Dallas, TX. The Official Auctions of the September 2007 Long Beach Coin Expo were held by Heritage Auction Galleries, and included Signature Auctions of U.S. currency ($10,486,434), U.S. coins ($11,311,996), ancient and world coins ($3,210,026), and U.S. tokens and medals ($598,946). When proceeds from Final Session Auctions of U.S. currency, U.S. coins, and ancient and world coins are concluded, plus Post Auction Buys from all events are added, total prices realized are expected to approach $27 million. This was Heritage’s 61st Official Auction at Long Beach. All lot descriptions, images, and prices realized for the eleven thousand-plus lots that sold in Long Beach are currently posted at HA.com. (more…)

By Numismaster - Spink has announced their annual autumn world bank note auction in conjunction with the International Bank Note Society Congress. The IBNS is being held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6; the 7th is reserved for final viewing at Spink, the auction on Monday, Oct. 8th.

This sale features the David Bossert collection of British Commonwealth notes. While not surprisingly the collection is strongest in George VI and Elizabeth, it features a number of earlier notes as well.

The highlight of the sale is the Malaysia 1967-68 serial No. 1 set, about which a separate article appears.

 First-Ever “Digital Unveiling” of a Redesigned Bill  - Introduction Scheduled for Early 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 20, 2007) - The U.S. government today digitally unveiled a new, more secure design for the $5 bill that will be issued and enter circulation in early 2008. A new $100 bill will follow. This is the first time in history that U.S. paper money has ever been unveiled entirely online.

Similar to recently redesigned $10, $20 and $50 bills, the new $5 bill incorporates improved, easy-to-use security features, making it easier for businesses and consumers to check the new $5 bills they receive and more difficult for counterfeiters to fake.

Officials from the U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve Board, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and U.S. Secret Service were part of today’s “Wi-5″ preview, an entirely digital event which emphasized the government’s commitment to staying ahead of counterfeiters. The live “unveiling” of the $5 bill design, which featured government officials discussing currency security efforts, took place on www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney and also included an online Q&A for news reporters. Podcasts featuring important information about the new $5 bill are also posted on the site. (more…)

The European Union’s executive arm, the Commission (EC), wants to allow member states to use a new weapon in the fight against fake euros: fake euros.

In an announcement made on Tuesday, the EC proposed a series of laws aimed at strengthening the authorities in the fight against forgery. The keystone of the package was a law obliging banks to check for fake euro coins and notes themselves.

But to make sure those checks are effective, the EC proposed a second law allowing banks to transport fake coins and notes themselves, so that their checking machines can learn to tell good money from bad. (more…)

Last night Spink hosted a charity auction on behalf of the Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh. The auction took place the same day as the new “Bridges” banknotes went into circulation around Scotland. This is the 47th design in the 312 year history of the bank. The most desirable notes of the series, including special numbers like AA01 000001 and sheets, were held and auctioned off to the highest bidder, all in the name of charity. Governor of the Bank of Scotland, Dennis Stevenson, sold the first lot to a packed room for an astounding £12,000, three times the estimate. The second lot was sold by Treasurer of the Bank of Scotland, Colin Matthew, for £2,500, doubling the estimate. The sale totaled just over £80,000 with all proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation.

Podcast:

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