The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will showcase 21 numismatic rarities from its National Numismatic Collection at the World’s Fair of Money convention hosted by the American Numismatic Association from July 30 to Aug. 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center. “Historic Rarities: Early United States Proof Coins,” will include the 1860 double eagle proof pattern with the Paquet reverse, a special design made by its engraver, Anthony Paquet, and a previously unknown variety of an 1818 proof half dollar as part of the traveling display.

Initially, the Philadelphia Mint made proof coins as showpieces to demonstrate American talent and innovation. These early proofs are recognized by their mirror finish and feature sharper relief than found on coins made for circulation. The coins in the “Historic Rarities” display are part of a larger collection transferred to the Smithsonian by the U.S. Mint in the 1920s.

“This traveling display provides an opportunity to showcase extraordinary and rare proof coins, including an 1818 silver half-dollar proof which our curator recently reclassified as unique as it is the only one made at the time,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the National Museum of American History. This display represents the museum’s second appearance at the Baltimore convention.

“NGC and NCS are immensely proud to be presenting sponsors of this exhibition; proof coinage and Paquet’s pattern demonstrate first hand the beauty of coinage and the active human role of designers and engravers. Showcasing these rarities is a wonderful opportunity for the numismatic community,” said Mark Salzberg, chairman of the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.

The display is divided into four sections: Early Proofs, 1843 Proofs, the Anthony Paquet double eagle pattern and Baltimore national currency proofs.The objects in the group of early proofs include coins of several denominations dating from 1818 to 1821. The coins were minted in several different metals, including copper, silver and gold. The group dated 1821 is likely the only such grouping in existence. (more…)

Jim Licaretz Receives 2008 ANA Numismatic Art Award

Philadelphia artist Jim Licaretz is the 2008 recipient of the American Numismatic Association’s Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture. He will accept the honor on Aug. 2 at the ANA World’s Fair of Money® in Baltimore.

A medallic artist at the U.S. Mint since 2006, Licaretz was a sculptor/engraver there from 1986 to 1989. He spent a year with The Franklin Mint and was a master sculptor for Mattel, Inc. for five years. In between, he taught life modeling and figure sculpture at Philadelphia’s Fleischer Art Memorial, and was a member of the faculty at Otis-Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles (1992-94) and Academy of Art University in San Francisco (1995-2000).

“Although I was familiar with Renaissance and 19th-century French medals, it wasn’t until sculptor Eugene Daub introduced me to the American Medallic Sculpture Association (AMSA) in 1985 that I realized contemporary artists were creating handheld art,” said Licaretz. “It was quite a revelation to me to see these small, personal statements in various materials that were being recognized as medals.”

His involvement with AMSA, which he now serves as president, led to his participation in the Fédération Internationale de la Médaille (FIDEM). In September 2007, Licaretz exhibited three medallic works at FIDEM’s 30th Congress and Exhibition, hosted by the ANA’s Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs. His recent work for the U.S. Mint includes the 2008 Bald Eagle $1 reverse and Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 obverse.

“The greatest appeal of medallic art is the freedom one has to create his or her own world on a small scale,” Licaretz said. “Though there are exceptions, most medallic sculpture has a magic and uniqueness not found in most art forms. I love that with the simplest of materials – clay, plaster and wax – an artist can birth something very personal.” (more…)

(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…)

The American Numismatic Association’s 2008 World’s Fair of Money® will give visitors a chance to see millions of dollars in rare coins, learn from the world’s top numismatists, and explore the history of Baltimore. The event, held July 30 to August 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will feature over 1,100 dealers and numismatic vendors, world-class exhibits, 15 mints from five continents and a variety of educational presentations for every age and level of interest.

“Money is history you can hold in your hands,” said ANA President Barry Stuppler. “We’ll have thousands of collectors and dealers from around the country buying and selling items ranging in value from a few cents each to $1 million. You can see everything from a half cent to a $100,000 bill, and it’s free.”

United States Mint Director Edmund Moy will unveil a new, pure gold coin – the much- anticipated 2009-dated Ultra High Relief Double Eagle – immediately after opening ceremonies on July 30. It’s a modern, 24-karat version of what many call the most beautiful American coin ever created, the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens double eagle.

Exhibits promise to be a main attraction. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will display “Historic Rarities: Early United States Proof Coins,” a special exhibit showcasing extraordinary objects from the National Numismatic Collection. It includes two unique coins – a pattern 1860 Paquet reverse double eagle and a new variety of proof 1818 silver half dollar. (more…)