What is Your Favorite Coin? What is Your Favorite Numismatic Book? Colonial Currency More on Die States What is This Counterstamp? Until Next Quarter, Happy Collecting, Researching, Reading & Writing and Enjoying Numismatics!
By: Ron Gammill Charles Cushing Wright (1796-1854) was born in Damariscotta, Maine, where he taught himself engraving as an apprentice to John Osburn, a jeweler and watchmaker in Utica, New York. After working for several years as an itinerant engraver, Wright settled in New York City, where he established a die engraving firm in partnership…
By: Fred De Vall A true HOBO nickel starts with the Buffalo nickel as the “host” coin to use in carving an image usually on the obverse side of the coin. These coins were used because they had a large enough face and profile for the carvers to modify as they wished when carving their…
By: Jaden Boyd The Roman siliqua (pronounced sili-kwah), a key currency in the late Roman Empire, holds significant historical value and reflects the economic practices of its time. Emerging in the 3rd century AD, the siliqua was a silver coin, and it became a vital component of the Roman monetary system. Its name is derived…
By: Linda Cugliotta On April 5, 2025 we experienced another very successful year for the Kids’ Auction. Lots of fun. In the past, we have had children save all their money for the same item. So, theauctioneer (Trevor) this year decided the best way to decide a tie would be rock-paper-scissors. After the auction, we’ve…
By: Ron Gammill Die States provide valuable insights into a coin’s history and production process. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding die states enhances yourappreciation of numismatics! Early Die State (EDS):EDS coins are struck from dies that have seen minimal use and have not been retooled. Look for crisp fields, sharp…
April – Jun 2025Tony Cook, Librarian (KNC LM-90) The library’s inventory is now on our website for your reference and convenience to review from home. The website is kalamazoocoinclub.com. Some great news, in March, we had a total of 14 books that were signed in between both meetings. As a reminder, books checked out are…
May 7-10, 2025 For the first time, the Michigan State Numismatic Society Show was held at the newly renovated Kalamazoo Expo Center! This is a great venue, and from my conversations with dealers and collectors, everyone enjoyed this new location. Most of the dealers I talked to had a great show. Martha and I certainly…
Another Great KNC Show!!!
July 22, 2025 – Bryon Crowder – The Dirt on Coin Cleaning…Ah, Conservation. August 12, 2025 – Club Auction August 26, 2025 – Educational Forum September 9, 2025 – Club Auction September 23, 2025 – Ernie Nagy We have an opening for our August Educational Forum. Share some of your collecting experiences and favorite topics…
Let me first apologize for the late publication of this Issue of our Newletter. Just a lot that I wanted to include and visits by our kids and grandkids slowed things down. I also want to thank all the club members for submitting articles this quarter. This makes our KNC Newsletter reflect our interest in…
Greetings fellow club members. I stand in awe of the generosity of volunteerism the members of this club offer to support the club and our hobby. We have had both our spring show and the MSNS show, and it was thestrength of our commitment that made both shows successful. Our show in April had near…
Introduction to Hobo Nickels More from Jaden on Roman Coins What is Your Favorite Coin/Token? Anyone Interested in Colonial Currency? What is Counterstamp?
By: Your Newsletter Editor! I have enjoyed collecting Conder Token, also known as “English Provincial Coinage”, for about as long as I have had interest in early American, European and Russian (kopeks) copper. I enjoy the idea that that I can find AU/MS examples of Conder Tokens from the late 18th and early 19th century…
By: Ron MundWelcome back Ron! Chief Iron Tail Iron Tail (1842 – May 29, 1916) was an Oglala Lakota Chief and a star performer with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. Iron Tail was one of the most famous Native American celebrities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a popular subject for professional photographers…
By: Ron GammillFrom “The Gammill Coin Gazette”(July 18, 2008) Collecting Civil War tokens is an interesting pursuit just loaded with history of the Great War between the States. Regular issues of US coinage was hoarded during the Civil War and this dramatically restricted merchants ability to make small change. In response to this situation, many…
By: Ron Gammill Do you ever wonder who the early 18th & 19th Century Medalists were that Engraved, Sunk the Dies and Manufactured Tokens, Medals, Medallions and Medalets? Charles Cushing Wright (1796-1854) was an important American artist and engraver. Often called “The First American Medalist,” Wright’s work is highly regarded for its quality and attention…
By: Jaden Boyd Emperor Constantine I, known as Constantine the Great, was a transformative figure in Roman history. His reign from 306 to 337 AD marked the establishment of Christianity as a central element of Roman society, alongside significant political reforms. Among his various contributions, the nummus — a small bronze coin — stands out…
Mike gave an excellent presentation on the do’s and dont’s in preparation for a numismatic exhibit. Points that he emphasized were: He also stressed the importance of each of the above and further broke down the presentation to: creativity, attractiveness & overall balance. Excellent and very informative presentation! Thank you, Mr. Mike!
Arrow Head Money. Arrow heads of stone or metal have been used by carious primitive people as objects of barter. Although they may be considered as primitive money they cannot be classed as coins. The American Indians and the Japanese used stone arrow heads for purposes of exchange and the Chinese used bronze arrow points….