
Arnold Numismatic Co. Ephemera
I posted a blog about store cards from the Arnold Numismatic Co. in January 2019. At that time I stated that I was looking for an example of the Arnold Numismatic catalogue to go with the tokens. I finally acquired a copy from Kolbe & Fanning's April auction. The Guide has the penciled date of 1914 on the cover, but if you look at my earlier blog, you will note that the advetisedprice was 15¢ in 1912. The various sales sheets tucked inside the guide indicate the sales price is 10¢. The cover indicates the catalog is the Fifth Edition. Their guide was first copyrighted in 1905, so I suspect this edition is from 1910.
Early catalogs such as these provide tantalizing glimpses inside the hobby. An ad from A. G. Heaton in the back of the Guide caught my eye. Heaton published his monograph promoting collecting coins by branch mint, i.e. collecting by mint marks, in 1893. I was also interested to note that you could buy a copy of the Arnold Family Tree since they included their family coat of arms on their tokens.
But back to mint mark collecting. The idea was still taking hold in 1910. In the Guide, mint marks are included in the definition of numismatics terms, but no by prices indicate any premium for rare mint marks. The Guide does note that 1878 silver dollars with 8 tail feathers do not warrant a premium. Heaton's ad caught my attention because I have an original 1893 copy bound in board covers. An ink notation on the inside cover notes the copy was purchased from the April 21, 1900 Lyman Low auction of the library of the Scott Stamp and Coin Co. Heaton was still selling his monograph in 1910 for the same one dollar issue price. My copy brought 70 cents in the 1900 sale. The monograph was issued with a paper cover, so I suspect the board covers were added by the Scott company. I do not know who bought the monograph in 1900, but at some point it was donated to the ANA Library and sold at the 1970 library surplus sale during the Second Annual ANA Summer Seminar. As an aspiring young numismatist at the time, I snatched up item for a whopping $1 to begin building my own library.
And so began my interest in building my own library and ephemera collection.
Comments
Kepi
Level 6
These are very cool! Love the old writings and books! Have fun with your collection!
Well worn Copper
Level 5
I love the old and vintage stuff.
PastorK7354
Level 4
Great job! Thank you for sharing.
Longstrider
Level 6
What a interesting way to collect. I admit to browsing old issues of The Numismatist for the adds in back. I'm happy you found the items you were searching for. Thanks.
thisistheshow
Level 4
Fantastic blog. Exonumia and ephemera are so fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
It's Mokie
Level 6
Amazing persistence and a wonderful historical artifact of our hobby. It is interesting how the collecting of mintmarks went from a nonexistent concept to the forefront of our hobby. Thank you for sharing your passion.
Mike
Level 7
I'm glad you foundnit. What ever were looking for we feel so much better that we accomplished with we were looking for. Good for you. Thanks. Pat.
"SUN"
Level 6
It is great you able to find some related items for your collection.
PastorK7354
Level 4
Lots of interesting, and helpful numismatic and historical info. thank you!
Liberty Walking Half
Level 5
Interesting, glad you are enjoying collecting them