Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
July 22, 1957
Dear Mr. Schulman:
I appreciate your thought and continuing interest in my hobby of coins struck in the United States for other countries.
As regards to the coin mentioned, it is already in the collection, but shows signs of considerable wear. If the specimen you have is in top condition please let me know.
Very sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
Benjamin Stack-Imperial Coin Company
Benjamin Stack, earlier associated with the family business of Stack's, set up an independent business, the Imperial Coin Company, located at 5 East 47th Street, later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, at 120 South 3rd Street. A number of letters from and to him remain in the Norweb files, excerpts from which are reproduced herewith.
May 25, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
I do hope that this letter finds you and Mrs. Norweb in the best of health.
I thought you might like to know that I have just acquired several outstanding rarities in the United States coinage. I have the following that might be of interest to you:
1884 trade dollar in Brilliant Proof.
1885 trade dollar in Brilliant Proof.
1823 quarter dollar about Extremely Fine.
None of these coins are from the Farouk Sale. They are from the Williams Collection and offered by the Numismatic Gallery under the Menjou name. If you are interested in any or all, I will be happy to discuss price with you.
Thanking you for your interest, and with my warmest personal regards, I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
Imperial Coin Company
Ben
May 27, 1954
Dear Ben:
It is good to know that you keep us in mind when something special appears on the horizon. In this case we have the two trade dollars in Proof condition. Our 1823 quarter however is only Very Good. This latter item is something we want to improve, but normally we would hold out for an Uncirculated or even a Proof specimen. It is therefore perhaps just a matter of curiosity to inquire about a quotation on this piece.
We shall be in New York next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, so you could probably call us at the apartment at that time. Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
October 12, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
I wish to acknowledge with thanks receipt of your note of October 5th.
Unfortunately, I was unable to execute any of your bids. I enclose herewith your original envelope to indicate that the letter was written on the 5th, but mailed on the 7th. It probably arrived at my office on Saturday, since it was here this morning (Monday) when I arrived. I therefore did not know you were interested in any of the lots.
The following are the prices that the lots realized. They were all sold to "floor buyers" and I was unable to have Stack's adjust records as would have been the case if mail bidders had acquired them. I'm awfully sorry, but we will be able to get them some other time. Lot 290 $18, 409 $32.50, 414 $17.50.
I've been rather busy lately, trying to get my new locale organized. I am almost at a point of throwing my hands up. It is a huge job.
With my warmest personal regards, and until we have the pleasure of being together in Washington, I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
Ben