Stacks Philadelphia Americana Sale, Part I, will be featuring American currency (Part II, with coins, medals, and tokens is in a separate catalogue). On September 23 and 24 all eyes in the world of paper money will be focused on one of the greatest sales ever held by Stack’s.

This is the inaugural show held by Whitman in Philadelphia. As of today, the September gathering is already a success! Or at least there is every indication of such. A “sold out” notice has been posted by one recommended hotel near the Convention Center, and rooms are going fast at the others. Word has spread, and it seems that this paper money sale will be a gathering of eagles-with just about everyone in this specialty in attendance, or represented by an agent, or bidding in real time on the Internet.

Beyond Part I and Part II of the Americana Sale, Stack’s expect that the exposition itself will be a great drawing card. Hundreds of dealers will be on hand, and some great programs will be presented. Among these will be Dave Bowers’ telling of “Famous Numismatists I Have Met-from B. Max Mehl to Date.” You are cordially invited to attend. Similar to the spectacularly successful Whitman shows in Baltimore, the Philadelphia event is very conveniently located. Draw a 500-mile circle around the city and you will probably encompass 70% or more of the numismatists in America.

PART 1 – CURRENCY

Great Collectors, Great Collections

Beginning the sale is the Chester L. Krause Collection of Wisconsin Obsolete Currency, Part I. Chet, as he is known, founded Numismatic News in 1952. In time, his business acumen, energy, and enthusiasm combined to grow what became Krause Publications, with dozens of different magazines, reference books, and price guides, all based in Iola, Wisconsin. Several important texts bear his name on the cover, including the Standard Catalog of World Coins, used all over the globe, and, relevant to our present offering, Wisconsin Obsolete Bank Notes and Scrip. (more…)

The United States Mint is inviting artists from throughout the United States to apply for participation in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) to help enrich and invigorate the design of coins and medals.

The new invitations seek up to six associate designers who will join the current AIP designers under contract with the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning September 1, 2009. There will be three deadlines (November 9, 2009; March 8, 2010; and July 6, 2010), after which the artists who have applied will be evaluated for selection to the AIP. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible prior to the deadline for which they wish to be considered.

“We are very excited about this unique program and its latest call to tap into the best artistic talent in the country,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “This is a tremendous opportunity for artists representing all types of backgrounds to inspire and educate the entire Nation.”

The United States Mint encourages applications from artists representing diverse backgrounds and a variety of interests reflecting those of the American people. Applicants may apply online by submitting five to 10 works from their portfolios, a resume and a statement of intent. They will also complete a standard application coin design exercise. Applicants must be professional artists who are U.S. citizens. Those who wish to apply are invited to visit www.usmint.gov/artists, where they will find program details, eligibility requirements, artistic criteria and detailed application guidelines. Submissions will be evaluated on several factors, including drawing ability, compositional skills and the level to which the design demonstrates research of the subject matter.

Artists awarded contracts to participate in the program will be paid established fees for their work, and those whose designs are selected for coins and medals will be named as designer in historical documents, Certificates of Authenticity and promotional materials.
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