Well gang, spring is in the air - someplace. I just wish it was here ! It's been snowing non stop on me at work for the past week and a half. But I know it will warm up - eventually ;-} Until then, I'll warm my heart with the new coins for my collection I keep finding.

I've been to two coin shows in the past month, and world coinage is becoming easier and easier to find. Where there was perhaps 1 or 2 tables with world coinage - now there is a dozen. And dealers that formerly only had US coins on display, now have a few world coins mixed in with them. And the quality of the coins is picking up as well. I must admit, I am surprised by the changes for they happened seemingly overnight. The last coin show I attended prior to this month was in Nov. - and it was like day and night. Granted, the prices have come up a long ways in the past few months; at least for the types of coins I collect. Maybe that's what is bringing them out. Whatever it is - I like it !!

I would like to remind the WINS members that the Newsletter depends upon your participation. And one of the easiest ways for you to participate is to submit some coin pics, along with descriptions, for the Member's Show and Tell section. Everybody enjoys these, sharing our knowledge, our experiences and pictures of our coins is what it is all about. So c'mon folks - share !!

That's about it for now - I hope you enjoy this as well as future issues of - The Tarnished Truth.

THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER - Words of inspiration from the WINS President. Read it HERE.

FROM BEHIND THE GREEN CURTAIN - IT tidbits, auction summaries and more. Read it HERE.

MEMBER'S ARTICLE - Riding Shotgun Read it HERE.

TREASURER'S REPORT - The WINS PayPal account is - winstreasury@bellsouth.net

The answer is: ? ? ?
Mint marks first appeared on U.S. coins in 1838 with the opening of branch mints at New Orleans (O), Dahlonega, GA (D), and Charlotte (C).