"Superb range of tributes to Harvey Stack, I first met him in 1976 and he was unfailingly courteous to me from day one, a real numismatist of the old school with a prodigious memory."

"Like many E-Sylum readers, I was saddened to read of the death of Harvey G. Stack, my boss from 1990 until the disappearance of the original Stack's firm through the mergers of the early 2000's. I can testify that he was a one-of-a-kind numismatist and gentleman, just as the original Stack's was a one-of-a-kind numismatic institution. The Stack's did things their way and there was no other! When I arrived in 1990, nearly all cataloging was being done by hand on envelopes and my request for a typewriter was seen as decidedly odd. There was a single computer in the office, belonging to the late Martin Gengerke and reserved solely for setting up the assembled lots for each auction.

"I soon found that Harvey was amazingly loyal to his numismatic professionals, and kept at least three of them on staff even after their health had begun to deteriorate. The Stacks rejected many trends and numismatic fads, notably the 1950-D Nickel spasm and the roll and bag craze of the 1960s; they generally sidestepped the bullion mania of 1979-1981. They categorically rejected numerical grading and slabbing as those innovations swept the marketplace.

"He generally took a remarkably understanding attitude toward fellow dealers who had fallen on hard times, generally working with them to resolve problems, however serious. Woe to that rare individual who might show inappropriate defiance! Harvey valued the name and reputation of Stack's above all things. Years later, following the second merger, I was working at the California offices of a later owner of the company name when a news flash swept across my computer screen, "Great News! The Stack's have rejoined the company!!!" I went to get a cup of coffee and found two young Capifornia types with their organic fruit juice puzzling over the news, "Who are these STACKS they're all talking about!?!" Sic transit gloria...

"Fortunately there can be few numismatists of any experience that are likely to express such bewilderment! There is, instead, the ancient Orthodox Jewish blessing, "May his name be writ large in the Book of Life!""

"Harvey Stack was in the right place at the right time with the right idea as he sat before the U.S. House Banking Committee's Coinage Subcommittee in July 1995 to propose the 50 State Quarters Program, which increased the number of collectible coins issued by the United States Mint. It is ironic that, then and until last week, he was one of the fiercest critics of the Mint for issuing too many coins that it offers at premium prices.

"He loved the hobby and devoted his entire life to numismatics. He hated the idea that a government agency, the United States Mint, intended, in his view, to rip off the numismatic collector once again, and he was never afraid to let the world know what he thought."

"Much of the FUN show is a blur to me, as we were so busy I never did get away from the NGC booth to see what else was happening in the bourse room. As so often happens, however, cool stuff finds me, and this past week was no exception. Coin dealer Dave Wnuck stopped by to present me with something for my collection of coin storage gadgets, and it nearly defies description, but I'll try.

"The object is a strip of rough cloth similar to the material used for mint or bank bags of coins, and that just may have been the source. The strip is 35 inches long, so it was too large to scan in its entirety, but a good section of it is shown in the accompanying photo. Initially 4.5 inches wide, it was folded in half to 2.25 inches. It was then carefully stitched to form dozens of square pockets that are open where the two folded portions meet. This left a series of nice slots into which the owner inserted half cents, thus forming a sort of money belt to house his collection of same. The raised outlines of the coins it once held remain quite visible.

"Dave told me that there were several of these "belts" for various denominations. I thought this was a terrific item to display, and I thank Dave for remembering my collecting interest."

Cool. Thanks! -Editor

"The Thomaston Maine 1792 Indian Peace Medal is definitely bogus although it is far superior to the many cast primitive fakes seen at gun shows & on eBay. It appears to be somewhat skillfully engraved, having a charming counter marked suspension attachment. The Thomaston auction house, reputable & long standing, very likely knows the medal is bogus with its mere $2500 starting bid.

"I attached images of the finest known condition oval silver Geo Washington Richardson - engraved ( 1793 ) Indian Peace medal, Ex WH Hunter 1920 Chapman sale."

Thanks! -Editor

"The January 2nd issue had information about the Cuban 1922 Sugar medal. This stirred my interest, and now I would like to find a well-illustrated reference book on Cuban medals and proclamation medals. Catalog or book suggestions would be heartily appreciated."

Can anyone help? I came across one old reference this week - see the following item. -Editor

Monetario Americano is an 1892 book by Alejandro Rosa which describes some 1,571 coins and medals of North and South America, Cuba and Haiti. I came across it this week and we added a copy to the Newman Portal.

One piece intrigued me, and I wanted to ask readers about it. Item #23 is from the Puebla de los angeles. Los Angeles was part of Mexico from 1821 to 1848, so does this piece have a U.S. connection? It is even the same Los Angeles? -Editor

"I'm intrigued by this token! Does anyone know of other examples of coins or tokens made with a hole through a regal portrait?"

Good question. Thoughts, readers? -Editor

"I am looking for a photo of an 8 reales countermarked for Castlecomer in Ireland. I believe there is an obverse photo of a 1799 host in Krause Standard Catalog of World Coins 1801-1900> published in 1999 2nd edition on page 729. I enclose a photo of the cover of the edition I believe to have this photo. If any of your readers are able to check their libraries I would be most grateful. If the photo is found would it be possible to have a photo or scan of the relevant page, sent to you for me?"

Can anyone help? -Editor

"I enjoyed reading the piece about the English penny collection for sale etc. but beg to differ about the comment that the "pound" was the longest-lasting denomination. The longest-lasting denomination is easily the Chinese "Wu Zhu". It started in 119 B.C. and clearly was still made into the 10th century. The Tarter Dynasties may have made rare issues of them even a few centuries later. It established an official standard weight for coins that lasted until 1945 A.D. (not always followed, just like the pound.). It established a standard linear measurement (Han Dynasty) inch that lasted until modern times. It also established a "standard coin" name that was used for much longer called, in varied cultures translated: wen, ch'ien, cash, others."

Thank you. -Editor

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