Me - I am my favorite numismatist. I have personally found every coin in my collection. I am also thankful to Bill Bugert for his outstanding work on Liberty Seated Half dollar varieties.
Proof once again: A leopard doesn't change its spots.
Maywood is as constroversial now, seeking troll level status attention, as he was before being banned as keets.
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
Proof once again: A leopard doesn't change its spots.
Maywood is as constroversial now, seeking troll level status attention, as he was before being banned as keets.
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
What’s controversial about it is that some people don’t believe in separating his numismatic life from his criminal one. And any mention of his name almost always evokes strong emotions.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Proof once again: A leopard doesn't change its spots.
Maywood is as constroversial now, seeking troll level status attention, as he was before being banned as keets.
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
What’s controversial about it is that some people don’t believe in separating his numismatic life from his criminal one. And any mention of his name almost always evokes strong emotions.
I've been undeservedly called a Troll by several members and thanks to you it appears to have stopped. However, this is a slow ball right down the middle...BREEN, BREEN, Walter Breen is one of my favorite numismatists. IMP, his books should be in every library. At one time before I collected. his little pamphlets about varieties were the "Bible".
Proof once again: A leopard doesn't change its spots.
Maywood is as constroversial now, seeking troll level status attention, as he was before being banned as keets.
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
What’s controversial about it is that some people don’t believe in separating his numismatic life from his criminal one. And any mention of his name almost always evokes strong emotions.
well one reason they don't believe is because Breen mixed the two, he interacted with young numismatists
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Edited to add that I have met very few numismatists since I returned to the hobby. RWB and Larry Briggs are numismatists, Larry is also a dealer in seated Liberty coins. Darryl is a dealer who I enjoy chatting with.
I'm changing my vote, though. Of the numismatists whose writings I refer to most often, my favorite numismatist would be Bill Bugert for his excellent work on SLH die marriages. I think he did an outstanding job with his DM series, and I use similar taxonomic references in my field all the time. It is impressive research, IMO.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Does he post here? I have some of his books that are still waiting to be read. Right now, I'm slowly reading From Mine to Mint. His $20 Saint book is next. While I collect red copper Lincolns, there are not any new books on them that I have not read.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Does he post here? I have some of his books that are still waiting to be read. Right now, I'm slowly reading From Mine to Mint. His $20 Saint book is next. While I collect red copper Lincolns, there are not any new books on them that I have not read.
Proof once again: A leopard doesn't change its spots.
Maywood is as constroversial now, seeking troll level status attention, as he was before being banned as keets.
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
What’s controversial about it is that some people don’t believe in separating his numismatic life from his criminal one. And any mention of his name almost always evokes strong emotions.
@Boosibri said: Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
OK, this bullcrap just has to stop. I get the one guy riding me because he just always does, I get that Feld will chime in on what I post because he always does. But please, tell me where I posted that I "admire" Walter Breen?? You won't be able to because I didn't say it. The question was simple --- Post A Picture of Your Favorite Numismatist which is what I did, two of them. If you want to spend time in the archives I've stated clearly on a few occasions that there are two things I try to take to a coin show and one of them is the Breen Encyclopedia. What's wrong with that??
The fact that you guys see his name or picture and can't separate his Numismatic work from his personal life isn't my issue, it's yours to work out. Just find somewhere else to grind your axe. Have a nice day.
@Maywood said: @Boosibri said: Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
OK, this bullcrap just has to stop. I get the one guy riding me because he just always does, I get that Feld will chime in on what I post because he always does. But please, tell me where I posted that I "admire" Walter Breen?? You won't be able to because I didn't say it. The question was simple --- Post A Picture of Your Favorite Numismatist which is what I did, two of them. If you want to spend time in the archives I've stated clearly on a few occasions that there are two things I try to take to a coin show and one of them is the Breen Encyclopedia. What's wrong with that??
The fact that you guys see his name or picture and can't separate his Numismatic work from his personal life isn't my issue, it's yours to work out. Just find somewhere else to grind your axe. Have a nice day.
.
Please don’t flatter yourself too much. I replied to someone else who asked what was controversial about posting Breen - I didn’t reply to you or chime in on what you posted. And I didn’t offer an opinion about Breen.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Too many to compete as my favorite. It would be unjust to single out one. I have known, to various degrees, many greats -- some well renowned and others fairly obscure. Dealer, collectors, authors, even smart kids.
Buddy Ebsen came up a number of times in this thread. He was a regular at the now closed Long Beach Expo, since he was a settled local boy. I understood he was a founder of the Beverly Hills Coin Club or another one in the LA area. There was an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies where Mr. Drysdale showed Jed an album of rare dimes ("Wee, Doggie, such purty, shiny things!") as an investment possibility. The prop album was from Ebsen's personal collection.
@Maywood said: @Boosibri said: Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
OK, this bullcrap just has to stop. I get the one guy riding me because he just always does, I get that Feld will chime in on what I post because he always does. But please, tell me where I posted that I "admire" Walter Breen?? You won't be able to because I didn't say it. The question was simple --- Post A Picture of Your Favorite Numismatist which is what I did, two of them. If you want to spend time in the archives I've stated clearly on a few occasions that there are two things I try to take to a coin show and one of them is the Breen Encyclopedia. What's wrong with that??
The fact that you guys see his name or picture and can't separate his Numismatic work from his personal life isn't my issue, it's yours to work out. Just find somewhere else to grind your axe. Have a nice day.
.
Please don’t flatter yourself too much. I replied to someone else who asked what was controversial about posting Breen - I didn’t reply to you or chime in on what you posted. And I didn’t offer an opinion about Breen.
I wasn’t thinking about you either @Maywood , just commenting on Breen.
@Maywood said: @Boosibri said: Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
OK, this bullcrap just has to stop. I get the one guy riding me because he just always does, I get that Feld will chime in on what I post because he always does. But please, tell me where I posted that I "admire" Walter Breen?? You won't be able to because I didn't say it. The question was simple --- Post A Picture of Your Favorite Numismatist which is what I did, two of them. If you want to spend time in the archives I've stated clearly on a few occasions that there are two things I try to take to a coin show and one of them is the Breen Encyclopedia. What's wrong with that??
The fact that you guys see his name or picture and can't separate his Numismatic work from his personal life isn't my issue, it's yours to work out. Just find somewhere else to grind your axe. Have a nice day.
.
Please don’t flatter yourself too much. I replied to someone else who asked what was controversial about posting Breen - I didn’t reply to you or chime in on what you posted. And I didn’t offer an opinion about Breen.
I wasn’t thinking about you either @Maywood , just commenting on Breen.
It’s all about him - @Maywood, not Breen or anyone else.😉
Back to the original topic… I’d have a nearly impossible time naming a favorite numismatist. And that would even be if I were allowed to name one who was/is a dealer as well as one who was/is a collector.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Does he post here? I have some of his books that are still waiting to be read. Right now, I'm slowly reading From Mine to Mint. His $20 Saint book is next. While I collect red copper Lincolns, there are not any new books on them that I have not read.
Sadly, no.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Does he post here? I have some of his books that are still waiting to be read. Right now, I'm slowly reading From Mine to Mint. His $20 Saint book is next. While I collect red copper Lincolns, there are not any new books on them that I have not read.
I believe he's been banned from here.
He is very active on the NGC forum.
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
Surprised no one added Rick from Pawn Stars....will give you $4 not a penny more I have overhead costs and coins are not very popular at the moment. This thing could take a while to sell OK OK I will come up a bit how about $5....DEAL....SWEET will meet you over there so we can process payment & paper work hahaha:
Back to the original topic… I’d have a nearly impossible time naming a favorite numismatist. And that would even be if I were allowed to name one who was/is a dealer as well as one who was/is a collector.
Back to the original topic… I’d have a nearly impossible time naming a favorite numismatist. And that would even be if I were allowed to name one who was/is a dealer as well as one who was/is a collector.
Not Max Mehl???
B. Max Mehl would certainly be on my list, but wouldn’t be an easy first choice since I never knew him.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@TheGoonies1985 said:
Surprised no one added Rick from Pawn Stars....will give you $4 not a penny more I have overhead costs and coins are not very popular at the moment. This thing could take a while to sell OK OK I will come up a bit how about $5....DEAL....SWEET will meet you over there so we can process payment & paper work hahaha:
The other gentleman in this picture is Walter Husak, one of the greatest collectors of early American copper of all time.
@TheGoonies1985 said:
Surprised no one added Rick from Pawn Stars....will give you $4 not a penny more I have overhead costs and coins are not very popular at the moment. This thing could take a while to sell OK OK I will come up a bit how about $5....DEAL....SWEET will meet you over there so we can process payment & paper work hahaha:
The other gentleman in this picture is Walter Husak, one of the greatest collectors of early American copper of all time.
I met him once at a show where he was showing his first consignment. Great guy. Chatted with a nobody like me for a while about his coins and was happy to pull them out and have me look closely at them. Left a good impression.
To my knowledge, no one has eclipsed his encyclopedic grasp of numismatics.
Thing is, a lot of what he published was made up, which effectively called into question everything that wasn't.
I've never seen proof that "a lot" of what Breen published was made up. It is certainly possible that some of it was. I know much of his research in the 1950's was at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
@Coin Finder said:
I don't have a picture but Dr. William H ... Sheldon is important....
Didn't he steal a lot of large cents from the ANS while research their collection?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
You can add to that his impressive contributions from that research which he shared to us here on this forum.
Some Interesting bio pages from that 1987 US catalog along with a page of his interest from the world and ancient catalog.
Also only a relatively few coins in the sale belonged to Buddy Ebsen and Superior did not note which ones were his. Most belonged to other consignors. So it can be hard or impossible to pedigree his coins to him other than what can be figured out from the bio info. His name was used for promoting the entire sale which was a common practice at the time.
.
.
That was a fun read. Thanks for sharing. It was most interesting to learn that his favorite coin was a VF Pan-Pac $50 Octagonal. Anyone know if that one was in the auction and whether its provenance today can still be traced back to Buddy?
If its provenance remains untraceable, I guess I can always share in his stated imagination and curiosity about who may have handled the coins he owned since I have a Pan-Pac $50 Octagonal that could fit the description of his coin - making it possible that the Beverly Hillbillies icon once had it in his possession.
@messydesk said:
Thing is, a lot of what he published was made up, which effectively called into question everything that wasn't.
@rays said:
I've never seen proof that "a lot" of what Breen published was made up. It is certainly possible that some of it was. I know much of his research in the 1950's was at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
I agree.
Awhile back, I ran across a 1997 Gobrecht Journal article by Q. David Bowers, "Walter Breen's Research Methods",
which is relevant. I have shared it below.
My reading of the article is that Breen did not "make up" his observations.
But some of his published material was subject to error, in several areas which Bowers detailed:
lost notes
sometimes faulty memory,
some difficulties in grading
some difficulties in distinguishing proofs from business strikes (at least his standards were different from those used by others).
sometimes presenting observations from other people as fact, without checking them himself
I believe his error rate was fairly low, but his Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins covers so much ground that a low error rate will still yield several errors.
I do not believe he "made up" anything, although people have stated that from time to time.
I think when people see an error, they wonder how he made that mistake, or what his source might have been.
It just wasn't possible to cite sources for every statement in his Encyclopedia, although he does make many citations.
There is no evidence that I know of that he "made up" things in his coin research.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA.
The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette.
Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography. By the 1990s, he was specializing in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist, Coin World, and CoinWeek, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
and my Mentor on my book project. He helps everyone who asks.
You can add to that his impressive contributions from that research which he shared to us here on this forum.
I don't know all about that but can respect your position.
Comments
On the Topic of Favorite Numismatists. We cannot forget about Dr. Thaine Price.
Me - I am my favorite numismatist. I have personally found every coin in my collection. I am also thankful to Bill Bugert for his outstanding work on Liberty Seated Half dollar varieties.
Does anyone know what happened to the large chest and custom coin holders in this picture. Were they sold or auctioned off?
What is controversial about posting Breen? The thread did not ask for favorite criminals. I have four of his books - oops plus several of his pamphlets in my library!
Enjoyed Mr.Burdettes Peace Dollar book.
What’s controversial about it is that some people don’t believe in separating his numismatic life from his criminal one. And any mention of his name almost always evokes strong emotions.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I've been undeservedly called a Troll by several members and thanks to you it appears to have stopped. However, this is a slow ball right down the middle...BREEN, BREEN, Walter Breen is one of my favorite numismatists. IMP, his books should be in every library. At one time before I collected. his little pamphlets about varieties were the "Bible".
King Farouk
The Mysterious Egyptian Magic Coin
Coins in Movies
Coins on Television
well one reason they don't believe is because Breen mixed the two, he interacted with young numismatists
I agree. Mr. Burdett and I had some excellent discussions on the NCG board over mintage count patterns and what they might mean. In SLHs, different years and mints show different mintage number patterns in terms of their divisibility. For example, the '79-'91 seated half mintages are all divisible by 400 except 1886 (5000), 1887 (5000), and 1888 (12001). Why are most divisible by 400? And why is there deviation from that pattern in those three dates? Do planchet sheets yield 400 planchets? How many coins can be produced from a planchet sheet? Other patterns exist elsewhere in the series. He was providing good counterarguments that I had to consider. It was a respectful numismatic exchange with an expert in the mintage process and I loved it. The question still remains unresolved, IMO.
Honorable mentions: Larry Briggs and Darryl Kreis
Edited to add that I have met very few numismatists since I returned to the hobby. RWB and Larry Briggs are numismatists, Larry is also a dealer in seated Liberty coins. Darryl is a dealer who I enjoy chatting with.
I'm changing my vote, though. Of the numismatists whose writings I refer to most often, my favorite numismatist would be Bill Bugert for his excellent work on SLH die marriages. I think he did an outstanding job with his DM series, and I use similar taxonomic references in my field all the time. It is impressive research, IMO.
Does he post here? I have some of his books that are still waiting to be read. Right now, I'm slowly reading From Mine to Mint. His $20 Saint book is next. While I collect red copper Lincolns, there are not any new books on them that I have not read.
Paul Montgomery
Very down to earth and one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
I’m also a big fan of Q David Bowers and Rick Snow, also Doug Winter.
My YouTube Channel
I believe he's been banned from here.
Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
Latin American Collection
@Boosibri said: Anyone who admires this guy must not have kids.
OK, this bullcrap just has to stop. I get the one guy riding me because he just always does, I get that Feld will chime in on what I post because he always does. But please, tell me where I posted that I "admire" Walter Breen?? You won't be able to because I didn't say it. The question was simple --- Post A Picture of Your Favorite Numismatist which is what I did, two of them. If you want to spend time in the archives I've stated clearly on a few occasions that there are two things I try to take to a coin show and one of them is the Breen Encyclopedia. What's wrong with that??
The fact that you guys see his name or picture and can't separate his Numismatic work from his personal life isn't my issue, it's yours to work out. Just find somewhere else to grind your axe. Have a nice day.
Seriously @Boosibri , you're way out of line. @keets doesn't admire him, Breen is just his favorite numismatist.
You should cool out by listening to some music from my favorite musician. I don't admire him, he's just my favorite!
.
Please don’t flatter yourself too much. I replied to someone else who asked what was controversial about posting Breen - I didn’t reply to you or chime in on what you posted. And I didn’t offer an opinion about Breen.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Too many to compete as my favorite. It would be unjust to single out one. I have known, to various degrees, many greats -- some well renowned and others fairly obscure. Dealer, collectors, authors, even smart kids.
Buddy Ebsen came up a number of times in this thread. He was a regular at the now closed Long Beach Expo, since he was a settled local boy. I understood he was a founder of the Beverly Hills Coin Club or another one in the LA area. There was an episode of the Beverly Hillbillies where Mr. Drysdale showed Jed an album of rare dimes ("Wee, Doggie, such purty, shiny things!") as an investment possibility. The prop album was from Ebsen's personal collection.
Feld, you do it all the time so don't feign innocence. You can't help yourself.
I wasn’t thinking about you either @Maywood , just commenting on Breen.
Latin American Collection
It’s all about him - @Maywood, not Breen or anyone else.😉
Back to the original topic… I’d have a nearly impossible time naming a favorite numismatist. And that would even be if I were allowed to name one who was/is a dealer as well as one who was/is a collector.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Here is my favorite Numismatist, along with his Dad,,,,,
Sadly, no.
He is very active on the NGC forum.
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
Surprised no one added Rick from Pawn Stars....will give you $4 not a penny more I have overhead costs and coins are not very popular at the moment. This thing could take a while to sell OK OK I will come up a bit how about $5....DEAL....SWEET will meet you over there so we can process payment & paper work hahaha:
NFL: Buffalo Bills & Green Bay Packers
I don't have a picture but Dr. William H ... Sheldon is important....
Not Max Mehl???
Does our very own @Longacre have a say here?
B. Max Mehl would certainly be on my list, but wouldn’t be an easy first choice since I never knew him.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Jim McGuigan 1942-2022.
To my knowledge, no one has eclipsed his encyclopedic grasp of numismatics.
Gary was an astute numismatist and altogether a fine man.
The other gentleman in this picture is Walter Husak, one of the greatest collectors of early American copper of all time.
Thing is, a lot of what he published was made up, which effectively called into question everything that wasn't.
I met him once at a show where he was showing his first consignment. Great guy. Chatted with a nobody like me for a while about his coins and was happy to pull them out and have me look closely at them. Left a good impression.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I've never seen proof that "a lot" of what Breen published was made up. It is certainly possible that some of it was. I know much of his research in the 1950's was at the National Archives in Washington, DC.
Didn't he steal a lot of large cents from the ANS while research their collection?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Thanks. Saved me the effort of locating a photo.
You can add to that his impressive contributions from that research which he shared to us here on this forum.
That was a fun read. Thanks for sharing. It was most interesting to learn that his favorite coin was a VF Pan-Pac $50 Octagonal. Anyone know if that one was in the auction and whether its provenance today can still be traced back to Buddy?
If its provenance remains untraceable, I guess I can always share in his stated imagination and curiosity about who may have handled the coins he owned since I have a Pan-Pac $50 Octagonal that could fit the description of his coin - making it possible that the Beverly Hillbillies icon once had it in his possession.
I agree.
Awhile back, I ran across a 1997 Gobrecht Journal article by Q. David Bowers, "Walter Breen's Research Methods",
which is relevant. I have shared it below.
My reading of the article is that Breen did not "make up" his observations.
But some of his published material was subject to error, in several areas which Bowers detailed:
I believe his error rate was fairly low, but his Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins covers so much ground that a low error rate will still yield several errors.
I do not believe he "made up" anything, although people have stated that from time to time.
I think when people see an error, they wonder how he made that mistake, or what his source might have been.
It just wasn't possible to cite sources for every statement in his Encyclopedia, although he does make many citations.
There is no evidence that I know of that he "made up" things in his coin research.
I don't know all about that but can respect your position.
I just know he has done for me and many others.
one of my favorite people, a true gentleman and student of numismatics, John Kraljevich
