Welcome to the latest edition of my Notes. Time flies, and it seems like I do these just about every day. In actuality, once a week is more like it. There are always things happening around here at Stack's. One of these times, things will probably slow down, but this does not seem to be likely any time soon!

Of course, all of this activity is quite beneficial, as in numismatics we are all very lucky that the market has retained the essence of its structure. Certainly, money is scarcer than it used to be, loans are hard to come by (probably Fort Knox would not qualify for a credit line), and certain coins that were bought mostly by investors sell for less now, but by and large the hobby is very strong.

Our quest for consignments continues. Keep in mind that it takes many weeks for the Stack's staff-and I like to think we have the greatest team of experts in the business-to create catalogues that give something more than grade and population reports. As you read these words, our 2010 sales are rapidly filling! Our January sales are being finalized, and now we are seeking interesting coins, tokens, medals, and paper money for auctions beyond that, although if you hurry some slots are still open in our Americana Sale. This is always a great event, and I invite you to join me as a consignor! I have submitted a bunch of interesting things from my personal reference collection-and, identified as such, these will appear in various 2010 events, including the Americana Sale.

If you are planning your travel schedule for early next year, the red carpet is out for you for our Orlando Sale on Monday, January 4, before the Florida United Numismatists show (where Stack's will have a bourse table, of course). Plan to attend our sale, then visit Disney World, sample some nice restaurants, bask in the sun (hopefully), then attend the FUN convention.

In New York City on Monday, January 11, we will be having our International Auction. This will be held in our own gallery upstairs at 110 West 57th Street in the Directors Guild of America building. In early January there are always many museum and gallery exhibits in the City, shows to attend, shopping to investigate (no doubt there will be some sales going on), and more. Our aforementioned Americana Sale, for which we are still accepting consignments, will take place in New York City on January 26 and 27.

As you read these words Stack's 74th Anniversary Sale is going on at the Pier 5 Hotel in Baltimore, then from Thursday through Saturday we'll have a bourse table at the Whitman Coins & Collectibles Expo at the Convention Center. Again, the red carpet is out for you.

Great New Book! Just released!

A Guide Book of United States Coins: Professional Edition, First Edition. This large and impressive volume starts where the Guide Book of United States Coins leaves off. Containing 384 pages, color illustrated, 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size, the book gives expanded information concerning values in higher grades. For example, Morgan silver dollars are listed in MS-63, 64, 65, 66, plus DMPL prices in 63, 64, and 65, plus the highest auction record for each date and mintmark. In addition, many more varieties are listed of Morgan dollars and other series, often accompanied by close-up illustrations. Kenneth Bressett is general editor, our own Dave Bowers is research editor, and Jeff Garrett is valuations editor. This is a dandy volume, a "must have" for your continuous use, and, of course, for your library. Stock No. BBR-148. List $29.95, special net $26.95.

Which reminds us to add this:

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7). The best way to get understanding in numismatics is to build a library. The Internet beckons with millions of entries, but not well organized, and hardly susceptible to serious study. On the other hand, a numismatic library offers instant access, illustrations, and a large fund of information that is easily enough organized and understood. The Internet is essential of course, and will continue to be, but a library is foundational.

Whether you are in Baltimore or whether you are at home snuggled in a comfortable chair reading one of the books you have recently purchased from, have a good week!

Best Wishes,