Hello!

Happy March to you, and welcome to the newest issue of the Pismo Beach Coins Etc. Gallery newsletter.

Things are really getting green here on the Central Coast. In fact, the hills near the shop in Pismo Beach look like Ireland. I hope you come visit soon to the emerald landscape and stop into the shop while you’re here. (You just may find some emerald jewelry to remember your visit!)
In this issue, you’ll find:

• a fun, historical item in the shop (teaser: Sinatra meets Caesar)
• special offer
• Grand Opening News
• and more

Frank Sinatra Caesars Palace 1968 Debut Medallion

I’m excited to share this piece of Las Vegas history and Frank Sinatra’s legacy with you. My Grandparents were very close friends with Sinatra, which is why our family has this rare piece.

Here’s a bit more about the medallion and some fun history.

This bronze medallion weighs about 12 ounces and measures about 4.5 inches in diameter. Only 500 were made. They were sent only to Caesars Palace’s wealthiest high rollers and to Sinatra’s closest friends. The reason: to celebrate and commemorate Frank Sinatra’s inaugural appearance at the Caesars Palace Circus Maximus ballroom in 1968.

It has a fair amount of patina which is common for bronze of this age. The front of the medallion has a likeness of Sinatra as Caesar with the laurel wreath. The back reads:

In commemoration of the inaugural performance of the noblest Roman of them all at Caesars Palace. Be it known by this dictum that you are elected one of Caesar's special guests with the request to attend the Frank Sinatra premier performance, November MCMLXVIII.

Here is an interesting story that I found on the Internet regarding why Sinatra ended up leaving The Sands Hotel and taking up residency at Caesars Palace.

Sinatra owned a small percentage of The Sands Hotel and performed there exclusively. There was a famous argument between Sinatra and the Sands casino manager, Carl Cohen, in the Sands Coffee Shop. Apparently, Cohen told Sinatra there would be no more credit markers for Sinatra. Frank became outraged and cursed Cohen, who was sitting in a booth eating. Sinatra made threats, slurs, and other nasty remarks to Cohen for cutting him off. Cohen, who finally had enough, stood up and punched Sinatra in the mouth, knocking out his front teeth.

Sinatra was given a towel, went up to his suite, packed his bags, and never came back to the Sands again. When the boys at Caesars Palace heard about this, they wooed Sinatra over and signed him up to perform in their famous Circus Maximus Showroom. Sinatra had a strange request. He wanted his best pal and friend Jilly Rizzo to be hired and to be on the Caesars Palace marquee under Frank Sinatra’s name and billing.

Sinatra and Caesars Palace went on to become a great match. We were told that these unique bronze invitations were only given out to Frank’s closest friends in the business. Caesars wanted to pack the place with all of Frank’s big name entertainer friends. The rest is history!

I hope you enjoyed the story of Frank Sinatra and how he came to work with Caesars Palace -- and the bronze medallion he created to mark the occasion. One of the things I love most about this business is the stories behind the pieces.

That’s another reason I so enjoy giving free evaluations of people’s cherished keepsakes. Whether it’s a coin collection, old jewelry, or antiques, I love helping translate the story for the owners so they know a little more about what they have.

I’d love to hear what you’d like to read in this newsletter -- whether it’s more about collecting coins, what makes jewelry valuable or collectible, or how to tell a real coin from a fake.

Just reply to this email and let me know!

Until next time, stay curious!

John Zalesny

Proprietor

www.pismocoinsgallery.com

P.S. Let’s Stay in Touch!

On my store’s website, you’ll find more information about the services and selections in the store, as well a bit about my background and how the store came to be.

Check out the shop on Facebook. 

You can also find the store on Google and Google Maps.

While you’re online, I’d sure appreciate your review of my shop and your experience! And please share with your friends – your recommendation is the best way small businesses like mine can grow.