"The "performance art" theft from the British Museum is a misguided attempt to focus discussion on the issue and only succeeds in degrading public trust in this foundational institution. If the artist wishes to improve security and access at the BM, there are far more constructive ways to do so. Instead, this "act" of public shaming merely encourages would-be thieves to engage in the worst sort of theft, one that steals from everyone at once."

I had to restrain myself from using the word "stunt" more than once in my commentary last week. I should have also put "performance art" in quotes - it may have been a performance, but I wouldn't call it art, either. Just a weird, sad stunt.

Michael Kodysz passed along this additional article. Thanks, everyone. -Editor

"There's a bit of a slip in the description of the first image in the "defaced coins" article in last week's newsletter, as the monarch on the shilling isn't George III but William III ("GVLIELMVS"). The B mintmark shows it's one of the coins struck in Bristol during the recoinage of 1696-97. "

Great catch - thanks. -Editor

"Do you know what year the first edition of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (SCWPM) - Specialized Issues was released?"

I did not, and since I was travelling I reached out to former SCWPM editor George Cuhaj, who was also travelling and unable to assist. However, Ken was later able to find the answer, and he submitted this summary for our readers. Thank you. -Editor

"At a conference in York we received an award from the Royal Numismatic Society for one of the two "best publications relating to the late Roman coinage of the Western Empire after the currency reforms of Aurelian....The award acknowledges your contribution to the study of numismatics in the late Roman period."

"The other award recipient was Eleanor Ghey of the British Museum for her study of Tetrarchic hoards.

"You posted publication announcements for both books in earlier issues. I've attached a copy of our award letter from the conference.

"Readers interested in purchasing our book can follow this link to Charlie Davis's website. He is the US distributor of the book:
https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/charles_davis/44/product/
cloke__toone_london_mint_of_constantius__constantine_
2nd_edition/2093379/Default.aspx

Eleanor's book is available from the British Museum at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recent-Discoveries-Tetrarchic-
Britain-Context/dp/0861592360/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1 "

Congratulations! -Editor