JR Newsletter: 28 October 2018 (417)

Tim Janecke wrote:

I thank you for publishing the three parts of the discussions by David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod. I heard them speak in Philadelphia. It is such an exciting topic and project. I have printed all three elements sent out. The information is given in a clear, understandable format. Thank you again for your efforts!

Are there any videos that you are aware of with the two authors giving presentations on this subject? 

Tim Janecke (JRCS member) 

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Brad Karoleff wrote:

Here are the latest listings from the Logan Library.

1.  Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Logan and McCloskey.  A mint copy of the reference copy for collecting the half dimes.  $100.

2.  The Art and Craft of Coinmaking, A History of Minting Technology by Denis R Cooper.  This is a MUST addition to any serious collectors library who is interested in the minting processes from ancient to modern times.  Cooper has written the BEST tome on the subject to date.  Tipped in is some price research on the book, a copy of the Bolender to BB conversion table for Bust Dollars and his original sales receipt from Charles Davis for the book ($45!).  This book has appreciated more than many coins!  $400.

3.  Akers catalogs of the John Jay Pittman Collection in 3 parts. Parts one and two are Russ' auction room copies with his notes and partially named buyers.  PR are included for all three sales, the third sale being mint condition.  Included are also a set of transparencies used by Russ to determine the error striking of a coin.  $250.

4.  1929 original and 1964 Beebe reprint of A Register of Half Dollar Die Varieties and Sub-Varieties by M. L. Beistle.  The reprint is virtually mint while the 1929 is ex: Wm. W. Harrison with bookplate and extensive notations for his collection, Included is Harrison's attempt to devise a quick finder for the marriages. $50.

5.  The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dimes by Al Blythe. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992.  $75.

6.  The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes by Brian Greer. A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992.  $75.

7.  The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Quarters by Larry Briggs.  A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by the author to Russ in 1992. Included is the original sales receipt from Larry.  $125.

8.  The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars by Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert.  A near mint copy of this valuable reference signed by both authors.  There is also a sales circular included from the pre press ordering period offering a $2.95 discount.  Russ obviously sent in the full amount because there is a refund check from Randall Wiley for the discount which Russ never cashed!  This is a very scarce and in demand book.  $400.

9.  Contemporary Counterfeit Capped Bust Half Dollars by Keith Davignon, first edition limited leather bound edition by Money Tree Press. Numbered 13/25 on the bookplate autographed by Davignon with an additional note to Russ; "To Russ: Happy Hunting!  The original invoice from Sheridan Downey is included showing Russ paid the pre-publication price of $125.  An additional photograph is included.  $150.

10.  The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars by Glenn R. Peterson, MD.  This is a mint condition copy of Glenn's first edition of the attributing guide. $85.

As usual please add postage to these prices.  First email for each title to bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com purchases the lot. Your choice of Library Rate or Priority postage.  

Thanks.

Brad Karoleff

JR Newsletter: 21 October 2018 (416)

David Finkelstein provided us with an original contribution:

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August.  The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 U. S. silver coins.  Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 John Reich Newsletter.  Part 2 was published in the October 7, 2018 John Reich Newsletter.  Linked here is Part 3.

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/28fa54e0-74eb-4c6b-8e60-0b0bdcb7f111/1794_95_Chem_Analysis_Part_3.pdf

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Greg Cohen wrote with a press release concerning the Legend Rare Coin 2019 auction calendar, linked here:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/5bb52985-c614-4319-8101-158731257bd6/Legend_Rare_Coin_Auctions_is_making_a_HUGE_announcement_about_its_auction_schedule_and_program_starting_in_2019.pdf 

JR Newsletter: 14 October 2018 (415)

We received no contributions for this week's Newsletter.

JR Newsletter: 7 October 2018 (414)

David Finkelstein wrote:

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August.  The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 US silver coins.  Part 1 of a multi-part article series was published in the September 23, 2018 JR Newsletter.  Here is Part 2:  

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/e5077fde-1afd-4cd0-ab62-bc366107af85/1794_95_Chem_Analysis_Part_2.pdf 

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Jim Matthews wrote:  

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity and challenge to examine over 200 Capped Bust dimes and half dimes from a group that was purchased by a dealer friend as "culls," coins which are not generally holed and usually have dates but also show either damage or rather extensive wear; as such, these are considered less numismatically desirable than examples with less wear and no damage. This treasure trove of likely unsearched Capped Bust coinage is one I would consider to be an opportunity for enjoyment and a window into the history of our coinage, rather than a scourge of trouble to be avoided. I searched the entire group for a few favorite die varieties and came up with a half dozen coins of interest to me that I purchased for a modest price. I found two examples of the fairly common 1833 JR-4 dime with the reverse die retained cud, condition challenged but identifiable at a glance. Another fun coin in this group that caught my attention was an 1831 JR-5 with a very late, retained or possibly full cud at UNI which would perhaps earn a grade of AG-3 but more likely Fair-2 given the prodigious wear on the surfaces. The cud stood tall and protected the left side of the reverse from the decades of wear and use in circulation, as one might expect, while the right side suffered greatly from extensive wear. The most interesting rarity of the group was a Fair-2 example of the rare 1820 JR-12 variety, which is off to PCGS for confirmation to see if they agree with my leap of faith attribution on such a worn coin. I did not find a much-desired example of either the 1827 JR-10 or JR-14 variety, despite several 1827 dimes included in the group. Some of the coins showed little more than the central shield on the reverse due to wear, the obverse similar with stars worn away--and were thus not attributable to die marriage. Other 1827s with less wear were of more common die pairings. I also purchased a very worn 1824/2 dime as I simply cannot resist that date without problems, even in a Fair-2 grade for the usually seen JR-1 variety of that year. 

One of the most curious though otherwise insignificant coins was a quite worn 1835 dime, which some now forgotten soul inscribed in neat, cursive surface etching in the year 1888 on the obverse as if to shout out the present year is 1888, not 1835! This told me two things. First, this 1835 dime was still in circulation in 1888 and someone thought this unusual enough at the time to inscribe the current year before sending it on its way again into circulation. Oh, the stories that coin could tell from its years of circulation, if only we could listen and see beyond its simple worn designs, with the additional date inscribed some 53 years after its launch into circulation. In the end, I confirmed my belief that the designs and die work of John Reich, launched in 1807 and holding forth in production long after his decade of engraving work at the Philadelphia Mint, continued in the cigar boxes of corner merchant stores throughout our states for many generations. Today's collectors need only to look and examine the worn treasures before them to see their august truths of these coins’ journeys into our current collections.

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Finally, a new opportunity from Brad Karoleff:

Here is the latest offering of books from the Russell Logan Library.

Reduced from last month's listing:

Early US Dimes, was $250, now $200.

Bowers on Commemorative half dollars, was $40, now $35.

Pollock on Patterns, was $50, now $40.

Taraszka on Eagles, was $100, now $85.

New listings:

Liberty Seated Collectors Club Collective Volumes 1-4.  A few Coin World articles tipped in by Russ.  Available new from LSCC for $136.  These slightly used volumes are $100 for the group.

Die Varieties of Early US Coins by Robert P. Hilt, II.  A somewhat controversial work by Mr. Hilt listing his theories on the early mint and their products.  Still a valuable source of information.  Remy Bourne bookplate inside front cover from a Kolbe auction, near mint.  $65.00.

Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of US Half Cents 1793-1857.  EAC membership application included- old address!  This book often comes apart as the binding is not up to the weight of the volume.  This is as mint a used copy as you will find.  $75.

Walter Breen's A Coiners Caviar Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1977.  Another Breen work in nearly mint condition formerly in the Bourne Library with bookplate from the same Kolbe sale.  $75.

The History of US Coinage As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection by Q. David Bowers.  Another nearly Mint book.  $45.

First United States Mint, It's People and Its Operations by Frank Stewart.  This is the hardbound edition from 1924 with maroon cover.  Some small bumps on the corners but still very nice.  $45.

Two books on pattern coins of the US.  Adams/Woodin 1959 reprint and 6th edition Judd.  Both show wear but are very usable.  The pair for $30.

Second edition of Bolender's work on the Bust Dollars.  The back cover was set on something sticky at one time that removed a few SMALL pieces of the binding.  Otherwise, this is a really nice condition book.  $50.

Two FIRST EDITION ERROR copies of The United States Early Silver Dollars by Jules Reiver.  These very scarce first editions are full of errors and the printing was stopped after a portion of the run was completed.  The copies remaining at Krause were destroyed and a second edition with corrections was prepared.  The corrected edition has second printing on the title page.  These are both in excellent condition.  One is autographed by Jules dated 3/3/1999.  

The unautographed copy is $75.  The autographed copy is $100.

Thanks to everyone who purchased from the first group.  

As before, first email to bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com gets the book.  All prices are plus postage.  Please let me know if you want book rate or flat rate priority mailing when providing your shipping address.

Thanks.

Brad

JR Newsletter: 30 September 2018 (413)

Greg Cohen sent this press release, containing information of interest to collectors of capped bust half dollars:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/6f65b630-0f57-43b5-a8e8-1369bdf7eebe/Post_RA28_PR_FINAL.pdf

JR Newsletter: 23 September 2018 (412)

David Finkelstein provided us with a wonderful article for this week’s JR Newsletter.

David Finkelstein and Christopher Pilliod gave a presentation at the JRCS General Meeting during the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia in August.  The presentation was on the first phase of a multi-phase project to determine the chemical composition of 1794 and 1795 US silver coins.  Here is part 1 of a multi-part article series.

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/7b7814d7-62a2-4d63-ace7-842ae566700d/1794_95_Chem_Analysis_Part_1.pdf

JR Newsletter: 16 September 2018 (411)

Jim Koenings wrote:

Last  Call  for First Reeded  Edge   Half Dollar  Census

Jim Koenings is reminding all JRCS Members to send him their Census information for Reeded Edge Half Dollars prior to October 1, 2018.

JRCS Members may request a form to fill out by emailing Jim at bustcoin1(at)verizon.net

There are 56 known die varieties, of which 18 are rated R-4 (76 to 200 known) or rarer, including two die varieties that are one known of each.  With JRCS Members’ help, we will discover which die varieties are tougher to find than others.  Currently, 31 die marriages are tied for 9th and 10th place in the Preliminary Census for Reeded Edge Halves.  If you own more than 16 die marriages, your census may make the Top 15.

Please email your census to bustcoin1(at)verizon.netor you can mail a hard copy to:

            Jim Koenings

            P.O. Box 2382

            Riverside, CA 92516 

The results should be posted in the December 2018 JR Journal.

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Brad Karoleff wrote:

Here are the first installments of the Logan library.

The first response to me at bkaroleff@yahoo.com will receive the book at that price plus the cost of either book rate USPS or Priority, your choice.

1.  Bust Half Fever First edition with a "Logan" clear plastic cover.  On the "Notes" page near the end of the book there are numerous autographs of the JRCS annual meeting at the 1995 Anaheim ANA.  Many departed BHNC, JRCS members are present including Elton Dosier, Olie Carter, "Swampy", Dale Heisler, Ivan Leaman, and Ken Lowe from Money Tree.  JRCS HOF members signed include Ed Price, W D Perkins, John McCloskey and Brad Karoleff.  32 autographs total including-

James Stephen George Boggs along with a hand drawn illustration of an 1833 bust half, Boggs 1-A!

Original Boggs artwork is scarce and highly desirable.  $500.

2.  Early US Dimes 1796-1837 by the 5 famous authors.  A near mint copy of the dime attribution book from the "back" of Russ' library.  $250.

3.  The Norweb Collection, An American Legacy by Michael Hodder & Q David Bowers.  This copy is autographed by both authors and is numbered as 34/100 so signed.  A nice hardbound book in near mint condition.  $75.00

4.  United States Ten Dollar Gold Eagles, 1795-1804 by Anthony J. Taraszka.  This is a beautiful hardbound nearly mint condition book.  A limited errata is included inside the back cover.  $100.

5.  The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars by Glenn R. Peterson, MD.  This is the spiral bound edition in near mint condition.  This will serve as a wonderful working copy for any collector.  Errata page is tipped in.  $50.

6.  Commemorative Coins of the United States, A Complete Encyclopedia by Q David Bowers. The hardbound edition Autographed to Elizabeth Gray by Bowers.  A near mint copy.  $40.

7.  Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics by Q David Bowers.  The hardbound edition signed by Bowers to Russ.  Near mint condition.  $40.

8.  American Numismatics before the Civil War, 1760-1860.  A hardbound book by Q David Bowers signed on the bookplate stating this is copy #325. Near mint condition $40.

9.  The Rare Silver Dollars Dated 1804 and the Exciting Adventures of Edmund Roberts by Q David Bowers.  The hardbound limited edition signed by Bowers on the bookplate in near mint condition.  A tip in of a Coin World article from Russ.  $40.

10.  United States Patterns and Related Issues by Andrew Pollock, III.  This is the current definitive work on patterns and this hardbound book is in excellent condition.  Russ has tipped in a few notes and articles on items he found of interest.  $50.

That's all for this week.  I will be out of town the end of the month so the next installment will be the second week of October.

Please remember to send some information for publication in the next journal.  

If anyone needs eyes on coins from the upcoming Legend auction in Las Vegas, I will be there.  Drop me a line.

Brad Karoleff

bkaroleff(at)yahoo.com

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Please find attached a press release regarding Legend’s 28^th Regency Auction, being held on September 26 and 27 in Las Vegas as the official Auction of the PCGS Member’s Show. An impressive sale is anchored by the Konstantine, Sommelier, and Hallett Collections. A list of highlights is presented in the release.

Link to press release: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/74a0e3c37d154d935bdeb2daf/files/5e482d84-143f-4b4f-ba79-464ceb5dc3ad/Pre_RA28_PR.final.pdf 

For numismatic information, please contact Greg Cohen, senior numismatist at greg(at)legendauctions.com. For images, please contact Patrick Braswell at Patrick@(at)egendauctions.com

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

Greg Cohen

Senior Numismatist

Legend Rare Coin Auctions