Ponterio & Associates, Inc., the world and ancients auction division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, is thrilled to announce a very full auction schedule for 2010, which includes a trip to New York and three visits to Baltimore, Md.

Things get off to an early start for Ponterio & Associates as an Official Auctioneer of the New York International Numismatic Convention, in New York, N.Y., followed by a steady pace presenting world auctions in Baltimore in conjunction with Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo:

Jan. 7-10, 2010 New York International Numismatic Convention Consignments Closed

March 3-7, 2010 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo Consignments Due December 28, 2009

June 16-20, 2010 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo Consignments Due March 31, 2010

November 3-7, 2010 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo Consignments Due August 18, 2010

“We are very happy to continue our longstanding relationship with the New York International Numismatic Convention and to increase our presence at the Whitman Baltimore Expo to the full schedule of three shows each year,” said Richard Ponterio, founder and executive vice president of Ponterio & Associates. “Bowers and Merena has enjoyed a very successful relationship over many years with Whitman as the Official Baltimore Auctioneer and we are looking forward to participating with them by presenting the world and ancient auctions in conjunction with Bowers and Merena’s U.S. auctions. There is a significant world and ancient specialty section at the Baltimore Whitman show bourse, and along with our New York auction, we anticipate a significant benefit to our consignors and buyers of world and ancient coins and currency.”
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Ponterio & Associates, a division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, will bring 1,250 lots of world paper money to Baltimore, Md., as part Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo scheduled for November 10-14, 2009. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and includes an impressive world catalog presented in four sessions.

Currency highlights include more notes from the popular “East Bay Collection” set to cross the auction block. One of the notable countries with an impressive variety is Iran, which will be illustrated by many Imperial Bank of Persia issues, always sure to garner considerable attention. One of the highlights of the Iranian notes is a 20 Tomans 1925 Pick-15 in a strikingly original Very Fine grade.

More impressive notes will be displayed from countries of the British Commonwealth with a lovely selection of Straits Settlements highlighted by a Pick 12a Fifty Dollar note in an attractive Fine grade. Other countries of interest offering a pleasing assortment of scarce to rare notes includes Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Danzig, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and Scotland. In addition, several other scarce to rare notes will be offered which include many stunning issued and specimen pieces from tough locations and issuing authorities.
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A wide selection of rare ancient and world coins will be offered in Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® at the Los Angeles Convention Center and online, August 2 – 8, 2009. Ponterio & Associates, Inc., a division of Bowers and Merena, will present the world sessions on Saturday, August 8.

One of the many highlights among the over 1,300 lots of desirable and appealing world coins is a Japanese undated (1860 – 1862) Manen oban (10 Ryo, 112.26 gms) with security edge (Fr. 7; JNDA-09-11; C24a2) in Extremely Fine condition.

“This is a beautiful specimen,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena. “This Manen oban is the only type that was produced using machinery. Prior to this type obans were hand made. The use of obans halted shortly after the time of Commandore Perry forcing Japan to open its trade with the west in the mid 1800s.” (www.BowersandMerena.com).

Two other marquee coins in the ANA auction are a rare Year 3 (1911) “Long Whisker Dragon” Tientsin Mint China Pattern Dollar (L&M-28; Kann-223; KM-Pn-304), graded NGC AU-58, and a Macedonia Mende silver Tetradrachm (16.88 gms) ca. 425 B.C.

“This was struck from the same dies as described in the Noe-ANS Monogram #27 of 1926, “The Mende (Kaliandra) Hoard #70. It has a well struck reverse and nice metal quality with full border on the obverse. It depicts Dionysos ‘Bacchus’ the god of wine and grapes holding a cup of wine while reclining on a donkey,” explained Ponterio. (more…)