In December I reviewed the Spring 2013 (Issue 2) of RogerBurdette's excellent periodical, the Journal of NumismaticResearch. I've fallen woefully behind in my reviews ofall books this year, so in an attempt to play catch-up I'llhighlight the three new issues Roger has generated in theinterim. It's a stretch to call these "reviews",but hopefully I can add some color to the distributor'sdescription.

JNR Summer 2013, Issue 3
From the Wizard Coin Supply web site:

I've already heard from other numismatists about howinteresting and useful this issue is - never has so muchinformation on the Philippine silver dump and recovery beencompiled in one place. I'd read bits and pieces of the storyin other publications, but this was a real page-turner, withinteresting tidbits throughout.

The related tale of the recovery of the Nazis' looted goldis another great story, particularly in light of the recentrelease of the film Monuments Men. The photo of a roomfilled with thousands of bags of gold is priceless. Highlyrecommended for anyone who enjoys the sweep of history and howits ebbs and flows directly affect people and their coinage.

JNR Autumn 2013, Issue 4
From the Wizard Coin Supply web site:

This is an issue focused on two related "threes" -the three-cent silver coin and the three dollar gold piece. Rogerreviews congressional legislation and contemporary news accountsto piece together the story of the origin of this tiny coin. Sen.Daniel Dickinson of New York introduced legislation in 1850 fornew one and three cent coins to help replace fractional Spanishsilver coins, which were still commonly used in circulation. In1851 the adoption of the lower three-cent rate for postage alsofueled the drive for the three-cent coin.

Meanwhile, Roger's research indicates that contrary tostatements found elsewhere in hobby publications, Congress didnot link these coins to the new postage rates. In fact, these"purposeless curiosities" existed more as jewelry itemsthan commercial specie, as did the diminutive one-dollar goldpiece.

The issue is rounded out by a short opinion piece whichsomewhat redeems James Longacre's reputation in othernumismatic publications as an incompetent die sinker. While notexceptional, neither was Longacre a bumbling neophyte.

JNR Winter 2014, Issue 5
From the Wizard Coin Supply web site:

As much as I've enjoyed all issues of JNR, this one is myfavorite to date. Weighing in at a beefy 58 pages, this issuegoes into depth about the women who have served as directors ofthe U.S. Mint. Not generally a topic covered in the numismaticpress, this issue opens a window into the personalities and livesof these three pioneers. Also covered is Director Nellie TayloeRoss' personal secretary Edness Wilkins, a heretofore unknownwho nevertheless played an important role at the Mint, and wasthe only active coin collector among the staff at the time,collecting commemorative halves and U.S. Mint medals and speakingat her local coin clubs.

All of the issues pass my back-of-the-book test, withextensive footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies. All are highlyrecommended.

For more information, or to order, see:
REVIEW: JOURNAL OF NUMISMATIC RESEARCH, SPRING 2013(www.wizardcoinsupply.com/journal-of-numismatic-research/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see REVIEW: JOURNALOF NUMISMATIC RESEARCH, SPRING 2013(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n52a06.html)