Harry Wesley Bass
Biography
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Attended the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. Married to Doris with five children. Texas oilman. Served with Navy in Pacific during WW II. Served as Republican Party county chairman, state committeeman and chairman of the finance committee.
He summered at the Delmar Ranch, eventually the largest ranch in Central Texas. In 1976 he bought controlling interest in Vail Associates, operating the ski resort.
His collection began with purchases at a James Kelly auction in May 1966. He served on the Assay Commission for 1970. President of ANS January 14, 1978 to 1984. Collector of gold coins 1795 to 1933 by die variety and die state.
In December 1991 he established the Harry W. Bass Jr. Research Foundation. Parts of his collection were transferred to the foundation. He received the ANA Medal of Merit in 1989. In 1998 he was inducted into the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame.
profile: Legacy I/1; obit CW 4/27/1998, NN 4/21/1998
Source credit: Pete Smith, American Numismatic Biographies
Bio Snapshot
Date of Birth: 1927 - Jan - 6Place of Birth: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Date of Death: 1998 - Apr - 4