Jon Lusk is a well-known coin collector who has shared his personal journey and motivations behind his interest in collecting coins. His passion for numismatics started when he was a paperboy in Detroit. During his early years, he would visit the J.L. Hudson’s department store and the coin shop of Earl Schill. Over time, this childhood interest grew into a lifelong passion, and Lusk became highly involved in the world of coin collecting.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Jon Lusk’s Beginnings | Started collecting coins as a paperboy in Detroit, visiting coin shops and department stores. |
| His Collection Focus | Specializes in early quarter dollars, especially die varieties. |
| The 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar | Rare due to a cracked obverse die. Graded Extremely Fine 45 by NGC. Sold for $6,000 at Heritage Auctions. |
| Historical Significance | The 1836 Capped Bust quarter is part of the Jules Reiver collection and is notable for its die variety. |
| Jon Lusk’s Contributions | Helped publish references on early quarter dollars and contributed to numismatic scholarship. |
| The 1836 Coin’s Uniqueness | The cracked die made this quarter rare, as the die was taken out of service shortly after striking. |
As he advanced in his collecting, Lusk didn’t just focus on acquiring coins. He also contributed to the study of early American coins, particularly early quarter dollars. His work in helping publish references on these coins and studying die varieties is highly regarded in the numismatic community. One of his most notable contributions was the publication of information on the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar. Lusk’s expertise and knowledge were reflected in his own collection, which included rare and valuable coins like the Capped Bust quarter dollar graded Extremely Fine 45 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
The 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar
The 1836 Capped Bust quarter dollar is an essential piece in Lusk’s collection. It is a rare coin because of its unique die variety. Graded as Extremely Fine 45 by NGC, this coin was sold at Heritage Auctions for $6,000 on May 9. This particular coin has a significant history as it was once part of the prestigious Jules Reiver collection. What makes this quarter dollar especially rare is the condition of the die used to strike it. The obverse die (the side with Lady Liberty’s image) had multiple cracks, which made this coin even more unique.
The cracked die explains the rarity of this coin’s die marriage. The obverse die was eventually taken out of service shortly after the coin was struck, which means fewer coins with this particular die variety were made. The cracks on the die are a significant feature for collectors, as they add to the rarity and historical value of the coin.
Why Collecting Coins Became Jon Lusk’s Passion
Jon Lusk’s interest in coin collecting was not just about acquiring valuable coins. It was also about understanding the history behind each piece. His early visits to the J.L. Hudson’s department store in Detroit and Earl Schill’s coin shop helped him connect with the numismatic world. Over time, Lusk’s love for coins expanded beyond just collecting to studying and documenting the history of early American coins. His work in publishing and contributing to scholarly references on die varieties has made him a respected figure in the numismatic community.
Lusk’s passion for coin collecting reflects a deep interest in history, rarity, and the beauty of early American coinage. Through his contributions, he has helped collectors and scholars gain a better understanding of the history behind early quarter dollars and other coins from that era.
Conclusion
Jon Lusk’s journey in coin collecting began in his childhood and grew into a significant part of his life. His contributions to the numismatic community, especially in the area of die varieties, have left a lasting impact. The 1836 Capped Bust quarter dollar from his collection serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the history behind coins. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert collector, Lusk’s passion for coins is an inspiring example of how one’s interest can evolve into an expertise that influences the world of numismatics.
FAQs
1. Who is Jon Lusk?
Jon Lusk is a well-known coin collector who began his interest in numismatics as a paperboy in Detroit. Over time, he became an expert on early American coins, especially quarter dollars. He has also contributed to the scholarly study of die varieties and early coinage.
2. What is the 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar?
The 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar is a rare coin that features a cracked obverse die, making it unique. It is part of Jon Lusk’s collection and was sold for $6,000 at Heritage Auctions. This coin is significant because the obverse die was used for other varieties before being retired.
3. Why is the 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar so rare?
The rarity of the 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar is due to the cracked obverse die, which led to fewer coins being struck. After the coin was minted, the cracked die was retired, making coins from that die variety much rarer.
4. How did Jon Lusk contribute to the numismatic community?
Jon Lusk helped publish important references on early quarter dollars and studied die varieties in depth. His contributions to numismatic scholarship have been valuable in understanding the history and rarity of early American coins.
5. What makes Jon Lusk’s collection significant?
Jon Lusk’s collection is significant because it focuses on rare and historically important early American coins, particularly quarter dollars. His knowledge of die varieties and early coinage has contributed greatly to the field of numismatics.