Letter from the Editor

Books and rare coins are the twin em¬ phases of this issue. In the line of books we showcase some of our most popular titles as well as some of the more obscure ones. Even if you buy just one book, you can take a 10% discount, and if your book invoice crosses the $100 mark, take a 20% discount on your book order. This is our way of cutting our profit in order to get more books on your shelves. I know that if I couldn’t re¬ place my reference library, I would not sell it for its weight in gold (or platinum either). Probably nowhere else in numismatics will a modest expenditure repay you so hand¬ somely. For your amusement{?) we’ve in¬ cluded some bookish puns and altered say¬ ings as “fillers” on the following pages.

My American Com Treasiws {Ktd Hoards book continues to be a best seller, and it is just a matter of time until it is OUT OF PRINT. Having received a wholesale order for SOO copies a few minutes ago (really!), we now have fewer than a thousand copies on hand. We will be making a second printing, but not until next year. Yesterday afternoon Barbara Gregory telephoned me from Ameri¬ can Numismatic Assodation Headquarters in Colorado %>iings to adc if the ANA could buy three more copies of the book, to help out with their backlog of requests to borrow iti I rose to the occasion and donated the copies, along with some copies of our Eiiasberg cata¬ logues of 1996 and 1997, which also have a bng waiting list. White it is fine tts borrow these books, it is even finer to possess your own copies, especially as they are available and in print right now and are, in my opinion, quite inexpensive (especially with your dis¬ count). What could be more idealf

Rarities are always showpieces. Empha¬ sis in this issue is on scarce, rare, and seldom- offered issues in just about every series imag¬ inable. Of course, we have lots of inexpensive coins, too-these will be listed in our next Coin Collector and our n^ Ran Coin Rewew.

Further, although we believe tiiat the coins and books we send you are amoi^ the very finest you can buy, you are the final judge. If ft>r any reason whatsoever, you are not 100% DEUGHTID with the quality and value received, a refund awates you without question. We are not happy until you are.

If you are an old-timer with us— and quite a few clients have been buying from us for over 10, 20, 30, or even over 40 years (we started selling coins in 1953)— you know the quality, value, and service to expect. If this is your first issue of The Coin Collector, I invite you to send us a sample order. I know you’ll enjoy the experience.

Thank you far your business and friendship.

Q. David Bowers

®1997 Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc.

ISSN 1073-9580 $3.00

The Life of a Collector

by Armand Champa

The following article is excepted from commentaries by Armand Champa, the well-known collector of numismatic litera¬ ture. Indeed, his library of reference books, auction catalogues, and numismatic peri¬ odicals was one of the finest ever formed.

Readers may recall that in 1972 we had the pleasure of handling Armand Champa’s coin collection at auction. After selling his coins, his interest turned to numismatic literature. And from November 1994 through Novem¬ ber 1995 we sold his unsurpassed pri¬ vate holding of American numismatic books, auction catalogues, and other printed items; Charles Davis was the cataloguer

Armand, a good friend of the Bow¬ ers and Merena organization and long a familiar figure at meetings of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, passed away March 5, 1997.

About the Author

I was bom in Fitchburg, Massa¬ chusetts, but I spent most of my child¬ hood in Detroit, Michigan. My first job was selling newspapers for the Detroit News at two cents a copy. On some particularly good days 1 made as much as 56 cents.

As a youngster, 1 played baseball every day. My dream was to become a major league player. Often, 1 would work as an usher, seating people at the Detroit Tigers’ baseball park. In this way, 1 could see professional ball games for free. This dretun carried over into the 1930s, when 1 hitchhiked all the way from Detroit to Tarpon Springs, Florida to try out for a place on the Brooklyn Dodgers team dur¬

ing early spring training. In those days, trying out was done at your own expense, and if you were one of the fortunate ones, you would be assigned to one of the mi¬ nor league teams. While 1 was not se¬ lected as a potential professional, 1 did meet a lucky young kid by the name of Leo

Armand Champa in his library.

Durocher, who played second base. While 1 was in Florida, Luke Hamlin and Whitlow Wyatt also encouraged my aspirations.

During the war years in the ecirly 1940s, 1 moved back to Fitchburg, where 1 worked for my aunt and uncle in a restaurant. It was there that 1 first became interested in coin collecting. While counting up the daily

receipts, 1 would pull out Indian Head cents. Standing Liberty quarters and anything else that looked interesting, and put them in a box to save. Eventually, in 1942, I opened a small office where 1 sold both coins and stamps. A stamp dealer named Herman Herst, Jr., of Shrub Oak, New York, would send me large groups of United States postal stamps on approval. 1 recall receiving a letter from him in which he said: “Son, keep these for 30 days. What you sell, pay me, what you don’t sell, return. Make yourself a little profit.” Herst went on to become one of philately’s most prominent figures.

It was also in the 1940s that 1 be¬ came interested in roller skating. Even¬ tually! became aroUer-skatingteacher. My first job was in Worcester, Massa¬ chusetts, but soon 1 began teaching in rinks around the country. In 1961, 1 leased my first roller-skating rink in Louisville, Kentucky. As it turned out, 1 was not the only coin-related person in the business. Not only was 1 in good company, but business at my first rink was so excellent that 1 was making around the mid five figures a year before taxes. 1 would buy two or three double eagles every week at the then- going rate of $57 to $59 apiece. In the mid to late 1960s, 1 started buying pattern coins and eagles, ending up with a necirly complete set of $10 gold eagles, lacking only the 1875. In 1972, 1 auctioned my pattern coins through Bow¬ ers and Ruddy Galleries, and was extremely pleased with the results. From there, 1 turned to numismatic books. Once a col¬ lector, always a collector, so they say.

(continued on page 12)

Bowers and Merena

Box 1224

Wolfeboro, NH 03894

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID WOLFEBORO, NH PERMIT NO. 154

2

Hie Coin Collector © October 27, 1997

COLONIAL COINS

Higb<^e 1652 N-1 Kne Tree Shiffing 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony. SUver Pine Tree shilling. Noe-1. Large planchet. EF-40. 71.5 grains. Lovely silver gray surfaces with a slightly wavy planchet. Prominent die breaks are noted through the date. A particu¬ larly nice example of a very famous

variety . 5,895

Pleasing 1652 Pine Tree Shilling 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony. Silver Pine Tree shilling. N-8. Large |dancheL EF-40. (PCGS). Dark gray toning. The planchet is round save for a small void at 5:00. A very appealing specimen of

this historical coinage . 4,995

1723 Wood’s Hihemia halfpenny. Breen-157. Beaded Cincture. MS-64 BN. A splendid specimen, glossy and somewhat prooflike, with much eye appeal. A fairly unusual instance in which a piece of this era can be ac¬ quired in gem Mint State! . 1,495

1694 Lmidon Elephant token. Breen-186. Thick planchet. EF-40 (PCGS). GOD PRESERVE LONDON. Attractive light brown surfaces . 1,095

Rare Bolen Silver Hi^ey Copy 1737 Higley threepence. Bolen copy in silver. Struck over an Italian 2 lire coin. Kenney-4. Mint State. Light ton¬ ing. Circa 1860s. Sharply struck and

Half Cents

1808/7 F-15 (PCGS). Very dark brown with minor corrosion in the left ob¬ verse field . 500

1828 13 Stans. VF-35. Cleaned and nicely recolored with a few minor rim

bumps . 55

1855 AU-50 (PCGS). Light brown with a few small spots on the rims . 105

Large Cents

1793 Wreath Net G-4. In a PCI “red label"

holder described as VG-10, Scratch damage. Minor porosity is also evi¬ dent . 700

1 794 S-32. VF-25. Sharpness finer with

very minor porosity and a few small rim bumps . 850

1810 Net VF-30. PCI “red label” holder de¬ scribed as EF-40, Environmental daraa^ This is actually a very attractive early cent with glossy medium brown sm- faces. Very minor dark corrosion is present behind the head and a few very

minor rim nicks are noted . 750

1818 AU-50. Cleaned and recolored with a slightly polished appearance — 145 1848 AU-55 (PCGS). A decent coin, how¬ ever, AU-50 at best. Medium brown surfaces with lighter tan at the center of the reverse . 115

Small Cents

1857 AU-50. Harshly cleaned with a planchet depression Idt of the date. 55

1857 AIT58 (ANACS). Ught gold with the

dull lustre on the obverse . 150

1858 Indian pattern. Judd-212. EF-45.

Dark brown with a few minor scratches on the neck. This example is less attractive than most . 625

1859 AU-55 (ANACS). Ughtly cleaned. 105

1863 AU-58 (ANACS). U^t gold and rose

with a very shallow strike . 35

1864 CN. MS-60 (ANACS). Very lightly

cleaned . 95

187’3 Open 3. MS-64/60. Highly lustrous brown with tinges of red. The reverse has three large black spots . 150

1880 Etoubled die with clcished reverse.

MS-60. First glance appearance of MS- 64 Red, however, lightly dipp>ed. This is a rare and distinctive vmety . 475

1881 EF-40 (ANACS). Cleaned and recol¬ ored . 12

1908-S AU-55 (ANACS). Very small re¬ verse scratch . 95

191 1-D AIT50. Dipped . 40

191 1-S AU-50 (ANACS). U^tly cleaned.48 1920 MS-65 RD (PCGS). The obverse has a very short scratch on Lincoln’s head

and a fingerprint in the field . 45

1924-D MS-64 1^ (NGC). Streaky gold ton¬ ing on the reverse . 285

1924- S MS-62 RB (ANACS). Pale orange

and brown toning. Probably deemed and recolored . 85

1925- D MS-60. Sharply struck and lightly

cleaned . 34

defined with excellent details. Exceed¬ ingly rare. One of the most highly prized of Bolen’s productions. RicheU'd D. Kenney in Struck Copies of Early American Coins stated that just two

were struck in this metal . 2,650

Attractive 1766 Pitt Token 1766 Pitt halfpenny. Breen-251. AU-50 (PCGS). Lovely medium brown sur¬ faces . 2,995

1766 Pitt halfpenny. B-251. EF-45. Smooth light brown surfaces which ctfe problem-free. A very pleasing speci¬ men . 2,195

1787 Massachusetts half cent Ryder 2-A. Rarity-5. EF-40 (PCGS). Dark olive- brown and problem-free save for

slightly dull surfaces . 1,025

1787 Connecticut copper. Ml.l-A. Small Head. VF-25 (PCGS). Attractive, glossy light brown surfaces. Classic Machin’s Mill issue struck at Newburgh, NY, un¬ der very interesting circumstances (cf. Crosby, et al. ). One of the nicest seen at

this grade level . 995

1786 Vermont “landscape” Copper 1786 Vermont copper. Ryder-6. Raiity-3. EF-40. VERMONTENSIUM spelling. Landscape type with sun peeping over forested ridge obverse motif; STELLA QUARTA DECIMA reverse. A very hand¬ some example of an issue that is fairly scarce in all grades, but decidedly rare

so fine . 2,695

1786 Vermont copper. Ryder-7. Rarity-3. VF-20. Landscape / STELLA QUARTA DECIMA style. Sun over forested ridge, always a popular design type. Struck under rustic circumstances at

1928-S MS-62 RB (ANACS). Mostly red al¬ though probably cleaned . 35

1931-S MS-62 RD (ANACS). Very minor

spots . 45

1931-S MS-65 RD (PCGS). The reverse is

slightly discolored . 165

1939 Proof-65 RD (PCGS). Fciint spot at the center of the reverse . 65

Two-Cent Piece

1867 Doubled Die obverse. Breen-2392. EF- 40 lightly cleaned . 75

Three-Cent Nickel

1883 Proof-64 (PCGS). Pede blue with streaky gold toning and minor spots . 285

Nickels

1883 No CENTS. MS-64 (PCGS). Reflective ptile blue with traces of gold toning and a

few spots . 50

1900 Proof-64 (NGC). Few very minor

spots . 190

1913-D Type I. MS-65 (PCGS). Rather unat¬ tractive toning . 130

1913-S Type I. MS-63. Rim nick at 4:00 on

the obverse . 80

1954-S over D MS-60. Dark grayish brown

toning . 39

1994-P MS-68 FS (PCGS). This is the special satin finish coin from the Thomas Jefferson commemorative set. The Guide Book lists these at $50 in MS-65 . 45

_ Dimes _

1873-S Arrows. MS-64 (NGC). Lustrous white surfaces with mottled deep gold

toning . 2,500

1892-S MS-61 (ANACS). Faint mottled ton¬ ing . 315

1895-S MS-61 (PCGS). Primarily white and attractive. A few minor hairlines are

present on the obverse . 385

1907-0 EF-40. Very weakly struck with con-

Millbrook, near Pawlet, VT . 1,095

1789 Mott token. Breen-1020. Thick plancheL AU-53 (PCGS). Intermediate die state with a die bre2dc attached to the upper left edge of the clock but not

affecting the D in GOLD . 1,195

Kentucky cent, undated (c. 1792). Type of &ieen-l 156-1 158. Lettered edge. MS- 60 RB (PCGS). Edge lettered PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL. An exceptionally nice example with a generous quotient of original mint red.

Rare so fine! . 1 ,295

1794 Copper Company of Upper Canada token. Breen-1077. Proof-63 BN. With superb quality surfaces. Struck in cop¬ per, circa early 1890s, by J. Rochelle Thomas, using original dies. On the Thomas issue the tails of the R’s turn upward. Obverse motif of Neptune as the River God. A splendid “association item” for the collector, a muling that will add to the interest of cmy cabinet.

One of the finest seen . 995

1796 Collier Cmnpany of Uiqter Canada Superb Proof Mtgor Rarity

1796 Copper Company of Upper Canada. Struck in copper. “Myddelton” style obverse by Kuchler. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). A splendid Proof with rich chocolate brown surfaces accented with iridescent blue. An aesthetic treat, one of the nicest in existence of this fa¬ mous and very beautiful rarity. It is believed that this emd related pieces were struck circa 1802-1803 as samples of the engraving skills of the Soho Mint, Birmingham. A major opportunity for

centric rainbow toning . 45

1919-D MS-64 (NGC). Light gold toning with

a few minor mcirks on the cheek. . 450

1924-S MS-62FB (NGC). Ughtly toned. 475 1927-D MS-65 (NGC). Satiny white lustre with faint p)eripheral toning. Tiny scratch

in the obverse field . 875

1931-D MS-66FB (PCGS). Frosty white sur¬ faces . . . 425

19354) MS-65FB (NGC). Lustrous white with splashes of gold and blue toning . 350

_ Quarters _

1828 VF-20. Deeply toned and possibly

cleaned long ago . $200

1854 MS-63 <NGC). Lustrous white with

faint toning 2dong the edge . . . 975

1892-0 MS-64. Attractive white lustre. 475 1917-D Type 1. MS-64FH (PCGS). Attractive white surfaces, however, just average

quality for the grade . 675

1917-5 Type 2. MS-65 (NGC). Satiny white

luster . 825

1924-S MS-64. Nearly full head details. A very attractive coin . 925

Half Dollars

1839 Reeded Edge. EF-40. Cleaned with a

bright obverse scratch . 100

1976 MS-60 (ANACS). 35% Off-center. ... 99

Silver Dollars

1878 7/8 Tailfeathers. MS-62 (ANACS).

VAM-38. Ughtly toned on the reverse.60 1878 7 Tailfeathers. MS-62 (ANACS). VAM- 84. Ughtly toned on the obverse, slightly

denker reverse . 29

I879-S MS62 (ANACS). Ughtly cleaned. 17

Commemora lives

1921 Alabama. MS-64 (NGC). Brilliant lustre with faint gold toning along the rims and

severed tiny spots . $600

1921 Alabama. MS-64 (PCGS). Lustrous sil-

the connoisseur . 9,750

1783 Georgius Triumpho. Breen-1184.

AU-50 (PCGS) . 995

(1795) Washington Liberty and Security penny. Breen-1254. MS-62 BN (PCGS). A large and impressive coin. Pleasing medium brown with olive highlights

cmd faint traces of mint red . 2,150

1787 Fugio copper cent Newman 6-W.l. Rarity-4+ EF-40. Medium brown surfaces with lighter letters and devices. A splen¬ did sjjeclmen in every respect . 1,895

1787 Fugio copper cent N 12-X. MS-63. Attractive medium brown surfaces.

You’ll like the quality! . 1,895

1787 Fugio copper cent Kessler-Newman- 12-X. MS62 RB (PCGS). Much original mint red still remains. A very nice ex¬ ample. Undoubtedly from the Bank of New York Hoend of long ago (for detadls see Q. David Bowers’ book, American

Coin Treasures cmd Hoards) . 2,250

1792 Mint Pattern Rare 1792 Copper Disme 1792 Copper disme. PoUock-l 1, Judd-10. Rarity-6-f. P-1 (PCGS). Reeded edge. In¬ termingled tan and chocolate toning with porosity noted on both surfaces. The designs are clearly distinguishable as to type, and much of the lettering can be read, especially on the reverse. The edge reeding is verticcil rather than diagonal; a feature shared by the Norweb specimen. Dr. Judd claimed that the 1792 dismes had diagonal reed¬ ing and it may be that some examples show that feature. We doubt that more than 15 specimens of the Veniety could be traced in all numismatics. An impor¬ tant opportunity for the numismatist who desires 18th-century delicacies, but who does not want to spend the

very white with a few minor scrapes and splashes of deep gold on the re¬ verse. Old holder . 585

1921 Alabama 2X2. MS-62. Actually much nicer, perhaps MS-64, however, the ob¬ verse has heavy hairline scratches, probably from improper cleaning. 325

1935 Arkansas. MS65 (PCGS). Lustrous

ivory-white with a few minor defects. Lacquered . . . 175

1936 Arkemsas. MS-65 (NGC). A few too many marks to qualify as this grade.235

19360 Arkansas. MS-62.- Brilliant and lus¬ trous with numerous obverse marks. 55

1952 Carver-Washington. MS-63. Fresh, brilliant obverse with light fingerprint toning on the reverse. . . 8

1936 Cincinnati. MS-64, Brilliant with a small strecik of copper toning on the obverse. Lacquered . 210

1893 Columbian. VF. Cleaned with hair¬ lines . 6

1935 Connecticut. MS-65 (PCGS). Deep

golden brown toning with brilliant blue around the edges . . . 450

1936 Gettysburg. MS64. The Confederate soldier has a bagmark on his cheek250

1928 Hawaiian. MS-61. Brilliemt emd lus¬ trous with noticeable hairlines. Some

dusky white toning is noted . 1,050

1920 Maine. MS-63. Polished . 80

1920 Maine. MS-64. Faint traces of gold toning. Few very minor hairlines. 160

1936 Robinson. MS-65 (NGC). Quite at¬ tractive with colorful lilac, rose, and blue toning. A few splashes of darker brown toning are also present . 210

1948-S Booker T. Washington. MS-65. Bril¬ liant obverse. The reverse is subdued by faint gray-brown toning . 50

20‘‘Piece Collection

The following coins are included in a 20-piece collection . $1,375

1936 Arkansas. MS-63. Very lightly deemed; 1936-S Bay Bridge. MS-63. Sub¬ dued luster yet attractive; 1936 Bridgeport. MS-63. Minor hairlines; 1952 Carver-Washington. MS-60; 1936 Cleve¬ land. MS-63. Lightly cleaned; 1892 Columbian. MS-63. Reflective surfaces with light hairlines; 1924 Huguenot. MS- 62. Cleaned; 1925 Lexington. MS-60. Poiished; 1936 Long Island. MS-60. Pol-, ished; 1920 Maine. MS-60. Cieaned; 1923-S Monroe. MS-64. Very attractive with briliiant luster. Bright parallel scratches (slidemarks) are noted on the obverse; 1926-S Oregon. AU-58. Very lightly cleaned; 1920 Pilgrim. MS-63. Bril¬ liant luster. An attractive example; 1936-S Rhode Island. MS^2. Light hair¬ lines; 1936 Robinson. MS-60. Lightly cleaned; 1936-D San Diego. MS-63. At¬ tractive with frosty brilliance; 1926 Sesquicentennial. MS-62. Polished: 1925 Stone Mountain. AU-58. Clecmed yet at¬ tractive; 1934 Texas. MS-62. Briiliant and attractive with a slightiy weak strike; 1946-S BTW. MS-63. Subdued white lus¬ tre with a small spot on the reverse.

Special

Reduced

on this select group of coins

Each item listed is one of a kind in our inventory and is offered here at a special discount price. The majority of coins here came from various collections v^e have purchased and have not previously been offered to our customers. Of course, satisfaction is guaranteed and our usual return policy does apply.

Hie Coin Collector © Ocrtober 27, 1 997

3

better part of $100,000 for a high-grade example . 13,950

Attributions by die varieties are to Walter Breen ’s Encyclopedia of United States Half Cents 1793-1857, and Roger S. Cohen, Jr.’s book, American Half Cents.

Exceptional 1804 Spiked Chin 1804 Breen-7. Cohen-8. Spiked Chin. MS-63 BN. Light brown surfaces. This represents an exceptional quality specimen of this popular and inter¬ esting variety . 2,750

1804 B-10, C-13. Plain 4, No Steins. MS63 BN (PCGS). Rich, lustrous brown sur¬ faces . 1,650

Superb Proof-65 1850 l/2(

1850 B-1, C-1. Rarity-7-. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). A handsome example having sharp frosty devices and blcizing mirror fields. The obverse is mostly brilliant with blushes of blue and violet. The re¬ verse has intermingled blue and violet at the center with wisps of fiery mint red at the border. Approximately 12 examples are known . 1 1,500

LARGE CENTS

1803 Sheldon-258. Small Date, Large Frac¬ tion, Short Fraction Bar. EF-45 (PCGS). Superb dark brown surfaces with the

devices framed by lighter tcui . 995

1803 S-262. Small Date, Small Fraction. VF-20. A very rare die variety in any grade; especially so at the level offered here. This attractive cent will be highly

prized by its next owner . 2,195

1805 S-267. EF-45. Attractive brown sur¬ faces . '. . 1,295

Lustrous AU 1809 Cent 1809 S-280. AU-55 BN (NGC). Rich, lus¬ trous, glossy brown surfaces. Far above average strike. A truly outstanding specimen of what is considered to be the key date in the 1808-1814 Classic

Head series . 4,995

1814 S-294. Crosslet 4. EF-45 (PCGS). A nice possibility for a type set. Nicely struck, as cents of this date typically

are . 1,250

1814 S-295. Plain 4. AU-55 (ANACS). Es¬ pecially bold strike . 2,250

1814 S-295. Plain 4. AU-53 (PCGS). Me¬ dium brown surfaces. . . 2,095

1817 Newcomb-11. MS-63 BN (PCGS). Highly lustrous. Probably from the Randall Hoard. As a date, the 1817 is considerably scarcer than the usually seen Randall Hoard coins dated 1818

and 1820 . 1,295

1821 N-1. EF-40 BN (NGC). A sharp, very attractive specimen of this important date. This lovely piece will be an attrac¬ tion in any fine collection of middle-date cents . 1,495

Lustrous Mint State 1822

1822 N-10. Rarity-2. MS-63 BN.(NGC).

Lustrous, glossy brown surfaces. A splendid specimen of this early Matron Head date, one that was not repre¬ sented in any hoard . 2,650

Splendid 1823/2 Cent

1823/2 EF-40. Medium brown surfaces. An attractive specimen of this highly prized date (and overdate). A great “find” for the collector of “middle-date” cents of this era . 2,695

1823 Restrike cent, copper, very early

striking without obverse die break. MS-63. Light brown surfaces with tinges of electric blue and mint red. This is the famous 1823 restrike, but in a very rare form, early, probably dating from circa 1862, from rusted dies, as always, but lacking the prominent obverse die breaks seen on over 90% of those surviving. A showpiece for the advanced large cent specialist . 1,985

1826 N-6. AU-58 (PCGS). Gorgeous lus¬

trous brown surfaces. Nicer than some we have seen offered at the Mint State level, which goes to prove that it is worthwhile to pick and choose. Cer¬ tainly this is one of the nicest 1826 cents you will ever see! . 1 ,295

Lustrous Gem 1827 N-3

1827 N-3. Rarity-2. MS-64 BN (PCGS). A glossy, lustrous gem specimen of a date that is fairly elusive in higher grades. Die break among left-side stars; die breaks on neck. A prize coin that will be long appreciated and admired. ...2,970

1827 N-1 1. MS63 BN. Light brown fields,

medium brown features. Lots of gloss. A splendid specimen of this date, quite scarce so fine . 2,100

Glossy Gem 1828 N-6

1828 N-6. MS-64 BN. Light brown fields,

glossy and beautiful. A gorgeous speci¬ men in every regard . 2,850

1830 N-6. Medium Letters. VF-35. A splendid specimen at this grade level of a classic key issue among cents of this

era . 1,195

Gem 1840 Large Date Cent

1840 N-8. Large Date. MS-64 RB. Much fiery mint red is seen blending to a light brown. A show-stopper, a daz¬ zling gem . 2,350

Flying Eagle Cents

Classic 1856 Flying Eagle Gent

1856 Proof-30 (PCGS). An inexpensive

(in proper context) specimen of this, one of the most famous of all American coin rarities, a great classic. Quite at¬ tractive . 5,295

1857 MS-65 (NGC). A splendid, brilliant,

and lustrous specimen of the first year of regular issue coinage. Far above av¬ erage strike . 2,375

1857 MS-65 (PCGS). Sharply struck and very beautiful . 2,375

1857 MS-64 (PCGS). A “high-end” lustrous gem coin, especially choice and mount¬ ing a serious challenge to the MS-65 grade (as you will see when it ctfrives in

This is a “Must Have”!

United States Gold Coins:

An Illustrated History

By

Q. Damd Bowers The definitive work about Ameri¬

can gold coins.

When Secretary of the Treasury James Baker wanted to know about gold coins, he consulted (and quoted from) this book. Award winner. 8-l/2byl 1 inches, 415 pages, illustrated with color plates.

Hardbound. Stock No. BBM-135. List $57.95.

Special net: $47

Have a Great Time Collecting Coins with...

BOWERS AND MERENA GALLERIES

'‘Your friends in the rare coin business”

Here at Bowers and Merena Galleries, deep in the heart of New England, we really enjoy coins. Numismatics is more than a business: it is a way of life. Each day brings with it some new experiences and activities.

Our “mission statement” here at Bowers and Merena Galleries is to enjoy what we are doing and, at the same time, treat our clients— both buying and selling— as we our¬ selves would like to be treated.

If you are a buyer of coins, our objective is to provide you with the quality coins you desire at prices you will find to be reasonable. When acquiring coins for our in¬ ventory, we select each one with a great deal of care. Each coin from this issue of The Coin Collector comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (seven days for certified coins). We guarantee you’ll find every coin to be exactly to your liking, or you can return it; no explanation necessary.

When acquiring coins, we either buy collections and individual pieces outright for our inventory, or offer what we consider to be a really fine auction service.

By treating our clients as we ourselves would like to be treated, we have built what is probably the most successful rare coin dealership in America today. Since our founding in 1953, we have handled a large share of the finest private and museum collections and rarities to come on the market. Our catalogues and other publications have won more Catalogue of the Year Award and Book of the Year Award honors than have those of any other firm.

Our chairman, Q. David Bowers, has served as president of the American Numis¬ matic Association (1983-1985) and die Professional Numismatists Guild (1977-1979), and has received numismatics’ highest honors including the Numismatic Ambassador Award, the A.N.A. Half of Fame, the Farran Zerbe Award, and the P.N.G. Founders’ Award.

Our staff numismatists including Dr. Richard A. Bagg, Mark Borckardt, Gail Watson, Beth Piper, and others, have had distinguished careers for many years.

I have served as president of the P.N.G. , have received the P.N.G.’s highest honor— The Abe Kosoff Founders Award, and am active in quite a few other areas as well. I am enthusiastic about coins, about our fine organization, and about having you as a client.

From our headquarters building we are a prime source of choice, rare, and desir¬ able coins for collectors, dealers, and museums in all parts of the world. In addition, we conduct public auction sales in New York City, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and other leading metropolitan centers.

Let us help you build a truly beautiful rare coin collection.

And, along the way, we’ll do our best to make the hobby as enjoyable for you.

your mailbox) . 1,095

1858 Small Letters. MS-64 (PCGS). An es¬

pecially nice strike with a good quotient of eye appeal. Equal to or finer than some we’ve seen pegged at the MS-65 level . 1,195

Indian Head Cents

1859 MS-64 (NGC). Brilliant and lustrous. An attractive example of the issue. 995

1859 MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant with lustrous surfaces, cm especicilly nice example of this issue. In fact, we recently bought three pieces. Each has been cherrypicked for quality. Buy one for only . 995

1869/9 MS-65 RB (NGC). Avery beautiful specimen of this scarce date. A nice mixture of brown toning with fiery origi¬ nal mint red. Another Indian cent for

the discriminating buyer . 1,650

1869/9 MS-64 BN . 975

1872 MS64 BN (NGC). Lustrous brown sur¬ faces with tinges of red, and with the attractive “wood grain” toning effect sometimes seen on pristine (uncleaned) examples of this date, lending cm extra di¬ mension of quality and desirability. A key date in remarkably fine condition. ... 925 1877 EF-40. Medium chocolate brown sur¬ faces. Always in demand as the centerpiece date in an Indian cent set . 1,195

Lincoln Cents

Congratulations are in order for David Lange, author of the excellent book. Com¬ plete Guide to Lincoln Cents, published by us last year. At the recent Numismatic Literary Guild award ceremony, held in New York City, this volume took high honors, and deservedly so. If Lincoln cents are your forte, a copy belongs in your library — and this can be accom¬ plished easily by checking our listing of books for sale in the present issue!

1909-S V.D.B. MS-65 RB (NGC). About 90% full original red; with more “red” than some we’ve seen called MS-65

Red! . 1,350

1909-S V.D.B. MS-64 RD . 1,295

1909-S V.D.B. MS-64 RB . 1,195

1909-S V.D.B. MS-64 RB, with nearly full original mint red. Weak V.D.B. on re¬ verse; discernible, but not as sharp as usually seen. An item for the price-con¬ scious buyer . 995

1909-S V.D.B. MS-64 RB (PCGS) . 1,195

1914-D MS-60. Pale reddish orange sur¬ faces resuiting from an old cleaning.

Still desirable and, of course, satisfac¬ tion is guaranteed. A “lot of coin for the money.” . 1,095

1864 Small Motto. MS63 BN (PCGS). The key variety among early two-cent pieces. Rare and in demand. At least 50 to 100 times more elusive than the usu- cilly-seen Large Motto style . 950

NICKEL 3< PIECES

Gem 1877 Three Cents 1877 Proof-65 (NGC). The key date in the nickel three-cent piece series. This splendid coin is a “high end” Proof-65 and will satisfy the most discriminating buyer. Few equivalent quality pieces

exist anywhere . 2,250

Splendid 1877 Proof 1877 Proof-65 (PCGS). Brilliant. Here is a second splendid example of this clas¬ sic . 2,250

1887 Proof-65 (PCGS). Light champagne toning. Rarest Proof nickel three-cent piece of the decade, and about twice as rare as the 1887/6 . 1,050

SILVER 3C PIECES

1862/1 MS-65 (NGC). Brilliant and frosty. Popular overdate variety . 1,195

book! A book! My kingdom fora book!”

— Shakespeare

4

The Coin Collecrtor © October 27, 1 997

Book o£ the Year!

Louis E. Eliasbergy Sr. : King of Coins

By Q. David Bowers

A wonderful book chronicling the life of this magnificent collector and his equally fascinating collection which, when sold, realized $44.9 milhon! You must have this book in your hbrary! 8-1/2 by 1 1 inches, hardbound, 176 pages, illustrated. Second printing.

Stock No. BBM-146A. List $62.50.

Special net. $50

Special Bonus Offer

If you order the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr, biography offered above you can purchase the deluxe hardbound edition of the April 1997 sale of his cohecdon, featuring half dimes through commemoratives, including the famous 1804 dollar, 1885 trade doEar and more for just $70 — a savings of $30! Catalogue of the Year honors were bestowed upon this important catalogue with more than a dozen color plates highlighting the coMection. History was made, records were set, and aE this can be at your fingertips in your personal hbrary.

Gem 1863/2 Three Cents 1863/2 Proof-65 (PCGS). Superb lilac and magenta toning of the type one usually sees only when old-time collections are brought to market. This is one of the highest quality pieces in existence of

this overdate . 3,950

1863 MS-63 (NGC). Brilliant. A rarity in this grade level. Graded MS-63, but probably if you were to grade it MS-64 few would contest it; in other words,

this is a very nice MS-63 . 995

1868 Proof-65 (NGC). Brilliant with just a hint of light toning on the obverse. This 1868 is particularly choice and beautiful. If you could find 10 Proofs at the Proof-65 level and put them side by side, this would be at the top of the list in terms of quality and aesthetic ap¬ peal . 1,695

1868 MS63 (NGQ. Gray cmd lilac toning. Very rare date, and in business strike form far rarer than in Proof format. 1,795

NICKEL 5C PIECES

Shield Nickels

Gem Proof-65 1866 5C 1866 Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS). A splendid gem example having sharp frosty de¬ vices and glittering mirror fields. A winner from any angle! You can search a year and not find the equal of this one! High numerical grade and high aes¬ thetic appeal combined. You’ll really like having this in your collection! Shield nickels with reverse rays were

Mike Thorne's Review

In a recent issue of Coins magazine. Dr. Mike Thorne reviewed the fine book by David Lange, The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents, which we pub¬ lished recently. He concluded by stat¬ ing, “This will be a valuable addition to any library of Lincoln cents, which probably includes just about everyone who collects US coins.”

Of course, this is an appropriate spot for us to suggest that you order a copy for your own library!

And, at our special discount price, how can you wait even a minute longer without owning a copy?! See page 1 1 .

coined in 1866 and 1867 only and conse¬ quently are eagerly sought by type collectors . 4,650

1877 Proof-45 (PCGS). A Proof coin that spent a year or two in circulation. An opportunity to acquire an inexpensive (relatively speaking) example of this fa¬ mous rarity . 1,295

Liberty Head Nickels

1912- S MS-64 (NGC). Brilliant with a whis¬

per of attractive golden toning. A splendid specimen of this low-mintage issue, recognized as a key Liberty nickel from virtually the year it was minted. However, not many people collected them back then, and relatively few were saved. The great interest in collecting Liberty nickels by date and mintmark did not arise until the flourishing of Wayte Raymond’s album business in the 1930s. Today, the 1912-S in any grade is in strong demand . 1,300

Buffalo Nickels

Superb 1913S Type II Nickel

1913- S Buffalo. Type II. MS-65 (PCGS).

Very sharply struck with attractive golden surfaces. This is an important “condition rarity” among Buffalo nick¬ els . 3,650

1913-S Buffalo. Type II. MS-64. Bril¬ liant. Another lovely Buffalo. Sure to please . 975

1915-S MS-64 (PCGS). Light golden ton¬ ing. Very elusive in this high grade and in the quality of the example here of¬ fered. A splendid item for the connoisseur . 1,150

1918-D MS64 (NGC). Delicately toned. A superb strike, and worthy of close atten¬ tion and interest for this fact, in addition to its quality as an MS-64. If you could find 10 specimens of the

1918- D Buffalo nickel in MS-64 grade

and line them up in a row, we expect this would be at the head of the group, qucility-wise! A find for the connoisseur and specialist . 2,295

1918- D MS63 (PCGS). Medium gold and

iridescent toning. One of the most aes¬ thetically pleasing examples we have ever seen of the 1918-D. Interesting ob¬ verse die break . 1,250

Gorgeous 1919-D Nickel

1919- D MS64 (PCGS). Brilliant with attrac¬ tive light golden toning. This gorgeous

1919- D is one of the nicest examples we

have had in recent years. An opportu¬ nity for the connoisseur to acquire a truly outstanding piece, a Buffalo nickel that will be displayed with pleasure for many years to come . 2,450

Gem 1919-S Nickel

1919- S MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant with a

whisper of toning. A