Who's Your Numismatic Hero?

GeorgeKellogg · February 16, 2012 4:49PM

I have a number, actually, but the one that I feel closest to is John J. Pittman. He was a southerner by birth, had a degree in Chemical Engineering, and didn't come from a wealthy family (three things in common with Yours Truly). Yet, with a limited pocketbook, he amassed what can only be considered a great collection of coins, which realized over 29 million dollars, when it was auctioned in 1997-99. Every coin was raw; no slabs, no beans.

I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Pittman at the ANA Summer Convention in Baltimore in 1993, where I attended his Numismatic Theatre presentation on New Orleans Gold Coins. Another cool thing about him is that he participated in what I feel is the greatest numismatic adventure of all time: The King Farouk Auction in Cairo, in 1954. In honor and celebration of this amazing numismatic icon, is a John Pittman coin from my core collection. Mr. Pittman obtained the piece from a New Netherlands auction in 1957, although I doubt he used his famous "Statue of Liberty" bidding technique for this coin. The photography is courtesy of BluCC Photos.

lasvegasteddy · February 16, 2012 6:33PM

nice write up...
mine is and will always be....drum roll...
my gramy n grampy
the world as i will never truly know the hoard they had...my family didn't make it back to desoto mo. in time when they passed.
as to why...
they got me into coin collectioning as a wee lil 5 y/o in 67 by having me help them fill their books.
mostly red indians and early Lincolns they squirreled away as "great depression" survivors
gramps even worked at the post office in the early teens
family stories be-told of hidden troves...paint cans filled half way with coinage with the top half being covered in sand to be-fool "would be thieves."
most notable was gramps in later years being a noteworthy cabinet maker who was one of many contractors "harry blackstone" secured secret contracts for prop making.
reason i add that note is...their was a false bottomed dresser in their holdings for "special coins"
all in all
my heart always will go out to them two instilling just how precious these lil metal disc's can be...big time help was their "bank wrapped rolls of red ihc's that crumbled upon touching them"
i always smile in thought of how much 1921' mint state they must of had in those paint cans

Walkerguy21D · February 16, 2012 9:33PM

Gotta like us Chem E's

However, without hesistation, I would always answer Q. David Bowers when posed with this question.
I love this prolific author's writing style, and he is an all-round great guy.
I will always cherish my copy of Adventures in Rare Coins that I toted all around the '94 ANA, so he could autograph it for me!

crypto79 · February 16, 2012 10:09PM

My answer is a group. I think the climate inside the LSCC is pretty amazing right now as it has fostered and encouraged some truly exceptional numismatists to put down all of their knowledge into some of the most comprehensive focused writing this side of the greats like Bower/Breen. I think generations form now many of them will still be closely correlated and referenced to particular series. They inspire me to be a value add and student instead of an accumulator to the hobby.

Sonorandesertrat · February 16, 2012 11:53PM

Dave Bowers, without question. He has been a wonderful ambassador for the hobby, a collector (tokens, countermarked coins, colonials, ....), a prolific writer, and more. When I was a kid, my paternal grandmother (who was a coin collector) would always bring several issues of the Rare Coin Review when my grandparents came to visit. I relished reading them. She took me to an ANA convention when I was about 10, held in Miami Beach (1967, I think), and I bought two British sovereigns from Bowers. I wish I still had those coins.

Shamika · February 17, 2012 12:03AM

David Lange: I know he works ATS, but his book on Buffalo Nickels is just about as perfect a numismatic guidebook as I can imagine. Furthermore, he's a long time collector of coinboards (such as myself) and his book on the subject is seminal.

Coinosaurus · February 17, 2012 12:04AM

I can't say enough about RWB. His organizational skill & discipline are second to none. Just read a draft for one of his latest projects - really great stuff. Breen was the first guy to really dig through the archives (w/Denga closely behind), so RWB can't be the first in that regard. But he has definitely kicked it up a notch by going through everything more systematically than Breen did.

garrynot · February 17, 2012 12:05AM

Q. David Bowers is tough to beat. I have 2 books signed by him. Another of my numismatic heroes is John J. Ford Jr. He was another self made individual, he could have collected anything, but chose to concentrate on obscure exonumia like Betts Medals. Indian Peace Medals and postage envelopes, and preserved the colonial coin, currency, and other collections of Fred Boyd and Wayte Raymond. He also introduced the concept of historical cataloguing, which has been perfected since, culminating in 21 fascinating catalogues which detail his collections.

MadMarty · February 17, 2012 12:08AM

This may sound a little strange, but given what I hunt for my numismatic hero is Val Webb!!! Come to a show, buys every proof set in sight and has made some killer coins!! The man is like a proof set ninja!!

bronzemat · February 17, 2012 12:14AM

Dave Bowers & a fellow ancient collector for many decades, Doug Smith.

RYK · February 17, 2012 12:16AM

In all candor, I would have to put forum members Dahlonega and GeorgeKellogg at the top of my list.

JCB1983 · February 17, 2012 12:27AM

#1 The owner of Casey's Coin in Cedar Falls Iowa

#2 My current mentor

GoldClause · February 17, 2012 12:30AM

QDB. During my most active years collecting in the late 80's and early 90's, I had almost every one of his books. I transformed from a collector to a numismatist.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 17, 2012 12:40AM

If not for David Hall, I would have never gotten back into coins I suppose that would make him somewhat of a villain, by today's standards

He evened the playing field for me with dealers, a few years back. Not by way of a brand, but a standard. Nothing and nobody is perfect, but as numismatics go he's my hero.

Plus, I dig that guitar shirt.

tradedollarnut · February 17, 2012 12:44AM

derryb · February 17, 2012 12:59AM

Fred W.

EagleEye · February 17, 2012 1:04AM

John Albanese.

Raybob15239 · February 17, 2012 1:06AM

Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis who are responsible for the hobby I love: VAMs!

PerryHall · February 17, 2012 1:12AM

David Hall---As the first major TPG, PCGS allowed the new and novice collector to buy an expensive coin with some assurance that he isn't buying a fake or problem coin and that he isn't buying a coin that's grossly overgraded by the seller.

eBay---Allows coin collectors to buy and sell their coins with each other without going through a coin dealer who may or may not treat them fairly.

PeaceBD · February 17, 2012 1:13AM

Louis Eliasberg

<< Gotta like us Chem E's

>>

Looks like a lot of Chem E's around. Another one checking in.

DIMEMAN · February 17, 2012 1:24AM

Allen F. Lovejoy - He was the co-author of the "Early United States Dimes 1796-1837", which I have and use every day to attribute Bust Dimes. He also had the most complete set ever (in high grade) of all dimes. His early Dimes by JR number was breath taking. I still have the Auction Catalog from the sale of his Dimes by Stacks in 1990. And I have a Seated Dime from that sale.

ambro51 · February 17, 2012 1:29AM

Walter Breen. Now before you beat me with sticks...let me Quantify my answer by reminding you it is "Numismatic Hero". As such I have separated the scholar, researcher, genius, writer , and yes Vermont Copper collector from the devils within which created a wholly unacceptable other side of the man. ~~~~~~. The FACT remains that much of the work he done which will stand as reference for generations to come will never be exceeded.

shorecoll · February 17, 2012 1:46AM

QDB...I have a massive amount of material published from him from his first newsletter and auction catalog on and I'm sure there's a lot or articles, etc. I don't have.

I worked as a Chem E once, does that count?

kiyote · February 17, 2012 1:47AM

I always liked Max Mehl. He was a cheerleader for the hobby and helped drive coin colllecting to the popular hobby it is today.

Write up on Max Mehl...

CoinRaritiesOnline · February 17, 2012 1:53AM

My mentor was a wholesale dealer based in New England.

A few years ago I wrote a tribute to him on our website blog.

Here's the link:

CRO Coin Commentary for July 11, 2009: The Mentor-ist

Shamika · February 17, 2012 2:01AM

<< Walter Breen. Now before you beat me with sticks...let me Quantify my answer by reminding you it is "Numismatic Hero". As such I have separated the scholar, researcher, genius, writer , and yes Vermont Copper collector from the devils within which created a wholly unacceptable other side of the man. ~~~~~~. The FACT remains that much of the work he done which will stand as reference for generations to come will never be exceeded. >>

Ambro51 - I agree with you. Walter Breen is a numismatic scholar of the highest quality and thus a worthy candidate inspite of his moral shortcomings.

AnkurJ · February 17, 2012 2:18AM

John Albanese

Unknown · February 17, 2012 2:18AM

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GoldClause · February 17, 2012 2:30AM

<< 

<< Walter Breen. Now before you beat me with sticks...let me Quantify my answer by reminding you it is "Numismatic Hero". As such I have separated the scholar, researcher, genius, writer , and yes Vermont Copper collector from the devils within which created a wholly unacceptable other side of the man. ~~~~~~. The FACT remains that much of the work he done which will stand as reference for generations to come will never be exceeded. >>

Ambro51 - I agree with you. Walter Breen is a numismatic scholar of the highest quality and thus a worthy candidate inspite of his moral shortcomings. >>

I've read numerous accounts from other people about Breen making up "facts" and that much of his research should be taken with a grain of salt, although his discovery of many new varieties is solid.

oreville · February 17, 2012 2:54AM

Mack Pogue ?????????????

kiyote · February 17, 2012 3:05AM

My current hero? Eric Jordan. He's the Max Mehl of moderns!

Coinosaurus · February 17, 2012 3:40AM

<< I've read numerous accounts from other people about Breen making up "facts" and that much of his research should be taken with a grain of salt, although his discovery of many new varieties is solid. >>

You have to look at the whole body of work, it is astounding. I don't think he ever made up stuff, I think he trusted his memory too much, and given his prodigious recall you can understand how he got to that point. As Harry Forman put it, he could attribute early copper just by looking at the reverse.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 17, 2012 3:51AM

There's another villain or two, too. They'd be Israel Switt and E.H.R. Green. (unsung heroes)

SLQANDSILVERDOLLARNUT · February 17, 2012 4:16AM

I would say QDB has been the best for me --- he articulates coin knowledge better than anyone --- also Wayne Miiller for his analysis of Morgan and Peace Dollars --- I still refer to that book today

MrEureka · February 17, 2012 4:17AM

I have many heroes, but the first few that come to mind are:

Dealers Art Kagin and Catherine Bullowa, for their longevity, their enthusiasm and their refusal to quit the show circuit.

Tony Terranova, because he does the collector/dealer thing better than anyone I know.

GeorgeKellogg · February 17, 2012 7:14AM

<< In all candor, I would have to put forum members Dahlonega and GeorgeKellogg at the top of my list. >>

I'm humbled by your nice post, RYK. It's gratifying to know that I'm able to inspire others in their numismatic journeys. I have learned much from your experiences, too. I always look forward to an RYK post, seeing your recent acquisitions, and your detailed show reports. We're all in this together and I really think that the camaraderie of numismatics is one of its best aspects.

cladking · February 17, 2012 7:42AM

B Max Mehl.

He turned the hobby of kings into the hobby of the masses.

RS Yeoman

He made the hobby more accessible to the masses.

Of course there are a lot of hororable mentions that belong to people still
living whose impact can't be judged yet. Also an honorable mention should
go to John J Pittman for showing the hobby of the masses can make one a
king.

ricko · February 17, 2012 7:45AM

Russ......

Cheers, RickO

mrearlygold · February 17, 2012 8:02AM

1st one was Billy Mulligan , then Dave Bowers and now someone who will remain anonymous

streeter · February 17, 2012 8:08AM

Bass.

tradedollarnut · February 17, 2012 8:29AM

<< Mack Pogue ????????????? >>

Only collection that I'd pay to see....

CoinJunkie · February 17, 2012 8:31AM

Teddy Roosevelt.

hchcoin · February 17, 2012 8:55AM

My oldest son's numismatic hero is Brad Karoleff, one of the co-authors of the new Bust Quarter Book and President of the John Reich Collectors Society. Brad inspired him to really learn about bust dimes before he made another purchase. He opened a whole new world of die varieties and found him the bust dime book at a great price for a "kid". He has also spent a lot of time trying to teach my son the difference between a quality bust coin and one that has problems. I have learned a lot along the way also.

A few years ago, Brad walked my boys around the ANA floor getting their Red Book signed by all the contributors. That was cool! He even inspired my oldest son to write a paper about bust dimes and submit it to the ANA for the Young Numismatist. To top it off, he paid for my son to join the ANA and the JRCS the first year he met him just to get him interested even more.

The funny thing is that I wasn't even around when my boys met Brad. They were walking around the bourse years ago at a CSNS show looking for a nice bust half and happened upon Brad's table. Brad sat there for an hour showing them different coins and talking coins with two youngsters. He made quite an impression. All I remember is walking up and hearing my son say, "well, what coin can I get for $50?" Brad starts throwing out coins in 2X2's or flips on the table and tells my oldest to pick out the best one. My son then says it is too bad he can't see the edge lettering so Brad rips open the coin holder and both my kids looked shocked that he is actually handling this 175+ year old coin in his hands. Brad then proceeds to sell him a really nice bust half for a ridiculously low price of $50. I don't think there was a $50 coin in his whole inventory. Brad says to me, "Any kid that shows that kind of interest in Bust coins is worth it."

The boys talked about that experience the whole way home. For a coin dealer to spend that much time with two kids at a coin show is really awesome. All I can say is, "GREAT GUY." I know Brad wouldn't want me sharing this story with everyone on a public forum but he deserves the kudos. I am not even sure if he remembers this whole experience but I know the kids won't forget it.

rawmorgan · February 17, 2012 9:13AM

Eric P. Newman - The Newman Money Museum once housed i think in the Mercantile Bank building and now on display at Washington University.

It's one of the places I went to as a kid that gave me the itch to collect.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 17, 2012 10:00AM

This guy's somewhat of a hero.

Elcontador · February 17, 2012 10:14AM

My mentor, who probably doesn't want to draw any attention to himself, Jim Stoutjestyk @ Heritage, and Mark Feld . My mentor opened my eyes re what to look for in the area of doctored coins, and introduced me to people in this hobby whom I trust and have always helped me (like Mark and Jim).

Mark and Jim have always gone out of their respective way to give me more of their time and insight than my purchases with either of them would seem to warrant.

bidask · February 17, 2012 10:41AM

Steve Ivy for the company he built allowing collectors to buy selll and trade
worldwide.

And Laura Sperber for cracking into the billionnaire collector market as a dealer.

firstmint · February 17, 2012 7:08PM

Just a minor correction to an earlier post -

New Netherlands Coin Company was founded by Moritz Wormser in 1936. It was taken over by his son, Charles, in 1940. John J. Ford was never an owner, only a contrated associate. There were 21 separate Ford Collection sales by Stack's with an additional two sales of his library by George F. Kolbe in conjuntion with Stack's.

My hero would be Eric P. Newman for his unwaivering stand against counterfeits.

rec78 · February 18, 2012 6:27AM

<< B Max Mehl.

He turned the hobby of kings into the hobby of the masses.

RS Yeoman

He made the hobby more accessible to the masses.

>>

J.J. Mickley-First president of the ANS---and who happens to be my great-great-great uncle.

Bob

BG · February 18, 2012 8:15AM

RWB & Mark Feld.

Research and Coins. No better combo IMO.

DennisH · February 18, 2012 8:28AM

Jeff Oxman.

I give bonus points to people who are constantly nice, unfailingly good humored, and willing to lend a hand to matter what. That's Jeff in spades, and the world needs more people like him.

Who's Your Numismatic Hero?

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