Chris B 2024 Top 10

[ChrisB]

It’s come to the time of year where I reflect on the year’s purchases. Every year I say that I will cut back but it never fails that….I don’t. This year it is particularly difficult for me to choose my 10. The 2 pieces I paid the most for didn’t make this list. I think these are some interesting, some may say unusual items. I realized only one of these would be classified as a coin. The rest are tokens and medals. That makes sense to me, over the last several years that is where my taste has been running.

There is no one item that was a bucket list or big purchase, although, I think I have acquired a lot of nice stuff. After more than the normal deliberation, here is my 10.

 

 #1 ca. 1670 St. Patrick’s Farthing – I spent some time with the EAC guys this year and a couple on my list are their fault. If you get the chance to read Syd Martin’s book on Saint Patrick’s coinage, I highly recommend that you do so. It is fantastic and can cause you collect something new. This is a plate coin in the book.

 

(1652-74) St. Patrick Farthing, Martin 4c.4-Cb.2, not in Griffee, Breen-213, R7 PCGS graded F15. Type with "Sea Beasts Below King, Stars in Legend." Glossy medium brown with olive brown in protected areas. The splasher is bright golden tan and is offset to the right covering only a third of the crown. The surfaces are smooth but there are many tiny lumps from die rust. Late die state with a strong die crack from the feet of St. Patrick to the church. This piece has the eye appeal of a higher grade. Martin listed this piece and second finest of only 7 examples known to him. Weight 83.8 grains. The attribution and Martin Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS label. 915685.15/47375110 Ex John Agre & Dave Wnuck (Coin Rarities Online)-Jim LaSarre 12/2009-Sydney F. Martin Collection-Martin Estate, Stack's Bowers 11/13/2023:1387, EAC Auction 5/2024 (includes the Martin collection envelope and lot ticket)

 

#2 Middlesex-Spence 1795 D&H 737 Penny Token – the imagery on this one is pretty fantastic and the condition is incredible. One of my many addictions is Conder Tokens. This one is relatively scarce and sought after.

Superb detail shown with sailor, pressed man & shepherd.

The "Press Gang" was one of the most hated institutions in 18th Century Britain.

Obverse: A press gang dragging a man, BRITISH LIBERTY DISPLAYED, in ex 1795.

Reverse: A shepherd reclined under a tree viewing a pastoral scene with mountain & sheep, in ex. 1790.

Edge: Plain.

Thomas Spence was an activist born in Newcastle in 1750

Spence became a schoolmaster, and he gradually developed radical political views and in the 1770s began to argue that all land should be nationalized. Spence was strongly influenced by the writings of Tom Paine. In Newcastle he sold Paine's work on the street as well as pamphlets that he had written.

In December 1792 Spence moved to London and attempted to make a living my selling Tom Paine's Rights of Man on street corners. He was arrested but soon after he was released from prison, he opened a shop in Chancery Lane where he sold radical books and pamphlets.

In 1793 he started a periodical, Pigs' Meat. He said in the first edition: "Awake! Arise! Arm yourselves with truth, justice, reason. Lay siege to corruption. Claim as your inalienable right, universal suffrage and annual parliaments. And whenever you have the gratification to choose a representative, let him be from among the lower orders of men, and he will know how to sympathize with you."

#3 1830-48 Louis IX Medal MS67 – How often do you see 200 year old medals in MS67. Not very. Despite the rather plain design it really pops in hand. The sellers description is below and they were correct. It really does look like a proof.

 

"Troiseme" Third Emission Re-struck 1830-48 by Caque Edge: Hand + CUIVRE

An absurdly high-grade example of this issue. These rarely make MS65, let alone 67. Rich mahogany red to lilac patina on this bronzed copper monster, with icy blue hints dancing in the mirrors over each side. One can see that the dies were in terminal stage at the time of this 1830-48 Restrike from Puymaurin's early 1800s dies, as evidenced by several prominent breaks. The die fields were also heavily polished, and the medal is fully proof like, though no such designation was given on the holder.

There are several medals in this extensive series, which began in the 17th century and was re-issued multiple times. The engraver Puymaurin, more specifically Jean-Pierre-Casimir de Marcassus, Baron de Puymaurin, 1757-1841, was active in the late 18th century but became master of the Paris mint in 1816. His additions to the series likely took place around that time. Various restrikes were made, from his dies, into the 1870s. While the reverse is signed Puymaurin, "P.," the word "CUIRVE," for "copper," and a "hand" symbol used by the engraver Caque, were punched into the edge, confirming this is the post-1830 restrike. Caque was active from 1830 to 1848.

#4 France 1551 dated Henry II Medal – most likely a later restrike but I find it very appealing.

France Henri II. 1547-1559 Silver medal 1551 (by Étienne Delaune) from the victories in the battle for supremacy in Central Europe Forrer vol. 3 p. 336. Jones I.60a. Mazerolle II,95.

Composition: Silver
Diameter: 34.7mm
Weight: 18.2g

#5 1797 Middlesex-Summers D&H 906 ½ Penny Token – if you follow my posts at all you know I have a thing for the Wildman thalers from the German States. This ties in nicely. The obverse is called a Wildman. Most of these are found uncirculated but this one is really nice. I had been searching for a nice, affordable one for awhile and finally pulled the trigger on this one.

Obverse: Head of a wild man full facing
Reverse: Large RS cypher surrounded by three lines of legends, edge plain.

Diameter: 30mm
Weight: 15.91g

Grade: Insignificant spot on face of wild man, otherwise, in pristine condition with no wear. Mint State

#6 Superb Admiral Vernon Portobello Medal – this year I purchased more than a few Vernon medals. This one is by far the nicest. The seller claims the obverse has been lightly cleaned but I don’t see it. This is another one I blame on EAC and like the Saint Patrick farthing above, the book on Vernon medals is outstanding.

Sharp but the obverse (Admiral Vernon side) was lightly cleaned. The obverse is golden tan; the reverse is frosty light brown with brassy tan in protected areas. Superior to the Newman example that was badly stained. Diameter 49.9mm, weight 267.0 grains. Ex Dix Noonan Webb Auctions 6/19/2002:723, EAC Auction 5/2024

#7 ca. 1650 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel Thaler – I didn’t purchase many German thalers this year, but this one is my favorite. These tend to have strike issues, and this one is no exception but I like it.

August der Jüngere (the Younger). 1635-1666. AR Taler (42mm, 5h). Zellerfeld mint; mm: crossed keys. Struck circa 1650.

Obverse: Draped figure facing slightly left, wearing skullcap

Reverse: Figure standing left on shore, looking out on two ships under sail right. Welter 804B; Davenport 6362A; KM 447.1

The dating of this "Reisetaler" is debated in literature. Fiala attributes this coin to the year 1650, cautiously referring to Rethmeier, according to which the Reisetaler were produced at this time by order of the duke. Kroha suspects that the duke’s journeys to Italy, Malta, England, etc., were the reason for the production of this type of thaler. The death of August in 1666 has also been cited as another conceivable cause for the coinage. Then the scene depicted on the Reisetalern would be symbolic of the duke making his last journey to the "other bank". Fink, on the other hand, contends that the representation could also be connected with the duke’s election ("Alles wacht"). Thus, the motto, together with the depiction of the departing ship and traveler in the foreground, is found in a collection of engravings compiled by Duke Auguste's physician Martin Gosky in 1650. Accordingly, the portrayal of the thoughtful ship-traveler as a "virtue of prudent balancing" (H. Fink) would be interpreted as "everything wisely." To this extent, the dating of 1650 already proposed by Fiala appears to be the most probable.)"

#8 1751 Austria Royal Visit to Mining Towns Medal – this is one of those purchases where I had never seen one before and new I would have to make it mine. It is a lot nicer than the dark photo shows.

 

Maria Theresa silver "Royal Visit to Mining Towns" Medal 1751-Dated MS61 NGC, Montenuovo-1828. 22mm. By Donner. Issued to commemorate the royal visit to the Hungarian mines. FRANC IMP AUG M THERES HUNG REX Facing, crowned busts of Maria Theresa and Franz I // FORTUNAE REDUCI Hermes and Fortuna; ADV AUG INFOD H / MDCCII in exergue.

Metal: Silver

#9 1906 Holland Society of New York – this group still exists today. My last 2 pieces are both issue by them. Purchased at Chicago ANA from one of my favorite dealers. They are both pleasing in hand.

 

This medal's obverse bears North American native with shield at left holding shield labeled with DE / VER/EENIG/DE STAATEN / VAN / NOORD / AMERI/CA in one hand while shaking hand of Dutch citizen in the middle; Britannia holding an olive branch in on and shield labeled with GROOT / BRIT/ANIEN in the other to right. Angel holding Dutchman's hat above. Around, PRESENTED BY THE HOLLAND SOCIETY OF NEW YORK JANUARY 18TH 1906; signed B.B.&B.CO. PHILADELPHIA

The reverse bears seal of Friesland held in arm extending from cloud. Around, MEDAL STRUCK TO COMMEMORATE THE RECOGNITION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE BY THE PROVINCE OF FRIESLAND 1782; in center, AAN DE STAATEN VAN FRIESLAND / TER DANKBAARENAGEDACHTENISSE / VAN DE LANDSDAGEN IN FEBR. EN APR. / MDCCLXXXII / TOEGEWYD / DOOR DE BURGER SOCIETEIT / DOOR VRYHEID EN YVER / TE LEEUWARDEN. VESTIGING OF MANHATTAS 1613

The obverse is a reproduction of a medal issued in Friesland in 1782 to commemorate the support of the Dutch province to American independence from Great Britain.

This circular medal measures 45mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Bailey, Banks & Biddle Company of Philadelphia. No mintage is reported.

#10 1904 Holland Society of New York

"1904" Holland Receives John Adams as Envoy Medal. Holland Society of New York Replica. After Betts-603. Bronze. Mint State.

1904 Bronze Medal 44mm (55.2 grams)

MEDAL STRUCK B Y THE UNITED PROVINCES OF THE NETHERLANDS 1782 IN HONOR OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE LIBERA SOROR. SOLEMNI DECR AGN 19 APR MDCCLXXXII, Helmeted mythology figures on either side of altar with caduceus and cornucopias, radiant sun above.

PRESENTED BY THE HOLLAND SOCIETY OF NE YORK JANUARY 1904 TYRANNIS VIRTUTUE REPULSA B.B.&B.Co PHILADELPHIA SUB GALLIEAE AUSPICIIS, Horse galloping over grassy plain left towards large rock formation.

44.5 mm. Struck by Bailey, Banks and Biddle.

 

I hope you have enjoyed my top 10. It was fun putting together the list again this year. Please, let me know which are your favorites. My poll will allow up to 3 choices. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 2, 2024 by ChrisB

[ChrisB]

Below is a late addition that I want to mention but they wouldn't make the list. I have wanted a piece of Playing Card Currency since I first read about it. This past week Heritage had a few pieces that sold reasonably enough that I was able to add 3 pieces to my collection.

 

 

France Playing Card Currency, 1877 House of Diamonds About Uncirculated.

 

 

 

Germany / Prussia Gold Frederick D'or 1764 Ten of Diamonds Craig # 53 About Uncirculated.

 

Norway Playing Card Currency 16 Skilling 1716 About Uncirculated.

[filolif]

Fantastic pieces with incredible imagery. Hard to pick my favorite!

[Rosa Potatos]

Lovely tokens! The Holland New York one looks more like a Unicorn crashed into a rock and broke it's horn... now its a horse

[CPK]

Beautiful coins/medals, all around!

[DonnaML]

Fantastic! My three favorites were nos. 2, 4, and 6. And 5 was the runner-up.

[savitale]

Wonderful to see things I wouldn't otherwise know about. My favorite is #3. Is there a listing somewhere of all the medals in this Kings of France series?

[Qcumbor]

Even though I'm not into these, it's a nice and interesting group. My favourite is # 1 : that St Patrick cracks me up !

Congrats

Q

[ChrisB]

Thank you to everyone that has commented and/or voted. My top 6 all got love from you guys. The other 4, not so much. But that is ok, it's one of things I love about this hobby. Everyone collects what they like. 

[David Atherton]

#8 is my favourite, such an interesting event to commemorate!

[panzerman]

Beautifull coins/ medallic issues. Hard to choose. But in order/ my picks.....thanks for sharing.

#5

#7

#4

[Roman Collector]

Those are some stunning coins/tokens! This is a collecting area I'm not familiar with and I found their designs fascinating. The Middlesex wild man facing portrait is dope! 

[robinjojo]

That's a wonderful group, Chris.  My picks are the 1650 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel thaler, and the Maria Theresa mining town visit medal.  Also, that 1797 Middlesex-Summers D&H 906 ½ penny token has a lot of character!

[Rand]

ca. 1650 Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel Thaler is my favourite. The reverse design is very artistic, whatever the occasion could have been.

Congratulations on all of them!

[ChrisB]

I never would have guessed that you guys favorite 2 (at least by the votes) pieces would be Conder Tokens. Here is one that just missed the list. One of the popular Globe penny's. 

 

SKIDMORE’S GLOBE SERIES

O: SHERBORNE. CASTLE. OXFORDSHIRE
R: A globe between a rose and thistle. BRITISH. PENNY. 1797.
E: I PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE BEARER ONE PENNY.