I am pleased to report that a number of Tom Palmer’s lovely coins survived the Central States Show. To my surprise only 10 or so die-hard bust half collectors attended. I held dealers at bay for two days, and then relented – but just a bit. I kept prices high except on the coins that I thought were off quality – not many of those!. If you wanted Palmer’s 1815, don’t feel too bad. PCGS body-bagged it, “altered surfaces.” Probably right. NGC bailed me out just before the show: MS 62. Egad! I was happy to sell that one to a dealer.

The pre-show interest in The Palmer Collection was remarkable - for good reason. Most correspondents could not be there and wanted to pick off some goodies before the coins were displayed in Chicago. If you click on SALES, here or in the banner, you will be directed to a list of 47 coins from the Palmer Collection, graded, rated for eye appeal, described and priced. I will be away from the office until Thursday May 1. You may email orders or questions before then. But I will not have the coins in front of me until May 1.

Photos of the Palmer coins – and those in a special Bonus section – may be viewed by clicking here.

Terms of Sale are simple:

1. Order by phone or email;
2. Every sale comes with a 5-day return privilege (from the date you receive your order);
3. Payment must be by check or money order. No credit cards. If you have established credit with me coins will be sent on approval; and
4. The cost of registered mail and insurance will be added to your invoice. There is no reference to coins or numismatics on my packaging.

Why will I be away until May 1? Well, I am thrilled to tell you that I recently purchased the Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. Collection of Bust Half-Dollars, 1794-1839. I will be visiting Shreveport, LA at the end of April to pick up coins. For those who collect bust half-dollars by die variety no introduction is needed. The Meyer Collection is the only one ever assembled that includes every capped bust die marriage listed in Overton’s most recent edition, all 450 of them! His bust quarter collection was also complete, 1796-1838. Last month I had the good fortune to purchase and sell that collection intact. If you are interested in the quarters give my friend and colleague Chris Napolitano a call at Summit Rare Coins in St. Paul, MN, 952-767-3800.

Charlton passed away in September 2006. Health and mobility problems kept him away from coin shows for the last few years. We missed the cherubic face, good nature and abiding humor that graced so many major coin shows since the 1970’s, when “Swampy” became BHNC #18 under the sponsorship of his mentor Floyd Farley. The stewardship of his coins must now pass to a new generation.

There are nearly 800 half-dollars in the Meyer Collection. I will bring a small sampling to my upcoming shows, the EAC Convention in Dallas, May 8-10, the Long Beach Show, May 29-31 and the summer Baltimore Show, June 5-7, 2008. Most of the collection will be presented for private sale or at auction during the ANA Convention in Baltimore, July 29-Aug.3, 2008. Some pieces will appear on this web site during May and June. And, yes, a few – very few – coins will be sold privately. The Meyer 1817/4, pictured below and plated on the cover of Overton’s 3rd and 4th editions, has already passed into an important collection. Stayed tuned for more information regarding this historic opportunity to acquire coins from the Meyer Collection.



The Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. 1817/14 Half-Dollar – Overton Plate and Cover Coin.

If you want and expect to keep up to date on current - STRONG - prices for bust halves be sure your library includes Steve Herrman’s latest version of AMBPR (Auction and Mail Bid Prices Realized). The recent sales of Don Willis’ collection of (mostly) AU 58 busties and Chuck DeOlden’s Flowing Hair and Draped Bust collection are included in the March 2008 32nd revision. Steve lists current rarity ratings, unlisted sub-varieties and prices for all Red Book varieties and R.3+ or higher bust halves, including such esoteric items as proof, counterfeit, pattern, countermarked and error bust halves. I have just 20 copies of the latest edition. Order now!

Steve has also published an invaluable booklet of Prices Realized for my first 31 Mail Bid Sales, DMBS. I carry both publications. AMBPR is $29. DMBS is $38. Both postpaid.

Finally, be sure to subscribe to Dave Rutherford’s on-line compilation of Prices Realized for bust halves, 1794-1836. Check it out at: http://www.busthalfprices.com.


Are you a member of the American Numismatic Association? You should be! For details and a wonderful tour of numismatics today go here: http://www.money.org.