The Coinage of the Nation of Celestial Space

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Many micronations have been declared and disappeared but one was especially ambitious claiming the entirety of outer space. James T. Mangan, an author of self-help books living in Illinois, founded the Nation of Celestial Space in 1949. Mangan, claimed the entirety of outer space, later defined as the entirety of the universe besides Earth, as Celestia.

For the Nation of Celestial Space, a fictious currency was established. This monetary system saw 100 Ergs equaling 10 Joules, which equal one Celeston – basically imitating cents, dimes, and dollars. A total of three different coins were produced with a complete set being nine coins with all dates, varieties, and strikes. These coins were the Celeston, being .900-fine gold and weighing 2.2 grams and the Joule in sterling .925 silver weighing 4.15 grams.

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TomB

Cool pieces and rather oddball history associated with them.

For those unaware, and it might be that the PCGS author was unaware since there is no mention of this, the Joule and Erg names used on these pieces are derived from physics and are units of energy. The joule is named for James Prescott Joule and can be defined as a N(m) also known as a newton meter. The erg can be defined as a dyne(cm) also known as a dyne centimeter. They can be defined as other units, as well.

When I was an undergrad I had a professor in physical chemistry who would draw a dead centipede (think of a stick figure centipede laying on its back with X for eyes) and above it would be its last words "erg...". He would then ask "what's this drawing of?" and of course the answer was "a dying centipede!" which would reinforce into each of us that an erg was a dyne centimeter.

Yes, I know, geeky...

Nathan401

Very nerdy, and very cool!! Hey, I have a banknote from the Isle of Sodor (Thomas the Tank Engine).

Sapyx

Alas for Mr Mangan, the United States became a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, nullifying and renouncing all earthly territorial claims to everything beyond Earth.

Desert Moon

@TomB said:
Cool pieces and rather oddball history associated with them.

When I was an undergrad I had a professor in physical chemistry who would draw a dead centipede (think of a stick figure centipede laying on its back with X for eyes) and above it would be its last words "erg...". He would then ask "what's this drawing of?" and of course the answer was "a dying centipede!" which would reinforce into each of us that an erg was a dyne centimeter.

If only my PChem teacher had a sense of humor like yours, I might have actually learned, and now remember my PChem.

Best, SH

TomB

@spacehayduke said:

@TomB said:
Cool pieces and rather oddball history associated with them.

When I was an undergrad I had a professor in physical chemistry who would draw a dead centipede (think of a stick figure centipede laying on its back with X for eyes) and above it would be its last words "erg...". He would then ask "what's this drawing of?" and of course the answer was "a dying centipede!" which would reinforce into each of us that an erg was a dyne centimeter.

If only my PChem teacher had a sense of humor like yours, I might have actually learned, and now remember my PChem.

Best, SH

Heck, I started drawing that out and sharing it with my kids when they were five or six years old. Alas, they never remembered any physical chemistry...