Denver, Pa.-based Morphy Auctions and Lincroft, N.J.-based Legend Numismatics have announced details for the first auction of their new enterprise, Morphy Legend Coin Auctions. The auction, which is highlighted by an extraordinarily rare 1876 Proof Set, will commence at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6.

A full selection of numismatic rarities ranging from circulated Half Cents to GEM Proof Gold Rarities will offer collectors in virtually every price range a chance to acquire historic and important coins and currency.

Live bidding will take place by Internet, phone, fax and mail. Prior to the sale, the coins will be on display at Morphy Auctions’ 20,000-square-foot showroom facility in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the “Antiques Capital of America.” Online registration and additional details can be found at www.mlcoinauctions.com.

The companies announced the creation of Morphy Legend Coin Auctions, a division of Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions, last month. The new firm represents a combined total of more than 30 years of coin expertise and auction professionalism.

Among the many prizes offered in the event is an NGC-graded, CAC-stickered 1876 Proof Set, which might well be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Of the 1,150 sets originally minted, it is doubtful that even a dozen sets survive in any grade. The pieces of this set grade as follows: 1C 65RB, 3CN 66, 5C 65, 10C 67, 20C 66* CAMEO, 25C 67*, 50C 66* CAMEO, $1 65* CAMEO. There is no question these coins have been kept together since 1876.

“Morphy Legend is proud to offer this incredible set as one of the highlights in our first auction. We are selling this set with no reserve,” said Laura Sperber, co-president of Legend Numismatics. “The Collectors Universe price guide adds up to $60,500 for this set, but one could easily spend in excess of $75,000 and never assemble the coins matching and eye appeal of this group.”

“That’s just one of the examples we have in this first event,” said Dan Morphy, chief operating officer of Morphy Auctions. “We hope that our fellow collectors will visit www.mlcoinauctions.com or stop by our saleroom in person to see the offerings.”

Legend Numismatics is one of the premier rare coin dealers in the United States. Its principals have been participating in the coin market as full-time dealers since 1973. Since 1987, Legend’s emphasis has been on dealing with the growing number of collectors and supplying this sector of the market with exceptional coins that are always in demand.

For further information on Morphy/Legend, call Dan Morphy at 717-335-3435 or e-mail morphy@morphyauctions.com; or call Laura Sperber at 800-743-2646 or e-mail legend@legendcoin.com. View additional details online at www.mlcoinauctions.com.