"It is my sad task to report that Fernando Chao has passed away, having fallen into the grips of Covid-19. Fernando was the author of many titles having to do with Latin American numismatics and, of course, he joined with me to write "The Medallic Portraits of Admiral Vernon". As important as were his contributions to numismatics, even more impressive was Fernando Chao, the man. I hope to write an extensive piece on this subject for the next issue of "The Advisory"."

"2020 has been a year of both highs and lows numismatically speaking as evidenced by last week's issue. We've lost a number of numismatic giants over the past year (who will all be sorely missed by their friends in the numismatic fraternity) but I cannot help but marvel at the number of new books that are being published. Perhaps this is a positive result of the Covid lockdowns which has enabled numismatic authors to (finally) finish working on their various titles. Or maybe it's just a coincidence. Either way, the sheer volume of new books published over the past year is nothing less than staggering.

Looks like we'll all have to save a few pennies if we want to add even a fraction of these books to our libraries."

"The August 1891 issue of Plain Talk included a list of 25 people who may be considered the founding members of the American Numismatic Association. William G. Jerrems was listed as President with Joseph Hooper listed as Vice President. In 1899 Hooper advanced to the presidency with someone new filling the role of First Vice President.

Next week I will give my answer and explain why I ask the question."

"In the January 3rd issue Michael Merrill shows Duckpin shape coin holders. He mentions "Jefferson Dimes."

"My error. I confirm these are in fact, ROOSEVELT dimes dated 1965 and 1968-D. My apology, Franklin and E/S folks. I shouldda knowed better! Where was my Red Book when I needed it?"

"I met Hans Schulman several times while I was at my booth at the New York international (I have had a booth at ALL of them dating back to the early 1970's). I never did any business with him, although the stories about him were numerous.

I don't know if it was mentioned or not, but I believe that Hans was a relative of Jacques Schulman in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). I was in Jacques' office many times in the 1970's & 1980's and he always treated me with respect and dignity even tho I was just a novice dealer. I also got to know Jacques' two sons, Robert (who is now deceased) and Laurens (who is somewhat retired). Many colleagues thought the older Dutch coins were ugly, but I found (and still do today) beauty in many of them. All the colleagues in Amsterdam were very free with their knowledge and I cannot thank them enough.

I still occasionally hear stories about Hans, and wish that I had the gotten to know him better."

"Many thanks for your continued work on The E-Sylum. It is fun to examine and introduces new material to me each week.

"Regarding the Belgium Vanity Skull medal, note the face facing left in the hairdo of the woman."

"Be that as it may, this medal celebrates Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales (Tywysog Cymru) at the age of 21 in 1969. On the reverse "Y Ddraig Goch" = "the Red Dragon" which beast Merlin saw in a vision as representing the Welsh & also appears on the flag of Wales. I think it safe to conclude, this is a dragon. Cymru am byth! (Wales Forever)."

"Attached is a photo of Lincoln Pennies encased in Lucite that will be offered up for auction Saturday 9 January 2021 in Hanover, Pa. It looks like the shape of a very large shark's tooth.

I've bought quite a few over the years at or under face value and then cut them out using a bandsaw and a large hammer. The silver I saved but the others I spent."

"I have two items that I need some help on. They are Swedish and in the shape of a bowl, possibly the commemorative of Swiss monuments designed by someone named "Sigg". Do you have any "Swedish" experts/someone knowledgeable that could assist? I have found absolutely nothing (Google, etc.) that resembles what I have.

1-Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland
2-Tell Monument in Uri, Switzerland"

Thanks!

"The engraver "Sigg" isn't listed in the Forrer reference. My guess is that this started as a standalone medal, and then someone fashioned it into a finger bowl."

"I was able to make out a very small inscription but it does say "hand hammered" on the backside under "Sigg" and "Switzerland".

"I spent an incredible amount of time on this and found that it might be Hermann Alfred Sigg."

"I offer the attached image of a silver three pence encased or inset if you will in a brass three pence. This type of encased coin is not unknown."