Q.David Bowers
From this point forward all correspondence is from George W. Cogan, Edward D. having retired. On February 24, 1882, Cogan wrote to Garrett:
I noticed in the sale of last week made by Mr. Sampson you were the purchaser of Lot 956, the set of coinage for 1868 in aluminum. I had left with me for sale a set of 1867 in copper Proof at $50 and also a silver half dollar of 1838 Liberty seated (which is excessively rare) at $60. If you take the two lots the price is $100. I never saw the set in copper before and the half dollar I have not sold in 6 or 7 years. Will you kindly let me know whether you would like to purchase them or not. I also have a Proof quarter of 1827 at $140.
At the same time George W. Cogan published an announcement to his clients indicating his willingness to act as agent for several forthcoming auction sales. The collection of Charles I. Bushnell, to be sold by the Chapman brothers, was most significant and Chapman's description was reprinted by Cogan in his announcement: We would respectfully inform you that the celebrated collection of the late Charles 1. Bushnell, Esq. of New York City, has been placed in our hands to catalogue and sell at auction ....
This will be the finest sale of this description held within the past 15 years, and perhaps the finest ever sold. Mr. Bushnell selected only pieces pertaining to this country.
Among the colonials, Washingtons, and early patterns or issues of the United States Mint are some pieces of the highest rarity, and several unique, and specimens of which have never been sold at auction.
All the coins and medals are in the finest possible condition, almost without exception, as Mr. Bushnell did not spare expense to improve the condition of them.
The colonials include the Massachusetts Samaritan shilling, unique; Brasher's New York doubloon; New York Excelsior, George Clinton, Liber Natus; Inimica Tyrannis; Virginia shilling; Lord Baltimore shilling, sixpence, and groat in silver, and penny in copper, unique; a Chalmers shilling, unique, etc.
The Washingtons include four half dollars and cents in silver, one half dollar, unique; naked bust cent; cents of 1791, etc.
The early patterns or issues are complete, containing the large Liberty cent by Birch; the cent of 1792, reverse with eagle on a globe, unique outside of the Mint Cabinet; the silver center cent; the disme and half-disme.
In the United States Mint issues the 1794 dollar is fine and a good impression. Many dollars, half dollars, quarter dollars, dimes, and half dimes are in extraordinary condition.
The cents and half cents are one of the finest series ever sold, etc. The Proof sets date from 1854.
The collection of medals is one of the finest in the country, containing 20 silver medals of the Peace of 1783, including the Libertas Americana; the Washington's embrace several unique, and all the finest known, among them a set of the Season medals in silver and copper. Those of Franklin, Lafayette, and the presidents are very fine.
We will charge a small sum for the catalogue of the Bushnell Collection and are, we may almost say compelled, to do so for several reasons,. the truth of which nearly every collector may observe.
The first reason is the enormous waste of catalogues under the free distribution; collectors receive a copy from each of the dealers with whom they are corresponding (some have informed us they are sent 5 to 6 copies of every sale), whereas, by issuing a notice and charging for the collectors of the catalogues, a collector may send his order for it and for the sale to any dealer he selects. Some persons . . . write requesting catalogues who are not collectors, and would not do so if they cost them anything.
We will print a less number than usual on the above account, and intend to make it a work of reference, and not spare expense in the execution of the letter press. It wiil always be worth the price. Each copy will cost us for printing alone more than the amount charged ....
Of the pieces Cogan offered, the 1827 quarter was of interest as expressed in a letter written by him on March 17, 1882:
Your favor of the 13th at hand. What is the most you will give for the quarter of 1827? I will get it for Y9.U just as cheap as I possibly can. Will send the illustrated Bushnell catalogue as soon as issued. I have had a very fine lot of gold left with me for sale and also a silver pattern set of California gold, $20, $10, $5, and $2,50, the only set I have ever seen or heard of, price $125.
Also a pattern in copper, reverse by Paquet, [Anthony C. Paquet, mint engraver] for a $20 gold piece. This is the only impression ever taken from the die. I have the letter from Paquet. Price for this $50. I give below the condition and price of the gold.
To the letter was appended a listing of gold coins, including a 1799 eagle (barely circulated) at $13, an 1802/1half eagle Very Fine at $7.50, an 1875 Proof half eagle at$6.50, an 1856 Uncirculated $3 gold piece at $4.50, an1875 Proof $3 gold piece (today recognized as a major rarity) at $4.50, an 1859 Proof quarter eagle at $4, an 1875 Proof quarter eagle at $3.25, an 1861 gold dollar at $1.75, and an 1875 Proof gold dollar at $3.