Letters to the Editor – November 2023

What’s on your mind? Coins from Edward VI and ANACS

Letters to the Editor Public domain

Crown Struck During Edward VI’s Reign

While reading “The Dollar’s Identity” by Robert R. VanRyzin in the Oct. 10, 2023, Numismatic News, I encountered the following statement: “James I of England struck the first dollars in Britain while he was still James VI of Scotland.”

I believe this is incorrect. Although a 2-merk (“thistle dollar”) coin of roughly dollar size was struck during the late 1570s, a true crown (5 shillings) was first struck during the reign of Edward VI in 1551. See “The Story of the English Crown Coin” (britanniacoincompany.com) for details.

Ed Saugstad, Sinks Grove, W.Va.

Why Isn’t ANACS Used By More Dealers?

Why do most of the dealers use Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)? Why don’t they use ANACS? It’s my understanding they invented the slabbed-graded coin process. Their grading is as good and, I think, sometimes better than PCGS and NGC.

J. Galloway, Safford, Ariz.