The Guttag Bros. Storecards (1920s)
DCW
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The Guttag Bros Storecards are quite intriguing. There are several varieties and compositions, but the most alluring to me has a nude woman (a muse) holding a lamp over an open book so that a child may study numismatics. The boy is in a trance like state while he intently stares at the coin in his grasp.
For the uninitiated, Julius and Henry Guttag were brothers of German ancestry that became prominent coin dealers in NYC in the 1920s, a kind of forerunner to Stacks. They made their living off the stock market, but their passion (especially that of Julius) was in rare coins.
While most of their storecards are considered common, I recently was able to acquire one struck in gold. I believe it to be unique.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
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Well, this thread posted while I was working on the draft. I'll leave it up and add info as I write it. Anyone else can add to it as they wish
Thanks.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
That must be some coin.
I've never seen a gold one before. It may have once been in the Guttag personal collection.
I mean the one that kid is looking at.
I was able to add the below silver versions, which are very rare as well:
Crazy how similar both silver pieces look! They weren't purchased together, but with identical mottled toning, I suspect they were at some time in the same collection.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
One is dated 1923. Significant year for Guttag Bros? Anything on the edge?
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1923 was the year coin week was established by the Guttags. The edge is marked "silver" or "sterling," I can't remember.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Such a cool piece @DCW !
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I recall our late friend Broadstruck posting about these over a decade ago:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/913236/guttag-brothers-rare-coin-dealer-store-cards
Yes, Frank had a large collection of these.
How I wish the photos in the thread were still able to be viewed!
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Just ran across this dealer's token and immediately recognized the motif. Anyone know anything about Roy Renderer, and why he stole the Guttag's design?
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
I have never seen those before. They are really cool.
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