By Kevin Bogardus for The Hill

American coin collectors and art dealers say a rule under consideration at the State Department could dramatically decrease the importation of goods from China, crippling a booming antiquities market in the United States.

The State Department has not yet imposed any restrictions, but officials are considering requiring shippers to provide documentation of ownership when moving goods from China to the United States. Chinese officials, who asked the State Department for the change in 2004, argue the rule is a way to protect China’s cultural heritage and prevent the trafficking of stolen goods.

Coin collectors and art dealers fear more than a receipt will be required. Instead, they expect to have to track an item’s lineage under the new rule.

That could dramatically scale back what is a growing, multimillion-dollar antiquities trade with Asia and foist an unmanageable amount of paperwork on small-business coin collectors, critics claim.

Without the necessary paperwork, customs inspectors could seize the artifacts.

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In honor of Louisa Adams, the Nation’s sixth First Lady, the United States Mint will release a ½-ounce 24-karat gold coin bearing her image at 12 noon (ET) on May 29, 2008. The Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in proof and uncirculated versions priced at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. The mintage limit is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Louisa Adams First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

It could not have been easy for Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of our Nation’s sixth President, John Quincy Adams, to follow in the footsteps of her esteemed mother-in-law and former First Lady Abigail Adams. Despite her predecessor’s legacy, however, Louisa-an accomplished musician, hostess and writer on the subjects of women’s rights and abolitionism-managed to make her mark in Washington society and in political circles. Louisa staunchly supported her husband’s career and was invaluable in furthering his initiatives.

The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Louisa Adams designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions on the coin are “Louisa Adams” and “1825-1829,” the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the coin’s obverse include “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and “2008.” (more…)

OFFICIAL AUCTIONEER OF THE BALTIMORE COIN AND CURRENCY CONVENTION

Highlights Include Exceptional 1854 Type II Gold Dollar in NGC MS-68 and 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in NGC MS-63

[UPDATED] IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena Auctions, America’s leading rare coin auction house, returns as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, with the next auction scheduled for June 4-7, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center. This is the second of three official Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention.

The auction boasts more than 3,000 coin and currency lots and an impressive list of highlights. Topping the list is Lot 3544, a captivating 1854 Type II Gold Dollar rarity certified MS-68 by NGC that is tied with only one other NGC MS-68 as the finest-known 1854 Type II Gold Dollar. This particular specimen possesses razor sharp detail throughout and is perfectly complemented by exceptionally smooth, virtually pristine surfaces. Also worthy of note are Lot 3980, a choice uncirculated 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle certified MS-63 by NGC, considered to be a legendary condition rarity in the Saint-Gaudens Series; and Lot 3733, a beautiful near-gem 1801 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3194, Taraszka-25, Rarity-2, certified MS-64 by PCGS.

Leading the list of extraordinary currency highlights are Lot 2537, a Fr. 114. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Very Fine 30PPQ. S/N 1; and Lot 2630, a Fr. 282. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate Star Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.

“Every trip to Baltimore is a much-anticipated event for us at Bowers and Merena,” said Steve Deeds, president. “There is such a strong contingent of coin and currency enthusiasts at every show and we go to great lengths to bring the best selection possible for our auctions. This June auction is no exception, very strong across the board with a wide variety of quality pieces for all interests and all levels of collecting.”

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The American Numismatic Association has launched an online version of The Numismatist at www.money.org. Members now can access all current and future magazine issues over the Internet, anytime, anywhere.

The electronic edition replicates the print version using a “flip-page” PDF format. No special software is required.

Every high-resolution page is print-ready. Readers can zoom in for a closer look, search articles for keywords, or use the handy table of contents to go right to items of interest. To introduce members and collectors to the Numismatist:Online, the June issue is available to all directly from the ANA homepage, . Starting with the July issue, access will be granted to members only by logging on to the ANA website, where readers will find the current issue as well as a digital archive (beginning with May 2008).

The online magazine is a free, ANA membership benefit. Readers will continue to receive the print magazine, unless they opt for the digital edition only.

Advertisers can take advantage of the high-powered, digital edition by linking their ads directly to their company websites, enabling collectors to fully explore their goods and services. To learn about digital advertising opportunities, contact ANA Advertising Sales Manager David Truesdell at 719-482-9847 or truesdell@money.org.

To take the cool, new online version of The Numismatist for a spin, simply click on the icon at the bottom of the ANA homepage, www.money.org