REMEMBERING JIM MCGUIGAN
halfcentman
Posts: 1,498 ✭✭✭
I do not know if this has been posted elsewhere, but two days ago I received word that Jim McGuigan has died.
I knew Jim for 30 years. He was an indirect mentor and I admired/respected a heck of a lot more about him than his magnificent collection. Chatting with him during a flight delay on the way home from the 2004 EAC Convention in the San Diego airport. Walking with him from the Port Authority Terminal in New York City to Stack's old offices on 57th Street to view auction lots. Watching the man in action at an auction when he really, really wanted something, AND MORE!
It's a shame that he will not be there when his collection is sold, but Jim wasn't one to leave hardly anything to chance.
To say he's going to missed, and his presence in the half cent community and numismatics will be a void is an understatement.
Comments
That’s terribly sad news. I didn’t know Jim well, but every time I talked to him, he was an absolute gentleman. He was incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated and kind. This is an immense loss to our hobby. My condolences go out to each of his friends and loved ones.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
He had been sick for awhile. Nice guy. Built one monster collection. RIP
he was a nice guy, I met him thru steve elwood years ago when i helped steve at shows. Often stopped and chatted with Jim a few times after that.
One of the good guys. He will be missed.
I didn't know him well but would stop at his table now and then to look at his stuff. Always had neat coins and was always happy to show them. RIP, Jim.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Jim was a true gentleman and a very accomplished numismatist, both as a dealer and as a collector. It was always a pleasure to chat with him. My condolences to his family and many friends.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
He has a great half cent collection. I hope the coins find a good home.. condolences to his family.
My condolences and prayers of comfort for his family and friends. It's always sad when we lose a collector brother.
A true gentleman and super accommodating. RIP sir
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I didn't know him and it is sad to hear of a well regarded numismatist leave us. RIP.
I reviewed his collection at the Heritage table at FUN that will be auctioned this August. Here was just one of his WOW coins:
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Very sad to hear this. A wonderful man and a wonderful talent! RIP
Tom
A true mentor for 30 years. I will miss him.
A true mentor for 30 years. I will miss him.
A wonderful down to earth man with a great smile. He had fun with his coins. Sad news. RIP
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Jim was an honest, humble, and passionate numismatist. It was always a pleasure to spend time with him, he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family and many friends.
RIP
A quiet gentleman but like E F Hutton, when Jim spoke people listened. I will miss his gentle smile and meaningful numismatic conversation.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
If he wasn't super busy at a show, he always had time to share his knowledge of coins. I made a point of going to his table to look at his amazing Half Cents. He reminded me of a more quiet version of Tom Reynolds. Lots of knowledge, no ego.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
From an old coin (not coon) hunting adventure.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Condolences to family and friends. RickO
I bought several really nice pieces from him. I will miss him greatly. I noted that he didn’t make it to Winter FUN. I thought that it was because of Covid. Sadly it was something more.
It's always sad to loose a fellow in this hobby. That's the one thing that really SUX about getting old.
On a lighter side, @MrEureka Where's your coon hat?
I used to see him at the Michigan State show and spoke with him many times. He was one of the good guys of numismatics.
Wonderful man
www.brunkauctions.com
He was often quite helpful to others at coin shows, an early gold specialist and quite good one at that. Very sorry to hear.
So which person is Jim in the photo?
I will miss him dearly
We set up at a number of the same shows and spent time talking together!
RIP
He is on the left in both photos.
I did not know Jim, but he sounded like a great guy that knew his stuff and was willing to share it with others.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
He always had great coins when he set up at shows. He will be missed.
Jim's passing is terrible news. He enjoyed quiet respect from all who knew him. He was honest, knowledgeable and humble. He shared his knowledge. Whenever I was offered a coin that Jim had handled I perked up; the chances were excellent that it was both attractive and without problems. I shall miss his friendship, wisdom and good counsel. .... Sheridan
Found this when I was getting ready for the show. I think it is from the 2015 ANA. Always a pleasure to talk with him. RIP, Jim.
Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
I didn't know Jim very well. I would see him every Fall and Spring at the Whitman show in Baltimore. One year I purchased a beautiful restrike Proof half cent from him, and he thoroughly explained the coin's provenance and features. In 2012, while touring the Country my wife and I took the tram up Pike's Peak, and Jim was seated across from us with his wife. I knew little about his personal collection until I received the catalog of his coins from Heritage. The breadth and quality just blew me away. It saddens me that Jim is not around to see the fruit of his passion. RIP.
carolinacollectorcoins.com
I used to see Jim at the Central States shows, where he often shared a table with Paul Padget, another really good guy we also lost recently. Jim was always generous with advice, and sold me several half cents, including a proof-like RB 1851 that still resides proudly in my type set. I'll miss him, but I'm glad his collection found good, new homes.
He was the go to guy for circulated early 18th century silver coin and I respected him immensely. As honest as they come. Every one of my purchases from him was later CAC stickered. RIP.