Hello everyone, I have been absent for almost a month now because I had to leave numismatics on the side for some time while my Veteran brother was loosing his eyesight completely. I was extremely busy taking all steps necessary for his two ophthalmic surgeries. I then today give thanks to the Lord as my brother will regain his health again and he will see better. I know that many have been asking about my whereabouts lately, but I am ready again and will be very active here for you all. To you, I mostly say thanks from the bottom of my heart. Grateful for your support at all times. Be blessed and thanks to all!!"In God we Trust."

Among many families and others, there is a traditional custom to place a penny inside a baby shower invitation, a sixteenth birthday party card or even a marriage congratulations card as a symbol of good luck or good wishes. 

Also known as the John Muir, Martínez MedalJohn Muir: born April 1838, died December 1914.

While re-arranging part of my library and putting away some of my art and history books, I stumbled upon a copy of a magnificent art catalog published in joint cooperation between the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and, the United Exhibits Group of Coppenhague, Denmark in 2002. The well published art catalog is titled "The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt." Within its pages many Egyptologists and additional experts have exposed for future generations their insights and knowledge regarding the ancient Egyptians and their path thru earthly time. I chose to read again Dr. Erik Hornung's exquisite esssay titled: "Exploring the Beyond" enclosed in this great publication. Dr. Erik Hornung (1933) is a Swiss born World reknown Egyptologist. My writing is a humble way to connect a study of the belief in an afterlife with a numismatist item: the token. One of the most intriguing and fascinating revelations might come from the ancient Egyptians and their belief in the afterlife. Many cultures after them incorporated this thought of a realm earned with a granted passage by a "token" of material value given to a deity or "overseer" who led the soul of a fervent or misfortunate being (as justified beliefs applied to individuals) into his/her new existence.