Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
May 21, 1956
Dear Ben:
I too have been very much on the move of late. Having just returned from Washington this past weekend this is the first opportunity I have had to go through the half dollar series. As you will perhaps remember the collection is strong in this group, with the problem being chiefly that of improving what we have.
With this in mind here is a list of some of the items that are desired, in top condition: a 1794, 1795, 1802, 1805, 1855-S, 1856-S, 1868-S, 1870-CC, 1870-S, and 1871-CC.
Regards,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
May 31, 1956
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Thank you very much for your letter and want list of the 21st. Please pardon the delay in getting a reply off to you, but I have been as busy as any human could be. What with trying to get caught up with my avalanche of mail, plus trying to put the half dollar collection in some order, and trying to spend some time with my family, I just don't know where I am at.
Under separate cover, via registered mail, I have this day shipped to you, as part of the attached invoice, only the items that I felt would be of interest to you for your collection. [1795 Uncirculated $175, 1795 Gem Uncirculated $250, 1802 AU $175, 1805 EF to AU $45, 1855-S Gem Uncirculated $750, 1856-S Gem Uncirculated $250, 1870-S Gem Uncirculated $30]. You will note upon receipt of the parcel that all of the coins contained therein are beautiful. These coins come from the Charles Manning Collection of Pittsburgh. He, I believe, was on the board of the Mellon Bank, if not, was connected with the bank in some executive capacity. The collection was assembled over the past 40 years, and you will note that I have not "cleaned" or doctored any of the coins. They are all in original Mint State, and would blend beautifully with your collection.
Now, perhaps some comment about price would be in order.
You mayor may not have heard how I came into the collection. It was acquired by competitive bidding. Fortunately for me, I came in high man. I had to pay top dollar, which accounts for the prices I am asking. I might comment about the 1855-S, which is perhaps the finest known. I doubt very much if more than three or four exist in this condition. This is, without a doubt, the nicest of those that exist. I could mention four names of people who would readily pay what I am asking you, but since I promised you "first chance;' here they are. If you, after examination of these coins, would like to improve anything else, just drop me a line, and I will be happy to send what I have. The collection is virtually complete, less a few great rarities. I do have an extraordinary 1878-S half dollar, superior to the specimen that New Netherlands sold as a Proof.
With my very warmest personal regards, I remain,
Yours most sincerely, Ben
June 6, 1956
Dear Ben:
Thanks for your letter of recent date. I too have been very much on the move and am leaving again tomorrow.
This letter is to ackowledge receipt of the half dollars which by and large are fine examples. The early issues are just a shade better than ours but not enough to be tempting. As for the 1855-S and 1856-S, they are indeed outstanding examples but quite frankly we are not prepared to reach for them to that extent. Last year at the Baldenhofer Sale I went to $320 for the 1855-S, which as you perhaps remember finally went for $380. These comments should not be taken to suggest that the prices of these rare coins are out of line, but certainly they are not attractive.
Of the lot that you were good enough to send 1 am keeping the 1870-S and my check for $30 is enclosed. The others are returned separately by air mail. I am sorry we could not do more business.
Very sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
July 23, 1956 Dear Ben:
If still available please send me the following half dollars from your currentlist: 1841-O Uncirculated $17.50, 1842-O Large Date $15, 1846-O Small Date Uncirculated $20. My check is enclosed.
Very truly yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb
July 25, 1956
Dear Mr. Norweb:
This will acknowledge with many thanks receipt of your letter and order of the 23rd. I very much regret advising you that the three coins which you requested, the 1841-O, 1842-O Large Date, 1846-O Small Date, are out on approval at this time. Funny thing, too, since they were requested only last Thursday. Naturally, if I should get them back for any reason, I will be very happy to send them on to you.
I am therefore herewith returning your check and apologize for any inconvenience caused you.
Thanking you again, and with my best regards, I am,
Yours most sincerely,
Ben
Stack's
The firm of Stack's was established in New York City in the early 1930s by Joseph B. and Morton Stack, brothers, with their sister, Shirley also playing a part in the early years. From that time until the present day, they have been an important factor on the American coin scene and have conducted several hundred auctions, including many of extreme importance. In later years, the business was conducted by sons of the founders, Benjamin (who left the firm to form his own business, the Imperial Coin Company in the mid 1950s, then returned), Norman and Harvey.
In the 1950s, as in later years, business was conducted at 123 West 57th Street, New York City. A subsidiary firm, Coin Galleries, earlier located at a different address, is now on the second floor above Stack's.
A number of invoices and several letters from the 1950s remain in the Norweb files, excerpts from which are reproduced herewith.
August 12, 1953
Gentlemen:
Please send on approval (in Uncirculated condition) the following items from your Fixed Price List No. 53: 1907-D dime, 1919-S quarter.
And the following 50-cent pieces: 1901-S, 1905-S, 1907-S, 1912-S, 1919-D, 1920-D.
Kindly mail at once as we leave on the 20th for Dallas.
Many thanks
Hon. R. Henry Norweb