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Replies: 11 / Views: 706 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Auctions can turn up some very interesting material! In November 1987, Auctions by Bowers and Merena, Inc. presented the Ebenezer Milton Saunders Collection and featured one lot of particular note (for US commemorative coin collectors!). Ebenezer Milton Saunders Collection Auction Catalog - Front Cover Ebenezer Milton Saunders Story The auction included a complete, original, five-coin set (in original velvet-lined leather presentation case) of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition silver and gold coins - Silver Half Dollar, Gold Dollar, Gold Quarter Eagle and both varieties of the Gold Quintuple Eagle ($50). It was certified as Set #70, and was purchased by Saunders (via mail order) from Farran Zerbe at the time of the Exposition. The Set cost Saunders $200.00 and included documentation attesting to the "Set #70" status of the included coins. Note: Zerbe was the official distributor of the coins at the Exposition, and had the title: Chief, Coin and Medal Department.The catalog doesn't assign individual grades to the included coins, simply listing them as "MS-64 to 65." The catalog devotes three full pages to the set, but presents only a single black-and-white image of the Set in its case. Surprisingly, the catalog does not include individual obverse/reverse images of each coin or any color images other than what is presented on the catalog's cover. It appears the auctioneer either assumed interested bidders would examine the Set in person (or have a representative do it), or that its pedigree and status as "Set #70" would be enough for distance bidders. The image on the cover clearly shows the dark gray toning that had developed on the silver half dollar over 70+ years. The obverses of the Gold Quarter Eagle and two Gold Quintuple Eagles appear to be free of copper spots; the Gold One Dollar coin, however, appears to have discoloration surrounding the 4 o'clock position. The lot description does not discuss the surface condition of the coins. Panama-Pacific International Exposition Coin Set Information Card The lot was sold for $93,500 (including the 10% Buyer's Premium) which means a hammer price of $85,000. The same (or similar) set offered today would likely sell for considerably more! For more of my stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more on the York County half dollar, see: Commems Collection. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
98 Posts |
Another nice write-up commems, thanks! It's crazy to think of these coins at those prices! The announcement that I have shows, Half dollar $1 each, six for $5 One dollar Gold $2 each, six for $10 Two and One half dollar gold $4 each, six for $20 Fifty dollars gold Round and Octagonal $100 each Complete set $200 Complete double set to display Obv & Rev $400 Now all I need is a Time Machine 
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Moderator
 United States
15386 Posts |
An impressive looking set indeed.  Several years ago we had a new member post their families 4 coin set (had only one of the $50 pieces) in original packaging. I recall the thread followed the story through certification and eventual auction results.
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
  United States
12252 Posts |
Quote: Several years ago we had a new member post their families 4 coin set (had only one of the $50 pieces) in original packaging. I recall it as well - a good read! - 1915 Panama-Pacific $50 Octagonal AdviceQuote: Now all I need is a Time Machine You and me both!
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
To See THESE Commemoratives in The Original Government's Packaging, Special.!!!!!!  Thanks Again Commems, Very Sweet , Thanks for Sharing.....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
David, Thank You Too, Great Story.!!!!  PS, I am Thrilled for The Family, and The New Wards for an Amazingly Rare , Highly Sought , Fine Classic Commemorative, and the Journey One Person's Vision, Passion for Collecting Took.!!!  PS, I have Another Side, Collecting Coins hits Very Close to Me, My portion of: " All Original Government Packaging " U S Mint sets, U S Proof sets, Commemoratives, SMS, All are Very Dear to Me. I am saddened to see a " Complete All Original Set from 1915, Glorious Colors, As They Were Minted, Be Broken Up.... However, Every Action has an Equal Reaction, There are New Wards for The Entire Collection, !!!! Congratulations To All....... 
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Valued Member
United States
98 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5602 Posts |
Wornout, WOW, Nice Collection additions, Thank You.... Mike 
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Moderator
 United States
187582 Posts |
Very interesting topic! 
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Moderator
 United States
94728 Posts |
very nice information presented here, thanks for the great read.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3634 Posts |
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
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Replies: 11 / Views: 706 |
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