B&M calls sale
An 1830 $5 gold piece is expected to grab bidder attention during the official auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo conducted Nov. 10-14 by Bowers and Merena Auctions.
Graded MS-65 by the Professional Coin Grading Service, the cataloger says only two examples grade higher than that.
It is an 1830 BD-1, HBCC-3156, Miller-158. Rarity-6. Large 5D example.
Further, the cataloger notes, “The extant population for the 1830 $5 is a mere 55-75 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006), the vast majority of examples having been wiped out through the widespread melting that claimed most pre-1834 U.S. gold coins.
“The two die marriages are fairly similar in rarity, although a slight edge goes to BD-1 with only 25-35 coins known to exist.”
This coin comes from the Dr. Alfred R. Globus Collection.
“With more than 6,000 lots in the auction, including the incredible Globus Collection and many highlights, this is an auction that will offer something for everyone, be it U.S. or world, coins or currency,” said Steve Deeds, president of the firm.
The auction breaks down to roughly 2,600 U.S. lots and 3,500 world lots.
The firm points out that Dr. Alfred R. Globus was one of America’s most renowned numismatic collectors.
Other noteworthy gold coins that belonged to Globus include a 1799 Capped Bust, right, half eagle with the small stars reverse. It grades PCGS MS-62.
Another is an 1826 “6 over 5” Capped Bust, left, gold $2.50 graded PCGS AU-55.
Other gold coins in the sale are highlighted by an 1879-O gold $20 graded MS-60 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp.
A Proof-64 1878 double eagle, also graded by NGC, is one of just 20 produced and perhaps fewer than 10 survive, according to the cataloger.
Lots can be viewed online at www.bowersandmerena.com. Catalogs may be requested by telephoning toll-free (800) 458-4646.
Pre-auction bids may be placed on the Web site, by phone or by mail sent to the firm at 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614.
The sale will be conducted at the Baltimore Convention Center.
