"Adrian Gonzalez Salinas inquired about the first printing (2nd edition) of Dale Birdsell's book on KKK tokens. Somewhere a few years ago I bought a small hoard of 20-25 copies of this, and would be pleased to offer them to E-Sylum readers at $25 each, including postage.

"I don't actually know how to tell the difference, as I never knew there were two printings until the article in The E-Sylum.

"I checked the version I have, and all the specific photos mentioned were dark or indistinct, so presumably the first printing. Also I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that the second printing would be stated as such on the title or copyright page."

Thanks. Good to have an answer. Rex can be reached at rexstark@yahoo.com . -Editor

"I especially enjoyed the dime update, the Roman Hoard discovery, the Viking coins found in Denmark and the New Jersey time capsule.

"Pierre Flandin's connection to Robert Gilmor Jr. and Baltimore aroused my curiosity. Because there's a Gilmor Street in the city, I went looking to see what I could find out about him."

Jim found some interesting articles related to Gilmore and I passed them on to Joel Orosz. He also confirmed that FNN reporter Rhonda Guess later worked at a Fox News Channel in Chicago, BET, and stations in Texas and California. Thanks! -Editor

"I located a .pdf file of the original Bushnell Historical Account of the First Three Business Tokens Issued in the City of New York. At the end of the very brief document there were a few ads, and I came up with this gem."

Thanks. We mentioned Mitchell once before. Does anyone have additional background on him? -Editor

"I have found references to two historical medals/tokens that I cannot locate images or any other information on. Perhaps a reader can help!

"ca. 1832 during the South Carolina nullification crisis: "South Carolina rang with the rebel yell...Then events turned ominous, for medals were struck bearing the inscription: "John C. Calhoun, First President of the Southern Confederacy." pg 14 of Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy 1833-1845 Vol III Robert V. Remini

"Christian Gobrecht "Coin Work... he engraved brass dies for Morocco covers of the Boston Token, also a large eagle with expanded wings for a Philadelphia token." pg 48 The Venus Numismatics Dictionary of Artists...1792-1977 by Francis Pessolano-Filos."

Interesting questions - can anyone help? -Editor

"Several times I have been asked if the coins struck under Queen Elizabeth are still legal tender, and if they are, will they be called in when the coins of King Charles are circulated. This is a surprising question for coin collectors. The cost of removing vast quantities of coins from circulation and minting their replacements would be staggering. The only example I can think of in modern times was the recall of Commonwealth coins after the Restoration. I suppose you can understand it as those coins would not have been thought quite nice!

"Collectors in this country of a certain age can remember the pre decimal times in the 1970s and earlier when we frequently found coins of George V, George VI, sometimes Edward VII and quite often coins of Victoria in your change. Coins last a long time, perhaps a century or more. Future generations are unlikely to have the delightful experience of finding old coins in their pocket. Perhaps they will not even use coins at all in everyday purchases.

"Long ago the coins of some Roman emperors were deliberately defaced and others called, counter stamped overstruck or melted. Forgive my ignorance, but I do not know if colonial coins were called in after the American War of Independence.

"The coins of her late Majesty will continue to be enjoyed for years and at the same time we look forward to see what new designs and issues are in store for us. God save our new King."

Indeed. Thank you. -Editor

"I am sure that most of the readers here have seen an episode or two of ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW. Very often, the experts will tell the owner of a painting (but not for wood furniture) to clean the canvas, increasing the value. They usually mention that by doing so, will increase the potential value of the item 10-20-30%.

"Then WHY is it considered WRONG to clean a coin, to repair a light damage (rim nick for example). By doing so, the item will no longer be easy to sell and the value will DECREASE substantially. I just do not understand. Can someone, anyone explain this to me ?

"Every time I watch it, I ask myself then why is cleaning a coin (and remember that dealers such as me with years of experience) know how to clean a coin properly and not screw it up, like with toothpaste, pencil eraser, or harsh chemicals. We have learned what is attractive and what is not. To mention that a coin more than 100 years old has been cleaned or has light damage, like evidence of a mount mark and is therefore worth less, is just plain wrong (IMHO). The vast majority of European Talers for example are generally not perfect, as eye appeal should override whether a Mount mark is present."

We've discussed this topic before, but it's always worth revisiting. The answer typically depends on who's talking, who's doing the work and how well they do it.

Your coin has been "doctored". My coin has been "conserved." You and they are ham-handed butchers who ruin nice coins, but my guy is a careful professional. I have every confidence in my friend Bob Evans who carefully conserved most of the coins recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Central America. This work hasn't affected their market value one whit. Other coins and paper money doctored by persons unknown? Debatable.

In the images below, the first coin has deliberately not been conserved because the toning is pleasant. Others came out of the drink much worse looking. After conservation they were beautiful. -Editor