Walter Breen

In his book, Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of US and Colonial Proof coins, chapter Branch mint proofs, it is really confusing, can anyone help me out???
Here is a link to read it online: https://www.pcgs.com/books/breen-proofs/Chapter13-001.aspx

 

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"There once was a dude named Walter Breen,
Weirdest darned coin guy you ever seen..."

Seriously, if there ever was a numismatist with the "Shakespearean flaw", Breen is it.

 

The branch mint proofs mentioned in Breen's book were struck 1907 or earlier. Most (all?) were not authorized by the Bureau of the Mint. So, the numbers struck are largely unknown. Further, the branch mint coins may not be equal to those of the Philly mint in terms of strike, field polish, contrast, etc., so there is debate on many of the coins as to whether they were just early die condition business strikes or proofs.

In addition, don't take everything that Breen has written as accurate without confirmation. Despite his enormous knowledge, he did make mistakes.

Cal

 

Breen wasn't the only one. There was this weird dude that gave us the numerical grading system we use today.

Cal

 

You sure you're not confusing him with the "Sheldon" on CBS sitcoms?

 

Thanks guys
I was reading a collector's universe thing
One guy said "Breen didn't know a thing about proofs"

 

THAT'S a bit over the top. He TRIED to learn EVERYTHING, and therein lies the first error of his ways.

A lack of circumspection and humility is a trait that tends to run VERY DEEP and WIDE in this hobby. Almost as bad as in my day job.

 

I didn't watch the Big Bang. Being too young by 15 gigayears for the real one, and not much interested in TV for the sitcom. So it's hard for me to compare. Edited.
Cal

 

Tried might be generous with how much was made up.

 

That's not me who said that

 

I think it was Dewey.