Copyright: Bob Stech


Wincoin
WinCoin 1.2   Help

Overview        Features        Registration        Whats's New     Frequently Asked Questions

Adding Inventory

Coin Inventory

Reports

Prices

Notes

Master File Maintenance

Category Maintenance

Master Coin List

Tables

Special Options

System Information/Utilities

User Options

Importing

Indexes

Copyright, License, Warranty     Technical Information     Shareware     Contacting the Author


Features

WINCOIN is a program to track your coin collection..  Some of WINCOIN's features:

 Data bases for Categories (ie. Cents, Nickels) and Category Types (Buffalo nickels, Jefferson nickels) are provided and are user modifiable for new issues.

Category Types include grading information, history, and type notes.  Category Types can be resequenced to keep new issues in the proper order.

Master Coin data bases for each Category Type include all US coins and can even be set up to handle foreign coins if desired.  All varieties can be maintained.  Newly found varieties of older coins can be entered and put into their proper position in the master coin list.

Grading Templates can be set up by Category Type.  This allows grading schemes to be customized to suit the way you like to collect your coins.  Only those grades established for each Category Type are displayed on the panels and reports.  New grades can easily be added and placed in the proper sequence.

Coin Maintenance panel provides for current inventory as well as On Orders and Wants.  Text can be associated with any coin, if desired.  A FAST ADD feature allows for easy conversion of current inventory.

Mint marks, grades, varieties, vendors, and grading services are table oriented and easily added to or expandable.

Reporting capabilities include on line and printed.  Current inventory reports, wants, orders can all be printed.  Versions are available on-line and as printed reports.  Many options can be set to customize the reports.  Inventory valuation available.

Positions for grades which do not exist are blacked-out, so at a glance you can see which coins you need to complete your collection.

Capability for notes to be entered into the system.  Eliminate all those pieces of paper and have the information at your fingertips.

Prices for coins can be kept in the system.  A price report is available.


License
License Agreement and Warranty Disclaimer

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.  Use of this software indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions.  If you do not agree with them, do not use the software.

Shareware Version

You are hereby licensed to:  use the Shareware Version of the software for a 30-day evaluation period; make as many copiesof the Shareware version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original Shareware version to anyone; and distribute the Shareware version of the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means.  There is no charge for any of the above.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

THE AUTHOR MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THIS SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THEIR QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABLIBITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, DOCUMENTATION, OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION.

Registered version

One registered copy of WINCOIN may be dedicated to a single person who uses the software on one or more computers or to a single workstation used by multiple people.

NOTICE

If you paid a "public domain" vendor for this program, you paid for the service of copying and distributing the program, and not for the program itself.  Rest assured that nothing ever gets to the originators of this product from such a sale.  You may evaluate this product, but if you make use of it, you should register your copy.


General

Wincoin is a system to track your coin collection, with major emphasis on giving the user a high degree of visibility, and at the same time, flexibility in configuring the system to best suit your needs.  The Main Inventory Panel is designed to allow you to see an overview of your inventory for a category type at a glance, while with a simple point and click, view all the detail behind a coin in inventory, an order, or a want.  A Fast Add feature allows easy initial loading of inventory.  Reports are available on line or to be printed, and the User Options panel allows flexibility into the design of these reports.

Each Category Type contains years of issue for the coin, along with grading information, some history, and the ability to add notes by category type.  Each category type has a Master Coin List with all the years, mint marks and varieties.  New years are easily added and adding an older coin in the proper position is simple.  Mint marks, grades, and varieties are all Table driven and easily modifiable.  The Grade Template is a unique feature of this system, which allows customization of grading schemes by category types.

Prices can be entered into the system by coin and grade and prices can be included on reports.  General Notes can be stored into the system.  The System Information panel shows statistics about all files and allows for compression of files for efficiency and disk space reduction.  Functions are available to rebuild indexes should indexes be damaged by a power failure or equivalent.

A Backup option is available from the main menu.  Choose FILE, then BACKUP.  Select the diskette drive for the backup and select whether a complete backup or just data files should be backed up.  After backup, you can select whether to exit or continue with program.  The date of the last backup is shown on the panel.

Technical Information  Technical information on application.

Shareware Concept  Share ware information.

Registration  Registration information.


Technical Information

The following files are included in the software:

WINCOIN.EXE	WINCOIN program

WINCOIN.HLP	Help file(this file)

For upgrades, see below.

The next files should be put in you WINDOWS system directory but can be kept in you WINCOIN directory.

GRID.VBX	Support file

THREED.VBX	Support file

VBRUN300.DLL	Support file-required file that is present in your WINDOWS system directory.	If you do not have this file, then WINCOIN is not running.

The following files are the Master Coin data bases and associated files.  None of these files should be deleted or edited under any circumstances.

WINCOIN.DB1	Category Type file

WINCOIN.DB2	Category Description file

WINCOIN.IN2	Index to Category Description file

WINCOIN.DB3	Master Coin file

WINCOIN.DB4	Tables

WINCOIN.DB5	Notes files

WINCOIN.IN5	Index to notes files

WINCOIN.DB6	Price file

WINCOIN.DB7	Vendor file (new in version 1.1 or later)

WINCOIN.DB8	Grading Services file (new in version 1.1 or later)

WINCOIN.UN1	Grade template

WINCOIN.CDB	Inventory file

WINCOIN.CDX	Inventory file

WINCOIN.QIK	For Quick Start

Addional files that will be created during processing:

WINCOIN.USR	Created the first time the program is executed.  Should not be deleted.  Contains user 	options and user specific data for indexing.

WINCOIN.SEC	This file only exists if the registration code has been provided.

Other files which should be included:

ORDER.TXT

VENDOR.TXT

READ.ME

LICENSE.TXT

These last 4 files above may be deleted from a registered version.

If you are upgrading to a new version, only the following files should be replaced unless there is special instructions in the READ.ME file:

WINCOIN.EXE

WINCOIN.HLP

WINCOIN.QIK

To backup your WINCOIN files, you should backup up the entire WINCOIN directory.  See GENERAL for backup available from the main menu.


What's New
Upgrade History:

Version 1.2	Category Maintenance

New Resequence button to ease moving categories.

Audit on earliest category year now year 1.

Category list focus during panel transactions modified.

Master Coin List Maintenance

Set focus on new variety if Create New Variety button used.

Modified coin list length on initial opening of screen.

Variety Maintenance

New function to change variety description.

Set focus on new variety.

Want report

Option to print separators between category types.

Do not print grades/blank line if no prices.

Show date of last backup on backup screen.

Option to re-enter program after backup

Audit for no wants on want list request from coin panel.

Modified category/type list length on change from coin or price panel.

Certification number focus on coin inventory panel.

Grade Maintenance resequence modified for up to 255 grades.

Template panel overflow fixed if more than 126 categories.

Fixed System Utilities negative bytes for price file.

Fixed - Category skipped in Coin Inventory Report or Coin

Inventory List if only one coin and it was first.

Modified price change edit if wants or orders are showing.

Version 1.1	Provide on-line inventory valuation report.

Included value(price) on Coin Inventory Listing.

Expanded vendor table for coin inventory sources.

User modifiable grading services table.  New field certification number added.

New on-line report - Buys by vendor

A "Show Inventory" button is now available on the Price screen.  This button can

assist in entering prices for coins with inventory, and viewing wants and prices at

the same time.

Compress Inventory function bug fixed.

Include Backup option on menu.

Modified sort on want list.

Included Morgan dollar display on ABOUT panel.

Version 1.0a	Increased maximum number of grades to 255.

Print Want List from Coin Panel for one category type.

Specify default startup coin category on User Options screen.

All coin issues are included on the shareware system.

Fixed category name display on price screen on initial opening of this screen.

Fixed buys from deleted inventory from appearing on buy list until after compress.

Version 1.0 -	Initial release


Shareware

The ShareWare Concept

The ShareWare concept is an attempt to provide software at low cost.  The cost of offering a new product by conventional methods is very high, and hence prevents many independent authors and small companies from developing and promoting their ideas.  ShareWare is an attempt to develop a marketing channel where products can be introduced at low cost.

If the ShareWare concept works, then everyone benefits.  The user will benefit by receiving quality products at low cost, and by being able to test the software before purchasing it.  The author benefits by being able to provide commercial software without first needing large sources of capital. But it can only work with your support.

Unregistered use of WINCOIN after the 30-day evaluation period is in violation of federal copyright laws.

Registration  Registration information.


Registration

To register WINCOIN,  sent a check or money order for $29.00 made payable to Bob Stech.  Payments must be in US dollars drawn on a US bank, and should be sent to:

Bob Stech

5454 Kellogg Ct.

Willoughby, Ohio 44094.

An order form is available to be printed on line, under the HELP selection and also a ORDER.TXT file supplied with the system can be printed.

When payment is received you will receive a disk  with the latest version, remaining master coin lists, instructions to load them, and a special serial number with which you can register your software.  This serial number will be valid for all future versions of this software without additional fees.

Author may be contacted on CompuServe: ID 72103,2170.


Contacting the Author

Author may be contacted on CompuServe:    72103,2170

INTERNET:72103.2170@compuserve.com

US Mail:	Bob Stech

5454 Kellogg Ct.

Willoughby, Ohio  44094

Feel free to contact the author for any questions, requests, changes or enhancements to the system.


Coins
Coin Inventory Inquiry/ Maintenance

The coin panel is the main panel in the system.  This panel is used to display and enter inventory records for your collection.  To access the panel, select INVENTORY from the main menu.  A panel will be displayed showing the coins and inventory for a particular Category Type.  The last Category Type accessed from any panel will be displayed first.  To change Category Type, click on the Categrory Type.  A popup of available categories will be displayed.  Select the category and a popup of category types for this category will be displayed.  Select the category type.

The panel shows all master coins for the category type down the left side.  Across the top are the grades setup for the category type.  The grades for a particular category type are maintained on the grade template panel.  Scroll buttons are available to scroll up/down or left/right if needed.

The grid boxes for a coin and grade show any inventory for the coin.  If a number is displayed, it represents current inventory.  If an * is displayed, it indicates an order, want, or other status for the coin and grade.  If the grid box is blacked-out, no coins were minted for that particular grade.

At the bottom of the panel are buttons for GRADING, HISTORY, TYPE NOTES, and NOTES.  You can choose these buttons to view the corresponding information.  If any of the buttons are not enabled, then there is no data of that type for that category type.  Also at the bottom left are three printer icons marked Report, Listing, and Want.  The Report icon will print the Coin Inventory Report for the category type only, the Listing icon will print the Coin Inventory Listing for the current category type only, and the Want icon will print the Want List for the current category type only.  All user option settings apply to these reports.

To update or view inventory records for a particular coin and grade, click in the appropriate box.  The Coin Maintenance panel will be displayed.  There can be multiple inventory records for each coin and grade.  These records consists of current inventory, on order, wants, and other.  There can be multiple records of each type.  Other can be used for any purpose.  The panel shows the number of each inventory type in the upper right corner and also the sequence number of the current record displayed, if any.  The NEXT and BACK buttons on the bottom of the panel can be used to browse through the different inventory records.  The status box on the middle left indicates which kind of record is displayed.  Note that this panel is displaying inventory records for only one coin and grade at a time.

To help guide you through entry on this panel, messages are displayed indicating options or directions and only availalbe buttons are enabled as you process transactions.

Inventory records consist of the following data: Record status; Coin information, including comments; Purchase data; and Sell data.  The only required field is record status and quantity.  Comment data can be put on any inventory type, and is required for orders, wants, and others.  Required comments can be blank.  Vendor sources can be added via the Vendor Maintenance panel.  Grading Services can be expanded via the Grading Services panel.

To add a record, choose the appropriate ADD button corresponding to the type of record you want to enter..  Enter the desired fields and choose the SAVE button.  Quantity is the only required field.  If a status other than current inventory is added, the comment box will appear and comments may be added but are optional.  Also, the date on this panel may be changed.  The date may represent order date for orders, etc.  The text may be any notes you want to remember about this inventory record.  These notes may optionally appear on reports, like the Want list.

Current inventory only can also be added via the FAST ADD method.  Select the FAST ADD button and follow the prompts.  All inventory except varieties can be entered via this method.  This would be a good way to initially load your inventory.

To changed a record, simply key over the displayed data and use the CHANGE button.  Once a field is changed, the only actions available are change or cancel.  Inventory status for on orders, wants, and other may be changed to any other status, but once in current inventory, status cannot be changed.

To delete a record, choose the DELETE button.  You will be asked for confirmation.

Text data for current inventory may be added by choosing the ADD button in the coin information box in the center of the screen.  This data can be changed by selecting VIEW and then change text and select OK.  This data may be deleted by selecting the DELETE button in the coin information box.  Text data for orders, wants, or others can be changed but not deleted.


Reports

Various on-line and printed reports are available.  Select the report desired and click on the screen icon or the printer icon.

On-line:

On Order Report shows all inventory records with an on order status.

Want List shows all inventory records with a want status.

Other List shows all inventory records with an other status.

Buy List by Category shows all inventory records with a purchase price by category.

Buy List by Vendor shows all inventory records with a purchase price by vendor.

Inventory Valuation shows all inventory and its value.

Printed reports:

Coin Inventory Report provides for each category type, a listing of all coins for the type and where inventory exists.

Coin Inventory Listing provides a list of all inventory with all the information supplied about the coin.

Want Report provides a report of all wanted coins.

Price Report provides a report by category type, of prices entered into the system.


View Orders, Wants, Others;Buy Listing;Inventory Valuation
View Orders, Wants, Others, Buys, Inventory Valuation

These are on-line view functions.

Orders shows all on order records in the system.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, price, source, date, and comment are shown.  Orders are not sequenced.

Wants shows all want records in the system.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, quantity, date and comment are shown.  Wants are sequenced by year within category.

Other shows all other records in the system.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, quantity, date and comment are shown.

Buys by category shows all inventory that has a purchase price.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, quantity, vendor and date are shown.  A total is provided at the end of the list.

Buys by vendor shows all inventory that has a purchase price.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, quantity, vendor and date are shown.  Sub-totals by vendor and a total at the end of the list are displayed.

Inventory valuation report shows all inventory by category type.  Category type, year, mint mark, variety, grade, quantity, buy amount, and value(price) are shown.  Value is an extension of quantity times price.  Sub-totals are shown by category type and a grand total is displayed at the end.

On any screen, click on the comment field to view the entire comment, except the buy and valuation report.


Coin Inventory Report

The Coin Inventory Report provides a hard copy listing of all inventory in the system.  This report can be printed from the Reports menu or selected from the Coin maintenance panel via the printer icon on the bottom left.  If selected from the Coin panel, only the currently active category type is printed.  If selected from the reports option, all category types are printed.

This report shows the year, mint mark, and variety along with the grading template for the category type.  Under the grades are quantities for the current inventory.  All coins from the master list assigned to the type are shown, whether inventory exists or not.

Several options exist to customize the report to best suit your needs.  Set these options on the User Options Panel.

Skip page after each type.  If set to YES, each new category type will start on a new page, otherwise, a few lines will be skipped and the next category will be started.  When requesting this report from the Coin panel, a new page is automatic.

Show orders, wants, and other inventory.  If set to YES, an asterisk will be printed if there are any other inventory categories established for the year and grade.

Use multiple columns if available.  If set to YES, two columns will be printed if there is enough space.  Each category type requires a minimum number of columns based on the longest variety and the number of grades set up for the type.  This is compared to the number of print positions available based on the font and fontsize selected on the User Options panel.  If there is enough space, two columns will be used.  Some category types may print with one column and others may use two.  You will have to experiment with the different fontsizes.

Print type only if inventory.  Applies only if the report is selected from the Reports option menu.  If set to YES, the category type will only print if there is inventory in that category.

Show prices.  If set to YES, prices will be printed under the quantities.  The grading template for the inventory is the same as for the prices, so the price will print under the grade it applies to.

Use separator lines.  If set to YES, a dashed line will print after every 10th coin.  This option may provide for easier readability.


Coin Inventory Listing

The Coin Inventory Listing provides a hard copy listing of all inventory in the system.  This report can be printed from the Reports menu or selected from the Coin maintenance panel via the printer icon on the bottom left.  If selected from the Coin panel, only the currently active category type is printed.  If selected from the reports option, all category types are printed.

Only inventory is printed on this report.  It does not show all possible coins for a category.  Also, each inventory record is printed on a separate line, so if 2 records exists for one coin, 2 lines will be printed.  If no inventory exists for a category type, the category type heading will not be printed.

Report show year, mint mark, variety, quantity, grade, date added, catalog number, location, grading service(only first 5 positions), purchase price, value(price), and purchase source(vendor).

Several options exist to customize the report to best suit your needs.  Set these options on the User Options Panel.

Show comments.  If set to YES, any comments associated with the inventory record are displayed.

Use separator lines.  If set to YES, a dashed line will print after every 10th coin.  This option may provide for easier readability.


Want Listing

The Want Listing provides a hard copy of all inventory records marked as Wanted.  This report can be printed from the Reports menu or selected from the Coin maintenance panel via the printer icon on the bottom left.  If selected from the Coin panel, only the currently active category type is printed.  If selected from the reports option, all category types are printed.

This report shows each want record and the category type, year, mint mark, grade, quantity, and variety.

Several options exist to customize the report to best suit your needs.  Set these options on the User Options Panel.

Show comments.  If set to YES, any comments associated with the inventory record are displayed.

Show prices.  If set to YES,  the grade template and prices for the coin will be printed.

Use separator lines.  If set to YES, a dashed line will print after each category type.  This option may provide for easier readability.


Price Report

The Price Report is a listing of all prices.  For each category type, all coins in that type are displayed along with the prices in the system.

Several options exist to customize the report to best suit your needs.  Set these options on the User Options Panel.

Use multiple columns if available.  If set to YES, two columns will be printed if there is enough space.  Each category type requires a minimum number of columns based on the longest variety and the number of grades set up for the type.  This is compared to the number of print positions available based on the font and fontsize selected on the User Options panel.  If there is enough space, two columns will be used.  Some category types may print with one column and others may use two.  You will have to experiment with the different fontsizes.

Show only types with prices.  If set to YES, all types will be printed on the report.  If NO, category types without prices will be skipped.  From the Price panel, report will be printed regardless if there are prices.

Use separator lines.  If set to YES, a dashed line will print after every 10th coin.  This option may provide for easier readability.


Price Maintenance

A Price in this system can be kept for each grade for each coin.  Prices are optional.  Some can be entered and others may not be.  Prices can only be entered corresponding to the grade template for the coin category and whether the coin was minted or not (eg. some coins do not have proof issues).

Prices are stored with cents if the value is under $100 and without cents if the value is $100 or greater.

Price report can be printed for the current category by clicking on the printer icon.  Selecting this report from the Reports options menu will cause all category types to be printed.  Any user options selected will be in effect for this request, however report will be printed for current category regardless if any prices exist.

The "Show Inventory" icon located on the bottom of the panel can assist in entering prices for coins in inventory.  By clicking on this option, an asterisk will appear in the grid for any coin with inventory that does not have a price.  Also, a "w" will appear for any wants and an "o" will appear for any orders.  The "w" and "o" can show along with a price, but the * will only appear if no price exists.

To access the Price panel, select PRICES from the main menu.  A panel will be displayed showing the coins in the current category and the grades set up for these coins.  Click in the Category Type box to change category type.  First select the Category and then select the Category Type from the popups..  If no coin exists or a grade template is not established for the category type, a message will be displayed and no price entry can be done for this category.

To add a new price, click in the grid corresponding to the year and grade for the price.  Enter the price when prompted and hit enter.  The price will be entered into the file and reflected on the grid.  To eliminate a price, change the price to 0.  Zero prices are stored on the data base but can be eliminated on the System Utilities panel.

In the upper right corner of the panel are option buttons indicating single pricing or multiple pricing.  The default when the panel is entered is controlled on the User Options panel.  If the OFF button is selected (single pricing), then after a price is entered, you must click on another box in the grid to enter another price.  Click on the ON button to invoke multiple pricing.  Click on the grid to enter a price, enter the price and hit enter.  You will then be prompted for the price for the next grade to the right.  This will continue until the end of the line is reached for the coin and the pricing entry will shift to the next coin and start at the first grade.  Prices are saved as they are entered.  To not enter anything or keep the same price, hit the ENTER button.  Select CANCEL to end process, or it will end automatically after the last grade for the last coin.  If the ON/OFF button is changed, it will remain at that position for the duration of the program and return to its user options default the next time the program is started.

To assist entry of categories, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Category Maintenance

A category is the first entry required before any other coin information can be entered for a coin.  A category describes a general grouping for a coin.  For example, Small Cents and Nickels could be categories.  A category type further describes entries within a category.  For example, the category Small Cents could have category types of Wheat Cents and Lincoln Cents.  A category can have any number of category types and some categories will have only one type.  A category must have at least one type.

The only data associated with a category is the years of the coins and the category types.  Information associated with a category type is:

Category type years - mintage years for category and/or category types

Grading information - how to assign grades

History data - for example, designer of the coin

Type notes - these are any notes you wish to store pertaining to this category type.

Master coin list of all coins for this category type.

Categories are maintained on the Category Maintenance panel.  From the main menu, select Categories and then select Category Types.  The current category will be displayed.  On the bottom of the panel is a partial list of available category types.  Click on the arrow button to the right of the category box to scroll through all categories available for viewing.  Click on a category in this box to display its information.  Click on the Grading box, the Composition box or the Description box to view information about the category type.  Any displayed information can be changed, including the category or category type description, by simply keying over the data and selecting the appropriate CHANGE button.  The SAVE button or the CANCEL button should then be selected.  Changing any category data does not have any effect on the master coin list associated with the category type, except that it may have a wrong description.

To add a new category select the NEW button and enter the category, category years, category type, category type years, and then selecting the ADD button.

Category years and category types years are audited for validity.  The format of both is YYYY-YYYY.  The first year is the starting issue of the category, followed by a dash.  The second year is the ending year of the category.  If the category is still being minted, leave it blank, but the dash is still required.  The category type years must be a subset of the category years.  Category type start year must be equal to or greater than the category start year, but not after the category end year.  Category type end year must be less than or equal to the category end year.  If the category is still being minted, the category type end year must be less than the current year plus 1 or left blank.  If any data is not found valid, an error message is displayed.

The sequence of the categories as they are displayed is very important, as that is the order that the categories will be displayed on some panels.  To the right of the category list box is a set of sequence numbers.  These numbers can be changed to change the order the categories are displayed.  To change sequence, select the RESEQUENCE button.  Enter the sequence number from the sequence list of the category to be moved and use Enter.  Enter the sequence number from the list of the category that the moved category is to follow and use Enter.  The category sequence numbers will be changed but the category will not move until the SAVE button is used.  You must save the file after each resequence.  An example of when when change is needed would be if the Lincoln Memorial cent is stopped and a new small cent is started.  You would want to position this new cent type after the Lincoln Memorial cent.

If a many changes are made to the category files, the System Utilities panel can be used to compress and optimize the files.

To assist entry of categories, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Grade Template Maintenance

The Grade Template defines which grades exist for an individual category type.  For example, you can have 255 grades set up in the system, but you do not necessarily do not want these grades to appear for all coins.  In the case of Buffalo nickels, you may want to see the grades from About Good to Proof, but for Proof Sets, you would only want the grade of Proof.  The grade template screen allows you to configure your system to your grading scheme.  You can pick from the existing grades (up to 255), the ones you want to appear for each category type.  This template should also be kept in mind when defining the category types.  In the case of Lincoln cents, you may only want Uncirculated and Proof grade for the recent dates and may want Extremely Fine for earlier one.  So you make split the Lincoln memorial coin list into 2 category types.

You can use this scheme for a category type that you specialize in and collect different states of Uncirculated coins.  Set up MS-60, MS-65, MS-70 etc. for that group and only use MS-60 or UNC only for other category types.

The templates are maintained on the Grade Template panel.  From the main menu, select Categories, then select the Grade Template.  The existing templates will be displayed.  The category types will be displayed in the left column in the sequence defined on the category maintenance panel and the grades will be displayed along the top in the sequence defined on the grade maintenance panel.  These sequences can be changed on there corresponding panel as often as desired.  An "X" will appear if that grade is to appear for the category type.

To change a template, double click in the box and the X will change to blank or vice versa.  After all changes are made, select the SAVE button.

If you try to remove an X from a grade for a category type that has coins with prices, you will not be allowed.  You must first remove any prices that exist for coins in that category type.  See Prices for instructions.

If you try to remove an X from a grade for a category type that has a coin in inventory with this grade, you will not be allowed. See Coin Maintenance to remove unwanted coins.

To assist entry of templates, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Coin List Maintenance

The Coin List is a master list of all years, mint marks and varieties in a category type.  You cannot enter inventory for a coin unless it is first set up on this list.  To access the coin master list, from the main menu, select Categories, then select Coin List.  The current category type will be displayed on the top and all the coins in this category will be displayed.  To select another category type, click on the arrow to the right of the combo box and click on the desired category.  Click on the arrow button to the right of the coin list to see additional coins in this category type.

A coin consists of the following fields:

Year of issue

Mint Mark

Variety -most coins will have a blank variety. (at least recent dated)

Coinage for issue - ie. Proof only, all grades, etc.

To add a new coin, select the ADD button.  A series of prompts will be displayed to respond to for information about the coin.  The first is the year.  Year must be within the category type years or an error message will be produced.  Enter the year and use ENTER.  Next is the Mint Mark.  A table will be displayed with all the valid mint marks.  Click or use arrow keys to highlite the desired mint mark and hit the ENTER key..  Next is the variety.  A table will be displayed with all the existing varieties.  If a new variety is need , click on the CREATE NEW VARIETY button and enter the new variety.  See Variety Maintenance.  Click or use arrow keys to highlite the desired variety and use the ENTER key.  Next is the Coinage for issue.  Four options are available.  All Grades, Proof only (only grades that begin with PR are allowed), Uncirculated only (only grade that begin with MS or UN), or All except Proof (all grades except those that begin with PR).  Highlite the desired selection and use the ENTER key.  After entering data, select the SAVE or CANCEL button.

To delete a coin, click on the line of the coin to highlight it and select the DELETE button.  You will receive a prompt with the coin to be deleted and may select OK or CANCEL.  If any prices exist for the coin, you will receive a second prompt to continue.  If you choose OK, the prices for this coin will be deleted.  If any inventory records exist for this coin, you will receive a message and will not be able to delete the coin from the master list.

The last option available on this panel is the RESEQUENCE button.  This option can be used to keep coins in the proper sequence.  Suppose that a new variety surfaces for a Lincoln cent of 1955.  After adding the coin, it will be placed at the bottom of the list.  Select the resequence button.  The leftmost column of the coin list contains a sequence number.  Enter the sequence number to be moved and the sequence number that the coin is to follow and use ENTER.  Use 0 to move to top of list.  Select the SAVE button.

If a lot of changes are made to the coin list, the System Utilities panel can be used to compress and optimize the coin list files.

To assist entry of coins, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Tables

Tables are used to store common data used by most coins.  The following tables are available:

Mint Mark table stores all mint marks used by the system.

Grade table stores all grade used by the system

Variety table stores all varieties used by the system.

Vendor table stores vendors who are sources of coins.

Grading Services stores grading services needed.


Mint Mark Maintenance

Mint Marks are designations put on coins to identify the location where the coin was minted.  To view the Mint Marks, from the main menu, select Categories, then select Tables, then select Mint Marks.  The currently available mint marks will be display.

To add a new mint mark, select the ADD button and enter the Mint Mark designation and the description as you are prompted.  Mint Mark must be 1 or 2 characters.  Then select the SAVE button.  A mint mark cannot be removed from the system once it is entered, so exercise caution if adding a new mint mark.

Click on the desired mint mark and select the CHANGE button to change the mint mark description.  Mint Mark designation cannot be changed.

After 15 mint marks are added, the ADD button will not function.  15 is currently the maximum number of mint marks.

To assist entry of mint marks, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Grade Maintenance

Grading is a system to rate coins as to their relative state of preservtion.  All grades in the system are kept in the grade table.  To view the Grades, from the main menu, select Categories, then select Tables, then select Grades.  The currently available grades will be displayed.

To add a new grade, select the ADD button and enter the grade and grade description as you are prompted.  Grade must be from 1 to 5 positions.  Then select the SAVE button.  A grade cannot be removed from the system once it is entered.  Up to 255 grades can be kept in the system.

To change a grade description, click on the description to be changed and enter the new description when asked.  Choose the SAVE button to save the change.  You cannot change a description if an add grade is pending.

When grades are displayed for a coin, they are sequenced from left to right in the same sequence as listed on this panel.  This order can be changed by selecting the RESEQUENCE button.  To the left of the list is a sequence number.  Enter the sequence number of the grade to move and the sequence number that the grade is to follow as prompted, and then select the SAVE button after all changes have been made.  To move to the top of the list, use sequence 0 for the second prompt.

To assist entry of grades, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Variety Maintenance

A Variety is an additional description given to coins of the same denomination, year and mint mark that distinguishes the two coins as seperate.  For example, the small cent 1909-S and the 1909-SVDB.  The VBD is considered a variety.  To view the Varietiesrom the main menu, select Categories, then select Tables, then select Varieities.  The currently available varieties will be displayed.

Five columns of varieties are visible at once.  Click on the scroll arrow to view others.  Some varieties descriptions will not be entirely visible in the display box.  The entire text of the currently selected description apperars at the top of the panel.  Click on the desired variety to view it in its entirety.

To add a new variety, select the ADD button and enter the variety description.  Then select the SAVE button.  Varieties are a maximum of 25 characters.  There is no limit to the number of varieties you can have.  Varieties can not be deleted after saving, so exercise caution when entering new varieties.

Variety descriptions can be changed by selecting the desired description to be changed with the mouse and then selecting the CHANGE DESCRIPTION button.  Enter the new description and then SAVE the file.  Note that all coins using this variety description will be changed.

To assist entry of varieties, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


Vendor Maintenance
Vendors

Vendor maintenance panel can be accessed from the main menu by selecting Categories, then Tables, and then Vendors.  Vendors must be created on this panel before they can be assigned to a particular coin.

To add a new vendor, select the NEW button and fill in the displayed fields.  Select the ADD button after all fields are set to the desired values.

To change a vendor, select the vendor in the list box so that the current values are displayed.  Change the desired fields, including vendor name, and then select the CHANGE button.

The vendor table is available with version 1.1 and later.  When version 1.1 or later is run for the first time, any vendors assigned to a coin are loaded into the vendor table and the coin inventory record is changed to reference the new vendor table.


Grading Services Maintenance

Grading Services maintenance panel can be accessed from the main menu by selecting Categories, then Tables, and then Grading Services.  The grading services are initially loaded with a few entries.  These can be changed or added to if desired.

To add a new service, select the NEW button, type the name in the box (10 character max) and select the ADD button.

To change a current service name, select the old name from the list box and then change the name in the text box and select the CHANGE button.  Any references to the old name will be changed.

The grading services table is available with version 1.1.  Current references to grading services are converted to point to the new table when version 1.1 or later is run for the first time.


Notes

Notes are whatever you want them to be.  Notes can be maintained so that you can find information like how to tell the difference between a 1960 Small Date and 1960 Large Date Lincoln Cent without having to find that piece of paper.  When you find something to keep, you can enter it as a note.  A note consists of the description key and some text.  To see notes, from the main menu, select Notes.  The first note in the file will be display along with its text.  Click on the arrow button next to the combo box description key and all note keys will be displayed.  Click on the desired note.

Notes specific to a category type can also be kept in the Type Notessection as part of the category type data.

To add a new note, select the ADD button.  Enter the description key and use ENTER.  Enter the text for the note and click on SAVE.

To change the desciption for a displayed note, just make the changes to the displayed text and use the CHANGE button.

To delete the displayed note, use the DELETE button.

To change a description key, use the CHANGE DESC KEY button and select OK.

Check the System Utilities panel after changes and made to the notes file to compress the notes file and free unused disk space.

To assist entry of notes, buttons will be only be enabled or visible when that function is available.  Text displayed on the screen along with comprehensive auditing and error messages is also present.


System Info/Utilities
System Information/ Utilities

The System Information/Utilities panel is accessed from the main menu by selecting Utilities and then selecting System Info/Utilities.  This panel will compile statistics about your files and display the results.  In most cases, the Compress option will be enabled for the files.  Using the compress option on the files will do 2 things.  First, it will free up any disk space indicated on the panel for the file.  Secondly, and maybe more importantly, it will re-organize files so that disk accesses will be reduced.  This may speed up the process of your system.

THESE COMPRESSES HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY TESTED AND SHOULD NOT PRESENT ANY PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD PRACTICE TO HAVE REGULAR BACKUPS.  BEFORE RUNNING ANY OF THESE COMPRESSES, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A BACKUP FIRST BE TAKEN.

The following boxes will be displayed:

Category Types - includes category types and master coin lists.  Show the number of categories and the number of coins in the master coin list.  Any disk space to be freed will be indicated.  Disk space on the category types is freed if the grading text, composition text or the description text is reduced on the category maintenance panel.  Coin list space is reduced is coins are deleted.  Also, if categories are resequenced, file access will be optimized.  This optimization cannnot be indicated on the panel.

Notes - shows the number of notes and any disk space to be freed by compression.  Disk space would be available if a note is deleted or shortened.

Table counts include mint mark, grades, variety, grading services, and vendor counts.  This is informational only.

Prices - shows the number of price and any disk space to freed by compression.  If prices are changed to zero or a coin is deleted from the master coin list that had prices, compressing will free up the disk space.  Also, if coins are resequenced, or categories are resquenced, compressing will optimize the file for disk access.  Compress Category file first, then Coin List file, then Price file for best optimization.

Inventory shows the number of inventory records in the system.  Inventory records include on order, wants, and other records.  These counts are displayed.  Any disk space to be freed will be indicated.  Disk space would be available if inventory records are deleted or text associated with inventory records is deleted  This option should be run periodically for best efficiency..


User Options

The User Options panel can be used to customized some the of program features and save the settings for future use without having to reset them.  More information on these setting can be found in the section to which the option applies.

Click in the box adjacent to the option to turn it ON/OFF.  After options are set, select the SAVE button.  New options will then be used.

Font for printed reports can be selected by clicking the arrow next to the font and choosing from the list of fonts available from the list.  Fontsize can also be set.  Note:  Using a proportional spaced font may cause alignment problems on the reports.  It is best to use a fixed spacing font like Courier.   Also, all fontsizes may not be available for the font that you select and you will not get the fontsize that you expect.  Check your FONTS in the Control Panel icon for some possible combinations.  You may have to experiment to get the best results.

Coin Inventory Report:

Skip page after each category type is printed defaults to NO.

Show Wants, Orders, or other inventory defaults to NO.

Use multiple columns if possible defaults to YES.

Print type only if inventory defaults to YES.

Show prices defaults to NO.

Use separator line defaults to NO.

Coin Inventory Listing:

Show comments on report defaults to YES.

Use separator lines defaults to NO.

Want List:

Show prices defaults to NO.

Show comments defaults to YES.

Use separator lines defaults to NO.

Price Report:

Use separator lines defaults to NO.

Show category types without prices defaults to NO.

Use multiple columns if possible defaults to YES.

Miscellaneous Options:

Muliple pricing flag defaults to ON.  See Pricing.

Default startup category  - Indicate which category should be active at startup.

Colors can be changed for most of the screens.  Select the background and foreground colors by clicking in the box with the color.  The new color scheme will be reflected in the box.  Select SAVE options to save the color choices.


Indexes

The rebuild indexes option are available from the main menu by selecting Utilities and then selecting Indexes.  These functions are here in the unlikely event that the links between two files are lost.  The only way I know this can happen is during a compress of a file from the System Utilities panel.  In the cases where two files are involved in the compress, there is one point (lasting probably a fraction of a second) in the process where a power failure can break the link between files.  In all other cases of a compress not finishing, the original file is unchanged.  If this does happen, you can use these processes to rebuild the indexes.  If this process is done for good files, nothing will be affected.

THESE REBUILDS HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY TESTED AND SHOULD NOT PRESENT ANY PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD PRACTICE TO HAVE REGULAR BACKUPS.  BEFORE RUNNING ANY OF THESE REBUILDS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A BACKUP FIRST BE TAKEN.

These processes may take some time to run.  If they do not finish they will not cause any additional damage to your files.  Just restart them.

Rebuild Price Index resets the pointers from the price file to the master coin list file.

Rebuild Coin List Index rebuilds the pointers from the master coin list to the category file.


Import

The Import panel is used to add new coins to the master coin list.  This option can only be used on files provided by the author of this software.  Use Coin List Maintenance if you would like to add your own individual coins.

The files imported by this utility will have an extension of IMP.  An important point to mention here is that if you are importing coins to the master coin list and you have already added some of the coins to the coin master list, they will reject as duplicates and will not affect any inventory you have already entered.

The file 1994.IMP contains all known issues for 1994 so far.  This file can be imported to add these coins to your data base.

Note:  If you are evaluating Wincoin 1.0,  you can import the file WINCOIN.IMP to load all remaining coins for all categories.

The basic steps to use this function are to select the file to be imported using the drive, directory and file select boxes on the left side of the panel.  Once a proper file is selected, the IMPORT button will be enabled and you can select this to start the import.  Coins will be audited as they are processed and any errors will cause the process to stop and the coin and error message will be displayed.  Select CONTINUE to continue with the process.  You can use the NON-STOP button to prevent the program from stopping and displaying error messages.  At the end of the import, the number of records added and rejected will be displayed.


Fast Add

FAST ADD is an express method for adding inventory.  It might be best used for an initial load of your inventory.  Only current inventory can be added via this method.  No Order, Wants, or Other inventory types can be added.  Additionally, no coins with varieties can be added here.  Normal entry must be used for varieties.

FAST ADD will only add quantities for the inventory being added.  If additional data is required, like location or text, it can be added later through the normal coin maintenance panel.

To access FAST ADD, select the COIN panel from the main menu.  Load the coin category type to be added by clicking on the current category type displayed on the top and select from the list boxes.  Click on any open box in the grid to display the Coin Maintenance panel.  On the bottom left, select the FAST ADD button.

Only coins in the currently selected category type can be added.  To change category types, return to the main coin panel and reselect the categoty type.

After selecting the FAST ADD button, the FAST ADD panel will be displayed.  Select START.  You will be prompted for year, mint mark (if no mint mark, hit space before enter), grade and quantity.  Data will be audited as it is entered and appropriate error messages will be displayed.  After quantity is entered, coin will be added to inventory and coin information will be displayed above the start button.  Request for the next date to be added will automatically show.  This loop will continue until a CANCEL is selected.  The EXIT button will return you to the main coin panel.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get upgrades?  What about upgrade fees?

What other changes to WINCOIN are planned for future upgrades?

Can I start loading by inventory before I load the other Master Coins List?

I get the message that no coin files exist at the start of the program?

The coin I want to add inventory for does not show up in the coin list.

I am having trouble with alignment of printed reports

Where are the type notes?  I can't find many

What is the best way to load inventory?

If I look at the grade template, I see a lot of unused grades?

Can I track other things besides US coins?

Your colors do not work well on my screen?

Explain the Import files?

I am upgrading from version 1.0?


The coin I want to add inventory for does not show up in the coin list.

You must add the coin first using the Coin List Maintenance Panel.


How do I get upgrades?  What about upgrade fees?

Upgrades will be posted to BBS's.  There should be about 2-3 upgrades per year (as long as the requests for changes keep coming in).

There are no upgrade fees.  Once registered, always registered.  Your registration code is good for all future versions of WINCOIN.


What other changes are planned for WINCOIN in future upgrades?

Some current plans include:

More reports.

Mintages.

Key/Semi-key date indicators.

Optional import file for Canadian coins.


I am having trouble with alignment of printed reports.

Printed reports must use a fixed spaced font like Courier or Courier New.  Use a point size of 8 or 10.  For multiple columns, you may have to use 6, depending on how many grades are assigned to the category type.  Set these options on the User Options Panel.

Also check your Print Manager for the setup for the printer for the size and orientation of the paper.  This setup is used for reports.


Where are the type notes?  I can't find many.

Type notes are not supplied with the system.  It is the users choice to include any if desired.  See Category Maintenance panel to add these.  (There are a few type notes supplied with the system).


I get the message that no coin files exist at the start of the program?

This is a serious error.  Contact the source of your program or contact the author on CompuServe, ID 72103,2170.  You did not get a complete system.  Or you accidently deleted some WINCOIN files.  Re-install the system.  Check the Technical Information for a list of required files.


What is the best way to load inventory?

Use the FAST ADD if possible.  Select the category type to be added on the Coin panel and click in any box.  The maintenance screen will be returned which has the FAST ADD button on the bottom left.  Coins with varieties will have to be added via normal maintenance.


If I look at the grade template, I see a lot of unused grades?

There are unused grades, but these are available if you want them to appear in you grading scheme for a category type.  There are a number of different grades for Uncirculated and Proof, which most collectors don't use.  If you do collect these grades, then set them up for the coins you want to collect in this fashion.

See the Grade Template panel. You can have a different set of grades for each category type.


Can I start loading my inventory before I receive the Master Coin Lists?

Yes, however I would recommend only to begin loading the inventory for the master coin lists included with the Shareware version.  It is possible to add master coins to the other categories and load their inventory, and this would not cause any future problems, except the coins you add may have to be resequenced after the remaining master lists are imported.

Beginning with version 1.0a, all coins are now in the shareware version.  If you would like to load the remaining coins, see the IMPORT function.  These coins are included in the shareware disk files.


Can I track other things besides US coins?

Yes, but you will first have to add a category and category type on the category maintenance panel and then set up a master coin list.  If you collect Medals, you can set up a category of Medals and have either medals, or silver medals and bronze medals as category types.  Then set up a "Master Coin List" on the Coin List panel.  Use variety descriptions to describe the coin.  The only real requirement is that a year must be associated with the Master Coin List.

With some imagination, you could also set up a type set as a category.


Your colors do not work well on my screen!

The default colors are light cyan background black foreground.  The User Options panel allows you to change the colors and save them in your user profile.


Explain the Import files?

The import files are designated by a .IMP extension.  There are currently 2 import files on the shareware disk.  The WINCOIN.IMP contain all coin issues prior to 1994 which were not included in version 1.0.  You can load these if you'd like.

The 1994.IMP file contains coins for 1994.  So far this file contains the normal issues plus the World Cup and Thomas Jefferson issues.  As new coins are issued, the IMP files will be updated to include them and will be available as new versions are released.

See the IMPORT help for information on loading these coins.


I am upgrading from version 1.0.

If you are upgrading from version 1.0, you must select either Method 1 or Method 2 to complete your upgrade.

Special Note:

Method 1 will completely reload the system.  All prior updates will have to be re-entered.  Method 2 will only load the new Master Coin Lists and not affect any inventory or data you have changed or added.  Read all instructions prior to beginning the load process.

Method 1: Reload system

All prior changes made to WINCOIN will be lost if this method is used.

Copy all files from WINCOIN diskette into your WINCOIN directory.  Use XCOPY in place of COPY to insure that files with a length of 0 are copied. ie. "XCOPY  A:*.*  C:\WINCOIN"

Start WINCOIN and enter registration code according to instructions on registration letter.

Your system is now ready to use.

Method 2: Load new Master Coin Lists only

Copy the WINCOIN.IMP on the disk to your WINCOIN directory.  This is not required, you can load from the diskette,  however it may speed up the load process.

Backup your current WINCOIN directory.*

Start WINCOIN.  Register you software according to directions on your registration letter if you have not already done so.

Enter registration code according to instructions on registration letter.

From the MENU bar, select UTILITIES, then select IMPORT.

The Import panel will be displayed.  Select the WINCOIN.IMP file from the File box.  If you did not load this into your WINCOIN directory, use the Drive and Directory boxes to locate the file.  Click once on the WINCOIN.IMP file and it will show up in the selected file box.

The IMPORT button should now be available.  Select this button to start the import process.  As the coins are added, they will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.  The import process may take some time, depending on the speed of your computer.  The bottom line will give you some idea of the progress.  Gold coins are loaded last.

After the import is completed, a message will be display showing the number of coins added.

Select EXIT to return to the main menu panel.

If any master coins have been added prior to the conversion, the import process will stop when it tries to load that coin and display a message of a duplicate coin.  This is OK.  Select CONTINUE to continue.  Each duplicate will be stopped at and a message displayed.  Selecting NON-STOP will prevent the load from stopping, but coins may be rejected.  At the end of the process, the number of records accepted and rejected will be displayed.

Any master coins loaded prior to this load will be out of sequence on the coin panels.  Use the RESEQUENCE function on the Master Coin List Maintence panel (see Help) to reposition these coins.

The WINCOIN.IMP file may be deleted from you wincoin directory.