"Having retired from my day job nearly three years ago, I continue with my numismatic book business, which I've done for 32 years now. My recent acquisitions included a copy of The Star Coin Book Junior of which I had never before seen an example. Of course I did a Google search, which is where I popped up your name, regarding this, published in The E-sylum many years ago.

"You mentioned the pamphlet as being rare, and I certainly agree as this is the first one I have ever come across even though I've sold lots and lots of Max Mehl material through the years. As you can see from the pictures this little pamphlet is in excellent shape, and although it says the 12th edition on both cover and the title page, it is undated. The latest date of coin listed inside is 1907.

"Have you found more copies of additional editions? Also, do you know which year of publication Mehl's cover picture changed from the Flatiron building to his better-known, later building? Thanks in advance for your help."

Wow - that is in great shape. No, I've never been able to acquire another copy. My copies are packed away at the moment, but here's what I wrote back in our July 20, 2003 issue: -Editor

"One of Mehl's scarcest publications is The Star Coin Book Junior, a smaller version yet, priced at 25 cents. I have two examples in my library, both undated. The first is lacking the front and back covers, but the title page states "Sixth Edition." The second example is in superb shape, but presents a new mystery: the cover states "sixteenth edition" but the title page states "fifteenth edition." Does anyone have other editions of this little book?"

I checked our archives and don't believe we've ever gotten a response to my question -- until now. This is why we put our archives on the open web - it can be many years later when someone types in a search query that a new connection is made.

So Bruce's copy (12th edition) is different from either of mine (6th and 15th/16th editions). I illustrated the 15th/16th one in my June 19, 2016 Numismatic Diary. -Editor

By this edition the cover image had changed to show Mehl's Fort Worth building. I don't know when that first appeared. What can our readers add to the discussion? Who else has examples of The Star Coin Book Junior to report? -Editor