"This tragically ironic Russian medal came in this week - I thought it might be of interest in the current international climate. It doesn't seem that long ago when my flight home had to circle for 45 minutes while Mikhail Gorbachev landed ahead of us on a good will trip to Minneapolis. Things change.

"Highly polished aluminum, 40mm, one of the most unusual relic or "made from" items I've handled."

Times (and leaders) do change. Great item. Thanks. -Editor

Last week I published a questionable "Congress of the C. S. A." medal, wondering if it were genuine. I thought I'd hear from multiple readers. Only one of you responded, but I wasn't surprised it was Alan Weinberg. -Editor

"That CSA Stand Waite Indian Peace medal is a total fantasy. Never awarded by the CSA and never used as an Indian Peace Medal. The well known Wyon London produced Confederate shell emblems under glass in a special presentation case, known to exist by the 100's today (or a cast of it), was used to produce this modern-made cockamamie fantasy."

The last time I heard the word "cockamamie" was a report of John J. Ford, Jr. trying to dissuade another bidder for a lot he was interested in, bellowing "Whaddya want this put-together cockamamie thing for?" The report came from Alan. Anyway, Alan reported his opinion of this piece to the auction house, providing names of four prominent dealers he thought would confirm his observation. The head of the auction house called Alan back to report they would be withdrawing the lot. The lot description page has been taken down. Will the item go back to the consignor, only to reappear on the market another day? Time will tell. Let's keep our eyes open. -Editor

"The late Albert Levin of Chicago served in the US Army Medical Corps during World War II. The first Europeans they met as they stepped off the troopship were silversmiths and jewelers, clamoring to buy any US silver coins they had in their pockets. They had no sources of silver and they would buy coins or trade hand-crafted silver items like match boxes or cigarette cases for large numbers of our coins. That was a story I never encountered in my numismatic travels."

Me neither! Our ranks of WWII vets are thinning. Does anyone recall seeing or hearing about this? Thanks. -Editor

Co-author Steve Nash reports that the web pages for his new book with Larry Lee have been fixed. Thanks. See the earlier article or follow the direct links below. -Editor

"I've handled many of these 'Silver Swedish Pioneers in America Medal', as the symbolism is so poignant. And they sell well with world viewership on eBay, as we currently have one up (with clasp removed-making it more medal-like).

"Medals & Tokens are great, especially the unique 'new finds' of which we've listed a few in recent months, such as a Bonifay (Florida) C. A. Miller token, a Laurel Hill (Virginia) 25c Good-For or the New Haven Italian Circle token, as well.

"In our search for new discovery (domestic & world) tokens, I come across fascinating pins, fobs etc, as well, such as this, not unique, but early IBM example from 1939 or Knights Templar of Florida 1910 etc.

"Happy collecting to all!"

Cool items. Thanks. -Editor

David Luftig passed along this 1962 newspaper advertisement offering free silver dollars with a purchase. Thanks. -Editor