Jul 9, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Hopes for Return in February 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we, in coordination with the Long Beach Convention Center, are announcing the cancellation of the September Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Card Expo. We are still adhering to the guidelines set forth by Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 12th Executive Order to cancel all large gatherings due to the spread of COVID-19. This show was initially scheduled for September 17-19, 2020. Once again, it’s important to reiterate that there will be no business being conducted at the Long Beach Expo during the allotted showtimes in September.
If you are interested in participating in the September Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins, Currency, or World Paper Money Signature Auctions hosted by Heritage Auctions, they will be accepting online and phone bidding only. Links to the corresponding auction information and listings can be found here: U.S. Coins Auction, U.S. Currency Auction, World Paper Money Auction.
With the increased spread of coronavirus cases throughout Southern California, we need to stand by our policy of putting the health and safety of our attendees, our exhibitors, and our staff first. After seeing the collectibles industry as a whole band together and support one another over the past couple of months, we at the Long Beach Expo are honored to be a part of this wonderful hobby. We know that we’ll all get through this together.
For the Long Beach Expo, well, our focus immediately turns to February 4-6, 2021 in Hall C. We can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year; however, we think 2021 will present great highs for all of us. After all, it’s the Long Beach Expo way to offer the best auctions, exhibits and dealers in the business. We hope to see you then.
Stay tuned to all future Long Beach announcements: www.LongBeachExpo.com.
For all information regarding COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
We wish you all continued good health and safety.
-Long Beach Expo
Jun 26, 2020 | ANA, Announcements
Discover the British Empire’s History Through Interactive Online Tour
Museum enthusiasts, history aficionados and coin collectors can explore the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum exhibit, “Money of Empire: Elizabeth to Elizabeth,” in a new 360-degree virtual reality tour that can be viewed from a computer or a VR headset. Visitors can experience close-up images of many of the exhibit’s objects, allowing views from both sides of the pieces on display and details that are not visible in person.
“Money of Empire,” uses money and medals to illustrate the development of the British Empire from its beginnings under Elizabeth I (1558-1603) to the present day. The British Empire, more than any other, set the stage for the modern world in which we live. From small origins during the late 16th century, the Empire expanded to become the largest empire in history and the most powerful global economic and military power for over a century.
The Money Museum also is home to the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, one of the greatest U.S. gold coin collections ever assembled. The Bass holdings feature the only complete collection of $3 gold pieces, a complete collection of early U.S. gold coin types of all designs from 1795 to 1933 and more.
The evolution of money through time can be seen in the museum’s “History of Money” exhibit as well. Beginning in Mesopotamia and Egypt around 4,500 years ago, gold and silver began to be traded in the form of metal bars or bits of wire. Since then, money has been exchanged in the form of coins, paper money, tokens, emergency money and more.
Other virtual exhibits at the museum feature the 1943 and 1944 cents, the King of U.S. Coins, the “Nickel that Never Was,” and the first coinage of the United States Mint.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call (719) 632-2646 or visit money.org.
Jun 23, 2020 | Announcements
Volume Three Features the Products of Whitman 1940-1978
[Florida] — After three years of research and writing, the third volume in David W. Lange’s series of books chronicling the publishers of coin albums and their product lines is set for an August 1 release. The book is titled Coin Collecting Albums, A Complete History & Catalog: Volume Three, Whitman Publishing Company Folders and Albums 1940-1978.
At 335 pages, it is the largest book in this series to date. There are more than 1500 photos, articles and vintage advertisements, most of them in full color. The book is printed on 100# glossy stock, with an illustrated hard cover and Smythe sewn case binding to last for generations. The book’s cover actually reproduces the image of a Whitman coin folder from the 1960s, and the cover text utilizes the very same fonts that are immediately recognizable to veteran coin collectors.
The book relates the history of Whitman Publishing Company from 1916 to the 1990s, when it underwent several changes of ownership to emerge as the still powerful force in the hobby that it is today. All of Whitman’s coin folders, albums and cards produced from 1940 through 1978 are given their own chapters, with complete histories and catalogs featuring every single title, edition and variety. These are identified with unique Lange Numbers for easy reference and trading between collectors. Every subtle detail is described and illustrated, revealing how truly complex these seemingly simple products really are.
Among the highlights of this new book are several prototype products from the author’s collections that hitherto have been unknown to the hobby. These include the very first Whitman Blue Folder from 1940, an artist’s mock-up featuring two different proposed designs, one on either side of its covers. Also fully described and illustrated is the prototype for Whitman’s immensely successful Bookshelf line of albums that so dominated this market from 1961 to the late 1970s. The Bookshelf’s projected successor is also revealed for the first time, a failed experiment from the mid 1970s that was abandoned in favor of Whitman’s present Classic line of albums.
Sections are devoted to the many printing and binding errors the author has collected over several decades, and these are attractively illustrated. Sidebar stories are devoted to the many custom printed folders and albums that Whitman has produced for various coin and medal programs going back as far as 1954.
Finally, an extensive selection of Whitman coin collecting accessories is described and illustrated. These include numerous coin check lists, decal sheets, tubes, storage boxes, coin collecting kits and the very rare “Coin Store” board game from 1962. All of these are displayed in multiple, full color photos that recall the coin hobby during its heyday of the 1960s.
David W. Lange has been collecting coin hobby products and memorabilia for 40 years, and he is the premiere expert in that field. In 2007 Lange launched his series of books relating the history and product lines of various coin supply publishers with his book on vintage coin boards of the 1930s and 1940s. For this project he established his own publishing imprint, PennyBoard Press,™ and he thereafter produced a series of books detailing all the publishers of coin folders and albums. Volume One covered the National Coin Album and associated products, while Volume Two was dedicated to albums of the Coin & Currency Institute, specifically Library of Coins and Treasury of Coins. This new volume on Whitman’s several product lines is just the latest entry in what is projected to be at least half a dozen titles before the series is complete.
The publication price of Volume Three is $75, but until August 1 Lange is offering a pre-publication sale price of just $65, plus $7 shipping. The book is expected to be ready for delivery at that time.
Books may be purchased by check made out to David W. Lange or via PayPal to davidwlange@outlook.com. His mailing address is POB 110022, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211. The PennyBoard Press™ website is coincollectingboards.com, and it features extensive information about and photos of vintage coin boards.
Jun 17, 2020 | ANA, Announcements, Shows & Conventions
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money®. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States.
The ANA Board of Governors has been deliberating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the show and whether aggressive mitigation requirements to ensure the safety of attendees made continuing with the Pittsburgh event feasible. Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. The World’s Fair of Money typically attracts upward of 10,000 people during its 5-day smorgasbord of educational offerings, live auctions, affiliated club meetings, and a bourse floor with nearly a thousand dealers and government mints from around the world.
The Board resolved in a vote on June 16 to postpone the show and to consider alternate sites and/or dates for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money.
According to Jennifer Ackerman, ANA conventions director, because of Pennsylvania’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, “none of the usual World’s Fair of Money offerings would be possible at the Pittsburgh show. No exhibits, no educational programming, no Kids Zone, no club meetings, no banquet, and a significantly reduced bourse. Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it’s become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money Committee Chair Tom Uram noted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) had “anticipated a convention that would showcase the ANA and the city of Pittsburgh. But based on our analysis and review of all relevant information – the diminished show experience for attendees, health and safety issues, security, financial impact and the significant unknown outside variables – the host committee recommended that the ANA Board not hold the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money,” he says.
Since 1891, the American Numismatic Association’s convention has only been cancelled twice; in 1918 during the flu pandemic and again in 1945 because of World War II.
“The decision to postpone the World’s Fair of Money was very emotional and extremely difficult,” says ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “The convention staff and the Pittsburgh organizing committee worked hard to make the show a reality. PAN went beyond all expectations to deliver what would have been a fantastic event, and I’m deeply disappointed that the collecting community won’t be able to experience the results of their efforts. I know we will return to Pittsburgh in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we will pursue opportunities to host the event in another city in the weeks ahead.” Options briefly discussed include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center, both of which are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“During these trying and socially-isolated times, we were looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow numismatists,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re disappointed we won’t be seeing everyone in Pittsburgh but are working hard to create other opportunities to connect.”
“The ANA and PAN recognize that dealers, clubs and many individuals may have already made plans and reservations in Pittsburgh for August,” says Ackerman. Hotel room reservations within the reserved block in the Omni William Penn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard or Westin Convention Center that were made through VisitPittsburgh Housing Services automatically will be cancelled within 48 hours; do not contact the hotel directly. For those that made lodging accommodations directly with a hotel, cancellation will need to be made directly with those entities. Lodging questions should be directed to housing@visitpittsburgh.com.
Dealers will be contacted directly by the ANA convention team. “To mitigate the influx of calls and emails, dealers will be contacted by phone within the next week to discuss the option of a future credit towards an ANA show or a refund,” Ackerman says. “The ANA convention staff will be reaching out to every dealer who reserved a table at Pittsburgh. Your patience is much appreciated.”
Jun 17, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Health restrictions force cancellation of planned events
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) June 17, 2020 –Citing pandemic-related restrictions imposed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) has canceled its planned 2020 PNG Day Show that was scheduled for Monday, August 3, in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The 2020 PNG show had been conveniently set to be in the same location as the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money® which now has also been canceled. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s latest coronavirus-related proclamation continues to impose limits on the number of people who can gather in one location, such as a convention or coin show.
“Because of the health and safety concerns, PNG is canceling its planned 2020 PNG Day show and the PNG awards banquet that was to be held on August 3 in Pittsburgh has also been canceled,” said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.
For additional information, contact the Professional Numismatists Guild by phone at 951-587-8300 or by email at info@pngdealers.org.
Jun 17, 2020 | Announcements, Auctions
The First Silver Dollar Struck Headline’s the Bruce Morelan Collection of Early Dollars
The world’s most valuable US coin, a 1794 Dollar that last sold for $10,000,000, is set to appear in an auction again later this year. Legend Rare Coin Auctions, Inc. has announced the sale of the Bruce Morelan Collection, a collection of coins from the early period of US history, valued in total at over $20,000,000. The collection will be sold as the anchor collection of an auction taking place in conjunction with the PCGS Members’ Only Show in Las Vegas, this October.
The collection includes the finest set of Early Mint State Dollars ever assembled, including two incredibly rare seven figure coins, the 1794 $1 SP66, and 1804 $1 PR65. These coins are among the most famous coins in the world, as well as two of the rarest, making it incredible that they can both be included in the same collection.
The collection being offered includes an example of every date and type of dollar struck at the Philadelphia mint from 1794 through 1804. The 1794 $1 included in the collection is the first dollar ever struck in the United States and has been featured in museums around the world due to its historical importance. The final coin in the collection, the 1804 $1, is an exceptionally rare coin, of which only eight were ever minted. The example being sold is the third finest known to survive, and is known as the Dexter Specimen because of a small “D” a previous owner carved on the reverse. It has an estimated value of $4,000,000.
The Bruce Morelan Collection was assembled by Bruce Morelan, a businessman and one of the preeminent coin collectors of this generation, over the course of many years. He was aided in his search by Laura Sperber of Legend Numismatics, and together they assembled this collection by focusing only on only the highest quality coins for each date. When asked about the process of building this collection, Laura Sperber had this to say. “This is the finest collection of Mint State Dollars ever assembled. Bruce never settled for second best, even if a coin was only a fraction better that is what he wanted. This could not have been clearer than when we bought the 1794 Dollar. Unquestionably the coin is one of a kind, both due to its incredible qualities, and the fact that it is the very first dollar ever struck by the US Mint. Having tried to buy it earlier, Bruce was determined not to miss this opportunity a second time. When it came up to auction, he made a ‘blow out’ bid to scare off other bidders and ensure the coin was his. Because of this, it is the first and only coin to sell for ten million dollars.”
Now that he is selling his collection, and the 1794 Dollar with it, Bruce had this to say, “The 1794 Dollar has been a lifelong dream coin and I’m truly blessed to have owned it. I can only hope the new owner has as much joy, pride and satisfaction as I did having it in my collection. Now that the set is complete and nothing else can be added, I’ve decided it’s time for other collectors to enjoy these magnificent coins.”
It is not just these two dollars that make this an exceptional set, however; all of the coins in the Bruce Morelan collection are of the highest quality and eye appeal. Each has been part of some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled, and after this sale the name Bruce Morelan will be added to that list.
Laura Sperber added, “There likely will never be another set in our lifetime like this!”
The Bruce Morelan Collection of Early U.S. Silver Dollars is made up of the following coins:
- 1794 PCGS SP 66
- 1795 Flowing Hair PCGS MS64+
- 1795 Draped Bust PCGS MS66
- 1796 PCGS MS65
- 1797 PCGS MS64
- 1798 Small Eagle PCGS MS63
- 1798 Large Eagle PCGS MS65
- 1799/8 PCGS MS64
- 1799 PCGS MS66
- 1800 PCGS MS65+
- 1801 PCGS MS65
- 1802/1 PCGS MS64
- 1802 PCGS MS65
- 1803 PCGS MS65
- 1804 PCGS PR65
To find out more information about the collection, please contact Legend Rare Coins auctions at info@legendauctions.com, or at 732-935-1168.
Jun 12, 2020 | Announcements, Auctions
The live and online auction is packed with numismatics, mining, railroadiana, Native Americana and more and stars the John Reynolds, Bart Landinger, Ben Fauver and Ken Prag collections
RENO, Nev. – A Summer 2020 Extravaganza Auction so massive it is being spread over two separate weekends, two weeks apart, is planned for June 25-28 and July 10-12 by Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC, live and online, with start times each day of 8am Pacific time. The sale features a number of important collections of Americana – over 4,800 lots in all.
The auction is packed with numismatics, mining, railroadiana, Native Americana and more. Online bidding will be facilitated by iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, AuctionMobility.com and Auctionzip.com. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted. For those planning to attend live, Holabird’s gallery is located at 3555 Airway Drive in Reno.
The auction features several important collections, offered in part now and in upcoming sales. An example is the John Reynolds collection, parts of which were offered in two prior sales. On Days 1 and 4, items from Reynolds’s 50+-year Californiana collection will come up for bid, as will a variety of vintage historical baseball and boxing cards, all graded, circa 1920 thru 1950.
Also on Day 4, the Bart Landinger collection of Arizona material, mostly trade tokens but to also include California and western tokens and scrip, will be sold. Mr. Landinger garnered many great rarities in his many travels, looking at collections over the years. He was a friendly face at Western token shows. Tragically, he recently passed away. His collection is a celebration of life.
Benjamin Fauver literally wrote the book on tokens, and he especially favored gaming counters (which resembled American gold coins and have morphed into the gaming chips we know today). He also collected foreign counters (Jetsons and the like) that were made for years, mainly in Western Europe. Parts of the Fauver American Counter Collection will be offered on Days 1 and 4 and will feature more than 10,000 pinback buttons.
The auction will feature maps not generally seen, from a massive Western map collection; gold and minerals, to include gold specimens from two Western collections; part of a Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) library that will highlight a massive Western history library spread across the sale; an Idaho real photo postcard collection; and a group of early signed Norman Rockwell prints.
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First edition, second state copy of Sketches New and Old (1875), illustrated throughout by Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain (est. $1,000-$2,000).
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1876 photo of the Wild West town of Deadwood (S.D.), framed under glass (est. $800-$1,200).
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Circa 1911 National Cash Register, candy store model (est. $500-$800).
Day 1, on Thursday, June 25th, will contain California ephemera (a continuation of the John Reynolds collection), parts of the Idaho real photo postcard collection, Western maps (also in other places in the catalog), historical and vintage pinbacks from the Fauver collection, a vintage doll collection, an American Directory collection and the Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) collection.
Day 1 lots will feature a rare Frontier Gasoline (“Rarin’-to-Go”) enamel cowboy sign, six feet in diameter, circa 1958-59 (est. $6,000-$12,000); a first edition, second state of Sketches New and Old (1875), illustrated throughout by Samuel Clemens, or “Mark Twain” (est. $1,000-$2,000); and an 1885 edition copy of Twain’s classic, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (est. $700-$900).
Other Day 1 lots will include an 1876 photo of the Wild West town of Deadwood (S.D.), framed under glass (est. $800-$1,200); an SOAS Photo Cine Optics “Make Your Own Headline” print press (N.Y., 1970s, est. $600-$1,500); a collection of about 59 Brinn’s dolls, all in original boxes (est. $600-$1,500; and a circa 1911 National Cash Register, candy store model (est. $500-$800).
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Stock certificate for the Eureka Quartz Mining Company (Georgetown, Calif.), for five shares, dated July 24, 1853 and signed by officers in the company (est. $800-$2,000).
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Large native crystalline gold in quartz specimen with lead and silver sulfides, mined in the 1950s and in need of professional curation, weighing 12.32 troy oz. (est. $10,000-$14,000).
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Exquisite Toadlena Two Grey Hills (New Mexico) weaving, 42 inches by 36 inches, in excellent condition, with the four corners hooked, as is the center diamond (est. $1,500-$3,000).
Day 2, on Friday, June 26, will feature a railroad badges and passes collection, a continuation of the Ken Prag railroad stocks and bonds collection, stagecoach passes (includes Sonora to Bodie), railroad and steamer passes, cap badges, and mining stocks and bonds from various collections.
Top lots from Day 2 will include a stock certificate for the Eureka Quartz Mining Company (Georgetown, Calif.), for five shares, issued to a William Jenkins of Baltimore and dated July 24, 1853, signed by officers in the company (est. $800-$2,000); and a 1917 Liberty Loan bond for $50, in very fine condition, showing Lady Liberty and Thomas Jefferson (est. $1,000-$1,500).
Day 3, on Saturday, June 27, will showcase minerals and native gold nuggets and rarities, mining artifacts from an old collection, mine maps, Native Americana (to include rugs, art, jewelry and references such as a Chinook Directory, cowboy collectibles, the previously mentioned Norman Rockwell early signed prints, and bottles and saloon items from various Western collections.
Gold specimens will undoubtedly dominate the list of Day 3 top lots. Offered will be a large native crystalline gold in quartz specimen with lead and silver sulfides, mined in the 1950s and in need of professional curation, weighing 12.32 troy oz. (est. $10,000-$14,000); and a native gold in quartz specimen also mined in the 1950s in the US, 3.48 troy oz. (est. $3,000-$5,000).
Other Day 3 star lots include a beautiful Northern Plains fringed beaded peace pipe (Chanupa) bag from the early 1900s, with the beading all intact and the hide well worn (est. $1,500-$3,000); and an exquisite Toadlena Two Grey Hills (New Mexico) weaving, 42 inches by 36 inches, in excellent condition, with the four corners hooked, as is the center diamond (est. $1,500-$3,000).
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Large native crystalline gold in quartz specimen with lead and silver sulfides, mined in the 1950s and in need of professional curation, weighing 12.32 troy oz. (est. $10,000-$14,000).
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Token from the Miner’s Saloon in Bisbee, Ariz. (1880s, est. $600-$1,000). The Miner’s Saloon was quite popular and Bisbee was once the largest city between New Orleans and San Francisco.
Day 4, on Sunday, June 28, will be bursting with coin hoards, cents to nickels with rare dates from the Indian Trading Post in Russellville, Arkansas; so-called dollars; gaming counters, the start of the massive Benjamin Fauver collection; Exposition collectibles; medals; currency and scrip; and sports items, to include the large baseball and boxing collection of John Reynolds.
Day 4 will also be bursting with tokens from the Bart Landinger Arizona collection and the California and Western token and scrip collection. One noteworthy token is from the Miner’s Saloon in the mining town of Bisbee, Arizona (1880s, est. $600-$1,000). The Miner’s Saloon was quite popular and Bisbee was once the largest city between New Orleans and San Francisco.
Days 5 thru 7 are still being cataloged, but it can be reported that Day 5 (July 10) will feature general Americana collectibles and a postcard collection from California and the West; Day 6 (July 11) will contain a wide variety of mining stocks; and Day 7 (July 12) will include political buttons from the Fauver collection; sports (baseball, boxing, Olympics), firearms collectibles (no guns will be sold); art in all categories here; historical maps; and a historical reference library.
Color catalogs are available by calling 1-844-492-2766, or 775-851-1859. Also, anyone owning a collection that might fit into an upcoming Holabird Western Americana Collections auction is encouraged to get in touch. The firm travels extensively throughout the U.S., to see and pick up collections. Last year it visited Boston, Florida, Seattle and New York, among other destinations.
Holabird Western Americana Collections is always in the hunt for quality Americana and coin consignments, bottles, advertising and other collections for future auctions. To consign a single piece or a collection, you may call Fred Holabird at 775-851-1859 or 844-492-2766; or, you can send an e-mail to fredholabird@gmail.com. To learn more about Holabird Western Americana Collections and the online-only Summer 2020 Extravaganza Auction, visit www.fhwac.com.
May 31, 2020 | Announcements
2020 Basketball Coins Graded By PCGS, Exclusive Partner with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
(Santa Ana, California, May 30, 2020) – As the world of professional sports begins emerging from hibernation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) is laying up a one-of-a-kind opportunity for collectors to score special labels and other exclusive offers on PCGS-graded 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame coins. These dome-shaped commemorative coins are finally hitting the courts after postponements related to the virus and will be offered for sale by the United States Mint beginning June 4 at noon (EDT). Additionally, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will have the coins for sale at their headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts.
As the exclusive Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coin authentication and grading partner, PCGS is excited to bring some amazing programs to the market:
- Limited-Edition Orange PCGS Box – All submissions of Basketball Hall of Fame coins encapsulated with the exclusive label will receive a limited-edition orange-colored PCGS storage box commemorating the exclusive partnership between The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and PCGS. There is a limited quantity of orange PCGS boxes available, so collectors should act fast to ensure they receive one before supplies run out.
- Exclusive Labels – The official Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame label features a one-of-a-kind colorized background showcasing wooden basketball court boards emblazoned with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame logo. The proceeds from coins encapsulated with this label directly benefit the Hall to bolster its education programs and events nationwide.
“Partnering with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has been a tremendous opportunity for numismatics,” says PCGS Business Development Manager Joe Pielago. “It is an honor to be part of working not only on programs for our Collectors Club members, but also with the Hall’s own allotment, which will all be pedigreed as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Private Collection. There are some exciting things coming that I think collectors of both coins and sports memorabilia are going to enjoy.”
On June 4, the Hall of Fame will be hosting a small ceremony where fans can purchase the coins in limited quantity in accordance with the Mint’s household limits. These coins are from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Private Collection and will receive an additional designation of “June 4th Courtside Release – First Day of Issue.” Since United States Mint retail store locations are currently closed, the Hall of Fame is the only place in the world you can physically buy the coin on the release day.
“It is a privilege for PCGS to work with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on this 2020 commemorative coin project,” stated PCGS President Brett Charville. “This unique coin will appeal to the diverse collecting communities of both coins and sports alike. In addition to providing maximum security, liquidity, and value for these coins when encapsulated by PCGS, our special labels and patented holders ensure these coins look their best. We also look forward to working with our sister company, Professional Sports Authenticator (www.PSAcard.com), to reach an even wider audience of collectors around the globe.”
A portion of the proceeds from encapsulation fees for special PCGS labels support the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Additionally, the Hall will receive surcharges from the sale of each coin in the amount of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per clad half dollar. Authorized by Public Law 115-343, the Basketball Hall of Fame coins are legal tender and will be struck in quantities of up to 50,000 gold coins, 400,000 silver coins, and 750,000 clad coins.
For more information on the PCGS partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the special label offer, and how to receive a limited-edition orange PCGS box, please visit www.PCGS.com/HOF.
About Professional Coin Grading Service
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is the premier third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over nearly 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified some 43.7 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of more than $38.5 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.
May 26, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for rolls and bags containing 2020 Kennedy Half Dollar coins on June 1 at noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Available product options include the following:
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
MINT MARK |
PRICE |
20KA |
200-Coin Bag |
P and D |
$147.50 |
20KB |
Two-Roll Set |
P and D |
$34.50 |
Coins in both product options are circulating finish, but 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. The bags are marked with a “P” and “D” for the mint of origin and “$100” for the face value of the contents.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The coin’s obverse (heads) features the original 1964 design of President Kennedy with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2020.” The reverse (tails) design is based on the Presidential Coat of Arms. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,””E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
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/.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, our sales centers are closed until further notice. Click here for details.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of June 1, 2020, at noon EDT.
May 26, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
It is with great disappointment that the FUN board of directors is announcing Summer FUN 2020 is cancelled. The FUN board has worked hard to make this show a reality, desperately wanting to provide a venue for our dealers to get back to what they love and have our numismatic community be able to convene again. However, it has become clear that the “cons” far outweigh the “pros” at this point in time.
First and foremost is the concern for the health and well-being of our dealers, our service providers and our public attendees. There are currently many concerns and also many unknowns about how things will be in early July. The FUN board voted and approved the purchase of masks and hand sanitizer for our attendees, but was still apprehensive about being able to keep everyone safe with some level of social distancing and other safety measures.
From Bob Hurst, President of FUN: “Our auction partner, Heritage Auctions, has endorsed this decision and has graciously agreed to transfer the Summer FUN auction consignments to their upcoming official auction of the ANA in Pittsburgh August 3rd-8th.”
From Steve Ivy, C.E.O. of Heritage Auctions: “We understand and fully endorse the decision of the FUN organization. The safety and health of the numismatic community is the first and foremost consideration. Heritage Auctions and its entire staff look forward to the upcoming winter show and auction in January with even more anticipation than normal.”
Our clubs are unable to get their members to commit to attend the show and are canceling their FUN-sponsored club buses. We believe this is a good indicator that the public is not yet comfortable attending a convention.
If you booked a hotel reservation through FUN’s official housing bureau your reservation will automatically be cancelled.
FUN deeply regrets disappointing many people, but we look forward to better days ahead and a hugely successful show in January 2021. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented situations.
