In 2017 we discussed a group of three rare obsolete notes from the Young America Furnace Company of Petrea, Ohio. Dave Schenkman had provided the images. The firm was in business circa 1856-1860. -Editor

"The signature on the notes is that of my great great grandfather, James H C Miller. I was just digging up info on the furnace and happened upon your site. Thank you for posting the images. After decades of living in New York State, I find myself wandering the hills of southeastern Ohio where I grew up, digging into family history."

Thanks for letting us know! It's great to hear we've been able to connect someone with their family history. This is why we post articles online - one never knows where or when the information will be useful again. I put Brian in touch with Dave, who sent him a copy of his article on the notes in Paper Money, published by the Society of Paper Money Collectors.

QUICK QUIZ: what word on the note is misspelled? -Editor

On behalf of a mutual friend who'd like to restore a Redbook signed by Richard Yeoman, Pat McBride asked me for a bookbinder recommendation. This is a recurring subject here in The E-Sylum, but since the landscape is always changing, it's always worth asking readers again. So - can anyone recommend an active bookbinder who's done good work with numismatic literature?

Meanwhile Pat found these with an internet search. Any names familiar? Thanks. -Editor

"The United States should sell the test coins they use. They do in Canada, and they are worth a lot of money."

I agree. Once upon a time, pattern coins were made available to collectors, and we have a rich legacy of patterns today. But times and rules change. While test coins produced by private firms can be found in the market, today's U.S. Mint test coins are kept at the mint.

Wayne provided images of these test coins. Thanks. -Editor

Pete Smith submitted this teaser about an upcoming article. Intriguing... -Editor

Pat McBride of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists passed along this item posted on Instagram November 14th. He recalled that I had spent the coin on behalf of PAN at a bakery in downtown Pittsburgh's Market Square as part of our publicity for the show. Neither of us recall whether the coin was turned in. "Wheaties" along with pocket change everywhere often end up in dresser drawers. But we got our $75 worth of publicity for the event, as this Associated Press clipping shows.

We did drops like this more than once, and I do have a recollection that once someone did come to the show with a 1914-D cent. When asked if it was the same one we'd dropped, I was unable to confirm it, because I hadn't photographed or memorized any distinguishing features. We did of course offer the advertised $75 payment, but I don't remember if it was accepted or the finder decided to keep the coin (or shop for a better offer)! -Editor

"I enjoyed reading the article on coins in medicine. The comment that silver coins worked better to elicit various sounds reminds me of a quip from a neurologist when I went to medical school 1969-1972 in UK. He said the best instrument to elicit the Babinski reflex (toes curl down when the sole is stroked) was a Bentley key. And the best instrument to elicit a knee jerk was a solid gold cigarette case!"