Grade school English class taught you that superlatives end in "est." You, also, learned that adding the suffix "est" to an inconclusive word changes that word to a conclusive word, i.e., big/biggest; large/largest; small/smallest; wide/widest, thick/thickest; etc. What about superlatives involving numismatics. Not just coin collecting, but all subfields of numismatics, you know: Exonumia: Exonumia is the study of coin-like objects such as tokens, medals, and other items used in place of legal currency or for commemoration. This includes elongated coins, encased coins, souvenir medallions, tags, badges, counterstamped coins, casino chips, wooden Nickels, credit cards and other similar items. It is related to numismatics proper (concerned with coins which have been legal tender) and many coin collectors are also exonumists. Notophilly: Notophilly is the study of paper money or banknotes. People started collecting paper money systematically in Germany in the 1920s, particularly the Serienscheine (Series notes) Notgeld. In the 1970s notaphily was established as a separate area of numismatics by collectors. At the same time, developed countries such as the USA, Germany and France began publishing national catalogues of paper money, which represented major points of reference literature. Scripophilly: Scripophilly is the study and collection of Stocks and Bonds. It's collective interest is two-fold: artistic beauty (engraving) and historical context. Occasionally, old stock documents are found to still have value. To keep this post trivial, I'm limiting the number of items in this article, but hope to present enough collectibles (with photos when possible) to make it interesting. Our first subject is COIN: Our first superlative is Largest. Most everyone has heard about the huge Stone money of Yap and I'm guessing you have too, but did you know every Stone Coin's value is based on its weight, size and the dangers faced to obtain it? Do you know the Yapanese Stone Coins are composed of Limestone? Do you know the Island of Yap is geologically an island of shale? The source of Limestone abundant enough to quarry the large (around 10') and heavy (thousands of pounds) stone blocks is located on Palau which rises from the depths of the ocean about 700 miles Southwest of the island of Yap. Do you know the only vessels the Yappanese owned were canoe-like in size and shape?. Yappanese navigators risked their lives voyaging across that saltwater expanse, quarrying the huge stones, somehow moving them from the quarrying pit to their small boats, loading them, and returning to their home island where many hands helped unload the stones and move them to the stone carvers who turned them into coins which they named Rai. Ever see a photo of a Rai? Here's one courtesy of Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yap_Stone_Money.jpg I included the Rai because some of you would surely bring it up. If you Googled "Largest Coin," you'd find that Canada produced a Gold coin measuring 19.6 inches in diameter and 1.1 inch thick, made of 99.999 percent gold and weighs 220 pounds (100 kilograms). It has a scalloped edge . The side with the maple leaves has the English words "Fine gold", then "100 KG", followed by the French words "Or pur", which translates as "Pure gold". It takes six weeks to mint this 1,000,000.00 Canadian Dollars gold coin. Photo courtesy of the Telegraph newspaper in the United Kingdom: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2044410/Worlds-largest-coin.html The Largest Silver Coin is the Austrian "Europe Taler 2008." This Coin weighs 44.2 pounds with a circumference of 44.6 inches. Here's a photo courtesy of Coin News: http://www.coinnews.net/2008/06/25/...coin-from-austria-the-europe-taler-2008-4208/ Since neither is a business strike coin I would like to show you a few Largest, struck for circulation, Coins: We, but need to go back in time to Australia's Melbourne Mint's 1937 coinage production to see Australia's largest coin struck for circulation. The coin measures 38.5mm, weighs 28.27 grams and is composed of Sterling Silver. 1,008,000 were struck for circulation and 100 proofs minted for collectors. Photo courtesy of australianstamp.com: http://www.australianstamp.com/Coin-Web/aust/CROWN/1937crn1.htm The Largest Coin presently circulating in Australia is the 31.5mm copper-nickle 50 Cent piece. Here's a photo of the 2000 Millennium 50 Cent coin featuring Australia's Flag on its reverse. Photo courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...2000) Millennium Year &query=Australia km 488 Let's now look at the largest business strike coin from our (United States of America) Northern neighbor, Canada. At 36mm the Silver Dollar takes that honor, but we have to look at one minted in 1967 or earlier ('35 - '67 because 1967 was the last year a Canadian Silver Dollar was struck for circulation. After 1967 business strike Dollars were composed of nickle and their sizes became 32mm. Silver Dollars measuring 36mm were not struck for circulation. From 1978 the circulating Canadian Dollar's size was reduced to 26.5mm and are coomposed of Aureate-Bronze plated with Nickle. Here's a photo of the 1967 Canadian Silver Dollar courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...Dollar (1967) Centennial (goose) &query=km 70 Let's now consider our Southern neighbor's (United States of Mexico) Largest business strike Coin. Before we look at a photo of the coin let me remind you, The United States of Mexico became a reality in 1905. From 1905 through 1909 Mexico's Largest Coin minted for circulation was the 50 Centavos measuring 30mm: Here's a photo of a 1907 courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...5 50 Centavos (1905-1918)&query=Mexico km 445 The US of Mexico minted 39mm Pesos from 1910 through 1914. The size of the Peso was reduced in 1918 to 34mm. Here's a photo courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...eso (1910-1914) Caballito&query=Mexico km 453 The Mexican coins you've already seen were the Largest Mexican, commercially struck, coins of their time, but Mexico's Largest business strike coin was struck in 1955 and 1956 measuring 40mm and composed of .900 silver (.8356 oz. ASW) It's a 10 Pesos coin featuring Hildago on the obverse. Courtesy of Don's World Coin Gallery: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...1955-1956) Miguel Hidalgo&query=Mexico km 474 You know many countries including Great Britain, Spain, Mexico and the United States of America minted silver coins for trade in China. You know many bear Chinese Chops or Marks on them. Many foreigners call those stamped incusions " Chinese Chop Marks," but the Chinese, who struck those characters, refer to them as "Chops." You know most of the "Chops" were struck by merchants, banks, and money changers to authenticate the intrinsic value of the coin but, do you know some of those "Marks" are Good Luck Symbols and have nothing to do with authentication? Want to see the United States of America's Trade Dollar that bears the highest number of Chops? Here's a photo courtesy of Johnny G's Time Traveler website (scroll down to second photo): http://www.johnnyg.westhost.com/collector-coins-page5.html Our second superlative is smallest. Most anciet coinage historians believe India's Vijayanagar Empire produced the world's Smallest Coin sometime in the 14 Century (1300s). The coin is a gold Bele weighing out at a miniscule 3/4 grains. Image courtesy of pomexport.com: http://www.pomexport.com/1images/C_IND.htm That might be true for gold coins, but what about other metals? Many numismatists give the India Aluminum Paisa, first struck in 1965, the accolades for a milled coin since it only weighs 0.75 g. Here's a photo courtesy of worldcoingallery.com: http://worldcoingallery.com/countri...m10.1 1 Paisa (1965-1981)&query=India km 10.1 What's the Smallest circulation strike coin in the Americas? Did you think of the USA's silver 3 Cent or the gold $1? Here's a look courtesy of Coin Page: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-4138.html You should have thought of Panama's 1904 silver 2 1/2 Centimos, nicknamed the "Pearl" but pronounced "Pill" by Panamanian people due to an inherent speech impediment. Here's a photo courtesy of wikidot.com (scroll down to photo): http://typesets.wikidot.com/panama:2-5centismos1904 The Smallest Coins ever struck in Europe are the Greek and Athenian silver 1/8 Obols. To see photos of 1/8 Obols click Doug Smith's link leading then scroll down to the first two photos: http://dougsmith.ancients.info/tiny.html Scotland's Smallest Coin is the silver Penny of David I of Scotland. The following is partly excerpted from historical data provided by the British Museum: "Ironically, the earliest Scottish coins were struck in England. When Henry I of England died in 1135, the throne of England was contested between Henry's daughter Matilda, and his nephew Stephen. David I of Scotland was Matilda's uncle on her mother's side, and in 1136 David moved south into [Northern] England to support his niece's claim. Among other places in the north of England, he took control of the town of Carlisle. Coins had been struck in Carlisle in the last years of Henry's reign, using local silver, and once David took over the town, he issued his own Scottish coins." David's first coins, like the one shown on the British Museum's website (link coming), imitate the late coins of Henry I. Although David I's Scottish coinage began in Carlisle, its production quickly spread to towns within Scotland itself, including Aberdeen, Berwick, Edinburgh, Perth, Roxburgh and St Andrews. Click the link: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/cm/s/silver_penny_of_david_i.aspx Our second subject is BANKNOTE: First superlative Largest. The Philippines issued a Commemorative 100,000 Peso Banknote measuring approximately 11" X 8" (355.6mm x 215.9mm). Photo courtesy of Tom Chao's Paper Money Gallery: http://www.tomchao.com/as/phil18.html The Highest/Largest Dernomination Paper Currency issued by a city is the 100 Billion Mark authorized by the German City of Freital dated November 3, 1923 at the heighth of Germany's hyperflation. Photo courtesy of joelscoins.com: www.joelscoins.com/images/freital.jpg The HughestLargest denomination banknote ever officially issued for circulation in 1946 was by the Hungarian National Bank for the amount of 100 quintillion pengo. In 1947 a Larger Banknote was printed, but never released into circulation. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia: http://bankjegy.szabadsagharcos.org/xxcentury/p136.htm The Highest/Largest denomination Banknote in modern times is this 2008 100 Trillion Dollar Banknote issued by Zimbabwe. (courtesy joelscoins.com). Scroll to third photo: http://www.joelscoins.com/africa.htm Second banknote superlative issmallest. Small denomination coins were in short supply during WWI. Morocco issued postage size 50 Centimes, 1 Franc and 2 Francs cardboard notes as temporary substitutes for coins. This 50 Centimes note, measuring 41mm x 32mm, is the world's smallest banknote. Photo courtesy of Tom Chao Paper Money Gallery: http://www.tomchao.com/af/moroc3.html To save time I begin a different way to introduce you to our superlative numismatics theme: Largest denomination Casino Token/Chip/ Plaque: Before we go futher into our subject matter let me explain this numismatic subset item: Wikipedia tells us "Casino tokens (also known as chips, checks or cheques) are small discs used in lieu of currency in casinos. Colored metal or compression molded clay tokens of various denominations are used primarily in table games, as opposed to metal token coins, used primarily in slot machines." Wikipedia further explains "Some casinos also use gaming plaques for high stakes table games ($25,000 and above). Plaques differ from chips in that they are larger, usually rectangular in shape and contain serial numbers." The higher denominational plaques are about the size of a playing card, and must be marked with serial numbers. The largest value placed on a plaque to date is $10 million, used at the London Club in Las Vegas. I couldn't find a photo of the $10 Million Plaque, but if you click the following URL and scroll down to second row of photos you will see two comparison shots including stacks of chips and plaques. Move cursor over photos to see enlargements: http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/plaque.html The Highest price paid for a Casino Chip by a collector is $39,000.00 Largest Royal Canadian Medal: http://www.legendarycoins.ca/pamphlets/Entire Coin Collection.pdf The Largest Gold Medal the United States of America ever issued by Congressional resolution was this Medal presented to Major General Zachery Taylor (only one authorized and known). Its high relief adorning the 89.5mm, 621 grams, 6.7mm thick Medal was struck on July 4, 1849. Photo courtesy of Stack's archives: To see an enlarged view of this magnificent medal scroll to bottom of page. http://www.stacks.com/lotdetail.aspx?lrid=AN00042360 The superlative "Smallest" when associated with a Medal brings us to another superlative "Tiniest. Yes, charms are tiny medals. Here's a website brimming over with Smallest/Tiniest medals/charms: http://www.totallycatholic.com/subcat.php?cid=46&id=137 You know, in the African slave trade, Slave Anklets or Bracelets (Manillas) served as currency. You probably know quite a few countries made these in a few different sizes, shapes, and metals including, copper, brass, bronze, iron, silver and gold. Which was the Largest? The African King, being composed of iron, takes the Blue Ribbon. It weighs in at a formidable 106 ounces (+ or - 3 Kilos) has a span of 11" (275m) and dwarfs the others in the photo. Courtesy of Scot Seamans World Coins: http://www.coincoin.com/I024.htm The Largest Wooden Nickel was unveiled June 22nd, 2002 at the Wooden Nickel Museum in San Antonio, Texas. Click website link. Scroll down a few inches below artist's drawing. : http://www.wooden-nickel.net/wlwn/ That ends this posting. There may be more superlative trivia postings in the future. Hope you enjoyed this voyage into Superlative Numismatics... Clinker
I think the smallest denomination may have been upset. In the current Triton auction, there's an Ionian electrum 1/192 stater weighing a meager .06 grams. http://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=152972
Wow, lots of info and links, Clinker - will take me some time to go through all of that. Just one brief note: Yes, I know some call that a coin, but it is "only" a medal. Nicely designed (and one side is basically the reproduction of an old coin) but it does not have a face value, and is neither means of payment nor legal tender ... Christian
The smallest Scottish coin was not the penny of David I: But rather the black farthings during James III:
That "Europataler" was made in two different versions - the "giant one", with a total mintage of 5 (five), and an affordable one with a mintage of 2008. That coinnews.net article has a few flaws anyway: "produced by the Hall Mint, in cooperation with the Australian Mint and the (...)" Well, fortunately the link does not take you to Australia but to Austria. And "One of the large coins will go on display at the Hall of Tirol, Austria." Umm, the Hall is a city in the Tirol (or the Tyrol) which is in the Austria which is part of the Europe, hehe. Anyway, while that Europataler is a medal, the Austrian Mint did produce the world's largest gold coin, in 2004 (face value €100,000) but as you mentioned was "passed" by the Canadian Mint later. Now that 1000 oz piece was an actual coin ... although definitely not a business strike either. By the way, those German Billionen and English billions can play tricks. You mentioned "the 100 Billion Mark authorized by the German City of Freital", and yes, 100 Milliarden is 100 billion indeed. But these for example are "10 Billionen" notgeld notes issued by the cities of Duisburg and Kaiserslautern. That would be 10,000 billion in English - ten trillion, I think. There may have been higher denominations in those days, don't know. And as you wrote, even "bigger" bills were issued in other countries ... Christian
