IRVINE, Calif. – Bowers and Merena, realized an impressive $5.9 million with its 1,000-lot Chicago Rarities Sale. The auction was conducted in a single session on April 15, 2008, with Internet bidding taking place prior to the sale through the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com.

“We are very pleased with the excellent results achieved by this sale,” stated Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds. “It is an honor for us to be trusted with the sale of such important numismatic rarities in a dynamic market. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of our consignors without whose support we could not maintain Bowers and Merena’s position as America’s preeminent numismatic auctioneer. And, of course, I cannot forget our loyal bidders—you also have my sincerest thanks for contributing to another successful Bowers and Merena Rarities Sale. May you cherish and enjoy your recent acquisitions for years to come.”

An impressive selection of Buffalo Nickel rarities led the way in prices realized for this sale. The exceedingly rare 1916 Doubled Die Obverse in NGC MS-64 (lot 196) sold for $276,000; a condition rarity 1918-S certified MS-66 by NGC (lot 205) traded hands for $125,350; the probable finest-known 1926-S in NGC MS-66 * (lot 218) realized a record price of $322,000; and an equally important 1927-S that is also graded NGC MS-66 * (lot 219) crossed the auction block at $125,350.

The Marquette-Yakima Registry Set of Washington Quarters—the #1 set on the NGC Registry—also resulted in significant prices realized. The highlight of the set is definitely the 1932-D in PCGS MS-66 offered as lot 322. A pop 1/0 coin, this beautifully toned Gem brought $143,750—the highest price ever paid for an example of this key-date issue. Other top-of-the-pop rarities from this Registry Set include a 1943-S in PCGS MS-68 (lot 360) that traded for $23,000; a very pretty 1954-S in the same grade (lot 393) that brought $10,350; and a unique 1961-D graded MS-67 at PCGS (lot 403) whose realized price is $18,975.

Additional highlights from the Chicago Rarities Sale include:

* Lot 529, 1870 Seated Dollar NGC Proof-67 * Cameo, realized $60,375
* Lot 567, 1884-S Morgan Dollar NGC MS-64, realized $105,800
* Lot 602, 1895 Morgan Dollar NGC Proof-66 Cameo, realized $86,250
* Lot 711, 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold, Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS, NGC MS-62, realized $149,500
* Lot 774, 1910 Indian Quarter Eagle NGC Proof-67, realized $57,500
* Lot 981, 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS-62, realized $69,000

Complete prices realized for this and other past Bowers and Merena auctions are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. For more information on the Chicago Rarities Sale, or to consign to a future Bowers and Merena auction, call toll free at 800.458.4646.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale call 800.458.4646. For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds. Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.