Building a numismatic library, one book at a time

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RYK
RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Let's try creating a numismatic library, one book (or catalog or periodical or pdf) at a time.

Here are the groundrules:
1. One single book per post.
2. One post per day per forum member (please, no alts or sock puppets image )
3. I will try to update the OP at the end of the day with the running list
4. List book title with author
5. Coin World and Numismatic News do not count

I will go first with my favorite of all QDB books...

Edit: As of 1950, central time, here is the list:

More Adventures with Rare Coins by Q David Bowers
"Numismatic Art in America: Aesthetics of the United States Coinage" by Cornelius Vermeule
The Official Red Book. A guide book of United States Coins. -R.S. Youman/Bressett
The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels - David Lange
Dickeson, Montroville W./The American Numismatical Manual (1st Ed.; 1859)
Renaissance of American Coinage by Roger Burdette
Walter Breem's complete encyclopedia of US and colonal coins
The Expert's Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins, by Q. David Bowers
Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins 1722 - 1977
Illegal Tender: Gold, Greed, and the Mystery of the Lost 1933 Double Eagle by David Tripp
Early US Gold Coin Varieties by Dannreuther and Bass
"Abe Kosoff Remembers" by Abe Kosoff
"The Complete Guide to Mercury Dimes" by David Lange
American Art Medals, 1909-1995 by David T. Alexander. Published by the American Numismatic Society in 2010
Crosby...the Quarterman edition.
"Fractional Money" by Neil Carothers
Penny Whimsey by William Sheldon
A Guide Book of Peace Dollars by Roger Burdette
Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook by Wayne Miller
The History of United States Coinage as Illustrated by the Garrett Collection By QDB
Early Half Dollar Die Varieties(3rd Edition) by Al Overton
Eric P. Newman & Kenneth E. Bressett/"The Fantastic 1804 Dollar"
Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861 by Doug Winter
"Crime of 1873 - The Comstock Connection" by Robert R. van Ryzin
Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint: 1870-1893 by Douglas Winter
Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopædia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Van Allen and Mallis
Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861 by Doug Winter
The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint: How Frank H. Stewart Destroyed, And Then Saved A National Treasure, Leonard Augsburger (Author), Joel J. Orosz (Author)
"An Illustrated History of U.S. Commemorative Coinage." Don Taxay, ARCO Publishing Company, Inc, New York, 1967.
Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., King of Coins, by Dave Bowers.
"An Inside View of the Coin Hobby in the 1930s: The Walter P. Nichols File" Edited by Q. David Bowers.
United States Commemorative Coinage by Arlie Slabaugh
Numismatist's Companion series by QDB
Adventures with Rare Coins by QDB
Apostrophe Auction catalogs
Official ANA Grading Guide
Neil Musante - The Medallic Work of John Adams Bolen
The Art of Coins and their Photography by Gerald Hoberman
Abe Kosoff-Dean of Numismatics by QDB
Denis R. Cooper, "The Art and Craft of Coinmaking: A History of Minting Technology"
History of the United States Mint and its Coinage by David Lange
The Big Silver Melt by Henry Merton
The U.S. Mint and Coinage: An Illustrated History from 1776 to the Present, by Don Taxay.
A Mercenary's Guide to the Rare Coin Market by David Hall
R. Tomaska's, "The Complete Guide to Franklin Half Dollars".
My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
«13

Comments

  • RB1026
    RB1026 Posts: 1,524 ✭✭✭✭
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    somehow my post moved ahead of the OP.......I've moved it image
  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I have always liked "Numismatic Art in America: Aesthetics of the United States Coinage" by Cornelius Vermeule as a nice overview of the artistic influences for our country's coin designs.
    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."
  • guitarwes
    guitarwes Posts: 9,308 ✭✭✭
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    The Official Red Book. A guide book of United States Coins. -R.S. Youman/Bressett

    image
    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
  • RB1026
    RB1026 Posts: 1,524 ✭✭✭✭
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    Excellent idea RYK!

    Since the Red Book has been mentioned, I will add this excellent work:

    The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels - David Lange
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I also like Catbert's choice.

    My pick (for today):
    Dickeson, Montroville W./The American Numismatical Manual (1st Ed.; 1859)
    This was the first effort aimed at producing an encyclopedia of U. S. coins.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • EagleEye
    EagleEye Posts: 7,677 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Renaissance of American Coinage by Roger Burdette
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • PTVETTER
    PTVETTER Posts: 6,137 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Walter Breem's complete encyclopedia of US and colonal coins
    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • Dentuck
    Dentuck Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭
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    The Expert's Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins, by Q. David Bowers.

    image


  • PQueue
    PQueue Posts: 901 ✭✭✭
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    Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins 1722 - 1977
    ISBN# 0-930076-01-X
    Published by F.C.I Press, Inc.

    Nice reference, if you can find one.
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins 1722 - 1977
    ISBN# 0-930076-01-X
    Published by F.C.I Press, Inc.

    Nice reference, if you can find one. >>



    There's one right here!
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • TheRaven
    TheRaven Posts: 4,172 ✭✭✭✭
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    Illegal Tender: Gold, Greed, and the Mystery of the Lost 1933 Double Eagle by David Tripp
    Collection under construction: VG Barber Quarters & Halves
  • jmb
    jmb Posts: 627 ✭✭✭
    Options
    image
  • curly
    curly Posts: 2,880 ✭
    Options
    "Abe Kosoff Remembers" by Abe Kosoff
    Every man is a self made man.
  • jesbroken
    jesbroken Posts: 11,253 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "The Complete Guide to Mercury Dimes" by David Lange

    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • 291fifth
    291fifth Posts: 25,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    American Art Medals, 1909-1995 by David T. Alexander. Published by the American Numismatic Society in 2010.

    The books covers all medal issues of the Circle of Friends of the Medallion and The Society of Medalists.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • shorecoll
    shorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Crosby...the Quarterman edition.

    I know the new Whitman encyclopedia has generally replaced it but I still prefer Sylvester, even without Tweetyimage
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • CEOcoinshopcom
    CEOcoinshopcom Posts: 350 ✭
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    Complete guide to Liberty Nickels......by the Girls.
    I'm Just Sayin"


    http://www.coinshop.com
  • DaveG
    DaveG Posts: 3,535 ✭
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    "Fractional Money" by Neil Carothers

    Check out the Southern Gold Society

  • DNADave
    DNADave Posts: 7,350 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    image
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    So far it is a three-way tie between Lange, Breen, and QDB (unless you consider Rick Snow's selection as 3 books image )
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Snow's selection counts as 3 books ---he cheated. You gotta watch those Tucson guys.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Crosby...the Quarterman edition.

    I know the new Whitman encyclopedia has generally replaced it but I still prefer Sylvester, even without Tweetyimage >>




    You don't like the Durst edition? I'm shocked!image
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • BigMoose
    BigMoose Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭
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    Agree with DNADave, Penny Whimsy started the whole shooting match for me.
    TomT-1794

    Check out some of my 1794 Large Cents on www.coingallery.org
  • Mark
    Mark Posts: 3,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    A Guide Book of Peace Dollars by Roger Burdette. Unlike most of the other "Guide Books" I have seen, RWB's book has a chunk of original research about Peace dollars. Even though I have little interest in collecting the series, RWB made Peace dollars fascinating!
    Mark


  • littlebear
    littlebear Posts: 1,600 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook by Wayne Miller.


    Larry L.


    image
    Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
  • Eagleguy
    Eagleguy Posts: 2,264 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The History of United States Coinage as Illustrated by the Garrett Collection By QDB

    JH
    JH

    Proof Buffalo Registry Set
    Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
    Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
  • jesbroken
    jesbroken Posts: 11,253 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Early Half Dollar Die Varieties(3rd Edition) by Al Overton

    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    New day, another pick:

    Eric P. Newman & Kenneth E. Bressett/"The Fantastic 1804 Dollar"

    Any coin collector who thinks that 1804 dollars were produced in 1804 needs to read this book. It also provides hints relating to shenanigans that went on at the U. S. Mint in the 19th century.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    I will go specialty today and give a nod to

    Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861 by Doug Winter

    It contains contributions by forum members DaveG and GeorgeKellogg and is currently being updated for rerelease.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Mitchell
    Mitchell Posts: 595 ✭✭✭✭
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    My addition: '"Crime of 1873 - The Comstock Connection" by Robert R. van Ryzin

    A good read on the history of mining the Comstock and the connections to the Trade and Morgan dollars.
    Successful BST: dmwjr, ike126, bajjerfan, morganman94, sonoradesertrat, 12voltman, duiguy, gsaguy, gsa1fan, martin, coinfame, zas107, bothuwui, gerard, kccoin, jtwitten, robcool, coinscoins, mountain_goat, and a few more.
  • EagleEye
    EagleEye Posts: 7,677 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Snow's selection counts as 3 books ---he cheated. You gotta watch those Tucson guys.

    Oh, I got caught! I won't post a book for two more days. image
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • RB1026
    RB1026 Posts: 1,524 ✭✭✭✭
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    Hard to argue with any of Doug's books so I'll throw out another one.....

    Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint: 1870-1893 by Douglas Winter


  • messydesk
    messydesk Posts: 20,828 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopædia of Morgan and Peace Dollars by Van Allen and Mallis
    John
    Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
  • jmb
    jmb Posts: 627 ✭✭✭
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    << <i>I will go specialty today and give a nod to

    Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861 by Doug Winter

    It contains contributions by forum members DaveG and GeorgeKellogg and is currently being updated for rerelease. >>



    That's the one I was going to post today. image

    So now, I'll go with ... Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861 by Doug Winter
  • Billet7
    Billet7 Posts: 4,923 ✭✭✭
    Options
    The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint: How Frank H. Stewart Destroyed, And Then Saved A National Treasure,
    Leonard Augsburger (Author), Joel J. Orosz (Author)
  • BG
    BG Posts: 1,762 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    "An Illustrated History of U.S. Commemorative Coinage."

    Don Taxay, ARCO Publishing Company, Inc, New York, 1967.


    image
  • Zoins
    Zoins Posts: 34,489 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "A Guide Book of Peace Dollars" by RWB (ISBN-13: 978-0794837662)
    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • GeorgeKellogg
    GeorgeKellogg Posts: 1,251 ✭✭
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    I'll resist the temptation to recommend a specialty book right off the bat and go with Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., King of Coins, by Dave Bowers. It's a great read about the foremost coin collector of the Twentieth Century, and likely of all time.
    "Clamorous for Coin"
  • WinLoseWin
    WinLoseWin Posts: 1,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    "An Inside View of the Coin Hobby in the 1930s: The Walter P. Nichols File" Edited by Q. David Bowers.

    Lots of interesting reprints, clips, ads and letters that give a good perspective on how things were and how some things haven't changed. Many parallels to the present such as the boom and obsession with flipping modern mint products (the commens of the 1930's). Also cleaning coins; complaints about dealers and likely some about collectors. One dealers disappointment in not being able to rip a rare gold collection from a lady for $400 when one coin in it was worth that alone (the owner then checked with various other buyers before selling for "considerably more").

    Some things in it are just plain interesting such as a 1935 letter including "... As I am all out of the 1908 S Mint Cents in red, uncirculated condition, I am going to take the 300 at your price of 50c each."

    "To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin

  • BillJones
    BillJones Posts: 35,935 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    When I am writing articles for my local club meeting notice / newsletter, the book is a wonder resource. It is pretty much forgotten today, but if you want to know story of the historical event covered by one of the "old" commemorative coins, this is a great source.

    image
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Some things in it are just plain interesting such as a 1935 letter including "... As I am all out of the 1908 S Mint Cents in red, uncirculated condition, I am going to take the 300 at your price of 50c each." >>



    "...As I am all out of the 1908 S Mint Cents in red, uncirculated condition, I am going to make the 300 [for] your price of 50c each." Fixed it for you, WinLoseWin. Now it's more interesting reading.image
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Longacre
    Longacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
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    Longacre weeps that RYK would forget my beloved QDB's Numismatic Companion series of books-- the Numismatist's Bedside Companion, the Numisamtist's Weekend Companion, etc. The books maintain a place of honor on the shelves of Longacre's wood-paneled library.


    Amazon
    Always took candy from strangers
    Didn't wanna get me no trade
    Never want to be like papa
    Working for the boss every night and day
    --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Longacre,

    Tchotchkes like those don't count unless you've managed to obtain copies bound in fine Corinthian leather. I'm sure The Man agrees that you can do better.
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • Dollar2007
    Dollar2007 Posts: 774 ✭✭✭
    Options
    I was lucky to find Wayne Miller's "The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook" (already mentioned), and my selection, Q. David Bowers "Adventures with Rare Coins" at a library bag sale for a dollar a bag.

    Reading Adventures with Rare Coins is fascinating, but highly depressing as well, hearing about how bags of uncirculated silver dollars were being ordered by people at their banks as late as 1963 for face value. Some were even CC's!
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    ...and my selection, Q. David Bowers "Adventures with Rare Coins" at a library bag sale for a dollar a bag.

    That book would have been a day 4 or 5 selection for me and is readily available and generally cheap. Try to find "More Adventures" for under $50!

    Longacre weeps that RYK would forget my beloved QDB's Numismatic Companion series of books

    I did not forget--just did not rank them as highly as you. Day 3 or 4 selection for me.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • Dollar2007
    Dollar2007 Posts: 774 ✭✭✭
    Options


    << <i> ...and my selection, Q. David Bowers "Adventures with Rare Coins" at a library bag sale for a dollar a bag.

    That book would have been a day 4 or 5 selection for me and is readily available and generally cheap. Try to find "More Adventures" for under $50!
    >>



    Didn't think about ranking my contributions. I don't have too many coin books though, but will sure be buying some I learned about from this thread.
  • Nic
    Nic Posts: 3,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The first Apostrophe Auction Cat. Please enter the 2nd-10th for my upcoming choices.

    K

    My 1866 Philly Mint Set

  • COALPORTER
    COALPORTER Posts: 2,900 ✭✭
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    Official ANA Grading Guide.
  • Aegis3
    Aegis3 Posts: 2,943 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Neil Musante - The Medallic Work of John Adams Bolen

    One of the best works on an exonumic subject.
    --

    Ed. S.

    (EJS)
  • rmpsrpms
    rmpsrpms Posts: 1,976 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The Art of Coins and their Photography by Gerald Hoberman
    PM me for coin photography equipment, or visit my website:

    http://macrocoins.com

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