Few library sales catalogues have generated as much interest at the time or subsequently as that printed for the sale of the library of Mr le Comte J.-N.-A. de Fortsas on the 10 August 1840. The auction report appeared in a local newspaper, describing the strong bidding, along with some of the prices realised and names of the buyers. Original copies of the catalogue were selling at a significant premium shortly after the date of the sale and it has been reprinted and translated several times. Chapters of books have also been written describing the build-up to the sale, the day of the sale and its aftermath. This note will describe details of the sale and then three numismatic and bibliophilic connections that came to light whilst looking into the related literature, though all is not as it initially appears.
Author: BNS Blog Coordinator
New and Unusual Hairdressers’ Tokens – Gary Oddie
This note describes some of the more usual hairdressers’ and barbers’ tokens, often found in the UK and Australia and presents one new and several unusual types. Interestingly, close inspection of some of the pieces known to be from Australian establishments: L&S, RGT&S, Wigzell’s, Craig & Aitken and Sharp & Co are all linked to English issues either by dies or punches, suggesting manufacture in England followed by export to the user. The P&O, PS&Co, OG&Co, Ogee and RH & Sons tickets are generic issues, bought straight from the wholesalers’ catalogues whereas, others have had customised tokens manufactured for use in their own shop or chain of shops, possibly ordered via their wholesaler. A reverse type with a characteristically Australian font has yet to be identified and though generic in nature, might yet be attributed to a particular manufacturer or wholesaler.
The Holdens: a Family of Utterers and Coiners in Nineteenth Century Lancashire – Stephen Minnitt
The making and use of counterfeit coins was a particular problem in nineteenth century England. In spite of this, relatively little has been published on the subject. This paper was written as a consequence of research into convicted counterfeiters in the first half of the nineteenth century. As nobody was convicted of counterfeiting in this instance the Holden family fell outside my remit. However, the family’s involvement with counterfeit coins over a period of twenty years and the circumstances that led to it, time and again, are exceptionally well documented making their story worth telling. The Holdens lived in Lancashire. They moved around periodically, sometimes to seek legitimate work and sometimes to reduce the risk of arrest for producing or uttering counterfeit coins. John Holden, the head of the family, claimed that he wanted to cease involvement in the activity and that circumstances repeatedly undermined his attempts. Was this true or was he seeking sympathy and justification for his criminal
Prince Louis Penny of London – Josh Catermole
A short piece highlighting the attempt to seize and hold the English throne by Prince Louis of France during the time that the short cross pennies were being issued.
Henry Cotton, Dean of Lismore, Coin Collector – Hugh Pagan
The ‘ED PERTH’ mint signature on the coins of Robert II – David Rampling
This note concerns an enigmatic rendition of the mint signature on some groats, halfgroats and pennies issued under Robert II. On these coins the signature of VILLA DE PERTH is rendered as VILLA ED PERTH. This latter legend has been attributed to die-sinker error, born of familiarity with producing VILLA EDINBURGH mint signatures. The representation of this anomaly across three denominations, involving multiple dies and many coins, suggests that the ED PERTH reading may have been intentional.
Die Sinkers Signatures on the Long Cross Coinage of Henry III – Ian Heavisides
Often unusual letter forms that are out of place in a particular class are dismissed as errors or die sinkers whims and of little real significance. This article explores the idea that at least some irregularities were very deliberate attempts by the die sinker to identify his work. In this article the work and signature letter of a particular die sinker is followed through from its introduction in Class 5b2 through to Class 5h and concludes with a table that shows in which classes this unique “signature” can be found. I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has additional examples of these letter styles; I can be contacted via the comment section below. Since publishing this article an update has been produced – please see the August 7th blog article.
An Unusual Ballindalloch Countermark – Eric C. Hodge
A known British merchant countermark has recently been discovered on a French écu. The writer has accumulated as much information as possible to support and explain this issue. With only one example known it is not possible to be too definitive as to the reason for the countermarking. Other views are welcome to help to widen the debate as to whether it was official or otherwise.
An Early Reference to A Caroli Fortuna Resurgam Scarborough Siege Piece – Hugh Pagan
Henry III (Posthumous) Class 7 Pennies – Part 5, Phelip of London, Die Illustrations -Robert Page
This is the companion paper to a recently published article introducing the different groups of dies for Phelip. A little longer than the usual blog article, it serves as a useful record of all the dies that I’ve been able to locate. 15/9/21 Update:Since publishing the article in June, an additional four coins have come to light; one of these being from new dies. The article has therefore been revised to incorporate these. It may reasonably be assumed that there are additional dies yet to locate, and readers are urged to send me details of any class 7 pennies they may have, and this article will be further updated if and when necessary. Links to previous articles in this series are as follows: Henry III (Posthumous), Class 7 Pennies from the London Mint (Link) Henry III (Posthumous), Class 7 Pennies from the London Mint, Pt 2 – Renaud (Link) Henry III (Posthumous) Class 7 Pennies, Part 3 – The Dies
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