I usually save the highlight of the show for last but this time the obvious highlight deserves first comment: The Wednesday morning JRCS meeting will forever be etched in this collector's mind. A joint presentation by Rory Rea and David Perkins on the early quarters and dollars in the Eric Newman collection. The presentation began with a nice outline of the happy visit December 7, 2007 and careful description of his storage techniques.

These Wayte Raymond toned coins have scarcely been seen since purchased from the Colonel Green estate in the 1940s. Following these introductions were a mind blowing display of professional images by Rory and a continual murmur throughout the crowd. Browning plate mysteries were unveiled one by one. Image after image left my mind tortured to choose a favorite amongst the coins. I would "settle" for the 1807 B2 and the 1828 B3...please don't make me choose only one!



Dave took over the dollar part of the presentation and the eye candy kept flowing. In a moment of fitting irony an audience member queried what third party grade might be assigned to a coin? At that moment I was writing the words in my notes "STUNNING....OR BETTER". Ironically, as I write these words from gate 58 of the Denver airport a lone rabbit is wandering the tarmac in search of food; just as unlikely to succeed as a collector might searching the bourse for a coin of the quality seen in this display.

Following this highlight would prove difficult. Yet, in a quiet corner of the bourse a lone early quarter sat amongst a set of high grade coppers. The Eliasberg 1807 B1 exhibited blazing luster overlaid with a soft mellow original skin. Truly beautiful. Reluctantly, I returned the coin after a long visit.