotion and Suppression of Hard Times Tokens”: https://archive.org/details/TheTokenAmericasOtherMoney1994COAC10
Link to Eric P. Newman video presentation on the Low-54a: https://youtu.be/muckv5P-Fds
Link to Eric P. Newman research file on Low-54a: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/539684
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Eric P. Newman traced the first appearance in print of the Low-54 and Low-54a tokens to the November 23, 1837 Emancipator, an anti-slavery newspaper. This research was presented at the ANS Coinage of the Americas Conference in 1994 and appeared in the related proceedings. Additionally, Newman presented on the topic at the 1993 ANA convention, video of which is available.
Link to “Heritage Sells Schuman Hard Times Tokens”: https://www.coinbooks.org/v27/esylum_v27n45a26.html
Link to “The Promotion and Suppression of Hard Times Tokens”: https://archive.org/details/TheTokenAmericasOtherMoney1994COAC10
Link to Eric P. Newman video presentation on the Low-54a: https://youtu.be/muckv5P-Fds
Link to Eric P. Newman research file on Low-54a: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/539684
Nov
05
2024
Gallatin, Missouri Election Day Battle of 1838
Lest anyone think election controversy is a relatively modern affair, the Gallatin, Missouri Election Day unrest in 1838 reminds us otherwise. Wiki reports:
“The newly formed Daviess County, Missouri, held its first local elections on August 6, 1838. William Peniston, a candidate for the state legislature, made disparaging statements about the Mormons, calling them ‘horse-thieves and robbers’, and warned them not to vote in the election. Reminding Daviess County residents of the growing electoral power of the Mormon community, Peniston made a speech in Gallatin claiming that if the Missourians ‘suffer such men as these [Mormons] to vote, you will soon lose your suffrage.’ Around 200 non-Mormons gathered in Gallatin on election day to prevent Mormons from voting. When about thirty Mormons approached the polling place, a Missourian named Dick Weldon declared that in Clay County the Mormons had not been allowed to vote, ‘no more than negroes’. One of the Mormons present, Samuel Brown, claimed that statement was false and then declared his intention to vote. This triggered a brawl between the bystanders.”
A generation later, the First National Bank of Gallatin issued this large sized $5, Fr-574. This example is ex. Newman VI (Heritage Auctions, 4/2015), lot 19863, where it realized $6,462.50. The Freidberg reference, Paper Money of the United States (22nd edition), indicates ten known large examples of all types and denominations of this issue. We found only one other piece on Newman Portal, a $10 note offered by Lyn Knight in the June 1980 Bank Note Reporter.
Link to Eric P. Newman research files on Missouri paper money: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/532241
Image: Gallatin, MO $5 note, 1882 Value Back, Friedberg 574.
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Oct
29
2024
A Rare New Jersey Colonial Note
Certain numismatic items fall into the class of “very hard to find, but not necessarily expensive when you do.” A recent example is a New Jersey January 26, 1756 18-pence note, offered by Stack’s Bowers as lot 97006 in their October 24, 2024 Collector’s Choice Online Auction. The Stack’s Bowers catalog indicated “No. 4083. Plate A. Third War Issue. The earliest dated New Jersey 18d of all known pieces. This extremely rare piece is believed to be unique features the signatures of Samuel Nevill, Joseph Yard, Joseph Hollinshead. Unrepresented in the collections of Boyd, Ford, Newman, Budde and other numismatic luminaries. Pinned and sewn to prolong circulation.” This example realized $216.
The Newman inventory, entered by hand into a 1967 first edition copy of Early Paper Money of America, confirms its absence in the Newman collection. Indeed, the Heritage Auctions archive lists only three examples of any January 26, 1756 denomination, while Stack’s Bowers lists four pieces, going back to sales of 2005. Most notes of these emissions were redeemed, leaving few examples for modern collectors.
Newman Portal acknowledges Ed Sarrafian for bringing this piece to our attention and for contributing related images.
Link to NNP edition of Early Paper Money of America: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/513468
Link to Newman’s 1967 colonial paper money collection inventory: https://archive.org/details/earlypaperinventory1967epnarchives
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The Newman inventory, entered by hand into a 1967 first edition copy of Early Paper Money of America, confirms its absence in the Newman collection. Indeed, the Heritage Auctions archive lists only three examples of any January 26, 1756 denomination, while Stack’s Bowers lists four pieces, going back to sales of 2005. Most notes of these emissions were redeemed, leaving few examples for modern collectors.
Newman Portal acknowledges Ed Sarrafian for bringing this piece to our attention and for contributing related images.
Link to NNP edition of Early Paper Money of America: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/513468
Link to Newman’s 1967 colonial paper money collection inventory: https://archive.org/details/earlypaperinventory1967epnarchives
Oct
24
2024
Sample Slab Collectors Renew Newsletter
After a several year hiatus, the Sample Slab Update newsletter is back with the latest developments in the field of sample slab collecting. For the uninitiated, grading service companies often issue one-off variants of their encapsulating plastic holders, typically in conjunction with a specific coin show or other event. These special edition holders become collectible in themselves, in addition to the value of any coin contained therein. Further, slab types that were used for only a short time are desirable. The August 2024 edition of the Update notes, for example, the NGC type 8 holder (“The Ocho” in sample slab collector parlance), among other scarce types.
The Sample Slab Update is published by David Schwager, who naturally has commissioned his own sample slab. Produced by NGC, this slab commemorated the David and Michelle Schwager wedding in July 2024. Each holds a George VI silver sixpence issued between 1937 and 1946, chosen for the wedding rhyme that ends “and a sixpence in your shoe.”
Link to Sample Slab Update on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/514437
Link to YouTube video “NGC Gen 8 Holder - Not a Fake”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsluegtgiY
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The Sample Slab Update is published by David Schwager, who naturally has commissioned his own sample slab. Produced by NGC, this slab commemorated the David and Michelle Schwager wedding in July 2024. Each holds a George VI silver sixpence issued between 1937 and 1946, chosen for the wedding rhyme that ends “and a sixpence in your shoe.”
Link to Sample Slab Update on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/514437
Link to YouTube video “NGC Gen 8 Holder - Not a Fake”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsluegtgiY
Oct
15
2024
Logan-McCloskey Plate Coin Photos Digitized
In 1998, Russ Logan and John McCloskey published Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837, which expanded on the previous work by Daniel Valentine. This work entailed a significant effort, and today “LM” numbers are the standard for attributing early half dimes. NNP has recently digitized the (pre-Bust) LM plate coins from a set of photographic prints. This set includes 32 die varieties and was photographed by Tom Mulvaney.
Link to Logan-McCloskey plate coins on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/518109
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Link to Logan-McCloskey plate coins on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/518109
Oct
10
2024
Service Outage
Our repository (Internet Archive) is in read-only mode. Most NNP documents can be accessed, but we are unable to add new items. Other NNP resources (biographies, image collections, etc.) remain in service. Internet Archive is posting updates at https://x.com/internetarchive/. Contact NNPCurator@wustl.edu for further information.
Oct
10
2024
Hillyer Ryder Correspondence Scanned at American Numismatic Society
Scanning of the Howland Wood papers at the American Numismatic Society continues apace, with 2,225 individual [A-R] correspondent files scanned to date. This work began in November 2023 and promises to be complete in early 2025. Wood served as ANS Curator from 1913 to 1938 and clearly dedicated substantial time to handling his daily correspondence. Hillyer Ryder is best known for his contribution in 1919 to the American Journal of Numismatics (first series, vol. 53, part I of III), which covered die varieties of Vermont and Massachusetts colonial coppers. In the same edition, Henry C. Miller published on the Connecticut copper varieties. The die variety analyses paired well with Crosby’s Early Coins of America (1875), which filled in the historical and legislative background of these issues.
The Miller / Ryder work was reprinted, in 1920, by the ANS under the title The State Coinages of New England. The Wood / Ryder correspondence provides detail surrounding the production of the American Journal of Numismatics, vol. 53, as well as the reprint volume, which in practice appears to have all occurred at the same time. Despite the 1919 publication date of AJN vol. 53, production clearly ran into 1920, per Wood’s letter to Ryder of February 24, 1920. Production costs including “composition, paper, and printing” were split between ANS and the writers.
This cost (about $800 total to the writers) may have been the rationale for the lesser quality plates in this volume. While parts II and III of vol. 53 were produced with collotype plates, part I presented only halftones, as noted by Charles Davis in American Numismatic Literature. The correspondence indicates authors highly engaged with the ANS as the publisher, and although not explicitly discussed in the correspondence, the question of the plates surely must have been negotiated between the authors and ANS.
Link to Wood / Ryder correspondence: https://archive.org/details/ryderhillyer191900amer
Link to Wood / Miller correspondence: https://archive.org/details/millerhenryc191900amer
Link to Howland Wood ANS correspondence files: https://archive.org/details/americannumismaticsociety?tab=collection&query=%22Howland+Wood%22
Link to American Journal of Numismatics (first series, vol. 53, part I): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/562547
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The Miller / Ryder work was reprinted, in 1920, by the ANS under the title The State Coinages of New England. The Wood / Ryder correspondence provides detail surrounding the production of the American Journal of Numismatics, vol. 53, as well as the reprint volume, which in practice appears to have all occurred at the same time. Despite the 1919 publication date of AJN vol. 53, production clearly ran into 1920, per Wood’s letter to Ryder of February 24, 1920. Production costs including “composition, paper, and printing” were split between ANS and the writers.
This cost (about $800 total to the writers) may have been the rationale for the lesser quality plates in this volume. While parts II and III of vol. 53 were produced with collotype plates, part I presented only halftones, as noted by Charles Davis in American Numismatic Literature. The correspondence indicates authors highly engaged with the ANS as the publisher, and although not explicitly discussed in the correspondence, the question of the plates surely must have been negotiated between the authors and ANS.
Link to Wood / Ryder correspondence: https://archive.org/details/ryderhillyer191900amer
Link to Wood / Miller correspondence: https://archive.org/details/millerhenryc191900amer
Link to Howland Wood ANS correspondence files: https://archive.org/details/americannumismaticsociety?tab=collection&query=%22Howland+Wood%22
Link to American Journal of Numismatics (first series, vol. 53, part I): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/562547
Sep
30
2024
SNS Library Continues Digitization
The SNS numismatic library, privately held in Chicago, launched a digitization effort in 2023 that now numbers over 2,000 scanned volumes. This library specializes in ancient numismatics but also includes important works related to medieval and modern numismatics. Recently scanned is the multi-volume set Recueil De Médailles (1762-1778, twelve parts in nine volumes), a catalog of the Jospeh Pellerin (1684-1782) collection. The bibliographer Bill Daehn gives Pellerin the credit for being “the first to classify Greek coins in geographical order, rather than alphabetical order.”
Wikipedia describes the formation and dispersal of Pellerin’s collection: “Tradition has it that he encouraged the sailors of the French Mediterranean Fleet to buy up such ancient coins as they found on offer throughout their range, which he guaranteed to buy back from them at double the purchase price. In this way he gradually accumulated what became the largest and most valuable collection of ancient Greek coins ever to be held in private hands to that date, amounting to 33,500 coins which he ultimately sold to Louis XVI in 1776 for £300,000. This notable collection, housed in massive original marquetry and ormolu cases in the Louis Quinze style, still forms a nucleus of the collection of the Bibliothèque Nationale [BN] de France.” Today, the SNG catalogs documenting the BN numismatic collection describe numerous examples with the Pellerin pedigree.
Link to Pellerin Recueil De Médailles set from the SNS Library: https://archive.org/details/snslibrary?tab=collection&query=pellerin
Link to SNS Library digitization announcement (September 24, 2023): https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n39a09.html
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Wikipedia describes the formation and dispersal of Pellerin’s collection: “Tradition has it that he encouraged the sailors of the French Mediterranean Fleet to buy up such ancient coins as they found on offer throughout their range, which he guaranteed to buy back from them at double the purchase price. In this way he gradually accumulated what became the largest and most valuable collection of ancient Greek coins ever to be held in private hands to that date, amounting to 33,500 coins which he ultimately sold to Louis XVI in 1776 for £300,000. This notable collection, housed in massive original marquetry and ormolu cases in the Louis Quinze style, still forms a nucleus of the collection of the Bibliothèque Nationale [BN] de France.” Today, the SNG catalogs documenting the BN numismatic collection describe numerous examples with the Pellerin pedigree.
Link to Pellerin Recueil De Médailles set from the SNS Library: https://archive.org/details/snslibrary?tab=collection&query=pellerin
Link to SNS Library digitization announcement (September 24, 2023): https://www.coinbooks.org/v26/esylum_v26n39a09.html
