Welcome to The Asylum's Spring 2025 digital edition.

In this issue:

Message from NBS President Len Augsburger

Books are where you find them, and while we have several established numismatic booksellers ably serving the hobby, there are yet other venues available to the determined book hunters among us. Just today I learned about a copy of Jacob Perkins' Bank Bill Test, one of the famed rarities of American numismatic literature, which appeared on eBay in 2010 (more about this in a future article).

Apart from online sources such as eBay, Abebooks, Bookfinder, etc., collectors can explore retail outlets including secondhand bookstores and book fairs. One of the best-known shows is the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, which this year takes place from April 3 to April 6 at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City.

Related to this event is the video The Booksellers (2019), available on streaming services including Prime Video. A careful viewing of this video will reveal at least one prominent New York numismatist in attendance at the International Antiquarian Book Fair. Moreover, the video delivers an insightful view of our quirky corner of the world and is highly recommended.

Regardless of where you acquire your books, I hope this new year brings interesting additions to your library. While five-figure rarities like the Perkins Bank Bill Test are highly prized for a reason, one need not spend large amounts to acquire items that tell compelling stories about numismatic objects and the people who collect them. Here's hoping that these stories in your library abound in the coming months.

Please renew your membership in the NBS to continue receiving The Asylum. Go to coinbooks.org to pay by PayPal or download a membership form today. Your current expiration date is printed to the right of your name on your subscription envelope, which should be arriving soon.