The PLANCHET Magna Carta Alexander page 7 Balas page 5

Counterfeit Coins and Holders A Fine Lion page 24 Stater of Mithrapata page 17

Edmonton Numismatic Society February 2016 Volume 63 · Issue 1 Spring Show March 12th & 13th 2016 The

PLANCHETVolume 63 · Issue 1

1 Message from the President Feature Articles 2 Next Meeting 5 Two Coins of Alexander Balas 3 About Your Society Ancient / Medieval by Terence Cheesman 4 Spring 2016 Show 7 The Magna Carta 24 Counterfeit Gold A Penny’s Worth by Marc Bink 25 Membership Form 17 A Fine Lion Stater of Mithrapata 26 Puzzle Page A classic Lycian dynast coin impresses with a bold lion design. 27 ENS Classifieds Amid the Ruins by Wayne Hansen

27 Coming Events

The Planchet Team

Editor-In-Chief Joe Kennedy Co-Editors Pierre Driessen ON THE COVER Disclaimer Marc Bink Tetradrachm from Tyre, 149 B.C. The opinions herein are those of the individual Wayne Hansen authors and are not necessarily those of the Content Editor King John Penny Edmonton Numismatic Society. Chris Hale The editors, at their sole discretion, reserve the Mithrapata Stater, circa 385 B.C. right to accept or refuse any material submitted On-Line Distribution Counterfeit NGC holder & coin for publication. Pierre Driessen Background: Magna Carta, 1297 Printing and Mailing Howard Gilbey

ii the Planchet Message from the President Marc Bink 2016 February 2016

Happy Belated New Year! This is the year that I’d love to take care of our website issue. For those Remember So we’ve all made it through the of you who’ve been on it recently, to renew your Christmas season, New Year’s is you’ve undoubtedly noticed that becoming a distant memory, and it hasn’t changed much since its membership we’re all settling into the winter inception in 1998. Back in the doldrums. For some, I’m sure this day it was state-of-the-art; today, is an exciting time of year with it’s considered antiquated kludge. lots to do outside or on ice. For Technology is passing us by. Of some others, this is a time to course, as coin collectors, it’s no As low as $15 a year catch up on all the things one big deal, we’re used to that, but as for adult membership. can do inside the house. Whether far as attracting newer and younger it is sorting out the collection, members or even promoting the rewiring the basement or jetting Planchet the website is becoming a We accept cash, off to someplace hot, it seems large hindrance. We have to update cheques, and PayPal. there’s always something to do. the technology or we’ll lose out. And it is 2016, after all. The same thing goes for the club. ENS Membership Just because it is the middle of The annual Executive Elections Form is on page 25 winter it doesn’t mean that the will be held in February at our executive has been idle. We’ve Annual General Meeting. If negotiated another set of show you’ve ever harboured a desire dates at our current venue. So now to be in the driver’s seat of an we’re “good” through to November organization, here is your chance. 2019. As this goes to print, we’re Please talk to Terence Cheesman if Thank-you for still working on some items with you’re interested. We are currently the hotel to make the show even accepting nominations for all your support! better. positions on the board. Succession planning is a very important thing We will be passing around the for any club or service group, ours volunteer sheets for the upcoming being no exception. A few of us Edmonton show in March. Yes, it seems we have been “around” for a long just finished one show, and here time and there are possibly some Numismatic we are soliciting for volunteers members who would prefer to move again. That’s just the way the on. So here’s your big chance to Society calendar works. So, we need your help steer one of the most dynamic help again to continue putting on coin clubs in Canada! the biggest and best coin show in the country. In the meantime, enjoy this issue, and see you soon!

February 2016 1 Subscribe to the Next Meeting The Planchet @ Edmonton Numismatic Society issues a year 7 for only $15 a o n e - y e a r + membership i n t h e E d m o n t o n Numismatic Society.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Annual General Meeting Royal Alberta Museum For information regarding events, or to add an item to the agenda, please 12845 – 102 Avenue, Edmonton send an email to [email protected] Meeting Starts at 7:15 P.O. Box 78057, RPO Callingwood, • Society Matters Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. T5T 6A1 • 2016 Board of Directors and Executive elections • Show and tell • Break for: coffee, pop and cookies • Silent auction • Door prize draws

The ENS on facebook Come visit us at The ENS on twitter http://www.facebook.com/ Come follow us at EdmontonNumismaticSociety • be our friend and ‘like’ us @ENSCoinClub • get updates on coming events • get up-to-date information on club news and coming events • ask us numismatically related questions • talk to other club members and take your club experience to another level • find other friends If you have any suggestions please talk • stay connected to the to Ermin Chow or the Executive. numismatic community.

2 the Planchet Club Activities About Your Society by Mitch Goudreau ENS Secretary

January 13, 2016 ENS Monthly Meeting Minutes 2014–15 Executive Marc Bink – President Marc Bink, the ENS President, 2016 ENS Election opened the meeting at 19:24 hrs A reminder was given about the David Peter – Vice President and welcomed the 40 members in upcoming March 2016 club elections Pierre Driessen – Treasurer attendance and wished everyone a and everyone is encouraged to Mitch Goudreau – Secretary happy new year. participate. Terence Cheesman is Joe Kennedy – Editor-In-Chief the head of the election committee. Jamie Horkulak – Past President March 12–13, 2016 Coin Show • The volunteer sign up was Presentation Directors circulated in the room for those The 50/50 prize was drawn Wayne Hansen wishing to assist in the operation before Terence Cheesman gave a Terence Cheesman of the coin show. A column was presentation on ancient Greek coins Howard Gilbey added to identify those wishing called “The Search for Identity – Jeremy Martin to display numismatic items. The Coinage of South Italy”. John Callaghan • Terence Cheesman will be in Greg Wichman charge of displays, ably assisted Show & Tell Andy Vanderleest by Wayne Hansen. Before the show and tell started Marv Berger an alert was given about a scam of • In regards to the silent auction, Mirko Dumanovic counterfeit NGC certified gold coins Ermin Chow Howard Gilbey will require the and gold bars. lots no later than the February 9, Webmaster: Markus Molenda 2016 monthly meeting. Lots Items passed around during Show & Facebook: Ermin Chow can also be dropped off at Tell were: National Pride Coin and Stamp • A 1797 two pence piece. This was Twitter: Roger Grove or at Northgate Stamp & Coin the largest British circulating coin Librarian: Mitch Goudreau by Saturday February 13. The lot ever made. The size of the coin Show Chair: David Peter sheets will be available on the led to its “Cartwheel” nickname. Social Activities: Pierre Driessen ENS website. • Two banknotes from Ukraine. The Youth Director: Alex McPhee • As mentioned at the last meeting one from 1992 was printed by Ron Darbyshire will augment the same company that produced activities for children, by adding Canadian Tire Notes. The other a treasure hunt to the current one was from 2014. kid’s auction. • From British Columbia a trade PRIVACY POLICY The Edmonton Numismatic Society (ENS) does • The Howard Johnson hotel has dollar from the community of not engage in the sale nor distribution of personal made a commitment to improve Lillooet with an off strike. information to third parties for commercial purposes. All information collected is strictly for the quality of the food and ENS internal use and purposes, to permit the ENS service. Conclusion Executive and its agents to communicate with The meeting was adjourned at you about ENS related matters and to provide • We have a contract with the hotel you with the full benefits of ENS membership. until March 2019, with an option 20:55 hrs. THE PLANCHET COPYRIGHT NOTICE for November 2019. © Copyright 2016. All information herein, the design, style and format are the property of the Edmonton Numismatic Society (ENS). All rights reserved. No part hereof may be reproduced in any form or medium, electronic or otherwise, without the express written consent of the ENS Executive Committee. Current members of the ENS are entitled to make one (1) printed copy of this issue and to store one (1) copy in electronic format as part of their membership privileges, further distribution is strictly prohibited.

February 2016 3 Spring 2016 Show

Canada’s largest spring numismatic event Sat. Mar. 12, 2016 10:00am – 5:00pm Sun. Mar. 13, 2016 10:00am – 4:30pm

Howard Johnson Hotel 15540 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta. T5P 3Z2 780-484-3333 for hotel room reservations Hotel room bookings: use code Edmonton Coin Show (for your special show rate)

Admission: $5 at door (youth under 16 years of age free) • ATM on premises. Bank nearby • Parking: free (back of hotel, around sides of hotel and on street) • Transportation: easy access, centrally located, bus service with Jasper Place transit hub nearby. • Families Welcome ! Special events: • Free appraisals of your coins, medals, paper money, tokens, watches and other time pieces • Educational coin and medal displays • Door prizes including gold coin draw • Adult Silent auction with bidding open to everyone • Kids Coin Auction and Kids Treasure Hunt managed by Kids-on-Coins

The Edmonton Numismatic Society is sponsoring: Coin Auction for Kids Hosted by Kids-On-Coins

Saturday March 12, 2016 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (arrive by 12:45 pm) Howard Johnson Hotel, 15540 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta • participation is free, parents are welcome – register at the Kids-On-Coins table prior to event! • an excellent and fun introduction, in a non-pressure setting, to coin collecting and auctions • all material for participation will be provided, including: catalogue and play money for bidding!

Sponsored by the Edmonton Numismatic Society

4 the Planchet Ancient / medieval Two Coins of Alexander Balas by Terence Cheesman

The first Greek portraits on coins were the images of the recently deceased Alexander the Great, who died in 323 B.C. Very quickly thereafter, during the first decades after 300 B.C., portraits of living rulers began to appear on the coinages issued by the successor states which were carved out during the dissolution of the empire created by Alexander. However, a rather curious phenomenon occurred. Most of the states minting portrait coins either gave up the practice or Attic weight tetradrachm minted at Antioch in 147 B.C. continued to mint portraits of their founder. Only the Seleucid monarchy continued to mint images of the current monarch. Thus this imagery provides a vital bridge between the first Greek portraits and the Roman portraits that followed them.

Alexander I Balas was one of the more unusual characters to inhabit the Seulucid throne, and his story really starts in 190 B.C., after his grandfather(?), Antiochos III, was decisively defeated at the battle of Magnesia. Part of the settlement Tetradrachm Minted on Ptolemaic Standard at Tyre in 149 B.C. stipulated that a son of the Seleucid monarch was to be held as Demetrios I the son of Seleukos IV to the attention of Attalos II King of a hostage in Rome. For the Romans, held hostage in Rome. Again he Pergamon. He had a grudge against this hostage represented security, escaped (Roman security, not the Seleucid monarchy (they always for the Seleucids it meant trouble so good) overthrew Antiochos V do) and probably thought that which came in 175 B.C., when the and became king. By doing so, he introducing Alexander into the son of Antiochos III, Seleukos IV, established two competing royal mix would cause problems for the died and left a five year old boy, blood lines which can be exploited Seleucid kingdom. In this effort, Antiochos the Child, on the throne, by anyone so inclined. he was joined by Ptolemy VI King and a grown man Antiochos IV the of Egypt who offered Alexander son of Antiochos III, as hostage in So we now come to the career of the hand of his daughter Cleopatra Rome. Needless to say, Antiochos IV Alexander Balas. He was a nice Thea. With all this help, he finally escaped and overthrew Antiochos looking young man who claimed defeated Demetrios in 150 B.C., the Child and became king. You are to be a son of Antiochos IV. He establishing himself as king. probably getting confused with all was “discovered” by an important these characters named Antiochos minister in the government of Alexander minted coins from many (it gets worse). After Antiochos IV Antiochos IV, whose brother mints. However I am only going died in 164 B.C., his 9 year old son rebelled against Demetrios and was to look at the two that currently Antiochos V inherited the throne executed by him. Despite these reside in my collection. The first and he also had a grown man rather dubious credentials, he came is an Attic weight tetradrachm

February 2016 5 minted at Antioch in 147 B.C. EUERGETOU”. This translates as, Antiochos III wrested the region At that time, the standard was “of King Alexander, the son of divine away from the Ptolemies in 198 B.C. roughly 16.75 grams (mine is at parents, benefactor”. Antiochos IV 16.24 grams). On the obverse is used among his other titles, “god Like other kingdoms, whose a portrait of Alexander who is manifest”, and so Alexander supply of silver is limited, the depicted clean shaven, though with continues with this statement by Ptolemies adopted a light weight long wispy sideburns. He is wearing declaring himself to be the son of a silver coinage. These light weight a diadem which is a symbol of god. The title of “benefactor” refers coins virtually guaranteed that kingship, the ends falling straight to the nature of his rule and the their silver coins would remain behind his head. The most novel prosperity his rule should bring. In in Ptolemaic territory. After the part of his image is the conscious the exergue one finds the letters Seleucid conquest, no significant effort to link both his image as SΞR. This represents the Seleucid silver coinages were minted. well as his name to Alexander the year 166 which in our reckoning However starting in 151 B.C., Great. Unlike the images of the is 147 B.C. This system is based on Alexander began the minting of Seleucid kings that preceded him, the year one being 312 B.C., when these Ptolemaic style coins. It is whose images featured rather short the founder of the dynasty became likely that some of the impetus came hair, neatly combed, Alexander’s king. There are two monograms, from the use of Ptolemaic troops hair is very flamboyant, long and one in the exergue which is HΓ or in his army, thus the pay would very curly, much like the hair style HG and another in the left field KA. have been in coin they knew, but employed by Alexander the Great. These would be the monograms of another factor would be to recreate Also one can see the massive fleshy mint officials who were in charge of a coinage that the local population jaw and the large orbital ridge, the mint at that time. would find familiar. This coin type which are iconic features on the would continue even after Tyre portraits of Alexander the Great. The second coin is a tetradrachm became independent in 126 B.C. There are some differences as well. minted at Tyre. This coin is struck The legend on the reverse reads The large distended eye, as well as on the old Ptolemaic standard, “BASELEOS ALEXANDROU” the horn of the god Ammon, are which at this point in time meaning “of King Alexander”. In the not present. Overall the image is was 14.25 grams (mine weighs left field is a club which is the symbol one of youth and vitality, with the 14.24 grams). The obverse again of the city, and on the right field promise that this man would be a features the portrait of Alexander, is the date ΔΞR which translates worthy successor to the throne. though in this case the imagery to year 164 which is 149 B.C. A is less like that of Alexander the monogram of a mint official TAE is The reverse features the image of Great. The jaw is present, but the seen also in the right field. a seated Zeus Nicephorus which hair is much more subdued and has means the bearer of victory. Zeus the rather tight curls introduced Alexander did not live up to his is depicted as a bearded, semi‑nude by his “father”, Antiochos IV. He hype. He turned out to be totally figure seated on a throne holding still wears the diadem, but this dissolute and became extremely a scepter in his left hand and a time he is wearing a military unpopular. In 146 B.C., Demetrios II small figure of Nike in his right cloak. The features of the face the son of Demetrios I, rebelled and outstretched hand. Nike is seen suggest strength, as the line from gaining the support of the Ptolemies, with outstretched arms in the act the forehead to the chin is nearly together they routed him in battle. of crowning Zeus with a laurel vertical. The mouth is set firmly, He fled to the Nabateans who had crown of victory. This image is very again suggesting resolve. After him killed, his head being sent to reminiscent of the image found all, the purpose of the coin is to Ptolemy. His wife Cleopatra Thea on the coins of both Alexander’s present the individual, in this married Demetrios II and started an “father”, Antiochos IV, well as case Alexander, as an individual extraordinary career fathering some that of Alexander the Great. Thus fit and worthy to rule. This image eight children who proceeded to rip through his coins, he strengthened does so successfully. The reverse apart what was left of the kingdom. the link between himself and his features an eagle standing left on Alexander did produce one child with father along with harkening back the prow of a ship, with its wings the prolific Cleopatra, Antiochos VI, to the images used on the coins of folded. Over its right shoulder rests who reigned for two years. However, Alexander the Great. a palm branch. This is a variation he did spawn another fake son, on the standard Ptolemaic reverse Alexander II, who did reign (this is The legend reads “BASILEWS design. At one time, this region was somehow fitting) but all of this is ALEXANDROU QEOPATOROS part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, but another story.

6 the Planchet A Penny’s Worth The Magna Carta by Marc Bink

It seems only kind of fitting that a government that has decided King John Signing the Magna Carta, that public input is irrelevant and that it knows what’s better for Runnymede, 1215 us than the rest of us, or one that now has figured out a way to (John Leech, 1847) tax the air we breathe (ostensibly to try and protect it) is the proud sponsor of an exhibit of a document that was crafted 800 years ago to prevent exactly the sort of thing it was now guilty of. The other day I had the opportunity to have a look at a copy of the “Magna Carta” that is on display over at the Legislature building. As I was reading through the placards and computer screens associated with the display, I couldn’t help but overhear some of the comments people were making. Then it dawned on me just how little is known about that era around here or the significance of this document. And yes, I’ll also talk about the only coin that was available to those people then, the lowly penny.

February 2016 7 The Magna Carta is a hand written money belonged to the Crown, and document that more or less sets this determined the King’s worth. the basis of our current system of government. It guarantees the Inevitably, it was never enough. right of trial by due process, and The Crown just kept demanding there are definitions of property, more. By the time Richard I limits to taxation and the right (Lionheart) came to the throne in to representation. It is written in 1189, the larder that his father Medieval Latin and littered with had built was barely enough. There Writers abbreviations; as such, that means were obligations and debts. Then it’s incredibly difficult to translate there was this little inconvenient Wanted! into modern English. Most of all, war that had been going pretty the document limits the absolute much since the Normans left the power of the Crown over its subjects French shore for England. The king Experience a new and lays the cornerstone of our of France basically wanted his cut, dimension in coin modern parliamentary democracy. and he expected the English crown collecting! to pay homage to him, because It all starts in the early 1200’s. In he was nominally its superior in Write an article for the actuality, it was a problem that France. PLANCHET: had been brewing ever since the Normans came over in 1066. The The problem was that the • share your king, as defined by the Normans, Plantagenets in England were a knowledge and was a divine-right style ruler. proud bunch, and they refused to enthusiasm for your Everyone and everything belonged pay homage or anything for that to him to be disposed of at His matter. Henry II, Richard’s father, collecting interests Majesty’s pleasure. Needless to say, was particularly obstinate, and • conduct a bit of this didn’t resonate very well with he had basically thumbed off the research into your the general public, but with barons French king’s overtures and wound collection running around and chopping up wasting English money fighting heads off for sport, there weren’t in France. Henry had built a large • receive the Silver that many avenues open to protest. empire in France, referred to as the Maple Leaf Volunteer The barons themselves though were “Angevin Empire”, and this “empire” Award, given to all feeling the pinch. In terms of the was larger than the domains of the economy, they were the ones who king of France. Louis VII Capet of volunteer writers basically transferred the objects France decided this more or less had • volunteers are of barter to hard silver plate. The to end, because Henry was gaining eligible for the farmers in their servitude would more real-estate and had access Reach for the Gold offer up their grains, livestock or to more money. By that point, members of their family in order “France” was little more than the draw at the end of to pay their share of the incessant “Ille de France” in the middle of the every year. taxes imposed on them by the reeking Seine which Paris stood on. Crown. The barons would then So he and his descendants decided Contact: sell off these grains, livestock and to do something about it. They essentially slaves to the highest fought the Angevins and started to [email protected] bidder for silver pennies. This would whittle them down. Henry fought amount to a lot of pennies, so they long and hard in France and then would also have an arrangement to top it off, had to fight his own with a local moneyer to manufacture two sons. Henry died a bitter old Edmonton said pennies out of whatever plate man; betrayed and bedraggled they could get. Both gold and silver on all sides. It started when he Numismatic were fairly hard to get, so stocks had tossed his wife, Eleanor of were limited. In turn, the monarch Aquitaine, in a prison which had Society would provide a set of dies and incensed his sons. So Richard went the license for the moneyer to go to redeem his mother’s honour, and and strike coins. Ostensibly, all the John decided to hang on and try

8 the Planchet to get something out of this mess, too overly concerned about his and giving to the poor all in the because his father had deemed him brother’s welfare and made plans name of good king Richard, but unworthy of owning or managing to take over the throne. Richard’s did that really happen? Probably any property. He had nothing to mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, not; there is a record of a “Robbine lose by this point. The funny thing managed to mortgage the family Heud” being buried in a pauper’s is, all throughout John’s life, it was jewels and a great deal of silver to grave in Nottingham after being always that way; he inevitably had get the required sums together to executed in 1247. He apparently nothing to lose but gained nothing bail her one son out. When Richard was a thief and a cutthroat who had in the attempt. was finally released, the first person been exiled from society for petty he went after was John, who then crimes and lived outside of the law Case in point; Richard I had went and hid under his mother’s hiding in the forests. According to “taken the cross” and left England petticoats. Eleanor equated this all records he did steal from the rich, upon claiming his kingship and to a family spat and probably wrote as well as any other unfortunate cementing the claim. While away in Richard a letter, “Dear Dick; Forgive who had the misfortune of coming the Holy Land, he made few friends Jack. Love always, Nell.” It seems across his path. It seems he looked and created a lot more enemies to have worked. Richard backed off. only to enrich himself. So much for with his Angevin charm and John lost out, his reputation took folklore… blunt methodology. He earned the a beating and he was once again sobriquet “Lion Heart” for being a reduced to a minor role. That ransom for Richard had come rather nasty piece of work, at least to 100,000 marks of Cologne silver, as far as Saladin and the Saracens And the English? What did they to be paid immediately upon were concerned. He managed to get? Sure; they got their king back. release, and then another 50,000 to have over 3000 captives beheaded, He was very popular, so the English be paid over time. This amounted which of course was answered by a paid dearly. It’s still a surprise to 23 tons of silver, in the form of reciprocal move by Saladin shortly that Richard, even though he had coin and ingots. Richard probably afterwards. While taking care of the spent maybe two weeks of his life had 13’ and 6d on his person upon defense works at Ascalon, Richard in England, was very popular there. his release, because he had to pay reportedly tossed an Austrian duke Partially because his brother was for his personal expenses while out on his ear to fend for himself viewed with such distaste. John as incarcerated. The only coinage because of his supposed uselessness. regent was a dismal failure. It was denomination in use in England at When Richard opted to return to around this time when the legend the time was the Short-cross penny. England after negotiating with of Robin Hood was started, and In fact, it was the only form of specie Saladin, he was supposed to have the king supposedly met up with money used, period. There was no had a “safe passage” guaranteed the “Merrie Men” in the Sherwood gold, no paper or debit cards, just by the Pope back to England, but Forest near Nottingham. Of course, silver pennies. The currency was instead wound up betrayed and Robin Hood fought injustice and based on the Troyes standard that in captivity in Germany. That inequality by stealing from the rich had by that point prevailed since same Austrian duke had seen him in Vienna and had him arrested. His minstrel Blondel, purportedly found him singing away in Durnstein castle. This is probably not the truth, but regardless of that, Richard wound up in the hands of his enemies who were by then falling all over themselves at the prospect of either taking him out for good or extorting a huge ransom from England to get him back. After a series of negotiations, they chose the latter and the king of France told his ally, Prince John of England, that it was going to cost the English 100,000 marks of silver to get him back. John didn’t seem Gravestone of Richard I Lionheart at Fontevroud Abbey

February 2016 9 the demise of the Roman Empire; times, septicemia set it and it was 240 pennies made a pound sterling, all over. He left no children, and his (£) 12 pennies made a shilling. wife was conspicuously absent from The penny could be cut along the his funeral. cross into its component parts, either as a “farthing” (¼ penny) Richard wasn’t even cold when or a “halfpenny”. (½ penny). John scrambled off to London. The abbreviations had also been He almost wasn’t fast enough; he borrowed from the French who in almost didn’t make it in time. John turn had them from the Romans; immediately absconded with the pound “£” or “Livre”, Shilling, a treasury and the family fortune and stylized “S” for Solidus, and finally managed to muscle his older brother “d” for “denier” or “denarius”. Geoffrey and nephew Arthur out of This system remained in place up the way and get himself crowned. until the English currency was Geoffrey he paid off; and he had modernized in 1970. Now; with Arthur arrested. John eventually the average weight of a Richard I either murdered him personally in Short-cross penny being around a drunken rage or had someone else 0.9 grams, give or take 0.05 grams, do it. But the 15 year old Arthur which will take a lot of pennies to was no match for John and his still King John "Lackland" make up the required 23 tons of formidable mother Eleanor. from a contemporary Book of Hours silver. Needless to say, England was broke. After they portioned out and an avid gambler, and a bad one buried Richard’s earthly remains, at that, throwing away whole Richard didn’t stick around. The there came the legal problem of fortunes at a go. Because he had truth is, he was a good soldier, but succession. Eleanor of Aquitaine grown up as the last son, he had a lousy king. He didn’t have time was still technically the regent. no properties with which to earn for the usual kingly duties like However, that couldn’t go on a stable revenue, so he was forced governing, hawking or availing forever. So she connived to get her to eke out an existence working himself of other people’s wives last son, John, legally installed as over family members. This he did when it suited him. In fact, rumour king. John had to first promise that remarkably well. So as a result, he has it that he tended to be in a he’d be a good boy, something he was obsessed with money. He also medieval equivalent of a closet; did but had no plans ever to follow had a nasty habit of availing himself and surprisingly enough, it was no through with. He could see his to any female he wanted, regardless big deal in those days, as this was goal was finally within his grasp. of age or social stature. He was so before the Church clamped down on Possession being 9/10ths, John had notorious that nobles refused to whatever they later considered as the cash and therefore controlled bring their wives and daughters to “deviant behavior” about 100 years the levers of power. court for fear that he would seduce later. So off Richard went, on yet them. Judging by how many people another campaign in France in John is rumoured to be there are these days with the prefix 1199, to a place called Limousin. misunderstood. Shakespeare of “Fitz” before their surnames, one The unfortunate thing is, he got notwithstanding, we find we have would have to conclude he was fairly hit by the medieval equivalent of to turn to contemporary records to successful. There are stories of his a sniper and died as a result of an prove this. It turns out, in part, he being somewhat sadomasochistic, arrow wound. He had decided to was. As a governor, he was far better and this was yet another thing that go and fire off a quiver of arrows than his brother. He could see what antagonized the barons. He was at the castle they were besieging, needed to be done, and he did it. at the time considered reasonably and in the gloom of the evening As a soldier, he was lousy. He had good-looking, that is, until he didn’t see the arrow coming at no real gift for strategy or strategic got fat. And to top it all off, as if him. It lodged in his shoulder, and thinking. As a human being, he the previous sordid list wasn’t bad instead of immediately pulling it would probably be considered in enough, John was a drunk, and a out, he left it and staggered off to modern terms as a psychopath. very unpleasant one at that. This his tent. There a “surgeon” botched He had no real conscience, he was man was no sweetheart, and for the removal of the iron head, and, greedy, short tempered, treacherous some reason, many modern scholars as is usually the case in those dirty and more than a bit cruel. He was ignore the contemporary evidence

10 the Planchet and believe that he wasn’t a bad guy, when he most assuredly was.

John took to being king like a shark takes to water. He immediately started to live well outside of his means, and he neglected England’s duties in France. Once the party started, it wasn’t about to stop until it was all gone, or he was dead. But the one thing that John was, was smart. He was one of the few monarchs of the day that had some education; he knew how to read and to write. At one Richard I Penny, Durham Mint point, when the crown seemed so far away from him, he thought he had little use for money, but they was a one-way flow of traffic off the would become a scholar. A lack of could use the livestock or the corns island elsewhere, and that couldn’t discipline and a temper plus a love they grew a lot more. They would continue forever without dire of the good life put a quick stop to pay their ever increasing taxes with consequences. all of that. But still, he was pretty barter, and then this would go to smart. One could say he was too the nobles, who would in turn get There is one thing about pennies smart for his own good; he thought money for them. Money became of that period. It is very difficult himself better than everyone else. more important as one went up the to discern under whose reign they He was the master of obfuscation social ladder. At the bottom, no one were struck. It seems that after and double-cross. One never really needed it, and at the top, it was on Henry I invited and mangled all the knew where he stood with John. It everyone’s mind. moneyers over Christmas in 1124, was even worse if one was a noble they were loath to change too much with an attractive wife or daughter. As a result of the ransom, a lot of about the coins after he died. Thus, John was known to destroy people silver went from the British Isles Henry I pennies look very similar for their women. He thought it no to the continent. This created a to Henry II pennies, which in turn big deal, but his barons had other cash-vacuum on the island. There look a lot like Richard’s or John’s opinions which he chose to ignore. is one big reason why short-cross pennies. In fact, the design of the pennies are so hard to find, and Short-cross penny didn’t change He realized that his brother had that is because most in existence until the reign of Edward I in 1279. neglected a lot of the “kingly” at the time wound up in Germany So how does one tell them apart business. One of the most important and were recoined. Richard and when they all bear the same legend? things of course was securing Henry II pennies are fairly hard to Simple; look at the portrait. The financing. Richard didn’t have find. John’s pennies are also pretty portraits on these coins were all an “option B” upon his release to scarce, but this is mostly due to the front facing, making them difficult either finish paying off the debt or fact that there was no real plate to discern. Not to mention, they are replenish the treasury. John was left over to make new coins out of, stylized and look nothing like the left to do that. Needless to say, after most of the silver in England monarch whom they were coined he went after his barons and their was sent off. It was going to take under. But it’s all in the hair or the estates for the cash, considering a while to re-establish a currency beard. Henry II has a defined style he technically didn’t own anything and stockpile it when all England of hair, Richard a defined beard on his own, but the crown owed had to sell was sheep wool. England and John has ringlets. Henry III them all. The barons chaffed under at the time was very dependent on has a combination of hair and this heavy load, and, like most the continent for things like wine ringlet issues. So collectors would good bosses, they filtered their and textiles. Most of the nobility be wise to find examples with a misfortune downward. The buck were French to begin with, so they clear portrait. This can be difficult, eventually stopped with the lowly would have preferred the latest as most examples are either peasant, the poor stiff whose life from Paris as opposed to the local worn extensively or have been was “nasty, brutish and short”. The stuff. It seems that was true then recently liberated from the ground thing with peasants was that they as it is now. But that meant there somewhere and are heavily corroded.

February 2016 11 Northgate Stamp & Coin 12516 118 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta. T5L2K6 www.northgatestampandcoin.com Edmonton’s Fastest Growing Coin Shop • Gold • Silver Hours of Operation • USA Coins Monday...... 10:00 - 6:00 Tuesday...... 10:00 - 6:00 • World Coins Wednesday...... 10:00 - 6:00 • Canadian Coins Thursday...... 10:00 - 6:00 Friday...... 10:00 - 6:00 • Colonial Tokens Saturday...... 10:00 - 5:00 • Provincial Coins Sunday...... CLOSED • World Paper Money Holidays...... CLOSED • Canadian Paper Money • Trade Dollars/Medallions SPECIAL OFFER TO ENS MEMBERS • Royal Canadian Mint Coins • Collector Supplies 10 % OFF • Wholesale/Retail 2010/2011 Royal Canadian Mint Coins* • & MORE!

OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR Valid ENS membership card required Contact: Matthew Stzym * Some conditions apply. Offer does not include select special issue products, bullion,780-424-85 or face value coins. Offer only valid with presentation of a valid ENS membership card. We withhold the right to revoke 11the offer at any time.

12 the Planchet Not to mention, the stock of these The problem was, though, that one was an instant outlaw. The coins was never large to begin with, by 1210, the forests were getting penalty for poaching was death. and England has been all dug up. rather crowded so that even the The biggest problem was that a lot So the likelihood of finding more animals were complaining of lack of peasants had used the forests as is considered slim. Therefore, most of space. John liked to fob off a form of subsistence, because their of the coins in existence are going barons and nobles at will; divide livestock invariably belonged to the to be comparatively expensive, and conquer was his motto. If one nobleman. So peasants used to go especially the good ones. fell into disfavor, this was the most and take a few hares or a deer for likely route to take until the family food, but the Angevins basically So these kings just kept on fighting could round up the required cash to put an end to that. The forests were wars and looting each other’s pay for the offender’s transgression theirs. The barons realized that the treasuries, along with robbing the and permit re-admittance into whole thing with forests, liberty peasantry blind. And it was the society, or the monarch died, and money was beginning to get poor that suffered the most. There and the old debt was forgotten out of hand, and that something were also the camp locations for or forgiven by the new monarch. needed to be done. One thing the various armies and the fact For disenfranchised nobles, the that the kings had done since the that most intruded on the locals forests were the last resort. This Conquest is dramatically increase for food and supplies. These they usually implied they’d burned a lot the size of these personal “forests” took randomly and at will. Who was of bridges and really couldn’t go to the point where the common folk going to argue? If one did, it was a anywhere. For most nobles who ran had no place to run their livestock. simple swing of the sword to fix that afoul of their king, there was always problem. The biggest difference was another one to pledge allegiance to. Here was an issue. The English that the peasants in Britain were Only those who had no money or no monarch had more real-estate taxed to death, while those in France friends took off for the forests. available to him than the French tended to be hacked to death. Either one did. So the French king was way, it was not a good thing to be The common type of person in the forced to give concessions to his a peasant. Where was Robin Hood forest was the regular run of the mill nobility in order to keep them on when you needed him? Oh yeah. He bandit. He was usually of no means his side. The Angevins thought they was looking after his own. or family, had no real skills and had were entitled to what they had and no chance at redemption. For him that the world was theirs to play That was one way to avoid paying it was the forest of death. And if he with. They would soon realize that taxes or getting press-ganged into was ever caught, it would be death, this was just not the case as English something or someplace where you on the spot. So that didn’t leave barons were a tougher and less didn’t want to be – go and hide out him too many in the forest. There was a catch options, nor did though. The king’s forests were it leave any for off-limits to anyone but the king anyone who had and his nobility. And the king was the misfortune to taking more and more real-estate stumble into one as his, leaving less for the rest of of these people. the country to pasture cattle in or But the forests use for subsistence hunting. So that were property meant that anyone caught or found of the crown, within one was guilty of poaching and they weren’t or some other misdemeanor and regularly rousted strung up. Outlaws routinely hid out. The king in the forest, hence the legend of had vast tracts Robin Hood. Once a peasant, or in of land cordoned some cases, even a nobleman, was off for his own deemed to be operating outside of private pleasure. the law, he had two choices; take The animals the punishment, which usually contained within was a trial by ordeal which usually were his too. meant a slow and painful death, or That meant take off and hide in the forest. anyone taking

February 2016 13 to stall the whole affair by “taking the Cross” and “joining” the latest crusade to Outremer that the Pope was organizing. Of course, John had no intention of actually going, but he needed the Pope as an ally against this revolt. So while telling the barons that he’d “get around to it” he fired off a letter complaining of lack of support and blaming his barons for holding him up. It was a typical John move; double cross and lie one’s way out of trouble.

It didn’t work; the barons quickly King John Penny, Willem of London reworked an older document that had been floating around and forced malleable lot then the French ones had carried the field and were even John to do something about it. John were. Ever since the Conquest of more powerful. The end result was acquiesced, and met the barons 1066, the relationship between the that John lost most of his French on a field called Rummymede and Norman King and his subjects was domains, and the Capetan family of started negotiating. After about 3 a tenuous one. The Anglo-Saxons kings in France were to become true days, they came to a deal, and John weren’t too thrilled with a French rulers of all of France and not just affixed his royal seal to the Magna king who wanted to turn England isolated parts of it. Carta. The second Act he was forced into a French province. The king to sign dealt with the forests; the couldn’t believe that his nobility In the meantime, John had repaired king now had an obligation to could be that hostile. William the his relationship with the Pope “de‑forest” a large parcel of land and Conqueror beat his nobles into and England was lifted from the give it back to the peasantry. Even submission, and those he couldn’t Interdict and Excommunication before the wax had fully solidified beat, he bribed. Pretty soon a lot list. So now that John really had John was already thinking of ways of the older families lost out and no business in France, so he headed to get around these documents. The either went extinct, or they fell “home” to England. Here’s where barons of course, fought back; soon out of favour. They were replaced it really started to fall apart for a civil war had started. by a series of French expats, who him. As long as England was on the also looked at England as a resort Interdict list, the barons wouldn’t John had covered most of his with lousy weather and bad food. have much stroke and they were bases. He started marching against These people soon became more “persona non gratia” anywhere the barons and he again fired entrenched locally, intermarrying else, so they were forced to work off another missive to the Pope and learning the local language. with their king. Many had just lost explaining that he couldn’t come in They had to run a peasantry, after sizeable incomes when whatever time for the next crusade because all, so it bode them well to learn properties they had in France his barons were in a state of revolt. English. The king, however, didn’t. were seized after Bouvines. They The barons also sent a man to the So here’s where it all starts to come were tired of John’s carrying-on, Church, but John’s letter got there apart. the constant “scuttage” charges first and the baron’s representative (medieval “convenience fees”), was snubbed. The Pope put the The first thing that John tried to do his mercurial temperament and barons under interdict and ordered was secure his spot in France and the fact that they could never get them to comply. He also gave John carry on where Richard had been a hold of the guy until well after a “carte-blanche” to do whatever forced to stop. He assembled an noon because he preferred to spend he pleased to reign them in. allied army to go after the French the morning in bed with his new king. It all looked like it would 12 year old wife. Now that the threat John complied. He sacked, work until the Germans screwed up, was lifted, many of them could see murdered and pillaged his way up and then at a field near Bouvines, what was coming and decided to the country and back down, laying the alliance that John crafted came quietly revolt. John, realizing full waste and generally destroying any apart and was scattered. The French well what was happening, decided or all good will he might have still

14 the Planchet had. The barons had a quandary; He was not a bad king and was far actually insisted on reaffirming they could revolt against “tyranny”, more popular than his father ever it, realizing it was better to work which implied that the king had was. After Henry, Edward I also with the barons than against them. lost his mind, but they had no took an oath to uphold the charter, Edward I is credited for starting suitable candidate to replace him a copy of which I saw the other up a Parliament. There were some with. There was really no one who day in the Alberta Legislature. It is extra clauses added and one or two held a claim to the English throne. unique in that it is a reaffirmation redundant ones removed. After John had murdered the last one, that was written in his name. He Edward I however, the charter was Arthur of Brittany, a few years earlier and had no heir of his own that was old enough to assume the throne. So the son of the king of France, Louis, was invited to come over. This he did, bringing with him a huge French army backed by his father Phillip Augustus. John was never a good tactician, so he started making what at first seemed like brilliant moves and then were revealed to be pretty stupid moves. Louis went ahead to London, got himself crowned and started to drive John out. Now here’s where things start to get a little cloudy. The barons were beginning to see that Louis had no intention of honouring the Magna Carta either, and in fact, he was going to make England a province of France. So they started to defect back to John. The problem was John was by now so unpopular that he wasn’t getting any local support, and he was forced to retreat. As he did this, he lost the family fortune and the crown jewels in the Wash in East Anglia. That night, as was his custom after a setback, he gorged himself and ended up with dysentery which killed him a few days later. The timing couldn’t have been better, leaving room 1297 Copy of the Magna Carta, for medieval conspiracy theorists Signed by Edward I to speculate how John’s untimely demise actually happened for generations after.

John’s young son, Henry III, was hurriedly crowned, and the barons switched allegiances to him, almost immediately leaving Louis no one to play with in a hostile country. Louis was no fool either, so he left. Henry was made to honour the Magna Carta which he tried to do.

February 2016 15 extensively modified for Edward II, Britain. But one has to consider it possible to collect silver pennies Edward III, and then after the Black still is a medieval document relating of every monarch from the Death scoured the countryside and to medieval affairs. It’s the spirit Conquest of 1066 until the reign changed everything, it fell into of the document that we’ve come of George III in the 1790s. disuse and was just considered to appreciate and the promises of another quaint medieval document justice by one’s peers and the right Nowadays, the penny still exists until the mid-1500s. of due process that keep it relevant in the UK. It is made from today. copper‑zinc and has next to no Sir Edward Coke was a jurist who value. It is technically worth took it upon himself to translate So what of the coins? Well, pennies about 2 Canadian cents. But and reinterpret the document and remained the only coin of the realm unlike here, it still continues to hopefully bring it up to date. He struck well into Edward III’s reign. be manufactured. It is also still had a bit of a problem though. The Edward I did try to make a Groat, referred to as a “penny” and not Tudors were a feisty bunch, and the (4d) but it was overweight and a “cent” which is probably what Stuarts that followed them were whatever wasn’t hoarded and sent it should be considered since it’s a vain lot who really believed in off to the continent was speedily 1/100 of a Pound Sterling. The the divine right of kings. And the withdrawn. Very small numbers of Magna Carta is still around too; last thing that any of them would gold coins were issued, starting another relic from that era in tolerate was some judge figuring he with Edward III. These were used that while it refuses to die, still was above the king and dictating primarily for trade. They are next has a place in modern society. to him terms of his employment. to impossible to find today and Henry VIII had this nasty habit of command huge prices when they do chopping off the head of anyone turn up. The Black Death was what who even thought of displeasing really started to change things. him, and the subsequent Anything related to stability and generations weren’t much better. In how life had been before ended with fact it wasn’t a good time to be a the plague in 1349. Afterwards, the nobleman. So he had to be careful few people that were left tried to how he phrased things, lest it be pick up the pieces, relearn how to his head that would be rolling off live, and in many cases, those who some block in the Tower greens. It’s had the specialized employment amazing how things come around skills required to build and manage and go around every few hundred things could dictate whatever prices years or so, if left unchecked. But he they wanted. There was also a lot argued an attractive case, and after of money floating around, which he died (naturally, surprisingly), coupled with the above, sparked off the English finally had enough of a round of inflation. So larger coins the king to send his head rolling were needed. The ½ Groat (2d) and in 1649. the Groat (4d) were introduced, Modern One Penny Coin and the penny became smaller. This Basically, after the Restoration in inflation carried on unabatedly 1660, and again in 1689 after the until the reign of Charles II. By this “Glorious Revolution”, the Charter point, the penny was still silver became the cornerstone of the but tiny and very hard to strike. Bibliography Frank McLynn, Lionheart & Lackland, modern legal system as well as the The penny fractions had ceased Vintage Books, London, 2007 foundation of personal rights and to be made earlier. This was when liberties. It wasn’t that it was very copper was finally introduced to Carolyn Harris, Magna Carta and its well known outside the Temple Bar, English coinage. The tiny silver Gifts to Canada Dundurn, Toronto, 2015 as the English had this habit of not penny carried on until about 1797, spelling out constitutions in writing. when the first copper pennies were Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. John Leech, Comic History of England, (Volume the But it served as the cornerstone for introduced. By that time, there First) Punch, Fleet Street London, 1847 modern parliamentary government, was a severe coinage shortage, and and it still does. It actually had a couple of nasty wars were going Peter Spufford, Money and its use in more of an effect on the American on, but that’s a different story for Medieval Europe, Cambridge University constitution of 1789 than it did in a different place. The point is, it is Press, 1988

16 the Planchet Amid the Ruins A Fine Lion Stater of Mithrapata by Wayne Hansen

Mithrapata Stater (circa 385 BC)

RRRRrrrrr… I’ve always liked ‘lion scalp’ coins – those that I have actually acquired examples display only the top view of a lion head, sometimes called a of both a live lion coin and a dead ‘facing’ lion head. Fortunately for collectors, there are a few lion coin recently. The live coin is a tiny diobol of Pantikapaion from places where Greek coins did show a lion from this perspective, 460–450 BC, a photo of which I will even if it was only for a brief period: Lycia in Asia Minor, Rhegion attach in the article Addendum. The in Italy, Samos off the coast of Asia Minor and a few early issues dead lion is the Mithrapata stater of Pantikapaion in the northern Black Sea. The lion emblem noted in the introduction above was an important civic badge, so it was found on the obverse and in Figure 2. I really wanted of each coin, and it was usually struck in a large-denomination, this Mithrapata coin, because it was silver format. Lycian mint coins, including the Mithrapata large enough, and the surfaces fresh dynast issue above, were silver staters/didrachms, while the enough, to dramatically present facing lion coins of Rhegion and Samos were magnificent the lion scalp image (literally, a tetradrachms. Coin descriptions usually refer to the design as a scalped lion). The other large silver lion ‘scalp’, since the design is obviously focused on the upper and bronze lion coins of Rhegion head area of the animal. Interestingly, however, I have observed and Samos are different from this that there are two main categories of these coins, distinguished one in that they are stylistically superior and exponentially more by whether the lion was dead or alive when carved. This point expensive (see my article ‘The Year is not usually mentioned in the descriptions, but the dead ones of the Mini-Me’ in The Planchet, show the head as if it had been skinned, with the jaws separated September 2014, for a comment on on either side, while the live ones just show a natural head with Rhegion). Rhegion tetradrachms prominent eyes and no spread jaws. The lion represented on from south Italy show a live lion my coin of the Lycian dynast/satrap Mithrapata is definitely well with a natural head, whereas past its prime, since you can see that it has been thoroughly Samos tetradrachms show a dead skinned – as Monty Python would have said, it is an ‘ex-lion’. lion, leading one to think that the

February 2016 17 dead lion device was used primarily Figure 1 – Map Showing Lycia in Asia Minor in Asia Minor. As lion scalp coins go, my new Mithrapata stater is, however, quite nice. I’ll provide what little background I can find about it.

Lycia Background Lycia is the southernmost district of western Asia Minor, forming a rocky promontory jutting into the Mediterranean Sea (see Figure 1). It is south of the major Greek cities along the west coast that were active in ancient affairs, such as Byzantion, Pergamon, Ephesos, Miletos and Halikarnassos. Indeed, Lycia was not, of course, originally Greek in any way. It was more of a tribal bulwark for most of its history, protected by the rugged terrain of the western Taurus Mountains and its independently minded people. The native people spoke Lycian, a branch of the Luwian language that emerged about the 2nd millenium BC in western Anatolia. They were probably allied with, but not part of, the Hittite Empire, and they were probably illiterate, leaning towards raiding and piracy as weapons of choice in dealing with the outside world. Their language eventually formed the basis for Lycian script, but it was a late adoption, really only being recorded on coins and stone inscriptions between 500–300 BC. The script took some cues from the Rhodian Greek alphabet, so they look similar.

The population succumbed to the powerful Persian Empire when it advanced from the east in 546 BC, providing an influx of Persian speakers. Lycia fought for Persia in the two Persian invasions of Figure 1 – Lycia is located in the tourist-popular southwest corner of modern Turkey, Greece and it became briefly where craggy, dry, pine-covered hills and the azure waters of the seacoast prevail. independent after the Greeks won Ancient rock tombs are fairly common whether they be simple cave openings cut the war in 480, increasing Lycia’s into a high cliff, ornate tomb facades covering their box-like interiors or individually unique coin output, but then carved rock pedestals on open ground. the Persian/Hekatomnid satrap (Map and tomb photos from internet.) Maussollos of Caria seized Lycia around 360 BC, stopping coin output altogether. Lycia later became part

18 the Planchet of Alexander’s Macedonian Kingdom Phaselis, Pinara, Olympos, Limyra, Antiphellos (modern Kas), a port in 332 BC; however, since the Telmessos and Kadyanda – see map that linked the nearby Lycian town country was rugged and somewhat in Figure 2. There may, or may of Phellos to the sea – see a photo isolated, its dynasts and governors not, have been fully centralized of its surroundings in Figure 3. were able to function without rule of Lycia from Xanthos, even This is an interesting point: while much interference. By 300 BC, though certain individuals were the Greeks tended to build their after previous incursions of Persian obviously authorized to mint coins Asia Minor cities on the coast, the and Greek speakers and after and even though such minting was Lycians historically built many of the decimation of native Lycian well controlled. Lycian coinages their towns in the interior, among speakers in the odd war, the Lycian commenced after Persian rule craggy valleys and mountains, since language basically disappeared. began and ended when Maussollos much of the coastline was steeply Little is otherwise known about expanded his Carian satrapy into sloped. The few Lycian ports also Lycia’s history. Lycia. Coin and archeological included Patara and Phaselis. With evidence indicates that my featured steep terrain surrounding these Major Lycian towns included Xanthos stater of satrap Mithrapata was towns and ports, they were easily (the nominal capital), Patara, Tlos, likely minted, circa 380 BC, in defended, and the ports became good bases for piracy. Figure 2 – Map Showing Main Settlements in Lycia Early Lycian Dynastic Coinage Lycian coinage is quite different from the usual ‘Greek’ types. Perhaps this stemmed from its physical isolation, but also from its distinct language and customs. Without trying to discuss Lycia’s early coin history in any detail, I thought I would show an example of an archaic dynastic coin from 500 BC (see Figure 4), which can then be compared with the later coinage of the known classical dynast Mithrapata (Figures 5 and 6). Though both were struck during the period of cursory Persian control, you can see that the early coin appears as simple, globular and uninscribed, befitting its archaic nature, and that its metal content Figure 2 – The main towns and cities of Lycia are shown as white dots near rivers or is silver. Coins struck in the early the sea, while the main mountains are shown as red dots. Antiphellos is the site of period cannot be attached to any the likely minting center for dynast/satrap Mithrapata. specific local ruler, so they are noted (Base map courtesy wikimedia – Antiphellos added). as being minted by an ‘unknown dynast’, dynast being a hereditary

Figure 3 – Photo of Kas (Ancient Antiphellos)

Figure 3 – This panorama shows the general location of the modern town of Kas, site of ancient Antiphellos. (Photo from wikimedia, courtesy Wusel007).

February 2016 19 tribal leader or appointed Persian Figure 4 – Early Unknown Dynast Coin satrap. Knowledge of archaic coin production would have come to the Lycians from adjacent, pre- Persian Asia Minor centers of the 6th century BC, particularly Ionia and Lydia where the first coins were produced from electrum in the latter part of the 7th century BC. Soon after this unknown archaic issue in Figure 4 was struck, satrap Kuprilli (480–440 BC) became the first known dynast to have his name inscribed on coins.

Dynast Mithrapata and Unknown Dynast Stater – Boar Forepart/ Granulated Square Incuse Punch. His Coinage Issued 500-470 BC (9.50g, 19.0 x 17.2g, - h). Mint: Unknown Lycia. This is clearly going to be one of the worst disappointments of Obv: Boar forepart. Rev: Granulated incuse punch with second, partial punch strike. your life. I can provide almost no (Collection of the author and photo by the author; purchased from Calgary Coin, March 2013). information about satrap dynast Mithrapata (390–370 BC). I know, Figure 4 – An example of the earliest coins of Lycia, struck in silver with a globular I know, great name, fabulous shape, simple, archaic design and no inscription. Many of these stater issues featured coin sense, what could go wrong? a wild boar emblem, representing the tough, unpredictable Eurasian pig species still Unfortunately, we have to assume found in the hilly terrain of the area. The fact that the unknown mint worker realized that Lycia was semi-dominated by the full reverse punch landed a bit off-center, and then used the narrow edge of the Persian authorities at the time and punch to tap the un-struck part, suggests to me that the mintage for these coins was it tended to mind its own business, low. The excessive wear on this obverse die also suggests that only one die, or very so its rulers were not newsworthy. few dies, of this type were prepared, and perhaps die metallurgy was so primitive Mithrapata had been appointed to that dies did not last very long. Though rather crude, I find the coins quite charming, govern at least a portion of the given the primitive circumstances of their production, their association with unknown Lycian region, probably ruling from tribal rulers and their scarcity. the port town of Antiphellos based on archeological evidence. One coin reference actually referred to him as Dynast of Antiphellos. Beyond devices. Almost all of these spread- struck to show the rulers with an that, his heredity is uncertain – flan coins were unevenly struck. unadorned Greek appearance, that he could have been a member of After deploying the lion scalp, his is, without the expected Persian the Lycian nobility who assumed a main innovation was the use of a satrapal headgear. These design Persian name, or he could have been realistic portrait of himself on his developments, from this Lycian a Persian who was named to the later coins – a first, anywhere, backwater nonetheless, were rather post by Persian king Artaxerxes II. for a real-time portrait. His was exiting, but they were short- a profile of an aging Mithrapata lived. All local coin work halted Mithrapata’s coinage is quite varied, (see Figure 6), however another, after Maussollos of Caria extended including staters, third-staters, contemporary Lycian dynast named his control to Lycia in 360 BC sixth-staters and diobols that Perikles (380–360 BC) carried (see my article about Maussollos sport similar types and a number the feat even further by doing a titled: ‘She’s Ugly But She’s Rich of different symbols. His classical dramatic, facing portrait of himself – A Tridrachm of Maussollos’, The lion scalp and triskeles design - likely influenced by Mithrapata’s Planchet Jan/Feb 2013. (see Figure 5) may have preceded facing lion scalp coins, Mithrapata’s similar satrapal coins of Trbbenimi profile portrait coins and the facing Additional comments about (390–385), Zageba (380–375) Arethusa decadrachms of Syracuse a Mithrapata’s two major coin types and Puresis (circa 380) that also few decades earlier. Both Mithrapata are provided within Figures 5 and 6. featured lion head and triskeles and Perikles portrait types were

20 the Planchet Figure 5 – Early Mithrapata Stater Quotes About Lions:

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. – Alexander the Great

I am sometimes a fox and sometimes a lion. The whole secret of Dynast Mithrapata Stater – Lion Scalp / Triskeles & Dolphin. government lies in Issued 390-380 BC (9.69g, 28.3 x 20.6m, - 1h). knowing when to be Mint: Unknown Lycia – Likely Antiphellos (modern Kos). the one or the other. Obv: Lion scalp. Rev: Incuse square containing MEXPA - PATA (in Lycian); rounded – Napoleon Bonaparte triskeles, with donut shaped center, curving left; dolphin inside one arm. (Collection of the author and photo by the author; purchased from CNG M/B 99, May 2015). Fear not, we are of the nature of the lion, and Figure 5 – Struck approximately one hundred years after the unknown archaic dynast coin in Figure 4, this example features the same bright, un-corroded silver metal as cannot descend to the the early coin – perhaps a result of the dry climate and scanty agriculture in Lycia. destruction of mice and The flan is oval in shape, plus it is rather thin, which stretches the diameter to a such small beasts. respectable 28 mm. As well, both sides of the coin present interesting designs – the – Elizabeth I skinned lion head on the obverse and a triskeles (triskelion) encompassing a nicely detailed dolphin on the reverse. The reverse is also interesting, because the name of the issuing dynast is clearly recorded in Lycian script within the incuse punch. Dressed in the lion’s skin, Lycian script was derived from Rhodian Greek lettering around 500 BC, so the two the ass spread terror far are similar. Lycian coins are among the few places where Lycian language/script and wide. was recorded, starting with issues after 480 BC and ending with the takeover of Maussollos in 360 BC. Jean de La Fontaine The lion head obverse and triskeles reverse devices were used on a few other Lycian stater coins issued by satraps Tribbenimi, Zageba and Puresis between 390–375 BC. The lion and the calf shall The lion head was likely employed as a dynastic symbol, intended to convey the lie down together but the strength of the ruler. The triskeles, with three curved arms, is an unusual device, calf won’t get much sleep. otherwise largely found in ancient Sicily and Pamphylia. It was used briefly for several archaic/early classical decades in Lycia, perhaps only for decorative purposes. The – Woody Allen dolphin on my coin may refer to the importance of a Lycian maritime port – it is suspected that this coin was minted at Antiphellos (modern Kas) along the turquoise coast. Almost twenty years ago, I spent a lovely day or two in that town, which has a small harbor. We strolled slightly uphill along its main street one magical evening, with all the shops and food stalls lit up, only to confront, near the top, a large, flood-lit pedestal tomb in the center of the street. We visited many other sights in the area, including Pinara, Patara and Kadyanda, as well as many outside Lycia. This triskeles coin type precedes other issues of Persian dynast Mithrapata that feature his realistic portrait. However, I find my particular coin captivating for the simple boldness of its designs, the quality of its metal and the large size of its oval flan - a tantalizing survivor of a lost world. It appears to be somewhat under-struck, a direct result of the very thin, spread-flan technique (not enough metal available to fill the carved design), but I still find it very appealing.

February 2016 21 Figure 6 – Mithrapata Portrait Coins In Closing…

Lycia is certainly an evocative place. Having driven through central and southwestern Turkey on a couple of trips, I can attest to the rugged nature of the countryside and the fascinating archeological ruins left by its early peoples – especially the rock tombs found in the cliffs and scattered on the surface of less- hilly areas. In the ancient mountain city of Pinara, it is possible to see heart-shaped column drums nestled in the ruins while watching 6-1: Lycia – Stater of Satrap Mithrapata. locals gathering wild thyme on the Obv: Lion Scalp. Rev: Mithrapata Portrait. nearby hillside.

Equally evocative is the coinage of ancient Lycia, beginning with the earliest, lumpy silver coinage of unknown dynasts (all the more desirable if you have a penchant for wild boar). The flans of Lycia’s later classical coinages, such as my new lion stater of Mithrapata, are obviously thinner and more elegant than those archaic counterparts. Designs on these classical coins are also more complex and elegant, but they retain some of the 6-2: Lycia – Stater of Satrap Mithrapata. animalistic ambiance apparent on the earlier coins. My Mithrapata Obv: Lion Scalp. Rev: Mithrapata Portrait. coin is attractive on both the lion scalp obverse and the dolphin- Figure 6 – In the latter part of Mithrapata’s satrapal appointment, circa 380 BC, he within-triskeles reverse, which is began issuing his own portrait coins. These are considered to be the first, or among a great bonus. Overall, it is well the first, of the portrait stater type. They are also remarkable because they show executed, and I knew immediately realistic features, and they do not show satrapal headgear. There is another satrapal that I should find a good home stater issue in Tarsos about the same time, by Pharnabazos II, but the male head on for it. Pretty-beats-sticker-shock those coins is wearing a helmet, so it could be the god Ares. The obverse lion image every time. of the later issues transforms from the dead, skinned lion head to the forepart of a live lion, which is a motif usually used in Miletos. (Photos courtesy of M & M and CNG respectively.)

22 the Planchet Addendum

Here is an example of a silver lion scalp coin that illustrates the live lion design type. The live type is notable for well-defined lion eyes and lack of a split jaw. These rare, small coins are from the northern Black Sea colony of Pantikapaion, issued at an early date when the colony only produced tiny silver coins (see my article ‘The Griffins of Pantikapaion’ in The Planchet, May 2014, for an in-depth discussion of Pantikapaion coinage). They were produced from the late archaic Pantikapaion Diobol – Lion Scalp / Incuse Swastika with Stellates. period into the early classical, a Issued 460-450 BC (1.79g, 13.0m, - h). Mint: Pantikapaion. span that allowed for variations in the treatment of the eyes, nose and Obv: Lion scalp. Rev: Incuse swastika; stellate pattern in two raised quadrants. mane on each successive die. (Collection of the author and photo by CNG; purchased from CNG, December 2015).

This Pantikapaion coin is another recent acquisition, similar to a see two tell-tale concentric lines diobol I purchased earlier in the just in front of the nose which year that had a slightly different indicates that this tiny coin was obverse style. The sharpness and struck forcefully three times when quality of the relief carving is it was made – enough to ensure full exceptional. It is also rare to find strike depth but also enough to one with such excellent metal and create a slight die shift with each with the entire lion nose on the blow. Overall, it is a marvelously ‘Lion Scalp’ with Errant Dragonfly flan. If you look closely, you can fresh and desirable specimen. (Sculpture seen in Toronto – photo by the author)

February 2016 23 Counterfeits Counterfeit Gold by Danny’s Currency & Collectables

Heads up to everyone buying/selling NGC graded gold coins, Pamp Suisse bars, royal canadian mint bars, Perth mint bars, etc. Be aware, there is a overflow of counterfeit goods attempting to infiltrate the legitimate market in the Edmonton area.

Counterfeit USA Gold Buffalo Counterfeit USA Gold Buffalo Counterfeit USA Gold Buffalo NGC holder and coin are both counterfeit. NGC Holder and coin are both counterfeit. Edge thickness of holder. Serial number matches a genuine coin. Reverse side.

Counterfeit Perth Mint 1 oz. Gold Bar Counterfeit Perth Mint 1 oz. Gold Bar Counterfeit Perth Mint 1 oz. Gold Bar Holder and bar are both counterfeit. Serial number matches a genuine bar. Edge thickness of holder. Reverse side.

24 the Planchet Edmonton Numismatic Society Membership Form Membership in the Edmonton Numismatic Society is good for one calendar year (i.e., January to December) and includes a subscription to the planchet.

q New q Renewal Please print clearly

Name: ______

E-Mail: ______

Address: ______

City: ______Province/State ______

Country: ______Postal Code: ______

Telephone: ( ______) ______

q Regular Member (18 years and over) – Canada, USA*, Foreign* ...... $15.00

q Junior Member (Under 16 years) – Canada, USA*, Foreign*...... $5.00

q Family Membership...... $15.00 (spouse and/or children at home 16 years and under)

q Life Membership*...... $300.00

q Canada Only (not available for USA or Foreign addresses) If you would like the planchet mailed, please add...... +$25.00

All membership applications are subject to approval by the Edmonton Numismatic Society. An official receipt and membership card will be issued upon approval.

* Please note: Distribution of the official society publication, the planchet, to all Lifetime Members, USA and Foreign addresses is available via e-mail and website download only.

Application / Payment Methods

Mail this form (along with payment) to: Edmonton Numismatic Society P.O.Box 78057, RPO Callingwood Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5T 6A1

Secure online payment with PayPal at http://www.edmontoncoinclub.com/membership.htm

See us at a monthly meeting or semi-annual show.

February 2016 25 Puzzle Page – Word Find Canadian coins can sometimes be found with a frosted look on the Textures details. This cameo-effect by Joe Kennedy will wear off quickly on coins in circulation; it is much more noticeable on uncirculated coins. SRCFULTRAGKH Cameo coins can be very beautiful and are sought out by collectors. Back PXEMRPOROUSH in the 20th Century, new coin dies at the LMIRRORCAMEO mint were sometimes treated with acid on the highlights (devices) while IUGJZLSETVSG the background (fields) remained polished NMSTRIATIONS smooth. When the coin dies were put into use striking coins, the EAATGSQTEZNH delicate frosted‑cameo look would gradually fade NTTFRHCXNDRI away off the dies after striking about a hundred coins. Cameos are not HTIGPEBBLEDM usually seen on coins meant for general use in circulation, though HENVLDWUIPTM they are now common on coins made specifically LBAFLOWZGTPE for the collectors’ market. Cameo‑effect frosting is added to modern YREVERSEHHDR coin dies using a laser, resulting in a much more GRRYYXRSTVNG durable texture than the acid treatment method. cameo mirror Answer to the Puzzle Page depth pebbled from December 2015: R M A R T I F I C I A L O V E T O K E N M H A RS H A I R L I N E K J A V K E X D T flow (lines) polished X P M P S G N P L A T E D M L Y NT H D R F T J O C U G R E S I D U E V L B R S S U F B UR R I E D C R Q R O L L E D I N G T D U N O E P R C N L U T J T O C U T O U T frosted porous S Y K U T V P R O C E S S E D A M A G E M A T B S O D R Q I A D A T D S N C U L L Y I R A L N U I Y P G T B N U M C O H O L E OCG R E E N S L I M E M E T E R M A R K gloss reflective L F G M D M T C C H T N D N D R R A B R N E W Y O G J I A B O U T G O ODO C T S M P C G U O V M S S I L V E R W A S H U C J U X Q N T J D U H V R O X D R G I I F R H heavy (cameo) reverse (cameo) O Q X T C O U N T E R P U N C H O N W A Y Q T V E R D I G R I S O U R U B NE H P J F J XD V S A N D B L A S T E D C D I E N I Y T V D A W C R EP A I R E D W Z Z K V light (cameo) satin K Z L V H N K N U D I R T Y U T R Y Z H K V G Z D R M M P O L I S H E D I PP E D N linen shimmer X G Y C O W N G E V D S O L D E RE D W J lustre striations The answer to this month’s puzzle will be in the next matte ultra (heavy cameo) issue of the Planchet

26 the Planchet Classifieds

Wanted For Sale Place Your Ad All period Napoleonic memorabilia Canadian Small Cents, Circs., BU, ICCS Here Free For & Militaria. Contact Bill at and rolls for sale. All Canadian Decimal ENS Members [email protected] Coins and many U.S. Decimal Coins. Call Bob 780-980-1324 No limit of ads and no limit of words. Ads must be Early English or German hammered numismatically related and can coins. Contact Marc. [email protected] Many English Coins from late 1800’s include books, coins, paper, to about 1970 for sale. Call Bob supplies, buying, wanted, selling, Early French medals or English/British 780-980-1324 tokens, bullion, medals, Canadian, Coins dating from 1642-1821. Contact world, websites, shows, etc. Pierre. [email protected] Canadian Decimal coin sets. Great for gifts. Low prices. Contact Ray at The ENS reserves the right to Complete Date 1968, 1969 & 1970 780-433-7288 refuse to print any classifed ad in Edmonton Klondike Dollars in Silver. whole or in part. Ads posted for Prefer in original case of issue. Call Large collection of certified & raw one year will be removed unless Howard 780-998‑0434 or cell 780- coins & banknotes, some up to the member can confirm ad is to 298-0434, e-mail [email protected] 50% off cat. Inc. Errors. Call John continue. All classified advertizers 780-455‑8375 must be ENS members.

All ads to be submitted to [email protected] or given to the Editing Team at a monthly meeting.

New Coming Events Membership Applications Feb. 10, 2016: ENS Annual General Meeting – elections for Board of Directors and Executive, at the Royal Alberta Museum; 7:15 pm start. No new members this month Mar. 9, 2016: ENS Meeting at the Royal Alberta Museum; 7:15 pm start. These individuals have applied March 12 & 13, 2015: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm for membership into the Sunday. Edmonton’s Spring Coin Show and Sale, Howard Johnson Hotel: Edmonton Numismatic Society. 15540 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta T5P 3Z2. Dealers wishing to Pending any objections from attend call 780-270-6312. the membership at large, these individuals will be accepted as Mar. 18, 2016: March issue of THE PLANCHET “Members in Good Standing”, effective this publishing Apr. 13, 2016: ENS Meeting at the Royal Alberta Museum; 7:15 pm start. date. Any objections to the Presentation by Wayne Hansen: Adventures in the World of Electrum applications must be submitted Apr. 29, 2016: April issue of THE PLANCHET in writing to the Secretary of the Edmonton Numismatic Society, and will be evaluated by the Executive Committee on a case-by-case basis. To list your coming events, send them to [email protected]

February 2016 27 Gold Jewellery Paper Money Stamps Coins Silver

Your Source for Silver and Gold Bullion

Up to the minute quotes on precious metals Toll Free 1-877-try-mrcs Full selection of coin and stamp supplies in stock Buying and Selling website: mrcscanada.com · email: [email protected]

12303–118 Avenue, Edmonton 780-482-3373

28 the Planchet