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LOCAL NUMISMATIC PRESENTATIONS

It has been an interesting year for Tasmanian numismatists, particularly because of the fact that the Bicentenary of our state was celebrated with both official coin releases (see article 'Tasmanian Treasure' - this edition) and a number of fine medallions.

2004 Bicentenary of Tasmania

Official enamelled generic obverse logo on a 50mm flan 

1. Arrival in the Derwent

2.  The 200th Anniversary of the Colony of Hobart Town

Most of these coins and medallions have been featured in previous issues of the 'Tasmanian Numismatist - Internet Edition' and, hopefully, by the time this newsletter is being read, the last of the 3 major issues - the George Town medallion - prepared by OZMINT, will be available for your own comments and perusal. The medallions covered the geographical areas and the time-lines when the fledgling colony was struggling to establish itself - both in the South at Hobart and in the North at Georgetown.  A special 30mm. Brass copy of the generic Bi-Centenary of Tasmania medallion with a special George Town reverse  was produced in sufficient number to cater for all current school-children in George Town -  Tasmania's second settlement - in this special anniversary year. A small number of nickel-plated 30mm items were also available for immediate retail purchase by visitors at the celebration events that started on Saturday 13th November 2004 to commemorate the claiming of the area on 11th November 1804 by Col. Wm. Paterson and Captain Kent of HMS 'Buffalo'.

Bi-Centerary of Tasmania 2004

Issued 13th November at the official George Town Anniverary celebrations

30mm Nickel-plated (available for visitors at the George Town celebrations)

 30mm Brass (presentation piece for all current George Town school-children)

50mm Official Bi-Centenary Antique Finish Pewter Medallion - the last in the series of 3 produced by OZMINT.

(Limited edition 500)

In February 2004, a  history of the original settlement at Hobart was made available to the public, courtesy of the Tasmanian 'Mercury' newspaper. It was serialised  into ten parts.  Refer: http://www.themercury.news.com.au/  (The 'Mercury' office recently advised me that copies of the history are still available for purchase)

The 'Mercury' also commissioned an antique-finish Pewter medallion, produced by 'Keir Enterprises (Mastercraft)' of Moonah in Hobart, to be issued and sold as a limited edition. As we had not previously shown this private issue Tasmanian Bicentenary medallion we do so now as a matter of numismatic interest. The recently acquired specimen came with a small yellow and black cardboard backing, that had an explanation text on its reverse, and it was simply packaged in an appropriately sized seal-top plastic bag.The obverse featured the soon to be Lt. Governor, David Collins, and the reverse showed the Bark "OCEAN' anchored on the western banks of the Derwent River beneath the slopes of Mt. Wellington (or Table Mountain as it was originally called).

2004 Tasmanian 'Mercury' newspaper Bicentennial of Hobart Medallion (Actual size 40mm)

Also available from the 'Mercury' was a special medallion to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the newspaper on July 5th 1854. The opening editorial read : "We are the servants of one Master, that one the public. It is our desire to serve faithfully to benefit and be benefitted. With this we introduce the Mercury to our readers" - John Davies, Mercury Editorial July 5, 1854.

The 'Mercury' 150th Anniversary commemorative medallion.

(Size at widest point 43 x 40 mm. high)

Of course, the City of Hobart, the site of the initial European settlement in Tasmania, had the opportunity of celebrating this auspicious occasion with a special Anniversary 'do' at which a large pewter medallion was presented to selected invited guests. It is quite a stunning well-crafted 67mm piece, that shows the development  from a tree lined foreshore into a thriving city with a blend of old and new buildings, and it is well-worthy of its celebratory purpose of 'Marking the European Founding of Hobart'

Hobart City Council Presentation Medal 2004

No doubt, there are other commercially produced medallions that have not yet come to my attention - many are of quite exceptional quality as this one produced in late 2003 for the 'Lady Nelson' - a beautiful replica tall ship that sails the Derwent as a tourist attraction. The 41mm medallion was available in Bronze and Pewter.

'Lady Nelson' Celebrating the Bi-Centenary of Tasmania 1803 - 2003

The range of paper money used last century during the major wars and revolutions, and by the various occupation forces, is enormous and this newsletter is not the place to try and show every note that some of us have accumulated. However, I would like to show a few of the more interesting examples that I have that may create a sense of thoughtfulness perhaps. Most of my samples of this type of currency have been used, so each piece of paper has a story to tell if we only knew it.

The Ukranian note (below) is an unauthorised note printed from legitimate plates after the sequence was supposed to have been completed at AO 209. Additional notes from AO 210, which were labeled as false by the 'Red Russian' Ukranian government, were printed by 'White Russian' General Denikin, from seized plates, in 1918 during the Russian Revolution prior to Ukraine coming under complete Bolshevik control.

Unauthorised issue of Ukranian 50 Karbowanez - 1918

Ukraine was also occupied during WWII by German forces of the Third Reich who also forced an issue authorised through the Ukrainian Central Bank in 1941 - 42. Initially the notes were to be in Rubles and Chervonets (Gold Rubles = 100 Rubles) but the ethnic Germans of the Ukranian area called  'Ostland' rejected the Russian language denominations so, in 1942, the notes from Ein (One) Karbowanez - Funfhundert (500) Karbowanez were isued in both languages. These notes were not originally planned to be an Occupation currency but in all respects they were.

Ukranian One Karbowanez (Chervonets) issued by the German Military Authority - 1942

During the lengthy German occupation of France, a range of banknotes was produced under the authority of the Banque de France (controlled by the occupiers and Vichy Government). Most of those produced between 1941 - 1944 fall into this category. They are attractively designed in the style of earlier Banque de France notes, they are well printed and mainly feature allegorical and  idealised figures of French youth or of famous French achievers. The paper used is of good quality but very tissue-like in weight.

Occupied France 100 Francs - issued 1941

In comparison, the German - Italian occupation of Greece from 1941 - 1944 saw a heavy paper series that reflected the economy downturn after the invasion.

Inflation became rampant in 1942 and, despite a brief respite in 1943, it continued to escalate until liberation in late 1944.

Greek 5000 Drachmai (issued 20th. June 1942)

Greek Drachmai inflation notes

25,000 (12th. Aug 1943) 500,000 (27th. March 1944) and 500,000,000 (1st. October 1944)

Variations exist in the positioning of the serial number prefixes.

Prior to the end of WWII, the Allies formulated the idea to supply troops with Special Vouchers or Military Currency. It was an attempt to stop any prospect of illegal trade involving the 'hard' currency of the Allies. Several series of Military Currency notes in various denominations were immediately issued for use in the recently liberated occupied countries and would remain in force until such time that a legitimate regime could be established. The majority of the Military Currency notes were printed, or authorised, by the United States, on thick durable paper and some have hidden cyphers to counteract counterfeiting to a small degree because it was believed, by the American Government, that the Russians were also producing spurious Military Currency with the perceived (political) reason of undermining the Americans Military forces who were responsible for the short-term fiscal affairs of those liberated countries or zones not under Russian control.

The Cold War had started well before the heat of WWII had died down. The scan below is of some low denominations notes that are approx. 8 x 7 cms.

Small denomination Allied Military Currency 1943 - 1945

Location of micro cyphers. Various other denominations' cyphers are in other areas of the scrollwork.

Stylised F in bottom l.h. scroll (France 2 Francs)

Stylised F in bottom r.h. scroll (Germany 1 Mark)

Stylised F in top r.h. scroll (Italy 5 Lire)

Stylised S in middle l.h. scroll (Japan 1 Yen)

The British Armed Forces range of Vouchers was quite extensive and the 1st series had been issued in 1946 as soon as the army of occupation was established.

In 1948, the British Armed Forces were issued with the 2nd series of Special Vouchers, mainly  for use in Germany. The denomination range was from Threepence  through to Five Pounds (including 2/6 - Half Crown)  A 3rd series was forthcoming in 1956 - and all were produced by Thomas De La Rue (TDR) of London. With the situation changing in Europe a  4th series was produced in 1962 but these notes do not show the maker's name and only some were issued. The 5th and final series in Pounds, Shillings and Pence was not proceeded with and only specimens exist. In 1972 a 6th series was made in the new English decimal currency and it is interesting to note that  both TDR and Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ld. (BWC) were co-producers of this range of 5, 10 and 50 New Pence.

Slight variations are quite noticeable between the notes although the design set-ups are basically identical.

Various British Armed Forces Special One Pound Vouchers

Special 10 New Pence 6th Series Vouchers produced by Thomas de la Rue and Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Ltd.

TASMANIAN TREASURE

The latest addition to the authorized NCLT coins that are being issued to celebrate an Australian state or territory's achievements has been the Brilliant uncirculated Tasmanian Bicentenary  Al. Bronze $5 coin with the 'H' (for Hobart) mintmark produced by the Royal Australian Mint.. In fact there are two versions, pratically identical.

The first is the standard issue with the mintmark struck at the Mint with the normal heavy-duty press and secondly a Mint produced coin that was issued plain and the mintmark was applied by the Mint's travelling press while it was in Hobart on 13th. August 2004. By presenting a prepaid voucher the coin would be struck with the lightweight press to impress the 'H' mintmark. As the difference in press strike weight was considerable, the depth of the mintmarks is noticeable if compared to each other but, unfortunately, it cannot be picked up in the scanner I use. The one shown here is the Mint produced 'H' mintmark. Illustrations not to scale.

Redeemable Voucher for One (1) 2004 $5 'H' Mintmark Coin

Bicentenary of Tasmania Uncirculated $5 Coin with 'H' mintmark located under the 'E' of Bicentenary.

The Silver Proof version of the Bicentenary of Tasmania $5.00 was in a magnetic topped wooden box and was not mintmarked.  A closer look at the Proof coin reverse design showing the clear area devoid of the 'H'.

99.9% Silver Proof version of the Bicentenary of Tasmania $5 Coin.

Australian N.C.L.T.  $10.00 .925 silver coins issued in from 1985 - 1993 featured the Coats-of-Arms of all Australian states plus territories (A.C.T. and Northern Territory)  During 2001, a series of Centenary of Federation coins was produced in C.N. for circulation as well as several N.C.L.T.numismatic releases in Silver. The 50 cents State coins featured Coats-of-Arms and the 20 cents State coins featured selected artwork prepared by the nations school students. Tasmania's famous Tiger was superimposed on an outline map of the island.

Uncirculated .925 Silver $10 coin - Non Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT)

Copper nickel circulation issues 50 Cents and 20 Cents

The most well-presented Australian coin to date would, in my opinion, have to be the 2001 State Tribute Series (Centenary of Federation) Dollar and Dump coin pair. As well as the main Australian Commonwealth Federation coin set in the same style, each state had an encased Dollar coin set with the removable Dump, featuring the Floral emblem of the state, which was boxed in a magnetic topped case shaped like a flying Australian flag (Refer Gallery for scan of box).

The obverse of the Dollar and Dump coin was generic and the  appropriate star-shaped Dump can be inserted and the small state flag logo on the reverse of the Dollar section would be enamelled to suit the state being honoured. Tasmania has, as its floral emblem, the flowering Tasmanian Blue Gum. 

All of the 99.9% silver coins were produced by The Perth Mint.

2001 State Tribute Dollar and Dump NCLT coins with their unique flag-shaped box.

REFERENCES

With the exception of the illustration of the 2004 Silver Proof Bicentenary of Tasmania  packaging - which I have only used for technical reasons - all other items and photoscans in this article are from the author's own photo-library and numismatic collections.

NEW YORK DAILY TIMES - APRIL 27th. 1853

The 'New York Daily Times' bore a couple of interesting articles on April 27th 1853 that might interest collectors of U.S. Silver coinage of that era. It tells the precise day that the Philadelphia Mint issued "US$250,000 of the 'New Silver Coin' in quarters, dimes and half-dimes." The 'new coins' issuance, under the Authority of the Act of February 21, 1853, consisted of the (Arrows at Date series) .900 Silver Half-Dime, Dime and Quarters and this occured on Tuesday, April 26th. 1853.

The advice was tucked away in a 3 line sentence amongst the 'Latest Intellegence' section of the paper.

There was also another 2 line note that the Hon. Sam Houston had arrived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was electioneering on behalf of Mr Slidell.

Many of our international readers may have never heard of Mr. (later U.S. Senator) John Slidell - although he is an interesting historical figure who fought with the Confederacy and had several interesting adventures Refer: http://www.civilwarhome.com/slidellbio.htm

In Louisiana, Slidell had a city and schools named after him in the late 1880's -  but Sam Houston is a most famous American and still a household name in the Lone Star state of Texas because of his involvement in the momentous events that occured there 17 years earlier. Refer: http://www.lsjunction.com/people/houston.htm

At that time the differences between Mexico and the United States of America were still very strained due to the Alamo Battle on 6th. March 1836 and a statement, in that day's paper, about a situation in New Mexico highlighted the fact that the political bitterness was still bubbling away under the surface.

The 'Latest Intelligence' as shown on the front page of the 'New York Daily Times'

Sam Houston 1793 - 1863

The Territory of New Mexico problem in 1853.

(New Mexico didn't achieve statehood until January 6th 1912.)

The 1845 - 2004 Texas Quarter Dollar

(Texas achieved statehood 29th. December 1845)

Additional Recommended Reading

U.S. Federal Coinage of 1853 Refer: http://www.reisbord.com/1853coins.htm

Sam Houston Refer: http://www.famoustexans.com/samhouston.htm

WANTED KNOWN

Please note our Disclaimers - Caveat Emptor

The Editor of the ‘Tasmanian Numismatist’ - and its 'Internet Edition' version - takes no responsibility in regard to the accuracy of items mentioned, for disagreements between parties, and it also reserves the right to only feature information that it considers suitable in promoting the hobby to our readers. All details of a commercial nature, organisations, items or individual arrangement to buy, sell or trade are provided in good faith as information only, and any consequent dealings are between the parties concerned. 

SOAP COMPANY TOKENS

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

On occasion, I have been approached by readers requesting substantial amounts of additional in-depth information about individuals mentioned in previous articles in this newsletter. However, whilst I am often as fascinated as they are to know more, I regret that I am unable to spare the time to do any additional research into subjects - and in some cases families and friends of the individual - that goes far beyond the scope of the numismatic article.

If I do have any extra information to hand that may be of assistance, I will gladly pass it on but, in most instances, I have already quoted the references I have used and recommend for further reading - and, as half the enjoyment is in the search, please do what I have done - enjoy yourself! Good Hunting!

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