Letters in Appreciation


Colonel William Bain Murray is a regular columnist for Coin World, and an active member of the Numismatic Literary Guild, writing extensively on the hobby with a focus on guiding new collectors.


June 24, 1998

Leslie Elam, Executive Director
The American Numismatic Society
Broadway at 155th Street
New York, NY 10032

Dear Leslie,

In 1983, seated in a coffee shop at the close of Cal Wilson's numismatic book auction preceding the 1983 ANA Convention in San Diego, I sat at a counter having coffee with Cal, Harry Bass, Armand Champa, and other bibliophiles I can no longer identify. My hope at that auction was to purchase just one particular volume, and I was happy with my successful bid. Woe would have been me if either Harry or Armand had wanted my prize. As is well known, they both had numismatic libraries worthy of acclaim.

At that chance meeting, Harry impressed me with his courtesy, and especially with his knowledge about things numismatic and numismatic literature in particular. I felt like the proverbial mouse we often say we would like to be, sitting in a comer observing some key event. For me, this experience was just that, a key event.

I discovered Harry Bass collected coins, apparently specializing in gold coins by variety, but he expressed his thirst for knowledge about what he collected. His numismatic library, I found out that night, rivaled that of Armand Champa. Now, through Harry's dedication and generosity, that library is available for numismatic students at his Harry W. Bass Jr. Research Foundation. One specific program of the Foundation, initiated by him, is the Numismatic Index Project, an attempt to provide a "complete" numismatic index available on the Internet. Not completed at his death, the project is alive, well and growing.

A strong supporter, and one time President of the American Numismatic Society, he dedicated much time, effort and money to that organization before his term of office and afterward as well. Once again his emphasis on the importance of the availability of research sources caused him to focus on the ANS library including a computerized index.

Harry Bass will be missed, but the results of his numismatic enthusiasm will be reaped by numismatists for years to come.

Than! you, Harry, for what you left behind for us.


COLONEL WILLIAM BAIN MURRAY