ANS Newsletter Winter 1994 No. 61

12 Pages·1994·1.1 MB·English

by  American Numismatic Society

WINTKR 1994 NO. 61
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The American Numismatic Society EWS LETTER
Kleeberg Advises Historians
John M. Kleeberg, ANS Associate Curator of Modern Coins and Currency, is
the author of the lead article in the January 1994 issue of Perspectives, the American
Historical Association Newsletter. Published as part of the “Archives and Research”
series, Kleeberg’s contribution makes a compelling case for the importance of
numismatic evidence in historical research. Although written for the non-numismatist,
it is reproduced here, with the kind permission of the AHA, in the conviction that
it will be of interest to our readers for its clear explanation of numismatic methodology
and convincing examples of ways in which the discipline of numismatics can serve
the historian. (Ed.)
Clio’s Handmaiden: The Historian and the Coin Cabinet
Every historian uses the ancillary do not know how to approach such
sciences of history to get at the sources: sources. This is particularly true of
a basic sense of bibliography is needed numismatics. The two disciplines
just to use a library, the biographer soon develop further without any dialogue bet¬
learns the tools of the genealogist; ween them: the numismatists bury
chronology, historical cartography, even themselves in the study of hoards and die
heraldry will be called in when needed. links, the historians neglect numismatic
The idea of the traditional ancillary evidence.
sciences of history goes back to the eigh¬ The modern interest in numismatics
teenth century: Johannes Ernst Fabri’s dates at least back to Petrarch. During
encyclopedia of 1808 includes ar¬ the Renaissance and after, however, the
chaeology, chronology, diplomatics, interest was chiefly antiquarian, with
epigraphy, genealogy, heraldry, coins looked at for their historical ex-
mythology, numismatics, sigillography empla: “Behold this coin of Nero: see
and toponymy. New technologies now how debauched he was.” It was the nine¬
supplement the traditional ancillary teenth century which saw numismatics
sciences: oral history, film, demography, change from an antiquarian pursuit to
cliometric history. Many ancillary an ancillary science of history. The cause
sciences of history, however, have was the crisis of ancient history when fac¬
become such advanced and complicated ed with a new critical attitude towards
disciplines in themselves that historians Continued on next page
ANS Curator John M Kleeberg
Ki.kkhkkcs Advice
K Iceberg continued the Copenhagen coin cabinet, publish¬ coins of the North American colonies and
the traditional literary sources. The an¬ ed a study of the coinage of Alexander United States coins through about 1850,
cient historian Barthold Georg Niebuhr and his successors in 1855, and conclud¬ partly because of the enthusiasm of col¬
acknowledged that many of the tales of ed that the various symbols on the reverse lectors; and on Greek coins. Greek coins
ancient Rome in Livy were suspect, but type must stand for certain cities—a often bear symbols and monograms,
argued that they had some validity, wreath for Pharsalus, a helmet for which are assumed to relate to certain
because historical facts had been passed Sicone, an amphora for Lamia. In a magistrates in charge of the mint, and
down in the form of ballads. Leopold von series of articles in 1912 entitled “Reat¬ specialists in the Greek series like to ar¬
Ranke, on the other hand, took tribution of Certain Tetradrachms of range plausible sequences of monograms:
Niebuhr’s critical attitude to the sources Alexander the Great’’ E. T. Newell re¬ and for this the die study is ideal. There
to its logical conclusion and demanded examined these coins and pointed out are other series (German thalers) where
that history be written “wie es eigentlich that the coins with the wreath, helmet, die studies can also be usefully applied.
gewesen,” “the way it really was.’’ He and amphora on the reverse shared the But the die study does not only tell us
urged his fellow medieval and modern same obverse die. In other words, they the order in which coins were struck. It
historians to cease being practitioners of must have been minted in the same also allows us to estimate the output of
literature and to go into the archives. place, and the symbols were some sort a mint. We do have estimates of the
Sources must be contemporary sources. of control mark and did not indicate the number of coins per die (20,000 is a
If this approach established the discipline mint. rough and ready figure), although they
of modern history as we know it today, Although some modern scientific are controversial. Dies wear at different
ancient historians were confronted with techniques have been applied to rates: dies used to strike large coins wear
a crisis: no archives. It was Theodor numismatics, the essential tools remain out quicker than those used to strike
Mommsen who drew the full conse¬ die studies and hoards. small ones. Among similar coins,
quences of the Rankean revolution. He Nearly all coins are struck from dies. however, we can do die studies and
looked with suspicion on Niebuhr’s Dies bear the image of the coin in in¬ estimate the relative output: for exam¬
ballad theory, and sought new sources taglio, in reverse. Dies, however, wear ple, if we find one series of thalers with
to elucidate the past. In his search for at different rates: the upper die, which few dies, and another with twice as
contemporary sources, Mommsen is held in the hand and struck by a mallet, many, we can argue that the mint pro¬
pioneered the science of epigraphy, the wears out more quickly than the lower duced twice as many coins for the second
study of inscriptions, and edited the Cor¬ die, which is fixed in an anvil. Thus a series. The die study can thus be used
pus Inscriptionum Latinarum. But he mint will commence minting coins with to see if various assertions which we know
also turned to coins, and published in obverse (that is, the lower die) die 1, and from historians or inscriptions (e.g.
1860 his Geschichte des Romischen Milnz- with reverse die A; then reverse die A “Athens increased the tribute due from
wesens. The numismatist, wrote Momm¬ breaks, and is replaced by reverse die B; Potidaea to fifteen talents”) is confirm¬
sen, is content to elucidate the type and then obverse die 1 breaks, and is replac¬ ed by the activity of the mint.
inscription of a coin, to determine the site ed with obverse die 2; and so forth. Sometimes, of course, itis not confirm¬
and time of its striking; the metrologist Modern dies are reproduced mechanical¬ ed, but that does not necessarily mean
is only interested in the weight system. ly, with the use of hubbing, and it is vir¬ that Potidaea did not pay that tribute:
But the historian must study coins as a tually impossible to do a die study of, say, it could have paid it in other coins than
means of exchange, the circumstances Lincoln cents. Before the middle of the its own.
under which they circulate, and their nineteenth century, however, dies were The other technique is the study of
final disappearance, monetary regulation sunk by hand, and it is often quite easy hoards. In antiquity and the middle ages
as part of the constitution of the state, to distinguish them: the duke’s field mar¬ there were no banks; so when people
and the autonomy or dependency of a shal staff points at L of LU, or it points wanted a safe place to keep their money,
monetary authority. Mommsen propos¬ at the D of UND; the duke’s elbow is they buried it. Often they buried their
ed to study the monetary system of an¬ near the inner circle of dots, or it is dis¬ money quickly, and never returned to
cient Italy insofar as it was parallel and tant from it; and so forth. The claim it, or could never find it again—
correlated to the general historical numismatist looks at large numbers of many hoards are assumed to have been
development of the Roman community, coins, and if all goes well he should be buried by soldiers going off to the wars,
the federal Italian state and the Roman able to distinguish various dies and then and being killed before they could
world empire. Mommsen stressed the arrange the die links into a die link chart. reclaim their hoard. Hoards can give us
importance of coins because they met Not all coin series lend themselves to die a snapshot of coins in circulation in a par¬
Ranke’s requirement: they were contem¬ studies. For medieval coins, we have too ticular area at a particular time. They
porary sources. few examples to be able to do die studies, also help us to date coins. For example,
if we assume that an undated coin was
The importance of numismatics which unless the numismatist is working
minted in the fourth century B.C., yet
Mommsen had emphasized led to further through a hoard. For Roman coins,
when we examine the hoard evidence it
monographs on various specialized Roman mints produced huge numbers
turns up with hoards of coins we can date
topics, but sometimes more ingenuity of coins, with huge numbers of dies, and
to the second century B.C., then we may
than proper numismatic scholarship was the task is too large. Die studies have thus
applied. Ludvig Muller, the curator of been performed most thoroughly on Continued on next page
2
Klekberg’s Advice
Kleeberg continued
fun of Andrew Jackson’s banking
have to change its date by two centuries. policies. The anti-Slavery token and the
They can also be used to make estimates A token issued during the satirical scrip would be useful to any
of mint output. Hoards, of course, are 1790s, depicting Lord historian studying aspects of the age of
George Gordon
almost always subtracted from—the Jackson; the Lord George Gordon token
finders pocket some for themselves, is part of a great political debate carried
dealers pick out the better pieces to sell on in token form in the 1790s in England,
individually—or contaminated—a dealer and thus of interest to any historian
throws in a few junk coins to make up working in that period.
going through Haxby’s catalogues.
the lot. But even in the imperfect state How does a historian find these ob¬
I have chosen three numismatic ob¬
which most hoards come to us, they are jects? Most numismatic objects have
jects to illustrate varied historical topics
still extremely valuable for giving us a been catalogued: there are state by state
where coins and paper money are useful
picture of the coins in circulation at one catalogues for tokens, there are overall
sources. One is a hard times token
time, for dating coins, and for estimating catalogues for coal-mining scrip. Most
(catalogued as Low 54) with an an¬
mint output. numismatic objects have a catalogue
tislavery device and the inscription “Am
Numismatic evidence will be vital for number: Hcixby.DE-80.G2c, for exam¬
I not a woman and a sister?” Hard times
some fields of research, less essential for ple, is a $1 note issued by the Union
tokens were issued to make up for cash
others. Historians who must deal with Bank of Delaware in the eighteen-fifties;
shortages following the panic of 1837.
monetary affairs or local economics clear¬ Gadoury-Elie, Algerie.Ouenza. 1.1 is a
Many make fun of Andrew Jackson;
ly cannot ignore it. What remains a pro¬ 50 centime token issued by the Economat
others, like this one, were used by aboli¬
blem, however, is that there are many des Mines of Ouenza in Algeria. To get
tionists to propagandize their cause. The
numismatic objects which co uld prove an overview of what there is one should
second is a token issued during the 1790s,
very useful to historians, yet historians try and find an appropriate catalogue,
with Lord George Gordon. In the 1790s,
are just not aware of them. The English and see what else has been written. The
the lack of copper coins in Britain and
tradesmen’s tokens of the seventeenth literature can be approached through the
the need for small change during the in¬
century are an example: they were issued general bibliography by Elvira Clain-
dustrial revolution led to numerous
in practically every tiny town, they are Stefanelli, and through the periodical
private token issues. Some praised the
well catalogued, and if an historian is do¬ Numismatic Literature, published by the
achievements of the industrial revolution;
ing a study of social conditions in Col¬ American Numismatic Society. The best
others made political propaganda, such
chester in the 1660s or the spread of cof¬ numismatic library in the country is at
as those issued by the left-wing publicist
fee houses or tobacco shops in England the American Numismatic Society at
Thomas Spence. This is one of the tokens
he should certainly spend some time Broadway and 155th Street in New York
issued by Spence; it depicts the agitator
working with them. Likewise, someone City.
Lord George Gordon, who led the anti-
studying labor conditions in West
Catholic Gordon riots in 1780, but then
Virginia coal mines in the 1930’s might
converted to Judaism in the 1790s. We
overlook mining scrip—yet adequate
know from historical sources that Gor¬
catalogues exist. There are other in¬
don grew a beard and wore a hat, and A hard-times token, Low
stances where the neglect of numismatic 54, with an antislavery
refused to talk to any clean shaven Jews;
evidence has seriously harmed otherwise device.
and this token shows Gordon in his
plausible studies. It has recently become
Jewish garb, and is catalogued as Dalton-
trendy among some economists and
Hamer.778. Finally, the third example
economic historians to praise the heyday
is a piece of satirical scrip (uncatalogued)
of “free banking” between 1800 and
issued after the Panic of 1837, making
1861 as a period of near perfect competi¬
tion among various types of currency. A
,<'• ' , r > In'i kirlc
look into James Haxby’s catalogue of the riiaiv FirmneM
banknotes of this period, however, shows
nothing of the kind. Of the eighty banks
catalogued by Haxby as operating from
the District of Columbia, no fewer than
fifty-two are described by him as a
Wr frr A )»iJ ft IhntHirfrf li> nh \ <» np>'r ‘/itr ct *ht
“fraudulent, possibly non-existent
bank.” So many banknotes were in cir¬
culation, that rather than counterfeit the
notes of an existing bank, forgers just SIX CfcNTS Ml //frV Grn/ll ft/ c< r
made one up. The chance of receiving cwv ' < //'cwmC /&sj Pm<
a counterfeit must have been very high fd si« mi ».th fjviu «Im- Hu* ImiuK .4u!.l V (4lt t* if 1MI.
indeed. It is hard to have much faith left A piece of satirical scrip issued after the Panic of 1837, making fun of Andrew Jackson 's hanking problems
in free banking after some hours spent •* Continued on next page
Kueehekcps Advice Museum News
Kleeberg continued ANS Adult Seminar Program Begins
There is no substitute lor working with
the coins, tokens, medals and paper
“Masterpieces of Ancient Engravers,” During the second part of the seminar,
money themselves. There are two ma¬
the first program in the new ANS After¬ Arnold-Biucchi brought out trays of coins
jor numismatic cabinets in the United
noon Seminar Series, took place January for participants to examine, including
States, that of the American Numismatic
15, 1994, at the Society. Participants masterpieces by Kimon, Euainetos,
Society and that of the Smithsonian In¬
came from as far away as Washington, Eukleidas, and Phrygillos. This was a
stitution, and if there is a series one is
D.C., to attend on what turned out to wonderful, unique opportunity for first
interested in, one can make an appoint¬
be a bitterly cold day. The difficulties in hand study of these ancient treasures and
ment with the appropriate curator and
getting here were soon forgotten participants were very reluctant to leave!
come and visit. The American
however, once everyone gathered in the All agreed that this first meeting of the
Numismatic Society also conducts a ten
East Hall and the program began. new ANS Afternoon Seminar Program
week seminar every summer, where
After a welcome and brief introduction had been very worthwhile.
graduate students prepare a numismatic
by Constance Wiesman, Carmen Registration for the remaining
lecture and paper under the supervision
Arnold-Biucchi gave an informal slide seminars in the 1994 series continues to
of the curatorial staff: applications must
talk introducing Sicilian coinage and the be brisk. Those interested in attending
be in by March 1st. For someone who
work of the signed engravers. Par¬ any of the seminars, are urged to register
wants to get a thorough training and a
ticipants, as expected, asked questions as soon as possible as some of the pro¬
chance to work extensively with a superb
and contributed observations during her grams are almost filled. Please note that
collection, the ANS summer seminar is
slide talk, reflecting their own interests there has been a change in the date of
unmatched.
and experience. This led to lively discus¬ the October 1994 seminar, “Gods and
sions which continued over a short cof¬ Heroes on Ancient Coins.” The new
fee break. date is October 15, 1994.
Bib l iographies
American Numismatic Society,
Numismatic Literature (1947-date). Appears
in March and September of each year.
Philip Grierson, Bibliographie
Numismatique (Brussels, 1979).
Elvira Eliza Clain-Stefanelli,
Numismatic Bibliography (Munich, 1984).
Further Reading
Walter Breen, Walter Breen’s Complete
Encyclopedia of U S. and Colonial Coins
(New York, 1988). Idiosyncratic, but
thorough, with good bibliographies.
R. A. G. Carson, Coins: Ancient,
Medieval, Modern (London, 1962). A
survey of the history of coinage, arrang¬
ed by geographical area. Useful as a
Participants in the first ANS Adult Seminar
reference, although cannot be read
ANS TV
in Special
straight through.
A. Luschin von Ebengreuth, Allgemeine
Viewers will travel to the ANS during the basics of personal money manage¬
Munzkunde und Geldgeschichte des Mittelalters
“Money Made Easy: The ABC Kids’ ment and financial responsibility through
und der neueren Zeit (Munich and Berlin,
Guide to Dollars and Sense,” a two-part an examination of the history on money
1926). Written with Central European
ABC Saturday special set to air in the and banking.
thoroughness, and hence very difficult to
New York area on April 2 and 9, at 12:30 “Money Made Easy” includes on-
read straight through, but good, if
PM. location shots of the ANS and an inter¬
somewhat out of date, bibliographies.
A magazine-style documentary, view with ANS Curator Alan M. Stahl;
Philip Grierson, Numismatics (London,
“Money Made Easy” combines inter¬ other venues include the Bureau of
1975). A good introduction.
views with money experts—historians, Engraving, the U.S. Treasury, and the
John Porteous, Coins in History (New museum curators, and government Federal Reserve Board, all of which ac¬
York, 1969). A narrative history of officials—from around the country. cord the viewer first-hand information on
coinage in the West, with the emphasis Hosted by Christopher Castile, the show how money is created, circulated,
on the middle ages. Good bibliographies. is designed to teach children, grades 3-7, managed, and regulated.
4
Museum News
Arlene Jacobs New Development Officer
the Society since his participation in the
Graduate Seminar Program in 1958. He
The Society is pleased to announce the is currently Chairman of the Society’s
appointment of Arlene P. Jacobs of New Committee on Medieval and Early
York as the Development Officer of the Modern Coins, and serves on the Com¬
ANS, commencing February 1, 1994. mittee on Medals and Decorations and
Ms. Jacobs has a strong background in the Huntington Medal Award Commit¬
development and public relations. Most tee; he is a Patron of the Society and a
recently, she was Director of the Arthur Silver Circle Member. Scher is also a
Ross Foundation, a foundation known regular guest speaker at the Graduate
for supporting NYC projects and pro¬ Seminar, where he explores the relation¬
grams. Earlier, she was for 10 years the ship of early numismatic scholarship and
Assistant Dean and Director of Develop¬ coin collecting to the development of the
ment and Alumni Affairs at Columbia Renaissance medal.
University’s Graduate School of Ar¬ Another active ANS member who
chitecture, Planning and Preservation. played a key role in organizing the ex¬
During that period Ms. Jacobs was very hibit is Mark M. Salton, Chairman of
successful in raising alumni giving and the Huntington Medal Award Commit¬
creating major fund raising events in¬ tee and member of the Committee on
cluding the Centennial Anniversary of Medals and Decorations and the Saltus
the School. She has also done public rela¬ Medal Award Committee; with his wife
tions work for the Building Stone In¬ Lottie he is a Benefactor of the Society.
dustry and for the architectural firm of In the preface to the catalogue Scher
Buttrick White and Burtis. Arlene P. Jacobs, ANS Development Officer notes, “My own involvement with
Ms. Jacobs has a degree from Tem¬
ple University with a major in English constituency. The ANS is a very im¬
and has studied Business Administration pressive organization and its work is
at the London School of Economics. She deserving of widespread support. I am
worked in Paris and London doing very pleased to have the opportunity to
special events for the U.S. Government. devote my energies to that end.” Her
Ms. Jacobs commented “I am most background in administration and her
anxious to meet the members of this fine proven record in fund raising should be
Society and to become better acquainted of great benefit to the ANS and its
with the expectations and desires of our membership.
Society Plays Leading Role in
Renaissance Medal Exhibit
ANS gold, medal of Martin Luther dated 1521
“The Currency of Fame; Portrait The ANS has played a major role in
Medals of the Renaissance” opened at this exhibition from the start. In fact, the
the National Gallery in Washington on show’s curator, Stephen K. Scher, notes
January 23 and will run there through in the introduction to the catalogue that,
May 1; it will be on view at the Frick Col¬ “the idea for this exhibition first surfac¬
lection in New York from May 24 ed during a luncheon with Harry Fowler,
through August 22. The exhibit at that time president of the American
represents the first time in history that Numismatic Society and member of the
the finest examples of the Renaissance board of The Frick Collection. While ex¬
medals of Italy, Germany, France and changing comments about our respective
the Low Countries have been brought interests as collectors, I mentioned that
together in a single public exhibition. mine was Renaissance portrait medals.
The sumptuously illustrated catalogue of Harry remarked that the Frick’s direc¬
the show, published by Abrams in tor, Charles Ryskamp, had expressed a
association with the Frick Collection, will desire to mount an exhibition of medals.
bring the beauty and artistic importance I rashly volunteered to organize such an
of these medals to a far wider audience exhibition.”
than has been aware of them until now. Scher has been an active member of
5
Museum News
Medal Exhibit continued Library Notes
in "The Currency of Fame” are among
medals and the slow process oflearning the finest known specimens of the most
the intricacies of the subject over a period important Renaissance medals and
The library begins the new year with
of forty years has been enhanced by my represent an unprecedented event in the
a fine listing of gift publications. From
association with Mark and Lottie Salton, history of medallic exhibits.
Prof. John H. Kroll, a member of the
themselves meticulous and extremely The exhibit catalogue, with beautiful
Society Council, we have received his The
knowledgeable collectors. I owe them color photography and enlargements,
Greek Coins, a catalog and study of some
much, and hope that as their pupil I have was edited and to a significant extent
16,000 coins found in the excavations of
given them satisfaction.” In addition to written by Stephen Scher. Catalogue en¬
the Athenian Agora sponsored by the
writing several key entries to the tries on specific medals were written by
American School of Classical Studies at
catalogue, Mark Salton lent several im¬ a team of over 30 scholars worldwide, in¬
Athens between 1931 and 1990. Prof.
portant pieces to the show from his cluding ANS curator Alan M. Stahl and
Maria Caccamo Caltabiano of the
world-renowned collection. seminar alumnus Louis Waldman. The
University of Messina has presented a
The ANS was among the more than opening of the exhibit was marked with
copy of La monetazione di Messana con le
20 public collections to lend pieces to the a proseminar at the National Gallery on
emissioni di Rhegion dell’eta ’ della tirannide,
show. The most important piece lent by January 22, in which about 25 scholars
the latest volume in the series ‘‘Antike
the Society is the gold medal of Martin shared information and opinions on the
Muenzen und Geschnittene Steine,” of
Luther, dated 1521, and believed to be medals while moving through the exhibit
the Deutsches Archaeologisches Institut.
of contemporary manufacture. It had not together. Among the participants were
In the series Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum,
been publicly exhibited since it was given Scher, Stahl, Waldman, and ANS
two recent volumes have come to the
to the Society in 1955 by Alastair Bradley seminar alumna and former guest
library through the generosity of Dr.
Martin. All in all, the pieces on exhibit curator Barbara Baxter.
Pierre Bastien ofCranbury, New Jersey.
These include a second volume of ‘‘SNG
France, Bibliotheque Nationale,”
devoted to the coins of Cilicia in the
Cabinet des Medailles (Paris) and a first
‘‘Supplement” to Sylloge Nummorum
Graecorum Switzerland I: Levante-Cilicia.
Frank Berger, Curator of the numismatic
ANS
Bennington Students at
collection at the Kestner-Museum, Han¬
nover, Germany, and a recent visitor to
As in past years, the Society has par¬ ANS people are wonderful examples of the library’s reading rooms has provid¬
ticipated in the Bennington College Field culture and dedication.” ed a copy of his Die mittelalterlichen
Work Term Program by offering intern¬ Matt Dillon, a Bennington junior who Brakteaten im Kestner-Museum Hannover, in
ships to Bennington students during the is also from Illinois, is inventorying the which the 2750 bracteates in the
months of January and February. The Society’s collection of medals of Exposi¬ Museum’s collection are cataloged.
main responsibility of the students is to tions and World’s Fairs. He commented, Continued on next page
continue the ongoing computer inventory
of the collection, working under the
‘ ‘The Field Work Term is meant to pro¬
supervision of the appropriate curator.
vide several things for Bennington
This year there are two students, both
students. People talk about the ’Real
working in the medals department.
World’ experience that comes out of fin¬
Claudette Bernadel, born in Haiti and
ding a job—resumes, interviews, and just
raised in Evanston, IL, is working with
dealing with the fact of having a job.
the Society’s extensive collection of
And, yes, these things are important. But
French historical medals. When asked
more important than this, I think, is the
her impressions of working at the ANS
chance to explore that, with any luck, will
she responded, ‘‘Now that I’ve been at
come with each new winter. What the
the ANS for three weeks, the world of
ANS has provided here is a consistent
coins and medals has become a bit less
place for Bennington students to find an
alien to me. Having the opportunity to
interesting, paying, position each winter.
be around people who are genuinely pas¬
That kind of enablement is not to be
sionate about numismatics is very
understated. And with the benefits of a
inspiring—it lets me see how important
relaxed working atmosphere, it’s easy to
it is to really like what you’re doing. Also,
see why Bennington students keep com¬
I think it’s great how so many of the peo¬
ing back here—they can actually tcel like
ple around me speak other languages.
they’re accomplishing something, a rare
Since I arn a language fiend, I love hear¬
feeling for most Field Work Term jobs.
ing snippets of French or Italian; the Bennington students Claudette Bernadel and Mali Dillon
6
Museum News
Library Notes continued postage stamps. Kroh’s work will serve received from Richard Giedroyc of
The Kultur- und Stadthistorisches as a source of succinct reviews of many Sidney, Ohio and Randolph Zander of
Museum Duisburg has published a two- standard references on ancient Roman, Alexandria, Virginia has enriched our
part volume bearing the tide Sammlung Greek and Byzantine coins with ratings Russian holdings with another selection
Koehler-Osbahr, both parts of which treat of their usefulness. of books and journals.
non-coin media of exchange. Part one is In addition to the accessions noted Reading room visitors have included
devoted to China, Annam, Korea and above, the library has received from former seminar student Elisabeth
Japan, while part two deals with Jonathan Kagan of New York City, a gift Kosmetatou, Dept, of Classics, Ohio
Southeast Asia, Africa and other areas of Jacob Bornit’s De nummis in repub. per- State University, who carried out an ex¬
of the world. The Numismatic Depart¬ cutiendis & conservandis, published at haustive search of the auction collection
ment of the Banco de Mexico has fur¬ Hanover in 1608. Mrs. R. Henry in her work on the drachms of Ephesus.
nished reprints of two important works Norweb has donated the very rare (50 Bruce Smith of Cambridge,
by Manuel Orozco y Berra. The first of copies printed) volume by James Ander¬ Massachusetts consulted our East Asian
these, entitled Moneda en Mexico, was son entitled, Communion tokens of the reference materials in his research on the
originally published in 1854 and the se¬ established churches in northern counties of porcelain tokens of Thailand and Jen¬
cond entitled Moneda y acunacion en Mex¬ Scotland, which the author had printed at nifer Olschin, Bard Graduate Center,
ico first appeared in 1880. Both works Aberdeen in 1906. During a recent visit New York City, has conducted extensive
draw heavily from primary source to the Society, John Farquharson of research on a silver medal designed by
materials. Two recent works which will Cheshire, England gave to the library the H. Weigall and struck in 1854 for the
undoubtedly enhance the personal or 1745 edition of Martin Folkes’ A table of Art-Union of London. Ms. Olshin is ex¬
public reference library are Gene English silver coins..., which bears a amining the medal’s aesthetic
Hessler’s The Engraver's Line and Denis presentation from Folkes to Thomas significance and its relationship to the
J. Kroh’s Ancient coin reference reviews. Morell. Morell, whose ex libris is attach¬ society which produced it. Readers who
Hessler’s volume will prove extremely ed to the verso of the title page, was the would like additional information regar¬
useful for its illustrations and biographies librettist for several of Handel’s ding any of the publications mentioned
of the artists who designed and engrav¬ oratorios. A variety of coin manuals, should address their inquiries to the at¬
ed much of the world’s paper money and periodicals and pamphlets have been tention of the Librarian.
Coin Press Inaugurated
This winter, many ANS members tuary Medal of Abraham Lincoln 1869.’’ Each visiting school class sees a
have noticed the ca. 1875 black iron 1861-1865, with a triangular cancellation demonstration of the press and receives
screw-driven coin press in the foyer of the at the back of Lincoln’s head with the in¬ a medal in lead to take back to the
West Exhibition Hall at the Society. This scription in three lines, “Treas. Dept. classroom.
fully operational press, manufactured by
H. Blundell Co., Providence, RI, has
been generously lent by ANS Fellow,
John Aiello, for use in the new school
program. The coin press was formerly
in the collection of the National Bank of
Detroit’s Money Museum.
An attached plaque on the base of the
press reads:
19th Century
United States Coining Press
“Presses of this type struck Many
Privately issued coins and tokens bet¬
ween 1860 and 1900. This screw-
driven Coining Press is similar in its
operation to the presses used by the
United States Mint from 1792 to
1835.’’
Curator Alan Stahl and Education Of¬
ficer Constance Wiesman have outfitted
the press with a die that produces a Mor¬ ANS Education Officer Constance Wiesman demonstrates the new coin press to fourth grade students and teachers of
PS 95, Queens, NY
7
Research News
Bates Attends
Leonard to Present Stack
Tubingen Meeting
Memorial Lecture
“Coinage and Monetary Circulation
during the Pre-Islamic/Islamic Transi¬ years. A member of the ANS since 1980,
tion Period’’ was the theme of the second he is the author of numerous articles ap¬
symposium sponsored by the Research pearing in numismatic publications such
Center for Islamic Numismatics of Tub¬ as The Numismatist, Coin World, and
ingen University, September 20-22, COINage. He is also a frequent con¬
1993. Sixteen papers were presented dur¬ tributor to books and catalogues detail¬
ing the three days. Seven presentations ing various token series. Leonard last
dealt with the transition from Byzantine spoke at the Society in 1988 when he par¬
to Arab coinage in Syria in the seventh ticipated in the Coinage of the Americas
century AD Many of the speakers conference devoted to “The Coinage of
discussed the various imitations and ir¬ El Peru.” His article on “The ‘Large
regular issues of Syria and its neighbors: Crown’ Counterstamp on Peruvian 2
from Byzantine siege and military issues Reales” was published by the ANS in the
from the war with the Persians to possi¬ Proceedings volume of the conference.
ble eighth-century imitations of Arab im¬ Robert D Leonard, Jr. Professionally, Leonard is Product
itations of Byzantine coins” Michael Manager in the coaxial cable division at
Bates, ANS Curator of Islamic Coins, Robert D. Leonard, Jr., ofWinnetka, the Andrew Corporation in Orland Park,
was in the thick of the debate with a IL, will present the Joseph B. and Mor¬ II. He is also an extremely active member
paper entitled, “Byzantine Coinage and ton M. Stack Memorial Lecture at the of the Chicago Coin Club which this year
Its Imitations, Arab Coinage and Its Im¬ ANS on Saturday, April 9. The subject celebrates its 75th anniversary.
itations: Arab-Byzantine Coinage.” of his illustrated talk is “Cut Coins: The Stack Memorial Lecture is
Among others who gave papers on this Money of the American Frontier.” presented at the ANS each April through
area were Wolfgang Hahn, Visiting Leonard, a long-time student of private the courtesy of the Stack family of New
Scholar to the ANS in 1983, and Stephen and pioneer coinage, has been resear¬ York. A reception will follow Leonard’s
Heidemann, a student at the 1993 ANS ching American cut coinage for over 20 presentation.
Seminar.
The evolution of Iranian coinage was
the subject of six papers, including one
by ANS Fellow Stephen Album on the
earliest Arab coinage of Sasanian style
Stahl Named Oxford Scholar
and a discussion by 1987 Seminar alum¬
nus Stuart Sears on the Zabulistan
ANS Curator of Medieval Coins Alan library research for his book on “The
coinage of the eighth century.
Stahl has been named the 1994 Robin¬ Mint of Venice in the Middle Ages” and
In another presentation, Bates describ¬
son Visiting Scholar to the Heberden use the facilities of the Heberden Cabinet
ed “The Earliest Umayyad Coinage of
Coin Room of the Ashmolean Museum, and the files of the scholars there to pur¬
the Maghrib.” One of the valuable
Oxford University. The scholarship, sue his investigations of the circulation
aspects of the meeting was the ample time
named after the former Honorary of Venetian coins from England to the
allowed for informal discussions and
Reader in Greek Numismatics, Sir Ed¬ Eastern Mediterranean.
study of the rich Tubingen University
ward Robinson, enables a senior figure Previous holders of the Robinson
Islamic collection. For Bates, a member
in the numismatic field to spend a month Visiting Scholarship in recent years have
of the Beirat or Consulting Committee
in Oxford working on research of his or included Michel Amandry and Michel
set up by the Volkswagen Foundation to
her choice. The Robinson Visiting Dhenin, both of the Bibliotheque Na¬
advise on the best way to utilize the col¬
Scholarship is normally conjoined with tional, Paris; Hans-Dietrich Schultz of
lection which it financed, the occasion
the Kraay Visitorship offered by Wolfson the Berlin Cabinet; Jorgen Steen Jensen
was also marked by the last meeting of
College in memory of Colin Kraay. of the Copenhagen Cabinet; Pere Pau
the Committee, the Research Center
Stahl will use the Scholarship to spend Ripolles Alegre of the University of
having been well launched under the
a month in Oxford immediately follow¬ Valencia; and William E. Metcalf of the
capable direction of its head, Lutz Ilisch.
ing the ANS Graduate Seminar. He will ANS.
take advantage of the opportunity to do
8
Research News
ANS
to Cosponsor Major West Coast Conference
On Saturday, May 7, 1994, the of the SFANS with degrees in physics mann, an engineering graduate of UC,
American Numismatic Society will pre¬ from Princeton and the University of Berkeley who went on to a career in the
sent a day-long conference in coopera¬ Pennsylvania, then explains the petroleum industry, will discuss
tion with the Graduate Group in Ancient iconography of coronation ceremony “Ptolemaic Economies and Coinage,”
History and Mediterranean Archaeology scenes in his “Roman Coronations of an overview of this isolated coinage
at the University of California at Friendly Kings: the Mysterious Atten¬ phenomenon. The final speaker of the
Berkeley and the San Francisco Ancient dant.’’ The last presentation of the mor¬ afternoon is Andrew F. Stewart, Pro¬
Numismatic Society. This major event ning session is devoted to “Imagery on fessor of Art History at UC, Berkeley,
in classical numismatics will take place Ancient Coins as Indicators of Dif¬ author of several books on Greek
in the auditorium of Alumni House of ferences in Cultural Values,” in which sculpture, who will address “Alexander,
UC, Berkeley, starting at 8:30 AM. Ad¬ Dr. Henry Lindgren, Professor Emeritus Anchors and Elephants: Coins and the
mission to the conference is $10.00, of Psychology at San Francisco State Fame of Seleucus.”
which includes attendance at the sessions, University, cofounder of the SFANS, Dr. Metcalf will conclude the con¬
a buffet lunch and a post-conference whose numismatic credits include two ference on behalf of the sponsoring
reception, the last hosted by ANS Presi¬ books on ancient bronze coinages, organizations, following which
dent R. Henry Norweb, Jr., on behalf surveys preferences for particular coin registrants and guests will have the op¬
of the Society’s Council. types. portunity to continue informal discus¬
Ancient Coins and Ancient History is the Following a buffet luncheon, the con¬ sions on the day’s topics during the ANS
theme of the classical numismatic con¬ ference resumes with three summary sponsored reception.
ference which features a number of talks presented by recent ANS Graduate A preliminary Program and registra¬
outstanding illustrated talks together with Seminar alumni, now doctoral can¬ tion form is being mailed to all ANS
a moderated discussion inviting audience didates at UC, Berkeley: Beth Severy on members in the general area of San Fran¬
participation. The event has been “Coins and Conflict: Monetary Policies cisco; others interested in attending are
organized by William E. Metcalf of the of the Second Punic War”; Steven Ross, invited to call or write the ANS for a
ANS, Erich S. Gruen of the AHMA and “The Emperor and the King: a copy. The ANS is proud to join this
Messrs. Jerry Borrmann and Ben Dam- Mesopotamian Mystery”; and Leah cooperative effort offering members and
sky of the SFANS. Johnson, “Greek Coinage and the Athe¬ friends the opportunity to participate in
The morning session will include nian Coinage Decree.” These topics will this day-long presentation of classical
welcomes by ANS President Norweb and be further explored in a discussion ses¬ numismatic papers. Similar activities are
Prof. Gruen, Director of the AHMA, sion led by Robert C. Knapp of UC, planned or contemplated for other ma¬
and will continue with presentations by Berekely. jor cities distant from the Society’s head¬
William E. Metcalf, Chief Curator of the The afternoon session continues with quarters in NYC, including a preconven¬
ANS and Curator of Roman Coins, who a review and update of research on tion symposium in Boston this
uses hoard evidence in a fresh examina¬ “Coins of Lysimachus” by Carmen September. We invite inquiries from
tion of propaganda on coins in “Politics Arnold-Biucchi, the Margaret Thomp¬ other interested organizations toward
and Product in the Second Century son Curator of Greek Coins at the ANS. continuing and expanding this rewarding
A.D.’’ Ben Damsky, current President Then SFANS Past President, Jerry Borr- outreach effort.
ANS at Medieval
Congress
This year, the ANS is cosponsoring The first session will deal with the Ear¬ Viking Age, AD 800-1050.”
three sessions on the theme of “Medieval ly Middle Ages and will include a report Session two will focus on the Central
Metals and Metallurgy’’ at the Interna¬ by Carol Meyer of the Oriental Institute, Middle Ages in England. The speakers
tional Congress on Medieval Studies, University of Chicago on “The Bir will include Patrick Ottaway of the York
Western Michigan University, May 5-8. Umm Fawakir Survey Project 1992-93; Archaeological Trust on “Blacksmithing
The other sponsoring organization is the a Byzantine Gold Mining Site in Egypt”; in 10th- 11th Century England; the Ar¬
Association Villard de Honnecourt for a paper by Nancy L. Wicker, Mankato chaeological Evidence”; Gerry McDon¬
the Interdisciplinary Study of Medieval State University, on “The Political and nell of the University of Bradford on
Technology, Science and Art which is Social Organization of Precious “The Metallurgy of English Early
usually referred to (for obvious reasons) Metalworking in Early Medieval Scan¬ Medieval Iron Artefacts”; and Geoff
by its acronym, AVISTA. The sessions dinavia, Fourth through Ninth Cen¬ Egan of The Museum of London on
have been organized by ANS curator turies”; and a talk by Helge Brinch “Knifemakers, Foundries and Fashions;
Alan Stahl and seminar alumna Barbara Madsen of the Royal Danish Art Archaeological Evidence for Production
S. Bowers. Academy on “Bronze Casting during the Continued on next page
9
Research News
Congress continued
Ancient Coins Exhibited at Cornell
and Consumption of Metal Goods in
Medieval London.”
The final session will treat the Later
by Jerry Theodorou
Middle Ages and will deal specifically
with minting. Nicholas J. Mayhew of the From March 25 through June 12, the
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at
Heberden Coin Room, Ashmolean
Cornell University, will host a special
Museum, University of Oxford will
loan exhibition of ancient coins.
speak on “Medieval Mint Technology
“Emblems of Authority: Ancient Greek
in Britain.” David W. Sorenson will
and Roman Coins from Two Alumni’s
speak on “The Coin Factory: Metal¬
Collections” features selections from the
working and Standards in a Fifteenth- Tetradrachm of Antiochus VIII, Theodorou collection
collections of Cornell graduates (and
Century French Silver Mint.” The final
ANS members) David Simpson and
speaker will be Marie-Claude Deprez- Outstanding Art Museum
Jerry Theodorou. The exhibition in¬
Masson, of the Universite de Montreal,
cludes 150 coins in silver and bronze that The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of
whose topic is “Creating a Technical
provide a window into the personalities Art at Cornell, in Ithaca, the largest art
Vocabulary; a study of Agricola’s ’De Re
and characters of ancient rulers depicted museum in upstate New York, houses an
Metallica’.”
on portrait coins. The Theodorou collec¬ outstanding collection of Western and
As in past years, the ANS will spon¬
tion is especially strong in hellenistic, Eastern art. Designed by I.M. Pei, the
sor a reception for alumni, members and
especially Seleucid portraits, such as the Johnson Museum building is a landmark
friends on the evening of Saturday, May
Antiochus VIII tetradrachm illustrated. in museum architecture, and a stunning
7, on the campus of Western Michigan
The beak-nosed Antiochus was a late se¬ feature of the attractive Cornell campus.
University. Further information on the
cond century B.C. ruler of Syria from “Emblems of Authority” is curated by
Congress can be obtained from Professor
the long-ruling house of Seleucus, which Andrew Ramage, Professor in the
Otto Griindler, The Medieval Institute,
governed Alexander the Great’s eastern Department of the History of Art at Cor¬
Western Michigan University,
conquests. Antiochus was a dissolute nell University. The exhibition will be
Kalamazoo, MI 49008; [phone].
roue who ascended the throne by poison¬ accompanied by an illustrated catalogue;
ing his mother, the redoubtable Queen educational activities including gallery
Cleopatra Thea. The Simpson collec¬ talks are also planned. Financial support
tion’s strength is medallion sized Greek for this exhibition has been provided by
Imperial bronzes, many with Cornell, Leon Levy, Jonathan Rosen,
mythological reverses. The exhibition Jonathan Kagan, Leu Numismatik,
will be accompanied by photo blow-ups Munzen und Medaillen, and Classical
and text panels. Cataloguing of the coins Numismatic Group. For more informa¬
is being done by students in a Cornell tion, readers may call the Herbert F.
class on Greek and Roman coinage. Johnson Museum at 607/255-6464.
Following their presentations ant the January meeting, A NS Seminar alumni Lee L. Brice, Pamela D Lachie, and
William H Day pose with their ANS mentors, Carmen Arnold Biucchi, William E Metcalf, and Alan M Stahl
10