GFRC Online Auctions

Presents the Connoisseur's Auction Sale

The Gerry Fortin Liberty Seated Dime Collection

and

The Newtown Liberty Seated Half Dollar Collection

 

Session 1 - January 19-26, 2025

Session 2 - March 22-29, 2025

Session 3 - May 10-17, 2025

 

Lot Viewing Schedule

Winter FUN, Orlando FL - January 9-11, 2025

Also By Special Appointments

 

Gerry Fortin Liberty Seated Dime Auction Sale Podcast

December 10, 2025 8:00 PM ET

https://wustl.zoom.us/j/5086565637

 

 

GFRC Online Auctions - PDF Catalog Archives

 

Greetings and welcome to GFRC No Buyer's Fee Auction Sales portal. Our online auction application takes a simplified approach for conducting noteworthy auctions without buyer's fees. The one commission rate approach for integrated auction and price list sales leads to a carefree and fun buying and selling event.

GFRC is incredibly pleased to announce the auction sale of two amazing Liberty Seated coinage collections assembled by two of the top "connoisseurs" of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club. Gerry Fortin is a well known numismatist dating back to the 1990s, a period of significant Liberty Seated Dime die variety research. He followed in the footsteps of Kamal Ahwash as the initial trigger for a multiple decade pursuit then luck brought the personal mentoring of Brian Greer, another Seated dime giant. Come 2004, a comprehensive die variety reference was published exclusively online and without a paper edition. This approach was ground breaking at that time in the numismatic hobby, but was also met by mixed reviews. Dealers with laptops and internet access enjoyed the taught of not carrying yet another die variety book to coin shows. Then there was the skepticism of some senior collectors who could not fathom the absence of a hardbound book. Two decades have passed with The Definitive Resource for Liberty Seated Dime Die Variety Collectors becoming a mainstream reference for auction houses and the grading services.

The 1990 through 2010 Seated Dime die variety research and crowd sourcing time frame resulted in a substantial reference collection being assembled. When in the early stages of the project, the numismatic photography quality was not sufficient for definitive attributions. One required coins in hand and note taking with a 10x. As the die variety database expanded, actual coins were necessary for double checking potential die states prior to announcing new varieties. While assembling this broad based set, I was also compelled to construct a top level Mint State collection that was worthy of the PCGS Set Registry as a secondary financial investment. So here we are today. After collecting Liberty Seated dimes since 1989, my time as a museum curator is about to come to an end. This curator has other plans on the horizon and no surprise to those that know me well.

Following is an excerpt from a centerfold article to be published in the forthcoming Fall 2024 Gobrecht Journal concerning the Fortin Seated Dime collection.

The decision to sell a numismatic collection that represents the effort of over half of an adult lifetime was not taken lightly. The assemblage of a major Liberty Seated collection is a truly personal undertaking and reflective of the numismatist’s goals, collecting parameters, and of course knowledge of grading standards and the visual elements of original surfaces.

Why now? Is the often-heard question from other collectors and friends. The response is straightforward. Life moves along much too quickly with an endless set of goals and aspirations. My heirs are not interested in the numismatic hobby and without the expertise to divest such a sizable financial investment. Ultimately, the process of returning these magnificent Liberty Seated dimes to other collectors should be guided by the individual who has invested a notable portion of this life fully engrossed with the series, its die varieties, and its nuances. Full cycle closure from the initial spark to assemble this collection through documenting the achievement in a personal auction catalog was ultimately an exclusive responsibility, and privilege, that also helps to ensure that fair market value is realized.

Let’s start with the background behind this three-decades-long project.

The year was 1989 and I desired to re-engage with a childhood hobby now that a professional career was well established. The key question was that of what numismatic path would be taken? As an avid fan of the United States Civil War era, the decision to collect a Liberty Seated coinage denomination was straightforward. However, selecting the denomination proved to be challenging and required a careful assessment of the degree of difficulty for the dimes, quarters and halves as the half dimes and dollars were quickly dismissed due to series length. Armed with a Redhook, each remaining denomination was reviewed in terms of key date values in Fine condition along with the semi-keys and minors. One goal was non-negotiable, namely a complete set must be possible with current and planned disposable income. This fact promptly dismissed the half dollar series due to the 1878-S stopper. The quarter series also brought its onerous early Carson City dates including the 1873-CC No Arrows. This left the Seated dime series as a viable option if not planning to own the unique 1873-CC No Arrows specimen. Yes, I could live with that fact and selected the dimes as the new initiative.

Being a trained electronics engineer, it was readily apparent that my knowledge of the subtleties within the Seated dime series, and metallurgy in general, was lacking. Acquiring knowledge would need to be the logical first step before committing substantial financial resources to the project. A search for literary resources in Coin World classified advertisements led to the purchase of Kamal Ahwash’s Encyclopedia of Liberty Seated Dimes 1837-1891 followed by joining the Liberty Seated Collectors Club that year. The Ahwash encyclopedia provided an exposure to the die variety realm and a newly found intrigue with the minting processes that resulted in terminal dies and die preparation anomalies. Upon becoming an LSCC member, then President John McCloskey made an introduction to Brian Greer as my first mentor. Both decisions were pivotal and launched a numismatic research journey that culminated with the release of The Definitive Resource for Liberty Seated Dime Variety Collectors digital online reference published during August 2004.

The construction of a top-rated Liberty Seated dime collection began during 1995 based upon three overriding selection criteria. Each potential acquisition was evaluated in terms of strict originality, complete strike, and marketable eye appeal. A host of certified high-grade candidates have been excluded from the acquisition process when not meeting these screening requirements. The set building status was shared during 2010 when publishing an article entitled Patience and Persistence, Building an Award-Winning Liberty Seated Dime PCGS Registry Set in the Fall Gobrecht Journal edition of that year. Readers should be able to locate this article on the Newman Numismatic Portal website.

The other Connoisseur is none other the Aaron Heintz who has collected for nearly a lifetime and seriously kick started his hobby during the early GFRC years. Given that GFRC's regular coin show locations were consistent with Aaron hobby pursuits, a mentorship friendship grew as Aaron sourced a growing amount of coins from our humble business. The Newtown Collection goals continued to expand in the Liberty Seated coinage realm with Aaron assembling a substantial Liberty Dime Collection that was ultimately auctioned by GFRC Online Auctions during January 2023. Aaron's collection was replete with high grade Mint State dates including more than a handful that were added to my personal collection as upgrades.

Now the Newtown Liberty Seated Half Dollar collection is being released as our top client also feels the need to chase new opportunities and goals in later life. There are many highlights within the Newtown Collection, of which the 1878-S PCGS EF40 half being the most notable based on its star key date status. Every Liberty Seated half dollar collector dreams of owning an 1878-S as the date has been thoroughly studied and documented by Bill Bugert. Bugert's 1878-S half dollar census is entitled A Register of 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollars and came be found on the Newman Numismatic Portal here.

There are a host of other Newtown Collection highlights that will be expanded upon in the coming days. Let's also not forget that Aaron's amazing 92% CAC attainment for a long and challenging series such as the Seated halves.

One of the GFRC auction platform hallmarks in the construction of the auction catalog on a real time basis. Collectors have inquisitive minds and wish to secure the latest auction information for set building decisions. The Connoisseur's auction sale online catalog is presently under constructed with images, GFRC quality ratings, and basic descriptions being first displayed. The catalog will be next populated with reserve prices after consignor approvals. Afterwards, descriptions are added with the final step being the assemblage of the PDF catalog for those who wish to stock their numismatic libraries with ongoing documentation of GFRC events. Given the importance of the Connoisseur's auction sale, limited edition paper bound catalogs will also be printed and will debut at the Fall Whitman Baltimore show.

Hopefully, inspecting the forthcoming images (when assembled and published) will be as much fun as bidding in the auction given the continuing GFRC photography improvements and the significance of this pedigreed numismatic event. Please remember that GFRC is always here to help collectors with their divestment needs.

 

About GFRC

GFRC has rapidly grown as a leading retailer of quality Early Silver Type, U.S. Gold, and now expanding into early 20th Century denominations. Our business model is consignment centric supporting more than 150 consignors who actively conduct collection duplicate divestments. Selling CAC approved coins is our primary mission and specialty.

Founded during early 2014, GFRC has been in continuous operation since that time. Our website previously garnered some of the highest Alexa.com industry rankings due to a dedicated numismatic community that constantly visits the many online applications. The Daily Blog is the go to link for daily new purchases and auction information. Unlike other smaller dealers, we offer a complete Sales and Auction Archive for complete transparency. The GFRC Open Set Registry provides collectors with a friendly venue for posting their collections. The GFRC Gallery showcases the past and present offerings of our top consignors.

GFRC is a well known fixture on the national coin show circuit. We exhibit at Whitman Baltimore, Winter and Summer FUN, Central States, and the Summer ANA World's Fair of Money. You will find GFRC at smaller regional shows consistent with our summer New England presence and winter snowbird status in Florida.

 

The Unique GFRC Integrated Service Approach

With the introduction of the GFRC's Online Auction service, clients have multiple sale approaches for their consigned coins.

- Regular Fixed Priced List Sales

- Online Auction Sales (Minimum consignment lot size and/or value requirement)

- A lot not selling at its Online Auction reserve price will automatically post to the price list at the reserve price.

- GFRC will not return consigned lots that do not meet reserves at Online Auctions due to the standard four month minimum consignment length requirement as part of GFRC regular policy. Requests for earlier returns of auction lots will be subject to 5% handling fee.

 

Online Auction Sale Terms & Conditions

GFRC auction sale Terms and Conditions are available by clicking here or the Terms & Conditions banner located at the top of this page. Your GFRC auction experience will be improved if carefully reading through all Terms & Conditions. Most potential questions, concerning the GFRC automated bidding application, will be answered if bidders take the time to read all facets of the Terms & Conditions.

 

The Bidding Process Using the GFRC's Online Auction Application

Online Auctions and the bidding process will be conducted through an automated bidding application specially developed for the GFRC portal. Auctions will be posted and conducted via auction table presentation and located at seateddimevarieties.com/auction. Bidders WILL NOT be assigned a bidder number for each auction in order to simplify the application's operation. Instead, bidders will supply their contact information during each bid placement. Each bid will be assigned a unique number for tracking purposes. Bidders will receive an email from auctions@seateddimevarieties.com that confirms their bid and documents the bid number. The bid number is important when checking on high bid status.

 

GFRC Online Auctions - The Online Auction Table

Following is a screen capture of the Online auction table. The format looks similar to a regular GFRC For Sale page price list table.

Please look carefully as there are three different auction statuses illustrated. The first example is an 1913-S Buffalo nickel that is queued for an upcoming auction that opens on October 12. The TPG number is available with a link back to the TPG website for checking certification. Reserves and high bids will be listed in the second to right column. The rightmost column communicates the lot's status and allows bidding.

On the second line, the 1917-D Standing Liberty quarter is currently available for bidding as an active auction. Bidding is accomplished by clicking on the shopping bag icon.

The final line in the table illustrates an 1825 Capped Bust half dollar that was part of a prior auction that is now closed. That lot did not meet the reserve.

 

GFRC Online Auctions - Three Auction Statuses Example

 

GFRC Online Auctions - Using the Bidding Screen

Clicking the shopping bag icon for a lot that is part of an active Online Auction brings about a lot bidding screen. The bidding screen is unique to that lot and presents a full description and TPG serial number. Lots are identified by TPG serial numbers or with GFRC inventory number for raw coins.

The next illustration showcases the auction lot's information including full description, reserve price, current high bid and bid number. There are three panels for entering information towards placing a bid. Bidding requires three pieces of information each time a bid is placed. .

- Name

- Email Address

- Max Bid

Once these three pieces of information are entered, please hit the Enter Bid button.

GFRC Online Auctions - Bidding Screen Example

 

Bidders will accurately enter the required information and select the Enter Bid button. A bid will be first checked for being valid. If not valid, an error message will be issued on the bidding screen. If the bid is valid, the bid will be acknowledged on a separate screen along with an email sent to the inputted email address indicating such.

 

GFRC Online Auctions - Email Bid Notification

All GFRC auction emails will be issued from "auctions@seateddimevarieties.com". The email captures the submitted name and acknowledges the maximum bid. Each bid is assigned a unique bid number. Please note that there are no bidder numbers assigned to clients. Again, each bid is assigned its unique tracking number. A link is provide to allow prompt return to the lot bidding screen which allows bidders to check if their unique bid number is the high bid.

Following is an illustration of typical Bid Notification email. Please note that the lot number is the full TPG serial number as extracted via bar code.

GFRC Online Auctions - Email Bid Notification