Q.David Bowers
Apparently John Work Garrett had a chance to reconsider his want list, for his letter of February 2, 1920, to B. Max Mehl reads:
I have been very much interested in going over the coins that you were good enough to send for my approval and I have added the following items to my collection: Lots No. 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 15, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 32, 44, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 60, 61, 62, 68, 69, amounting in all to $133 for which I enclose my cheque. The remaining 44 lots valued at $249.83 I am returning to you by registered mail with many thanks.
Some of these are already in my collection, and others were not, for various reasons, desirable, chiefly on account of not being in fine enough condition. I should be glad to hear from you in regard to any other items you may have from time to time on the tentative list which I have sent you. There are a few items not mentioned on that list which I should like and which you may also have, for example:
Half cents: 1797 with 1 overdate, 1800, 1808, 1809 circle inside O. Large cents: 1793 with chain and period, 1839 type of 1838. Five-cent nickel [pieces]: 1866 without rays (pattern), 1867 with rays, 1883 Liberty with cents. 1913 value in ground [type I], these last four [issued as] Proof only. Dimes: 1837 Liberty, with straight date, condition not less than Very Fine, 1838-O, 1841, 1843, 1844, 1846, 1847, 1848. Quarters: 1840-0 without drapery, 1841, 1851.
Half dollars, 1856 perfect date. Silver dollars: 1796 small date with small inscription, 1799 with five stars facing, 1859-O, none of these to be less than Very Fine. And the following gold pieces, none of which I want less than Very Fine:
Eagles: 1798, 15 and 16 stars, 1908 no motto (Proof only), 1839, 1840-1844, 1846, 1848-1854, 1856, 1859, and Proofs of 1861 and 1889. Double eagles: 1851, 1859, and Proofs of 1861 and 1889; 1907 with Roman figures and wire edge, and 1908 without motto.
On February 10, 1920, B. Max Mehl sent another group of 23 pieces.
While many pieces in the group were on the want list, on speculation Mehl sent a number that were not, including the following with their descriptions: 1863 complete set silver and copper, 3c to $1, WITH MOTTO. Excessively rare. This and the following set are said to have cost $300 each. Not more than five or six sets in existence. $150. [It is presumed that this should have read "25c to $1," for the set includes the 25c, 50c, and dollar denominations.] 1864 complete set as last. Extremely rare. $150.
1781 Early American medal. LIBERTAS AMERICANA. Silver. Original. Perfect. Extremely rare. $50.
An accompanying letter noted Mehl was:
... taking the liberty of submitting a few highly interesting pattern coins and the extremely rare Libertas Americana Medal in silver. These pattern coins and Medal are the first that I have ever owned, and I feel confident that if you do not already possess them, they will always be a gratifying source of possession to you.
These rarities were not purchased and were returned, together with a check for $68.50, by John Work Garrett on February 25, 1920. His letter read, in part:
I enclose my check for $68.50 which includes the cost of the items kept and $1 for a copy of your Star Coin Encyclopedia which I should be very much obliged if you would send me. Garrett from that point on received many form letters in association with different auction sales held by Mehl. This letter of March 1, 1920, is representative:
Whether you are interested in United States or foreign coins, you will find some that you want in my sale of March 10th. The catalog is certainly worthy of your attention. I will not bother you with a long letter; I will simply enclose another bid sheet in a return envelope and will be disappointed if you don't answer "present" when your name is called for bids on the day of the sale. Now is the "best" time to send in your bids.
On March 4, 1920, not quite certain that the Star Coin Encyclopedia which listed values much less than current numismatic selling prices and which was oriented toward the beginner, would be of interest to a numismatist of Mr. Garrett's advanced standing, Mehl wrote:
Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the Star Rare Coin Encyclopedia and trust it will prove of interest to you. However, if it is not what you expected, kindly return it and the purchase price will be immediately refunded.
Garrett was also the recipient of many special offers, most of which were sent unsolicited. A form letter undoubtedly sent to many other Mehl clients as well was dated April 6, 1920, and is typical:
The two gold dollars enclosed, which you will recognize as the official McKinley issue, are sent to you as a special offer I am making to a number of my friends.
As you know, these gold dollars were minted by the government for the McKinley Memorial Association who sold them at $3 each. The proceeds being applied to the fund for the erection of the beautiful McKinley Memorial.
Ordinary gold dollars are now selling at $3 or $4 each. These McKinley dollars have, likewise, increased in value, they have been selling at $3.25 to $3.75.
More than half of the issue has been sold by the Commission. I have the sale of the remainder. But before offering them to the general public I decided to give my numismatist friends an opportunity to purchase at a special price of only $2.50 each. You know the history of all gold dollars. They are all rare and difficult to obtain. This is the first and only opportunity of this kind that collectors of the country ever had to invest in gold dollars. Take advantage of this opportunity and "salt away" ten or twenty of these for yourself or your friends. You'll be glad that you did. They'll come in handy around Christmas time.
Eager buyers will be in evidence upon the issuance of this offer, therefore immediate action on your part is necessary if more are desired. You don't have to write a special letter, simply pin your remittance to this letter for the two enclosed coins and for as many more as you want, and mail in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention.