JR Newsletter: 25 May 2025 (668)

Winston Zack wrote with an announcement of a new book.  He also provided some photos that are at the end of his announcement (Editor:  I ordered my copy already!):

 

NEW BOOK: Bad Metal Silver. 50c to S$1.

 

 

Bad Metal Silver. 50c to S$1.

Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit United States Coins

By Winston Zack

 

 

Researcher and Author Winston Zack has completed his next book “Bad Metal Silver. 50c to S$1. Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit United States Coins”. This is the 3^rd book in the award-winning 4-part encyclopedic publication series on the fascinating history of circulating contemporary counterfeit U.S. coins. This book documents more than 500 varieties of die struck counterfeit half dollars and silver dollars across 400 pages. It records for the first time a wide array of contemporary counterfeit coins from Flowing Hair to Walking Liberty half dollars, along with Bust to Peace dollars. Specifically, for the JRCS community, 378 Flowing Hair, Draped Bust and Capped Bust half dollar die struck varieties were documented. These counterfeit coins were made for circulation over a 150-year period from 1800 to the mid-20^th century. This book is the culmination of 11 years of research, and provides important new information and significantly builds upon the body of knowledge from the likes of Riddell (1845), Davignon (1996, 2010), Leroy Van Allen, and others. A publication like this could not be complete without the contributions of dozens of people and organizations as acknowledged and referenced therein.

Topics covered include the history and reports of these counterfeit coins in circulation, narratives about individual counterfeiters, adding these counterfeit coins into historical context, documenting all die struck counterfeit half dollar and silver dollar varieties, assembling counterfeit families, census data, XRF analysis of planchet alloys, die states, errors, counterfeit coin dies and molds, numismatic values, and much more!

This is a beautiful, comprehensive volume that belongs on the bookshelf of every U.S. coin collector and especially those interested in contemporary counterfeit coins. “Bad Metal Silver. 50c to S$1. Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit United States Coins” is available for pre-order through August 2025 on BadMetalCoin.com for $75/shipped (U.S. only). Pre-Orders will be shipped as soon as July 2025.

Winston Zack is a numismatist specializing in the intriguing and often misunderstood history of contemporary counterfeit U.S. coins. He holds degrees in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Geography from the University of Arizona and University of North Texas. He has authored or co-authored four other numismatic books.

 

 

Publisher. Winston Zack (May 2, 2025)

Language. English

Hardcover. 400 pages

ISBN- 13: 979-8-9867345-1-4

Item Weight. 4 lbs

Dimensions. 8.5x11 inches

 

For more information, or to order, see:

Bad Metal Silver. 50c to S$1. Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit United States Coins (https://www.badmetalcoin.com/product-page/now-available-bad-metal-silver-50c-to-s-1)

 

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Ron Guth wrote with another comprehensive update on an early dime.  Note that he is asking for input on what varieties JR Newsletter readers might like to see in future issues!

 

 

Thanks for posting the 1807 Dime Census in your last newsletter.  Here's an updated census for the 1805 4 Berries Reverse Dime. Let me know if there are any specific varieties of U.S. coins that you would like to see in future newsletters.

 

I invite everyone to visit the TrophyCoins.com website to view our census work on all US coins, including varieties, pattern coins, territorials, etc. The site is free and no credit card is required to log on. A premium subscription is available for $99 a year, providing access to all information and images on the site.

 

Images for each of the coins in the census below can be viewed at:
https://trophycoins.com/pages/page-search.simple.ver-02.php?mode=major&data=4477

 

PCGS MS67 CAC
Knoxville Collection
The Mint (Jay Parrino)
Oliver Jung Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 7/2004:34 (PCGS MS67), $149,500
Bob R. Simpson Collection(PCGS MS67)
Oliver Jung Collection - Heritage 8/2004:5560 (PCGS MS67 CAC 06640718), $188,000

 

PCGS MS67
Father Flanagan's Boys Home - Superior 5/1990:3582 (NGC MS67), $121,000
Franklin Dean Collection - Superior 1/2006:344 (NGC MS67), $88,550
Pre-Long Beach - Goldberg Auctions 9/2006:1474 (NGC MS67* 1972936001), $115,000
Pre-Long Beach - Goldberg Auctions 2/2008:1986 (NGC MS67* 1972936001), $132,250
Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III - Heritage 5/2015:98208 (NGC MS67* 1972936001), $91,063
Goldberg Auctions 9/2020:547 (PCGS MS67), not sold

 

PCGS MS67
Barney Bluestone 1/1945:349 , $27
John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I - David W. Akers 10/1997:542 (PCGS MS67), $82,500
Paul Nugget, sold privately on 4/26/2002
D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I - Stack's Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2015:1048 (PCGS MS67 04837976), $105,750

 

PCGS MS66+ CAC
A.J. Fink, sold privately on 2/15/1956
Norweb Collection, Part I - Bowers and Merena 10/1987:405 (Uncertified MS65), $30,800
ANA Signature - Heritage 8/2015:3990 (PCGS MS66+ CAC 31351195), $64,625
ANA Signature - Heritage 3/2016:4791 (PCGS MS66+ CAC 31351195), $58,750
Dallas Signature - Heritage 12/2017:3047 (PCGS MS66+ CAC 31351195), $60,000
D.L. Hansen Collection(PCGS MS66+ CAC 31351195)

 

PCGS MS66+
Douglas C. Kaselitz Collection - Stack's Bowers 7/2015:5118 (PCGS MS66+ 32210543), $70,500

 

PCGS MS66+
US Coins Signature Auction - Heritage 6/2021:3069 (PCGS MS65 OGH 08327119), $40,800
FUN Signature - Heritage 1/2022:4587 (PCGS MS66+ 42615005), $63,000

 

PCGS MS66 CAC
Auction ‘90 - Superior 8/1990:1030 (PCGS MS66), $57,750
Old Colony Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 12/2005:486 (PCGS MS66 50237729), $62,000
73rd Anniversary Sale - Stack's 10/2008:172 (PCGS MS66 06395010), $70,000
Chicago ANA - Stack's Bowers 8/2011:7268 (PCGS MS66 CAC 06395010), $86,250
New York Signature - Heritage 3/2012:3246 (PCGS MS66 CAC 06395010), $86,250

 

PCGS MS66
FUN Platinum Night - Heritage 1/2012:3137 (NGC MS66 3054028003), $32,328
Pre-Long Beach - Goldberg Auctions 1/2015:1168 (PCGS MS66), $58,750

 

PCGS MS66
Goldberg Auctions 5/2004:552 (PCGS MS66), $57,500
Superior 8/2004:294
Rarities Sale - Bowers and Merena 1/2005:347 (PCGS MS66), $50,600
Central States Signature - Heritage 4/2009:2222 (PCGS MS66 21506766), $46,000
Heritage 10/2009:346 (PCGS MS66 14589825), not sold
Central States Signature - Heritage 4/2010:2052 (PCGS MS66 14589825), $48,875
Jim O'Neal Collection - Heritage 4/2014:5563 (PCGS MS66 14589825), $49,938
Pre-Long Beach - Goldberg Auctions 6/2020:199 (PCGS MS66), $58,800

 

PCGS MS66
John J. Ford, Jr., sold privately in 8/1951
Andrew Syldlak Collection, sold privately in the 1970’s
Richard Burdick Collection - Stack’s 10/1986:50 , $18,700
Jay Parrino (The Mint)
Foxfire Collection (Claude E. Davis, MD), sold privately as an entire collection via Richard Burdick in 10/2004
D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I - Stack's Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2015:1049 (PCGS MS66 21907688), $82,250

 

Best wishes,
Ron Guth
admin(at)trophycoins.com

 

 

 

 

JR Newsletter: 18 May 2025 (667)

Ron Guth wrote:

For readers of the JR Newsletter, here's an updated census for the 1807 Dime.  I invite everyone to visit the TrophyCoins.com website to view our census work on all US coins, including varieties, pattern coins, territorials, etc.  The site is free and no credit card is required to log on.  A premium subscription is available for $99 a year and that provides access to all information and images on the site.  

 

Images for each of the coins in the census below can be viewed at:
https://trophycoins.com/pages/page-search.simple.ver-02.php?mode=major&data=4480

 

PCGS MS66+
Maurice Storck Collection - Heritage 10/2020:18094 (PCGS MS66 39426234), $45,600
US Coins Signature Auction - Heritage 6/2021:3070 (PCGS MS66 42549621), $44,400
August Signature - Heritage 8/2022:3901 (PCGS MS66+ 43744916), $60,000

 

PCGS MS66 CAC
CSNS Signature - Heritage 4/2015:4983 (PCGS MS66 CAC 10005481), $64,625

 

PCGS MS66
Barney Bluestone 2/1946:1229 , $11
John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I - David W. Akers 10/1997:543 (PCGS MS65), $49,500
Pre-Long Beach - Superior 6/2002:4151 (NGC MS67), not sold
D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I - Stack's Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2015:1050 (PCGS MS66 11398213), $76,375

 

PCGS MS66
Victor Kramer Collection - Goldberg Auctions 5/2006:1692 (PCGS MS66 10084736), $27,600
Stuart Levine
Ed Price Collection - Heritage 7/2008:1449 (PCGS MS66 12760089), $69,000
ANA Signature - Heritage 7/2008:5086 (PCGS MS66 CAC 24190649), $47,000
Central States Signature - Heritage 4/2009:2224 (PCGS MS66 CAC 12760089), $25,300
Long Beach Expo Signature - Heritage 9/2024:3034 (PCGS MS66 24190649), $25,200
Long Beach Expo Signature - Heritage 2/2025:3182 (PCGS MS66 24190649), $22,800

 

PCGS MS66
Long Beach Signature - Heritage 6/2004:6040 (PCGS MS66 50044071), $54,625

 

PCGS MS65 CAC
Central States Signature - Heritage 4/2013:4179 (NGC MS66 595686004), $32,900
Orlando Signature - Heritage 7/2013:3099 (PCGS MS65 CAC 27636600), $41,125

 

PCGS MS65 CAC
Boston Platinum - Heritage 8/2010:3079 (PCGS MS65 16074178), $43,125
Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part I - Heritage 6/2014:30233 (PCGS MS65 CAC 16074178), $55,813
BST Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 4/2023:20 (PCGS MS65 CAC 16074178), $58,750

 

PCGS MS65
ANA National Money Show Auction - Superior 3/2001:175 (PCGS MS65), $16,100

 

PCGS MS65
Haig Koshkarian Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 3/2004:47 (NGC MS64), $13,800
Joseph C. Thomas Collection - Heritage 4/2009:2223 (NGC MS65 549958009), $21,850
Long Beach Signature - Heritage 9/2012:3770 (PCGS MS65 26009433), $41,125
D.L. Hansen Collection (PCGS MS65 25662183)

 

PCGS MS65
Long Beach Signature - Heritage 2/2012:3310 (NGC MS65 3312533001), $23,000
Pre-Long Beach - Goldberg Auctions 1/2015:1170 (PCGS MS65), $34,075

 

PCGS MS65
ANA Sale of the Millennium - Bowers and Merena 8/2000:1063 (PCGS MS65), $18,400
Red Bank Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 12/2003:607 (PCGS MS65), $24,150

 

PCGS MS65
Classics Sale - American Numismatic Rarities 9/2003:229 (NGC MS64), $11,500
Treasures from the S.S. New York - Stack's 7/2009:319 (NGC MS65), not sold
Long Beach Signature - Heritage 6/2010:519 (NGC MS65 1972642002), $25,300
Tampa Bay Rarities - Stack's Bowers 1/2011:369 (NGC MS65 1972642002), not sold
Pre-Long Beach Auction - Goldberg Auctions 6/2019:798 (PCGS MS65), not sold
Goldberg Auctions 9/2020:549 (PCGS MS65), not sold

 

NGC MS65
Baltimore Sale - Bowers and Merena 6/2010:1777 (NGC MS65 126224003), not sold
Pittsburgh Auction - Heritage 10/2011:3470 (NGC MS65 126224003), $25,300
ANA Signature - Heritage 10/2012:3887 (NGC MS65 126224003), $23,500

 

NGC MS65
Chicago Platinum - Heritage 8/2011:7076 (NGC MS65 3312556001), $23,000

 

Best wishes,

Ron Guth

admin(at)trophycoins.com

 

JR Newsletter: 4 May 2025 (665)

Brad Karoleff wrote:

 

We are getting along with the next issue of our journal. This is the pre-ANA issue and is on a hard deadline. We are a little over half full and could use some more content. Does anyone have something in the works to submit?

 

Contact me at bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

 

Thanks!

 

Brad

JR Newsletter: 20 April 2025 (664)

 First, a reminder from the JRCS:  If you wish to nominate someone for membership in the John Reich Collectors Society Hall of Fame, please let Brad Karoleff or Richard Meaney know as soon as possible.  Voting by the Hall of Fame Committee will take place in May.  Email addresses for nominations: bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com and jrnewsletter(at)gmail.com

--

From David Perkins:

W. David Perkins Numismatics to have Table 1011 at next week’s Central States Show in Schaumburg, Il

 

W. David Perkins Numismatics and Jim Matthews will have Table 1011 at next week’s Central States Show. Bust Dime Lots from the James Matthews Reference Collection Sale.  Bidding for the first Sealed Bid Auction closes Wednesday April 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM MST (8:00 PM EST).  I prefer bids are sent to me by e-mail but will also be accepting bids at the show at our Table 1011. 

 

By now everyone on the Dime list should have the PDF copy of the catalog for Sealed Bid Sale 1.  If you do not, or if you would like a copy please let me know by sending an e-mail note.  Lots for Part 1 will be in Schaumberg at our Table for viewing.

 

I have an excellent selection of Early Dollars from 1795 to 1803. In grades from “Very Fine to MS63 (CAC)” and “R-1 to R-8!).  Many are plate coins and “finest knowns” for the die marriage.   These are from two long term collections and my inventory.  Some images are shared below.

 

Hope to see you in Schaumburg!  Thanks.

 

 

W. David Perkins

Centennial, CO

wdperki(at)attglobal.net

Cell 303-902-5366

JR Newsletter: 30 March 2025 (663)

We have a couple of newer contributions this week, plus a couple follow up contributions.

 

Steve Herrman wrote:

 

2025 Complete Edition of Auction & Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars 1794-1839

 

This is a huge (2,678 pages), searchable PDF file that includes a formatted listing of the 78,000+ records in the AMBPR database in two different orders:

 

   • Full listing in Order by Overton Die Variety Number

   • Full listing in Order by Auction & Lot Number

 

Covers R4 to R8 die varieties, overdates & other popular varieties, proofs, mint errors & patterns, countermarks, contemporary counterfeits and condition census specimens for most major auctions since 1984! 

 

Since January 2011, all die varieties in each auction have been recorded, including certification numbers when available.

 

Distributed on USB Flash Drive, 2,678 pages, 58.7 MB

$60.00 postpaid

Note: This is a once in every five years publication.

[ Requires Adobe Reader. Compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. ]

 

Contact Steve at herrman102(at)aol.com to order.

Payment may be made via bank check, via Zelle, or via PayPal (Friends & Family option).

--

 

Jim Matthews wrote:

 

James Matthews is offering an 1833 LM-2 half dime, which remains a solid Rarity-6. This coin is certainly one of the finest seen at PCGS AU-53 with CAC approval. Other known high-grade examples include the Reiver coin which is NGC MS-62 which brought $10,350 in 2006 at Heritage and the Richard Meaney PCGS AU-55 which brought $6,950 a few years ago in the W. David Perkins Auction. I believe there is another PCGS AU-55 out there as well. In 4th position by a hair is this attractive PCGS AU-53. Toned with tawny gold over satin silver, the strike is sharp and the surfaces are pleasing. I am offering this coin to the JR News membership at $4,750. Please call or email me if you are interested in this rare half dime! 540-335-3288 or bustdollar(at)yahoo.com

 

Thank you and see you at Central States in Chicago if not before!

 

 

--

 

Michael Williams wrote:

 

I appreciate the JRCS vibrant response to my recent book sale list. Thank You! In making the challenging decision to divest my numismatic library, I felt it appropriate to offer particular titles to JRCS members.  Doing so delighted me. These wonderful publications continue within the JRCS, a most remarkable club.

 

I want readers to know that I have reduced the price of the “dime book” to $495 …Early United States Dimes 1796-1837   Deluxe Edition, Signed by the five authors, Copy # 63 of 100  (Fine+)

 

Michael T Williams JRCS #523

541-968-7778

mtwilliams(at)nu-world.com

--

 

Finally, from Brad Karoleff and Charles Horning:

 

We have had a very positive response to the sale of the Charles Horning collection of Draped Bust half dollars.  Many collectors have related to us that they will not be attending the CSNS convention in Chicago at the end of April and still wanted a chance to “get in on the ground floor” of the sale.  Charlie and I have reconsidered the sales rules to allow many of you to have an “early” shot at the coins.

 

We are working on the final pricing this weekend and should have the list available soon.  We will also take orders beginning on Friday April 11 at NOON EDT.  If you are ordering more than one coin please list them in the order of your preference.  This will allow us to distribute the coins that have multiple orders to as many collectors as possible.  Coins 

 

We recently submitted a group of the coins to CAC for stickers.  The submission consisted of 37 coins that we had either purchased raw and had certified at PCGS, or ones that we obtained certified that did not have stickers.  We received the coveted Emerald sticker on 23 of those 37 coins.  The core die marriage/state collection thusly contains a total of 62 coins 5 of which are details graded and 35 have the CAC emerald sticker of approval.  This gives you an unprecedented opportunity to purchase superior quality coins from this scarce series of half dollars.

 

One coin was found to have hidden graffiti in an NGC holder, the 1806 O112 6 over inverted 6 marriage.  We have elected to submit it back to NGC to be removed from the marketplace through their guarantee program.  Charlie has also decided to retain two coins from the collection for “old times sake”.  Those two coins are yet to be determined but will be noted within the next week.

 

If anyone has questions about the coins I will be happy to answer them via either email or phone.  Should anyone want to personally inspect them in Cincinnati before the CSNS show you can make an appointment with me.

 

Thanks to all the collectors who have already expressed interest in the set and to those of you who will consider some of the coins for purchase.

 

Charlie and Brad

 

Brad Karoleff

bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

Coins Plus, Cincinnati OH

 

 

 

 

 

 

JR Newsletter: 23 March 2025 (662)

We have a number of interesting contributions this week.  First, from Brad Karoleff:

 

JRCS and BHNC Members:

 

We have had a very positive response to the sale of the Charles Horning collection of Draped Bust half dollars.  Many collectors have related to us that they will not be attending the CSNS convention in Chicago at the end of April and still wanted a chance to “get in on the ground floor” of the sale.  Charlie and I have reconsidered the sales rules to allow many of you to have an “early” shot at the coins.

 

We are working on the final pricing this weekend and should have the list available soon.  We will also take orders beginning on Friday April 11 at NOON EDT.  If you are ordering more than one coin please list them in the order of your preference.  This will allow us to distribute the coins that have multiple orders to as many collectors as possible.  Coins 

 

We recently submitted a group of the coins to CAC for stickers.  The submission consisted of 37 coins that we had either purchased raw and had certified at PCGS, or ones that we obtained certified that did not have stickers.  We received the coveted Emerald sticker on 23 of those 37 coins.  The core die marriage/state collection thusly contains a total of 62 coins 5 of which are details graded and 35 have the CAC emerald sticker of approval.  This gives you an unprecedented opportunity to purchase superior quality coins from this scarce series of half dollars.

 

One coin was found to have hidden graffiti in an NGC holder, the 1806 O112 6 over inverted 6 marriage.  We have elected to submit it back to NGC to be removed from the marketplace through their guarantee program.  Charlie has also decided to retain two coins from the collection for “old times sake”.  Those two coins are yet to be determined but will be noted within the next week.

 

If anyone has questions about the coins I will be happy to answer them via either email or phone.  Should anyone want to personally inspect them in Cincinnati before the CSNS show you can make an appointment with me.

 

Thanks to all the collectors who have already expressed interest in the set and to those of you who will consider some of the coins for purchase.

 

Charlie and Brad

 

Brad Karoleff

bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

Coins Plus, Cincinnati OH

--

 

Next contribution is from Michael T Williams:

Michael T Williams

541-968-7778

mtwilliams(at)nu-world.com

JRCS # 523

 

Early US Coin Books For Sale 

 

**      Early United States Half Dollars Volume I   1794-1807

2015      Steve M Tompkins   H B  (near mint) $85

 

**       Early United States Dimes 1796-1837   Deluxe Edition

           Signed by the five authors   Copy # 63 of 100   (Fine+)   $725  

 

**      Eagle Poised on A Bank of Clouds   Harry E Salyards

           Signed to seller   1^st Edition    HB    (near mint)   $125

 

**     Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839    Dick Graham

          A Registry of Die Varieties (near mint)   $85

 

**     Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837   Logan & McCloskey

                                               HB (near mint)                        $70

 

**     Early United States Quarters   1796-1838

          Steve M Tompkins           HB (Fine+)             $85      

 

**     The Koenings Collection of 1839 Philadelphia Half Dollars

         Including Liberty Seated Half Dollars    (near mint)   $35

 

**     The Draped Bust Half Dollars of 1796-1797

          Jon P Amato PhD    Heritage Auctions  

          338 pages   SB    (Very Good)                          $50

 

Please add $5 for media shipping.  

Please add $15 for padded flat rate Priority.

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The final contribution comes from David Perkins:

 

W. David Perkins Numismatics will have a new table location for the Whitman-Baltimore Coin Show next week.  This replaces the four corner table section that Gerry Fortin and I had together for the last 10 years or so.  I will be setting up with Jim Matthews and we will have Table 822.  

 

We will have two cases of Bust Dimes, all from the Jim Matthews Reference Collection assembled over the last 40+ years.  This collection has 92 of the 93 die marriages and a large selection of Dimes with Cuds, many quite rare.  These will be sold in 2025 and 2026 via a series of Sealed Bid Auctions and Fixed Price Lists.

 

Send me an e-mail if you would like to be on my Early Dime distribution list and receive the catalogs for this sale and / or participate in the sales.   

 

Steve Herrman of JRCS is photographing all the Dimes and we are posting them on the Newman Portal working with Len Augsburger and his team.  Here is a link to the photos posted so far:

 

https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/518211 . Click on the photos to enlarge and view the data on the particular Dime you clicked on.

 

We are also close to having the catalog done for the first Sealed Bid Sale.  We will have sealed bid lot and fixed price list coins at Baltimore for viewing (at Table 822).   The first Sealed Bid Sale will end right after the 2025 Central States Show in Schaumburg, IL, with the first Fixed Price Sale following soon after.  

 

 

I will also have a nice selection of Early U.S. Silver Dollars 1795 to 1803, including some R-8 and R-7 Die Marriages. Both of us will also have early type.

 

 

Hope to see you in Baltimore.  Thanks.

  

W. David Perkins

Centennial, CO
wdperki(at)attglobal.net

Cell 303-902-5366

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A reminder from the editor:  If you wish to submit a nomination for the JRCS Hall of Fame, please do so soon.  Nominations will be handed to the Hall of Fame Committee with a target time of May.  Send an email to the editor (jrnewsletter(at)gmail.com) or to JRCS President Brad Karoleff (his email address is above).