While Neil and I were clearing out stuff in my bedroom last week, I found my old Santissima Trinidad talisman. I recall that it was sold to me at a very steep price in 2012, because it is one of only less than 40 different talismans struck by master Tomas Nazaire of Cavite, now deceased. It is a true collector's item.

I used to have four Nazaires. All of his talismans are made of stainless steel, his favorite medium and, I must say, a most difficult metal to carve without acid. Alas, I sold off the other three even long before I retired from the U.S. Embassy.

This one, of course, is not for sale and will definitely not be included in the Saturday afternoon Bilbo Baggins sessions.

Shown here is the Front of the talisman,. The Back was not photographed.