KOLBE-FANNING 2012 NEW YORK SALE LOTS: NEWLIN, PERKINS

317 Newlin, Harold P. A CLASSIFICATION OF THE EARLY HALF-DIMES OF THE UNITED STATES. WITH A FEW REMARKS ON THEIR TYPES, VARIETIES, RARITY, ETC., ETC. First edition. Philadelphia: John W. Haseltine, 1883. 8vo [25 by 20 cm], original crimson cloth, gilt; triple blind fillets on both sides; beveled edges; chocolate endpapers. 24 pages; 2 fine facing heliotype plates of coins with an intersecting protective tissue guard. A few light scuffs to back cover, else fine. (900.00)

One of only 40 copies issued with plates, of an entire edition of 100. The plates were originally prepared to accompany the April 10, 1883 auction of Newlin's collection but none were actually issued with the sale catalogue. A very nice example of one of the rarities of American numismatic literature. Clain-Stefanelli 12327. Davis 771. Ex David Davis library.

George Perkins's Detailed Notebooks Cataloguing His Collection of Connecticut Coppers 318 [Perkins, George C.]. NOTEBOOKS ITEMIZING THE GEORGE C. PERKINS COLLECTION OF CONNECTICUT COPPERS. Undated. Five small [22.5 by 17 cm] blue cloth three-ring binders, some with tabbed dividers, containing approximately 750 leaves of detailed notes and descriptions by George C. Perkins, comprised of typewritten forms filled out in type and by hand, and consisting of a detailed record of the Connecticut coppers in his collection. A number of additional items included [see comments]. Near fine. (4000.00)

Unique and of extraordinary importance. The collection of Connecticut copper coins formed by George C. Perkins was one of the finest ever assembled, with the front-line collection including 302 different die varieties. Three of these notebooks were originally included in the January 12�"13, 2000 Stack's auction of Perkins's collection (lot 535), but were withdrawn from that sale by Perkins, who decided to keep them. Those three recorded his mainline collection: they are present here as well as two volumes recording Perkins's duplicates.

Rediscovered in late 2010 in his estate, they form a remarkable record of this important collection. The notebooks take the form of typewritten forms devised by Perkins on which he recorded�"in astonishing detail�"his beloved Connecticuts. The forms, often filled out in type, but at times entirely by hand, record the date, die variety and grade of each coin, along with its weight, diameter, thickness, die axis, provenance, date of acquisition and source, and much other information.

Speculations on mint and die cutter are included, and most coins are compared to those in the 1975 Pine Tree EAC sale. The forms are further annotated in ink, with many interesting observations on die states, cracks, the condition census and so forth. Each coin is meticulously described, often with full paragraphs written about the obverse and reverse. In addition, many coin envelopes are attached to the pages, as are a few photographs, photocopied letters, photocopied catalogue descriptions or photos, and other items (including a “Colonial American Coin Club” certificate signed by Walter Breen and Don Taxay). Adding machine tape, recording the cost of the collection, is also laid in.

These notebooks represent countless hours of labor and are a testament to the work that this legendary collector dedicated to forming a truly outstanding collection. A unique and fascinating record.

To view the complete catalog, see: 2012 New York Public Auction (www.numislit.com/numislit/images/pdfcatalogs/3_catalog.pdf)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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