(L2022)

Born in Great Falls, Montana. Married to Avis Pauline Solberg June 17, 1960. Their son and daughter did business under the name Michael & Marlene Bourne. They conducted two mail bid sales of numismatic literature in 1981 and 1982. Partner with D. Scott Secor and Jim Betty in The Currency Exchange, Inc. for one year about 1980-81.

In partnership with his wife, owner of RAMM Communications 1972 to 1994. RAMM was an advertising and art production business. In 1983 he reprinted Frossard's Numisma. One hundred sets were distributed by Cal Wilson and Money Tree. Four special hardbound editions were produced. Ramm Communications published Gengerke's American Numismatic Auctions 8th edition and U. S. Paper Money Records.

Bourne collected numismatic literature and three cent material. His collections of auction catalogs, periodicals and fixed price lists represent the most complete collections known, public or private, relating to American numismatics. They formed the basis for his publications.

Bourne compiled lists of early numismatic literature including:

Fixed Price Lists & Premium Paid for Lists of United States Coin Dealers 1822-1900 Volume I. 35 copies were printed and privately distributed in 1988.

Fixed Price Lists & Premium Paid for Lists of United States Coin Dealers 1900-1929 Volume II. Again, 41 copies were printed and privately distributed in 1989.

Fixed Price Lists & Prices Paid for lists of United States Coin Dealers 1930-1939 Volume III. It was published in 1989. 52 copies were printed including two red half leather bound special copies with 26 numbered presentation copies.

American Numismatic Sales and Informational Literature. It was published in 1989. These were distributed by Money Tree. Fixed Price Lists & Premium Paid for Lists of United States Coin Dealers 1940-1949 Volume IV. 50 copies were published in 1990 including 17 numbered presentation copies.

American Numismatic Periodicals 1860-1960 An Illustrated Collectors Guide was published in two volumes June 1, 1990. 47 sets were printed including 14 numbered presentation copies.

Began a business dealing in numismatic literature in July, 1994. Produced Numismatic Literature Review and Fixed Price List in January 1995. Conducted auction sales after 1995. Served on the ANA board in 2001 to 2007. He received the Glenn Smedley Memorial Award in 2007. Named a Numismatic Ambassador in 2008.

bio by interview, 1990, 1992 and 1994; profile NN WW 2/18/97