The Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection of Large Cents 1793-1857 Deluxe leather-bound presentation editions, limited to ten copies each, offered by Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers in their first online numismatic book auctions on 28 February.
The Feb. 28 sale focuses on North American numismatic literature, and features 380 lots ranging in estimated value from $20 to $2000. All lots are illustrated and feature the full descriptions collectors have come to expect from Kolbe & Fanning.
The Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection of Large Cents 1793-1857 Deluxe leather-bound presentation editions (lot 337) is a Armand Champa's copy, with his name stamped in gilt at the base of the upper cover. Signed by Jack Collins on the half-title, and inscribed by Robbie Brown to Champa ("To Armand--Congrats on getting this book. It was very exciting for both of us.") Laid into this copy are: four color photographs depicting Armand and Kay Champa, Jack Collins, Robbie Brown, Del Bland, John Bergman, Julian Leidman and others; a black and white photograph taken during the sale, depicting many of the participants; two letters from Larry Goldberg to Champa; an invitation to a cocktail party held on Sept. 28 at the home of Marilyn and Larry Goldberg for those attending the auction; and Champa's invoice for this copy (for which he paid $6050).
Among the other highlights of the auction:
Deluxe leather-bound presentation editions, limited to ten copies each, 1989 Jack Robinson large cent sales conducted by Superior (lot 339).
Original plated catalogues of the 1909 Henry Jewett sale (S.H. Chapman, lot 98), the 1913 Sargent sale (S.H. Chapman, lot 102) and the 1913 Malcolm Jackson sale (United States Coin Company, lot 349).
Sale catalogues of W. Elliot Woodward, including plated copies of his 1885 J. Colvin Randall sale (lot 374) and his masterly All the Kingdoms of the World sale of 1884 (lot 372).
A substantial group of catalogues of the New Netherlands Coin Company, including many early sales (lot 255).
George Clapp's visually impressive work on the cents of 1798 and 1799 (lot 112).
A copy of the scarce catalogue of the Dr. Edward Maris sale (H.P. Smith, 1886), with two of the photographic plates (of six called for), both featuring New Jersey coppers and both annotated by F.C.C. Boyd (lot 292).
Bowers and Ruddy Galleries. The United States Gold Coin Collection. 1982. The Special Hardbound Edition of the catalogue of the magnificent collection of United States gold coins formed by Louis Eliasberg, along with the scarce photo enlargements offered separately by Bowers and Ruddy. (lot 83)
Stack's. Catalogue of The E.M. Wharton and Others Collection of United States and Foreign Coins. New York, 1945. (lot 299).
Stack's, and Superior Galleries. The Charles Kramer Collection: United States Gold Coins, United States Type Coins, United States Proof Coins. New York, 1988. (lot 323).
Stoutjesdyk, James R. and Robert W. Hoge. ANA Museum Collection of Early American Coins. Signed by both authors. Near fine. (lot 330).
The online sale is available now for browsing and absentee bidding at auction.numislit.com. A PDF of the catalogue can be downloaded for the convenience of the reader through the firm's regular website at numislit.com. While bidders are encouraged to bid through the online platform, bids may be submitted through the traditional methods as long as any such absentee bids are received by Kolbe & Fanning by the day before he sale. Absentee bids may be placed directly online at any time prior to the lot being sold. On Saturday, Feb. 28, beginning at noon eastern time, the sale will be conducted as a live internet auction.
