Perry Mason-The Case of the Wooden Nickels

BLUEJAYWAY

May have been posted here before I joined CU Forums. Did anyone ever see this episode? Viewed on a local channel last week. Within the episode the numismatist in the show hands over,ungloved/unslabbed(no PSA then, early 60's) a 1913 Liberty Nickel to Perry for his observation. He stated it was the Hetty Green ,previous owner, specimen. The collector stated he paid $23k for it. Episode also centered around the 1861 Confererate half. There also was a counterfeiter in the episode "minting" coins. He made the coins off balance so that when put on edge they would not balance and would fall over. This was how they were determined to be fakes.

ricko

I believe the 'off balance' was achieved through a 'slanted' or 'conical' rim.... Cheers, RickO

WillieBoyd2

Perry Mason - "The Case of the Wooden Nickels"

This was a pretty interesting 1964 episode from the numismatic standpoint.

The plot involved substituting replicas for original rare coins, the selling of a Confederate Half Dollar,
and eccentric coin collectors.

There are some scenes of the traditional downtown small cramped coin shop, and a wealthy collector's displays.

I added this television episode to my "Coins on Television" website.


The Confederate Half Dollar from the show
The coin is probably a replica that is sold to tourists at Civil War historic sites


Some other coins from the episode.
They appear to be two United States Morgan Silver Dollars, a Continental Silver Dollar,
an Italian coin of Victor Emmanuel II, and a Mexican Josefa 5 Centavos coin.

Staircoins

<< <i>... Episode also centered around the 1861 Confererate half. ... >>


The OP must have this edition of Criswell ...

ernie11

Neat, never saw that episode. As a Perry Mason book fan, I can say that I don't recall this being based on any of Erle Stanley Gardners novels.