Bowers and Merena Coin and Currency Auctions - News Feed

Bowers and Merena Kicks Off 2010 With Successful Orlando Rarities Sale

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. -- Bowers and Merena, America's premier rare coin and currency auction house, kicked off what promises to be an exciting year with its January 2010 Orlando Rarities Sale. The sale, with nearly 1,000 lots of rare and enticing United States, Colonial and Territorial gold coinage, was conducted in a single session on January 5. Total prices realized for the auction is in excess of $2.5 million.

"We had a strong turnout among bidders in our Orlando Rarities Sale," stated Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds, "and prices realized for many lots reflected collectors' interests in rare, difficult-to-find coins in premium-quality condition. The stand-out highlight of the sale is lot 743, an 1879 Judd-1635 Flowing Hair Stella certified Proof-66 Cameo by NGC. The dazzling rarity traded hands for $182,500."

"Another gold coin that performed very well is lot 747, an 1802/3 Half Eagle MS-65 * NGC," continued Deeds. "This sharply struck, Condition Census rarity brought $115,000 at auction."

Said Deeds: "United States gold coins were not the only strong performers in our Orlando Rarities Sale. Early Copper specialists made their voices heard by driving the realized price for lot 27 to an impressive total of $25,300. The coin in that lot is a fresh, new-to-market example of the rare S-264 Large Date, Small Fraction variety of the 1803 Draped Bust Cent. We sold the coin as a PCGS VG-10."

"And in the Territorial gold section of our Orlando Rarities Sale we were pleased to present lot 695," observed Deeds. "A unique variety of the 1851 K-2 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold, this PCGS-certified AU-55 is missing the digits 88 in the inscription 880 THOUS on the obverse scroll. We saw particularly fierce competition between two interested bidders, and when the dust settled the winner earned the right to take this important coin home at $115,000."

Additional highlights from the Orlando Rarities Sale include:
• Lot 186, 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, FS-901, 3-Legged, MS-65 (PCGS), CAC, realized $35,650
• Lot 227, 1829 Capped Bust Dime, JR-2, MS-67 (PCGS), OGH, realized $20,700
• Lot 274, 1852-O Seated Liberty Quarter, MS-62 (PCGS), realized $26,450
• Lot 276, 1855 Seated Liberty Quarter, Arrows, MS-66 (NGC), realized $10,350
• Lot 332, 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter, MS-66 (NGC), realized $10,063
• Lot 383, 1873 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Arrows, MS-65 (PCGS), realized $17,250
• Lot 390, 1889 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Proof-67 (PCGS), OGH, realized $34,500
• Lot 400, 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar, MS-63 (PCGS), realized $13,800
• Lot 447, 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar, MS-65 DPL (NGC), realized $11,500
• Lot 705, 1861 Gold Dollar, Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS), realized $23,000
• Lot 721, 1849-C Liberty Quarter Eagle, MS-61 (NGC), realized $12,650
• Lot 734, 1911 Indian Quarter Eagle, Proof-67 (NGC), realized $39,100
• Lot 790, 1885 Liberty Half Eagle, Proof-64 Deep Cameo (PCGS), realized $16,100
• Lot 801, 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle, Large-Stars Obverse, MS-62 (PCGS), realized $31,625
• Lot 881, 1926-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, MS-63 (PCGS), realized $31,050

For a complete list of prices realized for the January 2010 Orlando Rarities Sale, visit the Bowers and Merena website at www.bowersandmerena.com or call the firm toll free of 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. They continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expos three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.
For more information about Bowers and Merena and Ponterio & Associates, or to consign to an upcoming auction, call 800-458-4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds or Executive Vice President Rick Ponterio. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Ponterio & Associates to Offer Highly Diverse Selection of International Banknotes During the N.Y.I.N.C

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Select Countries Beautifully Represented

IRVINE, Calif. – Ponterio & Associates, Inc., the world and ancients auction division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, will commence its 2010 auction schedule as an Official Auctioneer of the New York International Numismatic Convention (N.Y.I.N.C.). The auction will be conducted January 8-9, 2010, in New York’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Pre-sale lot viewing will take place in the same location beginning January 6, with additional lot viewing opportunities available at the Bowers and Merena world headquarters in Irvine, California, December 21-31, 2009 (by appointment only; closed December 24-27).

2009 was quite a year for Ponterio & Associates, having amassed large sections of world banknotes during each of their major auctions, and they look to continue that trend into 2010. The first offering of the year at the N.Y.I.N.C. will feature more 800 lots of scarce to rare notes from the world over. “Many countries are highly represented with material that will surely excite collectors. In particular, the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese, sections are quite impressive,” said Rick Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena and founder of Ponterio & Associates. Along with the oriental offerings are some very exciting sections that include India, Iran, the Philippines, and British Commonwealth.

Some individual highlights are two Banque Belge Pour L'Etranger Chinese $5 & $10 notes, Pick S142s and the higher denomination being unlisted in the current Standard Catalog of World Paper Money. A bright pair of Pick 16As Korean 100 Yen specimens from the Bank of Chosen will highlight the Korean banknotes, as well as another challenging Korean 100 Yen note ( Pick 41s) with the tough block number “2” displayed. An early dated Egyptian 1921 100 Pound specimen ( P-17s) will be offered in Uncirculated condition.

In addition, a fascinating Peruvian American Bank Note Company archival book of proofs is amongst the individual notes and comprises nearly every banknote that the printing company produced for the country.

Some highlights from the comprehensive selection of India include a Two Rupees-Eight Annas Pick 2 in Uncirculated condition, along with an original booklet of 25 Pick 14b One Rupee notes. Another worthy piece of mention is a Pick R5 Haj Pilgrim 10 Rupees note in an attractive Fine grade. A pleasing group of higher denomination notes from India are also present which will surely peak interest as many are scarce to rare.

“With the high quality material being offered and the diverse nature of the countries presented, we fully anticipate this sale of international banknotes will receive the same rigorous bidding by knowledgeable collectors and dealers as we have seen during 2009,” Ponterio concluded.

All lot descriptions and images in the January 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction can be viewed online at the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com beginning December 9. Printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Bidding is open and 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 Ponterio & Associates, N.Y.I.N.C. January 2010, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots onsite in New York January 6-9, 2010, and bid in-person at the live auction, 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.

Ponterio & Associates, Inc., was founded in 1982 by Richard Ponterio, renowned specialist in world and ancient numismatics. The company was acquired by Bowers and Merena Auctions in 2008, creating an auction powerhouse that covers the collecting interests of U.S. and international coin and currency enthusiasts. Ponterio & Associates auctions have included such notable coin collections as the John S. Davenport Collection, the Witte Museum Collection, the Amat Collection, the Joe Lasser Collection, and the James Hunnicut Collection. Distinguished paper money collections include the East Bay Collection of International Bank Notes, and the Eduard Kann Chinese Bank Note Collection. Ponterio & Associates has also presented treasure collections from the shipwrecks “Nicobar,” “Rooswijk,” and “Capitana.”

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. They continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Ponterio & Associates’ January 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction, call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for executive vice president Rick Ponterio. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Ponterio & Associates to Conduct January 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Russian, Annam and Argentine Sun Face Coinage Loom Large Among Highlights

“Our 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction will feature more than 2,300 lots of ancient coins, world coins, paper money, and orders and decorations,” stated Rick Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena and founder of Ponterio & Associates. “Leading the way among important consignments is the second installment of the Chester Skotak Collection of Central American Coinage. We sold the first part of this fabulous collection through our Official November 2009 Baltimore Auction, and we anticipate equally impressive results when the second portion of Mr. Skotak’s holdings comes up for auction at the N.Y.I.N.C. We also have significant consignments of Russian and Annamese coinage, as well as a noteworthy array of Argentine Sun Face Coinage.”

Continued Ponterio: “One of the most prominent coins in our upcoming N.Y.I.N.C. Auction is a 1902 Russian 37 ½ Rubles—the Prize of Russian Numismatics. Attributed alternately as Fr-170, Y-B65, Bitkin-309 and Sev-578, this is a very rare type with a mintage of only 225 pieces. A special issue that was used by the Czar for gifts on special occasions, this is the largest Russian gold coin struck in the modern era. We grade the piece attractive AU and are offering it as lot 7389.”

“Also of note in this sale is lot 7006, a very rare Annam 3 Tien gold piece that dates to the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri (1841-48),” observed Ponterio. “It is an example of a very rare type that grades AU and is attributed as Fr-18, KM-338 and Schr-286. And we also expect lot 7139 to generate considerable bidder interest. This is a very rare 1826 Great Britain 5 Pounds with a mintage of just 150 pieces. An original, unimpaired piece, this British gold coin has been certified Proof-63 Deep Cameo by PCGS.”

Additional highlights include:
• Lot 5916, Zeugitania, Carthage, First Punic War, AV Trihemistater or 1 ½ Shekel, ca. 264-250 B.C., Jenkins & Lewis-group IX Pl.17 #381(same dies), Muller-Pg.86#66, Choice EF
• Lot 7007, Argentina, 8 Escudos, 1830-P, Fr-2, KM-21, CJ-F15, AU-53 (PCGS)
• Lot 7088, Denmark, Ducat, 1682, Fr-148, Sieg-89, H-11, KM-372, MS-62 (PCGS)
• Lot 7134, Great Britain, Broad of 20 Shillings, 1656, Fr-273, S-3225, KM-Pn25, AU-55 (NGC)
• Lot 7179, Honduras, 10 Pesos, 1883, Fr-5, KM-58, EF Details—Polished (NGC)
• Lot 7296, Mexico, Iturbide, Gold Medal, 1821, Gove-5 (Unlisted in Gold), AU-55 (NGC)
• Lot 7316, Peru, 8 Escudos, 1710-H, Fr-7, KM-38.2, Choice EF
• Lot 7326, Philippines, 8 Escudos ND (1834-1837), Fr-A3, KM-141.1, La Onza-1370 (previously 1510), AU-55 (NGC)
• Lot 7332, Romania, 20 Lei, 1868, Fr-1, KM-5, AU Details—Reverse Scratched (NGC)
• Lot 7356, Russia, Platinum 6 Rubles, 1830, Fr-159, C-178, Bitkin-56, Sev-599, MS-64 (NGC)
• Lot 7438, United States, 10 Dollars, 1797 Large Eagle, Fr-153, KM-30, AU
• Lot 7561, China, Dollar, ND (1907), L&M-20, K-212, MS-63 (NGC)
• Lot 8046, Norway, Speciedaler, 1655-FG, Dav-3595, KM-48 AU-53 (PCGS)

All lot descriptions and images in the January 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction can be viewed online at the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com beginning December 15. Printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Bidding is open and 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 Ponterio & Associates, N.Y.I.N.C. January 2010, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots onsite in New York January 6-9, 2010, and bid in-person at the live auction, 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 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. They continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

Bowers and Merena to Kick-Off 2010 with Orlando Rarities Sale

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Important U.S. Coins to Cross Auction Block in January

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will commence its 2010 auction schedule with the Orlando Rarities Sale. The auction will be conducted on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, beginning at 6 p.m. ET at the Doubletree Resort-Orlando International Drive. Pre-sale lot viewing will take place in the same location January 3 to 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

“2010 promises to be another exciting year for Bowers and Merena,” remarked Steve Deeds, president of the firm. “The year will certainly begin on a high note with our eagerly anticipated Orlando Rarities Sale. Many important coins are included among the highlights of this sale, and bidding promises to be spirited for all U.S. coin series and types.”

Continued Deeds: “Among the leading rarities set to cross the auction block in our Orlando Rarities Sale is an 1851 Augustus Humbert Fifty-Dollar gold piece with an extremely important, previously unknown engraving error. Nominally an example of the Kagin-2 Lettered Edge variety—itself a scarce variety with a Rarity-5 rating—this particular piece is missing the digits 88 in the inscription 880 THOUS, resulting in a partially blank scroll on the obverse above the eagle. A discovery piece that has been certified AU-55 by PCGS, this coin is sure to warrant the undivided attention of Territorial gold specialists.”

Deeds also called attention to highlights in the regular issue United States silver- and gold-coin series. “We will also be presenting a low-mintage 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter graded MS-65 Full Head by NGC, an elusive 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle Half Dollar of the 16 Stars variety in PCGS/CAC VG-10 and an exquisite 1879 Flowing Hair Stella rarity that NGC has certified as Proof-66 Cameo.”

Additional highlights include:

• 1880 Trade Dollar, Proof-68 Cameo (NGC)
• 1802/1 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, MS-63 (NGC)
• 1834 Classic Half Eagle, Crosslet 4, MS-61 (NGC)
• 1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle, MS-61 (NGC)

All lot descriptions and images in the January 2010 Orlando Rarities Sale can be viewed online at the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com. Printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Bidding is open and 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 January 2010, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots onsite in Orlando January 3-5, 2010 and bid in-person at the live auction, 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 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. They continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expos three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s January 2010 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.

Ponterio & Associates Nets $2.1 Million in Official November Baltimore Auction

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Offerings from Several Countries, Including China and Venezuela, Surpass Expectations

IRVINE, Calif. – Ponterio & Associates, Inc., the world and ancients auction division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, dazzled bidders with an extensive selection of coins and paper money from around the world as part of Bowers and Merena's Official Auction of the November 2009 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. The combined auction realized more than $8 million, with Ponterio & Associates contributing an impressive $2.1 million to the total through sale of world coins and currency.

"We conducted a fabulous auction at the Baltimore Expo this November," stated Rick Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena Auctions. "World coin and paper money consignments were many and diverse, and they resulted in spirited bidding from collectors who were keenly aware of the fleeting buying opportunities that many of the lots represented. Offerings from several countries still amaze me with regard to the final prices realized. In particular, pieces from China, El Salvador, Norway, Russia and Venezuela greatly exceeded our pre-sale estimates, proving that there are active communities of highly specialized bidders who are not afraid to chase down the coins and/or notes that they need to complete their collections."

"One particular coin whose performance impressed me is the Costa Rican 1828-CRF 8 Escudos," continued Ponterio. "Certified NGC MS-62 and cataloged as a 'RARE type and exceptional condition,' this piece is also pedigreed to the renowned Eliasberg Collection. We estimated the coin at $25,000-$35,000 and offered it as lot 8392. The final realized price surpassed our expectations at $37,375."

“A note which received outstanding attention was the Chinese Five Dollar note from the Yu Ning Imperial Bank,” Ponterio added. “Offered in an attractive Very Good condition with nice appeal for the grade and cataloged as a truly exciting and valuable note, worthy of the finest collection. We estimated the note at $2,000-$3,000 as lot 6362. The final realized price heavily surpassed our expectations at $10,068.”

Additional coin highlights include:
• Lot 8368, China, 10 Dollars, Year 1 (1916), Fr-3, L&M-1027, Y-333, NGC MS-62, realized $11,500
• Lot 8503, Great Britain, 1887 11-Piece Jubilee Proof Set, NGC-Certified, realized $17,250
• Lot 8631, Italy, Venice, Zecchino, ND (1656), Fr-1324; Scarfea-883; Paolucci-Pg.100#1; Papadopoli-#2 plate LXXVIII#7, Very Fine, realized $19,550
• Lot 8880, Belgium, a Stunning Collection of 116 Off-Metal Strikes in Silver, realized $40,250
• Lot 9048, Colombia, Peso, 1869, Medellin Mint, KM-154.2, NGC MS-63, realized $3,738
• Lot 9208, France, 2 Francs, 1854-A, KM-780.1, Choice Brilliant Proof, Ex: Pittman Collection, realized $4,025

Additional currency highlights include:
• Lot 6277, China, 10 Dollars, 1.6.1912. Pick 27, Fine-Very Fine, realized $4,715
• Lot 6357, China, 100 Dollars, ND (1910). Pick S466, About Uncirculated-Uncirculated, realized $8,625
• Lot 6424, Colombia, Banco de Panama. 10 Pesos, ND (1869). Pick S723, Fine-Very Fine, Realized $5,750
• Lot 6481, Danzig, 20 Gulden, 2.1.1938. Specimen. Pick 64s, About Uncirculated-Uncirculated, realized $11,500
• Lot 6661, Great Britain, 100 Pounds, 29.9.1936. Pick 339b, Uncirculated, realized $3,33
• Lot 6729, Iran, 3 Tomans, 10.4.1900. Pick 2A, Very Good-Fine, realized $6,325
• Lot 6733, Iran, 50 Tomans, 29.7.1924. Pick 16, Fine, realized $17,250
• Lot 6763, Ireland, 10 Pounds, 6.5.1929. Pick 40a, Very Fine, realized $6,038
• Lot 6772, Ireland, 50 Pounds, 4.4.1977. Pick 68c, Uncirculated, realized $4,025
• Lot 7006, Russia, 5 to 1,000 Rubles, 1895. Pick A71 to A77, Very Fine to About Uncirculated, realized $21,850
• Lot 7053, Rwanda-Burundi, 500 Francs, 15.9.1960. Pick 6, realized $3,220
• Lot 7139, Straits Settlements, 50 Dollars, 24.9.1925. Pick 12a, realized $5,463

For a complete list of prices realized from the Ponterio & Associates November 2009 Baltimore Auction, visit the Bowers and Merena website at www.bowersandmerena.com or call the firm toll free at 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. They continue to serve as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and Ponterio & Associates, or to consign to an upcoming auction, call 800.458.4646 inside the U.S. and +1 949.253.0916 outside the U.S. For media inquiries, ask for executive vice president Rick Ponterio. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Realizes More Than $8 Million in Official November Baltimore Auction

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Classic Rarities and Condition Rarities Perform Extremely Well

IRVINE, Calif. -- Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's premier rare coin and currency auction house, continues to bring success to its consignors as the Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. The 6,000+ lot auction conducted November 12-14, 2009 realized more than $8 million, with U.S. coin and currency sales totaling $5.8 million, and Ponterio & Associates netting $2.1 million in world coin and banknote sales.

"We were thoroughly impressed with the bidder participation in our November 2009 Baltimore Auction," stated Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena. "Bidding was spirited for both classic rarities and exceptionally high-grade coins, particularly fresh and original pieces that had been off the market for a considerable amount of time. The Dr. Alfred R. Globus Collection led the way for many U.S. coin series and types, and it achieved the record price for the auction when the 1830 Capped Head Left Half Eagle in PCGS MS-65 traded hands for $241,500. This important early Half Eagle, offered as lot 3685, realized nearly 40% more than the Coin Dealer Newsletter bid of '$173K' for the 1830 Half Eagle in MS-65 as reported in the September 11, 2009 edition of CDN Quarterly III."

Continued Deeds: "Another classic rarity from the early U.S. Half Eagle series that performed very well in the November Baltimore Auction is the 1821 Capped Head Left Five that brought $112,125 as lot 3684. That coin is certified AU-53 by PCGS, and it is one of only 15-20 examples known for the issue."

Deeds also called attention to many condition rarity United States coins that attracted keen bidder interest in Baltimore. "We sold the finest-certified 1853-O No Arrows Seated Quarter in NGC MS-68 (lot 687) for $47,150, a lovely 1895-O Morgan Dollar certified PCGS MS-64 (lot 3241) went for $71,875 and a stunning 1857-S Liberty Double Eagle in an NGC MS-67 holder (lot 3849) went to the winning bidder at $74,750."

Additional U.S. coin highlights from Bowers and Merena's November 2009 Baltimore Auction include:
• Lot 145, 1806 Draped Bust Cent, MS-62 Brown (NGC), realized $9,200
• Lot 522, 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, 3-Legged, MS-67 (NGC), realized $97,750
• Lot 574, 1829 Capped Bust Dime, JR-2, MS-66 (NGC), realized $9,200
• Lot 596, 1876-CC Seated Liberty Dime, MS-67 (PCGS), realized $11,788
• Lot 633, 1919-S Mercury Dime, MS-66 Full Bands (PCGS), realized $52,900
• Lot 737, 1892-O Barber Quarter, MS-68 (NGC), realized $22,425
• Lot 743, 1896-O Barber Quarter, MS-67 (NGC), realized $43,125
• Lot 869, 1807 Capped Bust Half Dollar, O-113, AU-58 (PCGS), realized $10,350
• Lot 917, 1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar, Reeded Edge, MS-66 (PCGS), realized $21,850
• Lot 1006, 1919-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar, MS-64 (PCGS), CAC, realized $11,500
• Lot 1036, 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar, MS-65 Full Bell Lines (NGC), realized $11,788
• Lot 3053, 1848 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, MS-63 (PCGS), realized $11,500
• Lot 3086, 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, Genuine (PCGS), realized $126,500
• Lot 3261, 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar, MS-65 (NGC), realized $155,250
• Lot 3591, 1824/1 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle, AU-58 (PCGS), realized $33,350
• Lot 3592, 1826/'5' Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle, AU-55 (PCGS), realized $34,500
• Lot 3667, 1799 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, BD-6, MS-62 (PCGS), realized $43,700
• Lot 3670, 1806 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, BD-6, MS-63 (PCGS), realized $34,500
• Lot 3674, 1810 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle, BD-1, MS-63 (PCGS), realized $27,600
• Lot 3713, 1869-S Liberty Half Eagle, MS-62 (PCGS), CAC, realized $24,150
• Lot 3776, 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-1, MS-63 (NGC), realized $96,600
• Lot 3815, 1907 Indian Eagle, Wire Rim, AU-55 (PCGS), realized $21,275
• Lot 3822, 1910-S Indian Eagle, MS-64 (PCGS), realized $17,250
• Lot 3824, 1911-S Indian Eagle, MS-65 (PCGS), CAC, realized $20,700
• Lot 3837, 1850 Liberty Double Eagle, MS-61 (PCGS), realized $20,125
• Lot 3854, 1859-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-62 (PCGS), realized $19,550
• Lot 3856, 1860-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-62 (PCGS), realized $14,375
• Lot 3857, 1861-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-62 (NGC), realized $20,700
• Lot 3858, 1862-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-62 (NGC), realized $25,300
• Lot 3859, 1863-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-63 (NGC), realized $28,750
• Lot 3860, 1864-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS-63 * (NGC), realized $28,750

For a complete list of prices realized for the November 2009 Baltimore Auction, visit the Bowers and Merena website at www.bowersandmerena.com or call the firm toll free of 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. The firm was awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expos three times every year. 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.

In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and Ponterio & Associates, or to consign to an upcoming auction, call 800-458-4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds or Executive Vice President Rick Ponterio. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Offers More Than 6,000 Lots in Baltimore This November

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo Features The Dr. Alfred R. Globus Collection Including Gem Example High Condition Census 1830 BD-1 Half Eagle

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will bring more than 6,000 lots of fine coins and currency to Baltimore, Md., for the Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo scheduled for November 10-14, 2009. There are nearly 2,600 U.S. lots and close to 3,500 World lots. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and begins with lot viewing Tuesday, November 10, through Saturday, November 14, coinciding with the seven-session auction on Thursday, November 12, through Saturday, November 14. The complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

“Bowers and Merena has presented many successful auctions in 2009, including two earlier Official Baltimore auctions and two Official ANA auctions, and I am very pleased to finish 2009 with our largest auction of the year by number of lots crossing the block,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena auctions. “With more than 6,000 lots in the auction, including the incredible Globus Collection and many highlights, this is an auction that will offer something for everyone, be it U.S. or World, coins or currency.”

The spotlight lot of the auction is lot 3685, a High Condition Census 1830 BD-1 Half Eagle, a Gem example of a rare and seldom-offered issue. Cataloged as 1830 BD-1, HBCC-3156, Miller-158. Rarity-6. Large 5D. MS-65 (PCGS), this fine specimen is part of The Dr. Alfred R. Globus Collection of U.S. and World Coins. The extant population for the 1830 Five is a mere 55-75 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006), the vast majority of examples having been wiped out through the widespread melting that claimed most pre-1834 U.S. gold coins. The two die marriages are fairly similar in rarity, although a slight edge goes to BD-1 with only 25-35 coins known to exist. As a fully lustrous and minimally abraded Gem, this gorgeous BD-1 example is high in the Condition Census for both the issue and the die pair, with a PCGS Populations of just one and a mere two finer, both of which grade MS-66.

Dr. Alfred R. Globus was one of America’s most renowned numismatic collectors. In addition to the 1830 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Bowers and Merena will present several hundred U.S. and World lots from his collection, including these impressive highlights:
 1799 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Stars Reverse. MS-62 PCGS
 1826 (6 over ‘5’) Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagle. AU-55 PCGS
 China 10 Dollars, YR.1 (1916), FR.-3, Y-333, NGC-MS62
 Denmark Ducat, 1746 Frederik V, 1746-1766, FR.-264, KM-552, NGC-MS62
 Germany Saxony-Coburg-Gotha, 20 Marks, 1895-A, FR.-3853, Y-151, NGC-MS62

Additional highlights in the Official Baltimore Auction in November include lot 3871, an extremely rare Mint State
1879-O Double Eagle, Condition Census for this low-mintage, key-date issue. This 1879-O Winter Variety One, the only known dies graded MS-60 by NGC, has a combined PCGS and NGC Population of just eight with a mere two finer at the latter service (MS-63 finest).

Also noteworthy is lot 3869, highly elusive 1878 Double Eagle in Proof-64 Cameo by NGC. A very rare issue by any standard, the 1878 has one of the lowest mintages in the entire proof Type III Double Eagle series. Only 20 coins were produced, and survivors probably number fewer than 10 specimens in all grades. At least one of the survivors is impounded in a museum collection, and two or three of the others are impaired. The Proof-64 Cameo in this lot, therefore, is in extremely limited company as a high-quality proof 1878 Twenty in private hands.

Additional coin highlights include:
Lot 411 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS). OGH.
Lot 856 1796 Half Dollar. AU-58 (PCGS).
Lot 3001 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-20, B-2. Rarity-3. Two Leaves. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 3022 1799/8 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-141, B-3. Rarity-3. Bowers Die State III. 15-Stars Reverse. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3034 1802 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-241, B-6. Rarity-1. Bowers Die State III. Narrow Date. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 3040 1838 Silver Dollar. Judd-84 Original. Proof-64 (NGC).
Lot 3086 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Genuine--Code 98, Damage (PCGS).
Lot 3161 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3225 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 3241 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 3261 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 3645 1854 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 3665 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635 Restrike, Pollock-1833. Rarity-3. Proof-58 (ANACS).
Lot 3716 1873 Liberty Half Eagle. Closed 3. Proof-65 Ultra Cameo (NGC). CAC.
Lot 3724 1883 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC). CAC.
Lot 3725 1884 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 3809 1903 Liberty Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 3849 1857-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 3888 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 3894 1896 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 3903 1900 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 3909 1902 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 3921 1906 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).

Currency highlights include:
Lot 2158 Denver, CO. Clark, Gruber & Co. Remainder. $5. Very Fine.
Lot 2522 Asheville, NC. $20 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 641. The American NB. Charter #(S)8772. Fine.
Lot 2321 Fr. 1180. 1905 $20 Gold Certificate. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45EPQ.
Lot 2282 Fr. 289. 1880 $10 Silver Certificate. PCGS Choice New 63PPQ.
Lot 2306 Fr. 953a. 1914 $20 Federal Reserve Note. Red Seal. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ.
Lot 2253 Fr. 161. 1880 $50 Legal Tender Note. PMG About Uncirculated 50.
Lot 2277 Fr. 281. 1899 $5 Silver Certificate. Mule. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ.
Lot 2393 Fr. 2201-G*. 1934 $500 Federal Reserve Star Note. PCGS Choice About New 58.
Lot 2412 Fr. 2404. 1928 $50 Gold Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Bidding is open and 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 November 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Baltimore November 10-14, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction, 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 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. They were awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expos three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo 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.

Ponterio & Associates Offers Extensive Selection of World Banknotes in Bowers and Merena’s Official Baltimore Auction this November

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Ponterio & Associates, a division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, will bring 1,250 lots of world paper money to Baltimore, Md., as part Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo scheduled for November 10-14, 2009. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and includes an impressive world catalog presented in four sessions.

Currency highlights include more notes from the popular “East Bay Collection” set to cross the auction block. One of the notable countries with an impressive variety is Iran, which will be illustrated by many Imperial Bank of Persia issues, always sure to garner considerable attention. One of the highlights of the Iranian notes is a 20 Tomans 1925 Pick-15 in a strikingly original Very Fine grade. More impressive notes will be displayed from countries of the British Commonwealth with a lovely selection of Straits Settlements highlighted by a Pick 12a Fifty Dollar note in an attractive Fine grade. Other countries of interest offering a pleasing assortment of scarce to rare notes includes Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Danzig, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and Scotland. In addition, several other scarce to rare notes will be offered which include many stunning issued and specimen pieces from tough locations and issuing authorities.

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo and world sessions presented by Ponterio & Associates can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. 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 November 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Baltimore and bid in-person at the live auction November 10-14, 2009, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo 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 Realizes Over $2.5 Million as Official Pre-Show Auctioneer of Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Eliasberg Specimen of Rare Lord Baltimore Shilling Takes Top Billing

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, presented the Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo on September 22, 2009. The two-session auction realized $2,520,460.

“Philadelphia was a wonderful choice for this Whitman show and Bowers and Merena’s pre-show auction,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “The city is so rich in American history which lends itself to the real nature of what we do in numismatics, and we were very fortunate to be able to present an extensive selection of rare Colonial and Early Federal Era coinage that was very much in keeping with this historic theme. The turnout was great and we are very pleased with our results.”

A highpoint of the day came early with lot 15, an undated (circa 1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling graded MS-61 by PCGS, the Eliasberg Specimen, which realized an impressive $57,500. A definite highlight of the extensive Colonial-era coinage that Bowers and Merena offered in the sale, this Lord Baltimore Shilling is the highest graded by PCGS and may very well be the finest-known example of the type.

Additional highlights include:
Lot 12 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. W-740, Noe-8, Crosby 1b-D. $43,700
URS-9.Monogrammed NE in Legend. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 15 Undated (Circa 1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling. W-1080, Hodder -1A, Breen-64. URS-6. $57,500
Large Portrait, MARIAE. MS-61 (PCGS).
Lot 23 1787 Immune Columbia Copper Pattern. W-5680, Breen-1137. URS-8. IMMUNIS COLUMBIA, $25,300
Large Eagle Reverse, Plain Edge, Narrow Planchet. MS-64 BN (PCGS).
Lot 40 1818 New Spain (Texas) Jola. W-8542, Breen-1082. URS-6. Large Planchet. AU-58 (PCGS). $28,750
Lot 41 1820 North West Company Token. W-9250, Breen-1083. URS-9. Brass. VF-25 (PCGS). $8,050
Lot 135 1922 No D Lincoln Cent. FS-401 (FS-013.2), Die Pair II. Strong Reverse. MS-64 BN (NGC). $30,018
Lot 611 Fr. 304. 1908 $10 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $17,710
Lot 1709 1926-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). $25,300

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be the Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo held November 10-14, 2009, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules will be posted at www.bowersandmerena.com, and U.S. and World catalogs will be available in print and online by late October.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo in September, 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 Offers Nearly 1,500 Lots as the Official Pre-Show Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Auction Spotlights Remarkable 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Willow Tree Shilling

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will bring nearly 1,500 lots of fine coins to Philadelphia, Pa.., for the Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo set for September 21-22, 2009. The auction will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and begins with lot viewing Monday, September 21, and Tuesday, September 22, followed by the two-session auction on Tuesday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. EDT.

“Bowers and Merena has had the privilege for many years to present the Official Baltimore Auction with Whitman, so we are very pleased for this opportunity to work with them in Philadelphia as the Official Pre-show Auctioneer,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Whitman produces excellent coin shows. And Philadelphia is rich in history and tradition, really two of the cornerstones of numismatics.”

The auction will present an important selection of rare Colonial and Early Federal Era coinage. Of special note is lot 10, a remarkable 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Willow Tree Shilling, the Clark-Wurtzbach-Wiseman Specimen of this extremely rare type and the finest certified by PCGS at AU-58. Limited press runs combined with a high rate of attrition explain the extreme rarity of Willow Tree Shillings in numismatic circles. “This particular example is superior to most and represents an important find for the specialist,” said Deeds. “For the type, it is hard to imagine a more visually appealing, technically sound, and desirable representative of this rare and historic issue from the earliest era of coinage operations in Colonial America, and Philadelphia is a very fitting venue to present it at auction.”

Another Colonial Era highlight is lot 44, a historic 1776 Continental Dollar, a beautiful, high-grade pewter striking of the EG FECIT variety in PCGS MS-64 with the CAC designation. PCGS Population is 10 and only four are finer in
MS-65.The Continental Currency pieces (or Dollars) are among the most historically significant and important coins ever struck within the borders of what is now the United States of America. W-8460 as represented in this lot is easily attributable by the addition of the inscription EG FECIT on the band below the central-obverse device.

Lot 1714 is a glorious gem BU 1932 Double Eagle in MS-66 * graded by NGC. Rarer than the 1929 and 1931-D, the 1932 in mint state is the seventh scarcest date of the entire series, with a mere 75 to 95 pieces believed extant in all grades.

Additional highlights include:
Lot 12 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony Pine Tree Shilling. Large Planchet. W-740, Noe-8, Crosby 1b-D. URS-9.
Monogrammed NE in Legend. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 15 Undated (Circa 1659) Lord Baltimore Shilling. W-1080, Hodder -1A, Breen-64. URS-6. Large Portrait,
MARIAE. MS-61 (PCGS).
Lot 18 Undated (1737) Higley or Granby Copper. Standing Deer, VALUE ME AS YOU PLEASE III. W-8280,
Friedus 3.3-C, Crosby-25. URS-3. J CUT MY WAY THROUGH, Broad Axe. Fine-15 (PCGS).
Lot 23 1787 Immune Columbia Copper Pattern. W-5680, Breen-1137. URS-8. IMMUNIS COLUMBIA, Large Eagle
Reverse, Plain Edge, Narrow Planchet. MS-64 BN (PCGS).
Lot 40 1818 New Spain (Texas) Jola. W-8542, Breen-1082. URS-6. Large Planchet. AU-58 (PCGS).
Lot 41 1820 North West Company Token. W-9250, Breen-1083. URS-9. Brass. VF-25 (PCGS).
Lot 135 1922 No D Lincoln Cent. FS-401 (FS-013.2), Die Pair II. Strong Reverse. MS-64 BN (NGC).
Lot 195 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS). OGH.
Lot 253 1792 Pattern Half Disme. Judd-7, Pollock-7. Rarity-4. EF-40 (PCGS).
Lot 344 1796 Draped Bust Quarter. B-1. Rarity-4. EF-45 (PCGS).
Lot 611 Fr. 304. 1908 $10 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Lot 676 Fr. 2221-B. 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note. Serial B00000003A. PCGS APPARENT Extremely Fine 45.
Minor Restoration in UL Corner.
Lot 1475 1852 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-11. Rarity-5. Reeded Edge. 887 THOUS. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 1538 1911-D Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 1709 1926-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Bidding is open first week of September and 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, Philadelphia 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Philadelphia September 21-22, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction September 22, 2009, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

Bowers and Merena to Present the Globus Collection in November Baltimore Sale

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo Will Feature
Collection of the Late Dr. Alfred R. Globus

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, returns to Baltimore, Md., for the Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo scheduled for November 10-14, 2009. The auction will feature the collection of U.S. and world coins assembled by one of America’s most renowned numismatic collectors, Dr. Alfred R. Globus.

Dr. Alfred R. Globus was born July 1, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York. He received his Doctor of Science degree from Hanover College in Indiana and for a short time served as professor of biochemistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He licensed his first chemical process at age 20 for the electrolytic recovery of iron from iron ore, and just two years after that he formed the company that would later become United-Guardian, Inc. In 1943, he built a commercial plant for the production of vitally needed tungsten concentrates, and served as a consultant to the War Production Board during World War II. Dr. Globus served as the chief executive officer of United-Guardian for more than 60 years. Over those years he was granted at least 35 patents for the many products and processes that he developed. Dr. Globus passed away in April of 2009 at age 88.

“During his lifetime Dr. Globus was an avid collector of coins and stamps,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “He was known worldwide as an expert in both fields, and auctions of his coins over the years have brought intense interest on the part of expert collectors in the United States and overseas.”

Bowers and Merena will present Dr. Globus’ collection of U.S. and world coins in the November Official Baltimore Auction, consisting of several hundred lots. Spotlight coins include:

1799 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Stars Reverse. MS-62 PCGS
1826 (6 over ‘5’) Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagle. AU-55 PCGS
1830 Capped Bust Half Eagle. MS-65 PCGS
China 10 Dollars, YR.1 (1916), FR.-3, Y-333, NGC-MS62
Denmark Ducat, 1746 Frederik V, 1746-1766, FR.-264, KM-552, NGC-MS62
Germany Saxony-Coburg-Gotha, 20 Marks, 1895-A, FR.-3853, Y-151, NGC-MS62

“I was fortunate to know Dr. Globus for many years, since the 1980s,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena and founder of Ponterio & Associates. “Many of these coins have been in his possession for decades, and the sale of these coins will be keenly anticipated by knowledgeable and eager collectors throughout the world. Some of these coins were even in the original 1970s flips. It’s an incredible collection and will surely draw worldwide attention.”

Bowers and Merena is accepting U.S. consignments alongside the Alfred R. Globus Collection until September 28, and world consignments until August 10. Interested consignors should call Bowers and Merena at 800.458.4646 for more information. Printed catalogs will be available in late October and will be posted online at www.bowersandmerena.com.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

Bowers and Merena and Teletrade Realize More Than $15 Million as Official Live and Online Auctioneers of the ANA World’s Fair Of Money

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Condition Census 1796 Small Eagle Quarter Shines in Bowers and Merena Auction

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, conducted its second of two official American Numismatic Association auctions for 2009 over five live sessions last week at the Los Angeles Convention Center as the Official Auctioneer of the ANA World’s Fair of Money. Teletrade Certified Coin & Currency Auctions, sister company to Bowers and Merena, served as the official online auctioneer for the show, conducting auctions on Sunday and Monday, August 9-10. Together they realized a total in excess of $15 million.

“It has been a tremendous opportunity to work with the ANA over this past year, first in Portland and especially now in our own backyard of Los Angeles. The ANA consistently presents a first rate show and it was a privilege to play such an important role in this event as the only official auctioneer,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “We are very pleased with the results of the auction. This was our second largest auction in the past five years by both value and number of lots, and under the present economy I think that speaks volumes.”

The standout highlight of the auction was lot 1018, a Condition Census 1796 Small Eagle Quarter, B-2, Rarity-3, graded MS-64 by PCGS and realizing an impressive $103,500. An issue that enjoys strong and unflagging demand among type collectors, the 1796 is the first Quarter struck in the United States Mint and the only one of the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design. Two die marriages are known, of which the High 6 B-2 combination is the more plentiful in numismatic circles. "Plentiful" is a relative term in this context, for the 1796 as an issue is a scarce coin when viewed in the wider context of U.S. numismatics. Mint State coins are rare, and they can actually be described as very rare from a market availability standpoint. Indeed, most high-grade examples are in tightly held collections and trade only once in a long while, with this prime example logged in with a PCGS Population (both die combinations) of only 7 with 8 finer through MS-67, yielding an exceptional realization.

Additional U.S. highlights of Bowers and Merena’s Official ANA Los Angeles Auction include lot 253, an Extremely Rare Proof 1864 L on Ribbon Indian Cent, the unique Snow-PR3 Discovery Coin, graded Proof-64 RD and realizing a notable $94,875. A legendary and well-known rarity in the proof Indian Cent series, the 1864 L on Ribbon has an estimated mintage of just 20 pieces. The discovery piece for the Snow-PR3 die marriage remains unique, and it was returned to Bowers and Merena for the 2009 Los Angeles ANA Auction after appearing in the sale of the Herman Halpern & Gerald O. Warner Collections, in March 1997 at lot 232.

The Annapolis Collection produced several noteworthy lots including lot 4753, a High Condition Census 1909-D Indian Eagle, The William Thomas Michaels-John Kutasi Specimen, graded MS-66 by PCGS and realizing $53,475. It boasts a PCGS Population of just 5, with a mere two finer graded MS-67. Also lot 4808, a Condition Census 1916-S Indian Eagle graded PCGS MS-66 with a realization of $47,150.

Currency made an outstanding showing as well, topped by lot 3216, a Rare $100 California Gold Bank Note, San Francisco, CA, $100 1870 Fr. 1162, The First National Gold Bank, Charter #1741, PMG NET Choice Fine 15, Restoration, which realized an extraordinary $207,000. Considered to be one of the greatest National Bank Note rarities of all time, this $100 Gold Bank Note from charter #1741 San Francisco is one of only eight known examples in private hands and three of the Friedberg number, this being equal to the third finest.

Other top-notch U.S. highlights include:
Lot 645 1925-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC). $87,400
Lot 1699 1838 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Omitted. Judd-84 Restrike, Pollock-93. Rarity-5. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC. $126,500
Lot 3151 Fr. 2220-F. 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note. PMG Very Fine 30. $83,375
Lot 4224 1852 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-11. Rarity-5. Reeded Edge. 887 THOUS. AU-58 (PCGS). $70,150
Lot 4313 1808 Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3017, the only known dies. Rarity-4. MS-61 (PCGS). $161,000

World and ancient items did extremely well in the auction over two dedicated sessions, realizing more than $2.3 million. “We presented some really outstanding lots in this auction, and judging from the lot viewing traffic and the activity of the two live floor sessions, the interest level was quite high and very enthusiastic,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena and founder of Ponterio & Associates. “We are reaching the whole world with our sessions, many collectors in their home countries looking for coins that represent them and their collections, whose own economies may allow them more purchasing power during this time.”

The eyes of the world were on several key lots, especially lot 8701, a unique Poland Second Republic Gold Constitution 5 Zlotych that realized $132,250. According to the Parchimowicz catalog of Polish coins, there were a total of no more than four Constitution 5 Zlotych struck in gold, comprised of 3 different varieties: this 81 Pearl, a 100 Pearl, and two 100 Pearl with raised initials "SW," "WG," and the date "3/V." Believed to be UNIQUE as stated by catalogers at Sotheby’s, CNG and Stack’s when previously sold at auction and purported to be the only gold Constitution in private hands. This piece is of the highest rarity and utmost importance with an impeccable and impressive pedigree, and was auctioned for well above catalog estimate.

Also garnering worldwide attention for weeks leading up to the auction was lot 8666, an attractive Manen Oban 10 Ryo with original inking in Extremely Fine condition that realized $43,700. A beautiful specimen, it is the only type that was produced using machinery. In addition, lot 8190, a scarce Lebanon 5 Livres realized an astonishing $23,575 after a session of highly spirited floor and phone bidding during the live auction. This coin catalogs for $250 in the current Standard Catalog of World Paper Money.

Chinese coinage was very popular, as well, topped by lot 9286, a China Hunan Dollar, Year 11 (1922), graded MS-66 by NGC, which realized $18,400. It was followed by lot 9264, a beautiful large character Dragon and Peacock China Pattern Dollar, Year 12 (1923), graded MS-65 by NGC, that realized $14,950; and lot 9257, a Rare and Choice China Pattern Dollar, 1910, in NGC MS-65, that realized $13,800.

The spotlight collection of the world sessions was The Kent M. Ponterio Collection of the Coinage of Mexico Struck During the Reign of Charles and Johanna, a collection of about 100 lots that enjoyed a 98 percent sell-through. It was originally assembled as a numismatic study collection focused on assayer and mint mark combinations, and contains many pieces that largely contributed to the proper cataloging of the series, as well as the radical reassignment of assayer sequencing. Top lots included 9092, a Very Rare and seldom-offered Mexico Carlos and Johanna Early Series 3 Reales Assayer that realized $23,000, and lot 9153, Mexico Carlos and Johanna Late Series 4 Reales, an Extremely Rare issue without Assayer or Mint Mark, which realized $12,075.

Additional U.S. coin highlights include:
Lot 130 1793 Chain Cent. S-3. Rarity-3-. AMERICA. No Periods. EF-40 (PCGS). $50,600
Lot 139 1793 Liberty Cap Cent. S-13. Rarity-4-. VF-30 (PCGS). $57,500
Lot 413 1922 No D Lincoln Cent. FS-401 (FS-013.2). Die Pair II. Strong Reverse. MS-64 RB (NGC). $46,000
Lot 738 1796 Draped Bust Dime. JR-4. Rarity-4. MS-65 (NGC). $48,300
Lot 1697 1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name on Base. Judd-60 Restrike, Pollock-65. Rarity-5. Proof-64 (PCGS). $47,150
Lot 4119 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-64 (PCGS). OGH. $80,500
Lot 4120 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-64 (PCGS). $91,425
Lot 4441 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC). $74,750
Lot 4487 1802/1 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3076, Miller-52. Rarity-5. MS-64 (PCGS). $54,625
Lot 4547 1864 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). $86,250
Lot 4593 1904 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC). $46,000
Lot 4607 1909 Indian Half Eagle. Proof-67 * (NGC). $50,600
Lot 4623 1910 Indian Half Eagle. Proof-67 * (NGC). $48,300
Lot 4660 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Large Eagle. BD-4, HBCC-3179, Taraszka-12. Rarity-4+. MS-61 (PCGS). $51,750
Lot 4737 1907 Indian Eagle. Judd-1774 (Judd-1901), Pollock-1995. Rarity-3. Wire Rim. MS-65 (PCGS). $64,975
Lot 4747 1908 Indian Eagle. Motto. Proof-67 (NGC). $54,625
Lot 4791 1914 Indian Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $46,000
Lot 5014 1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $54,050
Lot 5020 1912 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC). $69,000
Lot 5021 1912 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $55,200
Lot 5104 1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). $80,500

Additional U.S. and world currency highlights include:
Lot 3044 Fr. 122. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Gem New 66PPQ. $10,638
Lot 3074 Fr. 263. 1886 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 66PPQ. $26,450
Lot 3078 Fr. 271. 1899 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $10,925
Lot 3080 Fr. 282. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ. $8,913
Lot 3151 Fr. 2220-F. 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note. PMG Very Fine 30. $83,375
Lot 3187 Fr. 1935-D. 1976 $2 Federal Reserve Note. ERROR. Double Print Serial Number. $12,075
PMG Choice Uncirculated 64EPQ.
Lot 3214 San Francisco, CA. $10 1870 Fr. 1142. The First National Gold Bank. Charter #1741. PCGS APPARENT $44,850
Very Fine 30. Minor Edge Restorations.
Lot 8043 CANADA. 1,000 Dollars, 1935. P-56. $19,550
Lot 8045 CANADA. 1,000 Dollars, 2.1.1937. P-65. $21,275
Lot 8074 CHINA. Russo-Asiatic Bank. 50 Dollars, ND (1910). P-S465. $8,625
Lot 8146 HONG KONG. 500 Dollars, 1.6.1934. P-59s. $8,050
Lot 8256 RUSSIA--RUSSIAN SOCIALIST FEDERATED SOVIET REPUBLIC. 5 Gold Rubles, 1923. P-178s. $4,715
Lot 8278 RUSSIA--EAST SIBERIA. 5,000 Rubles, 1920. P-S1196b. $6,900

Additional world coin highlights include:
Lot 8043 CANADA. 1,000 Dollars, 1935. P-56. $19,550
Lot 8045 CANADA. 1,000 Dollars, 2.1.1937. P-65. $21,275
Lot 8361 KINGDOM OF MACEDON. Alexander I, 498-454 B.C. AR Octadrachm (27.59 gms). $11,500
Lot 8387 KINGDOM OF LYDIA. Kroisos, 561-546 B.C. AV Stater (8.02 gms, Sardes Mint). $10,925
Lot 8400 SICULO PUNIC. Panoramus. AR Tetradrachm (16.95 gms), ca. 350-300 B.C. $11,500
Lot 8592 GUATEMALA. 10 Pesos Gold Essai Proof Pattern by Jean LaGrange, Chief Engraver of the Paris Mint, 1894-A. $16,100
Lot 8640 ITALY. 50 Lire, 1936. $14,950
Lot 8690 PERU. 4 Escudos, (1)708-H. $14,375
Lot 8716 RUSSIA. 5 Rubles, 1762. $23,000
Lot 8717 RUSSIA. 10 Rubles, 1804. $29,900
Lot 8720 RUSSIA. 10 Rubles, 1898-AT. $17,250
Lot 9164 MEXICO. Carlos and Johanna, Late Series, 4 Reales Assayer S/L (S/L-M) V over Inverted V in $13,800
“HISPANIARVM,” ND (ca. 1553).
Lot 9258 CHINA. Pattern Dollar "Long Whisker Dragon," Year 3 (1911). $26,450
Lot 9287 CHINA. Hupeh. Tael, Year 30 (1904). $13,225
Lot 9404 GREAT BRITAIN. Pound, 1642. $14,950
Lot 9495 PHILIPPINES. 8 Reales, 1830. $34,500
Lot 9533 THAILAND. 2 Keping, 1835. $10,350

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the ANA Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be the Official Pre-show Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo scheduled for September 21-23, 2009. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com, and U.S. catalogs will be available in print and online by early September.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the ANA Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money in August, 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.

Beautiful 1907 Rolled Edge Indian Eagle and Humbert’s Personal Kellogg $20 Top Highlights at Bowers and Merena’s Official World’s Fair of Money Auction

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – A 1907 Rolled Edge Indian Eagle, a gorgeous and conditionally rare representative of this classic issue in the 20th century gold series, will be offered in Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® at the Los Angeles Convention Center and online, August 5-8, 2009, with lot viewing August 1- 8. The auction will also spotlight one of the most important California Gold Rush-era coins produced in San Francisco, the unique Kellogg and Company specimen $20 territorial gold piece personally owned by former U.S. Assayer Augustus Humbert.

Listed in the auction catalog as 1907 Judd-1903 (Judd-1775), Pollock-1997, Rarity-5, Rolled Edge, it is described as “a bright, satiny piece” with a strike that is “characteristic of the issue, meaning that it is bold-to-sharp elsewhere yet noticeably soft in the center of the obverse.” The example boasts a Condition Census MS-67 Grade from NGC with a combined PCGS and NGC Population of just 6, 0 finer.

“This is one of only 42 potential examples to have survived the melting of the issue at the Philadelphia Mint, and three of these survivors are known to be in the Smithsonian Institution,” said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena (www.BowersandMerena.com). “It is very infrequent for any of these remaining specimens to appear at auction, so we fully appreciate how special it is to be able to present coin this coin to our bidding audience.”

The unique specimen striking of the 1854 Kellogg & Co. $20 Gold coin is graded PCGS Specimen-69 and is described in the auction catalog as “possessed of awe-inspiring eye appeal” with a strike that “is 100 percent complete over all the elements of the design.”

“This is the single most important twenty-dollar gold piece issued by Kellogg & Co.,” said Deeds. “It was struck on February 9, 1854, and given by John Glover Kellogg to Augustus Humbert, his friend and future business partner. It later was a highlight of the legendary Garrett Collection at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore for decades.”

The auction also includes other rare or even unique United States proof and pattern coins with impressive numismatic pedigrees. Other highlights of the auction are:

• The only confirmed proof 1876-CC Seated Dime, Type I reverse, certified PCGS Proof-66 Branch Mint;
• 1893-CC Morgan Dollar VAM-2, PCGS Proof-65, a Class I Branch Mint proof in the Morgan Dollar series;
• 1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3003. Rarity-5+. Stars Obverse. MS-63 by NGC;
• The unique matte proof 1909 Indian Half Eagle from the Gaston DiBello and Ed Trompeter collections, graded NGC Proof-67;
• 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3033, Miller-2. Rarity-3+. MS-63 (PCGS).

“The annual ANA conventions are among the most important numismatic events in the world, and we want to offer collectors and dealers a wide range of outstanding coins and bank notes as part of the ANA’s Official Auction,” said Deeds.

Additional highlights in the Bowers and Merena Auctions Los Angeles sale include:

• 1864 Indian Head Cent, Snow-PR3 L on ribbon, PCGS Proof-64 RD;
• 1796 Quarter Dollar, PCGS MS-64
• 1853 Seated Liberty Quarter with arrows and rays, NGC Proof-65 Cameo;
• 1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar restrike, crushed lettered edge, NGC Proof-67;
• 1863 Seated Liberty Dollar, NGC Proof-68 Cameo;
• 1889-CC Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS-64 CAC;
• 1895-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS-66 DMPL;
• 1896 Morgan Dollar, NGC Proof-69 Ultra Cameo;
• 1829 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle, the only known dies, BD-1, HBCC-
3026, Rarity 4+, NGC MS-65;
• 1862 $3 gold, NGC Proof-66 Ultra Cameo;
• 1810 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle, large date, large 5, BD-4, HBCC-3117,
Miller-109, Rarity 2, NGC MS-65;
• 1909 $5, NGC Proof-67;
• 1909-O Indian Half Eagle, NGC MS-65;
• 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3169, Taraszka-1. Rarity-3+.
13 Leaves. MS-64 (NGC);
• 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle, crosslet 4, BD-1, HBCC-3201, Taraszka-31,
Rarity 4+, NGC MS-63;
• 1908 $10 with motto, NGC Proof-67;
• 1870-CC $20, NGC VF-20;
• 1874 Liberty Double Eagle, NGC Proof-64 (star) Ultra Cameo;
• 1875 Liberty Double Eagle, PCGS Proof-63 CAC;
• 1911 $20, NGC Proof-66;
• 1912 $20, NGC Proof-67;
• 1925-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, NGC MS-66;
• 1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS MS-65;
• 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 round, PCGS MS-64;
• 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 octagonal, PCGS MS-64;

Highlights of the bank note section of the auction include a 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 2220-F), graded PMG Very Fine-30, and an 1870 $100 Gold National Bank Note, San Francisco Charter #1741, The First National Gold Bank (Fr. 1162), graded PMG Fine 12 Net.

Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.BowersandMerena.com; by e-mail at auction@BowersandMerena.com; by phone at (800) 458-4646 in the U.S. and 1-949-253-0916 outside the U.S.; by fax at 1-949-253-4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Los Angeles ANA 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots and bid in-person at the live auction in Los Angeles in August, or live online through the Bowers and Merena web site where a complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available.

The ANA World’s Fair of Money, August 5 – 9 in the Los Angeles Convention Center Hall A, features more than 1,000 dealers, a Museum Showcase with a special exhibit of national treasures from the Smithsonian Institution, mints from around the world and a variety of educational programs and family activities. For more information, visit www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.

Desirable, Appealing Ancients and World Coins & Paper Money in Official ANA Auction

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) – A wide selection of rare ancient and world coins will be offered in Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® at the Los Angeles Convention Center and online, August 2 – 8, 2009. Ponterio & Associates, Inc., a division of Bowers and Merena, will present the world sessions on Saturday, August 8.

One of the many highlights among the over 1,300 lots of desirable and appealing world coins is a Japanese undated (1860 – 1862) Manen oban (10 Ryo, 112.26 gms) with security edge (Fr. 7; JNDA-09-11; C24a2) in Extremely Fine condition.

“This is a beautiful specimen,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena. “This Manen oban is the only type that was produced using machinery. Prior to this type obans were hand made. The use of obans halted shortly after the time of Commandore Perry forcing Japan to open its trade with the west in the mid 1800s.” (www.BowersandMerena.com).

Two other marquee coins in the ANA auction are a rare Year 3 (1911) “Long Whisker Dragon” Tientsin Mint China Pattern Dollar (L&M-28; Kann-223; KM-Pn-304), graded NGC AU-58, and a Macedonia Mende silver Tetradrachm (16.88 gms) ca. 425 B.C.

“This was struck from the same dies as described in the Noe-ANS Monogram #27 of 1926, “The Mende (Kaliandra) Hoard #70. It has a well struck reverse and nice metal quality with full border on the obverse. It depicts Dionysos ‘Bacchus’ the god of wine and grapes holding a cup of wine while reclining on a donkey,” explained Ponterio.
Among the many other highlights of the auction are:
• Bruttium Caulonia silver Stater ca. 525 – 480 B.C.
• Chile 8 Reales 1849-ML (KM-96.2; EL-103)
• China Pattern Dollar Year 12 (1923) Tientsin Mint, Large Character, NGC MS-65;
• China Pattern Dollar 1910 Tientsin Mint, NGC MS-65;
• China Pattern Dollar 1907 Tientsin Mint, NGC MS-62;
• Great Britain undated (1605 – 1606) Rose Ryal, James I (1603 – 1625), NGC AU-55;
• Great Britain 5 Guineas 1741, George II (1727 – 1760), NGC AU-58;
• Honduras 10 Pesos 1883
• Iran 10 Tomans AH1297 (1880) Tehran Mint, Nasir Al-din Shah AH 1264 – 1313 (1848 – 1896)
• Italy 50 Lire 1911-R “50th Anniversary of the Kingdom,” NGC MS-63;
• Italy 50 Lire 1912-R, NGC MS-62;
• Kingdom of Lydia, Kroisos (561 – 546 B.C.) gold Stater, NGC CH AU;
• Korea 1 Whan Year 502 (1893)
• Mexico Empire of Iturbide 8 Escudos 1822-JIM, NGC AU-55;
• Mexico Carlos & Johanna, Early Series 4 Reales, Assayer R undated (1538), Francisco del Rincón
• Roman Empire, Tiberius (12 – 37 A.D.) gold Aureus, NGC MS;
• Russia, 5 Roubles 1762 St. Petersburg Mint, Catherine II (1762 – 1796), PCGS MS-62;
The auction also will include U.S. coins and U.S. and world bank notes.

Bidding opens in July and pre-auction bids are welcome at www.BowersandMerena.com; by e-mail at auction@BowersandMerena.com; by phone at (800) 458-4646 in the U.S. and 1-949-253-0916 outside the U.S.; by fax at 1-949-253-4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Los Angeles ANA 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614.

Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots and bid in-person at the live auction in Los Angeles in August, or live online through the Bowers and Merena web site where a complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available.

Ponterio & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1982 by renowned specialist in world and ancient numismatics, Richard Ponterio. The company was acquired by Bowers and Merena Auctions in 2008, creating an auction powerhouse that covers the collecting interests of U.S. and international coin and currency enthusiasts. Annual Ponterio auctions include the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair and the New York International Numismatic Convention.

Two Gem $1,000 Canadian Notes Highlight Currency in Official ANA Auction

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) – More than 500 U.S. and world bank notes including two $1,000 Canadian notes will be offered in the Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® conducted by Bowers and Merena Auctions at the Los Angeles, California Convention Center and online, August 2 – 8, 2009.

The two gem condition $1,000 Canada notes are a 1935 (Pick 56, BC-19), graded PMG Gem Uncirculated-65 EPQ, and a low-numbered, 1937 (Pick 65, BC-28), graded PCGS Gem New-65 PPQ.

“The 1937 $1,000 is a tremendously scarce note with a terrific low serial number of A/K0000100. This example shows nice original paper along with stunning color which illuminates the design. The reverse allegorical scene is breathtaking showing a woman with a sword and sheltering a young child,” said Rick Ponterio, Executive Vice President of Bowers and Merena.

Another of the many highlights is an 1870 $100 Gold National Bank Note, San Francisco Charter #1741, The First National Gold Bank (Fr. 1162), graded PMG Fine 12 Net (restorations).

“This classic rarity is one of only eight notes of this type in private hands, and one of three of this Friedberg number. Those others are in strong hands and not likely to become available in the foreseeable future. In fact, only three examples have been offered for public sale in the last decade and the latest example, nearly identical to this one, sold for $258,700 in 2007,” said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena (www.BowersandMerena.com).

“With collectors holding tightly to the others, we’re not sure when there will be another opportunity to acquire such a rare and elusive note.”

Three other 1870 National Gold Bank Charter #1741 notes are also being offered, $5 (Fr. 1136) PMG VF 30, $10 (Fr. 1142) PCGS Apparent VF 30, and $20 (Fr. 1172) PMG Very Good 10 Net.
Other U.S. currency highlights in the auction include:
• Third Issue Spinner 50 Cent Fractional (Fr. 1342), PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated-67 EPQ;
• 1886 $5 Silver Certificate (Fr. 263), PCGS Very Choice New-64 PPQ;
• 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note (Fr. 122), PCGS Gem New-66 PPQ;
• 1928 $1,000 Gold Certificate (Fr. 2408), PMG Very Fine-25;
• 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 2220-F), PMG Very Fine-30;
• 1895 Republic of Hawaii $5 Silver Certificate (Pick 11a), PMG Very Good-8 (margin tears);
• 1880 Kingdom of Hawaii $10 Silver Certificate (Pick 1FP) PMG About Uncirculated-53 (face) and 64 EPQ (back);
• 1976 $2 Federal Reserve (Fr. 1935-D) double print error, PMG Choice Uncirculated-64 EPQ.
Other world currency highlights include:
• Angola, January 1, 1921 1 to 100 Angolares (Pick 55s to 61s), Uncirculated.
• China, Japanese Imperial Government lot of five notes (Pick M1 – M5), Year 12 (1937) 10 Sen to 10 Yen, PMG Extremely Fine to Uncirculated;
• China, Russo-Asiatic Bank 1914 10 Dollars (Pick S487), Fine;
• New Zealand, ND (1956-1957) 50 Pounds (Pick 162), Uncirculated;
• Philippines 1.6.1896 10 Pesos (Pick A8a), Very Good;
• Russia, 1884 100 Rubles (Pick A53), Good/Very Good;
• Western Samoa, July 8,1958 5 Pounds (Pick 9A), Very Fine.

The auction also will include U.S. and world coins.

Bowers and Merena Offers Nearly 2,500 Lots in Baltimore this June

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention Includes Legendary 1876-CC Twenty-Cent Piece with Five-Generation History

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will bring nearly 2,500 lots of fine coins and currency to Baltimore, Md., for the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention scheduled for June 10-13, 2009. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and begins with lot viewing Wednesday, June 10, through Friday, June 12, followed by the three-session auction on Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m. EDT, and Friday, June 12, at 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. EDT.

The standout highlight of the auction is lot 757, an 1876-CC Twenty-Cent Piece in PCGS AU-58 with a fascinating history. Believed to be one of perhaps just 12 to 20 examples known, this specimen was acquired in Virginia City, Nev., by Gold Rush “Forty-Niner” John Seagraves Pick and has been kept in the Pick/Jurgensen family for the last 133 years. As a PCGS AU-58, this important piece is the only circulated 1876-CC Twenty-Cent piece known to PCGS and NGC. It was also previously certified AU-58 by ANACS from a submission that dates to the early 1990s.

The Pick/Jurgensen Specimen appears to have been acquired in circulation by John Seagraves Pick in 1876 and has been passed through five generations of his family, first to his son, John William Pick, who was born in Virginia City in 1872. He then passed it to his daughter, Virginia Pick Jurgensen, who was born in 1904 and survived the San Francisco earthquake when she was just two years old; she kept the coin for 47 years until her death in 1993, when it passed to her son Wilfred Pick Jurgensen. Upon Wilfred’s passing at age 74, the coin passed to his widow, Jean Lorraine Jurgensen, and son, Steven Frederick Jurgensen.

“This is a very special coin and it is an honor to offer it at auction to the numismatic world for the first time ever,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Aside from the awesome rarity of the issue and the exceptional condition of this circulated example, its five-generation history tells a story that is rich with Americana and will be well appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts. The opportunity to acquire an example of the 1876-CC Twenty-Cent piece is infrequent, and the added story behind this particular specimen makes it even more extraordinary and sought after.”

Additional highlights in the Official Baltimore Auction in June include lot 1071, an impressive 1915-S Pan-Pac $50 in Round format in a nicely preserved PCGS MS-64. This is the rarest classic gold Commemorative coin in the finer Mint State grades, with a net mintage of just 483 pieces. As a problem-free 64, the coin offered here is a superior representative of the type.

Also noteworthy is lot 3763, an appealing 1796 Bust Right Ten, BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies, Rarity-4, graded AU-55 by PCGS. The 1796 is much rarer than the 1795 in Mint State, and Choice AUs in 55 and 58 represent the finest that is usually available to advanced gold collectors. With minimal rub to overall sharp features, this piece is solidly graded at the Choice AU level, backed by a PCGS Population of 18 with 22 finer, just 11 of which are Mint State.

Coin highlights include:
Lot 325 1846 Braided Hair Cent. N-22. Rarity-6+. Proof-64 BN (PCGS).
Lot 462 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. Proof-65 BN (NGC). OGH.
Lot 684 1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime. Fortin-101, the only known dies. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 757 1876-CC Twenty-Cent Piece. AU-58 (PCGS).
Lot 773 1859 Seated Liberty Quarter. Briggs 1-B. Type I/II. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 976 1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name on Base. Judd-60 Original, Pollock-65. Rarity-1. Proof-62 (NGC).
Lot 1064 1905 Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 1071 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 1073 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3536 1865 Pattern Seated Liberty Dollar. Judd-434, Pollock-507. Rarity-7-. Proof-64 (PCGS).
Lot 3546 1853 U.S. Assay Office of Gold. $20 Gold. K-18. Rarity-2. 900 THOUS. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3587 1831 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3028. Rarity-4. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 3631 1913 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-66 (PCGS).
Lot 3686 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3035, Miller-4. Rarity-5. AU-55 (PCGS).
Lot 3690 1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3087, Miller-64. Rarity-4+. Small 8. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3706 1847-D Liberty Half Eagle. Winter 17-I. Repunched Date. MS-63 (NGC).
Lot 3763 1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. AU-55 (PCGS).
Lot 3764 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-10, HBCC-3191, Taraszka-22. Rarity-3. Large Stars Obverse. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 3827 1865-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 4018 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-64 (NGC).
Lot 4069 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).
Lot 4084 1926-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).

Currency highlights include:
Lot 2070 Fr. 245. 1891 $2 Silver Certificate. Serial E7. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. Serial #7 Windom Note
Lot 2099 Fr. 1188. 1882 $50 Gold Certificate. PCGS Apparent Very Fine 20. Minor Edge and Internal
Restorations. One of Eight Known Fr. 1188 $50 Gold Certificates
Lot 2112 Fr. 1501*. 1928 $2 Legal Tender Star Note. PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ.
Lot 2151 Fr. 40. 1923 $1 Legal Tender Note. ERROR. Partial Overprint Shift on Face. PCGS About New 50PPQ.
Dramatic Partial Shift Error.
Lot 2172 Pittsburgh, PA. $50 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 664. The Farmers Deposit NB. Charter #(E)685.
PMG NET Fine 12. Repairs.

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 is open late May and 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 June 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Baltimore June 10-12, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction June 11-12, 2009, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena’s auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in June, 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 AUCTIONS TO REOPEN DIRECT BUYING & SELLING DIVISION, BOWERS AND MERENA RARE COIN GALLERIES

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, is reopening its direct buying and selling division under the name Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries. Bowers and Merena Auctions, a Spectrum Numismatics International company, has acquired sister company North American Certified Trading (NACT) and will now offer expanded direct buying and selling of exceptional quality rare coins.

Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries will offer all of the buying and selling functions of NACT, with the added benefit of the auction services that have made Bowers and Merena an industry leader for 25 years. The new company will continue to specialize in coins that help diversify clients’ holdings, while offering superior long-term appreciation potential. In addition, Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries will offer precious metals for clients who wish to diversify their holdings with gold, silver and platinum coins.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for NACT clients as well as Bowers and Merena clients to find the very best fit for their buying and selling needs, whether that is through auction or direct sales,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena Auctions. “We are happy to report to NACT clients joining us at Bowers and Merena that they will be working with their same representatives from NACT who have moved to this new company, so the transition should be seamless and comfortable. They can start enjoying the increased benefits of Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries right away.”

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries and Bowers and Merena Auctions, 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.

Ponterio & Associates, Inc., to Present Nearly 3,000 World Coin and Currency Lots as Official Auctioneer of the Chicago International Coin Fair in Late April

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Auction Will Feature an Exceptional 1925 Poland Second Republic 5 Zlotych, Ex. Farouk Collection, Plus Two Outstanding International Banknote Collections

IRVINE, Calif. – Ponterio & Associates, Inc., a division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, returns to Chicago to present the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair (C.I.C.F.), April 23-25, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill. The auction of close to 3,000 lots will offer an exceptional selection of world coins and currency that spans the globe, including lots from Russia, China, Mexico, Cuba, Australia, Latin America, and more. Lot viewing is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The auction will take place in four sessions: two sessions on Friday, April 24, starting at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and two sessions on Saturday, April 25, starting at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (All times Central Daylight Time.) Complete auction information and catalog are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646 U.S. and +1 949.253.0916 outside the U.S.

The auction will feature a number of important collections and standout highlights that are sure to draw the attention of collectors of all interests. Topping the list is lot 2515, Poland Second Republic, 5 Zlotych, Adoption of the New Constitution, Pattern Struck in Gold, 1925 Arrow Mint Mark at Right Side of Date, Warsaw Mint, Y#17.3a. According to the Parchimowicz catalog of Polish coins, there were a total of no more than four Constitution 5 Zlotych stuck in gold, comprised of three different varieties, including this 81 Pearl. This piece is of the highest rarity and utmost importance with an impeccable and impressive pedigree that includes “The King Farouk Collection” and “The Alicia and Sid Belzberg Collection,” and is purported to be the only gold Constitution in private hands.

The auction is also highlighted by two standout banknote collections. “The J.S. Morgan Collection of Early Russian Banknotes” covers approximately 100 years and features early 19th to early 20th century banknotes. Of special interest is lot 1056, Russia/Imperial, 25 Rubles, 1843, P-A38, Specimen. State Credit Note, Original Documentation Included, About Uncirculated, Extremely Fine. This 25 Rubles note is an unlisted item in the SCWPM and finding another example at a public offering will likely be far too long for any collector to wait. This piece shows with a distinctive appeal exhibiting the vertical format which highlights the long specimen overprint.

Already a spotlight collection for Bowers and Merena Auctions, “The East Bay Collection of International Banknotes” is sure to draw the interest of banknote enthusiasts worldwide in this Ponterio & Associates Chicago auction. “The East Bay Collection” is believed to be the largest collection of international banknotes ever to come to market. Assembled over the course of 40 years by a private collector in Northern California, it originally consisted of more than 30,000 notes representative of over 150 countries. The collection debuted in Bowers and Merena’s October 2008 New York auction with Chinese and related Asian banknotes and Russian and European banknotes. A special highlight in this C.I.C.F. auction is lot 39, Australia, 5 Pounds, 1913, P-5a, Commonwealth of Australia, Fine. The note is signed Collins and Allen and is an early issue that is hard to obtain in any grade.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring such an outstanding selection to our annual Chicago auction, with such strong coin and currency offerings,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Ponterio & Associates. “We have lots in this auction for all interests and all levels of collector, and some truly exceptional highlights that will surely draw attention from bidders worldwide.”

Coin highlights include:
Lot 2140 Caligula & Germanicus, 37-41 A.D. AV Aureus (7.62 gms, Rome Mint ca. 37-38 A.D.), RIC-17; Calico-121;
Cohen-1.
Lot 2191 Brazil. 12,800 Reis (Dobra). 1730-M. Joao V (1706-1750). Fr-55. Gomes-139.05. KM-139. LDMB-286.
Lot 2221 China. 20 Cents. 1912. 23.35 mm, 8.48 gms. Ma-1026. Kann-1551. Pattern Struck in Gold.
Lot 2376 Martinique. 22 Livres (11.67gms). No Date (ca.1802). Fr-2. KM-36; Prid-Fig-22; Gordon-Variety A Punch.
Lot 2761 China. 1/10 Dollar (10 Cents). No Date (1910). Pattern Struck in Silver. KM-Pn250. K-222. MA-27.
Lot 2790 China. Kiangnan. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar). CD 1904. Y-145a.15. MA-259.
Lot 2838 Ecuador. 8 Reales. 1846-GJ. KM-32. Y-12. Seppa-EC-70. Carr-63. El-1. Mintage of only 1,386 pieces. Rare.
Lot 2891 GOLD COAST. 1 Ackey. 1818. KM-9. Vice-3. (Ex. Millennia Collection).
Lot 3224 Mexico, Zacatecas. 8 Reales 1836 Zs OM. “REPBLICA” spelling error instead of “REPUBLICA.” Extremely
rare and thus far unpublished spelling error.

Currency highlights include:
Lot 39  Australia. 5 Pounds, 1913. P-5a. Commonwealth of Australia. Fine. (From the East Bay Collection.)
Lot 52  Australia. 2 Shillings & 6 Pence, 18xx. P-NL. Pick unlisted. Hobart Town in Van Diemen’s Land. Fine.
  (From the East Bay Collection)
Lot 293 China/Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. 100 Dollars, (ND) 1910. P-S466. Harbin Branch. Choice
  Uncirculated.
Lot 295 China/Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. 500 Dollars, (ND) 1910. P-S467. Harbin Branch. Choice
  Uncirculated.
Lot 462 Cuba. 1,000 Pesos, 1944. P-76a. This is a rare issued Silver Certificate note, only priced to Fine in the
  SCWPM. PMG about uncirculated 55.
Lot 870 Mexico. 50 Centavos-1000 Pesos, 18xx. P-S312s-S-319As. Specimens. Banco de Jalisco. Magnificent set
  showcasing a previously unknown 1,000 pesos note. Uncirculated.
Lot 1014 Panama. 1, 5, 10 & 20 Balboas, 1941. P-22-25. An Amazing Rarely Seen set. Very Fine. About Uncirculated.
Lot 1056 Russia/Imperial. 25 Rubles, 1843. P-A38. Specimen. State Credit Note. Original Documentation Included.
  About Uncirculated. Extremely Fine. (From the J.S. Morgan Collection of Early Russian Banknotes)
Lot 1057 Russia/Imperial. 50 Rubles, 1843. P-A39. Specimen. State Credit Note. Original Documentation Included.
  About Uncirculated. Extremely Fine. (From the J.S. Morgan Collection of Early Russian Banknotes)
Lot 1067 Russia/Imperial. 100 Rubles, 1882. P-A53. State Credit Note. Very Fine. (From the J.S. Morgan Collection of
  Early Russian Banknotes)
Lot 1159 Russia/ East Siberia. 5,000 Rubles, 1920. P-S1194b. Siberian Provisional Administration. Very Fine. (From
  the J.S. Morgan Collection of Early Russian Banknotes)
Lot 1427 Zanzibar. 5 Rupees, 1.8.1916. P-2. Very Fine. Only seven known notes of this type. (From the East Bay
  Collection.)
All lots and images in the Ponterio & Associates Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.
Bidding is open now and pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646 U.S. and +1 949.253.0916 outside the U.S.; by fax at +1 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Baltimore March 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, USA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots and bid in-person at the live auction in Chicago April 23-25, or live online through the Bowers and Merena website. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

Ponterio & Associates, Inc., was founded in 1982 by renowned specialist in world and ancient numismatics, Richard Ponterio. The company was acquired by Bowers and Merena Auctions in 2008, creating an auction powerhouse that covers the collecting interests of U.S. and international coin and currency enthusiasts. Annual Ponterio auctions include the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair and the New York International Numismatic Convention.

For more information about Ponterio & Associates Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair in late April, call 800.458.4646 U.S. and +1 949.253.0916 outside the U.S. For media inquiries, ask for executive vice president Richard Ponterio. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Shines in March With Two Standout Auctions

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena’s Official Auctions of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention and the ANA National Money Show Realize Nearly $10.5 Million

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, made an outstanding showing in March with two impressive auction successes. Most recently, Bowers and Merena presented its first Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention for 2009 on March 26-27, continuing their long tenure as official Baltimore auctioneer. The Baltimore auction realized $8,026,977. The Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show held March 12-13 in Portland, Ore., realized $2,468,258, and is the first of Bowers and Merena’s two official auctions for the American Numismatic Association conventions of 2009.

The big winner overall was Baltimore lot 3909 from the Southerly Collection, an outstanding Choice AU 1870-CC Double Eagle Winter 1-A graded AU-55 by NGC. The single highest-graded example of this famous frontier-era rarity known to PCGS and NGC, it realized $414,000 after a session of spirited bidding. Also adding to the great success of the Southerly Collection was the sale of lot 3786, a highly elusive 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-1, HBCC-3175, Taraszka-7, Rarity-5, graded MS-61 by NGC, which realized $149,500. Lot 3783, a 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-1, HBCC-3169, Taraszka-1, Rarity-3+ 13 Leaves in PCGS MS-62, realized $115,000 for the Southerly Collection.

The Essex Collection of Morgan Dollars offered more than 100 breathtaking Morgans and was also extremely successful, topped off by the sale of lot 3328, an 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS-66 in a PCGS Old Green Holder that realized an exceptional $201,250. It was followed by lot 3336, an 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar in PCGS MS-63 that realized $143,750, and lot 3354, an 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS-65 by PCGS and realizing $126,500.

“The Southerly and Essex collections were tremendously popular and highly anticipated among collectors who were able to view highlights at shows across the country,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “They were excellent focal points for our first 2009 official Baltimore auction.”
Bowers and Merena’s Portland ANA auction also had several standout highlight lots, most notably lot 1455, the Pittman Specimen of the Proof 1854 Type II Gold Dollar graded Proof-64 Deep Cameo by PCGS, one of only two examples available for private ownership, which realized $218,500. Lot 1458, a first-rate condition rarity 1855 Type II Gold Dollar graded PCGS MS-67, realized $86,250. Lot 1813, an extraordinary gem 1892 Double Eagle graded MS-66 by NGC and bearing the CAC designation realized $60,950.

“It is a great honor and responsibility to be the official auctioneer for these two important conventions, and we are very pleased with the interest and participation of attendees,” Deeds said. “Even with current economic conditions, I am happy to say there are still very interested and active coin and currency buyers out there.”

Baltimore auction highlights include:
Lot 107 1793 Chain Cent. S-4. Rarity-3+. AMERICA. Periods. EF-45 BN (NGC). $50,600
Lot 173 1864 Indian Cent. L on Ribbon. Snow PR-1. Proof-66 BN (NGC). $97,750
Lot 726 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime. Arrows. EF-45 (PCGS). $41,400
Lot 963 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101. Rarity-5. 15 Stars. F-15 (PCGS). $54,050
Lot 3001 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-24, B-13. Rarity-4. Two Leaves. MS-62 (PCGS). $77,625
Lot 3217 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS). $83,375
Lot 3268 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 DMPL (PCGS). $51,750
Lot 3283 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS). $71,875
Lot 3328 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). OGH. $201,250
Lot 3336 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 (PCGS). $143,750
Lot 3348 1894-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS). $51,750
Lot 3353 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC). $55,200
Lot 3354 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS). $126,500
Lot 3690 1887 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-67 (NGC). $39,100
Lot 3707 1821 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3143, Miller-144. Rarity-6+. AU-55 (NGC). CAC. $97,750
Lot 3783 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3169, Taraszka-1. Rarity-3+. 13 Leaves. MS-62 (PCGS). $115,000
Lot 3785 1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. $97,750
MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 3786 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3175, Taraszka-7. Rarity-5. MS-61 (NGC). $149,500
Lot 3897 1861-S Liberty Double Eagle. A.C. Paquet Reverse. AU-50 (NGC). $64,400
Lot 3909 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A. AU-55 (NGC). $414,000
Lot 3911 1871-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-60 (NGC). $77,625
Lot 3939 1876-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC). $60,375
Lot 3978 1892-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). $46,000
Lot 3979 1893 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-67 (NGC). $69,000
Lot 4013 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-67 * (NGC). $103,500

Portland auction highlights include:
Lot 122 1793 Chain Cent. S-3. Rarity-3-. AMERICA. No Periods. F-12 (PCGS). OGH. $14,950
Lot 131 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-4. Rarity-7. Proof-64 (PCGS). $16,675
Lot 458 1926-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-64 (PCGS). $14,950
Lot 459 1926-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC. $25,300
Lot 1426 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Gold. K-3. Rarity-5. AU-53 (PCGS). $20,700
Lot 1427 Lot of (3) California Gold Rush Mementos from or Related to the S.S. Central America. $37,950
Lot 1455 1854 Gold Dollar. Type II. Proof-64 Deep Cameo (PCGS). $218,500
Lot 1458 1855 Gold Dollar. Type II. MS-67 (PCGS). $86,250
Lot 1471 1842-D Liberty Quarter Eagle. Winter 3-F, the only known dies. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. $23,000
Lot 1503 1908 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $20,700
Lot 1599 1878 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-66 (NGC). $18,975
Lot 1626 1807 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-8, HBCC-3109, Miller-101. Rarity-2. MS-62 (NGC). $12,650
Lot 1688 1908 Indian Half Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). CAC. $14,663
Lot 1726 1858 Liberty Eagle. MS-60 (NGC). $20,125
Lot 1775 1865 Liberty Double Eagle. Misplaced Date. MS-63 * (NGC). $15,238
Lot 1782 1873-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. AU-55 (PCGS). $13,542
Lot 1813 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). CAC. $60,950
Lot 1839 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-63 (NGC). $21,850
Lot 1873 1926-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC). $18,975

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auctions of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention and the ANA National Money Show are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the summer Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, June 9-13. Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Los Angeles will take place August 3-9. Ponterio & Associates will present the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair, April 24-25. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com and catalogs will be available in print and online approximately three to four weeks prior to each auction.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

For more information about Bowers and Merena’s Official Auctions of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention and the Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show in 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.

Bowers and Merena Showcases Two Extraordinary Collections in Baltimore

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in March Includes Choice AU 1870-CC Double Eagle as Part of the Southerly Collection

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, makes its first trip to Baltimore in 2009 for the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention set for March 24-28. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and begins with lot viewing Tuesday, March 24, to Friday, March 27, followed by the three-session auction on Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m. EDT, and Friday, March 27, at noon and again at 6 p.m. EDT.

The auction is highlighted by two standout, multi-million-dollar collections. The Southerly Collection offers a variety of distinguished coins including a top-notch Choice AU 1870-CC Double Eagle as lot 3909. This 1870-CC Winter 1-A is graded AU-55 by NGC and is the single highest-graded example of this famous frontier-era rarity known to PCGS and NGC. Also raising the bar in the Southerly Collection is a highly elusive 1797 Small Eagle Ten. At lot 3786, this 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-1, HBCC-3175, Taraszka-7, Rarity-5, is graded MS-61 by NGC and represents the rarest of only three issues in the Small Eagle Capped Bust Right Ten-Dollar gold series. NGC Census reports just six, with a mere four finer through MS-63. Lot 3785 is a very rare 1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies, Rarity-4, in NGC MS-61, boasting a population of just nine with just six finer through MS-63.

The Essex Collection of Morgan Dollars presents more than 100 breathtaking Morgans, topped off by lot 3328, a legendary 1892-S Morgan Dollar in Gem BU graded MS-66 by PCGS. With additional pedigree notes that include Heritage’s sale of the Gary Wolkwitz Collection in August 2001 (lot 6712), this is an extremely fortunate survivor of the extensive commercial use and widespread melting that claimed the vast majority of these coins. Lot 3217 is a very rare near-Gem 1884-S Morgan Dollar graded MS-64 by PCGS that is solidly in the Condition Census for this issue, with a PCGS Population of just 13 and only three finer. Lot 3283 offers a near-Gem 1889-CC Silver Dollar, the rarest Carson City Mint Morgan.

“We are very pleased to present these two incredible collections in Baltimore along with more than 3,100 great coin and currency lots, right on the heels of our successful Portland ANA auction last week,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Each collection offers a long list of impressive highlights that have already been drawing attention at shows where they have been on display. We are looking forward to some very spirited bidding throughout this auction.”

Auction highlights include:
Lot 107 1793 Chain Cent. S-4. Rarity-3+. AMERICA. Periods. EF-45 BN (NGC).
Lot 110 1793 Wreath Cent. S-8. Rarity-3-. Vine and Bars Edge. MS-62 BN (NGC).
Lot 173 1864 Indian Cent. L on Ribbon. Snow PR-1. Proof-66 BN (NGC).
Lot 726 1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime. Arrows. EF-45 (PCGS).
Lot 963 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101. Rarity-5. 15 Stars. F-15 (PCGS).
Lot 3001 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-24, B-13. Rarity-4. Two Leaves. MS-62 (PCGS).
Lot 3060 1851 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. MS-62 (PCGS).
Lot 3217 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 3268 1887-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 DMPL (PCGS).
Lot 3283 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 3328 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). OGH.
Lot 3336 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 (PCGS).
Lot 3341 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 3348 1894-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 3353 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 3354 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 3392 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 3641 1915 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 3690 1887 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 3707 1821 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3143, Miller-144. Rarity-6+. AU-55 (NGC). CAC.
Lot 3783 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3169, Taraszka-1. Rarity-3+. 13 Leaves. MS-62 (PCGS).
Lot 3785 1796 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 3786 1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3175, Taraszka-7. Rarity-5. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 3897 1861-S Liberty Double Eagle. A.C. Paquet Reverse. AU-50 (NGC).
Lot 3909 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A. AU-55 (NGC).
Lot 3911 1871-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-60 (NGC).
Lot 3939 1876-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 3978 1892-S Liberty Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 3979 1893 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 4013 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-67 * (NGC).

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 is open now and 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 March 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Baltimore March 24-27, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction March 26-27, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 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.

Bowers and Merena Premieres in March as Official ANA Auctioneer for 2009

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Official ANA National Money Show™ Auction in Portland, Ore., is Highlighted by Exceptional 1854 and 1855 Gold Dollars

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, premieres its first of two official American Numismatic Association auctions for 2009 this March. The auction will take place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, and begins with lot viewing Wednesday, March 11, to Friday, March 13, followed by the two-session auction on Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m. PST and Friday, March 13, at 6 p.m. PST.

The top lot in Bowers and Merena's Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show™ is lot 1455, the Pittman Specimen of the Proof 1854 Type II Gold Dollar graded Proof-64 Deep Cameo by PCGS, an extraordinary rarity in the U.S. gold coin series with just four specimens known to exist. Two of the proof 1854 Type II Gold Dollars known are impounded in museum collections, and as such, only two specimens are available for private ownership, including this example being offered in Portland.

“This is one of the most rare and important proof gold offerings of all time from Bowers and Merena Auctions,” said Steve Deeds, president. “The collector who purchases this lot will be joining a highly select group of numismatists. Only a handful of collectors have ever had the opportunity to own a proof 1854 Type II Gold Dollar, and some notably absent from the list of previous owners of these coins are numismatic luminaries such as Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., Floyd T. Starr, Ed Trompeter and Harry W. Bass, Jr. This is a very special coin and quite a pleasure to present it at our first official ANA auction of the year.”

An exciting complement to the 1854 is lot 1458, a jaw-dropping 1855 Type II Gold Dollar, a fresh PCGS MS-67. The coin offered in this lot – an example of the Philadelphia Mint's 1855-dated delivery – ranks high in the Condition Census for not just the issue, but the type as a whole. In fact, this coin is tied with just three other 1855s and a mere two 1854s for highest-graded honors among Type II Gold Dollars that have been submitted to PCGS. “This is a first-rate condition rarity, and a breathtakingly beautiful coin,” said Deeds. “This piece would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet, and to have both of these incredible Gold Dollars in the same auction is really unprecedented.”

Additional auction highlights include lot 15, a complete, high-grade 1883 Proof Set, Indian Cent through Liberty Quarter Eagle, PCGS and NGC-certified. The set includes a beautiful, fully original Proof 1883 Quarter Eagle in PCGS Proof-65 Cameo with a Population of only 3/0. Also impressive is lot 1813, an extraordinary gem 1892 Double Eagle graded
MS-66 by NGC and bearing the CAC designation, a technically sound and visually appealing Condition Census example of this key-date and low-mintage Double Eagle issue.

Auction highlights include:
Lot 14 1883 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 15 A Complete, High-Grade 1883 Proof Set: Indian Cent through Liberty Quarter Eagle. PCGS and NGC-Certified.
Lot 122 1793 Chain Cent. S-3. Rarity-3-. AMERICA. No Periods. F-12 (PCGS). OGH.
Lot 131 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-4. Rarity-7. Proof-64 (PCGS).
Lot 237 1919-S Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).
Lot 441 1918-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 715 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 1023 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC). CAC.
Lot 1101 1887/6 Morgan Silver Dollar. VAM-2. Top 100 Variety. MS-65 DMPL (PCGS).
Lot 1129 1891-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 DMPL (PCGS).
Lot 1180 A Nearly Complete Set of Business-Strike 1878-1921 Morgan Silver Dollars.
Lot 1421 1853 U.S. Assay Office of Gold. $20 Gold. K-18. Rarity-2. 900 THOUS. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 1426 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Gold. K-3. Rarity-5. AU-53 (PCGS).
Lot 1427 Lot of (3) California Gold Rush Mementos from or Related to the S.S. Central America.
Lot 1455 1854 Gold Dollar. Type II. Proof-64 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 1458 1855 Gold Dollar. Type II. MS-67 (PCGS).
Lot 1465 1861 Gold Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1471 1842-D Liberty Quarter Eagle. Winter 3-F, the only known dies. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 1491 1859-D Liberty Quarter Eagle. Winter 21-M, the only known dies. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 1503 1908 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).
Lot 1599 1878 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 1623 1798 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Large Eagle. BD-4, HBCC-3055, Miller-27. Rarity-4+. Large 8, 13-Stars Reverse.
MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 1700 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. AU-58 (NGC). CAC.
Lot 1726 1858 Liberty Eagle. MS-60 (NGC).
Lot 1775 1865 Liberty Double Eagle. Misplaced Date. MS-63 * (NGC).
Lot 1813 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). CAC.
Lot 1838 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-63 (PCGS).
Lot 1839 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-63 (NGC).
Lot 1873 1926-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 1879 1927-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.
Bidding is open now and 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, Portland March 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots in Portland March 11-13, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction March 12-13, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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’s Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show in 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.

Bowers and Merena Auctions Scores Big In January With Their Orlando Rarities Sale and the Ponterio & Associates N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 Sale For a Combined Realization Topping $6.3 Million

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, launched 2009 with two outstanding auctions. The Orlando Rarities Sale held on January 4 prior to the Orlando FUN Convention realized $4,745,806, followed by the Ponterio & Associates, Inc., N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 Auction on January 9 and 10 which realized $1,648,460.

The Orlando spotlight was on Lot 225, a fully complete, exceptionally high-grade set of Business Strike Three-Cent Nickels, PCGS-certified and bearing the CAC designation, which realized $304,750. Comprised exclusively of top-of-the-pop coins, many of which are pop 1/0, this complete set is ranked at the top of the Current-Finest PCGS Registry in the category of Three-Cent Nickels, Circulation Strikes (1865-1889) – a top-ranked Registry Set acquired with a single purchase. Also garnering attention was Lot 1387, a 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle from the Mises Institute Collection, graded MS-63 by PCGS, that realized $287,500; and Lot 1280, a 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-7, HBCC-3188, Taraszka-19, Rarity-3, Small Stars Obverse, graded MS-64 by PCGS and also bearing the CAC designation, which realized $132,250.

“We are very pleased with the results of our Orlando Rarities Sale,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “There were some in the industry who expressed concern about the economy and were unsure what this first major show of the year would bring, but overall attendance was positive and we were happy to present a strong selection of fine rarities that were very well received by our bidders.”

Just days after the Orlando sale, Ponterio & Associates, Inc., presented its first auction since becoming a division of Bowers and Merena in early December 2008, held at the New York International Numismatist Convention. At the top of the highlights list is Lot 945, PERU, 8 Escudos, 1712-M, Fr-7; KM-38.2, ex: “1715 Plate Fleet,” which was recovered on July 31, 1992, by Captain Stephen Shouppe off the coast of Florida near a small cluster of cannons in about 15 feet of water. It realized $32,200, more than double the low estimate, and is considered to be one of the finest known Lima 8 Escudo cobs.

Also noteworthy in the Ponterio N.Y.I.N.C. auction is Lot 802, MEXICO, 8 Escudos, 1714-J, with denomination "VIII" punched over "IIIV," Fr-6; KM-57.3; Cal-143 that realized $23,000; and Lot 503, BRAZIL, 12,800 Reis (Dobra), 1731/0-R. Joao V, 1706-50, Fr-40; KM-140 with unlisted overdate, Gomes-138.09; LDMB-197A, that realized $18,975.

“Ponterio & Associates is pleased to be part of Bowers and Merena and we were very happy with the enhancements they brought to the auction block that made for an even better auction experience for our clients, like live online bidding,” said Rick Ponterio, vice president. “We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with our longstanding Ponterio clients, and also bringing world and ancient coins and paper money to the Bowers and Merena clients in our upcoming auctions.”

Orlando Rarities Sale highlights include:
Lot 225 A Fully Complete, Exceptionally High-Grade Set of Business Strike Three-Cent Nickels. $304,750
PCGS-Certified. CAC.
Lot 316 1914-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 * (NGC). $39,100
Lot 427 1834 Capped Bust Dime. JR-1. Rarity-1. Large 4. MS-68 (NGC). $46,000
Lot 459 1916-D Mercury Dime. MS-65 FB (PCGS). $36,225
Lot 709 1897 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC). $50,600
Lot 927 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC). $83,950
Lot 1056 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-65 (NGC). $103,500
Lot 1094 Undated (Circa 1921-1922) August Bechtler. Restrike $5 Gold. K-30. Rarity-7+. Proof-66 (NGC). $44,275
Lot 1146 1868 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). $43,700
Lot 1149 1898 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-68 Ultra Cameo (NGC). $46,001
Lot 1205 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC). $69,000
Lot 1212 1876 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC). $48,875
Lot 1280 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3188, Taraszka-19. Rarity-3. Small Stars Obverse. $132,250
MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 1285 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3201, Taraszka-31. Rarity-4+. Crosslet 4. MS-63 (NGC). $126,500
Lot 1286 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3201, Taraszka-31. Rarity-4+. Crosslet 4. MS-61 (PCGS). $80,500
Lot 1327 1861 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). $29,900
Lot 1359 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Flat Edge. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. $78,200
Lot 1361 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-65 (PCGS). $36,800
Lot 1387 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS). $287,500
Lot 1394 1925-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). $120,750
Lot 1397 1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). $80,500

Ponterio N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 Auction highlights include:
Lot 502 BRAZIL. 12,800 Reis (Dobra), 1729/8-R. Joao V, 1706-50. Fr-40; KM-140 (unlisted overdate); $10,638
Gomes-138.05; LDMB-195(unlisted overdate).
Lot 503 BRAZIL. 12,800 Reis (Dobra), 1731/0-R. Joao V, 1706-50. Fr-40; KM-140 (unlisted overdate); $18,975
Gomes-138.09; LDMB-197A.
Lot 543 BRAZIL. 10,000 Reis, 1838. Pedro II, 1831-89. Fr-117; KM-451; LDMB-619. RARE. Mintage of only $9,775
482 pieces. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.
Lot 544 BRAZIL. 10,000 Reis, 1848/7. Pedro II, 1831-89. Fr-118; KM-457; LDMB-628. RARE type ALMOST $8,913
UNCIRCULATED.
Lot 667 GUATEMALA. 4 Escudos, 1783-P. Fr-11; KM-39. EXTREMELY RARE three year type. $12,650
NGC certified.
Lot 801 MEXICO. 8 Escudos, 1713-J (oXMJ-VIII). Philip V. Fr-6; KM-57.1. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet." $8,913

Lot 802 MEXICO. 8 Escudos, 1714-J. Denomination "VIII" punched over "IIIV." Fr-6; KM-57.3; Cal-143; $23,000
La Onza-396(plate coin). EX: "1715 Plate Fleet". EX: Schulman 11/72 "Spanish Galleon Treasure" auction.
Lot 803 MEXICO. 8 Escudos, 1714-J (oMJ-VIII). Fr-6; KM-57.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet". $12,650

Lot 811 MEXICO. 8 Escudos, 1747-MF. Fr-13; KM-149. VERY RARE one year type. EX: "Besalu" collection; $18,400
Heritage sale, 5/08, lot #5233 where it hammered $28,000. NGC certified & graded AU-55.
Lot 944 PERU. 8 Escudos, 1710-H. Fr-7; KM-38.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet" recovered from Corrigan's wreck. $17,250

Lot 945 PERU. 8 Escudos, 1712-M. Fr-7; KM-38.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet", recovered July 31, 1992, by Captain $32,200
Stephen Shouppe.
Lot 946 PERU. 8 Escudos, 1712-M. Fr-7; KM-38.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet." $16,100

Lot 947 PERU. 8 Escudos, 1712-M. Fr-7; KM-38.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet". $9,775

Lot 948 PERU. 8 Escudos, 1713/2-M. Fr-7; KM-38.2. EX: "1715 Plate Fleet". $13,800

Lot 1192 BOLIVIA. 8 Soles, 1827-M. KM-unlisted; El-unlisted. $12,075

Lot 2145 STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. 5 Cents, 1920. KM-31. NGC certified & graded MS-65. $14,375

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale and the Ponterio N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 Auction are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the Official Auction of the ANA National Money Show™ in Portland, Ore., March 11-13, and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, March 24-28. Ponterio & Associates will present the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair, April 24-25. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com and catalogs will be available in print and online approximately three to four weeks prior to each auction.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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’s Orlando Rarities Sale and the Ponterio & Associates N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 sale in January, 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 Numismatic Adventure in Asia

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the wonderful aspects of coin and bank note collecting is the opportunity to make friends and conduct business, literally, around the world. Over the decades, Ronald J. Gillio has frequently visited Asia, and is a familiar, friendly "regular" at major numismatic shows in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and elsewhere. Gillio is Numismatic Acquisition Coordinator and World Coin and Currency Specialist for Bowers and Merena Auctions.

This past August, he was in Manila and Hong Kong to attend two important shows on behalf of Bowers and Merena. To the delight of collectors and dealers there, he offered previews of selections from the extraordinary Chinese bank notes collection of renowned researcher and international banker Eduard Kann who passed away in 1962, and previews of the East Bay Collection of International Bank Notes. The unprecedented East Bay Collection is a spectacular compilation of more than 30,000 notes from over 150 countries that now are being offered in a series of public auctions by Bowers and Merena.

"There was big interest in Kann’s paper money collection. He lived and worked in several Asian cities during his career," said Gillio whose overseas visit is credited with attracting more bidders from Hong Kong during the Kann sale and the first East Bay auction. The sale, October 27 – 28, 2008 in New York City, resulted in winnings bids totaling more than $1.1 million for 2,100 notes. The next installment of East Bay Collection notes will be offered by Bowers and Merena in the official auction of the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, March 24 – 28, 2009.

During his 15-day overseas trip, Gillio also talked with collectors and dealers about the expanding world coin services offered by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Long Beach and Santa Clara, California Expos. PCGS and Expos Unlimited are divisions of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT).

At the Bank Note Society of the Philippines (BNSP) show held at the Quezon City Sports Club in Manila, he met with Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Jr.; BNSP President Wilson Que; BNSP Past President Albino M. Quiban, Jr. (a frequent visitor to the Long Beach Expo); and dealers Stephen Fenton of England and Augusto Dragoni of Italy, both frequent Long Beach visitors.

"It was an interesting and impressive show; small in size by U.S. standards, but very, very busy with hundreds of families coming to the show to buy and sell many kinds of collectibles. It was kind of like the ‘old days’ of neighborhood coins shops. Everyone was very friendly, and you can see that collectors in The Philippines enjoy coins of other countries as well as their own," said Gillio.

At the Hong Kong International Coin Show at the Golden Mile Holiday Inn, Gillio had a table to distribute information about Bowers and Merena as well as PCGS brochures and souvenirs, and copies of Long Beach Expo Program Books. Another prominent professional numismatist working hard at the busy table was Ian Hui of John Bull Auctions in Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Escala Group, the parent company of Bowers and Merena.

"This was a large, crowded show and there were a lot of transactions conducted with the public. I’ve been attending Hong Kong shows for more than 30 years, and the activity at this one was certainly in keeping with the tradition of these important, busy shows," said Gillio.

Rare New Discovery 1795 Reeded Edge Cent Realizes $402,500 for Bowers and Merena in Baltimore

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, wraps up 2008 with their final auction of the year, the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention held November 18-22, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center. The auction realized a total of $6,280,880.

The undisputed highlight of the auction was an exciting new discovery coin, lot 1143, an exceedingly rare 1795 S-79 Reeded Edge Liberty Cap Cent, one of just six pieces known to exist and the only example certified by PCGS or NGC. This 1795 S-79, Rarity-7+, Reeded Edge, graded Good-4 by PCGS and mounted in a special PCGS holder that allows easy viewing of the edge, was the subject of very lively floor bidding that brought it to the impressive realized price of $402,500. “The sale of this lot was really one of my favorite auction moments of the year,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “We opened bidding at $70,000 and the floor just took off. It stalled a bit at about $180,000, and then just kept going, and finished with the room erupting in applause – it really was exciting to be there and watch it happen. Everyone involved, including the buyer and consignor, are very pleased with the result, and this is a coin that won’t soon be forgotten.”

Top honors also go to lot 1704, a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel graded MS-67* by NGC that realized $138,000, from the Yankee Collection of Buffalo Nickels. NGC Census shows a population of just two with none finer either with or without a * designation, and PCGS has yet to certify a single example higher than MS-66. Also noteworthy is lot 1137, a 1793 Wreath Cent, S-8, Rarity-3- with Vine and Bars Edge graded MS-63 BN by PCGS, and also possessing the CAC designation, which realized an extraordinary $115,000.

Additional coin and currency highlights include:
Lot 1143 1795 Liberty Cap Cent. S-79. Rarity-7+. Reeded Edge. G-4 (PCGS). $402,500
Lot 1704 1920-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 * (NGC). $138,000
Lot 1137 1793 Wreath Cent. S-8. Rarity-3-. Vine and Bars Edge. MS-63 BN (PCGS). CAC. $115,000
Lot 2016 1841 Seated Liberty Quarter. Briggs 4-B. Proof-61 (PCGS). $92,000
Lot 4641 1907 Indian Eagle. Judd-1774/1901, Pollock-1995. Rarity-3. Wire Rim. MS-65 (NGC). $68,005
Lot 2092 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-66 FH (PCGS). $57,500
Lot 4234 A Complete Set of 1997-W through 2007-W Platinum Eagles. Proof-70 Deep Cameo (PCGS). $52,325
Lot 2442 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). $50,600
Lot 2441 1920-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). $48,300
Lot 6024 Scotland. George III (1760-1820). Glasgow, Lanarkshire. WG & Co. 4 Shillings, 9 Pence $40,250
Counterstamp on a U.S. 1795 Flowing Hair, Two Leaves Silver Dollar. Counterstamp
Undated (1820-1821).
Lot 1167 1856 Braided Hair Cent. N-5. Rarity-5-. Slanted 5. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). CAC. OGH. $37950
Lot 2438 1919 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-67 (PCGS). $32,200
Lot 1717 1924-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC). $31,050
Lot 3044 1925-S Peace Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS). OGH. $29,900
Lot 5466 Fr. 1199. 1913 $50 Gold Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ. $28,175
Lot 5976 Japan. Tokugawa Iyemochi Shogunate (1858-1866). Gold and Silver Oban. Undated $26,450
(Manen Era, 1860-1861). Machine-Made Horizontal Crenulations.
Lot 1978 1942/1-D Mercury Dime. FS-101 (FS-010.8). MS-65 FB (PCGS). $25,875
Lot 5666 Tombstone, AZ. $10 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 628. The FNB. Charter #6439. Fine. $25,875
Lot 1711 1923-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC). $25,300
Lot 1740 1927-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC). $23,000
Lot 2528 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-68 (PCGS). OGH. $23,000
Lot 4314 1827 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3025, the only known dies. $23,000
Rarity-5. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 5388 Fr. 824. 1915 $20 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ. $22,425
Lot 4711 1863 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-61 (NGC). $21,850
Lot 1146 1796 Draped Bust Cent. S-119. Rarity-3. Reverse of 1797. MS-63 BN (PCGS). $21,275
Lot 2444 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS). $21,275
Lot 4457 1802/1 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-4, HBCC-missing, Miller-49. Rarity-7. MS-62 (PCGS). $20,700

Bowers and Merena will continue their longstanding association with the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention into 2009 and beyond with three more official Baltimore auctions in 2009.

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. Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be held January 4, 2009, in Orlando, Fla., prior to the FUN Convention, followed by an online Collector’s Choice Auction based in their Irvine, Calif., headquarters January 26 to February 4. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com and catalogs will be available in print and online by early October.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. Bowers and Merena has handled several of the 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 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’s Orlando Rarities Sale in January Helps to Launch 2009

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include the “Riverside Collection” of 19th Century Proof Type Coins and an Exceedingly Rare Proof 1874 Double Eagle

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, launches the 2009 auction year with the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale on January 4 prior to the FUN Convention. The auction will be held at the International Plaza Resort & Spa in Orlando and begins with lot viewing January 2-4, capped off by the auction on January 4 starting at 4 p.m. EST. Nearly 1,400 rarities will be presented during a single session.

A leading consignment in Bowers and Merena's Orlando Rarities Sale, the Riverside Collection offers an impressive selection of rare, high-quality proof type coins from the mid-to-late 19th century. "It has been quite some time since we have offered such a wide array of 19th century proof type coins in a single sale," stated Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds. "The Riverside Collection includes selections from series as diverse as Shield Nickels and Liberty Double Eagles, the unifying theme being the strong technical merits and fabulous eye appeal that each individual coin possesses.” Most pieces also include a Cameo or Deep/Ultra Cameo designation as part of the grade assigned by PCGS or NGC.

Standouts from the Riverside Collection include lot 250, an enigmatic proof 1867 Rays Shield Nickel rarity, one of the finest examples known of perhaps just 40 to 60 coins believed to exist in all grades, tied for Condition Census #1 and graded by NGC as Proof-66 Cameo. Also noteworthy is lot 978, an exceptionally smooth and attractive 1882 Trade Dollar in Proof-67 Ultra Cameo by NGC. Its NGC Census is just four with a lone Proof-68 UC finer; the finest Deep Cameo specimens known to PCGS grade Proof-66.

Additional auction highlights include lot 1340, an exceedingly rare 1874 Double Eagle in Proof-64 * Ultra Cameo by NGC, bearing the CAC designation. This is the finest example available for private ownership. Only 20 examples were struck, and the total number of survivors is probably fewer than 10 coins, with two of the specimens known to exist permanently impounded in museum collections with the Smithsonian and the American Numismatic Society. PCGS and NGC population data does confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that this awe-inspiring Proof-64 * UC stands as the single finest-certified example of the issue.

Additional highlights include:
Lot 12 1776 Continental Dollar. Breen-1092, Crosby Pl. VIII, 16, Newman 2-C. CURRENCY, Pewter. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 92 1896 Indian Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS).
Lot 250 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 316 1914-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 * (NGC).
Lot 332 1917-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 335 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-016.5. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 338 1918-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC).
Lot 362 1926-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 402 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. LM-4, V-4. Rarity-4. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 427 1834 Capped Bust Dime. JR-1. Rarity-1. Large 4. MS-68 (NGC).
Lot 434 1859-S Seated Liberty Dime. Fortin-101, the only known dies. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 459 1916-D Mercury Dime. MS-65 FB (PCGS).
Lot 502 1806/5 Draped Bust Quarter. B-1. Rarity-2. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 507 1821 Capped Bust Quarter. B-4. Rarity-3. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 623 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-117a. Rarity-4. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 791 1850 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Proof-64 (PCGS).
Lot 799 1865 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 916 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 927 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 932 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 978 1882 Trade Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1054 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-67 (NGC).
Lot 1095 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris. $5 Gold. K-3. Rarity-6. Reeded Edge. No Period after ALLOY. MS-62 (PCGS).
Lot 1118 1807 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3016, the only known dies. Rarity-3. MS-63 (NGC).
Lot 1125 1839-O Classic Quarter Eagle. Winter Variety Two. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 1146 1868 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 1149 1898 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-68 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1205 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1212 1876 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1232 1818 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3131, Miller-125. Rarity-5. 5D Over 50. MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 1278 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-5, HBCC-3173, Taraszka-5. Rarity-5. 13 Leaves. AU-55 (NGC).
Lot 1280 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3188, Taraszka-19. Rarity-3. Small Stars Obverse. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 1285 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3201, Taraszka-31. Rarity-4+. Crosslet 4. MS-63 (NGC).
Lot 1327 1861 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).
Lot 1340 1874 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). CAC.
Lot 1346 1878 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1352 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1353 1896 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 1354 1902 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1356 1906 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1359 MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Flat Edge. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 1387 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).
Lot 1388 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).
Lot 1394 1925-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 1397 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 and 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 Rarities 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots January 2-4, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction January 4, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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’s Orlando Rarities Sale in January, 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’s Orlando Rarities Sale in January Features the “Riverside Collection” Of 19th Century Proof Type Coins

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The entire Riverside Collection consists of:
Lot 250 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 256 1876 Shield Nickel. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 258 1877 Shield Nickel. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 273 1883 Liberty Nickel. No CENTS. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 275 1883 Liberty Nickel. With CENTS. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 285 1896 Liberty Nickel. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 292 1903 Liberty Nickel. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 293 1903 Liberty Nickel--Rotated Reverse--Proof-65 (PCGS).
Lot 297 1910 Liberty Nickel. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 515 1859 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 516 1859 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 518 1860 Seated Liberty Quarter. Type II Obverse. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 519 1860 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 520 1863 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 522 1868 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 531 1882 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 533 1884 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 534 1885 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 535 1886 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 536 1887 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 538 1889 Seated Liberty Quarter. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 543 1892 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 545 1893 Barber Quarter. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 546 1893 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 549 1897 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 552 1900 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 554 1901 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 555 1902 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 557 1905 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 559 1907 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 561 1908 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 (PCGS).
Lot 562 1909 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 563 1909 Barber Quarter. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 566 1911 Barber Quarter. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 567 1911 Barber Quarter. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 568 1912 Barber Quarter. Proof-65 (NGC).
Lot 570 1913 Barber Quarter. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 680 1859 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-65 * Cameo (NGC).
Lot 682 1860 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Type II Reverse. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 685 1862 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 687 1868 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 689 1870 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 692 1872 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-65 * Cameo (NGC).
Lot 694 1873 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. No Arrows. Closed 3. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 696 1873 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Arrows. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 698 1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Arrows. WB-101. Small Arrows. Proof-65 (NGC).
Lot 700 1884 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 701 1885 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 706 1895 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 * Cameo (NGC).
Lot 711 1897 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 712 1897 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 713 1898 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 714 1898 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 717 1899 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 719 1900 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 721 1901 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 724 1904 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-66 (NGC).
Lot 728 1909 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 729 1909 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 730 1910 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 733 1911 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-68 (PCGS).
Lot 734 1911 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 735 1911 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 806 1878 7 Tailfeathers Morgan Silver Dollar. Reverse of 1878. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 817 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 976 1877 Trade Dollar. Proof-67 * (NGC).
Lot 978 1882 Trade Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1109 1872 Gold Dollar. Proof-65 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1111 1876 Gold Dollar. Proof-64 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 1155 1908 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1157 1909 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1159 1910 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1161 1911 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1164 1911-D Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1168 1912 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1171 1913 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1175 1914 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1177 1914-D Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1180 1915 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1183 1925-D Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1186 1926 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1188 1927 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1190 1928 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1192 1929 Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 1203 1860 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1205 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1212 1876 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1346 1878 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1352 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1353 1896 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 1354 1902 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1356 1906 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 1357 1907 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale, including the Riverside Collection, can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.
Bidding is open now and 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 Rarities 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots January 2-4, 2009, and bid in-person at the live auction January 4, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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.

BOWERS AND MERENA JOINS FORCES WITH PONTERIO & ASSOCIATES EXPANDS INTO WORLD COINS AND PAPER MONEY

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, announced today that it had acquired Ponterio & Associates, a 26-year-old firm specializing in ancient and world coins and paper money. The firm’s principals, Rick Ponterio and his sons Kent and Kyle, will be joining the management of Bowers and Merena.

Rick Ponterio, who is 61, is the founder of the firm and one of the top experts in the field of foreign coins. He has been a professional coin dealer since 1973. Rick served on the Board of Directors of the Professional Numismatists Guild for six years and as Secretary for two years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Professional Numismatists for eight years. Kent Ponterio, age 33, is an acclaimed numismatic scholar and writer, having co-authored a book and written numerous articles in the field. He has won twice the “Pradeau Award” from the Sociedad Numismatica de Mexico, the highest award given by that society for the best numismatic article published on Mexican numismatics for the year, and has lectured at the American Numismatist Society COAC conference in New York City. Both Rick and Kent are authentication consultants to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), providing grading services for foreign coins. Kyle, who is 28, has worked with the firm full-time for the past four years.

Greg Roberts, President and CEO of Bowers and Merena’s parent company, commented, “Rick, Kent and Kyle bring unparalleled expertise in the international coin and paper money segment of the business, having conducted more than 146 auctions since the firm’s inception. Bowers and Merena had already begun to enter that market, with the Chirico Collection in February 2008 in Baltimore that realized over $2 million, and the more recent $1.1 million auction of East Bay and Kann Chinese and Russian Currency. With the acquisition of Ponterio, we believe we have positioned Bowers and Merena as the pre-eminent auction house servicing both the U.S. and international coin and currency markets. We are particularly pleased that we have joined forces with two generations of the Ponterio family, and will look to Kent and Kyle to lead the division well into the future.”

Rick Ponterio stated, “I am delighted to be joining the Bowers and Merena team. One of my first initiatives will be to add key world sections to the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention auctions, where Bowers and Merena acts as the official auctioneer. Under the Bowers and Merena umbrella, Kent, Kyle and I will continue to devote ourselves to serving the ancient and world coin market, including conducting our two-day auction at the prestigious annual New York International Numismatic Convention, where many millions of dollars worth of ancient and foreign coins are traded among buyers and sellers from all over the world.”

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's pre-eminent numismatic auctioneer, with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. It has been awarded the prestigious role of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to its continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions, which is held three times per year. Bowers and Merena has handled some of the 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.

Bowers and Merena’s Auction of “The East Bay & Eduard Kann Collections of Chinese, Russian and World Banknotes” Realizes More Than $1.1 Million

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, conducted an auction of exceptional international banknotes in New York City on October 27-28, 2008, compiled of two premier collections, “The East Bay Collection of International Banknotes” and “The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection.” Consisting of more than 2,100 total lots, the auction realized $1,119,585. It was held at the Hilton Times Square, with live auction simulcasts in Hong Kong and Germany. The auction was spearheaded by Bowers and Merena in conjunction with sister companies John Bull Auctions, Ltd., of Hong Kong, and Heinrich Köhler Auktionshaus of Germany.

“This auction put Bowers and Merena on the map for world currency,” said Ron Gillio, Numismatic Acquisition Coordinator and World Coin and Currency specialist for Bowers and Merena Auctions. “It is virtually unprecedented to have two collections of this caliber in one auction, with banknotes not seen on the market for many years. We traveled the world viewing these notes and the interest among collectors was major. And the really great news for collectors is that there is much more ‘East Bay Collection’ to come in future Bowers and Merena auctions.”

“The East Bay Collection” is believed to be the largest collection of international banknotes ever to come to market. Assembled over the course of 40 years by a private collector in Northern California, it consists of more than 30,000 notes representative of over 150 countries. The collection debuted in the October auction with Chinese and related Asian banknotes and Russian and European banknotes, and the next installment of “East Bay” notes is scheduled for Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in March 2009. The “East Bay Collection” was secured by Gillio, who called it “the most comprehensive collection I’ve ever known.”

“The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection” was the exceptional collection of the world's leading authority on Chinese coins and the Chinese monetary system, consisting of more than 500 banknotes. “Kann is very well respected among collectors and several of the Kann lots were sold for well above estimate,” Gillio noted.

Bowers and Merena attributes much of the success of the auction to the availability and ease of bidding options. “As far as we know, Bowers and Merena made history as the first coin and currency auction house to do a double simulcast like this,” Gillio added. “That was important to the success of the auction, that we were able to bring it somewhat locally to worldwide bidders. We had 25 to 30 bidders in the Hong Kong simulcast, most of whom stayed for the entire 10-hour first session, and I’m sure that their presence and spirited live bidding helped to bring record prices for many of the Chinese notes.” This auction was one of only a handful of international currency auctions based in the United States to realize in excess of $1 million.

Auction Highlights
Lot 8 China--Empire. Pair of High Value Ch'ing Dynasty Notes. P-A7a and A8b. $11,500
50,000 and 100,000 Cash, 1857 and 1858. Both EF or better.
Lot 13 China--Empire. Board of Revenue, Highest Values. Lot of 2 notes, P-A12c, A13b. $10,350
10 and 50 Taels, 1855 and 1854.
Lot 19 China--Empire. Imperial Bank of China, Shanghai Branch, 1898 Dollar Issue. $3,738
P-A51a., (S/M #C293-10a.), $1, 1898, Fine.
Lot 43 China--Empire. Republic, Commercial Bank of China, 1913 Provisional Tael Issue. $7,188
P-A133A, 1 Tael, ND (1913-old date 1898), Fine.
Lot 270 People's Republic of China. People's Bank of China, 1949 Issues. 5 Yuan, P-814 $4,600
Unlisted Uniface Specimen face and back, Unc.
Lot 311 People's Republic of China. People's Bank of China, 1950 Issues. 50,000 Yuan, $4,025
P-855, XF+ to AU.
Lot 496 Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. P-S465, 50 Dollars no date (1910). Choice AU. $17,250
Lot 497 Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. P-S465 50 Dollars. VF+. $10,925
Lot 498 Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. P-S466, 100 Dollars no date (1910). EF+. $17,250
Lot 502 Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. P-S482. 50 Gold Fen=5 Chyon. About Fine. $19,550
Lot 503 Foreign Banks. Russo-Asiatic Bank. P-S483. 100 Gold Fen=10 Chyon. VG-F. $26,450
Lot 568 Provincial Banks. Lot of Four Notes, Various Issuers. $4,888
Lot 655 Provincial Banks. Lot of 5 Notes, Various Issuers. $18,400
Lot 772 Provincial Banks. The Yunnan Fu-Tien Bank. Lot of 3 notes. $26,450
Lot 906 Private, Local and Misc. Banks and Issuers. Weig Feng Official Bureau Early $10,063
Banknote. No Place Name, 1857, 200 Cash, P-NL, Fine.
Lot 914 Private, Local and Misc. Banks and Issuers. Emperor Hsien Feng Era Bank Issue $5,175
Note. 1861, 100 Tiao. VG.
Lot 930 Private, Local and Misc. Banks and Issuers. Private Companies, Commercial Trade $5,463
Associations and Exchange Notes Assortment. Lot of 6 items, mostly ca. 1920-1940s.
Lot 2115 North Caucasus. Kislovodsk Branch, Government Bank, Piatigorsk-Batalpashchinsk $2,875
Company, Independent Army, 1918 Guaranteed Checks Issue. Lot of 2, both 1918.
Lot 2181 Siberia & Urals. 1918-1920 5% Government Debenture Obligations. Specimen $7,188
Banknote, 1920, 5,000 Rubles, P-S870As. CU.
Lot 2286 East Siberia. Government of the Russian Eastern Border Regions, Siberian Provisional $24,150
Administration, 1920 Treasury Tokens Issue. 1920. 25 Rubles, P-S1189. AU to Unc.
Lot 2289 East Siberia. Siberian Provisional Administration, 1920 Treasury Tokens Issue. $11,500
Proof banknote, 1920, 1000 Rubles, P-S1193c Unlisted Proof. XF+.
Lot 2290 East Siberia. Siberian Provisional Administration, 1920 Treasury Tokens Issue. $13,800
Proof banknote, 1920, 1,000 Rubles, P-S1193b. AU
Lot 2499 Imperial Russia. Custody Treasury and State Loan Bank Credit Notes. 1876, $14,950
25 Rubles, P-A45A. VG+.
Lot 2519 Imperial Russia. State Bank Metal Deposit Receipts Specimen Banknote Set. $69,000
1895 State Bank Metal Deposit Receipts Specimen Banknote Set
Lot 2659 U.S.S.R. State Currency Notes, 1926; 1928 Issue. Unc. to CU. $5,175
Lot 2903 Netherlands Indies. 1901 300 Gulden. De Javasche Bank. Specimen. Unc. $2,760

Prices realized for all lots in Bowers and Merena’s Auction of “The East Bay & Eduard Kann Collections of Chinese, Russian and World Banknotes” are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be The Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention held November 18-22, 2008. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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 Auctions and “The East Bay Collection” and “The Eduard Kann Collection,” 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’s Big Finish for 2008 Brings More than 4,300 Lots to the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Exceptional 1870-CC Double Eagle Rarity and One of the Two Highest-Graded 1802 Quarter Eagles, Along With a New Discovery 1795 Reeded Edge Cent

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, finishes strong for 2008 as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention for the third time this year, with their upcoming auction scheduled for November 18-22, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Bowers and Merena will continue their longstanding association with the convention into 2009 and beyond with three more official Baltimore auctions in 2009. This November auction will present more than 4,300 coin and currency lots during five sessions.

Leading the way is an exceptionally attractive Double Eagle rarity at lot 4723, an 1870-CC $20 Winter 1-A in NGC EF-45. Rivaling only the 1870-CC Eagle for this honor, the 1870-CC is widely regarded as the rarest gold coin struck in the Carson City Mint. Federal records indicate that only 3,789 Double Eagles were struck in the Carson City Mint during 1870, and virtually all of those coins have since been lost. At the Choice EF level, the coin offered here qualifies as Condition Census for this rare and extremely challenging issue. “This is really a very appealing example of the issue and a coin that is destined for inclusion in the finest collection of CC-mint and/or Liberty gold coinage,” notes Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “The surfaces are among the most appealing that we have ever seen for a '70-CC Twenty, very impressive.” NGC Census is 7, with 5 finer through AU-55; the corresponding PCGS population is 11 with 5 finer through AU-53.

An exciting new discovery coin is found at lot 1143, an exceedingly rare 1795 S-79 Reeded Edge Liberty Cap Cent, one of just six pieces known to exist and the only example certified by PCGS or NGC. This 1795 S-79, Rarity-7+, Reeded Edge is graded Good-4 by PCGS and is mounted in a special PCGS holder that allows easy viewing of the edge, where the all-important reeding is easily seen. One of the most important large Cents of any type, date or variety ever offered by Bowers and Merena, this coin is sure to command a strong price from dedicated early Copper collectors. “This is really a unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest large cents ever minted,” Deeds said.

One of the two highest-graded 1802 Quarter Eagles draws attention at lot 4309, an 1802/'1' Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, BD-3, HBCC-3009, Rarity-5, in MS-65 by NGC. NGC Census on this visually impressive example of the issue is just 2 and none are finer, with the highest-graded examples known to PCGS being MS-63s.

Currency enthusiasts will be treated to an exceptional selection of more than 800 lots. Topping the list is lot 5451, an important and finest known Fr. 1179 $20 Technicolor. This remarkable note, Fr. 1179, 1905 $20 Gold Certificate, PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ, enjoys a PMG population of just 1, none finer, with PMG grading only two 66s and the finest PCGS grade being a 64. The note itself has amazing color and eye appeal.

Additional coin highlights include:
Lot 1137 1793 Wreath Cent. S-8. Rarity-3-. Vine and Bars Edge. MS-63 BN (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 1143 1795 Liberty Cap Cent. S-79. Rarity-7+. Reeded Edge. G-4 (PCGS).
Lot 1147 1799/8 Draped Bust Cent. S-188. Rarity-4. VF-25 (PCGS). OGH.
Lot 1167 1856 Braided Hair Cent. N-5. Rarity-5-. Slanted 5. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). CAC. OGH.
Lot 1704 1920-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 * (NGC).
Lot 1711 1923-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC).
Lot 1743 1927-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 * (NGC).
Lot 2016 1841 25C PR61 PCGS
Lot 2067 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-65 FH (PCGS).
Lot 2092 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-66 FH (PCGS).
Lot 2396 1897 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 2441 1920-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 2442 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 2627 1799/8 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-141, B-3. Rarity-3. 15-Stars Reverse. MS-62 (NGC).
Lot 2648 1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Below Base. Judd-58 Restrike, Pollock-61. Rarity-6-. Proof-63 (NGC).
Lot 3115 1882 Trade Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 4303 1881 Gold Dollar. MS-69 (NGC).
Lot 4309 1802/'1' Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3009. Rarity-5. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 4632 1903 Liberty Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 4723 1870-CC $20 EF45 NGC
Lot 5868 China. Republic (1911-). Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. Giorgi. Year 3 (1914).
Lot 5976 Japan. Tokugawa Iyemochi Shogunate (1858-1866). Gold and Silver Oban. Undated (Manen Era,
1860-1861). Machine-Made Horizontal Crenulations.
Lot 6024 Scotland. George III (1760-1820). Glasgow, Lanarkshire. WG & Co. 4 Shillings, 9 Pence
Counterstamp on a U.S. 1795 Flowing Hair, Two Leaves Silver Dollar. Counterstamp Undated (1820-1821)

Additional currency highlights include:
Lot 5315 Fr. 263. 1886 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Apparent Gem New 65.
Lot 5328 Fr. 282. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ.
Lot 5338 Fr. 1188. 1882 $50 Gold Certificate. PCGS Apparent Very Fine 20.
Lot 5374 Lot of (4) Fr. 752. 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note. Cut Sheet. PMG 64 & 66EPQ.
Lot 5383 Fr. 768. 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Choice New 63PPQ.
Lot 5388 Fr. 824. 1915 $20 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Lot 5423 Fr. 1072b. 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note. Red Seal. PCGS Extremely Fine 40PPQ.
Lot 5451 Fr. 1179. 1905 $20 Gold Certificate. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ.
Lot 5463 Fr. 301. 1891 $10 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Lot 5466 Fr. 1199. 1913 $50 Gold Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Lot 5550 Fr. 1951-A*. 1928A $5 Federal Reserve Star Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ
Lot 5580 Fr. 2202-B. 1934A $500 Federal Reserve Notes. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64EPQ (1)/PMG Choice
Uncirculated 63 EPQ (2)/PMG About Uncirculated 55EPQ (4).
Lot 5619 Fr. 2400. 1928 $10 Gold Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ
Lot 5666 Tombstone, AZ. $10 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 628. The FNB. Charter #6439. Fine.
Lot 5788 Wheeling, WV. $1 Original Series. Fr. 380. The FNB. Charter #360. Very Fine.

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-November. 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 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots and bid in-person at the live auction November 18-22, 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 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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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.

1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Piece Realizes $460,000 in Bowers and Merena’s Beverly Hills Rarities Sale, Pushing Total Auction Sales Over $3.3 Million

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, hosted their Beverly Hills Rarities Sale on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at The Tower Beverly Hills. The 933-lot auction of high-end rarities realized a total of $3,317,135.

The spotlight of the auction was on the new discovery 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold piece of the Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS (K-5, Rarity-5) variety graded MS-65 * by NGC that realized $460,000 after an excited round of bidding. Prior to the auction, NGC chairman Mark Salzburg called it “the most memorable coin I have graded all year.” It is the only Humbert gold coin of any denomination with an NGC grade of MS-65 *, and no Humbert gold coins of any denomination or variety have been graded finer than MS-65 at either PCGS or NGC.

“A new discovery piece the caliber of this Humbert is so special and rare that I can think of only a very few in this league that I have come across in my 40-year span in the business,” said Steve Deeds, president. “It is very exciting to be able to present a coin like this to the world of collectors who will appreciate it for its history and value to the numismatic community. This is a showcase piece for its new owner and one that will be remembered for years to come.”

Also at the top of the list is an impressive near-Mint preservation 1859-O Liberty Double Eagle, Winter Variety One, the only known dies, from the Centennial Collection and graded AU-58 by NGC that realized $97,750. The 1859-O is a leading rarity in the New Orleans Mint Double Eagle series. A mere 75-85 pieces are believed extant in all grades – a total that confirms the 1859-O as rarer than all other O-mint coins of this denomination with the exception of the 1854-O, 1855-O, and 1856-O. The ‘59-O is equally as elusive as the lower-mintage ‘79-O of the Type III design.

Following close behind the 1859-O is an 1854 Liberty Double Eagle, Large Date in NGC MS-64, also from the Centennial Collection, that realized $96,600. An elusive variety in all grades, this extraordinary representative is among the finest known with a combined PCGS and NGC Population of just 3, and none are finer at either service.

Also notable is a 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial, Proof-65 (NGC), which realized $86,250. This coin is listed as the No. 8 specimen in the Breen/Swiatek reference, which means that it was initially presented to Juliette May Fraser, a native of Honolulu who is credited with sketching the design for the Hawaiian Commemorative Half Dollar. In addition to the impressive pedigree, the coin was accompanied by numerous supporting items and documents that further enhanced its importance.

Auction Highlights:
Lot 49 1895 Indian Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS). $36,800
Lot 120 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC. OGH. $41,975
Lot 168 1931-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 (PCGS). $63,250
Lot 201 1840-O Seated Liberty Dime. No Drapery. Greer-102. Small O. MS-65 (NGC). $46,000
Lot 207 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime. Arrows. AU-55 (NGC). $40,250
Lot 295 1928-S Standing Liberty Quarter. Large S. MS-68 FH (NGC). $29,900
Lot 379 1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. Large Eagle. BB-105. B-23. Rarity-3. Pointed 9, Wide Date. $43,700
MS-62 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 555 1924 Peace Silver Dollar. MS-68 (NGC). $28,750
Lot 619 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial. Proof-65 (NGC). $86,250
Lot 681 1851 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-5. Rarity-5-. Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS. MS-65 * (NGC). $460,000
Lot 708 1804 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3011. Rarity-4. 14-Star Reverse. $63,250
MS-62 (PCGS). CAC.
Lot 764 1893 Liberty Half Eagle. MS-68 (PCGS). $51,750
Lot 822 1852 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS). $35,650
Lot 829 1853-O Liberty Double Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. MS-61 (NGC). $39,790
Lot 831 1854 Liberty Double Eagle. Large Date. MS-64 (NGC). $96,600
Lot 835 1856 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-63 (NGC). $30,475
Lot 845 1859-O Liberty Double Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. AU-58 (NGC). $97,750
Lot 919 1924-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC). $37,375

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Beverly Hills Rarities Sale are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be held October 27-28 in New York City with simulcast auction rooms in Hong Kong and Germany, featuring two premier collections of Chinese, Russian and World banknotes, “The East Bay Collection of International Banknotes” and “The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection.” The auction will be spearheaded by Bowers and Merena in conjunction with sister companies John Bull Auctions, Ltd., of Hong Kong, and Heinrich Köhler Auktionshaus of Germany. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com and catalogs will be available in print and online by early October.

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. They have been awarded the prestigious honor of Official Auctioneer for the 2009 American Numismatic Association Conventions in Portland and Los Angeles, in addition to their continued service as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions three times every year. 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 Auctions and the Beverly Hills 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 Present “The East Bay & Eduard Kann Collections of Chinese, Russian and World Banknotes” in October

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Auction Features Two Outstanding Collections, “The East Bay Collection of International Banknotes” and “The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection”

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will conduct an auction of exceptional international banknotes in New York City on October 27-28, 2008, with lot viewing at the auction site October 25-28. The auction is compiled of two premier collections, “The East Bay Collection of International Banknotes” and “The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection,” consisting of more than 2,000 total lots. It will be held at the Hilton Times Square, with live auction simulcasts at the John Bull Auctions offices in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, and the Heinrich Köhler Auktionshaus offices in Wiesbaden, Germany. Pre-auction lot viewing will be available in multiple locations around the world, including California, Germany and Hong Kong, as well as at the Maastricht Paper Money Show in the Netherlands, the PCDA Paper Money Convention in St. Louis, Mo., and prior to the auction in New York. The auction will be spearheaded by Bowers and Merena in conjunction with sister companies John Bull Auctions, Ltd., of Hong Kong, and Heinrich Köhler Auktionshaus of Germany. Complete lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

“The East Bay Collection” is believed to be the largest collection of international banknotes ever to come to market. Assembled over the course of 40 years by a private collector in Northern California, it consists of more than 30,000 notes representative of over 150 countries. The entire collection will be auctioned over the coming year in multiple auctions around the world, debuting in this October auction with Chinese and related Asian banknotes and Russian and European banknotes.

“The East Bay Collection” was secured by Ronald J. Gillio, numismatic acquisition coordinator for Bowers and Merena Auctions and world coin and banknote specialist. “The scope of this collection is absolutely wonderful in both quantity and quality, and without question the most comprehensive collection I’ve ever known,” said Gillio. “The Russia and China sections constitute by far the strongest groupings of the collection,” he added. There are approximately 2,800 Chinese banknotes and 2,500 Russian banknotes included in the collection.

Neil Shafer, internationally renowned world paper money expert and author, had the opportunity to view “The East Bay Collection” banknotes while in California cataloging the Kann Chinese banknotes for Bowers and Merena. He too marveled at the extent of “The East Bay Collection.” “This collection of world paper money is by all standards one of the best ever formed. There are a decent number of them that I had never seen before, and the Russian group is among the best collections ever formed of the earlier issues,” Shafer said. Notes in “The East Bay Collection” have been graded by PMG, a respected third party grader.

Gillio noted that the Russian selection is highlighted by a full set of “State Bank Metal Deposit Receipts” from 1895 Issue (Pick A71-A77) consisting of seven notes: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Rubles. “Less than 10 sets are known making this an extremely rare and desirable item,” he said.

Also featured in “The East Bay Collection” is a large group of Korean and other Asian banknotes; a New Caledonia 1000 Francs World War II issue; and a rare early 19th century British Guiana 100 Dollar (Pick PS113), among other European notes too numerous to mention. In addition to the October Chinese and Russian auction, these and other world notes, including those from Central America, South America and the United States, are to be offered in future auctions, including this November at Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention. Interested collectors should visit www.bowersandmerena.com for the most up-to-date information and announcements, or call 800.458.4646 for more information.

“The Eduard Kann Chinese Banknote Collection” is the exceptional collection of the world's leading authority on Chinese coins and the Chinese monetary system, consisting of more than 500 bank notes and highlighted by a complete set of Russo-Asiatic Bank, Kuld’Sha Chuguchak & Kashgar Branch 1913-1917 Gold Fen Issues 1, 2, 10, 50 and 100 (Pick 479-483).

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.

Bowers and Merena to Present More Than 900 Coin Rarities in Beverly Hills on September 13

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Extraordinary Gem 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Piece, the Only Humbert Gold Coin of Any Denomination or Variety Graded MS-65 * by NGC

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will host their Beverly Hills Rarities Sale on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at The Tower Beverly Hills, prior to the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo. Lot viewing for the entire auction is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, September 11-13. The catalog includes more than 900 exceptional coin rarities

Topping the list of highlights is a very special new discovery, Lot 681, an August Humbert, $50 Gold piece of the Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS (K-5, Rarity-5) variety graded MS-65 * by NGC. It is the only Humbert gold coin of any denomination with an NGC grade of MS-65 *. No Humbert gold coins of any denomination or variety have been graded finer than MS-65 at either PCGS or NGC. “This was the most memorable coin I have graded all year,” said Mark Salzberg, NGC chairman.

A legendary Gem Mint State 1893-S Morgan also stands out as Lot 497. Certified by NGC, and described in the catalog as “a solidly graded MS-65,” this important piece has a combined PCGS and NGC population of just 7/3. With just 100,000 pieces produced, the 1893-S has the lowest business strike mintage in the entire Morgan Dollar series (discounting the unknown 1895).

Also worthy of special mention is Lot 850, an 1861-S Liberty Double Eagle, Paquet Reverse, in NGC AU-55. It is the rarest Type I Double Eagle struck in the San Francisco Mint with just 19,250 examples released and only 90 to 100 coins believed to exist today, not a single one of which is Mint State. It is also rarer than all other Type I Twenties with the exception of the 1854-O, 1855-O, 1856-O, 1859-O and 1860-O. The NGC Census is 12 with 10 finer, the finest of which grade AU-58. There are also no Uncs known to PCGS.

“This is a great selection of coins and this new discovery Humbert is one that will be remembered and talked about for years to come,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “I’ve been in this business for 40-plus years now and I know that finds of this magnitude are rare.”

Auction Highlights:
Lot 27  1864 Indian Cent. L on Ribbon. Snow PR-1. Proof-64 BN (PCGS).
Lot 29  1867 Indian Cent. Proof-67 * RD Cameo (NGC).
Lot 35  1869 Indian Cent. Proof-67 * RD (NGC).
Lot 49  1895 Indian Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS).
Lot 53  1896 Indian Cent. MS-68 RD (NGC).
Lot 156  1919 Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 (PCGS).
Lot 162  1928-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC).
Lot 168  1931-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-67 (PCGS).
Lot 129  1885 Liberty Nickel. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 120  1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC. OGH.
Lot 233  1916-D Mercury Dime. MS-65 FB (PCGS).
Lot 201  1840-O Seated Liberty Dime. No Drapery. Greer-102. Small O. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 258  1898 Barber Quarter. Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 414  1880 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC). CAC.
Lot 497  1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 555  1924 Peace Silver Dollar. MS-68 (NGC).
Lot 619  1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial. Proof-65 (NGC). OH.
Lot 681  1851 Augustus Humbert. $50 Gold. K-5. Rarity-5-. Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS. MS-65 * (NGC).
Lot 696  1854 Gold Dollar. Type II. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. OGH.
Lot 764  1893 Liberty Half Eagle. MS-68 (PCGS).
Lot 792  1797 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Large Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3178, Taraszka-11. Rarity-5. MS-61 (NGC).
Lot 845  1859-O Liberty Double Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 847  1860-O Liberty Double Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 850  1861-S Liberty Double Eagle. Paquet Reverse. AU-55 (NGC).

The Bowers and Merena Beverly Hills Rarities Sale will take place September 13 at The Tower Beverly Hills, featuring more than 900 extraordinary coin lots. The complete auction and lot viewing schedule as well as the catalog in its entirety are available on the Bowers and Merena website at www.bowersandmerena.com, and interested bidders are also invited to request a printed catalog 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.

Bowers and Merena to Auction Extraordinary Gem 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Piece in September

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Highest Graded Mint State Humbert Gold Coin of Any Denomination or Variety Graded MS-65 * by NGC

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, will auction an extremely rare and exceptional 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Piece at their Beverly Hills Rarities Sale on Saturday, September 13, 2008, at The Tower Beverly Hills, prior to the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo. Lot viewing for the entire auction is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, September 11-13.

The coin, cataloged as August Humbert. $50 Gold. Reeded Edge. K-5. Rarity-5. 880 THOUS. MS-65 * (NGC), boasts a combined PCGS and NGC Population (1851 $50 Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS variety only) of just 1; 0 finer.

“This coin is a new discovery that has never been available for sale to our knowledge,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “The rarity, the quality, the history – it all adds up to make this one spectacular coin of the caliber that even the most experienced numismatists only see a few times in a lifetime. This coin is one of the high points of the year at Bowers and Merena and we know it is going to a cause a big buzz for our September Beverly Hills Rarities Sale.”

Fewer than 100 August Humbert Fifty-Dollar gold coins of all varieties have been certified as Mint State by PCGS and NGC, and the actual number of individual coins is probably only 60-70 pieces considering resubmissions of the same example(s) in attempts to secure a higher grade. Most of those coins, while strictly Mint State in that their surfaces are free of wear, are confined to lower grades through MS-63. Distracting abrasions (some severe) bear much of the blame for this grade distribution, but subdued, lackluster surfaces are also seen quite frequently. Given the rustic conditions under which it was created, the strained economic conditions of Gold Rush California, and the various standards of numismatic conservation that have existed over the years, this Gem 1851 880 THOUS Humbert Fifty offered by Bowers and Merena should not exist.

“This was the most memorable coin I have graded all year, a true pleasure to see such an original coin with original luster,” said Mark Salzberg, NGC chairman. “It is definitely destined to be a centerpiece coin for the finest collection.”

This impressive and rare Augustus Humbert $50 Gold Piece will be offered for auction in Bowers and Merena’s Beverly Hills Rarities Sale on September 13 alongside more than 900 other extraordinary coin lots. The complete auction and lot viewing schedule as well as the catalog in its entirety will be available on the Bowers and Merena website at www.bowersandmerena.com, and interested bidders are also invited to request a printed catalog by calling 800-458-4646.

For more information about Bowers and Merena Auctions and the 1851 Humbert $50 Gold Piece, 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 Realizes More Than $4.4 Million at Baltimore Rarities Sale Prior to ANA World’s Fair of Money

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Top Coin and Currency Honors Go to 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel in PCGS MS-64 at $155,250, and 1928 $500 PMG Gem 65EPQ Uncirculated Gold Certificate at $97,750

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, hosted their Baltimore Rarities Sale on July 26, 2008, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, just prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money. The auction presented approximately 1,100 coin and 200 currency lots and realized a total of $4,427,243.

Earning top dollar was Lot 384, a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, FS-016.5, graded MS-64 by PCGS that realized $155,250. A major condition rarity, this near-Gem is easily among the finest-known survivors of the variety, with a PCGS Population of 31 and a mere three finer in MS-65. Lot 1093, a 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-8, HBCC-3041, Miller-10, Rarity-5+, graded MS-63 PL by NGC, realized $146,625. Described as “a really a nice coin” and a rarer die pairing of this historically significant and extremely popular federal gold issue, it is one of only four in the NGC Census, and a mere two finer with a PL designation as part of the grade. Also notable was Lot 1014, a 1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3002, Rarity-4, No Stars in NGC AU-53 that realized $109,250.

Currency was also in the spotlight, with Lot 164, Fr. 2407, 1928 $500 Gold Certificate, PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ realizing a very impressive $97,750. Truly Uncirculated $500 1928 Gold Certificates are rare, with only three of this number certified at the "65" level, and only a single example has ever earned a certification any higher from PMG, making this specimen an extremely scarce item in a superior grade attested to by PMG.

“Our Baltimore Rarities Sale came right on the heels of our Official Baltimore auction in June, which brings our total for the past two months to almost $10.7 million,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “Both auctions were very active and both conventions have been busy and productive, as well, and I’m happy to see such prosperity and enthusiasm within the industry.”

Additional coin highlights include:
164 Fr. 2407 1928 $500 Gold Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ. $97,750
356 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). OGH (Old Green Holder). $52,900
357 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). $46,000
438 1805 Draped Bust Dime. JR-2. Rarity-2. 4 Berries. MS-65 (NGC). $36,800
683 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-64 (NGC). $45,425
717 1841 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. MS-64 (NGC). CAC. $39,100
815 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 (PCGS). $75,900
1086 1885 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. $57,500
1094 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-8, HBCC-3041, Miller-10. Rarity-5+. $62,100
AU-55 (PCGS). OGH (Old Green Holder).
1095 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3033, Miller-2. Rarity-3+. $59,800
AU-55 (PCGS).
1105 1825/'1' Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3147, Miller-149. Rarity-5+. AU-58 (NGC). $42,550
1275 1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $87,400
1279 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS). $69,000
1299 1927-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC. $40,825
1302 1931-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS). $92,000

Additional currency highlights include:
50 Lot of (2) Fr. 93 1862 $10 Legal Tender Notes. Consecutive Pair. PCGS About New $13,800
50PPQ & Choice About New 55PPQ.
60 Fr. 224. 1896 $1 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $9,545
71 Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 66PPQ. $14,375
93 Fr. 364. 1891 $5 Treasury Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $12,650
94 Fr. 370. 1891 $10 Treasury Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ. $14,375
102 Fr. 753. 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ. $13,800
161 Fr. 2309*. 1934A $10 Silver Certificate Star Note. North Africa. PCGS Gem New 66PPQ. $6,038
170 Live Oak, FL. $10 1882 Value Back. Fr. 577. The FNB. Charter #(S)6055. Very Good. $8,913
185 Boston, MA. $2 Original Series. Fr. 387. The National Eagle Bank. Charter #993. PMG Very Fine 25. $8,050

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Baltimore Rarities Sale are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Bowers and Merena’s next two auctions will be held in September prior to the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo. The Beverly Hills Rarities Sale will be Saturday, September 13, at The Tower Beverly Hills, with lot viewing September 11-13. The Collector’s Choice Auction will be conducted on the Bowers and Merena website September 8-17, with lot viewing by appointment at their Irvine headquarters. Catalogs will be available by late August, and interested bidders are invited to visit www.bowersandmerena.com for complete auction and lot viewing schedules, or call 800.458.4646 to speak to a representative.

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 Baltimore Rarities Sale or future auctions, 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 Present Nearly 1,300 Lots at Baltimore Rarities Sale Prior to ANA World’s Fair Of Money

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Extraordinary 1866-S No Motto Liberty Double Eagle in NGC MS-60 and
Elusive 1808 Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagle in NGC MS-61

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, will host their Baltimore Rarities Sale in July at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, just prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money. The auction of nearly 1,300 lots will be presented on Saturday, July 26, with lot viewing scheduled for Thursday to Saturday, July 24-26, and lot pick-up on Sunday, July 27. The catalog includes approximately 1,100 coin and 200 currency lots.

At the top of the highlights list is an impressive 1866-S No Motto Liberty Double Eagle graded MS-60 by NGC. It is described as a High Condition Census example, one of only three Mint State examples known to PCGS and NGC, and the type of Mint State rarity that is not often available to collectors for purchase. Although Winter and Crum were unaware of any Mint State examples of the 1866-S No Motto in numismatic circles, PCGS and NGC have since certified a few coins at that level. The total is limited to just three pieces, however, the finest of which grades only MS-61. Clearly a very rare coin from both absolute and condition standpoints, the BU example that Bowers and Merena is offering represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced collector of 19th century U.S. gold coinage.

Additional highlights of note include an 1808 Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagle, BD-1, HBCC-3017, the only known dies, Rarity-4, graded MS-61 by NGC. This is an elusive and significant One-Year Type, one of no more than 150 Capped Bust Left Quarter Eagles that are estimated to remain to meet the demand of both early gold specialists and type collectors, the latter group, in particular, representing an ever-growing segment of the numismatic market. Also, notable is a lovely prooflike 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-8, HBCC-3041, Miller-10, Rarity-5+, graded MS-63 PL by NGC, a nice coin, and a rarer die pairing of this historically significant and extremely popular federal gold issue.

“Bowers and Merena just returned from a very successful June auction in Baltimore where we realized over $6.2 million, and there was already a lot of talk and enthusiasm among attendees to return to Baltimore in July,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “We have a fantastic selection of very special coin and currency lots and we are looking forward to presenting an exceptional rarities auction that serious collectors will really appreciate.”

Additional coin highlights include:
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-016.5. MS-64 (PCGS).
1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3002. Rarity-4. No Stars. AU-53 (NGC).
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-1, B-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4. F-15 (PCGS).
1931-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS).
1882 Haiku Plantation One Real Token. TE-15. MS-66 RB (PCGS).
1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).
1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter. FS-008.5. MS-65 (NGC).
1912 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Proof-66 (NGC)
1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-63 (PCGS).
1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).
1885 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC.
1818 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3131, Miller-125. Rarity-5. 5D Over 50. MS-64 (NGC).
1855 Wass, Molitor & Co. $50 Gold. K-9. Rarity-5. AU-50 (PCGS).
1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC).
1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-72, B-2. Rarity-4. Stars 9x7, Small Letters. AU-50 (PCGS).
1798 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3006. Rarity-5. Wide Date. AU-58 (NGC).
1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $10 Gold. K-3. Rarity-5. MS-61 (PCGS).
1859 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Proof-67 * (NGC).
1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). OGH (Old Green Holder).
1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-10, HBCC-3191, Taraszka-22. Rarity-3. Large Stars Obverse. MS-62 (PCGS).
1854 Gold Dollar. Type II. MS-65 (PCGS). OGH (Old Green Holder).
1825/'1' Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3147, Miller-149. Rarity-5+. AU-58 (NGC).
1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Omitted. Judd-104 Restrike, Pollock-116. Rarity-3. Proof-63 (NGC). Silver. Die Alignment IV.
1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-64 (NGC).

Currency highlights include:
Fr. 2407 1928 $500 Gold Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.
Fr. 1177. 1882 $20 Gold Certificate. PCGS Extremely Fine 40.
Marquette, MI. $20 1902 Red Seal. The FNB. Charter #(M)390. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ.
Fr. 753. 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ.
Fr. 364. 1891 $5 Treasury Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Carrollton, IL. $5 1875. Fr. 404. The Greene County NB. Charter #2390. PMG About Uncirculated 55

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Baltimore Rarities Sale will be viewable online by early-July at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.
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 Rarities July 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction on Saturday, July 26, 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 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 Baltimore Rarities Sale in July, 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 Realizes More Than $6.2 Million at Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Sale of Exceptional 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle in PCGS MS-64 and Fr. 114 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note S/N 1, PCGS Very Fine 30PPQ

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, posted another highly successful outing in Baltimore as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention. More than 3,000 lots crossed the block in three sessions June 5-6, 2008, realizing $6,258,873.

“The June Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention is the kick-off to the summer show season and we were very pleased with the attendance at the show and our three sessions of live bidding. Bidding was very active for coins as well as currency and we are happy with the results,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “All three sessions were very busy and we were glad to see many bidders join us for their very first auctions, alongside our regular bidders that we look forward to seeing each time we come to Baltimore. The atmosphere in the auction room and on the bourse floor was lively and enthusiastic and I am looking forward to what the rest of the summer season brings.”

Highlights from the June Baltimore auction include the sale of Lot 3733, an 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25, Rarity-2 in PCGS MS-64 that realized $111,550, an impressive near-Gem considered a glorious representative of the Large Eagle Capped Bust Right Ten.

Another extraordinary highlight came from the currency session, Lot 2537, a Fr. 114, 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note S/N 1, PCGS Very Fine 30PPQ, that realized a remarkable $80,500. The historical importance of this note goes without saying, as it is the first 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note to have ever been printed, and it is the first of the nine Friedberg numbers assigned to this design type.

Highlights of prices realized for coins include:
Lot 3733 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. MS-64 (PCGS). $111,550
Lot 3650 1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3083, Miller-59. Rarity-4. Small 8/Large 8. $60,375
MS-64 (NGC).
Lot 3642 1860 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC). $57,500
Lot 440 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). $51,750
Lot 3242 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-62 (PCGS). $47,150
Lot 226 1913 Lincoln Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS). $47,150
Lot 63 1832 Half Cent. B-2, C-2. Rarity-7. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). $47,150
Lot 3267 1894-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC). $46,000
Lot 376 1969-S Lincoln Cent. FS-028. Doubled Die Obverse. AU-58 (PCGS). $42,550
Lot 3685 1876-CC Liberty Half Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-61 (NGC). $42,205
Lot 3279 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). $40,250
Lot 3694 1889 Liberty Half Eagle. MS-67 (PCGS). $40,250
Lot 3654 1813 Capped Head Half Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3126, Miller-120. Rarity-4. MS-64 (PCGS). $39,100
Lot 3734 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. MS-62 (PCGS). $34,788
Lot 3731 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-8, HBCC-3189, Taraszka-20. Rarity-5. Small Stars Obverse. $34,500
MS-61 (PCGS).
Lot 3403 1873-CC Trade Dollar. Wide CC. MS-64 (NGC). $34,500
Lot 3914 1905 Liberty Double Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS). $34,500
Lot 263 1918-D Lincoln Cent. MS-66 RD (PCGS). $34,500
Lot 838 1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-118. Rarity-3. Square Base 2, Small 8s, Large Letters. $34,500
MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 260 1917-S Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS). $32,200

Highlights of prices realized for currency include:
Lot 2537 Fr. 114. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Very Fine 30PPQ. $80,500
Lot 2638 Fr. 315. 1886 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45. $57,500
Lot 2559 Fr. 217. 1886 $1 Silver Certificate. PMG Super Gem Uncirculated 68. $42,550
Lot 2716 Fr. 1180. 1905 $20 Gold Certificate. CGA Gem Uncirculated 65. $29,900
Lot 2527 Fr. 96. 1869 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $28,750
Lot 2735 Fr. 1217. 1922 $500 Gold Certificate. PCGS Very Fine 30. $27,600
Lot 2502 Fr. 64. 1869 $5 Legal Tender Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ. $26,450
Lot 2675 Fr. 817. 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $26,450
Lot 2538 Fr. 118. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ. $23,000
Lot 2731 Fr. 1215. 1922 $100 Gold Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ. $20,125

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the June Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. This is the second of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention – the next is scheduled for November 19-23. Bowers and Merena will conduct its Baltimore Rarities Sale at the Marriott Waterfront on July 26 prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money.

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 results of the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in June, 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.

ANA, Bowers and Merena Sign Official Auctioneer Contract

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

ANA, Bowers and Merena Sign Official Auctioneer Contract
Provisions include membership drive and sales incentives

COLORADO SPRINGS – The American Numismatic Association has signed a definitive agreement for Bowers and Merena Auctions to act as the official auctioneer for the two 2009 ANA shows, the Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money® and the Portland National Money Show™, Executive Director Larry Shepherd announced today. Details of the agreement include sales incentives as well as a guarantee to sign up 2,000 new ANA members.

In consideration for the exclusive right to conduct the auctions and be designated as the official auctioneer, Bowers and Merena, which was selected by the ANA Board of Governors in March, has agreed to pay the ANA a base fee for both shows, plus two percent of the total sale price for all auction sales over $20 million (for Los Angeles) and $12 million (for Portland). In addition, Teletrade, an affiliate company of Bowers and Merena, will conduct a sanctioned Internet auction immediately preceding each convention.

Bowers and Merena has also guaranteed that it will sign up 2,000 new members to join the ANA from Sept. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009.

“We are very pleased with this contract because it provides incentives for both parties to work together to ensure that the auctions are as successful as possible,” said Shepherd. “In addition, we are extraordinarily pleased with Bowers and Merena’s commitment to help the Association build its membership.”

“This is an exceptional opportunity for Bowers and Merena to further secure our leadership role in this industry, and most certainly is a win-win for both parties involved,” said Greg Roberts, Chief Executive Officer for Escala Group, Inc., parent company of Bowers and Merena Auctions. “We appreciate the confidence that the ANA has placed in Bowers and Merena to conduct successful auctions at their shows and to help build the quality membership of their organization.”

“We pride ourselves on the level of professionalism and knowledge of our team,” added Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena. “We have the numismatic experts and auction specialists on staff who will go the extra mile to provide an exceptional auction event every time. We have a tremendous respect for the ANA and what the organization does to advance coin and currency collecting, and the entire Bowers and Merena team is looking forward to working with them toward our mutual goals.”

Live auctions will be held during the Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money, Aug. 5-9, 2009, and during the Portland National Money Show, March 13-15, 2009.

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach programs, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

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, call 800-458-4646 or visit www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Brings More Than 3,000 Lots to Baltimore in June as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highlights Include Exceptional 1854 Type II Gold Dollar in NGC MS-68 and
1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in NGC MS-63

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, returns as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, with the next auction scheduled for June 4-7, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center. This is the second of three official Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention.

The auction boasts more than 3,000 coin and currency lots and an impressive list of highlights. Topping the list is Lot 3544, a captivating 1854 Type II Gold Dollar rarity certified MS-68 by NGC that is tied with only one other NGC MS-68 as the finest-known 1854 Type II Gold Dollar. This particular specimen possesses razor sharp detail throughout and is perfectly complemented by exceptionally smooth, virtually pristine surfaces. Also worthy of note are Lot 3980, a choice uncirculated 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle certified MS-63 by NGC, considered to be a legendary condition rarity in the Saint-Gaudens Series; and Lot 3733, a beautiful near-gem 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25, Rarity-2, certified MS-64 by PCGS.

Leading the list of extraordinary currency highlights are Lot 2537, a Fr. 114. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Very Fine 30PPQ. S/N 1; and Lot 2630, a Fr. 282. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate Star Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.

“Every trip to Baltimore is a much-anticipated event for us at Bowers and Merena,” said Steve Deeds, president. “There is such a strong contingent of coin and currency enthusiasts at every show and we go to great lengths to bring the best selection possible for our auctions. This June auction is no exception, very strong across the board with a wide variety of quality pieces for all interests and all levels of collecting.”

Additional coin highlights include:
1926-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-65 (NGC).
1918-D Mercury Dime. MS-66 FB (NGC).
1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS).
1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3188, Taraszka-19. Rarity-3. Small Stars Obverse. MS-63 (PCGS).
1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-7, HBCC-3083, Miller-59. Rarity-4. Small 8/Large 8. MS-64 (NGC).
1969-S Lincoln Cent. FS-028. Doubled Die Obverse. AU-58 (PCGS).
1860 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC).
1896 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC).
1876-CC Liberty Half Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-61 (NGC).
1918-D Lincoln Cent. MS-66 RD (PCGS).
1913 Lincoln Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS).
1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-62 (PCGS).
1919-D Mercury Dime. MS-65 FB (NGC).
1813 Capped Bust Half Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3126, Miller-120. Rarity-4. MS-64 (PCGS).

Additional currency highlights include:
Fr. 242. 1886 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ.
Fr. 314. 1886 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45.
Fr. 118. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.
Fr. 1215. 1922 $100 Gold Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Fr. 249. 1899 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ.
Fr. 40. 1923 $1 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ.
Fr. 768. 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Choice New 63PPQ.
Fr. 370. 1891 $10 Treasury Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67.
Newark, OH. $2 Original Series. Fr. 387. The FNB. Charter #858. Choice Crisp Uncirculated.
Fr. 1180. 1905 $20 Gold Certificate. PMG Very Fine 30.
Fr. 335. $50 1891 Silver Certificate. PCGS Extremely Fine 40.

Bidding will open in mid-May. 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 June 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction June 4-7, 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 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 Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in June, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

Bowers and Merena’s Official Baltimore Auction Performs Exceptionally Well With $4.3 Million in Prices Realized

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, conducted another successful sale as the official auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention. The three-session auction held on June 28 and 29 offered more than 2,200 lots and realized a remarkable $4.3 million in sales. The June auction was the second of three Official auctions that Bowers and Merena will present at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions in 2007, with the next scheduled for November 14-17.

“We went in with some truly spectacular pieces and were very pleased with the level of success we achieved,” said Steve Deeds, President. “I am thrilled with the exceptional prices realized for many of the individual lots and the resulting $4.3 million in sales. We are already accepting consignments for our next Baltimore auction, and we’re looking forward to presenting an equally high caliber offering in November.”

Leading the list of highlights is lot 2796, a stunning 1904 Liberty Double Eagle certified Proof-65 Cameo by PCGS that realized an impressive $80,500. Equally remarkable is the sum of $76,475 that the winning bidder paid for lot 2569, a 1911-D Indian Quarter Eagle graded MS-65 by the same service. According to Deeds, “We were not surprised by the strong prices that these two coins commanded from bidders. The 1904 Double Eagle is a rare issue in proof format with perhaps no more than 70 coins known. And with only 55,680 pieces struck, the 1911-D is the rarest issue in the widely collected Indian Quarter Eagle series of 1908-1929.”

Additional sales highlights include:

Session I: Early Copper, Large & Small Cents, Two and Three-Cent Pieces, Nickels, Half Dimes, Quarters
and Half Dollars

Lot 289	$16,100	1814 Large Cent S-295 Rarity-1 PCGS MS-64 Brown Plain 4.
Lot 369	$29,900	1877 Indian Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).
Lot 406	$24,150	1914-D Lincoln Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).
Lot 773	$41,400	1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-66 FH (NGC).
Lot 791	$32,200	1919 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-68 (PCGS).

Session II: Currency, Ancient & World Coins and Bullion

Lot 1082	$63,250	Fr. 115. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. RCGS Gem CU 66PQ.
Lot 1126	$28,175	Fr. 247. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Lot 1161	$40,825	Fr. 356. 1891 $2 Treasury Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68EPQ.
Lot 1302	$15,525	Tucson, AZ. The Arizona National Bank. Treasury Department, Office of Comptroller of the Currency Charter Certificate.
Lot 1343	$46,000	Prague, Territory of OK. $10 1902 Red Seal. Fr. 587. The FNB. Charter #(W)7177. Fine/Very Fine.

Session III: Silver and Trade Dollars, Commemoratives and Gold

Lot 2616	$34,500	1883 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-66 (PCGS).
Lot 2620	$41,975	1803/2 Capped Bust Half Eagle. BD-3, HBCC-3081, Miller-57. Rarity-4
Lot 2664	$51,750	1893 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).
Lot 2688	$23,000	1841-O Liberty Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS).
Lot 2720	$38,525	1907 Liberty Eagle. Proof-65 (PCGS).

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official June 2007 Baltimore Auction are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or call 800.458.4646 to obtain a printed copy of all prices realized.

Bowers and Merena’s next auction will be the Milwaukee Rarities Sale held August 4-5, 2007, at the Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee Airport in Milwaukee, Wis., held prior to the ANA World’s Fair of Money. Highlights for this auction include 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), as well as an impressive collection of fresh Huntoon notes. Printed catalogs for this auction will be available by mid-July, and the entire catalog will also be viewable online at www.bowersandmerena.com.

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. We have 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 June 2007 Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, 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 OFFER WIDE VARIETY OF NUMISMATIC RARITIES IN JUNE AS OFFICIAL AUCTIONEER OF THE BALTIMORE COIN AND CURRENCY CONVENTION

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Catalog Includes Only Known Proof-68 Seated Dollar Awarded the Ultra Cameo Designation

(Irvine, California) – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auctioneer, will act as Official Auctioneer at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention on June 28 and 29, 2007, at the Baltimore Convention Center. More than 2,200 lots will be auctioned over three sessions in what promises to be one of the premier events in the numismatic world. The June auction is the second of three official auctions that Bowers and Merena will present at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions in 2007, with the next scheduled for November.

“The Baltimore auctions are the definitive events of the year for Bowers and Merena,” said Steve Deeds, President, “and the June auction will certainly be one of the most memorable of 2007 for everyone who participates.” Bowers and Merena has been accepting consignments for this auction for several months and is pleased to present some of the most exciting rarities of the year. “As the official auctioneer of the prestigious Baltimore conventions, we are afforded unparalleled access to the finest numismatic examples from any given denomination,” Deeds continued. “Consignors recognize that their rare coins and currency will be viewed by an impressive segment of the numismatic public.”

Ron Gillio, Numismatic Acquisition Coordinator for Bowers and Merena and internationally-known numismatic dealer, auctioneer and author, is especially impressed by the pieces that are available at Baltimore in June: “Bowers and Merena has really pushed the limits in terms of both originality and quality with this auction.” Among the most exciting lots being offered is an 1873 Seated Dollar graded an astonishing Proof-68 Ultra Cameo by NGC. Gillio noted, “The rarity of this coin is truly spectacular—this is the only known Proof-68 Seated Dollar, regardless of date, to be awarded the Ultra Cameo moniker, and is one of just seven in this numeric designation for the entire series.”

“Gold specialists will be enamored with this catalog,” added Matthew Jones, Senior Cataloger for Bowers and Merena. “There will be a non-stop presentation of esteemed rarities, beginning with an 1853 C-mint Gold Dollar in PCGS MS-63, one of the finest-known examples of the issue.” Also notable is an 1803/2 Draped Bust Half Eagle in PCGS MS-64 that will surely entice early Federal-era gold experts. “Top-tier, well-preserved coins such as this command a premium in today’s market,” said Jones.

Jones also pointed out that session three will be dominated by proof gold, and personally chooses an 1893 Liberty Half Eagle in PCGS Proof-66 Deep Cameo, and 1904 Liberty Twenty in PCGS Proof-65 Cameo, as two coins which can be declared “simply amazing.”

These pieces and the entire Bowers and Merena Official Baltimore Auction virtual catalog can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or a printed catalog can be requested by calling 800.458.4646.

Bids are accepted in-person at the live auction. 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 June 2007, 18061 Fitch, Irvine CA, 92614.

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. We have 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 Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the June 2007 Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, contact Bowers and Merena toll free at 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, please call President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Continues to Set World Auction Records at the May 2007 St. Louis Rarities Sale

Fri, 18 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) - Conducted in a single session on May 8, Bowers and Merena’s St. Louis Rarities Sale realized an impressive $1.82 million. The sale included 451 lots, several of which sold for prices that set new world records for the respective issue and grade as sold through auction.

“We are thrilled with the results achieved by our most recent Rarities Sale in St. Louis,” stated Bowers and Merena President Steve Deeds. “Particularly noteworthy are five world-record auction prices paid by winning bidders.”

Continued Deeds: “Leading the way among record-setters in this sale is lot 414, an exceptional 1885 Liberty Double Eagle in PCGS Proof-66 Deep Cameo. The coin, a dazzling low-mintage rarity and survivor of just 828 Double Eagles struck in the Philadelphia Mint during 1885, crossed the auction block for an astounding $189,750, beating a previous realization at auction of $163,300.”

“Another world auction record established in our St. Louis Rarities Sale is the total of $15,525 paid for the 1876 Liberty Eagle in PCGS AU-50 offered as lot 393,” reported Matthew Jones, Senior Cataloger for the firm. “The 1876 is a well-known rarity with just 687 business strikes produced. The issue is virtually unknown in Mint State.”

Additional world auction records established by this sale are:

$14,375 for lot 36, a 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime in PCGS AU-58
$32,200 for lot 304, an 1863 Judd-302 Pattern Indian Cent in PCGS Proof-66
$34,500 for lot 372, an 1869 Liberty Half Eagle in PCGS Proof-63

For more information about these and other highlights in the May 2007 St. Louis Rarities Sale, contact Bowers and Merena toll free at 800.458.4646. Media contact – Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized are available on the company’s website, www.bowersandmerena.com .

# # #

Kevin Foley Joins Bowers and Merena Team

Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) – Respected paper money specialist and numismatic conventions executive, Kevin Foley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has joined Bowers and Merena Auctions of Irvine, California as both Consignment Director and Senior Numismatist for Rare Currency.

"Bowers and Merena is committed to enhancing our presence in the rare currency field, and this is the first in a series of initiatives we’re taking within the bank note community. We’re delighted to add Kevin to our team," said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena Auctions, a division of Spectrum Numismatics, International.

"During his 30 years as a professional numismatist Kevin has earned an outstanding reputation as a bank note dealer, a featured writer for the Currency Dealer’s Newsletter, and manager of some of the most important and popular coin and currency conventions in the country," said Deeds.

Commenting on his new affiliation with company, Foley stated: "I have long felt that Bowers and Merena Auctions sets the quality standard by which others’ cataloging and presentation efforts are judged. I’ve always been especially impressed by the scholarship and research excellence displayed in their catalogs. It will be a real privilege and opportunity to be part of such a respected firm."

Among his many credentials, Foley was the Founding Secretary of the Professional Currency Dealers Association; former editor of the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) quarterly journal, The Centinel; one of the original partners of Currency Auctions of America; and served as Chairman for the CSNS annual conventions, Chicago International Coin Fair, Chicago Paper Money Exposition, MidAmerica Coin Expo, and the New York International Numismatic Convention. In addition to his work with Bowers and Merena, Foley will continue managing several annual numismatic conventions.

Foley’s original career path was directed at government service. He is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, and also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the Graduate School of Public Affairs of the State University of New York at Albany.

For additional information, contact Bowers and Merena Auctions, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92514. Phone: (800) 458-4646. Online: www.BowersandMerena.com.

Spectrum Adds Ron Gillio to Numismatic Team

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) -- Internationally-known numismatic dealer, auctioneer and author, Ronald J. Gillio of Ronald J. Gillio, Inc., Santa Barbara, California, has joined Spectrum Numismatics International of Irvine, California as the company’s Numismatic Acquisition Coordinator.

"Ron’s outstanding reputation for finding and putting together coin deals literally is worldwide. Ron’s work with Spectrum will include purchasing and obtaining consignments for all the Spectrum companies, including Bowers and Merena Auctions and A-Mark Precious Metals," said Greg Roberts, Spectrum President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Adding him to the Spectrum team will be a tremendous benefit for our clients."

In addition to his new work with Spectrum, Gillio will continue as General Chairman of the popular Long Beach and Santa Clara, California Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expos on behalf of the shows' owner, Collectors Universe, Inc. He also continues his retail store in Santa Barbara, Gillio Coin & Jewelry.

"I’m delighted to be part of Spectrum’s exciting and enjoyable projects, and look forward to bringing together buyers and sellers from across the United States and around the world," said Gillio.

A former President of the Professional Numismatists Guild, life member of the American Numismatic Association and a member of the International Association of Professional Numismatists, Gillio became a coin dealer in 1961 and launched his first coin show and auction in 1967. For more than 40 years he has been an active principal in shows and numismatic auction companies in the United States, Europe and Asia including Pacific Coast Auction Galleries, Butterfield's, Robert R. Johnson, Baldwin's Auctions of London and Taisei Stamps & Coins of Hong Kong and Singapore.

He is an Official Appraiser to the State of California and served as an auctioneer for the United States Marshall’s Office.

Gillio co-authored the standard reference book, California Fractional Gold, and serves as a contributor to A Guide Book of United States Coins ("the Red Book") and the Standard Catalog of World Coins.

For additional information, contact Spectrum Numismatics International, P.O. Box 18523, Irvine, California 92623. Toll-free phone number: (888) 828-2646. Online: www.SpectrumNumismatics.com.

Bowers and Merena Continues to Set Auction Records in Baltimore

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Irvine, California) - The Official auction of the March 2007 Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, conducted by Bowers and Merena of Irvine, California, set dozens of new rare coin auction records in two days, March 22 & 23, 2007. The auction generated a total of $7,231,480 million in prices realized.

A few coins of mentionable note were lot # 5745, the 1879 Flowing Hair Four Dollar Gold Stella, Judd-1635, Pollock-1832, Rarity-3, Proof-62 (NGC) that realized $149,500. Lot #5386, the 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar, MS-65 (PCGS) realized $53,475, while lot #5597, the magnificent 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle, AU-53 (PCGS) realized $356,600

"There were many select areas of numismatic material that showed stronger that ever prices. The Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention has once again proved itself to be one of the premier venues for numismatic rarities." said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena.

Commenting on the show as a whole, Pen Herring, Chief Operating Officer of Bowers and Merena stated "This was the first show where Whitman was involved in solely running this long standing event. Whitman has built on the wonderful success of the previous show owners to create a world class numismatic event that we are glad to be associated with as the Official Show Auctioneer. With so many coin shows run annually, it is our great pleasure to be working with a company with Whitman's experience, vision and integrity. We are looking forward to the upcoming summer Baltimore show and a long and lucrative relationship with Whitman"

Select Coin Highlights from the Bowers and Merena March 2007 Official Baltimore Auction
Lot #	Description	Price Realized
1092	1845 Half Cent 2nd Restrike Rarity-6 NGC Proof 67 Brown.	$18,400
1388	1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. MS-66 RD (PCGS).	$12,650
1443	1917 Lincoln Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS).	$13,800
1471	1925 Lincoln Cent. MS-67 RD (NGC).	$575
1476	1927 Lincoln Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS).	$3,450
1655	1908 Liberty Nickel. MS-66 (PCGS).	$7,475
1686	1914/3 Buffalo Nickel. FS-101 (FS-014.87). AU-58 (PCGS).	$2,070
1766	1925-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (NGC).	$23,000
1832	1938-S Jefferson Nickel. MS-67 FS (PCGS).	$9,200
1837	1939 Jefferson Nickel. Doubled Monticello. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$6,325
1838	1939-D Jefferson Nickel. Reverse of 1938. MS-67 (PCGS).	$2,070
1846	1941 Jefferson Nickel. MS-67 FS (PCGS).	$4,025
1850	1942 Jefferson Nickel. Type I. MS-67 FS (PCGS).	$11,500
1857	1943-P Jefferson Nickel. Doubled Eye. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$2,875
1864	1945-P Jefferson Nickel. MS-67 FS (PCGS).	$11,500
1879	1950 Jefferson Nickel. MS-67 FS (PCGS).	$11,500
1886	1952-S Jefferson Nickel. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$9,488
1893	1955 Jefferson Nickel. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$12,650
1896	1956-D Jefferson Nickel. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$4,600
1907	1964 Jefferson Nickel. MS-66 FS (PCGS).	$5,750
1943	1805 Draped Bust Dime. JR-2. Rarity-2. 4 Berries. MS-64 (NGC).	$12,075
1957	1850-O Seated Liberty Dime. Greer-103. Large O. MS-66 (PCGS).	$19,550
1974	1885-S Seated Liberty Dime. MS-65 (NGC).	$26,450
4075	1917-S Standing Liberty Quarter. Type I. MS-67 FH (PCGS).	$9,200
4190	1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101. Rarity-5. VF-25 (NGC).	$51,175
4191	1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101a. Rarity-5. EF-45 (NGC).	$95,450
4202	1809 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-103. Rarity-1. MS-65 (NGC).	$10,925
4211	1814 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-103. Rarity-1. MS-65 (NGC).	$8,338
4213	1815/2 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-101a. Rarity-3. AU-58 (NGC).	$8,625
4272	1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. MS-65 (NGC).	$12,765
4296	1874-CC Seated Liberty Half Dollar. WB-101. Arrows. MS-61 (NGC).	$14,950
4360	1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Obverse Mintmark. MS-66 (PCGS).	$26,450
4370	1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).	$9,488
5008	1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. B-5, BB-65. Die State II. Large Date, Small Letters. AU-55 (PCGS).	$20,700
5013	1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. B-2, BB-72. 9 Stars Left, 7 Stars Right, Small Letters. EF-45 (PCGS).	$20,700
5035	1801 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. B-1, BB-211. Die State III. AU-55 (PCGS).	$12,075
5039	1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Omitted. Judd-104, Pollock-116. Rarity-3. Proof-64 (NGC).	$44,850
5052	1859-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. MS-62 (PCGS).	$18,975
5056	1867 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. Proof-65 (PCGS).	$12,880
5072	1880-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).	$3,910
5077	1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-68 (PCGS).	$5,520
5100	1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).	$1,955
5118	1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-60 (NGC).	$82,800
5146	1921-D Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).	$1,840
5217	1882 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-67 (PCGS).	$12,075
5386	1894 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).	$53,475
5411	1896 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).	$12,363
5486	1925-S Peace Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).	$21,275
5520	1880 Trade Dollar. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC).	$41,400
5521	1880 Trade Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).	$20,700
5597	1856-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS).	$356,500
5598	1861-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).	$51,750
5602	MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-64 (PCGS).	$27,600
5606	1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. McKinley Portrait. MS-65 (NGC).	$3,220
5637	1796 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3002, Breen-1. Rarity-4. No Stars on Obverse. VF-35 (PCGS).	$78,200
5646	1839-D Classic Quarter Eagle. Winter 1-B. MS-60 (NGC).	$25,300
5655	1853-D Liberty Quarter Eagle. Winter 16-M, the only known dies. MS-62 (NGC).	$35,650
5665	1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC).	$31,050
5685	1911-D Indian Quarter Eagle. MS-64 (NGC).	$40,250
5744	1888 Three-Dollar Gold. MS-65 (PCGS).	$18,400
5745	1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Judd-1635, Pollock-1832. Rarity-3. Proof-62 (NGC).	$149,500
5746	1796/5 Capped Bust Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3044, Miller-16, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. Small Eagle. AU-55 (PCGS).	$88,550
5747	1796/5 Capped Bust Half Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3044, Miller-16, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. Small Eagle. EF-45 (PCGS).	$48,300
5748	1800 Capped Bust Half Eagle. BD-5, Missing in HBCC, Miller-44. Rarity-3+. AU-58 (PCGS).	$12,075
5759	1835 Classic Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).	$16,100
5807	1885-S Liberty Half Eagle. MS-67 (NGC).	$13,800
5809	1891-CC Liberty Half Eagle. Winter 1-A. MS-65 (NGC).	$21,850
5841	1910 Indian Half Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).	$57,500
5846	1929 Indian Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).	$21,850
5847	1796 Capped Bust Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. Small Eagle. AU-53 (NGC).	$79,350
5848	1801 Capped Bust Eagle. BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25. Rarity-2. MS-64 (NGC).	$82,800
5912	1861-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-53 (NGC).	$29,900
5958	MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-66 (NGC).	$80,500
5980	1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS).	$29,900

Select Currency Highlights from the Bowers and Merena March 2007 Official Baltimore Auction
Lot #	Description	Price Realized
3479	Fr. 40*. 1923 $1 Legal Tender Note. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64EPQ.	$5,175
3482	Fr. 49. 1878 $2 Legal Tender Note. PMG Very Fine 30.	$33,350
3483	Lot of (4) Fr. 50 1880 $2 Legal Tender Notes. Cut Sheet.	$13,225
3495	Fr. 64. 1869 $5 Legal Tender Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ.	$7,763
3502	Fr. 87. 1907 $5 Legal Tender Note. CGA Gem Uncirculated 67.	$1,610
3510	Fr. 99. 1878 $10 Legal Tender Note. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64.	$8,338
3516	Fr. 114. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Superb Gem 67PPQ.	$27,025
3518	Fr. 115. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64EPQ.	$6,900
3523	Fr. 122. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.	$11,213
3527	Fr. 173. 1880 $100 Legal Tender Note. PMG Fine 12.	$26,450
3572	Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.	$20,125
3576	Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PMG Choice Very Fine 35EPQ.	$3,163
3585	Fr. 269. 1896 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 66PPQ.	$23,000
3596	Fr. 282. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate. CGA Gem Uncirculated 65.	$6,613
3604	Fr. 288. 1880 $10 Silver Certificate. CGA Gem Uncirculated 67.	$19,550
3605	Fr. 293. 1886 $10 Silver Certificate. RCGS Gem Crisp Uncirculated 66PQ.	$40,825
3610	Fr. 344. 1891 $100 Silver Certificate. RCGS Very Fine 25.	$21,850
3619	Fr. 358. 1891 $2 Treasury Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.	$11,500
3620	Fr. 359. 1890 $5 Treasury Note. RCGS Gem Crisp Uncirculated 65PQ.	$16,100
3644	Fr. 817. 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. Fine.	$2,415
3645	Fr. 838b. 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note. Red Seal. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ.	$10,638
3651	Fr. 893a. 1914 $10 Federal Reserve Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65EPQ.	$10,063
3671	Fr. 1200. 1922 $50 Gold Certificate. PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ.	$11,500
3675	Fr. 1214. 1882 $100 Gold Certificate. RCGS Gem Crisp Uncirculated 65PQ.	$18,400
3736	Fr. 1703*. 1934B $10 Silver Certificate Star Note. PMG About Uncirculated 50.	$7,475
3903	Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. $20 1882 Value Back. Fr. 581. The Ocean County NB. Charter #(E)5712. Fine.	$7,475
3904	Rahway, NJ. $10 1875 Fr. 416. The NB. Charter #896. PMG Choice Fine 15.	$11,500
3905	Jamestown, NY. $5-$5-$5-$5 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 601. American NB Ch #9748. Uncut Sheet. Superb Gem Crisp Uncirculated.	$13,800
3906	New York, NY. $2 Original. Fr. 387. The Marine NB of the City of New York. Charter #1215. PMG Choice Fine.	$5,750

All prices include the 15 percent buyer's premium added to the hammer price of all winning bids.

The next Rarities Sale by Bowers and Merena will be in St. Louis, Missouri, May 7, 2007. The deadline for accepting consignments is Friday March 30, 2007.

For additional information, contact Bowers and Merena Auctions, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614. Phone toll free, (800) 458-4646.

MORE RECORDS FALL AT BEVERLY HILLS!

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena's Pre-Long Beach Rarities Sale, held high atop The Tower Hotel overlooking Beverly Hills on Saturday evening, February 10th, set more than a dozen new world auction records.

"The new records set in Beverly Hills at this highly specialized rarities sale indicate that the marketplace is still placing a high premium on superb quality and high scarcity," said Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds. "As always, we are delighted to bring buyers and sellers of such numismatic treasures together."

Record prices were set for the following items at the Beverly Hills sale:

Record Prices from the Beverly Hills Sale
Lot #	Description	Price Realized
132	1883 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. MS-66 (PCGS).	$24,150
208	1831 Capped Bust Half Dime. LM-4. Rarity-2. MS-67 (PCGS).	$11,500
284	1828 Capped Bust Quarter. B-4. Rarity-7-. Proof-66 (NGC).	$70,725
429	1803 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. B-7, BB-303. Proof-66 (PCGS).	$672,750
442	1869 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).	$43,700
553	1877-S Trade Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).	$28,175
647	1880 Gold Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).	$16,100
653	1838 Classic Quarter Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS).	$60,950
666	1871 Liberty Quarter Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).	$27,025
750	1870-CC Liberty Eagle. Winter 1-A. AU-50 (NGC).	$55,775
756	1892 Liberty Eagle. Proof-64 Ultra Cameo (NGC).	$24,150
811	1879-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. AU-55 (NGC).	$21,563
892	1922-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).	$37,950

This auction also saw other strong prices for many other items. Among the other highlights of our Beverly Hills sale were:

More Highlights from the Beverly Hills Sale
Lot #	Description	Price Realized
18	1857 Flying Eagle Cent. MS-66 (PCGS).	$21,850
25	1861 Indian Cent. MS-67 (PCGS).	$8,338
54	1935 Lincoln Cent. MS-68 RD (PCGS).	$10,120
76	1865 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).	$7,590
214	1859 Seated Liberty Half Dime. V-4. MS-68 (PCGS).	$22,713
252	1931-S Mercury Dime. MS-66 FB (PCGS).	$5,060
274	1946-S Roosevelt Dime. MS-68 FB (PCGS).	$5,819
282	1818/5 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1. Die State II. Rarity-3. MS-65 (PCGS).	$24,150
310	1918 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-67 FH (PCGS).	$16,100
340	1946-S Washington Quarter. MS-68 (PCGS).	$7,935
645	1868 Gold Dollar. MS-67 (NGC).	$8,625
663	1868-S Liberty Quarter Eagle. MS-63 (NGC).	$7,763
665	1871 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).	$15,525
716	1842-C Liberty Half Eagle. Large Date. MS-64 (NGC).	$33,350
744	1913 Indian Half Eagle. Proof-67 (NGC).	$52,900
819	1892-CC Liberty Double Eagle. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-62 (PCGS).	$13,800
880	1909 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).	$31,050

Record price determinations are based on auction information from Intelliquote as of February 14, 2007.

All prices include the 15 percent buyer's premium added to the hammer price of all winning bids.

The next Bowers and Merena sale will be held at the Official Auction of Baltimore Coin & Convention March 22-24.

Bowers and Merena's next Rarities Sale will be held in St. Louis at the St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark on May 8. The deadline for accepting consignments for this sale is March 23rd.

A complete list of prices realized is available at www.BowersAndMerena.com

For further information, please telephone 1-800-458-4646.

Bowers and Merena's St. Louis Rarities SaleMay 8, 2007

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
One South Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: 314-421-1776
(actual dates and times subject to change)

Auction Sessions (Gateway 2):
Session #1: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 3:00pm

Lot Viewing (Broadway Room):
Sunday, May 6, 2007 9:00am - 6:00pm
Monday, May 7, 2007 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Lot Pick Up (Broadway Room):
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 10:00 am - 12 noon

Bowers and Merena Auctions' upcoming St. Louis Rarities Sale in St. Louis, MO, will feature some of the finest examples in all of U.S. numismatics. You don't want to miss these and other important rarities. Please plan to attend this landmark event to bid on some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

For more information call us toll-free at 1-800-458-4646

Bowers and Merena's Pre-Long Beach Beverly Hills Rarities SaleFebruary 10, 2007

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Auction Schedule for the Pre-Long Beach Sale
(actual times subject to change)

Auction Location
The Tower Hotel
1224 South Beverwil Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90035
310-277-2800

Lot Viewing - Office At Our Offices—By Appointment Only January 22 - February 6 18061 Fitch, Irvine CA 92614 800-458-4646	Lot Viewing - Show The Tower Beverly Hills (Screening Room) Thursday, February 8 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST Friday, February 9 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PST Saturday, February 10 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST

Live Floor Bidding Session The Tower Beverly Hills (Studio 360) Session One Saturday, February 10 5:00 PM PST	Live Auction Bidding Via the Internet Registered bidders can watch the auction in real-time, competing with live bidders on the auction floor. You can register ahead of time by clicking here. Lot Pick-Up The Tower Beverly Hills (Screening Room) Sunday, February 11 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST

Bowers and Merena Auctions' upcoming Pre-Long Beach Rarities Sale in Beverly Hills on February 10, will feature some of the finest examples in all of U.S. numismatics. You don't want to miss these and other important rarities. Please plan to attend this landmark event to bid on some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

For more information and to arrange to view these highlights and other numismatic rarities in person call us toll-free at 1-800-458-4646.

Selected Highlights
Denomination	Description
Flying Eagle Cent	1856 Snow-9. Proof-64 (NGC).
Flying Eagle Cent	1856 MS-60 (Uncertified).
Flying Eagle Cent	1857 MS-66 (PCGS).
Lincoln Cent	1955 Doubled Die Obverse. MS-64 RD (PCGS).
Nickel Three-Cent Piece	1883 MS-66 (PCGS).
Nickel Three-Cent Piece	1885 MS-65 (NGC).
Liberty Seated Half Dime	1859 MS-68 (PCGS).
Early Dime	1798/7 JR-1. Rarity-3. 16 Stars. MS-66 (NGC).
Mercury Dime	1916-D MS-64 FB (NGC).
Capped Bust Quarter	1828 B-4. Rarity-7-. Proof-66 (NGC).
Liberty Seated Quarter	1889 MS-68 (PCGS).
Standing Liberty Quarter	1916 Standing Liberty. MS-64 FH (PCGS).
Standing Liberty Quarter	1918/7-S AU-53 (PCGS).
Liberty Seated Half Dollar	1839 No Drapery. MS-64 (PCGS).
Early Silver Dollar	1800 MS-63 (PCGS).
Early Silver Dollar	1803 B-7, BB-303. Proof-66 (PCGS).
Liberty Seated Silver Dollar	1862 Proof-66 (NGC).
Liberty Seated Silver Dollar	1863 Proof-65 (NGC).
Liberty Seated Silver Dollar	1864 Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Liberty Seated Silver Dollar	1869 MS-65 (PCGS).
Morgan Silver Dollar	1878 Doubled Tailfeathers. MS-66 (PCGS).
Morgan Silver Dollar	1880 Proof-68 Cameo (NGC).
Morgan Silver Dollar	1884-O MS-67 DPL (NGC).
Morgan Silver Dollar	1888 MS-67 DPL (NGC).
Morgan Silver Dollar	1921 Morgan. Zerbe. Proof-66 (NGC).
Peace Silver Dollar	1927-S MS-65 (PCGS).
Peace Silver Dollar	1928-S MS-65 (PCGS).
Trade Dollar	1877-S MS-66 (PCGS).
Trade Dollar	1879 Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Gold Dollar	1880 Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Early Quarter Eagle	1838 MS-66 (PCGS).
Liberty Quarter Eagle	1871 Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).
Liberty Quarter Eagle	1871 MS-65 (PCGS).
Three-Dollar Gold Piece	1859 Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Early Half Eagle	1810 BD-1; HBCC-3120; Miller-114. Rarity-3. Small Date, Tall 5. MS-62 (PCGS).
Liberty Half Eagle	1842-C Large Date. MS-64 (NGC).
Indian Half Eagle	1911 Proof-66 (NGC).
Indian Half Eagle	1912 Proof-66 (NGC).
Indian Half Eagle	1913 Proof-67 (NGC).
Liberty Eagle Gold	1870-CC Winter 1-A. AU-50 (NGC).
Liberty Eagle Gold	1892 Proof-64 UC (NGC).
Indian Eagle Gold	1907 Indian. No Periods. MS-66 (NGC).
Indian Eagle Gold	1910 MS-67 (NGC).
Indian Eagle Gold	1911-D MS-64 (NGC).
Indian Eagle Gold	1914-D MS-67 (NGC).
Indian Eagle Gold	1930-S MS-64 (PCGS).
Liberty Double Eagle	1857-S MS-66 (PCGS).
Liberty Double Eagle	1892-CC Winter 1-A, the only known dies. MS-62 (PCGS).
Liberty Double Eagle	1899 MS-65 (NGC).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	MCMVII (1907) High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-66 (NGC).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	MCMVII (1907) High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-63 (NGC).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	1909 MS-65 (PCGS).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	1912 MS-65 (NGC).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	1922-S MS-65 (PCGS).
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	1925-S MS-63 (PCGS).
Sesquicentennial Of American Independence	1926 MS-66 (NGC).
Indian Head Cent (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-65 RB (NGC).
Liberty Head Nickel (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-66 (NGC).
Barber Dime (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-66 (NGC).
Barber Quarter (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-68 (NGC).
Barber Half Dollar (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-67 (NGC).
Morgan Silver Dollar (1896 Proof Set)	1896 Proof-68 (NGC).

AN UNPRECEDENTED OFFERING OF OUTSTANDING PCGS REGISTRY SETS

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Bowers and Merena Auctions is pleased to offer the following selection of PCGS Registry Sets at our Auction at the Baltimore Coin Currency Convention November 9-12

t Indian Cents 1859-1909 Circulation Strikes Basic Set

Current Ranking 4th
All-Time Ranking 6th

t Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 Circulation Strikes Basic Set

Current Ranking 3rd
All-Time Ranking 7th

t Mercury Dimes 1916-1945 FB (full band), Circulation Strikes Basic Set with Varities

Current Ranking 3rd
All-Time Ranking 4th

t Standing Liberty Quarters 1916-1930 FH (full head), Circulation Strikes Basic Set

Current Ranking 3rd
All-Time Ranking 5th

t Walking Liberty Halves 1916-1947 Circulation Strikes Basic Set

Current Ranking 3rd
All-Time Ranking 6th

________________________________________

For further information on Bowers and Merena Auctions sale at the Baltimore
Coin and Currency Convention November 9-12, please call 1-800-456-4646.