"I am completely enamored with the series by Bob Evans. I'd label him "Mr. Central America." A fabulous researcher and a great writer who brings so much human interest into the story.

"And never having heard of the massive San Jose shipwreck I definitely have to order the book on that intriguing story you published."

Bob is a national treasure himself. A skilled scientist and humble person with amazing, unique experiences. He sets up and mans SS Central Amerrica exhibits at various coin shows including PAN and he's happy to speak with everyone. -Editor

"Yes, the new series of notes from Syria is out; no, the Wikimedia Commons illustration you copied over from the original article is not one them. It's dated 2013 and while it's not quite as overt as the 2,000 Pound note in the series, with a portrait of President Bashar Assad, the 1,000 Pound note illustrates the Roman amphitheater in Bosra, a town which changed hands several times between 2013 and when the notes were issued in July 2015. Between the Ottomans, the French, and the recent civil war, the history of Syria is fraught, to put it mildly, and I suspect you'd have trouble finding a historical personage or landmark to put on a banknote that didn't have current day political connotations.

"The new notes, I suspect as a result of this, show agricultural products associated with Syria. Dated 2025, they were announced as to being issued January 1, 2026 and I've acquired a set (via Saudi Arabia) for my 2026 Banknote of the Year collection. I'll be nominating one of them myself for the award, assuming that somebody else doesn't beat me to it."

Thank you! -Editor

"Is there anyone or anything else you know of that would be a good source of information on Bois Durci/Hemacite? I've read about half of the book, I suspect the bibliography will be the next step. I am most interested in the manufacturing details."

Brett has the book Bois Durci Un Plastique Naturel, A Natural Plastic 1855-1927, by Gaston Vermosen. Are there any further sources of information? -Editor

Something I came across myself this week - who is only person to win BOTH an Olympic medal AND a Nobel Peace Prize? Thanks to Garrett and ChatGPT for the mystery man images. -Editor