Welcome to the Convention
of the Year!
Welcome to Denver and the
ANA World’s Fair of Money. This is the event of the year—drawing
collectors, dealers, and other enthusiasts from all over the world. Conducting
auctions for the ANA is a tradition. Stack’s first one was in 1939 when
visitors not only enjoyed the convention and our sale, but many also went to
see the World’s Fair in nearby Flushing Meadow (which years later was the site
of the 1964 World’s Fair). We have had many sales with the ANA since then,
including in the Bicentennial year of 1976 when attendance crossed the 20,000
mark and set a record that stands today. By the way, if as a catalog reader you
are not an ANA member, drop me an e-mail note and I will send you information.
Glad to help.
My own memories of ANA
conventions date back to my first in Omaha, Nebraska in 1955. There the
attendance passed 500, a record for the time. I had a bourse table at the
event. Today, I am the only bourse dealer from that year who is still
living—thanks in part to my being a teenager back then. I was in the third year
of my business career. I have so many nice memories of the shows since that
time. This year in Denver will bring its own share of pleasurable events,
including the auction.
Great Collections
The present catalog
showcases American coins, tokens, and medals (other catalogs offer world and
ancient coins and paper money). While many great rarities are scheduled to
cross the block, equally important is the fact that the vast majority of coins
we offer are in popular series and are affordable. Look through the catalog
carefully for items of interest, as well as pieces that might be a good start
on a different specialty.
“When Great Collections
are Sold, Stack’s Bowers Galleries Sells Them.” This motto has been true for
many years. The present sale includes several great collections, each offering
a panorama of enticing coins.
The High Rise Collection
comprises nearly 500 coins encompassing collections of various series,
including some remarkable examples of key dates and mintmarks. The Shield
nickel series includes a Superb Gem Proof 1867 With Rays as well as a Gem 1880,
the rarest of all circulation strike dates. Among Mercury dimes is a superb
1942/1-D, again a Gem. In the Standing Liberty quarter series will be found a
seldom-seen 1918/7-S, while the Walking Liberty half dollar collection includes
a 1921-S, the rarest issue in the series.
The Magnolia Collection
also concentrates on coins by design types, including Mint State and Proof gold
from dollars to double eagles. The Graywood Collection follows suit and offers
mostly early types from copper to gold. The Lt. Colonel John W. Dawson
Collection emphasizes silver dollars and double eagles, the largest of the
silver and gold denominations.
The Collection of Carril
Valparaiso includes some of the rarest of the rare in the American series—such
as a Proof 1841 Liberty Seated dollar, Mint State Type I Liberty Head double
eagles, and an 1882 Shield Earring pattern half dollar by George T. Morgan. The
Rainbow Falls Collection is specialized and includes scarce, rare, and
interesting items of Hawaii.
A Few Selected Highlights
I like coins with
stories. A highlight in our sale—this being among the treasures to be offered
in our Rarities Night session—is one of the finest known 1794 silver dollars.
While only one bidder will take it home, I invite you to read the detailed
description. When you are finished, if you close your eyes you will be an
expert, or close, on one of the most famous American coins. As so often happens
when we sell a coin, it comes back to us later. This splendid Mint State coin
is an old friend.
The 1853-O No Arrows
Liberty Seated half dollar is nearly as rare as a coin can be—with only four
known to exist. All have seen circulation, but this one saw slightly less than
its sisters. Liberty Seated coins are a dynamic specialty, and I look forward
to each issue of the Gobrecht Journal published by the Liberty Seated
Coin Club. There are many Liberty Seated coins in this sale, most of which are
within the reach of the majority of bidders.
There are so many other
highlights that to spend a few sentences on each would require multiple
additional pages. The catalog is in your hands, so you can see for yourself. In
no particular order (so you can’t skip ahead to your favorite specialty!), here
are a few that I find to be especially enticing
The sale will be in
Denver, so it is appropriate to mention the 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. $20
struck in this city. Depicted is “Pikes Peak,” not at all like the real
mountain 75 miles south of Denver. The dies were made in Philadelphia, and the
engraver used artistic license. Made in the Rockies in Leadville to the west
was a silver ingot with assay information and a presentation inscription.
Sometime—not here—I will write about the enjoyment I have had over the years in
exploring old mining camps in Colorado and California.
Among large copper cents
the rarest combination of a date and type is the 1793 Liberty Cap, of which we
offer one of the finest known. One of the rarest of modern issues is the 1982-D
Small Date Lincoln cent struck by mistake on a bronze planchet instead of
copper-coated zinc. It seems to be far rarer than its more famous cousin, the
1943 cent struck on a bronze planchet instead of zinc-coated steel. Stellas or
$4 gold coins are represented by a Flowing Hair coin in gold and a Coiled Hair
in gilt copper.
Not rare in worn grades
is the 1796 Sheldon-92 Draped Bust cent, but our MS-66 with much original mint
red is a rarity deluxe indeed. I love patterns, and many nice ones are in this
sale—the earliest being a 1792 cent without silver center. As time permits I
and the Whitman staff will be updating and reformatting the standard book on
the series, United States Patterns, originated by Dr. J. Hewitt Judd
(who lived in Omaha and stopped by for a nice chat at the 1955 ANA convention
that year).
Gold coins from the 1790s
into the 20th century include scarce and rare dates and mintmarks, high-grade
Mint State coins and a selection of Proofs. Several months ago I spent two days
describing the wonderful Harris, Marchand & Co. 55.48-ounce (!) gold ingot
from the S.S. Central America gold treasure. This treasure is part of my
DNA by now, having written the definitive book on it (with over 4,400 copies
sold) and having handled many of the coins and ingots. If you are an old-timer
you may remember the Ship of Gold exhibit set up by Dwight Manley and the
California Gold Marketing Group at the 2000 ANA Convention. Scientist Bob
Evans, a key member of the treasure-finding team, gave a program on the ship,
with me as an assistant. Over 400 people attended—still a record for any such
event.
I could linger with more
comments about highlights, but, as mentioned, the catalog is in your hands (or
on your screen).
Plan to Participate
If you plan to attend the
World’s Fair of Money in person, the red carpet will be rolled out for you.
Meet and greet the Stack’s Bowers Galleries staff. I and others are always
happy to “talk coins.” Not all is strictly business. And while you are here,
visit the dealers’ bourse, including our layout with displays and comfortable
seating. I wear two hats, and one says “Whitman Publishing.” Last year Whitman
had a “spend an hour with Ken Bressett and Dave Bowers.” Held at their large
display, it drew a crowd. If you purchase one or more of the books I wrote,
track me down and I will autograph it for you. Check the convention program for
the “Money Talks” programs. On Thursday at three in the afternoon I will be
part of one on tokens and medals with Susan Trask as moderator.
Arrive in Denver as early
as you can, so as to view the auction lots at leisure. Bring your significant
other or your family with you. There is a lot to do in the city—restaurants,
sightseeing and more.
Have a question about our
auction? We’re here to help—from lot viewing through the sale sessions to
pick-up. If you are staying at home, we have good news for you. Using our
dynamic Internet site you can participate in virtual reality—in real time
watching our auctioneer at the podium, seeing the item being offered, and
featuring an enticing green “Bid!” button! You can also bid on your smart phone
or tablet with our easy-to-use app. With advance arrangement with us you can
even bid by telephone on important lots.
Thank you for your
interest and participation in our sale. I am looking forward to seeing you in
Denver or to your bidding online.
All good wishes,
Q. David Bowers
Co-founder, Stack’s
Bowers Galleries
