John Nelson Rowe III

After a brief illness John Nelson Rowe III, 86, Dallas native and successful numismatist, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023. Born on September 29, 1936, the only child of John Jr. and Margaret Rowe, he was raised in East Dallas and attended Robert E Lee, J. L. Long, Woodrow and SMU.

Johnny's passion for collecting stamps, rare coins, and paper money began at a young age. By the age of 10, he had started his lifelong hobby and career of dealing in collectibles. Every Saturday, he would ride the bus to Dallas Coins downtown, where he honed his knowledge and passion for rare items. As a teenager, he traveled by bus to Ft. Worth to visit Amon Carter Sr., with whom he shared a mutual enthusiasm for valued collections. Johnny built two of the greatest coin collections in the second half of the 20th century. His close relationship with Amon Carter Jr. allowed him to amass a collection of coins and currency that would fetch well over $200 million if sold today, including the finest 1794 Dollar that recently sold for more than $10 million. Johnny's work with John Merrill amalgamated one of the greatest collections of rare gold and territorial issues ever assembled.

In 2003, Johnny and his brother-in-law, B.B. Barr, donated their Texas Currency collections to the SMU DeGolyer Library, considered the most extensive collection in the United States of pre- and post-Civil War notes, bonds, maps, and books issued in Texas. Johnny’s remarkable career earned him many awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Professional Numismatic Guild.

Johnny's love of the business was unwavering and beyond belief. He loved driving around Texas and setting up at local regional shows as much as attending an ANA coin show simply out of his sheer love of the hobby; he was an incredible guy who truly loved the profession. In fact, he would continue to attend coin shows until he physically was unable to, at which point he would still do business from home with his long-time clients and colleagues. With his photographic memory, his knowledge of Texas currency was unsurpassed along with his great knowledge of US gold and currency.

A hard-working and dedicated man, Johnny always put his family and friends first. A favorite hangout was playing dominoes and gin with his longtime friends in the Men's Cardroom at Lakewood Country Club. With his sharp memory, Johnny was a fierce competitor.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Pat Rowe, and their children John N. Rowe IV (Barbara) and Kristy Rowe Clarke (Rob). Two other children preceded him in death, daughter Linda Rowe Shoemaker and son Keith Rowe. He was very proud of his nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, eleven nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Sharon Rowe, brother-in-law B.B. Barr, and sisters-in-law Jo Barr and Carol Hensley (Gary). During his illness, Johnny's caretaker Susan Washington became part of the family and ensured loving support and a bright light during the final chapter of Johnny's life. John Rowe's legacy and love of rare collectibles will be missed by many, but his impact on the numismatic world will continue to inspire collectors for generations to come.

Honorary Pallbearers: John N. Rowe IV, Rob Clarke, Bo Clarke, Master Sgt. James Shoemaker, Jason Shoemaker, Bryan Cochran, Jacob Cochran, Champ Hensley, and Cash Barr.

The memorial celebration is scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird, Dallas, Texas 75205.