A Final Appreciation of the Bass Collection

John Dannreuther, long-time student of and dealer in United States gold coins, contributed appreciations that we published in our Bass II and III sale catalogues, both of which featured gold series (Bass I did not emphasize gold coins). We asked him for further comments for inclusion in the present Bass IV catalogue:

It is hard to believe that this is the last Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection sale. We can all reflect on three spectacular coin sales by Bowers and Merena Galleries, the first of a general nature and the second two featuring incredible gold coins. Along the way much new information concerning numismatic history and varieties has reached print, and many price records have been set. Several sales by George F. Kolbe have brought to the market the contents of the memorable reference library assembled by Harry Bass, also creating catalogues of lasting importance and setting many records.

I am sure that if he were here today, Harry W. Bass, Jr., would be proud of the way his coins and books have been distributed–in the auction venue, which is precisely the same way that he acquired many of his treasures years ago. Harry represented the epitome of the saying, "buy the book before the coin." To learn as much as he could about gold coins, he bought auction catalogs, reference books, and any treatise that was remotely connected with gold coins. He was the ultimate collector, amassing a collection with a purpose. He was a collector for the ages, one who collected gold coins for the love of collecting.

Of course, the coins themselves were the ultimate objects of his studies. The multiple examples offered in the four Bass sales have yielded a gold mine (pun intended) of information about new and hitherto unrecognized varieties. There has never been, nor will there likely be in the foreseeable future, so many multiples of interesting and important United States gold coins offered at public auction.

With the Bass offerings–past and present–the dream has become the reality, and golden delicacies that normally can be enjoyed only by looking at photographs or visiting museums have become available for a new generation of connoisseurs to own and appreciate. In the process, the mind is numbed by seeing rarity after rarity cross the auction block. Future numismatists will contemplate these sales of 1999 and 2000 and note the end of an era, wishing that they had been a part of it.

No matter how available the Bass coins seem to be, and are, the fact is that absent this offering, any number of coins collected in multiples by Mr. Bass would, singly, be centerpieces to some of the finest collections formed by others, or "cover coins" on fine catalogues.

The reason that these beautiful specimens are available now is that Harry W. Bass, Jr., with dedication, foresight, and tenacity, aggressively purchased coins year after year, decade after decade, in "up" markets, in "down" markets, and in between. In fact, similar to the procedure followed by every "name" numismatist who has formed a memorable collection, he concerned himself with the true rarity and importance of the pieces he was seeking. Markets change, dealers and collectors come and go, fads arise and diminish, but the allure of rare United States gold coins remains.

Already the pedigree, "From the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection," has taken a front-row position in American numismatics right along with such surnames as Eliasberg, Garrett, Norweb, Brand, Pittman, and those other illustrious figures of yesteryear that conjure the mystique of numismatic history.

There are so many highlights from the Bass sales, as noted so many times, that one becomes accustomed to their offering. From two Little Princesses (1841 quarter eagles) to a superb Uncirculated 1864-S half eagle to runs of Proof gold that would be highlights of most auctions, the Bass offerings have showcased rarity after rarity.

Although Mr. Bass probably cared more about varieties than condition, he acquired some of the most fantastic condition gold coins in existence. He realized that for many issues, an attractive EF or AU specimen was fully condition census and was more worthwhile than a "super gem" of some common, later date. Of course, the two categories are not mutually exclusive–and the depth and balance of his collection is illustrated by, perhaps, the finest known of a San Francisco Mint issue in AU grade being adjacent to a glittering Proof Philadelphia coin.

The breadth and depth of his collection, both rarity and condition, is unparalleled in modern numismatics. He was the Bill Gates of numismatics–the king of gold coin collectors.

Harry W. Bass, Jr. caught a case of gold fever in the 1960s and it turned into as severe a case of collecting as was ever known. One can imagine his excitement examining an auction sale and finding a variety he had not seen before, knowing that he had the knowledge others did not possess. His sly smile was the only giveaway after his purchase of a coin. You realized that he had read his books, studied his catalogues, and had come to conclusions that no one else could have, absent a lifetime of dedication. His knowledge became his main asset in competition for gold coins at auction and bourse floors. His unbridled enthusiasm for collecting gold coins can be likened to the Forty-Niners streaming into the California gold fields. As those pioneers knew that the next pan might have a giant nugget in it, they kept searching. Mr. Bass knew that he also was picking up nuggets, these jewels being the coins that he insatiably acquired.

While most collections are sold in the space of a few days, the Bass gold collection was so inclusive that four sales have been required to disperse this magnificent grouping. To those that have participated in these events, the memories are numerous.

Today’s numismatists are already saying, "I am glad to be a part of these events. How exciting!"

Tomorrow’s numismatists will say, "I wish I had been there in 1999 and 2000–it must have been a numismatic dream come true."

Those who attended the sales will remember the many highlights and will be able to regale their listeners with exotic tales for many years to come. Just as today’s numismatists love to hear the great stories of the past, those of the future will be dazzled by tales of the greatest gold sales of all time! Personally, I would not have missed them for the world! The sales have been definitive, what the collecting of American gold coins is all about.

When the present Bass Collection Part IV sale is completed, I will feel the exhilaration that I have participated in one of the greatest coin events of all time. A sense of sadness will also be felt, as the end of an era is at hand, as no Part V catalogue will be arriving from Bowers and Merena Galleries a few months from now.

Once again, my congratulations to the Bass family and to the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation.

The Bowers and Merena Galleries team has given us a legacy that will probably never be matched. Congratulations to them and to all the participants in these historic numismatic events!