Trivia Question (Bust Halves)

[EVillageProwler]

Here's an interesting tidbit that I found out from the FUN show:

 

The Overton numbers are numbered as O-NNN(a), with the numbering starting from 101. Why?

 

EVP

 

[Coinosaurus]

You know what's in Room 101, EVP. Everyone knows what's in room 101. From what famous book am I quoting??

[Hoot]

From what famous book am I quoting??

 

Pipi Longstocking meets Bluebeard?

 

(Sorry EVP) Hoot

[Tradedollarnut]

1984

[Nysoto]

The Overton numbering system alleviates confusion with the Haseltine and Beistle numbers. Also, each die variety has a three digit number, which is easier to read in your bust half database variety column.

[EVillageProwler]

The Overton numbering system alleviates confusion with the Haseltine and Beistle numbers.

 

Good response, but definately incorrect. The correct reason is much less carefully considered than what you suggested...

 

EVP

 

[DWLange]

My guess (and it's only that) would be that Overton didn't want his letter O to be mistaken for a zero (0). By placing a 1 at the beginning of each variety number, this could act as a separator for the sequential number to follow.

[EVillageProwler]

The reason why the Overton #'s begin at 101 now is because he wanted to differentiate it from his earlier numbering system, which began at 1.

 

(This is what an old-time dealer told me. He specializes in this stuff.)

 

EVP