I read recently that David Bowers is retiring after more than 70 years in the business. Have any of y'all had any personal contact with Bowers? What is your opinion of a man who is undoubtedly a pioneer in the modern rare coin business? Have you read any of his books? Buy them for reference?
Got a few receipts from the 70’s when he was partnered with James Ruddy. Later years also, all raw before encapsulating. I believe I’ve read all his books including the reference ones. Wish I could have did a personal transaction. Truly a giant in the business
We communicated a few times when he was at Bower's and Merena. He was always gracious and willing to share some time. I own and have read a number of his books, a number of which are signed by him and personally inscribed.
I've never personally met the guy, but I've read and own several of his books. I have 1 coin pedigreed to his personal collection. But overall... this guy is a legend in the hobby for a reason. The books he writes are based on fact and experience, not conjecture, (cough, Breen, ugh, what?)
The bigger question is... with QDB retiring is Stacks Bowers going to change their name? Because as far as I know, there isn't really a Stacks or a Bowers in charge there anymore. Or are they going to ride on the name/brand recognition that these titans have built? That firm has changed and merged and renamed a whole bunch of times in the past 30 years.... What is it going to be called next year?
