Explore a Money Museum on Your iPad

Have you ever been searching for something but ended up finding something even more interesting? This happened to me while searching the App Store for something to load onto my iPad. At the bottom of one page in the section “Customers Also Bought” I found an app called CoinsHD. Its description says:

The MoneyMuseum is a money and currency museum. Its core is the collection of Western leading currencies from over 2500 years.

Since it was a free app, I decided to download it and see if it was as interesting as the images on its app page.

When the app started, there was no splash screen (GOOD!) and I was greeted with an image of a gold ½ Augustalis from the rule of Frederick II of Hohnstaufen (1220-1250) of the Holy Roman Empire. It is the first coin of 50 featured in the their main section. As I looked at the coin, an animation turned the coin over so I could see the reverse. It was so intriguing that I let the slideshow continue. The I figured that if I pressed the arrow in the upper right corner, I could advance the slides faster.

Pressing the Tours button at the bottom of the screen, there was a list of several coin types that spread a few screens worth as I scrolled down. There are 82 total tours with a variable number of coins. I came across a tour that said “From Pillar Dollars to Eagle Piasters—the History of the Peso.” Thinking it was mainly about Mexican and South American coins, I was surprised to see a Morgan and Trade Dollar as part of the tour.

The descriptions of the tours are brief but informative without distracting from the stars of the app, the coins. The app has coins from all over the world including the United States. In the section about famous and important gold coins, there is a page dedicated to the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle displaying a 1916 coin.

Searching for coins is fast and the display shows off the coin and some basic information. Tap on any coin and see its information page. While playing with the app, I searched for Spanish coins looking for the Pillar Dollar (8 reales) coin. What I found were quite a number of interesting gold and silver coins issued by Spain over the years.

In addition to coins, there are some currency issues, most of which is from Switzerland. There is also a section about money that was created using other materials, such as a Ten Strings of Paudina Snails used in Africa during the 19th century.

The app shows off the collection of the Money Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. The Money Museum is owned by the Sunflower Foundation. The museum and the app started with Dr. Jüerg Conzett building a private coin collection with the help of Marie-Alix Roesle and numismatist Leo Mildenberg. Wanting to share his collection with the public, Conzett create the first online virtual museum in 1999. Conzett founds the Sunflower Foundation later in 1999 with the goal to “resent the history of money and currencies to a layman audience for a better understanding.”

The app is easy to navigate and the images are fantastic. There are a few quirks in loading of the images, but they eventually work themselves out. The tours and information presented are informative, but it would be nice if there were options for a more in-depth description of the coin. Some tours could use more coins or information because there are gaps that makes me feel something is missing. Given how easy CoinsHD is to use and the excellent images, I grade this app MS66. It is a beautiful app and worth the price (FREE). I hope they can fill in some of the holes and provide more information in the future. In the mean time, there are over 2,000 images to keep you busy exploring the international world of money!

Here are screen images of CoinsHD I saved on my iPad:

NOTE: There is a a version of this app for the iPhone. I have not downloaded it but it looks as interesting as the iPad app.

What Do You Know About Your Coins and Currency?

I had a conversation with Linda, the blog author of Artifacts Collectors, she wanted to use the images of my Somalia Classic Sports Car coins in one of her blog posts. I then began to read some of her posts and found one that rang true with me.

In “How Much Do you Know About Your Collectibles?” she begins:

Part of what is so interesting about being a collector is the amount of knowledge you acquire while you are at it.

This simple, yet profound statement has greater meaning in numismatics during these economic times. Lately, collectors have been competing in the market with investors and speculators who are buying coins for their metal values with numismatic interest, such as classic (pre-1933) gold coins, or bidding up rare coins for their value and not as a collectible.

Dave Harper found out recently the differences in the mindset between the collector and investor during a recent seminar. Investors are buying silver for its silver values without understanding the nature of the coin market.

While we collectors like to see the value of our coins go up, we not only relish in the owning the coin, but what the coins says. Forget the fact that the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most desirable coins by Lincoln Cent collectors, but what make it exciting is to understand why it is a great collectable. Or while the 1922 No “D” cent is as interesting as the 1955 Double Die Obverse.

Fortunately, over the last ten years there has been a an increase in the number of numismatic books that collectors can use to learn about their collectibles. We can read about the history of the U.S. Mint, the real life mystery of the most expensive coin to sell at auction, to one book for nearly every coin type.

With the growth of the Internet, we have sites that provide encyclopedic-like information, price guides, forums to discuss coin and currency collecting, and blogs for those of us who have a passion for the hobby.

Many years ago, Q. David Bowers, the noted numismatist, author, and dealer once said, “Buy the book before you buy the coins.” Bowers was convinced that the collector with knowledge would be able to protect himself from being taken advantage of when purchasing or selling coins. It is no coincidence that Bowers has been working with Whitman Publishing over the last few years to fill in the gaps of books for all U.S. coins series.

One of the goals of the Coin Collectors Blog is to help in the education process. Using my pursuits in collecting various numismatics, I enjoy researching the history behind these collectibles and share that information with you, the readers. I hope my writing has inspired you to learn more about your collection so you can share your knowledge with others.

9/11 Medal Launch

This past Tuesday, Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Joe Daniels, president and CEO of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, announced the opening of sales for the 2011 September 11 National Medal at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site. As part of the ceremony, Rios and Nadler presented a shadowbox containing the medal to Daniels.

Numismatic News’s Dave Harper reports that the U.S. Mint has sold 35,036 medals (21,256 “W” mintmarked and 13,780 “P” mintmarked). The authorizing law (Public Law No. 111-221 [Text] [PDF]) authorizes the production of 2 million one-ounce proof silver medals with a surcharge of $10 per medal will be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Although the images provided by the U.S. Mint are representative of the medal, there are many cases that the coin or medal looks better than the U.S. Mint’s image. While searching for a information about the launch ceremony, I came upon a story at DNAinfo.com, a website that covers news and events in Manhattan. The reporter, Julie Shaprio, was able to photograph an actual medal at the site. I was awed by the images of the actual medal. Once again, the photographs prove that the actual medal is much better looking than the U.S. Mint’s image.

The medal was designed by Donna Weaver, a former U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver now a member of the Artistic Infusion Program. The obverse was engraved by Phebe Hemphill and the reverse by Joseph Menna. All should be commended on an excellent job.

Image of the 9/11 Medal courtesy of Julie Shapiro of DNAinfo.com.
Click on the images to see larger versions.

Canada Introduces Its New Polymer $100 Note

The Bank of Canada formally unveiled their new polymer banknotes on Tuesday at its main offices in Ottawa. Canada’s central bank representatives explained the new currency designs and the security features that will be included in the notes. Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty said that the note’s “designs celebrate Canada’s achievements at home, around the world and in space. Bank notes are cultural touchstones that reflect and celebrate our Canadian experience.”

New polymer $100 notes, on schedule to be issued in November 2011, will feature images that focus on Canadian innovations in the field of medicine. The obverse of the note will include an updated portrait of Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada between 1911 and 1920.

Security features of the note are two transparent areas that will be difficult to counterfeit yet be easy to check. Most prominent are two transparent areas: the larger area extends from the top to the bottom of the note and contains complex holographic features. The other is in the shape of a maple leaf. “The Bank’s objective with every new series is to produce a bank note that Canadians can use with the highest confidence,” said Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.

RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott added, “These new and technically innovative notes will go a long way to deter the threat of counterfeiting in coming years.”

The Bank of Canada issued a video showing off their new $100 note and the security features:

Une version de cette vidéo en français peuvent être trouvés ici.

In the mean time, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has been silent on the production and potential release of the United State’s new $100 Federal Reserve Note. Release of the new note has been delayed since its scheduled February release date because of production problems.

“The single biggest obstacle to successful production was the tendency of the $100 currency paper with the three dimensional security ribbon to crease as the sheets of paper fed through the intaglio printing press,” BEP Director Larry Felix reported in the bureau’s 2010 Annual Report.

I tried to contact a BEP Media Relations representative about the status of the new notes. I was told there was no additional information available.

I ask again: With the new $100 note having printing problems, why has the BEP not looked into using the polymer substrate for U.S. currency? Why does the Federal Reserve, BEP, and Secret Service cling to 19th and 20th century printing technologies in the 21st century? Or is this a matter of “not invented here” to avoid alleged controversy by using a something invented by a foreign central bank?

It is time for the money producing cabal of the Federal Reserve, BEP, and Secret Service to face reality. They need to cut their losses with paper and look to the future for something better.

Striking the ATB Bullion Coins

I have not seen the five-ounce America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. Aside from rarely seeing the circulating versions, I have no desire to purchase a five-ounce silver coin, especially from a series that does not inspire me.

What does inspire me is watching what the U.S. Mint has to go through in order to strike these coins. For those of us who love to watch how this works, the U.S. Mint’s YouTube channel has a video showing the production process.

Watch the video:

Imagine what it takes to strike these coins. According to the video, the U.S. Mint strikes the 3-inch planchettes twice with 430 tons of force. I also did not get the impact of the planchette size until I saw the video.

I also did not know about the edge lettering and that there were two different versions—a reverse proof-like as the bullion version and a matte finish for collectors. The reverse proof-like coins are beautiful. I wish they would do this with the regular proof coins because it would make a great collectible series.

Olympic National Park Launched

Olympic National Park in Washington is one of the most unique National Parks because of its biodiversity. There are three distinct ecosystems in just under a million acres: sub-alpine, coastal, and forest. Cool weather and rain are regular weather indicators that makes it very comfortable to visit during the summer as long as you remember your rain gear!

On the 234th anniversary of the adoption of “Old Glory” as the U.S. flag, the U.S. Mint held its launch ceremony for the Olympic National Park Quarter at Port Angeles, Washington. Associate Director for Sales and Marketing for the U.S. Mint, B.B. Craig, was joined by Washington’s First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, Vanessa Fuller of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin were joined by local school children. Ms. Fuller served as master of ceremonies and First Gentleman Gregoire read proclamation declaring June 14 “Quarter Day in the Classroom.”

The following is the B-Roll video from the release ceremony:

Who Are the Third Party Grading Services

Can you name the third party grading services?

When I thought about this question I came up with NGC, PGCS, ICG, and ANACS. I did think about DGS, but they were shutdown last year. But recently, I received an email with an advertisement from another third party grading service that may not be on most people’s RADAR: SEGS.

SEGS started as Sovereign Entities Grading Service but seems to have dropped the full name. While not considered one of the top-tier grading services, SEGS was known as the service that would best attribute the variety of the coin in their holders.

In the past, I have said that competition is good in any market, including amongst the third-party grading services, but who is SEGS competing against? Right now, NCG and PCGS are at the top of the heap. The new ANACS seems to have sold its soul to the television hucksters while ICG showed promise a but lost ground in the shakeup caused by ANACS. Where does SEGS fit into this ecosystem?

SEGS boasts their consultants include Larry Briggs, Jeff Oxman, and Bill Fivaz—all well known numismatic experts in their areas. But is that enough? How is SEGS’ grading abilities compared to the other services? How does the market feel about their service?

Based on the 2006 survey conducted by the Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG) and Industry Council For Tangible Assets (ICTA), SEGS Was rated “Poor” along with the now defunct PCI. NCG and PCGS were rated “Superior” while ANACS and ICG were rated as “Good.” There seems to be little market movement that has changed the perception of those ratings.

Competition is good and should be welcome in any market. However, if SEGS is going to survive in this already tight market, they must figure out how to differentiate themselves from their competitors. All of these grading services have noted experts and consultants. They all provide attribution services and their prices range from the affordable to the premium. Just being better is not enough.


NOTE: This is the first post I created on my new iPad. As a touch typist, it will take some getting used to since there are no real keys to touch. Also, I need to download the app that allows me to type short codes I use on my Mac for better formatting of these posts. Otherwise, I think I can take the iPad on the road and still write blog posts—including reviews of coin-related iPad apps.

A Dealer's Experience with PCGS SecurePlus

It is not often I receive comments on posts older than a few weeks. But I found it curious that I would receive a comment on my post “PCGS Demonstrates Its New Technology” from last January. When I read the reply, I thought it deserved more attention than a response to a five-month old post.

The comment is from Christopher Neal Wyatt, President of Superior Bullion from Cincinnati, Ohio who has not had a good experience with PCGS SecurePlus service. Rather than have me explain the problem, Mr. Wyatt has given me permission to make his comment as a main post:

I am a coin dealer on eBay and I have been submitting coins to PCGS for years.

Regarding the new SecurePlus service, I am growing less enthusiastic with each and every submission.

I have come to the conclusion that the there are two critical problems with the PCGS SecurePlus service:

1.) The coin grading staff is now able to see an extremely high-resolution scan of each coin, such that tiny, minor imperfections- which would not have been visible even under 10x magnification- are now being blown out of proportion, and as a result I am now receiving grades which are lower than I believe I would have received under the old method.

2.) Now that PCGS has a 'fingerprint' of my coin, I feel as though it is no longer possible for me to re-submit the coins in hopes of a higher grade, as my duplicate submission will immediately be detected, and they will likely send the coin back to me with the same grade as before, without taking the time to properly reconsider the coin for a possible higher grade.

Up until this past month, I felt as though PCGS was giving me consistent grades on every coin I submitted. More recently, however, it seems as though the grades have not been fair; one coin should have been an MS 68, but was given a 67, and a second was graded PR68DCAM, when it clearly should have been PR70DCAM- this coin has no scratches, a full strike, and beaming mint luster. I have the photos to prove it.

I have never posted my thoughts about third-party grading since I have mixed feelings about this type of service. I see justification for both sides of the argument. One aspect about third party grading I worry about is the concept of “market grading” and how some high volume dealers try to play on the subjective nature of market grading to try to get coins graded higher with each submission. I understand this is why PCGS created the SecurePlus service, but the need for it strikes me as a bit unseemly.

My collection includes graded coins and I participate in NGC’s Registry Set competition. But the vast majority of my collection consists of raw (not graded) coins and will probably remain that way. This is how I feel today, but I may change my mind in the future.

Mr. Wyatt said that he will be resubmitting his coins for review and will let me know what happens when they return. I will post the results when I receive them.

A Driving New Collectible

In keeping with my “that’s neat” collecting theme, I added another set of interesting non-circulating legal tender coins to my motorcycle coins. This time, it’s sports cars!

In 2010, the Federal Republic of Somalia continued its series of odd-shaped coins and added a series to honor famous sports cars. While the motorcycle coins are based on the designs of various motorcycles and not supposed to depict actual production models, the Sports Car Coins were made to represent the real classic sports cars—the cars of my boyhood dreams.

The six coins include (see picture, left-to-right, top-to-bottom) a green 1965 Ford Mustang, a gray 1964 Aston-Martin DB-5, blue and orange Lamborghini, red Ferrari, yellow Porsche, and a black Corvette. Fans of the James Bond movies will recognize the Aston-Martin DB-5 as the car Sean Connery drove in Goldfinger and Thunderball.

If you were wondering, car that was used in the movies was sold at auction in 2010 to an Ohio man for $4.6 million (£2.9 million), which includes the 12-percent auction premium.

Now if they would make a coin based on my all-time favorite classic car I would be the first on line to purchase one. That would be a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible in red—big fins and all!

Click on image to see a larger version.

Bitcoin And An Underground Economy

Deep in the background of an economy run amok has been the development of a new currency that has found a home supporting both legal and illegal commerce in a way that makes it difficult for regulators to regulate. To facilitate these transaction, this new underground economy has turned to Bitcoins.

Bitcoins can be best described as digital currency whose wallet system is based on a digital address. They have no intrinsic value except that of the open market that has formed around the Bitcoin System. Bitcoins do not use a bank or any central authority to govern them and Bitcoins are valued by an open market. It is a peer-to-peer system that is self-regulated by its users and limited by the number of coins in existence.

To obtain Bitcoins, someone can use their machine and the Bitcoin client (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) to try to create Bitcoins. A Bitcoin is created when the client solves a difficult mathematical equation. You can also buy Bitcoins on an exchange, trade cash for Bitcoins, or accept Bitcoins for goods and services. Because of the volatility of this market, exchange rates can fluctuate unpredictably.

Although there are legitimate uses for Bitcoins, last week it was reported that Bitcoin is being used to support illegal activities including being used to support the hacking group LulzSec and an underground website that deals illegal drugs called “Silk Road.” Following the publication of these stories, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), has asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to shutdown the Silk Road website.

Shutting down Silk Road may be difficult since it requires a technology that anonymizes Internet connections to make it difficult to find. Rather, it might be easier for for the government to cut off its money supply—Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is an interesting concept. Bitcoins are created electronically and have no intrinsic value. Bitcoins get its value through a market that is created around these bits of information and is used to create its own economy. They do not have the protection of being legal tender or backed by a government that would make Bitcoin users whole should the market crash or is closed by legal action. There is also a question whether Bitcoin is legal. Following the conviction of Bernard von NotHaus for creation, distribution, and handling of the “Liberty Dollars,” could Bitcoin be next?

It may not be that simple. It has been reported that the part of the indictment that said “it is a violation of law for private coin systems to compete with the official coinage of the United States” was struck from the document the jury used for its deliberations. In an exchange with prosecutors before the case went to the jury, the judge said that the paragraph did not “appear to the court to be a factual predicate that is supported by the evidence in the case.”

Does this mean that prosecutor was unable to show that von NotHaus tried to create a private coin system or that the government could not prove that a private coin system was a violation of the constitution? We may never know unless von NotHaus appeals the decision and appelate courts rule on the case. In the mean time, that does not prevent the Department of Justice from pursuing Bitcoin or similar ventures.

Bitcoin may be the ultimate private market that someone like Rep. Ron Paul may endorse. But after enduring an economy where legal tender and investments tied to them have shown great volatility, Bitcoin might have to find a more solid foundation before being able to compete in the mainstream economy.

The ANA Nearly Non Election

This weekend, I received my ballot for the 2011 election of the American Numismatic Association Board of Governors. As opposed to years past, this ballot is without controversy since the only contest is for the office of the Vice President. Since all of the officers need one vote to be elected, and it is assured that each will vote for themselves, the ANA Board will be as follows:

Tom Hallenbeck, President
Hallenbeck is the current ANA Vice President and will be the 57th President of the ANA. Prior to being Vice President, Hallenbeck served as Governor. His father, Ken Hallenbeck, served as ANA President from 1989 to 1991. In his candidate statement Hallenbeck said, “One of the areas that the ANA must improve on is the utilization of technology. We must be more creative in drawing new collectors to our website and then encouraging them to join our collector community.” If he is serious about this, he will not only have my support but he can have my time to assist in his goals. Hallenbeck is free to lookup my contact information in the ANA database use it to call on my help.

The Vice President race will be discussed below.

Gary Adkins, Governor
Adkins is an ANA Life Member and long time dealer from Minneapolis. What concerns me is that in his candidate statement, the last sentence reads, “Gary will work hard to increase the ANA’s web presence, including implementing educational ‘webinars.’” It reads almost as if the statement was a last minute add-on in order to appease a certain part of the electorate. I hope he is serious and is willing to accept help from the membership who cares about this issue.

Mike Ellis, Governor
Error collectors will recognize Ellis as one of the foremost expert on error coins. Ellis, from Camilla, Georgia, has been an officer of the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA). Ellis is well known as a teacher, author, and very collector centric. Ellis does not mention the use of technology, but that is not his forte which tells me he will not presume this type of agenda. However, Ellis has proven that he will support any effort if it is good for the collector.

Jeff Garrett, Governor
Garrett is an incumbent Governor that has been involved in helping turn around the ANA from its previous issues. The Lexington, Kentucky resident is a champion for numismatic education based on his experiences with programs like the ANA Summer Seminar. I wonder if Garrett would be in favor of extending education to the electronic world?

Greg Lyon, Governor
Lyon may be the youngest member of the Board of Governors and could fall into the age group I called the “Lost Demographic” Even if he is older than the lost demographic age, the St. Louis future governor’s candidate statement echoes many of my concerns on the ANA’s non-use of technology for communicating.

Cliff Mishler, Governor
Mishler is well known in the numismatics industry as the former publisher at Krause Publications. Mishler, from Iola, Wisconsin, is the current ANA President who first ran for governor in 2007 wants to return to being Governor. Based on the few email notes I have received from Misher, I am not sure he understands the impact that technology could have on the ANA. However, I know that technocrats can meander beyond the business realities that an organization could handle. Having someone experienced with the inner workings of the ANA could help keep those of us pushing technology grounded.

Scott Rottinghaus, Governor
Rottinghaus is an incumbent Governor who sill be serving his second term. Rottinghaus is a physician in New London, Connecticut where is works as a director of clinical trials, he is on the faculty at Yale Medical School, and cares for patients at the local VA Hospital. Rottinghaus, a younger member of the board, comes to his position as a collector and from a field far different from numismatics—which provides a good mix for the Board of Governors.

Wendell Wolka, Governor
Of all the board members listed, I have heard Wolka speak the most. You will not find a more enthusiastic person than Wolka. I would also recommend his columns in The Numismatist, especially if you want to learn about currency! Wolka, from Greenwood, Indiana, is an incumbent who will be serving his third term on the Board. Having Wolka on the Board of Governors is good for the ANA.

Vice President: Arthur Fitts versus Walt Ostromecki
In the only election battle, it features Arthur Fitts of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire versus Walter Ostromecki of Encino, California. In their candidate statement, both have emphasized their education credentials working with the ANA as well as their past service to the association—Ostromecki is currently a member of the Board of Governors. Outside of the ANA Fitts is involved in the numismatic industry and Ostromecki is a teacher. Fitts is more experienced with the numismatic industry than Ostromecki but Ostromecki has been involved with youth activities within and outside of the ANA that gives him a better perspective on raising he future leaders of the ANA.

This one is difficult because both bring excellent experiences from different perspective to the ANA. Although I do have a radical streak that does not want to see industry insiders taking over the Board, I am mature enough to know that the Board needs a balance between insiders and outsiders. Fitts being a proven educator and author with the knowledge of the industry makes him a good candidate for the position.

On the other hand Ostromecki is “a 38-year veteran public high school teacher” is working with young adults who are on their way to their adult pursuits. These are the people who are about to enter the “lost demographic” age and it would be helpful to have his experience help try to keep the Young Numismatists engaged. His work over the last few years as Governor also makes him a good candidate.

Although not always the case, the Vice President is usually the President-in-waiting. This year, Tom Hallenbeck will move up from the Vice President’s position to be the ANA President and should something unforeseen happen to Hallenbeck (which we hope doesn’t), the Vice President takes over as President. In this case, Ostromecki would be a better candidate since he has been directly involved in the reforms of the last few years. However, Fitts is the more experienced with ANA and has the overall experience to step in if needed. So the question is who is better for the future of the ANA?

The future of the ANA has to be younger, more adaptable, and able to really communicate to the younger members and possible work to getting the “Lost Demographic” involved. In that regard, it might be good for the association to have a professional educator near the top of the organization and one-step away from being the President. Therefore, I am endorsing Walt Ostromecki as Vice President for the ANA.

My ballot is marked and will be mailed this week.

Last Word
I am very disappointed that there are no other races for the ANA Board of Governors. I do not know why the ANA cannot recruit people to work on behalf of the association, but if it is to build on the work of the last four years to repair the damage done by those in the past, they really need to figure out how to get more people interested in being part of the board.

Another disturbing trend is the lack of women and minorities. Two years ago, Patti Finner ran for president but was defeated by Cliff Mishler. Maybe the organization Women in Numismatics can help promote the hobby to women of all ages to become involved. This might be an issue for the new Board of Governors to consider for the future of the association.

As for minority participation, I would not know where to begin. Maybe there should be an outreach program through the scouts to build an interest amongst their minority members. If I have minority readers (and I hope I do), I hope they will reply to this post and provide suggestions.

In fact, if you have comments or are a member of the ANA Board of Governors and want to comment about what I said above, please feel free to post them!

Maryland's Second Revolutionary War Issue

At the start of the Revolution, the Continental Congress allowed the colonies to print their own currency to help pay for the war. The Maryland Assembly approved an issue of $266,666 to be redeemed in gold or silver at 4/6 sterling per dollar by January 1, 1786. Backed by £100,000 still on account at the Bank of England, the emission was used to promote the manufacture of gunpowder.

To continue to pay for the war, the Maryland Assembly approved an emission of $535,111. The notes were to be payable by January 1, 1786 in gold or silver at the rate of 4/6 sterling per Continental dollar. Frederick Green printed these notes using new copper plates engraved in Philadelphia. The back depicted an arm holding a shield with the hand clenching the strap of the shield and holding a victory laurel with the motto SUB CLYPEO (Behind the shield).

My new purchase in my Maryland Colonial series is a Two-Thirds Dollar note that was valued in 1775 as worth 3 Shillings Sterling. Because of the emergency nature of this emission, there were many signers of these notes. This PCGS Fine 12 example was signed by Nicholas Harwood and John Duckett. John Duckett, Jr. was the clerk in the lower house of the Colonial Assembly, Prince George’s County clerk, and distributor of currency on the western shore. Nicholas Harwood was Associate Clerk of the Court in Anne Arundel County from 1772–77 and later became Clerk of the same from 1777–1810. Harwood was a delegate to Maryland’s Constitutional Convention of 1776.