Letters in Appreciation
Robert W. Hoge is Curator of the Money Museum at the American Numismatic
Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is mainly responsible for building
the collection and developing the exhibitions to their present, highly regarded,
state.
June 25, 1998
Leslie A. Elam
Executive Director
The American Numismatic Society
Broadway at 155th Street
New York, NY 10032
Dear Les:
Harry Bass was a truly remarkable man, and I am glad to have known him. As a numismatist,
he was unique in his knowledge and achievements and brought both a systematic understanding
and an appreciation of minute detail to the discipline. It was a delight for me to
have had the opportunity to be given a personal "tour" through Harry's
extraordinary collections (and at the same time to become acquainted with this extraordinary
man!).
Harry put together the most complete collection of U.S. gold coins, including virtually
all die varieties and die states; a virtually complete type collection of large-sized
U.S. paper money (valued to $100); and a wonderful assemblage of U.S. pattern coins
in the metals of the proposed denominations. He bought widely and well, in a manner
few others could afford and with a discrimination few others could match. While seeking
out die details, Harry also sought quality and value; in his astute and dedicated
approach, Harry was quite different from many other very wealthy collectors.
But Harry was much, much more than a numismatic collector. With his knowledge and
determination in the world of computers, he set up and made available free of charge
the first searchable numismatic databases -- an incalculable boon for all researchers.
The legacy of this truly remarkable man will continue to enrich us all in years to
come.
Sincerely yours,
Robert W. Hoge
Curator, ANA Museum