The Norweb Collection - An American Legacy

June 21, 1954
Dear Dick:
Thank you for your note of the 18th about the Proof half dollars.
The prices seem somewhat out of line, but I shall be in New York for the New Netherlands half cent sale and will check with the prices fetched by the Proof half dollars at the April sales. So you may expect to hear from me on my return.
Very truly,
R. Henry Norweb

July 8, 1954
Dear Dick:
While in New York I had a chance to check the prices of the Proof half dollars at the Graves Sale and I am puzzled at the discrepancies.
Very Sincerely,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

July 12, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Yes, the Proof half dollars sold at the Graves Sale were "stolen" and whoever bought them certainly did get a find ....
The discrepancy would sound puzzling. However, I assure you and Mrs. Norweb that had there been the slightest tolerance in our cost, the figures quoted to you would have been lower in-deed. I know Mr. Karp is the last person to hold out for the highest dollar as he is interested only in moving merchandise.
At any rate I will see you all in Cleveland.
Cordially,
Richard D. Kenney

August 30, 1954
Dear Dick:
Before leaving Cleveland Mrs. Norweb asked me to return to you the enclosed Grate cent, which after a less hurried checkup than was possible during the convention, she finds she already has. She suggested that the credit of $22.50 be established in her favor, unless you have some better suggestion.
Sincerely yours,
Hon. R. Henry Norweb

Sol Kaplan

Sol Kaplan, whose office was located at 413 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, was prominent in the American numismatic scene for many years. He was one of several American dealers who attended the King Farouk Sale in Cairo in 1954. For a long time he was the leading light of the Professional Numismatists Guild, serving as general secretary and administrator during the formative years of the dealers' organization.

Sol Kaplan was a familiar at coin conventions during the 1950s, and later in that decade he often exhibited a chalkboard with bid and ask prices for United States Proof sets and other items. While the main thrust of his business was wholesale with dealers, he conducted many retail transactions. An advocate of coin collecting as a hobby, Sol Kaplan engaged in many educational activities and philanthropies for the betterment of numismatics.

The Norweb correspondence file contains only a few items pertaining to him:

October 1, 1954
Dear Sol:
By way of a follow-up please let me know when we can get together on the Ohio notes from the Farouk Sale.
Yours sincerely,
Han. R. Henry Norweb

October 4, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
I have just completed the list and items of the Ohio paper money. This list should give you an idea of the lot. My price for the lot as is; $1,000. I have several items in this lot that I can sell, such as the Metropolitan National Bank-ef Cincinnati. This is the only note known to be in circulation. Many others are in this lot. Please advise if the lot is of interest to you or any single item will be glad to price to you.
Awaiting to hear further from you.
Yours very truly,
Sol Kaplan