Pocket Change Numismatic History
The Franc is one of the oldest and most widespread currency units in the world, currently the official currency of 25 states or autonomous territories. However, the Franc was never intended to become the name of a currency until the French kingdom issued a specific gold piece to gather the massive ransom needed to free King John II the Good, prisoner of the English since the disastrous Battle of Poitiers in 1356. He was depicted in full armor on a horse, with the legend Johannes Dei Gracia Francoru(m) Rex. From “Francoru(m)” came “Franc”. This famed coin is called the Franc…
The many treasures of the American Numismatic Society’s archives include not only the Society’s own history and papers documenting the…
Guest post by David D. Gladfelter. David studies, writes, and speaks about the history of bank note engraving and printing,…
A few weeks ago I gave a talk at a meeting of the New York Numismatic Club (NYNC) on the…
At our 2021 Gala, the American Numismatic Society premiered a new short film by Pascal Perich, The ANS: Yesterday, Today,…
Some years ago I wrote about Edward Newell and his wife Adra for ANS Magazine (2014/3). Edward, the Society’s president…
The Huntington mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery was built for railroad magnate Collis Huntington in the 1890s.
Archer Huntington (1870–1955), ANS benefactor…
Spanish Civil War tokens from the author’s collection.
On a recent trip to Montreal—which seems to date from a million years…
Part of a member questionnaire filled out by Isaac Francis Wood. ANS Archives.
The first three numismatic societies in the United…
Lincoln Centennial Medal by Jules Édouard Roiné, 1909 (ANS 1909.45.1), King 310. The dies were ceremoniously canceled, donated to the…
Edward T. Newell
On January 12, 1918, ANS President Edward T. Newell delivered his President’s Address at the ANS’s 60th Annual Meeting…
4d silver groat, London, 1660–1662 (ANS 1963.6.3).
Today is Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter), which for Christians signifies the day…