Volume 5 Issue 4                                                                                            April  2000.

Index For This Month:


TASMANIAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY INC.

  • Anyone who wishes to apply for membership to our non-profit making organisation, and who is prepared to abide by the rules of the Society and its aim of promoting the study and enjoyment of the hobby of numismatics, should contact the following addresses for an application form and details of subscriptions :-
    • The Secretary,
    Tasmanian Numismatic Society, Inc.
    G.P.O. Box 884J.
    Hobart. Tasmania. 7001.
    Australia.
    Our members meet at 8.00 p.m. on the 2nd.Thursday of each month (except January), in our social rooms at the Masonic Club, 181 Macquarie St., Hobart. Tasmania. Visitors are always welcome!

    TASMANIAN NUMISMATIST.
    Any literary contributions or relevant and constructive comments regarding numismatics are always welcome and can be sent to the T.N.S. or directed to:

    The Editor,
    Tasmanian Numismatist.
    P.O.Box 10,
    Ravenswood. 7250. Tasmania.
    Australia.
    Internet Page: http://www.vision.net.au/~pwood/tns.html
    Email: pwood@vision.net.au
    The ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ is published and distributed FREE, on a monthly basis, to members of the Tasmanian Numismatic Society Inc. and selected associates and institutions. This publication is the only official newsletter of the ‘Tasmanian Numismatic Society Inc.’ and its aim is to promote the hobby of numismatics in an entertaining and enjoyable way, under the guidelines suggested by the executive committee of the T.N.S.
    All details of a commercial nature, organisations, items or individual arrangement to buy, sell or trade are provided as information only, and any consequent dealings are between the parties concerned.
    The ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ takes no responsibility for disagreements between parties, and also reserves the right to only feature information that it considers suitable in promoting our hobby to our members under the guidelines suggested by the Society. Deadline for contributions or amendment to copy is 7 Days prior to the beginning of the month of publication.

    This newsletter and its contents are copyrighted ©, but anything herein (except as noted below) can be fairly used to promote the great hobby of numismatics; however, we do like to be asked by commercial interests if they wish to use any of our copy. Usually, we are not too hard to get on with - and, as long as you undertake to give credit to the author and the ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ we don’t mind too much!
    This permission, however, does not extend to any article specifically marked as copyrighted © by the author of the article. In the latter case, you must get explicit permission from the author either directly or through the ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ to use that material.
    All opinions expressed in material published in this newsletter are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the ‘Tasmanian Numismatic Society Inc.’ or the Editor.

    Index

    Vale - John Szigetvary.

  • It is with deep regret that the 'Tasmanian Numismatist' acknowledges the recent and sudden passing of our 'Tasmanian Numismatic Society' member # 344, John Szigetvary.

    • John had been a member of the Society since 1995 and, although suffering failing health, he had made the effort to attend general meetings until May last year when he advised the Society that, because of a severe deterioration in his condition, he would only be attending occasionally. However, John still maintained a keen interest in all club matters by way of the newsletter and by keeping in personal touch with several of the members - he will be missed by his numismatic friends both within and without of the Society!
    John's collecting interests were reasonably broad and international - but with a particular emphasis on medals and medallions.

    Vale - John Fulton.

  • It is also with regret that the 'Tasmanian Numismatist' advises that we have only recently been informed of the death of T.N.S. member John Fulton of Kingston. John kept in contact with Society news primarily by means of the monthly newsletter but, as a member of long-standing, he too will be missed from our ranks.


    • Index

    SOCIETY SNIPPETS.

    Roman coins.

  • During a pleasant Sunday afternoon social visit late last month from our new northern T.N.S. members, Robert and Marianna Newbold, the conversation finally got around to Robert's passion - Ancient Greek and Roman Coins - and I was handed a 'budget' price list from one of his suppliers in Canberra. This contact may prove to be a good starting point for others looking for something more traditional and challenging than the modern commercial packs, so I will pass it on.

    • Dr. Hugh Preston conducts a part time business specialising in Roman coins ('Portraits of Romans on Coins' - A.C.R. Sept.'99). He can also cater for the beginner collector, with many affordable coins amongst his budget prices items.
    Periodically, email or hardcopy lists are available and will be supplied on request to those genuinely interested in this fascinating area of numismatics. Inquiries can be directed to:
    ROMANORUM
    P.O. Box 1205,
    Woden.
    A.C.T. 2606
    Ph: (02) 6296 3440
    Email: hpreston@dynamite.com.au
    Varieties.
  • It is great to see that our T.N.S. member #343, Ian McConnelly, who has a strong interest in pre-decimal varieties, has had a prominent mention in one of Australia's leading numismatic publications. (Refer page 35 of the March issue of the 'Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine')

    • For some time now Ian has been one of the few lonely Tasmanian voices in the wilderness regarding this fascinating area of Australian numismatics. A year or so ago, Ian alerted me to the fact that he was collecting varieties - an area that I had abandoned through lack of suitable information from the literary gurus in the business - and we both bemoaned the fact that there was so little contemporary information readily available.
    With a new book on the shelves - " A Search for Varieties on Australian Pre-Decimal Coins 1910 -1964 ½d to 5/- " by Mostyn Arthur Byrnes - this important section of our pre-decimal coinage is bound to be aroused again so we suggest that our members and readers hold on to those old Oz coins a little while longer. Collectors, who have become jaded with the near perfect new Mint releases, are certainly going to drag out their pennies again - and those grotty scratch boxes at markets will start to get a good going over by those more knowledgeable people amongst us!
    The following review of the new book was kindly supplied by Ian - who filed this brief report under the heading of 'Apprentice Word Mangler' - in fact, for a first effort, it is very professional and to the point and we thank him!
    Ian has also mentioned that he has recently noted varieties in our 1998 and 1999 commemorative 50cent coins.
    The 1998 Bass and Flinders coins depicting the circumnavigation journeys are marked with a broken line - it appears that on some coins the line has been double-struck with various degrees of separation thus giving the appearance of a double broken line particularly down the West Coast of Tasmania.
    On the 1999 coin, with the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth, Ian has noticed that on some coins the forehead and designer's initials appears to have been lightly double struck. However, the main point that Ian has pointed out is in the area under the Queen's nostrils - a slight bump gives the appearance that Her Majesty has been suffering from a head cold!
    (On checking my loose change I have found several coins with the features that Ian has mentioned. Have they been reported elsewhere prior to this?)

    Ian's Book Review.
    This is THE book to have for varieties! The size is an easy to handle soft covered A4 format x 10mm thick, and, at its least, it signals a rebirth of an interesting numismatic area that others who follow may wish to enhance or expand upon in due course!
    It was designed to cater for beginners, and other novices, through to the more experienced Australian pre-decimal collector, and it appears to have succeeded in its aim. In my copy - which was from the initial run of 100 that were printed - this reviewer noted that several small errors have been hand-corrected. These few corrections by the author make these first 100 books rather unique and, of course, will not appear in any subsequent runs.
    All in all, the presentation was good and I am pleased with the effort made by Mos Byrnes to revitalise the interest in varieties that had languished in the doldrums for such a long period.
    The main variety topics are the Halfpenny and Penny, but other denominations that have major known varieties have been also listed and, in total, 950 varieties are detailed.
    Some photos have been used, but the author has opted to go with graphics for the sake of clarity on the majority of examples.
    This reviewer found this style of illustration a little unusual at first but, after trying to discern fine die cracks on my own examples, I could appreciate the merit of the idea. The descriptive graphics are clearer than a photo image could hope to be and they make the variety fault very easy to locate and identify.
    The book contains 140 pages and there are 12 sections. The 3 major sections cover the varieties in Half-pennies, Pennies and the other denominations, whist others cover such things as RAM information, the author's own discoveries, sources of coins, and a readers discussion section. There is also a section on US errors and varieties presented by a well-known American varieties expert 'Mr. Z.' - Frank Zapushek. Orders are now being prepared for both the national and international readers who have found this fascinating 'new' area of pre-decimal Australian numismatics something to get their teeth into again. As the first trial run is now nearly fully subscribed a second run is now contemplated and, hopefully, will soon be on the drawing board.
    At this point in time our T.N.S. Bookroom obviously hasn't had a chance to ascertain member interest but, if you do want a copy in a hurry, Ian tells me that a few copies of the first edition are still available for $40.00 p.p. direct from:

    Cosmos Collectables.
    Box 188,
    North Ryde,
    N.S.W. 1670.
    Australia.
    Tasmanian Tokens.
  • We have been alerted by one of our N.W. Coast members, Mr. John McCullagh, that he had recently acquired several commercially produced imitations of Tasmanian tokens. These consist of Penny tokens of I. Friedman and W.D. Woods - which are apparently made from a bronze-dipped zinc alloy. John says that they are slightly lighter than normal and definitely sound 'wrong' when rattled. A quick investigation, and a few well-directed questions to our T.N.S. members, turned up the known facts! Thank you, John!


    • Index
     

    COPIES, COUNTERFEITS & TOURIST GIMMICKS.         From an article by Roger McNeice. OAM, FRNS.
    Recently my attention was drawn to the fact that one of our members had reported the discovery of a couple of Tasmanian Tokens that appeared to be copies. This information may help to clarify the situation somewhat.

    These particular Tasmanian tokens were produced and originally marketed in pairs, in a wooden presentation pack, some 3 - 4 years ago as a limited issue promotional ploy and as 'tourist souvenirs' by a Tasmanian retail company who acted in good faith. Several different tokens were commonly used (including those mentioned above). The exact number produced is not precisely known, but it is believed that only about 50 pairs were made from zinc and then bronze-plated.
    However, after T.N.S. members and other token collectors raised genuine concerns, further production ceased and all unsold packs were withdrawn from the marketplace by the promoters but, obviously, there are some still out there.
    The manufacture of token copies is nothing new. Copies of tokens were made even back in colonial days and were circulated along side 'normal' issues. They were meant to deceive and the contemporary colonial press often called for the issuers of such items to be apprehended. When Tasmanian Tokens were withdrawn in 1876, it was found that a large number of circulating tokens were in fact - forgeries!

    To put the situation into perspective, the copies of Tasmanian Tokens can be classified as:
    Contemporary Forgeries.
    This is self-explanatory. They were made during the actual circulation period of the original tokens and were meant to deceive. (I am preparing a comprehensive list of these tokens and would like to hear from any member or reader with specimens in their collections - R. McN.)
    Copies made for Museums.
    These are usually Electrotypes. Made from original specimens for Museums or collectors these electrocopies are often marked with the word - 'COPY'.
    Copies made as tourist souvenirs.
    Again the purpose of these is self-explanatory. Examples are the Thomas White & Son pennies and halfpennies. These replicas were struck by Stokes of Melbourne in 1973 and they differ from the originals in style and edge beading. Two different pennies were released, bearing the date 1855, plus one halfpenny. Matte and bright surfaces were available in the pennies and they turn up regularly and can be very deceptive for the uninitiated. Another modern copy of the I Friedman penny and half-penny which appears in a set of replica Colonial Australian coins but these are uniface and are clearly marked - 'COPY'- on the reverse.
    Modern copies made to deceive.
    This usually happens only after a token value reaches a certain price level and it would be unusual for any Tasmanian Token to fall into this category. However collectors should be aware that with modern facilities it is now possible to manufacture near perfect specimens, of any token, in mint condition.

    EDITOR'S NOTE.
    Also watch out for the (numismatically well-known) Reader's Digest "Austrian Ducats" (I recently had a request from a French speaking correspondent from the Ile de Reunion - in the Indian Ocean 640 kms. east of Madagascar - for information about this one) and the Kool Pops "Australasian Banknotes" - and don't forget the very deceptive copies of the (Half-penny and Penny) Thomas White & Son tokens which were all produced in good faith.
    The last few of the White's Penny tokens, which were produced for the tourist market and the Westbury sesquicentenary in 1973, were still available at the White House venue prior to Christmas 1999. Each plastic-bagged 'token' was accompanied by a descriptive explanation printed on a paper backing -sheet in, at least, 2 colours. The sheet gave a brief history of the role of tokens, in general, and clearly identified the attached Thomas White & Son token as a reproduction - unfortunately the items were only stapled together and were easily separated and, being bronze, the copies eventually develop a more aged appearance.
    Readers should be aware that even these relatively cheap items, innocently produced as 'gimmicks', can be deceptive to a beginner in the great hobby of numismatics - so if you are unsure whether they are genuine or not - don't buy until you are!
    Mark Freehill's 'Book News and Reviews', which is published in the 'Australian Coin Review' each month, advises us that the new 19th edition of  'Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values', due out in April, will contain a revised section on genuine Australasian Tradesmen's Tokens with current values.

    Information Required.

  • Roger McNeice is currently working on a comprehensive book on Tasmanian Long Service Medals and Badges which he hopes to have ready for publication next year. Any member or reader who has any of the following in their collection is asked to contact Roger to enable him to gather information, arrange inspection if possible, and as an aid in cataloguing as much of this facet of Tasmanian history as possible.

    • Items that are of great interest are:
    Tasmanian Long Service Medals and Badges for clubs, governments, associations, hospitals and businesses.
    Roger can be contacted on (03) 6227 9292 or (03) 6227 8825 - Fax (03) 6227 9898.
    Email: rogermcneice@southcom.com.au

    T.N.S. President's Trip.

  • Following his successful overseas trip last year to the ICOMON conference in Madrid (see our next issue) our T.N.S. President, Roger McNeice, has accepted the invitation to attend a special seminar on counterfeiting to be held in the Netherlands. While he is in Europe Roger will take the opportunity to visit the Paris Mint, the Royal Mint and the British Museum and will be combining business with numismatic pleasure. In France and Italy he will taking time to check out some special minting machines for his Tasmedals business - and he advises us that he will leave the home front responsibility in the capable hands of Chris Heath.

    • Roger has extended an offer to any of our members who may want something special, to let him know prior to his departure on May 9th and he will endeavour to obtain it - within reason of course - bearing in mind that time is very limited!
    He and Jill will be travelling through Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, England and Ireland.

    Index

    AROUND THE TRAPS.

  • Tasmanian enterprise pays off - if you put in the effort!

    • The 'Tasmanian Numismatist' has noted, in a recent 'TASMEDALS ' newsletter, that this Hobart-based company has been very busy producing high quality Anzac Badges and other Military badges for a special project being undertaken by the Perth Mint division, Gold Corporation. Apparently, Gold Corporation is very impressed with 'TASMEDALS' quality and chose them to do this important contract.
    Members have also been made aware that the series of new Tasmanian Tourist Dollars has commenced with several venues soon to commence issuing operations. Port Arthur Historic Site and the Maritime Museum are the latest issuers. Each will have its own specially designed souvenir token but, if our readers cannot visit the sites themselves, they can order direct through 'TASMEDALS' and T.N.S. members can use the Bookroom facility to place an order, if need be, by contacting our Secretary.
    TASMEDALS.
    Shop 2, 41-43 Victoria St., Hobart. Tasmania. (Near Centrepoint Car Park.)
    Phone :- (03) 6231 5281
    Fax :- (03) 6227 9898
    Email :- rogermcneice@southcom.com.au


    STOP PRESS!

  • A little dickie-bird quietly whistled recently and let me know that 'TASMEDALS' have just landed a special contract to produce 2000 - yes 2000! - replica Victoria Crosses. At this time, I know nothing more about this intriguing project - except it has apparently been confirmed. As things develop, I will let our readers know - but this is another feather in the cap for our local Tasmanian medal producer!


    • Index

    INTERNET NEWS.

  • The following Internet News contains several Web addresses of international correspondents who have recently e-mailed the 'Tasmanian Numismatist' - some with requests for members and readers, who are interested in swapping, buying and/or selling, to contact them. As with all these matters, we again remind readers that the 'Tasmanian Numismatist' supplies this information as a service only.

    • The 'Tasmanian Numismatist' will not accept any responsibility for disputes over any business dealings between private individuals or commercial parties - nor do we accept responsibility for content on correspondent's Internet home pages or any advertisements supplied thereon.

    AUSTRALIA.
    Received in early March: "Dear Editor, Tasmanian Numismatist, This may be a bit of a long shot, but I hope you might be able to help me. My grandfather, George Thomas Hamlyn Harris, was a Trooper and then 2Lt. in the 1st Light Horse in Egypt in WWI 1916-1919 (wounded at Romani and Beersheba). He was a doctor in Launceston and died there in 1959.
    Until the mid 1970's my grandfather's three medals were still with my grandmother. Unfortunately on her death in 1981, and during the subsequent clean up of her house and estate, the medals were 'lost'.
    I am wondering if you could suggest any ways of trying to find them. They were not special medals - the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal 1914-18, and the Victory Medal - but as I am now trying to write the family's military history, I am keen to see if they could be located. I presume that there are people who buy and sell medals, or collect them.
    I would really appreciate any assistance you could give me." Regards: kirstyj@rocketmail.com

    Kirsty Harris
    1 Mitchell St
    Richmond VIC 3121. Australia.
    Phone: (03) 9428 3266
    ITALY.
    My name is Ermes Manfredi and I write from Italy.
    I'm a world coin collector by type and I would be pleased to exchange coins with you.
    Details of spares available - Email: ermesman@hotmail.com

    NETHERLANDS.
    Bi-metallic Counterfeits from Israel.....Patrick Glassford/Tal Yehros
    Israeli Bi-metallic 10 Shekel Counterfeit report. Information received by Patrick Glassford of Canada from Tal Yehros of Israel. Pictures can be seen in the WBCC Homepage*: http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/7513/wbcc/wbcc.html

    Most of the 10 Shekel coins have similar qualities to the ones described in earlier letters. There are several slight differences among them: degree of slight rotation, thickness, partial peeling of metal, reeding (or partial absence of), alloy, degree of die-cracking, and misalignment of core. Much less common are the ones with a higher degree of rotation (30* - 45*), either clock- or counter-. I have only one set of two of these other than my own collection. Also very scarce is a variety with a different alloy and strike (you haven't seen a scan of this type). All these types comes from sifting through about 500 - 600 coins a week over the past 4 - 5 years. That comes to about 600 X 52 X 5 = 156,000 coins!
    Also interesting about Israeli counterfeits: There has been a "plague" of counterfeit currency here over the past couple
    of years. Bills of NIS 50, 100, and 200 have been forged (NIS = New Israeli Shekel). Banks have been confiscating bills from many innocent citizens trying to deposit money, check-out clerks hold your money up to the light before you get to take home your milk, post offices and financial institutions post warning signs of foul currency. All of the bills have had design changes, in part at least, to curb counterfeiters. No seems to care about receiving counterfeits coins!
    * Counterfeit Bi-metallic 10 Shekel Coin #1
    I believe the above coin to be counterfeit. You can see the symptoms: Die cracks that stretch through both metals, Misaligned strike, Doubling of vertical lines to the right of tree, Rotated (rotations are found also 45% clock- and counterclockwise: both very scarce), Crude strike in general.
    The word "new" in Hebrew script is almost nonexistent, Small punch mark in between the "1" and the "0" of "10
    Other varieties exist....
    * Counterfeit Bi-metallic 10 Shekel Coin #2
    Is similar to #1 but has a slight Die rotation, also may come 30 degrees off and these are much scarcer.
    * Counterfeit Bi-metallic 10 Shekel Coin #3
    This coin at left has peeling near the grapevine, revealing the under-metal (interesting!)
    * Counterfeit Bi-metallic 10 Shekel Coin #4
    This is a very rare variety of counterfeit. The reeding is 2-3 times thicker and sharper than normal (only one I've seen). Also, the core is not centered.
    Interesting observation about the counterfeits: they don't stack well. Normal coins can be stacked in quantity and remain stable when pressed down on. The counterfeits start to "wobble" with even the first coin stacked upon another (and increases with each coin). Details from WBCC Newsletter #186 -4th March, 2000.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
    The Worldwide Bi-metallic Collectors Club (WBCC) was established September 14, 1996 and is the very first Worldwide
    Collectors Club using the Internet. Goal of the WBCC is to exchange Bi-metallics and exchange knowledge about Bi-metallics.
    WBCC Organisation:
    WBCC Homepage Provider: Rod Sell, Australia, Rod.Sell@hlos.com.au
    WBCC DoCu-Centre: Frans Dubois, Netherlands, dubois.f@wxs.nl
    WBCC Public Relations: Cliff Anderson, USA, chander@mciworld.com
    WBCC Research Centre: Paul Baker, UK, 85@wbcc.fsnet.co.uk
    WBCC Developement Centre, Jack Hepler, USA, leslie.j.hepler@saic.com
    WBCC Focal Point: Martin Peeters, Netherlands, martinp@westbrabant.net
    WBCC Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/7513/wbcc/wbcc.html
    WBCC Bi-metallic Web Ring: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/9540/WRhelp.html
    "All That Is Bi-metallic" Webside: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/9540/bmhome.html
    The WBCC is official sponsored by: Impresa Nacional-Casa Da Moeda EP (The Portuguese Mint)
     

    ROMANIA.
    Mario G. Perhinschi (IBNS #7411) has a list of banknote spares to trade. Email for details: mperhinschi@pcnet.pcnet.ro

    SLOVENIA.
    Courtesy of Uros Tacar, is a link to the Bank of Slovenia for those who may be interested.
    Uros is also interested in swapping his spare coins of the region and he can be contacted at: uros.tacar@iskramedical.si
    The Bank of Slovenia is located at: www.bsi.si/html/eng/banknotes_coins/index.html - and the site is in English as well.

    SPAIN.
    Hi!, I'm David Rivera Alonso, from Bilbao, Spain.
    Since I started knowing collectors on the Internet, I am enjoying my hobby much more and finding lots of new friends.
    Let me invite you to visit my collecting pages, and to leave your data so that you can be listed and people can know you too!
    Details of spares available if you contact me by email at: jo7lan@teleline.es
    Look in at David's homepages at: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Paradise/5733/listadoco/listacol.htm

    U.S.A.
    Note from our Texan friend - Jerry Adams of "TRADE TOKEN TALES".
    Jerry attended a meeting of the Texas Token Collectors in Houston on the 11th March, 2000.
    "I put some of the pictures from our token meeting on the website, and notes from the meeting also should you care to gaze on the various characters who make up the Texas token collectors - they are there to view at:
    http://members.home.net/tokenguy/page41.htm
    PS. Jerry missed out on getting blown away by the Fort Worth tornado late last month - but his brother should buy a lottery ticket!

    Index

    JERRY'S BOOK REVIEWS.
    It was gratifying to receive the first book reviews of the Year 2000 from our long time Canadian member, Jerry Remick. As many of our members know, Jerry has been in poor health for some time and his usually prolific, old - but much beloved - typewriter has slowed to a canter. Every so often, however, when I check the Tasmanian Numismatist post-box there is something there from Jerry.
    The following catalogue is described by Jerry as a 'darn useful book' - high praise indeed from this international reviewer!

    33RD. EDITION of CATALOGUE on CURRENT CIRCULATING WORLD BANK NOTES.

  • The 33rd edition of the quarterly catalogue 'MRI BANKER'S GUIDE TO FOREIGN CURRENCY', by Arnaldo Efron, was published in December 1999. Postage details and delivery are available direct from:
    • The 265 page book is printed on 8 x 11inch glossy paper and bound by a soft cardboard cover - and it lists, describes and illustrates - in colour - the obverse sides of the currency of each country currently circulating bank notes. Also included, in a separate section - for some countries - is a description and illustration of outmoded, but still redeemable, notes with the limits of their redemption listed.
    Over 220 countries are covered, some of which use the bank notes of other nations or monetary unions to which they belong. There are over 800 coloured illustrations of the obverses only, but a brief description is given about detail on both sides of the note. Data is supplied about denominations, size in mms., equivalent Pick numbers, dates shown on notes - plus the actual issue date of recent notes.
    Details of major varieties, such as the addition of new security and anti-counterfeiting features are included - as is an updated list of recently demonetised notes that are now worthless. For those who travel, or who wish to import or export, the restriction made on actual currency movement between countries is essential information.
    The scope of this book also stretches to cover, in a 9 page illustrated section, all denominations of the Traveller's cheques of 20 countries, and the 'tourist's guide' to the exchange rates of currency against the US Dollar at time of publishing.
    As Jerry said, 'A darn useful book!' to supplement and update numismatic libraries.

    SECOND EDITION OF 'STANDARD CATALOG OF WORLD COINS 1601 - 1700'.
    The second edition of the 'Standard Catalog of World Coins, 17th Century, 1601 - 1700' by Chester L. Krause and Clifford Mishler was edited by Colin Bruce II and was published in Feb. 2000.
    With 120 pages more than the previous edition, the newest 1,272 page soft-cover catalog (8.5 x 11 inch pages) is 2 inches thick and contains 24,300 actual-size photos.
    For those who are unfamiliar with these authoritative catalogues, they contain very comprehensive detail by country, state, mint and date of all coins issued from 1601 - 1700. Valuations are given in up to four states of preservation, metallic composition and an actual size photo is available for each coin type.
    The introductory section contains charts and tables including an instant identifier, standard international numeral systems chart, a guide to grading terminology plus numerous other aids to helping the reader with the task of researching their collection.
    The usual inclusions of date conversion charts, maps and histories of the issuing countries are absolutely invaluable for those who wish to look beyond the coins themselves.
    There are three other catalogues in the series - 18th, 19th - and now the 20th Centuries.
    International inquiries can be directed to:

    Krause Publications
    Book Dept. PRMM.
    700 East State St; Iola, Wisconsin
    USA. 54990 - 0001.


    In Australia the Krause catalogues are available from:-

    M.R. Robert’s Wynyard Coin Centre.
    7 Hunter Arcade,
    Sydney, 2000. N.S.W.
    Phone :- (02) 9299 2047.
    Fax :- (02) 9290 3710.
    Index

    AUSTRALIAN CATALOGUE RELEASE.

  • At last I have had the opportunity to carefully read my copy of Greg McDonald's great new pocketbook.

    • 'The Pocketbook Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes - 7th Edition.'
    This latest offering reinforces my opinion that this author has again done the hard yards in knowing his subject and being able to put it into a condensed form that all numismatists - from beginner to expert - can follow and enjoy.
    However, this is more than just a pocketbook and it follows on, in admirable fashion, from the previous six editions that I already have in my own library collection - and this one is well worthy of its own place.
    The complete range of Australian coinage and banknotes is covered as expected - but it is supplemented with lots of additional historical information that will enable researchers to get their answers quickly and accurately from the one small (336 pages - 10 x 21 cm) convenient volume. At only A$14.95 (plus GST) it is absolutely excellent value.

    This is a MUST HAVE volume - and I know, from personal experience, that it is a terrific, proven gift idea for numismatic friends and colleagues here and overseas - who wait impatiently each year for me to send them an update!!
    A very discerning English colleague has recently contacted me after receiving his copy and commented: "the new pocketbook is an excellent reference in such a smart and compact format …..and is just about all-inclusive of Australian numismatica….I don't believe that we have anything to match here, for our U.K. currency."
    For those who are not on my mailing list you too can get a copy of this great little book by contacting:

    Greg McDonald Publishing.
    P.O. Box 649,
    Lavington. N.S.W. 2641.
    Email: coingmcd@ozemail.com.au
    Index

    INDEX UPDATE.

  • The first ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ newsletter of this name was produced and issued in September 1995, but lapsed shortly afterwards again for want of a permanent editor.

    • Volume 1 - 1995.
    Issue 1. The Churchill War Cabinet Presentation Medal 1945. Funny Money Part 1. Trade Coinage.

    In April 1996, the publication was revived again with an Acting Editor and an Assistant Editor team - and this was the first issue that also appeared on the Internet.
    Volume 2 - 1996.
    Issue 1. The Growth Factor. Funny Money Part 2. Blasts from the Past. (Truganini), Thirty Years On. (Decimal Currency).

    In May/June 1996, the ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ was incorrectly issued as Volume 1, Issue 2- and has continued on from there.
    Volume 1 - 1996.
    Issue 2. Early Metallic Coinages. The Medicine Man (Prof. Holloway).
    Issue 3. It Grew like Topsy.(Inflation Currency)
    Issue 4. Topsy Gets Bigger Part 2.
    Issue 5. Pre-Decimal Aust. Coins.
    Issue 6. Thirty Years of Decimal Coins.

    Volume 2 - 1997.
    Issue 1. Aust. First Fantastic Plastic. T.N.S.1996 Awards.
    Issue 2. The Faces on the Aussie Paper Notes.
    Issue 3. Who’s Who on our Plastic Notes.
    Issue 4. Who’s Who on our Plastic Notes Part 2. The Grading Discussion.
    Issue 5. Blasts from the Past (Gold in Tasmania) Beaconsfield Gold. U.S. Grading Report. The King Who Never Was.
    Issue 6. Royal Bank of Avram. Jerry Remick’s Book Reviews.
    Issue 7. My GrandFathers’ Coins (from 1780 - 1965). Exchange Rate Comparisons 1984 - 1997.
    Issue 8. Thailand and Brunei Polymer Banknotes. German Empire Notgeld.
    Issue 9. Value of Reference Material. Timetable to Disaster (Sarajevo 1914)
    Issue 10. Rummy Funny Money (Early Aust. currency problems)
    Issue 11. Coin Shows. The Tasmanian Devil/Tiger (Our unique Tasmanian icons on ‘Coinage’)
    Issue 12. Numismatic Symposium 1997. Lockwood Medal 1997. Matthew Flinders Early Days.

    Volume 3 -1998.
    Issue 1. Starting Out (A review of a Beginner’s Book)
    Issue 2. Silver Crowns of the World.
    Issue 3. A.G.M.1998. Bi-metallic World Coinages. Eritrean Banknotes.
    Issue 4. Early Colonial Coinages (Aust.-America-Canada)
    Issue 5. Early Colonial Coinages Part 2. Commemorative Aust. Medallions. The Titanic.
    Issue 6. New Meeting Place. Reminiscences of Sydney 1998.
    Issue 7. The Australian Lighthorse Charge at Beersheba.
    Issue 8. The Silver Kangaroo Series. T.N.S. 35th. Anniversary.
    Issue 9. Tasmanian Numismatist Policy Statement. Sacajawea with Lewis and Clark.
    Issue 10. The Wreck of the Gilt Dragon. Club News and ‘Around the Traps’.
    Issue 11. Renniks 1998 Review. First ‘Editor’s Subscription Award.’ The Story Behind the Story. (Treasure Trove.)
    Issue 12. Northern Meeting Report. The Unusual, Odd and Weird. The Story Behind the Story. (Operation Bernhard.)

    Volume 4 - 1999.
    Issue 1. Lockwood Medal 1998. The Story Behind the Story. (Cowra Breakout.) New U.S. Currency.
    Issue 2. Euro Coinage. Duchy of Avram revisited. The Story Behind the Story. (Harry Murray, V.C.)
    Issue 3. A.G.M. 1999. The Story Behind the Story. (Gen. George Meade.)
    Issue 4. The Sicca Rupee in V.D.L. The Harp and the Shamrock. (Irish History Part 1.)
    Issue 5. They Always get their Man (R.C.M.P.) The Harp and the Shamrock. (Part 2.)
    Issue 6. The New Euro Coin Designs. Bi-Metallics from Birmingham.
    Issue 7. The Hudson Bay Company Tokens. The Harp and the Shamrock. (Part 3.)
    Issue 8. The Shamrock and the Harp. (Part 4.)
    Issue 9. The Faces of the Other America. (Confederate Currency.) Lockwood Medal 1999. Jerry’s Book Reviews.
    Issue 10. Index Update. 'Do Svidanyia, Nikolai!'(Early Russian History.)
    Issue 11. Editor's Awards 2000. Canadian Blacksmith Tokens. Internet News (Horace S. Carswell - Medal of Honor.)
    Issue 12. The King of Iceland. Military Medals (Sgt-Major James Shegog).

    Volume 5 - 2000.
    Issue 1. December "T.N.S. Get-together" Report. It's all Greek to me! (Ancient Greek Coinage).
    Issue 2. 1999 T.N.S. Barbecue Photos. Internet News. The Story Behind the Story (The King of Iceland).
    Issue 3. A.G.M. 2000. Internet News (Canadian Gopher Derby). R - Stands for Romans! (Ancient Roman Coinage).
    Issue 4. Pre-decimal Varieties. Book Reviews. Reproduction Tasmanian Tokens. Internet News.

    The complete Index list will, in future, only be supplied at the beginning of each year - with the current year's index updated half yearly and published in the July edition.

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