The following news release about a record-setting rare coin auction at the recent World’s Fair of Money convention in Denver was distributed on behalf of Bowers and Merena by Donn Pearlman Public Relations.

Over 100 Rare Coin Price Records Smashed At $17 Million Auction

(Irvine, California) – With standing room-only attendance, new price record-after-price record for rare coins was established in a public auction conducted by Bowers and Merena of Irvine, California (www.BowersandMerena.com) as the official auctioneer of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money convention in Denver, Colorado, August 16 – 19, 2006.

More than 100 new auction records were established and the total prices realized for the historic sale was $17.6 million, including the 15 percent buyer’s fee added to all winning bids. Record auction prices included:
· $350,750 for a 1918/7-D overdate Buffalo nickel graded MS-65 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS);
· $339,250 for an off-center 1795 Draped Bust silver dollar, B-14, BB-51, graded MS-66 by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC);
· $241,500 for a 1911-D Indian Head gold $5, PCGS MS-65;
· $132,500 for an 1837 quarter-dollar, NGC Proof-67;
· $105,800 for a 1914-S Lincoln cent, PCGS MS-66 red;
· $8,625 for a 1946-D Jefferson nickel, PCGS MS-67 with full steps on Monticello; and
· $7,188 for an 1881-S Morgan dollar, PCGS MS-68.

The highest winning bid was $1,495,000 for a 1921 Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS MS-63.

“We expected strong prices because of the exceptional quality and range of the items offered. The competition among collectors and dealers frequently was intense, whether the bids were coming from those seated in the room or by phone or over the Internet,” said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena.

“The combination of high quality and true rarity of the auction lots resulted in sometimes astounding winning bids. We also now have new record prices for dozens of so-called ‘common coins’ that are in uncommon, spectacular condition.”

In addition to the rare coin offerings, the official ANA sale featured bank notes, many from the collection of prominent researcher and author, Peter W. Huntoon. A $5 1875 Wyoming National Bank of Laramie City, Charter #2110 (Fr. 402) in Choice About Uncirculated condition sold for $138,000.

Record price determinations are based on auction information from Intelliquote as of August 18, 2006.

A complete list of prices realized is online at www.BowersandMerena.com. For additional information, contact Bowers and Merena Auctions, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614. Phone toll free, (800) 458-4646.