Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
November 1, 1954
Dear John:
Thank you for the detailed information on the 1926-D double eagle. I note that you expect to have the coin for inspection in the near future, and without commitment of course, perhaps you could hold it long enough for us to check on it together when in New York next week.
With personal regards, Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
January 3, 1955
Dear John:
Enclosed is a list of Corteau's pamphlets which are needed for reference. Should you come across any of these or know of their whereabouts I know you will keep us in mind. Both [C.J.] Edgar and [Frank] Katen so far have not been productive.
With best wishes for the New Year,
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
April 5, 1955
Dear Charles:
Of the batch of cents and nickels sent on approval some time ago my son has kept only the 1913-D and 1916-S pennies at $8.50 and $7.50 respectively. To round out the transaction, which has been pending overly long, he has asked me to include a check for $16.
With personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
P.S. Congratulations and best wishes to you both-indeed to the triumvirate [the latter reference to the presence of Walter Breen on the staff].
May 4, 1955
Dear Sirs:
Enclosed is my check for $96.52 in payment for the following three coins [silver dollars]: 1892-CC $10, 1882-CC $5, 1881-CC $5. Yours very truly,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
May 12, 1955
Dear John:
I have had a chance to check the 1949 [Canadian] specimen set acquired recently and I think you should know that the nickel and the cent appear by comparison to be Uncirculated only. This does not mean that I want to return the coins, but I do want you to try to find me two better specimens to replace the unsatisfactory coins.
However, I would like to return the case to you for a credit, since as you pointed out, it does not match the set, nor does it, as I subsequently realized, qualify for a 1911 set, since it was remade to make place for the dollar. In other words, it is neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring.
Looking forward to seeing you before sailing.
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
August 22, 1955
Dear John:
At the office this morning I found the bill for the half dollar for which you gave us a credit of $8.50 yesterday. It is not surprising that in the hurly burly of yesterday's long session I missed the mark by "one buck" (in my favor). I am accordingly enclosing the dollar bill to straighten out our account.
More important and most disappointing is the situation that confronts me today with the Nike site problem next door. The Army has put on the heat and a decision must be made this week. My plans will not gel until after the meeting this afternoon, but it looks very much as if I shall be Washington bound tonight instead of heading for Omaha [where the ANA Convention was scheduled to be held].
Should such be the case I count on you to keep in touch with us by phone collect, not only to give us an account of the convention, but to let us know of any items of special interest you may be able to unearth.
I leave tonight for New York and Washington.
I note that [James] Kelly offers an Extremely Fine 1890-CC double eagle at $90. If he has it at the convention you might like to compare it with the one you left with us at $115.
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
August 22, 1955
(Telegram)
MR. CHARLES WORMSER HOTEL FONTENELLE OMAHA NEBRASKA
REGRET WILL NOT BE AT [ANA] CONVENTION BUT TWO EMERGENCY MEETINGS ARE KEEPING ME EAST OF MISSISSIPPI -STOP-HAD GOOD WEEKEND VISIT WITH JOHN -STOP- REGARDS
NORWEB
October 31, 1955
Dear Mrs. Norweb:
The Philadelphia convention [of the Middle Atlantic Numismatic Association] was a very successful one, but was rather trying.
We managed to get the 1914 sovereign for you at $130. While this price is very attractive, the coin does have a little edge damage, even though brilliant Uncirculated. Therefore, after examination of the piece, you may feel free to return it.
Frankly, I think of the price, and in view of the fact that I have personally never seen another, I would keep it. Should we ever obtain another one, there is no reason why we cannot exchange it for you. Should we obtain another one at a lower figure we will be happy to exchange it gratis. I discussed this coin with John Pittman, who stated that he has only seen one in addition to this one.
Please tell the ambassador that the 1803 half dime was on consignment to [Charles] French at $155, at least that is what French said. I told French I would give him $135 for it (thinking to bill the ambassador $140). Since French did not respond, I would suggest forgetting about it.
I saw nothing else of interest for you except an Uncirculated 1795 half dollar [which was offered at that event by Robert Batchelder, and which was subsequently purchased by Q David Bowers] which we would have had to bill you at $300. This seemed somewhat extravagant also.
All of us are looking forward to seeing you (and we hope the ambassador again), next week.
Very best personal regards, Very sincerely,
John J. Ford, Jr.
November 3, 1955
Dear John:
Here is my check for $130 for the 1914 Canadian sovereign.
It is good to have it in the collection and know eventually we can hope for a sounder specimen. As regards to the 1803 half dime, we will just scratch it, as there are many more interesting items on the want list.
Could the 1795 half dollar be the one I saw at the sale at a counter near New Netherlands? I forget the type, but it was beautiful. Although it was priced considerably under $300, it was still too high. In this we are in complete agreement.
One other item to mention in the hope that you may come up with a suggestion-the 1904-O eagle I bought from Mr. Donner was a mistake. It is already in the collection, and from New Netherlands, so recent it had not even been entered. Please send me his address as I would like to return the coin.
My outstanding impression of the Philadelphia sale was the var-ied prices at which American gold is being offered. So wide is the range for the same type of material that obviously one must wait a while until the market levels off. Donner I find was on the high side, and happily I was restricted in my buying. As an indication of the great latitude in prices, at the Peake Sale we bought the 1911-D eagle at $72.50 (your estimated price) only to find the same coin in equal condition quoted at Philadelphia at $46!
All being well I hope to be in New York with Mrs. Norweb for the latter part of next week.
Regards to you both,
Han. R. Henry Norweb