IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena, America's leading rare coin and currency auction house, realized an impressive $5.9 million with its 1,000-lot Chicago Rarities Sale.  The auction was conducted in a single session on April 15, 2008, with Internet bidding taking place prior to the sale through the Bowers and Merena website, www.bowersandmerena.com.

"We are very pleased with the excellent results achieved by this sale," stated Bowers and Merena president Steve Deeds.  "It is an honor for us to be trusted with the sale of such important numismatic rarities in a dynamic market.  My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of our consignors without whose support we could not maintain Bowers and Merena's position as America's preeminent numismatic auctioneer.  And, of course, I cannot forget our loyal bidders—you also have my sincerest thanks for contributing to another successful Bowers and Merena Rarities Sale.  May you cherish and enjoy your recent acquisitions for years to come."

 An impressive selection of Buffalo Nickel rarities led the way in prices realized for this sale.  The exceedingly rare 1916 Doubled Die Obverse in NGC MS-64 (lot 196) sold for $276,000; a condition rarity 1918-S certified MS-66 by NGC (lot 205) traded hands for $125,350; the probable finest-known 1926-S in NGC MS-66 * (lot 218) realized a record price of $322,000; and an equally important 1927-S that is also graded NGC MS-66 * (lot 219) crossed the auction block at $125,350.

The Marquette-Yakima Registry Set of Washington Quarters—the #1 set on the NGC Registry—also resulted in significant prices realized.  The highlight of the set is definitely the 1932-D in PCGS MS-66 offered as lot 322.  A pop 1/0 coin, this beautifully toned Gem brought $143,750—the highest price ever paid for an example of this key-date issue.  Other top-of-the-pop rarities from this Registry Set include a 1943-S in PCGS MS-68 (lot 360) that traded for $23,000; a very pretty 1954-S in the same grade (lot 393) that brought $10,350; and a unique 1961-D graded MS-67 at PCGS (lot 403) whose realized price is $18,975.

Additional highlights from the Chicago Rarities Sale include:

• Lot 529, 1870 Seated Dollar NGC Proof-67 * Cameo, realized $60,375
• Lot 567, 1884-S Morgan Dollar NGC MS-64, realized $105,800
• Lot 602, 1895 Morgan Dollar NGC Proof-66 Cameo, realized $86,250
• Lot 711, 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold, Reeded Edge, 880 THOUS, NGC MS-62, realized $149,500
• Lot 774, 1910 Indian Quarter Eagle NGC Proof-67, realized $57,500
• Lot 981, 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS-62, realized $69,000

Complete prices realized for this and other past Bowers and Merena auctions are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com.  For more information on the Chicago Rarities Sale, or to consign to a future Bowers and Merena auction, call toll free at 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar from Farouk Collection Sets Record at More Than $700,000 and "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins" Tops $2 Million

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, set records once again in Baltimore as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention. More than 3,200 lots crossed the block in four sessions February 28 - March 1, 2008, realizing $9,764,934. Highlights include the record-setting sale of Lot 2035, a very rare 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar known as "The Farouk-Schultz Specimen," certified VF 25 by PCGS, which realized $705,698, beating its previous sale price of $552,000 just months earlier in October 2007. The "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins," 741 lots of worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes, realized $2,028,278.

"I have to say we are ecstatic with the results of this Baltimore auction. Our last Baltimore auction in November 2007 was a record-setter for us and we exceeded its total prices realized by a significant amount," said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. Deeds attributes the overwhelming success of this auction to a variety of factors. "The convention itself was outstanding as usual thanks to the undying efforts of Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the Whitman team. The auction room was full and busy for all sessions, we had active phone bidding, plus live online bidding through the Bowers and Merena website, eBay Live Auctions and Proxibid. We did everything we could to make it convenient for our bidders, especially our international customers who couldn't make it to the auction, and it was without a doubt very successful."

Deeds also credits the extraordinary list of historic rarities that crossed the block, such as the 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, the sixth-finest of only nine known to exist and boasting a prestigious pedigree and auction history that includes the 1935 Norman Schultz Auction and Sotheby's 1954 sale of the King Farouk collection, "The Palace Collections of Egypt" auction. "The winning bidder of this coin now owns a piece of history," Deeds said. "It is an honor to be able to include Bowers and Merena in the life story of this piece."

The grand finale of the three-day event was the Saturday session of Ancient and World coins that featured the Chirico Collection. Worldwide marketing and advertising efforts helped draw hundreds of new registered bidders to Bowers and Merena and created a buzz throughout the international numismatic community that led to a realization of $2,155,414 for the session.

"The Chirico Collection was the result of a lifetime of collecting efforts and many of these coins had not been available to the collecting community for decades," Deeds said. "The enthusiasm for this collection was remarkable, starting months ago as we promoted the collection and displayed the highlights at various coin shows. Many lots in the collection realized far more than their printed value estimates in the catalog." Notable highlights include Lot 5378, a China, Republic (1911-), Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar, Year 25 (1936), estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 but realized $46,000, and Lot 5334, a China, Republic (1911-), Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI, Year 3 (1914), which was estimated at $8,000 to $10,000 but realized $37,375. Also noteworthy is Lot 5864, a Poland, Republic (1919-39), Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych, 1932 (Warsaw) originally estimated at $500 to $600 but brought $13,225.

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. This is the first of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention - the next is scheduled for June 4-8 followed by November 19-23. Bowers and Merena will conduct its Chicago Rarities Sale in Rosemont, Ill., on April 15 prior to the Central States Numismatic Society Convention.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in February/March, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com. 

Session 1: U.S. Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 258 1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS). $57,500
Lot 352 1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC). $57,500
Lot 374 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. V-3, LM-3. Rarity-4. MS-67 (NGC). $232,501
Lot 608 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-116. Rarity-3. Pointed 6, Stem. MS-65 * (NGC).  $69,000

Session 2: U.S. Currency Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 1137  Fr. 239*. 1923 $1 Silver Certificate Star Note. Very Fine. $8,913
Lot 1139  Fr. 246. 1891 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ. $47,150
Lot 1143  Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $25,300
Lot 1169  Fr. 307. 1878 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Very Fine 20. $54,050
Lot 1171  Fr. 321. 1891 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ. $41,400
Lot 1195  Fr. 742. 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68EPQ. $16,100
Lot 1204  Fr. 817 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ. $35,650
Lot 1261  Fr. 2091-E. 2004A $20 Federal Reserve Note. Serial #GE00000001B PCGS Very Choice New  64PPQ. $8,050
Lot 1294  Fr. 2306 $1 1935A Silver Certificate. North Africa Uncut Sheet of 12. Gem Crisp Uncirculated. $21,275

Session 3: U.S. Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 2035 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar. VF-25 (PCGS). "The Farouk-Schultz Specimen" $705,698
Lot 2110 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). $74,750
Lot 2314 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-66 (NGC). $172,500
Lot 2508 1864 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC). $80,500
Lot 2517 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Proof-62 (PCGS). $138,000
Lot 2721 1910-S Indian Eagle. MS-66 (NGC). $77,050
Lot 2860 1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS). $92,000
Lot 2863 1910 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC). $94,300

Session 4: World/Ancient Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 5213 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Gold 5 Francs. 1889-A (Paris).  $14,950
Lot 5258 Algeria. Provisional Government (1940-44). Aluminum 1 Franc. Trial Strike by Graziani. 1943. $8,740
Lot 5308  Cambodia. Norodom I (1860-1904). Silver Piefort 1 Piastre-1 Peso. 1860.   $26,450
Lot 5325 China. Republic (1911-). Li Yuan-hung Silver Dollar. ND (1912).  $14,375
Lot 5334  China. Republic (1911-). Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI. Year 3 (1914).   $37,375
Lot 5360 China. Republic (1911-). Chu Yu-pu Silver Dollar. Year 16 (1927). $29,900
Lot 5362  China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern "Junk" Dollar by A. MOTTI INC. Year 18 (1929).  $31,050
Lot 5378  China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar. Year 25 (1936).   $46,000
Lot 5392 China-Taiwan. Republic (1949-). Collection of (38) Coins. 1949-1966. $16,100
Lot 5544 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Silver Pattern Essai 5 Francs by Roty. 1898. $12,650
Lot 5773 Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III (1900-46). Gilt Silver Prova di stampa 5 Lire. 1914. $12,650
Lot 5864 Poland. Republic (1919-39). Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych. 1932 (Warsaw). $13,225

 "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins" Tops $2 Million at Bowers And Merena's Baltimore Auction

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, delighted World coin enthusiasts in Baltimore and across the globe on March 1 with an action-packed special session of World/Ancient Coins as part of their first of three Official Auctions of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention for 2008. The World session was the grand finale of the four-session auction that realized a total of $9,764,934 and saw more than 3,200 lots cross the auction block. The World/Ancient session realized $2,155,414.

"I have to say we are ecstatic with the results of this Baltimore auction, and especially the World session," said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. "Our worldwide marketing and advertising efforts helped draw hundreds of new international registered bidders to Bowers and Merena and really created a buzz throughout the global numismatic community. I was thrilled to see many foreign dealers and collectors who actually made the trip to Baltimore for live bidding." Dealers and collectors were welcomed from France, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Colombia, as well as the United States.

Additionally, Deeds attributes the overwhelming success of this World session to a variety of other factors, as well. "We took full advantage of available means of bidding in order to make it as convenient as possible for our international and even domestic customers who could not be in the room with us. We had very active phone bidding, plus live online bidding through the Bowers and Merena website, eBay Live Auctions and Proxibid, which were all very successful. The convention itself was outstanding as usual thanks to the undying efforts of Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the Whitman team, which certainly kept the auction room full and very exciting."

The featured draw of the World session was no doubt the "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins," 741 lots of worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes from China, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, and Europe, which realized $2,028,278.

"This was the largest collection of Patterns, Essais and Trial Strikes sold in the United States in the past 30 or 40 years,"
said Ron Gillio, numismatic acquisitions coordinator and World coins specialist for Bowers and Merena. "I personally spoke with several dealers who were astounded by the selection. A few of the French dealers made the comment to me that they had never seen this many of these types of coins at one time and probably would not see it again. I spoke with a Japanese dealer after the sale who said he could not believe his eyes to see the prices realized. It is my opinion that the catalog will become a standard reference, especially for Chinese and French Patterns and coins."

 "The Chirico Collection was the result of a lifetime of collecting efforts and many of these coins had not been available to the collecting community for decades," Deeds added. "The enthusiasm for this collection was remarkable, starting months ago as we promoted the collection and displayed the highlights at various coin shows. Many lots in the collection realized far more than their printed value estimates in the catalog." Notable highlights include Lot 5378, a China, Republic (1911-), Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar, Year 25 (1936), estimated at $4,000 to $5,000 but realized $46,000, and Lot 5334, a China, Republic (1911-), Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI, Year 3 (1914), which was estimated at $8,000 to $10,000 but realized $37,375. Also noteworthy is Lot 5864, a Poland, Republic (1919-39), Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych, 1932 (Warsaw) originally estimated at $500 to $600 but brought $13,225.

"I am especially pleased to report that Mrs. Chirico attended the sale personally and was amazed by all the activity," said Gillio. "When I called her after the sale she said she could not believe the prices and was shaking with excitement, very pleased with the performance of the auction and with how we had handled everything.  She felt that we at Bowers and Merena were true to our word about the worldwide interest this collection would generate. The collection was very sentimental to her family, and it was important to her that her husband's legacy be shared with others who were equally enthusiastic about collecting World coins."

In addition to the Chirico Collection, a dozen other consignors contributed to the overwhelming success of the World session. Highlights include Lot 5041, a China, Hupeh Province, Kuang-hsu (1875-1908), Silver Tael, Year 30 (1904), that realized $23,000,  and Lot 5122, a Peru, Felipe V (1700-1746), Gold 8 Escudos, 1711-Lm (Lima), that realized $12,650.

"We are extremely happy to be back in the business of World numismatics," said Deeds. "Bringing coins and currency together from the world over is something very special. We are already looking forward to our future World auctions, and I am pleased to announce a truly outstanding collection of Chinese currency from Eduard Kann will highlight our November Baltimore auction. We see this March session as just the beginning of Bowers and Merena making history in the World coin and currency arena."

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com. This is the first of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention - the next is scheduled for June 4-8 followed by November 19-23. Bowers and Merena will conduct its Chicago Rarities Sale in Rosemont, Ill., on April 15 prior to the Central States Numismatic Society Convention.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in February/March, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com. 

Session 4: World/Ancient Coin Highlights With Prices Realized
Lot 5213 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Gold 5 Francs. 1889-A (Paris).  $14,950
Lot 5258 Algeria. Provisional Government (1940-44). Aluminum 1 Franc. Trial Strike by Graziani. 1943. $8,740
Lot 5308  Cambodia. Norodom I (1860-1904). Silver Piefort 1 Piastre-1 Peso. 1860.   $26,450
Lot 5325 China. Republic (1911-). Li Yuan-hung Silver Dollar. ND (1912).  $14,375
Lot 5334  China. Republic (1911-). Yuan Shih-kai Silver Pattern Dollar by L. GIORGI. Year 3 (1914).  $37,375
Lot 5360 China. Republic (1911-). Chu Yu-pu Silver Dollar. Year 16 (1927). $29,900
Lot 5362  China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern "Junk" Dollar by A. MOTTI INC. Year 18 (1929).  $31,050
Lot 5378  China. Republic (1911-). Sun Yat-sen Silver Pattern Half Dollar. Year 25 (1936).   $46,000
Lot 5392 China-Taiwan. Republic (1949-). Collection of (38) Coins. 1949-1966. $16,100
Lot 5544 France. Third Republic (1871-1940). Silver Pattern Essai 5 Francs by Roty. 1898. $12,650
Lot 5773 Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III (1900-46). Gilt Silver Prova di stampa 5 Lire. 1914. $12,650
Lot 5864 Poland. Republic (1919-39). Silver Pattern Proba 10 Zlotych. 1932 (Warsaw). $13,225

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, announces that it will auction the only 1932-D Washington Quarter graded MS-66 by PCGS in its upcoming Chicago Rarities Sale on April 15, 2008, in Rosemont, Ill.

The 1932-D Washington Quarter, Population 1/0 at PCGS, is part of the No. 1 ranked "Marquette-Yakima" NGC Registry Set of Washington Quarters 1932-1964, an extraordinary collection that contains a multitude of quality PCGS- and NGC-certified Washington Quarters, including some Population 1/0. The complete collection will be auctioned in individual lots in Bowers and Merena's Chicago Rarities Sale.

"The entire ‘Marquette-Yakima Collection' is exceptional, but this 1932-D Washington Quarter is truly the best there is, the finest known and an absolutely superb example," said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. "It last sold in 2001, before Registry Sets popularized the collection of the finest examples. I can't remember the last time I have seen a coin of such magnitude and Bowers and Merena is proud to showcase it as the centerpiece of our Chicago Rarities Sale in April."

The Chicago Rarities Sale will offer an exclusive catalog of approximately 600 of the most extraordinary rarities available for auction, alongside the 1932-D Washington Quarter. Additional highlights and the entire catalog will be announced in the coming weeks and posted at www.bowersandmerena.com as information becomes available.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Chicago Rarities Sale in April, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Highlights Include Exceptional 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar and Special Session of World Coins Featuring the "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins"

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, continues as Official Auctioneer of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in 2008, with the next auction scheduled for February 27 to March 2, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center.  This is the first of three Baltimore auctions by Bowers and Merena in 2008, continuing their longstanding and ongoing association with the convention.

There is a long list of highlights offered in the 3,220-lot auction, most notably a very rare 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, certified VF 25 by PCGS and considered to be one of the greatest American coin rarities. This particular coin, known as The Farouk-Schultz Specimen, enjoys a prestigious pedigree and auction history including the 1935 Norman Schultz Auction and Sotheby's 1954 sale of the King Farouk collection, "The Palace Collections of Egypt" auction.

"It is truly an honor to be able to offer this extraordinary coin at auction and to add Bowers and Merena to its impressive history," said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. "For the 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar, only nine specimens have been auctioned to date and just three more are rumored to exist. Without question this is one of the rarest United States coins ever struck for circulation. It is the ultimate collector's coin."

Bowers and Merena is also pleased to host a special session of World coins, highlighted by the "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins." The Chirico Collection will be offered in 741 lots and features more than 2,500 worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes from China, Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, and Europe. The entire World session, including the Chirico coins, will be 886 lots.

"It is always an exciting event to bring together numismatic specimens from all over the world, and the Chirico Collection is an outstanding centerpiece for our World session," Deeds said. "It represents the lifelong collection of a very passionate enthusiast. Mr. Chirico's full collection spans the globe, but his favorite collection was Chinese pattern coins, which are very well represented in our auction." There are more than 40 Chinese Republic Dollars, including all six Sun Yat-sen Pattern "Junk" Dollars; a Mausoleum Dollar; a General Chu Yu-pu Dollar; two Dollars signed "L. Giorgi;" as well as off <_SCRIPT$3>

Also notable in the U.S. portion is "The Dan McClure Collection" Registry Set of Gold Commemoratives consisting of the 11-piece set of circulation strikes (1903-1926). The McClure Set (listed as "Deep 2" with PCGS) is ranked second among both the Current and All Time Finest Collections ever assembled and is listed on the PCGS.com website. It has a weighted GPA and ranking of 66.24 and will be auctioned as individual lots.

Additional coin highlights from the full auction include:
1937-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-020.2. 3-Legged. MS-66 (NGC).
1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-64 (PCGS).
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. V-3, LM-3. Rarity-4. MS-67 (NGC).
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-106. Rarity-6. AU-58 (PCGS).
1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-116. Rarity-3. Pointed 6, Stem. MS-65 * (NGC).
1884 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-68 * Ultra Cameo (NGC).
1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-66 (NGC).
1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-64 (NGC).
1855 Wass, Molitor & Company. $50 Gold. K-9. Rarity-5. AU-50 (NGC).
1864 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Proof-62 (PCGS).
1910-S Indian Eagle. MS-66 (NGC).
1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-66 (PCGS).
1910 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Proof-66 (NGC).

Currency highlights include:
Fr. 321. 1891 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 65PPQ.
Fr. 2091-E. 2004A $20 Federal Reserve Note. Serial #GE00000001B PCGS Very Choice New  64PPQ.
Fr. 742. 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68EPQ.
Fr. 2306 $1 1935A Silver Certificate. North Africa Uncut Sheet of 12. Gem Crisp Uncirculated.
Fr. 239*. 1923 $1 Silver Certificate Star Note. Very Fine.
Fr. 817 1915 $10 Federal Reserve Bank Note. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Fr. 178. 1880 $100 Legal Tender Note. PMG Very Fine 25.
Fr. 246. 1891 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 68PPQ.
Fr. 248. 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PCGS Superb Gem New 67PPQ.
Fr. 307. 1878 $20 Silver Certificate. PMG Very Fine 20.

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding will open in early February. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Baltimore Auction February/March 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction February 27 to March 2, 2008, or live online through the Bowers and Merena website. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in February/March, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Total Prices Realized Exceed $4.27 Million
1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter Strike Rarity in PCGS MS-65 FH Led the Way at $161,000

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, started the "fun" early in Florida last week with the January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale.  The sale was conducted in a single session on January 8 at the International Plaza Resort & Spa, two days prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show.  The auction offered 670 exceptional coin lots and realized $4,270,699 - a total that includes many record-setting sales among the individual lots.

"This was a small auction for us in terms of number of lots, but it was overwhelming in terms of the tremendous quality of coins that were offered," said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena.  "Any time we conduct a Rarities Sale we promise to offer only the finest specimens available, and this sale certainly didn't disappoint interested bidders."

Continued Deeds: "The highest single realized price in this sale was achieved by lot 179, a strike and condition rarity 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter certified MS-65 Full Head by PCGS.  The coin sold for $161,000, which is approximately 124 percent of the current Coin Dealer Newsletter ‘Greysheet' ‘Ask' price of $130,000."

"Lot 76 offered the finest-known example of the 1913-D Type II Buffalo Nickels," stated Deeds.  "Certified MS-68 by NGC with a combined PCGS and NGC population of 1/0, this beautifully toned Superb Gem crossed the auction block at $143,750.  And on the gold front we sold the Harry W. Bass Jr. specimen of the proof 1874 Liberty Half Eagle for $126,500, as well as a lovely 1907 High Relief Double Eagle in NGC Proof-67 for $138,575.  The 1874 Half Eagle was offered as lot 535 and, with a grade of Proof-66 Ultra Cameo from NGC, it ranks as the finest of fewer than 10 examples of this issue believed to have survived."

Additional highlights from the Bowers and Merena January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale include:
• Lot 41, 1944-D Lincoln 1C—Struck on a Zinc-Plated Steel Planchet—MS-62 PCGS, realized $105,800
• Lot 357, 1892-S Morgan S$1 MS-64 PCGS, realized $120,750 (Current CDN "Ask" is $83,000!)
• Lot 670, 1931 Saint-Gaudens $20 MS-65 PCGS, realized $101,200 (Current CDN "Ask" is $95,000!)

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and a printed list of prices realized is available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

The next Bowers and Merena sale is the Collector's Choice Auction which will be conducted February 4-13, 2008, at the firm's Irvine, Calif., headquarters prior to the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo.  This will be followed by Bowers and Merena's Official Auction of the February/March 2008 Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, and then the Bowers and Merena Chicago Rarities Sale on April 14, 2008, prior to the Central States Numismatic Society Convention.  Visit www.bowersandmerena.com for a complete auction schedule and consignment deadlines or call 800.458.4646 for more information.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales.  Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for president Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Website and Catalog Feature Exclusive Input on Select Coins by PCGS Founder and Director, David Hall

IRVINE, Calif. - Bowers and Merena Auctions, America's leading rare coin auction house, kicks off festivities in Orlando on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, with the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sales, featuring 670 rare and desirable coin lots sure to satisfy the tastes of the most discerning collector. The auction will be held at the International Plaza Resort & Spa in the heart of Orlando's bustling entertainment district, two days prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show.

As a special feature of this and future auctions that will be enjoyed by bidders and consignors alike, Bowers and Merena launches a new arrangement with PCGS founder and director, David Hall. Mr. Hall will be offering his exclusive input on many of the coins in this Orlando auction as well as upcoming Bowers and Merena auctions. For a limited time only, he will talk on video about coins offered at auction by Bowers and Merena. The videos will be available online before the auction for potential bidders to view, and also partially transcribed into the printed catalog descriptions. In addition, Bowers and Merena will keep an online video archive of these comments by
Mr. Hall.

"A Bowers and Merena Rarities Sale is always a special auction event for us and this will be a great way for us to begin the New Year, especially with the debut of David Hall offering his valued input on many of the lots," said Steve Deeds, president. "He is highly respected in the industry and a brilliant numismatic mind, and it is really with tremendous pride that we have joined with him to provide his analysis on some of these amazing coins."

One of the top highlights crossing the block in Orlando is Lot 516, a 1795 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Small Eagle, BD-2, HBCC-3034, Miller-3, Rarity-6, graded MS-64 by NGC. "This is a spectacular specimen," Deeds pointed out. "Only 20 to 30 examples of the 1795 BD-2 Half Eagle are believed to have survived, and the near-Gem that we are offering here is undoubtedly the finest example available for private ownership, if it is not the finest known."

Additional notable highlights include:
Lot 179  1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-65 FH (PCGS).
Lot 357  1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).
Lot 383  1901 Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 439  1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-65 (NGC).
Lot 535  1874 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Lot 546 1796 Capped Bust Eagle. BD-1, HBCC-3174, Taraszka-6, the only known dies. Rarity-4. AU-58 (NGC).
Lot 622  1901 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
Lot 628  MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. Proof-67 (NGC).
Lot 670  1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS).

All lots and images in the Bowers and Merena Orlando Rarities Sale can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, and printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646.

Bidding is open now. Pre-auction bids are welcome at www.bowersandmerena.com; by e-mail at auction@bowersandmerena.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Orlando Auction January 2008, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA, 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to bid in-person at the live auction on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. A complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available at www.bowersandmerena.com or by calling 800.458.4646.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Centerpiece of World Auction is "Carl F. Chirico Jr. Collection of World Pattern Coins"

The Chirico Collection will be offered in multiple lots and features more than 2,500 worldwide Proofs, Patterns, Essais, Provas, Pieforts, and Trial Strikes, including:

China. Over 40 Chinese Republic Dollars including all six Sun Yat-sen Pattern "Junk" Dollars; a Mausoleum
Dollar; a General Chu Yu-pu Dollar; 2 Dollars signed "L. Giorgi;" as well as off <_SCRIPT$3>

Belgium. Over 100 Belgian and Colonial patterns including a 100 Francs 1911 gold pattern.

Cambodia. Several Essais and Proofs including a 1 Piastre 1860 Piefort; and 4 Francs 1860 Proof.

France. Over 1,000 French and Colonial patterns including a gold 10 and 5 Francs 1889; a gold 100 Francs
1929 Piefort; as well as an impressive array of patterns from the 1700s through 1900s, including many Crown size pieces.

Germany. Over 100 German patterns including states issues and several Weimar Republic Crown size pieces.

Italy. Over 150 Patterns and Provas of Italy and colonies, Albania, San Marino and Vatican, including a 5 Lire 1914 Prova; a 1936 nine-piece Prova set; a 5 Lire 1940 Prova; Italian Somaliland 10 and 5 Lire 1925 Provas; and San Marino 20 and 10 Lire 1925 gold Provas.

Latin America. About 100 Patterns and trial strikes including issues from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Uruguay.

Europe. Over 150 Patterns and Essais including issues from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, England, Luxembourg,
Monaco, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and Yugoslavia.

Prior to the February Baltimore auction, Bowers and Merena's next auction is the Orlando Rarities Sale held prior to the Orlando F.U.N. Show on January 8, 2008. That will be followed by the Bowers and Merena Collector's Choice Auction, February 4 to 13, 2008, in Irvine, Calif., and then the next Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, February 27 to March 2, 2008. A complete auction schedule with consignment deadlines is available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.

Over 4,000 Lots Crossed the Block to Realize Bowers and Merena's Highest Baltimore Sales Record in Years

"I can hardly find words to say how happy we are with the outcome of this auction," said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena. "We offered more lots than in any of our previous auctions, each of the four sessions was filled with very active bidding, and we were able to offer some truly amazing coins and currency. It was by far our best Baltimore showing and I am really looking forward to what the 2008 Baltimore auctions will bring. We also especially want to acknowledge and thank Mary Counts, David Crenshaw and the entire Whitman team for their support and production of a first-class convention where Bowers and Merena is proud to be the official auctioneer."

The crown jewel of this Baltimore auction was Lot 4668, an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle graded AU-50 by PCGS that realized $368,000. "It is always an honor to auction a coin that is as truly exceptional as this one. A coin of this magnitude does not come around very often, and I am proud to say this is the second example of this rare coin that Bowers and Merena has sold this year," remarked Deeds. At the Milwaukee Rarities Sale in August, Bowers and Merena auctioned an 1854-O Liberty Double Eagle graded AU-55 by PCGS that realized $494,500. 

Another spectacular lot that sold in Baltimore was Lot 683, a 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse in PCGS MS-64 that realized $316,250. It is tied with one other MS-64 as the finest of only five Mint State 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickels listed on the PCGS Population Report. "This coin possesses uncommonly sharp striking definition, beautiful peripheral toning and the strongest technical quality and eye appeal that we have ever seen in an example of this extremely rare 20th century U.S. Mint error," Deeds said.

Also among the extensive list of highlights for this auction was Lot 4500, an 1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, Rarity-3 in PCGS Proof-64 DCAM that realized $184,000, along with the noteworthy sale of two complete 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Sets, Lot 4358 with original frame that realized $224,250 and Lot 4351 with original box that realized $187,450.  

Impressive currency highlights include Lot 6072, an extremely rare Uncut Sheet of Four Kimball, WV, $5 1902 Plain Back, Fr. 606, The FNB, Charter #(S)11502, Very Fine that realized $16,675, and Lot 5741, an Original Pack of Fr. 1930-B, 2003A $1 Federal Reserve Note Errors, Mismatched Serial Numbers that realized $50,370.

Prices realized for all lots in the Bowers and Merena Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com, or call 800.458.4646 to request a printed list.  

Additional Coin Highlights

 Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneer with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, and the Norweb Collection.

 For more information about Bowers and Merena and the Official Auction of the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention in November, call 800.458.4646.  For media inquiries, ask for President Steve Deeds.  Complete prices realized for all past auctions are available at www.bowersandmerena.com. 

The Minot Collection
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - Thursday, May 22, 2008
New York, NY

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

The Tallent and Belzberg Collections
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Rosemont, IL

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

Stack's April Auction E-vents
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wolfeboro, NH

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

March 2008 Coin Galleries
Monday, March 31, 2008
New York, NY

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

The Dominic Gaziano and Papyrus Way Collections
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
New York, NY

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

Stack's March Auction E-vents
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wolfeboro, NH

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

The Rich Uhrich Collection
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Baltimore, MD

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

Stack's February Auction E-vents
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wolfeboro, NH

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

The Tucson Sale
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tucson, AZ

For more information, please visit Stack's website.

Stack's January Auction E-vents
Monday, January 21, 2008
Wolfeboro, NH

For more information, please visit Stack's website.