Fresno Numismatic Society

I usually don't collect currency, but I do have a few things, attractive large notes, some fractionals and some Confederated notes. But this one just called out to me, can you guess why? -Randy Clifton, FNS Pres.-

Another page off the calendar means time for another monthly meeting of the Fresno Numismatic Society. Date for this month is March 9, 2021 and will be held again at the Cecil Cox American Legion Post 147, 508 4th Street in downtown Clovis Calif. Included with the meting will be an educational presentation, silent auction, a door prize raffle, refreshments and good old fashion socializing where attendants can exchange information on the marvel of numismatics. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM and is open to the public so if your interested in numismatics come on down and meet with a diverse group that carries information on all area of this incredible hobby. Hope to see you there. -Randy Clifton, President-

Another monthly meeting coming up in February 9, 2021 at the Cecil Cox American Legion Post #147, 508 Fourth Street in Clovis Calif. Meting start time is 7:00 PM. Come on down and learn about coin collecting, buying and selling advice and opportunities and some good old fashion socializing. All meetings of the F.N.S. are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

My recent acquisition, yeah, I know. Another 83 CC, need another one of these like I need a root canal. But this one is a real beaut!! Virtually mark free on the obverse and likewise on the reverse with a glowing golden tone. I don’t know why it got a MS-64, when looking at it it is clearly evident it should have been at least a 65 or even 65+/66. At any rate, a beautiful coin and I’m jazzed to have it.

The coin show last weekend, 10/23-10/24, was a pretty good show with all things considered, It was probably one of, if not thee first show in California in the prior six months. though lightly attended, most likely due to a short prepare time and shortages on advertising, the people attending came to buy and they did just that. As people were leaving, they all had smiles and saying that they found what they came for. A sign of a good show. Most dealers were pleased, of course some didn't do as good as others, but overall they were pleased. Hopefully the coming new year will bring back some degree of normality and the club can have their show. stay tuned and we'll keep you informed.

We had our first monthly meeting in six months, since the virus lockout. Good turn out for being apart for six months. Good program on modern silver coins, good times are here again. such as it was, we will do it again next month. Stay tuned for dates and more information. Randy- FNS Pres.

I posted a announcement about our upcoming monthly meeting on this Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM. It will be held in a different location which will be at the American Legion Post 147, 508 4th Street in Clovis, Calif. Please observe all social distancing that are in place for events like this, as in wearing masks and keeping space between each other. I know my prior post went through, but after a couple of days it was gone. Humm....I wonder what became of it. See ya at the meeting.

After careful thought and consideration of the current virus situation, I have decided that it be best to cancel April's meeting of the Fresno Numismatic Society. We must all put the health and well being of ourselves and our families first and foremost, so until this thing gets under control, I feel this is the right thing to do. As far as a meeting in May, well, we'll see where we are at in the latter part of April. Stay safe, stay tough and strong and have faith, we will someday get through this and be on the other side. I will keep posting club matters as they develop so check in once in a while, until then, keep hope alive. Respectfully, -Randy S. Clifton- President Fresno Numismatic Society

I have been informed that the University of California - Merced building, the location where we have our monthly meetings, that they have suspended all activities for all clubs and other social gatherings for at least until May. Now that all colleges and schools have suspended classes and other events due to the Corona virus, the building, being owned by the university, is doing so as well. So, I will try to find another place to meet, but on such short notice, it won't be ea...sy and we just may have to suspend our meetings as well. I will do what I can and will most certainly keep all informed of my progress. Please be sure and read your newsletter as it will for sure have the final decision as to having a meeting in April or not. Stay safe friends, follow the guidelines in fighting this demon and we all, will see our way through this mess. Thank you all for your support and understanding, I will keep in touch. -Randy S. Clifton, Pres. Fresno Numismatic Society See more

F.N.S. monthly meeting tonight, 7:00 PM at the University of California-Merced building, 550 E. Shaw, across from Fashion Fair in Fresno.

Here is a bullion receipt from the Carson City Mint dated from 1917 and signed by then Superintendent Annie Martin. With coinage operations ending after 1893, in 1917 the Carson City Mint building was a Federal assay office. Annie Martin, being the Superintendent of the Federal Assay Office of Carson City, was the first female to head a Federal institution of any kind.

Just a friendly reminder, the Fresno Numismatic Society's monthly meeting is coming up in five days on March 10, 2020. Going to be a good one, up on deck is our Vice President and past President, Mr. James Obler with a program on "Draped Bust Silver Coins." Draped Bust coins were minted from about 1796 to 1807 way back when the nation was in its infant stage. So, come on and join us and get some insight on some early American coinage, Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 7:00 PM at the University of California-Merced building, 550 E. Shaw between the "Men's Wearhouse" and the "Bank of America" across from Fashion Fair in Fresno. And always, this and all meetings of the F.N.S. are open to the public and any and all can and are encouraged to attend if so desired. So come on down and see us, we'd love to see you.

Here is a collection of Carson City Seated Liberty dollars that is on display at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, the old Mint building. Only made for four years, 1870 - 1873, they preceded the Morgan dollars by four years and its last year shared the first year of the Trade dollar. Five coins in this set has one from each year and one that shows the reverse. The value of this set is approximately $30,000, as best as I can tell with this picture. -Randy-

Here's an example of a trade token. This one is from a merchant in Carson City offering 12 1/2 cents off on a drink in this establishment, the "Monarch Saloon". Some would offer monetary discounts, some a free drink and some a free cigar. The picture is a winter scene of Carson City around the late 1800s early 1900s. The building in the center is the Virginia and Truckee Railroad depot. The depot still stands today and as of the last time I was in Carson City, in early December of last year, a coin shop operated out of its front office, the close end in the picture.

Here is a front and back side view of my ticket token like the on the back of that book. The ticket is made out of celluloid, a type of early plastic, making it more durable, so it could have a longer life span and be used several times

I don't know if there is anyone out there who collect trade tokens, but if there is, this is an excellent book on Nevada trade tokens. It has a list of tokens from most every town/city in Nevada listed alphabetically. It gives a breakdown of the token listing its age, composition, shape, rarity and even a price guide. This is a very interesting and different direction that one can explore in numismatics. Check it out and enjoy. -Randy-

Last week I finished my second month as President of the Fresno Numismatic Society and I must say it has been a pleasure. We have had really good attendance with several new faces. Mixed in with some good program topics and excellent door prizes, it seemed to be enjoyed by all. I hope the trend continues as I will continue to try my best to see that it does. Next month's meeting of March 10, 2020 we will feature as our program, "Draped Bust Silver Coinage" presented by cl...ub Vice President James Obler. James is known for his quality programs and this one will assuredly follow that quality trend. Along with a fantastic program we will have the standard activities included in all monthly meetings of the F.N.S., door prize raffle, members silent auctions, refreshments and socializing. So if your interested in coin collecting, be you starting out or been at it a while, come to our meeting and enjoy sharing thoughts, questions or collecting stories, 7:00 PM, Tuesday evening, March 10, 2020 at the University of Calif.-Merced building, 550 E. Shaw, across from Fashion Fair between the Men's Warehouse and the Bank of America building in Fresno. All our meetings are open to the public and any and all are welcome to attend. Look for us in the San Joaquin/Tuolumne room. See more

Here is an 1877 Carson City Trade dollar that I acquired a year of two ago. It has a mintage of around 534.000, a lower mintage for dollars and around fifth lowest of the CC Trade dollar run. A mid grade circulated coin for sure, but then it isn't necessary to have a mint state coin for it to bring you enjoyment.