On Tuesday, Oct 3, 2016, Herbert P. Hicks passed away 2 days after the passing of his wife of 60 years, Marion. For those who do not know Herb, he was forum member ProofArtonCircs and was very well versed in his forum namesake. Specifically where Proof dies have been used to create circulated coinage. His numismatic history goes back well before I ever showed an interest in Coin Collecting much less my limited experience with Eisenhower Dollars which is how I first contacted him. This is a tragedy for the Hicks Family and for the Numismatic Community as Herb was definitely a positive authority. He collected that which we, as a community, get delight in finding. 1972 Type 2 IKE's (I believe he was the first to notice the specific Variety) Washington Quarters with the Type B, Type H, and Type M Reverses Lincoln Cents with the Wide AM And on and on. For those that live in the Massachusetts Area, there will be a service tomorrow: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/metrowestdailynews/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=181755954
Always sad to see knowledge passing. Poor fellow couldn't cope with the passing of his wife. Sad, and yet bitter sweet.
Threads with ProofArtonCircs https://www.cointalk.com/search/2526494/ I forgot to mention that, back in the day before the FOIA, it was possible to write directly to the US Mint with any coin specific questions that needed to be answered. Herb was not adverse in the least bit to writing such letters of inquiry. The appendices of the Authoritative Reference on Eisenhower Dollars has many of such letters that he write and received replies to. I often quote these letters in responses to forum members questions.
Herb was, arguably, the very first clad collector. RS Yeoman talked about the potential and value of clads since they were being ignored as early as 1966 but so far as I know never collected them. John J Pittman was setting aside choice BU rolls almost from the beginning but Herb Hicks was studying them and finding varieties as far back as 1965. He was a great collector and a great man. He'll be sorely missed by many and by many who don't even know they're missing him.
Very sad. I gotta say, I hope I pass into the next world alongside my wife. I'm too wimpy to handle the heartache.
When someone said that every time an elderly person dies it is as if a library has burned down. As I age, I see the truth of this more and more. Some "libraries" are larger than others. My sympathies to those of you who knew him/them, the family, and those of you who learned from him. Steve
Always sad to read the news of one of our own passing. May his work live and contributions to numismatics live for many more years.
@19Lyds Thanks for posting information about Herb's passing. Although I haven't been by the forum in quite some time, I believe I remember Herb being a prolific poster on the Ike Forum (the forum you introduced me to). R.I.P. Herb and Marion.
I didn't know him, and wasn't familiar with his work - but it is clear to see that his legacy lives on in the respect and knowledge that y'all are demonstrating. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
Our deepest condolences goes out to the family, friends, and relatives. May GOD comfort you during this challenging time.
