Q. David Bowers
To tell much about the Chapman brothers would be tantamount to writing a large book, so varied were their activities and so long were their duration. However, a few remarks are appropriate here. Samuel Hudson Chapman (born 1857) and Henry Chapman, Jr. (born 1859) entered the employ of Capt. John W. Haseltine as numismatists in 1876. In June 1878, they hung out their own shingle as S.H. and H. Chapman, Numismatists and Antiquaries, in their home town of Philadelphia. Modesty was not among the virtues of the Chapman brothers, as they became known. In 1882, they succeeded in acquiring for auction the legendary collection formed over a long period of years by Charles Bushnell, one of America's most knowledgeable numismatists in the 1850s and 1860s (later, his interest faded). They showcased their accomplishment by publishing a lavish catalogue, the fanciest edition of which was priced at $5, and offering lots described in exacting detail, and illustrated with photographic plates. This aroused the jealousy of others in the coin trade, who responded by finding fault with every aspect of the catalogue and sale. From the Bushnell sale, the Chap mans went on to handle many other important collections and to issue numerous further catalogues. In 1906, the brothers dissolved their partnership and went their own separate ways as dealers and auctioneers. S.H. Chapman continued until he retired in 1929, and Henry remained active in numismatics until his death in 1935. In the early 1930s, Henry Chapman worked with Burdette G. Johnson (of St. Louis) in the inventorying of the immense collection of Virgil M. Brand, who upon his death in 1926 left 350,000 coins behind.
1794 VF for date. An unusually strong even impression, every part equal. The hair, profile, eagle's head and wings fine, in fact, every part is. One of the finest dollars of this year that has been offered. Originally from the Britton sale, Jan. 1883, at $160.00. Excessively rare. Fit for any cabinet. $100.00.
1795 Head. EF. Mint lustre. Desirable specimen. $4.00.
1795 Head. VG. $2.25.
1795 Head. Good. (Total: 3 pieces). $1.50 each.
1795 Bust. VF. $3.50.
1796 Small Date, large letters. VG. Scarce. $2.50.
1796 Small Date, large letters. VG. Scarce. $2.60.
1797 Six Stars Facing. EF. Very rare in this condition. $4.50.
1797 Six Stars Facing. VG. Scarce. $3.00.
1797 Six Stars Facing. Good. Light scratch on obverse. $1.55.
1797 Seven Stars facing. Fair. $1.50.
1798 13 Stars. Rev. Small eagle. Good. Planchet scratched on reverse. Rare. $2.87.
1798 Wide Date. 13 stars. Rev. Large eagle. VG. $1.35.
1798 Close Date. Good. $1.30.
1799 Five Stars Facing. VG. Rare. $2.12.
1799/8 Six Stars Facing. Good. $1.30.
1799 Perfect date. VF. Cost $3 in Europe three years ago. $2.00.
1799 VG. $1.30.
1799 Good. $1.25.
1800 VG. $2.10.
1801 Good. $2.11.
1802/1 VG. $1.60.
1802 Perfect Date. VG. $2.00.
1803 Small 3. Good. $2.10.
1803 Large 3. Good. $1.70.
1803 Large 3. Good. $1.50.
The Robert Coulton Davis Collection sold by the New York Coin & Stamp Co., January 20-24, 1890. The sale offered a nice run of dollars from 1794 through 1803, plus a fake 1804. Like many 1794 dollars offered in auctions over the years, the Davis coin had problems.
The New York Coin & Stamp Co. began in 1888 as a partnership between two capable numismatists, Harlan Page Smith and David Proskey. Although Smith died in 1902, the firm continued in the auction business through 1908. Along the way, many important collections were handled, including the cabinets of Lorin G. Parmelee (whose 1890 sale contained the most complete collection of U.S. coins ever to be auctioned), Francis Doughty (collector of large cents and other issues by die varieties; years later, a scenario writer for films), and R. Coulton Davis (Philadelphia druggist).
1794 Stars flat as usual; but a much finer and stronger impression than usually offered; has been neatly plugged at lower point of bust, but barely perceptible; hair only worn on highest portions; Fine for date. $52.00.
1795 Naked Bust [Flowing Hair]; strong, sharp and beautiful Unc, specimen; very rare in this condition. $16.75.
1795 Naked Bust; Unc. strong and sharp; but milling not so well struck up as on preceding. $11.00.
1795 Naked Bust; few light nicks; Fine impression. $2.75.
1795 Draped Bust; strong and sharp impression; barely if any circulated. $9.75.
1796 Small Date; Unc., sharp and brilliant impression; a beauty in every respect; very rare. $42.00.
1796 Small Date; Fine; not much circulated. $3.60.
1796 Large Date; VF; barely touched by circulation, stars, etc.; sharp, the finest specimen we have seen. $16.50.
1797 Six Stars on Right; Brilliant Unc.; sharp in every particular; as it dropped from the die. $40.00.
1797 Seven Stars on right; sharp Brilliant impression; as handsome as when it left the die; very rare in this condition. $36.00.
1798 Small Eagle, 15 Stars; we believe this to be the finest known specimen; a splendid Unc. piece. $52.00.
1798 Small Eagle, 13 Stars; VF and sharp impression; barely touched by circulation; rare in this condition. $10.00.
1798 Heraldic Eagle; sharp impression; nearly Unc. $2.50.
1798 VG. $1.25.
1799 Five Stars on Right; VF and sharp; a splendid impression; barely if any circulated. $17.25.
1799/8 VF and sharp; almost Unc. $3.00.
1799 VF and sharp; nearly equal to an Unc. piece. $3.50.
1799 VF and sharp; barely circulated. $1.75.
1800 So-called "Comet" variety; a strong, sharp and beautiful Unc. piece. $6.50.
1800 Perfect die; sharp bold impression; a light nick in field; otherwise a Brilliant Unc. impression. $3.60.
1800 Cracked die; sharp, Unc. and brilliant. $3.00.
1801 Unc. and sharp; rare in this condition. $5.25.
1802/1 Stars sharp; VF. $3.25.
1802 Few minute nicks; otherwise sharp, Unc. and brilliant. $4.10.
1802 Duplicate; equally fine. $3.60.
1803 Large 3; sharp and barely circulated; rare. $3.25.
1804 An altered date and poor; this probably is nearer to being an original than those usually offered as genuine. $4.25