A few minutes ago the mailman rang my doorbell and handed me a Priority Mail package from NGC. This was a real surprise since I currently have no coins in for grading and have already received my plaque for 2011 Best Presented Registry Set.

When I opened the package I found a copy of "The Expert's Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins" by David Bowers but no note or explanation as to why the book was sent to me. Then I remembered that this book was the first place prize for last week's "Numismatic Trivia" quiz. A quick check of the "Collectors Society" web site confirmed that I was indeed last week's "Numismatic Trivia" quiz winner.

Obviously I have not had an opportunity to read the complete book but a quick scanning suggests that it is very well written and illustrated. The chapter that I find the most interesting is the one on preparing exhibits for coin shows. For a long time I have been contemplating entering my USA/Philippines Type Set http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257 as a competitive exhibit at a major coin show, and the information in Bower's book will be extremely useful when I prepare my display.

The coin pictured is a 1905 Half Centavo PF64 RED with an Eliasberg pedigree.

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