There were six entries

'Thanksgiving' Graham

Graham displayed a small white metal medallion commemorating the end of the Crimean war. The piece called 'Thanksgiving' shows an angel kneeling over a lion with the eye of providence above and the inscription GOOD WILL PEACE TOWARDS MEN. The reverse is an inscription giving details, dates and participants pertaining to the treaty. The piece had recently been acquired from a non numismatic source and to the new owners surprise is listed in L Browns medallion book.

'Elongated Pennies' John

The next display by John consisted of a series of elongated pennies (actually USA 1 cents). In the US at many tourist sites there are machines where one inserts a coin (usually a cent, but could be a nickel or dime) which is then 'mangled' and comes out as an elongated ellipse with a picture of said site or attraction. These machines first made their appearance at the 1892 Columbian exhibition in Chicago, for which there is a commemorative 1/2$. Examples included depictions of the Golden Gate bridge, Empire State building, Staten Island, George Washington and Mickey Mouse.

'The Coronation of Elizabeth II' Michael

In keeping with the date of the meeting (2nd June) the display from Michael Gouby consisted of coins and memorabllia for the Queens Coronation in 1953. On the numismatic side there was a 1953 proof set, the 5/-, a set of currency coins, the 50th Jubilee £5 and various medallions. These were complemented by an actual Coronation programme, the Coronation poem by J Masefield, a philatelic first day cover and a fine portrait of the young Queen.

'Leopold I of Austria' Tim

Tim's display was dedicated to King Leopold 1 of Austria (1660-1670) and Holy Roman Emperor (1657). Leopold's reign was characterised by war and revolution, but despite this by the end of his reign the Austrian territories had increased significantly. He is remembered for having stopped the Turks at the gates of Vienna. However, he is more renown for an unfortunate facial deformity. He is known as 'Leopold the Hogmouth'. Tim's display of various coins, illustrated the differing portraiture, some true to life, some more flattering.

'International Currency of the Industrial Revolution ' Neil

At this time when the Euro is at the forefront of financial debate Neil Beaton's display was appropriately titled 'International Currency of the Industrial Revolution' The display centred around the international coin of the Georgian times, namely the Spanish American 8 Reales. Examples were shown of the 8 Reales stamped with the B of E oval and octagonal countermarks, fully restruck as $'s, countermarked by the Scottish Banks/business's and melted down to form the material for merchant tokens. The display also included many examples of contemporary forgeries.

'The Thomas Coram Foundation' David

David displayed a proof like 1/2d token of the Foundling Hospital issued by James Burton. The obverse depicts a lamb while the reverse says 'payable on demand JB'. This single token however, was supported by a wealth of information on the institution for needy children, founded in 1739 by an ex sea captain Thomas Coram (1668-1751). The hospital was begun in 1742 on land of the Lambs Conduit Estate (hence the lamb on the token) and completed in 1754, although the first children were admitted in 1742. The TC foundation for children still continues today, albeit by fostering, since the original building is long gone, except for a doorway at 40 Brunswick Square. Despite all his achievements that took his fortune, he was removed by the later governors, and died in poverty.

All of the presenters gave a five minutes talk on their display.

The winner was Neil who keeps the Michael Broome Memorial Cup for one year.

Well done Neil.