Born in Wilmington, Delaware. Received B.M.E. from the University of Delaware in 1938. Married Iona Peterson June 11, 1941. They had four children. Industrial engineer with Dupont 1939 to 1942. Managed Hyman Reiver & Co. floor covering business 1945 to 1984.

During WWII, he commanded the first antiaircraft battery to land on Omaha Beach in June of 1944. The unit fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Some reports suggest he was the inspiration for a character in a movie made about the Battle of the Bulge. He discounted this in an interview with the author.

Reiver began collecting coins at age 7. He is one of the founders of The John Reich Society. He collected early U.S. copper and silver coins by die varieties. Past president of Wilmington (DE) Coin Club. The also collected antique cars.

Author of Mature Head United States Copper Cents 1843-1857 in 1980. Author of Variety Identification Manual for United States Half Dimes 1794-1837 published in 1984. Author with John R. Grellman of Attribution Guide for United States Large Cents in 1987.

In August 1960 he was arrested by Secret Service agents for refusing to surrender a $10 gold certificate in his collection. The complaint was later dismissed.

He was named a Numismatic News Numismatic Ambassador in 1989.

He received the ANA Medal of merit in 1989. He was inducted into the JRCS Hall of Fame in 2009.

bio by correspondence, 1991; The E-Sylum 6/25/24l obit: CW 3/8/04