"Back in 2011, there were numerous articles in The E-Sylum referencing Sophia Banks who was a prominent and important collector from the late 18th century whose collections (at least in part) were posthumously donated to the British Museum. Subsequently, in E-Sylum Vol. 15, no. 9 (Feb. 26, 2012), there is a review of a magnificent book by David Dykes entitled, "Coinage and Currency in Eighteenth Century Britain" that was published by Spink in 2011.

It isn't mentioned in the short review there but this book is dedicated to Ms. Banks and, more importantly, the text contains quite a bit of biographical information about her as well as an overview of the developing interest in collecting these coins in general. Bibliophiles will find the chapter that traces the evolution of the various contemporary catalogues of these pieces to be both enjoyable and enlightening and they may even see similarities with later collecting patterns in North America from the late 19th century. I point this out merely so that bibliophiles won't overlook this important text in the belief that it is a collector's guide to the series which it most definitely is not!"

Thanks! -Editor

"I was really saddened to read of Jim's death, although I knew his health wasn't good. Rather than write about him, I think my dedication to him in the second edition of Virginia Tokens, which was published in 2015, conveys my feelings about him:

"This book is dedicated to James C. Ruehrmund who, while a naval officer living in Norfolk, allowed this young and very inquisitive collector to spend numerous hours studying the vast and diverse array of numismatic items in his coin cabinet. The time he took to patiently answer what he must have thought to be a never-ending barrage of questions made me aware that there was much more to the hobby than just U.S. coins. Those visits were, in large part, the foundation for my lifelong interest in numismatics. Thanks, Jim."

Sounds like my kind of guy! -Editor

"His obit is in Saturday Richmond Times-Dispatch. He was 94."

"I am researching the C. & P. MELLUS / DETROIT counterstamped Large Cent pictured below for a TAMS Journal article. I would like to know if any E-Sylum readers are aware of the existence of another example. My coin has been counterstamped on an 1850 Large cent, as has the coin listed in Dr. Brunk's catalog. C & P Mellus were saw manufacturers, so possibly this is a one-off made from a die used to mark their tools. The catalog does not note the slashes which decorate the obverse and reverse borders. Any information or insight would be appreciated."

I don't believe I've ever seen one of these. Can anyone help? Thanks. -Editor

"One more note on Joe Levine. Joe was very pleased with his TAMS presidential medal, and mentioned it to me on a number of occasions. When I received my presidential medal from the New York Numismatic Club, Joe insisted we exchange medals. However, when I told him that mine was much better, he wouldn't hear of it, claiming his own was a work of art. A few months later when I was in the DC area, I asked Joe to write something on the box of his medal, which can be seen here."

"Here's another Joe Levine inscription, this on a copy of his November 1997 auction sent to John Ford."

Thanks! These are great. The first part reads, "To John Ford - Who has the chutzpah to ask for 2 more copies of this valuable sale when he has not given me a consignment worth spit in the last two years!" You're on your own to read the last part. Great and unique sense of humor. -Editor

"In the last E-Sylum, the town of Ninety Six (the article spells it as Ninety-Six), S.C., is mentioned in the Liberian Exodus article. Another interesting fact about the town is the following:

"William S. Voiselle (1/29/19 – 1/31/05) was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the New York Giants (1942–47), Boston Braves (1947–49) and Chicago Cubs (1950). Although he was born in Greenwood, S.C., he grew up in the nearby town of Ninety Six. He received special permission from the National League to wear the number 96 on his jersey as a way to honor his hometown. At the time, this was the highest number ever worn in major league baseball. He is also the only player to wear the name of his "hometown" on his jersey."

Interesting. Near my hometown of Pittsburgh is the town of Eighty Four, PA. The origin of the name is uncertain. The origin of Tenino (based on the number ten-nine-oh (1090) - perhaps a railroad station number - is similarly uncertain. But Tenino can't be the only number-named town with a numismatic connection. Can anyone supply us with images of tokens, medals or paper money from Eighty Four, Ninety Six or other number-named towns? -Editor

"Harry Waterson's contribution about the March of Dimes reminded me of a lapel pin in my collection that features the image of a Mercury Dime for the 1939 MOD campaign. I acquired this almost 30 years ago simply to photograph it for my book on Mercury Dimes. My new, color photo is attached."

Cool item! Thanks. -Editor

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