"Herb was a top-notch numismatist. Also, he was very possibly the best coin auctioneer ever, able to see every bid in a large room and call lots at an almost breath-taking speed. Without him, many attendees of the auction-heavy New York International Numismatic Convention would have been sleep-deprived.

"I'm guessing the thing he knew best was simply HOW TO EXCEL. His 69-year marriage being one more case in point.

"He will be greatly missed and long remembered."

"I noticed the article on safe deposit box problems in the last issue and wanted to share a few additional thoughts. Safe deposit boxes still project old-school security—vault doors, dual keys, and constant surveillance—but in 2026, their reputation as the safest place for valuables is increasingly out of date.

"As we know, many institutions have reduced or eliminated safe deposit boxes. Most importantly, contents aren't insured the way bank deposits are. Federal protections don't apply, and bank liability is often minimal. If items are lost to theft, fire, or flooding, the financial risk largely falls on the owner. Even security isn't absolute—high-profile thefts and insider abuses show that determined thieves can still breach systems once considered impenetrable.

"Safe deposit boxes simply are no longer a near-perfect solution. Limited access, lack of insurance, and real-world risks mean clients are seeking alternative options. One such option is the Stack's Bowers Galleries Vault program. I encourage collectors to take a moment to review its services at https://vault.stacksbowers.com/. It essentially provides secure coin storage and banknote storage with no monthly fees, free insurance, and instant access to items online, a spectacular combination of benefits for all types of collections. I'd be happy to answer any questions about the program ckarstedt@stacksbowers.com."

Third-party safekeeping services work until they don't. While there are bank horror stories such as the one we recently discussed, most collectors have not run into such troubles. But we're all feeling the pinch as more and more banks get out of the safe deposit business.

Nonbank storage services have a more mixed history, and some have proven to be scams. But as one of the oldest and largest coin firms Stack's Bowers is reputable and would never risk their reputation or the numismatic material in their possession. If you plan to sell through Stack's Bowers it sounds like a great deal, although there are fees incurred for withdrawal other than through a sale. -Editor

U.S. Naval Awards of the Spanish – American War
by John E. Strandberg and Allen R. Menke.

A complete guide to the U.S. Navy awards of the Spanish-American War, including the Marine Corps Brevet Medal, the Cardenas Medal, the Specially Meritorious Service Medal, the Sampson Medal and the Dewey Medal. Each chapter contains background information on the historical events surrounding each medal, an in-depth study of the medal, to include its history, production details, manufacturing variations, naming styles, and tips on spotting reproductions. Includes 413 photographs and illustrations, 280 in color. Hardcover Large 5.5 x 11 format with 439 pages. Available on Amazon for $75.95 and on your favorite eBook platform for $26.99.

Thanks. Love the cover photo. -Editor

"The Medal Collectors of America has re-established its Facebook Group, aptly named "Medal Collectors of America." The group is the only one on Facebook wholly dedicated to sharing, discussing, and enjoying medals with fellow medal collectors, 220+ of whom have already joined. We encourage you to join us in the Group and to consider sharing some parts of your collection or expertise there; it is set to be a wonderful community space."

Check it out! -Editor

Kavan Ratnatunga passed along this YouTube clip of actress Sarah Paulson at the 2026 Met Gala, clad in a gray ball gown, with her eyes covered with a giant dollar bill. -Editor

I will have samples of the spiral bound silver proof books at Baltimore in June. I had to break it into three books because of size limitation (450 pages).

The three books can be bought individually or as a group:

• Three cent silvers to twenty cents
• quarters and half dollars
• silver dollars