Whitman Publishing Holds Cherrypickers’ Guide Editorial Summit in Chattanooga
(Chattanooga, Tennessee) — An editorial summit was convened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 1 and 2, 2019, to plan the sixth edition, volume II, of Whitman Publishing’s Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins. The meeting laid out a comprehensive plan for updating the volume, which covers die varieties of U.S. coins from half dimes to gold double eagles, plus commemoratives, bullion, and other series. It will be published in 2020, marking the 30th anniversary of the Cherrypickers’ Guide.
Present at the conference were Cherrypickers’ Guide coauthor Bill Fivaz; Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker and associate editor Brandon C. Hall; and professional numismatist Larry Briggs, who is coordinating edits and updates for the sixth edition, volume II. They met at the headquarters of SEGS Grading Service in Chattanooga.
Left to right: Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker; Cherrypickers’ Guide coauthor Bill Fivaz; professional numismatist Larry Briggs; and Whitman associate editor Brandon C. Hall, at SEGS Grading Service headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 2019.
To “cherrypick” is to examine coins that appear normal at first glance and find ones that have unusual characteristics—doubled and tripled dies, overdates, repunched mintmarks, and similar features—that reveal them to be rare and valuable. The Cherrypickers’ Guide uses close-up photographs and text descriptions to guide collectors in what to look for. It includes rarity ratings and values.
The sixth edition, volume II, is expected to include more than 800 die varieties, including many new additions. It will cover Capped Bust coinage from half dimes through half dollars; Liberty Seated coinage; Barber silver coins; and every modern series from the early 1900s to date, plus gold dollars through $20 gold coins, classic commemoratives, and modern bullion pieces.
“Many coin series will be expanded, and there will be several entirely new sections,” said Tucker. “This volume includes some of the most popular U.S. coin types, including Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, Liberty Walking half dollars, Franklin and Kennedy half dollars, Morgan and Peace silver dollars, and modern dollar coins.”
In the coming weeks and months, the book’s editors will reach out to the hobby community for advice, recommendations, and research. In the meantime, they can be contacted by email at cherrypickers@whitman.com.
Cherrypickers’ Guide coauthor Bill Fivaz earned the top honor of the American Numismatic Association, the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award, in 1995, and was elected to the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2010 the ANA and Whitman Publishing honored his legacy as a teacher and writer by endowing the Bill Fivaz Young Numismatist Literary Award for writers aged 8 to 12.
Noted die-variety specialist Larry Briggs: “I’ve been collecting, buying, and selling coins since I bought my first coin from the back page of a comic book. At the time that 1803 large cent was the most beautiful coin I’d ever seen. Today I can accept that it was, in fact, downright ugly, but it started a love affair with coins that has lasted well over 50 years.”
Larry Briggs is well known to the hobby community as a dealer, author, and educator. He served the American Numismatic Association as president of its Authentication Committee. A student of history and archaeology, Briggs served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Ford Motor Company before launching his own business, Larry Briggs Rare Coins, in 1978. His specialties include error coins and die varieties, Liberty Seated coinage, and early American coppers.
By Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton; forewords by Kenneth Bressett and Q. David Bowers; edited by Larry Briggs.
Publication date: 2020. Retail price, page count, and other details to be announced.
Regency Auction 32 Offers Important rarities from multiple collections highlight important sale
(Lincroft, NJ—April 26, 2019)—Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ 32nd Regency Auction, the official auction of the PCGS Members Show in New Orleans will be conducted over two days, May 15 and May 16. Offering over 630 lots from the Pug, Issaquah Estate, Vanderbilt, Coronet II, Wolverine, and Northern Lights Collections, as well as properties from other important consignments, including a world-class offering of gold coins recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Central America.
The auction session on May 15 is our second “Dollar Day” auction, and features important and high-end silver dollars in all series, anchored by a trio of important early dollars from the Pug Collection, No Motto Liberty Seated and Peace dollars from the Issaquah Estate, and Morgan dollars from the Coronet II and Vanderbilt Collections.
“After the huge success of our first ever ‘Dollar Day’ session in Regency Auction 26 (May 2018), and the consignment of over 180 silver dollars, we decided to host another ‘Dollar Day,’” explained Julie Abrams, president of Legend Rare Coin Auctions. “We are proud to offer these great silver dollars, many of which have been off the market for ages, including several world-class high-end Morgan dollars, some of which are FINEST or tied for finest graded.”
“Lot 1 is arguably one of the more important silver dollars in the sale,” said Greg Cohen, senior numismatist. “The high end 1795 dollar, a borderline Mint State coin, with a large silver plug in the center and gorgeous toning, has a pedigree that goes back over 130 years, and has been theorized that it was among the first 1795 silver dollars struck (early die state from the first die marriage used). Other important silver dollars include GEM examples of the 1889 and 1893 Carson City issues from the Coronet Collection II. If you collect Mint State No Motto Seated Liberty dollars, the lovely coins from the Issaquah Collection present a rare opportunity for the type or date collector.”
Thursday, May 16 will present the rest of Regency Auction, starting with the Wolverine Coll
ection. The collector focused over the course of the last 15 years on the highest possible grade Proof Indian cents and Mint State Barber dimes. Many of these coins are Pop Top or close to the finest known. Other important consignments include the Northern Lights Collection of Proof Buffalo nickels, Pug Collection of Draped Bust quarters and a great mix of other type coins from all series. The offering of gold coins begins with a world class selection of rarities from the wreck of the S.S. Central America, including the famed “Supernova,” the monster toned 1857-S $20 in PCGS MS67 CAC. The sale ends with Set Registry quality classic commemoratives and a selection of rare patterns, including a copper striking of the famed Bickford $10.
“Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ focus on high-end and premium quality coins attracts only the best consignments,” continued Ms. Abrams, noting “many of these coins came from collectors who focused on special coins. Their efforts are clearly seen in our auction presentation.”
Selected highlights from Regency Auction 32 include:
- Lot 1. $1 1795 B-3, BB-13. Silver Plug. PCGS AU55 CAC. From the Pug Collection.
- Lot 3. $1 1799 PCGS MS64+ CAC. From the Pug Collection.
- Lot 4 $1 1842 PCGS MS64 CAC. From the Issaquah Estate. Ex. Eliasberg
- Lot 36 $1 1925-S PCGS MS65 CAC. From the Issaquah Estate
- Lot 73 $1 1879-CC Capped Die. PCGS MS65+ CAC
- Lot 95 $1 1882-S PCGS MS68+ CAC
- Lot 106 $1 1884-O PCGS MS67 DMPL
- Lot 129 $1 1889-CC PCGS MS64 CAC From the Coronet Collection II
- Lot 144 $1 1893-CC PCGS MS65 CAC From the Coronet Collection II
- Lot 190 1C 1859 PCGS PR66 CAM CAC From the Wolverine Collection
- Lot 201 1C 1873 Closed 3. PCGS PR66 RD CAC. From the Wolverine Collection
- Lot 227 10C 1893-O PCGS MS67 CAC From the Wolverine Collection, ex Eliasberg-Simpson
- Lot 228 10C 1897 PCGS MS67+ CAC From the Wolverine Collection
- Lot 251 1C 1856 Flying Eagle. PCGS PR65 CAC
- Lot 287 1C 1917-S PCGS MS65 RD CAC
- Lot 311 5C 1895 PCGS PR68
- Lot 325 5C 1913 Type 1. PCGS PR67+ CAC From the Northern Lights Collection
- Lot 380 25C 1796 PCGS AU50 Gold CAC From the Pug Collection
- Lot 381 25C 1804 PCGS MS63+ CAC From the Pug Collection
- Lot 398 25C 1898 PCGS PR68 DCAM
- Lot 424 50C 1873 Arrows. PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC
- Lot 466 50C 1952 PCGS MS67+ FBL CAC
- Lot 488 $5 1857-S PCGS MS65+ CAC From the S.S. Central America
- Lot 490 $20 1854 Kellogg. PCGS MS62+ CAC From the S.S. Central America
- Lot 493 $20 1857-S PCGS MS67 CAC “SUPERNOVA” From the S.S. Central America
- Lot 510 $2.50 1895 PCGS PR65 DCAM
- Lot 520 $5 1840-C PCGS MS64
- Lot 531 $5 1904 PCGS PR67+ CAM CAC
- Lot 550 $10 1907 Wire Rim. PCGS MS65+ CAC From the Pug Collection, earlier ex Frank Leech
- Lot 592 $20 1924-S PCGS MS64+ CAC
- Lot 632 $10 1874 J-1375. Bickford Eagle. PCGS PR62 BN CAC
Legend’s next auction is the Regency Auction 33, which is open for consignments until May 20. Contact a consignment specialist to consign today.
Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique numismatic auction company specializing in the finest and rarest U.S. coins. Founded in 2012 by Laura Sperber, the owner and president of Legend Numismatics, the premier rare coin retail firm. LRCA was, from the outset designed to be a different kind of rare coin auction firm. LRCA’s staff of numismatic auction industry veterans includes Julie Abrams, president; Greg Cohen, senior numismatist; and Jessica Berkman, consignment coordinator. The firm’s Regency Auctions serve as the official auction for the PCGS Members’ Shows, held six times per year. Since its founding, LRCA has sold many important collections, resulting in world-record prices, including the Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars (#1 all-time PCGS set); the David Hall—Bob Simpson Collection of Liberty Head Eagles; the Sunnywood-Simpson Collection of Morgan Dollars; the Phil Flannagan Collection of Territorial Gold, Toned Dollars, and 1795 coins; duplicates from the Gerald Forsythe Collections of Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes; the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns; the Northern Lights Collection of Monster Toned Morgan Dollars; the Crow River Collections of Indian Head $10s and Peace Dollars; the P.F.M Collection (former #6 PCGS Set of Morgan Dollars with varieties); the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City $5 gold; the Konstantine Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars, the #1 PCGS Set of Red Book varieties, 1807-1836. The firm’s impressive record also includes the 2nd highest APR in 2016 with the sale of Bob Simpson’s duplicate 1879 $20 “Quintuple Stella” which realized $1,880,000. To consign to an upcoming auction, visit www.legendauctions.com and contact a consignment specialist today.
United States Mint Opens Sales of Kennedy Half Dollar Product Options
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) is now accepting orders for collectible bags and rolls of 2019 Kennedy Half Dollar coins.
The Mint began producing the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy’s life following his assassination in 1963. This coin is available for purchase in the following options:
| PRODUCT CODE | PRODUCT OPTION | MINT MARK | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19KA | 200-Coin Bag | P and D | $139.95 |
| 19KB | Two-Roll Set | P and D | $32.95 |
All product options contain circulating finish coins; however, the coins have never been placed in circulation. The coin rolls are wrapped in United States Mint paper coin wrap marked with a “P” or “D” for the mint of origin and “$10” for the face value. Each bag is marked with a “P” and “D” for the mint of origin and “$100” for the face value of the contents.
The obverse (heads) of the Kennedy Half Dollar features the original 1964 design of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2019.” The reverse (tails) design is based on the Presidential Coat of Arms and includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
The Mint accepts orders online at catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html for details about shipping options.
The bags and rolls of Kennedy Half Dollars are also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Learn more about this convenient ordering method at catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/.
United States Mint Launches Quarter Honoring War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam
48th America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin recognizes those who participated in the Pacific Theater campaigns during World War II
ASAN, Guam — United States Mint (Mint) Director David J. Ryder joined an enthusiastic crowd today to celebrate the release of the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and site superintendent Barbara Alberti joined Mr. Ryder for the free event.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park was established to commemorate the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those who participated in the Pacific Theater campaigns during World War II. The reverse (tails) design honoring the site depicts American forces coming ashore at Asan Bay, strengthening the number of troops on the island in the fight for Guam and its eventual liberation. Inscriptions are “WAR IN THE PACIFIC,” “GUAM,” “2019,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Asan Bay Overlook is perhaps the most iconic memorial in the park. The Memorial Wall lists the military personnel and local residents who died or suffered atrocities during the Japanese occupation. In his remarks, Director Ryder noted, “The American liberation of Guam hastened the end of the war, but came at a price of thousands of casualties. May this quarter stand as a tribute to the memories this park preserves.”
The Mint will release products featuring the War in the Pacific National Historical Park quarter design on June 3 at noon EDT. Orders will be accepted at the Mint’s online catalog at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coin-programs/america-the-beautiful-quarters-program/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park quarter is the 48th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program. The program is authorized by Public Law 110-456 and is a 12-year initiative to honor 56 national parks and other national sites. Each year for the duration of the program, the public will see five additional national sites depicted on the reverses of the America the Beautiful Quarters coins. The final coin will be issued at the end of the program in 2021. The Mint issues these quarters in the order in which the honored sites were first established as national sites.
Hoard of Historic Coin Boards in Goldberg Auction
(Los Angeles, California) – Nearly two dozen vintage coin boards, all at least 80 years old and most with a dozen or more historic U.S. coins in their respective slots, will be offered in the Pre-Long Beach auction conducted by Goldberg Coins and Collectibles (www.GoldbergCoins.com) in Los Angeles and online, June 2-5, 2019.
The treasure trove of boards was hidden away for decades at the Fullerton Coin and Stamp Company store in Fullerton, California, the oldest coin shop in Orange County. The 23 boards were consigned to the auction by Dwight Manley, noted numismatist, real estate developer and the coin shop’s owner since 2010.
“Starting in the 1930’s, fill-in-the-slots boards helped coin collecting become a popular hobby in the United States. Some of the historic boards in this amazing hoard are in excellent condition and date back to 1938,” said Larry Goldberg, co-owner of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles.
“They originally were created for collectors eight decades ago by well-known and not-so-well-known companies: Earl & Koehler; J. Oberwise & Company; and, of course, Whitman Publishing Company,” explained Goldberg. “Some of the companies offered to buy back the boards and coins when collectors filled the slots; an attractive incentive during the Great Depression.”
Many of the holes on these boards are filled with corresponding coins including Flying Eagle, Indian Head and early to mid-century Lincoln cents as well as Liberty Head and Buffalo/Indian Head nickels, and Barber and Mercury/Winged Liberty dimes.
“When I first saw these boards at the store it was like being a kid again and remembering the pure joy of putting coins into albums,” Manley recalled.
As a teenager, Manley worked at Fullerton coin shop and considered the store’s owner, William Pannier, an important mentor. When Pannier died in 2010, Manley purchased the store to keep it open. The shop originally opened in 1961 in downtown Fullerton, and Pannier bought it in 1976.
Interestingly, some of the coin board manufacturers used descriptions different than those commonly used today by numismatists. For example, a 1938 Whitman board for Barber dimes uses the title “LIBERTY HEAD DIME,” and another Whitman board for Barber dimes is titled “MORGAN DIME – LIBERTY HEAD.”
The individual boards, including the coins in them, have pre-auction estimates ranging from $200 to $750 and up.
“We’ve already had many inquiries about these historic coin boards, and it will be interesting to see how they do in our Pre-Long Beach auction,” said Goldberg.
For additional information, contact Goldberg Coins and Collectibles by phone at 310-551-2646, by email at info@GoldbergCoins.com and online at www.GoldbergCoins.com.
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