Born in Newark, New Jersey. Graduate of Columbia Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1883 and practiced law in New Jersey. Served in the New Jersey State Assembly in 1906, 1908 and 1909. Later he was involved in the mens clothing business. He was a director of the Essex County Board of Freeholders after 1920. He suffered a disaster in the Wall Street crash of 1929. It was reported that his losses exceeded 1.5 million dollars.

Hines collected large cents. He became well known for buying a 1799 large cent described as uncirculated for $2500. William Sheldon reported that Hines had more than 3500 late date cents of which 300 were proof. He had more than 600 early date cents. He died in a hospital in Newark, New Jersey. His collection of ancient Greek and Roman coins was purchased in 1947 by Edward Gans of Numismatic Fine Arts. His 1799 cent and other large cents were bought by Harold Whiteneck.

obit: NUM 60 Feb 1947 pages 166-167