We have three contributions this week. I expect we will have some reports from collectors and dealers once they get back and settled in post-ANA.
Robert Stark wrote:
The Pre-ANA yesterday afternoon, Saturday, was lightly attended-- a good opportunity to speak with dealers. No wait for lot viewing. Jim McGuigan has some nice early dollars for sale.
Unfortunately for me, I find JRCS difficult to attend. People who travel "locally" cannot reasonably be at an 8 a.m. meeting. Scheduling meetings nearer to mid-day might improve attendance. Is a lunch meeting impractical?
Best regards,
Bob Stark
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Phil Carrigan wrote:
Today I shared with my wife Mary Clare part of John McCloskey's article on the Davis Bust Dime Collection. The part I read from John's neat article concerned the 63 missing dimes which Janet Davis couldn't locate. Her approach to invite family members to do a complete search resulted in finding the coins. The coins were found well hidden in a place no burglar would have found.
What was Mary Clare's response? Where was the hiding place? I am now committed to asking John for this bit of key information!
Phil Carrigan
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Jim Matthews wrote:
This year's ANA took place in Philadelphia. As usual the crowds were
thick with collectors and dealers, all trying to find something special
for their collections or inventory. Most of the dealers I talked with
had a good show, for both buying and selling.
The
JRCS meeting took place on Wednesday morning and Dick Graham gave the
presentation based on his long awaited and just published new reference
book on the Reeded Edge Half Dollars of 1836 to 1839. This series
records the dramatic changes undergoing at the Mint, from the adoption
of the long dreamed steam operated coining press, to the opening of the
first branch mint for silver coinage (New Orleans). Further changes
include Gobrecht's gradual introduction of
his new Seated Liberty design, which was delayed in the half dollars
until 1839. Meanwhile, the half dollar was such an important monetary
coin (in fact half dollars were the backbone of most banking and
economic transactions during this period) that production had to
continue. Dies were prepared from hubs, with only the final digit added
in by hand to record the current year. Finishing touches to the dies
were also done by hand to strengthen various design elements when
needed. Dick Graham's long awaited book is a welcome addition to any
advanced library and now the information on particular die pairings is
available to any collector, as well as their rarity ratings.
Much
of my time was spent enjoying the collectors and dealers I've known for
many years, and catching up on collection events, acquisitions and
family news. It is such a delight to know so many fine people that
gather at this annual show. I attended numerous
meetings and learned of current research undergoing on various series.
It is truly a fascinating time to be a collector.
For
my own collection I found a few more cuds on early dimes, duplicates
but always welcome. I also obtained a couple of die marriages from the
David Davis collection, which will take an honored place in my slowly
growing collection of these interesting coins.
Another ANA is now in the history books, and I am already looking forward to next year!
Jim Matthews
