The Norweb Collection - An American Legacy
Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
Q. David Bowers
Q David Bowers, born in 1938, entered numismatics in 1953.
By 1954 he was advertising nationally, and by 1955 catalogues were issued. On April 15, 1958, he joined with James E Ruddy, formerly of the Triple Cities Coin Exchange (johnson City, New York), to form Empire Coin Company, Inc., a firm which endured, with a brief interruption in 1960, until it merged with Paramount International Coin Corporation in 1965.
In later years he was a founder of Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, then Bowers and Merena Galleries: He served as president of the Professional Numismatists Guild 1977-1979, and as president of the American Numismatic Association 1983-1985. He has written over two dozen books. In 1979-1981 his firm sold the Garrett Collection, which set many records. Numerous other memorable sales were conducted over a long span of years.
His relationship with the Norweb family dates to the mid 1950s.
He recalls that he first met Mr. and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb at a coin convention, after which he engaged in a number of transactions with them by mail.
The earliest correspondence in the file is dated December 24, 1956, and involves an order submitted by Honorable R. Henry Norweb:
December 20, 1956
Dear Sir:
Please find enclosed my check for $16 in payment of the 1841-O Uncirculated half dollar as advertised in the current Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine.
Very truly yours,
Honorable R. Henry Norweb
The coin was sold earlier, and a routine notice was sent:
December 24, 1956 Dear Mr. Norweb:
Sorry to disappoint you, but the 1841-0 half dollar has been sold. I am returning your check herewith. . . . .. .. .
If you have any additional items in mind, please let me know.
Very truly yours,
Q David Bowers
In 1957, placing a bid through James E Ruddy, Q David Bowers became the owner for $4,750 of the Empire Collection example of the 1894-S dime, auctioned by Stack's in New York City. His purchase created nationwide attention, as the idea of paying $4,750 for a dime captured the fancy of newspaper writers and television producers. Bowers recalls that thousands of letters and post cards were received as a result of the news notices.
One of these notices attracted the attention of Honorable R. Henry Norweb, who then wrote:
January 14, 1958
My Dear Mr. Bowers:
The enclosed clipping would seem to indicate that you were the successful bidder of this piece [the 1894-S dime]-with my wife being the underbidder. I had hoped to get it as a Christmas present for her and naturally was disappointed that it didn't. work out that way.
You may have bought this coin for your own collection, but on the chance that it might eventually be for resale, please make a note of our interest in the piece.
Very truly yours,
R. Henry Norweb