JR Newsletter: 9 February 2025 (659)

In response to the story Jim Matthews shared about an 1832 JR6 dime, Ron Sohns and Keith Davignon wrote:

 

Excellent story Jim!  It pays to keep at a coin mystery until it is solved.

 

Ron Sohns

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Great story, Jim!

 

Keith D

JR Newsletter: 2 February 2025 (658)

Jim Matthews shared a story about an 1832 JR-6 (photo provided below):

 

 

I have collected cuds and various oddments of Capped Bust dimes for 45 years. One of these oddments was reported in the 2015 publication of the Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide in 2015 by Zack, Scuderi, Sherrill, no doubt at my suggestion. This reference is on page 97 in the second paragraph which reports as follows "JR-6 is also known with an obverse cud above Star 2 (possibly unique)." 

 

One thing about this coin bothered me, it was not the final use of the obverse die as 1832 JR-7 was struck later, so how did this so-called obverse cud disappear? Was it a later remarriage? Since no other confirming obverse cud example turned up in several years this anomaly needed further examination. I showed this coin to my coin dealer friend Steve who studied the cud and we talked about the possibilities of if it even was a cud. Of course, I wanted it to be a cud, but felt like it might be something else. The other option was solder on the edge of the coin which looked like an edge cud. The shape of the cud appeared like others on different dies that are known, and thus appeared to be correct for what a cud should like.

 

As we examined this strange cud like lump, the only other possibility was that it was solder. Then Steve checked the edge carefully, a slight disturbance was found near the cud, and the reeding was perfectly straight, but with late die state cuds where a piece of the die had broken away, the reeding should be bent and raised into the cud void. Then Steve checked the rim at 3 o'clock and another disturbance was noted, where the reeding was filed down ever so slightly. Of course, this coin had been part of a bracelet and removed! So, the cud was nothing but a patch of wayward solder from a time when this coin was used in jewelry.

 

The history of this coin is interesting as it was first purchased by Mike Marker, an early dime collector and cousin of the then JRCS President David Davis. Davis ended up with this coin long ago and gave it to me in 2009 for my cud collection. It slipped into my dime collection without proper examination with the *hope* that it was a very rare obverse cud. Now the proper and experienced examination by Steve has debunked this cud to be nothing more than post minting damage. 

 

One of the great things about collecting is we are always learning new things, and have to keep an open mind to see things as they are, and not how we hope them to be.

 

Jim Matthews

 

 

JR Newsletter: 26 January 2025 (657)

 In response to the news of the sale of the Jim Matthews collection of bust dimes through David Perkins Rare Coins, Bob Feldman wrote:

At this time there are three 1802 JR1 dimes known, two 1796 JR7 dimes known , and two 1827 JR14 dimes known. I own one of the 1827 JR14 dimes. These are the three most collectors never obtain.

Bob Feldman

JR Newsletter: 19 January 2025 (656)

Steve Herrman wrote:

 

PRE-TURBAN BUST HALF DOLLAR CENSUS

(submissions needed by February 15, 2025)

 

The next issue of the John Reich Journal will include the Pre-Turban Bust Half Dollar Census. Please list your census information (your name and JRCS number, dates, Overton die marriage numbers, and numerical grades), including any duplicates you may have.

 

Steve Herrman will collect your submissions and author the article. There is an Excel template available to list your coins. Click on the link below to download.

 

http://www.jrcs.org/online-resources/2025%20Pre-Turban%20Bust%20Half%20Dollar%20Census%20Template.xlsx

 

Please email your census information to Steve at herrman102(at)aol.com

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James Higby wrote:

 

For the record, I was there when ANACS graded coins and accompanied their opinion with a black and white photo certificate.  At that time, I had been in the hobby for three decades and welcomed the first significant progress in teaching people how to grade by including more than just jawboning on paper.  Since that time great improvements have been made in both grading guides and protective holders.  In my eyes, however, putting a sticker on the holder that says the coin is at the top of a particular grade designation is superfluous and leads the witness. That's just my opinion, and I don't charge for it.  Unfortunately, the beans cost us collectors extra whether we need it or not.

--

A couple of reminders from the editor of the JR Newsletter:

1. If you wish to submit a nomination for the JRCS Hall of Fame, you may submit names to the editor and he will handle the Hall of Fame voting process with a committee of voters.

2. If you have contributions to the JR Newsletter (or Hall of Fame nominations), please send them via email to jrnewsletter(at)gmail.com

JR Newsletter: 12 January 2025 (655)

One contribution for the week, Scott McKenzie wrote:

 

My two cents as a collector regarding CAC third party services

 

Be it here with the JR Newsletter, or across the various hobby boards online, it seems most folks, Dealer or Collector, recognize the benefit of what CAC offers the hobby. Then there are those, which from my impressions appear to be in the minority, hold the opinion CAC’s initial service of offering the “bean”, an additional expert opinion on top of the encapsulated opinion, is a bridge too far, a gimmick, a racket…. 

 

I’ve been collecting coins for a few decades now. I feel CAC has been nothing but positive for the hobby on the whole. For so many reasons listed by folks far more knowledgeable than myself. 

 

From a collector standpoint, I would think if one does not see the benefits of CAC and looks at it more so as a gimmick, I would think that collector likely looks at all TPG’s and encapsulation thru a negative lens and as some sort of gimmick or waste of money. For me, they've helped me evolve as a collector, sharpen my eye, learn, better protect my investments and hopefully maximize my return when that day comes for me or for my heirs. And there are probably a few other benefits I've neglected to mention here, as I kill time waiting for my dinner reservation.

 

Collect raw, saddle up to one TPG only, or play the field... different strokes for different folks, just enjoy the coins!

 

Kind Regards,

S.Mckenzie 

 

JR Newsletter: 5 January 2025 (654)

Alan Weinberg wrote:

 

With respect to Brad K’s retort favoring CAC and  other “ approval “ 3rd party stickers : there are 3 phrases I note he emphasizes : “ the marketplace”,  “ premium prices “ and  “ seasoned collectors”.

 

So it is all about financial aspects of “ stickering “  slabbed / stickered coins to get a higher price and sell more readily ? Perhaps for dealers, but not for “ seasoned collectors “ of which I am one. And this is also true for the vast majority of “ seasoned “ dealers and collectors 

I’ve talked with. In fact , many do not even like slabbing, ridiculing the lack of the tactile pleasure of handling a  rare coin, not being able to weigh or examine a rim or even appreciate the coin’s true beauty and patina by turning it in the light.

 

Sure, slabbing is unfortunately wise when going to sell as more recent   “ collectors” / investors require slabbing and “ stickers “ because they are not knowledgeable enough to trust their own judgement. I auctioned my own six decade rare coin collection 2019-2022 over several sessions and every coin was “ raw “ carefully selected over many years including five 1793 Chain cents, a full set of 1792 American  patterns and the finest CONDITION  Mass colonial silver coin ever formed. The  auction house slabbed every coin at their cost. I cringed but yielded to their 

judgment.

 

My Brasher Doubloon  is “ stickered “ - talk about  “  gilding the lily “ . This I still kept, having first passed  on it in 1962 for $14,000.

 

See image below

 

Alan V Weinberg

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Rick Sorenson wrote in response to Jim Matthews:

 

Jim, I look forward to your auction of your bust dimes. I'm down to three. I started half dimes now and wish I would have figured this out decades ago. 

 

         I don't know if this can go out to all members but I will list the Bust half dimes i need.

 

 1829 6.1 6.3 7.3 8 9 10 13.2 15.1 15.2 

1830 4.1 5 6 8 10 11 

1831 1.1 7

1832 8.2 9.1 9.2 10.1 10.3 10.4 

1833 3.1 4.3 5. 

1835 5.2 8.2 9.2 12 

1836 1.1 

 

        I don't need them slabbed, actually i break them out. I prefer vf 25 to xf 40. If any member would like to send me a list of coins that they would be willing to sell I would be greatly interested. 

 

Rick Sorenson

rickandjoni(at)comcast.net

 

Happy Holidays

--

 

David Perkins wrote:

 

W. David Perkins and Jim Matthews will have Table 215 at next week’s FUN Show.  Lots from the first half of the James Matthews Collection of early dimes will be available for viewing.

 

Lots for the Early U. S. dimes from the first Fixed Price List (FPL) and Sealed Bid Sale (SBS) sessions for the James Matthews Collection will be available for viewing at our Table 215.  There are approximately 80 Lots in the first half of this sale.  This collection was put together by Jim over the last 40-50 years!  The majority of the Lots are graded by PCGS, a number of which are housed in older holders.  The Capped Bust Dime collection is complete except for one “R-8 Die Marriage,” missing in all but two collections.  

 

Collectors and Dealers may Register for the sale and get on my Early Dime mailing list at the show, or by e-mail at wdperki(at)attglobal.net  .  If you are not attending the FUN Show you are welcome to have a trusted friend view Lots for you.  High resolution photos will be available in March 2025.  A catalog will be sent out at that time.  If you are unsure if you are on the early dime mailing list just drop me a note and I’ll double check this.

 

We will also have many early silver and copper coins, including a fair number of early dollars 1795 to 1803.

 

JRCS dues may be dropped off to David Perkins, Treasurer at our Table 215.  Checks should be made out to JRCS.  

 

Hope to see you in Orlando!

 

 

W. David Perkins

Centennial, CO

 

wdperki(at)attglobal.net

 

Cell 303-902-5366

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Addendum (added January 6): From Sheridan Downey

My 59th "Mail Bid" Sale closes Friday Jan. 10 at 6 PM EST.  Lots may be previewed at my FUN Show bourse tables 438-440 all day Thursday and Friday.  The sale is highlighted by an 1805 O.114 (lot 56), one of only 2-known examples.  The number of colorfully toned bust half-dollars - with nice surfaces - is extraordinary.  Descriptions and photos of all 96 coins are available on my website, https://www.sheridanscoins.com/inc_active-mb.php.  Active bidders are welcome to pick up a copy of the catalog at my table.  The catalog may be downloaded here, https://www.sheridanscoins.com/inc_News.php.

Happy New Year to all!

Sheridan 

JR Newsletter: 29 December 2024 (653)

Jim Matthews wrote an announcement of an upcoming opportunity to own some of his bust dimes:

The time has come for me to part with my beloved Early United States Dime collection. There are a few interesting Draped Bust dimes included, but the majority of my focus on this collection has been to acquire all the Capped Bust die pairings and as many of the later die states as I could find over the span of some 45 years. Long ago in 1979 I went to my first ANA show in St. Louis, and I had the opportunity to meet the authors of the yet to be published Early United States Dime book. Their enthusiasm launched my collection of dimes by variety in that year. 

 

When the new variety book on Draped Bust and Capped Bust dimes was published in late 1984 by the five authors, I dove headlong into collecting die varieties at both coin shows and auctions. Over the years I was able to obtain at least one example of all the known die pairings of Capped Bust dimes save for the extremely rare 1827 JR-14 which I believe still has only two examples reported to exist.

 

Naturally I chose the well-known dealer and numismatist W. David Perkins to sell my collection of dimes, after his stunning success with the sale of my half dime variety set a dozen years ago. The sales will be held in conjunction with the Central States Numismatic Society coin show in late April 2025 and at the Oklahoma City ANA national money show in mid-August 2025. The rarer die varieties, condition rarities and intriguing die states will be offered in a Sealed Bid Sale format at these two shows, and the balance of the coins offered in a Fixed Price List format soon after the two Sealed Bid Sales have been closed at the two upcoming national shows. 

 

Selections from the upcoming Sealed Bid Sale and Fixed Price list coins for Central States will be available for viewing at the FUN show in early January and again at the Baltimore coin show in late March of 2025. A catalog will be available online well prior to the Sealed Bid Sale Auction and Fixed Price lists with extensive descriptions, die state information and pedigrees as well as photographs. Over the years I obtained coins from each of the dime book authors, and several other important sales as well, and a few plate coins are included from the original Dime variety book of 1984 and more plate coins from the more recent Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide by Zack, Scuderi and Sherrill.

 

I have included a couple of photographs of two of my favorites, the 1834 JR-5 dime with full cud at the date, and the 1835 JR-1 with retained cud at the arrowheads.

 

More information will be forthcoming soon!

 

Jim Matthews

 

 

 

--

Brad Karoleff wrote:

 

Well Mr. Safir, as President Reagan once said, "Here we go again!"

See my comments to each of your comments below....

 

(Brad’s comments will be shown in italics.  Editor)

 

Ruben Safir wrote:
 
With regard to CAC post grading, it was written that people don't like
change and that CAC is like getting a second opinion.

Two retorts:

A) What people don't like more than "change" is to be conned... and CAC
is  Con

You are definitely entitled to your opinion but in this case the marketplace has soundly refuted your opinion.  CAC approved coins consistently bring premium prices compared to their non-stickered cousins.  You may think it is a con, but most seasoned collectors disagree with your assessment.  If you don't like their service, simply do not use it.

B) Asking a second opinion is never a bad idea... yeah that is garbage
FUD to support a giant Con.  CAC is far more than just a second opinion.

How is it "far more than a second opinion"?  If you never ask a second opinion and merely rely on your own judgement, fine for you but you are missing out on valuable information.  

As for coins with CAC stickers... I avoid them because they are overpriced, and I refuse to be conned out of my money.  Avoiding CAC products, stickers and slabbing service, is definitely your right but slandering their product is not.  Your opinion that they are overpriced is contradicted by the marketplace where the majority of collectors WILLINGLY part with their money for the service.

 

 I assume from your comments that you do not purchase other certified coins also.  Do you think all slabbing is a Con or do you just have a problem with CAC?  If you disagree with their assessments fine but, again, it is an OPINION that someone paid for and others respect.  Just accept that and go about collecting what you enjoy in your budgetary boundaries and allow the rest of us to do the same.  Again, this is my personal opinion based on my experiences.  I have NO ownership stake in the CAC or CACG services but do employ them liberally.  

 

Brad Karoleff

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Alan Weinberg wrote:

 

Meticulously hand engraved:

 

In Memoriam Lt. Silas M. Perkins Co. K . 32 Maine Reg’t. Died June  22d 1864 Aged 23 Years.

H.M. Maling Kennebunkport (below along bottom rim) . All on proof-like reverse surfaces on a worn VF 1826 bust half

 

Very likely either hand engraved by Maling or sponsored by Perkins’s close friend or relative. 

Silas Perkins died of wounds sustained at Cold Harbor on May 31, 1864, dying a month later having earlier been accidentally shot in his foot while in his tent.  This speaks to the primitive wound care during the Civil War where minor wounds could get infected or result in amputations 

 

See images below

 

With respect to the “necessity“ for any coin being regarded as “ worthwhile “ having a CAC sticker or other “verifying“ 3rd party sticker applied to the assigned slab grade- this is hogwash and just a scam to make more money on top of slab fees. Sadly, it has taken hold of dealers and collectors resulting in unfathomable differences in “market value.“ That’s my opinion after 67 years active and knowledgeable collecting.