The Norweb Collection - An American Legacy

James Kelly

James Kelly, a jeweler by trade, began his numismatic career in the 1940s. During the 1950s his trade style was World Numismatiques, Inc., under which name he issued price lists and conducted auction sales. He handled many important rarities during his time and was one of the most prominent dealers on the numismatic scene. Later, in 1960, J. Oliver Amos of the Sidney Printing and Publishing Company, Sidney, Ohio, contacted him when the firm was making plans to establish a weekly coin paper, which made its debut as Coin World. Kelly was the main numismatic advisor for Coin World in the early days and conducted the "Trends" column listing current market values. In 1965, Kelly joined with Hon. Michael V. DiSalle (a former governor of Ohio), Max J. Humbert, James F. Ruddy, Q, David Bowers, and several others to form the Paramount International Coin Corporation, which later went on to many achievements in the field. The following letters are excerpted from many in the Norweb correspondence file.

June 20, 1952
Dear Sir:
I am enclosing my check for $5 for a copy of Newcomb's book of United States large cents (1816 to 1857) as advertised in the enclosed clipping.
I would also like to know if you have any idea where I could buy a copy of the Dictionary of Numismatic Names for $5. Yours very truly,
Han. R. Henry Norweb

June 25, 1953
Dear Sir:
Received your letter of June 18th and wish to advise that we still have the coins which you selected when you were here at the office, and they will be shipped to you in a few days along with a few others which may interest you.
Thank you for your continued patronage.
Sincerely yours, James Kelly

July 22, 1953
Dear Mr. Kelly:
Enclosed is my check for the [1805] 5 Berries dime [for $37.50] and those of the Canadian coins which helped fill gaps or improve condition of the collection.
As you will note from the enclosed check I have not kept as many of the Canadians as I had hoped, and I realize from looking over your gradings that our collection, accumulated over many years, is as so frequently happens, underrated by present day standards. In any event, please keep in mind our interest in anything outstanding in the Canadian series.
As regards to the 1879-O dollar, this must have been sent in error, as we bought an Uncirculated specimen at your last auction for $20.
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

January 13, 1954
Dear Sir:
We now have for immediate delivery the 1954 Washington Carver half dollars at the following prices: one set $8, three sets $22.50, five sets $35. Your order will be greatly appreciated and promptly filled.
Sincerely yours,
James Kelly

January 21, 1954
Dear Mr. Kelly:
Herewith my check in the amount of $8 for one set of 1954 commemoratives.
Yours very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

April 15, 1954
Dear Mr. Kelly:
Our paths crossed in Rome but I heard of you being there only a few hours before we were due to depart for Paris. I trust that by now you have completely recovered from the effects of the rough crossing.
We have only just returned ourselves, and are indeed glad to be home. Among the items awaiting me were the lots from the February 8th sale. Of these I am taking the liberty of returning for credit the 1889-CC dollar, which because of the abrasions is unworthy of being called brilliant.
On our next trip to Cincinnati I hope to pass by and see what you have of interest. We found the Farouk Sale most rewarding and of course there will be much to tell you.
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

April 27, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Thanks for your remittance and the nice note of April 15th. I am still limping a little from a badly sprained ankle acquired on the boat trip to Europe. Other than that things are pretty well back to normal.
I purchased a number of items of interest, including the very rare 1926-S double eagle. This was one of the very few not in the Farouk Sale.
Hope to see you when you are down this way the next time. Kindest regards.
Sincerely yours, James Kelly