Auction Action Remains Strong But Calm

Action has been slow, but I’ll be able to report prices from Central States auctions next month. I attended the Central States show, but auctions will be in Dallas, too late for my deadline. In other auction action $5,000 and $10,000 notes remain strong, but calm. Stacks Bowers auctions showed strong prices for Large Size and Nationals, but Small Size were very lukewarm. The good news for collectors is the Central State Show in late April at the Renaissance Schaumburg, Ill. venue was terrific. The show included 600 tables and a bit over 400 dealers. They also had smaller table cost dealers up on the second floor. They have secured additional space for next year, however, and lower table cost dealer tables will be available on the main floor. Everyone was thrilled with the quality of the show. This was the best Central States show I have attended, including my term as President of CSNS. This is due to the leadership of Mitch Ernst and show Manager Larry Shepherd. This is also a very safe venue with excellent security in a suburban Chicago venue.

Have you tried collecting checks? I’m trying to get notes from as many Detroit, Mich. banks as I can. Some are tough. Some are unknown, but there could be checks from those banks floating around. For instance, there is only one note known for the National Insurance Bank of Detroit, Charter number 1493. The bank was chartered July 13, 1865, and absorbed by FNB of Detroit 3 years later. It would probably be too expensive for me if I found one, but I have a check dated Feb. 11, 1868. I am happy with it, and it only cost me $15. Another factor is that some of the checks are very fancy. Most early ones have tax stamps attached and some are signed by important people. You can go on a hunt to find out about the people who signed or endorsed the checks. I have an interesting Upper Peninsula of Michigan Mining Script endorsed by Peter White, an amazing figure in the Upper Peninsula who also signed checks as president of the First National Bank of Marquette, charter 390. His signature is a huge vanity one that almost overpowers the notes. The hunt to find out about some of these signers can be as much fun as collecting the notes. Check collecting is an under collected part of numismatics. In other Michigan details, the Michigan State Numismatic Society has moved its Fall show to the weekend before Thanksgiving. I will provide more details on this show as they are announced. Meanwhile have a nice time chasing notes. Next issue will be loaded with Large Size price updates. You can contact me at billbrandimore@charteer.net I answer all inquirers and enjoy communicating with other collectors.