Stack’s Bowers Galleries announced the retirement of Q. David Bowers, the legendary founder and guiding force of the institution, capping a career that spanned more than seventy years in the coin collecting hobby.
Bowers joined the world of numismatics as a teenage dealer in the 1950s and went on to build an unparalleled legacy as an expert, author, columnist, and auctioneer. Revered among collectors and institutions alike, he authored more than 70 books and thousands of articles, and cataloged and sold legendary collections including the Garrett, Virgil Brand, Norweb, Eliasberg, Harry W. Bass, Jr., and Childs holdings, setting records and standards that continue to shape the hobby.
"Dave has greatly impacted numismatics over the past seven decades and will continue to do so for many years to come. He has been a wonderful mentor to many of us, and his leadership and guidance have been invaluable," said Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Under his leadership, Stack’s Bowers Galleries became a global numismatic force, achieving record-setting sales such as the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which realized over $10 million — a milestone in coin auction history at the time.
Highlights from Q. David Bowers’s Career
- Began dealing in rare coins in the early 1950s as a teenager, eventually co-founding the firm that evolved into Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
- Catalogued and auctioned many of the hobby’s most significant collections, including the Eliasberg, Bass, Norweb, and Garrett holdings.
- Authored dozens of numismatic reference works and thousands of articles, establishing himself as the most prolific numismatic author of his generation.
- Served as president of the Professional Numismatists Guild (1977–79) and the American Numismatic Association (1983–85), receiving numerous prestigious awards and Hall of Fame induction.
The Legacy
Q. David Bowers leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of numismatics. From his early days as a dealer to his tenure as the public face and scholarly bedrock of Stack’s Bowers Galleries, his influence reshaped the rare-coin marketplace and educated generations of collectors and dealers.
"I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the many friends who made up our staff over the years," Bowers commented. "Some have unfortunately passed away, but many are still carrying the numismatic torch at Stack’s Bowers Galleries. My hope is that my enthusiasm has been contagious, and they are enjoying this work as much as I did. I am forever grateful for their work ethic, friendship and camaraderie."
As Bowers steps back from his active role, both the firm and the broader numismatic community are expected to feel the lasting impact of his scholarship, mentorship, and decades of leadership.
