In a word, coins, tokens, medals, and paper money are interesting. This is particularly so if you go beyond the basic item, grade, and market value, and contemplate its background. Each has a story to tell. Learning this information makes a medal, coin, or other item much more desirable to own. Our New York Americana Sale brings to the auction podium a rich offering of consignments, many off the market for years, with some of the most fascinating pieces we have ever offered.

We appreciate those who have honored us with the following consignments, a partial list: The Arturo Collection, medals from the collection of Charles E. Barber, chief engraver of the United States Mint, the Alan Bleviss Collection of Civil War Tokens, Part III, selections from the reference collections of Q. David Bowers, the Jerry Byrne, Sr. Collection, the Classic Collection, the Robert LeNeve Collection of Confederate States of America and related coinage, the Tim and Marlee Gabriele Collection of so-called dollars, selections from the Maryland Historical Society (proceeds to benefit the continuing collection), the Minot Collection, the Museum of the Fur Trade, a Northeastern collection of colonial coins, the Clem Schettino Collection of New Jersey coppers, the Sleepy Hollow Collection of Historical Paper Money, the Standish Collection of historical paper money, and the Clinton Sherwood Ward collection of U.S. gold coins.

Selected Highlights

There are so many highlights that at best we can only mention a few here. The catalog is now in your hands (or on the Internet screen), and you can see all of them first hand. Isn’t it amazing that on the Internet you can actually flip through catalog pages? The sale begins with paper money and continues from there.

Session One begins with obsolete currency. Proof notes abound, rarities are much in evidence, and several notes are believed to be unique. If you are not currently collecting obsolete paper money, loosely defined as denominated notes issued by state-chartered banks from 1782 through the mid 1860s, you might want to consider the possibility.

Early American paper money follows next in the sale, including Continental Currency as well as issues of the various colonies and states. Of all of the colonial issues, none is more prized than that of Vermont, which actually was not a state until 1791. A newly discovered Vermont half a crown will cause the temperature to rise in the auction room as it crosses the block. Any Vermont paper money is extremely rare, and this particular note is especially so. Interesting fiscal paper follows, combining history and rarity, and the same can be said for a nice offering of lottery tickets. A small but interesting selection of federal notes then follows.

Federal coins commence in the first session with several half cents, then four 1793 large copper cents, continuing to later issues in the series, after which Flying Eagle and Indian cents are featured. A magnificent 1792 half disme is followed by early half dimes, truly marvelous United States dimes, as well as quarter dollars, beginning with two examples, each in affordable grades, of the first year of issue, 1796. Half dollars begin with one of the nicest examples of 1794 Overton-104 and continue to include popular types and the like. Silver dollars include early issues from the Flowing Hair design onward, through Liberty Seated, trade dollars, and a nice offering of Morgan issues. United States gold coins include popular types as well as scarce individual issues.

Among half eagles, branch mint coins have always been of interest, and a Choice Mint State 1860-D is particularly noticeable—a coin that has been in the same family since the day it was issued. Early eagles, then double eagles contain many popular types. An MCMVII certified by NGC as an Ultra-Grade Proof brings to the market certainly one of the finest examples of what many people consider to be America’s most beautiful coin. Pattern coins follow next, after which there is a nice selection of commemorative silver and gold.

The Robert LeNeve Collection of Confederate States of America coins will be remembered for a long time and comprises restrikes of the 1861 cent and half dollar, 1861-O half dollars attributed to the CSA, and more. Sunken treasure is always exciting, and some shipwreck pieces, including from the remarkable S.S. New York find, then follow. Territorial gold coins include several interesting pieces, followed by Western Americana, then California and related small gold pieces, then interesting ingots. Several Hawaiian coins are interesting and important, after which United States Proof sets and various other items close out the first session.

Session Two is equally laden with treasures and fascinating items. From silver coins of Massachusetts to Washington pieces, our presentation of early American issues is memorable. The Clem Schettino Collection of New Jersey coppers 1786-1788 is especially important.

We are pleased to offer some notable early silver pieces as well as a selection of Wedgwood porcelain and related collectibles, followed by a diverse and interesting offering of medals. Indian Peace medals are highlighted by a famous and rare Jefferson large-size. A collection of lifesaving medals, each of which has a rich history, will be remembered for a long time. A very large silver award medal from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition is believed to be one of a kind. Betts medals, Hard Times tokens, and more are in the offing!

Plan to Participate

• Tuesday, January 26, 2010
  1:00 PM Sharp
  Lots 2001-2664; 3001-3898 (There are no lots 2664-3000)

• Wednesday, January 27, 2010
  1:00 PM Sharp
  Lots 4001-5552

Lot Viewing

Stack’s Auction Gallery, 110 West 57th Street, New York, NY:

• Thursday, January 21, 2010
  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Friday, January 22, 2010
  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Monday, January 25, 2010
  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Tuesday, January 26, 2010
  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Wednesday, January 27, 2010
  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Other dates and times by appointment only.

If your travel plans do not include coming to New York City, you can participate on the Internet, on the telephone (by advance arrangement), or by sending your bids by mail. It has become a “virtual world” through the Internet, and you can enjoy the sale in real time from the comfort and convenience of your home or office. Email us or give us a call at 800-566-2580 if you have any questions.