"After reviewing the two pages of sewn cash coins, it seems they are all common, low-grade Chinese pieces. Based on this observation, I can reasonably predict that the rest of the pages would contain similar coins. The chances of finding a Wado Kaichin (Japanese coin made in 708 CE) in this collection are very small. However, miracles do happen."

Thanks for having a look! -Editor

"A word about the late Dick August: I first met him in 1976. Although not widely known, he collected "Oriental" cash coins and amassed quite an impressive collection.

"Back in 1976, he owned two struck copies of the George Clinton cent, one holed at $300 and another without a hole for $350. I initially ordered the $350 piece but decided to return it, as that was a significant amount of money at the time for such a very crude copy. Although I never saw the one with a hole, it may have been the same piece sold recently on Early Cents Auction: "An odd piece with unknown origin" bringing $80.

"Anyways, we stayed in touch over the years, and I kind of miss those midnight calls from him. In our conversations, he would talk so much that I might only get in a sentence or two for every 100 of his."

"The 2024 Higgins Museum seminar was held in Okoboji, Iowa on July 31-August 1st. with 30 attendees.

"The five speakers (left to right) included Cody Regennitter, Lee Lofthus, Joseph Boling, Joe Ridder and Jesse Kraft. George Cuhaj was the seminar moderator.

"The museum videoed the presentations and after editing will be made available."

Thanks. Sounds like a great event. -Editor

"I attended the ANA World's Fair of Money® in Rosemont this past week. On Wednesday, August 7, I stopped at the table of Dave Wnuck. In his case he had two Peace Dollars in PCGS holders. Both were bent from what appeared to be exposure to heat They did not show signs of charring or smoke damage.

Dave does not know the cause. I wondered if this might happen from putting the holders in a microwave oven. Does anyone want to donate some holders to test this theory? Can any E-Sylum reader explain what happened?"

Did Uri Geller graduate from spoons to slabs? Your thoughts on this would be appreciated. -Editor