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 (more…)

(Irvine, California) – The Spectrum Currency division of Spectrum Numismatics International of Irvine, California is expanding its operations. Two additional bank note specialists are being added to the team, including veteran currency dealer, Don Severance of Pembroke, New Hampshire, beginning December 1.

“Don Severance has been actively involved with currency for 15 years and is past co-owner of R&D Rarities, one of the outstanding retail and wholesale currency dealerships. He has always emphasized that collectors – and dealers – become as knowledgeable as possible about paper money and pricing,” said Greg Roberts, President and CEO of Spectrum Numismatics International.

“Don prides himself on accurate grading and historical knowledge about each piece he handles. His enthusiasm for the hobby is unmatched.”

Severance is a contributor to the Oakes & Schwartz Small Size Paper Money Guide. (more…)

by Michael Zielinski - Article Contributed to CoinLink

The First Spouse Gold Coin Series is proving to be one of the most popular mint offerings in years. So far, three coins have been released, and all have sold out within hours of the initial offering. With coins scheduled to be released until at least 2016, many collectors have been wondering whether the initial popularity of the series will endure.

The First Spouse Gold Coin Program was created by Public Law 109-145 to honor the First Spouses of the United States of America. Because all First Spouses to date have been women, the coins are sometimes referred to as the First Lady coins.

Each coin includes a portrait of the First Spouse on the obverse. The reverse features a unique design representative of the spouse’s life and work. In the event that a President served without a First Spouse, the obverse will include an image of Liberty which was used on circulating coinage during the President’s term. (more…)

Stephen L. Goldsmith has formed a new numismatic company called American Paper Money & Coin, LLC. He served as auction director and later executive vice president at Smythe from 1985 through his resignation in August 2007.

“My wide range of responsibilities at Smythe prevented me from working with clients on a close and personal level, and that’s exactly what I do best,” Goldsmith said. “I feel strongly that American Paper Money & Coin, LLC, can focus in on fewer clients, and I will be able to provide them with the highest possible level of service.” Read Full Story

Loveland resident Daniel Carr’s work is exceptionally beautiful. A designer of collectible coins, he’s the man behind the official New York and Rhode Island state quarter designs for the United States.

Sadly, some people are taking Carr’s entire oeuvre a bit too seriously. They should not.

Not long ago, Carr, who also casts funny and gimmicky coins, came up with a bright idea. He fashioned a collectible coin based on an imaginary currency called the “amero” - a mix of “America” and “dinero.” It is something analogous to the European euro. Analogous but fake. Carr’s denominations range from 20 to 1,000.

The fact that this currency doesn’t, you know, actually exist hasn’t stopped a crush of orders from coming in or paranoia from erupting. Read Full Story