This week we received a call at the office from a fellow who purchased our book, Collecting World Coins - Circulating issues 1901-present.

He was anoyed that many issues were not included which are included in the more expensive Standard Catalog of World Coins. We has to explain that it only inlcuded circulating coins, and not the commemorative stuff and items with inserts and other trinkets which get included in the regular mamoth edition of the Standard Catalog.

Another item we get called on is that the 2008 or 2009 listings are not in a 2010 dated book. That deals with two issues. In the book trade annual books tend to get pre-dated on the cover so they have a longer shelf life at a bookstore. The other issue is one of production time. Finally there is one of notification of new issues.

In Numismaster, the electronic data base from which our books are published. We have 1177 listings of types starting in 2006, 1087 for 2007, 773 for 2008 and 464 for 2009.

What does this tell us. Well, one might think that there are fewer new type coins issued in recent years. What it tells me is that it takes us about three years to keep current as well as compile the past information.

How can you help? Buy email notification to me at george.cuhaj@fwmedia when you learn of a new issue (and can supply full details) which you do not see listed on Numismaster.

Thanks!

George

Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:34:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Well, the long awaited ship has docked with new issues.

This past week, I've been able to catch up on new issue and new find entries into Numismaster. Over 400 so far, and another bunch to go by the end of this week.

Then I'll be processing the photos which will accompany many of these listings for both the 20th and 21 Century Book edition in 2010, as well as on-line on Numismaster.

The data is all live now. Enjoy.

George

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 11:13:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Well, the book schedule continues to put the gear in high.

This week I've been helping finish up with the World Gold Coin book which has gone to the printer. I was busy doing the index.

This week, while helping Tom Michael with the 19th Century coin book, we noticed a goffy situation with the mint listings in Spain, so I have been busy fixing that.

Soon, it will be time for Coin of the Year selections and then Modern World Paper Money.

George

Thursday, October 08, 2009 8:31:35 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Well, for those who are watching the shopnumismaster.com book offerings, you may have noticed some really special offerings.

The new edition of the Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is expected in our distribution center any day now.

For those waiting to fill out their holdiay shoping, in November you will have the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Specialized Issues, 11th edition. Now with over 27,500 variety listings! The electronic book file has gone to the printer, so you can expect the printed book to be available in about six weeks.

In addition the 6th edition of the World Gold Book is soon to go to press, as is the next edition of the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900 (19th Century) issues. Both of these popular books will also be available before the holidays.

Things to dream about while raking leaves.

George

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 10:48:29 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Well, September 21 was a traumatic day/evening for me some 21 years ago, as it was the evening that I heard the news that my co-worker John Winters was murdered just inside the altar rail while trying to protect worshipers from an EDP (emoationally distrubed person, who was also killed that evening) at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The next morning, after other cathedral staff cleaned up, I started my stint of 15 months as Chief Usher, leaving the American Numismatic Society employment after 8 years.

It was an interesting time, and one that changed forever my perspective on organized religion.

George

Monday, September 21, 2009 8:04:11 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Sorry for not posting for a while.

I was not on vacation, ill or otherwise detained.

It has just been a very busy time in the office with a special project taking away from what would have been research and catch up time, in addition to a move of our cube and contents to a new location (with a window, which give me the opportunity to be distracted by a chipmonk or two and a bunch of small birds.)

In addition, our Gold Book and 19th Century coin books require final editing and indexing; and did I get to mention that the 11th edition of the Specialized World Paper Money book is also soon to go to press, and I have had to deal with some unexpected computer server / data base issues with that product.

So, although countries have been issuing new series of notes, and at least one country has converted over to polymer, I have been keeping track of these changes for the catalog, but have been focused elsewhere, away from the blog. Thanks for your understanding.

George

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 2:07:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Today I received in the mail a new booklet (54 numbered pages, saddle stitched, 5-1/2x8-1/2) titled Currency of Destruction in German-Bohemia 1918-1923.

This is the second booklet which Mr. Klauss has printed on the specialized topic of Czech Bank Notes. The topic are the local town issues of the German speaking region of the Czech lands just after World War I.

There is a nice chapter putting the political context into focus for the reader, and the listings for the towns are augmented with contemporary photos or postcard views. The first edition is limited to 50 copies.

Kevin can be reached at realczech@aol.com

It was my pleasure to share a dinner with him and his brother druing a visit to the central California region three or so years ago.

George

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:45:08 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Last week I was a participant in three days of meeting which will result in some wonderful improvements to our database of coin and paper money information.

But what I can share with you is that the 2009 issues of Canada have now been listed, some 50 plus new types ! Soon the photos will also be available.

George

Monday, August 17, 2009 2:36:13 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Well, August 11 was my 15th Anniversary of employment in Iola with Krause Publications.

It is nearly four times longer than my time at Stack's, and a year short of twice as long as I was with the American Numismatic Society.

Has it been what I expected? No, but what job is.

Has it been good for me? You Bet.

Hope it has been good for you!

George

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:07:24 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [1]