JR Newsletter: 21 December 2011 (68)

This week's edition of the JR Newsletter is early in recognition of the upcoming holiday weekend.  Some interesting stuff is here for you to chew on over the course of the next week and a half!


Rich Uhrich wrote:

In response to Steve Kawalec:  I have copies of "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837" in stock.  My website is http://www.richuhrichcoins.com/category.php?cat=18

Rich
------

Brad Karoleff wrote:

 The latest issue of The John Reich Journal ( 21/3) was mailed on Saturday. Members should begin receiving their issues in a few days. Included inside the journal are two inserts.  The first is an addenda page to be inserted in your last issue updating the article by Bradley Higgins. I inadvertently only printed part of his delivery warrant chart. This addenda will complete the article. The other insert is the dues notice/Reiver award voting ballot. Please send a check to Steve and remember to vote for your favorite articles at the same time.

There are a couple of important things about the dues notice. Life members, of course, do not have to send a renewal check. Life members' mailing labels have LM on the upper right side. Life members should return the ballot to Steve. Members who are already paid for the next issue will have a black sharpie line through the dues renewal portion. Please vote for your favorite articles. All other members should not only vote, but send a check to Steve (PAYABLE TO JRCS) for $25 to continue their membership.

I also read that Steve Kawalec was looking for a copy of the half dime book. I have a few remaining for $150 plus postage. I can be reached at jrcs19 (at) yahoo.com if anyone would like to order a copy.

I also did not see any suggestions for die marriages to study at the EAC/JRCS convention in Buffalo. Please consider attending and let us know which coins you would like to see there.

Brad

------
 Van Walworth wrote:

 Responding to the question about 1821 JR-1 & JR-2 dimes with a die crack between S1 & S2...

I have two specimens of JR-1, both coins in G - VG condition.  Both coins probably had the S1-S2 die crack but it progressed to the point it became a die bulge and virtually obliterates S2 and most of the field between S1 & S2.  

I also have three specimens of JR-2 that seem to indicate and represent three different die states.  I consider one JR-2 in VF condition to be a potential early die state because it has a very faint die break evident extending less than half way from the outside point of S1 toward the outside point of S2.  I consider a second JR-2 to be a potential mid-term die state because the die break extends between the outside points of S1 & S2, but the field has begun to bulge away, even though S1 & S2 are still in good detail.  I consider a third JR-2 specimen to be a potential late die state because the die break between S1 & S2 has become a bulge that obliterates the field and most of S1 & S2.

It is interesting to me that my JR-2 specimen I consider to be a potential late die state is in virtually identical condition to both of my JR-1 coins.  The die crack and subsequent bulge is identical looking in most every respect.  This is curious to me because I assume there was some die repair or refurbishment of some kind after the completion of minting JR-1 and before the minting of JR-2... otherwise some JR-2 strikes took place before and/or during the JR-1 minting efforts.

Van Walworth JRCS#1300

------

Courtesy of the "E-Sylum" you can click on the following link to read about early United States Half Dimes that circulated in Cuba after the Spanish-American War:  http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n52a21.html

------

From the editor:  The next issue of the JR Newsletter should be out on schedule (Sunday, January 1, 2012)

JR Newsletter: 18 December 2011 (67)

Winston Zack wrote:

Has anyone seen an 1821 JR-1, or even JR-2 Dime without the obverse die cracks through at least stars 1 and 2?  Or does it seem that this obverse die was already cracked by the time it was put into use?

 

Thanks,

Winston

------

 

Steven Kawalec wrote:

Does anyone know where I can find a copy of "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837".  All I have is the Valentine book which isn't much help.  I would like to thank Richard Meaney's comments and photos of the reverses.  They were a huge help and I would like to have a copy of the book.

 

Thanks to all and happy Holidays,

Steven Kawalec

 

JR Newsletter: 11 December 2011 (66)

David Quint wrote:

A few thoughts on the mysterious 1833 JR-2 proof dime sold on eBay. The photograph certainly appears to be exactly that; while circulation strikes of the JR-2 bear the familiar lower obverse crack, at least one known proof example, and this coin, do not. The only two 1833 proof dimes to appear at auction (as far as I know) since 1980 were the Pittman/Benson/Turtle Rock specimen in an NGC Proof-66 holder and the Bowers&Merena 6/89:90 (later Heritage 8/08:1605) now in a PCGS  Proof-66 holder. Neither of these coins is the one pictured in the eBay sale (in fact the coin in the eBay sale is one I have never seen). There is another example in the Smithsonian collection (according to the late, great Russ Logan).  NGC claims to have graded two Proof-66 coins and two in 65, and PCGS lists one each in 64, 65, and 66. Some of these (or all) could be re-grades of the same coins. There are no known circulation strikes extant with a grade higher than MS-63.

The eBay seller has only sold 5 coins on the site (plus some stamps), and what I find most interesting is that if you look at his past sales, they include several 19th Century type coins whose photos look to be of very high grade (raw) coins. And in each of those auctions, the seller states in his description "photos are reference photos".  Huh?  Reference photo? The buyer feedback in these deals range from "thanks for the credit" to "had problem and seller resolved" to "A++++"(!).  Could this be a (non-stolen) gem proof, raw, bust dime? Sure. I guess anything is possible. But especially given this seller's proclivity to market coins based on "reference photos", call me suspicious. What is the main mystery to me is where he got this particular reference photo; maybe someone on this board knows of an example for which I am not aware.

David Quint
------

Alan Bricker wrote:

I am commenting regarding the eBay listing of an 1833 JR-2 dime as reported in the issue dated December 4, 2011. Not even to mention the short sale and no-return, a brief investigation of the seller's feedback history, etc. quickly reveals this listing to be almost certainly fraudulent. Another listing showed a "Gem BU" 1853 NO ARROWS / No Rays quarter, "selling" for a mere $200(!) ... probably an online community discussion arose regarding this listing. Note also that the seller's eBay purchases involved only low-end coins and that most of the limited number of transactions involved low-end stamps. My guess is that the images used in those high-end coin listings had been stolen from a different website. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
------

David Lange wrote:

Per the discussion about corrugations on the reverse of O-105 halves, I suspect that these may have been caused by contact with feeder fingers of the press. Adam Eckfeldt devised some sort of feeding mechanism years earlier, but I don't know of any illustration of it. If this is indeed what happened, it likely affected an obverse die, as well. Perhaps the damage to the obverse was so severe that the die was pulled from the press and discarded.

On the other issued raised of a phantom proof dime on eBay, the photos shown of the 1833 Bust Dime were lifted from the NGC archive. I thought these looked suspiciously like very early Photo Proof images, and I found the originals in our database. I'm attaching them, reduced in size, for comparison. The image names include the certification number as it stood in 1995, though the coin may have been resubmitted one or more times since then.

By the way, Photo Proof has come a long way, and our photos are now vastly superior to these. Our staff photographer is Doug Plasencia, formerly with Bowers & Merena and Stack's for many years.

Dave

------ 

Brad Karoleff wrote:

We need to begin planning for the upcoming EAC/JRCS convention in Buffalo. We need moderators for the silver happening room. Anyone interested in volunteering please contact me at bkaroleff (at) yahoo.com. We also need suggestions of die marriages for each denomination to study. Anyone planning on attending the show is welcome to participate. Please give us your suggestions. More information about the convention can be obtained from the EAC website at www.eacs.org.

We also need your nominations for consideration for the JRCS Hall of Fame. You can nominate as many individuals as you wish for either the veteran category, those contributing to the hobby prior to the advent of JRCS or the modern category, those participating since the club was begun. This is a great way to recognize the collectors and researchers tat have contributed to our hobby. It all begins with your nominations.

The latest issue of the journal, the last for the year, is going to the printers this week. You can expect to see it in your mailbox soon. There will also be a ballot for the voting on the Jules Reiver Literary Award. Please send back your votes.

There will also be a dues notice included in the envelope. Please send your renewal check to secretary Crain as soon as possible to continue receiving the JRJ. 

We will also be having a regional meeting of the JRCS at the upcoming FUN convention in Orlando. Glenn Peterson has arranged the meeting for Friday afternoon. Please check he convention program for the exact time and room number.  We will be having an educational presentation at the meeting on Bust Half patterns and related pieces.  We look forward to seeing you there.  

------

Richard Meaney's response to Steven Kawalec's inquiry about the "2 and 3 line varieties" for Capped Bust Half Dimes:

If you are interested in Capped Bust Half Dimes, get a copy of "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837" by Logan and McCloskey.  Check especially page 138 of the book to see that the vertical stripes are called pale gules.  On only three die marriages (the first three struck out of 92 currently known) does one find three pale gules.  The remaining die marriages feature two pale gules in the eagle's shield.  None of the die marriages with three pale gules are rare.  Here are some close up images of the two different types:

JR Newsletter: 4 December 2011 (65)

Jason Poe wrote:

In regards to the 1836 O-105, I too have been puzzled by the corrugations. Souders makes no mention of it, but Overton says that it is not as visible on early die states, and gets progressively worse. Obviously, it is not a planchet defect since it is present on every coin struck by the die. For readers unfamiliar with what we are talking about, please see my example shown below, graded NGC EF-40. The area in question is at the bottom of the reverse, between the leaves and the 50 C. Perhaps this might be an interesting variety to study at a future JRCS meet?

(editor's note:  click on the image to enlarge it)

------

Greg Barnett wrote:

In response to Dick's question about the corrugated marks on  Reverse D  of 1836:  I have no idea what caused these marks, but I do have a further question.

Has anyone seen an O-121 with these marks, or an O-105 without them?  I have numerous examples of the O-105, all with the marks, but my O-121 does not have them, and I have not seen an image
of one that does.  I suspect that they might have been removed by lapping prior to the striking of O-121's.  (Granted there are not many examples of the O-121 to look at for reference.)  Overton states that EARLY states of the die show little or no evidence of the rays - but I believe he meant LATE states ??  The only other example of similar marks that I have seen is on the 1835 O-108.  These are referenced by Overton as "short vertical rays".

None of my O-118's have the corrugation marks.  The only examples I have from 1836 are on the O-105.

thx, Greg Barnett
------

Steven Kawalec wrote:

Hi,  Have you read about the 2 and 3 line shield varieties of the 1829 Half Dime?  I have an 1829 and an 1831 slabbed AU-55 and AU-58.  They are in the bank right now and I haven't had a chance to check for myself yet.  I was hoping you or any members might have some info on mintage, rarity, value, etc...  I like to have as much info on my coins as possible, that's what it's all about, the history of it all.

Thanks,

Steven Kawalec

------

Rick Andrzejewski wrote:

Early this week on eBay there appeared a possible once in a lifetime opportunity that someone won. The adage “you snooze, you lose”, well that was me. I never noticed it was a one day event. Who would offer a proof 1833 JR2 and an 1853 AR dime for only one day? I started researching if the 1833 JR2 are known in proof, yes. The seller had a no return policy and limited transactions (buys & sells) with only a few sells. I was thinking it was a counterfeit or highly polished (portrait was frosted). The JR2 are known with a die break on the obverse right on circulated issues but not on proofs. Picture (attached) was a bit dark but I couldn’t see any die breaks. After further research of the Reiver piece and rarity of the JR2, even if the piece was a polished or cleaned unc, I was going to gamble with an offer at least in the $700-$750 range. The next afternoon I looked for it to enter my bid, but couldn’t find it. I checked completed listings figuring it was taken down due to it being suspect, but found it SOLD for about $650!!!!!!!!!!!. If authentic and a proof, it was a buy of the century!!!

After reviewing further, I know I wouldn’t have chased it, but would have set a maximum bid of ~$1,000+ once I found out the Reiver piece in MS63 sold for over $5k. It looked like the bidder was a buyer/collector of bust dimes. Hopefully he is a JCRS member and if the coin is real, would share his story with us in an upcoming JCRS issue. Would be interested in comments from other busties once they review the photos.

(editor's note:  The photos below came from the ebay auction.  Also, you can view the closed ebay auction in a new window by clicking here)

------

JR Newsletter: 27 November 2011 (64)

Bob Stark wrote:

I was at the Baltimore Show on Thursday, November 18 until mid-afternoon. The crowd was moderate. However, what seems new is the increasing national draw. I was glad to see some friends who came from a distance. The number of dealers from the west and mid-west seemed larger to me than just a few years ago. The Stack's auction had more sessions than past years.
 

Bob Stark

------

Dick Kurtz wrote:

One bust half anomaly that continues to puzzle me is the presence of "corrugation" on some lower reverses of the 1836 O.105 and O.121 (a shared reverse) and also on my 36-118. It appears that this is not a result of rolling the metal strip prior to cutting the planchets, since the parallel markings are confined the area around the "50 C." Does anyone out there have an idea on how these were formed. Has anyone seen the corrugation marks on other 1836 die marriages or on bust half dates?

Dick Kurtz JRCS 049

JR Newsletter: 20 November 2011 (63)

No contributions this week, so I will treat you all to some half dimes.  I hope for next week's newsletter, we get some reports from Baltimore...especially from half dollar collectors who had significant opportunities with the Dale Heisler collection offered for sale.

I went to the Bay State Show in Boston on Veterans Day and purchased this 1835 LM-3 half dime (PCGS MS63).  Click on these images to view a larger picture.

The coin is an upgrade to my set.  My former set piece (still sitting in the safe deposit box) is this cool-looking PCGS AU50:

JR Newsletter: 13 November 2011 (62)

Nathan Markowitz wrote:

Greetings all.  Once again we are welcome to attend the annual EAC show May 3-6 2012 and display our treasures, give a presentation, or simply have fun.  I am coordinating the speakers for the convention who are given each an hour time slot on Friday or Saturday.  I try to balance the early silver and early copper topics and we silver folks have been well received in the past.  I would like to encourage those interested in presenting to contact me with their intended topic.  I especially try to include new speakers...remember, you need not be a world's expert; just share your passion.  Numismatic stories and literature related to early American coinage is also a perfectly appropriate topic.  If you want to show something instead of speak, Steve Carr coordinates exhibits...no tight rules, just let him know.  I look forward to hearing from you at cascades1787 (at) yahoo.com. 

------

Bob Stark wrote:

I share the regret at David's passing and express appreciation and thanks for his contributions to our enjoyment of our early Federal coinage. I recall first meeting him at the ANS Coinage of the Americas Conferences in New York about the time the JRCS was started. Unfortunately, we chanced to meet only a few times and briefly since. While I never knew his family, please add me to the many of our JRCS friends in expressing our regrets and best wishes.
Surely, we must consider an appropriate memorial within JRCS.

Bob Stark   #18 JRCS 

------

Hunter Wunch wrote:

I wanted to point out some info regarding an eBay auction that might save fellow JR Newsletter recipients some time and return shipping fees.  I bought this 1828 dime last week and returned it because the reverse has been re-tooled where the strike is weak in E Pluribus Unum. The seller didn't mention it in the first auction, and it's been relisted again without mention of the damage.

Thanks,
Hunter


http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALL-ORIGINAL-VF-1828-LARGE-DATE-CURLED-2-BUST-SILVER-DIME-NO-RESERVE-/200673173996?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2eb90da1ec

JR Newsletter: 6 November 2011 (61)

We received the sad news of the passing of David J. Davis, JRCS #1.  David passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2011.  Below you can read contributions by a few members of the numismatic community who offer information and remembrances about David:

From David's Family:

David Jerome Davis 8-3-38 to 11-2-11

David Jerome Davis lost his 2 1/2 year battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. 

David, 73, is survived by his loving wife Janet, daughters Ellen & Martha Waara (husband Charles Busha), grandson Joshua Waara, sisters Madonna (Herb) Duval, Christine (Richard) Russell of Cincinnati, OH and brother Darryl Davis of Pittsburgh, PA. Nieces Verya Lyn, John, Kevin, Karen, Stephen, Eric, Jessica, Matthew and Alexander. Great uncle to Caroline, Gretchen, Olivia, Colton and Rachel. David is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Paula (1999).

David retired from Ford Motor Company. He was an engineer there for 33 years. Following retirement, when he wasn't spending time on his numerous collections, he designed and built his uniquely beautiful, peaceful, energy efficient home on Pleasant Lake, Manchester, MI.

David interrupted his first job as draftsman at Owens Corning to spend four years in the Navy, mostly aboard the USS Independence during the Bay of Pigs invasion. He returned to Dearborn after the Navy, and stayed there until moving to Ford.

After his family, David's real passion was his collections starting with slide photos of covered bridges across America, but quickly moving to rare coins and paper money issued by the first 200 US banks.. David and fellow collectors authored a book on dimes. He also collected antique maps, clocks, miniature globes, cast iron banks, books on counterfeiting, knives, post cards of Michigan depots and more.

Before his illness, David was the self-appointed ambassador for Pleasant Lake, walking its four mile perimeter daily on litter patrol, visiting with neighbors.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 6 at 4PM at the Unitarian Universalist of Ann Arbor. 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road  Ann Arbor, MI

Please visit David's personal webpage at www.niefuneralhomes.com to read further and/or leave a memory. 

From Michael J. Sullivan:

On November 2, the numismatic community lost a highly respected member - David Davis.    I started corresponding with David more than 15 years ago when he resided in Ypsilanti, Michigan.    When I was introduced to David as a collector of counterfeit detectors, I quickly realized his breadth of interests and depth of knowledge to include bust coinage, national bank notes, and Michigan tokens, among many other areas.    The Davis - Logan - Lovejoy - McCloskey - Subjack work titled "Early United States Dimes, 1796-1837:  a Reference Book of Their Type, Varieties and Rarity," (1984) set a new standard for subsequent bust coinage research.  The quality of the work stands on its own merit as, 27 years later, no title has superseded this work.  Only a single new capped bust dime variety has been discovered since the book was published.    He made numerous contributions to the John Reich Collectors Society including holding the position of past president.

I met David in Cincinnati in early 2011 at which time he was doing quite well with cancer therapy - even plowing his own snow in the harsh Michigan winter.  Last week, I was fortunate to meet David again at his home on the lake in Manchester, Michigan.  Although he was clearly in immense discomfort, his mind was as sharp as an arrow and he shared with me many stories from his collecting days.    I also learned a new term:  FROG - Finished Room Over Garage.  When David constructed his new home on the lake in Manchester, he built the FROG as his "collecting cave."    The room, fittingly painted green, must have a massive support structure as it was full of banker book cases, research material, and many modern heavy coated paper auction catalogs.    Yet, there was zero settling in the floor !!!  He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.     

From Jon Lusk:

On Wednesday morning around ten AM, David J. Davis died. It was fast and painless. He had slipped into a coma about eight hours earlier.

Collector, researcher, author, and friend. Up until this past summer, the only president JRCS has had.

I remember well the morning three years ago when he appeared at my door having just come from the doctor and told me that he had a large mass in his chest that wasn't there six months earlier. I would have never thought I would have three years more years of sharing coin shows and research with him. I am happy for those years - but still very sad at his passing.

His memorial service is planned for this Sunday. He'll be missed.

From Stephen A. Crain:

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of fellow JRCS member David Davis on Wednesday, November 2. David was a charter member of the JRCS, and its first and only president, from its inception in 1985 until this past August, when he stepped down due to his declining health. David was also the editor of the John Reich Journal from 1985 until 1992, and a co-author of "Early United States Dimes 1796-1837". David fought a valiant battle with his illness, and appeared quite healthy and vigorous at the summer ANA in Boston last summer.

Although I have known David for a quarter century, I only came to know him well in recent years. He always had time to share stories with me during our annual visits at the ANA, and JRCS annual meetings. When the Logan/McCloskey half dime reference was being written and researched, David volunteered to retrace the 1883 research of Harold P. Newlin ("A Classification of the Early Half Dimes of the United States"), researching the auction appearances of the 1802 half dime. Newlin accounted for sixteen confirmed examples in 1883, and it was widely believed that the number had increased to approximately twice that figure by 1998, when the half dime reference was written. I spoke with David after his research had been completed, but before the half dime book was published, and asked him how many 1802 half dimes had been accounted for. I will never forget his fascinating response, when he replied, "Do you mean real ones?" He told of being the bearer of bad news when he identified that the 1802 half dimes in the collections of two of the country's leading numismatic organizations were deemed to be counterfeit, and he was simultaneously deemed persona non grata in those institutions.

David called me about a year ago, to let me know that he was weeding out some of his numismatically related items, and wondered if I might be interested in owning one particular item. He went on to describe this item, and with every word my interest was piqued. He described a tiny round 'pill box', expertly crafted with a Capped Bust Half Dime in the top, and another in the bottom of the box. He had acquired this item more than thirty years ago, from Stewart Witham, and it was a prized treasure in his collection. Apparently, David's good friend Russ Logan had seen the pill box, and constantly hounded him to acquire it. David had no interest in selling the pill box, but assured Russ that whenever he did decide to sell it, Russ would be the new owner. Sadly, Russ was never to make such an acquisition, as he was taken from us much too early. When David finally did decide to sell the pill box, he thought of me, and I have always been humbled and honored by his act of kindness.

David will likely always be remembered for his leadership in the JRCS, for his remarkable research in the co-authorship of the Bust dime book, and for the comprehensive collections of Bust coins that he assembled over many years. But to many of us, David will also be remembered as a mentor and friend, who always had an interesting anecdote to share with his fellow collectors. He will be sadly missed. RIP, my friend.

The pictures below came from the Nie Family Funeral Home's website:

JR Newsletter: 30 October 2011 (60)

One contribution this week.  Dave Kahn wrote:

As many of you already know, our collecting community recently lost a good friend and a great collector.  Dale Heisler, of La Porte, IN past away October 2nd, at the much too-young age of 68.

Dale and his wonderful and very dedicated wife Edith were regulars at most of the big coin shows – ANA, FUN and Central States – and at almost any show held in the Upper Midwest.  The two of them were never far apart, and I don’t recall ever seeing one without the other.   In time, Bust half dollars became their collecting focus and Dale became member #113 of the Bust Half Nut Club.  The Heisler collection of Capped Bust halves includes 445 different varieties – a herculean feat these days – but Dale discovered along the way that he was fascinated by the wide array of die states that were available.  As the collection grew and new varieties were slower in coming, Dale focused almost exclusively on rare, unusual or interesting die states.  

As with many true collectors, there is a range of grade and quality represented within the collection.  Slabbed, or raw, VF or AU, cleaned or gem – none of that was Dale’s primary motivation.  If a rare variety or a die state he’d never seen before became available, Dale was likely to find a way to own it.  That’s the way complete, or nearly complete, collections are built.  And build they did!  The Heisler Collection includes nearly 800 coins, and truly offers something for everyone.  There are a few Capped Bust quarters and even a couple of Capped Bust half dimes, but the vast majority are halves – 83 Pre-Turbans and well over 650 Turbans, including a few Reeded Edge coins and even a small selection of Contemporary Counterfeits.  Indeed, “something for everyone” is not an overstatement here.

Brian Greer and I have been asked to handle the sale of the Heisler Collection.  We are working hard to prepare the coins for sale, and will offer the lion’s share at the upcoming Whitman Baltimore show, November 17 thru 20, at the Baltimore Convention Center.  We will be sharing table space with our friends at Higleyville Coin Company at table number 1600.  Note that our late arrangements did not allow us to be listed in the program.  The Baltimore show is usually a wonderful coin show even without the added incentive of being able to select from the Heisler coins.  We invite you to join us for this great opportunity. 

Dave
JRCS-445

JR Newsletter: 23 October 2011 (59)

Brad DePew wrote:

For the last few years I have had to slow down on coin buying in part due to a slowing economy and in part due to kids starting college.  I have changed my strategy so I at least keep an eye on the market periodically.  I have tried to watch Bust dimes at G to F grades.  They generally sell at a price that won't cause a response from my wife, unless I get a few too many.

I usually go on Ebay just because it is convenient and I can bid on the go.  So, this week I did my usual search and spotted a 1822 Bust Dime.  It was damaged at the front of the band and at the reciprocal spot on the back; the bottom of the right wing,  Apparently, someone tried to punch a hole in it but was not successful.  Other than that, it was gradable and had as much detail on it as I like to see in other coins so I can attribute.  It was selling for $125 already, but I gladly would have paid that even it I had to justify it to my wife.  I thought the partial hole would give me the opportunity to get this coin,  I would finally have a chance to complete my year set for the series.  All I needed was for everybody to leave this coin alone so I could outbid the current holder.(not likely, but I had to watch it)

I had to go to my nieces birthday party with the family, but I would try to keep an eye on it.  Well, with everything going on, I forgot to watch it.  On the way home , I remembered the coin and tried to get home before the auction ended.  I couldn't check because I was driving, and I didn't want to ask my wife to bid for a coin.  So, I waited till I got home.  When I finally got home, the auction had ended and the coin sold for $483.78  There were 10 bidders and 24 bids.  The coin sold for what I would have thought it was worth without the damage, but I probably would have been willing to pay the price and more just to complete my year set.  I guess I will keep searching.

Brad

------

In response to Jeff Tryka and his 1809 Bust Half, Ralph Muñoz wrote:

In my opinion, It looks to be genuine O-103.  Sometimes the color of a silver coin can be influenced by where the coin has been stored or has been played with.  Various degrees of heat can also change a coins appearance.  I also have seen a few coins that have that dull white-yellow color.  But to say specifically how it happen...would be a tough call.  The more you see weird stuff like this; the more you kind of get used to it.  

Ralph

------

Phil Carrigan wrote (in response to Richard Meaney's comments about attributing half dime remarriages):

You write a fine lesson of methodically & critically attributing a Capped Bust Half Dime.

While I compliment you on your instruction, I don't follow this path always, as I want to hit on the LM number in what may be the straight-away approach.  Straight-away approaches may be seen mathematically as a tangent going out to the deep dark space (of nowhere) or some basic pseudo-logic called "I know how!"

Thanks,
Phil

------

Brad Karoleff wrote:

It is time to begin thinking about the upcoming EAC/JRCS show May 3-6 in Buffalo. We will again have a happening room to view interesting silver coins. We need to determine which die marriages we will study for each series. We traditionally select one each half dime, dime, quarter, dollar and two halves. If anyone would like to suggest specific coins to study please let us know through the  JR Newsletter.

We also need volunteers to help with the viewing. Anyone who is planning on attending the show and would like to help can also volunteer through this newsletter or by contacting me directly at jrcs19 (at) roadrunner.com. Should anyone have specific questions, please let me know.

More information about the show can be obtained from the each website, www.eacs.org.  If you are a dealer please consider taking a table.

JR Newsletter: 16 October 2011 (58)

I received no other contributions this week other than the one I planned to submit, so here are my comments:

First, I was surprised there was no input on Jeff Tryka's 1809 bust half dollar.  Surely, there is at least one half dollar collector out there with some information or an opinion?

Second, I wanted to add to the discussion concerning attribution of die remarriages for capped bust half dimes.  In addition to studying capped bust half dimes extensively, I have focused on attribution methods for die marriages more so than most fellow collectors.  I firmly believe that Russell Logan and John McCloskey gave us a generally-simple and almost-foolproof formula to attribute half dime remarriages, yet many collectors do not take advantage of the formula offered in "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837."

Far too often, in my opinion, instead of using the remarriage charts created by Logan and McCloskey (pages 65- 77 of "Federal Half Dimes") when determining a specific coin's remarriage, collectors try to decipher die remarriage by examining pictures and reading obverse and reverse die state descriptions offered throughout the book for each die marriage.  I believe it is a better choice (that results in greater accuracy) to use the die remarriage charts on pages 65-77 when trying to attribute a remarriage...here are three reasons why:

1.  The remarriage charts were specifically designed for the purpose of quick identification and attribution of die remarriages.

2.  The remarriage charts contain key/essential pick-up points that focus collectors immediately on the pertinent die state characteristic(s) that must be seen (or not seen) to correctly determine the die remarriage.

3.  The authors tell us specifically how to use the die remarriage charts when they state, "all of the previously noted die deterioration attributes for a specific die marriage should be plainly visible on the coin in question."  This means that when one follows the flow charts of pages 65-77, one has a simple "check list" of characteristics to look for when trying to attribute a specific coin.

Readers may consider an article I wrote for the John Reich Journal (December 2006), entitled "Understanding Capped Bust Half Dime Remarriages," for further information.

JR Newsletter: 9 October 2011 (57)

David Lange wrote (regarding last week's correspondence about an 1829 half dime):

I read this exchange with interest, since I do the variety attributions
for NGC. I'd like to add my observations as to why this coin was labeled
LM-6.1.

As a matter of policy I've always held that a coin has to have ALL the
features described and/or illustrated for a particular die state for me
to advance it to that listing. Otherwise, it falls back to the earlier
die state. This policy works well for coin series in which the standard
reference books are incomplete and do not address remarriages, such as
is the case with Overton. It is extremely difficult to apply to highly
specific references such as the LM book and the VAM website, both of
which present ambiguous situations. In these instances it is often
exceedingly difficult to make the call, as both Mark and Richard
discovered with this coin.

Typically, for most early coin series the earlier die state is the more
common one and a safer attribution, but 1829 LM-6 is certainly an
exception. In my judgement there were features attributed to LM-6.2 in
the book that were simply not evident on this specimen. I did agonize
over it for longer than I can usually afford to spend, given the large
numbers of coins I have to attribute daily across all series. I can't
guarantee that it would not receive the same attribution if submitted
raw five years from now.

NGC will occasionally make 11th hour changes to auction coins that we
agree are mis-attributed, and Mark has sent back such pieces from time
to time. We can certainly reconsider this piece in light of the
information provided.

David W. Lange
Research Director
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
(T) 941-360-3990 x152
(F) 941-360-2553
www.NGCcoin.com

------

Jeff Tryka wrote:

Thanks for the great and informative newsletter, I appreciate the regular updates and information, even when it relates to areas that I don't really collect.  I have an interesting 1809 bust half that I picked up at a recent show (images below), and it appears to be struck in copper and painted silver (at least that's how I'd describe the appearance).  So my first thoughts were perhaps this was a contemporary counterfeit, struck in copper and painted silver or plated in silver.  Maybe it was a wrong planchet error, given that the large cent was close in size and weight, but then why would it look like it was painted silver?  The mint wouldn't make a pattern in copper or strike a coin on the wrong planchet and then try to pass it off as silver.  The weight was about 13.1 grams, which given the wear would be about right I suppose, and after reviewing it further with the dealer, he thought it might have been in a fire, and that's what caused the appearance.  I am just at a loss on this one, I've seen hundreds of bust halves in the years I've been collecting, but nothing ever like this.  I've attached a few photos of the coin (pardon my meager photography skills) including some that are a side-by-side comparison to a "normal" 1809 half.  If anyone out there has any thoughts, I'd love to hear them!

Jeff Tryka

JR Newsletter: 2 October 2011 (56)

I have an interesting correspondence to share.  I corresponded with Mark Borckhardt at Heritage concerning a half dime in an auction.  I thought the pictures portrayed an 1829 LM-6.2 die marriage, yet the NGC attribution was 1829 LM-6.1.  With Mr. Borckhardt's permission, I have recreated the correspondence here:

From Richard Meaney to Heritage:

There is a capped bust half dime in the October 13-16 US Coins Signature Auction #1160 that I believe is misattributed and deserves a closer look. The coin is described as "1829 H10C --Improperly Cleaned-- NGC Details. Unc. LM-6.1"  I believe the coin is not an LM-6.1, instead it is an LM-6.2.  The difference to a specialist is significant, since the LM-6.1 is very, very scarce. Key attribution points to tell if it is an LM-6.1 as opposed to an LM-6.2 (reference "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837" especially page 66):

 -According to the die remarriage chart referenced above, the first angle of the N of UNITED fills with a tiny die chip during the second use of Reverse E.
-The first use of Reverse E was for the 1829 LM-6.1, the second use was for the 1829 LM-7.1.
-The first 1829 LM-6 die remarriage to feature the filling of the N of UNITED is the 1829 LM-6.2.
-The coin in the Heritage auction features a die chip in the N of UNITED, indicating to me that it was struck after the 1829 LM-6.1 and must therefore be an 1829 LM-6.2.

 NGC and PCGS have a difficult time with this attribution, as each has made the same mistake at least once  in the last couple of years.

Thank you for your attention,
Richard Meaney
++

Mr. Borckhardt's response to me:

Richard,

I tend to agree with your opinion that the 1829 Half Dime in our Auction 1160 is LM-6.2, however, there are certain features that suggest it might actually be LM-6.1. I have looked closely at the coin, as well as the descriptions and photos in the LM book. Photos can also be deceiving. Take a look at the upper loop of the final S in the LM plates of LM-6.3 (clearly filled) and LM-7.3 (possibly filled but not nearly as obvious), suggesting that LM-6.3 is a later die state. Compare that to the tops of ER in each photo, with a faint crack to the left top of the E on LM-6.3, and a heavier die crack through the tops of ER on LM-7.3, suggesting that LM-7.3 is a later die state.

Below are my observations, and I will look forward to your final thoughts. Afterward, I will see about modifying the description accordingly.
Sincerely,
Mark Borckardt

1829 LM-6.1, 6.2, and 7.1
-The early die states of Reverse E, and the correct attribution of LM-6.1, 7.1, and 6.2, can be extremely difficult. The Logan-McCloskey work records the following die stages of Reverse E:

LM-6.1: Strong devices and dentils. Both berries have distinct stems.
LM-7.1: First angle of N fills with small die chip.
LM-6.2: First angle of N filled with small die chip. Small cud forms in dentils above M. Die crack forms from rim through top of E3.

The reverse die was clearly lapped between its use for LM-7.1 and LM-6.2.  It may also have been lapped between its use for LM-6.1 and LM-7.1.

Admittedly, the presence of a tiny die chip in the angle of the N would suggest die state LM-6.2. The later die state of LM-6.3 has the top loop of the final S filled, so that die state is not applicable to this discussion. There are a couple features visible in the LM-6.1 and LM-7.1 plates in Logan-McCloskey that are not visible in the LM-6.2 plate, and another feature of LM-6.2 that is not apparent in the plates of the earlier die states.

1. Although faint, both berries have complete stems visible for LM- 6.1 and LM-7.1, with the stem of the upper berry actually appearing stronger on the plate of LM-7.1. The stem to the upper berry is
entirely absent in the plate of LM-6.2 and later states.

2. The right base of the F is clearly repunched, visible in the plates of LM-6.1 and LM-7.1, although that repunching is not visible on LM-6.2 or later.

3. Each letter in E PLURIBUS UNUM in the LM-6.2 plate appears to have a reflective appearance, suggesting the die was lapped prior to that die state.

4. The die crack to the left top of E3 begins to form on LM-6.2 and  becomes obvious on later states.

Features of the piece in our sale 1160 suggest more strongly that it is LM-6.1, but other features suggest it may be LM-6.2

A. The upper berry has a complete stem, suggesting LM-6.1
B. The repunched right base of the F is sharply visible, suggesting LM-6.1
C. While the surrounding field is mildly reflective, there is no reflective or mirrored appearance within the letters of the motto, suggesting LM-6.1
D. There is evidence of a tiny die chip in the angle of the N, suggesting LM-6.2
E. There is an extremely faint trace of the die crack to the left top of E3 suggesting LM-6.2

++

My response to Mr. Borckhardt's thorough, in-hand analysis:

Mark,

You have a great advantage of having the coin in hand...a very fortunate circumstance.  It's tough out here in "customer land" trying to decipher die marriages and remarriages without such a benefit.  That being said, it seems to me that the two key factors your description provides are:

D. There is evidence of a tiny die chip in the angle of the N, suggesting LM-6.2

E. There is an extremely faint trace of the die crack to the left top of E3 suggesting LM-6.2

I suggest that these two observations indicate to me that the coin is likely an example of the 1829 LM-6.2, since the LM-6.2 was struck after the 1829 LM-7.1.  One should see the die chip in N and crack at E3 in examples of the LM-7.1 and the LM-6.2, but certainly not in any examples of the LM-6.1.

I know I will treat it as an 1829 LM-6.2 based on the information at hand (and therefore not be part of the bidding...I so WISHED it was an LM-6.1, since I need an example of that remarriage).

If you think it would be helpful, I could solicit opinions of other half dime specialists such as Steve Crain and Glenn Peterson.

Thank you,

Richard Meaney

++

And the final bit of correspondence back to me from Mr. Borckhardt:

I tend to agree with your thoughts. I'll change the description. Thanks so much for your observations and also for letting us know about it.

++

My comments to those reading this edition of the JR Newsletter:  I got a response back from Heritage VERY quickly on my inquiry.  Mr. Borckhardt and I were able to have a substantive discussion via email, allowing us to reach a conclusion that should help collectors or dealers who may be interested in the coin.  The body of Mr. Borckhardt's writings contain some really neat pointers as to how he goes about identifying die states that I think many of us could appreciate and possibly throw into our respective "bags of tricks" when we evaluate coins.  I did discuss this coin with one fellow specialist and he also agreed that it was an 1829 LM-6.2.

I hope you enjoyed this information,
Richard Meaney

------

Bob Stark wrote:

Thank You, Richard. I do enjoy opening the JR Letter each Sunday--and would enjoy it even more if  early dollar scribes contributed.

  Best wishes,
   Bob Stark

JR Newsletter: 25 September 2011 (55)

Lots of responses this week to a question posed last week regarding a holed bust dime sold on eBay.  As readers will see, we have some experts who participate here!

Winston Zack wrote:

Commenting on the 1829 "coin" from eBay, and to answer your questions.  1) The denomination is a dime (which you were probably well aware of). 2) Is it an altered date?  Funny thing about ebay images are that you need to do a lot of self-interpretation - is 'such-and-such' a product of the image (shadow, fuzziness of pixels, etc), or am I REALLY seeing what I'm seeing?  This is a tough one to precisely interpret, but I would say there is a shadow or 'dirt' covering the bottom of the '2' in the date making it appear like the digit is curled. 3)  It is not a JR-10.  It is a JR-3, and you can tell this by how far the top curl of the 2 leans over the bottom base of the two.  Another unique feature of this die marriage is the position of the '9' relative to the lower hair curls of Liberty's Bust.  These two factors narrow it down to the 1829 JR-3 die marriage, unless of course the '2' in the date is curled whereby this would be a new Curled Base 2 die marriage - stranger things have happened, so I'm not ruling out this possibility, but I don't put much weight on it as an outcome!

Best,

Winston

 ------

Dave Shirlen wrote:

I am not sure what it is, but it definitely is not a genuine 29 curl base dime.  The "2" is completely wrong for the variety - a genuine coin has a thin line for the upper curl of the 2 which connects to the knob of the 2.  That 2 is so blundered that I would guess an old altered coin. 
Dave Shirlen

------

David Quint wrote:

The 1829 dime (if it is a dime) looks, based on the positioning of the date and the slants of the digits, like an Obverse 2 to me, making it a JR-3.

 ------

Louis Scuderi wrote:

Hello from Beijing! Definitely not a curl base 2 dime but definitely a bust dime rather than a half dime. The 2 may be altered to look like a curl base but the 9 is positioned incorrectly to be the real coin. The obverse and reverse details, for what little there is of the reverse (the smallish C in 10 C and its position), suggest an 1829 JR3. Not certain what has been done with the 2 but it is way too thick on top and the bottom has been altered from the flat based two of the 29 JR3. All-in-all the curl base on this example doesn't have the same compactness that the real coin has.

Louis

------

Hunter Wunch wrote:

When I saw the last JR Newsletter regarding a possible curl base 1829 dime on Ebay I had my doubts, but because of my interest in bust dimes I wanted to make an effort to figure out what it is.  Many times it can be difficult to determine a die marriage, whether it be from bad pictures, extremely worn details or both...my included picture shows one method I use to help me make an educated guess.  Since the letters and numbers of all the early coinage were hand punched into the dies, none of the dies are exactly alike.  What I like to do is use the details I can see on the coin and connect it with a straight line to another given on the coin.  Once you have a few points of reference, you can use pictures of known die marriages to find the coin that matches your points of reference.  In the included photo (posted below...click on the image to enlarge it), I drew a line through S1, S13 and the left edge of the "9"...As you can see, the JR-10 is quickly ruled out.  The quickest way I've found to use this method at home is a straight edge of some kind (I usually use a business card) right on my computer screen!

Being unable to see the reverse details or hold in my hand the coin in question, my conclusion is this is an altered date 1829 JR-3 dime.  I hope others have some input on this coin, or maybe if we are very lucky a member here purchased the coin and can provide better pictures!

I also want to mention that none of the coins in the included image are mine, though I have obtained permission from the current owner of this JR-10 for my message here.

Hunter Wunch

 ------

Rich Uhrich wrote:  

The coin is definitely NOT an 1829 curl base 2 dime.  The top part of the 2 on that rare variety dime tilts back towards the 9 and on the ebay coin the top part of the 2 doesn't tilt back towards the 9.

Just as a suggestion, a good way to confirm or deny an attribution is to examine a picture of the genuine variety on a trusted website.  Such websites would include reliable auction houses as well as dealers who specialize in that coin series.

Rich Uhrich

------

Now on to different topics!

Ralph Muñoz wrote:

For your viewing pleasure.  Has anyone ever seen a Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Money Clip with a Bust Half Dollar?   The initials NRC are engraved on the back.  It's a 1827 O115.

Ralph

#179

 ------

Alan V. Weinberg wrote:

Some recent John Reich engraved mint medal information:

June 16, 2011 a Baker 58 Julian CM  5 , jugated busts of GW & Benj Franklin / 1783  eagle over globe , engraved by John Reich and part of the Jos. Sansom medal series struck circa 1805,  in gem proof silver in the original engraved silver case auctioned for a bit over $21,000 ($18K hammer)  in a small town Pa antique auction. It nevertheless attracted four separate bidders all of whom happened to be on the Balto coin show bourse floor at the time of the PA auction. Ford auction records for a similar specimen approached  $50 grand some 5 yrs ago.

Sept 10, 2011 the owner of a superb silver proof Betts 546 Julian CM 8 , Franklin Lightning Averted.../ Beaver at tree 1776, also part of the Reich Sansom medal series, was on the Long Beach coin show bourse floor and the owner turned down a $35,000 offer. It is the perhaps the  rarest of the six Sansom medals in silver. While Ford cataloguer  Mike Hodder says approx 20 silvers are  known in the Ford Betts II auction, it is in fact known by only 4 or 5  specimens in silver. The only Reich Sansom medal in silver known by 20 specimens (or more)  is the Baker 71 Julian  PR 1  "Presidency Relinquished" silver.

Alan V. Weinberg

 ------

Clay Blaney wrote:  

I enjoy your comments and hope you keep them coming even if you do have other material. 

Thanks for your work, 

Clay Blaney, Member JRCS

------

JRCS Bust Dime Census

Anyone who would like their Draped and/or Capped Bust Dimes included in the upcoming JRCS census, please send a list of the die marriage and grades of your coins to David Quint at dimecensus@yahoo.com

The census will be published in the next issue of the John Reich Journal.

JR Newsletter: 18 September 2011 (54)

We had no contributions this week, so your editor's comments are the ones you will have to live with until next week:

First, I usually limit myself to the early half dime category when searching for coins on ebay.  I saw one coin close last night that was labeled "1829 Dime" although it was in the early half dime category.  I thought the coin would sell for much more than the six or seven dollars that it did...but then again, I collect half dimes and really don't know my dimes too well.

A link to the closed auction is here:  eBay Link

Images of the coin that I took directly from the auction are below:

So, the obvious questions are (1) is it a dime in the wrong category or an early half dime in the right category? and (2) is it an altered date? and (3) is it a genuine 1829 JR-10?  What are the thoughts of the readers of the JR Newsletter?

Second thought and question of the week:  What were your impressions of the recently-closed Stack's Auction?  I noted there were a few nice half dimes in the auction, including at least one capped bust half dime that was from the "Logan Duplicate Auction" held by Brad Karoleff a few years ago.

JR Newsletter: 11 September 2011 (53)

David Quint wrote:

Last call for anyone who would like their Draped and/or Capped Bust Dimes included in the upcoming JRCS Early Dime Census. Please send a list of the varieties and conditions of your coins to David Quint at dimecensus (at) yahoo.com

Thank you

------
We had a few responses to the images of an 1837 LM-1 half dime posted by the editor:


From Rick Beale:  Wow!  Nice coin, nice pics.

From David Perkins:  Great photos!  Thanks.

From Craig Eberhart:  Nice photos Richard!  Did you take these?  If so, what lens are you using for the photo beyond the normal macro of 1:1?  
(Editor's response:  I did not take these photos.  The photographer is Mark Goodman.  I don't know the specifics of what he used to image this particular coin.  Mark has written a book (now in second edition) on numismatic photography that I highly recommend:  Numismatic Photography, 2nd Edition, by Mark Goodman.  Available through Amazon.com and other booksellers)

From Paul Kluth:  Great looking Half Dime and with strong clashing to boot to go with the wonderful toning!  Is that an early stage bisecting die crack coming out of K-12 on the obverse?  The clashed date on the reverse in splendid rainbow colors is just awesome.  Thanks for sharing as it made my numismatic moment+++ for the day.  
(Editor's response:  Thanks, Paul.  I was first interested in the coin for its striking colors.  Further study showed me the die crack which you described, the clashing all over, and the clashing of the date onto the reverse of the coin.  I've not seen too many examples of this die marriage with the date clash on the reverse...definitely something to watch for when looking at 1837 half dimes!)
------

Brad Karoleff wrote:

Dime collectors should submit their collection data to David Quint as soon as possible, since I plan on sending out the next issue of the John Reich Journal, which will include the dime census, in October/November.
------

Harry Cabluck wrote: 

I have inlcuded Bust Half Dollar photos used in the first attempt at axis lighting.

An interesting obverse, it appears the planchet may have been pre-struck under high pressure by the edge of another Bust Half.  One might read DOLL HAL upside down in reverse raised letters inside the gash. Would be happy to send the coin to an expert who might have a better than 30X microscope.

Harry Cabluck

 ------

Nathan Markowitz wrote:

The Dr Hesselgesser Dollar Sale

 

Labor day was a holiday for most but not for the folks at Goldberg who were charged with the auction of the largest die marriage set of early dollars to cross the block since the Bill Luebke collection at the January 2007 FUN sale.  I had a front row seat.  But I did not attend.  Instead the wonders of wi-fi and the iPad allowed me to watch live from my home desk whilst listening to the strong thermal breezes of late summer.  What would Jules Reiver, or AJ Ostheimer think, let alone Mister Bolender himself.   Methinks it was rather cool as 137 dollars crossed the block in addition to those he sold in the June Goldberg sale.  Herein are just a few comments on a very large sale.  I defer to others who may have more knowledge.  In honor of Bill Luebke and his service to JR news; I should start with:  “And away we go…”

One might summarize the sale as loaded with high condition census examples; indeed many of the coins currently graded AU or better.  Given the extent of the collection many R7s and R8s graced the pages of the dedicated catalog amongst the more “common” coins.  Many of the PRLs seemed amazingly close to estimates as I watched the numbers tick by…I have not carefully analyzed the results.  Amongst many examples to highlight I have chosen a few….

Lot 5001, 1795 B3  was an early favorite as a pretty coin and both a condition rarity and with a neat(and rare) reverse die break; hammering for 17K. 

Lot 5014, a 1795 missing leaf Bolender 6 hammered at 87.5K.  I first saw this coin at the inaugural EAC/JRCS show in St Louis.  I sat and watched as John Dannreuther and early dollar specialist David Perkins analyzed the missing leaf and the mechanism whereby this may have occurred in the mint of 1795.  It was a true treat to simply be a “fly on the wall” and listen to their analysis and debate and that immediately made that convention a delight….not to mention the visit to the Newman money museum.  But I digress.  This early dollar has now found a new home... somewhere.

1796 had one of the true rarities, Lot 5024 hammered at 52.5K.  With two known one may scarce see another for years.  Personally, I wonder if others lurk somewhere given the somewhat subtle die characteristics…several dollars are easy to misattribute.

1798 is loaded with rarities.  Lot 5035, the badly vertically shattered reverse hammered at 15K.  Although R6, surprisingly three of these were in the famous 1975 Superior ANA sale and two of these changed hands in August 2011!  I have always been partial to the 1798 B32 with the soft die failure on stars 6-7, the undisputed finest of which sold in this sale(Lot 5033) for 65K hammer.  Additionally, two 1798 B16s sold as lots 5047 and 5048.

Amongst the later dates were several rarities, although less than the early dates.  The 1803 B6 had two examples(Lots 5136 and 5137 at the end), the finer Lot 5136 hammered for 30K on a 25K estimate.

I could add several other interesting comments/favorites but will allow others to analyze and expound on this sale.  Congratulations are due for his assemblage of this extensive collection.  I expect the new caretakers of these coins will enjoy them equally well. 

------

A final note from the editor:  Please, don't forget to submit your dime census to David Quint by sending him an email at dimecensus (at) yahoo.com