We have a couple of contributions this week. First, from Eric Hildebrant:
I have been collecting cents, half dimes, dimes, and half
dollars by die combination for about 35 years, now. I believe that I have found
a good method of attributing any coin (emphasis on any), and that is to compare
the denticles’ high points and valleys to design elements on the edge of the
coin. One example is to compare where
the stars, nearest the edge, “point” to the nearest denticle, and if it is at the top
of the hump of that denticle, or nearer the valley of the denticle. Another example is on the reverse, how the
top of the letter “A” (in America)
points to the closest denticle, again is it near the top of the hump, or is it
in the valley?
This method allows the comparison of about 20 design features
to the denticles, and is very effective to eliminate or confirm a given die
variety. I haven’t seen this method in
print explained before, so I am writing this to inform the collectors of die
varieties what I think is a very easy to use method of die attribution.
I welcome any comments from the society, and perhaps this
method has been used before.
Thanks for the great journal, and on-line letters…
Eric Hildebrant
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In response to Gawain O'Connor's inquiry last week, David
Perkins wrote to David Sklow to see if he could provide an answer/more
information. David Sklow's response is
here:
The small circular yellow sticker is from Frank Katen, used
to catalog his vast holdings. The Kosoff label I have seen on many books that
passed through my auction company, as Kosoff was a dealer, he did sell books
over many years. Neither stick or label indicates the book was donated to the ANA. I will do some more research and let you know
if I uncover anything else.
David
David Sklow
Library Manager
Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library
American Numismatic Association
Library Manager
Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library
American Numismatic Association
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In receipt of this response, Gawain O'Connor wrote:
Thanks to everyone. Looks like my guess was wrong, but the
book now has an interesting provenance.
