Mar 27, 2018 | ANA, News
Collectors and Dealers Give Thumbs Up for Irving Venue
The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2018 National Money Show in Irving, Texas, welcomed a total of 2,671 people to the three-day event, held March 8-10 at the Irving Convention Center. “By all measures, the ANA’s convention in Irving was a success,” said ANA President Gary Adkins. “As I toured the bourse floor toward the end of the show to thank dealers for attending, almost all said they were quite pleased with the venue, the turnout and business.” Adkins also noted that dealers especially appreciated the bags of snacks, as well as the morning coffee and light breakfast, provided them by the ANA.
“Collectors who attended the show took full advantage of an exciting, sold-out bourse floor” said ANA Conventions Director Jennifer Ackerman. “We had a waiting list of dealers hoping to obtain a table. And everyone I spoke with was very pleased with the venue.”
The event featured 166 companies buying and selling coins, currency and related items; a wide range of numismatic technical seminars and educational presentations led by notable speakers; and exhibits of priceless rarities from private collections and the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum in Colorado Springs – including a $50 half union pattern from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection and a selection of error notes from the famous Bebee Collection of U.S. Paper Money.
A dozen free Money Talks presentations were offered, highlighting extraordinary people, numismatic treasures and tips for managing a collection. “Strategies to Dispose of Your Collection” drew a standing-room crowd, and attendees received a free copy of the just-released ANA guide, Managing & Settling a Numismatic Estate. (The 44-page booklet is available to ANA members for $6.95 ($8.95 for non-members) by calling 800-514-2646.)
The Treasure Trivia game was a big hit with families, and 114 children learned about numismatics as they explored the bourse floor in search of answers to trivia questions.
Kagin’s Auctions of Tiburon, California, served as the official auctioneer of the 2018 National Money Show. The three-session sale featured a variety of interesting and important numismatic properties, from colonials through pioneer gold, tokens, medals and patterns, as well as three of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Federal Reserve Bank notes, Federal Reserve notes and Civil War era encased postage stamps. Notable prices realized (with a 20% buyer’s premium) included:
- $252,000 for a 1737 Higley copper, graded PCGS Very Fine-35. One of four known.
- $40,800 for an 1872 copper Amazonian pattern half dollar, graded NGC Proof-67 Red Brown.
- $138,000 for a 10.07-ounce gold ingot produced by the San Francisco assay firm of Harris, Marchand & Co. in 1857. Recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Central America.
- $31,200 for a 1918 $50 Federal Reserve Bank note from St. Louis, certified PMG Extremely Fine-45.
Attendance Statistics
According to ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick, attendance at the Irving National Money Show was comparable to the previous two conventions held in Dallas: The 2016 National Money Show welcomed 2,585 people, while the 2012 event attracted 2,973 attendees. Numbers for the 2018 show include:
- 2,671 total attendees
- 1,755 general public
- 348 ANA members
- 76 volunteers and staff
- 180 tables, representing 166 companies and 492 dealers and their assistants
Legacy Series Interview
Consummate collector and professional numismatist Mark Borckardt was the focus of a Legacy Series interview and reception on Thursday, March 8. Moderated by Barbara Gregory, editor-in-chief of The Numismatist, the program acquaints collectors with the legends, heroes and icons of numismatics, celebrating their lives and contributions. Past installments of the Legacy Series have celebrated numismatists Q. David Bowers, Ray Dillard, Fred Weinberg, Jim Halperin and Steve Ivy, David Sundman, Mark Salzberg and Rick Montgomery, and Ken and Tom Hallenbeck. (Previous interviews of the Legacy Series can be seen at www.money.org/LegacySeries; the March interview will be posted in the coming weeks.)
Awards
ANA President Gary Adkins presented three Presidential Awards at the show. During the opening ceremonies on Thursday, March 8, Adkins bestowed Presidential Awards on Dr. James Ferrendelli, an ANA life member and Houston neurologist, and Kenny Duncan Sr., also a life member, long-time coin dealer and a dedicated ANA membership recruiter. Following the Legacy Series interview, Adkins presented Mark Borckardt a Presidential Award for his accomplishments and service to the ANA.
During the show, the ANA presented its first “Award for Philanthropy” to the Ben. E. Keith Company, headquartered in Ft. Worth, and the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation, based in Dallas. “The ANA is very proud and grateful for its continuing relationship with these forward-thinking and highly-responsible organizations,” said President Adkins.
In recognition of his service, President Adkins bestowed upon National Money Show Host Chair Carl Stang the Goodfellow Award. Adkins also recognized the two host clubs – the NorthEast Tarrant Coin Club and the Texas Numismatic Association – with presentation of the Lewis S. Werner Host Club Award. Adkins noted that the committed team of hard-working show volunteers was instrumental in the show’s success.
ANA Board of Governors Meeting
Discussion of programs and approval of housekeeping items comprised much of the ANA Board of Governors agenda during their National Money Show meetings on March 9 and 10. Most notable was the review and approval of the IRS Form 990 and the Fiscal Year 2017 audited financial statement prepared by Waugh & Goodwin, LLP and presented by ANA Audit Committee Chair Ron Guth, Treasurer Larry Baber and Controller Carol Shuman.
Fiscal Year 2017 expenses were $5,580,086, of which $4,526,870 was directly related to ANA programs (conventions, magazine, education, museum, library) and $1,053,216 for support services (marketing, fundraising, membership development, administration).
Greg Lyon, board liaison to the Budget & Finance Committee, noted that the ANA’s net assets grew by $4.6 million during the fiscal year. “The ANA remains in a strong financial position, with more than $79 million in assets,” he said.
The ANA’s Fiscal Year 2017 audited financial statement and IRS Form 990 are available for review online at www.money.org/financial-reports.
Other items discussed and/or voted on at the Board of Governors meeting:
- Discussion of the new, soon-to-launch ANA online dealer directory, including review of rates for advertising and premium listings.
- Discussion and approval of a 2018 World’s Fair of Money kick-off event at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 14. The ticket price was set at $50.
- Discussion of steps required to further explore development of an online education platform (business requirements, technical details, curriculum decisions).
- Approval of a new literary award to be named the Prue & Arthur Fitts Literary Award recognizing writing excellence in The Numismatist in the fields of ancient and medieval coinage. The award, which will be presented annually at the World’s Fair of Money, includes a wooden plaque and a cash prize of $250, to be funded by the sponsors.
- Discussion of the Board of Governors election process as it relates to finding qualified candidates and the length and limits of board terms.
- Presentation of a $500 check to Doug Davis in support of the Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC). NCIC conducted a law enforcement seminar focused on numismatics at the Irving National Money Show, which was attended by 32 federal, state and local investigators from across Texas.
- Review of the new money.org app, which is compatible on both Apple and Android devices, and discussion of elevating exposure of money.org.
Photos and videos from the Irving National Money Show can be viewed within the next week at www.NationalMoneyShow.com.
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 25,000 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 about the ANA, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Mar 26, 2018 | News
1787 Brasher Doubloon with ‘EB’ on Wing, graded NGC MS 63. Realized (2018, private sale) more than $5 million (NGC Image)
The Brasher Doubloon was the first gold coin struck in the United States. Today, it is considered one of the most important coins in American numismatics. Only seven examples are known.
Heritage Auctions, which brokered the sale between Monaco Rare Coins and a West Coast collector, said terms of the transaction were confidential, but added that it was the highest price realized in the company’s history. Heritage Auctions sold this very same Brasher Doubloon in January 2014 for $4,582,500, the highest price ever paid for an NGC-certified coin at the time. That record was broken with the recent sale for over $5 million.
Read more >
Mar 21, 2018 | News, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) received a Congressional Gold Medal today during a ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol. The medal, conferred collectively, recognizes the members of the OSS for their superior service and major contributions during World War II.
The OSS was America’s first effort to implement a system of strategic intelligence during World War II and provided the basis for the modern-day American intelligence and special operations communities. Present day Special Operations Forces trace their lineage to the OSS. The CIA, the Navy SEALs, the Army Special Forces, and the Air Force Special Operations Command all have their precursors in the OSS. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research also traces its creation to the OSS Research and Analysis Branch.
The OSS was composed of both military personnel and civilians. Women comprised more than one-third of the OSS personnel. Many of America’s leading scientists and scholars served in the OSS. The OSS organized, trained, supplied, and fought with resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia. They conducted covert operations and reconnaissance; pioneered new technology, including the Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit (LARU), which was the precursor to current SCUBA technology; and developed innovative counterintelligence actions that provided vital information during World War II.
The United States Mint sculpted and manufactured the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal. Its obverse (heads) features the inscription “OSS” revealing three figures – a woman, a paratrooper, and a man in a suit – that represent the broad range of work undertaken by the OSS. Each figure is rendered as a shape without details, hinting at the way OSS agents sought to operate anonymously. The diversity in the OSS is also reflected by the figures, conveying that OSS members were men and women, civilian and military. The design also features the dates “1942-1945,” the years during which the OSS operated. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Emily Damstra created the design, which United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon sculpted.
The medal’s reverse (tails), also designed by Damstra, features the OSS Spearhead inscribed with code words related to important OSS missions and agents. United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the design.
The public law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the OSS also authorizes the United States Mint to strike and sell bronze reproductions of the medal. The three-inch medal (18MB), priced at $39.95, and the 1.5-inch medal (18MA), priced at $6.95, will be available for purchase on March 21, 2018, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time through the Mint’s online catalog at www.catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may call 1-888-321-MINT (6468).
The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the nation’s highest civilian awards and is bestowed by Congress as an expression of gratitude for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, groups, or institutions..
Mar 16, 2018 | News, Shows & Conventions
Thirty two local, state and federal investigators from across the State of Texas attended an 8 hr seminar on “Numismatic Crime Investigations presented by the Numismatic Crime Information Center. The seminar was hosted by the American Numismatic Association and sponsored by the Texas Numismatic Association, Pantego Police Department, and Stacks Bowers.
“The seminar provided attendees with the basic tools and resources to conduct a thorough numismatic crime investigation”, said Doug Davis Founder/President of NCIC. To enhance the information being taught in the classroom, attendees were escorted through the bourse floor where they were able to observe and ask questions to dealers in attendance. “Since the majority of the attendees had never investigated a numismatic crime, the experience was extremely valuable,” said Davis.
Each investigator was also given examples of slabbed coins and paper money provided by PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, PMG, and ANACS. “Attendees were encouraged to take the examples back to their respective departments and share information they learned with other investigators within their investigative units”, said Davis.
The attendees were presented with certificates of attendance and received 8 hours of accredited training through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Mar 13, 2018 | News, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) announces an update to its Numismatic Customer Return Policy to address the issue of excessive returns.
For many years, the United States Mint has been pleased to offer customers the option of returning any Mint product for exchange or refund within seven days of purchase for any reason and without restriction. A review of customer data indicates that the current unrestricted return policy facilitates the practice of excessive returns, which results in significant additional costs to the Mint.
Effective immediately, the Mint reserves the right to limit or refuse returns from purchasers who demonstrate return rates that exceed two percent. This update does not apply to valid issues of product quality. The Mint will advise in writing customers engaging in the practice of excessive returns with a “first notice” and ask them to review their order history and consider making changes to their purchase practices based on the updated return policy.
The Mint will send customers who continue to either return products for refund or exchange above the normal rate a “second notice” advising that the Mint will no longer accept returns from their account. A continued pattern of excessive returns will result in suspension of the customer’s account. Under the modified policy, the Mint reserves the right to charge a fee for excessive returns, but does not plan to implement such a fee at this time.
This minor change will only affect a small percentage of customers. More importantly, it will ensure that the Mint can continue to offer an exceptionally generous return policy with no impact to the vast majority of customers.
Mar 12, 2018 | News
NGC has certified three rare gold coins struck by Wass, Molitor & Co. in the 1850s, during the height of the California Gold Rush. The coins were submitted to NGC’s office in Munich, Germany, by the Hungarian National Museum, which received the coins from Count Samuel Wass.
Among the coins is a stunning 1855 $50, now graded NGC MS 63, which ranks as the second-finest example certified by NGC.
NGC graded the coins during a recent on-site grading event at its office in Munich — the first such event hosted at that office. The coins were encapsulated in NGC’s special Museum Holders, which were originally developed for the Smithsonian Institution.
Read more →
Mar 8, 2018 | ICTA/NCBA, News
On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Alabama governor Kay Ivey signed into law Senate Bill 156 to exempt the gross proceeds from the sales of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion, and money from sales and use tax for five years. The law is a sales-and-use tax exemption on U.S.A. coins and currency and precious-metals bullion sales.
“The bill’s author, Senator Tim Melson along with its House sponsor, Representative Ron Johnson, championed the bill through the legislature,” said Phil Darby (J & P Coins and Currency, Helena, Alabama). “Alabama coin businesses and collectors owe them a debt of gratitude.”
In the summer of 2016, Darby, and Steve Caiola (Alabama Gold Refinery, Homewood, Alabama) started collaborating with the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) on a campaign to obtain a state coin, currency, and precious-metals bullion sales-tax exemption. Darby and Caiola hired Graham Champion (Public Strategies, Montgomery, Alabama) as the campaign’s lobbyist. Darby, Caiola, Champion, ICTA treasurer Pat Heller, and ICTA chief operating officer David Crenshaw met with the state’s department of revenue deputy commissioner, Michael Gamble, to lay the exemption’s groundwork. In short, our bill (and many others) never came up for debate in the House because other, contentious legislation ruled the 2017 session. Along with hundreds of other bills, our bill died when the session adjourned sine die on May 19, 2017. For the next year’s session, Champion secured Representative Johnson to sponsor our House legislation.
“We promoted the sales-tax exemption as a legitimate jobs and economic-development issue with the legislators,” said lobbyist Champion. “We were pleased with the unanimous support of our legislation in both houses, recognizing the benefits to the state’s revenue, to in-state businesses, and to in-state investors and collectors from eliminating the sales tax. We are also very appreciative that Governor Ivey signed the bill.
“Alabama now joins the 36 other states with a sales-tax exemption,” said Crenshaw. “We thank Phil Darby, Steve Caiola, lobbyist Graham Champion, Representative Johnson, Senator Melson, ICTA Alabama members, and everyone who helped make this exemption a reality.”
The bill was enrolled on Tuesday, February 27, and ratified and presented to Governor Ivey for her signature. The new law’s effective date is June 1, 2018.
“The ICTA partnership, along with lobbyist Graham Champion, was invaluable to the success of our efforts,” said Caiola.
Alabama is now eligible to host a national coin show such as the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo. With three industry leading events in Baltimore, Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo is North America’s leading producer of coin and currency shows.
“We have discussed the possibility of hosting a show in Alabama, however, we have been reluctant because of the sales-tax obstacle,” said Mary Burleson, president Whitman Publishing. “The new law allows us to once again give serious consideration to hosting a successful show in Alabama.”
Mar 7, 2018 | News
California dealer Brad Watts, (Classic Currency), had his home broken into and entire inventory was stolen.
Partial List of stolen inventory
Large Size Type Notes
PCGS 66 Series 1901 $10 Buffalo
PCGS 65 Series 1896 $ 2 Educational
PMG 63 Series 1891 $ 2 Mc Pherson
PMG 64 Series 1891 $ 2 Mc Pherson
PCGS VF 20 Series 1918 $2 Battleship K. C.
PCGS 63 Series UNK $ 5 Woodchopper
PMG 64 Series 1891 $ 5 Thomas
PMG 64 Series 1886 $2 Hancock
PMG & PCGS 65 Series 1899 $ 1 Black Eagles
PMG AU 55 Series 1874 $1 Rainbow
PCGS 58 PPQ Series UNK $1 Rainbow
PMG UNK GR Series 1914 $100 Blue Seal
Raw ASST Large Size Gold Notes
Raw XF $ 5,2,1, Educational Notes
Raw VF Series UNK $2 St. Nicolas Lazy Deuce
Raw National Large Size Silver City NM Notes
Raw small size Gem Star $5 North Africa US Note Yellow Seal
Raw small size packs of Hawaii Various denomination notes
PMG several high grade Military Payment Certificates
PCGS AU-58 1894 $10 Liberty Gold
NGC MS-62 1911 $10 Gold Indian
RAW 1891CC Liberty Gold
NGC AU-55 1892CC $5 Liberty Gold
RAW 1890CC $5 Liberty Gold
PCGS G-DETAILS 1871CC $5 Liberty Gold
ANACS G-6 1880CC $5 Liberty Gold
PCGS AU-58 $3 1854 Gold Indian
NGC MS-62 1884CC $1 MORGAN SILVER
ICG MS AU-50 1875CC 25CENT Seated Liberty
PCGS XF-40 1875CC 20CENT
PCGS XF-40 1878 10 CENT Seated liberty
PCGS VF-08 1878CC 10 cent Seated Liberty
NGC G-06 1878CC 10CENT Seated Liberty
PCGS AU-55 1556 SPANISH GOLD 4 ESCUDO
PCGS MS-62 1877 MEXICO GOLD 5 PESO
PCGS UNK GR 8 REALE GOLD PIECE
CONFEDERATE 1863 $100 PMG-63 ALT
Anyone with information contact:
Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, Texas 76094.
Mar 5, 2018 | News
Interviews with women veterans at the U.S. Mint in Denver
On YouTube at https://youtu.be/GZ10qJOMPU0
Mar 5, 2018 | ICTA/NCBA, News
The Board of Directors of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets has appointed seven industry leaders to guide the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF), the non- profit organization recently formed to receive contributions to support the work of its Anti- Counterfeiting Task Force.
Scott Spitzer
ICTA’s board of directors approved the formation of the new non-profit for the purposes of receiving contributions from individuals, other 501(c)(3) organizations, local and regional coin clubs, grants, eBay for Charities, and government agencies. Those desiring to donate to the non-profit foundation should make checks payable to the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 237, Dacula, Ga. 30019.
The foundation’s board of directors will review project proposals from ACTF to ensure that they are covered under IRS 501(c)(3) regulations.
“While we shall be forever grateful to those who stepped forward in our first year to support the work of our task force, we have come to realize that we can’t move forward by drawing from the same small well year after year,” said Diehl who serves as chairman of ICTA and will be serving the new non-profit as treasurer.
Diehl noted that the paper work has been completed and filed and the foundation can receive contributions as it awaits final approval from the IRS. Additionally, he pointed out that collectors, interested individuals, and organizations can now support the task force’s work through tax-deductible contributions of cash or coins.
Formed in January 2017, the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force’s mission is to mobilize law enforcement to defend the nation’s coinage by educating officials about the economic impact and growing threat counterfeits pose to the marketplace and the public. ACTF serves as the coin industry’s liaison with law enforcement and policy makers, assisting in the investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in all aspects of coin counterfeiting. It also provides education, expertise, and other resources to law enforcement to assist in curtailing the manufacture, importation, marketing, and sale of counterfeit coins, related fakes of precious metals products, and counterfeit security packaging.
ACTF is totally funded through donations from businesses and individuals made directly to the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity that funds the work and mission of the ACTF. Make checks payable to the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation and mail to ICTA, P.O. Box 237, Dacula, GA 30019. For information about donating, contact Beth Deisher at 567-202-1795; email beth.deisher@ictaonline.org.
The event featured 166 companies buying and selling coins, currency and related items; a wide range of numismatic technical seminars and educational presentations led by notable speakers; and exhibits of priceless rarities from private collections and the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum in Colorado Springs – including a $50 half union pattern from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection and a selection of error notes from the famous Bebee Collection of U.S. Paper Money.
In recognition of his service, President Adkins bestowed upon National Money Show Host Chair Carl Stang the Goodfellow Award. Adkins also recognized the two host clubs – the NorthEast Tarrant Coin Club and the Texas Numismatic Association – with presentation of the Lewis S. Werner Host Club Award. Adkins noted that the committed team of hard-working show volunteers was instrumental in the show’s success. 
