"While it is true that this genuine 18th century issued bill of credit is a rarity, and it is also true that the plates from which it was printed still exist. However, because the plates were used to make reprints at an unknown later date, it is possible to obtain an inexpensive reprint printed from the same actual plates as the rare originals.

"The late Eric P. Newman, in the current edition of his treatise The Early Paper Money of America, states that six denominations of low-value bills with the issue date August 22, 1738, were printed by William Clagett from a single face plate and a matching single back plate, both engraved by him. The denominations are 1s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 7s6d and 10s. Both originals and reprints would have been printed as 6-subject sheets of bills and then cut up. I'm not aware that any of the bills exist today in sheet form. Mine is the 7s6d value which has an untrimmed right margin, placing it on the left side of the plate which was engraved in mirror image. Each bill is surrounded by a single-line frame which is placed within a heavy-line skeleton structure. You can see parts of both lines on the Stack's-Bowers example."

Thanks. Above is the genuine 2s6d note and images of the 7s6d reproduction. Thanks. -Editor

"Notice that they are on separate pieces of paper – that's the way that the unknown printer made them. The face plate repro has the selvage margin at the right, making it possible to place that image on the left side of the printing plate. At that margin, you can also see the thin subject frame and the thicker skeleton-structure that I mentioned."

"Recently, I have been researching the provenance of a coin of mine. However, I have had one envelope that has stumped me. I am wondering if anyone here can recognize it. If you recognize the envelope, feel free to reach out to me at clarkdaviscoins@gmail.com."

All I can say is that the writing "looks old" to me, perhaps from the 1950s. Can anyone help? -Editor

Here's a note from me. In the things-that-make-you-go-hmmm department, AbeBooks turned up two new titles I hadn't heard of this week, both new books about the recently announced Traveller collection. They're from different authors with different covers and prices, offered by the same seller. -Editor

The Traveller's Treasure: The $100 Million Coin Collection That Survived War: The Untold Story of History, Passion, and Numismatic Legacy

James E. Layton

From Rarewaves.com USA (London, LONDO, United Kingdom)

Independently published, 2025, Paperback, 9798315984177,

The $100 Million Coin Hoard: How a Secret Collection of Rare Coins, Buried for 50 Years, Became the Most Valuable Numismatic Discovery in History

Hart D Wise

From Rarewaves USA United (OSWEGO, IL, U.S.A.)

Independently published, 2025, Paperback, 9798315912828,

This looks like the same AI-generated slop that the rest of the internet is being flooded with. Have any of our readers bought one of these? -Editor

"This image is from page 58 of the Collections article from the ANS Magazine by Aadya Bedi. Its a picture from a recently donated counterfeit note.

"Though it is not specifically about coins, those kinds of little embellishments often do have names, and I've read so many of Dick Johnson's articles, I have to believe it's in his encyclopedia somewhere, but, as is the case with much of books, it isn't cross-referenced under t for "those things."

"Had it been round, I would have guessed 'rosette.' I found "doodads" on page 619, but, are we sure that is what they say at the BEP, or is it more likely that they say "thingumbob" or "kadiddy?" (An attempt at humor.)

"As with much of 'history in your hands', germane is found in your bellyaches or it isn't. So, I thought the E-Sylum would have the audience that would likely understand better than anywhere else, and also probably know what the word is.

I know those doodads are germane history in our hands."

Dick's book is about coin and medal technology, not paper money. But to people who work in the field, these things probably do have names. Does anyone know? Where would we look it up? -Editor

"During WWII, Alene Erlanger founded Dogs for Defense, Inc. to raise money for the procurement of military working dogs for the US military. Contributors received receipts for their donations like the one attached. The larger the donation, the higher the rank granted to the donor's dog."

The Dickin Medal was awarded in the UK for many animals who served in WWII. Medals for U.S. animals are a more recent phenomenon. I wasn't aware of this organization. Thanks. -Editor

Tony Terranova passed along this photo of "When people actually went to coin auctions." Thanks! -Editor

"A Superior sale from the middle to late 80s."

Can anyone nail down the sale date or place? Recognize any of the bidders? -Editor

AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS: Are your books carried by Wizard Coin Supply? If not, contact us via www.WizardCoinSupply.com with details.