American Numismatic Association

09 Nov 2018

1853 New York Crystal Palace Electrotype Shell

Every month or so I catalog recent purchases and take some time to research the stories behind them. I often purchase something because it I don't quite know what it is and suspect there might be a story behind it.

12 Nov 2015

Mystery lighthouse die

Medals | wdhyder

I have a soft spot for mystery pieces in my token and medal collections. I recently helped catalog items for an auction including the die pictured here. I had no luck finding it myself and I bought it when it failed to draw bids in the auction. It was just too cool to pass up.I reversed the image so you see it as it would appear struck. I suspect the die is ca. 1900 or there about, so the skyline would not exactly match a modern view of the skyline.One suggestion is Venice and I do believe the medal is from the Mediterranean region. An actual medal struck from the die would be quite distinctive with its scalloped edge and descending ribbon and clam shell device.If anyone recognizes the medal, I would appreciate more information.

02 Feb 2015

So-Called Dollar Collectors cruise the Panama Canal

Exonumia | wdhyder

The Panama Railroad Steamship Cristobal made the first ocean to ocean passage through the Panama Canal on August 3, 1914. Her sister ship, the Ancon, made the first official trip through the canal on August 15, 1914. Technically, a service ship made a passage in January, 1914, so the first ship through could be considered any one of them. The Cristobal carried 50,000 commemorative medals celebrating the canal opening. The medals are collected as a so-called dollar today, best known by its Hibler and Kappen number, HK-398. The medals were struck in bronze and two were struck in gold.On December 10, 2014, three so-called dollar collectors—Jeff Shevlin, Bill Hyder, and Mike Johnson—carried 500+ 100th anniversary medals through the canal in celebration of the 100th anniversary. Jeff Shevlin commissioned the medals struck by Daniel Carr's Moonlight Mint. The new medals were struck in copper, gold-plated copper, silver, and gold. Six serially-numbered brass and partially gold-plated copper medals were struck for three collectors and their wives to carry as their personal mementos of the trip.The photo of myself, Jeff, and Mike has the Gatun Locks in the background.

17 Jun 2014

ANA Badges and Medals

Exonumia | wdhyder

Tried to post this in forums and did, but the image did not post. Cannot create a collection from my ANA, maybe including a picture in a blog creates a collection? and it did finally post. I thought I created a collection, but it seems to be gone. I will try again eventually.

wdhyder's Blog