Greysheet: DEALERS HEAD TO BALTIMORE EXPO

As spring has emerged the numismatic community descends upon the city of Baltimore for the first Whitman Expo of the year. This particular show is historically well attended, with collectors shaking off the cold of winter and dealers eager to do business with a full four weeks since the last major national show.

Stacks Bowers Galleries will conduct an auction of U.S. coins and currency in conjunction with the show, a focal point of which is part 2 of the Twin Leaf Collection of large cents. Over 1,200 large cents dated between 1816 and 1856 are on offer, and specialists are surely to notice the extensive opportunity this collection presents. Nearly all Newcomb varieties for each date are present, and in some cases multiple die states of a variety. Proofs are also included, with a choice selection of these rare strikings from the 1840s. In addition to the Twin Leaf section of the auction, there are numerous other rarities ranging in categories from early medals through gold coinage. Highlights include an MS68 1852 three cent silver; a 1945 Mercury dime graded MS66+ Full Bands; and a very rare Specimen strike 1895-O half dollar. Looking at gold coins in the sale, one finds a gorgeous 1881 gold dollar in the lofty grade of MS68+ with CAC endorsement, a mint state (MS61) 1808 quarter eagle, and an NGC certified MS64 1814/3 half eagle. Finally, a stunning 1799 Large Stars eagle – finest known – graded PCGS/CAC MS66 is sure to make its new owner very pleased.

METALS DOWN ON PROFIT-TAKING

Precious metals have suffered as a result of profit taking after its recent strong performance and the surging U.S. dollar. The market has reported increased short positions on gold and silver from traders, signaling expected further weakness. Nonetheless, these recent paper losses should not negatively impact physical demand for bullion coins and bars, especially in an American election year.

THIS WEEK’S MARKET

Early Commemoratives: Results from recent auction activity are reflected this week in this series, with positive movement outweighing negative.

Proof & Mint Sets: A host of new bids have been observed for these sets, with increases for some earlier-dated proof sets. We encourage users to read our announcement at the top of page 7 regarding some exciting planned changes to these listings in the future.

Mercury Dimes: We conclude our review of this series with the late 30s and the key date 1945 in Full Bands, along with the 1945 Micro S.