The E-Sylum:  Volume 3, Number 47, November 12, 2000, Article 14

WHERE IS NUMISMATICS HEADED? 

   In reply to Dick Johnson from E-Sylum #346, Greg Heim 
   writes: "Why should you be concerned where numismatics is 
   headed just because people like myself and others collect 
   coin albums, mint bags, etc??  Even though you say you are 
   not casting stones from your glass house, you actually are 
   when you refer to coin album collecting as peripheral and of 
   questionable value. 

   Coin albums are an extremely important part of numismatics, 
   as are the other items.  They tell a a tale of the evolution of coin 
   storage and dictated how our collections were assembled by 
   "filling the holes."  These albums, which were meant to be used, 
   are a treat to find in excellent condition and getting harder and 
   harder to find." 

   Carl Honore' writes: "absolutely we are NOT moving away 
   from the core of the hobby, but rather expanding our knowledge 
   of the moneying process.  As far as engraving, yes it is an 
   essential part of the coinage design process but by no means 
   the only part.  Part of the engraving process as we all know is 
   by hand, but then the machine takes over.  Another instance of 
   Man and Machine working together to produce memorable 
   and lasting art. 

   As far as the German book on engraving ... what a great 
   opportunity to learn another language!!  I can't begin to 
   imagine how much coinage has increased my love of 
   languages.  I have learned at least 3 new languages since 
   starting to collect coins.  Just a rudimentary basic 
   understanding of the german words should help translate 
   that book somewhat. 

   Additionally we have many resources here in the states , 
   specifically Ron Landis at the Gallery Mint who can help 
   immensely with engraving. 

   In short, please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. 
   I myself dressed up in an old west outfit and showed some 
   barber coins and morgan dollars and so forth to children this 
   past halloween at a gathering.. the costume added to the flavor 
   of the coins and gave a sense of history...much like those old 
   coin bags and cardboard holders do..." 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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