Q.David Bowers
The aforementioned letter from Cogan concerning the pattern striking, was written in a secretary's hand and signed by Anthony C. Paquet, mint engraver:
Washington D.C., May 3, 1877. Lewis S. Hayden, Esq. Sir, at your request I will state that the impression on a copper planchet from the reverse die for a $20 gold piece, showing eagle and star, presented to you by me, is the only impression ever struck from said die. The die was engraved by myself about the year 1861, as the pattern, and not having been accepted, it was, by direction of the director of the U. S. Mint, destroyed by me personally after this impression had been taken.
Very respectfully, A. C. Paquet.
On March 21, 1882, Cogan wrote to Garrett:
Your favor of the 20th at hand. I will send you the gold tomorrow by the B&O Express. Did you receive my catalogue of the sale of March 29? You will find some very fine gold and many of the pieces you want: half eagles 1795, 1797, 1823, 1825. Quarter eagles 1797, 1798, 1804, 1805, 1807, 1808, 1821, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, and a dollar of 1863. I should be pleased to receive your orders on the above and will buy for you as cheap as I possibly can. In the meantime I may be able to procure for you the entire lot you are in need of. Will write you again in a few days.
In regard to the 1827 quarter, the piece has been placed in my hands for sale and the owner asks $140. I will sell it for $135. It costs the gentleman $145.50. I do not think the price is too high.
I have for sale a pattern 1836 gold dollar, and an 1852 ring dollar in gold. The two varieties $120 for the lot. The above are all very rare. All in Proof condition.
On March 29, 1882, Cogan wrote again:
Your favor of the 27th at hand. I will send the gold tomorrow. $25 is the lowest for the 1798 eagle (in sale today $24.65) and $45 lowest for the 1797 quarter eagle. I will send the 1804 eagle with the above ...
I will see if I can procure you the 1875 Proofs (of the gold coins) and at what price. I have already had $125, $127.50, $129 offered for the 1827 quarter. The owner will sell for $130 and no less.
I have the Barber pattern dollar of 1878, Brilliant Proof at $20. Would you like to purchase it?
On April 3, 1882, the next letter was sent:
Your favor of the first at hand, and I acknowledge the receipt of a draft $191 with thanks. I did not notice the 1802 and 1803 were overdates. I have the same dates offered at $10 apiece. I will write and see if they are perfect dates and let you know. The same gentleman has an 1821 quarter eagle Proof for which he asks $35. This is a very rare piece. I sent the other pieces on yesterday and hope they will be satisfactory.
Expect the Bushnell catalogue will be issued shortly and will forward immediately upon receipt of them.
Garrett also refused the 1827 quarter. In his letter of April 5th Cogan explained:
Your favor of the 4th with the 1827 quarter enclosed has just reached me. I sent it to you as it is impossible to obtain an original. [Apparently a restrike 1827 quarter was sent and was subsequently returned by Garrett who preferred an original.] We purchased the last four that have been sold at auction and I have never seen an original. The one purchased by me at the Britton sale last October is not so fine as this. If you decide to take it please send me a telegram. I suppose you will keep the 1798 and the 1797? I have the refusal of $5, $3, $2.50, $11875 gold pieces Proof. I have the pieces in hand and they are all brilliant. Below you will find the prices.
1875 half eagle $10, 1875 $3 gold $11, 1875 quarter eagle $6, 1875 gold dollar $5. The above date is the rarest of the 1870s.
On April 7, 1882, George W. Cogan again wrote:
I have succeeded in getting the refusal of an 1815 half eagle (this is the rarest piece of gold in the American series and only a few of them are known to exist). The price asked for it is $325. It is barely touched by circulation and the finest I have ever seen. Will you kindly let me know in regard to the other gold.
On April 11, 1882, the following communication was sent:
Your favor of the 10th at hand. I sent you by B&O Express Co. the four 1875 Proofs. I expect a lot of gold in this weekend. Will let you know if it contains any of the pieces you want. Will you make an offer for the 1815 half eagle?
Accompanying the preceding was an invoice listing a 1798 eagle at $25, 1797 quarter eagle at $45, 1875 half eagle at $10, 1875 $3 at $11, 1875 quarter eagle at $6, and an 1875 gold dollar at $5, totalling $102, all of which were subsequently purchased by Garrett.
On April 12, 1882, the following communication was sent:
I have just received an invoice of gold but the only piece it contains which you want is the 1821 quarter eagle at $35 Brilliant Proof and excessively rare. Please let me know whether you want this or not.
On July 1, 1882, a copy of the Bushnell catalogue with plates was sent by Cogan together with an invoice for $5 which was subsequently paid. On July 15, 1882, Cogan sent a 1798 quarter eagle at $30, an 1821 quarter eagle at $35, and an 1855 eagle at $20, all of which were subsequently purchased.
On December 18, 1882, George W. Cogan wrote:
I have a very fine silver collection which I shall sell sometime during January. I will give you an idea of what the rare pieces are: dollars 1794, 1836 name on base, 1836 Gobrecht in field, 1836 name on base with reverse of 1839 dollar (exceedingly rare), 1838, 1839, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1858. Half dollars: 1794, 1795, 1796, 1802, 1815, 1836 (exceedingly rare), 1852. Quarters: 1796, 1804, 1815, 1823, 1827. All the dimes. Half dimes: 1794, 1795 Proofs. 1796, 1801, 1802, 1805. The above are with two or three exceptions Uncirculated or nearly so, or Proofs. I will send you a catalogue when issued and cheerfully give any information I can about any of the pieces.