"For me, original handwritten or typed letters are much more valuable than copies. I especially like letters on original letterhead."

Me, too. I was never classy enough to get myself a letterhead. My physical correspondence was printed on plain printer paper. Now my correspondence is pretty much digital only. -Editor

"I was very happy to read the announcement in the September 24, 2023, E-Sylum edition, regarding the Newman Portal and S&S Library, LLC's Team to Digitize Literature of Ancient Numismatics. As someone who mainly collects ancient coins from various cultures, this is going to be a most welcomed addition to the already wonderful Newman Numismatic Portal. It can be difficult to find specialized reading materials on ancient coinage beyond Rome and Greece. I have been focusing on Central Asian cultures lately and the latter is especially difficult to find authoritative literature that's published in English."

Yes, this will be a great expansion for the portal, and will be helpful to many people in many ways. Thanks and good luck to all involved. -Editor

"The article VIETNAM'S DAMAGED MONEY COLLECTORS reminded me of an experience in the Philippines in July 2022. I went to a Western Union office in one of the big malls in Bonifacio Global City, the financial business district in Taguig in Metro Manila. I was exchanging a small amount of U.S. cash, a couple hundred dollars, for Philippine pesos. I was surprised when two of my $20 Federal Reserve Notes were rejected. The cashier politely and professionally pointed out that each of them had a tiny tear --- normal circulation wear, from my perspective, but I've since learned that any paper currency less than perfect runs the risk of being refused. If it's written on, stained, has a corner torn off, a small rip, etc., exchange offices won't run the risk of it being counterfeit. Take out whatever folding-cash you might have in your wallet or pocket at the moment. Is it flawless? Maybe, but probably not! Next time I'm abroad I'll only bring premium-quality Uncirculated cash."

Wow, that's harsh. Thanks for the story - a good warning for travelers to the Philippines. -Editor

"I read with great sadness about the death of Dale Seppa. Alfred Buonaguro's memorial was so well written and virtually every word exemplified my experience too. I never met Dale either but we communicated for a number of years on a number of subjects. It all started when I read Dale's plea for some auction catalogues to be searched. I was at the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge at the time so they were all to hand. I was able to do the searches and reported back to Dale. He was so pleased even though I found nothing, because to Dale that was a positive in his never-ending searches. This search was on the RA/AR countermarks on Ecuadorian coins for the Galapagos. There were other searches that followed and much email communication. I shall miss that very much as I shall miss Dale."

"I found your articles online pertaining to Doyle's coin collection. My brother and I recently inherited my grandfather's coin collection and found two coins from the sale in 1968. We were looking for information about the coins and if you had any info on the value? Any information would be appreciated."

Nice find. Can anyone help? Does anyone have a copy of the Fall 1968 price list of Manfra, Tordella, & Brookes? -Editor

"Zinc cents are worthless! I recently learned what happens when these useless coins whirl around in a clothes dryer for several weeks."

Cool. Still sorta looks like Abe. -Editor