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Coin News for March 24, 2010
$1 Change From Yellow Seal to Blue Seal
Numismaster
Substantial quantities of World War II yellow seal Silver Certificates found their way into illicit channels including holdings of foreign nationals involved in black market activities and even nefarious governments. At least two of those holders were sufficiently concerned that the notes would be demonetized; they altered them to look like regular U.S. currency in order that they would pass. Two types of alterations were carried out. The simplest was that the yellow seal was chemically removed, and a counterfeit blue seal was overprinted in its place. The people who carried out this alteration were cognizant that blue seal Silver Certificates were in general circulation on the U.S. mainland.
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West African Republic of Benin Cannabis Sativa Coin
Black Mountain Coins
The coin just issued by authority of the Government of the West African Republic of Benin is bound to create quite a stir among collectors and non-collectors alike. As the first in a series of “Famous Plants of the World”, the 100 Central African Franc denominated Legal Tender coin features Cannabis Sativa, colloquially known as Marijuana, Pot, Mary Jane, Weed, Grass, etc. The coin has been struck from a 27 gram copper-nickel planchet, 38.61 millimeters in diameter that is subsequently silver-plated. The reverse features a bright green Cannabis Sativa leaf that when rubbed releases the distinct aroma of Marijuana, although I have been assured that the aroma comes from a synthetic additive and not from the plant itself.
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Corrections to the Whitman Encyclopedia
Coin Rarities Online
As our readers may remember, it was almost exactly one year ago when we wrote a Coin Commentary containing a review of Whitman’s then-new Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins. And since that time we (and many other dealers and collectors in this speciality) have found it to be an invaluable resource containing more information about colonial coins in one place than has ever been compiled before. We’ve also found, somewhat inevitably, that in any undertaking of this magnitude there are bound to be a few mistakes, which Whitman has compiled in the handy attachment that we have posted here so that it will always be accessible for anyone who has a computer.
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Henry W. Bass Rare 1804 Eagles on Display at the Fort Worth Show
American Numismatic Association
Two of the finest-known gold 1804 eagles have been added to the Museum Showcase at the 2010 ANA National Money Show™ in Fort Worth. The coins are part of the renowned Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection of American gold coins, and are on display at the ANA’s Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs. The Mint began producing gold eagles ($10 coins) in 1795. Production of the coins ceased in 1804 due to a shortage of gold and a perceived lack of need for the denomination. The 1804 eagle thus became famous for being the last coin for the type, and the last eagle struck for circulation for over thirty years. The estimated number of survivors, including the one on display in Fort Worth, is thought to be 80-100 pieces, all from one die pair, of which a considerable number have been damaged.
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Walking Liberty Half Dollar Popular With Collectors
Numismatic News
The Walking Liberty half dollar has become an American classic. Everyone likes the design of the Walking Liberty half dollar to the point where it along with the Saint-Gaudens double eagle and James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo nickel have become a trinity of designs to be used a second time. Of course, liking the design makes it a design that is in constant demand especially in top grades and that makes the Walking Liberty half dollar a collection that can be assembled in circulated grades by most hobbyists but one which is very difficult and expensive if you want only the highest grades.
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About the Author
Tim Shuck is a life-long Midwestern resident, and started collecting coins after finding an Indian Head cent on the ground at his childhood farm home. Additional encouragement came from looking through a collection of well-worn late 19th and early 20th century coins kept by his grandfather in an old leather coin purse. Current collecting interests include U.S. types from the Civil War era through the early 1930's, and Colonial and Early American coins.
