DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Page A10 in the Aug. 11 Sun Journal, an article appeared regarding a coin auction with particular mention of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

I have in my possession an extremely rare old dime that is, in fact, 40 years older than the one auctioned off. I would certainly appreciate having the address of the company’s president, Chris Napolitano. Could you tell me where I may get in touch with him?

I will be anxiously watching the paper for your reply. Thanks again, once more, for you and your column. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots is pleased to provide contact information, but she also feels she should mention that it was not just the age of that dime that made it valuable. It was the fact that it was minted during a one-day run in 1873 in Carson City, Nev.

The value of coins often has as much to do with how rare they are as how old. Your coin may be older, but it’s probably not worth $1.6 million, as the other one was.

If you have access to the Internet, or can get to the library, you can look it up and see what similar dimes have sold for. Include the year and where it was minted in your search. Most coins you see now have either a “D” (Denver) or “P” (Philadelphia) on them. In the past, there were mints in many other cities as well, although some were short-lived, as with Carson City.

You might also want to take your dime to a local coin dealer and see what they think it’s worth. There are several listed in the yellow pages.

As for Stack’s Bowers, it has offices all over the world. Sun Spots doesn’t know where Napolitano works, but any of their personnel should be able to help you. The closest to Maine is in New Hampshire: P.O. Box 1804, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, 1-800-458-4646.

Sun Spots recommends you get more than one opinion before selling.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day. I am looking for white milk glass dishes. What I need are dessert and vegetable bowls. I want to complete my set. Maybe your readers can help me. Thank you.  — L.J., Leeds

ANSWER: Sun Spots loves milk glass. Her mother has a few pieces, and Sun Spots was careful to pack them when Mom moved recently.

As for your search, have you tried the Replacements Ltd. in North Carolina? They have an incredible supply of replacement china, silver and crystal. They advertise 360,000 patterns in stock!

You can visit them online at www.replacements.com, call 800-737-5223 or write P.O. Box 26029, Greensboro, NC, 27420-6029.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for someone in the area who custom fits women for the right-size bra. I have tried local stores but am getting no results. — Pat, Lisbon

ANSWER: Some clothing companies are developing computer software that measures your body exactly and ensures the perfect fit for jeans, but Sun Spots has not heard about a similar service for bras, although there are several websites, including YouTube videos, with helpful guidelines. As for locally, Sun Spots does not know. Perhaps readers will have suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column very much.

In response to the Aug. 14 offer of yarn, we could use it at Clover Manor (440 Minot Ave., Auburn). If you’d like to bring it to activity, we would just love it.

Thanks a lot. — Rita, Auburn

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