The greatest difficulty encountered in trying to provide the most complete listings in the 20th and 21st century editions of The Standard Catalog of World Coins is in fact capturing data and illustrations of certain world coins that have had their entire mintage handled by various firms or promoters through non-numismatic channels.

My very good friend Richard Nelson called me recently and asked why we haven't listed the 2000 dated JFK memorial $500 coin from Liberia as yet? Well, I replied that we haven't seen or heard of such a coin. Nelson then added that it was struck by the American National Mint exclusively for Sunset West International, which are both unknown to us. So I asked another favor for him to send one of the two pieces he happened to have in his office along for our examination.

When it arrived, I opened the rather prestigious wooden case to find a one troy pound proof coin struck in 0.999 fine silver with an additional 1/2 ounce of 0.999 fine gold centered inlay with conjoined heads of JFK and his son, John Jr. Measuring a whopping 89 mm with reeded edge, I was very impressed. The upper reverse legend repeats JFK's most famous statement.

Nelson added the fact that although 300 pieces were struck the promoters did not sell the entire mintage and there are a few pieces still available for the numismatic community. For further information on availability Nelson can be reached at 818-609-7666.

This is just one good example of just how many worldwide dealers and collectors out there that are willing to take the time to contact us, lend us or send us 300 dpi scans of their unlisted or not illustrated coins to enhance our publications. This is what makes a great worldwide numismatic community. It is called "sharing information," and this is what makes this great hobby grow.