Commemorating the Great War: Next-of-Kin Plaques
One of the most interesting exonumismatic items of the modern era comes from the first World War. In 1917, while World War I raged,…
A French Oasis in Early Pennsylvania
Deep in the Pennsylvania wilderness, travelers at the end of the 18th century might stumble upon something extraordinary: a perfect little French town, complete with…
Past and Present Mix in a Coin Rite
It’s long been thought that rituals involving the sacrifice of a coin (wishing wells, coins on the eyes of the dead, etc) date back to…
The Coins of the Lost Emperor
Coins are an unusually good way of preserving history. They are stamped with the images of rulers and significant persons, the precious metals in them…
Coins and Sailing Traditions
Sailors are known as a superstitious bunch, and coins have been used in luck charms for almost as long as they have existed. It’s no…
How Coins Preserved the Memories of an Empire
Fans of classic films may remember the dramatic moment in Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments,” when the old pharaoh, Sethi, exiles Moses and…
Preparing to Pass On a Coin Collection
You see it every day on coin collecting forums and Facebook groups: “I found this coin collection while going through my relative’s estate, but I…
John Lennon, Amateur Philatelist
He’s known for creating some of the greatest music of the 20th century, and changing the face of rock and pop forever. He was also…
The Fate of the Guggenheim Treasure
One of the most legendary families of early 20th century America left behind a treasure worth millions of dollars, and no one has found it…yet.…
Big Money: David O’Keefe and the Giant Stone Coins of Yap
Most people have heard of Yap stones, the giant carved stones used as currency by a Pacific island nation. What you may not know is…
