S3, Ep. 9. A Conversation with Chris McDowell

Christopher R. McDowell is a lifelong numismatist and recognized expert in the area of colonial coinage and medals. He is the author of Abel Buell and the History of the Connecticut and Fugio Coinages along with several award-winning articles on American colonial coins and medals. An ANS Fellow, Chris is also the editor of the Journal of Early American Numismatics. A graduate of Marshall University and West Virginia University College of Law, Chris served as an officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was stationed in Korea, Germany, Bosnia, and Kansas. He currently practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio. His newest book is titled The Early Betts Medal Companion: Medals of America’s Discovery and Colonization (1492–1737) published by the American Numismatic Society in 2022. The idea for the book grew from Chris’ interest in Charles Wyllys Betts and American colonial history and medals. In this episode we talk about Betts medals and their eponymous collector, how Chris got his start in the hobby, and his favorite numismatic colonial crime.

Total Time: 44:11
Music: “Piet Hein (de Zilvervloot)”, a traditional drinking song commemorating the capture of the Spanish silver fleet by the Dutch in 1628.

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