Byers catalog

slumlord98

Some preliminary reading of the Byers catalog reveals that Stacks didn't consult with ANR on this catalog. In the text on 1817/4, the author incorrectly claims that the late Charlton "Swampy" Meyer acquired his 450th die marriage in 1975 when his wife, Gloria, bought the second finest example of this die marriage as a gift. A more experienced cataloger would have known that there weren't 450 die marriages known until 1983, when the late Olin Carter discovered the first 1825 O.118 at a coin shop in Oregon on the way to a wedding. If I'm not mistaken, the final die marriage Swampy got was an 1832 O.123, a proof only die marriage that the same Olin Carter cherried from another specialist's inventory. This specialist only attributed the obverse, also used on O.112, which has a long segment attached to 1 and never checked the reverse, which happened to be a previously unknown die. Said specialist is still sore about that to this day. Swampy finally pried this coin loose from Mr. Carter when Mrs. Carter suggested that she needed a new car more than Mr. Carter needed this coin. Rumor has it that it was a fine new car, indeed!

Someone at ANR most likely knows these stories and would at least have checked before printing. Hopefully, this sort of myth melding at Stacks will not continue when the likes of Pistareen and QDB are roaming W. 57th St.

RichieURich

Note on the 1817/4 half in the Byers sale: I examined this coin at the ANA in Denver. The full 4 underdate is visible! It is amazing!

ColonialCoinUnion

I'm not a Stack's apologist, and I believe you when you say that they were factually inaccurate in their 1817/4 write up - but to imply that Stack's catalogs are filled with myths and ANR will fix everything is too much IMO.

Did you see / read Stack's work cataloging the Ford collection? The October, 2005 Ford Mass silver catalog in particular is regarded as one of the finest ever produced - and it was done without the able assistance of Pistareen or QDB.

I think both firms have turned out some amazing things over the years, though I believe we could find some factual inaccuracies in the earlier works of either.

Aegis3

Oddly, the online version of the catalog (presently secretly hidden) described the 17/4 as completing Meyer's 449 varieties, not 450.

Pistareen

For the record, I've never made a mitsake.

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>For the record, I've never made a mitsake. >>



Ibid.

morgannut2

It's one of the most impressive collections of coins I've ever seen. Problem is I have no idea what their
"grades" mean, I'm pretty sure PCGS/NGC won't agree with Stacks-(who cares), and frankly the photos might be either too good,
or be hiding things you can't see. I'm looking at a supposed "gem" (MS65??) that sure looks MS67/8 in the photo.
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And what's with all the "possible proofs or "special presentation" stuff. Are they proofs or not?
Oh I see, you get a letter in purple ink from a pedophile saying what it is.
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For cripes sake--Millions in coins and they can't have PCGS/NGC look at them?
It's not like I agree with PCGS every time!!!! Those photo's must have cost % times grading fees!
-------signed, Frustrated

RWB

There are some fine, knowledgeable catalogers at both companies. It is evident that occasionally, probably due to deadline pressure, a previous description will be copied and that might not have the most accurate information in it. There is also the problems of very limited space. A cataloger who can write accurate, interesting and exciting descriptions within very limited space can help produce much better returns for consignors....but, those folks are scarce and easily burnt out.

A great service some of the specialists could do is review the Byers catalog and put on the forum a list of corrections or expansions keyed to lot numbers. Interested collectors could store that with their copy of the catalog for reference.

roadrunner

ANR and Stacks haven't figured out how to combine their mailing lists.

I have duplicate of Byers and Buckhead. If you want them and would pay the shipping costs to mail them, PM me.

roadrunner

slumlord98

For the record, I wasn't taking a shot at JM. Lighten up guys!

Longacre

Pistareen should start his own practice.

Pistareen

<< <i>Pistareen should start his own practice. >>



I have -- I'm practicing everyday to be a better cataloguer!

Nic

I'm a customer of both, and have not received my cat. from either.
John ... you made a mistake when you did not buy a certain AU Chalmers shilling at auction 4-5 years ago . Can I view lots for this sale the Sat. or Sun. prior? Will you move to the city ....... you lucky dog!

K

Pistareen

Nic -- sending a PM now for you.