On the evening of August 30th, history will indeed be made. The finest known specimen (by far) of the King of Coins will cross the auction block in New York City at the Park Lane Hotel in the Bowers and Merena sale of The Walter H. Childs Collection. The occasion is part of a three-day numismatic event that is expected to draw worldwide attention.

Formed beginning in 1870, the Childs Collection, long hidden in a bank vault, is one of the most incredible, interesting, and important cabinets of United States coins ever assembled. Many coins, including gem Proofs, were ordered directly from the Philadelphia Mint. Other coins were purchased from such old-time dealers as J.W. Haseltine, Charles Steigerwalt, and other pioneers. The Childs Collection is nearly complete by date from 1793 to the mid 20th century, in denominations from the half cent to the gold $5. Many of the coins have been off the market for over a century!

The Childs Collection will be showcased in a magnificent numismatic event in New York City conducted by Bowers and Merena, the famous auction firm based in Wolfeboro, NH. The auction sessions will begin on Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., and continue the evening of August 30th, with lot viewing several days prior to the sale.

The event is a true numismatic double-header, as beginning on the morning of Tuesday, a faulous sale showcasing the Dr. Carl A. Minning, Jr. Collection will be front and center. Scheduled to cross the block will be an additional 1,000 lots of United States coins from colonials to gold coins, from half cents to commemoratives and patterns.

"The New York City event provides the ideal opportunity to spend three days immersed in numismatics, while at the same time enjoying the sights and events of the 'Big Apple,' noted Christine Karstedt, vice president of the Bowers and Merena firm. "The auction site is just a few steps away from Central Park. While the numismatists in the family are enjoying the sales, the others can enjoy shopping, the theatre, museums, and other attractions. What a wonderful way to conclude the summer!"

The 1804 Dollar

The Childs specimen of the 1804 dollar showcased here has been certified by PCGS as a superb gem Proof-68, ranking it far above any of the other known pieces. It is believed that this coin was presented to the Sultan of Muscat on October 1, 1835 by a special agent of President Andrew Jackson. Later it was owned by Virgil Brand and the Walter H. Childs family.

Richard S. Montgomery, president of PCGS pronounced the coin "a magnificent example of the world's most famous coin rarity." Miles Standish, also with PCGS, considered the Childs 1804 dollar as the "Holy Grail" of numismatics, noting the coin's unprecedented quality coupled with the privilege of grading this extreme rarity. John Dannreuther, a founder of PCGS declared the coin "an amazing specimen. A 100% original coin, as perfect an early Proof coin as one could imagine."

The Catalogues

No effort or expense has been spared to make the Childs Collection catalogue one of the most memorable auction publications of our era. The Childs catalogue, a veritable book, will contain a special section devoted to the 1804 dollar, its history, and more-a permanent reference in its own right. Also included will be biographical sketches of over 125 collectors and dealers who have owned or handled a specimen of the 1804 dollar during the past two centuries. While the Childs Collection is a numismatic treasure laden with opportunity, we hope you will find that the catalogue will be a treasure of informative and enjoyable reading.

The Minning Collection catalogue brings to you in the same Bowers and Merena Grand Format( style even more rarities for your bidding consideration. The catalogue gives complete information concerning lot viewing, bidding, and other arrangements.

If you already subscribe to our auction catalogues, you are on deck to participate in the sale of lifetime. You will be receiving both catalogues in August. If you are not a Bowers and Merena client, we invite you to order BOTH catalogues for the combined price of only $40, limit one set per person and subject to availability (as only a limited number of extra copies will be printed). For the VERY BEST VALUE, take this opportunity to subscribe to all of our publications for the next 12 months for a fabulous discounted price of just $145, catalogues that cost us well over $350 to produce and deliver to you! Again, we limit subscriptions to just one per person. To order catalogues call our Publications Department toll-free, 1-800-222-5993.