1st of all he has this strike (GDC with .999 on the rim) listed as 1995 and Bill's book lists the GDC rim marked .999 Version as 1994.

I have 6 of the 1994 GDC with the .999 on the rim and 6 of the 1997 GDC version with the .999 on the center.

I am sure this discussion will end up being moot.

It looks like his business is high end antiques or at least he thinks they are all high end. Maybe he can convince his clientele that these strikes are rare. I hope they are smarter than that.

Thanks for sharing your correspondance.
Peggy