Meeting the McCloskey Family Members

Bikergeek · August 22, 2023 10:57AM

A few years ago, I jumped into the tiny world of capped bust half dime collecting by all LM varieties. For those who aren't familiar, the "LM" naming system comes from the Logan - McCloskey book, "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837." An indispensable work for the marriage/remarriage/variety collector! I joined the John Reich Collector's Society, which brings people together around early series like this one. Within a few months, I'd located the (out-of-print) book, and paid handsomely for it. No qualms - it's been my bible for these past 3+ years.

Just a few weeks ago, I went to my first BIG show: the ANA World's Fair of Money, in Pittsburgh. And it was there, right at the end of the JRCS general meeting, that I had the opportunity to meet John McCloskey's widow Norma, and their daughter Susan. Of course, I had my book with me, and I took a bit of time to chat with them and flip through the book, showing my various post-its and margin notes, and telling them how much the book had meant to me. A nice visit ended up in signatures, which they were each kind enough to provide on the inside title page. Quite a memory, and the book means even more to me than before.