NCNA HEADS AND TALES

The Official Publication of the NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION

Mission Statement To Promote and To Serve Northern California Numismatics

One Hundred-Tenth (110"” Issue

May 2014 Volume X XXIII, Number 2

Editor Michael S. Turrini

Contacts Post Office Box 4104, Vallejo, California, 94590-0410

EMPERORI@juno.com

www.solanocoinclub.com

“T Would Rather Regret The Things I Have Done Than The Things I Have Not.”----Lucille Ball

2013—2014 NCNA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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DEADLINE FOR ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH (111") ISSUE-------------------------------- August 1°

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As I write this President’s message, I am recovering from right hip joint replacement surgery, which occurred toward the end of last month. As such, my writing is slow and I need to limit my time working on my computer, as I am not yet well enough to be comfortable at the keyboard. My improvement is fairly steady however and I look forward to attending coin shows and meetings regularly again soon.

Now to begin with more N.C.N.A. related matters. I would like to draw your attention to the “Coin Show” listing which is included with “N.C.N.A. Heads and Tails”. N.C.N.A. is having our First Annual California Numismatic Seminar on Saturday, November 29, 2014. It will be held in the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin at Capital, in downtown Vallejo. We expect to have 4 speakers and admission is FREE , along with door prizes. There is ample parking available! Additionally the museum has lots of interesting historical exhibits, which may be viewed during breaks in the program. Vallejo has a lot of history, especially related to the U.S. Navy and all the ship building in the Naval Ship Yards that occurred before, during and after World War Il. Everyone is cordially invited to attend this event, bring a friend along to introduce to a learning educational numismatic experience!

Included with this and all issues of “Heads and Tails”, is the updated N.C.N.A. Coin Show listing. This is provided as a service to our members. If your Coin Club has a Coin Show, please contact me as soon as possible to be included in our listing. At a time when commercial coin shows are expanding in California, especially Northern California, such cooperation is critical and more important than ever before. Local Coin Clubs, along with State and national numismatic organizations often depend on income from their Annual Coin Shows for a majority of their operating budgets. Additionally, youth programs, coin hobby promotion events, journals and Club bulletins and educational programs to support our coin collecting hobby are often all dependant on funds generated by Coin Show activities.

[ would like to remind members that the N.C.N.A. Board of Directors has established the “Ron Miller Medal”. Nominations for this prestigious award are now requested and must be submitted by the end of June for consideration by the N.C.N.A. Board! Kindly mail nominations to me at the address below. Nominees who have an outstanding record of service to Coin Clubs and numismatic organizations or who have made significant contributions to our hobby in general will be considered.

I can be contacted via e mail: fredvdh@ gmail.com , or by writing to P.O. Box 60484, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306-0484. Phone number: 650-380-4181

Dad

Fred G. van den Haak May 2014

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MINTMASTER’S QUILL: An Editor’s Prerogative

Whenever several us, here in northern California and united with others elsewhere, meet or talk, we have conversed about numismatics: our hobby, our organized numismatics, and the like.

The common reiterations are: that numismatics is dominated at the top end by investors, that ‘prices’ have restricted who can enjoy the collecting aspect, that youth and even potential emerging hobbyists have few or limited options, that the United States Congress passes sometimes popular commemorative coinages and most the time themes which have limited appeal, that the Internet and ‘social media’ have changed how hobbyists, any individuals, interact, and that our hobby, and its organized component, is ‘old, gray, white, and male’.

These reiterations, for sure, have been noted before and are not just unique to numismatics.

Here in California, numismatics is hit by the demographic tsunami of the traditional white middle class becoming the new minority. This could be deadly for numismatics, particularly as Latinos, API, ‘Asian Pacific Islanders’, and other ethnic groups grow in proportion in the population. My local genealogical society had an intense discussion about the failure of Blacks, Latinos, API, and others to become interested in family heritage. It is not in their culture, and this applies to numismatics.

So, some of us----including Paul R. Johnson, our distant Canadian hobby advocate, Robert E. ‘Bob’ Fritsch, of New Hampshire, ‘The Granite State’, and our own President Fred G. van den Haak---- believe there needs to be commenced an informal, ad hoc type, association, exchanging, discussing, and thinking about these issues and trends, rising the awareness and maybe seeking some responses.

Via e-mail, conventional mailings, telephone calls, and, most importantly, ‘face-to-face’ meetings at local or even national numismatic events, something should be launched and begun and then coordinate and collaborate with others, sharing the same concerns.

The observation concluded by those named and others is that something, even abet simple and small, needs to be started. Maybe leading to nothing, or as ‘Bob’ Fritsch remarked learning cruelly that nothing can be done.

Needless to say, this is quite rudimentary and embryonic, at this point, and some informal or maybe loosely structured gathering at a local northern California numismatic event might be attempted during the Fall months. There are several suitable venues.

What is asked of those reading this Mintmaster’s Quill is simple: if you share the same concerns and would welcome the opportunity to join in and to contribute with, then contact Your Editor at EMPERORI@juno.com or via the post office box listed on the title page.

In closing, Charles Lindbergh once remarked that “Js Jt Not Strange That We Talk Least About The Things We Think About The Most?”

Rappelez-vous, amusez-vous avec vos Loisirs! collection! Et, creer de l’espoir et de faire le bien! (Pre

exyez toujours les autres! Profitez de votre x Learning French!)

Michael S. Turrini Editor

GOLD MINER DIGGINGS: NCNA Happenings

May 2014 NCNA HEADS AND TALES

Due to a few disruptions, this May 2014 NCNA HEADS AND TALES was, regretfully, delayed in preparation and mailing. Any inconvenience is regretted. The next September 2014 issue should be ready and mailed ‘on-time’ this September 2014.

Educational Seminar

First Annual CALIFORNIA NUMISMATIC SEMINAR Saturday, November 29, 2014 Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum 734 Marin, at Capital, in downtown Vallejo, California Door Open 9:00 AM

Theme: ‘Great Collectors and Grand Collections’

Four Presenters----Free Admission----Door Prizes

Responding to inquiries and the need for something educational sponsored by a regional or statewide organization held within the San Francisco Bay Area, your Association is supporting and coordinating what is hoped would become an ‘annual numismatic seminar’, on Saturday, November 29, 2014.

Four presenters have been invited to this full day Seminar; they are: Taylor A. Webb, 14, from Fremont, California, Michael M. ‘Steamer’ Stanley, from Concord, California, Robert E. Sather, from Rio Vista, California,, and Alexander B. ‘Xan’ Chamberlain, from Palo Alto, California. They are presently preparing programs, following the theme, and the September 2014 NCNA HEADS AND TALES shall have their respective topic/title as well as the speaking order. Two presenters would be before Noon and two following in the afternoon.

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum is an excellent venue for seminars and like activities, and it was the site for several years for the popular California State Numismatic Association (CSNA) Northern California Educational Symposiums. Note: This Seminar is not a CSNA event nor CSNA involved.

NCNA President Fred G. van den Haak, who double as the Seminar’s Moderator, welcomes all NCNAers to ‘mark your calendar’ and plan to attend, even if only half a day. The Museum would be open to all Seminar attendees, and the California State Numismatic Association (CSNA) Library would also be available. There might be an on-site lunch service; however, there are several and various eateries within walking distance. Updates would be posted on www.solanocoinclub.com. Inquiries can be to EMPERORI@juno.com.

It is intended that this Seminar would become an annual event, with the actual date and theme changing as the Seminar’s progress. /In addition, the Seminar is solid evidence that your Association remains committed to enhancing numismatics here in northern California.

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‘Seminar Patrons’

To assist in the funding of this first-ever venue, a ‘Patron’ program has been instituted:

Gold Miner $100.00 Name In Program Letter Acknowledgment Certificate Name Posted At Seminar Two Engraved ‘Tokens of Esteem’

Prospector $50.00 Name In Program Letter Acknowledgment Certificate Name Posted As Seminar

So far, there has been donated $400.00 toward this ‘Patron’, and pledges are anticipated from others. Needless to say, it is hoped that NCNAers will respond and assist this first-ever venue. NCNA is a bona fide 501c nonprofit incorporated under the laws of the State of California.

Certificates and ‘Tokens of Esteem’ would be presented on the date of the Seminar or later mailed.

Remittances should be payable to ‘Northern California Numismatic Association’ or ‘NCNA’ and mailed to ‘PO Box 4104, Vallejo, California, 94590-0410’. The next issue should publish the ‘Patrons’ confirmed through the end of August 2014.

2014 Miller Medal

As was announced in the January 2014 NCNA HEADS AND TALES, which also included the governing Policy and a roster of the honored recipients to date, the deadline for written nominations is June 30, 2014. These nominations must be mailed, and postmarked by or on June 30, 2014, directly to ‘PO Box 60484, Palo Alto, California, 94306-048’.

The ‘Miller Medal’ continues to be the singular commitment to numismatics here in northern California by your Association and remains highly received and popular, a fitting and lasting tribute to Ronald Lee ‘Ron’ Miller (1944—1993).

Donnell Award

Another well-received commitment to numismatics here in northern California is the newer ‘Donnell Award’, named for the late and beloved Gordon R. Donnell (1935—2010). This Award is sponsored by

your Association and is implemented by its Club Members, local coin clubs that belong to NCNA.

Instituted last year, several Club Members have requested and have presented the respected ‘Donnell Award’. There may be a nominal reimbursement charge of $10.00 requested.

Requests, with supporting documentation, mail to ‘PO Box 4104, Vallejo, California, 94590-0410° or email to EMPERORI@juno.com. Include the full and proper name of the honoree, date to be bestowed,

and the requesting local coin club.

Board Meeting

President Fred G. van den Haak has called for a Board of Directors Meeting on Sunday, August 10, 2014 during the Fairfield Coin Club’s Twenty-Fifth (25) Annual Coin Show held in the Willow Room inside the Fairfield Community Center, 1000 East Kentucky, off Pennsylvania, in the Fairfield Civic Center, Fairfield, California. Information about this Show can be telephoned to 707-

567-6938 or emailed to paper4coin@yahoo.com.

The Board would gather at 10:30 AM, and the actual meeting site is pending but would most likely be at the ‘hobby information table’, which is easily identified.

The agenda would be informal; however, concerns and constructive ideas would be encouraged. You may either call 650-380-4181 or email fredvdh@gmail.com.

Membership

Our Association, like others, is struggling to recruit and to retain members, both Individual and Club; however, our renewals were positive this 2014 with only a few ‘loses’.

A regular inquiry is ‘how to join’. For decades, your Association is the easiest to join and to become a member: just mail in $5.00, for Individuals----which are the cheapest dues!----or $10.00, for Clubs, along with one’s mailing address and email, and that is it! How Easy!

Membership Cards are no longer issued, and dues are on an annual renewal, each January.

It would be nice for our NCNAers to welcome others to join this Association and help assist organized numismatics here in northern California. With the intended Seminar, two coveted awards, the Coin Show Schedule, and even this three-times a year NCNA HEADS AND TALES, the membership does prove its value; but, more importantly, it is a sure means to enhance northern California numismatics.

2014 Election Year

With this even numbered year, 2014, it is time for our biannual nomination and election. If you would like to serve, please contact President Fred G. van den Haak. A prepared ballot, separate from NCNA HEADS AND TALES, would be mailed in the Fall, after September.

CSNA

The California State Numismatic Association (CSNA), our compatriot statewide organization, was compelled to cancel its much hoped northern convention, the first in over a decade, this July 2014. Several factors forced this tragic cancellation, after nearly a year of preparations and promoting.

Credit is acknowledged to these NCNAers, who were involved and devoted to creating and to making a successful convention: Fred G. van den Haak, Bowrse Coordinator, Edwin T. Hoffmark, Jr., Assistant Bourse Coordinator and Security, Jon-Maria Marish, Registration, Alvin ‘Happy Warrior’ Lo, Exhibit Coordinator, Sally Johnson, Youth Activities, Joyce Kuntz, Banquet, Donald L. Hill, Drawing, James H. Laird, Patron Coordinator, and Your Editor, Convention Coordinator and Publicity.

Information about other CSNA events can be learned at www.calcoin.org.

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“Is there a reason for governments to be in charge of money?” asks Paul Kemp-Robertson in today’s talk. Judging by the new raft of alternative currencies—from digital coins to point systems that reward customers of a certain brand—the answer might someday be “no.” Again.

Paul Kemp-Robertson: Bitcoin. Sweat. Tide. Meet The Future Of Branded Currency. As Kemp- Robertson suggests, many people seem to trust brands more than governments these days. Since currency is, in a sense, an expression of the brand value of a government, why shouldn’t commercial brands also make currency?

Kemp-Robertson reminds us that, once, they did. As an example, before the US Civil War, 1,600 different corporations, mainly private banks, issued paper banknotes. The government only issued coins, a mere 4 percent of American currency. The Civil War upended that and eventually led to the creation of a single currency issued by the Federal Reserve System.

Here, learn more about 10 kinds of alternative currency in use today, from Kemp- Robertson's talk and beyond.

Bitcoin. [he world’s best-performing currency, according to Kemp-Robertson. Bitcoin’s value is tied to the performance of a computer network. It’s “completely decentralized—that’s the sort of scary thing about this—which is why it’s so popular,” Kemp-Robertson says. “It’s private, it’s anonymous, it’s fast, and it’s cheap.” Bitcoin is a case study in the increasing desire to place trust in technology over traditional institutions like banks.

Litecoins. A virtual currency based on the Bitcoin model, Litecoins have a higher limit: ~The number of coins that can be mined is capped at 21 million Bitcoins and 84 million Litecoins.” explained a recent Wall Street Journal post, which also noted that Bitcoins are worth more and currently accepted more widely.

BerkShares. While Bitcoin and Litecoins are worldwide currencies, BerkShares are hyper-local: they re only accepted in the Berkshires, a region in western Massachusetts. According to the BerkShares website. more than 400 Berkshires businesses accept the currency, and 13 banks serve as exchange stations. “The currency distinguishes the local businesses that accept the currency from those that do not, building stronger relationships and greater affinity between the business community and the citizens,” the site reads.

Equal Dollars. Philadelphia is also trying out a local currency with Equal Dollars. When you sign up to participate, you receive 50 Equal Dollars; to earn more, you can offer your own possessions in an online marketplace, volunteer or refer friends.

Ithaca Hours. Another hyper local currency, Ithaca Hours—usable only in Ithaca, New

York—also hopes to boost “local economic strength and community self-reliance in ways which will support economic and social justice. ecology, community participation

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and human aspirations.” (For a full list of local currencies in the US, go here.)

Starbucks Stars. Use of Starbucks” Stars is limited not to a particular geographic locality, but to the corporate ecosystem that is Starbucks. Once you get a Starbucks Card, you can earn Stars—which buy drinks and food—by paying with the card. using the Starbucks app. or entering Star codes from various grocery store products. According to Kemp-Robertson, 30 percent of transactions at Starbucks are made using Stars.

Amazon Coins. Another company-specific currency, Amazon Coins, can be exchanged for “Kindle Fire apps, games, or in-app items.” You get 500 Amazon Coins, worth $5, by purchasing a Kindle Fire, or can buy more Coins at a slight savings.

Sweat. Kemp-Robertson points to a particularly innovative business-specific currency in Nike’s “bid your sweat” campaign in Mexico. Your movements. energy. and calorie consumption are tracked and can be exchanged for goods. ensuring a “closed environment’—only people who (a) own and (b) use their Nike products are welcome.

Tide detergent. This is a barter system that’s about as far from government-backed as you could get: in 2011, it was discovered that across the US, thieves had been stealing 150-ounce bottles of Tide detergent to trade for $5 cash or $10 worth of weed or crack cocaine. An article in New York Magazine from earlier this year details the fascinating story and = what it says about’ Tide’s — super-successful — branding.

Linden Dollars. Linden Dollars, usable within the online community Second Life. can be bought with traditional currency or earned by selling goods or offering services to other Second Life residents. Many people earn actual Linden salaries—some to the tune of a million Linden Dollars—says_ this article from Entrepreneur.com.

.BONUS: Brownie Points. Granted by the universe as a reward for good deeds. Not

exchangeable for tangible goods, just self-satisfaction, which we think is also important.

Taken from TED Blog, Posted July 25, 2013

COIN SHOW SCHEDULE

These coin Club show listings are provided as a free service to the numismatic community by the Northern California Numismatic Association. Show listings are updated quarterly and are available without cost to member Coin Clubs. If you would like to have a show listed, please send all pertinent show information early to: N.C.N.A., Fred G. van den Haak, P.O. Box 60484, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306-0484. You may also e mail the information to: fredvdh@ginail.com

The joint website for the Fairfield Coin Club, Solano Silver Round Club. Vallejo Numismatic Society and Northern California Numismatic Association is: www.solanocoinclub.com

June 21-2, 2014 MODESTO. Stanislaus County Coin Club, Annual Coin and Collectibles Show, Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L Street (at 10% and K Streets), Modesto. Bourse: Brandilyn Gilmer, P.O. Box 1672, Modesto, Ca 95393-1672. Phone: (800) 471-25 WOSEXt.c,

July 12-13, 2014 VALLEJO. California State Numismatic Association

C.S.N.A. VALLEJO SHOW CANCELLED!

July 26-7, 2014 EREMONT. Fremont Coin Club 42st Annual Show, Elk’s Hall, 38991 Farwell Drive, Fremont, Ca. Information: (510) 792-1511; Bourse: Vince Lacariere, P.O. Box 1401, Fremont, Ca. 94538

Aug. 10, 2014 FAIRFIELD. Fairfield Coin Club 25th Annual Coin Show, Willow Room, Fairfield Community Center (downtown), 1000 East Kentucky off Pennsylvania. Admission $1 Bourse Coordinator: Robert Belleau (707) 567-6938, P.O.Box 944, Fairfield, CA 94533-0094

Sept. 14,2014 LIVERMORE. Livermore Valley Coin Club 4th Fall Coin Show, Elks Lodge, 940 Larkspur, Livermore. Bourse: Steve Kramer, P.O. Box 610, Livermore, Ca. 94551. Phone (925) 422-3794.

Oct. 3-4,2014 SACRAMENTO Sacramento Valley Coin Club Annual Fall Coin Show. Four Points by Sheraton, 4900 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento 95834. Hours 10AM-6PM on Friday the 23rd and 10AM to 4PM on Saturday the 4th. Bourse: Robert Shanks, 10 Fox Oak Court, Sacramento, CA 95831. Phone: 916-204-5168. Ample Free parking. Mince $3. Under 18 FREE.

Oct. 18-19, 2014 STOCKTON. Delta Coin Club 50% Annual Coin Show, Eagles Hall, 1492 Bourbon Street, Stockton. Bourse: Ruben Smith Ill, P.O. Box 5787, Stockton, CA. 95205. Phone (209) 982-5961, E Mail: rubensmith@hotmail.com.

Nov. 2, 2014 SAN JOSE. Peninsula Coin Club 35th Annual Coins and Collectibles Show, Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose. Bourse: Fred van den Haak, P.O. Box 60484, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306. Phone: (650) 380-4181 EMail: fredvdh’@gmail.com @)

Nov. 29, 2014

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July 25-6, 2015

Nov. 1, 2015

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VALLEJO. The 1st Annual Northern California Numismatic Seminar, sponsored by The Northern California Numismatic Association. Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 73 Marin Street at Capital, in Downtown Vallejo. Four speakers have @ been scheduled. Registration for this all day event begins at 9AM with presentations beginning at 10AM; the afternoon program begins at 2PM. This is a “FREE” event and there will be door prizes and all interested collectors are welcome to attend. Ample free parking is available. SAN JOSE. “Cupertino” Coin Club 43rd Annual Coin Show, Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose. Bourse: Bruce Braga (408) 839-1883 or Cupertino Coin Club, P.O. Box 448, Cupertino, CA 95015-0448. Free Parking. Admission: $2 adults, youth 17 and under free.

FREMONT. Fremont Coin Club 43rd Annual Show, Elk’s Hall, 38991 Farwell Drive, Fremont, Ca. Information: (510) 792-1511; Bourse: Vince Lacariere, P.O. Box

1401, Fremont, Ca. 94538

SAN JOSE. Peninsula Coin Club 36th Annual Coins and Collectibles Show, Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose. Bourse: Fred van den Haak,

P.O. Box 60484, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306. Phone:

(650) 380-4181 EMail: fredvdh@emai a