John Lupia's biography of dealer Jean Maunovry included a discussion of Farran Zerbe's report of Maunovry's statement that he'd purchased a group of about 100 Lesher
Dollars. Last week author Bob Leonard took issue with Lupia's description of this statement as Maunovry's "claim". In response, Lupia submitted this defense of his position. Thanks.
-Editor
Apparently Leonard missed the point and value of my biography of Jean Fabien Maunovry. Since the Federal Government of the United States of America via its U. S. Postal Inspectors and
Investigators as well as the legal system of the courts in the states of the United States found Maunovry guilty of fraud, deception, theft, and dishonesty, his testimony about how and what and what
quantity he acquired about any item numismatic or otherwise should be more critically scrutinized.
Consequently, a critical and objective treatment of the information necessitates describing whatever Maunovry has said about anything as his “claim”. Farran Zerbe was completely unaware of what we
know about Maunovry as a shady character who criminally acquired some or most of his stock for sale. It seems incredible that a man of his nature actually did legitimately pay anyone for such a large
quantity of Lesher dollars. I am inclined to think his claim about the 1905 purchase was nothing more than a tall story, i.e.. a pure fabrication.
None of these obvious and logical criticisms necessitates our denying he actually did have in his possession a large quantity of Lesher dollars. Studying Maunovry’s character one is inclined to
believe he actually had more inventory of Lesher dollars and other items than he cared to show his hand about.
Now the only legitimate criticism Leonard may have had is that I "tongue in cheek" asserted Maunovry had made the famous 1905 purchase in the great historic and wonderful city of Denver
in the lovely and beautiful state of Colorado. But, I do not think that is any great peccadillo on my part since I did not actually believe any such transaction took place to begin with.
Now back to our originally scheduled programming... -Editor
To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
JEAN FABIEN MAUNOVRY (1878-1942) (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n40a21.html)
MORE ON MAUNOVRY'S LESHER DOLLAR HOARD (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n41a14.html)
Wayne Homren, Editor
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