Sunday, April 20, 2014

JR Newsletter: 20 April 2014 (185)



We have a number of interesting and important announcements this week.

From the editor:

I want to ensure that members of the JRCS know where to mail their ballots for the 2013 Jules Reiver Literary Award.  Ballots were distributed with the most recent issue of the John Reich Journal.  After marking your ballots, you may mail them to the following address:

Stephen A. Crain
PO Box 1680
Windham, ME 04062

Richard Meaney
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David Perkins wrote with information about 1804 dollars:

New 1804 Dollar Discoveries to be announced at CSNS Book Release Presentation on April 24th

            New discoveries about the famed 1804 Dollar will be announced at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th at the Central States Numismatic Society convention by professional numismatist and researcher Mark Ferguson during a presentation for the release of his new book, The Dollar of 1804 – The U.S. Mint’s Hidden Secret.  Ferguson will dispel age-old myths about the 1804 Dollar, “The King of American Coins,” by exhibiting new evidence from the 1880s and earlier, some signed.

            Based on the chronicles of the true story of the Dexter 1804 Dollar, The Dollar of 1804 – The U.S. Mint’s Hidden Secret, reveals newly discovered facts, not only about the Dexter Dollar, but about other 1804 Dollars as well.  Ferguson’s research quest began in 1989 with his discovery and acquisition of a work of art, circa 1887, commissioned by James Vila Dexter himself in commemoration of the 1804 Dollar he purchased in 1885 for a record price at that time.  A century later, in 1989, the Dexter Dollar set another world record as the very first coin to sell at public auction for the $1 million dollar level - $990,000.

            Ferguson published limited edition prints of J. V. Dexter’s 1887 artwork, and in conjunction with SilverTowne and NGC has produced silver replicas of the 1804 Dollar encapsulated by NGC.  The book release presentation will take place at the Central States Numismatic Society convention at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th in room “Nirvana C.”  A question and answer session and book signing will follow Ferguson’s presentation.

Those in attendance who register will be entered into a drawing for a package consisting of a limited edition print of James V. Dexter’s 1887 work of art, an autographed copy of the new book, The Dollar of 1804 – The U.S. Mint’s Hidden Secret, an 1804 Dollar silver replica encapsulated by NGC, and other bonuses all valued at $495.00.  Interested persons who are unable to attend may register online at www.1804Dollar.com for a drawing of an autographed book and an NGC encapsulated replica of the 1804 Dollar valued at $99.00.  Ferguson will also be signing books at the CSNS book signing table at noon on Friday and Saturday.

Anyone wishing to pre-order the book or any of the other products can email Mark Ferguson at:  mark(at)1804Dollar.com
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Dave also provided us with some information about JRCS participation at the EAC Convention that was published in Coin World:

Paul Gilkes of Coin World wrote and published at CoinWorld.com a nice article titled, “JRCS plans study of Bust coin varieties at EAC convention.”  Included with Paul’s article is a photo of one of the coins that will be at the Happenings event, a 1798 B-16, BB-110 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Dollar, this one with a large cud under the first star between the rim and the date. 

To read this article courtesy of Coin World, please click on the following link:  http://shar.es/TvAOI.

We thank Paul and Coin World for the mention!
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Finally, Steve Herrman wrote with information that is important to those who collect, study, or just like to learn about Pre-Turban Bust Half Dollars:

Pre-Turban Bust Half Dollar Census information is now being solicited for inclusion in the next issue of the John Reich Journal. Please send your complete inventory listing (including ALL duplicates and die states) of your Bust halves dated 1794-1807 to:

  Steve Herrman
  email: Herrman102(at)aol.com
  fax: 303-989-6393

Thanks,

Steve