A very good friend of mine passed away earlier this month. He was a semi-retired local coin dealer, and he served as a mentor to me and to many, many others who are still active in this business. His name was Harry.
Harry was known in the industry as a collector of medals. Specifically, he collected Washington medals and exonumia, architectural medals by Jacques Weiner, French medals by Armand-Auguste Caque, and 20th century medals issued by the Society of Medalists. Over the years he amassed a renowned collection of early American medals. Several years ago when his health began to fail, he called a friend of his and sold off the majority of his Washington collection. When I began working for Stack’s Bowers Galleries he contacted me, and we began selling some of the remaining highlights, a few at a time.
Before he passed away at the age of 82, he instructed his family to have me personally handle the balance of his coins, currencies, and medals. I was and am honored and humbled by the trust he placed in our friendship, and the trust he had in Stack’s Bowers Galleries to properly disperse his lifelong collection. Look for items marked “The Harry Garrison Collection” in upcoming auctions throughout the year.
Thanks Harry, for everything.