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Coin Collecting NewsJack Lee – One of the Great Collector-Dealers of Our Time
ANA Executive Director Larry Shepard sent CoinLink the following email on Sunday afternoon:
“I am sad to pass on the news that Jack Lee died this morning. Jack was not only a numismatic icon, but also one of the finest and most respected individuals ever associated with this hobby. I, for one, will truly miss him.”
Jack Lee was an iconic figure to many , and a fixture on the bourse floor for a generation of collectors and dealers. His renowned eye and judgement for selecting beautiful coins coupled with his friendly demeanor made any encounter with the man both enjoyable and educational.
Jack Lee’s first great collection contained Morgan dollars (business strikes and proofs), Peace dollars, and Walkers and was assembled in the 1980’s and early 90’s. It was considered one of the all time best collections at the time, and the standard by which all subsequent collections were judged. Jack sold the collection in the 1990’s
However always the collector, Jack started immediately started building another set, even re-buying and selling many of his “Lee I” coins – sometimes over and over again! His second collection was sold five years later, and Jack Lee II pedigreed coins are still avidly sought after as are the Jack Lee I.
Finally Jack assembled a third collection which culminated in the Jack Lee III sale by Heritage at the Palm Beach Signature sale in November 2005 . A truly amazing legacy.
Jim Halperin, CEO of Heritage commented, “Regardless of whether a coin is pedigreed to Lee I, II, III – or any combination there are few pedigrees in American numismatics that mean as much to the collecting community as “Ex: Jack Lee.” Those words convey volumes about the quality of the coin, its eye-appeal, and its status as one of the premier examples of the issue. That in itself is a tremendous tribute to this friendly, unassuming collector/dealer.”
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Carl Watts | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
I first met Jack Lee at a coin show here in Jackson, Ms. a couple of months ago. I subsequently was invited to his office a day or so later where I purchased a very nice PL Morgan.Being new to the coin world I was ignorant of who Jack Lee was but found him to be very helpful and honest to a “rookie” like me. It was only later that I found out who this icon was. He never let me know what he was to the coin world. What a good and humble dealer. What a loss to this hobby.I am sorry that I won’t have the chance to deal with Mr. Lee again.
Tony Stanley | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
I had the pleasure of talking to Jack Lee and buying a 1900 O/CC Morgan dollar PCGS 65 VAM 8 from Jack at the February 2006 Long Beach coin show. Thank you for being the consumate gentleman and taking the time to share with me your wisdom on Morgan and Peace dollars. You will be missed and may God Bless your soul !!!
M. E. Lesniewski | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
My condolences to Mr. Lee’s family. He was a gentlemen and dear friend.
Bob Green | Aug 21, 2008 | Reply
My heartfelt condolences go out to Jack Lee’s family. Having known Jack for nearly 20 years, I can say that his friendship, knowledge dedication to his fellow collectors and that Jack Lee smile – especialy when he looked at a GEM Dollar will be missed on the bourse floor by hundreds of dealers nationwide. His name however will live on forever as having been one of the all time greats not just in numismatics, but in every area of his life.!
CAROLYN LEE HEIDEN | Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
I AM SO PLEASED TO READ ALL WONDERFUL COMMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE ABOUT JACK LEE. I AM THE MOST BLESSED OF ALL, BECAUSE, YOU SEE, I HAVE KNOWN JACK FOR 70+ YEARS. HE IS MY BIG BROTHER AND I LOVED HIM VERY MUCH.
CAROLYN LEE HEIDEN
Michael Hoyman | Sep 18, 2009 | Reply
Sometimes a legend lives among us and we are forever grateful to brush up against such wonderful people. I only knew of Jack Lee through other dealers and auction sites. Having a purest love and enjoyment for collecting the best and sharing his knowledge to others was and remains a tribute to his life. I can only say from a distant collector’s heart I was sadden at the passing and wish to extend my heart felt condolences to the Jack Lee family even if its a year later. His life was inspiring and the numismatic family will forever be grateful for his wisdom and caring and the love and time he gave toward that end. Michael W. Hoyman from Alaska