JR Newsletter: 2 March 2014 (181)

One contribution this week.  Jim Matthews wrote in response to Louis Scuderi on the Deluxe Dime Books:

Jules had #3 which I have in my library now. Perhaps the authors drew straws and Jules was certainly involved in getting the book done too and gave them help through the whole process.

I bought one from the original Coin World ad that the authors took out in 1984, I ended up with #32 for my main reference library and still have that copy too.

Jim

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From the editor:  I may attempt to produce the next issue of the JR Newsletter (issue 182) on Friday, March 7th, so that at least we have one more issue before I have to box up my computer and HOPE that it gets to its destination intact.

JR Newsletter: 23 February 2014 (180)

In response to Winston Zack, Byron Reed wrote:

Thank you for the picture of the elongate, more because of what it isn't than what it is.  My preconception was that it would be some startling early example of souvenir elongate, rather than just a plain old dime used to test out somebody's set of roller mills.  The humble "squished" dime speaks to me.

I suspect that this happened thousands of times as the local jeweler or watchmaker needed some thin coin-silver stock, or the occasional curiosity. Without much else going for them, most made the melt pot years ago.  I've seen many a "cull" bustie meet the scrap pile.  Yours is a survivor.

As a part of my numismatic adventures I have placed great numbers of silver coin through rolling mills on way to becoming hand-hammered re-enactment coins. I've never had the opportunity or desire to run a dime of this vintage through a mill, but the difference between how this one flattened and retained detail compared to its modern counterparts is substantial.  The modern pieces have no relief; the price of mass production.

Byron L. Reed
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David Lange wrote:

In answer to Louis Scuderi's questions about the deluxe JR book, I have Number 30 that was purchased by me at the time of publication. The number was applied in black ink using very neat calligraphy. The book was signed in black ink by Davis, Logan and Lovejoy, one of whom presumably applied the number. It was then signed in blue ink by McCloskey and Subjack.

When I joined NGC a few years later and began attributing varieties on a frequent basis I did not have a copy of the regular edition and could not easily locate one. Thus, my deluxe edition became my working copy, and it is now filled with my scribbled variety notes and updates. I suppose that will hurt its collector value, but then it will probably not be for sale during my lifetime.

David W. Lange

Research Director

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation

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Finally, as a reminder, a note from the editor:

 

JR Newsletter will take a hiatus in March 2014, most likely after the March 2 newsletter.  My family and I will be moving everything out of our house as we move into a new house.  I don't know exactly how long the hiatus will be.  I encourage readers to continue to send in contributions, but be mindful that contributions may not be published for a few weeks.

JR Newsletter: 16 February 2014 (179)

Before getting to the several contributions for this week, I wanted to provide a summary of a couple of ongoing issues with the JR Newsletter, technical and otherwise.

First, I have received feedback from a number of readers that they are receiving two copies of the weekly email version of the JR Newsletter.  I have no immediate solution, as I am not technically-competent with such issues.  However, I have enlisted the assistance of someone who has knowledge in this area, so if the problem is solvable, it will be solved.  In the meantime, if you receive two copies of the weekly email, feel free to delete at least one of them.

Second, the JR Newsletter will take a hiatus in March 2014, most likely after the March 2 newsletter.  My family and I will be moving everything out of our house as we move into a new house.  That "everything" includes my computer, which is my sole link to the jrcs.org server that allows me to send out the weekly email.  I don't know exactly how long the process will take, but promise that I will get back online as soon as possible and get the JR Newsletter running again once I get my family's life back running again.  I encourage readers to continue to send in contributions, but be mindful that contributions may not be published for a few weeks.

Thank you for your understanding. 

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And now the real reason you are reading this…news, comments, questions, and other discourse from the world of bust coinage. 

Tom Little wrote:

Dear JR society;

I just sold a gorgeous Bust quarter:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=231150441441

Any variety guesses?  

This coin is too special to be included in the weekly newsletter....

Tom

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Winston Zack wrote:

Last Sunday I wrote that I had just purchased an elongated Bust Dime. Having never seen or heard of another before (although I suppose I could place a few on a rail-road track and get a few more!), I thought I would share.  I have provided a photo.

This is an 1820 JR-11 with respectable amounts of detail remaining. It was a little difficult to identify the die marriage due to the distorted details, but a fun challenge all-in-all.

Again, it would be neat to know if anyone else reading these weekly emails has any other elongated Bust Dimes they don't mind sharing.

Best,

Winston

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Louis Scuderi wrote with questions that maybe some of our bibliophiles can answer:

JR Newsletter readers,

For those of us who collect Bust Dimes the book Early United States Dimes (EUSD) is the "bible".  I'm doing some research on the book itself and have a few questions. I'm hoping that one or more of the readership might be able to provide answers.

1) how many of the regular edition were produced?
2) are all of the regular edition identical or are there different "varieties" possibly produced from more than 1 production run?
3) the deluxe edition (with different front and back piece facing pages than the regular edition) is supposedly limited to 100 copies. Did all of them sell?
4) is there any listing of the numbered copies -as in who they sold to? Did #'s 1-5 go to the five authors? Did #6 go to Jules Reiver? Etc.

I will have a few additional questions once I get some answers to these. Will write up the results for the JRJ.

Thanks in advance,
Louis Scuderi

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Jesse Gingold has been hard at work assembling a numismatic library and seeks our assistance:

Here's a quick want list of some items I'm having trouble locating. I thought if anyone would have them, it would be the JR Newsletter readers. If you have any of the below items you'd like to sell or know where I may find them, please send me an email at jgingold97(at)yahoo.com 

Early United States Dimes by Davis, et. al. JRCS approved copy 

Edge Mirrors produced by Russ Logan (any denomination) 

Bust Half Bibliomania by Brad Karoleff 

Federal Half Dimes by Logan/McCloskey (deluxe edition)

Thank you,

Jesse

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Finally, we have a number of items from the JRCS President, Brad Karoleff:

This is the last chance to nominate die marriages for study at the upcoming EAC convention. Please forward your suggestions to me at bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com as soon as possible.

The annual meeting of the society at the March/Spring ANA convention is rapidly approaching. If anyone would like to be considered for our educational presentation there please let me know and I will make sure Dr. Peterson knows of your interest.

It is also time to begin thinking about our HOF nominations. You can nominate a person for either/or both the veteran and modern categories. Veteran nominations are for persons involved in bust numismatics before the advent of JRCS. Modern nominees are numismatists that have been a member of our organization. Nominations should be sent to Richard Meaney via the jrnewsletter(at)jrcs.org email address. The nominating committee will then vote on the nominees and inform us of their choices.

In case you have not seen the announcements about current members of the JRCS Hall of Fame, here is the listing.

We have already inducted the following veteran members

Dr Daniel Valentine
Ard Browning
J Colvin Randall
Al C. Overton

And the following modern members

Russell Logan
Jules Reiver
David Davis
Ed Price
John McCloskey

Happy collecting to all.

Brad Karoleff

JR Newsletter: 9 February 2014 (178)

Brad Karoleff wrote:

The JRCS is having a meeting at the March Whitman Baltimore convention on Friday afternoon March 28,at 4PM. We need a volunteer to host the meeting and someone to give a short presentation. Can anyone help us with either position?  We really do need some help on this, as I can't be there.

Thank you,

Brad

bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

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Glenn Peterson wrote:

Hello JRCS members,

I am doing the Bust Quarter census and will appreciate your sending me your census to me at gpeters(at)tds.net 

I need  to have your census in the next two weeks so I can meet the deadline for the next JR Journal. Thank you for your  participation.

Glenn Peterson

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Winston Zack wrote:

Has anyone seen or own any intentionally elongated Bust Dimes or Bust Half-Dimes? I just purchased an example of an elongated Bust Dime on a whim because I had never seen or heard of one. I will post a photo of the elongated Bust Dime when it arrives, hopefully next week.

Also, if anyone has an image of an 1835 JR-4 Bust Dime with reverse cud, I would be interested in seeing what the cud looks like.

Thanks,

Winston

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Richard Meaney wrote:

The JRCS has entered into an agreement with Bryce Brown of Avon, CT in which Bryce will be the exclusive distributor of JRCS-owned back issues of the John Reich Journal.  As many of you know, previously the JRCS had volunteer members who would store the back issues at their homes and respond to requests for back issues.  Not only was storing thousands of issues quite the task for a volunteer like me, but the process for inventorying, pricing, and shipping was cumbersome.  With Bryce Brown as our distributor, JRCS members and others interested in the research available in our back issues of the Journal can easily find out which issues are available and what the shipped price will be.  All one needs to do is go to Bryce's web site:  http://brycebooks.squarespace.com/storage/Lit-Periodicals-display-htm.htm

You will note that Bryce is a professional book dealer who also has many other books, periodicals, journals, and catalogs.  In fact, I noted this morning that he has one complete set of the John Reich Journal offered for less than $800.  Having seen complete sets sell in the past, I think that's a very good price!

The Board of Directors of the JRCS agreed that this arrangement was the best long-term solution for our membership.  Bryce will offer quick, professional service and members will be able to swiftly and easily determine which back issues are available.  I encourage each of you to visit Bryce's website to see how nicely he has arranged the listing of back issues of the John Reich Journal.

I will put a permanent announcement on the JRCS Blog (http://jr-newsletter.blogspot.com/) that contains a link to Bryce's website.  If you wish to contact Bryce, he can be reached via email at numismatics@att.net or just visit his website for more information:  http://brycebooks.squarespace.com/storage/Lit-Periodicals-display-htm.htm

Bryce is offering free shipping this month for all orders of JR Journals.  Also, you will notice that there is extremely low stock of some of the older back issues.  If you think you need one of the early issues to complete your set, I encourage you to order sooner rather than later!

JR Newsletter: 2 February 2014 (177)

Brad Karoleff wrote:

The JRCS is having a meeting at the March Whitman Baltimore convention on Friday afternoon March 28, at 4 PM. We need a volunteer to host the meeting and someone to give a short presentation. Can anyone help us with either position?
We also need to finalize the die marriages we want to study at the upcoming EAC convention. If anyone has a suggestion on what they would like to see please contact me as soon as possible at bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

We also need volunteers to man the tables at the happening. I look forward to seeing you there.

Brad

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Peter Mosiondz, Jr. wrote with some book offerings. 

First, six books offered as one lot:

-History of the First United States Mint, Frank Stewart, 1974 Quarterman reprint of the 1924 original, 209 pages, HB, DJ in Mylar. 

-America's Large Cent (Coinage of the Americas Conference - ANS),  Edited by John M. Kleeberg, 190 pp, HB.

-United States Large Cents 1793-1857, Warren Lapp and Herbert Silberman. 1975 Quarterman. 647 pp, HB, DJ in Mylar.

-Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents: 1793-1814.  Edited by Mark Borckardt. HB.

-Penny Whimsy, William Sheldon, The Quarterman and best edition of the classic attribution guide. HB, DJ in Mylar.

-The Cent Book 1816-1839, John D. Wright. 400 pp, Signed. HB. 

The above six books are in new condition. I am selling the above lot in its entirety to the first person who responds at $299.00 postpaid

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Next, Annual Assay Commission United States Mint 1800-1943. Roger W. Burdette (editor). A masterful 4-DVD set of U.S. Mint Assay Commission records from 1800 through 1943’ Astute collectors know that the Assay Commission records are a gold mine of information about rare and mysterious coin issues. Yet only a few privileged researchers have ever examined even small portions of these hand-written volumes. This 4-DVD set also includes original mint journals of all silver and gold assay coins from 1818-1840, the Director’s Annual Reports from 1796 to 1827, Mint auditor’s reports to Congress from 1796 to 1820, and selected Mint documents from 1786 to 1795. Brand new in shrink-wrap. Never opened. List price: $75.00. First one gets it at $29.95 postpaid.

Contact information:

Peter Mosiondz, Jr.
26 Cameron Circle Laurel Springs, NJ 08021-4861
Phone: 856-627-6865
Email: choochoopete(at)comcast.net

JR Newsletter: 26 January 2014 (176)

David Finkelstein wrote:

Some of my recent research has resulted in some new theories about screw press die creation and coinage production from 1793 - 1836.  Some of my theories seem logical.  Some need to be refined.  Had all inclusive documents been written by those employed at the Mint about their technologies, procedures, and logistics, and available today for our review, all of our questions would be easily answered.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  Like so many of us that are performing research now, and those that have performed research in the past, we many times use the coins as indirect evidence to prove our theories.

 

Since I have collected Bust Half Dollars by die marriage, and some die marriages by die state, I am aware of several Bust Half Dollar die marriages that were struck from rotated dies.  For example, I am aware of the following rotations on 1813 O-101 50 / UNI Half Dollars: no rotation, 10 degrees counterclockwise, 10 degrees clockwise, 30 degrees clockwise, 45 degrees clockwise, and 90 degrees clockwise.  Images of coins that verify this are available in the Heritage Past Auction Archives.  I know that I have seen other dates / die marriages of Bust Half Dollars that were struck from rotated dies, but I never maintained a log.  Why?  It was not important to me until now.

 

I am reaching out to the participants of the JR Newsletter.  If you are aware of a copper, silver (but NOT a Capped Bust Half Dollar) or gold coin dated from 1793 to 1836 that was struck from rotated dies, please email me at dfinkelstein(at)comcast.net with the date, die marriage, degree of rotation, whether the dies were rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and your source if possible (collection, inventory, or a specific auction).  Again, no information about Capped Bust Half Dollars is needed as I believe that there were probably more die marriages of Capped Bust Half Dollars that were struck from rotated dies than all other die marriages of all other denominations combined.  Note that I do need information about Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle Half Dollars that were struck from rotated dies.

 

To determine the degree of die rotation, hold the coin or slab such that the date is at the 6:00 clock position.  Flip the coin from front to back at the 6:00 or 12:00 clock position.  If the dies were not rotated from each other, then the reverse will look normal with the eagle perfectly vertical or the letters of HALF CENT / LARGE CENT horizontal.  If a rotation is visible, then guess the number of degrees that the reverse is rotated from no rotation.  Also, the direction of the rotation is clockwise if the bottom of the reverse is to your left and counterclockwise if the bottom of the reverse is to your right.  If you look at images of auction lots, keep in mind that if the coin was struck from rotated dies, the images of the obverse and reverse will most likely show no die rotation, but the images of the coin in the slab will show the die rotation.

 

Also, and most importantly, if you specialize in a specific series, and you have never seen a coin in that series that was struck from rotated dies, please let me know as well.  Some of you may already know which dates (and possibly which die marriages) were struck from rotated dies, or whether you have never seen a coin struck from rotated dies.  What may be known to you, will probably be unknown to me.

 

Hopefully I will receive enough responses, with minimal conflicting information.  I know I may be opening up a can of worms, however, it will take me forever to review every 1793 - 1836 dated coin that previously sold at auction or currently up for auction on every auction website.

 

If I receive enough information such that I publish my theories in the John Reich Journal, I will reference the information in my article as "Information provided by the subscribers of the John Reich Newsletter".  I thank you in advance for your support.

 

David Finkelstein

dfinkelstein(at)comcast.net

 

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Also, a friendly reminder about the EAC Convention:

 

2014 EAC Convention - Colorado Springs, CO 

  Dates: Thursday May 1, 2014 through Sunday May 4, 2014

The Doubletree Colorado Springs
1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 8090
719-576-890

JR Newsletter: 19 January 2014 (175)

Brad Karoleff wrote:

It is time to decide the coins we would like to study at this year's EAC/JRCS meeting in Colorado Springs.  We nominate a die marriage from each of the series to study in the "happening room".  We also need volunteers to help man the tables there during the open house.  Those who are volunteering will have a larger say in the die marriage that will be studied for their favorite series.  

Please make suggestions ASAP to me at bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

Glenn Peterson will provide a summary of the suggestions so far.  Notably, we lack suggestions for dimes.

We will have to decide quickly as the convention is coming soon:  April 30- March 4!  The convention will be at the Doubletree Colorado Springs.  You can reach the hotel at 719-576-8900.  Be sure to mention the EAC convention to receive the convention rate.  I am sure there will be time to visit the ANA headquarters close by for an interesting side trip.  There will also be many educational presentations there to increase your numismatic knowledge.  EAC also sponsors a members-only auction of interesting copper coins that will sell on Saturday evening.  The bourse will also contain many interesting coins that are not available at just any convention.  The bourse will remind you of a 1950's atmosphere with fewer tables than you are used to and a LOT less plastic!  There will be more time for conversation and education than you will find at a typical commercial show.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Brad Karoleff

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Glenn Peterson wrote:

Suggestions for coins to study during the EAC-JRCS Show include the following:

Half Dimes:  1829 LM-18

Dimes:  No suggestions yet

Quarters:  1818 B-9

Halves:  1814 O-106 and 1828 O-101

Additional input, especially on dime die marriages for study, is welcome!

Glenn Peterson

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Richard Meaney wrote:

I have had a week to reflect upon the 2014 FUN Show.  My perspective at this show was almost entirely from that of someone on the dealer side of the table.  I worked for Rich Uhrich Rare Coins and W. David Perkins, Professional Numismatist during the show.  I had worked for Rich Uhrich previously (last year's FUN and ANA shows), but this was my first opportunity to work for Dave Perkins.  Working with both gentlemen was a great experience.

With Rich Uhrich, I got to interact with collectors seeking all sorts of coins: Seated coins of all denominations, Bust coins of all denominations, GSA Morgan dollars, colorful Peace dollars, and even a 1913 nickel (you will have to ask Rich Uhrich about that coin in his case).  Most of my knowledge revolves around Bust coins, specifically Capped Bust Half Dimes.  Working with Rich helps me to expand my knowledge and interest with the other series.  I found Rich's table to be very busy with collector and dealer traffic on both the buy and sell side.  I recall one time where it seemed that Rich was continually writing checks for what seemed like half a day.  Coin dealers like to buy coins, just like we collectors do.

I was working with Dave Perkins specifically to assist him with the sale of a consignment of Capped Bust Half Dimes.  Dave had a fixed price list of some thirty or so coins and a sealed bid auction of twenty four half dimes (all Capped Bust except for one Flowing Hair).  Sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for my specialty was a real treat.  I especially enjoyed sitting with fellow specialists and examining every single lot in the sealed bid auction.  I guess I never tire of taking beautiful, rare half dimes out of the case and discussing them with fellow enthusiasts. 

There were some really rare coins in the sealed bid auction, such as an 1832 LM-9.1 (R6), 1833 LM-2 (R6), 1836 LM-1.1 (R5, but nearly impossible in AU or better, which this one was), and 1837 LM-3 (R5, but this one was in the almost unheard of grade of AU50).  Rather than go into any significant detail about these coins, I will share my thoughts on just one of the coins up for auction.  Dave had an 1835 LM-4 in a PCGS 62 holder with a CAC sticker.  Ordinarily, this is just an R3 die marriage.  However, this coin had a cud over UNI.  What made this coin very special is not the rarity of the cud (it may be only an R5 with the cud), but the QUALITY of the cud.  The coin looked like it had just been minted.  The cud looked so freshly made and full that it almost appeared that someone had spilled a drop of silver solder on the coin.  I have never seen a cud that was so perfect.  Truly, it was one of those coins that you had to see to believe.  Many of the people that viewed the coin who HAD NOT planned on bidding on it beforehand could not help but put in a bid once they saw the absolute beauty of the coin and the cud.  All in, this "not too rare" coin sold for more than $2,300 to a bidder who is, no doubt, grinning from ear to ear about owning this beautiful half dime.

Summary?  I had a blast at the show interacting with dealers and collectors.  I look forward to what I hope is the second half of the Perkins half dime consignment that should be offered at the Chicago ANA.  Over the course of the next two to three weeks, I will be working on a more extensive article for the John Reich Journal concerning my experience with the sealed bid auction at the 2014 FUN Show.

Richard Meaney