On behalf of the consignor, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation, and with the appreciation of the entire Bowers and Merena organization, I welcome you to Part II in our series of presentations.

Part II emphasizes United States gold coins from dollars to double eagles. Harry W. Bass, Jr., enjoyed studying the specimens he owned. To him, a business strike was a different variety than a Proof, and whenever possible, examples of each were acquired for a given Philadelphia Mint date. Further, if either a business strike (a coin intended for circulation use) or a Proof existed with tiny differences in die characteristics, examples of each variety were acquired. Still further, to determine rarity, die state (the progress of a die, including cracks, relapping, clashing, etc.), often multiple specimens of the same variety were acquired. The result is a collection—and an auction presentation—with no equals in the history of American numismatics. Part III, to be sold May 25-26, 2000, will complement the present auction and will include additional pieces.

John Dannreuther, a well-known figure on the numismatic scene for many years, contributed an appreciation of Harry Bass, his collection and his methodology, which we print on a following page.

Gold coins offered in the present Part II include the following series to be sold in two days, followed by lot pick-up on the third:

Day I: Saturday evening, 6 p.m. Gold dollars through and including $2.50 gold quarter eagles.

Day II: Sunday morning, 10 a.m., continuous through the evening. $3 gold through and including $20. Complimentary lunch and dinner buffet and refreshments to registered bidders.

Day III: Monday morning, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Our only lot pick-up time slot.

I invite you to come to New York City early, view the lots that are of interest, participate in our two-day sale, and depart on Monday. Bring your family with you. The sale, at the Park Lane Hotel, Central Park South, is but a few steps from Fifth Avenue and is a short distance from museums, tourist attractions, and activities. While you are bidding, your family will be having a fine time partaking of the city’s pleasures.

While the catalogue in your hands describes each series in detail, includes historical information about each denomination, and offers many numismatic treasures, the following gives a brief overview of American gold coinage:

Gold dollars, authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849, were minted continuously from 1849 through 1889. In the early years—the era prior to the Civil War—production was accomplished at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco mints. Later, gold dollars were produced only at Philadelphia, with the sole exception of the 1870-S San Francisco issue.

The Bass Collection is rich in gold dollars, the present Part II offering emphasizing business strikes, but also including selected Proofs. The depth and breadth of the present listing has had no equal in American numismatics. Condition Census and finest known examples abound.

Quarter eagles, first minted in 1796, were struck intermittently until 1829, continously from that year until 1915, then intermittently until 1929. In various years, examples were struck at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco mints.

The Bass Collection includes important early quarter eagles of the 1796-1833 years, followed by what we believe to be the most comprehensive offering of business strike Liberty Head issues ever to be listed in a single catalogue. The most famous of all quarter eagles—the 1841 "Little Princess" is present and accounted for, as is the rarest, the 1854-S. The latter is also the finest known. In addition, many notable Proofs are featured.

As in other gold series, the quality is incredible. For many issues, whether your bids are successful in the present sale may well determine if you own a particular high-grade coin in your lifetime.

Three-dollar gold coins, minted continuously from 1854 to 1889, are extensively represented in the present sale, although the "first collection," complete with the unique 1870-S, is currently being retained by the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation.

High-quality business strikes, beautiful Proofs, and rarities are offered for your bidding consideration. Along the way for $3 gold coins as well as for the other series we have included information concerning die states, minting peculiarities, rarity data, and more.

Half eagles commence with multiple examples of the first year of issue, 1795, and continue to include many important and rare early issues, including such landmark dates as 1815 and 1829. Liberty Head half eagles 1839-1908 emphasize business strikes, with selected Proofs as well, and is to our knowledge the most extensive offering of quality specimens ever to appear on the market in a single collection sale. These represent extraordinary pieces—including Condition Census branch mint issues—from over 30 years of Harry Bass’ connoisseurship.

Eagles of the early years commence with the first, 1795, and continue to include many interesting, important, and seldom-seen dates and die varieties, nearly all of which are of exceptional quality. Then follows a comprehensive offering of Liberty Head eagles 1838-1907, featuring some of the finest Proofs that Harry W. Bass was able to obtain, plus many outstanding business strikes.

Among the latter are outstanding specimens of branch mint coinage from Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco. As explained in the listings, of all gold denominations, Liberty Head eagles are considered to be the rarest today, regarding the combination of high quality and availability.

Double eagles, first minted for circulation in 1850, are presented in depth and breadth, emphasizing Proofs, but with many outstanding business strikes as well. In connection with the offering, a study of the distribution factors affecting the survival of these coins is given.

Again, many double eagles in the Bass Collection are among the finest of their kind to cross the auction block in our generation.

The present catalogue brings to the auction venue the fruits of over three decades of numismatic connoisseurship and inquiry.

Harry Wesley Bass, Jr., became interested in rare coins as an adult, with his first purchases taking place in 1966 and his first in-person auction attendance in 1967. From that time until his untimely passing in 1998, Harry was a major figure in American numismatics.

While his interests were many, and while our Part I sale held last May showcased his important paper money, copper and silver coins, and tokens and medals, his two major loves were his gold coins and his library. The present Part II brings the first offering of his gold coins to the auction forum, with additional examples—including major rarities—to be featured next year in Part III.

Of inquisitive mind and with a generous measure of enthusiasm, Harry soon determined to learn as much as possible about numismatics. Drawing upon experience gained in the family oil business, in participation in politics on behalf of the Republican Party in Texas, in his work in Colorado ski resorts with Vail Associates and the development of Beaver Creek, he commenced with great vigor. Harry was never anyone to do something half-way!

At the outset, he was attracted by 19th-century gold coins. Anyone who has explored this fascinating pursuit will agree that it is something quite special to learn—after years of being in the social and business world—that there exist United States coins, made of gold, that at one time were familiar in banking and commercial circles, but which today are so rare that few have seen them. Upon further investigation, Harry learned that this series of coins, while in many instances scarce or rare, also included many pieces that were very inexpensive. In the 1960s it was possible to buy some of the more plentiful dates of $20 gold coins for less than $100 each.

As a first order of organized activity—after the thrill of discovering the American gold series—he set about building a definitive reference library on American numismatics (which currently is being featured in a series of memorable auctions by George Frederick Kolbe). Within a few years he had accomplished the feat of building one of the finest holdings of numismatic books and catalogues ever gathered by a private collector—and in later times he added to his holdings. Thus, from virtually the outset, Harry knew what he was looking for in rare coins and paper money.

I recall that when I first met Harry—and this was probably in the late 1960s—he impressed me with all that he knew about coins. We talked on and on about history, old-time auction catalogues, great collections of the past, and the availability of certain varieties in high grades. If I remember correctly, Harry did not ask about the coin market, price predictions, and the like. He loved the coins themselves, and prices—ever changing—were what they happened to be at any given time and would take care of themselves. As so often happens in numismatics—and which has been the case for every major old-time collection of which I am aware—the careful purchase of coins provided a great treasure for the future. As Part I demonstrated, many specimens for which Harry paid record prices proved in the long run to be some of the most astute financial investments possible. The beauty part is that along the way he enjoyed his purchases and the pleasures they provided.

Harry also realized at an early time that a listed price for a rarity represented either what such a piece had sold for sometime in the past, or was a ballpark estimate put down by a catalogue compiler who had to come up with some figure, but could find no market data. Thus, equipped with the knowledge found deep in his library, he knew that if a particular gold coin or other desired specimen was listed at, say, $1,000, but that during the past 100 years only three or four had come on the market, and none recently, he could bid $2,000, or $5,000, or even $10,000 to acquire an example at auction, and then own it, while everyone else was waiting to buy one at the catalogue price! Of course, after Harry bid and bought the item for $10,000, and had it in his possession, the next round of published price guides would list it at $10,000. In a way, Harry would be home free, while others were scratching their heads in bewilderment!

On the other hand, if an item was listed at $1,000, but Harry found that each year a half dozen of them were sold at auction and even more were held in the private stocks of dealers, he could bide his time and wait for a piece that was just right in terms of quality. These were the days before we had MS-61, MS-62, etc., or certification services, and one person’s "superb gem" might be another’s "almost Uncirculated." In time, this undefined grading caused Harry to do several things: First, he learned on his own everything that he needed to know. As well as any dealer I ever met, Harry the collector had a keen eye and knew the gem from the so-so, the pristine from the cleaned. Further, he chose to buy from dealers and others in whom he placed trust, based upon his experience with them.

Today, even a casual glance at the catalogue pages to follow, and at the coins themselves during the lot viewing time prior to the sale, will reveal that Harry’s coins were in the vast majority "high end" pieces.

In summary, Harry was a very sophisticated buyer.

With a connoisseur’s eye and with a generous purchase budget, Harry Bass acquired many important coins and other numismatic items, working closely with Dallas dealer Mike Brownlee as well as with other leading professionals all over America. The listing of sources ("pedigrees") in the present catalogue will demonstrate vividly how wide Harry cast his net for purchases, as dozens of names are given.

Over a period of time, many important properties were offered to him, including incredibly important bank notes and currency items from the Robert Schermerhorn and William Philpott collections (sold last May in Part I), great gold rarities from private cabinets, and more. In addition, he was an active participant in person and through agents at virtually every important auction conducted during the past several decades, from the 1960s up to the time of his unfortunate passing on April 4, 1998.

I recall that during our presentation of the Eliasberg Collection of U.S. Gold Coins in 1982, Harry came to our lot viewing at the sale in New York City, brought his magnifying glass and loupe, and spent several days making notes of die varieties, particularly for gold issues of the early era in American coinage, 1795-1834. He brought his coins with him to the sale, so he could compare them side-by-side with the Eliasberg specimens. Along the way, during this and other sales, and during visits to private collections, museums, coin dealerships, and conventions, he acquired much knowledge concerning this specialty. After a while, the experts would consult him to enrich and enhance their knowledge!

At the time of his passing, the Bass Collection and the holdings of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation included the most extensive collection of United States gold coins ever formed. While it did not have each and every date and mintmark, it was (and still is) highlighted by the unique 1870-S $3 and many other great rarities, many of which are among the finest of their kind or are the very finest. Sometimes even a landmark rarity would be acquired in duplicate, and his array of multiple specimens of certain Proof gold rarities is, in a word, impressive.

Time and again, Harry was in the right place at the right time. Along the way his cabinet attained immense proportions—immense in quality, immense in importance, immense in interest.

In Texas, Harry Bass was the administrator of two non-profit foundations. The Harry Bass Foundation, created by his father, for a long time has supported various Dallas area activities including religious and charitable institutions, hospitals, and museums. A separate foundation, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation, was set up to advance research and scholarship in certain areas of United States coinage including literature, patterns, and gold coins, with particular interest in outreach on the Internet and electronic media, as well as to engage in significant philanthropic endeavors in other fields. Among its beneficiaries is the American Numismatic Society, New York City, with which Harry had close connections for a long time. For years he served as a councilor of the Society, and from 1978 through 1984 he was the Society’s president. During his administration, many notable accom-plishments were achieved, effectively laying the groundwork to lead the Society, founded in 1858, into the new millennium. The Society for many years has served as a
bastion for numismatic research and study, and today it has the largest numismatic library in the world.

It is planned that the Foundation will make available to a wide circle of numismatists much information gathered over a long period of time by Harry Bass. This will include the availability on the Internet of detailed descriptions and illustrations in full color.

To further its philanthropic objectives, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation commissioned our firm to showcase at public sale many important items from its vast and impressive holdings. Part I was held last May, the catalogue for Part II is in your hands, and Part III is planned for next year. No effort has been spared to make the series of catalogues a fine memorial to Harry’s efforts and also references of lasting numismatic importance and value.

In addition to the auction presentations, our organization has commenced working closely with the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation to collate Harry’s notes and create a sylloge, or catalogue raisonné of the items currently being retained by the Foundation as well as notes on many other pieces. Along the way, the sylloge will contain information about Harry Bass’ life, connoisseurship, the history and background of the series he collected, and much other information that should prove to be of interest, value, and importance. While various series will be showcased in the sylloge, its focal point will be American gold coinage of the 1795-1834 era. The volume will present historical, numismatic, pictorial, and technical information not hitherto available from a single source. Further announcements concerning the sylloge will be made at a later date.

In the Pantheon of Numismatics a special place has been reserved for Harry and his memory, and generations from now he will still be remembered as one of the foremost figures in our field. The sylloge will share Harry’s knowledge and enthusiasm with the numismatic world.

I express my deep gratitude to Doris (Mrs. Harry) Bass, Michael Wylie, David Calhoun, and Michael Calhoun—the trustees of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation—for consigning these memorable gold coins and other items to us. The staff members of the Foundation, including Ed Deane, Georga Peraza, and others, have been of great help in many ways.

In addition, numismatists and historians from several sectors have been consulted on certain listings and are credited on a separate page, along with the Bowers and Merena staff members who have worked so long, so diligently, and with such enthusiasm in bringing the present catalogue to you.

And, I appreciate the fine memories I will always retain of Harry. Last year numismatic bookseller and auctioneer George F. Kolbe, who had been consigned major parts of the Bass Library, asked me to say a few words about Harry for use in the preface to his first catalogue. I did, he used them, and here they are:

Here at home, the Bowers and Merena team members each had vital parts. A separate listing of our staff gives all of their names. The catalogue you hold in your hands was specifically the work of the following:

The present catalogue was researched and prepared by (alphabetically) Mark Borckardt (early issues 1795-1839), Ray Merena, John Pack, Beth Piper, and Frank Van Valen.

John Pack, our auction director, also helped with research and technicalities. Denise D’Eri and Beth Piper kept track of many details.

Douglas Plasencia took the photographs. I believe you’ll agree with me that they are among the finest ever to appear in print in any catalogue we’ve ever done.

Aspects of typography and layout were accomplished by our Graphic Arts Department including Robin Edgerly, Roberta French, Robert Lawrence, and Jennifer Meers.

Chris Karstedt worked continuously with David Calhoun and the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation in the selection, presentation, publicity, and other aspects of the present coins and catalogue.

What did I do? I guess the answer is a bit of all and everything, working with the cataloguers and researchers listed above, plus adding introductions, text, and commentaries, and acting as editor.

Of course, while the catalogue was a tremendous amount of work for all of us, it was also very enjoyable. How fortunate we are.

Looking toward the present Part II, I thank each and every one of you who has acquired the present catalogue, reads through it, and participates in a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you are a specialist in one of the gold series showcased, welcome. However, part of being a numismatist is having a generous measure of intellectual curiosity. Indeed, throughout his lifetime, Harry Bass’ objective was to acquire items that interested him, not what someone else wanted him to buy. I hope that in perusing the pages you will find many items to pique your interest and, perhaps, start a new specialty in American gold coins, the crème de la crème series of United States coinage and financial history.

As the years go by, the pedigree "From the Bass Collection" on a numismatic item will give it a special cachet.

While the catalogue itself has much historical and numismatic information, if you as a successful bidder on some of the rarer or more infrequently offered items would like additional information, I invite you to address a personal letter to me, and I will recommend further areas of inquiry, or will send additional information from the Bowers and Merena archives and library.

Sincerely,

Q. David Bowers, Chairman

Auctions by Bowers and Merena, Inc.