Dallas, TX. Heritage Auction Galleries has set the record for the most valuable ANA Auction ever! Significant and classic rarities from all series in American numismatics, most of them offered in the Platinum Night catalogs, smashed the previous record of $27.7 million set last year at the Milwaukee ANA event. The auction was held in Baltimore July 30 - Aug. 3, in conjunction with the World’s Fair of Money summer convention of the American Numismatic Association. Total prices realized for the American coins are currently $41,022,713, and will rise further when the post auction buys are finalized.

“This was Heritage’s 38th Official ANA Auction, a record in itself!” enthused Heritage C.E.O. Steve Ivy. “We were very pleased with our results in Milwaukee last year, and we think Baltimore has demonstrated the absolute strength of the market for important and high quality coins. Such high prices realized also mean a record-setting check will be provided to the ANA to support their educational and membership programs. We also take great pride that our total was 50% higher than our previous ANA record, and double that accomplished by any other ANA auctioneer. Heritage delivered for the ANA.”

“The great rarities included in this auction were simply dazzling,” commented Heritage President Greg Rohan. “Among the 400 consignors participating, several of the ‘named’ collections did especially well. Before the auction we predicted that many records would be set, and we were not disappointed! Ed Price’s marvelous - and unique - collection of early dime and quarter eagle varieties realized $5.7 million, Stephen Stokely’s Registry Collection of $20 Saint-Gaudens exceeded $2 million, Part Four of the Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Proof Sets brought in another $1.4 million, and the DMPL Morgans of the “Gift of Undeserved Favor” Collection realized a similar total. Of course, the ANA-donation luncheon with Jim Halperin topped $12,000!”

Two important lots tied for the most valuable in the auction, at $690,000 each: Lot 1406, a 1792 Disme, Judd-10, High R.6, PR62 Brown NGC from the Ed Price Collection, and Lot 1955, an 1825/4 $5, AU50 NGC BD-2, R.8, once thought to be a unique issue.

Two prominent rare coin dealers jointly bid a total of $12,650 (including buyer’s premium) to have lunch with Heritage Auction Galleries Co-Chairman, best-selling author and acclaimed numismatic authority, Jim Halperin. Conducted in conjunction with Heritage’s official auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® convention in Baltimore on “Platinum Night,” July 31, 2008, all proceeds of the winning bid and commission will be donated to ANA education programs.

The highest bid came from Anthony Terranova of New York City and Laura Sperber of Legend Numismatics in Lincroft, New Jersey.

Terranova humorously explained: “I’ve known Jim for 35 years, and I didn’t want him to have to have lunch with strangers.”

Sperber stated: “I’m glad I could help benefit the ANA, a worthy organization that I’ve supported for many years and will continue to do so.”

The $12,650 donation will be used for improving numismatic resources on the ANA web site, including the successful Coins in the Classroom project that is used by teachers nationwide.

The time and place for the lunch with Halperin have not yet been decided.

Former ANA Vice President, Scott A. Travers of New York City, suggested the fund-raising auction after exchanging e-mails with Halperin about a recent $2.11 million charity auction involving a lunch date with renowned investor, Warren Buffett. In 2000 and again in 2001, Halperin and a friend, Scott Tilson, were the high bidders at charity auctions for lunch with Buffet with winning bids of $20,000 the first year and $30,000 the next. (more…)

(Baltimore, Maryland) — Seldom-seen early American coins from the Smithsonian’s collections, the triumphant return to Baltimore of a previously missing $3 million nickel and a $1 billion U.S. Treasury Department display will be among the many historic, valuable exhibits at the World’s Fair of Money® (www.money.org) in the Baltimore Convention Center, July 30 - August 3, 2008.

But it won’t cost a cent to see a billion bucks. The five-day collectors’ show and educational family event is free and open to the public, sponsored by the non-profit, 32,500 member American Numismatic Association (ANA).

United States Mint Director Ed Moy will personally unveil a new, pure gold coin at the show, the much-anticipated 2009-dated Ultra High Relief Double Eagle ($20 denomination) Gold Coin with a raised design so high you can feel it. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will display “Historic Rarities: Early United States Proof Coins,” a special traveling exhibit showcasing extraordinary objects from the National Numismatic Collection. It includes two unique coins, a pattern 1860 Double Eagle and a new variety of proof 1818 silver half dollar.

Another highlight will be the eye-opening, Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) “billion dollar display” of high denomination money, such as $100,000 bills. There will also be demonstrations of a 150-year-old, hand-turned money printing press.

Over 100 other fascinating exhibits from private collections include the famous 1913 Liberty Head nickel that was missing for 41 years until it was authenticated in Baltimore in 2003 following a nationwide search. It is returning to Baltimore for the first time since its surprising re-discovery five years ago. (more…)

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz has been named the recipient of the 2008 Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture (NAAEMS). The award, conferred by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), will be presented to Mr. Licaretz on August 2, 2008, at the ANA World’s Fair of Money® in Baltimore.

“We are pleased the panel of judges recognized Jim’s body of work,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “Jim’s artistry is helping the United States Mint achieve a new level of design excellence.”

Mr. Licaretz’s works are included in numerous private collections, as well as the British Museum; the Royal Coin Cabinet; the National Museum of Economy, Stockholm, Sweden; the American Numismatic Society; and the Smithsonian Institution. His recent works for the United States Mint include the reverse design of the 2008 Bald Eagle Proof Silver Dollar Coin and the obverse design of the Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 Coin.

“To be honored with the American Numismatic Association’s award is quite a welcome surprise,” said Mr. Licaretz. “There is a great responsibility in giving form to one’s experience of life. Medallic sculpture is a unique way of recording and sharing these experiences.”

Mr. Licaretz was employed as a United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver from 1986 to 1989, and returned to the agency as a Medallic Sculptor in 2006. He also was a sculptor at Franklin Porcelain and the Franklin Mint in Pennsylvania, a master sculptor at Mattel, Inc. in California, and manager of the Sculpting Department at Artistic Solutions in California. In addition, he served as a faculty member at the Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia; Otis School of Art and Design, Los Angeles; and the Academy of Art College, San Francisco.
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The American Numismatic Association will debut a new feature, Artists & Authors Alley, at the 2008 World’s Fair of Money® in Baltimore. Located in aisle 900 of the convention’s bourse floor, Artists & Authors Alley gives artists and writers a chance to display their craft and discuss their work with visitors. The area will feature premier numismatic engravers, scholars and publishers.

Located within Artists & Authors Alley, Collector’s Corner will feature book and artwork signings, demonstrations, and informal discussions with some of the top experts in numismatics.

“I’m happy to be adding this new and exciting element to our show,” said ANA Meeting Services Manager Brenda Bishop. “Hobbyists will be able to meet, interact and learn from several of the most respected professionals in the field.”

The following is a schedule for Collector’s Corner presentations:

Wednesday, July 30
1-2 p.m. – Joel Iskowitz, master designer, United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program
3-4 p.m. – Mercer Bristow, American Philatelic Society: C.S.I. Philatelic (more…)