For the serious collector building a personal numismatic library is an essential part of the hobby.

One of my prize posessions is a "Like New" copy of Coins, Medals And Tokens Of The Phillippines 1728-1974, Second Edition by Aldo P. Basso, and a hand written letter by Mr. Basso.

http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=10892

On the inside cover of the book is a stamp reading "AL Zaika, TOKEN COLLECTOR, PO Box 65, Bellmawr, N.J.".

The hand written letter by Mr. Basso is dated March 7, 1986 and is addressed to Al Zaika at the address stamped on the book. The letter is an Aerogramme mailed from Manila.

I purchased this book and letter from Cookie Jar Collectibles, in their WWll and Philippine Book Mail Bid Sale XV, May-June 2011. Cookie Jar Collectibles is owned by Ray Czahor who is one of the leading authorities on Philippine coins and notes. Ray's semi-annual Mail Bid sales are a great source for high quality Philippine coins, notes, reference books and historical documents.

The attached picture is the outside of the AEROGRAMME. Note the vintage pictures of a Fishing Village and Native Dancers and the stamp depicting the Philippine flag.

For picture of the handwritten letter inside the AEROGRAMME click here: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=10966

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