KOLBE & FANNING GEORGE KOLBE EPHEMERA SALE #1

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V16 2013 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 16, Number 4, January 27, 2013, Article 4

David Fanning forwarded this note announcing an online sale of numismatic ephemera from the collection of George F. Kolbe. -Editor

Kolbe & Fanning are pleased to announce the commencement of a series of occasional internet sales featuring numismatic ephemera acquired over several decades by the firm’s founder, George Kolbe. The sales will include a diverse offering of numismatic memorabilia, letters, circulars, photos, promotional materials and other miscellanea. The usual mail-bid terms of sale will apply but printed listings will not be issued. It is anticipated that each sale will feature 100 lots, which will be posted on the firm’s website at www.numislit.com on a regular basis. Bids will be accepted by phone, fax or email.

A few of the highlights in the first sale, which opens today and closes on Tuesday, February 12, follow:

—A letter from Eliasberg to Mehl about the 1804 dollar
—An early offering of Confederate stamps, notes & bonds
—An invoice for a controversial western ingot
—A promotional circular for the 1904 Numismatist
—Frank Norton resigns from the AJN
—Lyman Low offers Crosby’s Early Coins of America
—Program from the 1916 ANA Convention

Why do I love numismatic ephemera? Let me count the ways...

First, these items often contain information not to be found anywhere else. For example, the prospectus for an auction could state how many deluxe or special editions were produced; an early U.S. Mint price medal price list indicates what medals were available when, their original issue price, and perhaps how many of different types were struck.

Second, they are generally as rare as hens' teeth. By their very nature these ephemeral items were not meant to be saved, and most people didn't. No matter how many copies might have been produced originally, often only a few remain. Some of them may be unique - the only known surviving example in the world.

Third, they are a tangible link to the numismatic past - as the cliché goes, "History in your Hands".

Lastly, they are just plain fun. Rarely seen, you can amaze your numismatic friends with artifacts more rare than an 1804 Silver Dollar or 1913 Liberty Nickel. I'll never forget Ken Lowe's description of John Ford's comments on viewing an exhibit of my ephemera collection. "I've never even SEEN that!" "Where the HELL did he get THAT???!"

So be sure to check out the catalogs for items that catch you eye. -Editor