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Monthly Archives: April 2013

  • Looking back on Auction #24... and forward to Auction #25

    Thanks to all who participated in Auction #24, which closed last week. We had a record number of bidders and a record number of successful bidders. Most important, the auction process was a smooth one, and we hope all that took part enjoyed their experience. Invoices were emailed and snail-mailed on Monday, April 29th, so all should receive their invoices no later than this Friday or Saturday.

    Tom, literally boxed into a corner in his office.

    There was particular strength in Goldwater, suffrage, coattails, and, as always, those elusive items which seldom turn up. We – and we hope, you – are looking forward to our next auction which is scheduled to close in November of this year. In the meantime, we will continue to offer new listings every Wednesday on our online store.

    A record number of successful bidders meant a record number of packages.

    We appreciate the positive feedback from our auction and online store and encourage our customers to share their ideas on how we can do better. Our commitment to our customers and to the integrity of our hobby will always come first.

    Thanks again!

    -Tom French

  • Southern California APIC Political Items show & sale

    A great time was had by all at the Nixon Library APIC show & sale last weekend in Yorba Linda. Press for the event paid off, as a steady stream of walk-ins contributed to a great Seattle rules auction. Many turn of the century political and advertising pinbacks found new homes. Probably the most unusual item that walked in was from a Goldwater Girl who brought in a cowboy hat from the 1964 RNC signed by Goldwater, Miller, Ronald Reagan, and a host of Hollywood celebrities.

    The staff of the Nixon Library provides a terrific venue. The bourse was held in an exact replica of the White House East Room.

    We'd like to extend a sincere thank you to David Holcomb, Wayne Otchis, Jim Fletcher and especially Bob Banwart, whose tireless efforts made this event possible.

    A stunning recreation of the White House East Room made for a great setting.
    Tom manning the USAmericana booth.
    An interesting post-Presidential piece. Significant surface scratches throughout, but still a large display piece with a commanding presence.
    The walk-ins were abundant, and made for an exciting Seattle rules auction.
  • Collecting Political Numismatics

    In his book Collecting Political Americana, Edmund Sullivan makes the following observation: “In my opinion, medallic art is the highest aesthetic form to be found in political Americana. Numismatists have long appreciated the subtle tones and shades that enhance silver coinage and mellow copper and bronze, as well as the evident craftsmanship that can make medallic art a genuine creative expression. But more to the point is the fact that this category is one of the most underrated by political collectors. Very fine and often rare pieces can be acquired at reasonable prices.”

    I couldn't agree more. Before the advent of the more cheaply produced pinback buttons towards the end of the 19th century, political tokens and medals were the most prolific form of political campaigning, often holed so that they could be worn (and a rare instance in numismatics where a holed example is worth no more or less than an unholed example).

    Most 19th century political “exonumia” (the term used for the collecting of medallic items that resemble coins, such as tokens, medals, ferrotytpes, etc.) issued for presidents and presidential campaigns starting around the time of the Andrew Jackson administration is readily available, with some notable exceptions: Lewis Cass in 1848 and James Polk in 1844. Nice examples of William Henry Harrison tokens can still be found for under $50. A large variety of George Washington tokens and medals hailing his accomplishments were produced before his death and can be found at the $300+ level. For those of you interested in Washington exonumia, I urge you to get a copy of Medallic Portraits of Washington by Russell Rulau and George Fuld, readily available on Amazon.com for around $20.

    There are restrikes, and to a lesser extent reproductions, so beware. Restrikes (many of which were struck in the 1860's) can be very deceptive, and the difference between a restrike and an original can be very subtle. The best source for identifying restrikes is J. Doyle Dewitt's A Century of Campaign Buttons 1789-1889, or the updated version of Dewitt's book by Edmund B. Sullivan – American Political Badges and Medalets 1789-1892. Both books are out of print, difficult to obtain, but an absolute must for the serious collector of political numismatics. If you can find a copy of either for under $250, grab it.

    One final note – for those of you who are numismatists, you understand that a coin worth $25 in average, circulated condition, could be worth hundreds (or even thousands) in high grade uncirculated or proof condition. Political exonumia has been slow to follow this trend, and I have felt for a long time that high grade, choice specimens are sorely undervalued.

    Of course, political auctions and political collectors' shows are your best sources to obtain political tokens and medals, but make it a point to regularly hit your local coin shop or coin show.

    Collecting political numismatics is a challenging endeavor – that probably won't break the bank. Enjoy our current listings and keep checking back for new selections in political exonumia.

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