| Description |
Eric P. Newman Correspondence Files: Richard PickerOver 1250 pages, consisting of original letters to Eric P. Newman from Picker and carbon copies of Newman's letters in return, 1954-1983, as well as various other original and photocopied material including many invoices (more often recording pieces sent to Newman for his opinion than records of sale). Materials are generally well-preserved. Eric P. Newman first wrote to Richard (Dick) Picker on Nov. 9, 1954, after learning that Picker owned an unlisted Vermont copper reverse. The two quickly bonded over mutual interests, and their voluminous correspondence over nearly three decades bears this out. If there was one topic in particular that brought the two together, it was their shared determination to root out fakes of early American coins. As a dealer, a large amount of coins passed through Picker's hands, and as Newman's reputation for being an expert authenticator grew, Picker began sending many questionable pieces to Newman for his opinion. This lot is also important for its coverage of research in Colonial coins, including the Confederation-era state coppers, during the period of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which is when Eric P. Newman was most focused on these. New discoveries are reported, photographs requested, books recommended. Trades and the occasional outright purchase are made, though as always the former are more common than the latter. The robbery suffered by Picker at the 1971 ANA convention is discussed at some length, with some comments about his subsequent lawsuit against the ANA, and a file of material relating to the ANA's decision to refuse him a table at the 1975 ANA convention. All in all, this is a fascinating group of letters and one of the highlights of the Newman Archives. Estimate $2,500. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15128 (realized $1320).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11484 |
