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The E-Sylum:  Volume 4, Number 15, April 8, 2001, Article 9

MOVEMENT HEATS UP FOR AUCTION HOUSE CODES. 

   Mark Borckardt's note in last week's E-Sylum that he had used 
   three-letter codes to identify auction houses and specific auction 
   lots set off a spate of emails among participants this week.  Mark 
   had set three-letter codes for his own use in his research among 
   American auction sales for a wide variety of numismatic items 
   including patterns, medals, Hawaiian, and other items. 

   This issue started when Dick Johnson called for someone to 
   establish uniform symbols -- much like those on the New York 
   Stock Exchange -- and had suggested Karl Moulton do this 
   because he has taken up the mantle of publishing a directory of 
   all American numismatic auction sales. Karl is updating the 
   directory first published by Martin Gengerke in 1984.  Here's 
   part of what they said in their emails: 

   Karl Moulton wrote:  "Mark's list may become a valuable tool 
   for all of us interested in numismatic auctions.  I know Dick will 
   be among the first to utilize it. However my compilation covers 
   only forty different cataloguers, while Mark's list would cover 
   them all [Gengerke's listings] from the 1850s to the present. I 
   would like to see some feedback from others as to its usability 
   and acceptance. If readily used and understood  ... it needs to 
   be presented." 

   Dick Johnson wrote:  "Mark has accomplished what I had 
   hoped someone would do, as I tried to get Karl Moulton to 
   do when I learned Martin Gengerke was no longer interested 
   in continuing his directory of auction catalogs, and Karl had 
   taken up the mantel.   I longed for a list of  three-letter auction 
   house codes. Mark, here you have performed the feat.  It 
   seems you are always a step ahead of me." 

   Further, Dick wrote:  This is an unabashed appeal for a response 
   from E-Sylum readers.  If you have ever done research in more 
   than one auction catalog, or if you have done price history 
   research in American auction catalogs, please send an email to 
   Karl. Tell him listing these codes would be a desirable feature in 
   his directory and a service to all numismatists.  It would help 
   establish an industry-wide standard we could all use. 
   Write to him today at Numiscats@aol.com" 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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