Denver, Pa.-based Morphy Auctions and Lincroft, N.J.-based Legend Numismatics have announced details for the first auction of their new enterprise, Morphy Legend Coin Auctions. The auction, which is highlighted by an extraordinarily rare 1876 Proof Set, will commence at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6.

A full selection of numismatic rarities ranging from circulated Half Cents to GEM Proof Gold Rarities will offer collectors in virtually every price range a chance to acquire historic and important coins and currency.

Live bidding will take place by Internet, phone, fax and mail. Prior to the sale, the coins will be on display at Morphy Auctions’ 20,000-square-foot showroom facility in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the “Antiques Capital of America.” Online registration and additional details can be found at www.mlcoinauctions.com.

The companies announced the creation of Morphy Legend Coin Auctions, a division of Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions, last month. The new firm represents a combined total of more than 30 years of coin expertise and auction professionalism.

Among the many prizes offered in the event is an NGC-graded, CAC-stickered 1876 Proof Set, which might well be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of the 1,150 sets originally minted, it is doubtful that even a dozen sets survive in any grade. The pieces of this set grade as follows: 1C 65RB, 3CN 66, 5C 65, 10C 67, 20C 66* CAMEO, 25C 67*, 50C 66* CAMEO, $1 65* CAMEO. There is no question these coins have been kept together since 1876. (more…)

Morphy Auctions, a Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions company, and Legend Numismatics have announced the creation of Morphy/Legend Coin Auctions, a new division of Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions. The Denver, Pennsylvania-based Morphy Auctions and the Lincroft, New Jersey-based Legend Numismatics will each own 50 percent of the new company, which has already begun accepting consignments immediately for its first auction.

Legend brings to this new enterprise its extraordinary standing in the coin world and collecting circles, while Morphy adds in its sterling reputation in operating auctions. Both firms have been noted over a protracted period for their customer service and attention to detail.

Scheduled for May 2008, the new company’s first event will be an Internet auction. Additional details will be available shortly on both www.legendcoin.com and www.morphyauctions.com.

“Teaming up with a company of Legend’s stature is not something one enters into lightly,” said Stephen A. Geppi, Chief Executive Office and Owner of the Geppi’s Entertainment companies. “We think, though, that with our experience in auctions, which was most recently seen in the $7.7 million results for the Steckbeck Collection of Mechanical Banks, and their understanding of the coin market, that we can offer consumers and collectors a truly superb experience.”

“The Geppi’s Entertainment companies have been way ahead of the curve in trying to promote an awareness of collecting and investment-grade collectibles in the general population, including establishing Geppi’s Entertainment Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This track record, combined with Morphy Auctions’ know-how in operating auctions in a manner supportive of both buyers and sellers, puts this new venture on an excellent footing from day one,” said Laura Sperber, Co-President of Legend Numismatics. (more…)