JR Newsletter: 12 February 2017 (331)

Steve Herrman wrote:

Your Pre-Turban Half Dollar Census information is needed ASAP for inclusion in the next Issue of the John Reich Journal. Please email the complete inventory listing (including ALL duplicates and die states) of your Pre-Turban halves to Steve Herrman at herrman102(at)aol.com

Thanks,

Steve

JR Newsletter: 5 February 2017 (330)

Gregg Silvis wrote:

While I am not a member, I wanted to let the members of the John Reich Collectors Society know that Iona Peterson Reiver, widow of Julius “Jules" Reiver, died earlier this month.  Here is a link to her obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delawareonline/obituary.aspx?n=iona-peterson-reiver&pid=183766072

She sounded like a wonderful woman.  I had the opportunity to meet Jules several years ago at a meeting of the Wilmington Coin club.  He was quite a character and a real gentleman.
  
Gregg Silvis
------

David Finkelstein wrote:

Since publishing my article titled “The First 1794 Dollar Released From The Mint” in the January 29, 2017 JR Newsletter, I had the opportunity to correspond with Robert Julian, and archivists from the National Archives and Library of Congress.  Robert Julian mentioned and quoted from the October 16, 1794 Edmund Randolph letter in an April, 2016 Coins Magazine article, therefore I am not the first to reference it.  I have also obtained digital access to George Washington’s diaries and Secretary of State Edmund Randolph’s outgoing letter book.  As a result, I have revised my article to include a reference to Robert Julian’s Coins Magazine article and have added images of 2 documents.  The only text changes to my article are in the section titled “October 16, 1794” and the paragraph preceding it.

 The link to the revised article is here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/826a46b1-1d1f-4fc9-8ddf-421020767ef4/DJF_Mint_First_1794_Dollar_Release_REVISED.pdf

David

JR Newsletter: 29 January 2017 (329)

David Finkelstein wrote with an article for the JR Newsletter, which you may access by clicking this link:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/9a626f03-d2d7-4067-8a0d-26f1ddfb8697/DJF_Mint_First_1794_Dollar_Release.pdf 

David advised, "the majority of this article was part of my JRCS presentation at the 2017 FUN Show.  A letter from Secretary of State Edmund Randolph to President Washington, dated October 16, 1794, has shed additional light on the release of the 1794 dollars and who received them."  The title of the article is The First 1794 Dollar Released From The Mint.

David

------

 

Fellow collectors who pursue "complete sets" by die marriage will appreciate this contribution from Louis Scuderi:

I guess that when it comes to finding rare half dimes I have to be up at 3 in the morning. That is the time of day I found my 1835 LM12 some years ago. Well, 3 AM was good for me again. I was up late working and decided to take one more look around eBay before I closed down for the night (actually morning!). An 1833 half dime with a small and very, very, very fuzzy image popped up just as I was about to sign off. At first I thought- "been looking at the computer screen too long"- but damn if it didn't look like it could be an 1833 LM5. I spent 20 minutes appraising the coin and give it better than 75/25 chance of being the 1833 LM5 - the last variety that I needed for my capped bust half dime set. A Buy It Now to boot!

Bought it and then the waiting began, -my apprehension growing with each day as I tracked its path across the country. I thought “hopefully the guy was not using some stock photo, and “was my brain so fuzzy and addled at 3AM that I screwed up the attribution?” Even with the fuzzy pictures in hand and studying them over and over again I still couldn’t tell. Eventually I got to the point of convincing myself that I had misattributed the variety. Oh well, just some intense nervous anticipation for a few days!

For once I was blessed with an early arrival of a package. Tore it open and there it was! Capped bust half dimes by variety complete! See image. This coin is apparently number seven known. A solid R7.

So after 17 years of chasing this elusive variety, a near miss at auction, and a few purchases of low grade poorly imaged 1833 LM10’s on eBay, this variety finally was accounted for. I guess persistence pays off.

One final note- Of course some of my fellow collectors will remember the last time in 2010 that I did this for my second "complete" set of capped bust dimes. Sure enough someone went and found that 1827 JR14 a few months later. This raises an interesting question. Will lightning strike again and does this mean that we will soon be hearing of a new half dime variety?

Louis

JRCS LM56

(editor's note:  you may click on this image provided by Louis to open a larger version)

------

Gawain O'Connor sent this to us:

I found these passages in a general British book on coin collecting from 50 years ago. While not exactly flattering, it seems to aptly describe my collecting preferences - and perhaps the preferences of other members of JRCS.

--

Collins Nutshell Books:  Coin Collecting,  by T. Hanson, 1967, Collins, London and Glasgow

Chapter 4 Modern Coins

United States and Canada

As in most other series, the value of an American coin is arrived at mostly by its rarity; the condition is naturally important and so, too, is supply and demand. Sometimes one denomination is particularly popular and it is possible to obtain more than catalogue price for these specimens, whilst at a later date interest has turned to something else.

Apart from the perhaps astonishing values that are placed on some coins, the American series has little to recommend it to the numismatist. As with most other countries, the artistry in the nineteenth- and twentieth-century issues is generally poor. In the writer’s view, only the issues of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, say to 1840, are worth collecting. Unfortunately, they are the most expensive!

…

Since the collector of American coins is considerably restricted in the number of coins he can collect, he is naturally concerned with slight variations in design. These variations, or die varieties as they are called, consist of such peculiarities as the addition of another stop in the legend, part of a letter being filled up on the die, a different expression on the face of Liberty, or the date being engraved over a preceding one, etc. Whilst this may be construed as more in keeping with pure numismatics than the ignoring of such varieties, and the collecting of coins simply for the sake of it, it has perhaps been carried too far in some instances.

Gawain O'Connor

Special Edition: Stolen Coins

For Immediate Release

REWARD OFFERED FOR RECOVERY OF STOLEN COINS

On Friday January 6, 2017, during the FUN Show, the hotel room of a collector was burglarized, resulting in the loss of 19 coins, mostly US Bust Half-Dollars.  An itemized list appears below.  The total value exceeds $40,000.

Fort Lauderdale police and Doug Davis of the Numismatic Crime Information Center are investigating the crime.  Should you have any information regarding the crime or the stolen items, please contact Davis, of the NCIC, at (817) 723-7231 or Doug(at)numismaticcrimes.org

The victim is a member of the Bust Half Nut Club, “BHNC.”  Through the efforts of BHNC secretary Steve Herrman and PNG dealers Sheridan Downey and David Kahn, a reward fund has been assembled, currently totaling more than $16,000.  The reward, administered by BHNC, is offered to any person that provides information leading to recovery of the stolen coins.  Questions regarding the reward may be directed to Steve Herrman at hermann102@aol.com

Collectors and dealers are urged to print a copy of the list of stolen coins and to keep an eye out for the items while examining Internet coin auctions, attending coin shows or visiting coin shops.

Coin # Denom Year       Variety  Grading Serv     Grade   Cert #               Pic       Pedigree

1          01C      1864     Judd-335          NGC     MS65    185472-005       Y

 2         50C      1795     O-103a             NGC     VF30    3809196-015      Y          Hilt Collection

 3         50C      1808     O-110               PCGS   XF45    33543154          Y          Link

 4         50C      1809     O-110               PCGS   XF40    33543155          N

 5         50C      1809     O-111               PCGS   AU55    33543156          N

 6         50C      1812     O-104a             PCGS   AU58    81469525          N

 7         50C      1814     O-103               PCGS   AU58                             N

 8         50C      1817     O-108a              PCGS   VF35    33543158          N

 9         50C      1818     O-113               PCGS   AU55    33543159          N

 10        50C      1822     O-105               PCGS   AU58    29293087          Y          Frederick-Link

 11        50C      1822     O-113               PCGS   AU53                             N

 12        50C      1823     O-110         NGC CAC   AU58   3809010-016       Y

 13        50C      1824     O-117               PCGS   AU55    33543160          N

 14        50C      1827     O-132               PCGS   AU58    81612459          N

 15        50C      1827     O-144               PCGS   AU53    82237716          Y

 16        50C      1829     O-102               PCGS   AU58    82139155          N

 17        50C      1829     O-105       PCGS CAC   AU58    32177593 ?       N

 18        50C      1830     O-112               PCGS   AU55    81318215          Y          Link

 19        50C      1836     O-121               PCGS   VF20    31445403          Y

JR Newsletter: 22 January 2017 (328)

Our first contribution this week comes from David Finkelstein. 

David wrote, "Here is an article for the JR Newsletter.  An interesting document was recently processed from the National Archives regarding the Bank of Maryland’s silver bullion deposit of July 18, 1794.  This document has resulted in a revision to the workflow of the first United States Mint."
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Bank_Maryland_Processing.pdf

David Finkelstein
------

Nathan Markowitz wrote:

Philadelphia EAC and Silver

The fiftieth anniversary EAC show will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia, PA from Thursday April 20 to Sunday April 23, 2017.  We have again been invited to display silver coins at the "happenings" event with a dedicated room for display.  Last year was a big success for silver with David Lisot even videotaping one of our prominent collectors during the event. 

The happenings occurs Thursday evening after the opening reception.  We generally choose one die marriage in each denomination.  We aim for a die marriage with interesting features/breaks that is common enough that at least several will show up at the show.  Please submit to me your nominations for die marriages to be studied. 

 There is no charge to attend the show or bourse.  Please send me your suggestions at cascades1787(at)yahoo.com

Nathan Markowitz
------

Pete Mosiondz, Jr. wrote with literature for sale:

Numismatic literature for sale. All books are brand new. Add $4.00 Media Mail postage to all orders.

Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics, Q. David Bowers. SB. $25.00

Adventures with Rare Coins, Q. David Bowers. HB. $15.00

Coins and Collectors, Q. David Bowers. SB. $9.00

Virgil Brand: The Man and His Era, Q. David Bowers. HB. $25.00

The Complete Guide to Shield and Liberty Head Nickels, Gloria Peters and Cynthia Mohon. SB. $35.00

The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes, David Lawrence. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. Signed by the author on the title page. $35.00

Encyclopedia of United States Dimes 1837-1891, Kamal Ahwash. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. $35.00

Illegal Tender: Gold, Greed and the Mystery of the Lost 1933 Double Eagle, David Tripp. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. $20.00

The 1933 Double Eagle, Stacks/Sotheby's Auction Sale July 30, 2002. HB. $20.00

The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes, Brian Greer. SB. $20.00

The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual (6th edition), Scott Travers. SB. $9.00

The Expert’s Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins, Q. David Bowers. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. $20.00

The History of United States Coinage as Illustrated by the Garrett Collection, Q. David Bowers. HB. $35.00

The Numismatist’s Lakeside Companion, Q. David Bowers. SB. $9.00

The Numismatist’s Topside Companion, Q. David Bowers. SB. $9.00

The Numismatist’s Weekend Companion, Q. David Bowers. SB. $9.00

The Lovett Cent: A Confederate Story, Harold Levi and George Corell. SB. $20.00

United States Copper Cents 1816-1857, Howard R. Newcomb. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. $25.00

Peter Mosiondz, Jr.

26 Cameron Circle

Laurel Springs, NJ 08021-4861

Phone: 856-627-6865

Email: choochoopete(at)comcast.net

JRCS #867

JR Newsletter: 15 January 2017 (327)

David Finkelstein wrote:

I am converting my 2017 FUN JRCS presentation into articles for both the JR Newsletter and JR Journal.  Here is an article for the readers of JR Newsletter:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Workflow_Part_5_Revised.pdf  It is a revision to a series of articles that I published in the JR Newsletter titled The Workflow Of The First United States Mint.  This article revises Part 5 (Coin Returns) that was first published in the JR Newsletter on July 26, 2015.  Another article will be published in next week’s JR Newsletter.

David Finkelstein

JR Newsletter: 8 January 2017 (326)

From David Perkins:  A Few Highlights from the 2017 FUN Convention and Show

Picture an overflowing football field filled with coin tables, collectors, and dealers and that is what this year’s FUN Convention in Ft. Lauderdale looked like to me.  The bourse probably stretched wider than a hundred yards! 

For me, FUN was an enjoyable show.  First of all, I was able to view a lot of great coins.  In particular, I got to see many early dollars 1794-1803 and more early quarters than you’d normally see at any show. 

As previewed in the December 4, 2016 issue of JR News, the Bruce Morelan Collection of Early Dollars 1794 to 1803 was on display at the PCGS table.  I had a fair number of collectors come by my table and mention this great display and collection.  In addition, the Brent Pogue Draped Bust, Small Eagle Dollars were in a case at the Stack’s table which was located close by.  I stopped and looked at the Pogue Dollars a couple of times as I was crossing the bourse.  How often in your lifetime will you get to see this many high grade early dollars in one location! 

A JRCS member was successful in the Heritage Auction being the winner bidder on a lovely and very desirable 1799 B-23, BB-159 Dollar, struck from the latest die state known to me, with a large arc-like die break and other die cracks across the obverse.  At least five JRCS members that I know, including me, wanted this coin!  This coin graded PCGS XF45 CAC and had great eye appeal, color, and surfaces.  This coin is pedigreed to the early dollar collection of the late Martin “Marty” Oghigian, although this was not mentioned in the catalog description.  There is only one Mint State example known with this late die state, the Amon Carter, Jr. Collection Specimen.  All of the other examples that I know of or have seen grade VF or lower.  There are under ten examples of this late die state known to me.

We had fun (pun intended!) with this coin and the late die state at my bourse table the day after the auction while comparing two examples of this late die state 1799 Dollar.  The owner of a nice VF example had brought an enlarged photo (8-10 inches in diameter!) of his example with him to FUN to compare.  I called the owner of the new XF45 example on the phone and he brought his coin to the table and the three of us along with Bob Stark were able to study and compare the two coins.  The die states on these two 1799 Dollars were deemed by all to be virtually identical.

A long-time dealer from Maine had a very full case of early Draped Bust and Capped Bust Quarters at his table, teasing many of us for a couple of days as they weren’t available for sale.  And then they were.  Another collector had a good portion if his collection at FUN which I enjoyed viewing for a second time.  I had seen this collection once in the past.  In addition I had one case with 20 Capped and Draped Bust quarters for sale.  Before the show was over I was able to add to my inventory a lovely 1806/5 Draped Bust Quarter in P58 CAC (ex. Rory Rea) from this Maine Collection, along with two exceptionally nice and choice for the grade Capped Bust 25C die marriages from another collector’s collection.   

The JRCS meeting Friday morning was a short one, but a good one.  There were about 20 JRCS members in attendance.  Dave Finkelstein’s talk on the Workflow of the First U.S. Mint was a good one.  David left us hanging a little after showing us a letter that a 1794 Dollar was given to George Washington for his inspection.  All of us were wondering where it is, or which one of the known examples it is! 

And lastly, it was great to see so many collector and dealer friends.  And at the FUN Show I was able to thank Julian Leidman in person for sending me information regarding a previous JR News story about the collector whose name was on the envelope of the mailing envelope for a Bolender catalog that I own and mentioned a few weeks ago in JR News.  Julian wrote, “[The collector] pictured on the envelope might have moved to VA, as he had some early dollars; one of which may have been a 1794 with a counterstamp on it, which was removed by dealer Phil Lampkin in the 1970's and sold as damaged.”  Thanks again Julian!

W. David Perkins

Centennial, CO

www.davidperkinsrarecoins.com