Bowers and Merena Auctions: 1870 $100 National Gold Note Highlights Currency in Official ANA Auction

(Irvine, California) — More than 500 U.S. and world bank notes will be offered in the Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money® conducted by Bowers and Merena Auctions at the Los Angeles Convention Center and online, August 2 – 8, 2009. 

One of the many highlights is an 1870 $100 Gold National Bank Note, San Francisco Charter #1741, The First National Gold Bank (Fr. 1162), graded PMG Fine 12 Net (restorations).

"This classic rarity is one of only eight notes of this type in private hands, and one of three of this Friedberg number.  Those others are in strong hands and not likely to become available in the foreseeable future. 

In fact, only three examples have been offered for public sale in the last decade and the latest example, nearly identical to this one, sold for $258,700 in 2007," said Steve Deeds, President of Bowers and Merena (www.BowersandMerena.com).

"With collectors holding tightly to the others, we’re not sure when there will be another opportunity to acquire such a rare and elusive note."

Three other 1870 National Gold Bank Charter #1741 notes are also being offered, $5 (Fr. 1136) PMG VF 30, $10 (Fr. 1142) PCGS Apparent VF 30, and $20 (Fr. 1172) PMG Very Good 10 Net.

Other U.S. currency highlights in the auction include:

• Third Issue Spinner 50 Cent Fractional (Fr. 1342), PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated-67 EPQ;
• 1886 $5 Silver Certificate (Fr. 263), PCGS Very Choice New-64 PPQ;
• 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note (Fr. 122), PCGS Gem New-66 PPQ;
• 1928 $1,000 Gold Certificate (Fr. 2408), PMG Very Fine-25;
• 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 2220-F), PMG Very Fine-30;
• 1895 Republic of Hawaii $5 Silver Certificate (Pick 11a), PMG Very Good-8 (margin tears);
• 1880 Kingdom of Hawaii $10 Silver Certificate (Pick 1FP) PMG About Uncirculated-53 (face) and 64 EPQ (back);
• 1976 $2 Federal Reserve (Fr. 1935-D) double print error, PMG Choice Uncirculated-64 EPQ.

Among the many highlights of world currency offered by Ponterio & Associates in the Bowers and Merena Auction are two gem condition $1,000 Canada notes, a 1935 (Pick 56, BC-19) graded PMG Gem Uncirculated-65 EPQ, and a low-numbered, 1937 (Pick 65, BC-28) graded PCGS Gem New-65 PPQ.

"The 1937 $1,000 is a tremendously scarce note with a terrific low serial number of A/K0000100.  This example shows nice original paper along with stunning color which illuminates the design.  The reverse allegorical scene is breathtaking showing a woman with a sword and sheltering a young child," said Rick Ponterio, Executive Vice President of Bowers and Merena.

Other world currency highlights include:

• Angola, January 1, 1921 1 to 100 Angolares (Pick 55s to 61s), Uncirculated;
• China, Japanese Imperial Government lot of five notes (Pick M1 – M5), Year 12 (1937) 10 Sen to 10 Yen, PMG Extremely Fine to Uncirculated;
• China, Russo-Asiatic Bank 1914 10 Dollars (Pick S487), Fine;
• New Zealand, ND (1956-1957) 50 Pounds (Pick 162), Uncirculated;
• Philippines 1.6.1896 10 Pesos (Pick A8a), Very Good;
• Russia, 1884 100 Rubles (Pick A53), Good/Very Good;
• Western Samoa, July 8,1958 5 Pounds (Pick 9A), Very Fine.

The auction also will include U.S. and world coins.

Bidding opens in July and pre-auction bids are welcome at www.BowersandMerena.com; by e-mail at auction@BowersandMerena.com; by phone at (800) 458-4646 in the U.S. and 1-949-253-0916 outside the U.S.; by fax at 1-949-253-4091; and by postal mail addressed to Bowers and Merena, Los Angeles ANA 2009, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614.

Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots and bid in-person at the live auction in Los Angeles in August, or live online through the Bowers and Merena web site where a complete auction and lot viewing schedule is available.

Ponterio & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1982 by renowned specialist in world and ancient numismatics, Richard Ponterio.  The company was acquired by Bowers and Merena Auctions in 2008, creating an auction powerhouse that covers the collecting interests of U.S. and international coin and currency enthusiasts.  Annual Ponterio auctions include the Official Auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair and the New York International Numismatic Convention.

The ANA World’s Fair of Money, August 5 – 9 in the Los Angeles Convention Center Hall A, features more than 1,000 dealers, a Museum Showcase with a special exhibit of national treasures from the Smithsonian Institution, mints from around the world and a variety of educational programs and family activities.   For more information, visit www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.

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