Author Archives: John S. Queen

In October of 1977, I was attending a coin show in Miami Beach. During the show, two men whom I did not know came and sat down at our table. They looked at a few coins and chit-chatted. Almost as if on signal, they both leaned back and one said, “We didn’t come here to discuss coins. We came to ask a question.” Continue reading →

You all know what I am talking about. We buy an item and get back some coins in change. We put the coins in our pocket or purse. When they accumulate a bit, we take them out and put them in a jar or dish or whatever. The story changes a bit from there. Continue reading →

Recently a man came in and handed me a ring. It was most impressive. It was a very heavy ring with a large, deep red stone. I felt certain it would be gold so I looked and sure enough it was marked most clearly “14K.” Continue reading →

When I left Paramount in the early 1970s, I needed someone to help in the business. I met a beautiful young woman by the name of Barbara who had two small children. She had recently been divorced and needed a job. I had known her family 20 years earlier when I was in a totally different profession. I hired her. I hired an accountant from Troy, Ohio, to come one hour each week for six weeks to teach her bookkeeping and office management. Continue reading →

As mentioned in an earlier story, Q. David Bowers was president of Paramount International Coin Corporation before I went with the company in 1967. Before he left, he made a trip to Great Britain and must have hired a separate boat to bring back all his plunder. It was a great variety of material. I do not recall what all there was but there were many, many rolls of 1950 and 1951 British pennies, a large quantity of silver crowns and a goodly number of copper Conder tokens. Continue reading →

I wrote a few earlier stories mostly to preserve numismatic history that was known only to me. Approaching my 89th birthday, I did not wish this history to be lost should I depart this realm. The responses to stories were favorable so I am writing more that I hope the reader will find of interest. These stories have little real significance as far as numismatics go. Just read and enjoy. Continue reading →

After I became the market-maker in Canadian coins in the 1970s and felt them to be woefully underpriced, I decided to try to put together the finest Canada 10-cent set possible. I only put fully brilliant uncirculated or toned uncirculated coins in that set. I was progressing well when I was able to purchase The Magnificent Hoard. Again, a tale told earlier. I went through all 50 pieces of every date from 1900 to 1938 and chose the most exquisite of every date. Continue reading →

It happened in 1965. Or was it 1966? In order to put our first meeting in context, it is important to relate some background and some numismatic history. I was in a profession unrelated to numismatics. My position was demanding … Continue reading →

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News.  >> Subscribe today! In 1973 I decided to terminate my employment at Paramount International Coin Corporation and go into business for myself. My wife had always graciously accepted my decisions and fortunately … Continue reading →

I am in my 89th year and there are stories of coins hoards that so far as I know have never been told in the numismatic press. Before they are lost forever, I feel they should be told. Continue reading →