Last month collector and New York City sculptor Steward Blay passed away. -Editor

"I was once again stunned and deeply saddened by learning of the sudden passing of another of our cohorts, Stuart Blay.

"He was always upbeat and friendly, and open to lively conversation.

"He spent decades pursuing one of his special passions of collecting the finest set of Lincolns cents. Mere weeks before he left us he had consigned his prized collection to Great Collections for auctions that are coming up next month. it seems particularly sad that he will not be here to enjoy the Financial results of all his efforts. (It's the very same situation that occurred with The recent passing of our dear friend Jim McGuigan and his famous half cent collection.)

"Something that gives me at least some consolation about Stewart is that I know for sure how much he truly enjoyed his most engaging life. He lived it to the fullest and embraced a number of passions including being a highly skilled marble sculptor. "

Here's an excerpt from a December 1, 2022 Coin World article by Paul Gilkes. -Editor

New York City sculptor and numismatist Stewart Blay — whose premier Red Copper Collection of Lincoln Cents certified by Professional Coin Grading Service is being offered at auction online by GreatCollections — died unexpectedly Nov. 25 from an undisclosed illness.

Mr. Blay was 71.

Mr. Blay was a fixture at coin shows and conventions across the country in his relentless search to locate and acquire the finest preserved examples of Lincoln cents.

Mr. Blay pursued his artistic talents at his Carving Studio and Sculpture Center.

Mr. Blay started collecting coins at the age of 8.

Blay was interviewed by David Lisot in 2020. -Editor