I had decided not to drive three hours to the Baltimore show this weekend because I had just seen some of my favorite dealers recently and was not sure their restock would make it worth the trip. Then my wife got a notice that there was an estate sale of bells (what she collects) 2/3rds of the way to Baltimore on Thursday and said she was willing to go along to the coin show afterwards so I thought we'd go. After spend the morning and all my money buying bells, I decided not to go anyway. This was the first time this show opened to the public on Thursday and I would have been upset if I drove up there and found that many dealers skipped the extra day. I would appreciate hearing if Thursday was well attended by the ancient/world bunch. Baltimore is famous for dealers leaving early Saturday afternoon and skipping Sunday so I was not sure I trusted the idea of Thursday hours. When I got home I still could play since I just got a coin by mail. I really know nothing about these except they are common late medieval silvers. Halle, Bavaria, AR handelsheller, hand of God / cross, 0.55g (thin) 14th century?? I understand these were made for a long time. Does anyone know how to tell early from late or anything else that might be of interest? Those who would like to see where the rest of my coin budget went, I have posted photos of the new bells but be warned there is not a coin image to be seen there: http://www.pbase.com/dougsmit/bells
Congrats, nice. I also decided not to go--too far and expensive when all is said and done unless you have a serious reason to go. Is there any live, streaming reports of activity there? I heard it has been busy.
Another thought. How many people organize car pools to the big shows, or why not? Flying involves a ride to the airport and the time and expense connected to that. What I would like to see in this business: Mutual enrichment by discussing with experts in numismatics other hobbies and interests they may have. We have a lot to learn from one another.
I have gone twice on a bus chartered by the Richmond Coin Club and once with a carpool from that group but remain amazed at how few collectors signed up for these trips compared to the number of members that seem more interested in the social aspects of the club. A big show is worth the money (gas, parking or bus) IMHO but driving in traffic around DC is something I'd rather let a bus driver do.
Helo Dougsmit, It was nice seeing the bell collection. I have to ask..... Do you have a bell that is made from a coin or perhaps a coin that was made from a bell?
Hi ! Doug. I know nothing about your new (old) coin, but must comment on your wife's taste on bell collecting. She has great insite for what is collectable. My personal choice is the Chung bell. Good for her and the coin you picked up, is facinating. Hope someone on antique coins can help you out. Dave
Depending upon where you & I both live in Connecticut, we could discuss car pooling to a future PA, NY, or MA show. I often do this with a couple friends here in CT. Tomorrow (Saturday), I am attending a very small local show in Naugatuck CT. On Sunday we have another small coin show in East Haven. Will you be at either of these shows?
The only coin/bell crossover item I have seen is the Roman Centurion bell by Emil Huddy which I do not have and never thought was well enough done to be worth the price people ask. I am sure somewhere along the way a church bell was melted down and made into coins rather like the cannons in 'Gun Money' but I do not know a specific story.
There are some Chinese cash that are widely believed to have been struck from metal obtained by melting the bells of Buddhist monasteries. I'll have to check exactly which issue that is.
I had heard that one too. I think it happened many times in Chinese history, I remember a time where pots were also illegal to be copper or bronze since the emperor needed to cast more coins. Not too unusual, I remember Constantinople stripping the silver trim and melting down chalices from churches to pay for its defenders in its final days as well. There is a thing called "bell money" from China. Personally I do not believe they were money more than any other piece of bronze could be traded for money, but still. I lump all of this proto-money like "bridge money" and other pieces together similarly. I believe imitation cowries, knives, spades, and maybe halberds are the only demonstrable true proto money from China, but that's just my opinion of course. Chris P.S. Haven't a clue about your coin Doug, sorry. It will be interesting to learn though.
If mine is real..... I've had this little nugget in my collection for some time now. (I took the photos last night). You can see how I labeled the holder. This label information was gleaned from the Internet so it must be correct :rollling: I too would like to know more about this thin little coin.
