DEAR SUN SPOTS:I hope you or some reader can help me. Someone said that there has been an ad on TV advertising a commemorative gold coin of the Titanic. I cannot seem to find it, and Christmas if very near.

My great-grandson is so interested in anything that has to do with the Titanic. Also, the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Even though he is only 8, he is very interested in history. We realize his capabilities and interests are way ahead of his age.

I have ordered him a book on each subject and would very much like to find information on the coin so I could get it for him for Christmas.

ANSWER: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage — and subsequent sinking — of the Titanic, and a number of commemorative coins have been produced, including series in the United States, Canada and Australia that range from $1 to $1,000.

There are other online coin sellers, but Sun Spots cannot and will not vouch for any of them. Republic Jewelry & Collectibles in Auburn, which sells coins, does not have any coins in stock right now, but their employees are willing to help refer you to a reputable dealer. You can reach Republic Jewelry at 877-422-7979 or visit the store at 121 Center St.

If you want to see what’s available in the market, APMEX has coins available that can be ordered online at www.apmex.com or by calling 800-375-9006.

For more affordable options, GovMint.com (which is not the United States Mint and does not have any connection to the U.S. Treasury) sells coins at www.govmint.com or by calling 800-721-0346.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone around Lewiston who fixes shoes any more? My searches online and in the yellow pages for a cobbler in the L-A area have been fruitless. I thought maybe you might have someone in your Rolodex.

ANSWER: Sun Spots has a few:

* Midcoast Shoe Repair, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-8557, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays by appointment only. Offers a courier service for shoe and leather repairs at Sound Limbs Orthotics & Prosthetics, 39 South Lisbon Road, Lewiston; email Elizabeth Park, midcoastshoe@gmail.com

* Ali Shongole, Maple Street, Lewiston, 344-7665

* Morin Shoe Store, 171 Main St., Berlin, N.H., 603-752-4810

* Paul’s Shoe Shop at 22 Cumberland St., Westbrook, ME 04092, email cobblerinacan@yahoo.com, 854-4338, will provide service by mail. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

* Tom Finn Shoe Repair, 165 Water St., Augusta, 623-8491, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Finn says he repairs anything leather, as well as shoes.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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