Chatter

5 Months until ANA in Chicago

While attending the ANA convention might be a last-minute decision by collectors, Speakers and Exhibitors need time to develop their work. And make sure you send in your application well before the deadline, because in some years the available time or space filled up before the deadline. With the bourse and exhibits in the same hall, it appears that the exhibit area will hold no more than 400 cases; even less if the fire marshalls want wider aisles!

Minutes of the 1130th Meeting

The 1130th meeting of the Chicago Coin Club was held February 13, 2013 in the Chicago Bar Association Building, 321 S. Plymouth Court, Downtown Chicago. President Elliott Krieter called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM with 22 members present.

A motion was passed to accept the January Minutes as published in the Chatter. Treasurer Steve Zitowsky reported January revenue of $570.00, expenses of $106.05 and total assets of $20,744.31 held in Life Membership $1,430.00 and member equity $19,314.31. He also reported the transfer of $240.00 from Life Membership equity into the member’s equity. A motion was passed to approve the report.

Mark Wieclaw, Host Chairman of the 2013 ANA Chicago Convention, announced the next Committee Meeting Wednesday February 20, 2013, 6 pm, Offices of Harlan J. Berk, 77 W. Washington, Suite 1320, Downtown Chicago. Carl Wolf presented a unanimous recommendation by the Board from their Jan 16th meeting that the Club strike Standing Lincoln medals for the following:

• “Money Talks” Presenters for 2013 ANA Convention
  • Qty: Approx 50
  • Struck in polished Nickel
  • Suspended from royal neck ribbon
  • Personally Engraved
  • Approx Total Cost: $1333.40
• Club Medal Commemorating the 2013 ANA Convention
  • Qty: Approx 250
  • Struck in Nickel
  • Sell Price: $20 each
  • Approx Total Cost: $2505.00
• The Board also asked for a quote on a small quantity in pure silver.

Following a discussion, a motion was passed authorizing the Board to spend up to $4,000.00 for this project.

First VP Rich Lipman introduced the evening’s featured speaker, Marc Stackler, who spoke on Coinage of the State of Oaxaca: 1915-1916. Following a question and answer period, Rich presented Marc with an ANA Educational Certificate and engraved Club medal.

Second VP Marc Stackler introduced the evening’s 10 exhibitors: EUGENE FREEMAN – Scout Patch for 2013-15 ANA Conventions and a counterfeit coin from Uganda; PHIL CARRIGAN – bronze 2013 Inauguration medal from Medalcraft Mint; RICH LIPMAN – gold banknotes & notes with fancy serial numbers; STEVE ZITOWSKY – Duchy of Castro billon coin (1545-47) of Pier Luigi Farnese, son of Pope Pius III; MARK WIECLAW – buffalo nickel elongates, encased buffalo nickel, 1-oz rhodium bar, 2006 $1 star note, 1927 $15 coupon payable in gold, & a zillion dollar note; DALE LUKANICH - $1 Newburyport, MA note with missing final year digit 185_ & cut ancient coinage; DARREN HOOPER – photo images of a 1975D cud error Lincoln cent and the die fragment that caused it; ROBERT LEONARD – material related to 1964-65 coin shortage; ROBERT WEINSTEIN – 12 coins of Indo-Parthian Kings (50 BC - 200 AD); MARC STACKLER – photo of a counterfeit 2008 Mexican 10 peso coin.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Carl Wolf, Secretary

Speaker’s Wor[l]d
Coinage of the State of Oaxaca: 1915-1916

by Marc Stackler,
presented to our February 13, 2013 meeting

In June of 1915, during the Mexican revolution, the State of Oaxaca declared itself “free and sovereign” in defiance of the revolutionary government. During its 9 months of “independence,” the state issued well over 100 varieties of coins, not to mention paper money both state- and private-issued. This presentation centers on just the state coinage struck from June, 1915 to March, 1916.

Oaxaca City was the site of a branch mint that closed in 1893. Most likely the equipment was salvageable (and quickly), because during the nine months of coinage, a great deal of coins were struck — many well-struck. Teófilo Monroy, the former Oaxaca mint director, supervised operations. His son Manuel, and an American named DeCoe, engraved the dies.

The earliest copper coins (1 & 3 centavos) were rectangular and cut from long copper strips. Estimates are generally accepted at about 500 struck. They did not circulate much, given that rectangular coins tear pockets, so these relatively scarce coins are often found in high grades.

Remaining coinage, including 1 & 3 centavos, were standard, round coins. Their general design was:

OBVERSE (Except 60 Pesos):

• Bust of Benito Juarez, and ESTADO L. Y S. de OAXACA (Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca).
• All dated 1915

REVERSE (Except 60 Pesos):

• MONEDA PROVISIONAL (Provisional Coinage)
• A garland
• The initials TM (Teófilo Monroy) either present or not

EDGE:

• Smooth or corded (except for Gold)
• Reeded (gold)

Denominations struck: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 centavos in copper; 50 centavos, 1 peso, 2 pesos, 5 pesos in silver (2 & 5 pesos also with an inconsistent trace amount of gold); 5, 10, 20, 60 pesos in gold.

The lower denomination gold coins are actually silver covered with gold, and their gold content is about 17.5%. The 60 Pesos is about 86% gold.

The 60 pesos is the “king” of Oaxacan revolutionary coins. Best estimates are that 20-24 were struck from a single 1200g bar. They are dated 1916 and said to be manufactured in March, the day before Oaxaca City was retaken by government forces. Accounts say that after the revolution the dies were obtained by a US dealer who made some copper, silver and gold specimens (from then-rusty dies). The ANS now has the dies and one of the original 60 pesos. The last time this speaker saw one auctioned, it hammered for 370,000 pesos (about US$35,000).

When in March 1916 the civilian revolutionary government retook Oaxaca City, they destroyed mint records, coins, and equipment. This marked the end of Oaxacan revolutionary coinage.

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Show and Tell

Items shown at our February 13, 2013 meeting,
reported by Marc Stackler

1. Eugene Freeman presented two items:
   1. A counterfeit 100 Shillings copper-nickel coin from Uganda, most likely originating from China. “Shillings” was misspelled as LINGSSHIL.
   2. The “Scouting at the ANA” patch that can be earned by Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts at the World’s Fair of Money. The patch has segments that can be earned by the Scouts in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The program is sponsored by the ILNA and the CCC. The program has been approved by the Boy Scouts of America and the program and requirements have been approved by the Scouting Committee of the ANA. The central patch has the Walking Liberty design and “Scouting at the ANA.” The segments say Chicago and the appropriate year. 300 of the patches have been prepared.
2. Phil Carrigan showed a 2013 bronze inaugural medal of Obama / Biden. Seventy millimeters in diameter, it came in a presentation box and was struck by Medalcraft.
3. Rich Lipman displayed several US bank notes:
   1. Two national bank notes payable in gold from California, 1873: $5 from San Fransisco, and $10 from Stockton, CA. The purpose of issuing the notes was to make it easier to “carry” gold, there being so much of it circulating in California due to the gold rush. He pointed out that the banks printed the notes and delivered them to the Bureau of Printing & Engraving, which then printed the red serial numbers before issuing the notes.
   2. Modern Federal Reserve notes with unusual serial numbers: $2 repeater (2 digits repeating through the whole serial number), $2 radar (zeroes repeat outward from inside digits), $5 ascending/ladder (the numbers increase in numerical order), and $20 with solid numbers (all the same digit), as well as describing other types (such as binary, where the same 2 digits repeat). Rich pointed out the frequency with which one would encounter these types of serial numbers.
4. Steve Zitowsky showed a billon quattrino (ND – 1545-47) from the Duchy of Castro (near Parma, Italy). It was struck by Pier Luigi Farnese. The Farnese were one of the powerful families from whom several popes came. The coin sports a papal crown and an image of St. Savina, who is a patron saint of several of the Italian city states of the time.
5. Mark Wieclaw showed several interesting items:
   1. An encased buffalo nickel bought at the recent FUN show. This year is the 100th anniversary of the buffalo nickel.
   2. Some elongated coins, including an elongated buffalo nickel, also obtained at FUN.
   3. A 2006 $1 “star” note
   4. A “zillion dollar” fantasy note, featuring the portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
   5. A $15 coupon issued in 1927 by Stanley Apartments. The coupons were payable in gold.
   6. A 1 ounce bar of .999 Rhodium, issued by Baird & Co. Rhodium is used in jewelry and catalytic converters. Its price is highly volatile.
6. Dale Lukanich showed:
   1. A $1 note from Newburyport, MA, dated Nov. 17, 185_ (the last digit is unreadable).
   2. A cut denarius from Hispania (Spain), the Segovia mint, struck approximately 120 AD during the reign of Nerva.
   3. A broken OTACILIA SEVERA SILVER ANTONINIANUS, probably struck over another piece and causing it to break. It circulated nonetheless.
7. Darren Hooper presented photos of a recent and valuable find: a 1975D Lincoln Cent with a “cud,” along with the missing die fragment that caused the cud. It was shown to Tom Delorey who plans to write an article about it. It was submitted to NGC who graded it MS64 red. When it goes to auction, it is estimated at $10-20,000.
8. Bob Leonard showed material related to the coin shortage of 1964-65.
   1. Books: The Great Change Robbery (a play on The Great Train Robbery that had recently come out) and The United States Clad Coinage
   2. A wooden nickel issued by the First National Bank of Monroe, WI. At the time, Bob wrote the bank and sent 2 nickels, asking for wooden ones in return. Unfortunately, his letter arrived after the US Treasury confiscated the wooden nickels, so the bank returned his money.
   3. Nantucket “whale” money: aluminum tokens issued in 1964 by 3 gift shops. Their face “value” was 2- and 4-bits, with an expiration date of 1970. The Treasury declared them illegal and had the shops discontinue their distribution.
   4. A 50¢ souvenir token from Grants Pass, OR in 1959, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the State of Oregon. It was reissued in 1964 with the 1059 expiration date ground, but it escaped notice by Treasury Department and Bob at the time; this piece appears to have seen some circulation.
   5. Jewel Foods attempted to issue scrip, but the Treasury said NO. It was never issued. Bob showed the newspaper article from the time.
   6. A Bozeman MT “cartwheel” (photo only).
9. Bob Weinstein showed a nearly complete set of Indo-Parthian coins (now present-day Pakistan/Afghanistan) as well as providing their historical context. It was quite an amazing display.
   1. King Gondophares: two copper tetradrachms. On the reverse is a figure of Nike, the Greek goddess of war, and writing in a language related to Sanskrit.
   2. Other Scythian coins — imitation Hermaios.
   3. Gondophares overstrike of an above imitation coin.
   4. King Kujula overstrike of a Gondophares coin.
   5. Imitations of coins struck by King Abdagases.
   6. And coins of Kings Sases, Sarpedones, Orthagnes, Pakores and Sanabares.
10. Marc Stackler showed a photo, from Facebook, of a cast counterfeit 2008 10 Pesos (Mexico) coin. (10 Pesos is about 80 cents.)

Minutes of the 2013 Chicago ANA Convention Committee

February 20, 2013

The seventh meeting of the 2013 Chicago ANA Convention Committee was called to order by Host Chairman Mark Wieclaw on Wednesday February 20, 2013 at 6:00 PM in the offices of Harlan J. Berk, 77 W. Washington, Suite 1320, Downtown Chicago.

The following members were present: Paul Hybert, Steve Zitowsky, William Burd, Marc Ricard, Richard Lipman, Harlan Berk, Elliott Krieter, Eugene Freeman, Phil Carrigan, Jeffrey Rosinia, and Carl Wolf. Harlan was given a warm round of applause for providing dinner from Reza’s Restaurant and parking vouchers.

1. Committee Reports:
   • Carl Wolf, Volunteer Committee Chairman
     • 2011 results of 85 volunteers recruited, but only 70 showed
     • 2013 50 reliable volunteers already recruited.
     • Have 13-15 more reliable volunteers who have yet to sign up
     • Confident committee will have 75+ reliable volunteers including 5-6 members who will serve as floor captains.
   • Eugene Freeman, Scout Committee Chairman
     • 300 Special Scout patch with segments for 2013-2015 was produced and Gene showed an example which was given to the Club to display in the Club’s case at upcoming coin shows & promote the event.
     • A list of required activities is drawn up to earn the badge.
     • Gene is visiting scout round tables promoting the event and clinic.
   • Mark Wieclaw reported in absence of Dale Lukanich, Money Talks Chairman
     • The following members ready to assist Dale during the talks: Quentin Burrows, Mike Gasvoda, Phil Carrigan, & Bob Feiler
     • Reported the application to deliver a program is still not on the web (It is on the ANA web site at this printing)
     • Group acknowledged that some of the more knowledgeable speakers are waiting to be invited.
   • Marc Ricard, Exhibit Chairman
     • Optimistic with exhibit area in the far corner
     • Uncertain if there will be a time for exhibitors to be available and answer questions.
     • Hoping there will be good signage.
     • The exhibit rules and applications are on the web.
   • Rich Lipman, Pages
     • ANA is gathering the names of pages with an open age range.
     • The page application is still not posted on the web.
2. Budget:
   • Mark announced the ANA has given the Club a $6000 budget.
   • ANA will make room reservations for Club Chairs at staff rates, deduct the amount from the $6000 and submit a check.
3. Promotion:
   • Mark announced that Mike Gasvoda would like to see bigger and better signage and is willing to donate funds.
   • Mark expressed a feeling that the convention is promoted to the same groups every year. He would like to see articles, letters, etc. that appeal to the general population that do not know of rare coins. Suggestions included:
     • Chicago & Suburban Newspapers
     • Radio Markets
4. Restaurant Guide:
   • Harlan Berk passed out an updated and current list of recommendations
   • Several members commented on corrections and additions
   • Discussion held on printing the guide in a 4¼” X 11” format
5. Special Exhibits
   • ANA Museum Curator is looking into Chicago numismatic material
   • Suggestions included:
     • Civil war tokens of Chicago
     • Abraham Lincoln medals
6. Miscellaneous:
   • Kick off dinner will be Tuesday, August 13, at “Beyond the Ivy,” 1010 W. Waveland Ave. Chicago Cubs versus Cincinnati Reds
   • ANA Staff Emily Silver and David Truesdell will represent the ANA at April 24-27 Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Schaumburg.
   • Not sure if the ANA wants photographs of the convention chairman
   • ANA Executive Director Jeff Shevlin will be unable to attend a convention committee meeting.
7. Next Meetings: 6 pm, offices of Harlan J. Berk, 77 W. Washington, Suite 1320, Downtown Chicago
   • Wednesday, March 20, 2013
   • Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Harlan was thanked again for his generosity and the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Carl Wolf, Secretary
Chicago Coin Club

Our 1131st Meeting

Important Dates

Unless stated otherwise, our regular monthly CCC Meeting is in downtown Chicago on the second Wednesday of the month; the starting time is 6:45PM.

Chatter Matter

All correspondence pertaining to Club matters should be addressed to the Secretary and mailed to:

CHICAGO COIN CLUB
P.O. Box 2301
CHICAGO, IL 60690

http://www.ChicagoCoinClub.org/

Club Officers

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