Q.David Bowers
In 1908, at the American Numismatic Association convention, Haseltine discussed two important discoveries: the silver 1000 and 500 mills Nova Constellatio patterns; pieces which subsequently were sold to Col. James W. Ellsworth, and then in 1923, to John Work Garrett. Also mentioned by Haseltine at the convention were the New Jersey cent with Washington obverse and the 1861 cent made by Lovett for the Confederate States of America. Haseltine died in 1925 of infirmities due to old age.
Haseltine sent out a circular notice on March 15, 1883, announcing his upcoming auction:
It is with satisfaction that I will soon offer for public competition at auction the well known numismatic collections of S. S. Crosby of Boston, O. H. Berg of Baltimore, and H. P. Newlin, of Philadelphia.
Almost every collector of coins has his pet specialties, or some particular line in which he takes a special interest; he will take more than ordinary pains to complete his favorite department and will wait patiently for the opportunity to secure the coveted additions, the best his means will allow. This pursuit with him is part of his life; he will devote his leisure time and bend all his energies to finish the end that he has in view. After the achievement of the task that he has set before him, he feels that he has accomplished his aim, which he generally guards with a too-jealous care. Still, his success is only an incentive to new fields of labor; he begins to realize that he has not yet reached the end, and he continues on amid new researches to accomplish that which has no end. This industry is not only a harmless recreation, but it is a useful one, from which a fund of enlightenment is gleamed. The student of numismatics will, no doubt, cordially welcome the advent of the following sales, as they will present the opportunity that he has long sought (and which may never occur again) of acquiring specimens of special interest, rarity, and excellence of condition.
Harold P. Newlin's Collection. The cabinet of this indefatigable collector embraces many of the finest Dimes and Half Dimes. As a whole, the collection has not its equal in this country. Many excessively rare patterns of the United States Mint will be offered; and, also, the most complete line (lacking only two or three specimens) of Confederate Notes. The entire collection, with scarcely an exception, is in the most superb condition. To be sold at Bangs & Co's, No. 739 and No. 741 Broadway, New York City, the early part of April.
O. H. Berg's Collection. This cabinet contains a genuine 1804 dollar, and an unsurpassed line of Foreign Copper and Silver Coinage. Mr. Berg was a collector of types and not dates. As may be expected, many beautiful examples will appear. A rich treat is here in store for the advanced collector. To be sold at Bangs & Coo's about the latter part of April.
S. S. Crosby's Collection. This cabinet, as is generally known, is principally rich in the Colonial Coins of America. Mr. Crosby was one of the very early collectors whose assid-uous pursuit in quest of examples of our early coinage resulted in gathering together one of the finest and most complete collections known of American Colonials, Coins and Medals of the Confederation, Washingtons, etc. It contains a number of unique pieces never before offered at auction. A more extended notice of this sale will be given. To be sold at Bangs & Co's, shortly after the sale of the Berg Collection.
Haseltine wrote to T. Harrison Garrett on June 15, 1883 informing him of his upcoming invoice:
I shipped you this date by express a box of valuable coins and medals amounting to $1,465.30 as per invoice. I hope you will find many to suit you and improve your collection, although I should judge you now have one of the most valuable and interesting in the United States.
Presuming that as a railroad magnate you will have no expressage to pay, I do not prepay it, but if I am in error and you are obliged to pay the express charges you can deduct it from what you select. Please return the invoices with what pieces you return to me.
On March 6, 1884, Haseltine sent Garrett a 1792 Pattern cent:
I am sending by express for your inspection a very valuable 1792 pattern cent at $250. I do not think that more than four or five of these pieces are known. Mr. Crosby, I believe, only mentions three, the one enclosed has been previously unknown to collectors and has been in the possession of the owner for over 20 years. The inscription on the edge of this piece is the same as that on the one in the Bushnell sale which sold for $290. The other known variety has different inscriptions.
Would you care for Washington head half dollar in silver; with the stars grouped about the eagle's head and not in the circle above, condition nearly Very Fine, the price $70? During the mid-1880s a number of invoices were sent by Haseltine to John Work Garrett, representing primarily coins sent on approval as well as pieces purchased in various Haseltine auctions.
Correspondence with Lyman H. Low
Lyman Haynes Low, born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1844, was in the dry goods business until 1883. At that time he became a full-time numismatist in connection with B. Westermann & Co., of 838 Broadway, New York. On August 1, 1883, an announcement from Westermann read:
We take pleasure in announcing that we have determined to establish a coin department in connection with our regular business. In view of this fact we have consummated a con-nection with Mr. Lyman H. Low, whose reputation as a numismatist and earnest student in this science is too well known to need comment ... It is the desire of Mr. Low to become personally acquainted with all coin collectors, and with those living out of town correspondence is solicited, which will meet with prompt and careful attention. He stands ready at all times to impart any information relative to coins and will take special pleasure in describing any obscure or doubtful piece. For such services he makes no charge ... Mr. Low will be pleased to receive from collectors lists of pieces especially desired to complete series or for other purposes. These will receive particular attention, and every effort will be made to procure such pieces, for which we have unusual facilities, both in this country and in Europe.
In 1884, Low entered the auction field. From that time until 1923 he was a prolific writer and catalogued more than 200 sales. Included were the collections of Foster Ely, Henry R. Linderman, Henry C. Miller, Benjamin Betts, Edward Groh and many others. He died at his home in New Rochelle, New York on February 10, 1924 at the age of 79.