Today is the last day of the show. I hope the experience has been good for you, that you’ve had the chance to buy and sell some coins, tokens, medals, or paper money—or whatever your specialty—and you’ve enjoyed the company of many collectors and dealers.

The Whitman folks put on a great event. It took me about five seconds to register on Wednesday and get a new badge—a bit different from waiting in line for an hour or more at some shows! Actually, those running other shows are getting wise and copying some of the Whitman ideas—which is good for everyone. In today’s world “time is money,” as the old saying goes. One might think with all of our improved technology and communications we’d have more time than ever. Somehow, events and demands on our time have multiplied—creating what seems to be a continuing scenario of urgency.

At the Stack’s auction I commented that at this particular session—Chet Krause’s incomparable collection of Wisconsin paper money was crossing the block—that a whole “room” full of invisible bidders was on the Internet, creating all sorts of price records. Who would have dreamed of such a thing a few years ago?

Continuing with a bit of numismatic nostalgia, at the next Whitman Coins & Collectibles Expo here in Philadelphia I will discuss some dealers and famous numismatists from the past, if I’m invited to contribute to the daily newsletter. I’ll tie a string around my finger to remind me. For starters, Joseph J. Mickley lived here and achieved numismatic fame, ditto for Dr. Montroville W. Dickeson. I must not forget William Idler and his son-in-law John Haseltine, nor the Chapman brothers. And, numismatics as we know it would be vastly different had it not been for James Ross Snowden (think about 1856 Flying Eagle cents).

Have a safe trip home and a nice autumn. Thanks for coming!