Welcome to the latest addition of my Notes. Gold continues to be very much in the spotlight lately, continuing the international interest in precious metal, as the national and world economy becomes more uncertain. Unemployment is rising, many businesses are having a difficult time, and the government is writing checks on an empty account. Gold-numismatic gold as well as bullion gold-can offer a comfortable feeling. Many people, perhaps the majority of wise investors, consider it prudent to have at least some gold. As numismatists, you and I like numismatic items best of all. The premium on common date double eagles in lower Mint State range is about as low as we have seen it in a long time. Of course, all gold coins are interesting-from the very first 1795 half eagle, down to the present day.

Coming up soon is our Baltimore sale preceding the Whitman Coins and Collectibles Expo, always a dynamic event. I invite you to participate. A catalogue has ...

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We were saddened to learn of the passing of Jay Johnson, on Saturday evening, October 17. Jay, who had a brief stint as Director of the Mint during the time that the Sacagawea "golden dollars" were launched, was truly "Mr. Nice Guy." He was warm, friendly, and always eager to talk about coins or anything else numismatic.

After leaving the Mint, he signed on with commercial activities, including promoting gold. He had hopes of regaining the Mint directorship some day, when the position again became vacant. Now that will not happen.

Jay was always eminently interviewable, perhaps from his earlier career ...

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