Q.David Bowers
In regard to your 1802 half dime, this is by far the best known. Woodward's not nearly so fine brought recently at auction $365 and was bought by Sampson who had a bid of $600 on the piece. The next letter is dated March 16, 1885 and describes the superb collection:
I have an opportunity of purchasing probably the finest (and most complete with regard to varieties) line of dollars, half dollars and quarters. They belong to a friend of mine who has been collecting for 35 years and now through ill health and old age is compelled to give it to us. When I tell you that there are nearly 800 pieces in the collection, you can appreciate its magnitude.
I do not know how far you go into varieties, but if you care for them, this is by far the most perfect collection known. Numbers of Uncirculated beautiful pieces in the early dates, for example 1795, 1796, 1797 1798, etc. The set of quarters is really remarkable. The 1796 Proof. The 1804 Proof. This is finer than mine which brought $225 in the Britton sale. 1805, 1806 strictly Uncirculated. 1807 bright and strictly Uncirculated. Never in a sale, and unique in point of condition. Parmelee has not one approaching it.
This has long been known as the best. It was bought in Europe. The other dates are Uncirculated except the 1823. My friend wants to sell the three lines but he might be induced to part with the quarters alone. If so, would you not desire the Uncirculated specimens? There is a brilliant Proof 1795 fillet head dollar absolutely perfect and unique. Also an 1853 half dollar without arrows or rays, also unique. Would you care to come to Philadelphia to have a look at the collection? I think it would repay you for your troubles, and I should be most happy to extend you the hospitalities of my house.
These coins have never been offered except to me and will not be until I hear from you. In other words, I have the refusal of them.
The next letter is dated March 30, 1885: I have a Sommers Island shilling that is as good as the two known. Have you it, or does it interest you? The United States Mint will buy it, but I shall wait to hear from you before offering it to them.
During your absence I sent you an 1876 $20 gold and an 1876 dollar at $30 per registered letter.
He sent the shilling April 1st and gave this interesting history:
I enclose the Sommers Island piece, 1615. The first American coin. Crosby knew of but two, both of which were very much corroded. The enclosed is about as fine I think as Parmelee's, in fact it has been but slightly rubbed. I showed it yesterday to the mint, and they wanted me to put a price on it stating that they wanted it, but I didn't until I hear from you. The mint recently got a sixpence (likewise corroded) which a lady in Bermuda sent them. It was dug up by a colored man and rubbed on a brick to make it discernible. The United States Mint sent $75 to the lady for the piece. This is the only one I have ever seen. I doubt if you- will again have an opportunity of buying one. If you care for it let me know what you think a fair price, and it is yours.
Garrett accepted the piece and Newlin wrote a brief acknowledgement on April 15, 1885:
I am glad you secured the Sommers Island shilling. I had an offer of $55 for it. You wrote me that you had forwarded a check for the gold at $30. It has not reached me, and I only mention it fearing it may have miscarried in the mail. I have an 1876 $5 Proof .. Also a Georgia $2.50 gold piece that I have never seen before. Would you like to see them?
The next communication from Newlin is a telegram dated May 8, 1885:
Can buy a unique Immunis Columbia recently discovered and undescribed. $300 offered and not accepted. Would you offer $500? Genuineness guaranteed. I think Parmelee would buy it, but I give you preference. Telegraph answer.
The next letter is dated May 16, 1885:
Your favor received. I don't think much of Chapman's cheap learning and nothing they would say relative to a piece would influence me. I heard two dealers declare that they had no confidence in the 1804 dollar sold at the sale. It was sold, however, to Mr. Scott, a dealer, who paid $1,000 for it for a customer. I am still trying to get that unique colonial at a reasonably fair price, but the owner is obstinate. If I get it I shall at least send it on for your inspection.
When Woodward's catalogue of the Randall Collection comes out, you will have an opportunity of adding some gems to your cabinet. I have already examined the piece most carefully and I will be able to give you a fair idea of the value of any you may want. I shall attend the sale and will buy anything for you, I fancy more cheaply than collectors' bids are generally executed.
In his next letter, dated June 23, 1885, Newlin gives his opinion of the forthcoming Randall Collection sale and makes bidding suggestions. Two days later he gives a report on results obtained on behalf of Garrett in the Huffnagle sale of curios. Newlin was further successful at the Randall sale, where acting as Garrett's confidential agent, he ...
... purchased for you the gems at about a third less than your bids. I paid cash for the pieces, and no one has any idea that I was not buying for myself. I telegraphed you for a check not because I need the money, but because I leave town on Friday for the summer and wanted to pick it up before then. I consider the cheapest piece in the sale was the 1853 half dollar.
Woodward today offered me an advance if I would let him have it, said he was sorry he allowed it to be sold, and thought it well worth $500. It was unquestionably admitted to be genuine and unique by every dealer and collector present.
The 1796 half dollar went above your bid, as also the two 1796 quarters. These were bought by Randall for speculation. I think you might have them (I mean the quarters) for your set. If you want them telegraph me and I'll see what I can do with Randall.
The 1804 quarter was cheap at $100. The same piece brought $135 years ago in the Stentz sale, and is as fine as mine that brought $225 at the Britton sale. The fillet head 1795 is worth $300, and the 1804 quarter is very cheap. Hope you like the coins. I add a commission and have not so much compunction in doing it because it's my only solace for having lost so many gems, for I got for you nearly all the pieces I had picked out for myself. The 1795 flowing hair is I think perfection, but. if you think not, send it to me and I will remit a check. I shall send the coins to you per Adams [Express] to Deer Park. Hope you will like them. The 1797 half eagle was poor.