Friend Dick,

In your run-up discussion to your definitions of So-Called Dollars and Souvenir Medals you state: "Since the term 'so-called dollar' is so fuzzy and indistinct I believe it should be replaced with a more accurate term, say Souvenir Medal. So I have added it to today's terms. It would not eliminate any existing medals from those already assigned and listed in HK, but would, in fact, add more varieties, as a larger medal to the dollar size of so-called dollars."

Unfortunately, those absolutes will come back to bite you nearly every time (at least they do me). HK-720 & the newly added HK-720a from the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida are actually made from a hollow blown plastic with a seam around the edge. The HK catalog simply lists them as "gilt" but does not specify an underlying material - they are painted or plated a gold color over the plastic. The hollow plastic composition makes sense as they were reportedly used as "throws" from floats during the festival parade. These two pieces listed pieces definitely were not struck on a coining press.

Additionally, HK-916, the God And Freedom Medal, would need an asterisk as the first part of the production of this piece was cast in silver and later pieces were struck in silver. I have handled both varieties and several were plainly cast.

Although I have never handled or seen the medal, HK-502, the Sacramento Dollar raises some suspicion due to the gold plated lead composition and the very soft design & strike of the example pictured in the HK catalog. A coining press struck lead medal normally would appear much sharper.

Those are the pieces that come quickly to mind that may not fit your definition parameters. I'm not in love with the Coin-Medal and Souvenir Medal terms but then again I've never cared much for So-Called Dollars, paranumismatics and exonumia either.

I am honored to be the recipient of Dick Johnson's "Order of the Peacock Award". Thank you Dick for the prestigious recognition you have bestowed on me. I will proudly wear this rare numismatic virtual decoration.

Check out my #1 from Salt Lake City FIVE UNITS OF LABOR. G/VG with tattered edges. Not the greatest shape but still great color and detail. Thanks for all your fine work!

I read the story by George Manz about the HBC Promissory note with interest. However, I was disappointed to read only part the story about Meti leader Louis Riel. The article mentioned he went to exile in the US for fear he might be tried and hanged for treason. When in fact that is exactly what happened. He didn't just "fear" it would happen, it did happen. The Anglophone fanatics which seized power in Manitoba after his exile managed to capture, try and hang Louis Riel for treason upon his return in the 1880s. We need to remember that sanitized history is just fake news in reverse.

We sold to FCI in the mid 70's and dealt with Maurice Rosen who still is loosely involved in the business with his advisory newsletter. Was not aware Taxay was employed there; it had to have been only for a short time.

While reading The E-Sylum it occurred to me that Walter Breen's outbursts at the Middlesex Coin Club came right around the time he decamped to Berkeley to more fully develop his proto-hippie lifestyle. It may be that he was having a particularly difficult time at New Netherlands Coin Company in NYC, which is not hard to imagine at all, and that probably enhanced his inherent grumpiness in front of the coin club. I can imagine John J. Ford being merciless to him, as their only shared interests were numismatics and a contempt for most other persons on planet Earth.

Some of your readers may find this of interest.

I have a book that unfortunately has a musty smell. I don't believe that it was ever wet, nor has any pages stuck together, just the smell. Perhaps our readers will have a suggestion that can help me get rid of this odor?