Greysheet: NATIONAL MONEY SHOW UNDERWAY IN ORLANDO

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) National Money Show is underway this week in Orlando, with nearly 500 dealers on the bourse floor. As is expected with an ANA event, there are multiple educational seminars and talks. The associated live auction will be conducted by Kagin’s, of Tiburon, CA, marking a return to the auction scene for that firm.

The first session of United States coins starts with a nice selection of colonial coinage and copper, but undoubtedly the highlight is the amount of territorial gold on offer, anchored by the Allan Collection of Bechtler gold issues. The German Bechtler family struck private-issue gold coins in North Carolina from 1831 through 1842, in $1, $2 1/2 and $5 denominations. The Bechtlers were prolific minters, coining more than $2.2 million worth of currency throughout their time. It is interesting that their operation overlapped with the opening of the Charlotte mint by the federal government. The coinage of these private issuers was as well trusted as the federal coinage of the time, and coins were in circulation long after they ceased operations.

Remarkably, the Allan Collection contains virtually all of the known denominations and varieties of Bechtler issues, and even includes a selection of contemporary counterfeit Bechtler pieces, which are collectible in their own right. Many of the $5 pieces carry big estimates, led by a Kagin-26, graded PCGS/CAC AU53-one of three known examples. The second auction session is dedicated to the Dr. William Christie Collection: a broad selection of 293 coins ranging from early copper to half eagles and eagles. This collection is highlighted by some blue chip American coins, including a 1795 dollar graded PCGS AU55, a 1907 $20 High Relief PCGS AU58, and an 1806 Draped Bust quarter graded PCGS AU58. Additional bust dollars are offered, along with a Gem red 1909-S Indian cent.

THIS WEEK’S MARKET

Gold Type: Generic certified gold is busy this week, as market makers adjust their bidding to the somewhat tricky gold spot price. The trend has been choppy, and gold seemingly can’t make up its mind on which way it wants to go.
Classic Commems: We continue our updating of this series, primary MS66 and MS67 graded coins. Like last week, there is a mix of plus and minus signs. There are certainly some sleepers in this series that have been realizing strong prices in top grades.
Modern Dollars: We have fresh bids to report for SBA and Presidential dollars, as at least one market maker is in need of material.