Along with the firm’s retail business, Stack’s public auction program continued to grow. Our sales included collections built by long established clients who had passed away, as well as others who came to Stack’s when they were ready to sell, recognizing our long-term success in the field.
In 1978 we conducted nine different public auctions, as well as several mail bid only sales held through our associate firm Coin Galleries. In addition to a greater number of sales, the auctions also grew in the number of lots they contained compared to earlier years. These offered a great variety of material in all grades and gave most collectors the opportunity during the year to add to their collections.
In February we offered an old timer’s collection – the Goshen Collection of U.S. and Foreign Gold, Silver and Copper Coins, consisting of over 1,600 lots. Highlights included Proof coins of 1857, 1858 and 1873, plus numerous other rare and choice U.S. coins. The World portion of the sale had a wonderful type offering of coins of the 20th century. In March, Stack’s offered the Fraser Collection of U.S. Gold, Silver and Copper Coins, 1,120 lots featuring a comprehensive selection of each series. Our Spring Sale in April was another general offering of United States coins, 930 lots that attracted many buyers.
In May, Stack’s produced two auction catalogs. The first was the fabulous Frederick S. Knobloch Collection of Ancient Roman Coins, offering 766 lots. It was one of the most extensive collections of Roman coinage offered at public auction in decades, and the catalog became a reference text for collectors. Fred had spent many days and weeks for many years cataloging collections that were consigned to Stack’s and he was one my best teachers for the series. Collectors from around the world attended this important event. Also in May, at the Greater New York Convention, we had an outstanding, quality offering of a comprehensive collection of U.S. Gold, Silver and Copper Coins, 941 lots, which helped bring to the convention a record crowd of collectors.
In June, we were honored to be able to present the renowned Lighthouse Collection, over 1,000 lots that featured some of the choicest and rarest coins offered in decades. The owner, who had enjoyed attending Stack’s sales for several decades, designated the money from the sale as a special donation to the wonderful charity that she supported, the Lighthouse. Every dollar realized was given to this group dedicated to help those who were blind. This collection included an extensive offering of Pioneer and Territorial gold coins, that had eight $50 gold slugs, plus many coins from California, Utah and Colorado. There was a wonderful quality collection of $1 through $20 gold coins, with Proofs and choice Mint State examples. It was an honor to serve our special client and the charity she supported.
In September 1978 we offered our Autumn Sale of just over 1,000 lots. It was a general collection of U.S. gold, silver and copper coins. In October we presented the Charles Collection, 1,304 lots of choice and rare United States type coins, early Proof sets, and an exciting group of United States pattern coins. Once again, it was a sale tailored for a wide range of collectors as it included finest known coins, choice rarities, and also circulated examples for those who were not seeking only the higher grades.
Our last sale of 1978, in December, was an offering from the collection of Harold S. Bareford. I will talk about Mr. Bareford and his collection in my next article.
