IRVINE, Calif. (August 14, 2012) — Leading rare coin auction house and retailer Stack’s Bowers Galleries is officially announcing the launch of their first limited-edition North American Bison Medal tobenefit the North American Bison in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to take place on Thursday, August 23, 2012 in New York City. The company’s introduction of this historically significant medal directly supports the WCS’ renewed Bison Restoration Project currently underway at the world famous Bronx Zoo.
The nearly-extinct North American Bison has long roamed the nation’s prairie lands in the West. Their disappearance in large numbers from the prairies leaves an ecological void including natural regulation of wildfires. “The Wildlife Conservation Society saves iconic, vulnerable species comprising 25% of the world’s biodiversity,” says John Calvelli Executive VP or Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society. “Small mammals, birds and insects depend on the bison’s natural behavior to preserve their habitat. It’s crucial that we take an active role in their preservation, and we are grateful for the support of companies like Stack’s Bowers that are helping us in this endeavor.” Other than the bald eagle, no other species is more representative of America.
The medal will be produced in one full ounce silver and one half ounce silver versions. The front of the medal depicts an impressive image of the bison grazing in its natural habitat at Yellowstone National Park, while the reverse side features two separate iconic images of New York’s world-famous Bronx Zoo. The full ounce version, which measures 1.50 inches with a smooth edge, features a scenic view of the Zoo’s central ‘Rockefeller’ fountain. The half ounce medal measures 1.269 inches with a smooth edge and depicts the Zoo’s regal ’Rainey Gate’ entrance on the East Fordham Road side of the property. The medals will retail for $79.95 USD for the full ounce and $39.95 USD for the half ounce. Both will be available for purchase at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ newly-renovated shop on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the oldest rare coin retailer in America.
“As one of New York’s longest operating retailers, we couldn’t be more thrilled to give back to the city of New York, and to preserve a part of this country’s wildlife history,” says Harvey Stack numismatic industry legend and senior member of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “We have always prided ourselves on being one of the most reputable coin auction houses and retailers in the country. Throughout the years, we have served as a go-to destination, creating a family-like atmosphere of information and culture for coin collectors, so we’re excited to continue to be at the forefront of introducing new and meaningful coins into the market for new and old collectors alike.” The legendary shop originally opened in 1933 and moved several times over the years before landing at their current location on W 57th Street in 1953.
“We are so proud of this initiative that not only pays homage to one of the most iconic symbols of the American landscape, but also takes an active role in its preservation. It is a great way for long time coin collectors to add an iconic symbol to their collection, and for new families to begin a tradition to pass down from generation to generation,” Greg Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Group International, parent company of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
Consumers will also be able to purchase the newly-minted medals through an express GOLD-To-Go™ automated machine – the first of its kind in New York City. This ATM machine, along with the unveiling of the bison medal and the newly-renovated shop, will take place during an official ribbon cutting ceremony at the 123 W 57th Street location (between 6th & 7th) on Thursday, August 23, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
About Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a division of Fortune 500 Company Spectrum Group International Inc., was launched in January 2011, combining the extraordinary histories of Stack’s, the oldest rare coin auction and retail company in America, with Bowers and Merena Auctions, one of the world’s pre-eminent auctioneers of rare coins and paper money. The two companies unite to share a combined legacy that spans more than 100 years, and includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable collections to ever cross an auction block – the John J. Ford, Jr. and Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. collections, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, and the Norweb Collection, to name just a few. Topping off this amazing numismatic history is the inclusion of the world record for the highest price ever realized at auction for a rare coin; the legendary 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle that realized an astounding $7.59 million (sold in partnership with Sotheby’s). The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, with offices in New York, New Hampshire, and Hong Kong. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is the Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic conventions, including the ANA World’s Fair of Money pre-show and convention auctions, and the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expos in Baltimore, three times yearly, and in Philadelphia.
