The History of United States Coinage As Illustrated by the Garrett Collection

In an 1884 sale some of T. Harrison Garrett's coins were offered by Massamore under the heading "duplicates from an advanced collector's cabinet." An 1875 gold dollar, quarter eagle, and $3 in Proof, an 1815 half eagle, and 1798 eagle were a few of the duplicate pieces described. On two other occasions Massamore offered additional Garrett coins. His monograph, Descriptive and Chronological Cata-logue of Confederate Currency, was published in Baltimore in 1889 and was probably inspired by his service in the Confederate Army. Massamore died in 1898, and his remaining coins were auctioned by S. Hudson and Henry Chapman in 1899.

Massamore acted as an agent for T. Harrison Garrett in many auction sales, often bidding under pseudonyms. A letter dated April 10, 1883, mentions the acquisition of Harold P. Newlin's famous 1802 half dime:

I was successful on most of the lots [Haseltine's 66th sale, featuring the Newlin Collection]. I captured the 1802 half dime at the limit of $400. Some of the lots went out of sight. I got all of the Confederate notes. The 1853 no arrows quarters sold for $22.50. My eyes failed to see any mint lustre. I will try my hand on the one in the Aulick sale. Scott did not attend the sale. Think his gold buyer must have gotten his eyes opened. I sold my 1802 directly after the sale to a gentleman from Lowell, Mass. Was right lucky. The cents were abominably described. You can judge from the prices. I am afraid you will be disgusted with the two I bought. I bought some nice bargains for you. Lots 65 and 66 were very cheap. I give a few prices below of what I bought ....

Massamore reported further to Garrett in his letter of April 11, 1883:

I was not quite as successful today. I bought Lot 146, the 1853 quarter dollar. It is a very handsome and rare gem. It is far superior to the one sold on the 10th. Price $23. Lot 162 sold for $32.50. Lot 266 for $46. Lot 227 for $93. I bought a number of pieces you bid on. Talk about an 1805 half dime, I saw one today that is worth two of the one sold today. It is without doubt the most beautiful piece in existence. You ought to have it with the 1802. By the way, I am sure that if your 1802 was put up tomorrow it would sell for $700. $100 is the price of the 1805. If I can I will try to get it on approval. Will see you Saturday and will deliver over the gems.

On June 25, 1883, Massamore wrote with regard to W. Elliot Woodward's 58th sale, the William J. Jenks Collection in a letter dated June 25, 1883:

I was very successful today, both in regard to the number of pieces bought, and the low prices at which they were secured. Buyers seem to be holding off for the Crosby Sale ... Parmelee is here, and I suppose he will make things lively on the colonials. You will see by the invoice enclosed of today's sale that I got the gem for you. Parmelee has a mate to it and says it is fully rare as the 1804 dollar and con-siders it cheap at $300. I bought for you a cheap lot of coins today. I hope to be as successful during the week. I will for-ward the first thing in the morning. Went to the B&O and Adams [express companies] after the sale but they would not receive money packages so late in the day. Would you be so kind to send me a New York draft for $200 on account? I will need more money than I thought I would. Send care of Bangs & Co. and oblige.

Massamore continued to report to Garrett, on the progress of the sale, in his letter of June 26, 1883:

Most of the lots you bid on are secured amounting in all to about $35 ... I got everything very cheap. There were very few good things in today's sale. Lots of trash, and very badly described. I scratched a number of your bids yesterday on that account . . . .

On January 8, 1884, Massamore wrote in relation to W. Elliot Woodward's 62nd sale, the Ely Collection:

I was obliged to cancel quite a number of your bids on ac-count of over description. The 1827 quarter is a magnificent piece. I secured it at $215. No. 90 was struck from the original die and is a gem. I had hoped to secure it but was disappointed; it sold for $130.

No. 444 was an alteration. The Pattern Pieces sold cheap. Hope to secure the rare Colonials tomorrow. Bids for the third day's sale sent any time tomorrow will reach me in good season.