Pioneer Numismatist Sylvester Sage Crosby (1831-1914)
Zoins
Posts: 34,287 ✭✭✭✭✭
This in oil painting owned by QDB.
Stack's indicates the following:
An expertly done image of Crosby in his later years that includes a listing of the three premier numismatic societies of which he was an honorary member. Sylvester Crosby (1831-1914) is best remembered for his remarkable works on American pre-Federal coinage and die varieties of the large cents.
A copy of his book sold on Heritage for $9,600.00 in 2018.
Tagged:
5
Comments
Sylvester's collection was catalogued by Captain John White Haseltine:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/books/other-collectibles/haseltine-john-w-catalogue-of-the-entire-collection-of-sylvester-s-crosby-comprising-early-colonial-coins-of-ameri/a/1283-15873.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515
Crosby's magnus opus is commonly thought to be one of the two most influential U. S. numismatic books (along with Breen's Encyclopedia). He produced Early Coins of America chapter by chapter (11 of the 12 chapters were on a subscription basis). He also retained some complete sets that were later sold as well. Subscribers had to arrange to have their copies bound, and about 100 copies (in various bindings) survive. My copy of one of Crosby's receipts:
Crosby himself produced a few copies of the complete work--bound in leather, with a gilt 'Nova Constellatio' impression on the front cover. These are more valuable than copies bound by others. The image of the book, shown above, appears to be that of the Quarterman reprint.
The price realized in the cited auction result likely reflects who one of the prior owners was--Eric Newman. I did not pay that much for my copy of the 'Nova Constellatio' edition.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
@Sonorandesertrat VERY cool receipt. I wonder what Joseph Haussler's collection looked like ...
Re influential books: I've never thought of Breen's work as being that influential. I'd suggest Heaton's book on mintmarks as being much more important to how collectors collect.
At the time Crosby's book was produced, most collectors in the U. S. were interested in early coppers (large cents in particular) and colonials--based on early auction results--and this book was quite influential. Actually, a poll done years ago, of Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS, and check out the society's website) members shows Breen's Encyclopedia in the #1 position. Yes it does contain errors, but the fact that a book with that much information was done by one person is remarkable. For comparison, Q. D. Bowers has produced many more books and articles, but he was assisted by research assistants.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
@Sonorandesertrat Yes, I can see how years ago Breen's book would have been important and impressive. But nowadays I would argue that it has been replaced with many more accurate specialist books. But I definitely see your point about some years ago Breen's book was influential.
I'd be inclined to believe this as I don't hear many people refer to Breen any more.