Return to the List of Articles

Through The Numismatic Looking Glass

Author Don Barsi has been collecting exonumia from the California State Numismatic Association for “about eight years.” However, Mr. Barsi could not find listings or information about these numerous issues that date back to the beginning of the state organization in 1947. No catalog existed and so he decided to undertake the job to compile one. Little did he realize what a project this was going to be and how many years it would take him to publish this book.

The members of the California State Numismatic Association collect everything known by numismatists. Therefore, it is not surprising that such an organization would issue numerous medals, tokens, paper items, first day covers and other exonumia. Some of these pieces are over 50 years old and many of those responsible for their production are not longer with us. In addition, other information such as the reason, purpose and numbers of these items, have been lost with the unfortunate passing of the founding fathers of the CSNA

Don Barsi spent years seeking information from whomever and wherever he could find it. The state association published a journal (Calcoin News) from its beginning that proved to be most helpful. And there were still some folks in California who were active in the early days and they offered invaluable information. However, printed records or recollections by older members at times contradicted other sources of this data. What were the facts? The further Don dug, the more items came to light. The search, revisions and corrections continued. At last the author reached a point where he believed there were no more issues to find and all known information had been uncovered. Yet it is safe to say the task will never be fully completed. Even as the book was being introduced in San Jose in January 2003, the CSNA continued to strike anniversary medals and it seems likely more wooden pieces, tokens, etc. will turn up.

Organization of the Exonumia

The first section of this book lists the most popular, collectible and well-known commemorative medals issued by the California State Numismatic Association. The Orange County Coin Club, hosts for the 35th CSNA Semi-annual Convention held at Disneyland in Anaheim, October 22-25, 1964, asked for and received permission to strike 39mm medals for this show. One side of this medal contained a depiction of the CSNA logo while the other side consisted of lettering. Around the top was “DISNEYLAND” and around the bottom was “SEMIANNUAL CONVENTION.” The rest of the surface reads, from top to bottom, “ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 22-25, 1964 SPONSORED BY ORANGE COUNTY COIN CLUB CSNA.” The next semi-annual convention, the 36th, was held in San Francisco. No medals were struck. The 37th event, held from November 4-7, 1965 in San Diego was the first convention for which the state organization struck a medal; this one picturing the Cabrillo National Monument. This began the series that includes a different medal for each semi-annual convention and this series continues.

Mr. Barsi begins this section by listing a small number of medals, issued by the host club, rather than the CSNA to advertise the convention. The first of these was for the meeting in San Jose in 1949 just two years after the state organization was founded. Barsi also records a number of “special medals” in this section that fit the format, i.e. size and logo. These include the 1973-74 medals for the dedication of the San Francisco Mint Museum and the 1995 medal issued because the CSNA hosted the 105th Annual ANA Convention in Anaheim.

Special and Miscellaneous

Medals

The book’s next section lists all the special or presentation medals of the CSNA beginning with those honoring past presidents. From 1947 through 1969, these were portrait medals that were made available to the members. Since 1971 (a president serves a two-year term,) a medal is presented to the out-going president but none are available to the members.

Other presentation medals include the medal of merit, literary and exhibit award medals, 25-year membership medals and several medals in combination with the CSNA Annual Symposium.

Exonumia Issued in Conjunction With the CSNA

There were a number of wooden issues, so called nickels and flats, usually produced by host clubs that have been issued. These are listed by convention numbers. Another large group of mementoes are the philatelic numismatic covers--PNCs. These are also organized by convention numbers. Another section covers such things as elongated coins and other items. Several individuals, including the Phillip’s marriage medal and issues by Ed McClung, are included. The San Bernardino County Coin Club planned to host the 59th semi-annual convention in Palm Springs. Several trial lead pieces are the only medals known as this site was moved to Disneyland. Another popular issue by this club was the large aluminum nickels also included in Don’s book. There were pin-backs and mirrors.

CSNA Paper Items

Several pieces of currency over-prints, including CSA designs, were produced to advertise conventions and/or serve as banquet tickets. Also included in this section are the postcards and hospitality room tickets.

The author includes some anecdotes and behind-the-scene stories that add to the lore of these many issues. He even includes a section about the CSNA literature as well as a complete listing of the one hundred plus semi-annual conventions, past presidents and winners of the medal of merit.

In summary, anyone interested in the history and exonumia of the California State Numismatic Association must have a copy of this book. More information is available from Don Barsi, at P.O. Box 7989 in Fremont, Ca 94537-7989. His phone number is: (510) 796-1225.

The book may be ordered from Ruth Philips, CSNA Librarian, 227 Duke Ave., Fresno, CA 93727. Cost $10 plus $1.50 Shipping and handling.