About This File
Anniversaries are a time for rededication, and we feel it is time to rededicate ourselves 10 the appreciation of numismatic art. The field of ancient numismatics is so vast that one can easily wander in its forest of new discoveries; and the wandering (if instructive) is not entirely undesirable. Over the past year we have presented quite a variety of topics to the readership of The Celator and plan to continue doing so in the future. We will endeavor, however, to focus a little more intently on the relationship between the art of the ancient Celator, who designed and carved the dies for coin production, and the art of his contemporaries who worked in other media.
From the start, we have expressed the aim of making The Celator an adjunct to the morning cup of coffee or evening glass of Sherry. In other words, we wish it to be enjoyable and relaxing, yet instructive and stimulating. In this issue we are featuring a special pull-out reprint of Vol.I, No. I of Numismatic Pilot to Ancient Coins and Their Uses. The four-page tabloid style newspaper, published in 1876, came to us via Jonathan Kern. It is a virtual treasure trove of insight to the ancient coin collecting fraternity and market in 19th century America.
On page four Dr. Robert Morris, the publisher, elucidates the character of his publication with the motto "Delectando parterque monendo" (equally for pleasing and in structing). Our own sentiments must either be archaic or time-honored, depending on your point of view, for they are unquestionably an echo of this 19th century pioneer.
We purposely did not number or place datelines on the pages of this pull-out, so that it could be enjoyed in it completely original form. It has been reduced to 94% of the original size in order to fit our pages.
Having removed the Numismatic Pilot... pull-out, one will find a second pull-out section of Roman Egypt Nome coinage rarity tables compiled by Keith Emmett. This comprehensive set of tables lists all of the presently known Nome coinage. It is an extremely valuable reference tool for the specialist in Roman Egypt coinage or the beginner desiring information about the potential for forming a collection in this series. I must emphasize that these rarity tables are copyrighted by Mr. Emmett and are only for the personal use of readers of The Celator. They may not be reproduced in any form.
The collecting of ancient art is often perceived as a pastime of the wealthy. In many cases this is true, but the collector of ancient coins can assemble quite an impressive display of original art from classical antiquity with a surprisingly modest investment. In this issue we have illustrated some of the things to look for if you are an art connoisseur on a budget.
Those readers who have experienced mail delays will note, upon receipt of their subscription renewal forms, that we now offer a First-Class mail subscription service at $18 per year. Because of residual advertising, we are still receiving subscription requests at the $6 bi-monthly rate. If you have recently subscribed at this rate, we have credited your subscription with 6 issues (6 months), after which you will receive a renewal invitation.
The number of advertisers in The Celator is growing, and this growth nurtures a corresponding growth in features and services provided by the newspaper. We cannot guarantee that an ad in The Celator will sell our advertiser's product, but we can guarantee that it will be seen by over 1,000 serious collectors, connoisseurs, scholars and antiquarians. It is important that advertisers get positive feedback. If you are contemplating a purchase, I encourage you to consider the advertisers on these pages for your needs. When you write or call be sure to say you saw it in The Celator helps all of us.
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