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

Newlin's next letter is dated September 28, 1883:

I send you this day per express the remainder of my coins. I hope you will not think the prices too high. My fine pieces have cost me nearly the prices I have marked them to you at, and I bought them several years ago before this great boom in prices. I have never before offered them for sale, although I have frequently been asked to part with them.

Mr. Frossard, a dealer, once offered $35 for my 1796 half dimes two years ago. I have marked my prices as low as I can possibly sell them for in order that you may be satisfied with pieces and prices. I regret that I could not have offered you the set of dimes and half dimes for I think it is a great pity they were ever broken. I congratulate you having bought the finest pieces or many of them, and I hope they may afford you as much pleasure as they have me.

I have been making a list of the 1802 half dimes, the number known, their condition, when sold, and prices realized. I have also examined several specimens and have either seen or have photographs of the finest, and I unhesitatingly say that I think without doubt that your specimen is the finest known. If you care to clean your piece it will come out nearly a Proof.

Some of the pieces I send you can be greatly improved by judicious cleaning, but I am too busily engaged to undertake it. I hope that the package reaches you safely. In his letter of May 3rd, Newlin discussed the value of his pieces:

In his letter of May 3rd, Newlin discussed the value of his pieces:

Your favor received. In reply I would say that my list is at my house. You will find however that the price is marked on each envelope. I regret that I cannot further reduce them but I have already put them as low as I can consistently. My sale was a disappointment to me. My finest pieces would have brought double what they did had it not been that a certain collector who pays extravagant prices for fine coins was away from home and did not send one bid. What you do not take I. shall send to him at private sale.

I fully expected my 1802 half dime to bring $700 or $800, and I believe that if it were put in a sale now it would bring that amount. I also believe that if the fine pieces I sent you were put in a sale now they would bring double or triple the prices I ask. I happen to know that the collector of whom I speak is now sending unlimited bids for everything fine.

Several months later on September 13, 1883, Newlin informed Garrett . . .

. . . he had recently secured two pieces which were obtained at the mint in the year they were struck, by the gentleman from whom I got them. They are the gold dollar and quarter eagle of 1863. They are in beautiful brilliant Proof condition. The former is rare and the latter in my estimation the rarest of the series of quarter eagles.

In my former gold collection (originally the Adams Collection) I had an 1863 $5 gold piece but never could obtain the quarter eagle. There were I believe but 30 struck in this year, and certainly not a half dozen of these are now known to collectors. I do not know if you have the piece, but if you care for it I am willing to dispose of it as I have broken up my set. The price is $30, and $5 for the 1863 dollar. Will you kindly let me know what you lack in gold as I have one or two fine pieces left.

Have you the 1829 half eagle of the new type? I have the 1838 and 1847 eagles. Newlin apparently received a letter from Garrett stating that he was going on a trip, for on September 26, 1883, Newlin responded:

Your favor of the 19th received. I shall hold the 1863 quarter eagle and other pieces subject to your decision upon your return.