wfn.org | Rare coin collection given to Claremont School of Theology

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Aug. 15, 2001 News media contact: Thomas S.
McAnally7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.     10-71B{349}

By United Methodist News Service*

A collection of 136 rare coins has been given to United Methodist-related
Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology by Curtis R. Paxman, a retired medical
doctor.

Through the years, Paxman sought coins for his collection that were related
to the Bible and the growth of Christianity and those that had the best
portraits and detail.  The collection consists of ancient Greek, Roman and
Byzantine coins, as well as English coins dating back to the reign of King
Ecgberht (802-839)

The Greek and Roman coins, dating to 650 BC include some bearing the
likenesses of Tiberius Caesar, Croesus, Alexander the Great, Caligula, Nero
and Julius Caesar.  A prized coin in the collection is a well-preserved
shekel from A.D. 44/45.  "It's just like one of the 30 pieces of silver
Judas was paid," Paxman said of the ancient Pheonician coin.

Especially notable in the collection is Maundy money, English coins that
were minted specifically to be given to the poor by British royalty on
Maundy Thursday.  The collection contains at least one set of Maundy money
from the reigns of each British monarch since Charles II, who was crowned in
1660.

Paxman, a United Methodist,  said his enthusiasm for coin collecting began
as a child.  "When I was a little boy in the Midwest, my family had a store.
I started with U.S. cents, one for each year, in the 1920s," he said.

Claremont president, Philip A. Amerson, said the rare coins will complement
teaching and research at the school.  "I am certain this collection will be
a valuable tool to help us reach further insights as we examine the ancient
world and the growth of Christianity," he said.
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*Information for this story was provided by Paul Little, director of
information at Claremont.

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United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org