Here is my latest “highlight” pick from our upcoming Americana Sale–one of the most diverse auctions we have ever had. This is not a rarity that will make headlines, but in its own way it is very special–a presentation example of America’s very first commemorative half dollars. What a great coin and what a great holder–ideal for a display or for a “show and tell” item at your next coin club meeting!

Here is our catalog description:

Amazing Wells, Fargo Presentation Columbian 50¢ 3379
1892 Wells Fargo Token of Regard, 1892
Columbian half dollar in imprinted 103.3 x 56.9mm Cardboard Holder and Envelope. About Uncirculated. Envelope is imprinted VALUE $1.00/ Columbian Souvenir Coin – 1892 …/ FOR/ Mr. E.L. Ford/ Agent WELLS, FARGO & COMPANY’S EXPRESS/ AT Sargents/ Cal. /With Compliments of/ Wells, Fargo & Co. The cardboard holder is green on obverse, pink on reverse.

The obverse states, A KEEPSAKE/ From Wells, Fargo & Company/ IN: TOKEN – OFF REGARD/ And in appreciation of faithful services./ JOHN J. VALENTINE/ PRESIDENT. The reverse shows coin turn to match the commemorative itself, imprinted COLUMBIAN SOUVENIR COIN,1892./ Commemorative of the World’s Columbian Exposition at/ CHICAGO, ILL. – A.D. 1893./ Presented to – the Employees of/ WELLS, FARGO & COMPANY.

Students of commemorative coinage will recall public outcry at being expected to pay $1 for a 50¢ coin and the low-brow word Souvenir to describe the issue. This Keepsake is of the utmost rarity today, unknown to even advanced collectors

---

Official Auction of the Whitman Philly Expo!

Stack’s Americana Sale will feature coins, paper money, and medals from the collections of Louis E. Eliasberg, Chet Krause, and Q, David Bowers, as well as the Collection of a Southern Gentleman, and other important consignments.

It is the official auction of the Whitman Coins & Collectibles Philadelphia Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, September 30 to October 2. Over 5,000 lots in all price ranges from highly affordable to world-class rarities! The paper money section of the sale will be one of the most important ever auctioned, replete with many unique notes and rarities!

Contact us today at 800-566-2580 to reserve your catalogue, which should mail in early September. All lots will also be available for viewing on our website: www.stacks.com.

Thinking of Selling?

Whether you are considering your collection or choice duplicates, we invite you to consign to our spectacular Stack’s 75th Anniversary Sale to be held in Baltimore in November. This is unprecedented—the closest challenger being B. Max Mehl’s 50th Anniversary Sale held in 1950. Our sale is anchored by the Carson Collection of United States Proof Sets, starting from the early year of 1856 and continuing onward! Rarities abound!

Contact Dr. Rick Bagg, John Pack, or Vicken Yegparian at 800-566-2580.