The Norweb Collection - An American Legacy

December 31, 1953
Dear Charles & John:
Your joint response [a copy of which does not survive in the files] to my omnibus letter seems to clear the decks for the year end.
It is not my intention to seem to persist in any discussion of quotations because as you know all our transactions have been on a give and take basis. In this one instance though the discrepancy seemed to be important enough to warrant at least a passing reference, in the exchange, while not closing the door, has added perspective for all of us.
With every good wish for the New Year, Yours very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

June 16, 1954
Dear John:
We have been offered a 1937 Canadian 50-cent piece in aluminum-bronze Proof. This is a striking of the regular dies of 1937, but in a special metal. If you have any information about this specimen I would appreciate any and all particulars.
The asking price is $250 since it is said there are only two strikings in this particular metal.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

June 18, 1954
Dear Ambassador:
In response to your recent note concerning a 1937 Canadian half dollar in aluminum-bronze, can advise you of the following.
This is strictly a pattern item. It is by no means unique, does not belong in your collection, and is not worth $250, or anything like it. Like all items of recent vintage emanating from Ottawa, we would view it with jaundiced eyes. To give you an idea of comparative value, we recently sold a 1942 United States cent in similar alloy for less than one-half the figure mentioned. We also have currently in stock the 1926 United States Sesquicentennial half dollar in bronze, at a considerably lower retail figure than $250.
It is unfortunate, but a great deal of the hysteria over decimal Canadiana is little more than hysteria.
Hope this gives you some idea of what I think of the piece and its price.
We are all looking forward to seeing Mrs. Norweb and you next week.
Sincerely yours,
John J. Ford, Jr.

August 25, 1954
My Dear Ambassador Norweb:
I am able to answer you on both counts in that I have been able to talk to both Mr. Raymond and Hans Schulman.
Regarding the former, he said that the coin was not 1935 but 1939, that he does have certain Proofs left and can furnish one to me to retail at $20.
Regarding the latter, Hans has just been on the phone and whereas I did not mention the lot in question specifically, he told me that he had not gotten to any coins and would not be able to do so for several weeks .... Will be on the look-out for you and report what I can [this commentary apparently refers to delays Hans M.E Schulman was experiencing with regard to the importation into the United States of his purchases made at the King Farouk Sale in Cairo].
I am glad to hear that Mrs. Norweb and you are recovering, and with warm personal regards to the two of you,
Very Sincerely,
Charles M. Wormser

August 27, 1954
(receipt)
Received from Mrs. R.H. Norweb the following false and fraudulent coins from my personal reference collection. It is understood that these pieces were given gratis to me from the Holden-Norweb Collection and are to be held by the undersigned only for purposes of comparison, instruction, and reference:
Fugio dollar, Dickeson struck copy, white metal (found to be an inferior duplicate of a perfectly salable and legitimate item); 1799 large cent, electrotype; 1792 Oetz Washington half dollar, electrotype; two 1791 Getz Washington half dollars, Idler copies; 1789 Robinson "cent'i-struck fabrication; 1737 Bolen Higley cent; 1803 Kettle half eagle; Sommers "twopence'"-fabrication; 1834 half eagle-contemporary counterfeit in copper; 1665 "XII PENCE" silver fabrication; six Feuchtwanger alloy and nickel counterfeit half dollars.
John J. Ford, Jr.

August 30, 1954
Dear Charles:
Many thanks for your prompt response of the 25th. I must have mixed up the dates on the Canadian Proof dollar for I already have a 1939 specimen, purchased directly from Mr. Raymond, but thanks again for your trouble.
In any event I know you and John will keep in mind at all times my interest in corralling late Canadian Proof sets as they become available, either individually or collectively
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb