Maya

Collecting coins is totally subjective. Every individual collector collects what appeals to him/her. There are absolutely no rules. There is absolutely nothing wrong with collecting novodels as long as you know what you are collecting. There is no hierarchy. Collecting novodels does not make you any less of a collector than someone who, for argument's sake, collects British Sovereigns or US Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles. It is strictly a personal choice dictated by personal taste.

I think there is a basic misunderstanding here as to the meaning of "Novodel". gxseries and IgorS touch on it briefly but I think that someone, more qualified that I, should give a concise explanation of what is meant by Novodel. I think too many people, as gxseries said, confuse them with fantasy pieces and counterfeits.

Thank you for the link, Bob. I didn't even know about this feature.

I have recently received my copy of Mr. Bitkin's catalogue from Antikvarius as well. What a wonderful work it is! It is amazing how much research, how much knowledge, how much time and effort have gone into creating this superb reference every serious collector would treasure. It is infuriating to think that someone would have the arrogance to steal it!!! And it is discouraging to think that one of us would consider using the pirated copy .