"This week I have been busy writing the prices realized in the Martin sale in my catalog. Even in the inflationary times that we are living in, the prices on some items were quite a surprise to me! Of course the beautiful bindings of many items contributed to the prices! One example, lot 266, a bound set of Lester Merkin catalogs, not rare and obtainable, realized $4750.

"However, other lots without deluxe bindings brought high prices. One lot that caught my eye was lot 208, a European catalog, a Adolph Hess sale, the Ulex collection, lot 208 which realized $450. I looked up my copy in my computer inventory, and saw that I had estimated its value at $30. That made me smile!! "

A few of the prices made me smile, too. I've never invested in fine bindings myself, but have acquired a couple over the years. And while many common items bring much less than they often did several years ago, many scarce and rare pieces have continued to climb and are reaching new heights in today's market. -Editor

"Regarding Ed Kelliher's inquiry about books on individual coins, in addition to Alison Frankel's book about the legendary 1933 Double Eagle, recommended by Joel, there is also David Tripp's Illegal Tender, which covers the same topic."

Correct. Thank you. -Editor

"Do you have Mojave on the list? There's a closeup of an 1893 Double Eagle."

No, we didn't have that one! I checked our E-Sylum archive as well as Brian Healy's BrianRxm Website. Thanks. -Editor

"The Pharos was still standing there in the harbor when ancient Alexandrians were spending this rare hemidrachm on who knows what. This one has weathered the years better than most survivors. RPC IV.4 15820.5 (this coin)"

Thanks! Nice coin. -Editor

"Does anyone know who the submitter of this Delaware quarter design is?"

Good question. Quarterdesigns.com is not the official U.S. Mint website, but I'm not sure if they publish this information. -Editor

I like this one. Using a state outline is often trite and a waste of space, but having the figure cradle the state in her arm makes for a pleasing and balanced design. I think it's better than the chosen design of an equestrian Caesar Rodney. -Editor

"Just curious - how many United States coins do readers know of that have been made with Planchet, Die AND Striking errors? Two errors on one coin are fairly common on lower denominations BUT I've not seen ANY with all three (PDS) errors on dollar coins other than the one pictured below.

"This is one I pulled out of a new Mint bag (With gloves.) of Susan B Anthony dollars in 1979. It STILL remains untouched by human hands. Surely, it's a one-in-a-million coin or rarer! By the way, the bag also held another fragment similar to this one!

"The doubling shows up best under the 'WE' on the obverse and part of Anthony's head on the reverse."

Great error! What do readers think? -Editor

A GUIDE BOOK OF QUARTER EAGLE GOLD COINS, the latest book by Q. David Bowers, will debut soon. Keep abreast of new Whitman Publishing books, folders, and albums online at at Whitman.com , or call 1-800-546-2995.