Posted 04/28/2013 04:27 am
Elsewhere we asked Tom Michael (Krause publications) about this a while ago - this was his reply,
Quote:
Boy...I'd rather not step into this one, but since the mess is in my backyard, I guess I'll toss in a comment.
To paraphrase a friend, "strange times have come to numismatics and our 1960's attitudes may have to be revamped."
Belarus coins look like medals, but have legal tender status. Palau issues coins with scents that come out when the coin is warmed by your hands. Congo has clear acrylic coins. Cook Islands releases pop-up coins with gold plated inserts which stand up from the silver base. All of these items are coins. They do not circulate, but are designated as legale tender. NCLT items have been in our hobby for years. Those who collect circulating coins don't like them, mints who produce them enjoy the profit and seek contacts from tiny little places who have the right to issues coins, but no means or need for them.
The Creek and Shawnee Nations have the right to issue coins. They release silver and gold legal tender coins, which do not circulate, much like all other nations are doing.
Fantasy coins belong in UWC, no question. Legal tender coins from sovereign nations belong in the SCWC, even if they are NCLT, even if they are novelty items. It's a criteria we have to abide by to maintain an orderly system. We don't have to like it, but we do have to adjust to it.
Boy...I'd rather not step into this one, but since the mess is in my backyard, I guess I'll toss in a comment.
To paraphrase a friend, "strange times have come to numismatics and our 1960's attitudes may have to be revamped."
Belarus coins look like medals, but have legal tender status. Palau issues coins with scents that come out when the coin is warmed by your hands. Congo has clear acrylic coins. Cook Islands releases pop-up coins with gold plated inserts which stand up from the silver base. All of these items are coins. They do not circulate, but are designated as legale tender. NCLT items have been in our hobby for years. Those who collect circulating coins don't like them, mints who produce them enjoy the profit and seek contacts from tiny little places who have the right to issues coins, but no means or need for them.
The Creek and Shawnee Nations have the right to issue coins. They release silver and gold legal tender coins, which do not circulate, much like all other nations are doing.
Fantasy coins belong in UWC, no question. Legal tender coins from sovereign nations belong in the SCWC, even if they are NCLT, even if they are novelty items. It's a criteria we have to abide by to maintain an orderly system. We don't have to like it, but we do have to adjust to it.
