R a ll e ii g h C o ii n C ll u b
Established in 1954 May 2010
IN THIS ISSUE I t Happened in Mecklenburg
ARTICLES (At Least According to Some!)
It Happened in By Dave Provost Mecklenburg Have you ever wondered about the significance of the dates Austrian Mint Launches “May 20th 1775” and “April 16th 1776” that appear on the North “Rome on the Danube” Carolina State Flag and Great Seal? Each date is meant to recognize Commemorative Coin North Carolina’s leadership role in helping to move the original 13 Series American Colonies toward independence from Great Britain. “May 20th 1775” is the date ascribed to the adoption of the Mecklenburg Exhibit! Exhibit! Exhibit! Declaration of Independence by community leaders within Mecklenburg County, NC and “April 16th 1776” is the date on which the 83 Royal Canadian Mint delegates to North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress Brings Back Colorful Birds unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves. The latter date is of Canada Series documented and universally accepted, the former remains in dispute to the present day. Following is a brief overview of the “Mec-Dec” Around the Web as it is often called and its ties to North Carolina numismatics.
REGULAR FEATURES As winter turned to spring in 1775, there was growing unrest regarding the increasing oppression of the American Colonies by President’s Message King George III and the Parliament of Great Britain. The rising tensions were in evidence as leaders within Mecklenburg County Meeting Minutes came together in Charlotte to discuss their increasingly intolerable Club Notes situation. A committee of approximately 28 men (the exact number is not known) convened at the Charlotte Courthouse on May 19th to Show Calendar discuss and debate their opposition to rule by the British Crown.
METALS INDEX It is believed – by some – that the Mecklenburg Committee developed a document that declared Mecklenburg County’s Spot Prices as of independence from Great Britain and that it was read to an 14 May 2010 assembled public on May 20, 1775 outside of the Charlotte Courthouse. If this is true, the citizens of Mecklenburg thus became Platinum: $1717 (-$4.00) the first group of colonists to make such a declaration – more than a Gold: $1231.40 (+ $70.00) year before July 4, 1776 and the adoption of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence by the American Colonies. Silver: $19.34 (+ $0.95) It Happened in Mecklenburg continued on Page 4 Page 1
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
Raleigh Coin Club April Meeting Minutes PO Box 25817 The meeting was called to order by David B at Raleigh NC 27611-5817 7:35pm. 28 members (including 4 YNs) plus 3 guests http//www.raleighcoinclub.org were present. Club Business Established 1954 Steve P gave the Treasurer’s Report; noting the flow of bourse fee checks received from dealers for our Club Officers June show. Overall, the club’s finances continue to President be positive. David B announced that the club had received a David Boitnott letter of thanks from the Johnston County Schools Vice President System for the club’s donation of Red Books to the Jim Jones High School libraries. Dave P gave a brief summary of the “Touring Secretary America Through Coins, Medals and Paper Money” Richard Brown program he gave at the North Raleigh Regional Library during National Coin Week. Treasurer Halbert, Jim J and David B discussed the time they Steve Pladna spent at the Cameron Village Library during NCW. The group manned a display of numismatic literature Sergeant-at-Arms and answered visitor’s questions. Benjie Harrell Paul L provided an update on the upcoming club show and reported the show’s bourse is on track as Directors (Term Ending) compared to last year. He also noted that volunteers wee still need for several show tasks and encouraged Kent Woodson (2010) members to help out. Paul Livingston (2011) David B initiated a discussion of show "branding." Roger Beckner (2012) He stated the importance of having visitors to our show know that they are attending the Raleigh Coin Club Show and not a commercial show. In order to Newsletter Editor assist with the branding effort, the club voted to increase the visibility of the club’s name by taking Dave Provost several actions: 1) Exterior signs directing visitors to [email protected] the show will be enhanced to include the club’s name; 2) Table covers with the club’s name and “logo” will be purchased for the show’s “Welcome!” Club Affiliations tables; 3) “Raleigh Coin Club” will be added to all interior signs posted during the show (e.g., the signs American Numismatic Association stating “Emergency Exit Only” on the side and rear Member #C1079478 doors of the building; and 4) A sign over the exit door stating, “Thank you for visiting the Raleigh Blue Ridge Numismatic Association Coin Club Show!” The club approved by vote a Member #C3383 budget of $1,000 for the signage. Eastern States Numismatic Association Dave P gave an update on publicity activities for the Member #0026 (Life) show. The discussion included a mix of “free” and “paid for” advertising. In light of the approved North Carolina Numismatic Association budget for improved show signage, Dave Member #C14 (Life) recommended that an increase in “paid for” advertising be tabled until 2011.
Contents © Copyright Raleigh Coin Club 2010 Meeting Minutes continued on Page 8 The RCC grants permission to reprint for non-profit educational purposes only any articles not individually copyrighted by the author provided the RCC Newsletter is cited as the source.
Page 2
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
President’s Message May Meeting Notice
Don’t be alarmed but our show is next DATE month! 18 May 2010 Paul La is working diligently on getting contracts into dealer’s hands and deposits into TIME our bank account. I have not talked with Paul in about a week but, for the most part, things 7:30pm are progressing nicely. Since traditionally the momentum of table sales picks up as we get WHERE nearer to the show date, I look forward to Paul’s Show Report at the May meeting. Ridge Road Baptist Church
The subject of my last communication with PROGRAM Paul was the unfortunate news that Richard of Richard’s Stamps will not be able to attend our “Coinage and Currency of the Isle of Man” show this year. Richard is currently battling colon cancer. I’m sure all the members share Noah Clapacs my hope and prayers that he beats this dreaded disease and is able rejoin us next year. Richard has been a friend and supporter of the Raleigh my part) slowed the process. The first proof Coin Club and our Show for many, many years. had the image of the Roanoke commemorative We will miss him this year for sure. half-dollar obverse at a size of 11 inches in diameter on the left with “Raleigh Coin Club” On the club post card mailing, I weeded out split over two lines and measuring about 18 the returns and requests to be removed from our inches high on the right. It didn’t look post card mailing list. Paul La then added in the balanced, however, so we experimented with new names from last year. I then forwarded the the coin size and took it up to 18 inches in 1572 names on to our outsource partner. They diameter. Though a great improvement, the validated the zip codes and street numbers and manufacture recommended against this due to were able to reduce the list to 1539. Since the the resolution and could not guarantee the service charges in 500 card increments, it would image quality of the final product. have cost $180 to mail the extra 39 cards. So, James G. volunteered to handle the overage so So, after consulting with trusted friends we stuck to the original budget for a 1500 card inside and outside the club, we compromised mailing plus $40 for the printing of an extra 100 and used the 11 inch image of the coin with 10 cards. James is working closely with them to inch letters presented all on one line. We went insure it stays on course so we meet our on time with a navy blue cloth, antique white letters and delivery target. full color image of the coin. I can’t wait to get them! The table covers are ordered and scheduled on the production line Monday, May 17. I Ben and I have exchanged emails on the should have them within a week to ten days additions for the Coin Show signage and are afterwards. I was hoping to have them in time working on that. Ron T. has a laminating for the May meeting to show one off on the machine that can handle up to 8-1/2 by 11 so front table but design decision (or indecision on Continued on Page 7
Page 3
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
I t Happened in Mecklenburg (cont.)
Continued from Page 1 imbalance of praise directed toward Jefferson for the Colonies’ independence movement It is also interesting to note that the text claimed simply because of his authorship of the eloquent for the Mec-Dec includes phrases that are either Declaration of Independence. To this day, a duplicate of or very similar in structure to however, neither camp has been able to present phrases used by Jefferson in his Declaration. a definitive case for either viewpoint (though most historians side with Jefferson). The problem is, there is little tangible evidence to support that such a document was Personally, I support the school of thought actually created during the Committee’s that the Mec-Dec is actually a case of mistaken meetings on May 19th and 20th. No original identity. As it turns out, the Mecklenburg Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence document Committee of Safety (a group of local citizens exists (some say it was lost in a fire in 1800) and that would assemble to discuss current issues; no contemporary newspaper accounts of the such committees were formed locally Mec-Dec or the alleged public reading of the throughout the American Colonies) met in late document exist. In fact, little notice or May 1775 and produced what has become discussion of the alleged Mec-Dec can be found known as the Mecklenburg Resolves. This until 1819. document declared null and void all laws originating from the King and British It was in April of 1819 that the Mecklenburg Parliament and stated that the Continental Declaration of Independence became a topic of Congress meeting in Philadelphia was the national discussion when Joseph McKnitt American Colonies’ legitimate government. Alexander (son of John McKnitt Alexander Though it spoke of independence and self- who some assert was the secretary of the government, this document did not include the original meeting and thus the custodian of the phrases found in Jefferson’s Declaration. Mec-Dec) wrote an article for the Raleigh Register that recounted the events of 1775 and The Resolves, passed on May 31, 1775, were allegedly presented the text of the original published in local papers at the time and are document. As no original document was thus – unlike the Mec-Dec -- indisputably “on available, however, the text presented by Joseph the record.” I believe it is easy to see how faded McKnitt Alexander in his article was recreated memories could blend together the meetings from his memory and notes left by his father. held in Mecklenburg in May 1775 and that the Resolves, though a significant statement of The story created a nationwide controversy independence in their own right, could be as various camps either fell in line to support remembered as a more dramatic and almost Joseph McKnitt’s account or to vigorously mythical Declaration of Independence by proud oppose the document’s validity. Thomas and loyal North Carolinians looking to stake a Jefferson, who some now claimed was guilty of claim for their state as a catalyst for our nation’s plagiarism, was one of the document’s independence movement. detractors. John Adams, also a central figure in the American Colonies’ drive toward But, what does all of this have to do with independence, thought the document real. numismatics? Well, over the years, the Mec- Adams’ viewpoint may have been skewed, Dec has been celebrated in Charlotte, North however, by his growing resentment over the Carolina with speeches, re-enactments, parades
Page 4
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
I t Happened in Mecklenburg (cont.) and even visits by US Presidents. The and pewter medals feature an antiqued finish, anniversary has also been commemorated with while the silver medals are in proof and the gold a variety of medallic tributes. in uncirculated. Though struck recently, they are fairly elusive -- especially the silver and gold In 1875, the US Mint struck silver and examples. bronze medals to mark the centennial of the May 20th Mec-Dec date. The bicentennial of the date was also marked with a set of privately- struck bronze, pewter, silver and gold medals.
Reverse of 1875 Mec-Dec Centennial Medal
The obverse of the bicentennial medal depicts the Charlotte Courthouse in the Obverse of 1875 US Mint Mec-Dec Centennial Medal background with Captain James Jack starting his ride to Philadelphia to deliver a copy of the The US Mint struck 1,005 silver medals on Mec-Dec to the NC delegates of the Continental 30mm planchets normally used for half-dollar Congress. coins and 1,000 bronze medals on 30mm planchets of the same composition as that used for US cents (95% copper and 5% tin and zinc). The obverse of the medals features a tree branch supporting a bee-hive/hornet’s nest and a Liberty Cap along with a pair of hands in handshake. The simple reverse features the inscriptions MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and 20 MAY 20 1775. Both medals are difficult to find today and, as would be expected, nice examples command quite a premium.
The 200th anniversary of the Mec-Dec, was Obverse of 1975 Mec-Dec Bicentennial Medal marked by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Bicentennial Commission with a set of medals There’s plenty of information on the internet in various metals that share a common design. about the Mec-Dec – check it out and decide for The medals are 39mm in diameter and were yourself if the document is real! struck in base and precious metals. The bronze Until next month, Happy Collecting! Page 5
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
Austrian Mint Launches “Rome on the Danube” Commemorative Coin Series
For some five centuries, the River Danube military exercises and training or parades. formed an essential part of ancient Rome’s northern border against the barbarian tribes of The lack of walls rendered Virunum Germania. The Austrian Mint’s new three-year, vulnerable to marauding tribes that managed to six-coin silver series called “Rome on the cross the Danube and raid the rich Roman Danube” breathes life back into the ruined province of Noricum, and in times of weakness remains of the towns and forts that played such and turmoil the city did fall prey to plundering prominent roles in the life of the Roman Empire barbarians. In the early Christian era, Virunum in Austria. had its own bishop and church. Exactly when the city was abandoned we do not know, but The province of Noricum covered about two- abandoned it was. Its noble buildings of stone and thirds of modern day Austrian territory. It had marble became quarries for building materials, been originally a kingdom of Celtic tribes until it until the earth itself decently covered over the was taken over by the Romans in a peaceful wounds of its ruins, leaving it to modern occupation under the Emperor Augustus in about archaeologists to re-awaken Roman Virunum 15 B.C. Thirty years later, the Emperor Claudius once more from its centuries’ long sleep. converted Noricum into a regular Roman province and established the city of Virunum as The obverse of the new €20 0.900 fine silver its administrative capital. Military command was coin shows a profile portrait of the Emperor vested not in the governor at Virunum, but rather Claudius, who founded Virunum (“Municipium in the commander of the legions standing guard Claudium Virunum”). In the background one sees along the River Danube in the north. The a Roman wagon drawn by a pair of horses. It is governor was appointed by the emperor in Rome. part of a grave stone from Virunum, presently His primary responsibility was for finance and affixed to the south wall of the church in taxation as well as for the administration of neighbouring Maria-Saal. The reverse side Roman law and order. His capital stood on a displays an imaginary street scene. A Roman Roman road connecting it to Aquileia in the south wagon drives past the portico of a temple. At the and to Ovilava (Wels) in the north and the Limes back rise the high walls and roof of a grand or string of forts and towers guarding the Danube basilica. In the foreground to the left we find a border. blacksmith hammering the highly-prized Noric iron into swords for the Roman legions. The Virunum was the cultural centre of life in name at the base of the coin identifies the city as Noricum with the only great amphitheatre to have Virunum. been discovered on Austrian territory. Built on the classical Roman system of a rectangular grid of streets with large open forums housing temples and grand basilicas, Virunum was an unfortified township like many other such settlements – a tribute to the Pax Romana (the Roman Peace). The streets were unpaved, but the city had a plentiful supply of water feeding public fountains and a good drainage system with lead piping. On an artificially built terrace above the city were a military camp and an elliptically shaped arena for The new coin is struck in proof quality only animal and gladiatorial combat, as well as and to maximum mintage of 50,000 worldwide.
Page 6
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
Exhibit! Exhibit! Exhibit!
By Dave Provost
As I discussed in last month’s RCC Don’t forget, the RCC is fortunate to Newsletter, I believe one of the best aspects of include several ANA award-winning exhibitors our annual show is the wide variety of within its membership – David B, Dave P and numismatic material presented by RCC Halbert C. Each would be happy to answer members through our Educational Exhibits. questions about exhibiting and share a few tips. Please check with them at the May meeting. With just over a month to go before our show, I’ve only received three Exhibit Exhibit Applications will be available at our Applications. To make our exhibit area a true May meeting, please see me or David B if success, I hope to have at least six to eight you’re interested or have any questions before exhibits presented. So, I need your help to deciding. ensure our exhibit area achieves the level of success that I know it can. All exhibitors will receive a Certificate of Award for their efforts. A People’s Choice Award Any numismatic or philatelic topic is will also be presented to the author of the eligible for display at our show. Whether a exhibit that garners the most votes from show simple, single-case display or a comprehensive attendees! multi-case presentation, your exhibit is welcome and encouraged! Share your collection! Exhibit at the 2010 RCC Show!
President’s Message (cont.)
Continued from Page 3 produced over the years. Many of us who collect such coins and medals affectionately call we are working together to get the exit signage these “hockey pucks.” So, since we did not set complete. a show-n-tell theme last month I thought what the heck – bring your largest coin. Not only I would say overall, things are progressing will there be the 5 bonus points for bring in a well. We still need plenty of volunteers for the theme related item, but there will also be 10 show! So, clear your calendars for the weekend bonus points for the largest coin or medal. of June 18-20. If you have not already started – get started on those exhibits (big points!). In Promote the hobby and the club – recruit a this case, don’t follow your president’s example new member – there’s points in it. and procrastinate to last minute. Confession time, I haven’t started mine yet. See ya Thursday at the meeting – until then, take care. Last but not least, there was a lot of ink in Coin World about the new 5 ounce bullion David W. Boitnott, President “National Parks Quarters” and other large coins
Page 7
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
Meeting Minutes (cont.) RCM Brings Back Birds of Canada Series Continued from Page 2
Dave P will continue to send RCC Show Flyers The recently released Spring Collection of the to other shows in NC, SC and VA leading up to Royal Canadian M int (RCM ) includes the return our show, plus send out press releases to local of a popular coin series last issued in 2008 – the media outlets. Our traditional ad in the News & colorful Birds of Canada Series. Observer will be continued; Paul La will be responsible for placing. Show announcements will also be placed in Coin W orld, Numismatic Between 2007 and 2008, the RCM issued four News and other similar hobby publications. crown-sized, nickel-plated steel twenty-five cent A discussion was held regarding the possibility of pieces that featured the Red-Breasted Nuthatch, requiring registration and showing of a picture ID the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the Downy prior to gaining admission to the show for Woodpecker and Northern Cardinal, respectively. security reasons; no decision was made. Also All of the coins featured the RCM’s patented discussed was the possibility to having an colorization technology that seals the color to the admission charge for the show. coin’s surface. April’s refreshments were provided by Will H; Benjie H will bring refreshments in May. After a one-year hiatus, the series has been Ben P reserved the display case for May. renewed in 2010 with the release of a coin Show-and-Tell featuring the American Goldfinch, a bird well- known throughout Southern Canada. David B told about his recent educational talks at the Fuquay Coin Club and the Angier Kiwanis The new coin features a male American Club. He also had Japanese Currency used in the Philippines. Goldfinch paused above a lilac branch in full Halbert C showed a 1921 Mexican 2 Peso coin bloom. The bird’s bright canary-yellow plumage commemorating the centennial of Mexico’s and the lilac’s vivid purple bloom make for an independence from Spain. The reverse of the attractive color combination which should attract coin depicts the winged angel of Victory in the numismatists and birders alike. foreground with the Ixtaccihuatl and Popocatepetl mountains in the background. Charles T had a painted medallion reading "Thank You for Serving - US Armed Forces." Roger B showed a 2007 P John Adams $1 struck with with rotated reverse die. Ben P shared a So-Called Dollar with the Cathedral of St John the Divine and a store token from Philadelphia Independence Hall. Continued on Page 9
May Show-and-Tell Theme
The Show-and-Tell theme for May is “Numismatic Hockey Pucks.”
The May theme is all about over-sized or The design is the work of Ontario wildlife artist Arnold Nogy. Mintage is limited to 14,000 jumbo coins, medals and tokens. Have any coins. The coin is available at www.mint.ca for REALLY BIG pieces in your collection? Bring $24.95 CDN or from www.talismancoins.com for them to the May meeting and earn your $24.95 US. bonus points! Page 8
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
Around the Web: May Raleigh America the Beautiful CoinHawks Meeting Quarters Site I nformation
The Raleigh CoinHawks – the RCC’s club for The US Mint has launched a fact-filled web young collectors and their parents – will be site dedicated to the America the Beautiful meeting once again in May at 6:45pm (prior to Quarters™ program – you can find it at May’s regular RCC meeting.) www.americathebeautifulquarters.gov. All young collectors are encouraged to The attractive, information-rich site offers attend and to bring an item or two from their lots of background information on the program, collection to talk about with their fellow including downloadable documents regarding collectors. CoinHawk Bucks will be earned for the program’s design criteria and the attending the meeting and for bringing show- consultative process followed to select the sites and-tell items. to be recognized. The May meeting will feature a program The site also offers images and desciptions that presents the process for striking coins and of each of the 2010 quarters, along with medals. The talk will be illustrated with a information about program products currently multi-medal process set of inaugural medals available for ordering directly from the US from President Bush. Mint. It seems very likely that the site will continue to be updated with the details for all future issues of the eleven-year program. So, Meeting Minutes (cont.) over time, the site should become quite a repository of information about the Mint’s latest Show-and-Tell Case circulating commemorative quarter program. The month’s “mini program” was presented by Dave P who filled the Show-and-Tell case with a variety of Whether you plan to be an avid collector of coins and medals featuring designs corresponding to the program, or simply want to keep up with the National Coin Week (NCW) theme of “Beautiful the latest issues and product releases, Places: Landmarks and Mintmarks.” The pieces exhibited all featured either a natural or man-made www.americathebeautifulquarters.gov should landmark found in the United States; the pieces were prove be just what you need! (Though the web all part of the NCW program that Dave gave at the site address is easy to remember, it’s not the Raleigh North Regional Library during NCW. easy name to type correctly – remember to bookmark the site on your first visit and save Educational Program yourself from future hassles!) Dave P provided a great program that explored the history and operations of the Pony Express; April marked the 150th anniversary of the launch of the Pony Express in 1860. The illustrated PowerPoint presentation drew many questions from members. In conjunction with his program, Dave also filled a case with the medals, medallions and postal covers he illustrated in his talk.
Our monthly prize drawings followed the program and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm.
Page 9
Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter May 2010
America the Beautiful Club Notes
Proof Sets Available 1. The May Show-and-Tell theme is “Numismatic Hockey Pucks” (i.e., oversized The 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters coins, medals and tokens). Do you have a Proof SetTM went on sale at noon (Eastern) on jumbo item in your collection? Whether a May 13th. The set contains proof versions of the piece from the US or another country, whether a coin or a medal, bring it in for the May first five coins in the new America the Beautiful meeting and earn bonus points in the 2010 Quarters Program bearing reverse designs Numismatist of the Year (NOTY) program! honoring Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas; Yellowstone National Park in 2. As always, all Show-and-Tell items are Wyoming; Yosemite National Park in welcome! If you don’t have something that fits the theme, bring something else! It’s always California; Grand Canyon National Park in fun to share your collection with fellow Arizona; and Mount Hood National Forest in collectors! Oregon. A restored version of the 1932 John Flanagan portrait of George Washington is 3. Ben P has reserved the monthly exhibit case featured on the coins' obverse. The sets are for May. available for $14.95. 4. Benjie H will be bringing the May meeting refreshments. 5. The Raleigh CoinHawks will be meeting at 6:45pm ahead of the regular RCC meeting. 6. It’s not too late to volunteer to help out at our annual show in June! Please see Paul La or Jim J to see how you can help!
Show Calendar
Jun 5-6 Greenville, NC Coin & Currency Show American Legion Post 39 403 Saint Andrews Drive Hours: Sat 10:00am to 6:00pm The Mint releases about the coins state that Sun 10:00am to 4:00pm the artwork for each quarter was digitally Tables: ~30. Free mastered in 3-D. It looks like computers have Jun 11-13 Charlotte, NC done away with the traditional sculpting Carolina Coin & Currency Show process! Metrolina Trade Show Expo 7100 Statesville Road, I-77N – Exit 16 In addition to the clad proof sets, two-roll sets (featuring one roll each of coins struck at Hours: Fri/Sat 10:00am to 6:00pm Philadelphia and Denver) of the Hot Springs Sun 10:00am to 4:00pm National Park quarter are also currently Tables: ~80. Free available ($32.95) as are 100-Quarter bags ($35.95). Silver proof sets featuring all five 2010 th Additional local show information can be found at: quarters will be available beginning May 27 . www.coinworld.com Page 10