Sometimes it is difficult to separate the world from numismatics.
Numismatics has always been the ultimate expression of politics and history. Governments, which control the currency they release, decide what images are imprinted on their coins and currency and how they appear. People may argue over those depictions but in the end, they are the images that last.
Victors commemorate their triumphs on coins and currency.
Losers ignore those eras as if they did not exist. Sometimes, they even pass laws that makes those previous thoughts illegal as they have in Germany and Canada with regard to World War II.
We here in the United States cherish our freedoms. Freedom of speech and expression are a hallmark of our society. Even if the speech is disagreeable, the right to be wrong is as strongly protected as any other expression in our society.
I am able to write about numismatics and have the freedom to criticize the government on how it treats the hobby because of those freedoms.
Because this is not supposed to be a political blog I hesitated to comment on the shootings that occurred in Paris at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. But as a member of the world community whose blog is read in 22 countries (according to my logs), I want to extend my condolences to the people of France who lost loved ones for either being someone expressing their opinions as satyr or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I apologize for the delay because it is a bit off topic.
Countries use coins and currencies as their vehicle for expression, I use this blog. We cannot ignore the power of the written word or the privilege of freedom.
Je suis Charlie!
Regular readers know that in real life I work in information security as a contractor to the federal government. My knowledge of security and understanding what has gone wrong with the various merchants that experienced attacks has had me reconsider the use of electronic transactions. While I do not know the exact details of every […]
The Numismatic Crime Information Center is reporting that two suspects have been arrested for selling fake Suisse PAMP gold bars. The NCIC report is as follows: Traveling Suspects Arrested Two suspects have been arrested for selling fake Suisse Pamp carded gold bars (2.5gm, 5gm,10gm and 1 ounce) at a coin shop in Greenwood, Indiana. Search […]
Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios announced yesterday that Rhett Jeppson will be joining the United States Mint as Principal Deputy Director. Jeppson comes to the Mint from the Small Business Administration where he served as the Acting Chief Operating Officer and as an Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development. Prior to joining the […]
As congress convenes for its 114th session there are questions as to what the new Republican majority would do with their power. For numismatists waiting for congress to authorize the U.S. Mint to do anything, there may not be many changes from the last congress. Since financial bills are constitutionally required to start in the […]
Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, we should look forward to better times for our hobby, our nation, and our world. I wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy 2015 and hope that you find the key coin of your dreams! Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain.My friend, I’ll say it clear I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain. . . As we wind down the end of a very interesting 2014, we also come to the end of the 113th Congress. This congress has been as inactive as any. […]