Until recently the reference by C. Wyllys Betts titled American Colonial History Illustrated by Contemporary Medals (originally published in 1894; Quarterman Publications reprint, 1972) was the standard, and in many ways is still is, in terms of sheer physical descriptions and characteristics of the 623 medals listed in that volume. A more recent work, however, titled Comitia Americana and Related Medals: Underappreciated Monuments to Our Heritage by John W. Adams and Anne E. Bentley (George Frederick Kolbe, 2007) has added to collectors’ knowledge of these wonderful pieces.

The obverse shows the head of Liberty with flowing hair facing left, pole with Liberty cap behind her head, the inspiration for the 1793 Liberty Cap half cents, a design variously ascribed to Joseph Wright, Adam Eckfeldt, Henry Voigt, Robert Birch, and/or David Rittenhouse. The legend LIBERTAS.AMERICANA. encircles her head, with the date 4 JUIL. 1776 in exergue (the date of signing of the Declaration of Independence, of course). On the reverse Minerva with shield and spear protects an infant from an attacking lion, with legend around NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS (“The infant is not bold without divine aid”). As paraphrased from Betts:

The medal conveys an adroit compliment to the French nation. The infant Hercules stands for the new American Republic and has strangled two serpents, symbolizing the American victories at Yorktown and Saratoga (dates in reverse exergue, with DUPRE.F.)–but he is still exposed to the attack of the “cowardly” British lion, tail between his legs, whose power is baffled by Minerva. Her lily (“fleur de lis”) shield shows her to be emblematic of France, coming to the aid of the Republic. The legend is taken from an ode of Horace, “Descende coelo” (“Heaven descends”). (more…)

Dallas, TX. Market demand remained strong for significant American numismatic rarities in the June 2008 Summer FUN Signature® Auction presented by Heritage Auction Galleries in West Palm Beach, June 26-27. Total prices realized for the American coins exceeded $12 million, and the total will rise further when the concluding session and post auction buys are finalized.

“The strong market is continuing to bring great rarities — and great prices realized — onto the Heritage auction block,” commented Heritage President Greg Rohan. “We note that Lot 1960, an 1880 $4 Flowing Hair (Judd-1657, Pollock-1857) and certified PR64 by PCGS, realized: $431,250. This auction contained a wide range of rarities at many price levels, to which more than 5000 bidders responded enthusiastically.”

Highlights from Heritage’s Summer FUN Signature Auction:

Lot 1960: 1880 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1657, Pollock-1857, R.6, PR64 PCGS.
The 1880 Flowing Hair “stella” is one of the most famous rarities in American numismatics. Technically a pattern issue, and never authorized for regular coinage, the stella has survived and prospered as a collectible issue, and is regularly listed in A Guide Book of United States Coins alongside regular U.S. gold coin types. From the Fern E. Wagner Trust. Price realized: $431,250

Lot 2106: 1803 BD-6 Large Stars Reverse Eagle, MS62 NGC. Breen-6845, B. 1-F, Taraszka-32, R.7.
Of 33 known die varieties in the 1795 to 1804 eagle series, Harry Bass was able to obtain 32 during his many years of collecting; the only die marriage that he never owned was the 1803 BD-6 (Breen 1-F) that is offered in this lot. Price realized: $172,500

Lot 1975: 1832 Half Eagle, 13 Stars, BD-1, High R.5, MS63
The 1832 half eagle is known in only two die pairings, BD-1 and BD-2, easily distinguished by the presence of either 13 or 12 obverse stars, respectively; the 13 Stars BD-1 has a straight-base 2, and only three examples of this variety have been certified finer. From The Charleston Collection.
Price realized: $132,250 [Read the CoinLink Article on this Coin Here ]

(Dallas, Texas) – An unprecedented “lot” will be offered in conjunction with the official auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® convention in Baltimore: lunch with Heritage Auction Galleries Co-Chairman, best-selling author and acclaimed numismatic authority, Jim Halperin.

All proceeds from the winning bid, including the buyer’s premium, will be donated to the ANA’s education programs for improving numismatic resources on the ANA web site, including the successful Coins in the Classroom project that is used by teachers nationwide.

The winning bidder will have a one-on-one lunch with Halperin at a mutually convenient time and place.

“The rarity of this offering cannot really be overstated. I don’t recall ever in our 21 years working together of having lunch one-on-one with Jim,” quipped Heritage President Greg Rohan.

The lunch date lot will be offered during Heritage’s Platinum Night sale, Wednesday evening, July 30, 2008, in the Baltimore Convention Center. Bids will be accepted in person and online at www.HA.com.

The first bid already has been received. Numismatic author and former ANA Vice President, Scott A. Travers of New York City, has opened the bidding at $1,500. Travers suggested the fund-raising auction after exchanging e-mails with Halperin about a recent charity auction involving a lunch date with renowned investor Warren Buffett, a subject of personal interest to Halperin. (more…)