Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
November 14, 1958
Dear Henry:
I have both your letters dated October 31st and November 1st before me and it is too bad that we could not discuss the situation in person, however I will do my best through correspondence.
For your information, there happen to be only two collectors with whom I deal direct. Clestino [oaristi in Havana to whom I sold my entire Spanish- American colonial coins, and I am interested in completing the series as if I still owned it. The other collector happens to be you ... otherwise that I want to dispose of goes to dealers and my prices are exactly the same, which should answer your last paragraph of November 11th. It just so happens that you are the first to whom coins in question were offered, and I feel that they are all great rarities, except the Mexican five pesos .... If you still find the prices are too high, allow me to make the following suggestion. Return the coins which you do not want on account of price and should I find that I cannot realize the prices quoted and decide to take less, you will receive first consideration.
Trusting that the above information will assist you in making up your mind and with best regards,
Sincerely,
Mortimer
November 29, 1958
Dear Mortimer:
Returning from a series of hunting expeditions I found your two letters, to which I am replying at once since an answer has already been too long delayed. Naturally I regret the adamant attitude in what seems to me a reasonable approach and I shall be guided accordingly.
This note is just a stop gap. Let me have a few more days and I will return such coins as may not be needed in the circumstances. I always feel it is too bad when we can't get together.
Very sincerely,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
Hollinbeck Coin Company
The Hollinbeck Coin Company, operated by Arthur M. Kagin and Paul Kagin, did business for many years at Suite 400-403, Royal Union Building, Des Moines, Iowa. During the 1950s the firm was one of the best known in the United States, with much attention having resulted from the spectacular buying done by the Kagins at the 1953 convention of the American Numismatic Association. Many letters and invoices are preserved from this era. Years later, Arthur and Paul Kagin went their own separate ways. Both continued to be important in the business, with Arthur M. Kagin joining his son Don in a venture which at one time included branch offices in several different cities. Several hundred mail bid sales and auctions were conducted by the Hollinbeck Coin Company and, later, Arthur Kagin.
Selected excerpts from correspondence are given here.
May 28, 1953
Gentlemen:
Here is our list for your May sale. I had intended going into the gold pieces but will hold off until I can get specimens in top condition.
We have your note about the outstanding United States collection. Of course we are interested, and on our return from Cincinnati on Tuesday we will attempt to get off an indication of any items in which we have a special interest. Meanwhile though do not hesitate to send us anything on approval. We are always interested in outstanding material. We were sorry to leave Chicago earlier than anticipated and without the opportunity of following up on our initial chat about some of the Proof eagles. I remember especially 1863, 1865, 1877. Was there also a 1796 that you offered?
As I think you know from earlier correspondence, gold coinage in Uncirculated or Proof condition is my particular field. Happily I made a start in this direction many years ago and have a good backlog, but Proof gold is not easy to come by these days.
Very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
June 5, 1953
My Dear Mr. Kagin:
Enclosed is a check for the bids in your last sale. Also I am enclosing my check for $355.50 in payment of the 1877 Proof eagle.
I would like to keep the 1863 and 1865 Proof eagles and would enclose my check for them, except it is my impression that we spoke in Chicago of a 7 1/2%, not a 5% discount. Upon receipt of my confirmation my check will go forward immediately.
As for the 1796 $10 eagle, it is returned herewith since we have obtained in the meantime an equally fine specimen ....
With personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
Dear Mr. Norweb:
This will acknowledge receipt of your check covering purchases of the 1877 $10 and the return of the 1796 $10. Now that you mention it, I recall quoting you the 7 1/2% discount on the 1863 and 1865. You may forward your check for these two items at your earliest convenience.
I am enclosing a few colonials for your inspection. Check them over at your convenience and return those which do not please you.
It is our pleasure to serve you.
Sincerely,
Paul Kagin
August 11, 1953
Dear Mr. Kagin:
This is a joint letter on the coins you sent. First let me say that Mrs. Norweb is delighted to have the colonials to examine. It is well that you said she could take plenty of time, as between summer vacations and getting ready to go Dallas, she has not had as much opportunity as usual for quiet study.
Now as to the coin sent on approval. The 1796 dime unfortunately is not a 4 Berry piece. There's a fifth berry under the eagle's wing which was probably overlooked. The obverse corresponds with Kosoff-9 and the reverse is likely to be also 9 except that I would not describe the E and A in AMERICA as touching leaves. The E is crossed by a leaf while the A barely, if at all comes into contact with the leaf. Kosoff's photographs are too poor to make identification sure. Unfortunately, Mrs. Norweb does not have [pictures of the Clapp Collection coins]....
Yours very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb