Written by Q. David Bowers, Chairman Emeritus
As I write these notes I am in
the middle of a very enjoyable pursuit: reviewing the panorama of coins,
tokens, medals and paper money on deck for our forthcoming auction at the
Whitman Coins & Collectibles Baltimore Expo in March. If you plan to attend
you know the excitement that always prevails. If you have never attended, check
your schedule, check the map, and make plans to come to Baltimore. The
convention is dynamic with hundreds of dealers in the bourse, wonderful
numismatic items in our official auction, and a lot of old-fashioned good times
and camaraderie. It is one of my favorite shows and I will certainly be there.
Our auction will have something
for just about every numismatic preference. To describe my favorites would take
many paragraphs, but here are some that come to mind as I write. Colonial and
early American coins include additional pieces from the cabinet of Ted Craige,
an old-time New York state numismatist who sought fine quality and, at the same
time, enjoyed the history and romance of his coins. I remember sitting with him
at a table in his home looking at state coppers of the 1780s as he passed them
one by one to me, giving his opinion of the quality or telling how he acquired
it. Ted was unusual but not unique in that if one example of a variety was
pleasing, then two or three were even better! Accordingly, in some of his
favorite series, Vermont coppers being an example, there will be multiples in
the Baltimore sale. His collection of French Colonies is world class. Other
coins could be mentioned as well, but I will let the catalog and Internet
presentation surprise you. One of my very favorite items from the 18th century
is the Theatre at New York “penny.” A magnificent specimen of this is offered.
Among other early coins a
gorgeous 1792 silver half disme in Choice Mint State will attract attention. It
seems like only yesterday when we offered the Cardinal Collection example on
January 24. Now comes another opportunity, not in the same “ultra” grade, but
still beautiful, historic, and memorable -- furnishing the occasion to tell
once again its fascinating story. Early large cents include many interesting
varieties, transitioning to later issues, then multiple examples of the famous
1856 Flying Eagle cent, a nice selection of patterns of 1858, and many
interesting, indeed exciting, Indian and Lincoln cents. Among the Indian cents
is one of the greatest “story” coins of all time, the 1875 with a raised dot on
the reverse. A necessary part of any Stack’s Bowers auction, it seems, are
1909-S V.D.B. cents and 1955 Doubled Die cents, both nicely represented with
multiple offerings. Two-cent and three-cent pieces will satisfy, as will
nickels of all kinds, including Proof and Mint State pieces in seldom seen
grades.
Silver coins range from trimes to
trade dollars, with nice representations of the various types in between,
sprinkled with key dates, Condition Census coins, and other highlights. Gold
coins are similar and include basic “type” coins and popular varieties, as well
as early issues, Proofs, and high-level Mint State specimens. The offering of
commemoratives is extensive, and also includes some nice related material, such
as a veritable museum exhibit of ephemera connected with the 1934 Maryland
Tercentenary. I mention territorial gold and patterns as well. Medals are
likewise important and are highlighted by the famous Libertas America medal in silver.
Paper money includes some
marvelous proof notes from New England, all of which are scarce and some of
which are exceedingly rare or even unique -- an offering to be long remembered.
Federal notes encompass popular large-size types such as have high rankings in The 100 Greatest American Currency Notes
plus small-size notes with intriguing and fancy serial numbers, and more.
The catalog will be in print
soon. If you are a subscriber, watch for it. If not, the entire panorama is
available free of charge at our website: www.stacksbowers.com, including high-resolution
color pictures. Get ready! Get set! Almost
Go! I’ll see you in Baltimore or, if you don’t attend, I hope you will
participate by bidding on the Internet, either before the sale or in real time.
Either way, a memorable experience awaits you.
No comments:
Post a Comment