There were 43 members present and no guests.

President's Remarks:  Guy spoke briefly on the fluctuations in the precious metals markets.

Reports:
    Ray I. presented the Treasurer's report; it was accepted as read.

    The Bourse Chairman's report was given orally by Malcolm, everything continues on track as scheduled.

    The Secretary's report was read and approved.

Old Business:
    Sheryl had the TIC compilation available for members to check on their accumulated points.  The compilation will be available at all meetings.

    Paul reported that five members have been suspended for nonpayment of dues.

New Business:
    Dave C. spoke on a proposed trip to next summer's ANA Show in Baltimore.  The Richmond Coin Club is sponsoring a bus and they would welcome participation from the Tidewater Coin Club.  There will be more details as the event becomes closer.

    Volunteers are solicited to write a brief column for inclusion in the Club's Newsletter.  Please submit all articles to Paul.

    A proposal was made to have a roster of the membership made available to all members.  There was very little enthusiasm for this project and will therefore be dropped from consideration.

    The purchase of a sound system was brought up to the membership.  A brief discussion followed.  The board will come up with a concrete proposal.  It would be used at all regular club meetings and both of our annual shows.

    The idea of a Club Picnic was broached but met with no interest, so was dropped from consideration.

    There will be a Roster of the Officers and Board of Directors.  It will contain phone numbers and e-mail addresses only.  Any member wishing his phone and e-mail address added to this list can submit the information to Chuck for inclusion.

Show and Tell:
    Bill H. donated to the club a Bicentennial $2.00 bill in the form of a Chinese puzzle.  It is available to any member to try and solve.   Bill retained the solution.

    Denny M. spoke on Missouri tax tokens and brought some examples.  He also remarked on the movement of money within the navy.  He displayed an album for foreign coins that is easily completed and very educational.

    Sandy B. spoke of his recently published article published in a scholarly journal on the Roman Legionnaire's Helmet.  He passed around a picture of the type of helmet he described in his article.

    John C. advised the membership that recently deceased member Bill S.'s collection had been sold to Candl Coins and was available there for inspection and purchase.

    Chuck Fifield displayed a satirical note in reference to Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.  He brought in an example of the 2003 Proof Silver Eagle and spoke of having delivery from the mint in only five days.  He brought in a GAR medal from a nineteenth Century GAR Encampment held in Portland, Maine.  Finally, he brought in his 3-legged Buffalo Nickel to use in the Coin Game.

Exhibits:  Dave C. displayed his collection of Federal Reserve Notes from the Richmond Federal Reserve District. The notes displayed were from the $1.00 denomination to the $500.00 denomination.

Door Prize Winners:  Chuck F., Bob K., Fran R. (All current board members)

Coin Game:  The subject was U.S. Nickel Five Cent Piece.  The nickel series chosen was the Liberty Head Design (1883-1912) and the winner was John K.

Education Program:  Paul A. gave an interesting talk on Chinese chop-marked coins.  He spoke of their history, availability, and collectibility.  The talk was illuminating to most of the members present and gave us a limited look into the financial and mercantile markets of China and the China Trade during the 18th through 20th centuries.

Junior Question:  The question for our junior members concerned the first year of the nickel five cent piece.  Jason I. was the winner and received a prize from Jack L. the program's sponsor.

50/50 Winner:  Fran R.

Long Term Raffle Winner:  Paul A.

Raffle Winners:  August R., Everett P., Ed E., Glenn N., Fran R., Ike D., Steve E. and Glenn N. III (No double winner this month.)

Auction:  The auction was lively with strong bidding on a few of the lots.  There were also a few bargains to be had.

Items for the Betterment of the Club:  None

Next Meeting Items:  The coin for next month's Coin Game will be the Half Dollar minted between the years 1801 and 2003.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.