Thursday, December 24, 2015

JR Newsletter: 24 December 2015 (273) - Special "Early Edition"









With the upcoming weekend dedicated to holiday activities, I've decided to publish the JR Newsletter a few days early -- Editor.

We have one contribution, from Brad Karoleff:
 
The latest edition of the John Reich Journal was mailed today!  Merry Christmas to all our subscribers.
 
Please note that there is a dues notice included with this edition.  Please send $25 to Steve Crain (checks payable to JRCS) ASAP to continue your membership.  On the back of the dues notice is the ballot for voting on the Jules Reiver Award for volume 25.  Be sure to vote as you renew your membership.  The winner will be announced at the annual meeting at the ANA in Anaheim this August.
 
I've included the Editor's Notes from the John Reich Journal here to announce the meeting at the FUN show in January along with other important information:
 
Welcome to the final edition of The John Reich Journal for 2015.  It marks the end of the 25th volume of our publication, a milestone not expected by many of the charter members of the club.  We, as an organization, have persevered and have shepherded the club through decades of numismatic changes to get to today’s edition.  I would like to personally thank all the authors, officers and members who have helped make the JRCS what it is today.  Without all your help this journal would not be a reality.

We are having a meeting at the upcoming FUN show in TAMPA on Friday morning, January 8 at 9 AM.  David Finkelstein will be our speaker and his talk is “The First Depositors of Silver and Gold”.  We look forward to seeing you there for this interesting talk about the actual depositors as individuals.

You will also see an insert in the envelope with your journal.  Everyone is receiving a ballot for voting on the Jules Reiver Literary Award for volume 25.  The winner will be recognized at the ANA in Anaheim this August.  Please take time to vote!  Many of you will also see on the back of the ballot your dues renewal notice.  Please send your check for $25 to continue your membership while voting.

The officers decided at the last meeting during the ANA in Chicago to limit the number of censuses offered each year to two.  The dime census, originally expected in this issue, will be in the Spring edition.  The Quarter census will follow next year in the Winter edition.  The census is the most difficult and time consuming part of the journal and the census keepers were unanimous in their decision to begin the new format.

I would like to pose a question to the membership and, hopefully, publish the results in the next issue.  Has rarity lost its luster?  Everyone is focusing on quality, which is a great thing, but what happened to completion?  If you are collecting AU coins and a major rarity comes available in VF, would you be interested?  What if it has minor problems?  What if it has major problems?  I would like to hear from interested collectors about their feelings and I will put together an article on the results if enough of you respond.

Until the next issue in the Spring, I hope everyone has a very happy holiday season and a wonderful, safe and prosperous new year!
 
Happy Holidays,
Brad





Sunday, December 20, 2015

JR Newsletter: 20 December 2015 (272)




One contribution this week, from Winston Zack:

I am selling a complete collection of new/mint condition John Reich Journals (1986-2015; JRJ vol. 1 issue 1 through vol. 25 issue 2).

Please inquire if interested.

Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Winston (stoneman101(at)gmail.com)

Sunday, December 13, 2015

JR Newsletter: 13 December 2015 (271)




One contribution this week, from David Perkins:


Update on the Sale of the Gorman Capped Bust Dimes 1809-1837  and the Miller Collection of Early U.S. Silver Dollars 1794-1803

 
Gorman Collection:  The Kirk Gorman Collection has 122 of the 123 known die marriages with an average grade of approximately AU50!  The Gorman Collection of Capped Bust Dimes 1809-1837 will be offered for sale in two parts, with the first part of the sale in January 2016 at the FUN Convention in Tampa, Florida. The second session will be held around the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Anaheim, California next summer. 
 
All of the Gorman Dimes were photographed by PCGS outside of the holders, then graded by PCGS.  None of the dimes have been sent in more than once for grading; in addition, none of the coins were sent to CAC.  92 of the dimes were “raw,” just the way Kirk Gorman collected them for the past two decades.  For Date and Type Collectors, all of Red Book and PCGS Registry Set Type coins are represented in this collection. 
 
Many of the Gorman Dimes can be viewed on the PCGS Registry under, “CAPPED BUST DIMES DIE VARIETY SET BY JOHN REICH, CIRCULATION STRIKES (1809-1837): GORMAN COLLECTION.”  You can click on this link to view Gorman’s Registry Set:  http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset.aspx?s=135276
 
The cataloging of the dimes in the first of these two planned sales is now in the final stages.  All of the dimes are being cataloged by James Matthews, an collector and expert in this series. The catalog should be sent out (as a PDF) before Christmas to all those on my CB Dime distribution list.  There will be between 60 and 70 lots of Capped Bust Dimes, including a few additions (that are “Not from the Gorman Collection”).  If you would like to be added to this distribution list please send me an e-mail at wdperki(at)attglobal.net and I will add you to the list. 
 
As mentioned earlier, the first half of the Gorman Dime Collection will be sold starting in January 2016 and will consist of Fixed Price Lots (FPL) and a Sealed Bid (SBS) Auction sale.  Please note that the FPL Lots will be available for sale immediately upon receipt of the catalog, by phone or e-mail. Unsold FPL lots, and all of the SBS Lots, will be available at the FUN Convention in Tampa, Florida for viewing and sale.  The FPL will be consist mostly of R-1 to R-5 die marriages, along with lower and PCGS Details graded coins. The Sealed Bid Sale will generally offer the rarer die marriages and die states, and condition rarities.  The SBS will close on Friday night at 6:00pm EST. 
 
 
Miller Collection:  As most JR News readers know, I purchased the Miller Collection of Early U.S. Dollars 1794-1803 in partnership with Andy Lustig.  We have sold over $2M of the Miller early dollars to date!  There are many great coins still available for sale.
 
We will have over 100 early dollars at the PCGS Las Vegas show this coming week and at the FUN show in Tampa January 6-9, 2016.  I have a corner and a regular table at FUN along with Gerry Fortin, but we do not have the table numbers available at this time.  The two tables will be under “W. David Perkins, Numismatist” and Gerry Fortin Rare Coins. 
 
If you would like a listing of the sold and unsold early dollars from the Miller Collection please send me a note at wdperki(at)attglobal.net
 
 
W. David Perkins
Centennial, CO

Sunday, December 6, 2015

JR Newsletter: 6 December 2015 (270)




Leading off this week's newsletter is a reminder from Jim Matthews for collectors of bust dimes:

Come one, come all and send me your Draped Bust and Capped Bust dime census grades! I have received several lists via email and regular mail, but please send me your census information if you haven't already. Its time to update our collections! Graded or raw, give it your best shot.

Jim Matthews' email is:

bustdollar(at)yahoo.com

Thank you!
Jim
------

Next, Bob Stark wrote:

I share Winston's gratitude for the weekly JRCS Newsletter.  While it would be pleasurable to have many more articles,  especially related to our "crown " coin, the early dollar, one only has to think of how barren Sundays would be without the Newsletter.

Another important gain for our early federal coinage is to have a new, knowledgeable, and specialized dealer in our own Dave Perkins.

Holiday Best Wishes,
Bob Stark
------

 David Finkelstein wrote:

Two documents obtained from the American Philosophical Society have updated my understanding of the workflow of the first United States Mint.  See the article here:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Partial_Coin_Returns.pdf

David
------

To close out this week's contributions, Sheridan Downey wrote:
 
Readers should know that Mail Bid Sale #42 is set.  It will close Jan. 7, during the FUN Show in Tampa, with on-site lot preview occurring Jan. 6-7 at my bourse table.  There are 113 lots in the sale.  A list is going up on my web site now and should be complete later today.  Head to www.sheridanscoins.com and click on "Active Auction."  

Bidding will commence in a couple of weeks.  Collectors should go ahead and register now via the links found in the upper right corner of the web pages.  In the meantime, I'm happy to field questions from anyone.  That includes arranging preview of lots by mail.  

Happy Holidays to all.
Sheridan

Sunday, November 29, 2015

JR Newsletter: 29 November 2015 (269)




Winston Zack wrote with this week's sole contribution:

This Thanksgiving I would like to extend my thanks to Richard Meaney for another wonderful year and his dedication to keeping this weekly JR Newsletter alive and kicking.

Further, to all the collectors and researchers, for which there are too many to list individually, who have helped me with my projects and research, past, present and future, you have been an invaluable resource. For this I am thankful to you and this organization for bringing us nerds together.

Happy Thanksgiving JR Newsletter readers,
Winston Zack

Sunday, November 22, 2015

JR Newsletter: 22 November 2015 (268)




Our first contribution this week comes from David Finkelstein in the form of an original work: "Charles Gilchrist," By David Finkelstein.  Click the following link to access the article:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Charles_Gilchrist.pdf

 ------
Ron Guth wrote:

Thank you to Lance Keigwin for his kind words in the Nov 15 JRCS Newsletter and for helping us make sure the information on PCGS CoinFacts is accurate and reflective of current information.  For those of you who have not been on the site, it is worth it just for the images alone of all the early Half Dollars from the Pogue, Link, Friend, and other collections, plus images in all the other series.  Less well known is that we are developing pictorial Condition Census listings for most US coins based on a synthesis of auction prices realized, which are often rife with duplication because of repeat appearances and upgrades.  For some series, this is the first time that a useful Condition Census listing has been attempted.  This is a work-in-progress, which is why input from our friends like Lance is so valued and appreciated.

Ron Guth
President
PCGS CoinFacts - the Internet Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins
www.PCGSCoinFacts.com

------

Next, Peter Mosiondz, Jr. wrote with some books for sale:

The Cent Book: 1816-1839, John D. Wright (1992). 335 pp. 27 plates. Rarity table. HB. White Leatherette. Signed. New. $45.00

United States Gold Coins: An Illustrated History, Q. David Bowers. 425 pp. HB. Red Leatherette. As New. $20.00

The United States Half Dimes, David W. Valentine (1975 Quarterman Reprint). Incorporates additional works by Newlin, Breen, Davis, and Ahwash, 273 pp. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. New. $10.00

Million Dollar Nickels: Mysteries of the Illicit 1913 Liberty Head Nickels Revealed, Paul Montgomery, Mark Borckardt and Ray Knight. HB. DJ protected in Brodart Mylar. New. $9.00.

Standing Liberty Quarters (4th Edition), J.H. Cline. 237 pp. B&W photos. SB. New. $6.00

Illegal Tender: Gold, Greed and the Mystery of the Lost 1933 Double Eagle, David Tripp. SB. New. $6.00

The Numismatist's Bedside Companion, Q. David Bowers. 224 pp. SB. As New. $7.00

The Other Side of the Coin, Edward C. Rochette. 151 pp. SB. New. $7.00

Plus $4.00 Media Mail postage. Subject unsold.

Peter Mosiondz, Jr.
26 Cameron Circle
Laurel Springs, NJ 08021-4861
856-627-6865
choochoopete(at)comcast.net
Life Member ANA 4786
EAC 1486
JRCS 867

Sunday, November 15, 2015

JR Newsletter: 15 November 2015 (267)




One contribution this week.  Lance Keigwin wrote:

I encourage anyone who finds a flaw in PCGS's Coinfacts to email Ron Guth (RGuth[at]collectors.com) directly. Same for problems with pop reports or the PCGS price guide.

I have reported several errors and each has been corrected. For example, the 1806 O.105 half dollar was incorrectly listed as a large stars variety instead of small stars. Fixing that was not trivial but Ron saw it through. He has also made corrections to smaller issues like obvious price guide errors and incorrect coin photos.

Ron was very receptive to my messages.

Lance Keigwin

Sunday, November 8, 2015

JR Newsletter: 8 November 2015 (266)



Lots of input for this week's newsletter.  First, we have an original contribution from David Finkelstein:

Click this link to read, "Dr. David Rittenhouse – Part 3."

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Rittenhouse_P3.pdf

------
Brad Karoleff wrote:

The next issue of the JR Journal is coming up and we could use a couple submissions to fill out the issue.

Please send your article, letter to the editor or anything else you would like to see published for consideration to the editor at bkaroleff-at-yahoo.com

Thanks and happy upcoming holidays to all.

Please note that we have a room reserved for the upcoming FUN show in TAMPA this year on Friday.  Please stay tuned for more information and plan on joining us in sunny Florida this January.

Brad
------
We also have continued discussion over early dollars:

Robert Stark wrote:

Thanks to John Kroon for the early dollar information and links.  I wasn't aware of the rankings; usually paying little attention to them.

I have the Hesselgesser PCGS AU50 PQ CAC as described in the Goldberg Sale in May 2012. I also have the Spies Specimen from the December 1974 Stack's Sale cited as "Fine to Very Fine. A Rarity 7 item and well worth a premium bid."

Clearly, there is value in collectors of early dollars communicating among themselves. I'm at rstark-at-udel.edu
--

David Perkins wrote:

John Kroon wrote in last week’s JR News:

There is a mistake in the PCGS population data which is shown in the Miller Collection of Early Dollars.  For the 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai (BB-191) variety, the PCGS data shows the total pop as 1.  That coin would be the Miller PCGS MS 62 +.

I own an 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai PCGS XF 45, CAC.  The PCGS insert for my coin states BB-191, which clearly establishes my XF 45 as an 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai.  The Cardinal Collection has a BB 191 in PCGS AU 58, and the Hesselgesser shows an AU 50.   The total PCGS pop data for this variety BB-191 should be at least 4, (not 1, as listed in the Miller Collection PCGS total pop column).   The 4 coins are the Miller MS 62+, the Cardinal AU 58, the Hesselgesser AU 50, and my XF 45.

I too have been puzzled by PCGS listing the Total Pop as 1 for the 1800 Wide Date, Low 8 AMERICAI Dollar in the Miller Registry Set.  The Miller 1800 “Wide Date, Low 8 AMERICAI” dollar in PCGS MS62+ is listed to the right of the photos and entry for this dollar in this category as having a total pop of 1 and none finer.  In fact, this is the finest known and only Mint State example of this type, but not the only example of this type graded by PCGS.  This coin is numbered as “PCGS # 40081” in the Registry Set.

 Looking in PCGS Coin Facts, I located PCGS coin # 86888 (which is also noted as coin # 40081, which also is confusing to me).

John listed 4 coins of this type known to him.  Coin Facts shows that PCGS has graded 14 coins in their population report for their coin # 86888, the “1800 $1 Wide Dt, Low 8, AMERICAI (Regular Strike)” type.  Here is the link to this pop report:  http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/86888 .

Here is the pop report, in the format, “Grade (Quantity Graded)”: 12 (1) / 15(1) / 20 (1) / 30 (1) / 35 (2) / 40 (2) / 45 (2) / 50 (2) / 53 (1) / 58 (1) / 62 – None.  The PCGS Pop Report in the Registry Set shows only one coin graded, the PCGS MS62+.  This PCGS Coin Facts pop report includes the 14 coins graded F-12 to AU-58, with none higher than AU-58 and none in MS62 or higher (no P62+!).  This is an obvious contradiction.

If you click on “Images for PCGS coin # 86888 you get a photo of the Miller P62+, along with two 50s, two 45s, one 35, one 15, and one 12.

If you go to the PCGS Price Guide you find only two choices that fit this type with prices listed on the main page, neither of which are exactly right for this type – 1800 AMERICAI, coin # 6892, and 1800 Wide Date, Low 8.  There is no pricing given for the 1800 Wide Date, Low 8 AMERICAI type.

John stated that he owns an example of the 1800 B-11, BB-191 AMERICAI, which the equivalent die marriage for the PCGS Registry type officially called 1800 Wide Date, Low 8 AMERICAI (Regular Strike). 

There exists an 1800 B-19, BB-192 AMERICAI die marriage which is still another PCGS type, called the 1800 AMERICAI by PCGS (and others).  The same reverse die was used to strike these two AMERICAI die marriages, with BB-191, B-11 probably having been struck first.  An 1800 B-11, BB-191 die marriage falls under this type also, but is a more valuable coin if classified as the correct die marriage or correct type rather than “just an 1800 AMERICAI.”

One other die marriage should be mentioned.  This is 1800 B-10, BB-190.  This mates the obverse of 1800 B-11, BB-191 with the previously used reverse die 1800 B-5, BB-189.  This as a type coin is called the 1800 Wide Date, Low 8 by PCGS (and 1800 Very Wide Date, Low 8) in the Red Book.

In conclusion, John observations are correct.  The PCGS Pop Report as listed in the PCGS Registry for the early dollar type set is wrong unless PCGS intended it to mean “one in Mint State, none finer” as discussed earlier.  This makes no sense to me as they say Total Pop of 1 also. 

The Coin Facts Pop Report for coin # 86888 (and #40081) is more accurate as it shows a number of coins in different grades for this PCGS type.  And all dollars of this type if correctly noted will be examples of the 1800 B-11, BB-191 die marriage.

The 1800 B-11, BB-191 die marriage is R-5 and is Conditionally Rare in grades of XF45 and higher, with only one Mint State example known, the Miller-Amon Carter coin graded PCGS MS62+.   Less than 10 examples are known to me in AU grades.  The 1800 B-19, BB-190 die marriage is R-2, with multiple examples known in Mint State.  1800 B-11, BB-191 dollars if correctly attributed to die marriage and / or type realize much higher prices in the market.

W. David Perkins
Centennial, CO
--

John Kroon also wrote:

In reviewing the PCGS pop reports for the various registry sets, one finds other discrepancies.  The Hesselgesser set PCGS total pop for BB-191 shows 2.  The Cardinal set PCGS total pop for BB-191 shows 0.  Yet the comments box immediately to the right of the 0 discuss the AU-58 coin.  How can the total pop be 0, when the comments reference an AU-58 coin?  Other registry sets state 1 for the total pop of BB-191.

For your reference, my 1800 PCGS XF-45 CAC BB-191 is certificate 25536867

Regards,
John Kroon

Sunday, November 1, 2015

JR Newsletter: 1 November 2015 (265)

John Kroon wrote:
 
There is a mistake in the PCGS population data which is shown in the Miller Collection of Early Dollars.  For the 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai (BB-191) variety, the PCGS data shows the total pop as 1.  That coin would be the Miller PCGS MS 62 +.
 
I own an 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai PCGS XF 45, CAC.  The PCGS insert for my coin states BB-191, which clearly establishes my XF 45 as an 1800 Wide Date, Low Eight, Americai.  The Cardinal Collection has a BB 191 in PCGS AU 58, and the Hesselgesser shows an AU 50.   The total PCGS pop data for this variety BB-191 should be at least 4, (not 1, as listed in the Miller Collection PCGS total pop column).   The 4 coins are the Miller MS 62+, the Cardinal AU 58, the Hesselgesser AU 50, and my XF 45


John Kroon

Sunday, October 25, 2015

JR Newsletter: 25 October 2015 (264)



To lead this week's JR Newsletter, David Finkelstein provided an original contribution:  Dr. David Rittenhouse – Part 2.  You can access the article by clicking this link:


------
In response to last week's question and comments about half dime die remarriages, John Okerson wrote:

From my perspective, the remarriages are different varieties.  I feel that collectors look at Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 as containing a list of coins to shoot for.  To me, that means the varieties and remarriages AND those coins with cuds.  I find it humorous that I have specific varieties with cuds of a considerably higher rarity than the standard coin, but don’t have the plain coin just yet.  Why pay so much for the remarriage?  They have distinctly different rarity and from my perspective, that drives the prices.

As for other Bust series coins, examining Early United States Dimes 1796-1837, remarriages do not appear within the book.  I am still committed to collecting varieties with cuds separate from the standard pieces.

In both of the modern bust quarter books, remarriages are not portrayed, but my comment about coins with cuds remains accurate.

Bust halves presents an unusual situation, not due to remarriages as much as to the breadth of the “varieties” available.  Steve Herrman’s publications list over 700 different coins within the series including coins like the 1810 O-101’ (Prime), 1810 O-101, O-101a series.  The first coin being an R7 and the other two being R1s.  I see NO way that a complete collection can be fulfilled by just one of those three – just my addiction I suppose.

My collecting of bust dollars is quite limited – just type pieces at this point.  I await the web book from Dick Osburn and Brian Cushing, parts of which are already available.  Likewise, bust gold collecting is not something I am involved with.

John
--

Steve Gupta also responded with his thoughts on half dime die remarriages:

As one of the under-bidders on two of the lots in question, I was impressed by the “VERY STRONG” bids as well.  I felt my bids were strong and had to consider the availability of funds with other exciting offerings in the market place.

The capped bust half dime series is the more affordable series to collect.  Personally, I have a better shot at putting together a substantially complete capped bust half dime series by marriage and re-marriage than putting together a die variety set of dollars, half dollars, or quarters (I am still holding out hope of putting together a capped bust dime set).  I think relative affordability limits collectors’ ability to pursue re-marriages in other series.

In terms of bid strength, I feel that re-marriages add to the cachet of a coin as does pedigree, plating, early or late die state, originality or attractive toning.  If I were seeking a single example of a coin, I would pay a premium for an interesting re-marriage or late die state.  Obviously I wasn’t willing to pay the premium that two of the lots garnered.
Ultimately a collection is purely in the mind of the collector.  As long as at least two people have the means and interest to pursue any given coin, a numismatic premium will be present.

Steve Gupta
--

Richard Meaney added his thoughts on the attractiveness of half dime remarriages:

When I began collecting capped bust half dimes, I started with the intention of collecting one coin of each date in choice AU grades.  Not even a few months into the journey, I learned about die marriages and the existence of a book on the series (Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837).  I got a copy of the book and began to read about the various die marriages.  The book helped me to change my collection strategy from a "one coin per year" strategy to a "get every die marriage approach."  At first, I did not understand the concept of die remarriages, so I didn't pay too much attention to them.  Through reading the John Reich Journal and discussion with fellow half dime enthusiasts, I gained an appreciation for the die remarriages.  In fact, die remarriages of capped bust half dimes have become my favorite focus for the series.  I've written a few articles for the John Reich Journal on remarriages.  In writing the articles, my purposes were to educate readers on what constitutes a remarriage; to explain the processes used to differentiate between various remarriages; to assess rarity of various remarriages; and to encourage readers to further explore the study and collection of remarriages.

To specifically address the questions raised last week, I can first say that I agree with what Steve Gupta and John Okerson have said.  To me, remarriages are part of the complete collection.  It is not enough to seek 92 die marriages.  Without an example of each remarriage, a collection is incomplete.  In fact, the biggest challenges in the series are remarriages, in my opinion.  As new discoveries are made, most of the die marriages have "become less rare."  For example, the 1833 LM-5 used to be R-8.  The die marriage is now R-7.  Same for the 1835 LM-12.  It used to be R-8, but is now R-7.  Most of the original R-5 die marriages are now considered R-4.  Die remarriages present a different story.  Logan and McCloskey did not differentiate between die marriages' and remarriages' Sheldon Rarity Scale ratings.  At first, the JRCS census followed suit and also did not differentiate between die marriages and remarriages with rarity estimates.  Now, however, with significant study of remarriages being shared between collectors, the JRCS census does provide estimates for rarity for many remarriages.  And guess what?  Some of the remarriages are proving to be very difficult to find.  Essentially, we have discovered new rarities to chase! 

That's one of the attractions for me:  chasing rarities.  If collecting a complete set (marriages plus remarriages) was an easy task, I don't think I would be interested.  With so many challenges in the series, especially with better knowledge of how difficult the remarriages are, my interest in completing a set has been heightened.

As for prices, once again I agree with John Okerson and Steve Gupta.  The rare remarriages are part of the set, so specialists feel a NEED to own an example.  Finding ANY example of some remarriages (1832 LM-9.2, 1832 LM-10.2 and LM-10.3, just to name a few) is extremely difficult to do.  Then, getting a NICE example of a rare remarriage is true challenge.  When you combine rarity with quality in one coin, one must expect competitive pricing.  I encourage collectors to look also at the prices realized in the Perkins auctions of 2014.  There is a clear trend:  rarer capped bust half dime remarriages will bring strong money!

Richard

------

David Perkins wrote with an announcement:

W. David Perkins and Andy Lustig Purchase the Miller Collection of Early Dollars 1794-1803

 W. David Perkins and Andy Lustig are excited to announce that they have purchased the extensive Miller early U.S. silver dollar collection and will begin offering it for sale.  The coins will be available for viewing and sale at the upcoming Whitman Baltimore Show Wednesday through Saturday, November 4-7, 2015 at Table 818 (The table is listed under W. David Perkins, Numismatist).  

 Background and the Collection

Imagine collecting the early United States Silver Dollars 1794-1803 for over 30 years, and being the first and only person to complete a set of the business strike early dollars by die marriage with every Bolender (B) and Bowers Borckardt (BB) number.  Warren Miller accomplished this feat approximately a decade ago, completing the set by die marriage in 2005.  From 2005 to the present, selected coins were upgraded and die states were added.  Miller branched out and added errors, including numerous double and triple struck early dollars.  Today the collection consists of over 160 early dollars total.  

 The collection was started in 1983 with the purchase of three different dates of Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Dollars from a local coin shop.  On the next visit to the shop, Miller was given a copy of the Bolender book on early dollars 1794-1803 and as they say, the “rest is history!”  Miller went on to acquire all of the 118 known die marriages over the next 22 years.  Perkins was able to purchase the Unique 1795 B-19, BB-19 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar from the grandson of Frank M. Stirling, and sold it to Miller, enabling Miller to complete the die variety set in 2005.  In the last year, two new die marriages have been discovered bringing the number of total known business strike die marriages to 120.  

 All of the coins are graded by PCGS, and the set overall averages “Almost Uncirculated” in grade, with specimens ranging from Good (a Double Struck Flowing Hair Dollar) to MS63. The majority of the coins are graded in the XF-AU range of, with many unique die marriages, Finest Known and Condition Census Specimens, Plate Coins, and Late Die States.  Many of these coins resided at one time in the great collections of the past – Atwater, Eliasberg, Stickney, Amon Carter, Bolender, Ostheimer, Frank Stirling, K. P. Austin, W. G. Baldenhofer, Spies, Reiver, James Matthews, and others.   PCGS photos are available for all but a few of the coins in the collection.

The Miller Collection has been listed as the #1 Collection in the JRCS Census for many years.  The “Date and Major Type” portion of the Miller Collection was the top collection in the PCGS Registry for early dollars for 2014 and 2015, the only two years it was listed.  You can find it under EARLY DOLLARS WITH MAJOR VARIETIES AND SILVER PLUG, CIRCULATION STRIKES (1794-1803), or click on the following link:  http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/composite.aspx?c=123

For additional information, please contact Dave Perkins at wdperki(at)attglobal.net or cell phone 303-902-5366.  Images of three of the coins from the collection are below.

W. David Perkins, Numismatist
Centennial, CO







Sunday, October 18, 2015

JR Newsletter: 18 October 2015 (263)




Just one contribution this week:

James Hauser wrote:

I noted that in the most recent half dime auction, there were three remarriage half dimes that sold for quite a sum:

1831 LM-1.1 PCGS AU58+ sold for almost $2500
1832 LM-8.2 PCGS AU53 sold for more than $750
1832 LM-10.3 PCGS VF35 sold for more than $2,000

Some questions/observations:

1.  Why have half dime remarriages been recognized by collectors of the series as worth VERY STRONG bids, when remarriages in the other bust series haven't really attracted much attention?

2.  What drives collectors of half dime remarriages to collect the remarriages?  Isn't having the die marriage enough?  And why pay so much for a remarriage?

Regards,
Jim

Sunday, October 11, 2015

JR Newsletter: 11 October 2015 (262)





David Finkelstein wrote:

A number of myths have been published about David Rittenhouse.  It was incorrectly documented that he posted Henry Voigt’s surety bond.  We now know that he did not.  It was incorrectly documented that he was incarcerated in debtors’ prison.  We now know that he was not. Please read "Dr. David Rittenhouse - Part 1:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Rittenhouse_P1.pdf
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Tom Little wrote with a link to a Coin World article on the sale of the Lord St. Oswald 1794 dollar at the Stack's Pogue auction: https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/2015/09/1794-flowing-hair-silver-dollar-pogue-collection-realizes-nearly-5-million-dollars.html#

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David Sunshine wrote:
 
Presenting The Juniper Collection of Early US Silver!
 
The Juniper Collection is an important offering of Draped and Capped Bust US Silver coins consigned to me by a long time JRCS member. It includes many investment grade coins that are infrequently seen in today's market.  Many coins are also very affordable for the early silver enthusiast. Please feel free to contact me with any of your questions.
 
 
I also have many other coins on my website including many desirable collector grade bust and seated coins. Many are CAC approved. Feel free to email me at davidbsunshine[at]yahoo.com if you have any questions.
 
Thanks
David Sunshine

Sunday, October 4, 2015

JR Newsletter: 4 October 2015 (261)

We have a few contributions this week.

David Finkelstein provided an original contribution:  "Dr. Nicholas Way's Surety Bond" 
A link to David's article is provided here:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Way_Surety_Bond.pdf

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John Okerson asked if the JRCS plans an activity at the Whitman Baltimore Expo in November.  A quick inquiry to the JRCS officers provided the answer:  the JRCS does not have an activity planned at the show.
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Finally for this week:  A reader sent in a link to an excellent article by Greg Reynolds on 1795 dollars: 

http://www.coinweek.com/auctions-news/stacks-bowers/the-marvelous-pogue-family-collection-part-8-the-finest-1795-flowing-hair-silver-dollars/

Sunday, September 27, 2015

JR Newsletter: 27 September 2015 (260)



The above photo is courtesy of Rory Rea.  He created this image in 2007 when he was photographing the Eric Newman quarter collection.
--

We have one contribution today.  Dick Johnson sent an announcement about his new book:

"For sixty years I was a writer. Now I am an author."  Click this link to read about his book:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJ_Book_Announcement.pdf

Sunday, September 20, 2015

JR Newsletter: 20 September 2015 (259)

This week, we have another excellent, original contribution from David Finkelstein.  He has written "Tristram Dalton’s Surety Bond" for readers to enjoy.

The link to open David's article is here:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/DJF_MInt_Dalton_Surety_Bond.pdf

Sunday, September 13, 2015

JR Newsletter: 13 September 2015 (258)



Gene Bruder (http://www.typecoins.com/) wrote to tell us about his move:

I will be moving on Sep 28th, 2015 from PO Box 246, Chico, CA 95927 to: PO Box 22920, Lincoln, NE 68542-2920.

My contact phone number will be 530-864-0922.
My email will be: gene(at)typecoins.com 

Gene

Monday, September 7, 2015

JR Newsletter: 7 September 2015 (257)



David Finkelstein starts this week's JR Newsletter off with an original contribution, "Albion Cox’s Surety Bond"


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David Perkins wrote with news and a photo:

1799 B-10, BB-163 Dollar with Shattered Reverse

 On Wednesday of this week I had the opportunity to view an “old time” Type Collection of 18th through 20 th Century U.S. Coins.  Most of the coins in this collection were raw, and all were very nice.  The collection was started by the collector’s father, probably between 1920 and 1940.  His father had a great eye.

The early U.S. silver dollar type coins consisted simply of a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar and a 1799 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Dollar, and were both raw and stored in old Kraft type 2X2 envelopes.  

 As I turned over the 1799 Dollar to view the reverse my immediate reaction was “WOW!” This specimen was struck from a shattered reverse die, Bowers Die State IV or slightly later.  The photo does not do the coin justice – the myriad of die cracks literally jumped out at me, even without a glass.  Here is the description of Bowers Die State IV (from the QDB  silver dollar book):

 Die State IV.  Obverse crack extends to outside ray of star 10.  On reverse, additional cracks develop: Vertically from border through O, between clouds 7 and 8, toward eagle’s head, splits, and branch goes left through a star.  Crack from wing, through right ribbon end, into field to left of branch end.  Crack from branch to eagle’s let to tail.  Crack from interior of branch upward to below ER.  Crack from top of A, down through TES, to cloud 5, splits, two cracks go down and to the left, and one goes to right. The die could not have survived long beyond this point.  Rare die state.

I love late die states!  This one is spectacular.

The reverse die for 1799 B-10, BB-163 was only used once, to create this die marriage.  On the other hand, this was the fifth use of the obverse die, which was used in creating a total of six 1799 dated die marriages! 
I was also reminded of the pleasure of viewing and handling a large 200 plus year old coin outside of holder.  In this case, I enjoyed viewing many coins not in holders in this old time collection. 

W. David Perkins
Centennial, CO

(if you click on this photo, it will open a larger version)


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Finally, Dick Kurtz wrote:

Mention was made at the JRCS meeting at the recent ANA show that future census surveys will revert to the "15 top collections" format. Apparently someone (more than one?) was so incensed at Steve Crain's approach that he/she threatened to quit our organization. Wow! For me, I thought Steve's change, that is listing the totals in multiple grades, was a step in the right direction. Am I alone in my approval of the new approach? I can live with either format, but like the new one best.

Also, a word about the 1815 half dollar article. I believed for a long time that the overdate was actually a 15 over an inverted 5, but the authors proved that not to be the case. I'm looking forward to the follow-on article.

Dick Kurtz, 049

Sunday, August 30, 2015

JR Newsletter: 30 August 2015 (256)



We have some fairly diverse contributions this week.   

Our first contributor is David Finkelstein.  David wrote, "Henry Voigt’s Surety Bond" for us.  A tip from the editor for readers of the JR Newsletter:  you really do want to read this article, for it contains information that will surprise you (I was pleased to be one of the first people to read this excellent work!).


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Winston Zack wrote with a report about his ANA show experience:

It has taken me a week to get settled in from the 3 days I spent in Rosemont at the ANA World's Fair of Money. I grew up in the Chicago area and it was great to return, see my family, see my geeky numismatic friends, and look at some excellent coins.

My adventure began on Tuesday, August 11th.  I had an 11 AM flight out of California, which meant leaving my home at 8 taking an hour train, 20-minute bus, and finally getting to my gate at 10 AM...only to learn my flight was delayed 45 minutes. This was cutting it close since I had a modest layover in Vegas. Luckily I get to Vegas with about 30 minutes to spare. I hustled to my next gate, which actually was nearly on the other side of the airport...which took 15-minutes to walk there. When I got to the gate my flight stated there was another 30-minute delay. Ugh! I ended up arriving in Chicago around 9:30, got my bags at 10:15, and home around 11...to eat some Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza...which IS pretty much the best pizza around...I digress.

The next morning I woke at around 6:00 (which is like 4 AM in Cali), gathered breakfast items for the JRCS meeting (coffee, OJ, bagels, cream cheese, coffee cake, and other stuff (I think)). I got to the show at 7:15, and met Louis Scuderi and Mike Sherrill (who I had never met in person before), and Barry Sunshine and Brad Karoleff right outside the convention center. They helped transport the food to the JRCS meeting room, and I had enough time to settle in and rest a little bit before the meeting.

The JRCS meeting was PACKED! Wow, we were all eager to hear Mr. Garrett Ziss' presentation on Bust coins depicted on paper money. Like everyone else said, the presentation was excellent and the standing ovation for this 12-year-old wonder-numismatist was well deserved. Steve Tompkins presented his new, 575-page book on Flowing Hair and Draped Bust half dollars...it looks superb! And on behalf of my other co-authors I introduced the newest Bust dime book - Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide; proceeds from the sale of this book went to the JRCS breakfast spread...but I think the JRCS should host more breakfasts...everyone loves to eat!

At 10 AM David Kahn invited the Bust Dime authors to a book signing at his table...which was a lot of fun! Much to our amazement our book sold like hotcakes...and I saw a lot of other people with Steve's new book too. If you would like a copy of the new Bust Dime book, please contact one of these four distributors - David Kahn, Rich Uhrich, Glenn Holsonbake, or Dave Wnuck. That's the last plug for new books in this show report.

By 1 PM I was finally able to look at coins...if there was anything good left on the floor! And it turns out the first table I visited made my show...and maybe my year! I picked up two awesome contemporary counterfeit half eagles for my collection as well as for my current and future research project (Encyclopedia of contemporary counterfeit U.S. Federal coins 1792-1891).

Speaking of this research project, I plan on working on this project for about 10 years because there's a lot of data to gather and counterfeits to study. If you have any contemporary counterfeits, any denomination, from this time period that you would like included in this research project please feel free to contact me at stoneman101(at)gmail.com. One of the components of this research is to identify the alloy of each counterfeit. As such, XRF Analyzers are a machine I hope to use for this research. If anyone knows where I might be able to use an XRF Analyzer in Southern California (for little or no cost) I would be most appreciative...buying one is essentially out of my budget at this time. I have a few leads already to use an XRF Analyzer, but those are not local, and as such less convenient for this project.

The remaining 2.5 days of the show were a blur. I was constantly running into people, networking, talking coins, life, etc and having a blast. I also picked up a few more pieces for my collection(s). This really was my favorite coin show I've ever been to.

I also wanted to mention to the JR Newsletter readers that some of the proceeds from the sale of the new Bust Dime book ($2/copy) will be going back to the JRCS so that we can continue the Club's mission of advancing the study and education of early U.S. Federal coins (primarily silver and gold).

Cheers,
Winston
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Finally, Len Augsburger, Project Coordinator for the Newman Numismatic Portal, published an introductory letter concerning the project:

The Newman Numismatic Portal seeks to unite the world’s numismatic information into a single, searchable database, accessible to all on a free and forever basis. Administered through Washington University in St. Louis, the Portal is funded by a grant from the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society and began development in December 2014.

This summer has been busy with the establishment of our scanning center, located in Olin Library on the Washington University campus. Since June, we’ve scanned several hundred documents, representing over 30,000 pages, and these are visible through Internet Archive at https://archive.org/details/newmannumismatic. We’ve partnered with Internet Archive to upload and host our scanned material, and this collection will increase on a daily basis as items are added.

While Internet Archive acts as a warehouse for our scanned documents, we are in parallel developing the website that will be known as the Newman Numismatic Portal. The Portal will be able to search across the scanned documents as well as a store of electronic content acquired from other sources such as auction companies. The Portal will go online in 2016. In the meantime, our scanned material, via Internet Archive, is freely available to all for scholarly purposes.

We are especially interested in acquiring in-copyright content for the Portal. If you represent an organization that wishes to digitize its publications at no cost to you, we are an ideal candidate to offload the scanning effort. Already several specialty clubs within American numismatics have given us permission to digitize and present back issues of their journals. We also seek unique materials such as manuscripts, archives, bid books, and the like. Finally, several collectors have loaned us rare items such as early U.S. Mint Reports. It is through such collaboration that the Portal will achieve its objective of sharing numismatic information with all.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

JR Newsletter: 23 August 2015 (255)



Welcome to this week's JR Newsletter.  We have some news trickling in related to happenings at the ANA in Rosemont.  I am sure that readers would like to hear more!

Some JRCS members in the news:

Paul Gilkes posted three video excerpts from the presentation that JRCS member Garrett Ziss gave at the JRCS annual meeting at the ANA show in Rosemont.  The videos are on the Coin World Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CoinWorld/videos

Also from Paul Gilkes of Coin World, an excellent article, " Fake United States Bust dimes rare and collectible: Readers Ask.  Bogus coins contemporarily co-circulate with genuine counterparts."  The Gilkes article mentions JRCS member Winston Zack and the John Reich Journal.  You can read the article online at the following link:  http://www.coinworld.com/insights/fake-united-states-dimes-rare-and-collectible.html

When Winston heard about and then read the article, he responded, "During the show I was told of several other bust dime counterfeits which exist, including dates I have not recorded (not too surprised about that). But in general my article, and this CW article are pretty spot on."
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Steve Gupta wrote:

I understand the JRCS board approved funds to move the current website to a commercially hosted server at the 2015 annual meeting.  While I was not in attendance, I am interested in forming a small group to discuss content management systems (CMS) such as Wordpress, Wix, Weebly, etc and hosting options such as Bluehost, GoDaddy, Google Domains, etc.

The latest update looks really clean, but I am also seeking input on relatively static content that would complement the John Reich Journal and JR Newsletter.  With a few administrators and content managers, we should be able to build and maintain an attractive, engaging website.  Some ideas I have are expanding the reference books, adding significant catalogs and web references to the ANA and other organizations that align with the By-Laws Section 2:  The purpose of the Society is to encourage the study of numismatics, particularly United States silver and gold coins minted before 1840, and to provide technical and educational information concerning such coins.

I am not a web developer, but have dabbled with a personal blog and have periodically updated a Wordpress site for another organization.  The current webmaster has already offered to help in transferring contents.  If you are interested in helping out, please contact me at sanjiv_gupta(at)hotmail.com

Thanks for your consideration,
Steve Gupta
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Monday, August 17, 2015

JR Newsletter: 17 August 2015 (254)



Editor:  The ANA show was a great one for me.  Lots of people to see, lots to do, and plenty of coins!  I'm still catching up from the show, travel, and a bit of work mixed in.  I hope we will receive some reports from ANA attendees.
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Bill Nyberg wrote:

I would like to announce to fellow JRCS members the publication release of my book Robert Scot - Engraving Liberty, which is the culmination of many years of archival research. 

The biography of Robert Scot contains much information that has not been previously published or is not widely known, including Scot's engraving during the Revolutionary period for American officers, his work with Scottish immigrant publishers that enabled the expansion of illustrated scientific books within America, and his engraving of federal revenue stamps to support President John Adam's buildup of the American Navy during the Quasi-War with France. Images of actual surviving dies of eagle designs for federal revenue stamps are included, which are similar to coinage dies and were engraved at the US Mint. Also, new information of Scot's activities while at the Mint, along with Scot's wife and family are included.

The book is published by American History Press, with color illustrations and a complete listing of Scot's known engravings. The price is $24.95 plus shipping. A press release, purchase information, and endorsements by Len Augsburger, R.W. Julian, and Steve Tompkins is at http://americanhistorypress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=37  

I will also have some signed books at the same price parrnyberg(at)frontier.com

Thank you,
Bill Nyberg


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David Perkins wrote with a fun story from the ANA:

What are the odds?  A Story From the 2015 ANA Convention

 This is a true story.  

A collector purchased from me at the 2015 ANA Convention a lovely 1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle 10X6 Stars Dollar in PCGS AU50 early Tuesday morning.  Later Tuesday morning a dealer representing a collector who had seen the coin at a previous coin show came to my table wanting to buy this same 1797 Dollar.  I had to tell him that it was sold.  One half hour later, another collector came back to my table, wanting to buy the 1797 Dollar.
Wednesday, still another collector came to my table to buy the 1797 Dollar, and was disappointed to learn I’d sold it the day before.  He had seen the coin at the March Baltimore show.  And believe it or not, 30 minutes later yet another collector came by wanting to purchase this same coin!

I had the coin in my inventory for between 6 and 9 months, and within 48 hours could have sold this 1797 Draped Bust Dollar five times!  

I really enjoyed the 2015 ANA Convention in Chicago.  It was a great show this year.  The John Reich Collectors Society (JRCS) meeting was probably one of the two largest meetings in attendance ever.  Perhaps this was somewhat due to the announcement that Garrett Ziss sharing his research and making a presentation on Bust Coin images on paper money.  There had to be well over 60 members and guests in attendance.   This was a fascinating topic and Garrett did a great job.   

Garrett ended his presentation to a standing ovation!

 W. David Perkins
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Dale Williams wrote:

There will be a "six figure" Southwestern-consigned bust quarter collection sold through Heritage Auctions in September.  Look for quarters in PCGS and older, NGC "fatty holders" with dates ranging from 1796-1838.  Some coins are white, some coins are toned, and grades range from EF-AU to MS, including an Eliasberg-pedigreed 1832 B-1 quarter in a PCGS MS62 CAC holder


Sunday, August 9, 2015

JR Newsletter: 9 August 2015 (253)



Welcome to the "pre-ANA" issue of the JR Newsletter.  Fair warning to readers:  next weekend's issue of the JR Newsletter may be delayed by several hours or maybe even until Monday due to my travel and work schedule.  I look forward to hearing from others about their ANA show experiences.  With auction companies holding some significant sales, a half dollar sale by Sheridan Downey, and a half dime sale by W. David Perkins, I'm sure there will be plenty of tales to be told in the coming month!

Ralph Muñoz wrote:

Last week there was an announcement to purchase the new Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide from various dealers at the ANA.  I am not going to able to attend the ANA.  From whom will I be able to buy the book when it becomes available?

Thanks,
Ralph Muñoz

(editor's note:  I understand that after the show, books will be available from Rich Uhrich Rare Coins, Americana Rare Coins, David Wnuck Numismatics, and David Kahn Rare Coins)
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While we are on the subject of the new book on bust dimes, here's something from David Kahn:

David Kahn (www.DavidKahnRareCoins.com) and Brian Greer (www.BrianGreerRareCoins.com) will be sharing a table at the upcoming ANA Convention in Rosemont,IL, and invite everyone to stop by Table 724 to say hello.  They will have lots of new purchases making their debuts at this show.  Also, the new Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide , just now being published and written by Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi and Michael Sherrill, will be available at their table.  In addition, they have arranged to have all three authors available for a signing session, at table 724, on Wednesday August 12, from 10:00 AM to Noon.  You can buy a copy during that time, or bring the one you bought earlier to have signed.  The authors look forward to seeing you!

David Kahn
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Bob Stark wrote:

Only two doubled edged dollars are known, at least to me.  One, a 1795 B-5 (Flowing Hair) with its edge lettering in opposite directions;  so, upside down from each other.   Second, a 1799 B-11 (Bust) also passed through the Castaing process twice,  same side up.  Images and discoveries by Jonathan Kern.

First image is from Jonathan Kern's CoinWorld ad:


Next images are of the 1799 dollar:







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David Perkins wrote:

If anyone has an extra copy of Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Russell Logan & John McCloskey and would like to sell it please let me know.  I have a friend that would like to purchase a copy.  I can be reached by e-mail at wdperki(at)attglobal.net 

Also:


W. David Perkins and Gerry Fortin – Tables 617 & 619 at the ANA Convention
 
W. David Perkins and Gerry Fortin will have a large selection of early U.S. silver at Tables 617 and 619 at the 2015 ANA Convention in Chicago.  Included is a lovely 1792 Half Disme in PCGS AU50 (OGH)!  We will have a large stock of half dimes to early dollars.
 
As most JR News readers and early Half Dime collectors know, at the ANA Perkins is holding his third Extraordinary Half Dime Sale, a Fixed Price and Sealed Bid Auction Sale with close to 100 Lots of Capped Bust Half Dimes 1829-1837.  These lots will be available for viewing, study, and purchase at the ANA Convention in Chicago.   You can request a catalog (PDF) via e-mail.
 
In addition, as previously announced, Perkins will be selling the Kirk Gorman Capped Bust Dime Collection starting at the January 2016 FUN Convention in Tampa, FL.  About a dozen Capped Bust Dimes from this collection will be on display at Tables 617-619 at the ANA Convention.   All of the Gorman dimes have been recently photographed (PCGS TruView Photographs, taken with all of the coins outside of the holders) and graded by PCGS.  You can sign up to be on the distribution list for the Gorman sale at the ANA, or send an e-mail to Dave at wdperki(at)attglobal.net 

 Dave will have a preliminary  list of the dimes in the Gorman Collection at his ANA Tables including, PCGS serial numbers to facilitate coin / photo look up on the PCGS website.
 
Please stop by and see us.  See you in Chicago!
 
W. David Perkins
Gerry Fortin
Thanks,
W. David Perkins
Centennial, CO