JR Newsletter: 19 August 2012 (102)

Phil Carrigan wrote:

I have two items from the ANA: #1 more on the missing Davis dimes and, #2 the Tuesday auction session with (most of) Dave Davis' dimes.

I spoke to John McCloskey regarding where were the missing coins found by the family-member search group. After the JRCS meeting ended, I spoke to John.  "Do you know where the Davis missing coins were located?" John indicated he learned this after the success of the search.  Dave hid these because he couldn't return them to the bank.  He had a tall bookcase with books against a wall.  He removed all the books and moved the bookcase from the wall.  The coins were placed at the wall, the bookcase was returned to its place and the books were re-shelved. Due to Dave's illness and medication he couldn't recall where he hid these coins--we all owe his family members our thanks.

I was pleased to obtain eight of Dave's Bust dimes .  While I had recorded the coins of interest to me, I was concerned at the seeming conflict between certain coins designated by PCGS as cleaned or damaged.  I know PCGS as a reputable company while I know the individual who wrote the annotated descriptions of Dave's coins, including those given the cleaned and damaged negative tag.  I carefully examined 45 coins, 16 of which were cleaned or damaged.  Jim Mathews provided objective and balanced commentary which I found invaluable.  My customary practice is to simply pass on such problem coins.  I purchased three such coins and am pleased to own these.

Philip J. Carrigan

------

Bill Kindl wrote:

 

I spent the better part of Friday (10 AM - 3 PM) at the ANA show in Philadelphia.  Attendance was on the light side; several aisles had very little traffic; I noticed dealers reading their newspaper or on their computers just waiting for people to stop by.  I was very surprised and disappointed as I had expected a much larger attendance.  Several dealers stated it had turned out to be a much better show for "buying".

Bill Kindl

------

David Lange wrote about the "new hot series in bust coins" (OK, that was editor's emphasis added):

NGC Recognizes Reeded Edge Half Varieties

New book prompts renewed popularity in short-lived series

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation has begun attributing the Capped Bust Reeded Edge Half Dollar series by Graham-Reiver (GR) Numbers per the newly-published book describing and illustrating each die marriage for this series. These varieties will be included under NGC’s VarietyPlus Service, an adjunct to its grading and encapsulation services.

Author Dick Graham’s book A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839 was long anticipated, and its release came during the recent World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia. A previous monograph written by the late Jules Reiver had been employed by some collectors for attributing Reeded Edge Halves, but this proved to be incomplete and very challenging to use, as it included no photographs. The Graham work solves this problem, and NGC determined that this series would make a worthwhile addition to its already extensive and highly regarded VarietyPlus service.

Unlike the Lettered Edge Half Dollars that preceded them, Reeded Edge Halves were almost entirely hubbed, with the final numeral of the date being the only hand-punched element. The distinguishing points of Reeded Edge Halves are thus very subtle, and these coins may be challenging to attribute in grades below VF-20. It’s suggested that submitters bear this in mind when selecting coins for variety attribution.

Persons submitting Capped Bust Reeded Edge to NGC for certification may receive variety attributions by checking the box marked VarietyPlus on the submission form and paying the $12 fee. Reeded Edge Halves already encapsulated by NGC may be submitted for Designation Review at the same fee, and this cost includes a fresh holder.

The NGC website, www.NGCcoin.com, features a complete table of varieties recognized by NGC under its VarietyPlus Service. This table lists the NGC label description and variety number, as well as all applicable cross-referencing numbers. The Graham-Reiver varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars will also be included in NGC’s Certified Coin Registry.

------

Richard Meaney wrote:

I had an absolutely wonderful time at the ANA show in Philadelphia.  I was there all day Tuesday and Wednesday and just one hour on Thursday.  My seven year old daughter attended the show with me.  This was her first major coin show.  I think the longest period of time she had spent at a small, local coin show previously was an hour or two.  Much to my surprise, she had an absolutely great time at the show and seeing the sights (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall) and eating the food (Reading Terminal Market, Philly Cheese Steaks, various ice cream shops).  Katy participated in the ANA's "Treasure Trivia" and the "World Mint Passport" programs along with spending time in the "Kids Zone" and interacting with dozens of dealers and receiving a heart warming reception from just about every single dealer she approached.  The hobby in general and the ANA in particular deserve a pat on the back for the way young numismatists are welcomed and encouraged.

As you might guess, I had little opportunity to look closely at my favorite series of coins (capped bust half dimes) while at the show.  Normally, I visit every table and look at hundreds of half dimes at a large show like the ANA Summer show.  Not so this time.  In order to ensure I could leave the show with one or two coins for my collection, I spent half an hour each at the tables of Doug Bird and Tom Reynolds.  I purchased two nice Classic Head Large Cents for my collection.  Images of each are below:

This 1810 (S-282) came from Tom Reynolds (you can click on images to enlarge them):

This 1812 (S-291) came from Doug Bird:

JR Newsletter: 12 August 2012 (101)

We have three contributions this week.  I expect we will have some reports from collectors and dealers once they get back and settled in post-ANA.

Robert Stark wrote:

The Pre-ANA yesterday afternoon, Saturday, was lightly attended-- a good opportunity to speak with dealers. No wait for lot viewing. Jim McGuigan has some nice early dollars for sale.

Unfortunately for me, I find JRCS difficult to attend. People who travel "locally" cannot reasonably be at an 8 a.m. meeting. Scheduling meetings nearer to mid-day might improve attendance.  Is a lunch meeting impractical?

 Best regards,
 Bob Stark

------

Phil Carrigan wrote:

 

Today I shared with my wife Mary Clare part of John McCloskey's article on the Davis Bust Dime Collection.  The part I read from John's neat article concerned the 63 missing dimes which Janet Davis couldn't locate.  Her approach to invite family members to do a complete search resulted in finding the coins.  The coins were found well hidden in a place no burglar would have found.

What was Mary Clare's response?  Where was the hiding place?  I am now committed to asking John for this bit of key information!

 

Phil Carrigan

 

------

 

 

 Jim Matthews wrote:

This year's ANA took place in Philadelphia. As usual the crowds were thick with collectors and dealers, all trying to find something special for their collections or inventory. Most of the dealers I talked with had a good show, for both buying and selling.

The JRCS meeting took place on Wednesday morning and Dick Graham gave the presentation based on his long awaited and just published new reference book on the Reeded Edge Half Dollars of 1836 to 1839. This series records the dramatic changes undergoing at the Mint, from the adoption of the long dreamed steam operated coining press, to the opening of the first branch mint for silver coinage (New Orleans). Further changes include Gobrecht's gradual introduction of his new Seated Liberty design, which was delayed in the half dollars until 1839. Meanwhile, the half dollar was such an important monetary coin (in fact half dollars were the backbone of most banking and economic transactions during this period) that production had to continue. Dies were prepared from hubs, with only the final digit added in by hand to record the current year. Finishing touches to the dies were also done by hand to strengthen various design elements when needed. Dick Graham's long awaited book is a welcome addition to any advanced library and now the information on particular die pairings is available to any collector, as well as their rarity ratings.

Much of my time was spent enjoying the collectors and dealers I've known for many years, and catching up on collection events, acquisitions and family news. It is such a delight to know so many fine people that gather at this annual show. I attended numerous meetings and learned of current research undergoing on various series. It is truly a fascinating time to be a collector.

For my own collection I found a few more cuds on early dimes, duplicates but always welcome. I also obtained a couple of die marriages from the David Davis collection, which will take an honored place in my slowly growing collection of these interesting coins.

Another ANA is now in the history books, and I am already looking forward to next year!

 

Jim Matthews

JR Newsletter: 5 August 2012 (100)

I had a feeling that with ANA Summer Show up and running (the pre-ANA show is now going on and many people are headed to Philadelphia tomorrow and Tuesday), there would not be too many contributions this week.  Turns out I was right.  We had no contributions.  However, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a couple of the things that the ANA Summer Show will bring us this year and make a pitch for contributions for next week.  So in no particular order, here are some things on my mind vis-à-vis the ANA:

- The JRCS Annual Meeting will be on Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM in room 105B of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  The highlight of the meeting will be an educational presentation by Dick Graham on his new book on the previously under-researched series of Reeded Edge Half Dollars.  If you are attending the ANA, you absolutely need to see and hear this presentation. Dick will have copies of the book available for purchase too...at least unless/until he sells out of the ones he brings!

-Typically, JRCS members gather for a couple of hours after dinner on Wednesday night at the hotel room of a JRCS member for the purpose of talking about coins, catching up with old friends, and making new friends.  No plans have been announced for the "JRCS Open House" but I expect an announcement to be made at the JRCS Annual Meeting by whomever volunteers his room for the event.  Here's a hint:  if you have coins to buy or sell (or just show off for others to envy!) and think your coins will appeal to a collector, you might want to bring them to this "open house."

-Many of you will have stories or experiences at the show that would be great to share with other readers of the JR Newsletter.  Send me a brief or lengthy note when you can so that I can publish your story.  As a collector who doesn't get to go to all of the cool shows, I know I appreciate living vicariously from the stories of others on their finds, experiences, and lessons learned.

I hope to see some of you at the show!

Richard Meaney

Editor

JR Newsletter: 29 July 2012 (99)

We received a few responses to Raymond Hale's comments about his 1814 O-107a half dollar, die states, and the Bust Half Nut Club:

Dick Kurtz wrote:

Looking at the word, "variety" it might better be described as "die marriage." The '23-101 and 101a were produced from the same obverse die, but in two different states of that die.  Keep working on your 100 die marriages!

Dick Kurtz (JRCS 049, BHNC 052)

--

Brad Karoleff wrote:

Reworking a die makes it into a new DIE STATE, not a new die.  To be a new die the complete piece of steel has to change, hence the 101a designation for the patched 3 on the broken 3 die. 

When Haseltine (Randall), Beistle and Overton first began giving numbers to new "varieties" oftentimes they assigned a new number to what amounted to a die state.  They were enamored with die cracks and heavy clashmarks that were listed as different numbers than their early die state mates.  After careful study it was found that the dies were the same ones, just in a different state of wear.  So, to have a new "variety" (marriage) in your collection one of the complete dies had to change, not have been reworked. 

As you get further into the hobby of collecting by marriages and die states you will come to appreciate the subtle differences (sometimes not too subtle) in the coins produced from the same set of dies.  Some collectors preferring the early unblemished coins and others the train wrecks that some dies became. 

Have patience getting to the magic 100 die marriages.  Buy only coins that fit your program so you do not have to replace them after becoming a member of the BHNC.  It may take a little longer, but it will be worthwhile for your collection.  I had to wait until 400 marriages to get in, but that's another story.

I look forward to future exchanges with you and other collectors of the capped bust coins by die  marriage.  This hobby is fun!

Brad Karoleff

--

Steve Herrman wrote:

In response to Raymond Hale and other budding Bust Half Dollar collectors who aspire to join the Bust Half Nut Club (BHNC) someday, please let me try to clarify a few things about the club's membership requirements, the "magic 100" minimum, and the terms, "die varieties", "die marriages", and "die states".

Collectors who are relatively new to the Bust halves often ask questions similar to, "Why does the BHNC not consider 1823 O.101 (Broken 3) and 1823 O.101a (Patched 3) to be separate die varieties?". Since the term, "die variety", may be used to refer to multiple die marriages (e.g., 1819/8 Large 9 is O.102, O.103, O.104, O.105, and O.106), to a single die marriage (e.g., 1819/8 Small 9 is O.102), or to a die state of a die marriage (e.g., 1823 Ugly 3 is the O.110a die state), its use often leads to confusion. The terms "die marriage" and "die state" are preferred, as they are more specific.

In general, to be considered for membership in the BHNC, you must have assembled a personal collection of at least 100 different die marriages by Overton attribution, and must be sponsored by a current BHNC member in good standing. Multiple die states of the same die marriage count as one die marriage. Your set may contain any combination of the 108 currently known Pre-Turban (Flowing Hair and Draped Bust) die marriages for 1794-1807 and the 450 currently known Turban (Capped Bust) die marriages for 1807-1836. However, there is now one exception to the 100 die marriage rule. If you own at least 30 of the 108 Pre-Turban die marriages for 1794-1807, you may be considered for membership on that basis.

In conclusion, the BHNC would consider 1823 O.101 (Broken 3 variety) and 1823 O.101a (Patched 3 variety) to be separate die states of the 1823 O.101 die marriage, so both cannot be counted towards the minimum number of die marriages required to apply for BHNC membership.

Best Regards,

Steve Herrman

------

David Finkelstein wrote:

Major progress has recently been made in understanding the evolution of our nation's silver and gold coinage.  Its birth was in 1794.  Its infancy lasted through 1798.  By 1799, it was a mature, integrated enterprise.

I will be making a presentation at the ANA summer convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 7th at 3:00 PM in room 104B.  My "Money Talks" presentation (editor's note:  "Money Talks" is the new name the ANA has given to what was formerly called "Numismatic Theatre") is titled "Analysis of Heraldic Eagle Silver and Gold Coins Dated 1796-1807".  I will be providing new information regarding the designs and experiments performed by the U S Mint Engraving Department as our nation's Heraldic Eagle silver and gold coins evolved.

David Finkelstein

------

Brad Karoleff also wrote to announce the latest issue of the John Reich Journal:

The latest issue of the John Reich Journal was mailed to the membership today.  Hopefully they will arrive before you are leaving for the ANA show in Philly.  Remember the JRCS meeting on Wednesday morning at 8AM.  There will be a great presentation by Dick Graham on the reeded edge half dollars along with the unveiling of his new book on the subject.  There are other interesting things planned for the meeting, hope to see you there.

The latest issue of the journal includes an article by David Finkelstein who is also speaking at the ANA on Tuesday afternoon.  If you are attending the convention you should plan on hearing David speak.  There is also an interesting article by our e-news editor on the Reverse G for capped bust half dimes.  William Nyberg has penned an article on a Congressional report by Robert Scot.  There is also a submission from David Davis.  John McCloskey found an almost finished manuscript on David's computer after he died and decided that it would benefit numismatics to have it published.  Finally, the Pre-Turban half dollar census is included in this issue as compiled by Steve Herrman.  We are also requesting the membership to submit their R4-R8 Capped Bust half dollar inventory for inclusion in the next issues census.

Anyone who does not receive their issue of the journal by the 15th of the month should contact me at bkaroleff (at) yahoo.com to see what the problem may be.

Brad Karoleff

------

A final note from the editor:

The schedule for the ANA Show has been posted online.  The JRCS Annual Meeting will be held at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, August 8^th in Room 105B of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

JR Newsletter: 22 July 2012 (98)

Dick Graham wrote about his new book on Reeded Edge Halves:

As many of you know, I have been working on a revised Variety Identification Manual for the Reeded Edge Halves from 1836-1839 for some time now, and I am pleased to report that it is at the printer and I expect to have it the first week of August and available for sale at the ANA in Philly.

 

    The book has 170 pages with each of the currently known varieties featured on a 2 page spread with enlarged photographs of the distinctive identification markers for attribution. I have added updated rarity ratings and condition census, etc. The book is spiral bound for ease of use, and has the ability to lay flat when being used.

 

    For those who wish a copy or two and cannot make it to ANA, if you send a check for $65 plus $6 for shipping for each book that you want, I will try to get them out to you before ANA if I receive your check before August 1, otherwise I will mail when I return. Checks should be mailed to:

 

Dick Graham

PO Box 100

Braddock Heights, MD 21714-0100

 

    If you have any questions, I can be reached at Reededhalves (at) yahoo.com. Look forward to seeing everyone in Philly.

 

Dick Graham

 

Editor's Note:  Dick has graciously agreed to be the guest speaker at the JRCS annual meeting at the ANA Summer Show.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday at 8:00 AM (for room number, refer to ANA Program)

 

------

 

 Rich Uhrich wrote:

I am aware of a third 1800 B-17 dollar "without collar" die state.  The coin is a nice AU and it will be auctioned later this year.

Rich Uhrich

------ 

 

David Finkelstein wrote about another educational opportunity at the Philadelphia ANA:

I will be making a presentation at the ANA summer convention in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 7th at 3:00 PM.  My Numismatic Theatre presentation is titled "Analysis of Heraldic Eagle Silver and Gold Coins Dated 1796-1807".  I will be providing new information regarding the designs and experiments performed by the U S Mint Engraving Department as they created our nation's Heraldic Eagle silver and gold coins.

If you will be at the ANA convention on Tuesday, I would greatly appreciate your attendance.  It will be a real bummer if I have to do the presentation for only the Coin World staff writer.

David Finkelstein

------

Raymond Hale wrote:

 I just acquired a sweet 1814 O-107a. After looking at it closely, again and again, I thought about finding a prime example. I've considered doing the same with the 1817 O-106 and 106a. I also have an 1836 116a, and have thought about adding the prime example of that variety to my collection, as well.  Because I want to join the BHNC someday, and am eager to do so, I asked one of the "Nuts" if these different die states would all count toward the "magic 100" minimum, for joining. He said "no."

That got me to thinking. What about such varieties as the 1823 O-101 and 101a? The 101a, clearly, has been manipulated in order to correct the broken 3. Yet, the 101 and 101a only count as one variety. One must get the O-101 and the R.4 O-102, for them both to count.  I was surprised, since both are Red Book varieties. I learned a long time ago, though, never to assume I know an answer. It neither makes for good research nor good learning.  Because my mentioning the Red Book might confuse things, I would point out that I in no way suggest that the Red Book's contents should dictate BHNC guidelines--not at all.  It's just that after studying close-up photos of the 1823 O-101 and 101a, and reading the related literature, I wonder if they aren't different varieties. The 3 on the 101a clearly has been reworked. (Hence it's name.) And, isn't reworking a die cause for ascribing a new variety number?

I have no problem waiting for a 102 to come up for sale. I'm just impatient.  But this isn't even the point of this posting.  This is, rather, an intellectual discussion. Perhaps separate variety numbers aren't the answer. Nonetheless, I think it would be reasonable for members of the BHNC to consider allowing both varieties to count separately.  Has any one else considered this? Could someone please provide some feedback? Any and all thoughts are welcome. Gee. I love this hobby . . .

By the way, does anyone know where I can find a copy of Brad Karoleff's Bust Half Dollar Bibliomania? I've been looking for one for almost four years. I also need a copy of Patton's work, and any information on John Cobb.

My email is rockbook2 (at) aol.com

Thank You,

Raymond Hale

JR Newsletter: 15 July 2012 (97)

Bob Stark wrote:

On the '00 B-17 dollar; Jonathan O. has the variety with a "collar" at Liberty's neck. There is a die state  "without collar". Checking with Dave Perkins (who graciously responded so well to Osborne) we know of two examples. I'd be glad to learn of other examples.

I look forward to your JRCS message each Sunday.

  Many thanks.
  Bob Stark 

------

Brad Karoleff wrote:

 

The Pierce dime is a wonderful example of the JR1 with the retained cud.  The March 2009 issue of the John Reich Journal has a chart of the known cuds on bust dimes and their estimated rarity submitted by Jim Matthews.  It lists the JR1 from 1833 as an R5-, one of the more common cuds.  This coin is a wonderful example of the retained cud and would command a "pretty" premium to a coin of the same grade without it.  A WONDERFUL find!  Congratulations!

 

Brad Karoleff

JR Newsletter: 8 July 2012 (96)

Louis Scuderi wrote:

I thought that I would bring this VLDS of the 1829 JR5 dime to the attention of other dime collectors. This is a die state later than the Logan specimen with some additional growth at the edge of the reverse rim CUD and an additional die crack from the dentil above the center of the N of UNITED down to the letter. This is in addition to the crack off the upper right edge of the E in UNITED to the rim. We don't have much information on how these late die states break up and how quickly but it would be great to get other collectors to provide images of different states of this die as it broke up. The die state is rare and I'm not certain how many are out there but if anyone is willing to share an image please send them to me at cirque1 (at) gmail.com. Thanks. I will try to put things together for an article in the JRJ at some future time and will acknowledge all who contribute.

Louis

(editor's note:  click on any of the images posted here to open a larger version)

 ------

We had a couple of responses to Jonathan Osborne's contribution about an 1800 bust dollar.  The first was from Peter Mosiondz, Jr.:

Hi Jon,

 

Welcome back to the best hobby in the world. I read your report of the 1800 dollar. My advice would be to return it for a full refund.

 

It is important never to buy an expensive coin without a guarantee of genuineness. I always advise my clients to insist of a purchase receipt showing that the amount paid is 100% refundable if the coin is not deemed genuine by one of the three major grading services. Personally I like ANACS for early U.S. as they attribute by die variety as well.

 

On the surface, and without seeing the coin first-hand, it appears from your description that the coin has been cleaned, tooled and possibly plugged. The plugging would account for some of the metal content that the examination revealed. Of course an assertion as to whether or not the coin is genuine cannot be made from here, although from your excellent description it does appear to be suspect.

 

In short I personally do not feel as if the money spent for this coin represents an advantageous purchase.

 

Stay well and enjoy your hobby.

 

Best regards,

Pete

---

The second response was from David Perkins:

 

Jon, I read your article and the description of your new 1800 B-17 Dollar in JR News this morning. 

 

I scanned and have attached a page (image below) from my copy of Q. David Bowers Silver Dollar book (thus this page is “courtesy of B&M”) for the 1800 B-17, BB-196 (Bowers-Borckardt) Dollar.  In particular I note three items.  The plate photo appears to show the “rectangular cloud” you described under the area between S & O in STATES OF.  Secondly, note the information under the heading “DIE STATES,” especially the descriptions for Die States III and IV.  Die states are not exact, and your coin may have been struck from an “Intermediate Die State.”  Please also note that the die may have been be lapped or polished at different stages of its life, removing all or parts of die cracks and / or clashing.    Lastly, note that both the obverse and reverse dies were used only to strike the 1800 B-17 die marriage, thus the obverse and reverse dies are unknown mated to any other obverse or reverse.

 

You did not provide a photo, but the 0’s in the date appear to match the description you gave in JR News (“square-ish”)?   The plate coin photo in the Bowers book is ex. B&M Brilliant & Sieck Sale:1277.  If you have this sale  catalog you can study the photo in the catalog along with the page I have attached.

 

I also suggest you go to the Heritage archives and look up and print the cataloger’s description for the two specimens of 1800 B-17 sold in the Jules Reiver Collection Volume III sale, Signature Auction January 24-28:  Lots 23620 and 23621.  In particular note the very detailed descriptions provided – you should compare the descriptions written for these die states with your coin.   

 

As to whether your coin was holed and plugged or is counterfeit I will leave this up to the experts you share the coin with.  You are welcome to bring the coin to the Philadelphia ANA Convention and the JRCS annual meeting – there are lots of experts at the show and JRCS meeting that could give you their opinions on all of this.  The major grading services also will be at the ANA Convention. 

 

W. David Perkins

 ---

 After receiving more than a few email responses directly, Jonathan Osborne wrote back to us:

WOW!  You guys are great!!  Just got back from work to see responses from five separate JRCS members!  Thanks so much!  I am taking the coin to Julian Leidman tomorrow to see (1) if it’s real or electrotype/struck counterfeit, (2) if the ‘wrong cloud’ thing is obvious or not (and reason for that), and (3) if it’s been holed and ‘repaired’.  My main concern, and the reason why I think it was plugged, lies in the fact that an electrotype copy or struck counterfeit is not expected to have such excellent (and correct) detail over the majority of the coin, but the wrong clouds… I just don’t see it, but I also have VERY little experience with these major problems.  My collecting experience has been limited to smaller denomination coins until this purchase.  I have attached a few photos that I took of the coin.  They are REALLY bad photos, I know.  I can’t get my phone to focus so close, and my camera is even worse than my phone… You should, however, be able to see what I mean by the statement, “the clouds are wrong”, though.  They don’t look like any clouds I’ve seen on any bust dollar of any year.

 

I have received a pdf of the BB-196 page of Bowers (thanks to W. David Perkins!), and will work through that for the next 30 minutes or so to see if maybe I’m mistaken about the clouds, but I really can’t imagine that I am.  They just don’t look the way that all of the examples I’ve seen look.  Thanks also to Mr. Perkins for pointing out the excellent Heritage auction catalog for the Reiver collection.  I have my copy right here, and it was definitely one of the major resources I used in evaluating the coin on Friday and Saturday night (the other was Heritage’s online auction archives).

 

I definitely need to join JRCS again!  I feel bad that I left such an excellent community of people just because I couldn’t afford to buy anything and was spending time doing other things over the last four or five years.  Who do I contact?

(Editor's note:  Joining the JRCS is easy.  The application can be found online):

  http://jrcs.org/membershipapplication.html

 

Thanks again, and I am so happy to be pursuing this interesting hobby again!

 

Jon

---

Jon added some additional information in a separate correspondence:

Hello once again.  Here are some much better pictures of the 1800 B17 with the weird clouds, thanks to a friend of mine who has a much better camera.  Julian Leidman told me today that the coin was genuine and did not show any signs of tooling.  When I said that I thought the clouds looked weird, he said that there are different varieties and the coin could possibly have been tooled, but he didn’t think it was.  He was, of course, busy and had no real interest in my dollar so only looked at it for a minute or so.  I still think the clouds look weird… has anyone else seen clouds like these on a bust dollar?

 

Thanks again to everyone who replied to my request for help!  You guys are great!

 

Jon Osborne

Alexandria, VA  

 ------

In the final contribution this week, Dave Pierce sent in a request along with an image of a bust dime:

 

I am hoping you can tell me something about this 1833 bust dime. I collect bust halves but came across this one.

 

Thank you

 

Dave