The California Numismatist

Numismatic Spring 2015 California State
Association of V. 12, No. 1 Numismatic

Southern California $9.95 Association
The
California
Numismatist
The California Numismatist
Official Publication of the
California State Numismatic Association
and the
Numismatic Association of Southern California
Spring 2015, Volume 12, Number 1
About the Cover The California Numismatist Staff

A century ago the year 1915 was Editor Greg Burns
an action-filled one for those inter- P.O. Box 1181
ested in expositions. Both San Diego Claremont, CA 91711
GregSBurns@gmail.com
and San Francisco had their turns
in the barrel, and author Jim Wells Club Virginia Bourke
compares and contrasts them thor- Reports 10601 Vista Camino
oughly in his article starting on page South Lakeside, CA 92040
32. One of the graphical topics was the VLBourke@cox.net
then-recently opened Panama Canal,
and if that’s your thing turn to page 50 Club Sally Johnson
and read about Jeff Shevlin’s recent Reports PO Box 10416
adventure on an anniversary cruise on North San Jose, CA 95157-1416
SallyJohnsonTCN@aol.com
that famous waterway, and the medal
he commissioned to commemorate the Advertising Roy Iwata
original canal opening. c/o CSNA
P.O. Box 2449
Seal Beach, CA 90740-1449
rti2449@aol.com
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 • Spring 2015
Contents
Articles
The Country is Gone; the Medals Remain
Mark Benvenuto ............................................................................................. 12
My First ANA Convention
Bill Febuary ................................................................................................... 16
It Makes Cents:
Circulating Commemoratives
Dr. Sol Taylor ................................................................................................. 18
The Maria Theresa Thaler: the World’s First Bullion Coin?
Mark Benvenuto ............................................................................................. 20
The Goetz Lusitania Medal’s Wrong Date—the Newspaper’s Fault?
Ross Irvin ....................................................................................................... 24
Another Fun Thing to Do in Numismatics
Bill Febuary ................................................................................................... 28
That “Other” 1915 Exposition: San Diego’s Panama-California Expo
Jim Wells ........................................................................................................ 32
June 1st is “Flip a Coin” Day
Don Hill ......................................................................................................... 40
Columns
Presidents’ Messages Phil Iversen and Howard Feltham ................................................ 4
Editor’s Page Greg Burns ................................................................................................ 6
California Token Spotlight Merle Avila ......................................................................... 30
Book Review, John and Nancy Wilson .......................................................................... 42
The Emerging Hobbyist Michael S. Turrini................................................................... 44
Numismatic Luminary Jim Hunt ................................................................................... 46
ANA Report Jim Hunt ................................................................................................... 48
Association Reports
Corresponding Secretaries’ Reports ................................................................................. 8
TCN Literary Awards ..................................................................................................... 10
Association News Items and Events (starting on page) ................................................. 49
Goings On ...................................................................................................................... 56
Around the State ............................................................................................................ 62
Everything Else
CSNA Membership Application .................................................................................... 15
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 • Spring 2015 3
Presidents’ Messages
NASC...
As you first read this message I

first want to say “Happy New Year” to
all NASC members. I hope that your
holidays were joyful and bright and
that this will be a great year for both
you and the NASC.
I sincerely want to say “thank
you” to the past fellow members who
have served in the leadership capacity
during this past term. Next, I want to
express my deepest gratitude to you for
allowing me to lead this organization
once again. It has been said that doing
it the first time is an honor and the sec-
ond time it is a chore. I do not want to
think what might have happened if oth-
ers did not join with me for the coming
two years in an effort to continue to
strive and make improvements over what has been accomplished over the many
years of our existence.
That being said, I firmly believe that there is still much more that we can
do and with the help of all of you we can continue to serve the hobby in many
ways. We all must continue to adapt to changes and do what is the right thing in
this fast and furious ever-changing world that we live in today.
With some new officers and board members comes new blood and new
ideas. I think that it is important to digest what others have to say, reflect upon
the impact of them and discuss these in a forthright and candid manner. I will
strive to work in harmony with you and hope that you, too, will keep an open
mind during this critical time for the betterment of NASC. By all of us working
together we can address any issues that we are faced with all for the betterment
of both the organization and our hobby.
Phil
P il Iversen
Ph Ivers
NASC President

CSNA...
The photo is of my wife and me at
the Reagan Library. Ronald Regan was
president from 1981 to 1989. Gold and
silver peaked in mid-1980, with gold
holding later at $400/oz. and silver
holding around $5/oz. after running up
to $45/oz. These events had a big im-
pact on coin collecting. The economy
had turned around and people had ex-
tra income to put into a coin collection.
I became extremely interested at this
time; there were many clubs sprouting
up and I joined the Long Beach Coin
Club, becoming president in 1995.
Grading was becoming more trustwor-
thy due to PCGS slabs; it was a great
starting point for the dealer and collec-
tor on negotiating value and grade.
Coin clubs in the 1980’s had large attendance, with members maybe belong-
ing to two and three different clubs. Today coin clubs are on the decline which
I find unbelievable. They’re the go-to place for numismatic information and
monthly social gatherings. There are many traps out there trying to separate you
from your hard earned dollars. Club members are aware of these traps and warn
members how to steer clear. They’re also a good place to get an inexpensive
numismatic education. CSNA has been promoting California clubs, coin shows,
and providing educational seminars. We now have many irons in the fire to get
members to join CSNA and clubs, with more ideas to come.
Most now think the internet is the go-to place for information, and while
it can be useful in some cases, it cannot give you that live feedback and hard
earned one-on-one knowledge, and finally, it isn’t easy on the internet to show
off those wonderful finds to other like-minded collectors.
In closing, I want to promote the CSNA free educational seminar, on April
11 in Long Beach starting at 10am at the Long Beach Airport Holiday Inn (see
more detailed info in this publication). There will be another seminar later in the
year in San Jose with the date, time and place to be determined. Join us, and give
a CSNA membership to a relative or a friend.
Howar Feltham
Howard
CSNA President
Editor’s Page
Seems like this is another marathon
issue, just chock full of wonderful
articles for you to peruse. Take a look
at the table of contents page to see the
breadth of material we have to offer for
your reading entertainment.
Jim Wells has a timely and humor-
ous article on a tongue in check com-
petition between San Diego and San
Francisco. You’ll learn something, and
as always, Jim brings an interesting
perspective to his research and writing.
Bill Febuary has two personal piec-
es in this issue, both with a nostalgic
bent to them, and what is numismatics
but nostalgia in metallic form?
Author Mark Benvenuto digs into
some out of the way topics, and this
issue is no exception. Many folks are fa- Help!
miliar with the Maria Theresa thaler, but I was so disappointed to
who knows anything about work-related find that the winter, 1965, issue
medals of East Germany? Well after read- of Calcoin News in the editor’s
ing this issue you’ll be up on both. master set is defaced. Someone
New author (to us anyway) Ross Irvin cut out a photo of William O.
has an article near and dear to my heart. Wisslead on page 13. If any
I’ll bet you can guess which one <grin>. kind soul has a Volume 19,
And Sol Taylor’s column educates us all Number 1, issue to donate to
about circulating commemoratives. restore the set, please contact
CSNA official Don Hill makes a rare the editor and receive buckets
appearance in the articles category of our of gratitude.
pages with his piece on coin flipping (you
read that right, but I’ll bet you thought I
meant “clipping”).
Finally, please turn to page 10 to read up on the TCN Literary Awards for our
2014 publication year. The authors names will be familiar to our regular readers,
and a good guide to reliable enjoyment for those who are new to TCN. Thank
them personally if you get a chance!
Greg Burns
Editor
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:
SoCalledGuy@Hotmail.com
or visit my collectors web site:
www.So-CalledDollar.com
Jeff Shevlin
1894 E. William St., Suite 4-240
Carson City, NV 89701
SoCalledGuy@Hotmail.com
Phone: (916) 955-2569
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.
Corresponding
Secretaries’
Reports
CSNA—
by Donald L. Hill
Thank you to all of you who’ve already sent in your renewals for 2015. Re-
minders have been sent to those who haven’t yet responded. This year we have
a new board of directors and new officers and there are a lot of new ideas and
enthusiasm for the club. Watch for news of new events and initiatives. Thank
you to those who shared some of their favorites from the internet. Here are three:
www.usmint.gov, available are publications and news releases about things com-
ing out of the US Mint. There are also youth oriented numismatic education re-
sources. At www.numismaticcrimes.org you should sign up for a free newsletter
about crimes involving coin collecting. The ANA at www.money.org has news
and press releases that you can receive by e-mail. If you have another website or
newsletter to share, please send me the information.
NASC—
by Harold Katzman
Due to a change in computers I do not have the file for the NASC member-
ship roster available. I am trying to figure out where the data is on the new com-
puter. For the purposes of this report I used the last report 11/15/14 and added in
the members shown, so the numbers may be off a couple.
The $10 introductory membership work has so far generated 35 new mem-
bers. The success is due to personal contact with Mike Kittle getting over 25
new members. I got eight and Phil one, with more turned in at the 2/3/15 board
meeting. Now it is up to all of us to see if we can retain them.
CSNA New Members CSNA Membership on 15 Feb. 2015

R6419 ....................................... Fred G. van den Haak Associate ....................................................................4
R6420 .................................................Gordon L. Engh Junior..........................................................................6
R6421 ................................................... Brian Silliman Life .........................................................................131
R6422 .........................................................Bill Pfeifer Member Clubs..........................................................22
R6423 .......................................................Scott Griffin Member Clubs Life ..................................................12
R6424 ................................................... Demari Dugan Regular ...................................................................207
R6425 .........................................................Glenn Leaf Business ...................................................................13
R6426 ......................................................Mark Baskin Total .......................................................................395
R6427 .......................................................... Ross Irvin
C6428 ............................. Livermore Valley Coin Club
NASC New Members 3132............................................................ Joe Adams
3110 .............................................................John Leon 3133.............................................. Thomas J. Carmola
3111 ...........................................Richard Murachanian 3134...................................................William A. Ward
3112 ........................................................ Dennis Berry 3135....................................................David L. Winter
3113 .........................................................Louis Moore 3136................................................. Thomas Polverari
3114 .............................................................. Ron Starr 3137.............................................................Earl Cross
3115 ........................................................ Peter Walters 3138....................................................... Brian Sillman
3116 ............................................................. Ken Nitao Club ............................... Wisconsin Historical Society
3117 .................................................. Yvonne M. Crain 3139.......................................................Paul Morrison
3118 ..................................................... Jarett J. Casesa 3140.............................................. Joseph A. Northrop
3119 ......................................................Mark McClary 3141............................................................Scott Boyd
3120.......................................................Mike Wiggins 3142......................................................... John Sunada
3121.....................................................Viesturs Zagars 3143................................................ Richard Chavarria
3122........................................................... Larry Buck 3144........................................................... Jerry Kleeb
3123..............................................................Bill Pagel
3124..............................................................Ian Fagan NASC Membership on 3 Feb. 2015
3125...............................................Edward Ghadanian Charter........................................................................2
3126...............................................................Al Anton Junior..........................................................................1
3127........................................................... J. R. Henry Life ...........................................................................13
3128................................................ Denise M. Ballard Club ..........................................................................21
3129........................................................Carey Hauser Regular .................................................................... 98
3130.........................................................Falph Quallo Sustaining...............................................................134
3131................................................ Gordon O’Rourke Total .......................................................................269
Michael Aron is
buying! Cut out
the middle man
and call us directly
for the best offer
for your coins!
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
TCN Literary Awards
We’re proud to announce the awards for the 2014 publication year. Each
category has 1st through 3rd places, with the exception of the Brainard award
which is for best article overall. The Brainard award is silver-plated bronze,
engraved, and mounted on a plaque along with an engraved plate to finish it off.
Karl Brainard Literary Award for Best Article

Bicentennial of a Bodacious Battle, Jim Wells
George Bennett Literary Award for

Articles on Ancient Numismatics
1st: And to the East, Partha, Mark Benvenuto
2nd: A Tale of Two Coins, Charlie Catlett
Charles Kappan Literary Award for Articles on Exonumia

1st: Bicentennial of a Bodacious Battle, Jim Wells
2nd: Emergency Money: Scarce, Beautiful—and Porcelain?, Mark Benvenuto
3rd: San Jose 1969 Fiesta De Las Rosas Medal, Joel Anderson
Bryan Burke Literary Award for Articles on Foreign Coins

1st: Uniting Germany, the First Time, Mark Benvenuto
2nd: National Emblems on Coins, Dr. Sol Taylor
Virginia Hall Literary Award for Articles on Medals

1st: San Jose 1969 Fiesta De Las Rosas Medal, Joel Anderson
Charles G. Colver Literary Award for Articles on Paper Instruments

1st: Collecting Western Americana Paper, Jim Hunt
2nd: Collecting Southern States Fractional Currency, Jim Phillips
3rd: Another Form of Paper Collecting, Bill Febuary
Roy Hill Literary Award for Articles on United States Coins

1st: The Life and Times of America’s Half Dimes, Jim Wells
2nd: The US $4 Stella’s More Common Siblings, Mark Benvenuto
3rd: What Price, a Trade Dollar, Mark Benvenuto
Adult Beverages All Around!
Please be sure to thank the many authors and
other contributors to TCN. They’re responsible for
the ten-year streak of first place ANA awards in the
“Outstanding Regional Publication” category, begin-
ning with our first publication year. Over that decade
TCN’s readers have enjoyed first-rate articles cover-
ing a broad spectrum of numismatic topics, colum-
nists who’ve kept us all informed, and reporting on
association news items so that we’re all up to date.
The Country is Gone;
the Medals Remain
by Mark Benvenuto
Countries don’t come and go every
day, but they do change and evolve
over the course of years, sometimes
slowly and sometimes in a flash. An
example that might have been too
quickly forgotten by many of us is
East Germany, or more properly, the
German Democratic Republic (the
Deutsche Demokratische Republik, or
DDR). Officially gone since 1990, a
person can still find the medals of the
former DDR if they take the time to
look.
East Germany was born from Post-war occupied Germany in 1945: The
the Soviet zone of occupation at the British (green), Soviet (red), American
end of the Second World War. It was (orange), and French (blue) occupation
zones.
officially established in 1949, and all
the needed parts of government were
put into place at about that time. But became model communists. In short,
the power that people hold does not despite some celebrated cases of the
just disappear, even when a war is capture of former high-ranking Nazis
lost, and the people do not just vanish who had fled the country, plenty of
when political boundaries change. The these men quietly moved into some
Allies had declared the Nazi SS to be other role and started some other life.
a criminal organization, which meant Now, while East Germany was
that the men who had been SS leaders considered an independent country,
at just about any level did everything the heavy hand and all-seeing eye of
they could to white-wash what they Moscow was never far off. That meant
had been up to since the Nazi rise to people needed to prove how loyal to
power. In the west for example, the US the communist cause they were. Over
and British military commands were the course of time, one small way to
upset that the French recruited actively show that was the loyalty medals, or
in their occupation zone for the French true service medals.
Foreign Legion. Guess who signed up The East German medals which
in large numbers? In the east, plenty read Fur Treue Dienste (“For Loyal
of men in positions of power suddenly Service” in English) can still be found
In green is the German Democratic Republic
(GDR, or DDR in German) in 1990. From
1949 to 1990, it administered the region of
Germany which was occupied by Soviet forces
at the end of the Second World War—the Soviet Oc-
cupation Zone of the Potsdam Agreement. The GDR
was “kaput” and Germany was again unified on
October 3, 1990.
Below: a selection of service medals from

East Germany showing differing ribbons,
services, number of years, and levels of
award.
Left: a
medal for
20 years
service.
Right: the
stripes on
the ribbons
indicate
years of
service on
this group.
at some of the major numismatic medals of the Ministry of the Interior

shows, at least if a person has patience tend to have a basic green ribbon with
and keeps looking. There are numer- different color stripes within, signi-
ous different grades, and different fying the number of years of loyal
ribbons signify loyalty within differ- service. The proper title for these is
ent services. For example, the loyalty “Medaille fur Treue Dienste in der
bewaffneten Organ des Ministeriums reasons. To others, perhaps collectors
des Innen,” meaning “medal for loyal who spent time in the service stationed
service in militarized organs of the in West Germany, Italy, or the Benelux
Ministry of the Interior.” It’s a mouth- countries during the Cold War, these
ful, but there we have it. medals are a reminder of their own
Loyalty medals issued with red past time in uniform. After all, US ser-
ribbons tend to have not only the vicemen were given standing orders,
motto for loyal service on them, but even as late as the 1980’s, that since
the number of years on the medal as the Soviet Union was one of the allied
well. For example, the “Medaille fur victors in World War II, their military
Treue Dienste in der Kampfgrup- officers were supposed to be saluted
pen der Arbeiterklasse” meaning the (although in practice our two militar-
“Medal for Loyal Service in Fighting ies did not do much together). But
Groups of the Working Class” sports the East German Army, the National
a red ribbon with differing numbers Volksarmee, or NVA, was never rec-
of stripes on it, and the words “Fur 20 ognized by NATO. Therefore, no one
Jahre Treue Dienste,” which translates was supposed to salute their officers,
to “For 20 years of loyal service.” no matter how high their rank. Thus, a
Rather obviously, the number in the collection of these medals might just
inscription changes as medals honor bring back some memories of years
longer terms of service. The com- spent overseas.
mon reverse of all the medals is the When East Germany was folded
hammer and divider, surrounded by a back into West Germany and a united,
wreath of grain, which was one of the single Federal Republic of Germany
symbols of East Germany. was re-born, there were again a lot of
There are certainly more loyalty folks with power who had to be part
medals in existence than the few of the new system. The Bundeswehr,
shown here. A good place to look for the German Army, retired every officer
a quite comprehensive listing is the at the rank of colonel or general, and
website: http://www.medals.pl/de/ddr. every man over the age of 50. The
htm. It’s worth noting since there is middle-ranking officers were allowed
simply no reference book that really the choice of being educated into the
describes the series, and thus no quick ways of the newly-unified German
list to check off just how much of this Army. But much like at the end of
series you have managed to find and the Second World War, medals of the
purchase. old East German regime could not
There is also no price guide when be worn if they had any overt affilia-
it comes to such loyalty medals, tion with the former communist state.
which makes just about every collec- No one can be sure how many sets of
tor wonder, well, just what are they hard-earned medals were simply put
worth? The pragmatic short answer into some closet or drawer. But now,
is: they’re worth what you are willing 25 years later, there is a series of med-
to pay for them. To some collectors, als that a patient collector might wish
medals and orders are something they to learn about and collect.
haven’t ever collected, for a variety of
CSNA Membership Application
Membership Category Cost Now you ca
Individual (1 year) $25 n pay via P
Individual (3 years) $70 Go to payp aypal!
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use addres
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Club/Organization $30
Overseas $10 (additional to above)
Name:
Address:
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Signature:
Sponsored by (optional):
Send this application, including a check/money order payable to “CSNA” for
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PO Box 4003
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My First ANA
Convention
by Bill Febuary
I had always wanted to attend an
ANA convention ever since I first
became a member in 1985, but found
the conventions too far away from
Clovis, so merely became an active
member by reading and practicing the
rules of the ANA in my coin collecting
and appraising.
The opportunity for an ANA con-
vention close to home developed when The Calcoin News fall 1995 issue reported
the 1995 ANA convention was to be on the success of CSNA’s hosting of the
held in Anaheim. I made my reserva- ANA World’s Fair of Money in Anaheim.
tions early-on and called in to stay at Tom Fitzgerald was the general chairman.
the Travelodge in Anaheim on August
18 and 19, 1995. Hands”, which I attended, and what a
As I traveled to the convention showing that was! I even ate ice cream
with my wife and granddaughter, I with ANA President Kenneth Bressett
was wondering what I would I do and other ANA board members.
when I got there. It was obvious that The next day I had to be up early
this was a really-big-deal in my life because the SPMC meeting was at
and I wanted to make the most of it. 8:00 AM. Luckily our motel was right
The show was called, “A World’s across the street from the convention
Fair of Money” and they were right center, so I didn’t have to drive any-
in describing what was available in where. There were about five members
the way of money. The show ran from in the room when I showed up and we
August 16th to the 20th and we were introduced ourselves to each other.
there on Friday the 18th, so missed The first part of the meeting was to
a few things. Since my interest in discuss past events, and then SPMC
1995 was primarily that of collecting President Dean Oakes asked Wendell
paper money I made sure that I would Wolka (one of the board of governors)
be available to attend the Society of to host a grading test on notes that
Paper Money Collectors (SPMC) he had donated for this event. I, like
meeting on Saturday. Prior to that on everyone else in the room, graded
Friday afternoon was the ANA Mem- the notes and at the end of the grad-
bership Reception and ANA Video ing session they had a drawing for
Premiere: “Money: History in Your a free membership into the SPMC.
Bill’s treasured Federal Reserve note, signed by then-US
Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow at the 1995 ANA convention.
Low and behold,

L The next event that I attended
Iw
won the drawing was “The Mint’s Legislative Agenda
aand the membership for the 104th Congress” by Philip
was pre
presented to me by Diehl who was the 35th director of
President Oakes (it was actu- the United States Mint. His talk was
ally good for the next year and five very impressive and he highlighted
months). So as most of you know, I many things that were upcoming in
am an active member in that organi- numismatics. The guest speaker for
zation as well, along with the ANA, that event, who gave an inspirational
California National Currency Col- talk, was US Treasurer Mary Ellen
lectors, Fresno Numismatic Society, Withrow. She was also very impres-
CNCC and the Visalia Coin Club. sive in her presentation as well and
I attended the Barber Coin Collec- later that day took some time to meet
tors Society (BCCS) general meeting, with collectors and counter-signed her
which followed the SPMC meeting name for anyone who had a Federal
and met with the number one man in Reserve note with her signature on
Barbers, who was David Lawrence it (I still have that dollar and prize it
of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mr. very much).
Lawrence was a past president of the All in all, the convention was
BCCS and avid collector of the three very well attended and I made several
denominations of Barber coins (dimes, new friends in the numismatic world,
quarters and half dollars). He and the including Edward C. Rochette, who
other officers added a great insight to was one of the board of governors and
my Barber collecting because at that is now the interim executive director
time I was well on my way to com- of the ANA.
pleting a set of Barber half dollars.
It Makes Cents:
Circulating Commemoratives?
by Dr. Sol Taylor
Our first commemorative coin-

age came out in celebration of the
Columbian Exposition of 1892-1893.
These were meant as souvenirs of the
event and not intended as a circulating
coinage. Since so many Columbian
half dollars were minted for the event,
many wound up in circulation at face
value anyway and that accounts for the As the hardest working denomination of
large numbers of circulated specimens the three US bicentennial coins, the quar-
in dealers’ and collectors’ hands today. ter with it’s “drummer boy” is the most
The first series of commemora- recognizable to most people.
tive coins meant for circulation came
out in 1975 in honor of America’s
bicentennial. The three coins—the were also minted in 1976 and sold at a
quarter, the half dollar and the dollar premium.
coin—all bore the dual dates 1776- Starting in 1999 our fifty state
1976 and were minted in 1975 as well quarter program began, starting with
as 1976. These copper-nickel coins Delaware (our first state) and end-
were intended for general circula- ing with Hawaii (our 50th state).
tion in lieu of the same denomina- Five coins were issued each year for
tions not being issued as before 1975. general circulation bearing the year
Since they were commemoratives, of issue. Again, as before, none has
large numbers apparently were stored shown any appreciation since the date
away rather than being spent. In fact, of issue. Some 50 state sets also came
I bought three rolls of half dollars at in special collector versions which
a bank in Philadelphia in 2013 when were sold at a premium at the mint. At
visiting my sister who lives there, and the conclusion of the 50 state series,
all three rolls were BU 1976-P bicen- a new series began honoring our state
tennial half dollars. No doubt they parks and monuments. Again, these
were part of someone’s hoard from the are average everyday circulating
year of issue. They are still worth only coins, except for special mint collector
face value. For many years after 1976, versions offered at a premium.
these commemorative issues were A recent spot survey of a few
less than common than other dates hundred quarters showed that the
due to speculation, hoarding, or plain state quarters appear less frequently in
collecting. Special collector versions change than earlier date quarters indi-
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a
decade since the introduction of the
Westward Journey nickel series.
cating they may be hoarded. In

fact, until recently, several ads
in the numismatic media offered
full rolls (of 40) for each state in
mint condition, both P and D
versions. The S mint coins were
offered as premium issues.
In 2004 and 2005 the regu-
lar issue Jefferson nickel was
supplanted by a set of four cir-
culating commemoratives in honor or
of the Lewis and Clark expedition of
1804-1805. Here again, these four grandsons who are novice coin collec-
coins appear far less often in change tors and I have given them multiple
than dates before and after 2004- sets of BU 2009-P and D Lincoln
2005. Collector versions are included cents for future interest.
in proof sets of those years. As with I got my collecting bug at age 6
other earlier circulating commemora- with a few Indian head cents and a
tives no appreciation in value has been new Lincoln cent board. Filling those
seen since the date of issue. holes was a challenge and fun too.
Finally, in 2009 the mint issued a In the dollar coin series, which
series of four cents honoring the 200th rarely circulate due to public avoid-
anniversary of the birth of Abraham ance of these coins, various commem-
Lincoln. I can say from exploring rolls orative versions have been minted.
and even bags of cents since 2009, Dollar coins have proved unpopular
these circulating commemoratives are with most retailers, consumers, and
not doing a lot of circulating. Here banks, so any variations for “normal”
too, rolls of BU coins of each of the issues such as the current brassy presi-
four types can be found on line and dential series hardly excite collector
in many dealers’ ads. These cents do interest. We have not had a circulating
commend a premium—up to $2 a roll commemorative dime yet, but surely
and not much higher—from my years one must be on the drawing board by
of bid board observations. I have two now.
Factoid
Many people don’t know that the first issue of the Washington quarter was a
circulating commemorative. It was released in 1932 to pay tribute to the 200th
anniversary of the president’s birth, and was made a regular issue coin in 1934.
The Maria Theresa
Thaler: the World’s
First Bullion Coin?
by Mark Benvenuto
There are few coins

that qualify as having
been minted for over two
centuries, circulated widely
abroad, away from the land
in which they were first
made, and still traded today
for their metal value. In
fact, maybe there is only
one that meets all those
criteria and still survives
to the modern time. That
one might very well be the
Maria Theresa thaler.
History of the Maria

Theresa Thaler
Big, silver coins known
as thalers had been pro- The Empress in 1759, by Martin van
duced in Austria for decades before Meytens
the pieces now called Maria Theresa
thalers (often abbreviated MTTs)
made their debut. Maria Theresa – “Archid Aust Dux Burg Co Tyr 1780”
more properly Maria Theresa Wal- on the reverse is a series of contrac-
burga Amalia Christina – had been tions of: Maria Theresia, Dei Gratia
on the throne for forty years when Romanorum Imperatrix, Hungariae
this particular design was unveiled, Bohemia Regina, Archidux Austriae,
and the more important of her many Dux Burgundiae, Comes Tyrolis. 1780
titles are abbreviated around the rims X”, which translates to the English:,
of both obverse and reverse. The let- “Maria Theresa, by the grace of God,
tering: “M Theresia D G R Imp Hu Empress of the Romans, Queen of
Bo Reg” on the obverse, followed by: Hungary and Bohemia, Archduch-
The Maria Theresa thalers were the defacto
standard for trade in various countries
during the nineteenth century and earlier,
their common use lasting in some parts
of the world up until the mid-twentieth
century.
The standard MTT contains .752

troy ounces of silver, or about
$12.25 in today’s silver market
(about $16.25 per troy ounce of
.999 fine silver).
shields of several of her lands are

all incorporated into this greater
coat of arms. Additionally, the
double-headed eagle carries
a meaning, as double-headed
eagles do as political symbols
– in this case being an image of
the dual Austrian and Hungarian
monarchies.
But these pieces and this design
quickly found use far from the Austro-
Hungarian Empire. By the start of the
ess of Austria, Duchess of Burgundy, nineteenth century, they had become
Countess of Tyrol 1780.” After the part of commerce in eastern Africa and
date there is one further X, but that in Southwest Asia. The design was
is actually called a saltire, meaning a difficult to counterfeit, which meant
mark that indicates the purity of the merchants and the common people
silver. Even the edge was used for a accepted them readily; and these
message which is, in English: “Justice coins quickly became the standard for
and Clemency.” trading silver. They were used for big
If those titles seem like a mouthful, transactions, and even became part of
well, there are quite a few more for the the dowry of a woman who came from
dear empress. For example, she was a wealthy enough family. Of course,
the ruler of the Austrian Netherlands, there is no telling for certain how
and was the margravine of Moravia many of them were melted for their
(we’ll let you look up just what that ti- silver over the course of time, and
tle means!). As well, the complexity of made into some form of ornamenta-
the shield that dominates the reverse tion or other usable, silver objects.
of the MTTs is not just artistry. The
An Ethiopian grain
market, where a
merchant from decades
ago would most likely
have preferred payment
with the familiar Maria
Theresa thalers.
In 1893, coins based

around the thaler were
first issued in the name
of Menelik II. This cur-
rency was divided into
20 ghershe, each of 2
Bessa. Despite this, the
Maria Theresa thaler
circulated alongside its
Taleri (Birr) equivalent
for many years, and is still
popularly used as a trade
coin in that part of the world.
Competition eastern Africa as the Second World

This level of success doesn’t go War commenced.
unnoticed, and it does engender a lot
of followers and imitators. The Maria Collecting
Theresa thaler has been copied at So, how does a collector, accus-
numerous mints, including the British tomed as we are to collecting objects
Royal Mint, and those in places as far by date, be they coins, tokens, medals
from Austria and Hungary as Rome, or banknotes, collect a coin that comes
Paris, and even Bombay. It also fos- with only one date? It might seem like
tered the creation of other large, silver a single coin is all we are going to be
coins such as the Ethiopian tallero. able to get. Don’t panic, though. Here
But curiously, in the cases in which are a few possibilities:
copies have been made by other gov- 1. Purchase one MTT that has some
ernments, the intent was not to make wear on it. The coin need not be
counterfeits, but rather to produce the damaged or ugly, but some wear
same coin that is already being traded usually indicates that the coin has
as a valued commodity. For example, seen real use.
the coins made in Bombay appear to 2. Purchase a proof MTT. While
have been produced in the 1930’s, this is almost certainly a modern
specifically for British forces to use re-strike, the coin will be visually
when they drove the Italians out of stunning.
Factoid
Her title after the death of her husband was:: Maria
Theresa, by the Grace of God, Dowager Empress
mppress of
the Romans, Queen of Hungary, of Bohemia, a,
of Dalmatia, of Croatia, of Slavonia, of
Galicia, of Lodomeria, etc.; Archduchess
of Austria; Duchess of Burgundy, of
Styria, of Carinthia and of Carniola;
Grand Princess of Transylvania;
Margravine of Moravia; Duchess of
Brabant, of Limburg, of Luxemburg,
of Guelders, of Württemberg, of Upper
and Lower Silesia, of Milan, of Mantua,
of Parma, of Piacenza, of Guastalla,
of Auschwitz and of Zator; Princess of
Swabia; Princely Countess of Habsburg, of
Flanders, of Tyrol, of Hainault, of Kyburg,
of Gorizia and of Gradisca; Margravine of
Burgau, of Upper and Lower Lusatia; Countess t of
tess
Namur; Lady of the Wendish Mark and of Mechlin;
Me
Dowager Duchess of Lorraine and Bar, Dowagerw
wager
Grand Duchess of Tuscany. <whew!>
3. Purchase an MTT with an Arabic Overall?

or other letter or symbol stamped Overall, this “one year” coin has
or engraved in it. This is not a seen more history than the combined
guarantee that the coin has been coins of several past and present
used in an Arabic-speaking land, as governments. It has served officially
such marks can be applied at any or unofficially as the big, silver coin of
time after the coin was made, but several lands, continues to be a store
it is an indicator that the particular of wealth in some areas of the world,
piece has seen use far from home. and has been successfully duplicated
4. Purchase one MTT that has been by several governments. In a world
holed, to be used as jewelry. You which today has several different one-
don’t need to pay extra for it; but ounce silver bullion coins that trade
like Spanish colonial pieces that on the metals markets, the MTT may
have been holed, that small mutila- indeed claim some sort of title as the
tion implies the coin was special to world’s first bullion coin. Starting a
someone at one time. collection of this large, historic coin
There are other ways to collect as might very well take even a seasoned
well (such as trying to get one each of collector into some new and exciting
the 150+ varieties known!), but this directions.
is certainly enough to get most of us
started.
The Goetz
Lusitania Medal’s
Wrong Date—the
Newspaper’s Fault?
by Ross Irvin
Karl Goetz’ first version medal with the in-

correct date of the sinking of the Lusitania
noted as having occurred May 5, 1915.
One of the more fascinating stories The story stems from a satirical
from World War I is the curious ac- medal made by Karl Goetz, a Munich
count of the Goetz Lusitania medal. It medalist who privately produced med-
is a tale that involves spies, intrigue, als for sale, supplemented occasion-
Gordon Selfridge of Mr. Selfridge of ally by government commissions. The
PBS fame, government cover up, and Lusitania medal, however, was clearly
a deliberate manipulation of the Allied not commissioned by the German
press, all based upon the date Goetz government.
placed on the medal. Recognizing that The obverse side of the medal
this year is the 100th anniversary of depicts the passenger liner Lusitania
the Lusitania tragedy, this article in- sinking after being torpedoed by the
vestigates how Goetz could have made German submarine U-20. On her
such a disastrous mistake. deck are a small airplane and can-
Karl Goetz’ second version of his infamous medal
showing the corrected date of the sinking of
May 7, 1915.
non representing war materials. The

inscription reads “Keine Bannware”
(no contraband).
The reverse shows a skeleton
selling tickets from a booth labeled
“Cunard Linie” (the Cunard ship line).
Above the scene the inscription reads
“Geschaft Uber Alles” (commerce
over all).
The real significance of the medal
is the date “5 Mai 1915” that appears I decided to search for the article
on the obverse side, since the ship to confirm Goetz’ story. I reviewed a
was actually sunk on May 7. A British number of German newspapers, con-
spy purchased a copy of the medal in centrating on newspapers published
neutral Holland and brought it back to in Munich and southern Bavaria since
England. Gordon Selfridge of the PBS Goetz lived in Munich and most
show Mr. Selfridge fame underwrote a likely subscribed to a local paper. The
project reputedly for several thousand largest of these was Munchner Neuste
pounds, to manufacture over 200,000 Nachtrichten, which had not only a
cast iron copies for sale. Although morning, but an evening edition as
Goetz had no formal connection with well. Another was the Munchner-
the German government, the medal Augsburger Nachtzeitung. On May
was described in the Allied press is 8, 1915, the morning paper headlines
an example of German perfidy and screamed: “The passenger liner, Lu-
arrogance. The perfidy to sink an sitania is sunk” (Munchen-Augsburger
unarmed passenger liner filled with Abenzietung), and “The Cunard liner
innocent women and children, and Lusitania is sunk” (Munchner Neueste
the arrogance to create a medal com- Nachrichten).
memorating the fact two days before Even though one might not speak
the actual event. The issue became an German and the print uses the old
Allied propaganda triumph. style German fonts in which an “s”
Goetz shrugged off the controver- becomes an “f”, it is easy to under-
sy at first and shortly afterwards reis- stand that the sinking of the Lusitania
sued the medal with the correct May was an important event.
7 date. After the end of the war Goetz The articles on the first page of
explained his mistake in a letter to Dr. the papers clearly report that the ship
Schenck, manager of the American was sunk on May 7. Other newspapers
Friends Service Committee, confess- give essentially the same information
ing that he had read the wrong date in because the Allies cut off the transat-
a newspaper. lantic cables from German use, which
At left, the mastheads of two of the
larger Munich newspapers that
Goetz may have read, both sources
indicating the correct date of the
sinking, as did all of the other
German papers that the author
researched shown below.
constrained the use of special reporters of them are wrong. For example,
making them dependent on wireless Gunter Kienast, in his book, The Med-
services. Consequently most papers als of Karl Goetz, which is the Bible
received international news through for those who collect Goetz medals,
Wolffsche Telegraphenburo (WTB) reports that the Opus 226 medal, (The
which had been affiliated with Reuters World is Listening) commemorates the
before the war. In 1915 Germany arrival of President Wilson in Europe
WTB functioned much as the Associ- on March 14, 1919, when the actual
ated Press (AP) does for us today, date was March 16th. Likewise Kien-
although there were government con- ast reports on Goetz’ Opus 227 medal
trols particularly concerning domestic (Wilson’s Mousetrap) that Wilson
reporting. This makes it highly un- sailed home on June 28, 1919 when
likely that a newspaper would pick up in fact he sailed on June 29th. Goetz’
a story or rumor from a rogue reporter original medal (Opus 288) com-
and print an alternate narrative with an memorating the death of Manfred von
incorrect date. Richthofen , the “Red Baron”, gives
So what probably happened? the date of his death as April 12, 1918,
Karl Goetz had a history of care- and number of victories as 89, which
lessness towards detail. Many of his he later changes to the correct April
medals show dates, however a number 21, 1918, and 80 victories.
The British propaganda copies show the
incorrect date as shown on Goetz’ first
version medal, and were accompanied
by pamphlets which also came in several
versions. The two pamphlets here, one in
English and one in German, refer to the Ger-
man newspapers, Kolnische Volkszeitung and
Berliner Lokalanzeiger, respectively.
Karl Goetz was clearly an artist Author’s note: My own interest in

and able to brilliantly condense an is- the medal stems from one (with correct
sue or event into a memorable picture. date) that was given to my grandpar-
In his own time, he had the role that ents as a wedding present when they
the French satirical newspaper, Char- got married in Coblenz in 1920. My
lie Hebdo, has today. He was certainly grandfather was a career officer in the
much more concerned about his work US Army and my grandmother was a
than the technical details and scholar- Red Cross volunteer. Both had served
ship associated with the information in France. At the end of World War
he displayed. His flaws became his I, Coblenz and the territory within
fame. a 25 mile radius was the American
Further Reading: occupation zone. The French had a
Greg Burns, Commemoration of similar zone in Mainz and the British
Death, The medals of the Lusitania in Cologne.
murders, 2012.
Gunter W. Kienast, The Medals of
Karl Goetz, 1967.
Another Fun Thing to
Do in Numismatics
by Bill Febuary
How many of our members have
collected old time numismatic publica-
tions?
My favorite is The Numismatic
Scrapbook Magazine of which I have
many of the of the old editions and
especially those back before I became
interested in coin collecting (prior to
1969). It is fun to reminisce through
those old copies and see the prices
and the articles that have been written
about coins and related numismatic
items that would be a treasure to own
today at those prices.
One of the main topics that ap-
peared each month in that publication
was “The Crystal Ball”, where readers
could respond with their predictions
about the coin market or which coins
would become valuable or what might
happen in the future with certain coins, That particular publication, The
and it is very interesting as some of Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine,
those predictions are true today. contained page after page of advertise-
Wouldn’t it be fun to purchase ments, some shown as one-page ads
US commemorative half dollars for for coins to be sold, and it is amazing
$1.50 each or key date ones for $15? there were so many dealers back in
Or 1932-D and 1932-S Washington those days that advertised in each and
quarters for $10 and $12 in nice AU every issue.
condition. Or how about $20 gold My favorite ads in that publication
pieces for $51 each, and those were were for currency, such as crisp un-
brilliant uncirculated pieces. circulated $10 gold certificates selling
Of course that works both ways for $70 and $5 Federal Reserve notes
when it comes to what dealers were selling for $22.50, and they were in
willing to pay for certain coins in crisp uncirculated condition, too.
those days, such as a 1909-S VDB This publication provided in each
Lincoln cent for $85 in extra fine. issue a “Mint Report”, not only for
The popularity of the more
frequently produced Coin World
and World Coin News eventually put
sufficient economic pressures on Amos Press in 1976
to discontinue The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine, as well as sister-
publication World Coins Magazine, both of them monthly publications.
current US coinage, but also for for- that was Aubrey Bebee. As many of
eign coinage as well as to the number you remember from a past article that
of coins minted, so it provided a lot of I wrote, I was able to visit his coin and
good numismatic information. There coin supply store in Omaha, Nebraska,
was also a section on new books, back in the early 1970’s. He was an
which listed the current numismatic interesting fellow to visit with, and
publications that were being printed again as I mentioned in that previous
and sold to numismatic readers. article, all or most of his coins were
Even though the publication was kept in a nearby bank and the store
mainly made up of advertisements, was mainly for the selling of coin and
there was still at least several major currency supplies.
articles about numismatics that were How I wish I would have been
very interesting and were all related able to purchase a complete educa-
to the type of material that readers tional note series from Aubrey Beebe
were interested at that time in numis- at $795 for all three pieces of currency
matic history, including pictures and in that series, including the $1, $2, and
sketches of coins. $5 notes in crisp uncirculated condi-
One of the main advertisers was tion which he was advertising in The
one of my favorite numismatists and Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine.
California Token
Spotlight
Shining on: the Electric Hotel, Forestville
le
e
by Merle Avila
a
Starting as the Johnson

Hotel circa 1876
The blacksmith Charles
Oliver said in an 1876 Sonoma
Democrat article, “Mr. Foster at
the Johnson Hotel bar on the hill
was serving drinks to the thirsty
for ten cents apiece or two for a
quarter, so the more you bought,
the more each drink would cost”.
The Johnson Hotel was moved
down main street across from the
Petaluma and Santa Rosa Electric
Railway Station when the electric
train came to town in 1904.
The Johnson Hotel was
eventually renamed The Electric
Hotel. This building later burned
down.
From top, two varieties of tokens, the
original Johnson Hotel building, after
the move adjacent to the train depot,
and later still after being renamed
The Electric Hotel.
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That “Other” 1915
Exposition: San Diego’s
Panama-California Expo
by Jim Wells
World’s Fairs and Expositions tional Expositions. They produced so-
have been held every few years by big called dollars, including one proclaim-
cities in the US and the world for over ing “California The Exposition State”
a century. The goal of these expos was (HK-414). Their competition came
to promote momentous events and from an unsanctioned exposition in
attract visitors and new residents. The San Diego, a city one-tenth the size of
cities vied to show their civic pride San Francisco. San Diego’s justifica-
and civic assets. To our delight, many tion was being “The first US port west
numismatic souvenirs were proof the Panama Canal.” Which 1915
duced, including US commemorative expo really “won” this David versus
coins and souvenir “so-called dol- Goliath duel? You decide...
lar” medals, as cataloged in the 1963
Hibler-Kaplan book by that name, and The Era of Expos
numbered with HK numbers. The first significant American
Expos were usually held one at a World’s Fair was the 1876 US Cen-
time, often to mark anniversaries of tennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
historic events, but in one instance Dozens of so-called dollar designs
their schedules conflicted. One century were struck, many depicting Indepen-
ago in 1915, two California cities held dence Hall, the Liberty Bell, George
expositions to celebrate the opening of Washington, or exposition buildings.
the Panama Canal, and they competed Later expos included the 1906 Pike’s
(or “dueled”) for the attendance of Peak Centennial in Colorado Springs,
fairgoers. San Francisco, the larg- and the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific
est US city west of St. Louis, won Expo in Seattle. Numerous so-called
the initial skirmishes and the official dollars were struck for these and a few
designation as a World Exposition smaller celebrations. The 1892-1893
sanctioned by the Bureau of Interna- Columbian Exposition in Chicago
“California, the
Exposition State”
featured two duel-
ing expos in 1915.
Commemorating the Canal’s completion
was this so-called dol-
lar (HK-398) with
Columbia astride
a ship in the ca-
nal. The first
ship to transit
the Panama
Canal carried
50,000 of
these num-
bered medals.
The Panama Canal created ”The Kiss of the Oceans.”
set records with an attendance of Canal was a massive construction

27,500,000, and 61 designs of so- project started by France and Colom-
called dollars. It also saw the introduc- bia in 1881, and finally completed in
tion of commemorative US coins, with August, 1914 by the United States
the Columbian Exposition half dollar and Panama. The 48-mile waterway
and the Isabella quarter. In 1904, the connected the Atlantic Ocean (via the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition was Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean,
held in St. Louis, with two commemo- through a series of locks over Central
rative gold dollars and 17 so-called America. The canal shortened the voy-
dollar designs produced. Commemora- age from New York to California by
tive gold dollars were also struck for 7,872 miles, greatly improving trade
the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition routes. The Canal was hailed as the
in Portland, Oregon, but the so-called greatest engineering achievement in
dollar design count fell to three. the Western Hemisphere, and has been
named one of the seven wonders of
The Canal: an Engineering the modern world.
Masterpiece
The completion of the long-antic- The “Official” Expo
ipated Panama Canal was a justifiable Two California port cities compet-
cause for another exposition. The ed to host an Exposition to honor the
San Francisco promoted its expo
in a colorful booklet.
A colorful “pinback” of the

Pacific California Expo showed
a lady (Liberty?) sitting on the
Western Hemisphere hold-
ing a ship, and gazing at the
West Coast ports now closer to
the East Coast, thanks to the
Panama Canal. This design will
be the centerpiece of San Diego’s
20155 COINARAMA
medals.
als.
18 million people attended between

February and early December, 1915.
Fifty exhibit buildings were erected
by 144 participating states, Califor-
nia counties, and foreign countries.
Congress authorized the San Francisco
Mint to issue five beautiful commemo-
rative coins: a silver half dollar, gold
Canal’s completion: San Francisco and dollar, quarter eagle, and two gold $50
San Diego. Both cities (and also New coins-- one round, one octagonal. Of-
Orleans) applied for Federal assis- ficial medals were struck in the Mint
tance, but imagine this: politics got in exhibit on the grounds. Numerous
the way! The US Congress sent fund- other so-called dollars were struck by
ing to San Francisco, and President the fair, city, state, and other exhibitors
Woodrow Wilson invited all nations and advertisers.
to send displays and delegations there. All of the Expo’s buildings were
San Diegans fumed, but decided to demolished before the end of the year,
hold a smaller fair with exhibits from except the Palace of Fine Arts, which
Latin America, California counties, has been renovated several times and
and whichever states could be per- still stands.
suaded to send them.
The San Francisco fair was called But Wait There’s More!
the Panama-Pacific International San Diego may have lost Congres-
Exposition (PPIE). The city was eager sional funding, but the city of under
to demonstrate that it had risen from 40,000 bravely forged ahead with its
the ashes of its 1906 earthquake and own exposition. Local funding was
fire. The coastline site of impressive raised to build a Panama-California
exhibition halls was centered around Exposition (PCE) site in the city’s
a 435-foot Tower of Jewels. Over Balboa Park.
The Expo’s official medal (HK-428) is the Mint’s only
rendition of Uncle Sam.
The expo remained open all of The Official Medal

1915, with an attendance of over two Official PCE medals were struck
million. The success carried over into in silver, bronze, and gilt at the Mint
1916. In that year, eight European Exhibit on the exposition grounds. The
nations with exhibits in San Fran- obverse shows the Western Hemi-
cisco’s PPIE feared returning to their sphere, with a full figure of Uncle Sam
homes being torn by World War One, holding a shovel that lies across the
and they moved their exhibits to San Canal site. A pick is in his right hand.
Diego. The Expo was renamed the The legend reads PANAMA CALI-
Panama-California International Expo- FORNIA EXPOSITION SAN DIEGO
sition, and 1.7 million more visitors 1915. The reverse depicts the SS An-
attended. Today, many museums and con, the first ship to pass through the
other attractions fill the grand Span- canal on August 15, 1914. Inscribed
ish Colonial Revival exhibit buildings is PANAMA CANAL OPENED BY
that remain in Balboa Park, and justify SS ANCON; OFFICIAL SOUVENIR;
the nicknames “The Smithsonian of AUG. 15, 1914. It was nicely designed
the West” and “the nation’s best urban by C. K. Berryman, and engraved by
park.” the well-known Charles E. Barber.
Numismatically, the San Diego fair Another so-called dollar featured
did not compete with San Francisco’s the Expo’s West Gate, and showed the
generation of coins and medals. No landmark California Tower that still
coins were struck, but four so-called dominates the park. The reverse pic-
dollars were produced. tured another ship transiting the canal.
The Expo’s guidebook showed an overview of the
Spanish Colonial Revival
architecture. The West-
gate so-called dollar
(HK-432) showed
the entrance to the
Expo across the
Cabrillo Bridge.
The Home Economy

Building so-called dol-
lar (HK-433) had many
good luck symbols on the reverse,
including a swastika!
Another reverse of the Home Econ-
omy medal showed the U.S. Grant
Hotel in downtown San Diego (HK-
434). Some purists consider this a
storecard,
not a so-
called
dollar.

The California Tower,
landmark of the Panama-
California Expo, was featured
on the U.S. commemorative half dollar for the California
Pacific International Expo that followed two decades later.
The Park’s Spanish Colonial than one-tenth the size of San Francis-
Revival architecture was different co’s at the time) immediately tripled,
from most expositions’ neoclassical or and today is half again larger than San
beaux-arts styles. A typical example Francisco. Numismatically, the PPIE
was the Home Economy exhibition resulted in five US commemorative
building, featured on another so-called coins, the PCE none. Twenty-two
dollar. The reverse showed a curious so-called dollars were designed for the
collection of good luck emblems used PPIE, four for PCE.
on many tokens of the time. Prominent One distinction in San Diego’s fa-
was (gasp!) a swastika, originally a vor was the life of the fairgrounds site
Native American good luck symbol and facilities. In most World’s Fairs,
but usurped by Nazi Germany decades the buildings are mostly temporary,
later. A separate reverse of the Home designed to last for a year or two, and
Economy medal featured San Diego’s are torn down at the completion of the
U. S. Grant Hotel. The connection? fair. For the expositions in Chicago,
U. S. Grant, Junior, son of the former St. Louis, Portland, and yes, San Fran-
president, had built the hotel and was a cisco, all the magnificent exhibit halls
prominent backer of the Expo. and buildings were destroyed, with the
exception of at most, one building. By
So Which Expo “Won”? contrast, nine of the main buildings
The friendly competition between built for San Diego’s 1915 exposi-
the 1915 expos is ripe for banter and tion in Balboa Park were retained: the
comparisons. What measures can be California Building and Tower, the
used to compare these extravaganzas? Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Botani-
Of course San Francisco’s PPIE was a cal Building, the Cabrillo Bridge, and
larger effort, had more exhibitors, and five of the Spanish Colonial Revival
drew more visitors than San Diego’s exhibit buildings. Indeed, another fair,
fair. San Diego’s tiny population (less the California Pacific International
Measurements of the 1915 “Duel”
Factor San Francisco San Diego Winner?
Expo Attendance 18,000,000 3,500,000 SF
Fair duration, months 9 24 SD
U.S. Coin designs 5 0 SF
So-Called Dollar designs 22 4 SF
Buildings remaining today 1 9 SD
Later site usage Residential, Another exposition, SD
business “Smithsonian of the West”
1910 population 416,912 39,578 SF
2014 population 837,442 1,345,895 SD
Population growth +101% +3,301% SD
Exposition, was held at the same site Diego clearly leads in this definitive
in 1935-36. Another eleven buildings statistical, scientific analysis. Besides,
from that fair remain today, now hous- the underdog is often the sentimental
ing popular museums and theaters. favorite. Anyway, numismatists in
Hmmm, according to the statis- particular now benefit, with many col-
tics in the table above, it seems San lectible treasures to seek and enjoy.
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June 1st is
“Flip a Coin” Day
by Don Hill
“Flip a Coin Day” is celebrated
on June 1st of each year, but the
origin of the day is obscure. Coin
flipping, coin tossing, or heads or
tails, is the practice of throwing a
coin in the air to choose between
two alternatives; it is a form of
decision-making which has only
two possible and equally likely
outcomes.
The practice of deciding outcomes ess
by coin flipping dates back to the time mee
of the earliest coins. Historically, the
origin of coin flipping is the inter-
pretation of a chance outcome as the mark created by the hammer used to
expression of divine will. People at strike the metal on the other side. And
the time of Julius Caesar are credited in the 19th century California frontier,
by some as being the originators of the game was “Indian or wheat”. The
coin flipping. Since Caesar’s head expression “head or tail” may stem
was on one side of every Roman coin, from the German expression for the
“heads” was always the winner in a same game: “Kopf oder Zahl” head or
coin flip. The rationale for heads being number.
the winner meant that Caesar agreed Coins as items of value were
with the decision. But the Romans gambled for since the earliest times;
didn’t use it just for trivial matters. however the coins themselves can be
It often was used in litigation that the game pieces. Pitching pennies is a
involved property, marriage, and even game played with coins where players
guilt in a criminal case! take turns to throw a coin at a wall,
The Romans had a game called from some distance away, and the coin
“navia aut caput”—ship or head, as which lands closest to the wall is the
some coins had a ship on one side and winner. Pitching pennies is a very old
the head of the emperor on the other. game. Ancient Greeks were known to
In medieval England, this game was have played the game using bronze
referred to as “cross and pile”; the coins. It is believed that this game
cross was the major design on one side was used in the first Olympics but was
of many coins, and the pile was the later removed due to lack of entertain-
The majority of NFL coin toss winners
now defer choice of whether to receive
until second half. Since the 2008 rule
change, the percentage of teams deciding
to defer has dramatically increased from
41% in the first year to 68% in 2014.
ment value. This may be where the want you to do is to note what the coin
idea of the Olympic medals comes indicates. Then look into your own
from. Some think that coins struck to reactions. Ask yourself: Am I pleased?
commemorate Olympic victories and Am I disappointed? That will help you
the victors may be the first Olympic to recognize how you really feel about
medals. the matter, deep down inside. With
There is a technique, attributed that as a basis, you’ll then be ready to
to Sigmund Freud, to help in making make up your mind and come to the
difficult decisions. The coin toss is not right decision.”
to make the decision, but to help you So the next time you flip a coin,
learn how you feel. Freud explained: you’ll be using a technique that’s two
“I did not say you should follow millennia old and still used every day
blindly what the coin tells you. What I all over the world.

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.
Book Review
Cash In Your Coins, Selling the Rare Coins You’ve
Inherited, 2nd Edition
Author Beth Deisher
Reviewed by John and Nancy Wilson, NLG
The book has 292 enshrined in the ANA
pages with color illus- Hall of Fame.
trations. A copy should The chapters in the
be placed in your safe book are:
or deposit box, along Can You Answer
with your collection. This Question? How
The foreword is by much do you want for
noted numismatist Q. your coins? The infor-
David Bowers. We es- mation will help you
pecially liked this com- find out the answer.
ment from Mr. Bowers, Preparing to Look
“Beth shines a light on at Your Coins. You will
tax-related questions, learn the safe methods
suggesting paths to when handling your
follow and with whom collection or accumula-
you should consult.” The tion.
preface by the author explains in an The Basics of Coin Identification.
easy to read manner why this book is Everything you need to know will be
important to everyone. found here.
Since Beth became editor of Coin The Adventure Begins. The chapter
World she was the founding editor will explain how to sort your coins.
of four other publications. She has Identifying US Coins by Design
testified in Washington at congres- Type. Every design type is explained
sional hearings regarding our coin- and illustrated in color.
age. During her 29 years of service Uncirculated and Proof Sets. The
in the hobby she was the recipient of author explains in detail how to distin-
many awards. Besides winning many guish the difference between the two.
Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) Identifying US Paper Money by
awards over the years she received Design Type. Both large and small size
the NLGs highest honor, The Clemy. currency are covered, including World
Ms. Deisher received many awards War II issued notes, and star and error
from the ANA: 1999 & 2009 Presi- notes are also covered.
dents Awards; 1995 - Glenn Smedley If It’s Not a US Coin. Here, the
Memorial Award; 2004 - Century Club author asks: First, does it bear a date?
Recipient; 2006 - Burnett Anderson Second, does it state a denomination,
Memorial Award; 2010 - Farran Zerbe in words and/or numerals? Finally,
Memorial Award, and in 2013 she was does it contain the legends Liberty and
United States Of America? This will Finding a Buyer. Auction houses
help in identifying medals, tokens, and including online (with listings), coin
foreign coins or notes. dealers and shows, ANA, PNG, along
Creating an Inventory. The sugges- with other avenues you can explore
tion here is that if you have a comput- are given. Melt and silver values are
er use it to catalog your holdings. also explained with a worksheet.
Determining Value. Coins from Appendix A. Has graphs and prices
poor to uncirculated condition are for the bullion value of silver coins.
defined and examples from AG-3 to Appendix B. Has graphs and prices
AU-55 are pictured. for the bullion value of gold coins.
Independent Appraisals. Many Bibliography. References for the
kinds of appraisals are described and denominations of all coins and others
their advantages given. will be found here.
Taxes. The author covers probate, The reference will answer many
the federal estate tax, federal annual questions about coins whether you
gift-tax exclusion, state death taxes, have one or thousands. We highly
estate tax, inheritance tax, and will recommend the reference which is
help you decide how to proceed with available for $9.95 from the publisher:
your collection. Whitman Publishing LLC, 3101
Talking the Talk. A dictionary Clairmont Rd., Suite G., Atlanta, GA.
defines the words that are covered in 30329, Phone Number (800) 546-2995
the hobby. or www.whitmanbooks.com
Galaxy Designs
4340 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, California 92807
Phone (714) 996-2510 Fax (714) 996-4230
galaxiedesigns@aol.com
Custom small item and jewelry engraving using professional

on
nal
n al
pantograph (not low-quality computer/laser engraving).
Please call with any questions.

The Emerging
Hobbyist
by Michael S. Turrini
Continuing asking and welcom-
ing others who are involved with
organized numismatics and are
concerned about attracting others
into our “world of money”, below is
a short commentary by Kyle
M. Anderson, of Concord, d, downtown
dowwnt Los Angeles, I
who is heavily involved came
ccam across a coin shop
with the Diablo Nu- that
th had old coins in
mismatic Society and small
s bowls for kids.
its youth activities, The shop owner
and he is a Scouter. picked
p up a couple
Again, insights of Indian-head cents
and thoughts from and
a explained they
others, and remember- were
w made during the
ing not just “youth” but last
l century and were
any “emerging” numis- coins
coi ffrom the Old West.
matist, are welcomed. But,
ut I got two forf one dollar and
now let us read and learn from Kyle’s showed them off to my friends. Since
thoughts. that time, I began collecting United
—Michael Turrini States proof sets, Lincoln cents, and
In the modern world of instant Jefferson nickels. One of my fondest
messaging and electronic texting, memories is when my Grandpa gave
how can people, and in particular our me an 1880-O Morgan silver dollar
youth, become attracted to the hobby when I was 10 years old. He told me
of coin collecting? Let me answer that that his dad had given the coin to him
question with how I got hooked into when he was a little boy.
this fascinating hobby. At the tender Now, as a coin collecting merit
age of eight years old, my best friend badge counselor for the Boy Scouts
showed me a proof set he had recently of America, I see many scouts getting
received as a birthday present from turned on to the hobby. Through the
his parents. The sheer beauty and the merit badge requirements, they get a
dazzling mirror finish of those coins solid foundation of what coin collect-
were the lure that started me down the ing is all about. We talk about such
coin collecting road. One year later, things as grading, how to assemble
while on a field trip to Olvera Street in and store a coin set, and how to deter-
Kyle Anderson and son Ryan on a 50-mile boy scouting expedition in the John Muir Wil-
derness Area that is located just east of Kings Canyon National Park in the eastern High
Sierra Mountains. The photo was taken at Summit Lake around 11,000 feet in elevation.
mine the value of a coin. Each scout The youth are the future of our
goes home with a Whitman coin folder hobby. If every collector, like my
and a few coins to start their collec- Grandpa, took the time to show just
tions like the 1943 Lincoln steel cents, one kid how fun coin collecting is and
Buffalo nickels, and Indian Head give them a favorite coin or proof set,
cents. One scout, in particular, that then the coin collecting hobby will
has been coming to the youth section be guaranteed to survive and flourish.
of the Diablo Numismatic Society on Show them that coins and paper mon-
a regular basis is trying to collect one ey are works of art, can be inexpensive
coin from every country in the world to acquire, and are historical artifacts
for his collection. from the past. For those young people
At various coin shows in Concord whose interest has been ignited by the
and Santa Clara, I set up a coin display hobby, they can use the internet to find
at the youth table with pictures, post- more information and text their friends
cards, coins, tokens, paper money, and about new treasures they found. Tech-
other memorabilia showing what life nology and coin collecting can work
was like during that time period. This together just like kids and coins.
grabs everyone’s attention.
Numismatic
Luminary
by Jim Hunt
Our Numismatic Luminary, Bill member of the ANA, the CSNA, and
February, was born in Elizabethton, has been on the board of directors of
Tennessee, on August 15, 1936, and CSNA. He is a member of the Fresno
grew up in South Dakota, but has Numismatic Society (FNS) and served
lived in California since 1982 and as that organization’s president from
now resides in Clovis. He served in 1989 to 1990, and is a member of the
the United States Army from 1959 Visalia Coin Club where he served
to 1962 and married his childhood as their secretary several years ago.
sweetheart in 1960. Bill and Carol, his Bill is also a member of the Society
wife, were blessed with two children of Paper Money Collectors. His first
and three grandchildren. During Bill’s coin club was the Huron Coin Club
military service he was an Army in South Dakota which he joined in
Specialist Fourth Class being assigned 1969. He joined the Hanford Coin
as a Regimental Clerk at Fort Leonard Club and the Visalia Coin Club in
Wood from May 1960 to March 1962. 1982 and a year later joined the FNS.
His military obligation was completed He remains a member of the latter two
in 1965 at which time he received an to this day. His family and friends are
honorable discharge. very supportive to his hobby. Bill says
Bill has a bachelor of science that they have always encouraged him
degree in industrial arts with a minor to write for the organizations to which
in business administration from South he belongs.
Dakota State University graduating Bill has served as a general chair-
in 1959. He also attended Augustana man for the FNS coin show as well as
College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, general chairman for the CSNA coin
where he earned a number of credits show held in Fresno in 2001. Bill has
toward a master’s degree in business won many awards and has made many
administration. contributions to numismatics. In ad-
Bill’s favorite hobby is numismat- dition to writing articles, he shares his
ics. His area of interest is mostly in numismatic expertise by grading and
United States coins and currency. He appraising numismatic materials for
does coin and currency appraisals for his many friends and associates.
friends and relatives and writes ar- His favorite area of numismatics
ticles for several numismatic publica- is paper money. Bill has a large col-
tions. He is a frequent contributor to lection of fractional notes, large and
TCN. He is a long time (25 year plus) small size type notes as well as several
Bill’s a frequent TCN Literary Award winner, and
is absolutely fascinated with paper money and
financial instruments of all kinds. Shown below is
Bill’s treasured $1 FRN signed in 1995 by then-US
Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow. See page 10 for his
full story of the experience.
Civil War notes and other related numismatic item in which they are
paper money including military script interested and do not settle for second
and foreign currency. He has written best. Most collectors find that after
many articles about the currency in his looking back at their purchases over
collection and says he will continue to the years, they have regrets for not
do so as long as possible. having purchased the very best when
Bill’s advice to beginning collec- they had the opportunity.
tors is to purchase the very best of any

Maybe so much you’re “drowning” in assets?
Decades of collecting can cause one to accumulate a
mountain of materials. Wouldn’t it be great if there
were a way to easily lighten the load?
Hey, CSNA and NASC can help with that!

Both organizations can accept your tax-deductible
donation today, and will put those assets to work to
help the hobby. 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.
ANA Report
by Jim Hunt
The ANA has many events in store Each Session will include Technical
for us in 2015. The first will be the Series and Specialist Interest Series
National Money Show to be held in Courses. Mini-Seminars will also be
Portland, Oregon from March 5–7. available for both Sessions. A number
The Portland Show will feature ANA of Tours & Events will be available
seminars and workshops, exhibits, during each session to include those
and items exhibited from the ANA’s designed for spouses, guests, and fam-
Money Museum collection and private ily members. During the Intersession
collections. Free appraisals will also period, a number of other interesting
be offered on Saturday from 10 AM to tours have also been arranged. The
3 PM. Colorado Springs Coin Show with free
This is followed by NATIONAL admission will also be held Thursday,
COIN WEEK (NCW), April 19-25, June 25th through Sunday, June 28th.
2015. The theme this year is “Building Want to buy some coins? Here is your
Tomorrows: Inspiration and Innova- opportunity. Questions regarding the
tion at World’s fairs”. This year marks Summer Seminars should be directed
the 100th Anniversary of the Panama- to: 719-482-9865 or e-mail seminars@
Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) money.org. These Summer Seminars
in San Francisco. Activities will focus provide a wonderful opportunity to
on the many coins and medals that expand your numismatic knowledge
honor World’s Fairs and the PPIE. and to meet and mingle with other
There will be an open house at the serious numismatists and to meet and
Edward C. Rochette Money Museum converse with some of the most well-
on April 25, 2015 where prizes will be known numismatists in the country.
awarded to the winning NCW partici- The venue on a beautiful college cam-
pants. In addition, this year’s theme pus is ideal for those with an apprecia-
will also serve as an exhibit category tion of an academic atmosphere. And
at the ANA’s National Money Show the entire time is just a great experi-
in Portland. To request promotional ence that you will long remember and
materials or obtain more information cherish.
about NCW activities e-mail new@ August 11-15, 2015 the World’s
money.org: phone 719-482-9814; or Fair of Money will be held at the
visit www.nationalcoinweek.org. Donald E. Stevens Convention Center.
The next activities are the Sum- Further information may be obtained
mer Seminars. The first Session will by calling ANA Conventions 800-
take place June 20-25 and the Second 367-9723; website www.worldsfairof-
session June 27-July 2, 2015. An money.com.
Intersession will be held June 25-26.
ANA Presidential
Award Winners
The Johnson fam-
ily—Ray and Sally on
the right and Ryan on
the left—was recog-
nized by ANA Presi-
dent Walt Ostromecki
(center) with the first
ever “entire family dis-
tinction” Presidential
Award. The Johnson
Team has been a stal-
wart Northern Califor-
nia numismatic hobby
promoter, volunteer, and ANA supporter for over 25 years. Over the years, they
have built the annual San Jose Coin Club Show into the number one must-attend
coin bourse and educational event of the year in the northern part of the state.
Ostromecki cited the family “for it’s long standing dedication to enhancing the
numismatic hobby experience for others, which is second to none in Northern
California.” The presentation took place on Saturday, January 24, 2015, before a
large crowd of club members and numismatic peers gathered outside the bourse
room.
ANA Point of Numismatic
Light Presentation
San Jose Coin Club Youth
President Matthew Downing was
cited for his ceaseless efforts to
engage and involve youth of all
ages in coin collecting as a fun and
historical hobby pursuit. He was
presented with an ANA Presiden-
tial ‘Point of Numismatic Light’
certificate. Only one hundred
individuals from across the nation
and in all fifty states “who work
tirelessly to enhance the numis-
matic hobby experience for others” will be so designated and recognized.
2016 San Jose Show Scheduled

The 48th Annual San Jose Coin Club show is slated for January 22-24, 2016,
at the San Jose Double Tree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, just minutes
from the San Jose Airport. For additional information and bourse applications,
visit www.sanjosecoinclub.org. The San Jose Coin Club meets 2nd Wednesday,
7:30PM, American Legion Hall, Post #318, 1504 Minnesota Ave., San Jose.
2014 Panama Canal Medals
The Panama Canal was an incred-
ible site to see; stories and pictures
just can not take the place of seeing
the operation first hand. This was a
very memorable trip, not only because
I got to share the experience with my
wife and some of my So-Called Dollar
collecting buddies, but because it was
history in the making. We pulled off
getting the medals minted and taking
them through the Panama Canal just
as was done 100 years ago. Security
at the San Diego port was a bear to
get through; they called in all the big
guns. Once they understood what we
were doing they escorted us on to the
ship and helped us secure the medals
Bill Hyder, Jeff Shevlin, and Mike Johnson
in their safe deposit box. Once the
with the 2015 commemorative medals.
cruise was over security escorted us
off the ship as well.
Final mintage numbers were: For 2015 we will be striking a his-
• Silver 170 torical commemorative medal related
• Copper 280 to the 1915 Panama Pacific Interna-
• Copper reeded edge coin orienta- tional Exposition. In addition to the
tion 10 medals we are planning a several day
• Gold-Plate 98 educational symposium and So-Called
• Select Gold-Plate 6 (edge num- Gathering to be held in San Francisco
bered and given to the cruise exploring the exposition fair grounds.
attendees) If you have an interest in attending
• Brass 6 (edge numbered and given this event please let me know.
to the cruise attendees) —Jeff Shevlin
• Gold 8 (edge numbered) So-Called Guy
• Total number struck 578 www.So-CalledDollar.com
NCNA Seminar There will be door prizes, an on-

The Northern California Nums- site lunch service, and during the day
matic Association will be having their the museum itself will be available
second annual seminar at the Vallejo to attendees. The CSNA library will
Naval and Historical Museum at 734 also be open and accessible during the
Marin St., Vallejo, on September 26. event.
The five presenters are Paul Be sure to reserve the date, and
Johnson, Edgar Fulwider, Dr. Robert look for further details in the next is-
Chandler, Clifford Mishler, and David sue of TCN. More information can be
Harper. Admission is free. found at www.solanocoinclub.com.
New and Quirky Book evoke the past and people it with
Hitting booksellers shelves in resuscitated life, to secure the pres-
April, Keep the Change: a Collector’s ent against oblivion, and give earthly
Tales of Lucky Pennies, Counterfeit immortality to its heroes. The owner
C-Notes, and Other Curi- of a numismatic cabinet
ous Currency, by Harley is a necromancer and a
J. Spiller, is absolutely not r
ruler of the spirits, and can
your typical numismatic fill, at pleasure, his lonely
tome. And that’s some- chamber with shapes of
times a good thing. the
t departed, and majestic
Spiller focusses on phantasms.”
p
the most basic of urges The book skips lightly
to strike a collector. The though
t chapters such as,
urges that in the name of “Up Like a Bad Penny”,
“refinement” and “numis- “In Sam I Trust”, “Sneak
matic education” too often Thieves”, and other
fall away to MS-ratings, glimpses into the world of
rarity numbers, and highfalutin finan- money, and none of it mint state 65,
cial considerations. Urges that Spiller but all of it eminently suitable for a
reminds us of in his repeating of a light read on a topic we all love.
piece from the 1867 issue of American Available in April, 112 pages, 5.5”
Journal of Numismatics: X 8.5” trade paperback, $14.96 last
“Every coin or medal of historic time I looked on Amazon.com, and
interest is a potent talisman:—to worth every grungy penny.
NASC Gold Drawing

Tickets will soon be
going on sale for the NASC
Member Club Benefit Gold
Drawing, which will conclude
at the August Golden State Coin inn
Show. The NASC Gold Committee, mitttee,
headed up by Harold Katzman,, reports
r
that there will be 35 gold coins,s, silver
including a $10 US, $5 US, and d $1 US eagles
gold coin. The balance will likelyelly
y be as incentives
1/10 and 1/20 ounce gold piecess and for ticket sales,
some 2 and 2-1/2 peso gold pieces as well as tickets themselves and of
(final tally yet to be determined). course, half of the ticket sales price.
Last year’s drawing was extremely Look for more info in our next
successful, earning thousands of dol- issue, and in the meantime feel free to
lars for the clubs that sold the tickets, contact Harold at haroldkatzman@ya-
and providing the funds to keep this hoo.com for the latest news and where
event solvent for the following year. you can purchase your tickets!
The clubs also win silver dollars and
Applications Now vides a venue for younger members to
Available for ANA College reach their full potential.”
Scholarships Besides holding membership in
Graduating seniors can win $1,000 to the ANA, applicants must be a
use for higher education expenses gr
graduating high school senior
Applications for a new col- with
w a cumulative grade-point
lege scholarship provided by average
a equal to or greater
the ANA are now available at than
t 3.0. The winning student
money.org. The scholarship may
m use the scholarship at
fund was established in 2014 any
an two- or four-year college
to provide a graduating high or trade
tr school within the United
school senior who is also a member States.
of the ANA with $1,000 to use at the The first scholarship was gra-
university, community college, or ciously underwritten by Brian Fanton,
trade school of the student’s choice. ANA YN Committee chair and former
The winner will be chosen based on member of the board of governors,
numismatic merit and financial need. and Walter Ostromecki Jr., ANA presi-
The deadline to submit the applica- dent. Funds for future scholarships
tion is March 15. will be raised during the YN auctions
“Young Numismatists are impor- held at the ANA’s Summer Seminar
tant to the ANA and vital to the future and through donations.
of the coin collecting hobby,” said For more information, contact Rod
Rod Gillis, the ANA’s numismatic Gillis via email at gillis@money.org
educator. “The mission of the ANA or call him at (719) 482-9845.
is education and this scholarship pro-
CSNA Can Now Take Paypal

CSNA has set up a Paypal account
so that members and others can send
in funds to the association. Member-
ship establishment and renewal dues,
patron donations, or any other funds It’s convenient, virtually instan-
can be sent to CSNA via the newly taneous, and saves on postage costs.
established account. What could be better?!
To take advantage of this new ca- You can use your checking ac-
pability, browse to www.paypal.com, count, ATM card, or most major credit
establish an account there for yourself cards to establish a Paypal account,
(if you don’t already have one) or and besides being a convenient way to
just use a credit card, and transmit the get funds to CSNA, almost all other
funds to CSNA1960@gmail.com. In businesses can be paid via Paypal,
the comment box on the “send” page, plus it’s handy for on-line shopping.
please enter a message stating what By using a credit card, you may be
the funds are for, and include your able to get rebate points back from
name and address to be sure we have the card issuer (such as Discover or
the correct information on file. American Express).
Requiescat In Pace
TCN has learned of the passing of the following read-
eaad-
ers or members of California clubs:
John S. Folawn of San Mateo
Chuck Murachanian, Verdugo Hills Coin Club
If any readers are aware of the passing of CSNA or NASC
members, or of individuals belonging to a member club,
please forward the information to the editor for inclusion in
TCN (gregsburns@gmail.com).
Slipped By You? the lucky incoming folks are listed

In case you didn’t notice (it wasn’t on page 76 along with their positions.
very well highlighted), our last TCN New President Howard Feltham’s
issue briefly mentioned the new slate President’s Message in the last issue
of officers and board members for was historically premature based on
CSNA. They were elected by a white prior installations taking place on the
ballot (no vote necessary by the mem- first of the year, but actually timed
bership due to no competing candi- correctly for the last issue of 2014 due
dates for any of the positions). The in- to the November installation. Sorry for
stallation took place at the 2014 Long any confusion! I’m keeping up as best
Beach convention last November, and as I can <sheepish grin>.
Hey, We’re Confused, Too... whack due to some turbulent confus-

Speaking of election confusion, ing residue from the timing of the
NASC has yet to get back on track prior two administrations (Yahalom
with their normal cycle (installations and Jaramillo). Hopefully we’ll get
at every second even-year conven- back on track this cycle, though per-
tion). Phil Iversen has taken over as haps it will take some jiggering of the
shown on page 77 and his inaugural by-laws to straighten it out. We’ll let
President’s Message is in the this issue the big brains attend to it and just trust
of TCN, but the timing is a bit out of that all will end well.
Got Ideas? Got E-mail? rational message, dance your fingers

Most readers have opinions about on a keyboard, and let them fly across
association matters, but few take the cyberspace to someone’s inbox.
time required to provide input. Two people I know that
Maybe they think no one will would love to hear from you
take their thoughts seriously, are association presidents Phil
or the effort to get their Iversen (phil_iversen@yahoo.
message across seems too com) and Howard Feltham
great. But in today’s digital (hfelt@aol.com). Put your
world it can literally be just seconds TCN down and go do it now. It’ll only
to get those thoughts into a semi- take a few seconds; I promise!
CSNA 47th Annual Southern
Educational Symposium
Saturday, April 11, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Airport Holiday Inn Long Beach
2640 N. Lakewood Blvd.
Enjoy an entire day with four experts speaking

on a broad variety of numismatic topics, interest-
ing exhibits on display, gifts for YN’s under 18,
and door-prizes. Parking and attendance are free.
Lunch break from noon to 1pm.
Sean Moffatt: The Minting Process - The Good Days

and the Bad Days
John Duff: Paranormal Paper Money and Coins
Mark Baskin: Antique Counterfeiting Detecting

Scales and Devices - Samples of Types
and the Evolution of Their Use in
Commerce
Charmy Harker: Penny Potpourri - a Collection of

Penny Creations
Info: CSNA Director of Education Phil Iversen at phil_iversen@yahoo.com or 818-509-9774.
Symposium Luncheon Order Form

Name:
Number of total lunches X $20 =
Mail with check payable to CSNA by April 4th to: CSNA Symposium, P.O. Box 5207,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413. Indicate Croissant Club or BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwich
(both come with great dessert).

Your ad could go here!
Contact TCN’s advertising manager:
Roy Iwata
c/o CSNA
P.O. Box 2449
Seal Beach, CA 90740-1449
rti2449@aol.com

Goings On
by Greg Burns
NASC had a board meeting at the
beginning of February. If I recall cor-
rectly we again failed to assemble a
quorum, and I believe the general sug- association event and put them on dis-
gestion that the bar for that be lowered play for everyone to enjoy. We’ll have
in the future was greeted with assent the Golden State Coin Show (GSCS)
from everyone who showed up. later this year, and perhaps they can be
Corresponding Secretary Harold available at the exhibit space or at the
Katzman reported that the $10-first- banquet. Keep your fingers crossed.
year membership initiative recently ANA Representative (and ANA
promoted by Mike Kittle was very President) Walt Ostromecki wasn’t
successful (see Harold’s report on able to attend, but sent in his reminder
page 8), having generated 35 new that the Long Beach Coin Club and
members, and that he thought there NASC were jointly hosting the
were an additional dozen more new upcoming 2016 ANA convention at
members to add over and above the the Anaheim Convention Center, and
number he had to report. that time was drawing short for the
Treasurer Kay Lenker “passed planning process to begin. Harold also
the checkbook” (so to speak) over to mentioned that he was hoping to ar-
our new treasurer, Tony Micciche. range to get one of the ANA traveling
Kay’s final report showed no income, exhibits for the GSCS.
minor expenses (I think both of those At the time of the meeting there
categories were low just due to the was no chair for the awards and Joyce
timing of the report), and a net worth Kuntz offered to fill that role, an op-
of $41,082.79 (exclusive of whatever portunity that President Phil Iversen
gold is held for this years gold draw- took up as shown in the updated list
ing). In recognition of Kay’s outgoing of officers and chairs near the back
status after many years volunteering of TCN. My guess is that Joyce will
as NASC’s treasurer, she was voted quickly have this in hand and give us a
in as treasurer emeritus (a non-voting report at the next NASC meeting.
honorary title). Another new appointment was
Historian George Moore III Mike Kittle to chair the awards rec-
explained that he had been working ognition event. Since this was a fresh
to bring the association’s albums up appointment as well Mike didn’t really
to date. If you’ve never seen them have a report, but I know he’s a detail-
it’s a shame. They’re filled with news oriented and organized guy, so we’ll
clippings, photos, and ephemera from hear more from him on this topic in
many of the association events over the next issue, I’m sure.
the last six decades. Hopefully at some Joyce Kuntz is also the CSNA
point George can bring them to an representative, and in that capacity
reminded everyone of the upcom- You’ll notice that Jerry Yahalom
ing CSNA educational symposium has been assigned to handle the
in Long Beach on April 11. See our grievance committee. I don’t know
Calendar of Events in this issue, as how busy those folks get, there hasn’t
well as the separate full-page ad, for been one filed in years. We must be a
all the details, including an order congenial lot.
form for the optional lunch during As the newest co-chair listed for
the event. Joyce also passed along the membership, Mike Kittle explained
dates of November 21-22 for the Long the success he had with the phenome-
Beach convention. You’ll see more nal number of new members he signed
details in the next issue, but you might up. One, he tackled all of the dealers
as well mark your calendar now. Other hard at the Long Beach Coin Show,
news that Joyce passed along related and two, the low introductory price of
to two new shows for CSNA in 2016 $10 for the first year that the board had
(bringing them to a total of three if I previously approved. Congratulations,
understood correctly), including “up Mike, keep at it!
north”, and that CSNA President How- Because we hadn’t been doing
ard Feltham would be starting up a anything for several years with “med-
monthly newsletter at some point soon als and bars” (the medals in this case
(hey, competition for TCN!). being the type pinned on one’s lapel
I didn’t really have anything much or jacket), President Iversen decided
to say about TCN, just that I was well to retire this committee. However, the
on the path to completing this issue. board felt there may be a market for
Finance and Budget Chair Tony whatever’s left over, and the sugges-
Micciche had nothing to report. tion was made to list them (both med-
Gold Benefit Drawing Chair Har- als and the year-bars that hung from
old Katzman reported that the GSCS them) on the association website to see
gold tickets would be available to start if they could be sold.
sales soon, and that the drawing would The policies and procedures com-
have an impressive $10 MS-61 gold mittee is going to be headed up by
coin as the top prize. I also understood Harold Katzman. He’s soliciting input
that well-known Dwight Manley do- from the various positions, and I un-
nated $1 and $5 BU gold coins for the derstand that the plan is to publish the
drawing. Sounds like an impressive “P&P’s” on the association website.
fund raiser on the way. Though there was no coverage for
It was announced that the GSCS the property chair position, in the days
dates were locked in: 8/22 - 23 (not a after the meeting Phil e-mailed me that
huge surprise there). Alex Jaramillo, Robert Wu would take on that position
Howard Feltham, and Mary Yahalom from this point forward. Welcome
are the El Segundo’s for this iteration, aboard, Robert!
and they had an organizing meet- Publicity Chair Bob Thompson
ing immediately following the board was absent, so there was no report on
meeting, but I haven’t heard anything what’s happening there.
special that came out of that. I’m Just like with the medals “commit-
expecting another superb show. tee”, Phil decided to drop “signs”. I
understand that Don and Terry Foster between NASC and CSNA. As a re-
have moved to Banning (Don having minder, NASC is firmly in the “print”
been “the sign guy”). I hope we see camp, at least for the moment, while
them at some of our future events, and CSNA voted last year to terminate
wish them well in their new neighbor- print in favor of digital, but is now ap-
hood. parently softening that position, with
Sergeant at Arms Glenn Frank was more CSNA discussion to take place
absent, but like I said previously, this at the upcoming executive board meet-
is a pretty congenial group, so I doubt ing in Tulare in mid-March. More to
he’ll have to do much in the way of report on that topic in next issue.
quelling riots or dispelling vociferous For new business, we found to our
malcontents. horror that NASC’s non-profit status
Speakers Bureau Chair Virginia apparently lapsed in 2010. Mike Kittle
Bourke was absent, so no report from (himself a lawyer), seemed fairly well
that activity. versed in the process to get re-upped
Speaking on behalf of the old for that. Sounds like the reapplica-
Visual Education Library (which as I tion would take $400-850 or so, and
understand it is almost completely dis- hopefully could be done in a way that
persed at this point), Phil mentioned would be retroactive to 2010, so that
that 18 sets of slides went to Pacific there’d be no effective lapse at that re-
Coast Numismatic Society, and that he instatement point. Pretty shakey right
understood they planned on scanning now though, and the group has sent off
them and making them widely avail- the issue for review with Legal Advi-
able for others to use. Nice folks. sor Jim Waldorf.
Webmaster Jim Phillips reported Alex Jaramillo was made a life
that he would be working with Tony member in recognition of his service
Micciche in the coming weeks and as president.
months to get a Paypal account up Kay Lenker resigned her posi-
and running for NASC (I see that tion as board member, and will attend
CSNA has one going now as well). future meetings as a representative of
This could be used for paying dues, the Inter-Club Numismatic Council
contributing donations, and any other of San Diego (that’s a mouthful). To
transfer of funds (maybe purchase fill that vacated seat President Iversen
banquet tickets or do patron donations appointed Robert Wu to the board.
as well). Welcome aboard again, Robert!
We covered some old business in a Gary Beedon donated a PA
light and circuitous fashion. Because system for association use.
Walt was absent we didn’t cover in Thanks Gary!
depth any of the necessary discussion The next NASC board
on the rapidly impending ANA con- meeting will be on May
vention in 2016. Sounds like a long 2nd, at 10AM in the
ways off, but it isn’t. usual Duarte location.
NASC also tabled any discussion See you there!
on the “TCN - digital versus print”
topic currently going the rounds
Prickly Topic!
Below is one of the handouts to be used at the upcoming (mid-
mid-
March) CSNA board meeting in Tulare to help guide discussions nss
on some of the options for TCN going forward. Another
option has also been recently suggested by CSNA Director
Andrew Woodruff: dialing back from four to three issues
per year. We’ll report on the outcome from the CSNA meet-
ing in our next issue, but in the meantime, feel free to share
any thoughts you may have with any of the officials listed on
page 76. (Oh, and “POD” means “print on demand”.)
ǡʹͲͳͷ
Staythesame(continuetoprintasǦis)
Background:keepdoingwhatwe’vealwaysdone:printhardcopyandmakeadigitalversionavailable
ontheTCNwebsite.
Pros: Keepmembershappy(especiallyolderones).
Keepadvertisershappy.
Cons: Continuetoincursteepprinting/mailingcosts.
Absentsignificantmembershipincreaseseventuallydepletefinancialreserves.
Goalldigital(aswaspassedpreviously)
Background:completelyeliminateanyassociationͲsponsoredprinting/mailingattheendof2015.
Pros: Immediatesubstantialeliminationstartingin2016oftheprinting/mailingcostsofTCN.
EligiblefortheANAspublicationcontestinelectronicformat.
Cons: Oldermembersmaystrugglewithnewformat,ornothavedigitalaccess.
Perhapslosesomeadvertisingrevenue;mayneedtoreduceadchargestoretainadvertisers.
Likelyhavetosubstantiallyreducemembershipduestoretainmembers.
Losesomemembersregardlessofpossibleduesdecreases.
Nomore“outstandingregionalnumismaticpublication”awardsfromANAinprintformat.
Mayfindthatdigitalpublicationhasitsownuniquecosts(services).
Combinethetwo(printanddigital)
Background:permitpeopletopickandchoosetwodifferentmembershiplevels,onewithhardcopyand
anotherwithdigital.
Pros: Greaterflexibilityformembers.
Cons: Unsustainablewhenanysignificantpercentageofmembersswitchtodigital.
Doesnotsubstantiallyreducecosts(printingprimarilydrivenbysetͲupchargesatourquantity)
UsePODatmember’sdiscretionforprinting
Background:presentedatapreviousCSNAmeeting,providedigitalonlyunderassociationresponsibility,
butmakeavailableasaPODformemberswhodesireahardcopy.
Pros: Noassociationcostsforprinting/mailing.
Mayproduceincome(PODprofitdependinguponpricingtomembers)
Greaterflexibilityformembers.
Cons: Membershavinghardcopyprintedwillnotesignificantincreaseintheircosts(~$10/copy)
Complication
HavingTCNasajointprintpublicationbegscoordinationofanychangeswithNASC,asassociationͲ
sponsoredprintoptionsrequiretheeconomicscaleofthequantityofmembersinbothbodiesof
membershiptobeviableinthecurrentformat.

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 gregsburns@gmail.com. Submitted ma-
terial may be edited for form or content... hope to find a way to accept whatever
outcome is realized.
Not a Fan of Digital TCN Thanks so much for your reader-
Gentlemen: ship and membership. I wish there
In your very interesting column were more like you.
“Goings On” in the winter issue of Best Regards,
TCN you mentioned that at the end Greg
of 2015 there will be no more printed
journal, as you will go digital. San Jose Coin Club 2015
If that be the call, consider my Show “Collector Busy”
membership also to be finalized at the (Walt Ostromecki e-mailed me the
closing date. below missive on the recent San Jose
I do not have a computer, and no Coin Club show. I like to pass long
intention of buying one. reports of successful events, and from
Sincerely, Walt’s description, this show was defi-
—Harold A. Rodriguez nitely in that category... GB)
Northern California collector base
Dear Harold, helped business boom on the bourse
I received your letter dated 1/6/15 floor of the 47th Annual San Jose Coin
and have passed along its contents to & Collectibles Show in the Bayshore
CSNA President Howard Feltham and Ballroom of the Double Tree Hotel,
Corresponding Secretary Donald Hill. San Jose, CA January 23-25. Atten-
Believe me, I’m extremely sym- dance topped the 750 mark.
pathetic to your point of view. At the Long time show bourse chair, Ray
same time I understand the financial Johnson, commented “we had a record
realities that so many hobby orga- eighty tables comprising this year’s
nizations are facing in these days of bourse and Friday started off with
declining memberships. I do know that a bang both attendance and dealers
Howard is likewise motivated to find a sales wise. I feel very upbeat about the
solution that would allow the continu- overall numismatic hobby in 2015.”
ation of a print copy TCN. Jack and Sondra Beymer of Santa
I’ll keep my fingers crossed and Rosa, CA commented, “It’s been a
fantastic busy and profitable three ANACS submission table; a CONECA
days for us. Collector coins in the table complete with error coin exhibit
$500 price range were exceptionally hosted by Lee Gong; plus a one-two-
strong.” three punch educational sympo-
This was also corroborated by The sium featuring ANA President Walt
Penny Lady, Charmy Harker, com- Ostromecki with Money of the After-
menting “excellent sales and atten- life; CSNA President Howard Feltham
dance is all I can say. Chairman Ray discussing First Mexico City Mint
Johnson and his whole family have Spanish Colonials; and So-Called
built the San Jose Coin Club Show Dollar Guy Jeff Shevlin speaking on
during the past twenty plus years into So-Called Dollars of the Pacific-Coast
the finest and must-attend show in Expositions. All three programs were
Northern California.” well attended by the public.
The show also included a Saturday —Walt Ostromecki
and Sunday Kid’s Activities booth; an
Coin Riddle
Question: There are 100 coins scattered in a dark room. 90 have heads facing up and 10
are facing tails up. You cannot tell which coins are which. How do you sort the coins into
two piles that contain the same number of tails up coins?
Answer: The piles don’t need to be the same size, so make a pile of 10 coins and a pile of
90 coins, flip all of the ten coins over and it is guaranteed that the two piles will have the
same number of tails facing up.
PCNS 100th
Anniversary Medal
The Pacific Coast Numismatic
Society (PCNS) has announced
design and ordering information
for its 100th Anniversary Medal.
This medal will be engraved
and struck by Daniel Carr of the
Moonlight Mint in Colorado.
The design for this historic medal set or $75 silver only, plus $6 postage,
revisits the Panama-Pacific Interna- must reach PCNS by June at: PCNS,
tional Exposition (PPIE) commemora- Box 475656, San Francisco, CA
tive designs and continues the PCNS 94147. For additional information visit
traditional octagonal logo, which will www.pcns.org.
be struck from a new high-relief die. Founded in 1915, PCNS was the
Mintage will be limited to prepaid first numismatic organization estab-
orders. The octagonal 41mm medal lished in the western United States.
will be struck in silver, with bronzes Under the guidance of Farran Zerbe,
available only as part of the two-medal PCNS hosted the ANA’s 1915 Con-
set (one bronze and one one-ounce vention in San Francisco, in conjunc-
silver). Orders with payment, $100 per tion with PPIE events.
Around the State...
Club Reporter—North
Sally Johnson
P.O. Box 10416
San Jose, CA 95157-1416
SallyJohnsonTCN@aol.com
Club Reporter—South
Virginia Bourke
10601 Vista Camino
Lakeside, CA 92040-1605
vlbourke@cox.net
Ginny’s Gleanings: Congratulations to all the new officers for both CSNA
and NASC. A big thank you to Kay Lenker for her many decades of being
treasurer of NASC. She has turned over the reins to Tony Micciche. Many of
the clubs in Southern California have new officers and I have listed them in the
club news. According to dealer Ted Koopman, 2015 is starting off to be a great
numismatic year if the activity at the recent Long Beach Show is any indication.
He sold everything from half-cents to $20 gold pieces. Phil Iversen has been
hard at work putting together another wonderful educational symposium for
CSNA. This is the 47th CSNA educational symposium and it promises to be just
as great as in the years past.
“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and
concentrate more in the preservation of the future.” —Dian Fossey
Sally’s Sayings: It has been an exciting New Year with our San Jose Coin
Show being sold out! Getting into the Doubletree ballroom on time and having
it completely set up and ready for the dealers at 5PM. We got everything run-
ning smooth and had a steady flow of folks coming in. We could have wished
for more but things seem to be slowing down all over. Overall our dealers had a
great show and we had a fantastic lineup of three great speakers. Can’t ask for
more than that; we’ll see if we can’t kick it up a notch for our 2016 show. Enjoy
your hobby!

Club Reports...
WOODLAND HILLS COIN CLUB members had finger-licking good bar-
bequed turkey prepared by Larry Buck as well as other potluck dishes at their
holiday party. Phil Iversen presented the January program Huntington Hotel
Depression Scrip. There were some really nice door prizes also. President Bill
Pagel wears two hats as he is also in charge of the club newsletter.
WHITTIER COIN CLUB A silent auction fund-raiser was the highlight of the
Christmas party in December which generated funds for the club. The program
in January featured a video on the Peace dollar series. In February, members
viewed a video entitled Ocean Explorers, Navigators and Pioneering Scientists.
WESTERN WOODEN MONEY CLUB is still struggling to maintain, par-

ticularly as the membership remains so small and the finances limited. Anything
a WWMC member might do in promoting wooden money and the club would
be welcomed. It has been difficult to locate articles on wooden money, from any
source, and nothing is received from our members. We did get a new member:
the WWMC welcomes renowned New Englander, Robert “Bob” F. Fritsch, of
Nashua, New Hampshire. He had such faith in our club that Bob prepaid his
dues for three years. The club is sending prayers to Jan D. Henke who is battling
cancer and had to undergo a major operation. Our club wishes him full good
health!
VERDUGO HILLS COIN CLUB members had a very busy holiday party in
December. New officers are President Donald Berry, 1st Vice President John
Duff, Secretary Tammy Berry, Treasurer Walt Ostromecki, and Editor Bob
Thompson, and all were installed by the illustrious Tom Redmond. There were
15 gold and silver door prizes and ten gold and silver eagles for the bingo game
prizes. Longtime member Chuck Murachanian passed away in December and
his humor and vitality will be sorely missed. In January Jay Robinson presented
a coin grading contest complete with prizes for the best graders.
VALLEJO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY enjoyed another festive joint Christ-

mas party with the Fairfield Coin Club. Attendance was great with 78 attendees,
which delighted many with the skit Treasure Island directed by Emcee Joel
Anderson, which generated laughs and chuckles. Lloyd G. Chan videoed the
skit and he was also the party’s official photographer. Sending get well wishes
to our beloved member, Lee H. Gong of Santa Rosa, who’s been battling some
health issues recently and been in the hospital. The major attraction was the 21st
Maxine M. Hopperstad White Elephant Memorial Attraction, which brought in
$1,232, an absolute record, from 178+ plus donated lots. Bidding was spirited
for many lots, and the Wooden Valley Wine Tour claimed $90, and the two us-
able postage stamp albums had a bid of $140 plus. The auction was called by
Michael S. Turrini, with the auction team of Michael P. Butler, Michael M.
Stanley, John P Russell, Jr., and Daniel Craw.
UPLAND COIN CLUB members learned about the Challenge of Putting
Together a US Type Set from guest speaker Albertus Hoogeveen in Novem-
ber. The new officers are President Earl Cross, Vice President Harold
Katzman, Secretary Janet Reeves, and Treasurer Marco Garcia, all installed
by Albertus Hoogeveen. The December Christmas/Hanukkah party featured
a potluck, bingo, and a pre-arranged gift exchange. ANA President Walter
Ostromecki gave the January program with his talk on Money of the Afterlife.
STANISLAUS COUNTY COIN CLUB Nicholas Lopez’ design of the

McHenry Museum is the thirtieth entry in the series, and will close out the third
decade of our medal program in style. Here’s your chance to add a silver club
medal to your collection. The 2015 club medals have arrived. The three-medal
sets, two base medals and one silver, will be $39 this year. If you provide a sil-
ver round you will be credited $16, so with the silver round it is $23. See Lloyd
Solomon to get your medals. There are 41 still available if you do not already
have one reserved. The 2015 club medal #9 has become available. It will be auc-
tioned at the first meeting in March. The auction winner will also have the right
to buy that medal in future years.
SAN JOSE COIN CLUB thanked Youth President Matthew Downing for
giving a great presentation at the November general meeting. Matthew gave
an insightful talk and shared his thoughts on How to Spread This Wonderful
Hobby. Ryan Johnson collected donations for Second Harvest Food Bank. We
also celebrated the December meeting with some holiday cheer at our annual
Christmas party. We enjoyed cake, ice cream, cheeses, meats, crackers, egg
rolls, and other yummy goodies. We had a fantastic 2015 show, with speakers
ANA President Walter Ostromecki on Coins of the after Life, CSNA Presi-
dent Howard Feltham on First Mexico City Mint & Spanish Colonial Coins,
and Jeff Shevlin on So-Called Dollars of the Pacific Coast Expositions. ANA
President Walter Ostromecki surprised members Ray Johnson, Ryan Johnson,
and Sally Johnson on Saturday with the ANA Presidential Award, first time ever
awarded to a family of three members in one family, for their continued support
and involvement in the numismatic community. Also, Youth President Matthew
Downing received recognition for his fast moving involvement in numismatics,
being a part time coin dealer and helping to promote youth numismatics.
SAN FRANCISCO COIN CLUB continues its monthly gatherings on the 4th
Fridays, with a no-host dinner at 6:30PM and an informal time thereafter, at
Tennessee Grill, Dinner Room, Main Floor, 1128 Taraval Avenue, San Fran-
cisco. Arrive by 6:30PM as they close at 8PM. January’s Show ‘n Tell theme was
The City by the Bay. Anything numismatic or related to the city was welcomed.
Of course, this included tokens and several commemorative issues. February’s
Show ‘n Tell theme was Silver Dollars. This would include seated Liberty, Mor-
gan, Peace, Ike, and the recent golden smaller-size dollar issues, as well as the
much condemned Anthony dollars.
SAN DIEGO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY Members Jim Wells and Ken
Spindler both took first place awards at the CSNA coin show. Ken’s exhibit of
“Playing Card Money” took the People’s Choice Award by only one vote over
Jim’s exhibit. Mike Shaw purchased a scarce medal issued only to the emer-
gency responders during the New York Holland Tunnel fire of May 13, 1949,
and shared the story in December. Dorothy Baber just got back from a trip to
England and shared her experience while there. The November meeting featured
a donation auction which was well supported allowing some really nice prizes to
be given away at the installation dinner in January at Marie Calender’s. The new
officers are President Dave Jones, Vice President Chris Dinanno, Treasurer
Ken Spindler, and Secretary Diane Barbieri. Jim Wells provided the entertain-
ment with his amazing Powerpoint presentation comparing the World Fairs in
the US from 1893 to the fair in 1915 in San Diego. He showed that while the fair
in San Diego was smallest, the buildings erected are still in use while most of
the other fairs buildings are long-gone. Bob Fritsch who lives in New Hamp-
shire won the Participation Award, a four-ounce silver ingot.
SAN BERNARDINO COIN CLUB members were carried away in November

by Joe Adams’ presentation on transportation tokens. The Original Cottage
Family Restaurant owners catered for the annual installation dinner meeting.
The club is saddened by the passing of Betty Malmquist, a 28-year member, in
November. Treasurer Norm Sturgess has held his position going on 40 years.
The new officers for the 2016-17 term are President Don Lannon, Secretary/
Editor Cheryl Lannon, and Coin Press Distributor Mark Tierney. Outgoing
President Tony Micciche brought his standing Liberty quarter set to the January
meeting and gave a program on this series.
REDWOOD EMPIRE COIN CLUB members attended their annual holiday

meeting in the main auditorium of the Veterans Center. They had a flea market,
with plenty of tables set up for members to sell coins. We had lots of delicious
desserts, and based on the giddy behavior of many members, there was plenty
to go around for getting a sugar high. Thanks to those who brought a dessert
to share. There was even root beer and ice cream for floats! Elections—been
there, done that, did it again. Same bunch of guys were re-elected: President
Merle Avila, Vice President Lee Gong, Treasurer Mike Coorsen, and Sec-
retary Charlie Catlett. Big congratulations to all! The Fairfield Coin Club and
Vallejo Numismatic Society held their annual joint dinner the weekend after our
meeting. At that dinner, RECC President Merle Avila received the Ron Miller
Memorial Award, which is the highest award of the Northern California Numis-
matic Association. Merle was much honored to win the award, which reflects his
tireless dedication to the hobby. Congratulations!
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION was very

pleased to present the prestigious NCNA award this year, the Ron Miller Silver
Medal, to Merle Avila, president of the Redwood Empire Coin Club in Santa
Rosa. Merle has been the bourse chairman for RECC for years and a main sup-
port for his local coin club. He has also authored several articles on tokens (plus
a regular column in TCN) and is very knowledgeable on this subject. Interest-
ingly, Merle purchased some of his very first tokens from Ron Miller! NCNA
will also be hosting its second annual seminar on September 26.
LONG BEACH COIN CLUB The November program was an extended Show
and Tell. David Pai showed off his 2014 platinum coin from the US Mint and
Denys Andrew brought his 1943 Belgium Congo coin struck by the US Mint.
David Schwager shared his short-snorter and Jerry Kleeb brought in some of
his gold Byzantine coins. The installation dinner in January was held at Coco’s
in Cerritos. President Robert Wu remains at the helm with Vice President
Jerry Kleeb, Treasurer Floyd Bradford, Jr., and new secretary, David Schwa-
ger, taking over from Roy Iwata. Roy was also editor but Richard Chavarrita
is the new editor. Jeff Stahl presented the February program Latin American
Silver Quarters.
INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO members

were amazed by the enormous variety of German notgeld available after the pre-
sentation by Secretary/Treasurer Joe Yager at the November meeting. At the
installation banquet in January, guest speaker and renowned numismatist PCGS
CoinFacts President Ron Guth presented a beautiful Powerpoint program on
the five-mark coins of the Weimar Republic. The artwork is very symbolic and
meaningful. He stated that his love of history combined with his love of coins
keep him always interested in the hobby. Ken Spindler remains president.
HEMET COIN CLUB Cathy Phillips told about the Miramar Consolidated
Brig Service Dog Training Program in November. This group is affiliated with
the Canine Companions for Independence organization. She introduced her
dog-in-training, Autumn, a half labrador and half golden-retriever puppy! This
club picks up $8 of the tab for each member for their Christmas party held again
at Marie Calender’s. Mary Ann and Jerry Bodenhorn were surprised to be
awarded the coveted Trumpower Award in recognition of their hard work and
dedication on the club’s behalf. The award has a long-list of noted numisma-
tists. President Ken Busby presented the President’s Award to Rafael Flores
and Phil DiAugustino. At the January meeting, Ken and his wife showed off
the beautiful photographs they had taken on their trip to Albuquerque to see the
world famous balloon festival.
HEARTLAND COIN CLUB 2nd Vice President John Weiss and his team put
on another very successful coin show in November. Smiles all around, dealers
and buyers! The highlight of the year is the donation auction, Christmas party,
and potluck. This year again, the club chose the Ronald Reagan Community
Center as the venue due to its size. The 15 lots in the raffle were worth more
than $2000. The current officers were sworn in at the installation dinner held in
Coco’s for the 3rd year in a row. They are President Ken Stempien, 1st Vice
President Andrew Woodruff, 2nd Vice President John Weiss, Treasurer
Diane Barbieri, Corresponding Secretary Jose Gallego, and Recording Sec-
retary Ginny Bourke.
GREATER ORANGE COUNTY COIN CLUB members enjoyed Phil

Iversen’s presentation in November on Lewis and Clark Exposition Exonumia.
Phil has lots of this material to share. David Pai won the dos-pesos gold coin
and Bliss De Moray won the 1/10-ounce gold coin also in November. Bingo
games were played at the December Christmas party with silver rounds as
prizes. In January Vice President Mike Ontko entertained all with his presenta-
tion of Coins of the Papal States, Part 2, 1740-1870. This talk was based on the
Tom Fitzgerald collection. Parts 1 and 3 will be presented in the future. David
Schwager spoke on Ebay for the Coin Collector at the February meeting.
GLENDALE COIN CLUB This club recently held a very successful coin show
at the Van Nuys Masonic Lodge. In November, guest speaker Jeff Stahl, presi-
dent of the Greater Orange County Coin Club, presented a program on the State
Copper Coins of Mexico. President Michael Kittle has been winning big, the
silver proof eagle in October and the 1/10-ounce gold eagle in December. Gor-
don O’Rourke was the lucky winner at the coin show taking home the NGC
$10 Indian gold coin. Casey Hauser won the January top prize, a beautiful 1886
Morgan dollar. Jay Robinson presented the program in January covering the
coinage of the Pacific Company. These coins were issued during the Gold Rush
period. In February, the program on Medals and Tokens of the 1894 California
Midwinter Exposition was presented by President Michael Kittle.
FRESNO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY in January James Johnson gave us a

presentation on Genoa, A History of Early Times and Mormon Gold Coinage.
Genoa, Nevada, claims of being Nevada’s oldest settlement dating back to 1851
when it was in what then was called the Utah Territory consisting of Utah and
Nevada combined. It was divided when Nevada became a state in 1864. Before
then the Utah Territory was settled mostly by the Mormons and they even coined
their own money. James will be speaking on both the history of Genoa, the Mor-
mon people who settled it, and the gold coinage they used for commerce. Our
annual banquet was held at Yosemite Falls Care in Granite Park. While the times
had there were good, the festivities merry and lively, for reasons unknown the
overall attendance was down a little. The food was good, and we all had an ex-
cellent time. FNS took a little break and acknowledged a very special long time
member. We honored Merle Davis, member #208, who was an early pioneer of
the club, with a life-time membership that had been long overdue. Thanks Merle
for your years of unwavering devotion and service to the club.
FREMONT COIN CLUB had their Holiday Gold Prize Drawing at the
December meeting. The FCC board decided that four Mexican two-peso gold
pieces would be the prizes at this meeting and depending on the level of tickets
that are purchased, the FCC president could add a fifth two-peso gold piece
prize to the drawing. As far as the newsletter, Aaron Houston says that after
five years it’s time to hand over the editorship to someone else. Thanks for your
continued support over the past five years, Aaron!
DOWNEY COIN CLUB Albertus Hoogeveen spearheaded a round-robin

discussion of the Heritage Auctions “Top Ten List” and the hobby in January.
Chuck Morrissey, Sr. continues as president with Albertus remaining secretary/
treasurer/editor.
DIABLO NUMISMATIC SOCIETY board of directors is requesting the

general membership to assist in more of the club duties. We need help with at-
tendance issues, computer skills, mailings, website contacts, and other items as
needed. If you have suggestions for improvement or wish to volunteer, please
contact an officer or board member. The awards banquet will take place on
March 19 at the Denny’s Restaurant at 1313 Willow Pass Road Concord.
DELTA COIN CLUB President Ed H. is going to try some new changes this
year. We are hoping to increase our attendees at our meetings. In December, we
decided that everyone who brings a guest (or guests) to a meeting will be in a
“friends” drawing the following month for a special prize! And if that isn’t excit-
ing enough, we are going to encourage everyone’s continued attendance by hav-
ing a very special drawing to be held at the annual dinner. So, if you attend 20
meetings throughout the year you will receive 20 drawing tickets. This includes
hotdog night, the picnic and other special events that may come up.
CUPERTINO COIN CLUB The location for the meeting has been changed
to a new church. Silver medals are in and going fast with the Cupertino Cherry
Blossom Festival design for $26. Don Burns gave a talk in November on Coins
of Medieval Monarchs. Don has been researching his family tree for 40 years
and in the last few years has spent 25 hours a week on the enormous project.
He is descended from every monarch since Henry VII as well as a few horse
thieves, grave diggers, and draft dodgers. Don can trace his lineage as far back
as Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. CCC celebrated its December meeting in
January and had their post-holiday New Year’s celebration with Togo’s Sand-
wiches for everyone, with salads, chips, and fruit. Elections are here for 2015-
2016 year and still need a president and vice-president. The newsletter shows
some constitutional changes that are being made and voted on in two months.
Cupertino had their 2015 show and had a few open tables, and with the help of
club members they did well.
COVINA COIN CLUB This club celebrated its 57th birthday at the November
meeting. Congratulations! Members brought in pies, lots of pies! Phil Iversen
presented his talk on Lewis and Clark Exposition Exonumia also in November.
The new officers for this club are President Arden Law, Vice President Mark
Baskin, Treasurer Dennis Rocklein, and new board member Brian Desens.
Helen Desens continues as secretary/editor. Brian Desens was awarded the
club’s prestigious Walter H. Menegatti Award at the installation dinner. The
award is named for the club founder. Way to go, Brian.
COINEERS members held their annual White Elephant donation auction at

the December meeting. The theme for Show and Tell for December was “De-
monitized”. An interesting subject for sure. In January, the installation dinner
was held at the Hometown Buffet in the Clairemont area of San Diego. Chris
Dinanno continues as president, Chris Beyerle as vice president, Laura Di-
nanno as secretary, and Andrew Woodruff as treasurer/editor.
CHULA VISTA COIN CLUB The donation auction in November was hugely
successful and garnered $400 for gifts to be awarded at the Christmas party.
Lucky Dave Gross won the 50/50 Pot in November and took home $50. The
50/50 Pot has brought in over $100 for the last three meetings and the winners
were Doug Hildenbrandt, Ginny Smith, and Ralph Munoz. Steve Fah-
rlender provided great prizes in December and all were delighted with their
presents. The installation dinner in January was held in Chula Vista at the Man-
gio Italiano Restaurant. The food was delicious and plentiful. President Dave
Jones remains at the helm.
BURBANK COIN CLUB members are getting a refresher course in coin grad-
ing from Phil Iversen and Don Fujitani. There was an active auction and show
and tell at the February meeting.
BAY CITIES COIN CLUB members are very proud of YN Blake Allan
Petersen for achieving Eagle Scout. Bernie M. brought a .999 “Walker” medal
containing one-troy pound of silver to Show and Tell in November. Members all
enjoyed playing Coin-o at the December Christmas party potluck. Eric P. won
the Christmas wreath with coins and Rob P. won the Christmas tree with coins.
The installation dinner was held at the IHOP Restaurant in Westchester in Janu-
ary. The president remains Steve Demmer.
ALAMEDA COIN CLUB has canceled their coin show, which was tentatively
scheduled for Sunday June 28th. The reason for the cancelation is that there is
another local coin show scheduled for the same weekend and as a result the club
decided to cancel their show in order to avoid competing interests between the
two shows and also wanting to maintain harmony within our local numismatic
community. The club would like to thank all of those who assisted in the plan-
ning of the coin show—all efforts were greatly appreciated and it exemplified
the spirit of the club.

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)
Brentwood—meets 1st Thursday, 7:00 p.m., Raley’s Food Center (staff room by
pharmacy), 2400 Sand Creek Rd., Brentwood; mailing address: P.O. Box 1237,
Brentwood, CA 94513-3237. (CSNA)
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: EmperorI@juno.com. (CSNA)
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: csnalibrary@gmail.com; Web site: www.
calcoin.org. (CSNA, NASC)
Chula Vista Coin Club—meets 1st Thursday, 6:30 p.m., San Diego County
Library, 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—meets 1st and 3rd Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Eagles Hall, 1492
Bourbon Street, Stockton, CA 95204; mailing address: P.O. Box 216, Victor
CA 95253-0216. (CSNA)
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: info@diablocoinclub.org; 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, #2121, 38991 Farwell Drive, Fremont; mailing address: P.O. Box 1401,
Fremont, CA 94538-0140; Web site: www.FremontCoinClub.org. (CSNA)
Fremont—meets 2nd/4th Tuesdays (except Dec. 2nd Tue., and Jan. 4th Tue.),
Fremont Elk’s Lodge, 38991 Farwell Dr., Fremont; mailing address: P.O. Box
1401, Fremont, CA 94538-0140; e-mail: dca_33@peoplepc.com; Web site:
www.fremontcoinclub.org. (CSNA)
Gateway Coin Club—meets 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7:15 p.m., Bear Creek Com-
munity Church, 1717 East Olive Ave. (Olive at Parsons), Merced; mailing
address: P.O. Box 3101, Merced, CA 95344-1101. (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: mike@kittlecoins.com; 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 Ko-
rnat Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; e-mail: bill.pfeifer@sbcglobal.net; 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: jmgallego@losgallego.com.
(NASC)
Hemet Numismatists—meets 3rd Wednesday, 12:00 Noon, Provident Savings
Bank, 1600 Florida Avenue (Northwest Corner Giard and Florida), Hemet;
mailing 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)
Long Beach Coin Club—meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m., Millikan High School
Cafeteria, 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: EmperorI@juno.com. (CSNA,
NASC)
Numismatic Association of Southern California—meets four times per year;
mailing address: Harold Katzman, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382; e-
mail: haroldkatzman@yahoo.com; Web site: www.NASC.net. (CSNA, NASC)
Pacific Coast Numismatic Society—meets 4th Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Fort Ma-
son Center, Building C, San Francisco; mailing address: P.O. Box 457656, San
Francisco, CA 94147-5656; Web site: www.pcns.org. (CSNA)
Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists—meets at PAN conventions; mail-
ing address: PAN, 1985 Lincoln Way, Suite 23 #225, White Oak, PA 15131;
e-mail: pancoins@gmail.com; Web site: www.pancoins.org. (CSNA)
Redwood Empire Coin Club—meets 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., Veterans Me-
morial Building, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa; mailing address: P.O. Box
9013, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-0013; Web site: www.RedwoodEmpireCoinClub.
com (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
February, May, August and November, 10:00 a.m., North Park Adult Cen-
ter, 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 Commu-
nity 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, 7:30 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: EmperorI@juno.com; 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 Cen-
ter, 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: EmperorI@juno.com.
(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
address: 540 Teakwood Avenue, La Habra, CA 90631. (NASC)
Woodland Hills Coin Club—meets 2nd Thursday, 7:00 p.m., 21240 Burbank
Blvd. (East Gate), Building 30, Woodland Hills; mailing address: Walt Wegner,
Box 521, Woodland Hills, CA 91365; e-mail: wlwegner@msn.com. (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 lchanfizx@aol.com
and NASC Webmaster Jim Phillips at jimjumper@hughes.net.
March 29 Verdugo Hills Coin Club 50th Annual Show (Van Nuys),
Masonic Hall, 14750 Sherman Wy., Bob Thompson, 818-249-
1237, bobcat237@sbcglobal.net, free parking.
April 3-4 West’s Token Jamboree (Sacramento), Western States Token
Society, Clarion Hotel, 1401 Arden Way. Bourse/information:
Merle Avila, 707-585-3711 or 707-824-4811 evenings.
April 3-4 Sacramento Coin Show, Clarion Inn, 1401 Arden Way, Peter
McIntosh, 916-317-9055, mcintoshcoins@yahoo.com.
April 11 CSNA 47th Southern Educational Symposium (Long
Beach), Airport Holiday Inn, 2640 No. Lakewood Blvd., four
guest speakers with free admission and parking. See advertise-
ment elsewhere in this issue of TCN.
April 11-12 Pasadena Coin and Currency Show, Scottish Rite Center,
150 N. Madison Ave., admission $3, www.losangelespaper-
moneyclub.com.
April 12 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
Suites Hotel, 3100 Frontera St., J. Atkinson, 562-225-2166,
free admission and parking.
April 17-19 Santa Clara Coin and Collectibles Show, Convention
Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Scott Griffin, 415-601-
8661.
April 20-22 Las Vegas Numismatic Society Coin Show, Riviera Hotel
and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, www.ckshows.
com, 800-208-1810.
May 1-2 Sacramento Valley Coin Club Spring Show, Four Points by
Sheraton, 4900 Duckhorn Dr., Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday
10AM-4PM, Robert Shanks, 916-204-5168, free parking.
May 3 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
May 17 43rd Annual Vallejo Coin Show, 333 Amador Street, bourse:
Ed Hoffmark, 707-642-8754 or EMPERORI@juno.com,
www.solanocoinclub.com.
May 31 Sacramento Coin Show, Clarion Inn, 1401 Arden Way, Peter
McIntosh, 916-317-9055, mcintoshcoins@yahoo.com.
June 4-6 Long Beach Coin, Stamp, and Collectibles Expo, Conven-
tion Center, 100 S. Pine Ave., 888-743-9316.
June 14 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
June 20-21 Modesto Coin and Collectibles Show (Stanislaus Country
Coin Club), Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L Street, Brandilyn
Gilmer, 209-492-9028.
June 26-27 East Bay/Concord Coin Show, The Clarion Hotel, 1050 Bur-
nett Ave., Bill Green, 925-351-7605, info@norcalcoinshows.
com.
June 28 Coin Show (Van Nuys), Masonic Hall, 14750 Sherman Wy.,
Richard Murachanian, 661-287-1651, ramrarecoins@yahoo.
com, free parking.
June 28 Alameda Coin Show, bourse chair: Mike Leong, 510-529-
8129, mleong12@sbcglobal.net.
July 5 North County Monthly Coin Show (Anaheim), Embassy
July 25-26 Fremont Coin Club 43rd Annual Show, Elk’s Hall, 38991
Farwell Drive. For information (510) 792-1511. Bourse: Vince
Lacariere, P.O. Box 1401, Fremont, CA 94538.
July 25-26 58th Annual Coinarama (San Diego), Scottish Rite Masonic
Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley, 10AM to
5:30PM, www.coinarama.com.
Advertisers Index
DH Ketterling Consulting ................................................................................... 39
Excelsior Coin Gallery ........................................................................................ 55
Fragner & Fragner, Ltd. ...................................................................................... 43
Galaxie Designs .................................................................................................. 43
Glenn Schinke ..................................................................................................... 73
Heritage Rare Coin Galleries .............................................................................. 80
Jeff Shevlin So-Called Dollars.............................................................................. 7
Joel Anderson ...................................................................................................... 15
Masterpiece Medallions ...................................................................................... 55
Michael Aron Rare Coins...................................................................................... 9
PCGS Professional Coin Grading Service .......................................................... 31
Star Coins .............................................................................................................. 9
Ted’s Coins & Stamps ......................................................................................... 55
CSNA
Elected Officers, 2015-2016
President........................................................................................................................... Howard Feltham
hfelt@aol.com, 2550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Space # 229, Torrance California 90505
Vice-President ...................................................................................................................Harold Katzman
haroldkatzman@yahoo.com, 714-838-0861, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382
Corresponding Secretary ..................................................................................................... Donald L. Hill
csnalibrary@gmail.com, P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA, 94590-0400
Recording Secretary ........................................................................................................ Jon Maria Marish
paper4coin@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 4281, Vallejo, CA 94590-0428
Treasurer ..................................................................................................................................... Roy Iwata
rti2449@aol.com, P.O. Box 2449, Seal Beach, CA 90740-1449
Board of Directors
Past President ...Michael S. Turrini, emperori@juno.com, P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA 94590-0400
Members at Large: Gene Berry, Jr., berrysjr5@gmail.com
Edwin Hoffmark, Jr., paper4coin@yahoo.com
Herb Miles, hmiles10@comcast.net, 5423 Highland Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
Joe Adams, josefadams80@gmail.com
Bill Pfeifer, bill.pfeifer@sbcglobal.net
Jeff Stahl, jwstahl5@att.net
Ken Stempien, kensuestempien@cox.net
Andrew Woodruff, awwoodstox@yahoo.com
Appointed Officers
Librarian............................................................................................................................... Donald L. Hill
csnalibrary@gmail.com,
CSNA Library, c/o Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum,
734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590-5592
Curator ................................................................................................................................... G. Lee Kuntz
gleemedals@aol.com, 697 Scripps Drive, Claremont, CA 91711-2640
Director of Education ............................................................................................................... Phil Iversen
phil_iversen@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 5207, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Editor......................................................................................................................................... Greg Burns
gregsburns@gmail.com, P.O. Box 1181, Claremont, CA 91711
Historian...................................................................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
joycemedals@aol.com, 697 Scripps Drive, Claremont, CA 91711-2640
These Non-Voting Appointees Perform Special Duties for the Association

Finance Committee Chairperson...................................................................................................Jim Hunt
eandjonthenile@cox.net
Medals/Events/NASC Representative .....................................................................................Joyce Kuntz
joycemedals@aol.com, 697 Scripps Drive, Claremont, CA 91711-2640
Membership Coordinators ................................................................ Gene Berry, Jr. (San Francisco Area)
berrysjr5@gmail.com
Andrew Woodruff (San Diego Area)
awwoodstox@yahoo.com
Joe Adams (San Bernardino/Riverside Area)
josefadams80@gmail.com
Bill Pfeifer (LA/Orange County Area)
bill.pfeifer@sbcglobal.net
NCNA Representative.................................................................................................... Michael S. Turrini
emperori@juno.com, P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA, 04590-0400
Webmaster............................................................................................................................Lloyd G. Chan
For most current contact info please visit www.CalCoin.org
Emerging Numismatist Coordinator .............................................................................. Michael S. Turrini
emperori@juno.com, P.O. Box 4003, Vallejo, CA 94590-0400

NASC
Officers, 2015-2016
President................................................................................................................................... Phil Iversen
phil_iversen@yahoo.com, 818-509-9774, P.O. Box 5207, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Vice-President ........................................................................................................................... Mike Kittle
mike@kittlecoins.com, 818-451-9199, P.O. Box 338, Agoura Hills, CA 91376
Corresponding Secretary ................................................................................................... Harold Katzman
haroldkatzman@yahoo.com, 714-838-0861, P.O. Box 3382, Tustin, CA 92781-3382
Recording Secretary ....................................................................................................Albertus Hoogeveen
arapaho2@ca.rr.com, 562-862-6666, P.O. Box 222, Downey, CA 90241-0222
Treasurer ..............................................................................................................................Tony Micciche
tony_micciche@yahoo.com, 909-822-7709, 9936 Toyon Ave., Fontana, CA 92335
Historian.......................................................................................................................... George Moore III
galaxiedesigns@aol.com, 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.............................................................................................................................Jerry Yahalom
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
Visual Education Library ................................................................................................................ <TBD>
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 gregsburns@gmail.com; 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: May 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 reported that Maurice Jensen won the literary award for
the 1964 publication year with his article on “The First US Coin”. For TCN’s
literary awards (2014 publication year), turn to page 7 in this issue.
• Calcoin News issue noted a successful 35th semi-annual convention: 3,000
visitors, held at Disneyland (!), a huge auction by Abe Kosoff, an exhibit
of a 27-1/2 foot by 2-1/2 foot “synchronological chart of universal history”
(Google it, seriously), complete with example coins which united numismat-
ics with the historical features of the chart (the oldest piece in the display
being a clay tablet promising a number of sheep), and a 40-case exhibit of
Californiana!
Twenty-Five Years Ago
• Jeff Oxman took over the editorship of The NASC Quarterly from Interim
Editor Walt Ostromecki. Jeff had already been writing for the journal for two
years prior to this, so was already familiar with the tasks.
• The familiar and seemingly-unchanging face of Al Lo
appeared in the “Who’s Who in Cal-State Numismatics”
column of Calcoin News. Turns out that our good friend
received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical
engineering from Iowa State University, where, the story
reports, “...at one point the temperature did not get above
freezing for over two weeks, and one day even reached
-44 degrees”! Al thereupon decided to wrap up his stud-
ies in three years versus the traditional four and quickly
moved afterwards to California (lucky us!).
Ten Years Ago
• TCN ran a report on the release of the new Califor-
nia state quarter. A delegation of numismatic folks
throughout the state were invited to a special private
release ceremony hosted January 31, 2005, by Gov-
ernor Schwarzenegger, along with First Lady Maria
Shriver and US Mint Director Henrietta Holsman
Fore. There would eventually be 520,400,000 of the
shiny little jewels minted. I wonder how many of those
were, as the Governator requested, “...[spent] here in
Calyfornia!”

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Numismatic Spring 2015 California State

Association of V. 12, No. 1 Numismatic

About the Cover The California Numismatist Staff

As you ﬁrst read this message I

4 The California Numismatist • Spring 2015

Enjoying Your Hobby?

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

CSNA New Members CSNA Membership on 15 Feb. 2015

Dear Members—Please Note!

Karl Brainard Literary Award for Best Article

George Bennett Literary Award for

Charles Kappan Literary Award for Articles on Exonumia

Bryan Burke Literary Award for Articles on Foreign Coins

Virginia Hall Literary Award for Articles on Medals

Charles G. Colver Literary Award for Articles on Paper Instruments

Roy Hill Literary Award for Articles on United States Coins

Below: a selection of service medals from

at some of the major numismatic medals of the Ministry of the Interior

I herewith make application for membership in the association subject to its