Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Italy - 5 Lire 1911 50th Anniversary of the Kingdom

Moneta — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:27:24 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: ITALY. Vittorio Emanuele III. (Emperor, 1900-1946). 1911-R AR 5 Lire. PCGS AU58, better than photo. 50th Anniversary of the Kingdom. Rome. Head left / Two classical figures standing. Italy - 5 Lire 1911 50 Years of Unification. In the field there are two figures: the female represents Italy and the male, seated on an altar, Rome. Behind the figures there is a giant steam warship adorned with festoons and with the Scudo Sabaudo on the bow. At the left of the figures is a plow covered with flowers with 1861-1911. Edge lettering: *FERT*∞*FERT*∞*FERT*∞. Medal alignment ^^. Engraver: Domenico Trentacoste. KM 53; Dav.-143; Gigante 71; MIR 1135a; Mont.-110; Pagani 707. This addition completes the 50th Anniversary of the Kingdom four coin commemorative set, all in AU - Unc. FERT was the motto of the house of Savoy, adopted by King Vittorio Amedeo II (1666-1732). It is thought to be an acronym, though what it stands for have been lost to time. Theories include: 1. Foedere Et Religione Tenemur (Latin, ‘treaty and religion bind us’) 2. Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin, ‘his bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state’) 3. Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin, ‘faith is the protector of [our] kingdom’) This seems to be the most likely meaning of the acronym FERT (ed). [Numista] Italy issued a series of beautiful coins to celebrate the 50th Year of the Kingdom (unified; 1861 - 1911). The silver 2 Lire is affordable, with a nice example here in the Moneta Museum, while the 5 Lire is very expensive in high grades, as is the gold 50 Lire, I had to settle for this exceptional AU 58. Only 60,000 of these were struck. See the 10 Centesimi here in the Museum, which is the only other coin in the 1911 Anniversary series. Obverse shows the portrait of the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III. Reverse, are two standing figures: the female represents Italy and the male Rome. Behind the figures there is a giant steel WWI war ship. It's interesting to note that the 10 Centesimi and 2 Lire coins feature the wooden ship but the reverse design is changed for the 5 Lire and this 50 Lire piece with the war ship now changed to a steel war ship that is garlanded. Design by Italian designer D. Trentacoste and Luigi Giorgi INC. The ANA's "Numismatist" for Oct 2020 (p.39) has a nice little feature on the coins of Vittorio Emanuele III at this: http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/frame.php?i=673359&p=&pn=&ver=html5

Hungary - 100 Korona 1908

Moneta — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:48:18 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Emperor Franz Joseph I; (18 Aug 1830 – 21 Nov.1916) he was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and the ruler of the other states of the Habsburg monarchy from 2 December 1848 until his death in 1916. In the early part of his reign, his realms and territories were referred to as the Austrian Empire, but were reconstituted as the dual monarchy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867. From 1 May 1850 to 24 Aug 1866, he was also president of the German Confederation. I'm not sure yet how you tell the difference between the originals and the 1974 restrikes. Numista shows the K.B. mintmark implying that's the original but doesn't show any of the past sales without the KB. The original 1908 has a mintage figure of 4,038 while the unmarked restrikes have a mintage of 475.859 K! That's a big difference but for past sales I'm not seeing that scarcity difference showing up in sales prices. Further research req. to determine how to tell the difference between the two strikes.

Anglesey Pary's Mines 1790 Boulton Dumarest Pattern

Moneta — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:51:15 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Amlwch, Parys Mines Company; D&H 380, Boulton’s pattern halfpenny by Dumarest struck in copper, 13.07g. A highly collectible bronzed issue, with just a few struck. About uncirculated. An important issue with the title of being the first regular sized token, in collar, manufactured by steam press at Boulton’s Soho Mint. The edge is: PAYABLE IN ANGLESEY OR LONDON (with remainder engrailed). More to come on this important issue. Purchased from The Last Druid Auction (1/24) Lot #20 at ~$470.00

French Rev. - 5 Sols Silver, Monneron & Boulton 1792

Moneta — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:51:16 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: More to come on the detailed description. Reynaud 2d type w/o last "T" of DEPARTMEN(T)S on the edge, petit coin strike that's a hair short 28 g. This is a silver plating made during manufacture in Birmingham U.K. (Monneron) rather than the phony types silvered later. It's clear to me that the official silver plated ones are far scarcer than the official gold plated rarities.

John Wilkinson Penny 1787 - The First

Moneta — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:52:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Warwickshire (Warks), Willey 1787. John Wilkinson, The "Iron Master" copper, 14.06g. This important issue is believed to be the first of the Wilkinson issues. The reverse features a man working at a drop hammer. The edge lettering is "WILLEY SNEDSHILL BERSHAM BRADLEY." The big distinction variety here is the window on the back wall, no other Wilkinson issue features this window. It’s assumed that these were actually made with the intent of being penny denominations but merchants, given the size of the tokens, refused to accept them. Notice there is no denomination on Wilkinson tokens, unlike the Anglesey pennies and halfpennies issued in the same year. Also, this appears to be the only Iron Master token that doesn't have rim denticles. This example has some scattered handling, Scarce. The following from Jon Lusk's book "British and Irish Tradesmen and Their Copper Tokens 1787 - 1805": John Wilkinson (1728-1808) was truly an iron master. He was also heavily involved financially, in the copper industry. (Adding copper to cast iron increases its strength and corrosion resistive properties.) He held shares in Cornish copper mines such as United Mines, North Downs, Consolidated Mines, Poldice, Scorrier, Wheal Bussy, Tresaven, and Chasewater. He held patents for a number of processes, one being the boring of iron cannons. In 1787 he launched the first iron barge, mocked by the locals until it actually floated. (ed. as the ancient prognostication states "Iron in the water shall float As easy as a wooden boat.") See the other reverse types that depict an sailing river barge or a figure of Vulcan hammering at an anvil. Die sinker and manufacturer is John Hancock.

Belgium - Ghent 1915 2 Franken, thick '2' both sides copper

Moneta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:27:05 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Emergency money for Belgium and the Flemish Ghent (Gent) region during WWI German occupation (1915 - 1918). Designed by the famous sculptor Georges Verbanck. These were somehow used/issued by the Germans to encourage the Flemish separatist movement from Belgium. Beautiful execution of an iron planchet that should be plated with brass and copper, but here there's an error and both sides are copper. Additionally, this appears to be an undocumented variety that has a THICK '2', similar to the variety of a thick '50' in the Centimes series. Compare this example to a regular issue 2 Franken here in the Museum. Other denominations exist in this series (1 Frank, 50 Centimes), some are round. There seems to be a wide variation of prices asked for these in the European market. I've seen asking prices of over $500 (high grade). Generally, I'd say paying more than about $100 would be a mistake. Half that amount is about right and the various denominations, shapes, etc. seem to be equally available. An iron coin with bras plating on the obverse and copper on the reverse to help prevent counterfeiting. In the series the 2 Franken is the most common and doesn't seem to have any varieties available. Year and value within circle and diamond. Lettering along edges, in Dutch above, in French below. Lettering: UITBETAALBAAR OP 1 JANUARIJ 1918 1915 2 FR REMBOURSABLE LE 1 JANVIER 1918 Translation: Refundable on January 1, 1918 1915 2 Francs Refundable on January 1, 1918 VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a link to the article I wrote for the "NI Bulletin" [Sep/Oct 2023], the bimonthly publication of Numismatics International. It explores the conditions of the WWI minting of these unusual emergency coins of Ghent, Belgium - click this: www.moneta-coins.com/library/Ghent%20Belgium%20Emergency%20Coins%201915.pdf

Belgium - Ghent WWI Emergency Money, 10 Centimes

Moneta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 18:31:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: City of Ghent (Province of East Flanders) under King Albert I (1909-1934), in exiled government in London. Woman in center, surrounded by flowers and the heraldic lion in front and bottom. Not physically in the Moneta Museum. Lettering: STAD GENT; Translation: City of Ghent. Reverse lettering: UIT BETAALBAAR 10c JANUARI 1920 [Translation:] Exchangeable 10c January 1920 In early 1918, the occupation government requisitioned all available metal. The municipal administration was then forced to order 10 and 25 cent cardboard coins. The artist who designed these monetary tokens is René Decramer. They were printed by the Vanderpoorten institutions. Reference cited is Laurens Aernout, 2017; "Catalgus van Belgische Numismaticsche Uitgiften: 1831 - 2017" VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a link to the article I wrote for the "NI Bulletin" [Sep/Oct 2023], the bimonthly publication of Numismatics International. It explores the conditions of the WWI minting of these unusual emergency coins of Ghent, Belgium - click this: www.moneta-coins.com/library/Ghent%20Belgium%20Emergency%20Coins%201915.pdf

Belgium - Ghent WWI Cardboard Emergency Money, 25 Centimes

Moneta — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 18:26:41 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: City of Ghent (Province of East Flanders) under King Albert I (1909-1934), in exiled government in London. Woman in center, surrounded by flowers and the heraldic lion in front and bottom. Not physically in the Moneta Museum. Lettering: STAD GENT; Translation: City of Ghent. Reverse lettering: UIT BETAALBAAR 25c JANUARI 1920 [Translation:] Exchangeable 25c January 1920 In early 1918, the occupation government requisitioned all available metal. The municipal administration was then forced to order 10 and 25 cent cardboard coins. The artist who designed these monetary tokens is René Decramer. They were printed by the Vanderpoorten institutions. Reference cited is Laurens Aernout, 2017; "Catalgus van Belgische Numismaticsche Uitgiften: 1831 - 2017" VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's a link to the article I wrote for the "NI Bulletin" [Sep/Oct 2023], the bimonthly publication of Numismatics International. It explores the conditions of the WWI minting of these unusual emergency coins of Ghent, Belgium - click this: www.moneta-coins.com/library/Ghent%20Belgium%20Emergency%20Coins%201915.pdf

France - 5 Decimes Regeneration Fountain LAn 2

Moneta — Mon, 22 May 2023 18:29:49 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: The Egyptian fountain statue (goddess Isis) emit the waters of restoration and a gentleman helps the poor citizen to drink of the essence of rejuvenation. More to follow, see below. OB: "REGENERATION FRANCAISE" around, in exergue "10 AOUT 1793." which translates as '10 August 1793' with the revolutionary symbol of a masons level below. Stacks Bowers sale of May '23. These are rare but occasionally obtainable. PCGS AU cleaned. Engraved by the premier designer Dupre, his name is engraved on the statue base and indicated with the Libetry Cap privy mark. Auction description: FRANCE. 5 Decimes, L'An 2-A (1793). Paris Mint. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, AU Details. Gad-390; Maz-261. Known as the "Regeneration" 2 Sols, indicating that just as the goddess Isis regenerates water from her body to give to a citizen to drink, so does the new Franc regenerate from the Revolution. Another site describes this as: Convention, 5 Decimes regeneration, Year L'AN 2, 1793 Paris. A/ REGENERATION – FRENCH. Nature in the guise of Isis causes the water of Regeneration to spring from her bosom. The President of the Assembly gives this water to drink to a citizen; signature Dupré and in the exergue: AUGUST 10, 1793 and square. R/ .(cap). FRENCH REPUBLIC. .(Workshop).. Crown, center: 5/ DECIMES/ YEAR 2. Maz.261 – G.390/1 – F.172A. Copper – 25.14 g – 35.3 mm – 6 h. Inscribed edge: ÉGALITÉ. LIBERTÉ. INDIVISIBILITÉ; [EQUALITY. FREEDOM. INDIVISIBILITY]. This coin of 5 Decimes (or 50 Centimes or 1/2 Franc) is recognized as official by Mazard. Indeed, there is a manufacturing decree and it has been regularly put into circulation. It is now classified as a FRANC (.5 fractional). Only 154,278 struck (this seems very high as they're not that common, not KM listed). And yet another description: Obverse description: an envoy of the primary assemblies, carrying a flag, receives a cup from the President of the Convention who holds a branch in his left hand in front of a fountain, surmounted by a statue of Isis, making water gush from her breasts of Regeneration; a leopard (also a Privy mark) on its left side and signed DUPRE on the base; below are inscribed the words 10 AOUT 1793; at the bottom is expressed the privy mark from the director (masons level) & (PHRYGIAN BONNET). Reverse legend: FRENCH REPUBLIC. / .AT.. Reverse description: in the center within a wreath formed of a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right in four lines: 5 / DÉCIMES / - / L'AN 2.. Liberty Cap symbol: Augustin Dupré, general engraver of currencies , Paris (1793-1794). Masons level symbol: Jean-Jacques-Joseph Anfrye, Manufacturing Director of the Mint , Paris (1793-1794). Following the implementation of the new units of measurement by the decree of May 26, 1791, the first decimal coin was minted under the Convention, it was the 5 DECIMES Year 2 of Dupré (commemorating August 10, 1793) whose production began on January 20, 1794. Under the Republican Conventional Calendar Year L'AN II of the Republic: is from September 22, 1793 to September 21, 1794. This calendar will be adopted by decree of October 5, 1793. September 22, 1792, the first day of the Republic and day of the autumnal equinox was established as the first of L'AN I. The names of the days and months were chosen by the poet Fabre d'Eglantine. Napoleon will restore the Gregorian calendar to January 1, 1806. The site InfoNumis [ http://www.infonumis.info/historique&description/Convention/index.htm ] describes this coin in great detail, including 7 varieties, most very rare. There the different mintage figures (954, 77k, 155k) written by various authors, is settled at the 77k figure, which still seems way too high for the numbers seen in the market.

Czechoslovakia - 1 Koruna 1929

Moneta — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:31:03 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a companion to the 1938 I also have posted here. That one has such an unusual color for the same CN (copper - nickel) piece that this one is. It also fits into my special series on National Folk Maidens and/or Ceres (Demeter) theme coins. 5 M struck for this year.

UK - Warwickshire, Moneta and Minting Press

Moneta — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:46:42 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: An iconic product of the era of Conder tokens, this is a product of the most prolific provincial token maker, Lutwyche of Birmingham. This may have been under commission of Kempson, but it appears to benefit Lutwyche exclusively, more research required. Obverse depicts Moneta seated holding balance scales in one hand and supporting a cornucopia spilling out coins, in exergue is "DEA PECUNIA" or goddess of money (Moneta). Additionally there's an oak sapling and a shop placard resting against a column with the words " ENGRAVING & DIE SINKING." Legend is "MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS." Reverse shows a manual screw coining press with 'boy pit' below and several dies with "BIRMINGHAM" in exergue, legend is " LUTWYCHES MANUFACTORY." As a DH# 219b this variety has a plain edge and was struck in collar. This token is said to be designed by Noel-Alexandre Ponthon and made by William Lutwyche, confirmation required. William Lutwyche, (1754-1801), toymaker, later token manufacturer, Temple Row and St Philip churchyard. Lutwyche was active in the production of tokens from 1791 until 1801 and seems to have had more individual commissions for tokens than any other manufacturer. His output of more than 65 tons of "legitimate provincial coins" was exceeded only by that of Thomas Williams, the consortium of Westwood and Hancock, and that of Matthew Boulton. He frequently combined dies, then in his possession, to produce various mules, concocted numerous specious issues, and has been attributed with manufacturing the bulk of evasions and lightweight coppers that appeared toward the end of the 18th century. [Numista.com]

Italy - Roman Republic Scudo 1799

Moneta — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:37:22 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Roman Republic (1798 - 1799), one of the new and short lived republics established as a result of the French Revolutionary War period. Latin legend, OB: REPVBLICA ROMANA; Rx: SCVDO ROMANO. Engraver was Tommaso Mercandetti with his name appearing as T. MERCANDETTI on the underside of the ground field in exergue.

Germany - Opel Factory w/ A. Hitler Portrait 1933

Moneta — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 17:17:37 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Zach P. Collection. 1 May 1933 "Day of the German Workers" medal. This type is listed in "Medallic Portraits of Adolf Hitler" by R.W. Colbert and William D. Hyder as C-40, however, there it's listed as made in copper. Most coins, medals and tokens of the period are not made of copper, a critical industrial metal at the time. It's described without a photo so it may be an error or it may have been struck in white metal too. Here the medal appears to be about 36 mm in diameter. The description from the reference above is: C-40; Obverse: Bust of Hitler facing left. The inscription reads, "ADOLF HITLER / DER FUHRER AUS DER NOT" or "Adolf Hitler, the leader out of the hardship (want)." Reverse: The Opel factory is portrayed, surrounded by the inscription, "N.S.B.O. OPELWERKE / 1.MAI.1933 TAG DER DEUTSCHEN ARBEIT ':'" or "Organization of National Socialist Industrial Cells (Nationalsozialistische Betriebszellenorganisation) - Opel Factory; May 1, 1933 - Day of the German Worker." Physical Details: Struck in copper. 30mm Further Information about US General Motors and Opel: Hitler knew that the biggest auto and truck manufacturer in Germany was not Daimler or any other German carmaker. The biggest automotive manufacturer in Germany — indeed in all of Europe — was General Motors, which since 1929 had owned and operated the longtime German firm Opel. GM’s Opel, infused with millions in GM cash and assembly-line know-how, produced some 40 percent of the vehicles in Germany and about 65 percent of its exports. Indeed, Opel dominated Germany’s auto industry. Click this: https://jweekly.com/2006/12/01/hitler-s-carmaker/ for the full article. Further info on the collaboration of Ford Motors and GM with the Nazis can be found at this: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/nov98/nazicars30.htm Yet more info, including a photo of the expected copper version at this: https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=18618

Austria - 25 Schilling 1929

Moneta — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:15:11 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Obverse: An eagle with the Austrian shield on its breast with the country name divided above and below. Lettering: REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH; Translation: Republic of Austria. Engraver: Arnold Hartig Reverse: Lettering: 25 SCHILLING 19 26, HARTIG

Italy - 20 Lire 1927 R, Lictor w/ Italy seated

Moneta — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:21:00 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Head of King Vittorio Emanuele III facing right; Lettering: VITTORIO.EMANVELE.III.RE. Translation: Victor Emmanuel III King; Engraver: Giuseppe Romagnoli Reverse A Lictor with fasces greeting a seated woman (representing Italy) that has a torch in her right hand and the left arm placed on a shield with Savoy Insigna, with the year in the Fascist Era left of the Lictor, while at the right of Italy is the date and the mintmark. The value is below, in the exergue, together with the names of engraver and author. Lettering: ITALIA A.VI 1927 L.20 G.ROMAGNOLI A.MOTTI INC.

Sweden - 2 Kornor 1921

Moneta — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:11:02 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: 400th Anniversary of Gustaf Vasa's Liberation War Obverse: Portrait of King Gustaf Vasa facing right within ornate laurel circle. Below his coat of arms. Lettering: 400 ÅRSMINNE AV GUSTAF VASAS BEFRIELSEVERK. Translation: In memory of 400 years from Gustaf Vasa's Liberation Campaign; Engraver: Erik Lindberg Reverse: Crowned Coat of arms of Sweden partially in ornate laurel wreath divides date. Value below at both sides of Arms with Stockholm mintmark at left and initial of Riksbank Governor' surname at right. Lettering: GUSTAF V SVERIGES KONUNG 19 21, 2 Kr W

Armenia - 200 Dram 2013, Noah's Ark

Moneta — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:53:24 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Commemorative issue: Noah's Ark Obverse: National Coat of Aarms centre, denomination below, date bottom Lettering: • ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ • REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, ½ Oz Ag 999 200 ԴՐԱՄ•DRAM 2013 Translation: Republic of Armenia 200 Dram Reverse: Dove flying with olive branch in beak, Noah's Ark on the water, a stylized image of Mount Ararat and sunrise background Lettering: • ՆՈՅՅԱՆ ՏԱՊԱՆ • NOAH'S ARK •; Translation: Noah's Ark

Germany - Westphalia 1923 10,000 Marks

Moneta — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:06:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Commemorative issue: Freiherr vom Stein Obverse: Legend surrounding Horse, denomination Lettering: Notgeld der Provinz Westfalen 10000 Mark ▪ 1923 ▪ Reverse: Legend surrounding bust of Freiherr vom Stein Lettering: Minister vom Stein • Deutschlands Führer in Schwerer Zeit 1757-1831

Germany - 3 Reichsmark 1926 A - Lubeck

Moneta — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 19:45:18 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Double-headed eagle on shield within circle, dates above Lettering: 700 JAHRE REICHSFREIHEIT LÜBECK 1926 Translation: 700 Years of Freedom for Lubeck Edge Lettering: EINIGKEIT UND RECHT UND FREIHEIT Translation: Unity and Justice and Freedom

Germany 5 Reichsmark 1927 - Oak Tree

Moneta — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 19:38:51 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: An iconic Weimar Republic regular issue.

French Indo China - 20 Centimes 1938

Moneta — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:06:05 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Marianne seated left with fasces, date in exergue, [Numista.com] rice stalks in the background. I'm not sure of the Marianne identification, would that mean the Statue of Liberty in NY harbor is Marianne and not Lady Liberty? Marianne sows wheat and not rice, I'm I right? Lettering: REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, 1937 BARRE Reverse: Denomination within wreath. Lettering: INDO-CHINE FRANÇAISE 20 CENT. TITRE 0.680.POIDS 5GR.4 Translation: French Indochina 0.680 purity, 5.4 grams Engraver: Jean-Auguste Barre

French Revolution - Caisse Metallique 1792

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 19:30:22 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: DIXIEME DARGENT FIN 18 D L'AN 4 DELLA LIBERTE Rx: CAISSE. METALLIQUE. ETABLIE. A PARIS EN ECHANGE D'ASSIGNATS DE 50# 1792

French Revolution - Potter Porcelain 5 Sols 1792

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:59:29 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: More to come, I need to translate from the French in Reynaud...varieties exist - RARE! Obverse Lettering: A LA MANUFACTURE DE PORCELAINE RUE DE CRUSSOL POTTER. 1792. Reverse Lettering: B.P. 5 SOLS PAYABLE EN ASSIGNATS DE 50

Germany - Hindenburg 2 Reichsmark 1939 E

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:35:14 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This is a key date with low mintage of 250,825 struck.

Germany - Military Coinage 3 Kopecks 1916

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:10:06 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Denomination and date within German Cross. Lettering: 3, КОПѢЙКИ, 1916; [Translation: 3 Kopecks] RX: The legend "Region of the commander-in-chief - East" appears between some oak leaves. Lettering: GEBIET, DES, OBERBEFEHLSHABERS, OST, A Translation: Region of the commander-in-chief - East This coin was issued during the First World War by the German army in order to be used in Estonia, Poland and North-West Russia. These regions were, in those days, occupied by Germany. NOTE: these have been counterfeited, all have a rough edge, here the edge is very smooth. Denominations of 1 & 2 Kopecks also circulated in the eastern front. While the photo might indicated the iron has been cleaned, as so many are, the actual surface is pristine iron with a couple of (well below average) rust spots.

Slovakia - 10 Korun Prince Pribina 1944

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:58:01 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Knieza Pribina with two figures at the stone of the first Slovak church, a church with a cross on the top held by the left person. Watch for types where the cross atop the steeple is missing. PRIBINA + 861 KNIEŽA SLOVENSKA 10 Ks DESAŤ KORÚN Translation: Pribina, duke of Slovakia Ten crowns Engraver: Ladislav Majerský

UK - John Wilkinson and Barge 1788

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:45:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: IOHN WILKINSON IRON MASTER · ; two masted Barge, 1788 from Warwickshire (as in D&H, but should be Shropshire). Soho Mint, Handsworth, England (1788-1850) VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Here's and excellent article by on the official tokens of John Wilkinson and the varieties. It was published in the "Journal" pages of the Conder Token Collectors Club (CTCC # 69, Summer 2015), see it at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/J%20Wilkinson%20Varieties.pdf

France - French Revolution 2 Decimes devalued L'AN 5

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:06:24 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: 1795 - 1796, the two Decimes denomination was reduced to a value one decime. The '2' had to be scraped off and an 'UN' (1) counterstamp above to denote the new value. Article on Marianne from the "Cosmos of Collectables": https://cosmosofcollectibles.com/the-french-marianne-i-marianne-as-a-representative-of-the-french-people-part-1/

France - Hercules Group 1874

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:53:05 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: During the Franco-Prussian war and the Paris Commune years the Hercules Group 5 Francs piece was again in circulation.

France - Revolution of 1848 Hercules Group

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:46:09 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: With the Revolution of 1848 the Hercules Group was reintroduced.

Germany & UK - Lusitania Medal 1915

Moneta — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:30:40 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Skeleton (as Death) standing left within ticket booth, queue of passengers to the left. Lettering: GESCHAFT VBER ALLES; KOG; Translation: business above all. Engraver: Karl Goetz initials in exergue. REV: KEINE BANN WARE, DER GROSSDAMPFER, LUSITANIA, DURCH EIN DEUTSCHES, TAUCHBOOT VERSENKT, 5 MAI 1915 Translation: No Contraband!, the liner Lusitania sunk by a German submarine. Engraver: Karl Goetz Entering passenger service with the Cunard Line in 1907, the Lusitania continued the line’s heavily-traveled service between Liverpool and New York City. After the outbreak of World War I, however, relations between Great Britain and Germany diminished, as the two became enemies within the conflict. This lead to Germany’s declaration of submarine warfare upon the British Isles and a ‘no-sail zone’ for any vessel flying the British flag. On 7 May 1915, the Lusitania was identified by a German U-Boat, torpedoed, and sank in 18 minutes, killing over 60% of the passengers. The vessel went down 11 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland, and instantly became an iconic symbol for American involvement into the now global conflict. Case of the United Kingdom restrike: German type a and d have a diameter of 57mm whereas the British medals have a diameter of 55mm. An American copy from the time also exists, a Japanese copy has been made in the 70's and other modern museum reproductions and modern couterfeits also exist. [Numista.com]

Germany - Nummis Mundi - Cleopatra

Moneta — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:27:16 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I acquired this in Germany in the mid-1960's although I cannot attribute this to to a particular mint but I highly suspect it was struck by the German Federal mint (D) in Munich. There appears to be a series of these pure silver pieces but they must have had a really low mintage because you do not see these come up for sale very often.

UK - China British Trade Dollar 1899

Moneta — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:29:12 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A common British Trade Dollar of 1899 but in nice shape. Reverse: Chinese characters and Jawi script in ornamental flower. Lettering: 壹 ساتو رڠڬية‎ 圓 Translation: Chinese: One Dollar Jawi: One Ringgit

Jersey - German Occupied Theater Token Fantasy

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:23:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Similar to the triangular and round 5 Reichsmark tokens from German Occupied Channel Island, Jersey, I believe these have been identified as fantasy tokens. Jersey, I believe, was the only British occupied territory during World War 2. They were struck after the war. 卐 DAS FORUM KINO 卐 THE FORUM THEATER HEER ..................... AUSWEIS ..................... 1941 Translated: The Forum Cinema Army ID 1941 The Forum Cinema was located in the capitol town, St. Helier, and was the largest cinema to operate in the Channel Islands. It opened on 25th March 1935 and was independently operated.

Italy - 20 Centesimi Type Automat Token

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:45:26 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: An unknown token based on the famous Italia or Ceres head 20 Centesimi. Not listed in Numista but I attempted to add it. Seeking additional information.

Germany - Hugo Eckener & Flight of Zeppelin LZ 126 to America, 1924

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:05:11 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Silver plated brass medal that used to be looped, thus explaining the high wear of this historical item. Reverse lettering: 12 X 6,35 ABFAHRT FRIEDRICHSHAVEN 3.30 EUROPA VERLASSEN 13. X. 3.35 AZORENINSEL FAYAL 14. X. 12.00 SABLE JSLAND 15. X. 10.00 BOSTON 1.29 NEW YORK 3.11 LAKEHURST Made in Germany (ex. small along the edge)

Germany - Graf Zeppelin Creators w/World Flight Map

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 13:30:08 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Zeppelin der Schöpfer (creator), Eckener der Führer (the leader), Durr der Erbauer (the builder). Proofs exist, this struck as uncirculated. The World depiction on the back shows some stops on the flight, Friederickshaven, Germany; Lakehurst, NJ, Los Angles, CA; Tokyo, Japan.

Portugal - 50 Centavos 1912 Liberty

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:15:19 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Nearly 1.7 M struck

Portugal - 1 Escudo 1916

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:10:21 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Liberty Head with wheat stalks, qualifies for my Ceres/Folk maiden project. 1.4 M struck.

France - 10 Francs 1984, F. Rude Arc De Triumph

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:03:31 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A nice design, look into Mr Rude's eyes, really well done. These are found with edge lettering upside down but they don't carry a premium.

Bulgaria - 10 Leva 1975 - 10th Olympic Congress

Moneta — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:54:03 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: If you collect Olympic coins and can't find the original Roman Provincial coin depicting Roman Olympic wrestlers, then this version may just have to do. The obverse lettering translation is: People's Republic of Bulgaria, 10 Leva. Rx: Tenth Olympic Congress. The edge: 'Citius Altius Fortius', Translation: Faster Higher Stronger.

Bulgaria - 10 Leva 1979, 1st USSR Bulgarian Space Flight

Moneta — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:39:56 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Oddly, there is a smaller, with a lot less silver, version struck in the same year. They're NCLT so I guess you just need to be aware. First USSR - Bulgarian Space Flight НАРОДНА РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ 1979 10 ЛЕВА OB Translation: The People's Republic of Bulgaria 1979 10 Leva Engraver: Georgi Baldzhiev Rx: ПЪРВИ СЪВМЕСТЕН ПОЛЕТ В КОСМОСА СССР * НРБ Translation: First Soviet-Bulgarian Space Flight USSR - NRB (People's Republic of Bulgaria) Edge lettering: СССР – НРБ Интеркосмос ‘79

Italy - 10 Centesimi 1920 - Bee & Flower

Moneta — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:18:19 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I love this design of the bee in the flower and they are difficult to obtain in the very top high grades. Vittorio Emanuele III, engraved by Attilio Silvio. Better in hand and appears to be Unc. The ANA's "Numismatist" for Oct 2020 (p.39) has a nice little feature on the coins of Vittorio Emanuele III at this: http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/frame.php?i=673359&p=&pn=&ver=html5

Netherlands East Indies - 1/10 Gulden 1942S

Moneta — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:04:03 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I just rarely see these offered even though it has a large mintage of 75 M, with many other years striking huge numbers as well.

Italy - 100 Lire 1931 Italia on Prow

Moneta — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:37:13 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Your typical portrait of Vittorio Emanuele III, under fascist rule. A reoccurring theme on the reverse is a figure of Italia on the prow of a boat. The fascist year IX appears under the 1931 date, this '31 date can also with the fascist year of X, both versions say 34 k minted with no value distinction in KM. These were struck between 1931 and 1933 with '32 & '33 with much lower mintages. Another Romagnoli design.

Italy - 2 Lire Fascist 1927 over 23?

Moneta — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 15:45:41 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I hope the inset detail of the date will show enough to make a determination if this is just a common 1923 with a bunged up date (small wire fragment struck through) or a rare 1927 struck over an 1923. I suspect the former, in which case I paid too much and may return it. Helpful opinions welcome!

Macedonia (modern) - 1 Denar 2000

Moneta — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 18:27:09 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, a non legitimized state according to the UN due to Greek objections to the use of the name. Never the less they are issuing coinage. This one features a depiction of the Byzantine 40 Numi or Follis, this one struck at 'A - alpha' mint in Nicomedia in regnal year 5 of an unknown emperor.

Belgium - 2 Cents 1902

Moneta — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 18:05:29 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: A classic of Belgium is the Lion standing with paw on a table that states 'Belgishe Grondwet 1831.' Referring to the Foundation of Belgium in 1831 following the revolutions throughout Europe in 1830. Legends here are in Dutch.

France - Paris or Lyon Revolution of 1848

Moneta — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 16:53:13 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This medal is a bit of a mystery. I assumed the Paris Revolution of 1848, supported by the mysterious group know as the Rosy Cross (Red Cross, or later Rosicrucians) was being commemorated in this medal. Doing a little more research, and knowing Lyon and other cities in France were also involved, I learned that "Croix - Rousse" was an area of Lyon, France that had an 1848 revolution of their own. The district was an industrial area that had huge silk looms that saw popular unrest known as the Artisan's Revolution between 1848 and 1851. Therefore, I cannot say for sure if the medal refers to this aspect of the 1848 Revolutions or is honoring travelers from Lyon that went to Paris to participate in the revolution there. Help is requested from specialists and French historians who can properly interpret this historic medal.

Italy - 10 Lire 1936, Italia on Prow

Moneta — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 15:06:53 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Year XIV of the fascist regime under Vittorio Emanuele III. Another great Romagnoli coin design. This is the only obtainable year, 1937 - 1941 issued only 20 per year, this first year issue of 1936 had 619k struck. There's more golden tone overall than the photo indicates, all natural and uncleaned.