T he P lanchet- I . C. C. JUNE, 2020

Issue# 611

A.N.A. C-131170 - I.S.N.A. LM 243 - C.S.N.S. L-600

Established 1939 and celebrating over 75 years of service
to the coin collector.

The next meeting will be Hopefully Soon, 2020
Meetings of the Indianapolis Coin Club are held the third Monday of each month at
the Northside Events and Social Club 2100 E. 71st Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Meetings consist of a business session, educational program, an intermission, and anumismatic auction.
Doors open at 6:00pm, meeting will begin at 7:00pm.
1Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

A Few Words From Your Pr esident
by Sharon Bower
Th e Boar d M em ber s of t h e In dian apolis Coin Clu b h ave been m on it or in g t h e
Covid-19 r epor t s closely. We h ave det er m in ed t h at t h e best cou r se of act ion , t oen su r e t h e h ealt h an d w elln ess of t h e m em ber s of t h e Coin Clu b, is t o can cel
ALL m em ber act ivit ies in Apr ill,M ay, an d Ju n e. As w e n ear t h e en d of t h is per iod,w e w ill r eassess t h e st at u s of con t in u in g r egu lar m eet in gs.
I hope everyone is staying healthy and sane as we deal with the unusual
circumstances, we find ourselves in right now. The Indianapolis Coin Club held its first
virtual informal meeting Monday, May 18, 2020, using the Zoom video conferencing
platform. This was an online video meeting where we met from our own homes totalk and see each other. Chris Bower, Planchet Editor, hosted the event. There wereapproximately 20 people in attendance which is a really great number. The Zoom
website is easy to use once you get the hang of it. And we can host up to 100 people
in a meeting of unlimited length. Also, one can share their screen which makes it easy
to show photos of favorite coins to other participants. This works a lot better thantrying to show coins on the video. However, it seems that currency shows up nicely
when held up to the camera.
We will not be able to have a regular meeting again this month, however we will bescheduling a ZOOM meeting on the same date and time. A laptop with camera ispreferred but you can attend using your cell phone as well. As we get closer to our
ZOOM meeting date you will be emailed the access information as well as the code to
get into the meeting. Look for more details from the Planchet Editor, Chris Bower. The
agenda will be loose and informal so all who attend can participate.
This is a good time to bring out what you have collected and reorganize or create an
inventory list of what you have collected so far. There is a big difference between acoin collection and a coin accumulation. Remember insurers want photos and an
inventory list of what you are wanting to insure. Reading, research on coins, maybe
writing an article, or even preparing a program for a future face to face ICC meeting isa great use of your time during this ?shelter in place? and restricted travel period.
For your reading pleasure:
ANA is offering free access to the Numismatist magazine Archives for Free athttps://info.money.org/free-magazine.

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Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

Edit or 's Not e:

I want to thank everyone who chose to participate in our writing program. I truly think it will make
The Planchet a better publication. Of the 10 people who volunteered I have already received
articles from 3 members.

There is no due date for your articles but I would like them before the end of the year.
Here is the full list of members who volunteered.
Vinton DovePaul Griffin
Jim Sukup
Louise Boling - Submitted - Printed 5/2020
Don Wray
Greg Gordon - Submitted - Printed 3/2020
Sharon Bower
Osman Gurtunca
John Alexandar
John Galloway - Submitted - Printed 2/2020

As hopefully all of our members know, the ICC has a library that is free to use for it's members. The
current list of library books is available on the ICC website. Jim Sukup usually brings a few books
each month but we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the books that are available.
Email Jim prior to the meeting and he will bring your selection if it is available.

jsukup@rpiratings.com

3Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

Sh ou ld We Look At War Nickels Again ?
By: Mark Benvenuto

A good deal of numismatic press of late has been devoted to the 75th
anniversary markings being given to some United States coins, all related to theSecond World War. D-Day, June 6th , 1944, is now more than 75 years behind us, andliving members of the Greatest Generation are all now in their 90?s. Honoring the men
and women who won this war is definitely commendable. In a twist that is related tothat, why not look once again at what are called the war nickels?
The Jefferson nickel design had first been unveiled in 1938, and came roaringout of three different Mints in amazingly large numbers that initial year. By 1942 thedesign was probably common to most people in the country, and the Buffalo nickels
were most likely fading from view and circulation. But at the beginning of 1942, daily
life had changed in the United States. The Empire of the Sun had just hit us hard at
Pearl Harbor, and Rommel?s Afrika Korps had gone raging across several lands in thenorth of Africa. At that moment, it was far from a done deal that the Allies were going
to win this. Everything was up in the air, and nothing was certain.The United Statesneeded to get to a war footing in 1942, and needed to do it quickly. A small part ofthat was changing the composition of our five-cent pieces from their 75% copper ?
25% nickel alloy to something else, so the nickel metal could be redirected and used
for the war effort. What the Mint came to for the five-cent piece was an alloy of 56%
copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.
These war nickels were produced from the middle of 1942 through the end of
1945. This means that a full set of them will include eleven pieces ? this because there
were none of them minted at the Denver branch Mint in 1942. Beyond that one
though, there are nickels from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.And all ofthem sport an enlarged mint mark on the reverse, in the field above Mr. Jefferson?shome, Monticello.
Getting our hands on any of the war nickels today is not really too much of aproblem, as all the mintage's were high. In fact, the 1943-P had the highest mintage of
any Jefferson nickel to that time, with an official tally of 271,165,000 coins. That total israther impressive; and it would not be surpassed until 1962. These large numbers
mean that none of the regular issues are going to cost that much today. But there is a
strange fact about these nickels that we cannot really get away from: in heavily
circulated condition, they look awful.Maybe it?s just the alloy, and how it wears, but incirculated grades such as VF-20 and below, these nickels just do not look goodanymore. That means we?ll want to see about assembling a set in some higher grades,
which also means with some good eye appeal.
4Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

If we want to go for attractive war nickels, it might actually be worth looking at
MS-65 specimens, or at least some of the lower grades of mint state. Aficionados of
the Jefferson series know that there is a premium that some folks pay for what are
called ?full steps? coins, those with each step on Monticello clearly delineated. Each
person will have to decide for themselves whether or not this tiny difference in strike
is worth spending more.After all, steps or no steps, mint state coins usually look
pretty good.
Speaking of looking good, the price tags for each of the war nickels qualifies,
since each costs only about $20 in a grade such as MS-65. Yes, there are a couple ofdouble die varieties in this set, and a 1943-over-2-P variation as well. These three are
all rare enough that their costs are up in the hundreds of dollars. But taking thesethree pieces out of the equation, we arrive at a pretty good bottom line. A set of war
nickels should not cost all that much.
Curiously, there is one further possibility when it comes to the war nickels. Mr.
Jefferson?s face shines out of a limited number of proofs from 1942. From 1936 to1942 the United States main Mint in Philly had been in the business of striking proofs
each year. Not a lot by today?s standard; but they did have a program up and running.
In 1942 there were apparently 27,600 1942-P nickels produced in the new alloy as
proofs. Folks might think that this one nickel will cost that proverbial king?s ransom,
but in a pleasant surprise, a PF-65 example is listed in a couple of the major priceguides as being worth about $125. That is not bad at all for a very sharp-looking
five-cent piece. Now, if we can just find one that is for sale.

Image courtesy of pcgscoin.com

The continued buzz about what new coins, precious metal bullion coins, andother commems are coming out of the Mint sometimes blinds us to the classic coinsof our history. World War II may not yet qualify as ancient history, but it is now getting
pretty far into our past, and slipping a bit from the collective minds of our citizens. A
collection of Jefferson nickels made from the short-lived wartime alloy might prove to
be a good reminder of the changes people had to make to win the biggest war we
had ever been in.
5Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

At t en t ion : Special M essage
This Monday, 5/18/2020, we will are going to have a Zoom meeting for the ICC. All members
are invited. The minimum requirement to view the meeting is to have a computer with speakers. In
order to participate you will also need some sort of camera, either built in to your computer or an
external one. In addition you will need a microphone. Most current model laptop computers havethis stuff built in.
Many of you have already let me know that you plan on attending. I need to have a responseby Sunday from anyone else that wants to participate.
This weekend I will be sending an email to everyone who responded with instructions on
how to participate. We plan on starting at 7:00pm just like our regular meeting.

plancheteditor@gmail.com

An n ou n cem en t s:
A sharp eyed ICC member noticed that our own Louise Boling had a guest commentary piece in the
May 25th edition of Coin World. She gave a recap of the MPC e-Fest that replaced there annual MPC
Fest.
This Corona Virus is affecting everyone in our hobby and beyond. Events both large and small arehaving to cancel or change how they do things. Those organizations that adapt will continue andthrive.

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JUNE, 2020

Issue# 611

In case you haven't heard the 71st St r eet Coin an d Cu r r en cy Sh ow returns this coming Sunday
6/14/2020. Here is what show organizer Mark Eberhardt sent out.

THE SHOW IS ON! Yes the 71st Street Coin and Currency Show here in Indy is happening this Sunday, June
14th . As of right now I have 45+ tables of great deals just waiting for you. here will be lots of new dealers
along with many of our regulars. There will be some changes for everyone?s personal protection. They are
as follows:
1. Please if you are not comfortable being in this kind of situation or not feeling well, then please do not
come. There will be plenty of future shows coming.
2. There will be NO breakfast buffet or coffee served. Lunch will be available from the bar for carry out
only. They will have places in the dining room or outside for people to sit.
3. There will not be any signs posted on Keystone or the entrance of the Event Center for security
purposes.
4. There will be only one chair in front of each dealer ?s 6 foot table(s). That means we ask that only One
Customer (or Family Unit, group you came with) per table at a time. If a dealer has more than one table(s),then one customer unit per table. If there is something you want to see just ask. Please wait until
someone leaves before approaching to keep your social distance. Please also be mindful of the dealer ?stime and availability, so please keep your social time with each of them to a minimal. We can all getcaught up at a later time.
5. Face masks are NOT required to be worn by Customers or Dealers, but strongly recommended.
6. Hand cleaning stations and restrooms will be located throughout the show/building for people to use.
Some dealers may also offer hand sanitizer too. Please USE.
7. Because Marion County is one week behind the States requirements, we will be counting heads at thedoor. Once we hit the max number, you may have to wait until someone leaves before you can get into
the show. Again the hall will have areas for you to wait if it becomes necessary. So please do not loiterwhile in the show and give everyone a chance to get into the show.
8. This will be new for all of us, so I ask that you bring your patience too. Let?s make it the most
comfortable, safe, and fun environment we can for everyone.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at:fubacoin@aol.com

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JUNE, 2020

In dian apolis Coin Clu b
2019 M eet in g Dat es & Edu cat ion al Pr ogr am s
January 20, 2020 - ?Masonic Tokens?- by Gary Selig* Prize sponsor: Joe Boling
February 17, 2020 - ?Barber Quarters? - by Jim Roehrdanz & Jerry Coraz* Prize sponsor: Jim Roehrdanz & Jerry CorazMarch 16, 2020 - Meeting canceled due to COVID-19* Prize sponsor: N/A
April 20, 2020 - Meeting canceled due to COVID-19* Prize sponsor: N/A
May 18, 2020 - Meeting canceled due to COVID-19* Prize sponsor: N/A
June 15, 2020 - Meeting canceled due to COVID-19* Prize sponsor: T. B. A.
July 20, 2020 - 'Lincoln Cent Varieties' by Jim Brown* Prize sponsor: T. B. A.
August 17, 2020 - 'T. B. A.' by Matt Dinger* Prize sponsor: T. B. A.
September 21, 2020 - Exhibit Night* Prize sponsor: I. C. C.
October 19, 2020 -T. B. A. - 'T. B. A.' by Andy Nahrwold* Prize sponsor: T. B. A.
November 16, 2020 - ?Annual State of the Hobby Address?-by Mark Eberhardt* Prize sponsor: I.C.C.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 ? NO MEETING - I.C.C. Holiday Banquet* For 2020 we are continuing the 'Attendance Prize' drawing at each monthly meeting as an added incentive
for all I.C.C. members to attend as many meetings as possible and to encourage new membership. Everyone
attending each regular monthly meeting will receive a prize ticket when they arrive at the meeting and sign inat the greeting table. The prize each month will be a 90% silver U.S. Half Dollar (or equivalent value coin, $5 ormore) The I.C.C. Board members and officers as well as several I.C.C. members chose to act as sponsors anddonate the monthly prizes rather than funding them from our budget. You'll find the monthly prize sponsor
listed below each monthly meeting date above. You'll just have to show up to see what you may win!
Please keep this in mind each month; regardless of who is giving the monthly program and/or the topic, we owe it tothat person and the membership to remain quiet and pay attention during the program. It?s important that we
respect the knowledge that is being shared with us as well as the time and effort the speaker is donating to our club.
The same rules should apply to our monthly auctions; please remain quiet and pay attention. Thank you.

8Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

Tr easu r er ?s Repor t 2020
RECEIPTS:
Dues - Regular @ $20.00 ea.
Dues - Junior @ $5.00 ea.
Advertising - Planchet @ $35.00 ea.
Fifty/Fifty Drawing:2020 Bu dget
$1500.00$25.00$175.00$400.00

Donations / Auction Lot Sales:
ICC Library Book Sold (est):
Not available at the time of publication.
Auction Lots Sheets @ $1.00 per Sheet:$110.00
Newsletter Postage Fee:
Sale of Medals
TOTAL RECEIPTS:$2210.00
2020 Bu dgetDISBURSEMENTS:
Dues - ANA:
Insurance - Liability:
Insurance - Treasurer 's Bond:
Mail Box Rental:
Secretary/Treasurer - Postage:
K of C Meeting Room Rent:
Door Prizes (11 Months)
Exhibitors Nights Prizes:
Library Purchases:
Speaker Meals:$300.00$100.00$1100.00$25.00$250.00$55.00Website Maintenance:
Newsletter:- Printing/Supplies:- Postage:$200.00

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS:$2130.00

NET INFLOW / OUTFLOW:$80.00ICC CHECKBOOK:
Balance:2020 Bu dget
$3827.44

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Issue# 610

JUNE, 2020

Adver t ise in t h e In dian apolis Coin Clu b
New slet t er !
Th e cost is on ly $35.00 f or a bu sin ess car d size adf or 11 issu es!

Th e 2019 In dian apolis Coin Clu b
Of f icer s an d Boar d M em ber s:
President
Sharon Bower
Vice-President
Andy Nahrwold
Secretary
Gary Selig
Treasurer
Gerald Coraz
Newsletter Editor
Christopher Bower
Past President
Jim Sukup
Sgt-at-Arms
Jim Warden
Board Member 2020-2021
Vinton DoveBoard Member 2020-2021
Paul Vaughn
Board Member 2020-2021
Jim Roehrdanz
Board Member 2019-2020
Donn Wray
Board Member 2019-2020
Jeff Bercovitz
Board Member 2019-2020
Steve Howery

10Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

Specialist in World Coins

Edit or ?s Not e:
The views expressed in any article aresolely those of the author and do not
represent the views of the ICC, nor does
the ICC endorse any advertiser.

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Issue# 611

JUNE, 2020

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