Irregular Postings on Coin Collecting & Numismatics - Both Canonical & Conanical

A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars

Numismatists Do Not Fear Change

Category Archives: United States

2016 Mark Twain Coin Designs Announced

2016 Mark Twain Coin Designs Announced

“Are you not the author of a monograph…” – The Adventure of The Resident Patient (RESI) The first of several ceremonies to unveil designs for commemorative coins honoring celebrated author Mark Twain took place November 28, 2015 at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. Twain is known in Sherlockian circles for his 1902… Continue Reading

The Union League of Philadelphia and It’s Medals

The Union League of Philadelphia and It’s Medals

” … a luxurious club …” – The Adventure of The Five Orange Pips (FIVE) Over the years, Philadelphia’s The Sons of the Copper Beeches have met at many locations.  On Friday, February 20, 1953, they met at the headquarters of the Union League of Philadelphia. The Union League dates back to December 27, 1862, when… Continue Reading

Sgt. Buddy Murnane’s Sherlock Holmes Themed Challenge Coin

Sgt. Buddy Murnane’s Sherlock Holmes Themed Challenge Coin

” … a promising detective …” – The Adventure of The Golden Pince-Nez (GOLD) On March 15, 2015, Sergeant Francis “Buddy” Murnane passed away from an apparent heart attack. Murnane, a NYPD officer since 1973, was the New York Police Department’s longest serving officer and had never taken a sick day during his career.  He was a… Continue Reading

Two Sherlockian Themed Challenge Coins From NYPD’s Missing Persons Squad

Two Sherlockian Themed Challenge Coins From NYPD’s Missing Persons Squad

“… it is, indeed, the missing man.” – The Man With The Twisted Lip (TWIS) The number of police departments and related agencies that are issuing challenge coins with Sherlock Holmes themes continue to grow. In fact, while this post was being written, we literally had to “stop the presses” as we learned of a second challenge… Continue Reading

1994 BSI Dinner Souvenir From Watson’s Tin Box

1994 BSI Dinner Souvenir From Watson’s Tin Box

“Have you your cheque-book?” – The Adventure of The Beryl Coronet (BERY) One of the traditions of the annual Baker Street Irregulars dinners held each January is a gift bag of assorted cards, souvenirs and assorted goodies from attendees, other Sherlockians and scions from around the globe. My home scion of Watson’s Tin Box of… Continue Reading

Sherlockian Related (almost!) Challenge Coin News

Sherlockian Related (almost!) Challenge Coin News

“You will challenge him …” – The Sign of The Four (SIGN) During the past year, we have published several items about challenge coins being issued with a Sherlock Holmes theme.  In this post we’ll share two challenge coins that have a borderline or fringe attachment to Sherlockiana. First, almost a year ago, Robert Downey, Jr.… Continue Reading

Florissant Police Department Challenge Coin Featuring Holmes

Florissant Police Department Challenge Coin Featuring Holmes

“It’s the Baker Street division of the detective police force.” – A Study In Scarlet (STUD) Florissant, Missouri is a suburb of St. Louis. Sometime during 2014-2015, a Sherlock Holmes themed challenge coin was issued by their police department. OBVERSE: FLORISSANT POLICE DEPARTMENT / (Florissant Police Department badge upon a sunburst) / BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS REVERSE:… Continue Reading

NY/NJ Port Authority Police Issue Sherlockian Challenge Coin

NY/NJ Port Authority Police Issue Sherlockian Challenge Coin

“… among the dregs of the docks …” – The Man With The Twisted Lip (TWIS) Earlier in 2015, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department Detectives issued a challenge coin that features Sherlock Holmes. OBVERSE: PORT AUTHORITY POLICE / NY (PAPD Badge) NJ / DETECTIVES REVERSE: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS / (PAPD patch superimposed on a… Continue Reading

Famous People Wearing Pince-Nez On Numismatic Items

Famous People Wearing Pince-Nez On Numismatic Items

“He unfolded it, and disclosed a golden pince-nez …” – The Adventure of The Golden Pince-Nez (GOLD) Your editor freely admits he never heard the term “pince-nez” until he read the Sherlock Holmes Canon. The term “spectacles” was the wording I had always heard used to describe this style of eyewear. Probably the first “person” I… Continue Reading

The Sherlock Holmes Centennial Art Medal Collection: An Update – 4 Medals!

The Sherlock Holmes Centennial Art Medal Collection: An Update – 4 Medals!

“I have just made a discovery of the highest importance …” – A Study In Scarlet (STUD) Back in January, we published a HolmeWork assignment asking for more information about the Sherlock Holmes Centennial Art Medal Collection that was advertised back in 1986-87. You can read that post here and a follow up post showing the… Continue Reading