| Description |
Eric P. Newman Correspondence Files: Harley L. FreemanOver 300 pages, consisting of original letters to Eric P. Newman from Freeman and carbon copies of Newman's letters in return, 1943-1973, as well as various additional printed items. Materials are generally well-preserved. An important archive of letters for those interested in Colonial and Continental paper money. Newman learned about Freeman and his impressive collection of early American paper money, almost certainly the finest existing at the time, and wrote him in 1943 asking about duplicates. Freeman wrote a lengthy response beginning: {blockquote}"You asked for this so you will have to yell quits when you have had enough, but when you get me started on Colonial and Continental Currency, you have my weak spot, and unfortunately there are so few sincere collectors of this series at the present time that I welcome each newcomer with open arms."{/blockquote} In Newman, Freeman found a kindred spirit, one who was certainly sincere in his collecting. The two would correspond regularly for the next two decades, frequently negotiating trades of duplicates, but also discussing minute points about the paper money they both cherished and the collectors of the past who had paved their way. Eventually, Newman and Freeman agreed that Newman would purchase Freeman's collection, which would be described as follows on the bill of sale: {blockquote}"One collection of American Colonial and Continental Currency, consisting of approximately 2500 bills, together with numerous photostatic copies of bills in various museum and private collections. Together with manuscript records compiled by myself, several books, pamphlets, magazine articles, brochures, catalogues and other material pertaining to this subject and to the above collection."{/blockquote} On Jan. 7, 1964, Newman wrote to Freeman enclosing a check completing the purchase of Freeman's collection at the agreed-upon price of $32,500. Adding Freeman's enormous holdings to his own impressive collection catapulted Newman's collection of early American paper money to world-class status. But Newman felt that rather than being time to relax, it was time to get to work: {blockquote}"I have enjoyed checking over this collection during the course of my determination to buy it and have learned a great deal from your well documented background notations. The detailed work which you did on the Georgia pieces is not going to be forgotten and some day I hope that can be published. There is so much that needs to be published in this field that it is a definite challenge to me."{/blockquote} Freeman didn't cease his activities, either, but shifted gears a bit, publishing Florida Obsolete Notes and Scrip in 1967. He died in 1976. Newman, of course, used his newly enriched collection to form the basis of Early Paper Money of America, also first published in 1967. (What Newman had in duplicate after the Freeman acquisition he sold to Dick Picker almost immediately.) The Freeman inventory is also being offered in this sale. The Freeman-Newman correspondence is a treasure trove of information that makes wonderful reading. Estimate $3,500. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15124 (realized $60).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11384 |
