Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
Coin Galleries
Doing business at 41 West 57th Street, New York, New York, Coins Galleries, a subsidiary of Stack's, sold the Norwebs a number of world coins during the 1950s. James C. Risk corresponded on a number of occasions. Samples are given herewith:
October 4, 1956
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
Thank you for your call this morning. I have found the coins in question and have directed that they be sent on to you today. The relevant document is attached, I did not send the 1882 because it would require a more resilient imagination than mine to call it Uncirculated.
With reference to the Military General Service Medal, it might be pointed out that the Indian warrior's name should be impressed on the edge. If there is no name, or if the name has been engraved, it would not be a particularly good specimen to have in your cabinet. In any case, I think I should have a brief look at it. Sincerely yours,
James C. Risk
October 8, 1958
Dear Jim:
Many thanks for your note about the medal. I expect the coins will come in by tomorrow's mail. Incidentally I think it is wiser to send all material to the home address.
Very sincerely,
Honorable R. Henry Norweb
October 29, 1956
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
The extra and rejected Chilean peso arrived safely this afternoon. I have done my best to console it, but I am afraid that the poor thing will never recover from the disappointment of having almost been in the Norweb Collection ....
Sincerely yours,
James C. Risk
Copley Coin Company
Located in an upstairs office at 581 Boylston Street, Boston, the Copley Coin Company was owned by Maurice M. Gould and Frank D. Washburn. The firm's letterhead proclaimed specialties in United States colonial coins, large cents, and half cents.
During the 1950s, Copley handled a number of important holdings, including the Mathewson Collection of large cents. The firm had an excellent reputation and traded primarily with numismatists who had specialized interests.
In later years, the company disbanded, and Maurice M. Gould moved to the West Coast, where he became a well-known lecturer at coin conventions and a regular columnist for Coin World. He was also a guiding light of the Numismatic Literary Guild.
The Norweb's made numerous purchases from Copley Coin Company during the 1950s, several of which are chronicled here.
May 29, 1953
Dear Sir:
Very glad to hear from you again. We were swamped with orders on the Canadian coins, however we have three pieces left which we are sending you and enclosing a refund check for the balance. If you care to send me a Want List of Canadian and Newfoundland and state condition wanted, I will be pleased to quote you or send anything on approval.
Kindest regards from Mr. Washburn and myself.
Sincerely yours,
Maurice M. Gould
June 4, 1953
Dear Mr. Gould:
Thank you for your letter enclosing the Canadian coins and naturally it was disappointing that only three were available. The penny and five-cent series are complete, but anything in top condition that is Extremely Fine or Uncirculated in 10, 25, and the 50-cent series would help improve the condition of those we have. Our present purpose is to raise the level of the collection, and .1 am hopeful that you can be of help in that direction.
Our interest in Canadian coins began many years ago, but the emphasis as you know is almost entirely in tokens. The bulk of the decimal pieces collected when I was a young man were with little regard to condition. In the circumstances almost anything, especially in the 25-cent and 50-cent series that is in Uncirculated condition, would be a welcome addition, and I would welcome your putting my name on your approval list.
The series from 1940 on does not need bettering. In addition please keep me in mind for Newfoundland $2 gold pieces. I have six out of the eight, but only one is in acceptable condition.
With personal regards,
Yours sincerely
Honorable Mr. Henry Norweb
August 19, 1953
Dear Honorable Mr. Norweb:
I feel very badly about being sold out every time you write in.
We just have more calls for Canadian and Newfoundland than we have coins. The next time I will have a nice listing I will send you a list before it goes to press.
As a rule if you get your order in for my price list within a day or two after receiving it you should get everything you want as we have everything in stock when the lists are mailed out.
If you ever get to Boston be sure to drop in to see us.
Very truly yours,
Maurice M. Gould
The following letter enclosed a type listing of large cents for sale from the Mathewson Collection, including the following highlights: 1793 Wreath, Sheldon-9, Uncirculated $400; 1793 Wreath, S-lla Extremely Fine $300; 1794 S-43 Uncirculated $90; 1795 S-78 Uncirculated $75; 1798 S-184 Uncirculated $60; 1799 S-189 EF-AU $900; 1801 S-224 Uncirculated $75; 1802 S-228 Uncirculated $75; 1803 S-260 Brilliant Uncirculated $85; 1805 S-269 Brilliant Uncirculated $100; 1806 S-270 Brilliant Uncirculated $255; 1821 Newcomb-I Uncirculated $75; and numerous other coins, nearly all of which were described as Uncirculated, including many later dates averaging $8 to $15 each.
June 16, 1955
Dear Mr. Norweb:
We recently picked up a famous large cent collection and thought you might be interested in some of the pieces. Enclosed is a listing of them.
The coins are from the Mathewson Collection, of Providence.
It is a collection that was accumulated over a period of 70 years.
Many of the pieces are the finest known. Mr. Mathewson collected only the choicest coins obtainable. In condition it is without a doubt the finest collection of large cents we have ever seen, and possibly the finest every assembled.
Hoping to hear from you shortly, we are,
Sincerely,
ED. Washburn
July 11, 1955
Dear Mr. Washburn:
In an earlier letter I promised to let you know of Mrs. Norweb's interest in any items from the large cent list in your letter of June 16th. I am now writing to say that we have practically closed up shop for the summer so far as coin activities are concerned, and any new acquisitions will therefore have to be deferred.
Sincerely yours,
Honorable R. Henry Norweb