Author: BNS Blog Coordinator

The Fourth variety of Fleur-de-lis groats of James II of Scotland – David Rampling

This paper presents a review of Burns’ sub-classification of the fourth variety of the fleur-de-lis issue of groats under James II, paying particular attention to die combinations as evidence for the validity of his division into two groups. The relatively large number of dies exhibited by the still relatively small cohort available for study, points to a larger mintage than surviving numbers would suggest.

F.R. Reynolds of Yarmouth: Silver Token and Promissory Note Issuer, 1811 – Gary Oddie

This article presents the life and business of Francis Riddell Reynolds (1772-1846). He was a prosperous businessman, solicitor and brewer in Great Yarmouth, being elected Mayor twice. He was the issuer of two well-known varieties of silver shilling token in 1811, one batch of which was intercepted, and some pieces stolen whilst being delivered from London. Two further shilling token varieties, unrecorded by Dalton, are presented along with a five shillings promissory note, also dated 1811, missing from Outing’s catalogue, is illustrated for the first time thanks to the British Museum.

Bedford Numismatic Society Open Day: 23/10/2022 – Gary Oddie

This note presents the recent history of the Bedford Numismatic Society, how it survived the decline of membership over the past few decades and how its numbers have steadily risen over the past decade. The informality has been the main key to success and when it was proposed to hold an open day to recruit further members it was supported throughout by all of the members. The second part of the note describes the planning and operation during the open day which has potentially found six new members from the 20+ that came on the day. The final section is left empty and will be completed in a few months’ time when we know how successful the event was and which areas of advertising were the most useful.

Women in British Numismatics – Gary Oddie

It has long been recognised that numismatics is predominantly a male pursuit. This note presents data from several sources (British Numismatic Society, Token Corresponding Society, Museums and academia etc) regarding the gender balance within each sector. It is clear that there is a significant difference between the hobby/amateur/collector/society/voluntary side of the subject (5-10% women) and the larger scale professional/academic/museum/university side of numismatics (30-50% women). There is no discussion as to how these differences have arisen or indeed how they may be addressed, but it is hoped the data will be of use for those suggesting future directions in the subject.

A Day at The Fitzwilliam Museum – Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest – Gary Oddie

This brief note gives details of a visit made to the new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum with the title “Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest”. The exhibition is the largest numismatic exhibition to have been created in the UK, filling three rooms of the top floor of the museum. The exhibits cover the period 1750 to 2022 and there is something for everyone interested in coins, tokens, paranumismatica and paper money. Topics of protest and dissent are covered from many countries. There is even a credit card in there!The curator, Richard Kelleher, has put together something quite original, modern and far reaching and it is definitely worth making a visit or two before it closes in early January.

The “Tercentenary” of the South Sea Company “SSC” silver coins approaches.   Where the silver came from and how it got here – Graham Birch

Almost exactly three hundred years ago In October or early November 1722, the South Sea Company’s flagship merchant trading vessel – the Royal George – slipped its moorings in Cartagena – in what is now Colombia – and set sail for Falmouth. She was on the return leg of her maiden voyage and was carrying a fabulously rich cargo including around one million “pieces of eight” as well as other high value goods such as cochineal and indigo…