JR Newsletter: 14 November 2010 (10)

This week's contributions:

Van wrote,commenting on tips related to Raymond's question about attributing eBay pictures...

First of all... I pretty much just focus on Early Bust Dimes for my collection and interest. In my eBay experiences, here are a few of the things I practice...

1) I have a "Saved Search" set for very specific dime years that notifies me when certain postings come available

2) I basically only search for the attributes related to very specific Rarity-5 or higher dimes

3) I have a screen magnification program that gives me a 100x - 250x magnification window of everything my cursor passes over, which often compensates for small eBay photos... or at least gives me an improved detail view over what is given to me

I hope this helps...

Van (JRCS #1300) 

------ 

David Perkins wrote:

New Attribution for 1800 Silver Dollar with FORCE Counterstamp?

For those early silver dollar and counterstamp collectors who are not a member of the Token and Medal Society (TAMS), there is an article in the July-August 2010 edition of TAMS Magazine by Bruce Mosher titled, "The Bells of Ephraim Force / The author's research leads to a new source of the "Force" countermark on an 1800 U.S. silver dollar."  I have noted in my copy of Merchant and Privately Countermarked coins by Gregory Brunk that the FORCE counterstamp is struck on an 1800 B-14, BB-194 silver dollar.  There is a photo of the obverse of this counterstamped silver dollar on page 381 of the Brunk book. Mosher notes that "past researchers have hinted that Jabez W. Force, a New York City silversmith (1819-41), was responsible for the counterstamped coin."  On the other hand Russell Rulau noted that this was highly unlikely as "the stamp is far too large and crude to be the hallmark of a silversmith."

Mosher writes that while researching an unrelated issue in early New York city directories, he came across the name of "Ephraim Force," a brass and bell founder, and a fire-engine manufacturer in Lower Manhattan.  He presents his research and evidence, concluding that he believes this man was responsible for counterstamping this silver dollar. 

 

For membership information for TAMS you may contact Mark Lighterman, 5224 W. State Red. 46, #408, Sanford, FL  32771.

------

Winston Zack wrote:

Hello Capped Bust Silver Collectors,

I am selling my 1825 B-2 Late Die State, retained reverse Cud through A3 and Arrows, F-12+ (raw, but completely problem-free) Capped Bust Quarter.  If you are interested please see the link below and you may email me at stoneman101 (at) gmail.com

http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=793519

Thanks,

Winston

Editor's note:  Here is an image of Winston's coin:

------

Raymond Hale wrote (in response to Richard Meaney's post about a newly-purchased half dime with an obverse cud):

That's it. I'm searching for half-dimes from now on!

------

Rick Beale wrote:

I have come across a very high grade 1807 50c O-105a r.4 - PCGS AU58. A Heritage auction listing (different coin) indicates an O-105a also PCGS AU58 was probably one of the top two or three of this variety.

My question is : do we keep a condition census in JRCS for early silver ? If so, where would my coin rank ?

I haven't imaged it yet. I'll stash a pic on my website and send the URL.

All the best,

Ricky B

Editor's Note:  Rick and his wife deal coins in person and on the internet.  The name of their company is "900fine Coins" and they can be found on the internet at http://www.900fine.com/

JR Newsletter: 7 November 2010 (9)

I guess the posting of a half dime last week with the threats of posting more spurred some people to action.  This week's contributions:

Charles Louie wrote (in response to Richard Meaney's post of an 1836 LM-1.1 Half Dime):

The coin is absolutely beautiful...
Thanks,
Chuck

------

Ralph Munoz wrote:

Regarding Steve Hose's request.   I have an original Issue No 11,  (Vol. 4, No. 2/3 of December 1988) that I can copy, sorry no duplicates.  That issue was a dual issue.  FYI, I have a complete set of the JR Journals with the original mailing envelopes.

Ralph Munoz

JRCS LM020 & JRCS 030 

PS  Nice half dime.

Editor's note:  I forwarded Ralph's offer to Steve. 

------

Raymond Hale wrote:

I've heard of some "great ebay sleuths" out there. Just today, I saw pictures of a half dime cherried by one of that breed.  I've enjoyed scouring ebay's listings for some time; yet, have purchased very few items. After a short break, I recently re-started my ebay hunt. But things are even more difficult: now, coins are listed with what amount to 2 x 2 pictures, that offer little or no detail.  I sit with my books on my desk, and try to attribute the coins in these listings. Usually I can't--So how do you do it???

I don't expect you to give away all your secrets. I just need some pointers. I'm not able to get to many shows; and, the shops around here have little to offer.  Can you please pass on some of the knowledge. This neophyte wants to learn how to id Bust coins, especially halves.  I know it takes time. But I am impatient. Lest I forget: thank you, to every one who helped me with my recent book search!

Raymond Hale

------

Jeff Reichenberger wrote:

For those who may have missed it, I recommend reading the fine article about Indian treaty payments by Jon Amato in the latest edition of the Numismatist. Imagine stacks upon stacks of Bust Half Dollars.

------

Richard Meaney wrote:

I wrote back to Raymond Hale with some quick pointers, knowing he is looking for rare bust halves (along with hundreds of other people).  This is what I offered:

1.  Look for just the rare ones.  Learning the common ones will take time and effort away from the rarities.  Strong R5 or better is my advice.
2.  Use the key pickup points in Glenn Peterson's "Ultimate Guide..." as a quick reference.
3.  Check ebay often and be quick about decisions on "Buy it Now" items.  Sometimes someone will put up a coin for a hundred dollars and it will be gone within fifteen minutes because of a Buy It Now listing. 

Interpretation of tiny pictures takes a lot of practice and a little luck.  I try not to waste my time attributing everything...if it is not a rare one, I just move on without ever attributing most coins.

I have another ebay find this week.  This one, in my opinion, is even neater than the last one.  I found an 1831 half dime with a tiny, blurry picture that I thought looked promising.  Here is the picture that was posted on ebay:

The item had a starting price of $80.  I figured it was worth many multiples of that if it was what I thought it was, so I bid on the coin just before the auction closed...and won.  The image below is one I took when the coin arrived (Clicking on the image will open up a much larger image for you, allowing closer inspection).

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised that my suspicions were correct.  The coin is an 1831 LM-3 with an obverse retained cud.  I don't know of too many examples of this R-4 half dime that exist in this late die state.  Off hand, I think there are maybe four others that I know about (if you have one, maybe you would like to contribute and let us know about it...images would be cool too).  I don't mind one bit that a third party grading service would not consider this coin to be "problem-free"

------

Looking forward to more contributions before next week's issue!

JR Newsletter: 31 October 2010 (8)

One contribution for the week:

Steve Hose wrote:
I have two remaining John Reich Journals that I am looking for:  Issue Number 1 (Vol 1 No 1, January, 1986) and Issue Number 11 (Vol 4 No 3, December, 1989).  I would prefer originals, or at least a copy of the Issue Number 11, as I do have a reprint of the Issue Number 1 without the card stock cover. Thanks for your efforts.  Note from editor:  If you have an issue or two of the JR Journal to satisfy Steve's request, please send a reply to me and I will forward your contact information to Steve.
------
Editor's Contribution:
We have had more than a dozen new subscribers in the last two weeks.  That's the good news.  With just one contribution coming in this week, I'm going to have to talk about the best bust coinage ever made to try to get some of you who don't collect CAPPED BUST HALF DIMES shamed into making contributions for next week. 

I have attached an image file of a half dime I recently purchased on ebay.  The seller's images were not the best and the ANACS holder had 1836 LM-1.2 as the attribution.  I suspected the attribution was incorrect and that the coin truly was the scarcer 1836 LM-1.1 remarriage.  I was pleased to have my suspicions confirmed when I received the coin.  I used both Photoshop Elements and Photoscape to format the image.  You can click on this image and it will become larger.

JR Newsletter: 24 October 2010 (7)

Just a reminder:  If you prefer to view this newsletter online, you can do so at  http://jr-newsletter.blogspot.com/

Raymond Hale wrote:

Re David Davis' post.

I just picked up a copy of the EUSD book, for $125 plus 15% buyer's commission, in a post-auction sale with Fred Lake. He had sold another copy, signed by David for $130. I was upset that I had missed the auction. But, happy to still acquire the book. Now, I just need that erratum corrigenda. Thanks for the Latin refresh.

 Also:

I've thought about purchasing a copy of the "Digital RAG." Does any one know how it works on Windows 7?

Thanks

Raymond Hale

------
Dick Kurtz wrote:

To respond to Hamling's question, "preturb" (not "perturb") refers to issues preceeding the capped (turban) bust half dollar series, so any of the halves struck between 1794 ending with 1807 O.112 (and now 115). We sometimes forget that many have not been collecting bust halves for one hundred years, as I have..............Sorry!

Dick
------
Jim Matthews wrote:

Busy times: I've been sifting through my immense library and storage room of duplicate catalogues and references the past few months. I've decided its time to move some of the more interesting tidbits on to more interested parties! Thus I've sent off a considerable number of boxes of early auction sales, reference works, price guides and whatnot to David Sklow for inclusion in his upcoming February 12, 2011 auction and other portions offered at a later date. The highlight of the group so far is an original 1881 edition of the Frank Andrews die variety work on Large Cents. Many other highlights will be available.

I just received the dime reference on the 1824 JR-2 variety by Jim Koenings, which fits perfectly well with his intensive study on the 1827 JR-2 variety--listing all known specimens, an enlarged photo (great work Rory and Jim!) and a condition census. As always a few more specimens are awaiting discovery, but who can resist the appeal of these rarities? Jim has done an outstanding study on these two varieties, and any dime specialist would do well to acquire each. Contact me if you would like to order one of these references and I'll forward it on to Jim Koenings--I am bustdollar (at) yahoo.com for Jim Matthews

News, views and insanity continues in my collecting--still working on the retained or full cuds of course, Flowing, Draped and Capped Bust half dimes--Draped and Capped Bust for dimes. I'll get around to publishing more in the John Reich Journal so photos are more available soon.

New discoveries and advanced die state information are always welcome! Keep on digging, there is always more to be discovered.

Jim Matthews

------

Richard Meaney wrote:

I am the program chairman for the JRCS meeting in August 2011.  I am interested in what people would like to see for an educational session at the JRCS meeting.  We had a great presentation by Jim Matthews in Boston (Jim talked about one of his favorite topics:  cuds) and I would like to learn what JRCS members think will be appealing for the Chicago meeting.

Also, thanks goes out to David Davis.  I got a new dust jacket for my "Early United States Dimes" book and am quite happy with it.  Thanks, David!

JR Newsletter: 17 October 2010 (6)

Multiple contributions this week, almost something for everyone here!  Remember, most images in this blog are shown here in reduced size.  If you click on the image, you can view an even larger version of that image (and many images, if you click on them again once they open as larger images, will get even larger still).  

From Jim Koenings:

One hundred copies of Jim Koenings' book "1824 JR-2 The 6th Rarest Capped Bust Dime Die Variety" have been printed. Besides having 37 pages with color photos, there is a foreword by Louis Scuderi, comments by Kirk Gorman on dime edges, comments by Van Walworth on counterfeits and some new information on grade distribution of 1824 dimes.

This book is now available at $24 each, including shipping. If you would like a copy, please send a check or money order to:

Jim Koenings
P.O. Box 2382
Riverside, CA 92516

If you would like your copy sent even sooner, you may send a payment to PAYPAL at Jim's email address:  bustcoin1 (at) verizon.net 

Thanks
Jim

------

From Rich Hartzog (response to last week's JRN):

"It included the Tony Terranova collection of counterstamped coins and hands down there has never been anything like it sold at auction." 

Not to toot my own horn too much, but the Terranova collection of counterstamped coins is a distant second to the Brunk collection, which I sold in my World Exonumia auctions 9A, 10 and 11 (1999-2006). Granted, the prices of this 2010 sale are current, while mine are now somewhat dated.  Tony purchased a number of pieces from the Brunk sales, as can be seen in the Stack's notes.  The Brunk sales included a number of very rare pieces, all sold without reserve or minimum bids.  Obviously that gives a much truer report of the real market, vs. selling at the reserve.  Stack's did a decent job, with only a few incorrect photos, and got great money for most items.

I also have the Brunk 2003 book, the newest edition, available on my web site at www.exonumia.com .  Brunk has severe eye problems and is unable to respond to mail, email or phone calls.  He is working on a new edition, but it is unlikely to be produced in the near future.  I do have copies of the Brunk c/m collection auction catalogs, with prices realized.  Contact me at hartzog (at) exonumia.com

------

From H. Craig Hamling:

To Dick Kurtz

I have never heard of a perturb.  Can you enlighten me?

------

From David J. Davis:

A quick follow-up to the EUSD book.  I just checked Rich Uhrich's webpage, and sure enough there were three copies for sale.  For one still in shrinkwrap, how about $400?  For one slightly used he is asking $325.  For another used one with some markings, etc. and no dust cover the price was $195.  Those prices surely surprised me.  I obviously have not been aware of what is happening in the market place.  I thought the price I heard awhile of $250 for a book, was a bit much.  No wonder the book dealers are pestering me to see if more books for sale.  I may have to go digging around in my storage areas to see if I missed one or two.

Interestingly enough the Charlie Davis Mail Bid Sale, October 30, 2010, has an estimate of $150 for the regular edition, and an estimate of $250 for the deluxe edition.  I can hardly wait to see what each book brings.

I would also like to let everyone know that if their dime book doesn't have the errata sheet with the correct pictures for 1821 JR-13, or needs a new cover, I still have both of them available for the cost of postage.  I have more of the errata sheets available than covers.  As we printed enough errata sheets for all of the books, there must be a lot of books stashed away without the correction.  Just to be sure in my own mind I looked up the spelling of errata and learned a new word for the day.  The definition read; "a list of corrigenda or a page bearing such a list.  Then I had to look up corrigendum to find its definition; "an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet bound with the original."  Corrigenda is the plural form indicating more than one error.  You just never realize the discoveries that can be made when referring to the dictionary, instead of just using the spell checker.

Happy collecting,  David J. Davis

------

From Dennis Villanucci:

I have decided to offer for sale the counterstamped 1806 B-8 R6 quarter that I uncovered in a local shop this past summer, and subsequently reported on in the September JRNews.  That earlier report is as follows:

"Recently, I came across an interesting counterstamped 1806 Bust Quarter.  The counterstamp is partly worn off, but it appears to read "NC US".  Can anyone help in identifying this stamp?  The host coin is B-8, apparently an R6 with 20 or so pieces known.  The die crack at the lower left reverse is light, and has not yet formed the cud that occurs in the late die state."

I offer the additional description that the coin the coin may have been lightly cleaned at some point in its lifetime, but there are no hairlines. It’s a little abraded and unevenly worn from the counterstamp.  In my opinion, the coin has the detail of VG-10. A picture is included here. 

A few collectors have expressed an interest in acquiring this piece, and I have decided to let it go to the highest bidder (without bid reduction).  I have no inclination to use eBay or any of the other auction houses to place the coin. Those interested should send their offers to me at dpvilla (at) aol.com.  If you would like to discuss the coin before bidding, just send me an email and I’ll forward my phone number to you. The winner will have a 5-day, no hassle return privilege with immediate refund of the full purchase price. I will be accepting offers until midnight on October 23.  Thanks in advance to all.

------

From Brad Higgins:

Here are 3 images from the Philadelphia archives; the first and third need no explanation. The second is an estimate of the expenses of the engravers department. Each year, the Secretary of the Treasury sent a letter to the mint director asking for an estimate of expenses for the following year. This was Robert Scot's estimate for 1796. Note the salary of the assistant engraver compared to what Reich was offered more than a decade later.

There were a number of the SecTreas inquiries in the archive but no subsequent copies of the mint replies. Perhaps in the DC archive in the Treasury Dept records there is more. 

JR Newsletter: 10 October 2010 (5)

This week's contributions:

Editor's Note:  I have removed the @ symbol from email addresses to help reduce the amount of spam that gets sent to the email addresses listed in this week's newsletter.

David J. Davis wrote:

 For Raymond Hale,

All of the Deluxe editions of the Early U.S. Dime books have been sold and your only alternative there is the secondary market.  Charlie Davis has one for sale in his upcoming auction.  My guess is that it will probably go for about $200.  For counterstamps you need the Brunk book on counterstamps which is still available from the author or various dealers.  You will also need a copy of the Stack's recently concluded 'Americana Sale.'  It included the Tony Terranova collection of counterstamped coins and hands down there has never been anything like it sold at auction.  Should you decide to collect them, it should give a good idea about what they will cost.  I haven't checked prices realized, yet, but I expect that they went for strong money.  It was an opportunity not to be repeated any time soon.

Good luck in your hunt for the bustie coins we all love.

David J.

 ------

 Dick Kurtz wrote:

 Concerning the Overton editions, the 4th expanded the number of die stages (or states, if you prefer) which greatly increased the number of pages. To keep the size & weight of the 4th edition at a more reasonable level (though bigger & heavier than the 3rd edition), the pages are thinner, and in my opinion of lesser quality, with decreased photographic details. The 4th also has the newly discovered die marriages, all of which are preturbs. Unfortunately, errors from the 3rd edition were not corrected in the 4th. As an example, 12-107 is known both with and without the die lump over the left (as viewed) wing, but one wouldn't know that by looking at either edition. My 3rd is loaded with similar observations written on many of its pages, so I continue to use that edition. 

 Dick Kurtz #049

 ------

 Keith Davignon wrote:

In response to Raymond Hale’s request for books on bust half dollars, I still have a few copies of the first edition of the Counterfeit Capped bust Half Dollar book available for $35 (postage paid). Also, there will be a second edition available by the FUN show. Anyone interested in a copy can e-mail me at keithdavignon (at) cox.net As soon as we know the issue price, we will take orders.

 Keith Davignon

------

David Perkins wrote:

Input (reply) to Raymond Hale Posting in the October 3, 2010 JR Newsletter

 Raymond Hale wrote last week that he was looking to acquire a copy of Early United States Dimes 1796-1837, Deluxe Edition.  Last night I received a catalog for the Charles Davis Mail Bid Sale of Numismatic Literature, October 30, 2010.  Lot 296 in this sale is copy number 82 of the deluxe signed edition of the dime book, described as in "New condition."  The previous Lot (Lot 295) is a standard copy of the book, "… blue cloth, dust jacket.  As new as they come in unopened original box."

 Charles can be contacted at P.O. Box 547, Wenham, Massachusetts  01984. Phone 978-468-7893.  E-mail Numislit (at) aol.com.

Secondly, Raymond asked about sources on or about counterstamped coinage.  The primary source for information on counterstamped coinage is Merchant and Privately Countermarked Coins by Gregory C. Brunk, published by World Exonumia Press, C/o Rich Hartzog, P.O. Box 4143CNW, Rockford, IL  61110-0643, e-mail Hartzog (at) exonumia.com.  The most current volume of this book was published in 2003.  I believe I recently saw a notice that Rich still has copies of the book for sale.  This book was available as a regular hardbound copy as well as a deluxe, special edition. 

 The predecessor book on countermarked coins was American and Canadian Countermarked coins by Gregory C. Brunk.  This was also published by World Exonumia Press / Rich Hartzog. 

In addition to the book you may want to acquire selected public auction sale catalogs with offerings of counterstamped coinage.  For example, the recent Stack's Americana Sale held in Philadelphia, October 2, 2010 had over 300 Lots of counterstamp U.S. and foreign coins.  This catalog is a "must" in my book for those interested in counterstamped coins.  These Lots are also available for online viewing at the www.stacks.com  website.

Lastly, there have been a number of articles (with photos) of counterstamped U.S. Coinage published over the years in the John Reich Journal.  As a JRCS member you can purchase back issues of the Journal (as available).  There is an index online at the JRCS website at www.jrcs.org.  Richard Meaney, our JR News editor can help you with availability of back issues.  And for those of you who are not aware of this, JRCS member Steve Herrman is working on an index for all issues of the John Reich Journal that will be published in the next year. 

 For example, here are two articles on counterstamped early U.S. silver dollars 1795-1803 that I authored:

 JRJ, Volume 14 / Issue 1, December 2001: “Counterstamped Early Silver Dollars, An Update.”  

JRJ, Volume 16 / Issue 2, February 2005:  “Counterstamps on United States Silver Dollars 1794-1804 as Listed in Merchant and Privately Countermarked Coins, by Gregory Brunk.”

 W. David Perkins

------

Glenn Marx wrote:

I'm trying to find a few folks that might be willing to consider helping me via a sale or trade of bust quarters.  I'm searching for an 1831 B-1 & B-4 quarter, an 1838 B-1, plus a few other.small-size varieties in AU to low mint state grade (nice for grade with minimal marks).  I'm also looking for some early and middle date bust quarter varieties.  If you are a type or variety collector with coins to sell or trade, I can offer common or rare varieties in a number different grades, some condition census.  I can also offer cuds, retained cuds, and other interesting die states - or a Reiver pedigree.  Please send me an email at gmari (at) aol.com if you're interested and let me know what you have.  Thanks - Glenn

 Thanks - Glenn Marx

 ------

Richard Meaney wrote:

 For anyone looking for copies of books related to bust coinage (and a few other coin series), I recommend checking out the website of Rich Uhrich.  His website is http://www.richuhrichcoins.com/index.shtml

Rich typically has the bust dime book, Peterson's half dollar book, Logan-McCloskey half dime book, and the Tompkins quarter book in stock. Rich also sells Bill Bugert's new Seated Half Dollar books. Plus he has lots of other books at fair prices.  In fact, I recently ordered one of Peterson's half dollar guides from Rich.

JR Newsletter: 3 October 2010 (4)

Not too many contributions this week.

Raymond Hale wrote:

I am a new member, and looking for books on Bust Half--and other denomination--coinage.

One: a hard-cover copy of The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars. (I have the deluxe edition.)

Two: Contemporary Counterfeit Capped Bust Half Dollars, hard cover.

Three: Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 John Reich Collectors Society--Deluxe Ed.

Four: information on sources on/about counter-stamped coinage.

Five: can you recommend other quality works, including DVD's. I would absolutely LOVE to see some videos of Bust Half coinage.  

 I have Bust Half Fever, M.L. Beistle's work, and Overton's 4th ed. It seems that quite a few people prefer the 3rd edition over the 4th. Any thoughts on how is the 3rd ed. superior?

 ------

 Dan McCarty wrote:

There is a Scotsman Auction in St. Louis on October 15. There are numerous lots that may be of interest to JRCS members. Also, I don't have an address for EAC, but there is a "treasure trove" of early coppers. WEB Site: scoins.com

 ------

 Richard Meaney wrote:

I sent an article to Brad Karoleff for inclusion in the next issue of the John Reich Journal.  How about the rest of you?  Don't let a collector of tiny bust coins win the Jules Reiver Literary Award by default!

 Speaking of Brad, I was just looking through the catalog for the "Russel J. Logan Duplicate Sale" and I was reminded how great a job Brad did writing the descriptions for those coins.  I was more than pleased with each of the coins I won in the auction. All were conservatively-graded (comparing Brad's standards to those of popular third-party grading services today).

 ------

That's all we have for the week!