Gilman Parsons of Parsons Books in Sonoma, CA made a big splash at last week's American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money in Rosemont, IL with a stunning table displaying rare, important and valuable works of numismatic literature along with a selection of equally impressive medals and paper money.

Among the many notable items offered for sale were a contemporary morocco-bound copy of the Academies Royale des Medailles et des Inscriptions, one of the most lavish numismatic books ever printed. Among the American offerings were a 1795 translation in French of The Circular Letter of the Continental Congress on the depreciation of paper currency during the Revolutionary War, an original 1852 copy of Ormsby's A Description of the Present System of Bank Note Engraving, and a rare 1857 pamphlet by Ormsby detailing his response to charges that had been leveled against him following the production of his Magnum Opus.

Gil kindly accommodated me while I took several photos at his gorgeous booth. -Editor

Displayed above is a limited edition 2013 work by poet Arnie Passman and artist Art Hazelwood, The Dollar From Death to Birth. See my Numismatic Diary elsewhere in this issue for more on one of Parsons Books paper money offerings. For a copy of his fixed price list, contact Gil at parsonsb@sonic.net . -Editor