Jon Lusk’s passion for coin collecting began in his younger years, as a paperboy in Detroit. He would visit the J.L. Hudson department store’s coin department and the local coin shop owned by Earl Schill. These visits sparked a lifelong interest in collecting coins, particularly early American quarter dollars and half cents. Through years of dedication, Lusk not only collected rare coins but also contributed to the study of coin varieties. His work on references for early quarter dollars and his scholarly contributions to die varieties have made him a well-known name in the numismatic community.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Lusk’s journey into the world of coin collecting, his contributions to numismatics, and some of the rare coins that have been part of his collection.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Beginnings | Jon Lusk began his interest in coin collecting as a young paperboy in Detroit, visiting the J.L. Hudson’s department store and Earl Schill’s coin shop. |
| Specialization | Lusk focused on early American quarter dollars, contributing to the study of die varieties. |
| Key Coin | The 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar, which sold for $6,000 at an auction. |
| Die Varieties | Lusk contributed significantly to the study of die varieties, including coins with cracks, repunched mintmarks, or other distinct features. |
| Jules Reiver Collection | The 1836 Capped Bust quarter dollar was part of the Jules Reiver collection, one of the most prestigious collections in numismatics. |
| Auction Result | The 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar sold for $6,000 in May 2023, highlighting its rarity and value. |
| Significance of Lusk’s Work | Lusk’s research and contributions have made him an important figure in the numismatic community, especially in the study of early quarter dollars. |
Jon Lusk’s Coin Collecting Journey
Jon Lusk’s love for coins started when he was just a young boy delivering newspapers in Detroit. His curiosity led him to the coin department at J.L. Hudson’s department store, where he began learning about the world of numismatics. He also visited the local coin shop of Earl Schill, where his interest in collecting deepened.
Lusk’s collecting journey wasn’t just about accumulating coins—it became a passion for understanding the history behind each coin and the intricate details that make each one unique. Over the years, he not only collected coins but also became an expert in early quarter dollars, a coin series he developed a particular interest in.
A Deep Dive into Quarter Dollars
Lusk’s passion for quarter dollars led him to publish several important references on these early American coins. His expertise helped shape how collectors and scholars view these coins, particularly in relation to their die varieties. One of his most significant contributions was his study on the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar.
This specific coin, graded Extremely Fine 45 by Numismatic Guaranty Co. (NGC), was a notable piece that sold for $6,000 on May 9, 2023. What made this coin even more interesting was its unique die characteristics. The obverse die of this coin had multiple cracks, making it a rare variety. These cracks were the result of a shattered die, a condition that made this coin more valuable. After the coin was struck, the obverse die was taken out of service due to its damage, which explains why this particular die marriage is so rare.
The Importance of Die Varieties in Numismatics
One of the most fascinating aspects of Lusk’s work is his focus on die varieties. In the world of coin collecting, a die variety refers to the small but significant differences that can appear on coins due to wear, damage, or changes in the minting process. These varieties can include cracks, repunched mintmarks, or even unique errors that make a coin different from others of the same type.
For Lusk, studying these die varieties wasn’t just about collecting rare coins—it was about understanding the history and craftsmanship behind each coin. His work in this area has been important for numismatics, providing collectors with the knowledge they need to identify rare and valuable coins in their own collections.
The Jules Reiver Collection and Lusk’s Contributions
The 1836 Capped Bust quarter dollar that Lusk helped bring attention to once belonged to the prestigious Jules Reiver collection. Reiver was a well-known collector whose collection of rare coins was highly regarded in the numismatic community. The coin that sold for $6,000 on May 9 was one of the last coins from this collection.
Lusk’s involvement in the study and cataloging of rare coins, like this Capped Bust quarter, has made him an important figure in the numismatic world. His contributions to research on early quarter dollars and his detailed work on die varieties have made him a respected name among coin collectors and scholars alike.
Conclusion
Jon Lusk’s journey in the world of coin collecting is a testament to how a simple interest can turn into a lifelong passion. His love for quarter dollars, his contributions to die variety research, and his role in the study of rare coins like the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar have left a lasting impact on numismatics.
Through his dedication, Lusk has not only built an impressive collection but has also helped collectors and scholars better understand the intricate details of early American coins. His work continues to inspire new generations of coin collectors who, like him, are fascinated by the stories and histories hidden in the coins of the past.
FAQs
1. Who is Jon Lusk and how did he get into coin collecting?
Jon Lusk is a well-known coin collector and scholar who began his interest in numismatics as a young paperboy in Detroit. His visits to the J.L. Hudson’s department store and Earl Schill’s coin shop sparked his passion for collecting coins, especially early American quarter dollars.
2. What are die varieties and why are they important in coin collecting?
Die varieties refer to small but significant differences on coins caused by wear, damage, or changes in the minting process. These can include cracks, repunched mintmarks, and other errors that make a coin unique. Studying die varieties helps collectors identify rare and valuable coins in their collections.
3. What is the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar, and why is it so special?
The 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar is a rare coin from the early American quarter dollar series. What makes this coin special is that it has a cracked obverse die, which makes it a rare die variety. This coin sold for $6,000 in May 2023 because of its rarity and the unique characteristics of the die.
4. How did Jon Lusk contribute to the study of early quarter dollars?
Lusk published several important references on early quarter dollars and contributed to scholarship on die varieties. His expertise in identifying and studying these coins has been valuable to numismatics, particularly in understanding the history and rare features of these coins.
5. What is the Jules Reiver collection, and how is it connected to Jon Lusk?
The Jules Reiver collection is one of the most prestigious collections of rare coins, and it included the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar. Lusk was involved in studying and cataloging coins from this collection, further cementing his reputation as a leading scholar in numismatics.