Featuring specialized cabinets and important rarities, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles 2024 Spring Expo presents a diverse range of items from all series of American numismatics, including U.S. coins and currency, Numismatic Americana, and Physical Cryptocurrency. Truly one of the most impressive and diverse offerings in recent memory. Specialized curated cabinets, long off the market collections, singular rarities and Registry Set quality coins abound in multiple live and online sessions.

The first session of the sale presents the Richard Margolis Collection Part 1. Centering around the thinkers, leaders, and events leading to and related to the American Revolution, this collection features an impressive selection of Betts and Comitia Americana medals. Additionally the sale offers a remarkable offering of terracotta portraits by Jean-Baptiste Nini and porcelain medallions by Wedgwood and others featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other heroes of the American Revolution. Mr. Margolis spent over half a century traveling the United States and Europe in search of items to add to his cabinet, many of which have not appeared at auction before. Many pieces are very rare, some are unique in private hands, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities abound.

Featuring specialized cabinets and important rarities, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles 2024 Spring Expo presents a diverse range of items from all series of American numismatics, including U.S. coins and currency, Numismatic Americana, and Physical Cryptocurrency. Truly one of the most impressive and diverse offerings in recent memory. Specialized curated cabinets, long off the market collections, singular rarities and Registry Set quality coins abound in multiple live and online sessions.

The first session of the sale presents the Richard Margolis Collection Part 1. Centering around the thinkers, leaders, and events leading to and related to the American Revolution, this collection features an impressive selection of Betts and Comitia Americana medals. Additionally the sale offers a remarkable offering of terracotta portraits by Jean-Baptiste Nini and porcelain medallions by Wedgwood and others featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other heroes of the American Revolution. Mr. Margolis spent over half a century traveling the United States and Europe in search of items to add to his cabinet, many of which have not appeared at auction before. Many pieces are very rare, some are unique in private hands, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities abound. For more information, click here.

Session Two continues with Numismatic Americana, anchored by another specialized collection of historical importance, the Ronald A. Slovick Family Collection of Indian Peace Medals. Stack’s Bowers Galleries has a long track record of selling fabled Indian Peace medal collections, and the Slovick Collection features pieces pedigreed to many of the great sales of the past five decades. Included in the session’s impressive offerings are many scarce and rare pieces including a remarkable Gem oval gold Washington Funeral medal and the unique Washington Sansom medal in gold. Also featured are a number of significant collections including silver Civil War tokens from the Windy City Collection and rare medals from the Lucius S. Ruder Collection.

Session Three is dedicated to colonial coins and pre-federal issues and begins with a high grade Oak Tree Shilling. The diverse offering in this session includes a fabulous selection of Massachusetts copper cents and half cents that features many different die varieties and boasts interesting pedigrees.

The Spring 2024 Rarities Night Session offers over 400 incredible lots, sourced from many different collections, including the Arlington Collection (Seated Liberty half dollars), the Barbaro Acres Collection, Part II (three cent silvers, twenty cent pieces, and early gold), the James DeAngelis Collection (high end type coins), the Finger Lakes Collection (mostly conditionally challenging 20th century issues), the George Collection (put together between the 1850s to the 1930s), the John Henry Leh Collection (small cents from Flying Eagle to Lincoln), and the William B. Pordobel Collection (focused on mid-19th century gold coins from famous shipwrecks). Below is a selection of the highlights offered in Rarities Night:

Lot 4009.1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-24, B-8. Rarity-1. Head of 1794, Apple Cheek. MS-64+ BN (NGC). CMQ.

Lot 4011 . 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-9. Proof-63 (PCGS). Gold CAC. CMQ-X.

Lot 4031 . 1955 Lincoln Cent. FS-101. Doubled Die Obverse. MS-65 RD (PCGS).

Lot 4064. 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1. Rarity-5. AU-50 (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4084 . 1834 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1, FS-901. Rarity-1. O/F in OF. MS-65+ PL (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 4089 . 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter. Briggs 1-A. AU-50 (NGC).

Lot 4110 . 1839 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Drapery. Proof-64 (NGC). Unique. Ex Brand-Pittman-Kaufman-Gardner

Lot 4114 . 1847/6 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-9, FS-301. Rarity-5. MS-62 (PCGS).

Lot 4154. 1948 Franklin Half Dollar. MS-68 FBL (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4160 . 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-27, B-5. Rarity-1. Three Leaves. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Lot 4169 . 1864 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-1. Rarity-2. Repunched Date. MS-65+ (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Lot 4186 . 1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4233 . 1833 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-5. MS-63 PL (PCGS).

Lot 4236 . 1841 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS). CMQ. Famed “Little Princess” Rarity

Lot 4243 . 1911 Indian Quarter Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-4. Proof-67+ (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4257 . 1884 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-1. Rarity-4+. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Lot 4264 . 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, JD-1. Rarity-3. Gold. Reeded Edge. Proof-67 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4271 . 1807 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-8. Rarity-2. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Lot 4285 . 1866 Liberty Head Half Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-7-. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC. OGH. CMQ-X.

Lot 4300 . 1929 Indian Half Eagle. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Lot 4353 . 1861-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. A.C. Paquet Reverse. EF-45 (PCGS).

Lot 4365 . 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-50 (PCGS).

Lot 4384. MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Specimen-63 (PCGS). CMQ.

Lot 4415 . 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-5. Rarity-5-. 880 THOUS., Target Reverse. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Sessions Five and Eight present a wide array of U.S. federal coins, from the 1793 half cent to the most recent issues of the U.S. Mint. Popular series are very well represented from the named collections described above, as well as from other important consignors. Selections of interest include:

Lot 5034 . 1856 Flying Eagle Cent. Snow-3. Repunched 5, High Leaves. Proof-12 (PCGS).

Lot 5060 . 1909 Indian Cent, MS-64 BN (NGC), with “First Cent Coin” Document Signed January 2, 1909 by Rhine R. Freed, Coiner, U.S. Mint at Philadelphia (NGC).

Lot 5171 . 1909 Liberty Head Nickel. Proof-68 (PCGS).

Lot 5220 . 1839 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No Drapery. V-2. Repunched Date. MS-67 (PCGS).

Lot 7026 . 1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. 50 CENTS. GR-1. Rarity-2. AU-58 (PCGS).

Lot 7034. 1847 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-2. Rarity-3. Repunched Date. MS-65 (PCGS).

Lot 7187. 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 7230. 1871 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. OC-7. Rarity-2. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 7239 . 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. VAM-3. Top 100 Variety. Capped Die. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 7278 . 1884-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-67+ (PCGS).

Lot 7407. 1849-C Gold Dollar. Close Wreath. Winter-1. AU-58 (PCGS).

Lot 7424 . 1868 Gold Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS).

Lot 7561 . 1907 Indian Eagle. No Periods. MS-65+ (PCGS).

Lot 7625. 1883-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-58 (CACG).

Lot 7709. 1926-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).

Lot 7020 . “1866” (1868) Pattern Three Dollars. Merriam Fantasy. Judd-C1866-1, Pollock-5080, Cunningham 15-740X. Rarity-7+. Gold. Reeded Edge. MS-67 (NGC).

Session Seven offers another incredible installment from the Fairmont Collection , featuring strong date runs of $5, $10, and $20 gold pieces from 1834 to the 1920s. This group – the Mont Blanc Set – comes on the heels of the record-setting sales of the Hendricks, JBL, CBL, CAG, Rhone, and Kronen sets from this amazing collection, which Stack’s Bowers Galleries has presented in sales in 2022 and 2023. With such astounding success realized by these earlier selections, this presentation is sure to be another milestone event for specialists in U.S. gold coins. All 345 coins in the Mont Blanc Set have been certified by PCGS, and a majority (175 coins) also feature approval by CAC. Highlights from the set include:

Lot 6047. 1865-S Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6057. 1879-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6073 . 1890-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6103 . 1909-O Indian Half Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).

Lot 6109 . 1911-D Indian Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6120 . 1916-S Indian Half Eagle. MS-63 (PCGS).

Lot 6121 . 1839/8 Liberty Head Eagle. Type of 1838, Large Letters. EF-45 (PCGS).

Lot 6161 . 1862 Liberty Head Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS).

Lot 6195 . 1893-CC Liberty Head Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6245 . 1858-O Liberty Head Double Eagle. Winter-2. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6260 . 1866-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. No Motto. AU-53 (PCGS).

Lot 6268 . 1871-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 6299. 1885-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS).

Lot 6306 . 1891-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-60 (PCGS).

Stack’s Bowers Galleries has also curated two physical crypto auction sessions as part of their Spring sale, with Part 1 opening for live bidding on Thursday, March 28 and Part 2 taking place on Tuesday, April 2. The sale kicks off with a truly historic BitBills 1 Bitcoin card , which represents the direct precursor to the coin format that would soon be popularized by Casascius and other series. It is followed by a parade of treasures including a Casascius 5 Bitcoin , Casascius 1 Bitcoins in silver and brass, an unfunded Casascius 100 Bitcoin Bar , rarities from the Lealana series in silver, prized “Poker Chips” from the BTCC , Satori , and Mantis Cryptos series, and more than 200 other desirable pieces. This is both the first dedicated crypto sale since the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs earlier this year, and also the last such offering before the Bitcoin Halving event scheduled for mid-April. The firm is anticipating tremendous interest among collectors. More information can be found here .

The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Spring 2024 U.S. Currency sale will feature over 800 outstanding lots crossing the block in Sessions Six and Ten . Learn more .

“This is one of the most diverse and historically interesting Spring Showcase Auctions we have put together,” declared Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “With an incredible selection of rarities across all series of U.S. coins, from early American copper to 19 th century gold, Morgan dollars to silver eagles, there is something for everyone. For those with interests outside of regular issue U.S. coins, the Richard Margolis Collection and the Ronald Slovick Family Collection offer magnificent opportunities that may not recur for generations.”

To view the entire Spring 2024 Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com . For inquiries about the sale or to order a printed catalog email Info@StacksBowers.com If you would like to consign to an upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction email consign@stacksbowers.com , or call 800-458-4646 (CA) or 800-566-2580 (NY).

Voting members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) have elected a new Board of Governors and will welcome six new individuals, along with two incumbents and a past board member, for the 2023-25 election term. Continue reading →

David W. Lange, longtime Whitman Publishing author, has left the hobby community after a rich life devoted to numismatics. Continue reading →

Joel R. Anderson, of Florence, Alabama, died peacefully at home on Monday evening, October 12, 2020, from natural causes at the age of 76. He was well known in the numismatic world as a businessman and generous supporter of many hobby causes.

The Anderson family has been active for decades in numismatics, publishing, and media distribution, among other industries. This started in 1917 with a street-corner newsstand built in downtown Florence by his late father, Clyde W. Anderson. The Anderson Companies grew into a business that today includes Anderson Media Corporation; TNT Fireworks (the largest importer and distributor of consumer fireworks in the United States); specialty publisher Anderson Press; and Books-A-Million (the nation’s second-largest book retailer).

Joel Anderson attended the University of North Alabama and then worked in his family businesses. He served as a director of many affiliated firms and chairman of the Anderson Companies, which today employ more than 11,000 associates in the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and China.

A Longtime Hobby Supporter and Enthusiastic Collector

Among hobbyists and collectors, the best-known Anderson brands are ANCO (manufacturer of coin tubes and other supplies); Cowens (cardboard coin holders); H.E. Harris & Co. (stamp dealer, publisher, and philatelic supplier); and Whitman Publishing, the largest publisher of numismatic books and supplies, and creator of the annual Guide Book of United States Coins (the “Red Book”).

Joel Anderson was an active supporter of the American Numismatic Association, the American Numismatic Society, and other hobby organizations. “Mr. Anderson believed in the power of literacy, research, and education,” said Whitman president Mary Burleson. “He gave generously of his time, business expertise, and financial resources to strengthen every aspect of the hobby. He did this quietly, without fanfare, never seeking praise or publicity for himself.”

Anderson was a serious collector of rare United States paper money. In 2018 and 2019 his collection was sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for more than $34 million. It was the most valuable cabinet of U.S. paper currency ever dispersed at public auction.

A Positive Influence in Many Worlds

Friends from across the wide spectrum of the Anderson family’s business and civic activities are mourning the loss of Joel Anderson. In the world of pyrotechnics, he is remembered as the founder, chairman, and director of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory. (Dr. John A. Conkling, in Boom: America’s Ever-Evolving Fireworks Industry, wrote of Anderson’s “strong and capable leadership” of the safety and testing organization, which is credited with reducing the number of fireworks injuries and fatalities). Medical organizations such as the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia and the American Heart Association celebrate him as a trustee and supporter. His philanthropic, civic, and humanitarian endeavors have earned him the respect and admiration of the Salvation Army, the United Way, and the many schools, libraries, and museums that he championed and served.

The Anderson family shared some words of wisdom Joel Anderson gave in a letter to his grandchildren, exemplifying his life philosophy:

Always smile and feel happiness and it will become a part of you. Always be positive and if you are sometimes defeated in something, don’t pout, don’t complain, just turn around and take another path to winning. Always respect others, always be honest with others and, very importantly, yourself. Always go out of your way to do the right thing in any situation and always remember to be nice and share with others, especially persons who need a helping hand.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Carmen Hemmer Anderson; daughters, Ashley Ruth Anderson and Kristen Lore Anderson; son, Joel Ray Anderson II (Sophie); brother, Charles Caine Anderson; sister, Jan Anderson Wiggins (Bob); grandchildren, Kate Brooklyn Billingsley, Grant Ray Billingsley, and Stella Ruth Chanin; niece, Catherine Foss Wingfield; nephews, Anderson Malone Wingfield, Charles Caine Anderson Jr. (Moll), Terrence Carroll Anderson (Susan), Clyde Barbour Anderson (Summer), and Harold Myron Anderson (Amber). He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde W. Anderson; mother, Ruth Keenum Anderson; and sister-in-law, Hilda Barbour Anderson.

There will be a drive-by visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, followed by a private graveside service for family at 3:00 p.m. at Greenview Memorial in Anderson’s hometown of Florence, Alabama.

The family welcomes donations, as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, to the American Heart Association, the University of North Alabama, or United Way of Northwest Alabama.

An online guest book may be signed here.

 

Repeal attempt fails in committee after opposition by Whitman Expos, ICTA, Visit Baltimore. Continue reading →