This highly collectible English astronomical regulator clock will be among the than 500 rare and vintage clocks from a single-owner collection will cross the block without reserve in the Antique Discovery Clock Auction, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The first half of 2011 was kind to Fontaine’s Auction Gallery, and now the firm plans to finish the year strong with a series of four big auctions slated for August through November, including an Antique Discovery Clock Auction, an Exceptional Antique Auction, an Unreserved Estate Auction and finally, an Exceptional Cataloged Antique Auction.

All of the sales will be conducted at Fontaine’s modern gallery facility, at 1485 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield, located in western Massachusetts.

The first event of the second half of the year will be an Antique Discovery Clock Auction, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27. More than 500 rare and vintage clocks from a single-owner collection will cross the block without reserve (everything sells, regardless of price). Sold will be American large wall clocks and case clocks, grandfather clocks and examples from England, France and Germany.

Also offered will be Vienna regulators, porcelain and novelty clocks, master and slave clocks, ships’ clocks, schoolhouse and wooden works clocks, skeleton clocks, calendar clocks, Howard clocks, pendulums, weights, watchmakers’ benches and multi-drawer cabinets, watch and clock ephemera and advertising signs. Previews will be held Friday, Aug. 26 (10-5) and Saturday, Aug. 27 (8-11 a.m.). Buyers must be present in the gallery to bid at this auction.

Then, on Saturday, Sept. 10, Fontaine’s will conduct a two-session Exceptional Antique Auction (previews on Friday and Saturday), aptly named because it will feature 500 lots of antique furniture, vintage clocks and lamps, porcelains, music boxes, a large Rogers Group collection, silver, jewelry, arts and crafts, paintings, firearms and militaria. Consignments are still being accepted for this sale.

The third event will be an Unreserved Estate Auction on Saturday, Oct. 15, beginning. More than 400 lots of period antiques and decorative accessories comprising the contents of two major estates—one from Short Hills, N.J., and the other the original homestead of the Brewer-Young family from Longmeadow, Mass. Previews will be held Friday and Saturday.

Finally, an Exceptional Cataloged Antique Auction will be staged on Saturday, Nov. 19 (previews on Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19). Set to change hands will be more than 450 lots of exceptional antique furniture, lighting by Tiffany, Handel, Pairpoint and others, paintings, silver, clocks, art glass and cameo glass, bronzes, jewelry, pottery and porcelains. Consignments are still being accepted for this auction.

“We are accepting quality consignments for all the auctions in our fall series, from one piece to an entire estate or collection,” said John Fontaine of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “Either way, we have the service and expertise to help you. We can provide free estimates and arrange pick-up and delivery nationwide. Our rates are the best in the industry and consignments are fully insured.”

Fontaine’s is actively seeking merchandise in the following categories, to include Early American, Victorian, Empire, custom mahogany and figural; carved furniture; lighting by Tiffany, Duffner & Kimberly, Handel, Pairpoint, Wilkinson, Reviere, Suess and other makers.

The firm is also looking for quality music boxes, clocks and watches, art glass and cameo glass, bronze and marble statuary, silver, Russian items, jewelry, paintings, porcelains, coins, Arts & Crafts furniture and accessories, art pottery, Oriental rugs, Asian items, toys, banks, military items, firearms and more. Prospective consignors can call the gallery at 413.448.8922, or send digital photos of their items by visiting the Fontaine’s Auction Gallery website or by e-mailing them to info [at] fontaineauction [dot] com.

The first half of 2011 was successful for Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. For example, at the firm’s Exceptional Cataloged Antique Auction held May 21—featuring a monumental circa-1890 R.J. Horner 12-piece dining set that soared to $100,300 in an auction—grossed a little more than $1.4 million.

Other highlights from the auction included a seven-piece John H. Belter laminated rosewood Henry Clay parlor set ($25,960), a Tiffany Studios Greek key table lamp with 18-inch serpentine leaded shade ($26,550); a large Chelsea ship’s bell mantle clock with 12-inch dial ($15,930); and a monumental bronze work by Arthur Waagen depicting a triumphant Kabyle hunter ($12,980).

For more information about these upcoming auctions, or to consign an item, estate or collection, call 413.448.8922, e-mail info [at] fontaineauction [dot] com or visit the Fontaine’s Auction Gallery website.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This rare, possibly one-of-a-kind “Cherokee Indian” vintage cardboard baseball poster will be among the leading lots in a huge, two-day multi-estate sale slated for June 9 and 11to be hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. –More than 1,000 lots of sports memorabilia, rare books, autographs, stamps, coins, comics and comic art, animation, Rock ‘n’ Roll items, Kittinger furniture, paintings, bronzes, porcelains will change hands in a huge, two-day multi-estate sale slated for June 9 and 11to be hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

The first session will be held on Thursday, June 9, beginning at 4 p.m. (EDT), with a preview scheduled for all day leading up to the start of sale. Offered will be fresh-to-the-market items from prominent area estates, to include Kittinger furniture, original paintings by noted and listed artists, wonderful bronzes, porcelain objects and Part 2 of a Long Island silver collection. Online bidding facilitated by Proxibid, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Then, after a one-day break on Friday, the second session will be held on Saturday, June 11, beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT), with a preview from 8-10 a.m. Packed categories will include sports memorabilia, rare and collectible autographs, stamps and coins, comics and comic art, animation material and rock ‘n’ roll collectibles. Previews will also be held for most of the week.

Archive of correspondence between iconic songwriter Cole Porter and actor Monte Woolley will go on the block.

The Thursday session will be a super estate sale with many desirable items, but Saturday will feature the more glamorous lots. Just a few examples include a rare, possibly one-of-a-kind “Cherokee Indian” vintage cardboard baseball poster; an archive of Cole Porter-Monte Woolley correspondence (letters, autographs, photos); and a signed, inscribed John Lennon handkerchief.

Stamps and coins on Saturday will be highlighted by material from the Great Lakes Collection (stamps), a massive single-owner worldwide stamp collection to be sold as a single lot, numerous estate fresh-to-the-market and unpicked collections of both stamps and coins, a large selection of gold and silver coins, paper currency and covers. Postcards will also be sold.

Sports collectibles will include a large collection of T205 graded tobacco cards, many graded 1950s and ’60s baseball cards, W514 Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson cards, a Wee Willie Keeler stick pin with diamonds, a near-complete 1941 Play Ball set, and signed baseballs (to include a 1938 Brooklyn Dodgers baseball with Babe Ruth and a Richard Nixon-signed ball).

A handkerchief signed and inscribed by John Lennon, mounted with a photo of the slain Beatle, is among the Rock ‘n’ Roll memorabilia in the auction.

Other Babe Ruth signed items will also be offered, as will a group of 1928 Brae Burn Country Club championship golf programs signed by golf greats Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Frances Ouimet and many more; two Syracuse University team-signed footballs (to include the 1959/60 Cotton Bowl championship team, with Ernie Davis); a signed Muhammad Ali photo; and a 1971 “Man of the Year” program signed by Ali, Joe Louis and baseball’s Jackie Robinson.

Rounding out the sports category will be single signed Thurman Munson pages (the New York Yankees catcher killed in a 1979 airplane crash), many early baseball photos, a collection of John McEnroe trophies, a 1919 Carnegie Institute of Technology yearbook featuring Honus Wagner, and signed jerseys (to include Walter Payton, Dan Marino, Martin Brodeur and others).

Rare books, autographs and historical material will feature an incredible John Hancock signed letter, a complete set of Aspen Magazines; 1924 Mozarts’s Don Giovanni by B. Cassirer, and high-end art books (to include “Estampes Limited Edition” with signed lithos, four volumes of Picasso signed lithos, and George Barbier’s book “Designs on the Dances of Vaslav Nijinsky”).

Also offered will be a large collection of books from estates, to be sold in bulk lots. Photography will include two original photos by Andre Kertesz, and a group of original photos by George Barris (including Marilyn Monroe from the “Last Sitting” session). Also offered will be etchings and early maps. And fans of comics, comic art and animation will not be disappointed.

A Currier & Ives folio set, titled “Four Seasons in Life,” in high grade.

The category will be highlighted by three fresh Charles Schulz “Peanuts” dailies, several estate comic collections, a nice selection of CGC-graded comics, a great run of “Weird Tales” and “Vintage Picture Play” magazines, animation production art, Disney animation cels, an original Carl Barks “Donald Duck” watercolor, and a “Golden Fleece” deluxe edition artist’s proof on wood.

Music and rock ‘n’ roll items will include a Charlie Parker signed menu, Billy Joel grade school photos and autograph, high-end rock posters (to include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead and more), a set of four Beatles posters by Richard Avedon, a selection of signed guitars, and jazz autographs (Dizzie Gillespie, Nat “King” Cole, Louie Armstrong and others).

Art and paintings in the Thursday session will feature original oils by Sir Henry Raeburn of Penelope Dering (the “Mistress to the 3rd Earl of Aberdeen”), a portrait of Cornelius van Slingelandt by Hieronymus Van Der Lij, two oils by Pal Fried (including a large nude), a battle scene after Philips Wouwerman, and works by Rockwell Kent, Charles Levier, Rolph Scarlett, R.A. Paulings (portraits), William Meyerowitz, Desmond Heelry, Mihail Chemiakin and others.

An oil painting by Sir Henry Raeburn of Penelope Dering (“Mistress to the 3rd Earl of Aberdeen”).

Also offered will be the Currier & Ives folio set “Four Seasons of Life” in high grade, as well as the smaller set “Homestead” series; a collection of opera illustrations and signed Hockney posters; 30-50 lots of high-end sterling silver; and Tiffany pieces, to include an unusual glass and silver compote, a signed lamp, blotter ends, an inkwell, a great Sphinx paperweight and more.

Bronze pieces will include a selection of erotic Vienna bronze statues by Franz Bergmann, a dore bronze clock with an ornate stand, and bronze creations by Louis Oury, Carl Kauba and Moreau. A large collection of Kittinger furniture will feature eight dining room chairs, a side board, side tables, a bedroom set, tall bookcases, sofas, love seats and more.

Decorative accessories will include a collection of Moser glass, Meissen figures, early Capodimionti statues, a Picasso pottery vase, signed Pairpoint lamps, Lladro figures, Royal Doulton Toby jugs, Hummel figurines, art pottery, art glass, paperweights, ivory statues, a bronze alabaster gargoyle and eagle chandelier, and a pair of architectural terra cotta griffins.

Rounding out just some of the expected top lots from the Thursday session are an Art & Crafts Stickley Brothers bookcase with the original paper label, a gold gilt gargoyle library table with marble top, an architectural carved and painted griffin shelf, an unbelievable and ornately carved music cabinet with beautifully carved mythical creatures, and some nice Oriental rugs.

For more information about this auction, call 516.594.0731, e-mail to phil [at] weissauctions [dot] com or visit the Philip Weiss Auctions web site.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

This Miami Pop Festival concert poster from 1968, featuring Jimi Hendrix as a headlining entertainer, is among the many rock ‘n’ roll items up for auction in an April 1-3sale hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. – No sooner had Philip Weiss Auctions closed the books on a huge weekend multi-estate sale March 4-6 than one just as big was being planned for a month later. The firm will host a massive, three-day event April 1-3 at its spacious gallery facility, located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, where hundreds of quality, fresh-to-the-market lots will cross the block.

The action will kick off at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 1, with an evening sale dedicated to postcards, paper, autographs and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. The following day—Saturday, April 2, starting at 10 a.m. —the spotlight will shine on folk art, Native American items and militaria. The Sunday session will feature stamps, coins, transportation, aviation, automotive and maritime.

Online bidding will be facilitated by Proxibid.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Friday, April 1, will be dominated by postcards and rock ‘n’ roll. The postcards will include the sale of the Charlie and Nellie Huttunen collection—more than 270 quality lots, comprising thousands of real photo cards, with an emphasis on Long Island, aviation, the logging industry, holidays and more. Also sold will be cards from various estates, all of them fresh-to-the-market.

The rock ‘n’ roll items will feature great Beatles memorabilia, to be sold as individual lots. Included will be a rare Super 8 film of the Beatles in concert in Johanneshovs Isstadion in Stockholm, Sweden, taken July 28, 1964, with the original program; a numbered edition copy of the iconic “White Album” (#2938) and a rare first pressing of the “Magical Mystery Tour” double EP.

Other rock ‘n’ roll pieces will include a 1968 Miami Pop Festival concert poster starring Jimi Hendrix; a 1966 Wilson Pickett cardboard concert poster; a 1966 Otis Redding cardboard concert poster; a scarce “TCB” child’s necklace that was given away by Elvis Presley; a grouping of performance contracts signed by Presley; some vintage rock ‘n’ roll handbills and other items.

A nice collection of antique fire helmets will be sold in the Saturday session, April 2, at 10 a.m.

The Saturday session, April 2, will feature two Cigar Store Indians. The first, attributed to Samuel Robb, circa1900, stands six feet tall and is hand-carved and painted. The other, named “Chief Poke in the Nose” (circa 1890s), once stood guard at the Schweizer Sporting Goods & Cigar Store in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. It stands over seven feet tall and is hand-carved and painted.

Also offered on Saturday will be the very chess set used by Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in their legendary 1972 championship match in Reykjavik, Iceland. The set is signed by both men. It had been given in 1972 to the president of the Icelandic Chess Federation. Also sold will be love letters written by Mr. Fischer, a genius and notorious recluse. He died in 2008.

Militaria in the Saturday session will include Civil War photos, vintage weapons, military uniforms and buttons. Also sold that day will be a collection of antique fire helmets, some Native American artifacts, a group of important Carl Moon photos, an S. Kitson plaque and other items.

Sunday, April 3, starting at 10 a.m., will be a full day, packed with quality collectibles. Ocean liner memorabilia will include Emmanuele Luzzati’s nine-piece hammered brass panel “Bacchanalia” from the bar and grill of the SS Stella Solaris (93 inches by 98 inches); a scarce first-class deck plan from the Titanic; and over 2,500 lots of ocean liner paper and post cards.

A trove of ocean liner memorabilia, including a first-class deck plan for the Titanic, will be sold.

Other ocean liner items will include an R.M.S. Olympic travel vanity, several large framed ship’s portrait signs, tins, ship servers, silver pieces and material from the Bushnell collection. Nautical items will feature prints, paintings and more. Railroad and transportation lots will include lanterns, calendars, ephemera, prints and more. All that plus many stamps and coins.

Sunday will have a nice selection of estate coins. One lot expected to do well is a set of 1883 Hawaiian coins (all four values, higher grade). Stamps will include a sheet of atomic bomb stamps, signed by all members of the Enola Gay flight crew. The aviation material will include many signed pieces, by names like Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and other flight pioneers.

On Thursday, April 21, at 2 p.m., Philip Weiss Auctions will conduct a fine estate sale. Already consigned is a phenomenal single-owner silver collection, original artwork (to include an oil on wood by Ilya Bolotowsky, signed and dated on the bottom edge), a pair of Minton pate-de-sur-pate plates by Tiffany & Co., a Xanti Schawinsky acrylic and synthetic fiber assemblage, a signed Tiffany Favrile bowl, a St. Gaudens bronze relief plaque, and a Tiffany lamp and vase.

For more information about this auction, call 516.594.0731, e-mail to phil [at] prwauctions [dot] com or visit the To Philip Weiss Auctions web site.

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WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Be sure to see the video on how to fill out the submission form which needs to be inserted into the package.

WorthPoint – Discover Your Hidden Wealth

WorthPoint – Discover Your Hidden Wealth

DENVER, Oct. 17 — The Salvation Army (http://www.imsalvationarmy.org/), WorthPoint, a leading online source for information about art, antiques and collectibles (http://www.worthpoint.com/) and ANACS, America’s oldest coin-grading service (http://www.anacs.com/) today recognized the winners of the “Cool Kids Art Contest.”

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgibin/prnh/20081017/CLF017)

The contest, open to children ages 5-12, was held to thank an unknown person or persons who dropped six gold $20 Liberty coins into Salvation Army kettles on Denver’s 16th Street Mall during last year’s Christmas holiday season.

The coins will be auctioned October 24 at a live online auction on Freeman’s Web site (http://www.freemansauction.com/), and the proceeds will help The Salvation Army serve the community. Both WorthPoint and ANACS donated their services. In addition to providing an appraisal, WorthPoint helped The Salvation Army take the gold coins to auction.

The coins, minted between 1883 and 1906, were officially graded by ANACS and valued by WorthPoint expert Ed McDonough at $900-$1,000 a piece.

WorthPoint offers a database of sales records on art, antiques and collectibles and access to and commentaries by professionals who provide expert opinions and evaluations. ANACS operates the oldest independent third-party authentication and grading service in the country.

Award Winners

Out of more than 300 submissions, The Salvation Army selected two winners each from the 5-8 and 9-12 age categories. The four winners, Taylor Goodman, 8; Myria Garcia, 6; Phoebe Bawmann, 11; Laura Bottke, 10, will each receive $25 prizes. The finalists or “Red Ribbon” winners were Emma Campbell, 7; Olivia Bilek, 8; Hope (last name unlisted), 9; Christopher Miller, 12.

“WorthPoint is about helping people understand the value of their art, antiques and collectibles,” said Will Seippel, WorthPoint CEO and founder. “But in the case of the mystery coins, there is no price tag that can be put on this unselfish act of generosity. Co-sponsoring this art contest is our way of saying thanks and helping to teach youngsters the importance of giving.”

“The generosity of this donor is only matched by the enthusiasm of these children. It is a great honor to participate in such a noble event,” added James Taylor, ANACS president. “As long as the numismatic community continues to support this effort with coin donations, The Salvation Army can count on ANACS to assist with our certification services.”

“During these uncertain times and especially as the holidays approach, this donation will go a long way toward helping provide sit-down Christmas dinners and giving comfort and support to individuals struggling with difficult family, emotional or financial problems,” said Salvation Army Maj. Neal Hogan.

Gold coins have an interesting history with The Salvation Army. The first gold coin mysteriously appeared in a Salvation Army kettle site in the Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake in 1982. Since then, more than 300 gold coins have been donated at kettle sites across the country. The proceeds from these coins have gone to help people in need.

About ANACS
Founded in 1972, ANACS is a third-party coin grading and authentication service. Located in suburban Denver, ANACS was originally created by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) in Washington, D.C., to help coin collectors identify counterfeit coins. Today ANACS is known for its collector-friendly policies offering certification of U.S. and foreign coins, as well as tokens and medals. It attributes more different types of coin varieties and errors than any other coin-grading service.

About The Salvation Army
Nearly 36 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army has been meeting people’s needs in Denver since 1887. For more than a century, the helpless, hopeless and needy have relied
on The Salvation Army for food, clothing, shelter, encouragement, comfort and prayer. In addition to these traditional services, its programs offer education, child care, elder care, gang intervention, athletics, character building, alcohol- and substance-abuse rehabilitation, as well as response to emergencies and natural disasters for the benefit of the children, families and communities of the Rocky Mountains.

About WorthPoint
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Atlanta, WorthPoint (www.worthpoint.com) is an Internet-based data and media company that offers a vast database of sales records on art, antiques and collectibles from more than 400 auction houses. Members can share their insights, knowledge and passion and build collecting communities. WorthPoint helps collectors understand the history and value of their items and provides expert advice on how to preserve or sell them. While it does not facilitate the bidding of any items, WorthPoint provides information about upcoming auctions at its partner auction houses.

Contact Public Relations
404-549-6979 ext. 9017

Richard Mantia with Mastro Live Auctions talks about Mastro’s new division for numismatics and the world record they recently set with the purchase of a Polish gold 1925 pattern coin. WorthPoint’s Dan Borsey has the story.

WorthPoint – Get the Most from your Antiques and Collectibles

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A 1969-S Double Die Penny & other rare coins are featured in this video from the Whitman Coin & Currency Convention in Baltimore. Worthologist Tom Carrier interviews coin expert Joe Gallo.

WorthPoint – Discover Your Hidden Wealth

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Error coins are worth a lot of money. Worthologist Glen Burger shares information, advice and tips about collecting error coins. He is interviewed at the Whitman Coin & Currency Convention by Worthologist Tom Carrier.

WorthPoint – Get the Most from your Antiques and Collectibles

Free coins by the handful, information, educational programs and a supportive staff are hallmarks of Kids Korner at the Whitman Coin and Currency Convention. Worthologist Tom Carrier visits the Kids Korner at the Whitman Coin and Currency Convention in Baltimore.

WorthPoint – Get the Most from your Antiques and Collectibles

During the 19th century counterstamping of coinage was done as a means of advertising one’s business and also as a forerunner to the modern day shopping coupon.

Dr. George G. Wilkins was the most prolific counterstamper of coins in the United States during the mid-1800s. Estimates range to more than 100,000 coins, mostly large cents and small cents. He seems to have stamped everything crossing his path, though no silver dollars or gold coins are known.

There are two different styles of counterstamps: Large letters with very little space between the “N” and “S” of Wilkins, small letters with full space between the “N” and “S” of Wilkins.

This 1856 Liberty seated dime is one of the specimens not previously known. Examples were 1835 Bust Dimes, 1842, 1853, 1853 with arrows, and 1857. There are seven specimens recorded (known to exist).

This is why I continue to collect coins, medals, and tokens; new doors always open up to me after fifty years of collecting.

Resource: My personal coin collection and “United States Tokens” by Russell Rulau.

DENVER, Oct. 17 — The Salvation Army , WorthPoint , a leading online source for information about art, antiques and collectibles and ANACS, America’s oldest coin-grading service today recognized the winners of the “Cool Kids Art Contest.”

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The contest, open to children ages 5-12, was held to thank an unknown person or persons who dropped six gold $20 Liberty coins into Salvation Army kettles on Denver’s 16th Street Mall during last year’s Christmas holiday season.

The coins will be auctioned October 24 at a live online auction on Freeman’s Web site Freeman’s Web site, and the proceeds will help the Salvation Army serve the community. Both WorthPoint and ANACS donated their services. In addition to providing an appraisal, WorthPoint helped the Salvation Army take the gold coins to auction.

The coins, minted between 1883 and 1906, were officially graded by ANACS and valued by WorthPoint expert Ed McDonough at $900-$1,000 a piece.

WorthPoint offers a database of sales records on art, antiques and collectibles and access to and commentaries by professionals who provide expert opinions and evaluations. ANACS operates the oldest independent third-party authentication and grading service in the country.

Award Winners

Out of more than 300 submissions, the Salvation Army selected two winners each from the 5-8 and 9-12 age categories. The four winners, Taylor Goodman, 8; Myria Garcia, 6; Phoebe Bawmann, 11; Laura Bottke, 10, will each receive $25 prizes. The finalists or “Red Ribbon” winners were Emma Campbell, 7; Olivia Bilek, 8; Hope (last name unlisted), 9; Christopher Miller, 12.

“WorthPoint is about helping people understand the value of their art, antiques and collectibles,” said Will Seippel, WorthPoint CEO and founder. “But in the case of the mystery coins, there is no price tag that can be put on this unselfish act of generosity. Co-sponsoring this art contest is our way of saying thanks and helping to teach youngsters the importance of giving.”

“The generosity of this donor is only matched by the enthusiasm of these children. It is a great honor to participate in such a noble event,” added James Taylor, ANACS president. “As long as the numismatic community continues to support this effort with coin donations, the Salvation Army can count on ANACS to assist with our certification services.”

“During these uncertain times and especially as the holidays approach, this donation will go a long way toward helping provide sit-down Christmas dinners and giving comfort and support to individuals struggling with difficult family, emotional or financial problems,” said Salvation Army Maj. Neal Hogan.

Gold coins have an interesting history with the Salvation Army. The first gold coin mysteriously appeared in a Salvation Army kettle site in the Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake in 1982. Since then, more than 300 gold coins have been donated at kettle sites across the country. The proceeds from these coins have gone to help people in need.

About ANACS
Founded in 1972, ANACS is a third-party coin grading and authentication service. Located in suburban Denver, ANACS was originally created by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) in Washington, D.C., to help coin collectors identify counterfeit coins. Today ANACS is known for its collector-friendly policies offering certification of U.S. and foreign coins, as well as tokens and medals. It attributes more different types of coin varieties and errors than any other coin-grading service.

About the Salvation Army
Nearly 36 million Americans receive assistance from the Salvation Army each year. The Salvation Army has been meeting people’s needs in Denver since 1887. For more than a century, the helpless, hopeless and needy have relied on the Salvation Army for food, clothing, shelter, encouragement, comfort and prayer. In addition to these traditional services, its programs offer education, child care, elder care, gang intervention, athletics, character building, alcohol- and substance-abuse rehabilitation, as well as response to emergencies and natural disasters for the benefit of the children, families and communities of the Rocky Mountains.

About WorthPoint
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Atlanta, WorthPoint is an Internet-based data-and-media company that offers a vast database of sales records on art, antiques and collectibles from more than 400 auction houses. Members can share their insights, knowledge and passion and build collecting communities. WorthPoint helps collectors understand the history and value of their items and provides expert advice on how to preserve or sell them. While it does not facilitate the bidding of any items, WorthPoint provides information about upcoming auctions at its partner auction houses.

Contact:
Dan Greenfield
WorthPoint
Dan [dot] greenfield [at] worthpoint [dot] com
(404) 549-6979 x9029
(404) 310-0023 cell

I collect scrimshawed whale teeth, and needed a repeatable method of a making high-resolution images of an entire tooth [Image #1], as well as sharp, close-up images of minute detail, such as an artist’s signature [Image #2]. The same requirements are needed for pocket watches, broaches, coins, necklaces, rings, silverware, pocket knives, small art objects, etc.

Using a digital camera would involve a macro lens, shadowless lighting, a tripod, a background, etc., and even then, repeating or improving an image is difficult. But using a standard, glass-topped flatbed scanner allows me to capture exactly what I want, with “preview” to make small adjustments, and high Dots-Per-Inch (DPI) close-up JPGs.

Most of my scanner images are captured with the lid completely removed. This provides a jet-black background, which contrasts nicely with my ivory [Image #1] or jewelry [Image #3] subjects. For very dark objects, a light-colored cloth may be draped across the object for outline contrast.

I am currently using PaperPort 11 software, and a Visioneer One Touch 9220 USB scanner. I purchased both via online auction sites. Any good scanner and any good software program should work.

The key to good scans is high resolution. The (side-to-side) width of an object makes no difference in scanning time, but the (start-to-end) length will effect scanning time. The larger the object, the smaller DPI needed; and the smaller the object, the higher DPI needed to make a decent-sized, detailed image.

I always lay a narrow, 6-inch steel ruler along bottom (start) edge of glass [Image #4], then place my items parallel to, and 1/8th-inch from ruler. For an item 2-inches to 3-inches deep (from ruler), I use 300-dpi; 3- to 6-inches = 150-dpi [Image #5]; >6-inches = 75-dpi. For smaller objects of 1-inch to 2-inches, I use 600-dpi [Image #6], and for items less than 1-inch (such as signatures, hallmarks, etc), I use 1200-dpi [Image #2, which is on backside of scrimshaw in Image #1].

Sometimes I use transparent tape to hold a round-bottom item in exactly the right position & attitude to capture the desired image. I use the preview to make adjustments until I am happy with position, then use the PaperPort software to crop tightly, and make a scan at correct DPI.

Once an image is captured, I again use the PaperPort software to zoom-in to a very high magnification. Now I use the black “pencil” function to erase dust spots & tape images in background. Once it is clean, I save the edited image. If needed, I rotate the image to proper orientation for viewing.

Letha Berry (LovesAntiqueDolls) has recently attempted scanning, and has shared a scan of her 13-inch tall, French Fashion Doll by Barrois, circa 1865 [Image #7]. She is quite pleased with the detail captured by scanning.

Good luck, and good scanning!

Douglass Moody

Some Alaskan State quarters are showing up with the designer’s initials missing. The designer, Charles Vickers, whose initials CLV are supposed to be showing in the right lower quadrant near the bear’s left paw. Others are showing “ghost images” of the initials and others exhibited just one or two initials.

Debris which builds up around the minting machinery, made up of grease, oil, metal filings known as “mint goop” may work itself into and cover the dies. At first glance it appears like light scratching but are actually a number of tiny “strike through” areas from the metal flecks.

Resources: Numismatic News November 4, 2008

The results from the Freeman’s currency sale are:

Lot 88—1883 S $20 gold coin, estimate $750-$850. Sold $700.
Lot 89—1898 S $20 gold coin, estimate $775-$875. Sold $800.
Lot 90—1800 S $20 gold coin, estimate $750-$850. Sold $800.
Lot 91—1902 S $20 gold coin, estimate $750-$850. Sold $800.
Lot 96—1904 S $20 gold coin, estimate $800-$900. Sold $800.
Lot 97—1906 S $20 gold coin, estimate $775-$875. Sold 800.

Hindman marketplace auction

On November 9 and 10, Leslie Hindman Auctions, of Chicago will be presenting its annual Marketplace Auction. For more than a decade, Marketplace Auctions have been a staple of the Leslie Hindman auctioneers experience, which offers something for the novice and the seasoned collector. This auction, the ethnographic session, presents more than a thousand lots for your consideration in the areas of decorative arts and antiques, ethnic art and fine art. I also suggest that you take a look at its December 3 vintage couture and accessories sale and the December 4 fine jewelry and timepieces sale.

Lot 25 in the upcoming marketplace sale is an excellent buy. A French Art Deco center table made of fruitwood and fruitwood veneers with a rectangular top over a plain frieze concealing draw leaves and raised on twin shaped supports over ebonized feet. A telephone call to a Hindman representative confirmed that the piece had no maker’s mark, but the overall condition is good to excellent. With an estimate of $1,000 to $1,500, it is probable that the bidding will exceed the estimate because of its “honest” design.

Low estimate for Macintosh-style chairs

Setting the tone for design that preceded Art Deco is Lot 47, a set of four high-back chairs in the design style of Charles Rennie Macintosh (1868-1928), the Scottish architect and definer in Britain of a new, more austere approach to Art Nouveau. Each chair is designed with concave backs and ebonized finish and has a strong architectural austerity. The estimate of $1,000 to $2,000 is low for pieces of such integrity of design.

The decorative arts are well represented, but Lot 767, a bronze statue by French artist Emmanuel Hannaux (1855-1934), stands out. Hannaux was a runner-up in the 1880 Prix de Rome and statues like his “Bust of a Warrior” are included in permanent collections in the Paris Museum of Modern Art and the Wallace Collection. The statue of Judith standing victorious over the severed head of Holophernes is signed and has a low estimate of $1,000 to $2,000.

Many paintings have been done of Judith with the slain Holophernes. The most famous is Caravaggio’s 1599 depiction, but the most infamous is Artimesia Gentileschi’s portrayal. I include this in this report because the story of Gentileschi and her Judith is a fascinating one.
An interesting piece of ethnography is Lot 94, a Kurdish cast-metal wedding cap. It appears to be 19th century and is hung with symbolic coins that would represent a dowry. The estimate is good at $150 to $250.

African mask could be sleeper

One of the more interesting pieces that also falls into the ethnographic category is Lot 518, an African decorative metal mask with geometric decoration topped with a stylized animal head. The catalog does not state origin, but it appears, by its specialized design, that it is either Ife or Benin in origin and most likely bronze. If it were from Ife, a Yoruba city in the western region of Nigeria, this bronze mask would have followed the original mask-making tradition that would have been made from terra cotta.

The Ife design embraces the terms “naturalism and realism,” and these terms were applied by Westerners when first seen in the 17th century. Carbon dating has shown that Ife masks like Lot 518, previously thought to have been made in the 16th century, could have been made as early as the 9th century A.D. The estimate of $200 to $400 makes this potential huge sleeper a potential Great Buy. If it is an early casting, the estimated value would easily be in the five figures.

– By Christopher Kent, a member of the WorthPoint board of advisers and director of evaluations for WorthPoint. He is also an antiques and collectibles generalist, fine-arts broker and president of CTK Design.

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A 2005-P West Virginia state quarter has been found with a “dropped letter” showing as a letter “T” dropped out in the field. This is the result of the “T” of WEST being clogged with debris that was packed in so tight that when it eventually fell out of the die cavity of the “T”, like Jello from a mold, it was struck into the field of the coin leaving behind this very interesting incuse “T.”

Another find is a 1988-P Jefferson five-cent piece that is described as an in-collar flip-over double strike. It was struck normally on the first strike and then re-entered the collar flipped over and rotated in relation to the first strike and struck within the collar again. Because the coin expands ever so slightly after it is ejected from the collar, it is very difficult for it to completely re-enter the collar. As a result the most in-collar double strikes will show what is called a “Partial Collar Strike”.

Resource: Numismatic News Oct. 14, 2008.

Matte & Roman Finish Proof $20 Saint-Gaudens

By Silvano DiGenova

The pinnacle of U.S. coinage or an unpopular anomaly? Regardless, Proof Saint-Gaudens represent a very rare and short-lived series that clearly should be at the absolute pinnacle of the coin market. They represent the Impressionist paintings of the rare coin market. They have great beauty in their needlepoint stitching and flawless surfaces. In the case of the two years, 1909 & 1910 with the Roman Finishes, they additionally have magnificent eye appeal. The $20 Saint-Gaudens is America’s most popular gold coin by a large majority, and Proofs of the series are an anomaly by contrast, and an exceptionally rare series.

The Saint-Gaudens series in Proof (excluding the Proof High Relief & Ultra High Relief, and a few others that are extremely rare sub varieties, and will be covered later) stretches from 1908 to 1915. The 1908, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914 and 1915 are “Matte Finishes,” while the 1909 & 1910 are known as “Roman Finishes.” The Romans very much look like a Proof Like Morgan Dollar with mirror and some contrast, but no cameo effect. They are extremely beautiful and full of eye appeal. The Matte has the classic “sandblasted” look, usually flat, with very fine “needlepoint” detail. The individual dates, if completely original, look as follows, and the individual rarity is also discussed.

1908: Dark brown to olive in color, the ’09 sometimes is not struck as well as the others. Being the first year of issue, the finish probably had not been perfected. Typically, the 1908 comes very dull, and is one of the most unattractive of all the Matte Proofs. It is also the least rare of the series overall, but in PR67 it is tied for fifth according to the PCGS/NGC combined population reports.

1911: Next in the series of Matte Proofs is the 1911 which is possibly the prettiest. The 1911 is generally has the lightest coloration of any of the Mattes. It is a yellow to pale gold in color, with an occasional orange toning. The strike on most 1911s is usually exceptional. This issue ranks sixth as far as rarity among the series of eight Proof Saints, with only 1908 and 1912 being more available. In PR67 or better, it is the most available.

1912: The next date is very similar to that of 1911 in both overall rarity and appearance. The 1912 is relatively light in color, usually a yellow or pale gold, and also occasionally has a light orange tint. Like its predecessor, this date has a fantastic strike. As far as rarity, the 1912 ranks seventh in PR65 or better. In PR67 or better, it is tied as the second most plentiful, only behind the 1911.

1913Rather olive in color, the 1913 is much closer to 1908, in contrast to the 1911 and 1912. The strike is not as fine as the 1911 or 1912. In general, the overall look of the 1913 Matte Proof Twenty is not very appealing. In Proof 65 or better, it ranks as the fifth-rarest, and in PR67, it’s also the fifth-rarest (tied with that of the ’08).

1914: The 1914’s appearance is similar to that of 1913, but slightly brighter and more coppery. The strike for most 1914s is superior to that of 1913, and nearly as perfect as 1911 and 1912. Also in many specimens that I have examined, the 1914s appear to have striations that may look to most people like hairlines. The 1914 is the third-rarest of all the Mattes in PR65 or better. It’s also the second-rarest of all the mattes in PR67 or better for all dates.

1915: This is the final year for the Matte series, and by far the rarest. The 1915 in original condition is quite dark and dull, very similar to the 1908, but sometimes can be a lighter shade. The strike is often weaker than most other dates. With a mintage of only 50, it is no wonder why it’s the rarest of all Proof Saints in our survey. The 1915 has only a total of 20 coins graded in PR65 or better, of which I estimate only 13 are still in holders (due to re-submissions). The 1915 ranks first in PR65 or better, and also first in PR67 or better. In PR67, only one lone coin has ever been graded.

Now we move to examine the Roman Finish dates, of which there are only two. Note: A few 1908 Romans exist, as well as a 1907, but we will cover these in the future.

1909: The 1909 is one of the most attractive of all the Proof Saint-Gaudens, generally exhibiting superior eye appeal. The coloration tends to be slightly coppery and very brilliant. Overall, the 1909 is the third-rarest in PR65 or better, and fourth-rarest in PR67 or better.

1910: Generally, the 1910 looks very much like the 1909, although they tend to be even better in appearance, being more mirrored and golden in color, as opposed to the coppery color of the 1909. Overall, the 1910 is the fourth-rarest, and in PR67 or better, it is the third-rarest.

Although the 1909 and 1910 are not the rarest, they do tend to command the highest prices. This is for several reasons: first, their overall beauty, which, being a Roman finish is much easier to understand than a Matte finish, and as far as eye appeal, they are clearly far superior. Secondly, as a two-year Type, the total number of available coins is far lower for the Romans than the Mattes.

The key element to note about this series is its extreme overall rarity. First, only 687 coins were minted for all the dates: 1908 through 1915. The lowest being that of the 1915 at 50, and the largest 1910 at 167 (although this number is inaccurate as many have been melted).

Of this scant number of production, famed author David W. Akers estimates that only 170 to 210 total coins exist today. Although the total population of grades coins by PCGS & NGC are reported at 322, we are certain that it is overstated by quite a bit. My estimation is approximately 228 as the current graded population (slightly higher than David Akers’ total estimate of survivorship). The following assumptions were used to calculate my estimate of the populations: Firstly, in Proof 65, I believe the reported population numbers are overstated by 40 percent. In Proof 66, they are overstated by as much as 30 percent, and in Proof 67, by as much as 15 percent. Finally, in Proof 68, we will assume the population data is 100 percent accurate, not because anyone has attempted to breakout a PR68, but because anyone doing so and possessing such a coin would have returned the tags.

Therefore, the reason for this large discrepancy in population revolves around the resubmission of many of these coins for profit. However, the next result is a much tighter spread of valuation between grades, except in the case of Proof 67 and Proof 68. My philosophy has always been to recommend the grade which has the lowest premium overall to the previous grade. My feeling is, as in most series, that Proof 68s are overvalued, in relation to the 67s. As time passes, this too will contract. Overall, in the saint-Gaudens series, it’s all about the rarity, and not the grade.

The Proof Saint-Gaudens series is clearly very undervalued relative to the other popular, big, important coins. Let me illustrate some examples. First, lets look at a few “common date” Proof Twenty Dollar Liberties. Grade for grade, compared to Saints, these sell for a large premium. For example, in PR65, the Greysheet Bid is $86,500 for the $20 Liberty, versus $52,500 for the $20 Saint Gaudens. Furthermore, the Twenty Liberty Series is far more extensive, with many more common dates to choose from. So the total population for a Type coin is far greater in PR65 or better. Additionally, even though the Twenty Dollar Liberty premium in the PR65 grade is nearly 65 percent, in higher grades, the Twenty Dollar Liberty has an even larger premium.

Another key example of a coin that illustrates how much Proof Saint-Gaudens are undervalued is the Mint State High Relief Saints. In MS65, a total of 685 have been graded by both PCGS & NGC, while only 108 Proof Saint-Gaudens have been graded in PR65. The Proof 65 Saints have a Bid of $52,500, while the MS65 Saints are Bid at $45,500, 7 times rarer. In grades above MS65, the Mint State High Relief actually sells for more than the Proof Saint-Gaudens. In fact, in MS67, the Mint State High Relief sells at a 25 percent to 60 percent premium to the Proof Saint-Gaudens. The total population of High Reliefs in MS65 or better is 947, while the total population of Proof Saint-Gaudens is a mere 322. Based on this information alone, one would conclude that the Proofs are remarkably undervalued. However, one additional key piece of information must be disclosed, which is that in all probability, 90 percent to 95 percent of all existing Proof Saints have been graded. While in the case of the 12,367 mintage Mint State High Reliefs, with extreme certainty, I can state that the majority of known specimens have not been graded.

I must discuss one final, but controversial, and very important point regarding the Proof Saint-Gaudens series. At this time, many Matte $20s have been dipped, and some individuals, as well as one grading service, look very harshly at this. I say, to each their own taste. However, in nearly all series, dipping is looked upon very favorably (how many Morgans have not been dipped?). I feel discounting value or grade due to dipping is not appropriate. So, I can certainly see paying a premium for a fully original coin or giving it a slight edge when grading such a coin.

The Proof Saint-Gaudens series is certainly one of the most interesting, beautiful, rare and extremely undervalued series in all of American numismatics. I highly recommend it to all who can afford this great series.

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Certified Early Gold (1795-1834) and Why They Are Scarce, Part II

By Silvano DiGenova

Quarter eagles, or two-and-one-half-dollar gold pieces as they are also called, come in six different styles or basic types, those being Draped Bust No Stars, Draped Bust with Stars, Capped Bust Left, Capped Head Left Large Size, and Capped Head Left Small Size. Liberty obverse and Large or Heraldic Eagle reverse all have the same manufacturing characteristics, in that they are all 25 millimeters in diameter, weigh 135 grains of .9167 fine gold and are alloyed with copper, and were struck in a screw press with a reeded collar at the Philadelphia mint. By and large they are mostly softly struck; a well struck coin is always a prize in any grade.

Draped Bust No Stars 1796
1796 Draped Bust No Stars: This type was designed by Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint Robert Scot and struck in Philadelphia. The obverse is Liberty facing right, the reverse is the Heraldic Eagle seal of the United States. There are two die varieties of the one year type with an estimated mintage of fewer than 1,000. Most show some weakness from a rusted die at the E in “Liberty” and they commonly come partially prooflike, which is not surprising, considering the short mintage. There is no denomination of value on this early gold coin, and there are no known proofs made or rumored (Akers).

There are total of 97 of these coins certified in all grades, of which only 17 are uncirculated, at least two of which are gems, which makes all the coins in all grades either very scarce or rare. While Akers estimated 40 known over 30 years ago, with David Halls estimates of a 20 percent margin of error on both Akers’ estimates (conservative) and the number of certified (aggressive), Akers is pretty close to accurate, a fairly amazing feat, if one puts aside the fact that it is statistically very unlikely that 10 percent of the total mintage of any early gold coin has survived over 200 years. DiGenova recommends this coin in all grades so long as there is even wear on the circulated examples, no problems of any kind and good eye appeal.

Draped Bust With Stars 1796-1807

1796-1807 Draped Bust with Stars: Also designed by Robert Scot and made in Philadelphia, starts in 1796 and runs until 1807. There is an estimated mintage of eighteen and a half thousand for the type in 11 date varieties. Even the common dates are not really common because of the short mintages. There are 750 certified examples of all dates, of which 181 are uncirculated, with just four known gems. There is no denomination on these coins. The 1807, 1802/1 and the 1804 14 stars are the most “common” of these uncommon coins. There are also at least two dozen examples that have been made into jewelry, cleaned harshly or damaged in some other fashion which would make them uncollectible to all but a few numismatists.

1796 With Stars: This variety was created with an entirely new hub, the letters in Liberty being spaced differently than on the No Stars type, and there are eight stars on each side of the head of Liberty (Breen). A total mintage of 432 and only 38 certified examples in all grades, of which 12 are uncirculated. I have seen only one gem and have heard of no others. This date is the fourth rarest early quarter eagle. Akers was right on the money with survival rates on this date as well. Rare.

1797: Just about the same mintage as the 1796 With Stars but three times as rare in Uncirculated. The stars are seven to the left and six to the right of Liberty and a 16 star reverse. Only 26 examples certified, of which four are Uncirculated, Survival rare of about five percent. Rare.

1798: Wide Date, Five Berries: With a mintage estimated at only 800-plus (Dannruther). There are five stars to the right of Liberty and seven to the left. This type has 35 certified examples in all grades, and only 13 uncirculated examples currently known. With a survival rate of four-and-a-half percent, there is one gem known reported but I have never seen it. Rare.

1798 Close Date, Four Berries: While missing from Yeoman’s Guide Book, Akers noted this unusual variety in 1975, and it does appear recently in Dannruther’s notes, so the Red Book should be corrected at some point to include the Close Date. Same stars arrangement as on the Wide Date variety. Estimated mintage of just over about 250 (Dannruther), only one example has been certified in any grade, making this variety a contender for rarest early draped bust quarter eagle. Very Rare and not collectable.

1802/1: With a mintage of over 3,000, this overdate is in the running for the second most “common” of the early draped bust quarter eagles. There are eight stars to the left of Liberty and five to the right. There are 143 certified examples, of which 33 are Uncirculated, making an overall survival rate of one-and-three-quarters. There are two reported Gems. Rare.

1804 14 Stars: With eight stars to the right of Liberty and five to the right. Akers estimates a mintage of three thousand; Dannruther cites a mintage of about 2,800, while Breen estimated 2,300, and one of which will make this the third-most “common” early draped bust quarter eagle, for a total survival rate of three-and-a-half percent. There are 100 certified examples of which nineteen are Uncirculated. Rare.

Four new reverses on the Lincoln cent (penny) are scheduled to appear in circulation starting February 2009 and will gradually make new appearances throughout the calendar year, in observance of the bicentenniel of Lincoln’s birth. Each design will emulate President Lincoln’s life from childhood up through his Presidency. The composition of these coins will be 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.

The original wheat reverse penny was indroduced in 1909 through 1958 and the latter reverse (Lincoln Memorial) was introduced in 1959.

Resource: Coin World Magazine