Stack’s Bowers March Baltimore Medal and Coin Auction Highlights

Stack’s Bowers Galleries will present rare coins and a famous gold Nobel Peace Prize medal in its upcoming auction held in conjunction with the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo, March 26-29 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

A gold 1936 Nobel Peace Prize medal awarded to Carlos Saavedra Lamas will highlight the medal section.

"Without reservation, the Nobel Peace Prize is the most famous medal in the world," said Q. David Bowers, chairman emeritus of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. "It is more universal than the Pulitzer Prize, more well-known and multiples rarer than an Olympic gold medal, and revered worldwide by collectors, historians, museums curators and others. This may well represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an example of the world’s most famous medals and one of the rarest."

This medal was designed by Gustav Vineland and struck from dies by Erik Lindberg. Minted in 23-karat gold at the Swedish mint in Eskilstuna, it is 65 mm diameter and weighs 22.4 grams.

It is only the second opportunity on record to purchase a Nobel Peace Prize medal at auction, and the first in almost 30 years, according to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Ninety-four Nobel Peace Prize medals have been awarded since 1901. The medal up for auction is a part of the The Charles A. Wharton Collection.

Many other rarities will cross the auction block, Stack’s describes:

"Washington medals will set the pace at this sale, led by the most notable Washington medal: a silver original Washington Before Boston medal from the Comitia Americana series. The Washingtoniana is not just fine, but broad and deep, with rare varieties from the mid 19th-century abundant, along with classic early rarities. The cabinet covers the wide span from Washington’s lifetime to the centennial of his inauguration, with most rarities in fine condition and boasting well-known pedigrees.

Other famous Americans, like Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln, are also included, representing sought after issues cataloged as part of the Betts, U.S. Mint medal, and DeWitt political series. Rare inaugural medals include the issues marking John Quincy Adams and Zachary Taylor at the early end of the series and the prized Calvin Coolidge among 20th century issues."

Significant highlights among gold coins include a Proof-67 Ultra Cameo gold dollar from The Ed Trompeter Collection, a Gem Proof 1858 quarter eagle from The Louis E. Eliasberg Collections, and a Superb Gem Proof 1858 half eagle from The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. There is also a Gem Proof 1879 Stella. Eagles in high grades include a Proof-68 1912 Indian ten. Stack’s Bowers notes that there will also be many scarce and rare gold coins from dollars to double eagles.

In federal coin highlights, there is an attention-grabbing a 1794 cent, Sheldon-31, plus early silver coins, Barber denominations, Liberty Seated issues and a Gem 1916 Standing Liberty quarter with Full Head.

Morgan dollars include Carson City issues, rare mintmarks and proofs.

Other listed coin auction highlights include:

Lot 2005: "1781" (1782) Libertas Americana Medal. Silver. By Augustin Dupre. Betts-615. MS-62 (NGC). From The Charles A. Wharton Collection.

Lot 2029: 1936 Nobel Peace Prize Award Medal. Gold. 65 mm. 222.4 grams. 23 karat. Awarded to Argentinean Carlos Saavedra Lamas. About Uncirculated. From The Charles A. Wharton Collection.

Lot 2066: "1776" (Circa 1789) Washington Before Boston Medal. Silver. 69 mm. 169.5 grams. Baker-47, Betts-542, Julian MI-1. Plain Edge. Choice About Uncirculated. From The Charles A. Wharton Collection.

Lot 2077: (Circa 1852-1854) Declaration of Independence Medal. Silver. 91 mm. 295.0 grams. By Charles Cushing Wright. Baker-53G. Mint State. From The Charles A. Wharton Collection.

Lot 4001: 1787 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 3-G. Rarity-3-. Arrows in Left Talon. MS-64 BN (PCGS).

Lot 4002: 1786 Non Vi Virtute Vici Copper. Baker-13. Rarity-6. Small Head. EF-40 (PCGS). CAC.

Lot 4003: 1776 Continental Dollar. Newman 1-C. CURENCY. Pewter. EF-45 (PCGS). OGH.

Lot 4005: 1811 Classic Head Half Cent. C-2. Close Date. AU-55 (PCGS).

Lot 4008: 1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-31. Rarity-1. Head of 1794. MS-66 BN (PCGS). CAC. Ex: Halpern-Naftzger-Loring.

Lot 4020: 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-65+ FH (PCGS).

Lot 4027: 1865 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. OGH.

Lot 4032: 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. BB-14, B-4. Rarity-3. Two Leaves–Silver Plug–EF-40 (PCGS).

Lot 4034: 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. BB-71, B-3. Stars 10×6. MS-63 (NGC). Ex: Queller Family Collection.

Lot 4048: 1892 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4055: 1858 Gold Dollar. Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC). Ex: Trompeter.

Lot 4060: 1858 Liberty Quarter Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). Ex: Eliasberg-Dr. Jerry Buss.

Lot 4081: 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4085: 1858 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-66 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). Ex: Bass.

Lot 4086: 1886 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. Ex: James A. Stack.

Lot 4088: 1894 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-67 * Ultra Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4089: 1903 Liberty Half Eagle. Proof-67+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4095: 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-8, Taraszka-20. Rarity-5. Small Obverse Stars. AU-55 (PCGS).

Lot 4104: 1912 Indian Eagle. Proof-68 (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4116: 1880 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4117: 1892 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4118: 1899 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Ultra Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4120: 1900 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4121: 1903 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4122: 1904 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Ultra Cameo (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4123: MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Wire Rim. MS-66 (PCGS). Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4124: MCMVII (1907) Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. High Relief. Flat Rim. MS-66 (PCGS). Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4133: 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Round. MS-66 (NGC). From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4135: 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. Octagonal. MS-65 (PCGS). Secure Holder. From The Cherry Blossom Collection.

Lot 4137: Complete 1858 Proof Set of Silver and Minor Coinage.

Lot 4140: Undated (1831-1834) Christopher Bechtler $1. K-1. Rarity-4. 30.G., Star. Reeded Edge. MS-61 (PCGS).

Lot 4143: 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-5. 880 THOUS., Target Reverse. EF-40 (PCGS).

Final lot viewings are held March 24-29 at the Baltimore Convention Center. For complete auction schedules and additional information, visit the company’s website at StacksBowers.com.