Jon Lusk, a passionate coin collector, recently shared his journey and motivations behind collecting rare coins in the preface to Heritage Auctions’ May event. His collection, featuring valuable half cents and quarter dollars, has attracted attention within the coin-collecting community, especially among enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance and craftsmanship of rare coins. Starting out as a young collector in Detroit, his love for coins blossomed through visits to local coin shops, setting the stage for a lifetime of collecting and contributing to numismatic scholarship.
| Coin | Year | Type | Grade | Auction Price | Notable Features | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1836 Capped Bust Quarter | 1836 | Browning-5 Quarter Dollar | Extremely Fine 45 | $6,000 | Cracked obverse die, multiple cracks | Rare die variety with historical value; part of the Jules Reiver collection |
| 1836 Capped Bust Quarter | 1836 | Browning-5 Quarter Dollar | Extremely Fine 40 | $4,500 | Slightly less pronounced die cracks | Historical die state, highly collectible due to its rarity |
| Early U.S. Quarter Dollar | 1800-1830 | Capped Bust Quarter | Fine | $2,000 | Worn but collectible, early 19th-century production | Represents early U.S. coinage history |
The Beginnings of Jon Lusk’s Coin Collecting Journey
Growing up in Detroit, Jon Lusk’s interest in coins started when he was a young paperboy. His routine visits to J.L. Hudson’s department store coin department and Earl Schill’s coin shop sparked a fascination with collecting that would last a lifetime. His early exposure to coin collecting as a hobby led him to focus on U.S. quarter dollars, especially those with unique historical and artistic qualities.
Lusk’s Contributions to Numismatic Scholarship
As Lusk’s collection grew, he became an active figure in the numismatic community, contributing to various publications focused on early U.S. quarter dollars. His passion extended beyond mere collecting; he helped produce references that enriched the field of numismatics. One such example from his collection is the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar, which highlights his interest in die varieties.
Notable Coins in the Lusk Collection: The 1836 Capped Bust Quarter
One of the standout pieces in Lusk’s collection, the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar, is graded Extremely Fine 45 by the Numismatic Guaranty Co. and sold for an impressive $6,000 on May 9. This quarter dollar has historical significance due to its unique die variety, identified by a distinctive cracked obverse die. This die state marks it as a rarity since the cracked die was removed from service shortly after production.
Understanding Die Varieties and Their Impact on Rarity
In coin collecting, die varieties often increase a coin’s rarity and appeal. Die cracks and other imperfections can add historical value and serve as identifiers of limited mintage. The 1836 Capped Bust quarter in Lusk’s collection is a prime example, with both obverse and reverse dies also being used for other varieties. The shattered obverse die with multiple cracks underscores why this particular coin is so rare and highly sought after.
Jon Lusk’s Influence in the Coin Collecting Community
Lusk’s dedication to preserving and studying early quarter dollars has left a lasting legacy. His collection and scholarly contributions have inspired others in the field of numismatics, emphasizing the importance of historical research and the preservation of unique coin varieties. By sharing his insights, Lusk has fostered a deeper appreciation for the history and artistry of American coinage.
Conclusion
Jon Lusk’s journey as a collector reflects a lifelong passion for numismatics and a commitment to preserving and understanding early American coinage. His legacy is not only in the coins he collected but also in the scholarly contributions he made, enriching the numismatic community and inspiring future collectors to value the history and craftsmanship of rare coins.
FAQs
1. What sparked Jon Lusk’s interest in coin collecting?
Jon Lusk’s interest in coin collecting began when he was a young paperboy in Detroit. His visits to the J.L. Hudson department store coin department and Earl Schill’s coin shop fueled his passion for rare coins, particularly U.S. quarter dollars.
2. What makes Jon Lusk’s collection unique?
Jon Lusk’s collection stands out due to its focus on early U.S. quarter dollars and unique die varieties. His collection includes rare examples like the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar, which features a cracked obverse die, making it a highly sought-after item.
3. What is the significance of die varieties in coin collecting?
Die varieties play a crucial role in determining the rarity and value of a coin. Imperfections like die cracks or broken dies create unique characteristics, making certain coins more valuable to collectors. In the case of Lusk’s collection, the cracked obverse die of the 1836 Capped Bust quarter contributes to its rarity.
4. What is the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar?
The 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar is a rare coin in Jon Lusk’s collection. Graded Extremely Fine 45, it is valued at $6,000 due to its unique die variety, which includes multiple cracks in the obverse die. This coin was once part of the prestigious Jules Reiver collection.
5. Why is Jon Lusk’s coin collection so valuable?
Jon Lusk’s collection is valuable due to its historical significance and the rarity of the coins it contains. His contributions to numismatic scholarship have helped raise the value of certain coins by offering detailed research on early U.S. quarter dollars and their die varieties.