Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
October 25, 1954
Dear Mr. Norweb:
As requested, here is your invoice that covers our several very hasty transactions on Sunday [group of dimes for $777, 1901-S dime for $125, plus a commission of $50, for a total of $952, plus auction Lot 143 added separately for $97.50].
I do hope that you have found all of the coins completely satisfactory. I can assure you that no greater "bargain" prevails in your collection, based upon present-day values. Frankly, they are worthat least double invoice value.
With my warmest personal regards, I am,
Yours most sincerely,
Benjamin Stack
November 1, 1954
Dear Ben:
Enclosed is my check for $1,049.50 for the various items purchased through you at the Washington sale. I appreciate your helpfulness in bringing this lot to our attention, but next time we must both be a little more discriminating as to condition. I blame myself for not noting even the quick checkup that the 1866-S and 1870-S were not strictly Uncirculated, and that the 1865-S, while Uncirculated, is unattractive, as the obverse is so weakly struck to be featureless.
Since as you know all of these coins were by way of improving condition of specimens already in the collection, to acquire anything less than Uncirculated is not worthwhile.
I find I failed to mention the 1841 quarter eagle and the 1858 eagle you offered over the telephone. As the asking price is out of line we are not interested. Thank you just the same for keeping us in mind.
With personal regards,
Yours very truly
Han. R. Henry Norweb
August 30, 1955
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Greetings, from FABULOUS LAS VEGAS. I do hope that this letter finds both you and Mrs. Norweb in the best of health and all is well with you.
I missed you at the recent convention in Omaha, although you certainly did not miss much. The weather was unbearably hot, and few of us ventured beyond the confines of the hotel. I can assure you that very little was offered that would have been of interest to you, and you probably did the wisest thing by staying at your poolside in Cleveland ....
By the way, it is funny how fate can turn. The man who pur-chased that gem pair of 1823 and 1827 quarters has tired of collecting. I expect to have the collection in my possession late this fall, and you can rest assured that no one, but only the Norwebs will own these two coins. I will offer the collection at fixed prices, with you getting the first crack.
Thank you for your interest in the above matters, and with warmest regards remain,
Yours most sincerely,
Benjamin Stack
September 6, 1955
Dear Ben:
Your letter of the 30th came at the same time as the anticipated inquiry, to which your reply is being sent today to say that there is already a specimen of this coin in the collection.
As regards to the elusive quarters, as they say in your part of the country, vamos a veT-or as you and I would say, it is the wait and see kind.
Off tomorrow for Ottawa. Sorry you will not be there.
Very truly yours,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
January 19, 1956
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Thanks very much for your wire of yesterday.
I do hope that this note finds both Mrs. Norweb and yourself in the best of health. We are all in the best of health and spirits here, and are certainly enjoying this western climate. I am leaving for Phoenix tonight, for a few days of well-earned rest. My reception here in Las Vegas has exceeded expectations, and I have been much busier than anticipated.
Enclosed please find the two coins requested. I know you will be pleased with them, especially the 1875-S quarter. It is a gem, and I think probably as rare as the 1873-CC quarter. lance discussed this coin with John Pittman, and he values his specimen at several hundred dollars.
If you get a chance, make up a list of the San Francisco Mint coins you lack. I will be in Los Angeles for the convention in February, and might be able to locate a coin or two for you. I am also sending under separate cover a copy of the auction sale catalogue for this convention. It has a few very nice items which you might need. I shall be only too happy to purchase them for you.
Yours most sincerely,
Ben
January 23, 1956
Dear Ben:
Here is my check for $110 for the 1875-S quarter and the 1861-S dime. The quarter is a beauty-the dime was "borderline" Uncirculated.
Thank you for your suggestion about the San Francisco Mint want list. Here is a list of the most important needed items. Of course there are examples of everyone of these in the collection, but not in Uncirculated condition.
Please enter our bid for Lot 1886 at $120. With personal regards,
Yours sincerely,
Han. R. Henry Norweb
May 15, 1956
Dear Mr. Norweb:
Well, I finally arrived home after that long and tedious trip across the United States.
I do hope that this letter finds both Mrs. Norweb and yourself in the best of health, and all is well with you.
If you recall our conversation in New York, I advised you that I had acquired the Manning Collection of half dollars from 1794 to 1950. This collection was assembled over a period of 40 years, and contains many choice, outstanding, and rare coins. Virtually all of the collection is in Uncirculated condition. It contains several coins that are unlisted in various reference books. To sum it up, it is one of the outstanding collections (specialized) to ever be offered. I therefore, solicit your want list in the entire series of half dollars, in addition, a list of those coins you wish to improve. I shall be happy to quote you, or send for examination. I want you to know that you will be virtually the first person to acquire coins from this collection, since I have decided to disperse it.
Thanking you for giving this letter your attention, I remain,
Yours most sincerely,
Benjamin Stack