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Who is your numismatic hero?

oldcameoproofsguyoldcameoproofsguy Posts: 3,174 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Mine is John J Pittman. He was a man who made a respectable living as an engineer yet was not exceedingly wealthy. Nevertheless, he was able to amass an incredible collection of great rarities. He is an example to me that I too can have a great collection of coins and still not be ultra wealthy. He also contributed a great deal to this hobby; I hope that I can also contribute back to the hobby in some small way.

My Barbers
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Comments

  • Cam40Cam40 Posts: 8,146 ✭
    Dog97,cause he knows everything..except the meaning of the word divergent.image
    Minor detail.image
  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,731 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Eric Newman. He has an amazing amount of information that he freely gives just for the asking. I also used to be in email contact with Harry Bass. Another great person, always willing to give an answer to any question you may have.
    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • MastaHankyMastaHanky Posts: 933 ✭
    Past: Eliasberg. 'nuff said.

    Present: Greg Marguli. He knows what's wrong with things and doesn't skirt around the issue. If he were to run for President of the ANA, he'd have my vote in a heartbeat.
  • dorkkarldorkkarl Posts: 12,691 ✭✭✭
    my hero is russ because he finds all the scams on ebay!
  • GeminiGemini Posts: 3,085 ✭
    Josiah K Lilly a man who had it all and left everything to the Amrican public so we all could enjoy his collection.
    A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,162 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Amon Carter - great dollar collection! He had the good common sense not to collect mercury dimes and barber coinage! image
    Early Dollar Set
  • MacCoinMacCoin Posts: 2,544 ✭✭
    Skylock he knows everthing about IHC.
    image


    I hate it when you see my post before I can edit the spelling.

    Always looking for nice type coins

    my local dealer
  • its4realits4real Posts: 451 ✭✭
    mrdq

    and

    bear
    "spare change? Nahhhhh...never have any...sold it all on E-bay..."
    see? My Auctions "Got any 1800's gold?"
  • RLinnRLinn Posts: 596 ✭
    Louise Haney, founder of Louisiana Coin Exchange. She gave me a summer job in her shop in the mid-60s that helped pay for my college education and inspired me to appreciate the beauty and history of coins.
    Buy the coin...but be sure to pay for it.
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm with you OCPG. Pittman had the courage of his convictions, and was willing
    to pay large premiums for quality coins when it wasn't "all the rage". He was
    also a formidable numismatist. It is said he never forgot a coin once he studied
    it. He was willing to take chances too. He is said to have mortgaged his home
    to buy coins at the Farouk sale in the 50's. Even in his later years he was a common
    sight at most coin conventions.
    Tempus fugit.
  • 1907Quarter1907Quarter Posts: 2,770
    St. Gauden. The man who showed us you can design a great coin.
    USPI minimalist design collage
    image
    designset
    Treasury Seals Type Set
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    Russ and Don, because they snipe the auctions I'm bidding on and save me lots of money!!!image
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • pmh1nicpmh1nic Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Q. David Bowers

    Has done more through his research and writing for the numismatic community then anyone else I can think of past or present.

    As far as collections go Eliasberg (completion) and Brand (shear number) and Pittman (quality on a budget).
    The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126 ✭
    I agree with pmh1nic. My numismatic hero would be Q. David Bowers. His CW column is always worth reading each week. I like his "down to basics" collecting philosophy.

    J'har
  • GilbertGilbert Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭
    Numismatic hero - I'm not sure I have one. I' m having a hard time equating the two.
    Gilbert
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126 ✭
    What about numsimatic guru Gilbert???????
    J'har
  • CharlieBCharlieB Posts: 441 ✭
    To me Hermon MacNeil, whose winning design gave us not only the
    most beautiful US coin ever minted but whose sculptures, statues,
    busts and monuments are all around us today.

    - Charlie B -
    "location, location, location...eye appeal, eye appeal, eye appeal"
    My website
  • GilbertGilbert Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭
    Well now JHAR,

    Many could fit that category. For a start I could go with LeRoy Van Allen and A George Mallis. TO ME, that set a high standard for reference material with the Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars. I tend to measure every publication I purchase against it. Needless to say, I find most lacking in the thoroughness of detail, historical background, and variety attribution as that of the aforementioned book. Not saying I would give up all my other books; only the VAM book was the first series specific reference book and I guess I expected all the others to be as complete.
    Gilbert
  • dragondragon Posts: 4,548 ✭✭
    Without a doubt........Virgil Brand. IMO, there never has been or ever will be another collection to rival his.

    Dragon
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126 ✭
    There ya go Gilbert!! I agree!!
    J'har
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    My hero is dorkkarl because he has such a trusting and child-like outlook on life, always willing to give even the most obvious schyster the benefit of the doubt.

    Russ, NCNE
    eBay consignment sales | | Collectibles from Resco CCC
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126 ✭
    Oh gosh there is such love and emotion between so many forum members. I'ts bringing a tear to my eye. Sniff!!!
    J'har
  • ARCOARCO Posts: 4,396 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The late David Lawrence of DLRC. Barber fanatic and a good man.

    Tyler
  • ClankeyeClankeye Posts: 3,928 ✭
    Gutzon Borglum. For the Stone Mountain commem, Mount Rushmore and all the attitude he dished out with it.

    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • lincolnSencelincolnSence Posts: 407 ✭
    this is my wifes vote - the Eliasberg sons (Richard and Scott I believe) they made lots of money!!!!
  • gsaguygsaguy Posts: 2,425 ✭
    Thought about it but can't come up with anyone other than myself!imageimage

    GSAGUY
    A legend in his own mind.
    image
  • littlewicherlittlewicher Posts: 1,822 ✭✭
    Mine is Wondercoin. He's an ethical and nice guy. He deals in some of the finest coins known. He's also a corporate lawyer, which I want to be that or a CEO.image


    For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
    -Laura Swenson

    In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
  • dorkkarldorkkarl Posts: 12,691 ✭✭✭
    thanks, russ!
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Dorkkarl - You are one lucky guy. A Russ complement is valued at
    .two of Bears "GROWL OF APPROVAL AWARDS". In fact, Russ gives out so few of them, they are true
    collectors items. Bear image
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • ClankeyeClankeye Posts: 3,928 ✭
    I already listed one. I won't list a second.
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • rpmerrpmer Posts: 16
    My vote goes to Mr. Harry Ellis. When I first got interested in Lincoln rpms (approx. 1989) my questions were myriad and inherently "ignorant" as will be the case for a newbie wanting to delve into rpms. Thanks to his incredible patience and countless letters back and forth I began to glean some semblence of understanding how to "recognize/see" rpms. The highlight of my collecting interest was the day Mr. Ellis kindly invited me to his home and to allow me to personally sit side by side with him for hour after hour! When it comes to "heroes" in our hobby, Mr. Harry Ellis has my vote!! If it were not for for him and his previous efforts ( to date sadly forgotten/ignored) Lincoln rpms wouldn't be where they are today. If a true numismatist has not been given accolades for years of effort on establishing Lincoln rpms it's Mr. Ellis!
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Adolph Weinman for the 3 Finest Coin Designs in United States History. Winged Liberty Dime, Standing Liberty Quarter and the Walking Liberty Half.... Very Hard to Top !!
  • nuckleheadnucklehead Posts: 1,500 ✭
    I agree about Dog97 the guy knows errors also Shylock who knows bout them Indian cents like no one else also Scott Travers who authors great books and does'nt charge an arm and a leg for them, and last but not least CarolJ.image
    Friends are Gods way of apologizing for your relatives.
  • 09sVDB09sVDB Posts: 2,420 ✭✭✭
    My grandmother because she got me started in this 30 years ago.
  • kieferscoinskieferscoins Posts: 10,017 ✭
    Knowledge/scholarly work: David Q. Bowers

    Helpfullness to YN's: Bill Fivaz

    Dealer: Plunkett Coin Company (Visalia, CA) my local dealer who helped me get interested in coins.

    Cameron Kiefer
  • stujoestujoe Posts: 1,510
    Bowers. His enthusiasm and love of this hobby is totally obvious in his writing and is contagious.
    Time sure flies when you don't know what you are doing...

    CoinPeople.com || CoinWiki.com || NumisLinks.com
  • truthtellertruthteller Posts: 1,240 ✭✭
    I like Truthteller, he's honest, no nonsense kinda guy. His spelling may be a little off, but his good looks make up for it.

    PS- Thanks Baseball for the honorable mentionimage

    TRUTH
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Truth - I can go along on the truthfulness, but can we have a poll on the good looks issue?image
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • truthtellertruthteller Posts: 1,240 ✭✭
    image

    TRUTH
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭
    Walter Breen. A numsmatic giant to whom the collecting community owes much for his research and writings.

    I also greatly respected Johm J Pittman for his never failin emphesis on his coins as the fine examples of history and beauty that they were without consideration of whatever hype the marketplace tried to put on them.
  • KenzoTKenzoT Posts: 307
    Kenny Chubb, opened the coin shop in Beaumont, Tx in 1965. Part of Majors coins of Houston, Tx.
    I was the kid standing at the door, like a MERVIN'S commercial "OPEN, OPEN, OPEN!!!"
    When he did open, he hired me for Saturday's and we developed a friendship that transends time.
    I got drafted and joined the Navy and lost Kenny in 1968.
    If anyone can point me toward him or Majors Coin of Houston, I would appreciate it.
    Any info would be appreciated.
  • its4realits4real Posts: 451 ✭✭
    Anna Willess Williams.

    Anyone know her?
    "spare change? Nahhhhh...never have any...sold it all on E-bay..."
    see? My Auctions "Got any 1800's gold?"
  • TheNumishTheNumish Posts: 1,628 ✭✭
    My hero would be Louis Eliasberg. Not only did he build the coolest set of coins but took it around the country to share with others. When his collection was featued in a 1953 Life magazine article he received 7,000 letters from people and personally answered each one. How many corporate heads would do that? I still look at the auction catalogs and drool.

    Not my hero but I have to admit I admire Jim Halperin.
    He quit Harvard to start a coin business
    Written a great grading book
    Written several science fiction books
    With Steve Ivy built Heritage Rare Coin
    Has the best Mad Magazine collection in the country
    Has one of the best E.C comic book collections
    Has given back some of the money he's made to charity
    I'm sure he's done other stuff I don't know about


  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126 ✭
    Anna Willess Williams

    The Model used often by George T. Morgan and the likeness used for Miss Liberty on the Morgan Silver Dollar, Of Course!!!

    Linkage
    J'har
  • ANACONDAANACONDA Posts: 4,692 ✭
    My numismatic hero is David Hall. He brought the best thing anyone has ever brought to Numismatics. Yes, grading existed with ANACS before PCGS, however the slab AND grading was a first with David Hall.

    As far as putting great collections together, anyone with a great deal of money can do that.

    Writing? Certainly Q. David Bowers is the best and the most prolific. Ever.

    But still, if I could have contributed anything to the hobby, it is what Hall did for us that is most admirable in my eyes.

    adrian
    anaconda.rare.coins (on eBay)
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 33,963 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Walter Breen.

    His personal problems were immense but so were his contributions to numismatic literature.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • BlueColeBlueCole Posts: 365 ✭
    I havn't read many coin books other than the Red Book, Photograde, and a couple of newbie books I've since given away. My numismatic heros? You Guys. Seriously, i have gained so much knoweldge since MAy, it's unreal. I don't have coin shop or club anywhere near me. This is my coin club, and i don't have to wait till the 2nd Saturday of the month. But now i feel i can walk into a shop and hold my own ground. I don't know everything, never will, but i'm a he[[ of a lot smarter about it now.

    Thank you

    Blue

    PS, anybody starts getting mushy on me, I'll beat you with a mint bag of JFK's
    A Fine is a tax for doing wrong.
    A Tax is a fine for doing good.
  • Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭
    It's fine that you like David Hall, but grading AND slabbing originated with Alan Hagar in 1984. David Hall got into slabbing AND grading two years later.
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,162 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So logically that would make Alan Hagar his numismatic hero?! image
    Early Dollar Set
  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    Hero of days past: Walter Breen

    Hero of present: Q. David Bowers

    Hero of future: Cameron Kiefer image
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius

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