The E-Sylum:  Volume 5, Number 52, December 29, 2002, Article 7

LAPA COUNTERFEITS

  Bill Rosenblum adds: "However, murderers and
  counterfeiters as one are not new.  The late Frank Lapa
  was one. Frank was perhaps one of the most knowledgeable
  US dealers in foreign coins in the 1960's and early 70's but
  had many flaws.  He was a counterfeiter and maker of
  fantasies of many different coins, among them rare Russian
  wire money.

  At the 1973 Boston ANA I had a beautiful gold wire coin
  that a client had given me on consignment. I showed it to a
  potential customer and his first words to me were, "Ah, a
  Lapa."  A year or so later he wrote me a letter (these were
  the days way before the fax and email) asking me how much
  I would pay for a 1947 Palestine coin, (A very rare date,
  most of which were melted due to the impending
  independence of Israel). While the letter did not specifically
  say it, it sounded like if I offered Frank enough money he
  would make it for me.

  Sadly, not too long after that Frank was arrested for the
  murder of his ex-partner in California."

  [I feel compelled to add that opinions expressed are
  those of the writers and not the Numismatic Bibliomania
  Society.   Interesting, though.  Can anyone provide us with
  references to the Lapa counterfeits or his arrest?   Was he
  convicted?  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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