I was prompted to write this in response to one of the comments in my thread about the Albert Pick autograph note. I have met many of the famous authors over the years at major shows. They are ordinary people like you and me. While they may be busy at shows, I have found that they are always willing to talk to people on the floor of the show. I encourage you all to introduce yourself to some of these people if you get the opportunity. People like Gene Hessler, Fred Schwan, Joe Boling, Neil Shafer, George Cuhaj, Peter Huntoon and others are all approachable. They are willing to answer questions or just talk about your collection. If you have something in their area of expertise, show it to them. Even if it is a common item. You may learn something about it that you did not already know. How do you meet them? Pay attention to the schedule of club meetings. Many of them will attend the SPMC, IBNS and other specialized club meetings. If one of them is speaking on a topic, attend even if it is not something you are necessarily interested in. If you have enough gumption, have them paged. If you do not know what they look like, ask a dealer you know to point them out or introduce them to you. The authors are more than willing to sign their books. Buy one and bring it along. Read it first and have questions based on the book. If you don't have any questions, make them up. Have them sign a note. Making a short snorter of autographs of noted collectors and authors would make a great display item.
Great post lettow. all those names you mentioed are all folks i came up with during yesterdays hunt Especially the MPC folks lol Its one thing to consider also is that numismatics is a highly organized population contest of sorts. Folks do not usually get to the top of their area if they are not friendly and approachable. I have never been to any show where any of them listed fellows attended, but if i had, and needed to talk with one of them, i wouldnt hesitate then to walk right up besides, even if they are too busy at that moment, the worst they can say is please come back in 10 minutes or somethign simlar I really like your idea of the 'type' short snorter. Think of what that would be like having all the 'top' people signing the same note. I noticed in one of the last WINS auctions they had a similar note that was sold and signed by the winner and then sold again. a cool idea there too.
I for one am not shy...I would wiggle right in and ask away. I already Have Mr. Hessler's (personalized) autographed book. I for one am looking forward to meeting these folks one day! My only regret is not getting to meet Mr. Tom Flynn....before he passed away. After all I do have 6 notes from his collection. Thanks Lettlow!! Nice post! SGR
Which book did he autograph? His Comprehensive Guide to US Paper Money is probably my favorite currency book...especially since he combined his works with Chambliss on the most recent one. I'm not a fan of everything he did though...don't like the word he "coined" for the collection of paper money at all...Syngraphics...sounds like a new feature for laptop video cards or something. Fortunately it isn't used that often...
"The Engravers Line" I rather like the word myself and as you can see I have adopted it as my new user name. With the Greek and Latin meaning, I thought it was rather unique! So I guess you are stuck see the word as long as you post in CT Paper Money Threads...LOL Since you have his book, read Page #7 "Syngraphics" This best explains what I am doing as well a few other things I am trying to do. An actually Gen Hessler did not coin that word, The Rev. Richard Doyle, Chairman of the Department of Classical Languages at Fordham Univ did it at Mr. Hesslers request. Formalities right?? For all that do not know: "Syn" (Greek) meaning with or together "graphikos" (Greek) meaning to write "syngrapha" (Latin) meaning a written promise to pay. SGR
While I agree that "Syngraphics" is not a very elegant word, the only other word I have seen to describe the hobby of paper money collecting is "Notaphily". Have you ever tried to explain to someone that being a "Notaphile" does not require that you be registered with your state and local authorities?
Good point...would be a bit suspicious of someone chose "Notaphile" as their user name! What do you call a person who collects currency? Syngrapher just doesn't sound good, Notaphile is sorta creapy and Numismatist is too generic.
You guy's are funny....to each their own I suppose...... It will always be the Collection of RB...... Neither of you know the circumstances on why I choose to change the name now do you? I thought so..... SGR
Nope...would you mind sharing it with us or does it have something to do with the witness protection program?
