ireetmgs om Dave
UNIVERSE
Of Match Factories, Museums, and the Modern Era
Some musings and ramblings by the editor
2002 Bowers and Merena Galleries
ISSN 1073-9580 $3
You’ve got mail! I’ve always liked re¬ ceiving mail— the old way for many years, and now by e-mail too. My address, in case you’d like to share your comments on anything, is Dave@bowers- andmerena.com. We’ve begun ship¬ ping out the or¬ ders on hand for my new book, A California Gold Rush History Fea¬ turing Treasure from the S.S. Cen¬ tral America. As copies arrive, many read¬ ers are sending me their “reviews.” If you would like to do this, please go ahead. I am keepingafile and may publish some of them in the future. As you may know, the best “pay” any author can receive is a few nice words from readers.
If you haven’t ordered one yet, I hope you will. I absolutely guarantee you’ll be delighted and will find it to be everything that is claimed for it, and more— or an instant refund awaits. Although the book is hardly inexpensive, at the best part of $200, if it had not been subsidized by the sale of the treasure from the ship, this volume would have a list price of at least $500! Several people have received one copy and have ordered others— pleasing and remark¬ able!
In this issue of the Coin Collector you’ll find a lot of interesting coins for sale, each carefully selected for our inventory and priced to be a good value. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed on several counts: 1. The numerical grade of the coin. 2. The quality of the coin among examples in that grade. 3. Eye appeal.
Give our “Coin Gallery” (Direct Sales Department) a call, toll free at 1-800- 222-5993 to order the coins you would like, to ask any questions you may have, and help in any other way possible. Or, e-mail your order at rarecoingallery@bowersandmerena.com. Or send your order by regular mail. What¬ ever you do, soon a package containing some delightful coins and/or a book or two will be arriving in your mailbox.
Numismatics knows no season, and as summer approaches, it is an ideal time to add a few new coins to your collection, or to delve into the pages of an interesting book in the shade of the old apple tree, or in an overstuffed chair in your living room. In the meantime, thank you from all of us here for your business and friendship. Isn’t numismatics a great hobby?
All good wishes.
Sincerely,
<£L_
Q. David Bowers
An Old Match Factory
Much has been written about changes in the rare coin hobby. Our sister hobby of col¬ lecting postage stamps seems to be undergoing the same transition, this per a well-known au¬ thority, Ken Lawrence, writing in the latest is¬ sue of The American Philatelist:
“The stamp hobby is currently in a period of dramatic change, which presents both op¬ portunities and perils as we go forward. On the positive side, the Internet provides us with a new frontier for outreach. On the negative side, many of our traditional centers of out¬ reach — stamp exhibitions, clubs, and commer¬ cial publications— report declining attendance and support from both collectors and dealers. American Philatelic Society membership has been essentially flat for 20 years, and has expe¬ rienced slight but steady declines since 1990.”
Mr. Lawrence suggested that the situation could be changed, and great growth for the entire hobby could be accomplished if the APS were to build a museum and archive at its home in State College, Pennsylvania, where it is presently headquartered, “much as the American Numismatic Association does at its Money Museum in Colorado Springs.”
However, the APS has opted to acquire a deserted match factory in Bellefonte, Pennsylva¬ nia, near State College, a rambling wooden structure apparendy located on a flood plain and containing toxic residues from earlier products, both “obvious problems” having been “ad¬ dressed and answered” (we didn’t catch the ex¬ planation of the solutions, and perhaps they were stated in an earlier issue we skimmed, but did not read). However, the idea of moving pre¬ cious stamp exhibits and books into such a place continues to trouble many APS members and sounds a bit frightening even to me (admittedly, I haven’t seen the factory).
As a passive APS member since the 1950s, I
will watch to see what happens. Good luck to all involved.
Coin-Collectors’ Organizations
However, I have been anything but passive in rare coin groups, as you probably know. I thoroughly enjoy my memberships in the American Numismatic Association, the Civil War Token Society, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, the American Numismatic Society, the Flying Eagle and Indian Cent So¬ ciety, and a bunch of others.
In a somewhat similar situation to the stamp collectors’ organization, at least regarding relo¬ cating its headquarters (but not to an old wooden factory), the American Numismatic Society (New York) is in the midst of a com¬ plete change. Believing that it is presently lo¬ cated in a now socially unfortunate district of New York which does not attract visitors (155th Street and Broadway), the Society is pulling up stakes. This was announced before ex-President Bill Clinton set up his new office not too far away. By the way, when the Society building was erected nearly 100 years ago, 155 th Street and Broadway was in one of the city’s most fashionable residential areas, popu¬ larly known as Momingside Heights — sounds sort of cozy and nice even now. The ANS has arranged to purchase a very sturdy, venerable (circa 1930s) office building downtown, not far from the financial district. The amount of money involved, including restoration, is ex¬ pected to run well over $10,000,000. In an era in which relatively few people have cozy stock profits and other “extra” assets to tap for gen¬ erous donations (a situation which has devel¬ oped since the building was purchased), funds have not been exactly pouring in, although Donald Groves and the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation have each pitched in with millions.
The American Numismatic Society itself is
going through transition as it tries to broaden its outreach, publicity, and caring to those who wish to visit or use its services. The ANS has been embroiled in internecine controversy in recent years, and this has been very destructive to the general enthusiasm and uplifting spirit mem¬ bers hope to obtain from a hobby organization. It has one of the finest numismatic museum col¬ lections in existence anywhere, the very finest American numismatic library, a talented curator, staff, and councilors (trustees or board mem¬ bers). As a Fellow of the Society, we wish it the best — and try to do our bit from time to time (including giving several seminars at the annual Coinage of die Americas Conference, attending receptions, etc.). I hope and tliink that all is on the right track now, and that the Society will prosper and be enjoyed by all of its members.
Back to philatelies for the moment: Our own view is that relocating a stamp museum in Pennsylvania, to spacious quarters an old match factory or anywhere else, will not reverse the perceived decline in the stamp hobby, any more than the American Numismatic Association’s already existing museum in Colorado Springs has dynamically reversed na¬ tional trends. In fact, if the APS would take the time to check, it would be quickly learned that the ANA membership today in 2002 is not much different from what it was 20 years ago when its present grand museum was in the growth stage!
However, without question a fine stamp museum, or coin museum, or a museum of anything else does a great deal to inspire people to become interested in the hobby, to promote education, and to make a given organization more useful to its members.
Sometime — not now — I will write a com¬ mentary on the value of museums. In my opin¬ ion, the Smithsonian Instiriition should receive
(continued on page 10)
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2_ The Coin Collector sfc May 20, 2002
COLONIAL AND EARLY AMERICAN COINS
Colonial Coinage references:
Walter Breen* s Complete Encyclopedia ofU.S. and Co¬ lonial Coins. The master source, the fountainhead ofinfor- mation gathered over a long period of years by one of America’s most highly acclaimed numismatic researchers. Copies ofthis reference may be found on every numismatist’s desk here in our offices. An indispensable work. 754 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BBR-764. List $135, before your discount!
American Coin Treasures and Hoards. By Q. David Bow¬ ers. Twenty-two chapters are filled with stories of treasures hidden, lost, found, and some waiting to be found. A wide range of numismatics are covered, including many stories of colonial coinage such as the remarkable Castine Hoard found in Maine. 456 pages, profusely illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BBM-404. List $59.95, before your discount!
The Soho Mint & the Industrialization of Money. By Dr. Pochard Doty. If you know about the Soho Mint then this book is a “must have.” If you don’t know about it, that is all the more reason to order a this definitive volume. 254 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BDO-505. List $75, before your discount!
The Early Coins of America. By SylvesterS. Crosby. One of the greatest American numismatic books, this volume appeared in 1875 and has never been superseded. Standard reference on colonial, state, and early American coins. 378 pages, illustrated. Durst reprint. Hardbound. Stock No. BCR-271. List $45, before your discount!
The Early Paper Money of America. By Eric P. Newman. The source for early American paper money of the colonial era, including comprehensive information on every issue. An exceptional reference for the colonial coin collector as well. 480 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BNE- 500. List $75, before your discount!
Coinage of the American Confederation Period. Edited by Philip L. Mossman. 346 pages, illustrated. This book is a “sleeper” in that many numismatists do not know about it. A pleasant reading experience awaits you — this we guaran¬ tee! Cloth hardbound. Stock No. BAN-214. List $25, before your discount!
Money of the American Colonies and Confederation. By
Philip L. Mossman. A superb study, separately published by the ANS, and an ideal companion to Sylvester S. Crosby’s Early Coins of America. 312 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BMO-200. List $100, before your discount!
Exceptional 1652 Pine Tree Shilling Large Planchet Variety 1652 Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. Noe- 5. Rarity-4. AU-58 (PCGS). An outstanding example with lovely heather and blue toning. Virtually complete^ lustre is present with natural medium gray surfaces. The planchet is exception¬ ally well formed; only slightly out of round and with very light, natural waves. We cannot over¬ emphasize the aesthetic appeal nor the importance ofthis example. Truly a remarkable opportunity
for the colonial coinage aficionado . 14,950
1723 Hibernia Halfpenny. Double Struck. F- 12 (PCGS). Mottled dark olive and steel brown. Double struck on a slightly oval planchet. 1 ,150 1760 Voce Populi. Breen-223, Nelson-9, Zelinka-6C. AU-58 (PCGS). Glossy brown surfaces. Bold relief of portrait. An exceptional
quality specimen of this popular issue . 1,275
1760 Voce Populi. B-223, N-9, Z-6C. VF-35
(PCGS). Choice medium tan surfaces . 359
1760 Voce Populi. “VOOE” spelling. B-227, N-3, Z 7-E. VF-35. A wonderful example with
smooth light brown surfaces . 495
1760 Voce Populi. “VOOE” spelling. B-227, N- 3, Z 7-E. VF-25 (PCGS). A lovely example with choice medium brown surfaces and ancient po¬ rosity . 379
Lovely 1783 Nova Constellatio 1783 Nova Constellatio. Small US. Pointed Rays. Crosby 2-C. Breen-1107. AU-58
(PCGS). An outstanding quality example with lustrous olive-brown surfaces and blushes of
lighter tan . 2,350
1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 1-D. VF-20. Choice medium brown surfaces with a splash of
darker toning above the Indian’s head . 269
1788 Connecticut. Mailed bust right. Miller 2-D. VF-20. Mahogany fields with olive-brown de¬ vices. Very minor rim bruises are noted . 195
Impressive 1786 New Jersey Copper
1786 New Jersey. Wide Shield. Maris 20-N.
EF-45 (PCGS). A wonderful example with chestnut brown surfaces. Choice quality. The obverse border is wider at left while the reverse is nicely centered . 2,950
1787 Newjersey. Small planchet. Maris 32-T.
EF-40. Nicely centered and sharply struck with steel brown surfaces. Microscopic porosity is present . 1,095
1787 Newjersey. Small planchet. Plain Shield. Maris 46-e. EF-45 (PCGS). This is a lovely ex¬ ample with mottled chestnut and olive-brown. Very choice surfaces for the grade. Minor clash marks are visible on both sides. Obverse and re¬ verse alike exhibit slight central weakness. 1,195 1787 Newjersey. Small planchet. Plain Shield. Maris 46-e. VF-25 (PCGS). Light olive-brown
with heavy clash marks on the obverse . 495
1787 Newjersey. Maris 63-s. G-4. Cleaned long ago, and burnished to remove corrosion. Now
with deep steel surfaces . 99
1786 Vermont. Bust left. Ryder-10. VF-20.
Crudely struck with olive and steel brown sur¬ faces. Minor blemishes and imperfections are vis¬ ible, which for R-10 (also R-9 and R-ll) are normal and to be expected; there is no such thing as a sharply struck, perfect planchet genuine example of any of these three varieties . . . . 495
1786 Vermont. Bust left. Ryder-10. F-12. Faint
porosity with very dark brown surfaces, as ex¬ pected, fighter devices, and splashes of mahogany patina . . . . 295
1788 Vermont. Bust right. Ryder-17. Rarity-4+. VF-25, A delightful example despite the pres¬ ence of minute porosity. Lovely steel brown sur¬ faces . -. . 449
1788 Vermont. Bust right. Ryder-23. VF-20. A pleasing example, nicely centered, with far above average surfaces . 265
1794 Talbot, Allum & Lee cent. VF-35 (PCGS).
Smooth and pleasing dark brown surfaces. An important type among colonial issues. A large quantity of similar tokens from this firm were sold to the United States Mint at a favorable rate, later being cut down and used to produce United States half cents . 299
1781 North American Token. VF-30 (PCGS). Deep steel brown blended with slightly fighter mahogany . 245
Although this issue is dated 1781 it is believed to have been struck and circulated in the early 19th century.
1791 Washington cent. Small Eagle. B-1217. VF-25 (PCGS). A pleasing chestnut brown ex¬ ample, despite a few very fight scratches on the obverse. The obverse is typically weak with a boldly defined reverse. This is a popular issue for colonial type collectors seeking a representative Washington colonial issue . 565
A curious aspect of this variety (and also its cousin, the 1791 Large Eagle cent) is that in 1860, when the numismatic world was a-flutter in the quest for Washingtoniana, a coin such as this was apt to be worth several dollars — valued at, say, the same as two or three gem Proof 1856 Flying Eagle cents! Today, the latter are worth $15,000 to $30,000 each!
1793 Washington Ship halfpenny. Lettered edge. B-1225. EF-45 (PCGS). Attractive dark brown with hints of olive and splashes of lighter tan. Typical later die state with reverse bulges and overdate features no longer visible. An appealing
specimen of this essential variety . 595
(1795) Washington Liberty and Security penny. B-1254. EF-40 (PCGS). Deep olive- brown surfaces with traces of verdigris, typical of these colonial copper issues. A very popular type issue for the colonial collector, impressive for its large size and heavy weight . 695
1795 Washington Liberty and Security
halfpenny. BIRMINGHAM edge. B-1261. AU-55 (PCGS). This is an exceptional example with pleasing fight olive and tan surfaces. The re¬ verse, has a fight die crack through the eagle’s wings and head . 895
Outstanding 1799 Washington Funeral Medal
1799 Washington Funeral medal. Baker-166c. AU-58. Holed as always. An outstanding example with sharp features and considerable lustre. The obverse inscription tells the whole story: HE IS IN GLORY, THE WORLD IN TEARS. ... 2,150
The dies for this were cut by Jacob Perkins, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, a gifted inventor and techni¬ cian who excelled in many fields, ranging from diecutting for tokens and medals, to constructing fire engines, devel¬ oping military ordnance, to devising banknote plates resis¬ tant to counterfeiting. A brief biography of Perkins appears in Dave Bowers’ book, The History of U.S. Coinage, written for The Johns Hopkins University in 1979, and a best-seller ever since. Ifyou buy this medal but don’t have a copy, Dave on request will gladly gift one to you, appropriately autographed.
1799 Washington Funeral medal. Baker-166c. VG-10. Holed as always. An affordable example with considerable wear, however, all basic design features remain bold . 1,295
Mint State 1787 Fugio Cent
1787 Fugio. STATES UNITED. Four cinque¬ foils. Kessler Newman 8-X. MS-63 BN
(PCGS). Lustrous and choice dark brown sur¬ faces. Struck very slightly off-center. An impor¬ tant example for the specialist, or for the colonial type collector. The obverse has a prominent die
crack from the lower border . 2,950
1787 Fugio. STATES UNITED. Four cinque¬ foils. KN 9-P. Rarity-4. EF-40 (PCGS). A lovely example with pleasing olive and darker
brown surfaces . 1,375
1787 Fugio. STATES UNITED. Four cinque¬ foils. KN 9-P. Rarity-4. VF-25 (PCGS). Mottled olive and steel brown with pleasing sur¬ faces . 825
Lustrous 1787 Fugio Cent 1787 Fugio. STATES UNITED. Four cinque¬ foils. KN 11-X. MS-62 RB (PCGS). An attrac¬ tive example with intermingled brown toning and pale orange lustre. Several planchet flaws are vis¬ ible on the reverse, as often found on examples of this series . 2,950
Choice 1787 Fugio Cent 1787 Fugio. STATES UNITED. Four cinque¬ foils. Kessler Newman 12-X. MS-64 RB
(PCGS). This is an exceptional example with sub¬ stantial deep orange lustre and fight brown ton¬ ing. Heavy clash marks are visible on the obverse, similar to most examples of this variety from the
Bank of New York hoard . 4,950
1787 Fugio. KN 16-H.l. Rarity-5. VF-20. A de¬
lightful olive-brown example with light ma¬ hogany . . . . 279
HALF CENTS
Important 1796 Half Cent Classic American Rarity Variety With Pole to Cap 1796 Liberty Cap with Pole. Breen-2, Cohen- 2. Rarity-4. AG-3. This example is better de¬ scribed as obverse Good-5, reverse Poor-1. Very faint, old surface porosity is present. Date very clearly defined. This is, however, a highly attractive example for the grade and condition, one that is
sure to please, or your money back . 5,950
1835 B-2, C-2. MS-65 BN (NGC). Extremely sharply defined with lustrous brown surfaces and traces of faded orange. Light clash marks are vis¬ ible on both obverse and reverse . 879
LARGE CENTS
Large cent references now available from us:
Walter Breen* s Complete Encyclopedia ofU.S. and Co¬ lonial Coins. All about just about everything — as we’ve noted earlier. A must-have for every library. 754 pages* illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BBR-764. List $135, before your discount.
Walter Breen *s Encyclopedia ofEarly United States Cents 1793-1814. Edited by Mark Borckardt. Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the large cent series plus a lot that you ever dreamed to ask about. 895 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BBR-999. List $89.95. Deluxe Hardbound. Stock No. BBR-999A. List $149.95, before your discount.
U.S. Copper Coins: An Action Guide for the Collector and Investor. By. Q. David Bowers. All U.S. coppers are discussed. 176 pages, illustrated. Softbound. Stock No. BBM-302. List $9.95, before your discount.
United States Copper Cents 1816-1857. By Howard R. Newcomb. The standard reference book on die varieties of copper cents of the period. 312 pages, illustrated with line cuts. With this “program” you can tell all the “players,” these being the cents with “N” numbers that you see here and everywhere. Hardbound. Stock No. BNE-798. List $50, before your discount.
Penny Whimsy. By Dr. William H. Sheldon. A reprint from Lorraine Durst. The first in the American series to combine detailed numismatic die descriptions with history, collecting information, and opinions, a delightful mixture. 340 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BSH-100. List $50, before your discount.
America *s Large Cents. Edited by John M. Kleeberg. 1 90 pages, illustrated. A selection of monographs published by the American Numismatic Society as part of the highly acclaimed Coinage of the Americas Conference (COAC) series, of which Bowers and Merena Galleries staff experts have been a vital part over a long period of years. Cloth Hardbound. Stock No. BAN-215. List $25, before your discount.
Pleasing 1793 Chain AMERI Cent
1793 Chain AMERI. Breen-1, Sheldon-1. AG-
3. An ideal example for the grade, readily recog¬ nizable at arm’s length by the distinctive chain motif, but without date. The medium brown sur¬ faces are smooth and blemish free. The obverse has full profile of Miss Liberty along with partial letters in LIBERTY. The reverse lettering is com¬ pletely visible, including the all-important abbre¬ viated AMERI . 2,895
1796 Draped Bust. Reverse of 1795. S-93. VG-
8. A pleasing example with medium brown sur¬ faces and faint bluish toning. Very minor old porosity is present. The first year of issue Draped Bust large cents are extremely hard to locate in any grade . 750
1797 Reverse of 97. B-7, S-136. G-5. Attractive
medium brown surfaces . 65
Lovely 1798 Large Cent Breen-45, Sheldon-184 Set Registry™ Quality
1798 Second Hair. B-45, S-184. AU-55 (PCGS). An exceptional example for the date or type col¬ lector. This lovely cent features motded olive and steel brown obverse with considerable lustre. The reverse has brownish lilac with traces of orange lustre. Few minute imperfections are noted, and are consistent with the grade. Tied for finest certi¬
fied by PCGS for this major variety . 4,495
1801 S-222. G-4. Dark brown with minute surface
roughness . 59
1802 S-237. G-5. Dark brown fields with fighter
brown highlights . 59
Pleasing 1804 Large Cent
1804 Original. B-l, S-266a. Net VG-10, sharp¬ ness of VF-25 with eroded surfaces. Before shy¬ ing away from this example, please consider the typical appearance of 1804 large cents, coins that almost always have problems of one sort or an¬ other. This is an aesthetically pleasing example with dark brown surfaces. Your satisfaction is
guaranteed, as always . 1 ,450
1807/6 B-3, S-273. Counterstamped with a crown figure in incused oval. VG . 295
1812 Large Date. 15% off-center. B-4, S-289. Net F-12. Sharpness finer with moderate poros¬ ity. Curious early mint error . 595
1823 Normal Date. N-2. G-5. Pleasing medium brown surfaces. A key date among large cents of this era . 69
1838 N-l. MS-64 BN (PCGS). Very choice qual¬
ity with outstanding olive and steel brown surfaces. Traces of pale orange lustre may be seen within the devices when using magnification . 595
1839 Silly Head. N-9. EF-40. Attractive fight
brown with splashes of darker toning . 179
1840 Large Date. N-10. EF-40. A pleasing light tan
example . 69
1 844 N-5. EF-40. Medium brown with mahogany on the reverse . 49
1848 N-35. AU-50. Sharply struck with glossy,
lustrous medium brown surfaces . 175
1849 N-20. EF-40. Choice fight tan surfaces. . 95 1851 N-10. EF-45. Olive-brown and lighter tan. 79 1851 N-19. EF-45. Dark steel brown with splashes
of fighter olive . 79
1851 N-21. EF-40. Pleasing medium brown sur¬ faces . 59
1851 N-25. EF-40. Lovely fight tan . ,.. 59
1852 N-6. EF-45. Attractive tan and olive-brown. 79 1 852 N-6. EF-45. A delightful example with chest¬ nut brown surfaces. Late die state with a promi¬ nent obverse rim break from 3:00 to 4:00. 1 125
1852 N-ll. EF-40. Mahogany surfaces . 59
1852 N-12. EF-40. A pleasing medium brown ex¬ ample . 59
1852 N-16. EF-45. This is an attractive dark chest¬ nut brown example . 79
1853 N-6. EF-40. Chestnut brown . 59
1853 N-15. EF-45. Intermingled mahogany and
steel brown. ; . 79
1853 N-16. EF-40. Lovely fight tan . 59
1853 N-19. EF-40. Light brown surfaces . 59
1854 N-25. Attractive dark steel surfaces . 79
1855 Upright 5s. N-8. EF-40. Attractive medium
brown . 69
1855 Slanted 5s. N-10. AU-50. Light tan with
pleasing surfaces . 135
1855 Upright 5s. EF-40. Chestnut brown . 59
1857 Small Date. EF-45. A lovely example with fight brown surfaces. Minor imperfections are consistent with the grade . 165
Amazing 1868 Large Cent Rarity Gem Copper Proof Fewer than a Dozen Known to Us First We Have Offered in Years 1868 Pollock-676, Judd-611. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). One of the very finest of only a few we have ever seen. Large copper cent of the circa 1843-1857 Braided Hair style, but dated 1868. Struck after cents of this format were officially discontinued, to create a rarity for numismatists, in the style of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, 1884 and 1885 trade dollars, and related items. We are unable to account for even a dozen different speci¬ mens, at least one of which is impounded in a museum (American Numismatic Society). The present piece has been consigned to us. For the forthcoming book, More Adventures with Rare Coins, Dave Bowers has created a chapter on this great rarity — calling it “antipodal to the 1804 dollar,” in that just about everyone knows about the famous, classic 1804, but relatively few are aware of the 1868 large cent. Just as a set of Lib¬ erty Head nickels cannot be truly complete with¬ out an 1913, a set of large copper cents cannot be truly complete without an 1868. This is the first specimen we have offered in a long time! 28,750
SMALL CENTS
Small cent references:
Walter Breen *s Complete Encyclopedia ofU. S. and Colonial Coins. Lots of information about Flying Eagle, Indian, and Lincoln cents awaits you — with information on just about everything else, per the title.754 pages, illustrated. Hardbound. Stock No. BBR-764. List $135, before your discount.
U.S. Copper Coins: An Action Guide for the Collector and Investor. By. Q. David Bowers. All U.S. coppers are discussed. 176 pages, illustrated. Softbound. Stock No. BBM-302. List $9.95, before your discount.
The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Volume 1, 1856-1858. Second edition. By RichardE. Snow in conjunction with the Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Collectors Society. A specialist’s guide to the series, cover¬ ing varieties of Flying Eagle and pattern Indian cents dated 1856 through 1858. Ifyou like technicalities, this one’s for you! 128 pages, illustrated. Spiral softbound. Stock No. BSN-501. List $24.50, before your discount.
The Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Attribution Guide, Volume 6, 1 900-09. Second edition. By Richard E. Snow in conjunction with the Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Collec¬ tors Society. A specialist’ s guide covering Indian cent varieties of the 20th century, the common dates that are easy enough to find. But, can you find a rare or unusual variety? Perhaps with this book you can! 100 pages, illustrated. Spiral softbound. Stock No. BSN-506. List $18, before your discount.
The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents. By David Lange. Everything you need to know about this series. Highly acclaimed and with enough information for two books. 392 pages, illustrated. Softbound. Stock No. BLA-107. List $43.95, before your discount.
The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent. By Dr. Sol Taylor. This fourth edition is packed with new, updated information on every coin in the series. Over 300 pages, illustrated. Softbound. Stock No. BTA-404. List $24.95, before your discount.
The Cherrypicker’s Guide to Rare Die Varieties. Fourth
Catch the Gold Rush Spirit!
The orders are POURING in for Dave’s new book! We’ve shipped tons out the door already, and more are being
shipped every day...
fcatnrinei the treasure from the S.S. ( 'cutml America
Here is what R.F. , a leading numismatic or¬ ganization official, contributor to one of the state quarter designs, and a long-time numis¬ matist had to say — in a note that came in this morning:
Here is a summary of the book:
• Length: 1,051 pages.
• High quality glossy paper.
• Full color throughout the book — including gold coins and ingots.
• Large format pages.
• Beautiful hardbound quality.
• Fully annotated and indexed.
• Comprehensive information concerning private and federal gold coins of the era.
• Details on mints and assay offices.
• Much information never before available in a single volume.
• Produced at an expense involving nearly $500,000 in research and preparation.
• An unsurpassed, unequalled “grand” book you will treasure forever!
• 27 chapters plus four appendices.
• List price: $199 (plus $10 shipping). With the Bowers and Merena discount: $160 (plus $10 shipping). (Discount does not apply to bookplate editions.)
Your satisfaction is guaranteed!
As this issue goes to press a note arrived from M.F., who has just re¬ ceived his book. Perhaps we should start selling FORK LIFTS to book buyers, to help them carry their copies around!
“ Thanks very much for the new book, which has just arrived. I am only a few pages into it so far, but I did want to write to express my enthusiasm!
“ Since I hurt my knee last week, I can barely carry it since it is so heavy. It is impressive, and I have set a personal goal to read it from cover to cover. I do appre¬ ciate all the footnotes and other incidental information in addition to the main text. I can’t imagine how much work it must have been to assemble all those detailed ac¬ counts into a coherent narrative that remains interesting.
“Thanks, again.”
[M.F.]
Dear Dave,
It was almost deja vu all over again. I check my post box today and received the latest issue of The Coin Collector plus a package slip. While waiting in the very long noontime line to get to the counter, I read all about the release of your new book, A California Gold Rush History. “Gee,” I thought to myself, “did I pre-order this book? Gotta check.”
Imagine my surprise when I received a box from B&M that weighed about 600 pounds (it was at least that heavy by the time I carried it back to the office) . And what did I find inside that box? You guessed it, your new book. “What kind of magic is this?” I thought, then remembered that a sufficiently developed technology is indistinguishable from magic.
So I am paging through this magnificent volume, finding treasure on each page. You have surpassed yourself, Dave! Congratulations and thank you for a book that will bring many hours of pleasure dur¬ ing the first read and a valuable reference volume for years to come. [R.F.]
ASS AYE PS
R A M E N T 0
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A CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH HISTORY
BY (), DAVID BOWERS
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Hie Coin Collector May 20f 2002
Coin Quiz
The Joys of Summer
The sun is shining on Lake Winnepesaukee today, which makes our mind wander to summer fun outdoors. Such frolicking manifests itself occasionally on the numismatic objects we all enjoy collecting— see if you can identify where these outdoor activities appear:
1. Chopping wood
2. Playing baseball
3. Boating
4. Running
5. Horseback riding
a. 1850 Baldwin and Co. $10
b. Indian Peace medals of James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln
c. Legal Tender $5 notes, 1875-1907
d. 1875 Trade Dollar patterns, Judd-1420 to 1429
e. 1984 Olympic $10 commemorative
Bonus: The ANA Convention, traditionally a summer event, was first held in what month?
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Edition- Volume One. By Bill FivazandJ.T. Stanton. Now in its fourth edition, the Cherrypicker’s Guide provides detailed descriptions of varieties that can be acquired unattributed at conventions, in collections, and even in your pocket change! The fourth edition has been separated into multiple volumes covering all denominations. 422 pages, illustrated. Spiral bound. Stock No. BFI-950. List $34.95, before your discount.
Flying Eagle Cents
Important 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
1856 Flying Eagle. F-15 (PCGS). Pleasing olive
and tan surfaces with traces of deeper toning along the borders. The ever popular Flying Eagle issue usually on collector want lists. This example has Reverse B as described by Pick Snow in Flying Eagle and Indian Cents . 6,450
1857 MS-64 (PCGS). Generally quite sharply de¬
fined, with slight weakness on the bottoms of UNITED STATES. The tops of these same let¬ ters are sharp. Intriguing. Lustrous golden tan with splashes of iridescent toning . 1,395
1857 From die clashed with Liberty Seated half dollar die, and showing traces of the half dollar design. VF- 30. Attractive grayish tan surfaces. A highly afford¬ able example of this “must have” variety! .... 385
1858/7 EF-40 (NGC). Attractive olive with lighter tan on the devices. The diagnostic broken wing tip is visible, along with the die chip over the first 8. Overdate features are weak but visible. .. 795
Indian Head Cents
I860 Pointed Bust. AU-50. Choice light grayish tan surfaces . 139
1862 MS-64 (NGC) Lustrous bright golden yellow
surfaces. Popular Civil War year . 365
1863 MS-64 (NGC). Rich golden tan lustre. 345
1863 MS-63 (NGC). Lustrous golden surfaces. 145
1864 Copper-Nickel. VF-30. Very dark olive sur¬ faces . 49
1864-L Doubled Date. Breen-1962, Snow-1. MS-63 BN (PCGS). Golden tan faded from original red lustre. A pleasing example . 695
Did you get a chance to read Wayne Rich’s comment about his litde hoard of 1 864-L cents in his biography in our March catalogue. If not, here is a second chance. Wayne, bom in 1 9 1 2, discovered numismatics in 1 939, and went on to achieve great prominence in the field. Early in his collect¬ ing career he found a hoard of Indian cents in an attic above an old Post Office in Maine. And then:
“In 1939, I was chaperone for a group of 4-H members going to Washington, D.C. and the New York World’s Fair. I had about 25 1864-L cents in ‘Fine’ condition and took them to New Netherlands Coin Co. I asked the owner, Moritz Wormser, what he would pay. He offered $1.50 each, which I thought was a fair price.
‘“Do you have any more,’ he asked? I pulled out 20 more. ‘How much for the lot?’ ‘Same price, $1.50 each,’ “Apparently, he was very frightened by such a large quantity, so he quickly withdrew his offer completely: ‘I guess I won’t take any today.’
“I kept the 1 864-L cents, and later sold them for $9 each. When I saw Wormser later I kidded him about his refusal to pay $1.50 each. Of course, now [in 2002] each coin would be worth a couple hundred dollars.”
1864-L Repunched Date. Fivaz-Stanton 1C-006.55. VF-25 (PCGS). Deep brown surfaces . 139
1865 Fancy 5. AU-50. Pleasing light brown. .. 49
1866 MS-65 RB (NGC). A lovely example with
considerable orange lustre blended with dark brown. Sharply struck with full feather tips and diamonds on the obverse . 1,095
1867 MS-63 RB (PCGS). Lustrous olive-brown
with peripheral orange. Clash marks are present on the reverse, inside the wreath . 359
1867 AU-55 (PCGS). A choice example with deep olive-brown surfaces . 239
Brilliant 1869/9 Indian Cent
1869/9 Snow-3. MS-64 RD (PCGS). An amaz¬ ing example with fully brilliant orange lustre. The reverse has a prominent die crack through top of the shield. Very seldom do fully brilliant examples of this variety appear in the marketplace. When we saw this one available at a show recently, we did not hesitate. You shouldn’t either . 2,450
1869 MS-64 RB (NGC). Highly lustrous with a
nice blend of subdued orange and medium brown . 845
1870 MS-65 BN (NGC). This is an exceptional
gem example with hght blue toning over dark brown surfaces. Considerable orange lustre re¬ mains on both obverse and reverse. This example is very close to “red brown.” Sharply struck with full feather details on the obverse and full shield details on the reverse . 1,395
Lustrous 1870 Indian Cent
1870 MS-64 RD (PCGS). A wonderful example for the Indian cent aficionado, exhibiting full light orange lustre on both obverse and reverse. Sharply struck and with considerable aesthetic appeal . 1,875
1870 MS-64 RB (PCGS). This lovely cent has
exceptional golden orange lustre hiding to ma¬ hogany and hght blue on the devices. The reverse is nearly full Hght orange. A wonderful opportu¬ nity for the connoisseur . 849
Gem Mint State 1871 Cent
1871 MS-65 RB (NGC). Highly attractive featur¬
ing considerable orange lustre blended with olive- brown. Very sharply struck with all obverse and reverse design features fully defined . 2,350
Although the 1872 gets more ink, in our experience a Mint State 1871 is about on a par with the 1872 rarity-wise. The present piece is truly lovely.
1871 MS-64 BN (PCGS). This is an amazing ex¬ ample for the MS-64 grade. The surfaces are pris¬ tine with medium brown toning and traces of
faded orange lustre. All details are sharply defined
on both obverse and reverse . 1,095
1872 VF-30 (PCI). Deep brown with lighter tan
devices . 339
1874 MS-64 RB. A lovely example with sharp de¬ sign features and very hght tan toning over pale orange lustre . 395
1874 AU-50. Pleasing olive-brown . 125
1875 MS-63 RB. Sharply struck with attractive
brown surfaces highlighted by considerable or¬ ange lustre . 295
Choice AU-58 1877 Indian Cent Key Date in the Series
1877 AU-58 (NGC). An exceptional example with
smooth medium brown surfaces and hints of iri¬ descent blue toning. This is the single most im¬ portant date among ah Indian cents, and is always in demand . 2,150
1878 MS-63 BN (NGC). Sharply struck with ol¬
ive lustre and considerable eye appeal. A scarce date for your collection . 329
1879 MS-64 RD (PCGS). A delightful example,
sharply struck and with full orange lustre. A few minuscule spots and abrasions keep this from the gem category