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In December 2019, a client of rare coin dealer Gerry Fortin reported a shipment missing in the U.S. mail. Two coins were in the package, an 1871 Liberty Seated quarter (NGC MS62) and an 1871 half dollar (PCGS MS62 / CAC). Fortin made inquiries with dealers in the delivery area, including Julian Liedman, and within a couple weeks a connection was made. Lianna Spurrier tells the story of what happened next in this video recently released by Newman Portal. Newman Portal acknowledges Julian Liedman and Gerry Fortin for their contributions to this video.

Link to Detour: Coins that Revealed a Crime Ring on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/581061

Q. David Bowers recently contributed to Newman Portal a scan of the March, 1883 issue of the Granite State Philatelist. Philatelic publications, especially from this period, contain occasional numismatic content, and this is a typical example, which includes a few comments regarding the recently released Liberty nickel. While commending the new design, the writer points out the absence of the motto In God We Trust, noting “surely the motto of our forefathers is good enough for us.” The articles goes on to discuss the “racketeer” nickel, a creation of “sharpers” who thinly coated 1883 No Cents Liberty nickels with gold and passed them off as five-dollar gold pieces. The writer suggests that the 1883 No Cents pieces will either be recalled or saved as collector’s items, and will no doubt “command a high price” in the future. Quite the opposite happened! So many were saved that today the 1883 With Cents issue is the more highly prized of the two, while the No Cents example is by far the most inexpensive coin in the series in EF-AU grades.

Link to Granite State Philatelist on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/580737

The Official Register of the United States … is a little known resource that enumerates employees of the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). Published by the U.S. government from 1816 to 1959, the Register variously includes either full or partial lists of Mint and BEP workers. These rosters are especially useful for the period 1873-1921, during which a complete list of employees appears. For other years, the Register enumerates high-ranking officials. Newman Portal acknowledges Mark Borckardt and Roger Burdette for suggesting this resource and contributing related content.

Link to the Official Register on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/536877