Regarding the Gorny & Mosch Fall Auctions 249-251 press release, the statement that the "Continental Dollar…was produced in the United States of America in 1776" is pure, unsubstantiated hype and speculation. ZERO evidence has ever published that these pieces were produced in the US, that they have any relationship to the Continental Congress, or even that they are supposed to be dollars.

There is way too much "received knowledge" in numismatics and way too little honest skepticism of it.

The September/October 2017 issue of The Magazine ANTIQUES has a well-written and nicely illustrated article on Indian Peace Medals (pp. 64-71). This article, "Tokens of friendship, tools of diplomacy," was written by Robert McCracken Peck of Drexel University. The focus is mostly on the use of the medals by English and French explorers, though he also discusses the Washington and Jefferson IPMs. The many photos are of medals and paintings/engravings are from various museum collections, except for one I think.

Although not directly numismatic, another article in the same issue, "Thomas Jefferson's Letter Rack" (pp.92-95), discusses an intricate piece of modern wood carving. The central portion of this piece features a carved limewood Jefferson IPM. Although it's a modern piece done in 17th century style, it's nevertheless an amazing object.

The hard copy of the magazine just landed in my mailbox and is not yet available online. Soon however, I believe you will be able to buy a copy on the bottom of the ANTIQUES website http://www.themagazineantiques.com/ if you want.

As a book author, I was interested in the last E-Sylum issue's comments re: book marketing. Much is said about an author's platform. It's how potential readers become aware of you. I found Twitter to be a big help for me. This was for a novel published in 2014. Marketing coin books might be a little more tricky as the audience is rather limited. I tweet links to articles & my blog. I used to have a website, too. Wish I still had one!

I can totally commiserate with Gary Beals' difficulty in selling his book. I did a print run of 200 copies for my book about Philippine "guerrilla" notes. I am still sitting on about 130 copies. However, one should not assume that I sold 70 copies. I first had to give free copies to everyone who made major contributions to my research. So, after I subtract those books, the number I sold was a lot less. In fact, I am still in the red with respect to the book.

There was a major write-up about the book in the local Filipino newspaper. Sales generated - zero. I attended San Diego's two-day long Coinarama and sat at a table with my book & a big sign saying "Meet the Author". Sales generated - one (and that was to a co-worker from my college). The few other places that mentioned my book, e.g. E-Sylum, Bank Note Reporter, etc., at the very most generated two sales each.

One thing I know for sure is that my next book will have a much smaller print run.

To reach the middle aged man to introduce him to coin collecting, I have a suggestion – sell the wife first. I had this discussion with Dave Bowers once who was seeking just such ideas. My concept was to mount a campaign aimed at modern wives – say, in women's magazines – stressing the good features of numismatics.

Under the headline, Every Hubby Needs a Hobby, point out in a campaign that collecting coins has significantly more benefits than many other male leisure activities. Granted it entails spending money, but with wise purchases the coins may increase in value which can become part of a retirement program, or a profit to be realized for any reason after holding the coins for a number of years.

List the pleasures of collecting coins, like learning something new, learn about art, history and finance. Socialize with some new friends with similar interests in club meetings and coin conventions.

A wife will know best how to influence her husband, perhaps subtly as "I found this coin, hon, in my folk's papers; can you find out something about it?" Or more forceful, "I bought this group of old coins and proof sets; I want you to have a hobby, start collecting coins."

This Jackson portrait reminds me of SOMEBODY, but I'll be damned if I know who. I'm thinking actor or game show host. Suggestions, anyone?

Looks like former Senator Gary Hart to me.

Charlton Heston played Andrew Jackson in the 1953 film, THE PRESIDENT'S LADY with Susan Hayward Heston played Jackson again in 1958 in the film THE BUCANNER with Yul Brynner.

Creepy Jackson (a great band name, by the way) looks like a cross between Chuck Woolery and Paul Harvey.

The portrait looks like game show host Chuck Woolery to me.