"You recently posted an item about a one dollar bill with an authentic Joseph W. Barr signature above the one printed on the banknote, and you asked if any readers collected these. I have been building a small collection of these "courtesy autographs" for several years.

"Aside from a run of five consecutive dollar bills autographed by Barr that I purchased last year, my collection has been built exclusively by sending banknotes directly to the appropriate former Treasurers and Secretaries of the Treasury.

"As you might expect, collectors of these signed banknotes strongly prefer crisp uncirculated currency, so I use new notes that I get at the bank or purchase from banknote dealers.

"If I happen to receive any dollar bills in circulation that date from the Carter or Reagan administrations, I have on occasion supplemented my collection by getting those signed as well since they are the oldest issues with living signatories.

"It is an inexpensive collection that is fun to build."

Cool! As far as I can recall, I believe Mary Ellen Withrow was the only money signer I've met in person. I've also been fortunate to meet some artists from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing who have signed some notes for me. -Editor

"Here is a note signed by Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow last year. This was actually the second time she signed some dollar bills for me. The first ones I got some years ago I subsequently sent to Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin but I never got those back, one of the potential pitfalls of mailing money back and forth."

THE BOOK BAZARRE

A Guide Book of Gold Eagle Coins, 2nd edition: The newly revised and updated 2nd edition of Q. David Bowers's popular reference debuts March 2, 2021. Preorder your copy—the complete source for history, grading, and values for America's $10 gold pieces—for $29.95. Online at Whitman.com , or call 1-800-546-2995.