It was very amusing reading the article about Mr. Highfill's book donation to the Burns Library. I was actually planning on donating a first edition of his Encyclopedia  at the PAN show next month. Oh well, I guess I will Just put it on the giveaway table or offer it to a PAN member who wants to expand their personal library. Thanks for your efforts, the E-Sylum is an absolute treat each Monday morning.

It's nice that he gave 275 books to the ANS. I guess he did not carry a grudge to his grave. I recall ANS Librarian Frank Campbell seriously losing patience with Herb, who talked in a fairly loud voice in the library. I would presume he was just an octogenarian talking loud enough to hear himself. He may be best remembered for the auction of his landmark collection of Nuremberg numismatica, which spanned more centuries of material than his writings. I forget who the auctioneer was - some German firm.

Good Evening Mr. Garrett -

You recently met my son, Tommy at the Whitman Coin Show in Baltimore on March 2. You were kind enough to send him an autographed copy of your book, ‘100 Greatest US Modern Coins’ which is now amongst his prized possessions.

His elementary school has “Career Day” today and I wanted to let you know that he went as the “future” President of the ANA.

Many thanks for your support of my son’s interest in numismatics. It means a great deal to him and to me.

Warmest Regards -

Kelly Harris
(Tommy’s Mom)

In an effort to downsize my clutter I've been going through the material I assembled for my three Complete Guide books back in the 1990s. A lot of it is not worth saving, but I did come across some interesting correspondence about the cents of 1982 that was sent to me by Christopher Lane. It was a timely discovery, since I was quizzed recently about the source of my information regarding the dates that appeared in my Lincoln Cent book for the conversion from bronze to zinc cents.

The article on coin and stamp departments in department stores brings back fond memories for my youth. I'm 74 now. In the Neil Esperson Building in downtown Houston was the Mitula Stamp and Coin Company. I can't remember the years (mid to late 1950s?), my mother would take me to this shop. A Mr. Bingham, I believe (Mr. Mitula's son in law?), always waited on us. For some reason, luck!, Mr. Bingham helped us build uncirculated sets of Jefferson Nickels, Roosevelt Dime, Franklin Halves and short sets of Mercury Dimes, Washington Quarters and Liberty Walking Halves. 20/20 hindsight. IF ONLY we had sprinkled in some type coins in unc! But at least we were not filling holes with low grade coins! And fortunately I didn't go down the stamp path. I still have everything but the the Washington Quarters which I sold.