Of The World's Best Known Numismatic Experts, Whose Opinion Do You Most Value/trust?

I have been reading lots of numismatic articles and books lately, authored by, among others, David Hall, Q. David Bowers, D. Lawrence, S. Travers, and many Numismatic News writers. All seem to have what appears to be a great deal of knowledge, although some of their opinions may be slanted toward the promotion of one or more of their own services, companies, etc. That sort of thing to me is definitely a conflict of interest.

I am just curious as to which ones of the so-called numismatic "experts" or authorities that my fellow Coin Talk associates find to be the most reliable, informative and trustworthy in their books and articles. I have gained much from my readings, but to be completely honest I have to say that I continue to learn more RIGHT HERE ON COIN TALK than anywhere! More and more I seem to place a greater degree of trust in the authors of these forums, than I do on any of the "outsiders!" So, THANKS, GUYS!!

Anyone else?

 

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David Lawrence was great with Barbers.
[We'll all miss him.]

Bowers is the maven of today's writing.

(Breen was great, but a pig.)

And, finally: youse guys.

 

Steve Herrman, of the BHNC.

Ben

 

Ken Bressett - I was at lunch with him once and he was carrying on a conversation with the person on his right about the difficulties of attributing early Indian coins and the appropriate references, and on his left was talking with someone about the problem of market grading US coins!

 

I am spock and I endorse this message . however there are two people whose advise i take other than myself both are part of the forum although one of them is a little difficult to understand

 

I'd have to say that there's been a few that stand out to me over my past 30 yrs of collecting, Dave Bowers and Ken Bressett are two great guys whos opinions I would trust. I have talked to Mr. Bressett a few times over the phone years ago and was very impressed. I also value the opinions of fellow CT members and have decided on many of my purchases with the opinions and comments from the guys and gals in here.

 

Bill Bugert for all things concerning seated halves

 

Also Gerry Fortin for seated dimes

 

Greg Heim

Greg is a dealer and expert in early American type and copper with emphasis on half cents. Greg is as honest as they get and he will let you know the unsugar coated truth good or bad. :hammer:

 

Bill Fivaz and Q. David Bowers would be two. Not that I would agree with everything either of those two put out, but I find their stuff to be rather ingestive and filling.

There's another gentleman over the years that I well do not agree with on a number of things, but over the many years of lurking, disagreeing with, and reading his articles/posts, Doug Prather is a very intuitive numismatist, as I'm sure many here would agree.

 

Don't know any of the writers but I do trust the opinions of members of this forum .
rzage

 

too bad.
I hereby officially cast in my vote for Doug as "Expert of the Year"


But, to answer the OP's question, I've never met any "expert" - the closest thing I've met is Jack, who sure knows his Lincolns.

 

Chris Rudd on Celtic coins, Clive over at historiccoinage.com for hammerd, and there are a number of members here that I take what they say very seriously indeed. Doug is one as is Ben and Rickie n Jack I could go on with the list as we have a great deal of talent here :smile The thing is though a lot will depend on the type of coin in question.

 

Didn't see Chuck Daughtery's name mentioned yet. I'd certainly include him on that list.

 

I'll second that.

 

I'd also like to add my fellow South Dakotan, Alan Hebert. :thumb:

 

Bob Grellman (late date large cents). I have shared a few emails back and forth with him and he's as nice as he is knowledgeable.

Also, Hugh Schull has to be on the list for obsolete currency.

If I had a question about either of their areas of specialty, I'd trust their answers.