Numismatic Paper of Early America

Among America's pioneering achievements is its early and widespread use of paper as currency. Beginning in Massachusetts in 1690, early America funded multiple wars and a variety of other projects with bills of credit. Shortages of coin and the demands of a diverse and rapidly growing economy led to creation of hundreds of sorts of monetary paper: bonds, checks, bills of exchange, stock shares, promissory notes, and more. Learn about what kind of paper received the hated stamps of the Stamp Act and just how worthless a Continental was from two of the leading experts in the field. This in-depth treatment of colonial currency, fiscal paper, and more will incorporate historical context, printing technology, collecting strategies, market observations, preservation issues, and the opportunity to examine hundreds of items hands-on in a fun, conversational environment. Instructors: John J. Kraljevich Jr., columnist for The Numismatist and professional numismatist, John Kraljevich Americana (www.jkamericana. com); and Erik Goldstein, curator of Mechanical Arts and Numismatics, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (www.history.org)

An Introduction to the Numismatics of Mining

Numismatic items have been used by mining companies since the early 1800s. The instructors will provide an overview of this fascinating and diverse collecting specialty, which includes medals, tokens, paper scrip, and stock certificates issued by coal, gold, iron, phosphate, silver, and other types of mining enterprises. Among the topics is a state-by-state discussion of mining history and the types of tokens and scrip used. Rarities, values, and numismatic references will also be discussed. Included is a field trip to the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine, where students can witness what life was like for the 1890s gold miners of Cripple Creek. Instructors: David Schenkman, token specialist, award winning author and past president of the Token and Medals Society; and Fred N. Holabird, author and leading authority on mining, geology and the gold business

Jetons and Counting-Tokens: Computation and the Commercial Revolution

As trade expanded in Europe during and after the Crusades, jetons and counting-tokens came into widespread use as a means of mathematical computation. This interesting series of "coins" speaks directly to the emergence of new markets, trade routes, and the merchant class that needed the means and methods of business accounting. This course will survey the types and identification of jetons and counting-tokens in the social and economic context of late Medieval Europe. Actual tokens and counting methods will be reviewed from this interesting era. This is a general survey course for anyone interested in the origins and context of money, trade, banking, and the merchant class of late Medieval through Renaissance Europe. No prior knowledge is required, and time will be allowed for class discussion in the seminar setting. Instructor: Greg Thompson, medieval coin enthusiast and owner/operator, Money-Changers

For more information, or to register, see:
www.money.org/summer-seminar