I read with interest that the SPPN meeting at the 2008 ANA resulted in the unanimous classification of the 1853 USAOG $20s and $50s as "transfer die forgeries". This is the only conclusion possible based on the physical evidence of the pieces, which first came to the marketplace in the spring of 1958.

I'm currently working on a book about John J. Ford, Jr., and the marketing of the "Franklin Hoard" materials. As many already know, Paul Franklin was the one who delivered most of these pieces to Ford, although he was not the source.

There are different versions (from Ford) as to how and when Franklin acquired these items, and it has been difficult trying to determine the truth. My work-in-progress book will provide valid source documents to help clarify this situation. Plans are to have it ready around the end of the year.