Did You Know???

Did you know that Stack’s Bowers Galleries is the only official auction house of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Expo, held in Baltimore (three times yearly) and Philadelphia?

Test Your Knowledge: Name That Place!

Put your numismatic knowledge to the test and if you can name that place! Check out next week’s eNewsletter for the answer. Can’t wait until next week? Visit Stack’s Bowers on Facebook or Twitter now for the answer!

From the Desk of Q. David Bowers: The Virtuoso’s Companion and the American-related Tokens

Written by Q. David Bowers, Chairman Emeritus

The other day I pulled from my library shelf two small volumes, The Virtuoso’s Companion, bound as two books, but actually containing six volumes dated from 1795 to 1797. This was the height of the token-collecting craze in England. This volume, with sharply detailed line engravings, illustrated hundreds of different varieties that the armchair collector, the virtuoso, might enjoy owning. There were no numbers given or descriptions, just illustrations.

The images included here are copper tokens struck in England during the 1790s and bearing motifs directly relating to the United States. Most of them portray President George Washington, who was still in office at the time. The one other is the 1794 Franklin Press copper.

Today each of these is described, illustrated, and priced in the front part of the Guide Book of United States Coins. On the images in the book the lettering around the edge is enclosed in a circle around the rim of one of each pair of illustrations.

Today these tokens have a wide audience and are very popular. I thought you might enjoy this direct connection with the era in which they were first made and in which collectors first appreciated them. Interestingly, on this side of the Atlantic, in America, there was little interest in collecting such things at the time. Those that ended up in cabinets today were brought back from England decades later.

Remember When: George O. Walton, Part 1

By Harvey G. Stack, Senior Numismatic Consultant

The name George Walton would lead a historian to think of the gentleman from Georgia who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. But a numismatist instead thinks of the mid-20th century George Walton who was the owner of one of the 1913 Liberty Head five-cent pieces. There are only five known of this famous rarity, all of which were previously owned by Col. E.H.R. Green, from whose estate Eric Newman and B.G. Johnson of St. Louis purchased them in the 1940s.

But the greatness of George O. Walton was only complemented by his ownership of this important nickel. However, his contributions to numismatics somehow get lost in all the publicity that has surrounded the loss, and the recovery, of this rare coin.

George Walton had vast holdings of Charlotte and Dahlonega gold coins, plus the coins of the Bechtler family and Templeton Reid, as well as a large collection of paper money, including southern state bank notes, issued and used prior to the Civil War, and Confederate currency. For more information about the man, I reference what was written in a Stack’s catalog of his collection offered in 1963. As early as 1937 George Walton was well known to the Stack family. He would visit our shop and talk for hours with Joseph and Morton. They were amazed at how much this young man knew about southern currency. From these early encounters a mutual friendship and respect grew. When the Stacks needed guidance on the history and money of the pre-Civil War period, George Walton’s great knowledge in this area was put to use.

George O. Walton was active in the American Numismatic Association, attended most conventions and also formed or participated in numerous coin clubs in the southeastern United States. Part of his livelihood came from being a bank inspector and appraiser for banks in the Carolinas, George, northern Florida and the mountainous areas of Virginia and Maryland. As he traveled through the towns and cities of these areas he made many friends and was also able to buy and sell southern gold coins and early paper money. Among the people served was the Reynolds family of tobacco fame and Dr. Conway Bolt, whose collection Stack’s sold in the early 1970s.

Beyond his affection for southern gold, Walton also had substantial holdings of territorial gold, not only the private gold of the Carolinas and Georgia. He often had a quantity of $50 gold pieces with him as well as those that remained in his bank) and loved to display them at ANA shows. He had a friendly rivalry with Amon Carter, Jr. who also had a large collection. At one point, some other collectors challenged them that they could not put together an exhibit of more than 100 pieces. George and Amon accepted the challenge and at the next ANA convention, between them they showed 101 territorial gold slugs, octagonal and round. It was like seeing the contents of a Wells Fargo chest on display. The challengers could not believe their eyes and never underestimated George or Amon again.

Unfortunately George, this knowledgeable numismatist and great friend of so many, was in a fatal automobile accident in 1962, on his way to a meeting of the Wilson-Goldsboro Coin Club. As was his style, he had with him many coins and these ended up spread over the highway. The police closed down the road and officers were assigned the task of picking up what they could find. Much was retrieved (but likely not all). After the collection was reassembled, it was given to Stack’s to sell at public auction by the Colonial-American National Bank of Roanoke, Virginia, who were the administrators of Walton’s estate.

The collection was so voluminous that it took two Stack’s catalogs to present it for sale. The Charlotte and Dahlonega gold and the private gold coins of the Bechtlers and Templeton Reid would have been a landmark sale on their own. But George Walton had gold coins of all denominations in quantity.

In the next part of this story I will outline the extent of his holdings and tell why we always thought him to be one of the legendary numismatists of the 20th century.

World Coin of the Week: Platinum Invention and Discoveries Proof Set

By Chris Chatigny, Cataloger

Anticipation is growing for the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio August Hong Kong auction that is just a month away. A vast array of ancient and modern Chinese coins and currency, as well as a diverse and thrilling selection of coins and currency from the many other Asian countries, are set to make this a stunning sale. This week’s feature is a rare modern Chinese platinum proof set commemorating the long and important history of Chinese inventions and discoveries. Commissioned in 1992, this series of coins was created in an attempt to improve China’s public image to the international community. In the early 1990s Chinese repute had waned due to the Tiananmen Square movement, and the popularity of the Panda series had dipped. A new series was needed, one that accentuated China’s longevity and positive contributions to global society. The “Inventions and Discoveries” Series would meet the challenge, and through original ideas, expertly designed and artfully crafted, these coins were able to reinvigorate international interest in Chinese modern coins.

China’s continuous history stretches back for a total of nearly 5,000 years, and in this span of five millennia, the list of discoveries and inventions is almost limitless. With the help of “The Genius of China – 3000 Years of Science, Discovery and Invention” by Dr. Robert Temple, several significant subjects were chosen. For the inaugural set five coin designs were chosen and were struck in silver, gold, and platinum. This set being offered for this auction is the very rare platinum set of one ounce pieces. Each coin in this set shares the same reverse design, which includes the upper Chinese inscription stating: “People’s Republic of China”, and below the design the date of issue, 1992. Between the legends is a breathtaking view of China’s iconic Great Wall, as it winds up a mountainous peak. Built during the Qin Dynasty in the late third century B.C. and extensively rebuilt and modified during the Ming Dynasty (14th to 17th Century A.D.) the Great Wall served as a bulwark against the northern Mongol tribes and as a tool to control trade. The Great Wall of China has since become an international symbol of power and one of China’s greatest achievements.

China’s many significant scientific innovations and developments are expertly displayed throughout the various Invention and Discoveries sets, and this introductory set from 1992 is an excellent example. The five designs in this set showcase: an ancient seismograph, the first kite, navigation and shipbuilding, the compass, and Bronze Age art and metalworking. The first coin represents the seismograph invented by Zhang Heng, a first century A.D. Eastern Han Dynasty polymath (scholar, poet, inventor and scientist). This device could determine the direction of the epicenter of an earthquake up to 300 miles away. The design shows a massive urn like device in the upper right side, with elaborate dragon flange pieces. To the left of the urn is a Chinese inscription stating “Seismograph 2nd Century A.D.” Below the inscription are three Chinese scholars in a discussion, and to the right the denomination of 100 Yuan is shown. The next coin depicts the invention of the kite in the 4th Century B.C. by the philosopher Mozi. A descriptive Chinese inscription, which reads “Kite 4th Century B.C.,” adorns the upper rim of the coin. Below, a large butterfly kite is shown, with amazing detail present in its wing design. Three children playing with kites are shown below, with a building off in the distance and the denomination of 100 Yuan shown at the bottom.

The next coin proudly displays the innovations made by the Chinese in the fields of shipbuilding and navigation. The usual Chinese inscription describes the discovery and the approximate dates, this one being the 2nd Century A.D. A huge Junk style boat is shown with an enormous hull, 11 oars (visible only on one side, so the junk had a total of 22), two levels of decks, and four masts with “battened sails” (long horizontal stabilizing poles in the sails, giving it a rippled effect). A second boat of a more or less European design is shown in the distance, and is dwarfed by the Chinese vessel due to distance. Directly below the ship is the denomination of 100 Yuan, and a scene to the right, which displays shipbuilding methods. The fourth coin showcases China’s invention of a compass device in the 4th Century B.C., during the Warring States Period. During this time Chinese scholars discovered that certain rocks – lodestones – had magnetic properties and when they were suspended in water they would rotate and align south. This tool provided an enormous advantage in naval navigation, travelling, and the marching of troops. The image on the coin shows a troop of soldiers marching underneath a compass arrow. Below, a picture of the compass device is shown, it appears as a metal plate lined with symbols and characters with a spoon like item in the center. To the left appears the Chinese legend: “Compass 4th Century B.C.” and at the bottom of the design appears the denomination of 100 Yuan. The final piece of this series features the oldest invention and innovation: “Bronze Age art and metal working.” A large ornate urn dominates the field, with dragons and other elaborate designs, and to the upper left appears a Chinese inscription stating the subject and date range of approximately 16th Century B.C. Three scenes show the various stages of production including what appears to be a forge and blacksmith, an anvil with two metal smiths, and an artist painting or engraving the final piece. This highly collectible set is further enhanced by the stellar grade of PCGS Proof 69 Deep Cameo, which all five pieces hold. Rarity also comes into play, as each coin has a mintage of only 100 pieces. This set is elusive and ranks high on the list of sought after proof sets.

Look for this and other Asian numismatic rarities in our upcoming August Hong Kong Sale. Preview this impressive coin along with the rest of our auction this August at the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio office located in Irvine, California. For details please refer to the Auction Schedule/Details link under Current Auctions at www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please call 800.566.2580. While our Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio Hong Kong sale is closed for further consignments, we are currently taking consignments of world and Asian coins for our November Baltimore, January New York International, and April 2014 Hong Kong sales. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.

United States Coin of the Week: Newly Discovered Hermon MacNeil Dime Reverse Plaster Model

By Greg Cohen, Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. and World Coins

Stack’s Bowers is pleased to present for your bidding consideration, a heretofore unknown and unpublished Hermon MacNeil plaster model for a dime design submitted during the coin design competition of 1916, which gave numismatics such classics as the Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and the Walking Liberty half dollar. Consigned by a member of the family who purchased the MacNeil property in College Point, NY after his death, this plaster did not meet the same fate as many other MacNeil works that were consigned to the landfill. Below is the expert description, written by guest cataloger Roger Burdette. Stack’s Bowers Galleries expresses its gratitude to Mr. Burdette for his assistance and wishes the bidders the best of luck. The discovery of this piece, along with the plasters for the Standing Liberty quarter we sold in the ANA sale last year, shines a new light on the 1916 design competition, adding to the expanded knowledge base that Mr. Burdette created with his three-volume Renaissance of American Coinage.  

Our catalogs are currently at the printer and will be in the mail shortly. The sale will also be posted to our website this week. For more information about this, or any other lot in our 2013 official auction of the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money, do not hesitate to contact any of our numismatic experts.

We are currently accepting consignments for the final two Stack’s Bowers auctions of 2013. If you have any items relating to coinage designs, you should contact us. In recent years, we have sold items like this from the Chester Beach archive, members of the MacNeil Family, and now this unknown plaster model. We look forward to hearing about your holdings and working with you.

Beginning of the 1916 Silver Coin Designs

In 1915, Secretary of the Treasury William G. McAdoo and Mint Director Robert W. Woolley decided it was time to change the designs of the silver dime, quarter and half dollar. Aesthetically, the old designs by U.S. Mint Engraver Charles Barber, approved in 1891, were considered mediocre and eligible for replacement with new, more contemporary and vibrant concepts. Politically, the Wilson administration wanted to demonstrate its break with the past and convey, through new coinage, America’s expanded role in the world. Finally, Woolley wanted a new design that was unique to the half dollar. He hoped this would increase circulation and use of the coin, which in turn would reduce the cost of producing small change.

Director Woolley approached artist Herbert Adams, a member of the Commission of Fine Arts, requesting the names of sculptors who might be able to redesign the coins. The administration wanted to start distributing new coinage in July, 1916 at the beginning of the government’s fiscal year, and time was short.

Adams’ advice was to commission three of the country’s finest sculptors, then give each a coin denomination design to complete. Woolley was concerned this might cause delay and possibly force acceptance of an inferior design. His plan, approved by Secretary McAdoo, was to have all three sculptors prepare designs for all three coins, although Woolley expected each artist to design only one coin.

Hermon MacNeil, Adolph Weinman, and Alban Polasek were selected to design the coins, but none of them liked the director’s plan very much. All three objected to having to make designs for three coins, when it seemed that only one coin would be awarded to each artist. MacNeil, the most experienced of the trio, took the lead in contacting the others. He was able to convince them to abide by the director’s terms. The three agreed among themselves to deliver their design sketches around the middle of February. This filled a gap in the Mint’s specifications and gave the artists a clear due date for completion of their preliminary work.

On account of the very limited time in which you allow for these designs, I have consulted with Mr. Weinman and Mr. Polasek in regard to the best method of procedure as we have mutually agreed to try and have such preliminary sketches or studies for these designs as we have made, ready on or about the middle of February, so that by your having them all together at the same time, your judgment of their merits may be facilitated and as little time as possible lost in making it. (US Mint, NARA-P, Letter dated January 11, 1916 to Woolley from MacNeil)

The three artists made multiple pencil drawings of their ideas and several small plaster models. Europe was at war and each day brought new threats to drag the United States into the conflict. An air of protective watchfulness pervaded the country, which affected the concepts each sculptor sought to express on the coins. Extant drawings suggest the artists worked freely, generally planning a specific design for a particular coin denomination when they were ready to make their final drawings or sketch models

Director Woolley met with the artists on February 23 in the New York Assay Office. The artists showed their drawings and plaster sketch models – approximately 24 in number – to the mint director and answered his questions about the designs. Everyone was still under the assumption that each artist would end up with one coin design.

The sketches and models, now totaling 32 after adding designs by Mint Bureau engravers Charles Barber and George Morgan, were taken to Washington. There, Director Woolley and Secretary McAdoo examined the designs and selected six they felt were the best.

Five of these had been submitted by Mr. Weinman, and one by Mr. MacNeil. None of Mr. Polasek’s found favor. As only one of Mr. MacNeil’s was found acceptable, I understand it is the intention to combine one of Mr. Weinman’s with Mr. MacNeil’s on one coin. (CFA, NARA-DC, Letter dated February 28, 1916 to Adams from Harts)

Neither Adams nor any of the sculptors liked this decision. After much persuasion by Adams and others, the final outcome was that Secretary McAdoo allowed MacNeil to make new designs for the reverse of the quarter. Weinman ended up designing the dime and half dollar, and Polasek got nothing but a $300 participation award.

The plaster model presented in this auction is certainly not a finished design. The rough fabric and irregular treatment testify to its use to display a concept, or idea and not a final product. Almost nothing remains of the sketches or models made by any of the artists between January 11 and February 23, 1916. These were evidently the only group from which Director Woolley made his selections. Yet, until discovery of the current dime model, the only known example was a dime model by Alban Polasek now in the possession of the Polasek Museum in Winter Park, FL. As the only known sketch model for the 1916 silver coinage competition in private hands, this piece is a truly unique part of American creative history.

No photos were made by the Mint of the models, and it is likely that most remaining preliminary materials were discarded long ago. We don’t know if this piece was among those examined in Washington or if it remained in MacNeil’s College Point studio. Existence of this piece leaves us with but a faint hint of what variety the three sculptors might have displayed.

Description

MacNeil’s model is made of white plaster, with a few areas of light gray on the front, mostly over the elements of the design, and several areas of light yellowish discoloration at the top of the front.

The dime design is 86 millimeters in diameter. This is within an irregular border that is from seven to 17 millimeters larger. The thickness varies as expected for a cast and is approximately 21 millimeters thick at the greatest point. The model weighs 171.0 grams. The edge is plain.

The front, or design side, has a plain central shield embossed with the words “TEN / CENTS” in two lines. A small horizontal tablet hangs from shield bottom much like an award bar on a medal. Surrounding the shield are two branches with leaves, buds and flowers. These appear to be budding olive sprigs. The cut ends of the branches cross below the shield in conventional fashion. There are two ill-formed five-pointed stars at lower left and right. Surrounding the composition at the periphery are 83 small ornamental circular dots. All design elements are roughly made and incomplete, suggesting rush work for a design concept, and not a final product. The surface has many small bubble cavities and other defects consistent with a quickly-made cast.

The back is signed “H A MacNeil / College Pt / NYC” in three lines. Portions of the signature and inscription are visible only as indentations in the plaster. This surface has many small and medium size bubble cavities and other defects.

Background

Following Hermon MacNeil’s death in 1947, much of the contents of his studio and personal files were consigned to the trash. (A similar fate befell James and Laura Fraser’s studio after their deaths.) Fortunately, several people, including neighbor and commercial illustrator James A. Coughlin, saved portions of the property from destruction. These materials form the core of MacNeil document collections at Cornell University and the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

In 1951 the consignor’s father purchased the MacNeil home and studio at 121-01 5th Ave. College Point, Queens, New York. The large, gambrel roofed studio was nearly empty but the family did find the plaster coin model we offer in our sale. The model was displayed in the family home for many years, and has remained in the family’s possession since 1951.

Some months ago the consignor’s husband was corresponding with an historian (James E. Haas) who had written several books about College Point residents. During conversations, the coin model was mentioned, and it was felt the plaster model might be of interest and value to numismatists. The consignor contacted Stack’s-Bowers Auctions due to their expertise in handling several other plaster and metal models by Hermon MacNeil.

Readers can learn more about the 1916 coinage designs in the book, Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921 ISBN 978-0976898603 by Roger W. Burdette.

Consign to the Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Philadelphia Auction

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is now inviting consignments to the official auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Philadelphia Expo, to be held September 17-22, 2013.

The consignment deadline is just around the corner on July 29th, 2013! We invite to you join us as we celebrate American numismatics in a city that is rich with American history! Consign your U.S. coins, tokens, medals, exonumia and more alongside a host of extraordinary numismatic offerings, including selections from the John J. Ford Jr. Collection, Part XXIV of Numismatic American History. Be part of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries momentum following our record-breaking sale earlier this year of the 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar from the famed Cardinal Collection for more than $10 million.

We will create the best strategy to realize the highest prices possible for your coins. From our award-winning catalogs, photography and marketing to our longstanding relationships with collectors, dealers and investors from around the globe, allow us to showcase your consignment to its finest possible advantage and encourage buyers to compete for your coins.

Contact a consignment specialist today to discuss consigning a single numismatic item or your entire collection -- West Coast office: 800-458-4646 or East Coast Office: 800-566-2580! 

Crossing the Block: The Bentley Shores Collection of U.S. Gold Coins

By Greg Cohen, Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. and World Coins

Among the many great consignments to our official 2013 ANA sale, the Bentley Shores Collection of U.S. Gold Coins will long be remembered for its set of Saint Gaudens Indian Head eagles. The Bentley Shores collector assembled this wonderful collection with the assistance of Gene Nesheim of our staff. When the time came for him to sell his numismatic holdings, he contacted Gene, and after the November 2012 Baltimore Convention, I accompanied Gene to visit the collector and take this collection on consignment for our highly anticipated 2013 ANA sale. Many of the coins are among the finest graded at either NGC or PCGS. Condition rarities and rare dates abound, as do coins that have graced some of the finest Indian Head eagle collections assembled in modern times, including Price, Kutasi, O’Neil, and Michaels.

Starting with a 1907 Wire Rim and a pair of 1907 Rolled Rim pieces and concluding with the rare 1933, there are not only high grade, Condition Census circulation strike coins, but Proof issues as well. For good measure, the Bentley Shores Collection also contains some other Proof gold coins, including a 1907 Liberty Head $20 in NGC PR-67 Cameo and a 1908 No Motto $20 in PCGS MS-69 (!), tied for finest graded for the series, and from the famous Wells Fargo Gold Hoard.

Stack’s Bowers is pleased to present the Bentley Shores Collection as part of our Rarities Night Session at our official auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money. We would like to take this opportunity to wish the prospective bidders the best of good luck; an opportunity like this may not come again for quite some time. Catalogs will be in the mail shortly and the sale will be uploaded to our website. If you would like to view the Bentley Shores Collection (or any other coins in our ANA sale), visit our website for lot viewing times in our Irvine and Manhattan offices. If you cannot attend in person, be sure to contact one of our numismatic experts for a phone description. Collectors putting together Registry Sets of Indian Head eagles will be wise to review the coins in the offing and be prepared to engage in a bidding war when these beauties cross the auction block. The historical introduction written by Q. David Bowers, and the expert physical and numismatic descriptions of the individual coins by our award winning catalogers will combine for a memorable reference work for years to come. If you are not yet on our mailing list, be sure to contact an auction services associate to reserve your copy.

 If you have a world class collection or Registry Set that you might be interested in consigning to an upcoming auction, we are currently accepting consignments for our September Philadelphia and November Baltimore auction sales. Contact one of our consignment directors to discuss your material today.

Answers for the Avid Collector: 1785 George III Immune Columbia Pieces

Answers for the Avid Collector

Do you have a question about anything numismatic? Want to know what’s going on here at Stack’s Bowers Galleries? If so, send your inquiries to AnswersfortheAvidCollector@StacksBowers.com and get a response to your important questions from our team of experts!

Question:  I have recently become interested in colonial and early American coins and have been researching them in various publications. In looking at pictures of the 1785 George III Immune Columbia pieces, it strikes me as unusual that the border inscriptions on the coins are incomplete. If someone went to the trouble of making a coin, why didn’t they make it so all the inscriptions were complete? It seems illogical to me. –B.W.

Answer:  The 1785 Immune Columbia pieces were made at Machin’s Mills, and it was not the intention of this minting facility to turn out coins that were “pretty” or even “numismatically desirable.” Rather, their goal was to produce pieces that, when issued, appeared to be worn and indistinct in certain features. The coiners wanted their product to be readily acceptable in the channels of commerce, and worried that sharply struck pieces with perfect detail might arouse suspicion. For them, wear on a coin was desirable, as it implied that merchants, bankers and others had already accepted it as genuine, and passed it from hand to hand.

While the reverse die was complete and contained the full lettering IMMUNE COLUMBIA and the date 1785, the planchets used were of insufficient diameter, and all specimens I have seen have been incomplete in one area or another. As you noted, even the examples shown in reference books, including A Guide Book of United States Coins and in my own Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, all show this feature.

In summary, if there is such a thing as a perfectly struck example, on a full width planchet, I have never seen or heard of it.

Crossing the Block: The Thos. H. Law Collection of English Gold Coins

By Greg Cohen, Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. and World Coins

For the past six weeks or so, Bruce Roland Hagen and I have used this space to discuss aspects of single rarities or a series of coins from this fabulous collection, one of the most extensive, impressive, and important collections of English gold coins to be assembled and sold in the United States. The entire team at Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is extremely honored and proud to have the opportunity to make numismatic history with the cataloging and subsequent sale of the Thos. H. Law Collection.

While Bruce and I have covered the famous Una and the Lion 5 Pound; the Cromwell Broad; the extremely rare 1831 pattern Crownstruck in gold; the history of the Tudor Sovereigns offered in the collection; the Angel Coinage; and finally those large, impressive 5Guinea pieces, I would like to use this week’s article to talk about the beautiful catalog that Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio produced to showcase this marvelous collection, as it will long be recognized for its value as a reference work on English gold.

The Thos. H. Law Collection is now on our website (as are the rest of the World and Ancient sessions of the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio official auction of the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money at www.stacksbowers.com ), ready for your viewing and bidding consideration. The beautifully illustrated and fully researched catalogs are in the mail, and you should be receiving them shortly. The cataloging and presentation was truly a strong team effort, with Bruce Roland Hagen as lead cataloger (Bruce is best known for his paper money acumen, but after his cataloging of the Michael S. Tallent Collection in April 2008, Larry and Harvey Stack asked that Bruce take the reins of this project). With the numismatic and historical expertise of the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio staff (including Harvey and Larry Stack, Marissa Russell, and myself), the superb photographs, and wonderful job of laying out the catalogs, the Stack’s Bowers team is proud to present the Thos. H. Law Collection to its finest advantage. Indeed the excellent photographs and layout are a testament to lengths that our graphics and photography department go to accurately showcase the coins in all of our auctions sales. The marketing department developed a multileveled plan for marketing the collection -- the featured full page advertisements in international numismatic publications, email blasts, and our weekly newsletter articles. Word quickly spread from New York and California “across the pond” to England, and the excitement from collectors and dealers alike has been palpable, a direct result of our marketing team’s efforts. With the support of the entire Stack’s Bowers organization, the catalog of the Thos. H. Law Collection will forever be a reference.

From the inception of the project, we wanted, not only to showcase the individual coins, but to also explain their importance in the history of Britain. The coins are arranged in chronological order by ruler with a concise biographical sketch, compiled by Marissa Russell, and a numismatic historical note about each reign, which I put together. With the historical background for the coins now in place, the coins themselves are tangible connections to that history, and illustrate better than words can, what Britain was like during those times. The Law Collection features a total of 459 lots of English gold coins, from Richard III (ruled 1327-77) to Elizabeth II (1952-present). While many collections either focus on the earlier Hammered coinage or the later Milled coinage (and each of these subsets are extremely impressive for their depth and quality) the Law Collection focuses on every aspect of English gold coins. Many of the numerous highlights were described before in this space, and require no singular mention again here (see links above). Thos. Law took great pride in showcasing his collection at ANA conventions (winning the Howland Wood Best in Show award five times). The coins themselves show that pride of ownership he felt each time he laid each coin, carefully, lovingly, on the velvet in the cases. It is with that same care and thought that his collection is presented in our official ANA World’s Fair of Money auction.

With such a comprehensive collection, there is something for everyone and anyone interested in numismatics in this collection. There are coins of all price points, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to over one hundred thousand dollars. For collectors of world gold coins, or English gold specifically, there are excellent choices for type coins and there are rare dates and variants for a more specialized collection. A collector of early American coins could include a few of these coins, as they relate to colonial history (select a James I coin for instance, during his reign in 1607, the English established the first permanent settlement at Jamestown, Virginia; or a coin of George III, whom the colonists rebelled against in the Revolutionary War). For students of art history, many of these pieces are mini artistic masterpieces. Even if you do not currently have a strong interest in English gold coins, take a look at the coins in the offing, and perhaps a new area of collecting interest will develop; it only takes a few minutes reviewing the catalog to realize how wonderful these coins are.

On behalf of the entire team at Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio, I would like to extend to you a personal invitation to come to lot viewing and examine these wonderful coins in hand and take in the history that each of the 459 pieces represents. We will be offering lot viewing in our Irvine office from July 18 to 26, 2013; in New York from August 2 to August 6; and in Rosemont, at the Donald Stephens Convention Center August 9 to August 13. The sale will take place on the evening of Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at 6PM Central Time. When the hammer falls on the last lot, the Thos. H. Law Collection will be enshrined in numismatic history. Time is running out to get your name on our mailing list if it is not already there. If you wish to receive a copy of the Thos. H. Law Collection catalog, please contact one of our auction services associates today. Remember, a PDF version of every Stack’s Bowers sale is posted on our website shortly after the sale goes live. If you have questions regarding any of the coins in the collection, be sure to contact one of our numismatic professionals. If you cannot attend the sale in person, and would like to participate as a phone bidder, be sure to contact us as soon as possible; there is little doubt that the phone lines will be busy for this epic event. We wish all bidders the best of luck and hope that they feel the pride of ownership that Thos. H. Law felt when they bring home their new treasures.

United States Paper Money of the Week: Stack’s Bowers Galleries to Offer Finest Available 1923 “Porthole” $5 Silver Certificate

Based on the lot description by Matt Quinn, Director of Currency

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to offer a remarkable 1923 $5 “Porthole” Silver Certificate in our official auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money. The offered Fr. 282 note is graded PCGS Superb Gem New 68 PPQ, and is the only example to have garnered a Superb Gem 68 grade from either PMG or PCGS Currency. This will be a highlight of our fabulous currency session, to be held Thursday, August 15th, beginning at 5:00 pm, Central Time.

This popular design was awarded the number 30 spot in the book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman. Shown is a circular portrait vignette of Abraham Lincoln at center with THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The broad border design features heavy geometric detail and repeated wording and denomination clarification. There is an ornate blue overprinted "5 Dollars" at right and a small blue scalloped Treasury seal at left. The back design displays the Great Seal of the Untied States at center with a rayed design surrounding. 

The focal point of this note has always been the bust of President Lincoln at center. This serial number A4111282B note shows excellent detail on the portrait. Vivid primary inks in black and green (for the face and back respectively) are pronounced and the blue overprinted details are vivid. As expected for this incredible grade, there is lovely embossing at all the overprinted devices. Picture frame-like centering further enhances the appeal, with large even borders at all sides and registration of the face and back impressions that would satisfy even the fussiest of collectors. Interestingly, this note shows its Friedberg number as the last three digits of the serial number. We anticipate that this incredible Silver Certificate will find a new home in an outstanding cabinet.

Lot viewing for this and all the other coins, tokens, medals, and paper money to be offered in our American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money auction will be held in our Irvine, California (July 18-26) and New York City offices (August 2-6). To make an appointment for either of these locations, please call 800-458-4646. The lots will also be available for viewing at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Room 1 & 2 from August 9 through 17.

Crossing the Block: Mexico Pattern Grano

By Chris Chatigny, Cataloger and Kent Ponterio, Senior Numismatist and Consignment Director, World and Asian Coins

This week’s highlight for the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio August ANA World’s Fair of Money auction is an extremely rare and interesting Mexicancoin. This coin is quite scarce and has yet to receive its due scholarly analysis. As it stands, even this coin’s denomination is up for debate, as is its status as to whether or not it is a pattern or circulation issue. Speculation surrounds this coinage, however some theories concerning this coin are sound. Despite any uncertainty as to the details behind the creation of this piece, its scarcity is indisputable and will most certainly create a high demand for this piece when it reaches the auction podium.

The iconography for this coin, in addition to its mysterious background, is very fascinating. The obverse could very well be the first coin to depict an eagle perched on top of a cactus, which would become the iconic image for independent Mexican coinage in later centuries. However, some assert that this bird is a dove of peace, spreading seeds into fertile ground (as an allegory for the Spanish spreading their influence throughout the known world). At the base of the cactus there are three globes, which could be attributed as a representation of the Spanish sphere of influence: they depict the Spanish Old World, Spanish New World, and the Spanish Orient (Philippines). The inscription bordering these images states: “SINE ME REGNA FATISCUNT” which means: “without me kingdoms totter” and finally there are two Mexico City mintmarks surrounding the date of 1769. The reverse showcases the proud Spanish Coat of Arms, including the castles and rampant lions of Castile and Leon and the pomegranate of Granada in the bottom. The triple fleur de lis is also present in the center. The regal crown surmounts the Bourbon escutcheon (heraldic shield), and the outer legend “CAROLVS. III. INDIAR. REX.” states Charles III’s royal title. Two symbols appear to either side of the heraldry, “Go” and “1” and possibly stand for its denomination.

This copper coin is most often referred to as a pattern by most traditional references, but as stated earlier this is a speculative analysis. The denomination of “Grano” is also assumed, as this denomination had never seen use in Mexico before. Grano is attributed as the denomination based on two symbols on either side of the Spanish Coat of Arms, “1” and “Go”, with Grano derived from the “Go” monogram. It is generally assumed however, that these were created as part of a rare and short lived issue intended for circulation in Mexico. One important piece of evidence in support of their intended circulation in Mexico is that all other Spanish Colonial pattern pieces from the Charles III era were issued directly from the Madrid Mint in Spain. This piece displays the Mexico City mintmark leading to the assumption that this particular coin was indeed intended for circulation and not a pattern type.

One possibility for its short lived nature is that Charles III hired Tomas Francisco Prieto to oversee all of the Spanish Colonial mints, in an attempt to unify the coinage in the Spanish Realm. At the Madrid Mint, Prieto designed a new portrait coinage for Charles III and distributed to the colonial mints full denomination sets of uniface patterns. These were dated 1770 and their authority in unifying the colonial coinage would supersede any potential of a newly issued copper coinage series. Some authors have even thrown the intended country of circulation into question by offering the idea that these pieces were minted in Mexico City (as expressed by the Mo monogram) but were intended for circulation in the Philippines. This theory states that these were patterns struck in Mexico City and sent to Spain for consideration as a circulating piece in the Spanish Orient (Philippines).

Look for this and other World numismatic rarities in our upcoming August ANA Sale. Preview this impressive coin along with the rest of our auction this August at the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio office located in Irvine, California. For details please refer to the Auction Schedule/Details link under Current Auctions at www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please call 800.566.2580. While our Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio ANA World’s Fair of Money sale is closed for further consignments, we are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins for our November Baltimore, January New York International, and April 2014 Hong Kong sales. If you are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.

From the Desk of Q. David Bowers: Interesting Short Sets

Written by Q. David Bowers, Chairman Emeritus

Welcome to my commentary. This week I will discuss a several interesting short sets -- ones that can be formed easily enough and are affordable.

An ideal short set is a complete collection of Flying Eagle cents made for circulation. It is easy to form as it consists of just two coins: one dated 1857 and one dated 1858. Of course, there is the 1856 pattern to consider, but that was a pattern and not a regular issue, struck before February 21, 1857, when the coin was authorized. While owning an 1856 is fine and dandy, indeed wonderful, its status as a pattern gives you the opportunity to opt out easily enough. In addition to the above mentioned two coins, the 1858 exists in two varieties, Small Letters and Large Letters. These are distinguished readily enough with the naked eye. Going beyond that, we have the 1858/7 overdate, a variety that was not publicized until a few decades ago. Only the upper right tip of the 7 remains, peeking out from the upper right of the second 8. On some examples a strong glass is needed to identify the variety. Add this overdate if you will or skip it. Beyond that there are three fascinating varieties of 1857 cents, on which a die of a completely irrelevant denomination -- quarter, half dollar and, believe it or not, double eagle -- clashed with a production die, leaving an imprint that can be seen on the finished coin. These are generally scarce and in high grades quite rare. You can read about them in the standard book on the series written by Rick Snow or in my own Buyers’ and Enthusiasts’ Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents.

Another interesting set, not very long, consists of Eisenhower dollars from 1971 to 1978. Many of the varieties are easy enough to obtain, but some can be scarce once you go past the MS-64 level. The Guide Book of United States Coins gives details. There are no impossible scarcities or rarities among the standard dates and mintmarks.

Yet another short set can be collected of Susan B. Anthony dollars. This consists of Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mint issues of 1979, 1980, and 1981, those dated 1979 being quite common, those dated 1981 being relatively scarce in comparison. After 1981 the series ended. Or, so everyone thought. Then, strangely enough, years later in 1999 more Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck. The reason for this I know not, but they do exist and are affordable.

For good measure I mention another set, this being one of each date and mintmark of the Oregon Trail Memorial commemorative half dollars. These began in 1926 and continued intermittently through 1939. The later years, particularly the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco issues of 1939, are of very low mintage. However, the commemorative market being as soft as it is, even these are very affordable in Choice or Gem Mint State. Several years ago the Society for U.S. Commemorative Coins (SUCC) took a survey with the result that the Oregon Trail design was considered to be the favorite.

That’s it for now. See you next week.

Did You Know???

Did you know that Stack’s Bowers has one of the largest numismatic libraries in the world?

Remember When: My 85th Birthday and Embarking on my 67th Year as a Professional Numismatist, Part II

By Harvey G. Stack, Senior Numismatic Consultant

Last week I told of how my 85th birthday on June 3, 2013, had made me nostalgic for my early days as a full time worker at Stack’s. I reminisced about the influential dealers who I had the honor of knowing and working with in my first decade as a full time numismatist from 1947 to 1956.

Of course, my knowledge also came from the collectors and researchers I met during this early period of my professional life. As I think about them, I am greatly indebted to them for their willingness to share their great knowledge. All that I learned made me more qualified to do my job and to pass this knowledge on to others.

Among the many collectors, specialists and researchers I met were many who went on to form major collections which were later consigned to Stack’s for auction, bought through private treaty, or brokered through our firm. All of the following were clients with whom I became friends and who I represented during my first decade at Stack’s. Many had great rarities and noteworthy collections, whose items are still considered great heirlooms. Among the names of individuals and collections that immediately came to mind from my first 10 years were Clifford T. Weihman, J.J. Pittman, James A. Stack, Louis E. Eliasberg, Gaston DiBello, Anderson Dupont, Davis Graves, Dr. William Sheldon, C. Douglas Smith, Harold Bareford, Fred Knobloch, Josiah K. Lilly, Vernon Brown, Oscar Shilke, Jack Bell, Eric Newman, Walter Breen, John J. Ford, Ray Gallo, Professor Thomas Mabbott, Henry Guttag, and Jules Guttag. I also thought of Mortimer Hammel, Dr. Charles Green, Cornelius Vermeule, Howard Gibbs, and the collectors who formed the Dollars of the World Collection and the Gold Coins of the World Collection. If you read through the pedigrees in auction catalogs, you can fully understand what good fortune I had to work with these great people.

I cherish having known them and worked with them and I also cherish all the things I learned from them. My experience in numismatics over the past 66 years has been greatly enhanced by all those I met, worked with, learned from and auctioned for over the years. And my good fortune continues to this day. As I enter my 67th year in the business, I am still blessed by the many people I encounter in the “Hobby of Kings.” I am still meeting and learning from coin people, and I hope that I can pass on my knowledge and love of numismatics to others, so that our hobby will continue to expand and flourish in the future.

Test Your Knowledge: Name That Person!

Here are the answers to last week’s Test Your Knowledge! Did you pass the test? Check back next week for a new numismatic question.

World Coin of the Week: Superb Gem Belgian Congo 1887 Silver Type Set

By Greg Cohen, Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. and World Coins

We are pleased to present this week’s World Coin of the Week: a wonderful 1887 silver type set of the Belgian Congo, all in superlative grades, with beautiful matching, light iridescent toning. This set must have remained together since the time of mintage, carefully stored until recently when they were submitted to PCGS for grading. Of the four coins in the set, three are graded MS-67+, while the remaining coin is in an MS-66+ encapsulation. Most are finest graded for their types at PCGS. Consisting of the 5 Francs, 2 Francs, Franc and 50 Centimes, these coins feature the bare headed portrait of Belgian King Leopold II facing left, and the Belgian Arms on the reverse. These attractive coins would make a wonderful addition to any modern world silver registry set.

Called the Congo Free State in 1887, the area was awarded to Leopold II in 1885 as part of the Berlin Conference, where he considered the territory as his own for exploitation. It was annexed to Belgium in 1908. The famous American, Henry Stanley, was one of the first western explorers to trek into the interior of the territory, and was commissioned by Leopold to make treaties with the local tribes.

This four-piece set is the finest set available for collectors, and should attract liberal bids. Although some may consider this set a little obscure, it is a wonderful opportunity for world collectors who demand the highest quality. Catalogs are currently in production so if you are not currently on our mailing list for World and Ancient coin catalogs, be sure to contact an auction services associate to add your name to our list. We hope to see you in Rosemont this summer if you plan on attending the ANA convention and auctions. If you cannot make it to Rosemont, be sure to try to attend viewing sessions in our Irvine, CA or New York City offices, and plan to bid online, by mail/FAX, or on the phone (by prior arrangement).

If you have a collection of world or ancient coins, we are currently accepting consignments to our November 2013 Baltimore, January 2014 New York International Numismatic Convention Sale, and our April 2014 Hong Kong auctions; please contact one of our consignment specialists today to discuss your coins/banknotes. We look forward to working with you.