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V4 2001 INDEX       E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 4, Number 15, April 8, 2001, Article 9 MOVEMENT HEATS UP FOR AUCTION HOUSE CODES. Mark Borckardt's note in last week's E-Sylum that he had used three-letter codes to identify auction houses and specific auction lots set off a spate of emails among participants this week. Mark had set three-letter codes for his own use in his research among American auction sales for a wide variety of numismatic items including patterns, medals, Hawaiian, and other items. This issue started when Dick Johnson called for someone to establish uniform symbols -- much like those on the New York Stock Exchange -- and had suggested Karl Moulton do this because he has taken up the mantle of publishing a directory of all American numismatic auction sales. Karl is updating the directory first published by Martin Gengerke in 1984. Here's part of what they said in their emails: Karl Moulton wrote: "Mark's list may become a valuable tool for all of us interested in numismatic auctions. I know Dick will be among the first to utilize it. However my compilation covers only forty different cataloguers, while Mark's list would cover them all [Gengerke's listings] from the 1850s to the present. I would like to see some feedback from others as to its usability and acceptance. If readily used and understood ... it needs to be presented." Dick Johnson wrote: "Mark has accomplished what I had hoped someone would do, as I tried to get Karl Moulton to do when I learned Martin Gengerke was no longer interested in continuing his directory of auction catalogs, and Karl had taken up the mantel. I longed for a list of three-letter auction house codes. Mark, here you have performed the feat. It seems you are always a step ahead of me." Further, Dick wrote: This is an unabashed appeal for a response from E-Sylum readers. If you have ever done research in more than one auction catalog, or if you have done price history research in American auction catalogs, please send an email to Karl. Tell him listing these codes would be a desirable feature in his directory and a service to all numismatists. It would help establish an industry-wide standard we could all use. Write to him today at Numiscats@aol.com"

Wayne Homren, Editor

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