NORTHBROOK, Ill. – There’s an undeniable sense of comfort that comes from knowing one’s collection has both intrinsic and monetary value – gold coins being a prime example. This two-for-one principle is what has attracted so many new collectors to numismatics over the past year to 18 months, says Martin Shape, owner and auctioneer at Universal Live Auctions in suburban Chicago.
On Aug. 7, Shape’s company will present an outstanding buying opportunity for those who want to start collecting coins, paper money and other forms of precious metal, as well as those who are already well-established collectors. Universal Live will auction two estate collections in the single-day sale, starting at 1 p.m. Central Time and with Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.
The sale will include more than 70 proof and slabbed coins, as well as large-denomination U.S. bills, silver certificates, coin rolls and mint errors. One of the day’s highlights will be a 1934-A $1,000 Federal Reserve note with green seal and Chicago mint mark. Estimate: $3,000-$4,625.
A lot comprised of 100 crisp bank-wrapped, uncirculated and consecutive Chicago Mint $2 bills is expected to make $470-$725 at auction.
A nice entry-level lot consists of three Falkland Islands 50-pence large commemorative coins. One of them commemorates The Queen’s Birthday (1980), a second example (from 1981) features the images of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and is stamped for The Royal Wedding, and the third coin is a standard 1977 Falkland Islands 50-pence coin. All three coins are in brilliant, uncirculated condition. The group is estimated at $30-$45.
The auction also includes a selection of jewelry and stamps. A Glashutte DUF antique 14K gold German pocket watch with enamel dial dates to the 1920s. The movement is marked Deutsche Prazisions Uhrenfabrik Glashütte (Sa) 208356. The watch is in fine condition overall and was in working order when tested.
“Glashütte is known as the birthplace of the German watchmaking industry, and this name appearing on a genuine watch such as this one indicates it is of the finest quality,” said Shape. “It is a must for any collector of European pocket watches.”
It is not typical for Universal Live to receive two coin estates at the same time, Shape said. “We have not had this quantity of slabbed and proof coins up for auction in a long time. It is quite possibly a reflection of the current economic conditions worldwide. Gold and silver are at unusual highs, pricewise. We think bidders will respond very favorably to these wonderful numismatic items at competitive prices.”
For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Martin Shape at 847-412-1802 or email sales@universallive.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
