Chris B2023 Top 10

[ChrisB]

Now that some of you are posting your annual top 10 lists it inspired me to work on mine. I have been doing better at concentrating on quality over quantity. Picking 10 was easier this year than in past years but choosing my number 1 was close to impossible. This is a diverse list that hopefully has something for everyone.

As in past years my list includes world coins, medals and tokens. There is a medal on this list that I have been searching for for years, but it wasn’t my number 1. Each of my top 5 could have easily ended up at number 1. It’s likely that waiting a day would have changed the order.

I hope you enjoy. Please comment, I like to know what everyone likes.

 

#1 1655 Jefimok Rouble

This type has been on my radar for a while, but they tend to be pricey and I just hadn’t seen one that moved me enough to make a purchase. I have a thing for Wildman coins so I could justify the cost for this one. It’s not an attractive coin but the history is very compelling, in my opinion. If you want to read more about this piece, see:

https://www.numisforums.com/topic/3690-jefimok-ruble%E2%80%99s-and-the-monetary-reform-of-alexios-i/#comment-43747

 

1655. Aleksey "Jefimok" Ruble
C/M on Dav-6285 Wildman Thaler

Composition: Silver

Obverse: Helmeted 11-fold arms with central shield of Halberstadt arms
Reverse: Wildman, tree trunk in right hand, date in legend

#2 3” Hudson-Fulton Medal

I have been searching for one of these for a long time. The medals and ephemera related to the Hudson-Fulton Celebration are one of my favorite things to collect. The 3” version of this medal is one of only 100 made. These were made exclusively for ANS members. I need to contact the ANS to see if they can tell me who #46 was issued to.

 

Diameter: 3”
Weight: 7.6oz

#3 1790 Eichstadt Double Thaler

This is the 3^rd consecutive piece that fits my core collections. Like #1 above this one was priced outside of my normal budget. All things considered,  the price was reasonable for what it is. If you want to read more about these see:

 

Obverse: Saints above vacant throne
Obverse Legend: CAPITULUM EYSTETTENSE - REGNANS SEDE VACANTE, below: 17.V EINE FEINE MARK.
Engraver: Johann Peter Werner

Reverse: Tree with 15 shields in branches, one shield below trunk, abbey and lands in background
Reverse Legend: EX UNO OMNIS NOSTRA SALUS, below: WILIBALDS-BURG. in band
Engraver: Johann Peter Werner

Subject: Sede Vacante Issue
Note: Convention 2 Thaler. Dav. #2212.

Composition: Silver
Weight: 56.03g
Diameter: 52.5mm

Mint: W Nuremberg, Germany

 

#4 Egmond & Horn Jeton

I didn’t even know these existed until I saw this one in a recent auction. For whatever reason, I am drawn to coins with “dark” imagery. Doesn’t get much darker than this.

 

"Egmond & Horne" bronze Jeton 1579 Van Loon-I-275.2
Commemorative issue: Dordrecht promotional jeton to continue the Dutch Revolt

Obverse: Soldiers, battling each other
Lettering: PA T RIA P RAESTAT PUGNARE PRO
Unabridged legend: PRÆSTAT PVGNARE PRO PATRIA 1579
Translation: It is better to fight for the fatherland

Reverse: The two headless bodies of Counts Egmont and Horn with their heads impaled on two posts beside them.
Lettering: DECIPI 1579 QVAM SIMVLATA PACE
Unabridged legend: QVAM SIMVLATA PACE DECIPI
Translation: than to be deceived by a feigned peace

Edge: Rough

Composition: Bronze
Weight: 6.63 g
Diameter: 30 mm
Mint: Dordrecht, Netherlands (1190-1806)

Lamoral, Count of Egmont (1522-1568), and Philip de Montmorency, Count of Horn (c. 1518/1526 -1568), were two of the most important noblemen of the Netherlands in the third quarter of the sixteenth century: both were supporters of the Spanish crown. Both protested the imposition of the Inquisition by Cardinal Granvelle, but still remained loyal to Philip II. This opposition enraged the king and he sent in the Duke of Alba to pacify the country. Despite protests from all over Europe, Alba arrested Egmont and Horn, convicted them in a kangaroo court, and had them both executed the next day, 5 June 1568. That action, and Alba's other cruelties, made the Dutch Revolt inevitable; they have been lauded as heros in both Belgian and the Netherlands ever since. This jeton was struck as a reminder to those engaged in peace negotiations in 1579, of what happened to earlier leaders who had wished for peace.

#5 West Friesland 6 Stuivers

I have a growing appreciation for the coinage of the Netherlands. This one is nice for the type and didn’t break the bank.

 

Obverse: Crowned coat of arms of West Friesland.
Lettering: MO·NO:ORDIN·WEST·FRISIAE 1678 6 S
Unabridged legend: Moneta Nova Ordinum West Frisiae 6 Stuivers
Translation: New coin of the State of West Frisia

Reverse: Three-masted sailboat with unfolded sails.
Lettering: DEVS·FORTITVDO·ET·SPES·NOSTRA
Translation: God is our strength and hope

Edge: Plain

Mint: Enkhuizen, Netherlands (1604-1802)

Comments: This was the first Scheepjesschelling ever made. Like the later ones made for use in the colonies, as Holland would not accept any Schelling as legal tender (and had it outlawed in the rest of the republic in 1693).

Composition: Silver (.875)
Weight: 3.3 g
Diameter: 24 mm

#6 Brazil 6400 Reis

The only gold coin on the list. The eye appeal on this one is just incredible.

 

Maria I gold 6400 Reis (Peça), Rio de Janeiro mint, KM226.1, LMB-530.
From the Mac and Rob Woodside Collection

Obverse: Bust right with bejeweled headdress
Obverse Legend: MARIA • I • D • G • PORT • ET • ALG • REGINA •

Reverse: Crowned ornate arms

Composition: Gold
Fineness: 0.9170
Weight: 14.3436g

#7 Naples & Sicily 120 Grani

I added a number of Italian States pieces this year. It seems like there was a lot on the market and I purchased some types that I thought were interesting. This one was my favorite of those. It may not be in the best condition but there is something to be said for a coin that was used for the purpose it was made for.

 

Italian States. Naples (Kingdom) Charles III of Spain (1734-1759) 120 Grana 1734. AG.900; 42.0mm; 24.66g. A: CAR D:G:REX NEA· HISP:INFANS. &c:, Crowned shield. R: DE SOCIO PRINCEPS ·, Volcano god reclining at left, holding upright shovel, Mt. Vesuvius in right background, De:1734·G: in exergue. KM147.

Obverse: Large crown over shield of 6-fold arms, with central shield, value 'G:120' in oval below.
Lettering: HISP : INFANS&c. CAR : D : G : REX·NEA· F: B: ·A· G:120

Reverse: Volcano god reclining at left, holding upright shovel, Mt. Vesuvius in right background, date in exergue.
Lettering: DE SOCIO PRINCEPS · G:1735·H:

Edge: PROVIDENTIA OPTIMI PRINCIPIS

Composition: Silver (.961)
Weight: 24.66 g
Diameter: 42 mm

#8 Tarragona 5 Pesetas

I am really drawn to these crude Spanish States coins. This is at least my 4^th different variety.

 

Tarragona. Ferdinand VII 5 Pesetas 1809, KM8. "FER VII." CURVED BASE of crown above shield variety.

Obverse: Value, ruler with raised point and date with small 0 and raised point
Lettering: 5.Ps FER· VII· 1809.
Translation: 5 pesetas Ferdinand VII

Reverse: Curved crown above shield

Composition: Silver (.903)
Weight: 27 g
Diameter: 39 mm

#9 Martin Koszta Medal
A medal of historical importance and an impressive piece in hand. The creators are as important as the medal is. Feel free to read more here: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/duncan-nathaniel-ingraham-–-rescue-of-martin-koszta.405760/

 

(1855) Commander Duncan Ingraham, Rescue of Martin Koszta. Julian-NA-26. Bronze, 105 mm.

#10 Washington Birth & Death Medal

A piece of Washingtonia for the collection this year. It looks nicer than the photo.

(1861-1862) George Washington, Birth & Death. Baker-155A, Julian PR-26b, Musante GW-444/445.
18 mm
plain edge.
P on truncation. Small BORN, DIED. Musante 445 obverse. Musante 444 reverse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CPK]

A lovely selection of coins and medals! I think my favorites are #10 - Washington medal (first I ever saw one of these!); #5 - 6 Stuivers (Love the ship scene and the history of this time); and #6 - Brazil 6400 Reis (a stunner!)

Congrats on a great year of collecting! 

[DonnaML]

A wonderful group. I had trouble deciding but ended up picking #s 3, 4, and 5. My favorite might be # 4, as dark as it is. Not just for the two headless guys, but for the man on the obverse sword-fighting in what looks like civilian clothing. Including that hat!

[kirispupis]

Very interesting coins. I picked the Jefimok Ruble due to the history and the trippy design.

[Al Kowsky]

2 hours ago, ChrisB said:

Now that some of you are posting your annual top 10 lists it inspired me to work on mine. I have been doing better at concentrating on quality over quantity. Picking 10 was easier this year than in past years but choosing my number 1 was close to impossible. This is a diverse list that hopefully has something for everyone.

As in past years my list includes world coins, medals and tokens. There is a medal on this list that I have been searching for for years, but it wasn’t my number 1. Each of my top 5 could have easily ended up at number 1. It’s likely that waiting a day would have changed the order.

I hope you enjoy. Please comment, I like to know what everyone likes.

 

#1 1655 Jefimok Rouble

This type has been on my radar for a while, but they tend to be pricey and I just hadn’t seen one that moved me enough to make a purchase. I have a thing for Wildman coins so I could justify the cost for this one. It’s not an attractive coin but the history is very compelling, in my opinion. If you want to read more about this piece, see:

https://www.numisforums.com/topic/3690-jefimok-ruble%E2%80%99s-and-the-monetary-reform-of-alexios-i/#comment-43747

 

1655. Aleksey "Jefimok" Ruble
C/M on Dav-6285 Wildman Thaler

Composition: Silver

Obverse: Helmeted 11-fold arms with central shield of Halberstadt arms
Reverse: Wildman, tree trunk in right hand, date in legend

#2 3” Hudson-Fulton Medal

I have been searching for one of these for a long time. The medals and ephemera related to the Hudson-Fulton Celebration are one of my favorite things to collect. The 3” version of this medal is one of only 100 made. These were made exclusively for ANS members. I need to contact the ANS to see if they can tell me who #46 was issued to.

 

Diameter: 3”
Weight: 7.6oz

#3 1790 Eichstadt Double Thaler

This is the 3^rd consecutive piece that fits my core collections. Like #1 above this one was priced outside of my normal budget. All things considered,  the price was reasonable for what it is. If you want to read more about these see:

 

Obverse: Saints above vacant throne
Obverse Legend: CAPITULUM EYSTETTENSE - REGNANS SEDE VACANTE, below: 17.V EINE FEINE MARK.
Engraver: Johann Peter Werner

Reverse: Tree with 15 shields in branches, one shield below trunk, abbey and lands in background
Reverse Legend: EX UNO OMNIS NOSTRA SALUS, below: WILIBALDS-BURG. in band
Engraver: Johann Peter Werner

Subject: Sede Vacante Issue
Note: Convention 2 Thaler. Dav. #2212.

Composition: Silver
Weight: 56.03g
Diameter: 52.5mm

Mint: W Nuremberg, Germany

 

#4 Egmond & Horn Jeton

I didn’t even know these existed until I saw this one in a recent auction. For whatever reason, I am drawn to coins with “dark” imagery. Doesn’t get much darker than this.

 

"Egmond & Horne" bronze Jeton 1579 Van Loon-I-275.2
Commemorative issue: Dordrecht promotional jeton to continue the Dutch Revolt

Obverse: Soldiers, battling each other
Lettering: PA T RIA P RAESTAT PUGNARE PRO
Unabridged legend: PRÆSTAT PVGNARE PRO PATRIA 1579
Translation: It is better to fight for the fatherland

Reverse: The two headless bodies of Counts Egmont and Horn with their heads impaled on two posts beside them.
Lettering: DECIPI 1579 QVAM SIMVLATA PACE
Unabridged legend: QVAM SIMVLATA PACE DECIPI
Translation: than to be deceived by a feigned peace

Edge: Rough

Composition: Bronze
Weight: 6.63 g
Diameter: 30 mm
Mint: Dordrecht, Netherlands (1190-1806)

Lamoral, Count of Egmont (1522-1568), and Philip de Montmorency, Count of Horn (c. 1518/1526 -1568), were two of the most important noblemen of the Netherlands in the third quarter of the sixteenth century: both were supporters of the Spanish crown. Both protested the imposition of the Inquisition by Cardinal Granvelle, but still remained loyal to Philip II. This opposition enraged the king and he sent in the Duke of Alba to pacify the country. Despite protests from all over Europe, Alba arrested Egmont and Horn, convicted them in a kangaroo court, and had them both executed the next day, 5 June 1568. That action, and Alba's other cruelties, made the Dutch Revolt inevitable; they have been lauded as heros in both Belgian and the Netherlands ever since. This jeton was struck as a reminder to those engaged in peace negotiations in 1579, of what happened to earlier leaders who had wished for peace.

#5 West Friesland 6 Stuivers

I have a growing appreciation for the coinage of the Netherlands. This one is nice for the type and didn’t break the bank.

 

Obverse: Crowned coat of arms of West Friesland.
Lettering: MO·NO:ORDIN·WEST·FRISIAE 1678 6 S
Unabridged legend: Moneta Nova Ordinum West Frisiae 6 Stuivers
Translation: New coin of the State of West Frisia

Reverse: Three-masted sailboat with unfolded sails.
Lettering: DEVS·FORTITVDO·ET·SPES·NOSTRA
Translation: God is our strength and hope

Edge: Plain

Mint: Enkhuizen, Netherlands (1604-1802)

Comments: This was the first Scheepjesschelling ever made. Like the later ones made for use in the colonies, as Holland would not accept any Schelling as legal tender (and had it outlawed in the rest of the republic in 1693).

Composition: Silver (.875)
Weight: 3.3 g
Diameter: 24 mm

#6 Brazil 6400 Reis

The only gold coin on the list. The eye appeal on this one is just incredible.

 

Maria I gold 6400 Reis (Peça), Rio de Janeiro mint, KM226.1, LMB-530.
From the Mac and Rob Woodside Collection

Obverse: Bust right with bejeweled headdress
Obverse Legend: MARIA • I • D • G • PORT • ET • ALG • REGINA •

Reverse: Crowned ornate arms

Composition: Gold
Fineness: 0.9170
Weight: 14.3436g

#7 Naples & Sicily 120 Grani

I added a number of Italian States pieces this year. It seems like there was a lot on the market and I purchased some types that I thought were interesting. This one was my favorite of those. It may not be in the best condition but there is something to be said for a coin that was used for the purpose it was made for.

 

Italian States. Naples (Kingdom) Charles III of Spain (1734-1759) 120 Grana 1734. AG.900; 42.0mm; 24.66g. A: CAR D:G:REX NEA· HISP:INFANS. &c:, Crowned shield. R: DE SOCIO PRINCEPS ·, Volcano god reclining at left, holding upright shovel, Mt. Vesuvius in right background, De:1734·G: in exergue. KM147.

Obverse: Large crown over shield of 6-fold arms, with central shield, value 'G:120' in oval below.
Lettering: HISP : INFANS&c. CAR : D : G : REX·NEA· F: B: ·A· G:120

Reverse: Volcano god reclining at left, holding upright shovel, Mt. Vesuvius in right background, date in exergue.
Lettering: DE SOCIO PRINCEPS · G:1735·H:

Edge: PROVIDENTIA OPTIMI PRINCIPIS

Composition: Silver (.961)
Weight: 24.66 g
Diameter: 42 mm

#8 Tarragona 5 Pesetas

I am really drawn to these crude Spanish States coins. This is at least my 4^th different variety.

 

Tarragona. Ferdinand VII 5 Pesetas 1809, KM8. "FER VII." CURVED BASE of crown above shield variety.

Obverse: Value, ruler with raised point and date with small 0 and raised point
Lettering: 5.Ps FER· VII· 1809.
Translation: 5 pesetas Ferdinand VII

Reverse: Curved crown above shield

Composition: Silver (.903)
Weight: 27 g
Diameter: 39 mm

#9 Martin Koszta Medal
A medal of historical importance and an impressive piece in hand. The creators are as important as the medal is. Feel free to read more here: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/duncan-nathaniel-ingraham-–-rescue-of-martin-koszta.405760/

 

(1855) Commander Duncan Ingraham, Rescue of Martin Koszta. Julian-NA-26. Bronze, 105 mm.

#10 Washington Birth & Death Medal

A piece of Washingtonia for the collection this year. It looks nicer than the photo.

(1861-1862) George Washington, Birth & Death. Baker-155A, Julian PR-26b, Musante GW-444/445.
18 mm
plain edge.
P on truncation. Small BORN, DIED. Musante 445 obverse. Musante 444 reverse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fascinating group of coins, medals & tokens 🤩! I voted for 3, 4, & 6 😍.

[happy_collector]

Great selection of coins and medals, @ChrisB. My favorites are #3, 4 and 6. #3 and #4 are full of interesting design elements on both sides. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

[Curtisimo]

I readily admit this is out of my knowledge base but I like them all. My favorites are your #1, 3 and 7.

Congrats on a great year.

[robinjojo]

Great coins for 2023, Chris! 

I'm a sucker for a wildman taler, so with the Russian countermark, that Jefimok rouble is really special.  The Tarragona 5 pesetas is also a beautiful example.  Congrats!

[ChrisB]

10 hours ago, robinjojo said:

Great coins for 2023, Chris! 

I'm a sucker for a wildman taler, so with the Russian countermark, that Jefimok rouble is really special.  The Tarragona 5 pesetas is also a beautiful example.  Congrats!

I probably would have never gotten around to buying one if it hadn't been on the wildman. Those are 2 of the more obscure pieces on my list. You are probably one of the few people that recognizes them.

Edited December 12, 2023 by ChrisB

[panzerman]

ChrisB = "King of Wildmen coinage"

You have a very diverse top 10!

My picks Eichstadt AR Doppel Thaler/ West Freisland AR 6 Stuivers/  Tarragona AR 5 Pesetas...

John

[rNumis]

Jefimok gets my vote. Always liked them 👍 

[John Conduitt]

Really great coins and a nice change from most of our lists.

I’m also looking for a Jefimok. But the host coins vary such a lot it’s difficult to nail what I want. I’m also not confident I can definitely spot a fake - either the coin or countermark. Although to be fair, this is a familiar problem with high-end Russian coins.

Edited December 13, 2023 by John Conduitt

[ChrisB]

2 hours ago, John Conduitt said:

Really great coins and a nice change from most of our lists.

I’m also looking for a Jefimok. But the host coins vary such a lot it’s difficult to nail what I want. I’m also not confident I can definitely spot a fake - either the coin or countermark. Although to be fair, this is a familiar problem with high-end Russian coins.

I purchased this one from a reputable dealer but sent it to NGC for piece of mind. 

[Qcumbor]

Nothing here i'm familiar with, and it's exactly why those yearly selections are great as they open your mind to other fields. I like #3, #5 and #8 the most. The Brazil 6400 reis is great too (the coin, I mean 😉 )

Q

[lordmarcovan]

Does it mean I’m shallow that the Brazilian gold piece is what enchanted me the most? 

Like the Washington medal, too.

And the rest is great, of course.

[savitale]

Very interesting selection of coins and medals. I don't know anything about any of these so I was fun to read. I think I like #3 1790 Eichstadt Double Thaler best but it is hard to choose.

[ChrisB]

On 12/25/2023 at 1:37 PM, lordmarcovan said:

Does it mean I’m shallow that the Brazilian gold piece is what enchanted me the most? 

Like the Washington medal, too.

And the rest is great, of course.

Not at all. It's a beautiful coin.