As we review the contents of the Reed Hawn Collection which Stack’s sold in 1993, it becomes obvious that he concentrated on United States silver coins, although he did assemble a fine cabinet of gold coins. Reed continued to search for different issues in high quality and he enthusiastically acquired those he had not included in his earlier collection embracing different challenges. It was exciting for him to "fill the holes." Of course, the highlights of the Reed Hawn Collection were the two key rarities, featured on the cover of the elaborate 1993 catalog that Stack’s produced — the Dexter 1804 silver dollar and the 1913 Liberty Head nickel.
It was legendary that these two rarities were being offered in the same sale, a history-making event! Many collectors viewed the coins during the exhibition periods, not knowing when or if the opportunity would occur again. During the sale when these two coins were offered, the auction room was filled to capacity, standing room only, and excitement filled the air.
The silver coins in Reed Hawn’s collection began with half dimes — a few early dates, 1797, 1800, then jumping to 1854 Arrows, 1855, 1857 and 1858 (in brilliant Proof). U.S. dimes began with an 1837 No Stars in brilliant Proof, 1856, 1859 and many later Liberty Seated dates in brilliant Proof, along with a super run of Mint State Barber dimes featuring 1896-S and 1901-S.
As Reed had a fine quarter collection in 1973, he did not seriously pursue this issue, However he did acquire such outstanding specimens as 1807, 1827 Square Base 2 in Proof, 1831 Small Letters in Mint State, the classic 1842 Small Date in Proof and a assemblage of Mint State rarities in the balance of the series. When he assembled his Barber set, it was an extraordinary offering. The Philadelphia Mint issues were glittering Proof, and the branch mint coins were extremely attractive Mint State examples highlighted by 1896-S, 1897-O, 1898-O prooflike, 1901-S, 1911-D, and 1913-S to mention but a few.
Reed also assembled some early Proof sets (all appeared to be originals) that were sold as individual lots because of their beauty. These coins attracted numerous bidders during the sale. The date sets, offered one coin at a time, included 1858, 1873 (with the Arrows coinage) 1876, 1882, 1884 (no trade dollar), 1885 (no trade dollar), 1886, 1887, 1907, 1909 (no Lincoln cents).
Though Reed Hawn sold his extensive half dollar collection through Stack’s in 1973, he started again and acquired many high quality pieces. The half dollars offered in the 1993 sale were highlighted by 1806 Pointed 6, 1815/2 in Mint State, 1847 Proof, 1854 With Arrows Proof, 1892-O branch mint Proof, and 1921 in Mint State.
In my next article I will highlight Reed Hawn’s unusual offering of U.S. silver dollars featuring the 1804 Dexter silver dollar.
