COMMONWEALTH OF NEW ISLAND: This beautiful concept is the brainchild of a landscape artist named Lee Mothes (based in Kaukauna, Wisconsin). “The idea took hold around 1992 when he was trying to determine the source of his seascape and coastline paintings.” In the midst of this very productive period, he concluded that New Island was the pure, unpolluted source of all the paintings he’d been creating. “Since then, he has been drawing maps, creating coinage, a flag, postage stamps, and other trappings of a small nation.” Mr. Mothes has attempted to provide his adopted island-nation with everything it would need to become more of a “real” locale. “New Island’s history follows the actual history of the region, but with a few interesting twists and turns, and the result is a rather unique island culture. Lee’s fascination with discovery and exploration has brought you New Island and his paintings, maps and written background are provided to trigger your own imagination. New Island is your place to discover.”
PRINCIPALITY OF NEW UTOPIA: A proposed artificial island to be constructed atop the Misteriosa Bank, an undersea mountain range/landmass some 12 feet underwater, situated approximately 115 miles west of Grand Cayman. The basal area, which is comprised of three submerged islands/plateaus, has also been referred to as the Rosario Reefs. “New Utopia is in a [very] desirable area of the World, in the center of the best possible market, the Northwest Caribbean, with easy access from the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and south America. The area of our territory is over 1,000 square miles, so the potential for growth is much greater for developers.” This swath of the Caribbean is purportedly located in international waters. “It is interesting to note that the area where we will start construction is a flat rock surface with a dusting of sand.” The nation of New Utopia “will be built in a moderately tropical sea, a perfect climate, a paradise: Utopia!” This enchanting “oasis in the middle of the ocean” will be built on giant concrete pilings/platforms, and will include living quarters for families (apartments and/or condominiums), retail establishments, office buildings, businesses and stores of all sorts, recreational facilities, shopping malls, theaters, hotels, banks, docks, warehouses, a casino, a convention center, a medical teaching university, a stock market, hydroponics farms, and green areas. It shall also “have the most advanced and progressive medical center in the world”; this hospital, will “surpass even the standards of ‘The Mayo Clinic,’ by offering both the best proven and ‘cutting edge’ technology and treatment options available, from alternative as well as orthodox western medicine.” Everything on New Utopia will be “sitting slightly above the surface of the sea in neat rows surrounded by greenery and flowers, with canals of clear blue water, water taxis and gondolas providing transportation for the inhabitants.” In addition, the Principality will also feature “The International University of Advanced Studies”, which “is dedicated to teaching the disciplines and imparting the knowledge that will be needed in the next century for survival on Earth, the colonization of the oceans, and the exploration and colonization of space. Access to classes taught by the University may be obtained over the Internet.” The island-nation will also have its own airport and airline. “New Utopia will be managed by a Board of Governors; managing what we believe to be the most perfect city/state ever conceived, blending the philosophies of both Ayn Rand and Robert Heinlein.” The Principality’s official Web-site is http://www.principalityofnewutopia.com/
NORTHERN FOREST ARCHIPELAGO (centered in and around Saranac Lake/Lake Clear, New York): It is described as a “pint-sized paradise” comprised of “several dozen chunks or ‘islands’ of wilderness existing within the northeastern states of the USA. Due to it's isolation and wild nature, the Northern Forest Archipelago is sparsely peopled, but rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.” There are nearly 50 NFA outposts throughout the Adirondacks and New England. Their declaration of existence was formalized through the enactment and ratification of a Constitution on September 21,1998. The head and founder of this “constitutional monarchy” is “King James III” (formerly indicated by the pseudonym “Lorax D. Treehugger”), who is otherwise known as Jamie Sheridan, a Lake Placid middle-school teacher. Having explored the vast tracks of forestland known as the Great Northern Forest, he purchased the land that would become Backwoods (the capital of the NFA) and organized other widely dispersed bits of timberland under a cohesive system of government. Finally, a micronational coin crafted from wood! This is a strikingly cute 1/10th Sweat Equity Buck (a “community currency” modelled after the innovative Ithaca HOURS local monetary system). I obtained it directly from Marjorie Boodlesmythe, the Minister of Foreign Relations.
NOVA ROMA: A cyber-based micronation based in Wells, Maine. According to their Web-site (http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Main_Page), “Nova Roma is an international organization dedicated to the study and restoration of ancient Roman culture. From its founding to 330 CE, when it ceased to be the center of Imperial authority, Rome laid the foundation for our modern Western civilization. Founded 2,750 years after the Eternal City itself, Nova Roma seeks to bring back those golden times, not through the sword and the legions, however, but through the spread of knowledge and through our own virtuous example…The Nova Roman Republic [Res publica Novae Romae] is legally incorporated as a nonprofit educational and religious organization, Nova Roma, Inc., and the structure and activity of the Republic are always identical with those of the corporation.” Nova Roma adheres pretty strictly to the ways of ancient Rome: “Nova Roma is divided into a number of provinciae. A provincia can comprise a single country or several, or on the other end of the spectrum, can be made up of sub-national units from a single country. Unlike provinces of Canada or American states, Nova Roman provinciae are creations of the Senate, the ‘national’ governing body. The Senate, under the Lex Vedia Provincialis, can create a new provincia or combine existing ones by Senatus Consultum. The Senate also has the power to appoint and replace governors.” Who’s in charge? “Elected annually, our magistrates are the executive officers of Nova Roma. Our magistracies are as close to those of the late Roman Republic as we can make them. Senators are appointed by the Censores. Our Senate is patterned after that of the late Republic as well.” As for their laws and edicts, “Nova Roma's legal system is modeled on that of ancient Rome.” They even use the Roman Calendar, which commenced when Rome was founded in 753 BCE, or year 1 AUC (Ab Urbe Condita). Each year begins on the Kalends of March (March 1st).
The Commonwealth of “New Island is or might be (your choice) in the southern Indian Ocean about 900 miles west of Cape Leeuwin, Australia. About the size of Denmark, the island is sparsely populated with, for the most part, independent-minded, freethinking people who take care of each other and love nature.” The islanders “speak an English-Irish brogue mixed with a kind of pidgin-Russian, and they are about as easy to understand as Australians.” For centuries, ships of all sorts sailing within Indian Ocean completely missed the isolated island. European explorers (Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, French, German, British) — not to mention pirates — continuously traveled within “this well-known sea lane” yet “not one of them charted or claimed New Island.” In 1791, however, a portion of the island may have been sighted by George Vancouver, who “sailed by on his way to the Pacific Ocean. He is said to have left the penciled notation ‘mountainous island’ on his chart of the area, but the chart was lost.” It would take a group of shipwrecked convicts to finally make the discovery. “In 1788, The British began transporting ‘undesirables’ (petty criminals) to Australia and Tasmania. Many of these unfortunates were convicted of stealing a few buns or a bit of lace and were then ‘transported’ for seven-year terms to Australia — a much cheaper way to house criminals than in costly prisons. About one in three ships carried female prisoners and they all used the same westerly trade route across the Southern Indian Ocean to Australia. By chance two expeditions of British prison ships bound for Australia, and both carrying mostly women, ran into foul weather and were blown north. In 1799, the Lady Marie and the supply ship Swallowtail were driven aground on the broad beaches of Beastey Bay by furious gales. Of the prisoners, guards and crew, 326 women and 86 men survived. Four years later the Closter was wrecked near Brandonhead but 277 survived (212 were women) thanks to the rescue efforts of a nearby village of Lady Marie settlers.” By then, a settlement was already flourishing on the desert island. It’d been one of the women prisoners from the Lady Marie, Cecelia O’Hassett, who had possessed the wisdom and foresight to view their new home “as a possible new Eden. Once they found that this vast island was not only uninhabited, but also quite livable, with adequate fresh water, etc., they became determined to begin a new way of life. Captain Edgarford Hayes of the Lady Marie was the legal commander, and, being of pragmatic mind (and just a little bit in love) sided with Cecelia. There were many dissenters, but the majority agreed to build a society that would recapture a way of life before there was conquering, subjugation and competition. Government would be minimized and nature would be honored. First, the land would be held in common, though all islanders would own one or two parcels for their own use. Also, groups could form into tribes, or semi-communal villages where families would work together at more or less one marketable purpose, such as beekeeping or sandalmaking, and live off their join enterprise. There would be no kings or ruling class, and government would be run as a legislature of elders. These ‘elders’ would be selected from each tribe or neighborhood and would meet twice a year to decide policy. Religion and State would be separate. Though the teachings of Christ would be sacred, the Churches of Rome and England, or any others with missionary intent, would have nothing to do with running the affairs of New Islanders. The ways of nature, seen as powerful and assuring here, would become honored, and natural events celebrated once again.”
Naturally, there were many hardships facing the islanders, but Cecelia and a few other visionaries saw a bright future for all the determined survivors. Thus, the islanders “managed to survive and thrive…by reviving a co-operative social structure thought to be long lost. This structure has worked well for us to this day.” It should be noted that even though the island “was uninhabited when Europeans arrived…there is overwhelming evidence [it] once supported a prosperous and intelligent population for several thousand years, only to disappear about 800 years ago. Known as ‘The Old People’, this civilization left impressive stonework towns, harbors, roads, and several curious stone platforms.” It is also important to mention a man named Roger Putney. He was one of the first people to be born on New Island, and he grew up in the settlement of Monaghan. “He appeared in 1817 to feed a group of near-starving settlers under the leadership of one James Denby. Mr. Denby was the leader of a group of Australia-bound British free settlers whose ship foundered in yet another storm in May of 1816. His group was rescued by Skegness-area settlers, but after several weeks he convinced most of them to follow him to the site of present-day Putney and build their own settlement far from the ‘rabble of convicts’.” His plans didn’t work out, and their food ran out. “In April of 1817 Roger, with some followers from Monaghan, appeared with morsels called ‘stickyballs’ and fed the settlement! He also taught them how to fish and find local clams in Putney Bay, and invited them to trade some of their catch for Monaghan’s inland bounty. The grateful settlers soon abandoned Mr. Denby and joined the ‘rabble’. Roger was thought to be a Messiah by some, but he would not allow such speculation. In his later years, Roger wandered the island, spending time with anyone who wanted to converse — his voice and words were deeply reassuring.”
Meanwhile, “Russia’s Czar Alexander was trying to catch up to the other European colonial powers and sent Fabian von Bellingshausen on an expedition to find unclaimed lands by circumnavigating Antarctica. In April of 1820 as he was heading north to winter over, he discovered New Island completely by chance. As he sailed around the island, he saw evidence of habitation, and was also closely observed by shoreside New Islanders. He finally (and cautiously) anchored and met the islanders at Old Bay. After several weeks of meetings and negotiations with all the Settlement Elders, the parties came up with an interesting arrangement: Russia would declare the island a sovereign possession and use certain natural harbors as port facilities for future expeditions. She would keep it out of the hands of other European powers, especially Britain, and the islanders in turn would help the Russians defend New Island, if necessary. Beyond this, New Island’s people and way of life would be left alone…Throughout the 19th century, brutality and forced-labor was commonly visited upon exotic populations by their ‘conquerors’. The Russians were wise, however, to treat New Islanders fairly, and to generally leave them alone” through most of their tenure. “In the 1830’s, Kronstadt Harbor (now Victoria Harbor) sadly became the principle home to Russia’s Southern Ocean whaling fleet. Whales, seals, and otters…were slaughtered until nearly extinct. New Islanders were much relieved when the last of that industry closed down in 1902. The island also exported wool to Russia, and later wheat, especially during the 1930’s and 40’s. But aside from these annoyances, New Islanders were free to continue their unique form of civilization.” The first comprehensive map of New Island was produced by the Russians in 1912. Not much else happened there until the advent of the Cold War, whereupon the isolation of New Island became much deeper. During the ensuing years, the Stalinist regime effectively closed the island to the outside world. “Beginning in the late 1940’s, land long held by islanders was taken and used for military bases, a submarine base and missile tracking stations, things that New Islanders knew nothing about. Islanders were no longer allowed to travel offshore, though very few did anyway. The Americans also entered at this time, claiming the area around North Point for their own use. It appears that the American CIA knew of Russia’s spying activities here, and, in a highly secretive agreement, the CIA was allowed to set up a small tracking station in return for denying the island’s existence, as the Russians had already been doing for a number of years.” For reasons known only to the two superpowers, New Island was removed from all published maps of the region and from all guides to that part of the world. Hence, “it simply no longer existed! (The Russians referred to us as a ‘strategic non-entity’!) One benefit: the Russians built several hydroelectric dams, railway lines, as well as several streetcar lines in Putney and Victoria Harbor. Trains, streetcars and busses were all sent as ‘gifts from the Russian people’. Though these years were harsh, the Islanders won out in the end…In 1992, the Russians simply left. After the Soviet Union collapsed, and the Cold War came to an end, the island became too great a liability to the new Russian government. On April 12, 1992, during a brief ceremony on the naval parade ground in Kronstadt, Naval Lieutenant Andrei Dmitrienkov handed over the entire island to the Island elders and town mayors, and then left on the last ship out. On April 13, the elders and mayors formally enacted a long-dreamed-of system of government they called the Partnership Model and they formally named their new nation the Commonwealth of New Island.” The Newlanders, as they call themselves, were finally independent! “After sending a group of delegates to research the governments of 30 countries, the elected elders came to this conclusion: Treat everyone as partners and govern as little as possible. So the elders now meet three times a year at Government Hill to decide on issues such as education, public works, taxation, foreign policy, internal affairs and other day-to-day issues.”
Anyone at all can become a citizen of Mr. Mothes’ fictional island-nation. “New Island currently enjoys a state of mutual nonaggression with virtually every nation in the world. The Commonwealth has decided not exclude anyone from acquiring residency status simply on the basis of nationality, race, religion or other belief system. If you basically agree with our way of doing things and promise not to force your own views or values upon others, you are eligible for residency. As a New Islander, you have the option to be that someone else you’ve always wanted to be — an archaeologist, a shaman, an Irish pub owner or a village elder — and to meet other New Islanders.” Citizenship includes, among other things, “a Residency Certificate, Residency Status Card…and information about acquiring your own platted building site. Once residency is established, you have the opportunity to purchase land and take up residency in nearly any community or area you wish.” By acquiring residency, people can therefore go one step further and become landowners. As a fun and interactive innovation conceived of by Mr. Mothers, parcels of land on New Island are being released for private ownership “on a first-come, first-serve basis.” To this end, the Commonwealth began selling hundreds of plots/tracts of varying sizes/prices — depending on the location — upon which residents may build. These sites are platted and described on individual freehold Grant Deeds. “Every deed describes a certain numbered building site approximately 40 by 40 yards (about 14,000 square feet) and” the specific location of this site “is platted on a New Island official plat map.” The terrain a person purchases “will be your own piece of New Island.” Furthermore, “A color depiction of your site by artist Lee Mothes, with an optional house of your design, is also available.” Though each particular area may start out with a sole inhabitant, that lone resident can eventually be joined by other islanders. “You many find that you have a pioneer spirit and, like pioneers everywhere, have first pick at the home site (and business site) of your choice.” This would automatically make that lone resident the “village elder”. In addition, “Your friends may want to purchase nearby plots, so you can be neighbors.” And with at least five colleagues or family members, a group can even start their own tribe/neighborhood/town and have it added to the map. Each resident can have a say in the running not only of his/her local government (tribe or community), but of the Commonwealth itself. Mr. Mothes encourages people who establish citizenship, perhaps under the guise of assumed identities and make-believe occupations/professions, to “explore the island as if it were a real place.” By making a creative investment in the concept of New Island, residents can augment and embellish the island's topography with imaginative details. Ultimately, “The island can be home to 350,000 residents, with room to spare…New Island is mostly unexplored. The island bas been mapped, but there are countless beaches, hot springs, hidden meadows, Old People ruins, secret caves and dramatic overlooks waiting to be discovered. Read about New Island’s unusual (but possible) history and culture, then imagine what you might do there as a resident. The Commonwealth will welcome your written thoughts and stories.” How does a person get to his or her new home? “Today, you may reach New Island ONLY by way of the Rudyard Shipping Line, whose passenger-freighters depart twice a week from the Port of Fremantle, Australia. There is no air service and cruise ships are not allowed within territorial waters.”
Most of the above information was taken from the 2002 edition of an amazingly detailed and breathtaking fold-out/full-color relief map (reminiscent of those classic cartographic marvels from National Geographic) — in particular, a section called “The Story Behind the Map” (the information is literally printed on the back of the map). The map itself (also referred to as the Official Wandering Guide because “Roads and walking paths are shown, along with details of the two major cities”) is one of the bonuses that a person receives with his/her New Island citizenship. It is “the first map of New Island published anywhere since 1912!” It is “For entertainment purposes only…Not a navigational map.”
According to the official Web-site of New Island (http://www.newisland.net), we can “Relocate without leaving home…The Commonwealth of New Island is a 12,000 square mile playing field for a free mind. It is intended as a tool for your imagination; as a fun way to think about what you would like to do or how you would like to live if you could live somewhere else. It is somewhere between a game, an interactive art experience, and a real community. Presented as an imaginary island nation in the southern Indian Ocean, New Island is more ‘real’ than one might think. Wander around a bit here and get acquainted with New Island. If this is just the sort of place you or someone you care about has been seeking, you may wish order The New Island Relocation Guide. This 160 page illustrated book is filled with the history, geography, traditions and tales of the commonwealth. Alternatively, you may order a Residency Package [available from the New Island Embassy] which includes the Relocation Guide, the Official Wandering Guide map, and assorted other items and artifacts, along with the documents necessary to select a property and establish your residency on New Island.” Upon purchasing a Residency Package and filing “a land claim, you can decide to what extent you want to share your New Island experience with other residents. You may choose the solitary life of an armchair traveler, the benefits of an evolving virtual community, starting your own real community of fellow Islanders, or any combination of these options. It's all up to you!” And in case it has escaped our minds: “Just a reminder — The Commonwealth of New Island is a fictional entity created and intended for purposes of entertainment and personal growth.”
In terms of economics, “The units of New Island Currency are the Penny and the Roger. One thousand pence equal one Roger. Trade is accomplished on New Island generally on a cash or barter basis. New Island Bank and Trust handles all savings and checking services, but moneylending is rare and the concept of credit cards is unknown.” At one point, 1 Roger was to have equaled 1,000 “carns” (instead of 1,000 pence). The denomination “Roger” is derived from New Island’s spiritual leader, Roger Putney. He, as we read earlier, “helped the early settlers find a new way of living with each other and with nature.” The first coin issued by New Island was the 2003 1 Roger (I acquired a brass specimen directly from Mr. Mothes in exchange for one of my 2003 Zilchstadt coins). The words “Joy” and “We Are One” (which adorn the reverse), are the Commonwealth’s adopted slogans. “The woman [on the reverse] dances for her love of simply being, a trait shared by many New Islanders. The pelican [on the obverse] symbolizes New Island’s independent spirit and close connection to the ocean.” This gorgeous piece was spotlighted in the April 29, 2003 issue of Numismatic News. The Hoffman Mint has reprinted portions of that profile and an image of the coin at: http://www.hoffmanmint.com/ar2.html.
Images of New Island's coinage can also be viewed at the Coin Library of the USNS:
http://www.usns.info/coin-newisland.html
New Utopia was concocted in September of 1996. “The driving force behind” this “refreshing haven from runaway bureaucracy” and over-regulation is a long-time businessman known as Lazarus R. Long. “He has been an entrepreneur all his life.” Originally, however, his name was Howard Turney, an appellation which lacked even the tiniest hint of superhuman connotations. So he legally changed it in 1995, inspired by Heinlein's immortally heroic character (and alluding to a deep-seated preoccupation with long-livedness, about which we will later learn more). Here is a portion of Long’s biography: “As Howard Turney, (the Prince) is the former Chairman of the Board of Mayday USA, Inc., he was the Founder and Chairman of El Dorado Clinics, was the founder and Chairman of Cryogenics Solutions Inc., former President and CEO of Cogeneration Systems International, and former Chairman, CEO of Power Resources Systems. He was the Founder and is Chairman of The Rejuvenation and Longevity Foundation, a non-profit Corporation…The companies he has founded include food manufacturing (3), restaurants, mariculture, personal security, medical clinics, and a medical service company. (There will be a medical center specializing in anti-aging medicine on New Utopia.) He has been involved with the medical field for the last several years in the anti-aging area of medicine and, as Howard Turney, had received a great deal of television exposure and traveled world wide, appearing on television and radio shows as a spokesperson in the anti-aging field of medicine. In fact, his name regularly appears in books and educational television documentaries on the subject. He is known within the field as ‘The Father of Human Growth Hormone,’ due to his having pioneered and promoted its use in anti-aging medicine. When he shifted his career path to pioneering a new country, one with a stable, free-market economy, Mr. Turney realized his name recognition in the anti-aging medicine field could be a detriment to the founding citizen’s goals in establishing the new country. He felt that it was imperative that New Utopia not be perceived as simply another offshore medical facility, but primarily as banking and insurance center, as well as a Caribbean vacation playground and medical center. This is the reason he chose to change his name. He chose the name of the fictional character because, as he was portrayed, he held similar philosophies to Mr. Turney. Of course, all of this will become common knowledge, but as he says, ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time, and I do not regret having taken this step, a new career path, a new name. It seems fitting.’”
My initial research for this listing did indeed confirm a good portion of Mr. Turney’s background: he previously headed the El Dorado Rejuvenation and Longevity Institute in Houston, and a similarly-named clinic in Playa del Carmen/Cancun, Mexico. “I have been taking the HGH [Human Growth Hormone] injections for over 8 years now [this text was written circa 1999/2000], longer than any other adult we know of. I have been called the ‘Father of Growth Hormone’ by the media, based on my having pioneered the field, and have appeared all over the world promoting the use of HGH as a necessary anti-aging medication needed by everyone over the age of 40. Our anti-aging web site has made thousands of physician recommendations to those who want to enhance the quality of their lives, and retard the debilitating signs of old age.” In spite of having headed several successful businesses and having made his modest fortune by selling controversial life-extension medications/therapies, The Wall Street Journal has described Mr. Turney as a medically untrained high-school dropout. He, reminiscent of a modern-day Ponce de Le&ocaute;n, believes that these medicines have greatly bettered his life since 1991 — this is the principal reason why New Utopia will host the Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Rejuvenation and Longevity Clinic, which will deliver the fountain of youth and vigor to its wealthy clients. Touted as “the ultimate luxury spa,” it will offer “state of the art cosmetic surgery techniques, together with high-tech anti-aging and age-reversal treatments and therapies…We will attract and hold our citizens and guests by having the most beautiful, completely new City/State competing for their business, and by offering them an idyllic entertainment and rejuvenation experience while they are vacationing and visiting their money.”
Why did Prince Lazarus and his supporters decide to establish a new nation? “The founders and charter citizens of New Utopia have made this reasoned decision, in observance of the fact that the cumulative damage to freedom, which has come about through cleverly disguised, creeping socialism — now written into the laws of many countries — is irreversible, and leaves no recourse but escape — to a new land, which offers a chance to live and work in an atmosphere free from social parasitism and government intrusion into the personal freedom choices of citizens. (Such as the freedom to choose among all available treatment options, if faced with a health crisis, to cite one example.) We will attract like-minded fellow citizens by having the most beneficial amenities, such as confidential banking and business laws, and by being based in a tropical resort setting, rivalling both Monaco and The Cayman Islands in beauty, ambiance and attractions. New Utopia shall be known as ‘The Venice of The Caribbean,’ complete with canals and gondolas, but also offering marinas, waterfront restaurants and oceanfront villas and condos.” New Utopia is to be a magnet for inventors, innovators, scientists, and researchers. HSH Prince Lazarus promises his citizens/investors total freedom, privacy, and strict confidentiality laws in connection with any commercial enterprise. He hopes that his country — a clean and exquisite environment in which to live, raise families, and work — will not only be one of the most incredible places ever constructed, but that it will attain the highest standard of living in the world.
According to Long, there is way too much instability in our modern-day society. “Some years ago we determined that the gradual loss of freedoms and the constant increasing intrusiveness of government into every area of our lives is the direct responsibility and fault of politicians. Every politician runs for office on a platform of change, designed with only the possibility of his being elected in mind. Otherwise you would leave the incumbent in the office. If he is elected by 60% of the voters, this means that 40% are disenfranchised because the change is made without their endorsement. None of the politicians are able to live up to all of their promises of change, but all do manage to implement some change. Multiply all the small changes election after election, at city, county, state and federal level and you have the reason for the increasing government intrusiveness. Therefore we want a minimum of politicians in New Utopia.” Basically, the Principality is “regulated by a formal declaration of sovereignty and a constitution, somewhat resembling that of the Principality of Monaco.” Long describes his type of government as “a constitutional monarchy, which bears resemblances to both other modern nation-states and modern era monarchies — drawing its ultimate regal limitations from the precedents set forth under the Magna Carta. The Constitution defines the borders of The Crowns' powers. It also defines the Right of Ascension, by which the crown is passed to the heirs of Prince Lazarus.” The constitution serves “to protect the citizens against abuse” while the monarchy exists for the sake of promoting stability. “In New Utopia the only vote the citizens have is on any change which impacts their freedoms, which must pass by at least 2/3. Other than that the government will operate like a well run company.” Elsewhere, he continues: “Since their every move and each vote are now noted and published elected officials must cater to the disadvantaged because they make up the majority of the voters. Consequently, welfare programs and wealth redistribution proposals proliferate in every democratic society. This trend has accelerated with each passing decade since the end of World War II and there is no indication of a reversal. If anything, it is sure to continue to accelerate at an ever increasing pace. Despite the patriotic propaganda, we were all spoon-fed as kids that all men are NOT created equal. Those who disagree — who still buy into this dogma — are either blind to the realities or need to recheck their Bible which actually states that all men are equal in the eyes of The Lord. That may be so, but in human society there is a vast variation among individuals — a range or scale of intelligence, talents, abilities, ambitions and even certain character traits which make some among us determined to rise above adversity and achieve a greater destiny. Not every one has the ability, drive and ambition to succeed — to create wealth. This is one of the problems with the doctrine of equality which grants parity to all U.S. citizens. It guarantees them all an equal vote regardless of whether they be veterans or draft dodgers, hard working taxpayers or lazy ne'er-do-wells. Their votes are protected under the U.S. constitution and directly cancel out and outnumber the votes of the citizen taxpayers they continue to bleed. We have all witnessed the effects of this system and observed its deterioration over the years. Productive, risk-taking citizens — in pursuit of ‘The American Dream,’ who seek only to earn prosperity — are vastly outnumbered and at the mercy of those who do not even have the inclination to try. Those who do prosper are the prey of those who cannot (or will not) and the politicians they elect to constantly improve their lot in life at the expense of those who are more successful. If we were in their position we would be foolish not to pursue the same aims. But we are not. We have the ambition, the brains, the work ethic and ability to improve our fortunes and we should not have to support those who do not.” As a result of all of this, Long decided to take a bold step. “New Utopia is being founded on the principle that those who have the ability and perseverance to do well should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labours without being taxed to the point that they are in the same economic position of those who do not have the drive and ambition — who will not make the sacrifices for their own betterment. It is much easier for them to do nothing and benefit from your ability through your taxes which are assessed to fund their ‘entitlements’. That very word makes many U.S. taxpaying citizens angry — as well it should. Over two hundred years ago the founding fathers of America ‘entitled’ its citizens to only ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ Those who become citizens of New Utopia must have the courage to walk away — to realize they cannot rally enough support to win against the politicians who buy the majority vote by promising bread and circuses to the masses. Among our citizens of New Utopia there will be many former U.S. citizens who gathered up their courage and their assets and ‘voted with their feet’ when they realized they were being exploited for their ability to produce — to generate wealth — for the benefit of those who would not make the effort or sacrifice to do the same for themselves. The founders of New Utopia believe that he who governs least, governs best. Those who are chosen for the Board of Governors will have the same philosophy. There will be non-intrusive laws to protect the citizens. New Utopia shall be a safe haven for all its resident citizens and visitors. We shall provide safety by means of a well equipped and responsive police force (as in Monaco) and by the simple fact that New Utopia shall be an island principality (Criminals who prey on our citizens or visitors won't find an easy means of escape!). Anyone with expertise in the areas of law, banking, insurance (including re-insurance), architecture, engineering (all disciplines), sciences, medicine, marine biology, law enforcement, customs and immigration who would like to be a part of this grand undertaking are invited to join us. In New Utopia, your net income from salary, profits, dividends and interest will increase just by escaping from the confiscatory taxation the U.S. imposes even upon American citizens who reside abroad. If you are from one of the countries even more heavily taxed your net income will be greater yet. How is this possible? We will emulate only the best of the governing philosophies from around the world.” Long then cites several reasons why neither Monaco nor the Cayman Islands are suitable for what he has in mind. Those places, though possessing many positive qualities, cannot possibly accommodate the innovative society he envisions. Nowadays, “wealthy citizens seeking a perfect playground and haven either no longer have the former places to go or else it has become cost prohibitive and therefore self-defeating to their purposes to go there. New Utopia will be the ideal alternative. There is a great opportunity for what the founders visualize as a Monaco of the Caribbean. New Utopia will be a financial and insurance center which will surpass the Cayman Islands but be patterned more in the style of Monaco to evolve as the most beautiful city-state in the world. The Principality of New Utopia will follow the pattern of Monaco insofar as it will have stately classical architecture, immaculate public parks, a comparable governing body and a stable political structure — with the same freedom from crime and taxation. Resident citizens and visitors will experience it more as a tropical ‘Venice’ complete with waterways and gondolas. It will be an enchanting ‘safe haven’.” Elsewhere, he explains that “New Utopia's wide open free enterprise system ensures the development of diverse tourist concessions, conducive of a family vacation atmosphere. There will be dinner cruises aboard glass bottomed boats and submarine tours of the colourful reefs, as well as concessions catering to scuba divers and those wishing to charter deep sea fishing trips...to name only a few of the pleasures which will evolve to accommodate our residents and visitors. Development will be restricted, however, to preserve New Utopia as a first class, upscale destination. (Business permits and charter applications will be reviewed by The Board of Governors, and evaluated as to both the potential economic benefits and projected impact on citizens' property values, which shall be protected.)”
Long believes wholeheartedly “that New Utopia seeks to offer a renewal of options. Now we invest ourselves and our treasures in a new horizon, a new adventure, in a dream of free enterprise and to the gathering of like minded individuals. We are those who seek higher aspirations. We will reach farther. We will take the risks and reap the rewards. We will see victims in the distance, the security minded, held captive by the welfare minded governments, who stifle the visionaries, the dreamers; the authors of the future...New Utopia is a dream come true for every businessman or woman whose operations are mobile enough to move. Even those who can't move their business interests will want to become a citizen now to insure themselves of a safe haven for the future. First priorities must be to acquire international recognition and to attract and organize thousands of new citizens with commercial interests. We also must attract financial experts, brokers, business managers and bankers. In other words, we must organize others like ourselves; the individuals who have the brains, courage and talent to help build and benefit from being a part of our new city/state. We have the perfect location to assure our sovereignty, the incentive and the drive to succeed, and we will not fail.” I remember reading something pertaining to the international recognition aspect of the project in an older version of New Utopia’s Web-site, whilst I was conducting my initial research for this listing (circa 2006). Susan Wright, of New Utopia's Information Office (I don’t know if she still holds this position), had mentioned that “we will immediately file for ‘Observer Status’ with the UN. By their charter they can not refuse us. It states; ‘all must be accepted regardless of size of territory or number of citizens’. This will assure that all member nations will recognize our passports”. Long had already written a letter to Secretary General Kofi Annan, in which he stated “we beg the United Nations for their support and protection”.
Long also mentions how the “Rules of the Sovereignty Game” have been changed by the Internet and by international innovations in economics: “As an ideal system of opportunity and rewards for the achievers, (willing to take risks and invest their time, capital and hard work), free wheeling, capitalistic, laissez-faire economics is now staging a dramatic comeback. Nations with imaginative leaders are intrigued by the successful experiences enjoyed by Chile, Peru and several countries throughout Asia. At the same time, the Internet has turned the world into a global village, where individuals are no longer trapped by grasping bankrupt governments. Competition for ambitious, wealth producing, responsible citizens is growing exponentially in the emerging, developing countries of the world. Therefore, our first priority is to attract the most qualified citizens to The Principality of New Utopia. Entrepreneurship shall be highly valued, and we will welcome all useful trades and professions. Many are disillusioned by bureaucratic nightmares; imposed upon the victims by their various countries, which offer them no incentive to achieve, nor any realistic hope of reversal of the steady downward spiral into socialism…The Internet has blurred the national boundaries which formerly separated people from free communication with one another, and has curtailed the power of governments to confiscate the wealth of its most productive citizens. Nations of every stripe must make dramatic changes, in order to compete. Remember that ‘Atlas Shrugged’ was a novel about a strike by the most productive individuals on the planet. New Utopia is the embodiment of Ayn Rand's plan of genius. Under such ideal circumstances, the only outcome possible is success. Bankrupt governments of every stripe are becoming more and more desperate, and will ultimately confiscate the wealth of every citizen ignorant enough to allow them to do so...those who ignored the warning signs, or who didn't see it coming in time to plan their escape. In 1938, many of the wealthy and intelligent people of Europe did not wait around to be herded aboard the trains destined for the ‘labor’ camps. Either extreme of a totalitarian state is intolerable. NOW is not too soon for people to take steps to protect their assets and provide for their future security, before it is sucked into the downward spiral of socialism.” Those alert individuals “who realize that they, as intellectual, ambitious achievers, are doomed, in a society where the masses, who hold the majority voting power, can vote themselves entitlement programs — funded through confiscatory taxation of the wealth producers — are waking up to the fact that this translates to the government having effectively claimed ownership of the means of production of that wealth-citizen entrepreneurs. This, in turn, translates into obligatory or slave labor; which is obscene, degrading socialism in its purest form. People who have had this system imposed upon them are, by definition, no longer a free people. To those who hear or read our message, with the courage and decisiveness to STOP funding the liberal mandated entitlements, (through confiscatory taxation of their earnings); who realize it is time they made the ultimate protest, by ‘voting with their feet’ and escaping, along with others of their kind; to take the bold step of actually starting a new country...welcome to New Utopia! You are invited to join with us in this adventure of a lifetime!” He later reiterates this exciting invitation: “Those of you ladies and gentlemen who are the achievers; the entrepreneurs and visionaries — the Movers and Shakers of the future, are welcome to join us in New Utopia; the REAL ‘gem’ of the ocean! We, the founding citizens of New Utopia, read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and the many inspirational works of Robert A. Heinlein, and were motivated to act. If you are likewise motivated, take a great step forward and join us in this, the greatest adventure of our lifetime!”
According to Long, “A nation should empower its people to liberty and self-determination. In most countries the individual is expected to support the country. Governments often charge the adults of the nation for the privilege of living in the country. The New Utopian government considers this to be unfair. In this nation, the government does not charge you for services you may or may not use and may or may not want. It is true that the government of New Utopia does not provide many services compared to other western governments, but then, the question is begged as to how many services citizens of these governments would be inclined to buy if they were for sale one by one, rather than on a mandatory basis. If you are able to manage your own affairs, and have the ability to earn your own living, either as an employee, in business, or in a self-supporting fashion, then you are the type of person who would be suited to a lifestyle in New Utopia. As with many other countries, individuals and families are invited to immigrate where they have something to contribute to our healthy society.” In order for the Principality to succeed, it requires an actual populace. Long then shares his views on citizenship/nationality: “Most people never leave ‘home’. They grit their teeth and simply endure whatever their ‘home’ government throws at them — as if no possible alternative exists. Why? Because of an accident of birth — citizenship. Because they are born in a certain country, the average individual automatically bases every aspect of his life in his ‘home’ country. He never even considers whether or not he has choices open to him. He simply bases every facet of his life within the boundaries of his ‘home’ country from cradle to grave — whether it is advantageous to his interests or not. This is not a criticism — simply a statement of fact. Most citizens of country A only ever carry one passport — the Country A passport. They never seek to obtain dual nationality status. They never reside outside country A. They work in country A. They bank in Country A. They invest only in Country A. They base their business interests in Country A. For most Country A citizens these are the inevitable consequences of being a Country A citizen — natural implications of the accident of birth. To such people high taxes, a bad economy, the relentless erosion of rights, privacy and freedom, draconian laws and regulations, bureaucracy, corruption, pollution, social unrest, rising crime, a high cost of living, lack of opportunities and other drawbacks and disadvantages are ‘necessary’ evils — the price it is necessary to pay for the ‘privilege’ of being a citizen. But these ‘evils’ are not necessary. And ‘citizenship’ is not necessarily a privilege. Indeed, more often than not citizenship is a millstone that prevents the individual from getting the best from his life. It is not necessary that people be disenchanted with their government, but only that they want a fresh start. Like any vacation spot on the ocean the prices will range from moderate to expensive, but New Utopia is not being built just for the wealthy. There will have to be many people to man the shops, restaurants and service companies. They in turn should live better and accumulate more in New Utopia than they could anywhere else. The industrious will prosper, those who are slothful will just exist like they always do…The requirement to be invited to become a citizen of our new country is a contribution of $10,000 or more…Charter Citizens will have preferential treatment for housing and space for businesses. Other countries when they begin have an indigenous or existing population, in our case the charter Citizens will make up our ‘beginning’ population. If you are a US citizen you should know, ever since a 1967 Supreme Court ruling, Americans have been legally allowed to hold dual nationality.”
In 1999, the marketing/fund-raising/investor-enticing methods of New Utopia drew serious interest from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Though the case has since been resolved, Long (who had already been involved in a number of questionable investment dealings), was investigated by the SEC. They were granted an emergency restraining order to halt New Utopia's $350 million bond offering over the Internet and all the capital Long had raised to finance his project was temporarily frozen. According to the SEC’s Litigation Release No. 16425 (http://www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases/lr16425.htm), “The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that on January 20, 2000, the Honorable Michael Burrage, United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, entered a final judgment of permanent injunction against defendant Lazarus R. Long (‘Long’) (a/k/a Howard Turney). The judgment permanently enjoined Long from violating Sections 5(a), 5(c) and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. Defendant Long was also ordered to pay disgorgement in the amount of $24,000, plus prejudgment interest, however payment of disgorgement and interest was waived based upon Long's sworn showing of inability to pay. Moreover, the Court did not order Long to pay a civil penalty because of his demonstrated inability to pay. Long consented to the entry of the judgment. The Complaint, which was filed by the Commission on April 8, 1999, alleged that between May 1998 and March 1999, Long offered and sold securities over the Internet to purportedly fund a new country he claimed was being developed in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean. Long named his new country ‘New Utopia.’ In connection with the sales of the New Utopia securities, the Complaint alleged that Long made material misrepresentations and omissions concerning, among other things, the status of construction of the project, the companies associated with the project, the safety of the investment, and the status of the Commission's investigation into his activities. Long was successful in raising $24,000 from the sales of securities.” In spite of this major obstacle, New Utopia did not founder. The dream of sovereignty didn’t sink. In the words of Susan Wright, “it took ten months to prove in court that we were innocent of the charge.” Long admits that “There have been a number of delays as any project of this magnitude can expect,” but they are now moving full steam ahead, and “agreements have been signed with major developers.” Their headquarters (originally in Tulsa, OK) were moved to Fort Myers Beach, FL; “the decision to relocate the HQ to be at the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida” was made because this new location “is conveniently accessible to where the New Utopia site is situated”.
Attempting to drum up support, Long writes: “I urge you to visit our Development Plan and if you are a developer or represent a hotel/casino, condo or other interest to contact us. If you are interested in being notified when residences and/or retail/office space are available pre-construction, please fill out our form so that we may keep you posted on our progress. Negotiations are currently in progress, the details of which can not be disclosed at this time due to their commercial sensitivity. We do expect to begin construction in the very near future.” To his credit, Long — in his “Transparency through Q&A's” section — responds to the many questions/accusations (many of these sources “are highly out of date, have inaccuracies and are scaremongering”) raised by the public (I gathered this information in February of 2009): “The Principality of New Utopia has been an ongoing endeavour for quite a few years now. Many developers have come and gone by the wayside making promises they could not keep. Many critics have been silenced by the sheer longevity and Labour of Love that the founders have exhibited.” Asked whether the New Utopia project is “genuine or just a scam”, he responds: “Over the last seven years, there have been vast amounts of literature and documentation created surrounding all the research that has been undertaken by Lazarus Long and all those that have been involved with this unique project. Those independently involved with this project have become involved because they have no doubts whatsoever as to Mr. Longs integrity and ethics. He has laboured long and hard over the years in an effort to realise his dream. Those involved are independent people of independent minds and judgement, many of them astute business men and women.” But then why hasn’t anything “concrete actually happened in all these years”, since the project’s inception? “Many ‘concrete’ things have happened over the years. Geological and Topographical research upon the New Utopian territory has been undertaken at considerable costs. A ship and diving crew were hired two years ago to travel to the New Utopian territory where a flag-buoy was anchored there ON New Utopian soil which is only some 60ft under water.” He provides a link where people can see a video of this event taking place. “Ambassadors and Pro Consuls have been appointed worldwide. A Top London Barrister has researched and explored the legality of the claim to the territory and prepared a lengthy document detailing the findings and the Barristers Legal opinion.” He provides a link to a video of this gentleman’s testimony. The next question asks if it is “true that Charter Citizenships have to be paid for if one wants to become a citizen of New Utopia”. This question is probably referring to something that I read in an older version of New Utopia’s Web-site. At the time, Susan Wright wrote: “Prince Lazarus and the Board of Governors established a quota of 4,000 for Charter Citizens who will always be remembered as the founding citizens. Each one will have his/her name engraved on a marble wall on the grounds of Government House as the first citizens of the Principality of New Utopia and honored by all subsequent generations of New Utopians. When the quota of 4,000 is filled there will be no other applications accepted for a period of 2 years, at that time all applicants will have to file with the immigration department like they do in any other country. The criteria for becoming a citizen will never be so easy or unrestricted again.” Here is Long’s response to the question about the price-tag of citizenship: “This has never been the case. A few years ago Lazarus Long decided to offer ‘Charter Citizenship Invitations’ once a contribution of $1,500 dollars was made. In other words, one would submit an application for Charter Citizenship, send a minimum contribution and in exchange they would then be invited to become a citizen. Phase one of the New Utopia project only requires a maximum of 4,100 Charter Citizens. At last count, 3,200 had already been invited to become citizens. Some of these were complimentary VIP invitations whilst others were to individuals who would be a valuable asset to the development of this new country. In the last couple of years the book has been closed for the ‘Charter Citizenship’ programme especially after much criticism over suggestions that the citizenship contributions were to be used for the initial construction of New Utopia. These suggestions were made by individuals who did not understand the scale and magnitude (US$5 billion) of the infrastructure funds required to develop a new country such as New Utopia!” He then answers the question about what is currently happening and what the latest developments are: “In the last couple of years, since the Charter Citizenship programme was closed, the invitation has been directed to individuals and corporations who could show they could be of benefit to the country's growth. Those that would invest a minimum amount of time and money in terms of property acquisition [Minimum investment for Condominium/Living accommodation] or business transfer to New Utopia within a year of being granted citizenship. These would include individuals, developers, industrialists and anyone who would contribute in any meaningful way to the rising of New Utopia. Over the last 12-18 months many financing projects have been developed from the Ports of Call complex (still in hand) to the construction of a refinery of the Caribbean where all shipping would stop to refuel, to a bio-diesel-renewable energy plant being developed. These are all current projects being worked on to this day.” Who else is now “involved or has shown an interest” in Long’s project? “As well as the reams of data and research held about this project, the New Utopia Government also hold a database of 120+ individuals and business that have completed a ‘Letter of Interest’ in moving their businesses to New Utopia once construction has begun. (As well as residential, vacation and Tourist property). The details submitted include Names, Addresses, Square footage required, amount to be invested. They include businesses from Hotels, Casinos, and Jewellery shops to Gift Ships, Groceries and Supermarkets, Telecommunications and Radio/TV stations. There have been many newspaper and magazine articles written about New Utopia. There have also been many TV programmes made that have been broadcast on Satellite and ‘off-air/digital’ TV. Most recently the BBC broadcast a programme called ‘How to Start your own Country’ which was hosted by Danny Wallace. New Utopia was featured in this six part series. New Utopia was also featured at the Reg Vardy Gallery last year in an exhibition called ‘We could have invited everyone’.” Ultimately, is this “New country that has not existed before” really going to become a reality? “Someone once asked the same question about ‘The Palms’ project in Dubai. Someone also had the same scepticism and doubt, indeed cynicism about it. Now it is a reality. It is a new development upon the ocean of reclaimed land.” Elsewhere, he elaborates upon the Dubai project: “Nothing validates us, and what we are striving to accomplish in New Utopia, as much as the progress and success of The Palms and related projects in Dubai. It is well documented that The Palm Jumeirah was an immediate success as a real estate product. When villas went on sale, pre-construction, back in 2002 they sold out in just 72 hours. Since then The Palm Jumeirah has proved to have been an unparalleled investment with average premiums of 70-120%. Incredibly, some of these properties have achieved a premium of 300%.” He adds that “we are not trying to promote Dubai or The Palm Jumeirah, but only to call attention to how the development of New Utopia should be perceived.” Back to the FAQ section: “The only difference between ‘The Palms’ and New Utopia is that ‘The Palms’ is already part of an existing country and not a new country. It happened, it became reality and many have prospered from the property boom there. The same can and will happen with the New Utopia Project. Having said that, we need those individuals with vision and creativity. We need to bring those together to the conference table. If you know of such individuals please don't let them miss-out on another ‘Palms’ type opportunity and a uniquely historical proposition!”
Since I first learned about New Utopia, they’d been announcing that they were very close to issuing their first coin. The proposed design (for a piece dated 2003) had been featured on their first (now defunct) Web-site for many years, with no apparent signs of progress. With all of this in mind, I maintained contact with New Utopia, e-mailing them on a semi-regular basis in order to inquire about the stagnant numismatic project. I strongly encouraged them to go forward with their intentions to mint — for the sake of posterity — their long-awaited coin. Once available, it would be highly prized by countless numismatists around the globe and treasured by future generations of collectors; in my urgings, I addressed what was clearly a matter of utmost importance to its leader, intimating that Prince Lazarus could potentially attain a measure of immortality because his profile/image would live forever on a coin. But eventually, it became evident that my periodic prodding was having no meaningful effect. I was virtually resigned to the joyless conclusion that there was nothing else I could personally do to help jump-start this stalled coinage project. Yet before I succumbed to defeat, my prolonged impatience led me to a “eureka moment” of sorts. I suddenly made a mental connection between New Utopia and fellow Unrecognised States Numismatic Society (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnrecognisedStatesNumismaticSociety/ and http://www.usns.info/) member Jorge Fernández Vidal, who by now had entered into the business of facilitating the production of coins on behalf of numerous “unrecognized states” that lacked the necessary levels of numismatic know-how. Why hadn’t I thought of this solution sooner? After all, Mr. Vidal (see my listings for HADEF and Westarctica) had already established himself quite well as a reputable “project manager” in this fascinating field. I was fairly certain he’d find the Principality to be a suitable candidate for his services. The only question was: would Prince Lazarus be willing to give this new avenue — this prospective partnership — a chance? Surely, if both parties could strike up an accord, Mr. Vidal — with all his expertise — would be able to expedite the striking of the New Utopia medallion. It was with that vestige of hope that I eagerly introduced these two interesting people to one another. And that pretty much sums up my small role as numismatic “matchmaker”. One month later, Mr. Vidal showed me images of the final artwork: “My idea is to release the coins in the first week of January [2007], when Prince Lazarus says that the construction is going to start (I hope so)…If I’ve success with this project, and the construction goes ahead, I will mint other coins for New Utopia.” And, one month after that, the much-anticipated coin — a 2007 One Crown — was finally a reality. From Mr. Vidal, I received a 6-piece set consisting of nickel+Nordic gold, Nordic gold+nickel, nickel+copper, copper, Nordic gold, and silver. The first 3 are actually bi-metallic, insofar as the sculpted bust of Prince Lazarus is coated with a thin layer of the second metal; the technique is similar to the one seen on the 1973 Republic of Minerva coin, as well as on the Dragonfly Dime from the Texas Mint (see my separate listing). “It’s a really special set because there’re just 3 of them in the world. One for you, one for Lazarus, and one for me.”
The One Crown piece can be purchased via the “Merchandise” section of New Utopia’s Web-site. Images of the coin can also be viewed at the Web-site of Mr. Vidal (http://www.jfvcoins.com/Productos/micronations_english=catLN.html) and at the site of Mr. Haseeb Naz’s private collection (http://chiefacoins.com/Database/Micro-Nations/New_Utopia.htm).
Afterwards, the NFA's monetary experimentation led them to produce a limited quantity of thick and weighty coins made of tin. This short-run trial resulted in 2 uniface types, which were then placed in circulation: a round 1 NFASEB (30 pieces) and a triangular ½ NFASEB (20 pieces; the actual denomination does not appear on these), both of which were made in 2004 and 2005. I received a pair from the NFA's monarch. These pieces were the fruit of “an ancient technique” employed by the NFA's metalsmiths: after dutifully carving soapstone to make a matrix for each prototype, the metallurgists then gingerly poured their molten metal into those molds. In one of the online micronationalism forums, someone tried to urge them not to issue these coins because he felt they would not be a worthy successor to the wooden coin. It was his opinion that the tin coins would not meet the aesthetic expectations of many numismatists, thereby tarnishing “the good reputation” earned by the NFA's earlier coin. Though I disagree with his conclusion, I enjoy the witty manner in which he phrased it: “To cast, casts your nation into disrepute.” These soapstone-cast coins are but a “stage in the evolution of the NFA's coinage,” and I've been assured “that great things are still to come.”
In 2006, they released a 1 NFASEB. Though this coin has been minted in bronze, silver, and gold, the piece I obtained (from Mr. Oded Paz) is made of copper-nickel. It is supposedly one of the few examples struck in this metal that isn't in the hands of official NFA citizens, because this particular version was not intended for collectors; it was strictly reserved for distribution within the borders of their micronation.
Their Web-site is: http://www.northern-forest-archipelago.org/
Details about the coin can be found at: http://northern-forest-archipelago.org/coin.html
Images of the NFA's coinage and currency can also be viewed at the Coin Library of the USNS (http://www.usns.info/coin-nfa.html), at the Web-site of Mr. Jorge Fernández Vidal (http://www.jfvcoins.com/Productos/micronations_english=catLN.html), and at the Web-site of Mr. Peter Geelen (http://www.jezuss.nl/nfa.htm).
“NOVA ROMA is a sovereign nation. We see ourselves as the direct spiritual successors to the Roman Empire itself, although we have deliberately turned back to the best of the Republican era for our political insitutions and forms. To this end, we have created a Constitution that details the political and religious mechanisms by which our nation operates.” Nova Roma was born on February 28th, 1998 (on “the day before the Kalends of Martius, in the year 2,750” AUC), when “the Senate and People of Nova Roma issued a declaration to the world announcing our formal investiture as a sovereign nation and outlining our broadest goals.” The “fathers of the country” are Flavius Vedius Germanicus and Marcus Cassius Iulianus. They are the ones who actually issued the Declaratio and publicly proclaimed the founding of Nova Roma (an event that is still celebrated). The earliest citizenships were granted starting the very next day, March 1 (the first day of 2,751 AUC). “In declaring ourselves to be a sovereign nation, we have taken a bold step, but hardly one that is without precedent. The concept of ‘model nations’ or ‘micronations’ is one that has grown significantly in recent decades, and it is in that spirit that our sovereignty is proclaimed. Even though we do make modest territorial claims in ‘the real world’, and are completely serious in making them, we have also established, as one of our most basic tenets in this regard, that we wish to achieve these goals peacefully and consensually”. Two more principles are given: “We will never, ever, under any circumstances, resort to or condone the use of force, coercion, or intimidation of any sort to achieve our territorial goals.” And, “We will always respect the spirit and letter of the laws of the countries of which we are citizens and in which we reside.” In other words, they will not engage in any radical activities. “We will either purchase our territories legally or have them given to us freely by those who see the righteousness of our cause. Until then we are content to function as a ‘government in exile’. We do, however, have a national flag (the flag is a use-protected TradeMark of Nova Roma). We do not as of yet have a national anthem. As an independent and sovereign nation, Nova Roma does engage in foreign relations with other nations.”
The following text used to be part of the Nova Roma Web-site, but I can no longer find it. Most of it, however, can now be seen at the Web-site of the Provincia of Dacia (the Nova Roma provincia which comprises the territory of Romania and Moldova; http://www.dacia-novaroma.org/novaroma.htm) and the Web-site of Nova Britannia (the New England Provincia of Nova Roma; http://novabritannia.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=62): “An integral part of the activities of NOVA ROMA is the Religio Romana, the ancient faith of the people of Rome. Both the household religion and the so-called state religion are vital to the Religio Romana, and both are represented in the practices of NOVA ROMA. Our long-term goal is the restoration of the ancient priestly Collegia and the honoring of the full cycle of Roman holidays throughout the year. For now, we must make do with a schedule that is practical and the training of individuals who wish to take up the sacred offices. Also important for NOVA ROMA is the Via Romana, a general revival of all other aspects of Roman culture, from cookery to literature, philosophy and the arts. A core aspect of the Roman culture which NOVA ROMA endeavors to revive is what are known as the Roman Virtues. These virtues are what gave a small city on the banks of the Tiber the moral and practical strength to govern much of the world, and are most sorely lacking in our society today. Another aspect of the Roman culture in NOVA ROMA is the promotion of the Lingua Latina, the only language in which those virtues and that culture ever found their most authentic and universal expression. By promoting Roman culture, we are in effect promoting nothing less than the revitalization of Western society. By practicing Roman crafts and arts, we more fully understand our own Western roots. NOVA ROMA is more than a historical recreation society, although we are that. We are more than a pagan religious organization, although we are that, too. We are more than a classical studies group, but that falls within our purview as well. We are nothing less than a sovereign nation; an attempt to re-create the best of classical pagan Rome (with a few compromises to modern times)”.
According to Nova Roma’s FAQ page, a person need not practice Roman religion to join the organization: “We have absolutely no interest in the private religious lives of any of our citizens. All that's required is a love of all things Roman. Although most of our citizens are currently Polytheists of one ilk or another, and the public ‘State’ religion of Nova Roma is the Religio Romana, we do not require ordinary citizens to practice Roman Polytheism. Magistrates, because they are not only civil servants but also have functions within the Religio Romana, must at least be willing to fulfill those religious functions.” To join Nova Roma, a person does not have to be of Roman or Italian heritage, nor does he/she have to know Latin or Greek.
According to the same FAQ section, Nova Roma is “completely serious about our declaration of sovereignty. However, we are also very realistic and do not expect to function as an actual sovereign nation with our own territory in the foreseeable future. We look at it in three ways; as a long-term goal towards which we can reach, as a very convenient way to organize the administration of Nova Roma (especially given our Roman orientation), and as necessary for the full and complete restoration of the Religio Romana (since many religious duties were inherently tied to the State).” Nova Roma’s territorial ambitions are definitely for real. According to the Web-site of the Julian Society (http://www.juliansociety.org/NovaRomaLand.html), “In April, 2003 the Senate of Nova Roma approved the purchase of a 10-acre ranch in Texas, USA. (Nova Roma's America Austroccidentalis Provincia.) This land is a symbol of Nova Roma's dedication to our future goal of a larger world capital. It is also is a confirmation of Nova Roma's existence as a viable organization with practical real world objectives. Ownership of land was of great importance in many aspects of ancient Roman culture, and we believe that Nova Roma acquiring this first piece of property is significant on many levels. This property is the first land to be owned by a Republic of the ‘Senate and People’ of Rome in nearly two thousand years. For the first time in centuries, classical Roman culture, religion and civilization hold a physical place of their own. It is our hope that this land is a symbol of the return of the best of the best aspects of Rome to the modern world, and that Rome will continue to grow and prosper internationally from this simple beginning. The parcel of land Nova Roma has purchased is located in Culberson County in West Texas. The land serves both as a symbolic world capital, and also as our ager publicus (public land). Any Citizen of Nova Roma is welcome to visit it should they travel to the area. Currently the land owned by Nova Roma is undeveloped. As more Citizens join our America Austroccidentalis Provincia, the land may be used for several purposes, including gatherings, Religio Romana rites, historical encampments, or even the raising of a physical building such as a temple. (This area of Texas is very similar to parts of such ancient Eastern Provinces as Dacia, Moesia and Armenia. It would make an excellent place to research various aspects of Roman frontier military and civilian life.) Ultimately, Nova Roma's goal is to own at least 108 contiguous acres of land, where we hope to build an administrative world capital as a cultural and spiritual homeland for our Citizens living around the world. This land is our first step toward that goal. Nova Roma may obtain other land and/or properties as well by purchase or donation to continue working toward a true manifestation for our community. (Nova Roma is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization incorporated in the United States, meaning donations of land or money ad fundos res (land fund) are tax-deductible for American citizens.)” According to the “Certamen Historicum” (historical quiz) section of the Nova Roma Web-site, “The land was purchased by M. Cassius Iulianus and he donated it to Nova Roma.”
Their first coin, which commemorates the founding of Nova Roma, is a year MMDCCLI (2751/1998) 1 Sestertius (actually minted in MMDCCLIII — 2753/2000). Its common name is the “Declaratio” (because it commemorates the “publication of the Declaratio as the founding event of Nova Roma”). I obtained it from the co-founder, Marcus Cassius Julianus (cassius622@aol.com). Later, from Mr. Oded Paz, I purchased their second coin: the 2758/2005 Sestertius (actually minted in 2759/2006). Its common name is the “Quadriga” (because it depicts a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses abreast). The piece appears to be undated, but the Latin legend on its reverse (“FR-APVLO-C-LAENATE-COS”/When Franciscus Apulus and Gaius Laenatus were consuls), while a little difficult to interpret, actually signifies the consular date for the year MMDCCLVIII. “For legal purposes these are trade tokens for use within Nova Roma, not an attempt to undermine the common currency of any macronation.” The purpose of the coins include: “To build an active trade economy for Nova Roma”; “To act as a promotional/collectable item to encourage public interest in Nova Roma”; “To be a physical token of sovereignty, available to all Citizens”; “To help provide a Roman atmosphere at live Nova Roma events”; “To enhance Nova Roma's status as a viable organization”; “To help build a legacy for Nova Roma” (after all, coins can last centuries); “To provide a Roman item that can be used as an offering to the deities of the Religio Romana.” How can a person acquire these “trade tokens”? They are customarily placed in actual circulation at all of the Republic's gatherings (such as the annual Roman Days): “Nova Roma coins will be made available for purchase and trade at Nova Roma events, through the official Provinciae, and through other vendors, supplies permitting…Nova Roma sets the redemption value of its coins at 50 US cents (or the equivalent in other currencies) to 1 Sestertius. Nova Roma guarantees to redeem coins at this value so that they may be used as trade coinage at events, within NR Provinciae, trade with Ordo Equester vendors and more. Coins that have been deliberately defaced or altered are non-reedemable.” The official site for both issues of the Sestertius Signum is: http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Sestertius_Signum.
Images of Nova Roma's coinage can also be viewed at the Coin Library of the USNS (http://www.usns.info/coin-novaroma.html), at the Web-site of Mr. Haseeb Naz (http://chiefacoins.com/Database/Micro-Nations/Nova-Roma.htm), and at the Web-site of Mr. Peter Geelen (http://www.jezuss.nl/novaroma.htm).Return to the Main Index