From the Desk of Q. David Bowers: Reviewing the June Baltimore Auction Catalog

By Q. David Bowers, Chairman Emeritus

As I am writing these words with my left hand, so to speak, with my right hand I am reviewing and helping catalog the beautiful selection of coins scheduled to cross the block in our June sale at the Whitman Coins and Collectibles Baltimore Expo. Right now I am in the midst of some very interesting gold coins, including a Mint State 1875 gold dollar, with a remarkably low circulation strike mintage of only 400, a similarly graded 1883 $3 with just 900 struck, and some others with mintages in the low four figures.

While the auction catalog is still in preparation, it certainly is worth anticipating, and before you know it you will be able to go online and review the selections.

Charlotte and Dahlonega gold coins have been favorites for a long time. The sale will feature quite a few quarter eagles and half eagles from these two southern mints, most of them in high grades such as EF and AU, and some in Mint State, such as the 1846-C quarter eagle in MS-63, which I reviewed a couple of minutes ago. The nice thing about both of these specialties is that there are no “impossible” rarities, but there are no common coins either. Also, even the finest collection built by those with unlimited funds, is apt to have many coins that fall short of Mint State. The thrill of the chase beckons, and whether you have been seeking these for a long time or are just starting, our Baltimore sale will have many interesting opportunities.

It is not too early to make plans to attend if this is in the cards for you. I will be on hand along with the Stack’s Bowers Galleries crew, and the red carpet awaits you in the auction room as well as a warm reception at our bourse table. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply wanting to “talk coins,” come by and say hello.