Coin Collecting News

1838-O Reeded Edge Half Branch Mint PR63 is Among the Most Sought-After Coins in American Numismatic History

Dallas, TX. One of numismatics’ most sought-after rarities, the 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Branch Mint, graded PR63 by PCGS, will highlight the Official Auction of the February 2008 Long Beach Coin Expo, presented by Heritage Auction Galleries. The auction dates are February 13-16, 2008, and the auction will be held at the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center.

“By any standard used to define the term ‘rarity,’ the 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Dollar surely qualifies,” said Greg Rohan, President of Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. “No more than 20 of these remarkably well struck coins were ever minted, many of which were distributed as gifts or souvenirs by mint officials, although it’s unclear whether these were intended as proof coins, business strikes, or die trial pieces. If the 1838-O halves were distributed as proofs, several pieces were not handled as such over time, as several are considered circulated or impaired proofs, grading in the PR40 to PR50 range. Even the Smithsonian example from the Mint cabinet is a cleaned coin. Whatever its origins, there’s no doubt that the1838-O half dollar is an extraordinary coin to behold, both in terms of beauty and absolute rarity.”

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Dallas, TX. An eye-appealing collection of gem-quality rare coins, valued at more than four million dollars, anchors the Official Auction of the February 2008 Long Beach Coin Expo, presented by Heritage Auction Galleries. The auction dates are February 13-16, 2008, and the auction will be held at the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center.

“The Southwest Collection is absolutely mesmerizing,” commented Heritage President Greg Rohan. “The quality of each individual coin places it among the finest known, and their eye-appeal continues across design type after design type. The premium quality Mint State and Proof Type coins in the Southwest Collection are a treat to behold, but the consignor also often chose better dates - note the 1916-D Mercury Dime graded MS65 Full Bands NGC, or his 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter in MS66 Full Head NGC for those types! Collectors who demand the finest will need to include these wonderful pieces in their deliberations.”

“The Southwest Collection was meticulously assembled by a connoisseur of cultural artifacts of many types,” concluded Rohan. “In all of his diverse collecting interests, this serious collector has demonstrated an ability to find the best, as well as the willingness to ‘pay the price’ to obtain the best. A prominent and successful executive, the same dedication that he brought to his business endeavors is evident in all of his collections.” Continued

Court summonses were served to Barry Stuppler, president of the American Numismatic Association, and Gary Adkins, president of the Professional Numismatists Guild, Jan. 10 on the floor of the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando.

The summonses spring from a lawsuit filed by National Numismatic Certification LLC; ASA Accugrade, Inc.; PCI Coin Grading, Inc.; Sovereign Entities Grading Service, Inc.; Treasure Gallery, Inc., and Centsles, Inc., against the two numismatic groups and against eBay claiming defamation and interfering with business.

The suit was filed in United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Read Full Story

I’m not sure what the new year has in store. Who does? OK, there are some who religiously adhere to soothsayers such as Nostradamus. I don’t. His predictions tend to lean toward the bleak with prophesies of plagues, eruptions and Armageddon. Plus, Nostradamus’s writings are so cryptic that any of them could be interpreted to mean either the onset of the war in Iraq or the making of the film “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” - whichever disaster you consider worse.

For now, let’s stick to what’s probable for 2008. For instance, we know by the end of the year, we’ll have chosen a new president. All the current candidates espouse is that it’s now time for change. That’s a given. Over the next 12 months, some of our change will change - with the issuance of four new presidential golden dollars. Issued in 2008 will be dollar coins featuring William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor. Read Full Story