Money Talks provide members a forum in which to share their views and research with fellow hobbyists. The numismatic lectures are presented each year at the World’s Fair of Money® and the National Money Show®.
Strategies to Dispose of Your Collection
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: Many numismatists do not know what to do with their collections before they enter the “Great Misty Veil of Life.” Often, a hobbyist’s spouse and/or children are not familiar, nor the least bit interested in, numismatics. If a collector dies without a specific strategy, then his family is left with a big mess. Should you sell your collection before passing? If not, how can you help your relatives liquidate your collection upon your demise?
Presenter: Rod Gillis
Originally presented May 24, 2021.
Is Anything Ever Really New? Coin & Currency Déjà Vu over Two Millennia
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: History tends to repeat itself. In cultures separated by years to millennia, intriguing situations involving coins and paper currency have recurred. These include fraudulent gold-plating of minor coinage, using imagery to bolster fiat currency, and recycling cannons and shells to make spending money. Coincidence or circumstance? Tune into this talk to decide for yourself.
Presenter: Hans H. Liu, M.D.
Originally presented May 25, 2021.
Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars: One of the Most Underappreciated & Undervalued Series in Numismatics
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: Adolph A. Weinman’s half-dollar design is a collector favorite. Proof versions of these pieces aren’t often discussed, as major varieties are not widely recognized by the numismatic community. Their entire run was low, yet high-grade proofs are relatively affordable. This discussion will include specific die varieties, along with some toning issues evident on many specimens.
Presenter: Ralph F. Wetterhahn
Originally presented May 26, 2021.
Overstrikes: Politics, Economics & Damnatio Memoriae on Byzantine Coins
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: Byzantine emperors frequently overstruck the coins of their predecessors. In some instances, this was due to economic necessity, but in others, the move shows clear ideological implications— the destruction of the memory and image of previous rulers. This presentation will explore this fascinating and under studied medieval phenomenon.
Presenter: Alex Magnolia
Originally presented May 27, 2021.
Coins Melted to Manufacture War Material
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: Many collectors know that coinage metals have been used to manufacture war materials, but few are aware that such items also have been melted to make coins. Coins from five countries were melted to support the United States’ effort during World War II. This presentation will explore this wartime-era coinage.
Presenter: William Myers
Originally presented May 28, 2021
Colonial Currency: German East Africa
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: After the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, Germany established four colonies across Africa. The largest was German East Africa, founded by the German East Africa Company in 1885. This presentation discusses the money created for and used in the colony until the end of the German Empire in 1918.
Presenter: Doug Mudd
Originally presented June 1, 2021.
Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger and the Numismatic Legacy of His Tokens
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: In 1837 Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger petitioned Congress to use his “German Silver” alloy for coinage. He struck and circulated 1- and 3-cent pieces dated 1837 to bolster his case, but Congress declined. However, 20 years later, legislators “borrowed” his ideas when the Flying Eagle cent was introduced. Feuchtwanger can be considered the father of the small cent and pioneered the use of nickel in coinage.
Presenter: Brad Seidel
Originally presented June 2, 2021.
Oh, No It Ain’t!
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: Many people who aren’t coin collectors tend to think they’ve hit the jackpot when they find anything that looks out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and most of these purported “rare errors” turn out to be post-mint damaged coins. This presentation offers a fun and informative look at what constitutes a genuine U.S. Mint error and teaches how to distinguish these exceptional coins from near-worthless junk. Knowing the differences may potentially bring riches, but the main goal is to help attendees become better numismatists than they were before the presentation!
Presenter: Sam Gelberd
Originally presented June 3, 2021.
Virtus and Victoria: Coins Relating to the Severan War Against the Tribes of Caledonia
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: This talk discusses coins relating to the war conducted from A.D. 208–11 by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus against the tribal inhabitants of Caledonia. We will examine coins which illustrate the concepts of Virtus and Victoria within the context of this war, and which were issued contemporaneously with it.
Presenter: Michael A. Kodysz
Originally presented August 12, 2021.
Solving the Mysteries of the Gaku Ichibu
MONEY TALKS PRESENTATION: The Gaku Ichibu is a rectangular coin from Japan minted in 1599. The first of a 250-year series of rectangular gold ichibu, this presentation will chronicle Spurrier’s research into the piece with many new insights. Plenty of background information will be provided and prior knowledge of the series is needed.
Presenter: Lianna Spurrier
Originally presented August 12, 2021.