"In the May 24 edition, you report about a new coin from the Philippines with a QR code. In a stroke of good timing, the March 2026 issue of World Coin News features a story about QR codes on coins. The Netherlands issued the first coins to include a QR code back in 2011.

"The full story is available to subscribers to World Coin News, or Numismaster.com."

Thanks. Sorry for the delay in posting this - I've been working through a backlog of email. -Editor

Another delayed note came in from David Pickup, who passed along this BBC article about the Royal Mint's 2024 D-Day commemorative coin. -Editor

Thank you - great work! -Editor

My deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of dear Pat McBride also known to all of us for many a convention now as Benjamin Franklin.

I was so sorry to read of the return of his illness in last weeks Esylum and alas he was right in that he will not be at the ANA Worlds Fair of Money.

So sorry to read of his sad passing in last nights edition. I know he was a dear friend of yours and I had got to know him as a convention buddy over the last ten years or so. He would always take great delight in character of speaking to me of Ben Franklin's London influences back in the day and about how much he was looking forward to visiting his house on Craven Street in London again. A house I knew of as it is a Ben Franklin historic site and museum which is open almost daily and is situated near Baldwins on the Strand where I used to work of course.

He was such a nice man and would spend hours in character with so many people at each convention – probably irreplaceable!

My sympathies again to you!"

Thank you. A celebration of life will take place following the ANA World's Fair of Money on Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at The Priory Hotel, 614 Pressley Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Music, bagpipes (a special kind of music for the uninitiated), stories (anyone can offer a story), and a shared love of Himself. Plus food, and refreshments. -Editor

"I enjoyed Peter Smith's "rant" about Tinnahs. He is correct. The tinnahs were not truly money, but a symbol of wealth. But the articles quoted in my newsletter reflect the thinking of the time. He must consider the time frame in which these news items were written.

"In my book, Tinnahs & Seal Skins, Gold Dust & Bingles, there are several articles about tinnahs. A few of the articles are reprinted with permission from The Numismatist. Most articles before 1950 reflect the common idea that they were money."

Thank you. Always happy to set the numismatic record straight. -Editor

Last week I asked about the short film titled "The Numismatist." -Editor

"This movie was/is available on YouTube for free."

Thank you! It's only 21 minutes long - check it out if you like. Thanks also to Zach Filis for passing this along. -Editor

"I was reading the article about the movie The Numismatist, when I remembered another coin movie from the past: "Zotz" starring Tom Poston. It was in Black and White and I think it came out in the 60s. (1962) Tom Poston (a university professor, I think) get an ancient coin that gives him special powers. He says "Zotz" and time stands still. There are three levels to the magic, I remember the last one as being sort of terrible.

"I think I still have a digital copy of it somewhere in my archives. I'll have to watch it again."

Thanks. Joe provided this still and short description from IMDB.com. Never heard of this one! -Editor

Jonathan Jones, a professor of ancient languages, comes into possession of an ancient coin. He translates its inscription, which gives him three powers: to inflict pain, slow down time or kill. Soon, he's pursued by enemy spies who have learned about the magic coin.

Wikipedia describes the object not as a coin but as "an amulet." It also states, "During the initial theatrical run, theater patrons received a full-size plastic replica of the amulet as a promotional item. In color, size and design, the replicas were essentially identical to the film amulet, with the additional feature of a small hole drilled at the top, for a key chain." So if anyone can locate one of these promotional items (or a good still image from the film) we'll know better what it looked like.

Guess what I found by Googling "zotz amulet"? Next time someone annoys me at a coin show, I'll point at them and say "Zotz!" -Editor

"I am seeking assistance from anyone that has information on the engravers (medalists) employed at the Thomason Manufactory in Birmingham England from 1809 through 1825. I am specifically looking for information about George Mills, but also information on the other engravers as well as work conditions, pay, correspondence about the engravers or other related information. Any assistance will be deeply appreciated."

Can anyone help? -Editor

I met Kavan Ratnatunga when we both lived in Pittsburgh. At the time he was working at Carnegie-Mellon University. He since returned home to Sri Lanka. Having paid U.S. taxes, he filed a tax return and was entitled to a refund. He asked for $12 of his refund to be issued as a check which he intended to keep in his collection rather than cash. He has been entertaining us with how the government keeps insisting on sending him replacements for the uncashed check and adding to his collection. -Editor

"Following up on this story on 2026 June 03, I went to pick up from the post office a registered letter they have been unable to deliver, and to my surprise, it was the 4th check for US$12.01 dated 04-17-26 that I have received as a refund in 2021, 2022, 2024, and now in 2026. So I am so getting a check now every two years, and a reminder that I have not chased the check in the intervening years, like in 2023 and 2025. I had requested US$12.34 the first time, and they subtracted the postage 33-cents and sent me US$12.01. They have not subtracted anything after that. A glitch of automation that Elon Musk did not seem to have caught :-)"

Thanks for the update! For illustration purposes, here's a generic image of a U.S. Treasury check. -Editor

"The ANA's World Fair of Money in Pittsburgh will include another slab collector meetup. Tenth in a series that started in 2016, this will be an informal meeting of enthusiasts talking about our mutual interest. There is always some show and tell and trading, so feel free to bring slabs to show or sell.

"New for 2026, we are on the convention program as the first meeting of the new Slab Collectors Society. I created this official ANA club so we receive a room and are included in convention materials. For now, plans for the club are limited to the annual ANA meetup. Everyone remains welcome to the meeting.

"In the David Lawrence Convention Center, room 325. Friday, August 28, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.

"Respond to this Facebook event to stay informed. Or send the link to other coin holder enthusiasts. https://www.facebook.com/events/1646484513099359/"

Good luck with the event! -Editor