Russian, Annam and Argentine Sun Face Coinage Loom Large Among Highlights

Ponterio & Associates, Inc., the world and ancients auction division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, will commence its 2010 auction schedule as an Official Auctioneer of the New York International Numismatic Convention (N.Y.I.N.C.).

The auction will be conducted January 8-9, 2010, in New York’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Pre-sale lot viewing will take place in the same location beginning January 6, with additional lot viewing opportunities available at the Bowers and Merena world headquarters in Irvine, California, December 21-31, 2009 (by appointment only; closed December 24-27).

“Our 2010 N.Y.I.N.C. Auction will feature more than 2,300 lots of ancient coins, world coins, paper money, and orders and decorations,” stated Rick Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena and founder of Ponterio & Associates. “Leading the way among important consignments is the second installment of the Chester Skotak Collection of Central American Coinage. We sold the first part of this fabulous collection through our Official November 2009 Baltimore Auction, and we anticipate equally impressive results when the second portion of Mr. Skotak’s holdings comes up for auction at the N.Y.I.N.C. We also have significant consignments of Russian and Annamese coinage, as well as a noteworthy array of Argentine Sun Face Coinage.”

Continued Ponterio: “One of the most prominent coins in our upcoming N.Y.I.N.C. Auction is a 1902 Russian 37 ½ Rubles—the Prize of Russian Numismatics. Attributed alternately as Fr-170, Y-B65, Bitkin-309 and Sev-578, this is a very rare type with a mintage of only 225 pieces. A special issue that was used by the Czar for gifts on special occasions, this is the largest Russian gold coin struck in the modern era. We grade the piece attractive AU and are offering it as lot 7389.” (more…)

Offerings from Several Countries, Including China and Venezuela, Surpass Expectations

Ponterio & Associates, Inc., the world and ancients auction division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, dazzled bidders with an extensive selection of coins and paper money from around the world as part of Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the November 2009 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. The combined auction realized more than $8 million, with Ponterio & Associates contributing an impressive $2.1 million to the total through sale of world coins and currency.

“We conducted a fabulous auction at the Baltimore Expo this November,” stated Rick Ponterio, executive vice president of Bowers and Merena Auctions. “World coin and paper money consignments were many and diverse, and they resulted in spirited bidding from collectors who were keenly aware of the fleeting buying opportunities that many of the lots represented. Offerings from several countries still amaze me with regard to the final prices realized. In particular, pieces from China, El Salvador, Norway, Russia and Venezuela greatly exceeded our pre-sale estimates, proving that there are active communities of highly specialized bidders who are not afraid to chase down the coins and/or notes that they need to complete their collections.”

“One particular coin whose performance impressed me is the Costa Rican 1828-CRF 8 Escudos,” continued Ponterio. “Certified NGC MS-62 and cataloged as a ‘RARE type and exceptional condition,’ this piece is also pedigreed to the renowned Eliasberg Collection. We estimated the coin at $25,000-$35,000 and offered it as lot 8392. The final realized price surpassed our expectations at $37,375.” (more…)

Ponterio & Associates, a division of Bowers and Merena Auctions, will bring 1,250 lots of world paper money to Baltimore, Md., as part Bowers and Merena’s Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo scheduled for November 10-14, 2009. The auction will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center and includes an impressive world catalog presented in four sessions.

Currency highlights include more notes from the popular “East Bay Collection” set to cross the auction block. One of the notable countries with an impressive variety is Iran, which will be illustrated by many Imperial Bank of Persia issues, always sure to garner considerable attention. One of the highlights of the Iranian notes is a 20 Tomans 1925 Pick-15 in a strikingly original Very Fine grade.

More impressive notes will be displayed from countries of the British Commonwealth with a lovely selection of Straits Settlements highlighted by a Pick 12a Fifty Dollar note in an attractive Fine grade. Other countries of interest offering a pleasing assortment of scarce to rare notes includes Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Danzig, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and Scotland. In addition, several other scarce to rare notes will be offered which include many stunning issued and specimen pieces from tough locations and issuing authorities.
(more…)