Coins are more than just money—they’re pieces of history that tell fascinating stories. Jon Lusk, a passionate coin collector, began his journey into coin collecting as a young boy in Detroit. He used to visit coin shops and the coin department at J.L. Hudson’s department store, where his interest in these small pieces of history grew. Over time, Lusk became an expert, especially in early quarter dollars, contributing to research and publications about rare coins.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Jon Lusk’s Journey | Began coin collecting as a paperboy in Detroit, exploring local coin shops. |
| Focus of Collection | Early quarter dollars, particularly the 1836 Capped Bust quarter. |
| Key Contribution | Co-published references on early U.S. quarter dollars. |
| Notable Coin | 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter. |
| Coin Grading | Graded Extremely Fine 45 by Numismatic Guaranty Co. |
| Auction Sale | Sold for $6,000 on May 9. |
| Coin’s History | Part of the Jules Reiver collection. |
| Special Feature | Shattered obverse die, making it a rare die marriage. |
| Numismatic Impact | Contributed to scholarship on die varieties and early quarter dollars. |
The Beginning of Jon Lusk’s Coin-Collecting Journey
Jon Lusk’s fascination with coins started when he was a paperboy in Detroit. As a young collector, he would often visit local coin shops like the one owned by Earl Schill and explore the coin section at J.L. Hudson’s department store. These visits helped him discover the unique details and history behind coins.
Lusk’s Passion for Early Quarter Dollars
As Jon Lusk grew older, his focus shifted toward early quarter dollars. His dedication led him to study these coins in great detail and contribute to numismatic research. Lusk co-published several references about early U.S. quarter dollars, making his mark in the numismatic world.
The Rare 1836 Capped Bust Quarter
One of Lusk’s most exciting contributions was his work on die varieties, particularly the 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter dollar. This coin was graded as Extremely Fine 45 by the Numismatic Guaranty Co. and fetched an impressive $6,000 at auction on May 9.
Why Is the 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Special?
This particular coin was once part of the Jules Reiver collection and is notable for its shattered obverse die. A die is a tool used to stamp designs onto coins, and the cracks in this die made it unusable shortly after producing this coin. This is why this “die marriage” (the pairing of obverse and reverse dies) is so rare. Collectors prize these unique details, which add to the coin’s value and historical significance.
Contributions to Numismatic Research
Jon Lusk didn’t just collect coins—he shared his knowledge with the world. His studies and publications about early quarter dollars and their die varieties have helped other collectors and historians better understand these coins. His dedication to numismatics has made him a respected figure in the coin-collecting community.
Why Collect Coins?
For people like Jon Lusk, collecting coins isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with history. Each coin tells a story about the time and place it came from. Rare coins like the 1836 Capped Bust quarter can teach us about the craftsmanship and challenges of minting coins in the past.
Conclusion
Jon Lusk’s journey from a young paperboy fascinated by coins to a respected numismatic scholar is inspiring. Through his collection, research, and publications, he has shown how coins are more than just money—they are pieces of history that preserve fascinating stories.
FAQs
1. Who is Jon Lusk?
Jon Lusk is a passionate coin collector who started his interest in coins as a young paperboy in Detroit. Over the years, he became an expert, particularly in early quarter dollars, and contributed to research on die varieties.
2. Why is the 1836 Capped Bust quarter so rare?
The 1836 Capped Bust quarter is rare because it was struck using a cracked obverse die. This shattered die was removed from service shortly after the coin was made, making the pairing of these specific dies—referred to as a “die marriage”—uncommon and highly sought after.
3. What is a die marriage in coin collecting?
A die marriage refers to the specific pairing of the obverse (front) and reverse (back) dies used to strike a particular coin. Variations in these pairings, like the shattered die in the 1836 Capped Bust quarter, make certain coins more valuable and collectible.
4. How much did the 1836 Capped Bust quarter sell for?
The 1836 Capped Bust, Browning-5 quarter was sold for $6,000 at a Heritage auction on May 9.
5. What makes Jon Lusk’s contributions significant in numismatics?
Jon Lusk’s work on early quarter dollars and die varieties has helped expand knowledge in the field of numismatics, particularly through his publications. His research has made it easier for collectors and historians to identify and understand rare coins.