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Tag Archives: GREE

The 1993 Sherlock Holmes Stamps First Day Cover

The 1993 Sherlock Holmes Stamps First Day Cover

“Holmes stopped at a post office…”

– The Adventure of the Creeping Man (CREE)

In 1993, the Royal Mail issued a set of 5 24-pence stamps featuring scenes from different Sherlock Holmes stories. Fleetwood, the philatelic collectibles firm, issued a Philatelic Numismatic Cover (PNC) featuring the stamps along with a Victorian farthing and penny. The envelopes were cancelled on October 12, 1993, the first day of issue for the stamp.

The inclusion of the farthing is curious, as it is only mentioned once in the entire Canon – “You shall not have a farthing from me,” from The Beryl Coronet. However, if we consider that this was a money making venture and farthings were more affordable than a half-penny, the logic becomes clear. Both the farthing and penny are dated 1893 or earlier. The back of the envelope serves as the all-so-important certificate of authenticity.

The PNC came with a descriptive card detailing some facts about Holmes and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle. All items were placed inside a leatherette display holder.

Below are the five stamps – Reigate Squire, Hound of the Baskervilles, Six Napoleons, Greek INterpreter and the Final Problem. Scan the stamps closely – on each one is a letter that will eventually spell out the name DOYLE.

Greece Issues Two 2017 Coins Honoring Diogenes

Greece Issues Two 2017 Coins Honoring Diogenes

“Well, in the Diogenes Club, for example.” – The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter (GREE) Earlier this year, the Greek Ministry of Finance authorized the Bank of Greece to issue two “collector” coins featuring the philosopher Diogenes. Many of you are probably familiar with the mention of the Diogenes Club, the familiar haunt of Mycroft Holmes, in… Continue Reading

Watson Coins A Phrase (2001)

Watson Coins A Phrase (2001)

“There’s money in this case …” – A Scandal In Bohemia (SCAN) In The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet, son Arthur asks father, Alexander Holder, for 100 pounds. The father “… was very angry, for this was the third demand during the month. ‘You shall not have a farthing from me’, (he) cried, on which… Continue Reading

Video: Sherlock Holmes & Numismatics – 1991 ANA Convention Presentation

Video: Sherlock Holmes & Numismatics – 1991 ANA Convention Presentation

“… and had delivered his usual brilliant lecture to a crowded class.” – The Adventure of The Creeping Man (CREE) During the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 100th Anniversary Convention (aka The World’s Fair of Money, the first ANA convention to use this marketing theme) in August, 1991, the then Vice President of the ANA, Edward C. Rochette,… Continue Reading

The Case of the French Interpreter – November 22, 1954

The Case of the French Interpreter – November 22, 1954

“You perceive that we have taken you into our confidence over some very private business.” – The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter (GREE) In 1954, Ronald Howard and H. Marion Crawford would star as Holmes and Watson in 39 episodes of a syndicated Sherlock Holmes television series. The 30 minute episodes were produced by Sheldon… Continue Reading

Another Portrait Medal Of Vernet

Another Portrait Medal Of Vernet

“… my grandmother, who was the sister of Vernet, the French artist.” – The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter (GREE) In 1968, the Monnaie de Paris struck this 68mm bronze medal to commemorate the life of Horace Vernet. The obverse features a right facing bust of Vernet. The reverse has the French imperial eagle as the central… Continue Reading

Some Medallic Remembrances of London Bridge

Some Medallic Remembrances of London Bridge

“It was a quarter to ten before we reached London Bridge…” – The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter (GREE) London Bridge is mentioned in The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter as Holmes and Watson rush to rescue Mr. Melas from his abductors.  London Bridge and the nearby London Bridge Station are also referenced in the following… Continue Reading

There Are Five Sovereigns Here – Numismatic References in The Greek Interpreter

There Are Five Sovereigns Here – Numismatic References in The Greek Interpreter

“There are five sovereigns here,” said he, walking up to me, “which will, I hope, be a sufficient fee.” – The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter (GREE) The above quote is the only reference to money or a coin in The Adventure of The Greek Interpreter and is found at line 233 of the story. The… Continue Reading

Sherlock Holmes’ Great Uncle? – The Artist Horace Vernet

Sherlock Holmes’ Great Uncle? – The Artist Horace Vernet

Readers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes adventure “The Greek Interpreter” (1893) may remember that the story begins with Holmes and Watson “discussing hereditary aptitudes” after tea one summer’s evening. “In your case”, Watson tells Holmes, “it seems obvious that your faculty of observation in your peculiar facility for deduction are due to own… Continue Reading