THE WELL-HIDDEN CONSIGNOR

Last week, I reviewed Karl Moulton's new book, "United States Numismatic Auction Catalogues 1990-2000", noting that an index of the listed consignors would be a useful addition.

"Many thanks for the review of USNAC in this week's E-Sylum. A consignor index was thought of, but I felt there were too many blanks and pseudonyms utilized to make it beneficial. The modern auction companies tend to regard most of their consignors on a very low level, at least according to what they publish in their catalogues. Even when a firm does properly list a majority of their consignors, they can also create misleading names which serve no useful purpose. One of my favorite ones was from Money Tree's 30th MBS, "DOT E. COMM"; and they were among the best when it came to listing consignors and their material. It's too bad other coin firms don't do as well as Money Tree did, as it would certainly help the future numismatist in their pedigree research.

Many times, a consignor would be noted on the cover or title page, but their material was not duly noted in the catalogue, which adds further confusion for everyone involved. At least the listed consignor information from 40 auction firms for 1990-2000 is available in USNAC. Nothing was added from the catalogue listings or descriptions. If there is any lack, it is merely a reflection of the way in which numismatic business is conducted and presented in this country. I comment further on this situation in an article appearing in the latest issue of the John Reich Journal."

Wayne Homren, Editor

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The E-Sylum: Volume 4, Number 11, March 11, 2001, Article 8

THE WELL-HIDDEN CONSIGNOR

Wayne Homren, Editor