CQR by way of the PW of EAC, Still Waiting for QDB

Not sure how long this journal will be... A quiet week numismatically speaking, and next week looks to be the same, I think.

A pleasant surprise came in the mail on Tuesday, January 20 - my long-awaited copy of the 19th Edition of "Copper Quotes by Robinson". I'd ordered this important "book" back in June when Jack Robinson started taking pre-orders in his usual ad in the back of the Penny-Wise journal of Early American Coppers. Considering the Husak and Naftzger early dates were auctioned off in the past year, I can understand why this edition was delayed so long.

I was surprised at the compact size of the book considering its price, but, after looking over almost every page I can understand why the price was $40 and can appreciate the size (about 5 1/2" wide by 8 1/2" tall, maybe 1/4" thick) since it is packed full of commentary, wisdom, and data. I think every EAC collector needs a copy of this - whether it's the latest edition or not, since Jack Robinson put together so much timeless info along with the price guide. He has one of the better explanation of the dreaded EAC grading that I've read, including definitions of Choice, Average and Scudzy, and verbal descriptions of various grades.

I love the wry sense of humor with which Robinson writes. An example - "Some people/dealers use ignorance to their advantage - think about it. Whose ignorance? Think about it some more." Humorous and true, regardless of your area of numismatic expertise. I look forward to using this guide even when the prices become uselessly out of date.

No new numismatic purchases this week. Patience is a virtue in numismatics, but you must be prepared to answer the door when opportunity knocks.

I've found myself drifting back into philately again - Swiss semipostals from the 1920s with canton coats of arms still fascinate me, federal duck stamps as well.

An interesting thought - in numismatics, relatively speaking, the coins are expensive and the storage (albums, etc...) is cheap... in philately, relatively speaking, the stamps are cheap and the storage (albums!!!) is expensive.

Have no fear, however, this journal will stick to coin "talk".