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How do I bid on an item?

1. Log in to your auction account. Locate the "Login/Register" link at the upper right of the auction lot listings and click it. You will be taken to a login screen. Enter your Username and Password in the fields provided and click the LOGIN button. After logging in, you will be taken back to the auction listing page.
   If you do not have a Bowers and Merena Auctions account, you can create one without cost or obligation from the Login/Register page. Scroll down to the area labeled "Bowers and Merena Join" and provide the requested information. Click the Register button to create your account.
   You must have an account and be logged in before bidding in an auction. If you have trouble logging in or registering, please email auction@bowersandmerena.com for assistance.
2. Find an item you want to bid on. There are a number of ways to find items quickly and easily:

   • Browse the items. Page through the listings using the navigation links found at the top and bottom of each auction page. To change the number of auction lots shown on a single page, click on the "Change Listing Display Options" link and select the number of lots you want to see listed from the drop down arrow.  Click on the "Save" button.
   • Browse by item category. Click on a desired link in the "Lot Categories" box to the left of the auction listings.
   • Browse by lot number. If you know the lot number of a particular item, type it into the "Jump to Lot" box and press the GO button. You will be taken directly to the lot.
   • Search for items. You can search for items by typing a search keyword or phrase into the "Search For" box and pressing the GO button.
   • View the details of the item you want to bid on. Simply click on an item's title to view details and photos of the item if they are available. The camera icon in the photo column indicates that a photo is available for that lot.

3. View the details of the item you want to bid on. Simply click on an item's title to view details and photos of the item if they are available.
4. Place the desired type of bid. You may place either a "Next" (incremental) bid or a "Maximum" bid.

   • Next Bids are a single Bid Increment above the current high bid. Locate the "Place a Bid" box to the right of the item details. The dollar figure next to the words "Next Bid" indicate what the next bid will be. To place the Next bid, simply press the SUBMIT button directly below the dollar figure. NOTE: If the item has not yet received its minimum bid, the Next Bid will be equal to the current (minimum) bid.
   • Maximum Bids indicate the highest bid you are willing to make on an item. When placing a Maximum Bid on an item, you give Bowers and Merena Auctions permission to bid for you up to and including the Maximum Bid amount you set (for more information about Maximum Bids, please see the What is a Maximum Bid? Entry below). To place a Maximum Bid, enter the desired amount into the box next to "Or Your Maximum Bid," then press the SUBMIT button directly below the box where you entered the amount.

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What is a Maximum Bid?
When placing a Maximum Bid on an item, you give Bowers and Merena Auctions permission to bid for you up to and including the Maximum Bid amount you set. The Maximum Bid system will ONLY raise the bid in minimum increments in response to a competing bid, so you are sure to get the lot for the lowest possible price. This allows you to remain active on an item in the auction without the need for multiple Internet transactions.
For example, say the item is currently $50 and you want to bid $65. Enter $65 as your Maximum Bid and the auction system will bump the current bid from $50 to the next increment of $55, and protect your bid up to $65. If a competing bid exceeds your Maximum Bid amount, you will be sent an outbid notice via e-mail. You can choose to go back and place a new bid, or allow the Maximum Bid to expire without further action.

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Can I raise my Maximum Bid?
You can raise your Maximum Bid at any time by going back into the auction and clicking on the lot. Place your new bid into the "Maximum" Bid box and press the SUBMIT button. The screen will show that your Maximum Bid has been raised. When you are the current high bidder, increasing your Maximum Bid will not increase the current bid.

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What are Bid Increments and how do they work?
Current bids in numismatic auctions increase by at least a certain minimum amount, which is called a Bid Increment. The size of this increment varies with the current bid of the item, as follows:

Bid Increments
Current Bid	Minimum Raise
$0.00 to $19.00	$1.00
$20.00 to $49.00	$2.00
$50.00 to $99.00	$5.00
$100.00 to $499.00	$10.00
$500.00 to $999.00	$25.00
$1,000.00 to $1,999.00	$50.00
$2,000.00 to $4,999.00	$100.00
$5,000.00 to $9,999.00	$250.00
$10,000.00 to $19,999.00	$500.00
$20,000.00 to $49,999.00	$1,000.00
$50,000.00 to $99,999.00	$2,000.00
$100,000.00 to $199,999.00	$5,000.00
$200,000.00 to $99,999,999.00	$10,000.00

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Sometimes when I place my bid, I am outbid immediately. Why?
Being immediately outbid on an item means that another bidder has placed a Maximum Bid on the item, one that is higher than the bid you just placed. With a Maximum Bid, the other bidder has asked Bowers and Merena Auctions to bid for them up to and including a specified amount when someone else raises the current bid on an item.

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I am the current high bidder on an item. How will I know if someone outbids me?
When you have been outbid on an item for which you used to hold the high bid, Bowers and Merena will notify you via e-mail. The e-mail message will state the lot number and the current bid. Also included will be a direct link to the item, should you choose to bid again. You can also check all of your bids in current auctions by clicking on "My Lots" at the top of the lot listing page. This area will display the lot information, the current bid, and your maximum bid. It will also inform you if you have been outbid.

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Can I retract my bid once it is placed?
We do not allow bidders to retract their bids once placed. In the event of a "misbid" -- for example, a bid placed for $10000 instead of $100 -- contact Customer Service as soon as you realize that the error has occurred. Call our customer service team toll-free at 800-458-4646, or send an e-mail to: auction@bowersandmerena.com.

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Do lots have reserve prices?
Some lots may have reserve prices. A reserve price is set by the seller (consignor) when their item is sent in on consignment. When you are placing your bids in an auction, and you have not met a reserve, that information will be immediately displayed on your screen. If your bid is within 90% of the reserve, a message will be displayed on your screen telling you what the reserve is and the minimum bid necessary to meet the reserve.

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How will I know if I have won an item?
After the close of an auction, you will receive an e-mail that lists your lots won. Payment options and instructions are also included in this e-mail.

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What are "My Lots?"
The "My Lots" feature is a convenient way for you to keep track of the lots in which you are interested. "My Lots" consists of:

1. The lots you have placed bids on.
2. The lots you are "watching"
3. And, if applicable, the lots you have consigned to the current auction.

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What is the Bid Cart?
The Bid Cart contains a list of all the items that you have bid on in the current auction. You can view your Bid Cart by using the "My Lots" feature. Viewing the Bid Cart allows you to quickly see which items you currently hold the high bid on, and it makes it easy for you to place additional bids if you desire. You may bid on any of the Bid Cart items by clicking on an item heading, or you may use the Multi Bid option to place bids. Using Multi Bid allows you to simultaneously place new Maximum Bids on multiple items in your cart.

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What does "Watch This Lot" do?
"Watching" a lot allows you to keep tabs on it without placing a bid. After you click the "Watch This Lot" link on an item detail page, a link to the item will be stored for you under the "My Lots" section. Are there many lots you want to add to your Watch List? You can also add multiple items to your Watch List at one time. Go to a lot listing page and click the boxes in the “Watch List” column for the lots you want to add. Click on the “Add to Watch List” button at the bottom of the page to submit your request. Bring up "My Lots" at any time to view the items you're watching, and to bid on them if you so desire.

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What is a Multi Bid?
Short on time? Want to just submit your bids and let it ride? Then the "Multi Bid" feature is for you. It allows you to quickly enter your bids page by page rather than lot by lot. Turn on the Multi Bid feature by clicking the "Change Listing Display Options” link above the lot listings. Select “On” from the drop down box next to “Multi Bid” and click on the “Save” button. Enter your Maximum Bids for as many items as you would like by typing the dollar amounts into the boxes in the "Your New Max Bid" column. Click the "Submit bids" button to finalize your bids. The next screen will provide detailed results of the bids you just placed via the Multi-Bid feature. You can then go to the next page of lots to place more bids on additional items.

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I have exceeded my bid limit. What do I do?
When you join Bowers and Merena, you are automatically given a $10,000 bidding limit. If you find that you need to increase this amount, please contact our Customer Service department at least 24 hours before the auction closes. Limits will be raised based on past payment history and references. To expedite the processing of your request, please specify the new limit you are requesting and provide three dealer references and/or credit references. E-mail us at: auction@bowersandmerena.com or call our toll-free customer service line at 800-458-4646, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

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How can I ask questions about an auction lot?
Bring up the details of the lot you are interested in. Click the "Email Seller" link located to the left of the item description. Click this link, and an e-mail screen will appear. Write your question(s) and send the message. Your question(s) will be answered via e-mail as soon as possible.

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What is the Price Grid?
The Price Grid is a list that shows the current bids on all lots in an auction. The lots are listed by lot number along with their current prices.

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I have won one or more items. What do I do next?
After an auction is concluded, an e-mail will be sent to you with all necessary contact information, the winning bid amount, etc. You can contact Bowers and
Merena Auctions by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com , or by telephone toll-free at 800-458-4646.

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How do I pay for the item(s) I have won?
Payment by Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) is only accepted within the first ten (10) days after the close of the auction. ONLY INTERNET BIDDERS WITH AN INVOICE THAT TOTALS $5,000 OR LESS CAN BE PAID BY CREDIT CARD.  Credit card payments can be processed through the "View and Pay Your Invoices" link on the My Account page.

Payments by check are accepted. A seven (7) day shipping hold will be placed on the order. Once the check clears your order will be released and shipped to you.

Payments by money order, certified check or bank wire are also accepted. Please note payment by bank wire must include a $20 processing fee.

Payments can be sent to:

Bowers and Merena
18061 Fitch
Irvine, CA 92614

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Do I have to pay sales tax?
As of August 9, 2005 Bowers and Merena Auctions no longer has to collect sales tax in New Jersey and New York. If you live in California and do not have a resale license on file with Bowers and Merena Auctions sales tax will be charged on any invoice that is under $1000.00, as well as any currency or non-numismatic items.

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What is Bowers and Merena Auction's Return Policy?
THIS IS NOT AN APPROVAL SALE. Bidders who physically attend the Auction sale, either personally or through an agent ("Floor Bidders"), should carefully examine all lots which they are interested in purchasing. Bidders who bid by telephone, either personally or through an agent, receive the same benefit as Floor Bidders in being able to actively participate in the live Auction Sale ("Telephone Bidders"). Therefore, except as otherwise provided in the Terms and Conditions of Auction Sale, COINS LISTED IN THIS CATALOGUE GRADED BY PCGS, NGC OR ANACS CACHET, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY GRADING SERVICE MAY NOT BE RETURNED FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER BY ANY BIDDER. For non-certified coins: If it is determined in a review by Bowers that there is a material error in the catalogue description of a non-certified coin, the lot may be returned if written notice is received by Bowers within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt of the lot(s). The lot(s) must be received by Bowers and Merena no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after the Auction Sale in the same condition the lot(s) were delivered to the Bidder, in their original, sealed containers. Late remittance constitutes just cause for revocation of all return privileges.

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How will my winning lots be shipped to me?
All winning lots will be shipped via the United States Post Office with a delivery confirmation signature required. Delivery methods depend on the value of the shipment (for insurance purposes). Please refer to the chart below to see how your winning lots will be shipped.

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How much will my shipping be?
Shipping costs stipulated by Bowers and Merena include postage, handling, and private-carrier insurance. Shipping varies according to the item type, quantity, and value (for insurance purposes). Please refer to the chart below for shipping amounts. NOTE: Due to the heavy and bulky nature of the items in our Collector’s Choice Auctions, this chart will not apply to those sales. Additional shipping and handling charges based on value, weight and size of shipment will be invoiced, for which the buyer is responsible.

Updated January 2008

Shipping Rates
Purchase Amount	Postage And Insurance
$0.00 to $200.00	$6.50
$201.00 to $300.00	$9.00
$301.00 to $1,000.00	$10.50
$1,001.00 to $2,000.00	$13.00
$2,001.00 to $3,000.00	$17.00
$3,001.00 to $5,000.00	$18.00
$5,001.00 to $10,000.00	$23.00
$10,001.00 to $25,000.00	$27.00
$25,001.00 to $50,000.00	$42.00
$50,001.00 to $75,000.00	$55.00
$75,001.00 to $100,000.00	$70.00
$100,001.00 to $250,000.00	$100.00
$250,001.00 to $500,000.00	$175.00
$500,001.00 to $750,000.00	$250.00
$750,001.00 to $99,999,999.00	$400.00

There are no refunds or reimbursements for postage and handling.

All International orders will be shipped via United States Post Office Express Mail International. All orders will be charged Bowers and Merena's cost plus insurance.

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When can I expect my lots to be shipped to me?
You can expect your shipment within 7 - 14 days after payment is received. Payment must be received before an order is shipped. All checks must clear before an order is shipped.

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How can I view the "Prices Realized" for an auction that has ended?
Visit the website of the auction company of your choice. Click on the "Auction Archive" or "Prices Realized" link. If appropriate, click on the date(s) of the auction you are searching for. Finally, click on the specific auction name, and the prices realized will come up.

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Be certain you are bidding on the correct item.
Take time to double-check the heading of the item for which you are placing a bid. Once you have placed a bid, you cannot remove it.

If the description is unclear to you, e-mail Bowers and Merena Auctions for more information. Or you can use the "Email Seller" link in the bid box.

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Use the Maximum Bid feature when placing your bid.
When placing a Maximum Bid on an item, you give Bowers and Merena Auctions permission to bid for you up to and including the Maximum Bid amount you set.
The Maximum Bid system will ONLY raise the bid in minimum increments in response to a competing bid, so you are sure to get the lot for the lowest possible price. This allows you to remain active on an item in the auction without the need for multiple Internet transactions. If a competing bid exceeds your Maximum Bid amount, you will be sent an outbid notice via e-mail. You can go back and place a new bid, or allow the Maximum Bid to expire without further action.

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Take note of the auction information.
When you are bidding on an item, you may consider printing the screen showing the item, lot number and item description. If you can't print it, it is a good idea to write down the information. If for any reason you do not get your winning notification, customer service can e-mail another notice to you.