John J. Ford

John J. Ford was a renowned American numismatist and auctioneer who played a significant role in the development of the numismatic community, particularly in the areas of American Numismatic Society and American Numismatic Association. He was closely associated with notable figures such as Q. David Bowers, Eric P. Newman, and Stack's Bowers Galleries. Ford's contributions to the field of numismatics have been recognized by institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.

● Early Life and Education

John J. Ford was born in New York City and developed an interest in coin collecting at a young age, inspired by his father's hobby shop in Manhattan. He attended Fordham University and later studied at the New York University, where he honed his skills in history and economics, with a focus on the Federal Reserve System and the United States Mint. Ford's early education also involved learning from prominent numismatists like Wayte Raymond and James F. Kelly, who were affiliated with the American Numismatic Society and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.

● Career

Ford began his career in numismatics by working with Stack's Bowers Galleries, a prominent coin auction house, where he collaborated with Harvey Stack and Norman Stack. He later joined New Netherlands Coin Company, which was known for its rare coin auctions, including the sale of the 1933 Double Eagle. Ford's expertise in numismatics led him to work with institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the United States Treasury Department, as well as with notable collectors like Harry W. Bass Jr. and Louis E. Eliasberg.

● Numismatic Contributions

John J. Ford made significant contributions to the field of numismatics, particularly in the areas of American colonial currency and error coins. He was a member of the American Numismatic Society and the American Numismatic Association, and served on the board of the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. Ford's work also involved collaborating with museums like the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum, as well as with dealers like Dillon, Read & Co. and Abe Kosoff. His expertise in numismatics was recognized by institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Notable Auctions

Ford was involved in several notable coin auctions throughout his career, including the sale of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the 1804 Draped Bust dollar. He worked with auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's, and collaborated with experts like Q. David Bowers and David W. Akers. Ford's auctions often featured rare coins from prominent collections, such as the Eliasberg Collection and the Bass Collection. His work in the auction industry was recognized by organizations like the National Auctioneers Association and the Appraisers Association of America.

● Legacy

John J. Ford's legacy in the field of numismatics is still celebrated today, with institutions like the American Numismatic Society and the American Numismatic Association recognizing his contributions. His work has inspired a new generation of numismatists, including dealers like Kevin Lipton and collectors like Donald G. Partrick. Ford's legacy is also reflected in the museums and institutions that he worked with, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress. His contributions to the field of numismatics continue to be recognized by organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and the Professional Coin Grading Service. Category:Numismatists