Bowers and Merena News Feed

Bowers and Merena Realizes Nearly $6 Million in April 2008 Chicago Rarities Sale

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena, America’s leading rare coin and currency auction house, realized an impressive $5.9 million with its 1,000-lot Chicago Rarities Sale. The auction was conducted in a single session on April 15, 2008, with Internet bidding taking place prior to the sale through the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com.

“We are very pleased with the excellent results achieved by this sale,” stated Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds. “It is an honor for us to be trusted with the sale of such important numismatic rarities in a dynamic market. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of our consignors without whose support we could not maintain Bowers and Merena’s position as America’s preeminent numismatic auctioneer. And, of course, I cannot forget our loyal bidders—you also have my sincerest thanks for contributing to another successful Bowers and Merena Rarities Sale. May you cherish and enjoy your recent acquisitions for years to come.”

An impressive selection of Buffalo Nickel rarities led the way in prices realized for this sale. The exceedingly rare 1916 Doubled Die Obverse in NGC MS-64 (lot 196) sold for $276,000; a condition rarity 1918-S certified MS-66 by NGC (lot 205) traded hands for $125,350; the probable finest-known 1926-S in NGC MS-66 * (lot 218) realized a record price of $322,000; and an equally important 1927-S that is also graded NGC MS-66 * (lot 219) crossed the auction block at $125,350.

The Marquette-Yakima Registry Set of Washington Quarters—the #1 set on the NGC Registry—also resulted in significant prices realized. The highlight of the set is definitely the 1932-D in PCGS MS-66 offered as lot 322. A pop 1/0 coin, this beautifully toned Gem brought $143,750—the highest price ever paid for an example of this key-date issue. Other top-of-the-pop rarities from this Registry Set include a 1943-S in PCGS MS-68 (lot 360) that traded for $23,000; a very pretty 1954-S in the same grade (lot 393) that brought $10,350; and a unique 1961-D graded MS-67 at PCGS (lot 403) whose realized price is $18,975.

Additional highlights from the Chicago Rarities Sale include:

• Lot 529, 1870 Seated Dollar NGC Proof-67 * Cameo, realized $60,375
• Lot 567, 1884-S Morgan Dollar NGC MS-64, realized $105,800
• Lot 602, 1895 Morgan Dollar NGC Proof-66 Cameo, realized $86,250
• Lot 711, 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold, Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS, NGC MS-62, realized $149,500
• Lot 774, 1910 Indian Quarter Eagle NGC Proof-67, realized $57,500
• Lot 981, 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS-62, realized $69,000

Complete prices realized for this and other past Bowers and Merena auctions are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. For more information on the Chicago Rarities Sale, or to consign to a future Bowers and Merena auction, call toll free at 800.458.4646.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena to Auction Finest Known 1932-D Washington Quarter and Expansive Selection of Buffalo Nickels at Chicago Rarities Sale on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, will hold their Chicago Rarities Sale on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Sofitel Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. Among the more than 1,000 lots to cross the block is the only 1932-D Washington Quarter graded MS-66 by PCGS, as well as one of the most impressive selections of Buffalo Nickels to be offered in recent years.

The 1932-D Washington Quarter (lot 322), Population 1/0 at PCGS, is part of the No. 1 ranked “Marquette-Yakima” NGC Registry Set of Washington Quarters 1932-1964, an extraordinary collection that contains a multitude of quality PCGS- and NGC-certified Washington Quarters, including some Population 1/0. The set boasts an impressive unsurpassable score of 65,302, and the complete collection will be auctioned in individual lots in Bowers and Merena’s Chicago Rarities Sale.

The Marquette-Yakima Collection features additional top-of-the-pop rarities that are sure to see significant competition among Registry Set collectors when they appear at auction on April 15. These highlights include:
Lot 335 1936-D PCGS MS-67, Pop: 9/0
Lot 358 1942-S PCGS MS-68, Combined PCGS and NGC Pop: 1/0
Lot 360 1943-S PCGS MS-68, Pop: 1/0
Lot 368 1946-S PCGS MS-68, Pop: 4/0
Lot 393 1954-S PCGS MS-68, Pop: 1/0
Lot 403 1961-D PCGS MS-67, Pop: 1/0

“The entire ‘Marquette-Yakima Collection’ is exceptional, but this 1932-D Washington Quarter is truly the best there is, the finest known and an absolutely superb example,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “It last sold in 2001, before Registry Sets popularized the collection of the finest examples. I can’t remember the last time I have seen a coin of such magnitude and Bowers and Merena is proud to showcase it as the centerpiece of our Chicago Rarities Sale in April.”

The Chicago Rarities Sale offers an exclusive catalog of just over 1,000 of the most extraordinary rarities available for auction, including an exceptional selection of Buffalo Nickels. Lot 218, a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel graded MS-66* by NGC, tops the list, and according to NGC Census, only 2 are known (1 in MS-66 and the present example as an MS-66*), 0 finer; PCGS has not certified a single 1926-S Nickel finer than MS-65. Also notable are lot 196, a 1916 Buffalo Nickel FS-016 Doubled Die Obverse, graded MS-64 by NGC, and lot 219, a 1927-S Buffalo Nickel graded MS-66* by NGC.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world’s preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale on Tuesday, April 15, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Chicago Rarities Sale Featured Highlights
Lot 14 1858 Flying Eagle Cent. Large Letters. MS-66 (PCGS). Eagle Eye Photo Seal.
Lot 79 1902 Indian Cent. Proof-68 RD (PCGS).
Lot 93 1914-D Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 98 1922 No D Lincoln Cent. Die Pair II. Strong Reverse. MS-64 BN (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 196 1916 Buffalo Nickel. FS-016. Doubled Die Obverse. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 205 1918-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 207 1919-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 218 1926-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC).
Lot 219 1927-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC).
Lot 259 1927-S Mercury Dime. MS-67 FB (NGC).
Lot 276 1831 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1. Rarity-2. Small Letters. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 322 1932-D Washington Quarter. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 407 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-114. Rarity-6. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 467 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 476 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. B-1, BB-21. Rarity-1. Two Leaves. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 517 1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Below Base. Judd-58 Restrike, Pollock-61. Rarity-6-. Proof-62 (NGC).
Lot 529 1870 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Proof-67 * Cameo (NGC).
Lot 602 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 625 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar. Chapman. Proof-65 (NGC).
Lot 711 1851 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-5. Rarity-5-. Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS., Target Reverse. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 734 1879 Pattern Metric Double Eagle, or Quintuple Stella. Judd-1643, Pollock-1843. Rarity-7+. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 761 1848 Liberty Quarter Eagle. CAL. AU-58 (PCGS).
Lot 856 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-4, HBCC-3172, Taraszka-4. Rarity-5. 13 Leaves. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 939 1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Motto. Matte Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 999 1925-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).

Bowers and Merena Realizes More Than $9.7 Million in Baltimore

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar from Farouk Collection Sets Record at More Than $700,000 and “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins” Tops $2 Million

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, set records once again in Baltimore as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention. More than 3,200 lots crossed the block in four sessions February 28 – March 1, 2008, realizing $9,764,934. Highlights include the record-setting sale of Lot 2035, a very rare 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar known as “The Farouk-Schultz Specimen,” certified VF 25 by PCGS, which realized $705,698, beating its previous sale price of $552,000 just months earlier in October 2007. The “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins,” 741 lots of worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes, realized $2,028,278.

“I have to say we are ecstatic with the results of this Baltimore auction. Our last Baltimore auction in November 2007 was a record-setter for us and we exceeded its total prices realized by a significant amount,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. Deeds attributes the overwhelming success of this auction to a variety of factors. “The convention itself was outstanding as usual thanks to the undying efforts of Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the Whitman team. The auction room was full and busy for all sessions, we had active phone bidding, plus live online bidding through the Bowers and Merena website, eBay Live Auctions and Proxibid. We did everything we could to make it convenient for our bidders, especially our international customers who couldn’t make it to the auction, and it was without a doubt very successful.”

Deeds also credits the extraordinary list of historic rarities that crossed the block, such as the 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, the sixth-finest of only nine known to exist and boasting a prestigious pedigree and auction history that includes the 1935 Norman Schultz Auction and Sotheby’s 1954 sale of the King Farouk collection, “The Palace Collections of Egypt” auction. “The winning bidder of this coin now owns a piece of history,” Deeds said. “It is an honor to be able to include Bowers and Merena in the life story of this piece.”

The grand finale of the three-day event was the Saturday session of Ancient and World coins that featured the Chirico Collection. Worldwide marketing and advertising efforts helped draw hundreds of new registered bidders to Bowers and Merena and created a buzz throughout the international numismatic community that led to a realization of $2,155,414 for the session.

“The Chirico Collection was the result of a lifetime of collecting efforts and many of these coins had not been available to the collecting community for decades,” Deeds said. “The enthusiasm for this collection was remarkable, starting months ago as we promoted the collection and displayed the highlights at various coin shows. Many lots in the collection realized far more than their printed value estimates in the catalog.” Notable highlights include Lot 5378, a China, Republic (1911-), Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar, Year 25 (1936), estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 but realized $46,000, and Lot 5334, a China, Republic (1911-), Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI, Year 3 (1914), which was estimated at $8,000 to $10,000 but realized $37,375. Also noteworthy is Lot 5864, a Poland, Republic (1919-39), Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych, 1932 (Warsaw) originally estimated at $500 to $600 but brought $13,225.

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. This is the first of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention – the next is scheduled for June 4-8 followed by November 19-23. Bowers and Merena will conduct its Chicago Rarities Sale in Rosemont, Ill., on April 15 prior to the Central States Numismatic Society Convention.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in February/March, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Session 1: U.S. Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 258 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). $57,500
Lot 352 1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC). $57,500
Lot 374 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. V-3, LM-3. Rarity-4. MS-67 (NGC). $232,501
Lot 608 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-116. Rarity-3. Pointed 6, Stem. MS-65 * (NGC). $69,000

Session 2: U.S. Currency Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 1137  Fr. 239*. 1923 $1 Silver Certificate Star Note. Very Fine. $8,913
Lot 1139  Fr. 246. 1891 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ. $47,150
Lot 1143  Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $25,300
Lot 1169  Fr. 307. 1878 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Very Fine 20. $54,050
Lot 1171  Fr. 321. 1891 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ. $41,400
Lot 1195  Fr. 742. 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68EPQ. $16,100
Lot 1204  Fr. 817 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $35,650
Lot 1261  Fr. 2091-E. 2004A $20 Federal Reserve Note. Serial #GE00000001B PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ. $8,050
Lot 1294  Fr. 2306 $1 1935A Silver Certificate. North Africa Uncut Sheet of 12. Gem Crisp Uncirculated. $21,275

Session 3: U.S. Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 2035 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. VF-25 (PCGS). “The Farouk-Schultz Specimen” $705,698
Lot 2110 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). $74,750
Lot 2314 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-66 (NGC). $172,500
Lot 2508 1864 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC). $80,500
Lot 2517 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Proof-62 (PCGS). $138,000
Lot 2721 1910-S Indian Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). $77,050
Lot 2860 1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS). $92,000
Lot 2863 1910 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $94,300

Session 4: World/Ancient Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 5213 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Gold 5 Francs. 1889-A (Paris).  $14,950
Lot 5258 Algeria. Provisional Government (1940-44). Aluminum 1 Franc. Trial Strike by Graziani. 1943. $8,740
Lot 5308 Cambodia. Norodom I (1860-1904). Silver Piefort 1 Piastre-1 Peso. 1860.   $26,450
Lot 5325 China. Republic (1911-). Li Yuan-hung Silver Dollar. ND (1912).  $14,375
Lot 5334 China. Republic (1911-). Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI. Year 3 (1914).   $37,375
Lot 5360 China. Republic (1911-). Chu Yu-pu Silver Dollar. Year 16 (1927). $29,900
Lot 5362 China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern "Junk" Dollar by A. MOTTI INC. Year 18 (1929). $31,050
Lot 5378 China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar. Year 25 (1936).   $46,000
Lot 5392 China-Taiwan. Republic (1949-). Collection of (38) Coins. 1949-1966. $16,100
Lot 5544 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Silver Pattern Essai 5 Francs by Roty. 1898. $12,650
Lot 5773 Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III (1900-46). Gilt Silver Prova di stampa 5 Lire. 1914. $12,650
Lot 5864 Poland. Republic (1919-39). Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych. 1932 (Warsaw). $13,225

“Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins” Tops $2 Million at Bowers And Merena’s Baltimore Auction

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

“Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins” Tops $2 Million at Bowers And Merena’s Baltimore Auction

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, delighted World coin enthusiasts in Baltimore and across the globe on March 1 with an action-packed special session of World/Ancient Coins as part of their first of three Official Auctions of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention for 2008. The World session was the grand finale of the four-session auction that realized a total of $9,764,934 and saw more than 3,200 lots cross the auction block. The World/Ancient session realized $2,155,414.

“I have to say we are ecstatic with the results of this Baltimore auction, and especially the World session,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Our worldwide marketing and advertising efforts helped draw hundreds of new international registered bidders to Bowers and Merena and really created a buzz throughout the global numismatic community. I was thrilled to see many foreign dealers and collectors who actually made the trip to Baltimore for live bidding.” Dealers and collectors were welcomed from France, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Colombia, as well as the United States.

Additionally, Deeds attributes the overwhelming success of this World session to a variety of other factors, as well. “We took full advantage of available means of bidding in order to make it as convenient as possible for our international and even domestic customers who could not be in the room with us. We had very active phone bidding, plus live online bidding through the Bowers and Merena website, eBay Live Auctions and Proxibid, which were all very successful. The convention itself was outstanding as usual thanks to the undying efforts of Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the Whitman team, which certainly kept the auction room full and very exciting.”

The featured draw of the World session was no doubt the “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins,” 741 lots of worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes from China, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, and Europe, which realized $2,028,278.

“This was the largest collection of Patterns, Essais and Trial Strikes sold in the United States in the past 30 or 40 years,”
said Ron Gillio, numismatic acquisitions coordinator and World coins specialist for Bowers and Merena. “I personally spoke with several dealers who were astounded by the selection. A few of the French dealers made the comment to me that they had never seen this many of these types of coins at one time and probably would not see it again. I spoke with a Japanese dealer after the sale who said he could not believe his eyes to see the prices realized. It is my opinion that the catalog will become a standard reference, especially for Chinese and French Patterns and coins.”

“The Chirico Collection was the result of a lifetime of collecting efforts and many of these coins had not been available to the collecting community for decades,” Deeds added. “The enthusiasm for this collection was remarkable, starting months ago as we promoted the collection and displayed the highlights at various coin shows. Many lots in the collection realized far more than their printed value estimates in the catalog.” Notable highlights include Lot 5378, a China, Republic (1911-), Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar, Year 25 (1936), estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 but realized $46,000, and Lot 5334, a China, Republic (1911-), Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI, Year 3 (1914), which was estimated at $8,000 to $10,000 but realized $37,375. Also noteworthy is Lot 5864, a Poland, Republic (1919-39), Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych, 1932 (Warsaw) originally estimated at $500 to $600 but brought $13,225.

“I am especially pleased to report that Mrs. Chirico attended the sale personally and was amazed by all the activity,” said Gillio. “When I called her after the sale she said she could not believe the prices and was shaking with excitement, very pleased with the performance of the auction and with how we had handled everything. She felt that we at Bowers and Merena were true to our word about the worldwide interest this collection would generate. The collection was very sentimental to her family, and it was important to her that her husband’s legacy be shared with others who were equally enthusiastic about collecting World coins.”

In addition to the Chirico Collection, a dozen other consignors contributed to the overwhelming success of the World session. Highlights include Lot 5041, a China, Hupeh Province, Kuang-hsu (1875-1908), Silver Tael, Year 30 (1904), that realized $23,000, and Lot 5122, a Peru, Felipe V (1700-1746), Gold 8 Escudos, 1711-Lm (Lima), that realized $12,650.

“We are extremely happy to be back in the business of World numismatics,” said Deeds. “Bringing coins and currency together from the world over is something very special. We are already looking forward to our future World auctions, and I am pleased to announce a truly outstanding collection of Chinese currency from Eduard Kann will highlight our November Baltimore auction. We see this March session as just the beginning of Bowers and Merena making history in the World coin and currency arena.”

Session 4: World/Ancient Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 5213 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Gold 5 Francs. 1889-A (Paris).  $14,950
Lot 5258 Algeria. Provisional Government (1940-44). Aluminum 1 Franc. Trial Strike by Graziani. 1943. $8,740
Lot 5308 Cambodia. Norodom I (1860-1904). Silver Piefort 1 Piastre-1 Peso. 1860.   $26,450
Lot 5325 China. Republic (1911-). Li Yuan-hung Silver Dollar. ND (1912).  $14,375
Lot 5334 China. Republic (1911-). Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI. Year 3 (1914). $37,375
Lot 5360 China. Republic (1911-). Chu Yu-pu Silver Dollar. Year 16 (1927). $29,900
Lot 5362 China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern "Junk" Dollar by A. MOTTI INC. Year 18 (1929). $31,050
Lot 5378 China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar. Year 25 (1936).   $46,000
Lot 5392 China-Taiwan. Republic (1949-). Collection of (38) Coins. 1949-1966. $16,100
Lot 5544 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Silver Pattern Essai 5 Francs by Roty. 1898. $12,650
Lot 5773 Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III (1900-46). Gilt Silver Prova di stampa 5 Lire. 1914. $12,650
Lot 5864 Poland. Republic (1919-39). Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych. 1932 (Warsaw). $13,225

Bowers and Merena to Auction Finest Known 1932-D Washington Quarter at Chicago Rarities Sale on April 15, 2008

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, announces that it will auction the only 1932-D Washington Quarter graded MS-66 by PCGS in its upcoming Chicago Rarities Sale on April 15, 2008, in Rosemont, Ill.

The 1932-D Washington Quarter, Population 1/0 at PCGS, is part of the No. 1 ranked “Marquette-Yakima” NGC Registry Set of Washington Quarters 1932-1964, an extraordinary collection that contains a multitude of quality PCGS- and NGC-certified Washington Quarters, including some Population 1/0. The complete collection will be auctioned in individual lots in Bowers and Merena’s Chicago Rarities Sale.

“The entire ‘Marquette-Yakima Collection’ is exceptional, but this 1932-D Washington Quarter is truly the best there is, the finest known and an absolutely superb example,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “It last sold in 2001, before Registry Sets popularized the collection of the finest examples. I can’t remember the last time I have seen a coin of such magnitude and Bowers and Merena is proud to showcase it as the centerpiece of our Chicago Rarities Sale in April.”

The Chicago Rarities Sale will offer an exclusive catalog of approximately 600 of the most extraordinary rarities available for auction, alongside the 1932-D Washington Quarter. Additional highlights and the entire catalog will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at www.bowersandmerena.com as information becomes available.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale in April, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Returns to Baltimore in February/March with Incredible Selection of Rarities as the Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Exceptional 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar and Special Session of World Coins Featuring the “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins”

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, continues as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 2008, with the next auction scheduled for February 27 to March 2, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center. This is the first of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention.

There is a long list of highlights offered in the 3,220-lot auction, most notably a very rare 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, certified VF 25 by PCGS and considered to be one of the greatest American coin rarities. This particular coin, known as The Farouk-Schultz Specimen, enjoys a prestigious pedigree and auction history including the 1935 Norman Schultz Auction and Sotheby’s 1954 sale of the King Farouk collection, “The Palace Collections of Egypt” auction.

“It is truly an honor to be able to offer this extraordinary coin at auction and to add Bowers and Merena to its impressive history,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “For the 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, only nine specimens have been auctioned to date and just three more are rumored to exist. Without question this is one of the rarest United States coins ever struck for circulation. It is the ultimate collector’s coin.”

Bowers and Merena is also pleased to host a special session of World coins, highlighted by the “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins.” The Chirico Collection will be offered in 741 lots and features more than 2,500 worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes from China, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, and Europe. The entire World session, including the Chirico coins, will be 886 lots.

“It is always an exciting event to bring together numismatic specimens from all over the world, and the Chirico Collection is an outstanding centerpiece for our World session,” Deeds said. “It represents the lifelong collection of a very passionate enthusiast. Mr. Chirico’s full collection spans the globe, but his favorite collection was Chinese pattern coins, which are very well represented in our auction.” There are more than 40 Chinese Republic Dollars, including all six Sun Yat-sen Pattern “Junk” Dollars; a Mausoleum Dollar; a General Chu Yu-pu Dollar; two Dollars signed “L. Giorgi;” as well as off metal strikes and minor patterns.

Also notable in the U.S. portion is “The Dan McClure Collection” Registry Set of Gold Commemoratives consisting of the 11-piece set of circulation strikes (1903-1926). The McClure Set (listed as “Deep 2” with PCGS) is ranked second among both the Current and All Time Finest Collections ever assembled and is listed on the PCGS.com website. It has a weighted GPA and ranking of 66.24 and will be auctioned as individual lots.

Additional coin highlights from the full auction include:
1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC).
1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS).
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. V-3, LM-3. Rarity-4. MS-67 (NGC).
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-106. Rarity-6. AU-58 (PCGS).
1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-116. Rarity-3. Pointed 6, Stem. MS-65 * (NGC).
1884 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC).
1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-66 (NGC).
1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-64 (NGC).
1855 Wass, Molitor & Company. $50 Gold. K-9. Rarity-5. AU-50 (NGC).
1864 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Proof-62 (PCGS).
1910-S Indian Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).
1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS).
1910 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).

Currency highlights include:
Fr. 321. 1891 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Fr. 2091-E. 2004A $20 Federal Reserve Note. Serial #GE00000001B PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ.
Fr. 742. 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68EPQ.
Fr. 2306 $1 1935A Silver Certificate. North Africa Uncut Sheet of 12. Gem Crisp Uncirculated.
Fr. 239*. 1923 $1 Silver Certificate Star Note. Very Fine.
Fr. 817 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Fr. 178. 1880 $100 Legal Tender Note. PMG Very Fine 25.
Fr. 246. 1891 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ.
Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Fr. 307. 1878 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Very Fine 20.

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding will open in early February. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Baltimore Auction February/March 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction February 27 to March 2, 2008, or live online through the Bowers and Merena website. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena Sets Records at Orlando Rarities Sale on January 8

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Total Prices Realized Exceed $4.27 Million
1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter Strike Rarity in PCGS MS-65 FH Led the Way at $161,000

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, started the “fun” early in Florida last week with the January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale. The sale was conducted in a single session on January 8 at the International Plaza Resort & Spa, two days prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show. The auction offered 670 exceptional coin lots and realized $4,270,699 – a total that includes many record-setting sales among the individual lots.

“This was a small auction for us in terms of number of lots, but it was overwhelming in terms of the tremendous quality of coins that were offered,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Any time we conduct a Rarities Sale we promise to offer only the finest specimens available, and this sale certainly didn’t disappoint interested bidders.”

Continued Deeds: “The highest single realized price in this sale was achieved by lot 179, a strike and condition rarity 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter certified MS-65 Full Head by PCGS. The coin sold for $161,000, which is approximately 124 percent of the current Coin Dealer Newsletter ‘Greysheet’ ‘Ask’ price of $130,000.”

“Lot 76 offered the finest-known example of the 1913-D Type II Buffalo Nickels,” stated Deeds. “Certified MS-68 by NGC with a combined PCGS and NGC population of 1/0, this beautifully toned Superb Gem crossed the auction block at $143,750. And on the gold front we sold the Harry W. Bass Jr. specimen of the proof 1874 Liberty Half Eagle for $126,500, as well as a lovely 1907 High Relief Double Eagle in NGC Proof-67 for $138,575. The 1874 Half Eagle was offered as lot 535 and, with a grade of Proof-66 Ultra Cameo from NGC, it ranks as the finest of fewer than 10 examples of this issue believed to have survived.”

Additional highlights from the Bowers and Merena January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale include:
• Lot 41, 1944-D Lincoln 1C—Struck on a Zinc-Plated Steel Planchet—MS-62 PCGS, realized $105,800
• Lot 357, 1892-S Morgan S$1 MS-64 PCGS, realized $120,750 (Current CDN “Ask” is $83,000!)
• Lot 670, 1931 Saint-Gaudens $20 MS-65 PCGS, realized $101,200 (Current CDN “Ask” is $95,000!)

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and a printed list of prices realized is available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

The next Bowers and Merena sale is the Collector’s Choice Auction which will be conducted February 4-13, 2008, at the firm’s Irvine, Calif., headquarters prior to the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo. This will be followed by Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the February/March 2008 Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, and then the Bowers and Merena Chicago Rarities Sale on April 14, 2008, prior to the Central States Numismatic Society Convention. Visit www.bowersandmerena.com for a complete auction schedule and consignment deadlines or call 800.458.4646 for more information.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for president Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena to Offer Hundreds of Breathtaking Rarities in Orlando on January 8 Before the F.U.N. Show

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Website and Catalog Feature Exclusive Input on Select Coins by PCGS Founder and Director, David Hall

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, kicks off festivities in Orlando on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, with the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sales, featuring 670 rare and desirable coin lots sure to satisfy the tastes of the most discerning collector. The auction will be held at the International Plaza Resort & Spa in the heart of Orlando’s bustling entertainment district, two days prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show.

As a special feature of this and future auctions that will be enjoyed by bidders and consignors alike, Bowers and Merena launches a new arrangement with PCGS founder and director, David Hall. Mr. Hall will be offering his exclusive input on many of the coins in this Orlando auction as well as upcoming Bowers and Merena auctions. For a limited time only, he will talk on video about coins offered at auction by Bowers and Merena. The videos will be available online before the auction for potential bidders to view, and also partially transcribed into the printed catalog descriptions. In addition, Bowers and Merena will keep an online video archive of these comments by
Mr. Hall.

“A Bowers and Merena Rarities Sale is always a special auction event for us and this will be a great way for us to begin the New Year, especially with the debut of David Hall offering his valued input on many of the lots,” said Steve Deeds, president. “He is highly respected in the industry and a brilliant numismatic mind, and it is really with tremendous pride that we have joined with him to provide his analysis on some of these amazing coins.”

One of the top highlights crossing the block in Orlando is Lot 516, a 1795 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3034, Miller-3, Rarity-6, graded MS-64 by NGC. “This is a spectacular specimen,” Deeds pointed out. “Only 20 to 30 examples of the 1795 BD-2 Half Eagle are believed to have survived, and the near-Gem that we are offering here is undoubtedly the finest example available for private ownership, if it is not the finest known.”

Additional notable highlights include:
Lot 179  1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-65 FH (PCGS).
Lot 357  1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 383  1901 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 439  1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 535  1874 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 546 1796 Capped Bust Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 622  1901 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 628  MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 670  1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding is open now. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Orlando Auction January 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena to Auction Thousands of World Coins in Baltimore Next February

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Centerpiece of World Auction is "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins"

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, continues as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 2008, with the next auction scheduled for February 27 to March 2, 2008. For their first of three Baltimore auctions in 2008, Bowers and Merena will host a very special session of World coins, highlighted by the “Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins.”

The Chirico Collection will be offered in multiple lots and features more than 2,500 worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes, including:

China. Over 40 Chinese Republic Dollars including all six Sun Yat-sen Pattern “Junk” Dollars; a Mausoleum
Dollar; a General Chu Yu-pu Dollar; 2 Dollars signed “L. Giorgi;” as well as off metal strikes and minor patterns.

Belgium. Over 100 Belgian and Colonial patterns including a 100 Francs 1911 gold pattern.

Cambodia. Several Essais and Proofs including a 1 Piastre 1860 Piefort; and 4 Francs 1860 Proof.

France. Over 1,000 French and Colonial patterns including a gold 10 and 5 Francs 1889; a gold 100 Francs
1929 Piefort; as well as an impressive array of patterns from the 1700s through 1900s, including many Crown size pieces.

Germany. Over 100 German patterns including states issues and several Weimar Republic Crown size pieces.

Italy. Over 150 Patterns and Provas of Italy and colonies, Albania, San Marino and Vatican, including a 5 Lire 1914 Prova; a 1936 nine-piece Prova set; a 5 Lire 1940 Prova; Italian Somaliland 10 and 5 Lire 1925 Provas; and San Marino 20 and 10 Lire 1925 gold Provas.

Latin America. About 100 Patterns and trial strikes including issues from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Uruguay.

Europe. Over 150 Patterns and Essais including issues from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, England, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and Yugoslavia.

Prior to the February Baltimore auction, Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the Orlando Rarities Sale held prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show on January 8, 2008. That will be followed by the Bowers and Merena Collector’s Choice Auction, February 4 to 13, 2008, in Irvine, Calif., and then the next Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, February 27 to March 2, 2008. A complete auction schedule with consignment deadlines is available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena’s Baltimore Auction Realizes More Than $9.4 Million

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Over 4,000 Lots Crossed the Block to Realize Bowers and Merena’s Highest Baltimore Sales Record in Years

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, was once again the Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention last week, November 14 to 17, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Offering more than 3,000 coin lots and over 1,000 currency lots, the auction was the largest ever by number of lots for Bowers and Merena and realized a total of $9,465,252, Bowers and Merena’s highest sales record for a Baltimore auction in years. This was Bowers and Merena’s third official Baltimore auction for 2007; the March and June Baltimore auctions together realized more than $11.5 million. Bowers and Merena will continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 2008, with the next auction scheduled for February 27 to March 2, 2008.

“I can hardly find words to say how happy we are with the outcome of this auction,” said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena. “We offered more lots than in any of our previous auctions, each of the four sessions was filled with very active bidding, and we were able to offer some truly amazing coins and currency. It was by far our best Baltimore showing and I am really looking forward to what the 2008 Baltimore auctions will bring. We also especially want to acknowledge and thank Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the entire Whitman team for their support and production of a first-class convention where Bowers and Merena is proud to be the official auctioneer.”

The crown jewel of this Baltimore auction was Lot 4668, an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle graded AU-50 by PCGS that realized $368,000. “It is always an honor to auction a coin that is as truly exceptional as this one. A coin of this magnitude does not come around very often, and I am proud to say this is the second example of this rare coin that Bowers and Merena has sold this year,” remarked Deeds. At the Milwaukee Rarities Sale in August, Bowers and Merena auctioned an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle graded AU-55 by PCGS that realized $494,500.

Another spectacular lot that sold in Baltimore was Lot 683, a 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse in PCGS MS-64 that realized $316,250. It is tied with one other MS-64 as the finest of only five Mint State 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickels listed on the PCGS Population Report. “This coin possesses uncommonly sharp striking definition, beautiful peripheral toning and the strongest technical quality and eye appeal that we have ever seen in an example of this extremely rare 20th century U.S. Mint error,” Deeds said.

Also among the extensive list of highlights for this auction was Lot 4500, an 1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, Rarity-3 in PCGS Proof-64 DCAM that realized $184,000, along with the noteworthy sale of two complete 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Sets, Lot 4358 with original frame that realized $224,250 and Lot 4351 with original box that realized $187,450.

Impressive currency highlights include Lot 6072, an extremely rare Uncut Sheet of Four Kimball, WV, $5 1902 Plain Back, Fr. 606, The FNB, Charter #(S)11502, Very Fine that realized $16,675, and Lot 5741, an Original Pack of Fr. 1930-B, 2003A $1 Federal Reserve Note Errors, Mismatched Serial Numbers that realized $50,370.

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or call 800.458.4646 to request a printed list.

Additional Coin Highlights

Lot 607	1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS).	$75,900
Lot 684	1916 Buffalo Nickel. DDO. AU-58 (NGC).	$42,550
Lot 718	1926-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 (NGC).	$62,100
Lot 4010	1863 Pattern Cent. Judd-302. Pollock-365. Rarity-7. Proof-65 (PCGS).	$48,300
Lot 4157	1851 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-6. Rarity-4. Reeded Edge. 887 THOUS. MS-62 (NGC).	$138,000
Lot 4392	1806/5 Capped Bust to Right Quarter Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3015. Rarity-5+. Stars 7x6. MS-62 (NGC).	$110,400
Lot 4412	1848 Liberty Quarter Eagle. CAL. Above Eagle. AU-53 (NGC).	$55,200
Lot 4444	1911 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-68 (NGC).	$49,450
Lot 4645	1910-S Indian Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).	$82,800
Lot 4675	1861-S Liberty Double Eagle. Paquet Reverse. AU-50 (PCGS).	$83,950
Lot 4761	1900 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 DCAM (PCGS).	$57,500
Lot 4770	1903 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).	$74,750
Lot 4832	1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).	$45,425
Lot 4845	1912 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).	$87,400
Lot 4846	1913 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).	$64,400

Additional Currency Highlights

Lot 5335	Fr. 310. 1880 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG About Uncirculated 50.	$28,750
Lot 5557	Fr. 1173a. 1922 $10 Gold Certificate. Mule. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58.	$10,925
Lot 5756	Flagstaff, AZ. $10 1929 Ty. 1. The FNB. Charter #11120. Very Fine.	$19,550
Lot 5861	Boston, MA. $5 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 587. The Boylston NB. Charter #(N)545. Choice Crisp Uncirculated.	$18,975
Lot 6044	Uncut Sheet of Four. Jackson, TN. $10-$10-$10-$20 1882 Date Back. Fr. 642/552. The FNB. Charter #(S)2168. PMG About Uncirculated 55.	$20,700

Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the Orlando Rarities Sale held prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show on January 8, 2008. That will be followed by the Bowers and Merena Collector’s Choice Auction, February 4 to 13, 2008, in Irvine, Calif., and the next Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, February 27 to March 2, 2008. The complete auction schedule with consignment deadlines is available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena to Conduct Its Largest Auction Ever at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Over 4,000 Lots – More Lots than Any Previous Bowers and Merena Auction – to Cross the Auction Block, Including an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle in PCGS AU-50

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, once again will serve as the Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, November 14 to 17, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center. The auction, the largest by number of lots in Bowers and Merena’s history, will be conducted over four sessions and includes more than 3,000 coin lots and over 1,000 currency lots. This is Bowers and Merena’s third official Baltimore auction for 2007; the March and June Baltimore auctions together realized more than $11.5 million. Bowers and Merena will continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 2008, with the next auction scheduled for February 27 to March 2, 2008.

“We can already say this auction is one for the record books, based on sheer size alone. We’ve never offered this many lots in an auction before and we are thrilled to finish our 2007 Baltimore auctions with the largest auction in Bowers and Merena history,” said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena. “The response to the call for consignments was just overwhelming, and we have some really important coin and currency lots in this auction.”

One of the top highlights crossing the Baltimore block in November is Lot 4668, an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle graded AU-50 by PCGS. “The 1854-O is considered to be one of the most important rarities in U.S. numismatics, an issue that has always been in great demand with very few representatives available, especially at this level of quality,” said Deeds. This example stands out for its exceptional eye appeal and general overall brilliance and bold delineation of design elements.

Another lot destined to turn the heads of serious collectors is Lot 683, a 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse in PCGS MS-64, one of only an estimated 10 or fewer coins that exist at all levels of Mint State preservation, and clearly the finest example ever handled by Bowers and Merena numismatists. Also notable is Lot 4500, an 1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, Rarity-3 in PCGS Proof-64 DCAM, one of only 18 in all PCGS grades with a Deep Cameo finish.

A most impressive currency highlight is Lot 6072, an Uncut Sheet of Four Kimball, WV, $5 1902 Plain Back, Fr. 606, The FNB, Charter #(S)11502, Very Fine. This extraordinary specimen is the first known uncut sheet of Nationals from a rare McDowell County, W.Va., issuer, the First National Bank of Kimball, an institution previously represented in the census by only a single large size and a lone 1929 series survivor.

Other currency highlights include Lot 5758, a Globe, Territory of AZ. $10 1902 Red Seal, Fr. 587, The FNB, Charter #(P)6579, Very Good, a note with superb pen signatures, excellent colors and fully original paper. Also, Lot 5768, a Prescott, Territory of AZ. $10 1882 Brown Back, Fr. 487, The Prescott NB, Charter #(P)4851, Very Fine, with pleasing eye appeal, a sharp cashier's signature and bold colors.

Bidding is open now. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Baltimore Auction November 2007, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction November 15-18, 2007. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena to Auction Rare National Bank Note Sheet in November

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, will auction the first known uncut sheet of Nationals from a rare McDowell County, W.Va., issuer. The sheet of four $5 1902 Plain Backs is from the First National Bank of Kimball, an institution previously represented in the census by only a single large size and a lone 1929 series survivor. Bowers and Merena is the Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention scheduled for November 14 to 17, 2007, at the Baltimore, Md., Convention Center. The Kimball sheet is one of more than 1,000 currency lots and 3,000 coin lots that will cross the block.

Kevin Foley, Senior Numismatist – Rare Currency for Bowers and Merena, noted that the sheet has been in the consignor’s family since the time it originally was received by his grandfather when he went to the First National Bank to cash his paycheck. Foley said, “Our consignor’s grandfather operated a jewelry store and four-table billiard parlor in Kimball, and when he wrote his weekly paycheck to himself he would go to the bank to cash it. One day the teller handed him the sheet we’ll be selling in Baltimore as part of the transaction. Observing what had happened, a bank officer approached him and tried to get the sheet back, telling him that they weren’t supposed to hand it out to the public. He declined to return it, figuring that if the bank wanted it back, it must be special. As it turns out, it was more special than he ever could have realized.”

“This will be a real trophy item for any collector of National Bank Notes,” said Steve Deeds, Bowers and Merena President. “We are thrilled to say that the November Baltimore auction will be our largest auction ever, and that includes almost 1,100 currency lots. To have this uncut sheet of West Virginia Nationals that is so rare as the centerpiece of our currency section is really quite prestigious.”

Kimball is a hamlet in the southernmost portion of West Virginia and is named after Frederick J. Kimball, who served as President of the Norfolk and Western Railway from 1881 until 1902. Under his leadership the Norfolk and Western acquired the Flat-Top Coal Land Association, transforming that enterprise into the Pocahontas Coal and Coke Company. In association with the Norfolk and Western, the new company developed the Pocahontas coal fields into a major center of coal production and distribution in the United States that remained central to the economy of West Virginia for several generations of coal mining families.

“The discovery of a single additional note from this previously almost unobtainable bank would have been an especially exciting event for the collecting fraternity,” said Foley. He added that the existence of an entire sheet from there was not even rumored. The First National Bank of Kimball was in business for only 11 years, gaining its charter in 1919 and closing its doors in 1930. It issued only $5 1902 Plain Backs and $5 Type 1 notes in the 1929 series. In 1935 only $220 of its original $5 Plain Back emissions of $128,600 remained unredeemed and still in the hands of the public.

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar Realizes More Than $110,000 at Bowers and Merena’s September Collector’s Choice Auction

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Total Sales Realize Nearly $995,000

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, announces the success of their Collector’s Choice Auction, held September 17 to 26, 2007, at the company’s Irvine, Calif., headquarters. The online auction offered more than 1,100 lots and realized an impressive $994,585 in total sales.

“This was only our second official Collector’s Choice Auction and already we have surpassed our first in terms of total prices realized,” said Steve Deeds, Bowers and Merena President. “These Collector’s Choice Auctions generate such an eclectic selection of coins and currency and there is something for everyone in a sale like this. I really like that this is an auction that any collector can participate in, on all levels from novice to expert, budget-friendly to high-end.”

The centerpiece of the auction was Lot 72, a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar in a PCGS Genuine Holder that realized $110,400. “The detail and definition of this coin is exceptional,” Deeds noted. “We are thrilled to offer a coin of this caliber in our Collector’s Choice sale. The Collector’s Choice Auction has proven to be a true collector’s paradise, especially when you consider the high quality collector type material of a rarity like the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.”

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Collector’s Choice Auction can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or call 800.458.4646 to request a printed list. Highlights include:

Lot 72 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar in a PCGS Genuine Holder. BB-1, B-1, Rarity-4. AU-58
$110,400

Lot 6 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Proof Details Environmental Damage (NCS).
$10,810

Lot 19 1916-D Mercury Dime. Unc Details Improperly Cleaned (NCS).
$7,590

Lot 211 1800 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. AU Details Obverse Repaired, Reverse Scratched (NCS).
$2,421

Lot 225 1849 Liberty Eagle AU-58 (NGC).
$1,018

Lot 294 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. VF-20 (PCI).
$2,415

Lot 842 Lot of (50) BU 1884-O Morgan Dollar Rolls.
$29,072

Lot 896 A Partial U.S. Type Set.
$6,440

Lot 971 A Complete Set of Business-Strike 1921-1935 Peace Silver Dollars.
$1,265

Lot 986 A Partial Set of Indian Half Eagles.
$6,440

Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention scheduled for November 14 to 17, 2007. That will be followed by the next Bowers and Merena Collector’s Choice Auction, December 3 to 14, 2007, in Irvine, Calif. The consignment deadline for the December Collector’s Choice Auction is November 2.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the September Collector’s Choice Auction, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

$2.42 IN PENNIES AUCTIONS FOR NEARLY $1.1 MILLION AT THE BOWERS AND MERENA MILWAUKEE RARITIES SALE

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Total Prices Realized for Complete Auction Tops $6.5 Million

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, announces the extraordinary success of their Milwaukee Rarities Sale, held August 4, 2007, prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money. The two-session auction offered more than 1,800 lots and realized an exceptional $6.5 million in sales.

“There were so many amazing lots in this auction, true rarities,” said Steve Deeds, Bowers and Merena President. “This sale generated a lot of excitement going in to the auction, and there was great energy and camaraderie on the auction floor – good, friendly competition among bidders.”

At the center of the excitement was the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection, the Number One All-Time Finest PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). Building a registry set is a way to track your collection and compete with others who share your love of the hobby, as Close had done with his award-winning set of Lincoln cents. Presented to a nearly full room beginning at Lot 63, bidding on many of the key lots erupted in heated price wars as collectors battled to win the coveted Lincoln cents that would bring them closer to completing their own registry sets. When it was all done, 242 of 243 lots had sold for a total of nearly $1.1 million.

Dan Close and his wife, Kelly, were on hand to witness the bidding action and the fervor surrounding his prized collection, which took him 11 years to complete. “This was an enormous event for me, and from my very first meeting with Steve Deeds I knew I had made the right decision in choosing Bowers and Merena,” said Close. “Their first-rate reputation is well-earned, and I was especially pleased with their extensive marketing and promotion of my collection. The prices realized were way beyond my wildest dreams!”

“Our presentation of the Dan Close Collection was a phenomenal success,” Deeds added. “Just as we expected, each lot was met by eager bidding, thanks to both the healthy Registry Set sector and the sheer quality of virtually every piece in this assemblage. True quality is immediately recognized in today’s market by both dealers and collectors alike, so it comes as little surprise to have set a number of world records.”

Highlights from the sale of the Dan Close Collection include Lot 63, a 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent in PCGS Proof-65 RD that sold for $46,000, and Lot 99, a 1917 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent in PCGS MS-66 RD that realized $48,300.

Another major event of the auction was the sale of Lot 1906, an 1854-O Liberty Twenty in PCGS AU-55, which sold for $494,500. Said Deeds, “This is one of the most coveted Liberty Double Eagles for a number of reasons. First and foremost is its limited original production of just 3,250 pieces, yet we offered one of the finest examples known to the numismatic community, with a population of just three at PCGS in the AU-55 grade. When representatives appear at public auction, they bring tremendous prices, as evidenced by this offering which realized nearly a half million dollars, four-and-half times the previous auction record.”

One more record-breaking sale was Lot 480, a 1935 Double Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel in PCGS MS-65 that fetched $104,650, three times the previous auction record.

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Milwaukee Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or call 800.458.4646 to request a printed list. Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the Collector’s Choice Auction held September 17-26, 2007, an Internet-only auction with lot viewing at the Bowers and Merena headquarters in Irvine, Calif. That will be followed by the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention scheduled for November 14-17, 2007.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the August 2007 Milwaukee Rarities Sale, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

THE DAN CLOSE "CLOSE TO PERFECT" COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Lot	Description	Prices Realized
63	1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. Proof-65 RD (PCGS).	$46,000.00
99	1917 Lincoln Cent. FS-013, Breen-2081. Double Die Obverse. MS-66 RD (PCGS).	$48,300.00
104	1918-S Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).	$37,950.00
107	1919-S Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).	$31,050.00
128	1927-S Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).	$26,450.00

COIN HIGHLIGHTS

Lot	Description	Prices Realized
355	1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS).	$50,600.00
480	1935 Buffalo Nickel. DDR-1, FS-018. MS-65 (PCGS).	$104,650.00
1646	1875 Pattern Gilt Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Judd-1437. Pollock-1580. Rarity-7. Proof-64 (NGC)	$56,350.00
1718	1796 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3003. Rarity-5+. Stars. MS-62 (NGC).	$230,000.00
1906	1854-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).	$494,500.00

CURRENCY HIGHLIGHTS

Lot	Description	Prices Realized
1050	Fr. 263. 1886 $5 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.	$21,275.00
1089*	Clifton, Territory of AZ. $10 1882 Date Back. Fr. 545. The FNB. Charter # (P)5821. Very Fine.	$57,500.00
1102*	Prescott, Territory of AZ. $5 1882 Date Back. Fr. 533. The Prescott NB. Charter #(P)4851. Very Fine.	$39,100.00
1118	Tisbury, MA. $5 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 588. The Martha's Vineyard NB. Charter #(N)1274. PMG About Uncirculated 53EPQ.	$44,850.00
1130*	Alamogordo, Territory of NM. $20 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 641. The Citizens NB. Charter #(W)8315. Choice Very Fine.	$36,800.00

*Not certified

Bowers and Merena’s Milwaukee Rarities Sale in August to Feature Exciting Selection of More than 1,800 Lots

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Catalog Includes the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection, Fresh Huntoon Notes, and an Impressive Variety of Premier Quality U.S. Coinage

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, will offer more than 1,800 magnificent lots for auction at the Milwaukee Rarities Sale on August 4, 2007. The auction will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport, prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money.

The centerpiece of the auction is the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection, the Number One All-Time Finest PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). Other highlights include:

Lot 688	1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Lettered Edge. O-116. Rarity-7. 50/00. Proof-67 (NGC). Ex: Eliasberg
Lot 1012	Fr. 37. 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note. RCGS Choice C.U. 64PQ. Serial number E100000000A.
Lot 1024	Fr. 114. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. RCGS About C.U. 55. Serial #2.
Lot 1085	Fr. 2231-B. $10,000 Federal Reserve Note. CGA Gem Uncirculated 65.
Lot 1089	Clifton, Territory of AZ. $10 1882 Date Back. Fr. 545. The FNB. Charter # (P)5821. Very Fine.
Lot 1104	Tombstone, AZ. $10 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 628. The FNB. Charter #6439. Fine.
Lot 1718	1796 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3003. Rarity-5+. Stars. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1860	1803 Capped Bust Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3195. Rarity-5+. Small Reverse Stars. MS-63 (NGC).
Lot 1906	1854-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).
Lot 1935	1875 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 2010	1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).
Lot 2020	1929 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).

“I think we have really outdone ourselves for this auction,” said Steve Deeds, President. “We have an impressive list of collections that includes Dan Close’s Lincoln Cents, some fresh Peter Huntoon notes, Drinen’s Buffalo Nickels, and The Green River Collection of Morgan Dollars.” He added, “I am always excited by the depth of our rarities sales, but this auction in particular has extraordinary examples throughout that will amaze the most passionate collector on all levels.”

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Milwaukee Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding is open now. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Milwaukee Auction August 2007, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction Saturday, August 4, at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport.

A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the August 2007 Milwaukee Rarities Sale, contact Bowers and Merena toll free at 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena to Auction Leading PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents in August

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection is Number One All-Time Finest PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present)

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, will auction the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection at its Milwaukee Rarities Sale on August 4, 2007. This impressive collection holds the distinction of being the Number One All-Time Finest PCGS Registry Set of Lincoln Cents with Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). The auction will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport, prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money.

The entire collection boasts a nearly perfect PCGS Set Rating of 68.21, the highest rated ever for its category, and consists of 242 individual lots. In addition, there is a 100-coin lot, 100 percent complete Registry Set of Lincoln Cents, Circulation Strikes (1959-Present) which on its own has an outstanding set rating of 68.69. Collecting Lincoln Cents has traditionally been very competitive among true devotees, and interest in the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection has been remarkable.

Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena, is thrilled to be able to present this historic set at auction and quick to note some real standouts of the collection. “Among my personal favorites in the Dan Close ‘Close to Perfect’ Collection is the 1917 FS-013 Doubled Die Obverse. This is one of the better-preserved examples of this popular mint error, with a PCGS Population of just four in MS-66 RD and another two finer.”

Deeds chooses the 1969-S D.D.O. in PCGS MS-64 RB as another first-rate offering. “Most experts agree on a total population of just 15-20 known in all grades,” Deeds pointed out. “I think the example in this collection is a technical phenomenon—the finest-known representative to PCGS with the RB color designation,” he added, although he does concede the knowledge of a single PCGS MS-64 RD specimen “surely tucked away in an advanced collection—a fate destined for this piece, as well.”

Other highlights of the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection presented by Bowers and Merena include:

Lot 63	1909 V.D.B. PR-65 RD (PCGS)
Lot 65	1909 V.D.B. D.D.O. MS-66 RD (PCGS)
Lot 66	1909-S V.D.B. MS-66 RD (PCGS)
Lot 99	1917 D.D.O. MS-66 RD (PCGS)
Lot 101	1917-S MS-65 RD (PCGS)
Lot 104	1918-S MS-65 RD (PCGS)
Lot 107	1919-S MS-65 RD (PCGS)
Lot 114	1922 No D. Strong Reverse. Die Pair II. MS-64 BN (PCGS)
Lot 128	1927-S MS-65 RD (PCGS)
Lot 156	1937 PR-66 Cameo (PCGS)
Lot 255	1969-S D.D.O. MS-64 RB (PCGS)
Lot 287	1990 No S PR-69 RD Deep Cameo (PCGS)

All lots and images in the Dan Close “Close to Perfect” Collection and the entire Bowers and Merena Milwaukee Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding is open now. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Milwaukee Auction August 2007, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction Saturday, August 4, at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport.

A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world’s preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr., Collection, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the August 2007 Milwaukee Rarities Sale, contact Bowers and Merena toll free at 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.