The Brasher doubloon is coming back to Baltimore.
Considered America?s first gold coin, the famed rarity ? featuring the ?E.B.? initials of its maker, Ephraim Brasher on the breast ? will be exhibited at the March 17-19 Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention.
It will be the first public exhibit of the coin, now owned by Steven L. Contursi, president of Rare Coin Wholesalers in Dana Point, Calif., in Baltimore since it was sold nearly 25 years ago by Johns Hopkins University. The doubloon is insured for $6 million.
?The coin was hand-struck in 1787 by George Washington?s New York City neighbor, silversmith Ephraim Brasher,? said Edward Kuszmar, an official of the collector?s show. ?It?s one of the most important coins in American history.?
The Brasher doubloon will be on public display from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, at table 1403 (Hall C) at the Baltimore Convention Center, where the event will be held. The center is located in the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore.
Having expanded bourse table and exhibit space by 50 percent, the convention also features Bowers and Merena Auctions? Rare Coin and Currency Auction. For information on auction catalogs, session times and locations, and other questions, call (800) 458-4646. Auction lot viewing starts at noon on Wednesday, March 15, in Hall C of the convention center.
There will also be an educational forum and meetings of the Maryland Token and Medal Society, the Early American Copper Club and the Swiss Guard Coin Club.
Admission to the show is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Thursday is dealer set-up and the super bourse, where non-tabled dealers gain entry to the bourse from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a $100 registration fee.
Paid parking is available all around the facility. Daily parking rates vary from $10 to $20 per day.
Host hotels are the Marriott and the Days Inn. To reach Marriott, call (410) 962-0202. To reach the Days Inn, call (410) 576-1000.
For more information, visit www.hometown.aol.com/baltimorecoinshow.
