BALTIMORE—If you’re keeping score at home, put a mark down for another successful Baltimore Spring show. In fact, you could even say it was Star-Spangled.
In a special collaboration with the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the Expo included an exhibit featuring gold and silver proof and uncirculated coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the writing of our national anthem. The exhibit will return for Whitman Baltimore Expos in June and November, as well.
Officials with the Bicentennial Commission say they benefited from the association.
“We were very pleased with the interest we had, both in the coins and in our upcoming events in Maryland. We sold over 135 silver coins during the expo, and we were pleased with that, because it can help us raise funds for our special events, preservation projects and educational programs. But, more importantly, perhaps, working with Whitman has helped to introduce us to the broader numismatic community and get the word out about our beautiful commemorative coins,” Kate Marks said.
The Expo, which ran from March 22-25, included 1,200 exhibitors and enjoyed strong retail and wholesale trading, based on informal feedback from dealers.
“The Spring Expo was a big success from any way in which you care to measure it. We had good attendance despite a rainy Saturday and a high level of activity on the Bourse floor,” General Manager David Crenshaw said.
“On Thursday, an 1885 Liberty Head Nickel PCGS MS-67 changed hands for $170,000 in a private-treaty sale on the Bourse floor. It is the finest known of its kind and one of a population of just two,” Mr. Crenshaw said.
Whitman is the leading producer of coin and collectibles expos in North America. Other Expo highlights:
- Mike Bean and William Story of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (ret.) demonstrated an authentic 19th century spider press, printing a limited edition certificate expressly for the Expo and distributing them through a free raffle twice each day.
- Bob Hammond displayed a 1914 print by Edwin LaMasure depicting his conception of the first U.S. Mint. Mr. Hammond discovered the print in December at an historical society near Philadelphia. He credits his recognition of the print to Len Augsberger and Joel Orsoz’s “Secrets of the U.S. Mint.”
- The Official Auction by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, which also included the inaugural Rarities Night, was a success. Several lots fetched notable prices, including $287,500 for an 1836 Classic Quarter Eagle, Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC) and a 1776 New Hampshire Copper VG-10 (PCGS), among many others. Visit StacksBowers.com for details and prices realized.
For more information, or to register for the next Expo (June 28-July 1, 2012), visit Whitman.com/Expos.
