moneta - Ottawa Numismatic Society

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Improving your numismatic knowledge |
Améliorer vos connaissances
numismatiques
A challenging collection
A coin of legend?
and more...[January 2011]
– 1
is the official publication of the
Ottawa Coin Club.
It is published monthly and aims to
promote the hobby of coin collecting
and the science of numismatics
throughout the National Capital Region.
Submissions are welcomed. Please
submit text in Rich Text Format (.rtf)
separately from images. The images
must be of high resolution (minimum
300 dpi) and should be in colour. The
preferred file format for images is
jpeg (.jpg). Please consult the
publ i c a t i o n s t y l e g u i d e a t
<www.ottawacoinclub.com/style>
before submitting an article.
Les textes en français sont les
bienvenus. Ils seront traduits et publiés
dans les deux langues.
Editor:
Serge Pelletier
H
appy New Year! May 2011 bring you health, happiness, success,
and lots of fantastic numismatic reading! We hope we’ll be able to
contribute to the last part.
contributors. He offers
I’d like to welcome Denis to the list of
us an introductory article about challenge coins. Je suis certain que, comme
moi, vous espérez en lire davantage sur le sujet au fil des mois.
Have you made any new year’s resolutions yet? We hope that you add
writing articles for
on your list. Articles do not need to be long and
we can help when it comes to images. So, don’t be shy, contact me and we’ll
work together on bringing your words to the rest of the membership.
In this issue, Steve reminds us of the various ways we can improve our
numismatic knowledge and I take you on a journey on one of the most popular
topics of collection.
In “From the collector’s den,” I speak about the 20-stuiver 1578 piece
from the siege of Amsterdam I displayed at our November competition. I’m
hoping that others will do the same in the months to come.
Well, that’s it for now! See you at the meeting.
Serge
<[email protected]>
Assistant editors:
Ron Cheek, François Rufiange,
Steve Woodland
Layout:
Serge Pelletier
Translators:
Serge Pelletier, Steve Woodland
ISSN 1922-4885
On the cover...
In the “O” of moneta, the reverse of the
2011 silver dollar included in the
Canadian proof set.
Reverse of the Canadian 2011 100dollar gold piece, the face of a 1941dated Bank of Communications 10-yuan
noted from China, and the obverse of
the United States’ 2007-dated ¼-dollar
that honours Utah.
2 –
[January 2011]
Copyright Notice
All information herein, including the design, style, and format, are the property of the Ottawa Coin Club (OCC).
All rights reserved. No part thereof may be reproduced in any form or medium, electronic or otherwise, without
the express written consent of the OCC. Members of the OCC are entitled, as part of their membership
privileges, to make one (1) printed copy of this issue and to store one (1) copy in electronic format. Further
François
distribution is strictly prohibited.
I
© Ottawa Coin Club, 2011
Image sources for this issue (page/figure)
Austrian Mint [www.austrian-mint.at]: 10/6, 10/7 | Denis Mongeon: 20, 21 | Monnaie de Paris
[www.monnaiedeparis.com]: 10/3, 10/4, 13/16 | Royal Austrlian Mint [www.ramint.gov.au]: 2, | Royal
Canadian Mint [www.mint.ca]: 9/2, | Serge Pelletier: 5, 6, 8/1, 10/5, 11/9, 11/10, 12/12, 12/13, 13/14,
13/15, 14/17, 14/18, 15/19, 15/20, 15/21, 16/22, 18, 19, 24, 25 | United States Mint [www.usmint.gov]:
11/11, 22.
Ram returns to Australian coinage
The ram’s head design that graced the Australian
shilling from 1938 to 1963 has made a return on
the reverse of the 1-dollar “visitor” coin.
Modelled on a champion Merino at the
Annual Sydney Sheep Show in 1932, the
ram’s head has always had a special place
in the heart of Australian coin collectors.
This coin is only available to visitors to
the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra who
strike it themselves at the Mint’s boutique. It
bears the “C” mint mark for Canberra.
OTTAWA COIN CLUB
since 1946
H
appy New Year – Bonne Année 2011! We have a whole year ahead
of us to explore, learn, share, and discover more about our great
hobby. What are your numismatic goals for the next 12 months? Think
about it for a few minutes, think about what you can do numismatically this
year. Here are a few ideas: write an article for
, offer to give a
presentation on a topic that interests you at a club meeting, organize a club
activity, commit to attend more meetings, recruit a new member to the club,
attend a convention or show, join the RCNA, display some items from your
collection, take one (or both) of the RCNA correspondence courses, or mentor
a junior member in the hobby. Whatever you choose to do, choose to get more
involved; give more to your hobby and it will give more back to you.
Notre club fait face à une année remplie de potentiel qui continuera à bâtir
sur la fondation solide des années précédentes. Avec notre nouveau conseil
d’administration, Président – Steve Woodland, Vice-président – Serge Pelletier,
et Trésorier – Barry McIntyre, je prévois une année active et productive pour
le club. Nous avons un programme d’activités variés et intéressantes – merci
beaucoup François pour ton travail sur le sujet (visitez notre site web pour en
savoir davantage). Je souhaite la bienvenue aussi à Richard, notre nouveau
responsable à l’accueil des membres et des invités à chaque réunion; Richard
emmène de l’enthousiasme et plusieurs nouvelles idées.
As President, my vision for the Ottawa Coin Club is:
“To be the best numismatic club in Canada, to be a trend-setter.”
With this in mind, I have established several goals for the club this year:
1. Complete the review of our Constitution and By-laws that has been
languishing for some time, including choosing an appropriate bilingual
club name
2. Expand our September event to promote numismatics more effectively
throughout the National Capital Region
3. Recruit more members, especially juniors
P.O. Box 42004, R.P.O. St. Laurent,
Ottawa, ON K1K 4L8
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ottawacoinclub.com
The club meets every month, usually
on the fourth Monday. The meetings
begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre
(on the 3rd floor) of the
Heron Road Multi-Service Centre,
1480 Heron Road, Ottawa.
Le club se réunit habituellement le
quatrième lundi de chaque mois.
La réunion ouvre à 19 h 30 dans le
théâtre (au 3e étage) du
Heron Road Multi-Service Centre,
1480 chemin Heron, Ottawa.
Annual Dues:
$12.00
Your Club Executive:
President:
Steve Woodland
<[email protected]>
Vice-President:
Serge Pelletier
<[email protected]>
4. Celebrate our 65th birthday in February with a special event (more on
this at the January meeting)
Secretary:
5. Become more active in reaching out to others at all levels, from novice
to advanced, about our hobby
<[email protected]>
6. Finalize our club logo and strike a 65th anniversary medal
vacant
Treasurer:
Barry McIntyre, FONA
L’année 2011 sera une année remplie de défis. Are you up to the challenges
of 2011?
Your president/Votre président,
Steve
<[email protected]>
Appointed Officer:
Privacy Officer:
Jaime Flamenbaum
<[email protected]>
Have you reserved your hardbound moneta 2010 book? No, do it quickly at:
Avez-vous réservé votre copie du livre moneta 2010? Non, dépenchez-vous :
www.ottawacoinclub.com/moneta_the_book.html
[January 2011]
– 3
Improving your numismatic
knowledge
Améliorer vos connaissances
numismatiques
by Steve Woodland
par Steve Woodland
I
n numismatics, as in any field or endeavour, education
and continuous learning are essential to ensure we
maintain and enhance our skills and knowledge. But
how does one do this in our hobby? Let’s have a look at just
a few of the options available.
Clubs and collectors
One of the best ways to learn more about numismatics is
to join a club and to participate in its meetings and activities.
Don’t limit yourself to a single club; seek out other clubs,
societies and associations at the regional, national and
international levels, or even specialized clubs (like the
Canadian Association of Token Collectors).
Local clubs offer a variety of learning opportunities at
their regular (usually monthly) meetings. Most offer
presentations and workshops on a multitude of topics. They
provide a chance ask questions on the spot and discuss with
more experienced collectors. Clubs may also provide access
to a variety of numismatic reference materials, including
books, magazines, videos, etc. Most importantly, however,
local clubs allow for personal contact between collectors.
This is often the best way to learn – through face-to-face
discussions and questions.
To gain more detailed knowledge on specific topics, you
often have to join club specialized in that particular area,
such as the Canadian Paper Money Society (for Canadian
paper money), the Canadian Tire Coupon Collectors Club
(for Canadian Tire Coupons), the Newfoundland Numismatic
Enthusiasts (for the numismatics of Newfoundland), or the
Numismatic Bibliomania Society (for collectors of
numismatic books). Because of their geographical dispersion,
these clubs normally don’t meet frequently, often only an
annual meeting in conjunction with a national numismatic
convention. However, they often produce regular newsletters
and journals, and they operate websites and discussion
forums on the internet.
Finally, there are provincial/state, national, and international
associations, such as the Ontario Numismatic Association
(ONA), the Atlantic Provinces Numismatic Association
(APNA), the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association
(RCNA), and the American Numismatic Association
(ANA). Again, geographical dispersion prevents frequent
4 –
[January 2011]
E
n numismatique, comme dans tout domaine d’activité,
il est important d’améliorer ses connaissances. Mais
comment faire? Regardons ensemble les options qui
vous sont offertes.
Les clubs et les collectionneurs
L’une des meilleures façons d’en apprendre davantage
sur la numismatique est de joindre les rangs d’un club et de
participer à ses activités. N’arrêtez pas à un seul club,
considérez joindre les rangs d’un club régional, national ou
international, ou même un club spécialisé dans un domaine
particulier (comme les jetons par exemple).
C’est lors de leurs réunions (habituellement mensuelles)
que les clubs locaux offrent une variété de méthodes
d’apprentissage. La plupart offrent des conférences ou
ateliers sur une pléiade de sujets. Ceux-ci permettent de
poser des questions et de discuter avec des collectionneurs
plus expérimentés. Du matériel est souvent accessible au
niveau des clubs : livres, magazines, vidéos, etc. Mais ce
que les clubs locaux offrent avant toute chose c’est la chance
de rencontrer d’autres collectionneurs – voilà la meilleure
façon d’apprendre, en tête-à-tête.
Pour en apprendre davantage sur un sujet particulier, il
est recommandé de joindre les rangs d’un club spécialisé
dans le domaine, tel que la Canadian Paper Money Society
(pour le papier-monnaie canadien), le Canadian Tire Coupon
Collectors Club (pour les bons Canadian Tire), les
Newfoundland Numismatic Enthusiasts (pour les fervents
de numismatique terre-neuvienne) ou la Numismatic
Bibliomania Society (pour les bibliophiles). Les membres
de ces clubs d’envergure nationale et internationale ne se
rencontrent habituellement que quelques fois par année lors
de congrès nationaux. Toutefois, ces clubs publient souvent
des bulletins ou journaux, ont des sites et des forums de
discussion sur Internet.
Il y en aussi des associations provinciales, nationales et
internationales tel que l’Ontario Numismatic Association
(ONA), l’Atlantic Provinces Numismatic Association
(APNA), l’Association royale de numismatique du Canada
(ARNC) et l’American Numismatic Association (ANA).
Encore une fois, la dispersion des membres font que les
rencontres fréquentes sont difficiles. Mais elles offrent
meetings, but these organizations offer several other ways
to improve your numismatic knowledge: education seminars,
correspondence courses, book-lending libraries, publications,
websites, conventions, and more.
Correspondence courses
Correspondence courses enable us to learn at home and
at our own pace. The RCNA offers three correspondence
courses: Canadian Numismatic Correspondence Course
– Part 1, a 12-chapter course developed for novice
numismatists; Canadian Correspondence Course – Part
2, a 17-chapter course for more advanced students of the
hobby; and Coin Kids 101, a course designed specifically
for Junior Members. Each of these courses offers a
comprehensive reading package and a challenging exam on
each chapter of numismatic material. Upon passing the
exams, students receive a signed Certificate of Achievement
from the RCNA. In addition, the Coin Kids 101 course is
written in a fun and light style for younger learners and it
includes many additional samples and supplies to assist
budding collectors. Detailed information about each course,
including registration and payment, is available on the RCNA
website (www.rcna.ca). Similar courses are also available
Canadian Coins 101 is the RCNA’s correspondence course
designed for a young audience.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Canadian Coins 101 est le cours par correspodance
de l’ARNC destiné aux jeunes.
d’autres façons d’augmenter vos connaissances
numismatiques : séminaires éducatifs, cours par
correspondance, bibliothèque, publications officielles, sites
Internet, congrès, etc.
Cours par correspondance
Les cours par correspondance nous permettent
d’apprendre dans le confort de notre foyer et à notre rythme.
L’ARNC offre trois de ces cours : Le cours par
correspondance sur la numismatique – partie 1 (cours
de 12 chapitres destiné aux novices), Canadian
Correspondence Course – Part 2 (cours de 17 chapitres
destiné aux collectionneurs plus avancés) et Coin Kids 101
(cours développer pour les jeunes, il est accompagné d’une
petite quantité de fourniture pour donner un coup de pouce
aux débutants) [ces deux derniers ne sont malheureusement
pas encore disponibles en français]. Un certificat de réussite
est émit à la fin du cours. Pour en apprendre davantage au
sujet de ces cours, consultez le site Internet de l’ARNC au
www.rcna.ca. Des cours semblables sont aussi disponibles
auprès de l’ANA et d’autres organismes numismatiques.
[January 2011]
– 5
through the ANA and other numismatic organizations.
Seminars
The RCNA offers annually a unique numismatic seminar–
usually in the November
timeframe – at Humber
College, Toronto. Entitled the
RCNA Coin Grading and
Preservation Workshop, it is
conducted by specialists in
third-party coin grading and
numismatic conservation
and preservation. Designed
primarily for advanced
collectors interested in these
specific areas, detailed
content and registration
information is available
online at the RCNA website.
The RCNA also offers
education seminars
comprised of eminent
numismatic speakers at the
RCNA’s Annual Convention
in July/August. Attendees
hear experts on a variety of
topics related to a selected
numismatic theme. Similar
seminars are available to
members of the ANA at its
annual convention held in
August each year (see
www.money.org for more information).
Some active local clubs also offer seminars or education
sessions as part of their outreach program. One key example
of this is the Ottawa Coin Club’s Introduction to Coin
Collecting, a ten-session seminar of presentations and
workshops designed for the beginning collector. Offered in
both English and French, this seminar made its debut at the
2008 RCNA Annual Convention.
The ANA offers a full curriculum of courses over two sessions (June 25 - July 1
and July 2-8) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------L’ANA offre, à Colorado Springs (Colorado), un curriculum détaillé au cours de
deux périodes (25 juin - 1 juillet et 2-8 juillet).
Séminaires
L’ A R N C o f f r e
annuellement –
habituellement vers
novembre – un séminaire
unique au Humber
College, à Toronto. Intitulé
RCNA Coin Grading and
Preservation Workshop,
ce séminaire est présenté
par des spécialistes de
l’évaluation de l’état de
conservation et de la
conservation. Ce séminaire
est destiné aux
collectionneurs avancés
intéressés dans ces deux
domaines. Pour en
apprendre davantage sur ce
séminaire, consultez le site
Internet de l’ARNC.
L’ A R N C o f f r e
également, à l’occasion de
son congrès annuellement
tenu en juillet ou août,
des séminaires éducatifs
présentés par des
conférenciers aguerris. L’ANA offre également de tels
séminaires au mois d’août tous les ans. (pour en savoir plus
: www.money.org).
Certains clubs locaux organisent parfois des conférences
et séminaires éducatifs. Un exemple est le Cours
d’introduction à la collection des monnaies du Ottawa
Coin Club. Composé de dix ateliers, ce cours destiné aux
collectionneurs débutants a fait ses début au congrès annuel
de l’ARNC à Ottawa en 2008.
Reference Material
Active hobbyists know that a key way stay current or
expand their knowledge is to review reference material,
including books, videos, presentation slides and transcripts,
and magazines, and newspapers.
Books. New numismatic books are published regularly.
They are often available for purchase online, at a bookstore,
or at a coin dealer. But some can be expensive, so one is not
necessarily willing to invest into them if the reading is only
meant to be exploratory, i.e., to see if the interest you have
in the subject is really worth pursuing. Luckily, members of
the RCNA can borrow books from its library simply by
6 –
[January 2011]
Matériel de référence
Les collectionneurs actifs savent bien que la seule façon
de rester au fait et d’augmenter ses connaissances est de
lire (livres, magazines, journaux) et de prendre connaissance
de vidéos.
Livres. De nombreux nouveaux livres numismatiques sont
publiés à chaque année (malheureusement la majorité en
anglais). Ils sont habituellement disponibles en ligne, auprès
d’un libraire ou chez un marchand de monnaies. Plusieurs
sont dispendieux, on hésite donc à les acheter, surtout si ce
n’est que pour voir si l’intérêt que l’on croit avoir dans le
paying for the low cost of mailing it. To find out more, visit
the RCNA’s website.
Newspapers and magazines. Newspapers and magazines
are excellent sources of new information about numismatics.
An essential resource for Canadian money collectors is the
Canadian Coin News paper, published bi-weekly by Trajan
Publishing. It contains information on current events, news
articles, regular features and columns, and a current price
guide on Canadian coins. If you don’t have a subscription
already, you should go online at www.trajan.ca and subscribe
now. Many other numismatic newspapers and magazines
are available online, and a simple online search will enable
you to find the ones that suit your needs; many of these are
also available at reduced prices for electronic-only
subscriptions.
Journals and bulletins. Many numismatic organizations
publish a bulletin or journal. These often provide detailed
and scholarly information on the specific area of numismatics
of concern to the organization. These publications are
normally available to members only, and occasionally are
available online at a reduced price. As a minimum, every
numismatic collector should read The Canadian Numismatic
Journal, the official publication of the RCNA, available
through membership only.
sujet vaut vraiment la peine d’être développée.
Heureusement, les membres de l’ARNC peuvent emprunter
les livres de sa bibliothèque et ce que pour les frais (à tarif
très réduit) de poste. Visitez le site de l’ARNC pour en
savoir davantage.
Journaux et magazines. La meilleure façon de demeurer
au courant des derniers développements dans le passe-temps
est de lire journaux et magazines. Les amateurs de monnaies
canadiennes se doivent de lire Canadian Coin News (qui
publie des articles en français à l’occasion), un bimensuel
publié par Trajan Publishing (www.trajan.ca). Outre les
nouvelles, il contient des chroniques et articles sur divers
sujets numismatiques ainsi que les « tendances », une liste
des valeurs courantes des diverses pièces canadiennes. Il y
a d’autres journaux numismatiques disponibles en ligne, mais
la grande majorité est anglophone.
Bulletins et journaux. La majorité des regroupements
numismatiques publie soit un bulletin ou un journal. Ceux-ci
contiennent souvent des articles érudits sur des sujets précis.
Ces publications ne sont habituellement disponibles qu’aux
membres. Certaines sont disponibles en ligne à tarif réduit.
Les collectionneurs canadiens devraient, à tout le moins,
lire Le journal canadien de numismatique, la publication
officielle de l’ARNC.
Libraries and archives
Bibliothèques et archives
Two key archives and libraries are available to
numismatists in Canada: The National Currency Collection
library at the Bank of Canada in Ottawa
(www.currencymuseum.ca) and the RCNA Library. At the
National Currency Collection, you can consult works in the
reference library, which contains the most complete
collection of numismatic books in Canada, by contacting the
Curatorial Services branch. The RCNA offers members the
opportunity to borrow from its extensive library of books,
videos and presentations, a list of which can be found online.
Les numismates canadiens ont accès aux bibliothèques
et archives de deux organismes : Le Musée de la monnaie
de la Banque du Canada (www.museedelamonnaie.ca) et
l’ARNC. Vous pouvez consulter les ouvrages de la
bibliothèque du Musée de la monnaie, la plus complète au
Canada, sur place après en avoir fait la demande au service
de conservation. Comme nous le disions plus tôt, les membres
de l’ARNC peuvent emprunter les livres et vidéos de sa
bibliothèque.
Summary
This is but just an overview of the resources available to
improve and to increase your knowledge of numismatics.
The field is so large that numismatists can learn something
new everyday of their life and still have lots more to learn.
Sommaire
Voilà un bref aperçu des ressources disponibles pour
parfaire vos connaissances numismatiques. Le domaine est
si vaste qu’un numismate peut apprendre quelque chose de
nouveau chaque jour de sa vie sans jamais réussir à tout
connaître.
Have you paid your 2011 dues? If not, then
you can do it online at:
Avez-vous payez vos frais d’adhésion pour
2011? Non, faites-le en ligne au :
www.ottawacoinclub.com
[January 2011]
– 7
The world of railways
by Serge Pelletier
“We always take a train to somewhere,
A big blue train, a big white train, a big black train.”
- Gilbert Bécaud [unofficial translation]
T
he striking of a new Canadian 100-dollar gold coin,
commemorating the 175th anniversary of the first
railway in Canada (Fig. 2), inspires us to examine
one of the most popular numismatic collecting themes: the
world of railways.
A brief history of railway
The modern railroad originates during the Industrial
Revolution. The first railroad is established in the United
Kingdom at the beginning of the 17th century to transport
coal from a mine to a canal, where it could be loaded on
barges. The rails are made of bare timber and the
wheels had flanges, similar to what is found on
the wheels of rail cars today. It is not until
1768 that someone has the idea to replace
the wooden tracks with rails of cast iron,
to reduce wear and to enable the
track to carry heavier loads. At the
beginning of the 18 th century,
English civil engineer William
Jessop conceives a railway track
that uses wheels without
flanges. In 1790, he and several
partners found the Butterley Iron
Works in Derbyshire where
they produced, among other
items, rails for railroads. Jessop
opened the Surrey Iron Railway
in 1802, a horse-drawn
tramway. An early attempt at a
steam locomotive is made in
1. This Alderney 5-pound piece, dated 2004, is part
of the “Golden Age of Steam Collection” produced by
the Royal Mint and shows the Rocket the locomotive
that was victorious in the Rainhill Trials of 1829.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Cette pièce de 5 livres d’Aurigny, millésimée 2004, fait partie
de la « collection de l’âge d’or de la vapeur » produite par la Royal
Mint. Elle montre la Rocket , locomotive qui gagna les essais de Rainhill
en 1829.
8 –
[January 2011]
Wales in 1804, but it has little success. In fact, the locomotive,
manufactured by Richard Trevithick, is so heavy that it
brakes the tracks. Some years later, in 1811, John Blenkinsop
designs the first truly practical locomotive. Built by Fenton,
Murray and Wood, it uses Blenkinsop’s patented rack and
pinion system so it can haul heavier loads. The first railway
destined to transport passengers, the Stockton and Darlington
Line, goes into operation in 1825. Following the English
experience, France treats itself to a railway in the Saintcontinued on page 12
Le monde ferroviaire
par Serge Pelletier
« On prend toujours un train pour quelque part,
Un grand train bleu, un grand train blanc, un grand train noir. »
- Gilbert Bécaud
L
’émission de la nouvelle pièce canadienne de 100
dollars en or, qui souligne le 175e anniversaire du
premier chemin de fer canadien (fig. 2) nous emmène
à nous pencher sur l’une des thématiques les plus populaires
au monde : la numismatique ferroviaire.
Petite histoire du chemin de fer
C’est la révolution industrielle qui est à l’origine du chemin
de fer. Une première « voie ferrée » est établie au RoyaumeUni au début du XVIIe siècle pour le transport du charbon
d’une mine à un canal, d’où il pouvait être chargé sur des
barges. Les rails sont constitués de bois nu et les roues
munies de boudins, comme sur les véhicules ferroviaires
actuels. En 1768, on a l’idée de remplacer ces rails en bois
par des rails en fonte moulée, pour limiter l’usure de la voie
et transporter de plus lourdes charges.
L’ingénieur William Jessop conçoit des rails de fer pour
être utilisés avec des roues sans boudin au début du XVIIIe
siècle. Il se joint à un groupe en 1790 et fonde une aciérie à
Butterley (Derbyshire) pour produire, entre autres, des rails.
Jessop ouvre le Surrey Iron Railway en 1802 et ce sont
des chevaux qui tractent les convois.
Un premier essai de locomotive à vapeur est
fait au Pays de Galles en 1804, mais il a peut de
succès. En effet, la locomotive, construite
par Richard Trevithick, est si lourde
qu’elle brise la voie. Quelques années
plus tard, en 1811, John Blenkinsop
conçoit la première locomotive
réellement utilisable. C’est
Matthew Murray de Fenton,
Murray and Wood qui produit
cette première locomotive. Le
premier chemin de fer destiné
au transport des passagers voit
le jour en 1825, c’est la ligne
Darlington-Stockton.
Suite à l’expérience
anglaise, la France se dote d’un
chemin de fer dans la région de
Saint-Étienne vers 1830.
L’Allemagne emboîte le pas vers
1840 et l’Italie en 1850.
suite à la page 11
2. La pièce canadienne de 100 dollars en or, millésimée
2011, souligne le 150e anniversaire du premier chemin de fer
au Canada.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. The Canadian 100-dollar gold piece, issued in 2011, marks the
150th anniversary of Canada’s first rail road.
[January 2011]
– 9
A selection of coins showing differentlooking trains: 3. The Orient Express
– France, 1 ½ euro 2003. 4. The TransSiberian – France, 1 ½ euro 2004.
5. Canada, 20 dollars 2003. 6. 7. Austria, 20 euro 2009.
8. Trains are also plentiful on bank notes, like this 2010-dated
100 pesos that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Mexican revolution.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Une sélection de pièces qui montrent des trains bien différents : 3. L’Orient Express– France, 1 ½ euro 2003. 4. Le Transsibérien – France, 1 ½ euro 2004. 5. Canada,
20 dollars 2003. 6. 7. Autriche, 20 euro 2009. 8. On retrouve également des trains sur les billets de banques, comme ce billet de 100 pesos 2010 qui souligne le
100e anniversaire de la Révolution mexicaine.
10 –
[January 2011]
suite de la page 9
Au Canada (alors l’Amérique du Nord
britannique), le premier chemin de fer, qui
va de La Prairie sur les berges du fleuve
Saint-Laurent à Saint-Jean-surRichelieu, est inauguré le 21 juillet
1836 [cf l’article à la p. 18]. Vu
l’étendue du pays, le chemin de
fer y prend de l’importance très
rapidement. À un tel point que la
construction d’un chemin de fer
transcontinental, l’Intercolonial
Railway, est l’une des conditions
imposées par la Loi
constitutionnelle de 1867 qui crée
le Dominion du Canada1.
En Europe et en Amérique du Nord,
la période de plus grand développement
du chemin de fer va de 1848 à 1914. Après
la Première Guerre mondiale, le chemin de
fer continue à se développer mais il est
fortement concurrencé, sur les courtes
distances, par l’automobile et le
camion. Après la Seconde Guerre
mondiale arrive la concurrence de
l’avion sur les longues distances.
C’est à la fin des années 1950,
avec le début de la construction
du premier tronçon du
Shinkansen, sur le Tokaido entre
Tokyo et Shin-Osaka en 1959, que
les trains à très grande vitesse font
leur apparition pour redresser la
fréquentation de ses trains, qui baissait
inexorablement. Une augmentation
substantielle de la vitesse apparait alors
comme la solution.
Matériel roulant
Parlons maintenant de ce que l’on
appelle le « matériel roulant ». Les
véhicules ferroviaires sont
appelés trains. On appelle train à
grande vitesse (TGV) le matériel
qui peut dépasser les 250 km/h.
Les trains que l’on rencontre ont
plusieurs structures. La première,
la plus classique, est celle d’un
convoi composé d’une (ou de
1
La loi constitutionnelle de 1867, Article 145
(révoquée en 1893), http://laws.justice.gc.ca/fra/
const/1.html (2011-01-08).
Quelques pièces de circulation ornées de trains : 9. Canada,
25 cents intitulé « D’un océan à l’autre », émis en juin
1999. 10. Canada, 25 cents intitulé « Ingéniosité »,
émis en février 2000. 11. États-Unis, ¼ dollar
2007 qui honore l’Utah, le « Carrefour de
l’Ouest ».
------------------------------------------------Some circulating coins that depict trains:
9. Canada, 25 cents entitled “From Coast
to Coast” issued in June 1999.
10. Canada, 25 cents entitled “Ingenuity”
issued in February 2000. 11. United
States, ¼ dollar 2007 that celebrates
Utah, the “Crossroads of the West.”
plusieurs) locomotive(s), de wagons,
pour les trains de marchandises, ou bien
de voitures, pour les trains de voyageurs.
Dans le cas où la locomotive peut pousser la
rame au lieu de la tirer, on dispose de voitures
pilotes, dotées d’une cabine de conduite.
On classe les locomotives selon leur
source d’énergie. Autrefois, on trouvait
des locomotives à vapeur, qui brulait
du charbon ou du mazout pour
chauffer l’eau. Aujourd’hui, on
trouve surtout des locomotives
diesel, mues par un moteur
thermique (fig. 5), ainsi que
des locomotives électriques,
alimentées par caténaire ou
troisième rail.
Le second type de
configuration est celui de convois
indéformables qui comprennent à la fois
des éléments de traction et des
compartiments voyageurs, ce sont les rames
automotrices. Il existe en Allemagne des rames
automotrices destinées aux
marchandises. Une rame automotrice
à traction diesel est appelée Autorail,
à l’exception notable des
turbotrains. Les TGV sont des
rames automotrices.
Voilà donc un bref survol des
chemins de fer et des trains.
Tournons-nous maintenant vers
les monnaies.
Les monnaies
Au Canada, la collection
« locomotives canadienne » met en
vedette les locomotives les plus réputées
suite à la page 15
[January 2011]
– 11
continued from page 8
Étienne area around 1830. Germany keeps pace
with a railway in 1840, as does Italy around
1850. In Canada (i.e., British North
America) the first railway, which
connects La Prairie on the
banks of the St. Lawrence
river to Saint-Jean-surRichelieu on the banks of
the Richelieu river
near Montréal, is
inaugurated on July 21,
1836 [cf article at
p. 18]. Throughout
t h e c o u n t r y, t h e
importance of
the railway grows
quickly, to the point
that the immediate
construction of the
Intercolonial Railway,
“…connecting the River
St. Lawrence with the City of
Halifax…” 1 is one of the
original articles of the
Constitution Act of 1867. In both
Europe and North America, the period
of greatest railway development occurs
between 1848 and 1914. After the
First World War, railway
development continues, but it
faces stiff c o m p e t i t i o n
f r o m t h e automobile
and the truck,
especially over
s h o r t distances.
With the arrival of the
airplane a f t e r t h e
S e c o n d Wo r l d
Wa r , t h e railways
also begin to face
competition over long
distances. Highspeed trains first
appear in the late
1950s, beginning with the
construction, near
Shinkansen in 1959, of the
first section of the Tokaido Line
connecting Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
1
The Constitution Act of 1867, Article 145
(repealed in 1893), http://laws.justice.gc.ca/
eng/const/PRINT_E.pdf (2011-01-08).
12 –
[January 2011]
Two coins of the Canadian Locomotives collection: 12. 2008 featuring the Royal
Hudson. 13. 2010 featuring the Selkirk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Deux pièces de la collection Locomotives canadiennes :
12. 2008 mettant en vedette la Royal Hudson.
13. 2010 ornée de la Selkirk.
This is done to rectify the
issue o f t h e c o n t i n u a l
d e c r e a s i n g frequency
of the trains; a
substantial increase in
the speed of the
trains seems to be
the obvious solution.
Rolling stock
Let us now look at
what, in the industry,
is known as “rolling
stock.” A group of
railway cars is called a
train; a high-speed train,
such as F r a n c e ’s Tr a i n
à
grande
vitesse
(TGV), is one that travels
faster than 250 m/h.
T h e trains we normally e n c o u n t e r
canb e of several configurations. First is the
classical convoy c o m p r i s e d o f o n e ,
or more, locomotives, and
freight cars for merchandise
or passenger cars for
travellers. In cases where
the locomotive can push
the cars instead of
pulling them, we add
a pilot car, w i t h i t s
e n g i n e e r ’s ( o r
driver’s) cabin.The
s e c o n d
configuration
o f locomotives, the
fixed configuration,
comprises the
propulsion system as
well as cabin s p a c e
f o r t h e travelers
together, and is n o r m a l l y
f o u n d o n multiple-unit
trains. Such multiple-unit trains
are found in Germany for freight
trains. With the notable exception of the
continued on page 14
14. The Thalys, the high-speed train that links
The Hague, Netherlands, to Paris.
———————————————————
14. Le Thalys qui assure la liaison La Haye
(Pays-Bas)–Paris.
Speeding trains. 15. Guernsey, 5 pounds 2004 shows the Mallard, which set the world speed
record for a locomotive, on July 3, 1938, reaching 126 mph. 16. France, 10 euro 2010 features
France’s three high-speed trains (Thalys, TGV Nord, Eurostar) and the station Lille Europe.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Des trains rapides. 15. Guernesey, 5 livres 2004 montre la Mallard, locomotive qui établit un record
de vitesse pour une locomotive, le 3 juillet 1938, atteignant 126 mi/h (200 km/h). 16. France, 10 euro 2010
montre les trois TGV français (TGV Nord, Eurostar) et la gare Lille Europe.
[January 2011]
– 13
continued from page 12
Turbotrains, a diesel-powered multiple-unit train is called
autorail. The TGV is a multiple-unit train. L o c o m o t i v e s
a r e c l a s s e d according to their source of power.
F o r m e r l y, t h e r e w e r e steam
locomotives, which burned either coal
or oil to heat the water to produce
the steam. Today, we normally find
diesel-electric locomotives
(Fig. 5), powered by a diesel
engine and electric motors,
as well as electric
locomotives, fed either by
an overhead wire or a
third rail.This has been
a brief overview of
railways and trains. Let us
now turn our attention to
trains on coins.
Coins
In Canada, the Canadian
Locomotives collection
showcases famous
locomotives from Canada’s
r a i l w a y h i s t o r y. T h e collection
consists of 20-dollar pieces struck in
0.9999 fine silver. They weigh 31.37 g (one
Troy ounce) and are 37.0 mm in
diameter. The 2009-dated coin
features The Jubilee, which
grabbed people’s attention with
her considerable cruising
speed and streamlined
design. Placed in service
in 1936, this locomotive
comprised high-pressure
boilers of nickel or steel
and giant drive wheels
that were 203 cm
(80 inches) in diameter
and could attain a cruising
speed of more than 160 km/
h (100 mph). In fact, of the
five locomotives of this type
that were built, it was Number
3003 that made its mark on history
by achieving a speed of 181 km/
17. Canada, silver dollar 1981 – Trans-Canada
Railway centennial. 18. Canada, silver dollar 1986 – Vancouver
centennial.
——————————————————————---------------------------------------17. Canada, dollar en argent 1981 – centenaire du chemin de fer Trans-Canada.
18. Canada, dollar en argent 1986 – centenaire de Vancouver.
14 –
[January 2011]
h (113 mph) – a record that would stand for over 40 years!
While very few railway-theme circulation pieces exist,
Canada has struck two, both of them 25-cent pieces in the
24 coin Millennium series, issued at a rate of oneper-month during 1999 and 2000. The first
piece, entitled “From Sea to Sea,”
issued in June 1999, features a
steam locomotive that fills the
entire reverse of the coin
(Fig. 9). The locomotive on
the second piece is much
more discrete. Entitled
“Ingenuity” and issued
in February of 2000,
the piece features a
modern train that is
stylized alongside
skyscrapers and
parabolic antennae
(Fig. 10). Some French
coins have also attracted
our attention. In 2010 the
French Mint, Monnaie de
Paris, creates a new theme,
“Great Trains and Stations of
France,” as part of its “geography”
series. The objective of this theme is to
present famous French trains and stations,
noteworthy for their design, technical
performance and popularity, at the
same time promoting all the
regions from whence the
locomotives came and the
stations are located. To
begin the series, the
Monnaie de Paris looked
to the Lille Europe
station, a key hub of the
European railway
system, and to the three
TGV trains that serve it:
the Thalys, the TGV
Nord, and the EuroStar.
On the obverse of the coin
is the Lille Europe station,
along with a reminder of its
importance as a railway hub. The
reverse portrays the three TGV
trains (Fig. 16). Five coins feature this
same design: three silver and two gold. In
silver: first, a 10-euro piece, is struck in 0.900 silver,
has a 37.0 mm diameter, and weighs 22.20 g; second, a 20continued on page 16
suite de la page 11
de l’histoire ferroviaire canadienne (fig. 12
et 13). Cette collection est constituée
de pièces de 20 dollars frappées
d’argent fin 999,9 ‰. Leur module
est de 37,0 mm et elles font 31,39 g
soit une once Troy. La pièce
millésimée 2009 m o n t r e
la Jubilee qui a touché
l’imaginaire des gens grâce à sa
vitesse de croisière considérable
et son modèle semi-caréné. Mise
en service en 1936, cette
locomotive comportait des
chaudières à haute pression en acier
au nickel et des roues propulsives
géantes de 203 cm de diamètre capables
d’atteindre une vitesse de croisière de plus
de 160 km/h. En f a i t , d e s c i n q
l o c o m o t i v e s construites, la numéro 3003
a laissé sa marque dans l’histoire en
atteignant une vitesse de 181 km/h –
un record inégalé pendant 40 ans!
Le Canada compte aussi deux
des rares pièces de circulation à
caractère ferroviaire. Toutes
deux font partie des pièces de
25 cents du « Millénaire » émise
en 1999 et 2000 au rythme de un
nouveau dessin par mois. La
première, intitulée « D’un océan à
l’autre », émise en juin 1999, montre
une locomotive à vapeur qui rempli le
revers en entier (fig. 9). La locomotive
sur la seconde pièce est beaucoup plus
discrète. En effet, la pièce intitulée
« Ingéniosité », émise en février 2000, montre
un train moderne, stylisé, aux côtés de
gratte-ciels et d’antennes paraboliques
(fig. 10).
Certaines pièces françaises ont
attiré notre attention. En 2010, la
Monnaie de Paris crée, au sein
de la famille ‘géographie’, une
nouvelle thématique : ‘les grandes
gares et trains français’. Cette
thématique a pour but de
présenter des gares françaises
symboliques et des trains
particulièrement réputés pour leurs
performances techniques ou leur
popularité touristique tout en valorisant
les régions d’implantation des gares
Trois pièces de la « collection de l’âge d’or de la vapeur » qui rendent
hommage aux gens derrières les trains : 19. Employé de
hangar. 20. Aiguilleur. 21. Chauffeur et aide-mécanicien.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Three coins from the “Golden Age of Steam Collection”
that celebrate the people behind the trains: 19. Shed
crew. 20. Signalman. 21. Driver and fireman.
représentées. Pour commencer
la série, la Monnaie de Paris se
penche sur la gare Lille Europe,
plaque tournante ferroviaire
européenne et sur les trois TGV
différents qui la desservent:
le Thalys, le TGV Nord et l’Eurostar.
Cette monnaie représentera sur sa
face la gare de Lille Europe ainsi
qu’une évocation du nœud ferroviaire.
Le revers est lui investi par les trois
TGV (fig. 16). Cinq pièces partagent ces
motifs, trois en argent et deux en or. La
première d’argent, de 10 euro, est frappée
d’argent 900 ‰, fait 37,0 mm de
diamètre et pèse 22,20 g. La
seconde, de 20 euro, est un piéfort
contenant deux onces d’argent
950 ‰, qui fait 44,5 mm de
diamètre et pèse 65,48 g. La
dernière, de 50 euro, contient
cinq onces d’argent 950 ‰, fait
50,0 mm de diamètre et
pèse 163,80 g. Pour ce qui est des
pièces d’or, la première est une
50 euro qui contient un quart d’once
d’or 9 2 0 ‰ , f a i t 2 2 , 0 m m d e
diamètre et pèse 8,45 g. La seconde,
contient une once d’or 999 ‰, fait 37,0
mm de diamètre et pèse 31,10 g. Toutes s o n t
de qualité épreuve numismatique.
U n e a v a n c é e technique pour ces
pièces, la tranche est évidée en forme
de roue de train.
Nous avons également trouvé
deux pièces d’intérêt dans la
collection « voyage autour du
monde » du début des années
2000. La première, millésimée
2003, est une pièce de 1½ euro
qui montre, à l’avers, le célèbre
Orient Express à Constantinople
(fig. 3). Frappée d’argent 900 ‰,
elle fait 37,0 mm de diamètre et pèse
22,20 g. La seconde, millésimée 2004,
suite à la page 16
[January 2011]
– 15
22. During the 19th century many railroad companies issued their own “money” in the
form of scrip. This 1-dollar note was issued by the New Orleans, Jackson & Great
Northern Rail Road Company.
continued from page 14
suite de la page 15
euro piedfort coin containing two Troy o u n c e s o f 0 . 9 5 0
s i l v e r, weighing 65.48 g overall, with a diameter of
44.5 mm; and finally, a 50-euro coin containing five Troy
ounces of 0.950 silver, weighing 163.80 g, with a 50.0 mm
diameter. As for the gold coins, the first is a 50-euro piece
containing ¼-oz. (Troy) of 0.920 gold, weighing 8.45g, with
a diameter of 22.0 mm; while the second, contains one Troy
ounce of 0.999 gold, weighs 31.10 g, and has a diameter of
37.0 mm. All five coins are struck in proof quality, and have
the unique feature that the edge is shaped like that of a train
wheel! We also find two interesting coins in the “Trip Around
the World” collection from the early 2000s. The first, dated
2003, is a 1½ -euro piece that features, on its obverse, the
famous Orient Express train in Constantinople (Istanbul).
Struck in 0.900 silver, it weighs 22.20 g and has a diameter
of 37.0 mm (Fig. 3). The second silver coin, dated 2004, is
also a 1½ -euro piece portraying the Trans-Siberian, with
its route from Paris to Vladivostok, on the obverse (Fig. 4).
It has the same specifications as the 2003 coin. These same
designs are also found on 10-euro gold pieces.The oldest
train piece we have found in our inventory is a traditional
Austrian 2-thaler coin dated 1897. This beautiful silver coin,
which highlights the completion of the SudBahn (Southern
Railway), is 41.0 mm in diameter. Austria also issues two
superb 20-euro silver coins in 2009, both of which feature
trains on the obverse, as well as on the reverse.In
Switzerland, a silver 20-franc coin was issued in 2010 to
commemorate the centennial of the Bernina line, linking
the spa resort of St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008, this railway is impressive,
not because the elevation changes 1824 m over 22 km, and
not because the slope of the rail bed can reach 70% at points,
continued on page 22
16 –
22. Au XIXe siècle, certaines compagnies ferroviaires émettaient leurs propres «
monnaie », plus précisément des bons de marchands. Ce billet de 1 dollar est de
la New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Rail Road Company.
[January 2011]
est également une 1½ euro et montre le Trans-Sibérien
et son parcours de Paris à Vladivostok (fig. 4). Elle a
les m ê m e s p a r a m è t r e s q u e l a p r é c é d e n t e . C e s
m o t i f s s o n t également disponibles en or sur des pièces
de 10 euro.
La plus vieille pièce que nous avons répertoriée est une
pièce autrichienne de 2 thalers conventionnels millésimée
1897. Cette superbe pièce d’argent de 41,0 mm de diamètre
souligne l’achèvement du Chemin de fer du Sud. L’Autriche
a également émit, en 2009, deux superbes pièces d’argent
de 20 euro qui sont ornées, tant à l’avers qu’au revers, de
trains.
En Suisse, il s’agit de pièce d’argent de 20 francs dont la
plus récente, millésimée 2010, célèbre le centenaire de la
ligne Bernina. Cette ligne, inscrite au patrimoine mondial de
l’UNESCO en 2008, impressionne parce que malgré le
dénivellement est de 1824 m sur 22 km; malgré une pente
pouvant atteindre 70 ‰, il n’y a aucun tronçon à crémaillère
mais des ouvrages d’art, dont notamment le célèbre viaduc
hélicoïdal de Brusio, que l’on retrouve à l’avers de la pièce.
Frappée d’argent 835 ‰, cette pièce fait 33,0 mm de
diamètre et pèse 20,00 g. Sont tirage est limité à 20 000
exemplaires de qualité fleur-de-coin et 7000 de qualité
épreuve numismatique.
Voilà pour quelques pièces sur le sujet. On retouve
également des trains sur de nombreux billets de banque
(fig. 8). Il serait aussi intéressant d’ajouter les jetons et bons
(fig. 22) émis par des compagnies de chemin de fer. Cette
grande variété rend cette collection thématique des plus
intéressantes.
Bonne chasse!
[January 2011]
– 17
par Serge Pelletier
by Serge Pelletier
1. Ce bon de ½ dollar porte trois autres dénominations : 2s.6d. (2 shillings 6 pence),
1 écu et 3 francs. De plus, il arbore une représentation d’une pièce de 4 réaux.
1. This ½-dollar coupon features three other denominations: 2s.6d. (2 shillings
6 pence), 1 écu, and 3 francs. In addition, it includes an image from a 4-real piece.
I
I
ncorporé le 25 février 1832, le Champlain &
St. Lawrence Rail Road [Chemin de fer Champlain
et St-Laurent] est le premier chemin de fer canadien
et vise à relier La Prairie, sur les berges du St-Laurent, à
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, sur les berges du Richelieu. Ce
tronçon est en fait un portage sur la liaison Montréal–New
York qui se fait par navire via le lac Champlain et le fleuve
Hudson.
C’est au célèbre brasseur John Molson que l’on doit cette
initiative, qui s’associe avec Peter McGill, président de la
Banque de Montréal, et Jason B. Pierce, un Américain
capturé pendant la guerre de 1812 et qui s’est ensuite établi
à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
La construction commence en janvier 1835 avec
l’établissement du tracé par deux jeunes géomètres
américains. La voie est constituée de morceaux de pin
équarris de 6 x 6 pouces [15 x 15 cm] reliés entre eux par
des plaques et des boulons de fer. Des lames de fer sont
ensuite clouées sur le dessus afin de réduire l’usure. La
locomotive, nommée Dorchester, produite par la Robert
Stephenson & Co. de Newcastle-upon-Tyne, en Angleterre,
arrive à Montréal en juin 1836.
C’est le 21 juillet 1836 qu’est inauguré le chemin de fer
en grande pompe. Parmi les 300 invités on retrouve le
gouverneur général du Bas-Canada, Lord Gosford, et Louis18 –
[January 2011]
ncorporated on February 25, 1832, the Champlain and
St. Lawrence Rail Road was the first railroad in Canada,
connecting La Prairie, on the banks of the St. Lawrence
river, with Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, on the banks of the
Richelieu. In fact, this section of track is more of a “portage”
along the waterway linking Montréal and New York via Lake
Champlain and the Hudson river.
This initiative was the brainchild of celebrated Canadian
brewer, John Molson, in association with Bank of Montreal
president, Peter McGill, and American Jason B. Pierce, who
settled in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu after having been captured
during the War of 1812.
Construction began in January of 1835, once two young
American surveyors established the actual route. The tracks
were constructed from 6-inch by 6-inch (15 cm by 15 cm)
pine timbers, linked together by iron plates and bolts. Iron
strips were then nailed onto the top of the wooden rail to
reduce wear. Built by Robert Stephenson & Co. of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, the locomotive engine,
named Dorchester, arrived in Montréal in June of 1836.
The new railroad was inaugurated on July 21, 1836, amid
much pomp and circumstance. Among the 300 invited guests
were Lord Gosford, the Governor-general of Lower Canada,
and Louis-Joseph Papineau. Because the number of guests
exceeded the capacity of the small locomotive, the inaugural
2. Jeton municipal de 5 dollars émis en 1986 conjointement par La Prairie et SaintJean-sur-Richelieu pour souligner le 150e anniversaire de la première voie ferrée.
Joseph Papineau. Comme les 300 invités
excèdent les capacités de la petite
locomotive, l a p r e m i è r e
liaison se fait qu’avec
deux wagons-premièreclasse transportant
un t o t a l d e
3 2 in v i t é s d e
marque.
Bien que
ce soit la
première fois
q u e l a
Dorchester
orne une
p i è c e
canadienne,
elle est
assez bien
connue des
numismates.
En effet,
on la retrouve à
l’avers du jeton
municipal émis
conjointement par
La Prairie et SaintJean-sur-R i c h e l i e u
à l’occasion du
150e anniversaire du chemin de fer
en 1986. L’un des plus rares jetons
municipaux québécois, ce jeton de 5 dollars
arbore également un buste de Robert
Stephenson au revers (fig. 2).
On retrouve également la
Dorchester au revers de la
médaille émise pour le congrès
de 1996 de l’Association
canadienne de numismatique,
tenu à Montréal.
Enfin, on doit également
souligner que le Champlain &
St. Lawrence Rail Road a
émit des bon de marchands de
coupures diverses. Ils ont la
particularité d’être dénominés en
plusieurs devises tel en fait
foi l ’ e x e m p l e à l a p a g e
précédente (fig. 1).
NDLR — Pour en connaître davantage sur le billet,
consultez l’article de François Rufiange dans l’édition de
janvier 2006 du bulletin du club.
2. A 5-dollar municipal trade token issued jointly by La Prairie and Saint-Jean-surRichelieu in 1986 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first r ailroad.
trip was made with only two first-class
cars transporting just 32 VIP
guests.
Although this is the
first time the
Dorchester has
appeared on a
Canadian coin,
she is wellknown among
numismatic
collectors.
In fact,
she can be
found on a
municipal
t r a d e
t o k e n
issued
jointly by
La Prairie
and SaintJean-s u r Richelieu to
c e l e b r a t e the
railroad’s
150th anniversary in
1986. One of the rarest
municipal trade tokens from
the province of Quebec, the
reverse of this 5-dollar piece features
a bust of Robert Stephenson (Fig. 2).
The Dorchester can also be found on
the reverse of the medal issued by the
Canadian Numismatic Association
for its 1996 annual convention,
held in Montréal.
Finally, it should also be
noted that the Champlain &
St. Lawrence Rail Road
also i s s u e d m e r c h a n t
s c r i p i n a variety of
denominations, which have
the peculiar characteristic of
being denominated in more
than one currency, as shown
on the example depicted on the
previous page (Fig. 1).
Editor’s Note — To know more about the note
consult François Rufiange’s article in the January 2006
issue of the club’s newsletter.
[January 2011]
– 19
A challenging collection
by Denis Mongeon, CD
A
fter being asked many times to write
something about this subject, here’s my
debut article. I’ve been collecting
coins for over 25 years. Like some, I didn’t
have a specific field of interest, but that might
have changed. I recently started collecting
military challenge coins – I’m hooked! I
think I found a specific field of interest
after all these years. I’ll do my best to
share with you what I have learned
about this intriguing topic.
What is a challenge coin? In his
Canadian Dictionary of Numismatics
Serge Pelletier defines it as:
1. A check [a piece] issued by a unit to identify
the members that are serving or have served
with it. It is usually numbered and the tradition
is that when two or more members serving, or
having served, with that unit meet, they compare
checks and the one with the highest number buys a
round as a gesture of honouring one’s seniors. Syn.
challenge coin. 2. A check given out by a military
commander as a token of his appreciation.
United States history
But where do they come from? According to email traffic
between senior enlisted U.S. Marines, the concept dates back to the
First World War.
During the First World War, American volunteers from all
parts of the country filled the newly formed flying
squadrons. Some were wealthy young men who left
universities such as Yale and Harvard in order to enlist
in the military. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant
ordered solid bronze medals embossed with the
squadron emblem for every member of his squadron.
He carried his in a small leather pouch about his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medals, the lieutenant’s
aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire during a
mission. He was forced to land behind enemy lines where
he was captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage
his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification
except for the small leather pouch around his neck. He was
eventually taken to a small French town near the front lines
1. The oldest Canadian challenge coin, that of the Airborne Regiment, shows the
regimental hat badge (winged parachute) on the obverse and a collar badge, on the
reverse.
20 –
[January 2011]
where he managed to escape during a night bombardment, challenger was required to pay for the drink.
donning civilian clothes. After escaping, the brave pilot
This tradition continued through the war, and for many
succeeded in avoiding German patrols until he reached the years after, as long as members of the squadron were still
front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed noalive. Today, military service members often trade these
man’s land and stumbled into a French
coins while deployed. In special cases, a coin
outpost. Unfortunately, the French in
can be earned meritoriously for a job well
this sector had been plagued by
done. Regardless of how they are
German saboteurs, who
acquired, the history of the
sometimes masqueraded
challenge coin remains a part of
as civilians and
military tradition, and Marines
wore civilian clothes.
will continue to display them
Unfortunately, the
proudly for years to come.
lieutenant did not
In 1969, taking a cue
have personal
from the Air Force Special
identification since
Flying Units, Colonel Vernon
the Germans had
Green, Commander of the
kept it. Not
10th Special Force Group
recognizing the
(SFG), designed his unit
y o u n g p i l o t ’s
coin, had it die cast, and
American accent, the
issued them to personnel.
French thought him to
Until the mid 1980s, the
be a saboteur and made
10th SFG was the only Army
ready to execute him. Just
unit to have its own coin. During
in time, the American
which time the coin tradition
remembered his leather pouch
continued with other special forces
and showed the medal to his
units throughout the Army.
would-be executioners. When the
It wasn’t until Desert Storm/Shield that the
French captors recognized the
Commanders Excellence coin came into
squadron insignia on the medal,
being. Commanders needed a vehicle to
they gave the pilot the time to
acknowledge superior performance
confirm his identity. In the
and devotion to duty, without having
end, instead of shooting
to go through “a ton” of military
him, they gave him a
paper work. This tradition
bottle of wine.
continued to grow through the
Eventually the pilot
Army
and
Marine
made it back to his
“legtroopers” at which time
squadron, where it
the Air Force and Navy
became a tradition to
followed the Excellence
ensure all members
Coin tradition.
carried their medal
or coin at all
Canadian history
t i m e s . This was
One of the first
accomplished through
challenge coins to be created
a challenge. A service
in the Canadian Forces (CF)
member would ask to
was the Airborne Regiment
see the coin. If the
Challenge coin (Fig. 1). The coin
challengee could not
was created in the early 1970s but
produce his coin, he was
was not officially issued until shortly
required to purchase a drink of
after the Canadian Airborne Regiment
choice for the member who
(CAR) returned from Cyprus
had challenged him. If
2. This “cadet coin” of the Royal Military College of Canada, in Kingston. The in 1974. The intent was to
the challenged member obverse shows the college’s badge and the reverse the Memorial Arch.
give a coin to all operational
produced his coin, then the
paratroopers who served
[January 2011]
– 21
with the CAR and the Battle Group. Throughout the years
the Regiment controlled the issuing of the coin and in 1995
the approximately 100 remaining serialized coins from the
CAR and the official coin register were handed over to
Airborne Regiment Association of Canada for safekeeping.
Recognized as an “Americanism,” the use of challenge
coins is new to the CF. General Rick Hillier, the previous
Chief of the Defence Staff and an admirer of the U.S. Army,
promoted the use of coins in the CF as they began to work
closer with the U.S. military.
Every new officer cadet at the Royal Military College of
Canada in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, is issued a challenge
coin upon completion of the First Year Orientation Period
(Fig. 2). The coin is engraved with the name of the College
in French and English surrounding the college badge on the
obverse. The cadet’s college number and the Memorial Arch
are on the reverse surrounded by the Motto in both
languages.
Members of the Canadian Forces Electrical and
Mechanical Engineering (EME) Branch Fund are issued
challenge coins with the current EME badge and the
member’s branch fund membership number on the obverse
side, and the original Royal Canadian Electrical and
Mechanical Engineering badge and branch motto on the
reverse side. Usually, these are issued to craftsmen at the
Canadian Forces School of Electrical and Mechanical
Engineering, in Borden, Ontario, where branch fund
membership is first offered.
Many of the CF training centres and staff colleges have
a unique coin - some available for the students to purchase;
others are available only by presentation by the establishment
or the Commandant for exemplary achievement while
attending the facility. General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of
the Defence Staff and Chief Warrant Officer LaCroix, the
CF’s senior non-commissioned officer often present their
personalized coins to deserving soldiers.
I look forward to sharing more in the future.
Sources
Interview with Joe Drouin.
Pelletier, Serge. The Canadian Dictionary of Numismatics | Le
dictionnaure canadien de numisatique. Ottawa: Eligi Consultants Inc.,
2008.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin
www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/03/mil-050304usmc03.htm
continued from page 16
but because this is accomplished without any cog rails,
using instead ingenious construction, such as the spiral
tunnel at Brusio, shown on the obverse of the coin. Struck
in 0.835 silver, the coin weighs 20.00 g and has a diameter
of 33.0 mm. Only 20,000 BU pieces and 7,000 proof
pieces were struck.
There you have it for a few train-related coins. You
can also find trains on quite a few bank note (Fig. 8).
One could also add tokens and scrip issued by railway
companies (Fig. 22). All these pieces make this topic most
interesting.
Good hunting!
United States 2011 Native American dollar
salutes peace
The theme for the 2011 Native American 1-dollar coin is
the peace alliance signed at Plymouth Bay in 1621. Its reverse
design features hands of the Supreme Sachem Ousamequin
Massasoit and Governor John Carver, symbolically sharing
the ceremonial peace pipe after the initiation of the
first formal written peace
alliance between the
Wampanoag tribe and
the European settlers.
The design includes
the required
inscriptions, UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
and $1, along with the
additional inscription
WAMPANOAG
1621.
22 –
[January 2011]
TREATY
[January 2011]
– 23
A coin of legend?
Amsterdam, 20 stuivers 1578
H
aving purchased a coin of the 1578 siege of
Amsterdam (Fig. 1) a few years ago, it was only
recently that I started to look into its story, research
that took me on a very pleasant journey.
Historical background
The first question that came to mind was: Why was
Amsterdam besieged? By whom?
The year 1578 lays in the period called the Eighty Years’
War, also called the Dutch War of Independence (15681648).
In the mid-16 th century, Amsterdam was in the
“Seventeen Provinces” under the rule of the Spanish side
24 –
[January 2011]
of the Habsburg dynasty. While Spain maintained a policy
of strict religious uniformity within the Roman Catholic
Church, enforced by the infamous Inquisition, a number of
Protestant denominations gained ground in the Seventeen
Provinces. This led to the Beeldenstorm, or “Iconoclastic
Fury,” in 1566, in which hundreds of churches were stripped
of statuary and other religious decoration.
To make a long story short, Amsterdam had remained
Catholic while the surrounding areas had joined the Calvinists
rebellion. It is the Calvinists that besieged Amsterdam in
1578, siege that doesn’t seem to have lasted very long since
very little was written about it.
A chance encounter
The document I found on the internet that made reference
to the coins of the 1578 siege of Amsterdam was a 19thcentury tourist guide of Amsterdam. In it, I read:
The Old Church (Oude Kerk)
[…] There also was a solid silver statue of St. Nicholas
[one of the patrons of the church] that, according to legend,
was converted into square coins in 1578, […]
it was obsidional coinage struck during the siege endured by the
city at that time […]
(Olivier, 197)
Could this be true? Could my coin really have been made
from St. Nicholas’s statue?
The search for the truth
To confirm this story, I turned to Lieutenant-Colonel
Prosper Mailliet’s Catalogue descriptifs des monnaies
obsidionales et de nécessité published in Brussels in 1870.
Mailliet’s book is considered THE reference for obsidional
and necessity coinage.
Sure enough, I find the listing of the 1578 siege of
Amsterdam and the heading of the first group states: “Coins
struck with the silver from the statue of
St. Nicholas.”(Mailliet, 12) I must admit, I’m excited. The
listing states that 40-, 20-, 10-, and 5-stuiver pieces were
struck, each with a variety of counterstamps. I scroll down
to the “20 sols” listing (sol is French for stuiver). It is
described as follows:
20 sols - In an ornate frame, the arms of the city, flanked by
15 - 78. On either side of the crown, the value: X - X.
The piece is counterstamped with a vase. Rev. In a wreath of
oak leaves, one reads * P * - AR ET - * FO *.
Silver, Square with cut corners”
(Mailliet, 13)
The description matches my piece. Okay, it’s official,
I’m excited! But then I notice a second heading that states:
“Coins struck from the silver candlesticks, lamps, and vases
from the Notre-Dame Church, called New Church.”4 Again,
40-, 20-, 10-, and 5-stuiver pieces were struck. The 20-stuiver
piece is described as follows:
20 sols - In the field, the crowned arms of the city. Below, in
two cartouches placed one below the other 1578 / XX and
counterstamped with P / G.
Silver, Uniface, square with cut corners”
(Mailliet, 14)
Well, since my piece is not uniface, and it matches the
first description… it is indeed one of the coins of the “legend.”
Sources
Mailliet, Prosper. Catalogue descriptifs des monnaies obsidionales et de
necessité. Brussels: Fr. Gobbaerts, 1870.
Olivier. W.J.. Manuel des étrangers à Amsterdam. Amsterdam:
Diederichs Frères, 1838.
2. The Oude Kerk as it stands today.
[January 2011]
– 25
26 –
[January 2011]