Press Release March 2005

Spink, in association with ANR, to offer the final part of the Eliasberg Collection in New York

NB: The catalogue for this auction is now available on the ANR website.

(Press Enquiries: Emily Johnston 020 7563 4009)

Featuring 2800 world gold coins spanning the entire world and more than 2000 years of history

The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Coins & Medals
Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 April 2005
Park Lane Ballroom,
Helmsely Park Lane Hotel,
36 Central Park South,
New York NY10019

Spink London in association with American Numismatic Rarities [ANR] of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, is delighted to announce the auction of the final part of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Gold Coins and Medals. This historic auction will take place in New York in April 2005.

This exceptional collection, which spans the entire world and more than 2000 years of history, was passionately amassed over half a century by the Baltimore financier and well known numismatist, Louis E. Eliasberg (1896-1976). While Eliasberg is most famous for his American coins – he assembled a complete collection of United States regular issue coins by 1950 - he also had an impressive knowledge of world issues as well. In 1953, Elaisberg and his treasured collection were featured in an article in LIFE magazine.

Paul Barthaud, Executive Director of Spink comments, “We are very excited by this unique sale and to be part of the fabulous story which is the Eliasberg Collection. We are particularly pleased to be working in association with ANR, who include so many well known names from the world of American numismatics among their staff.”

ANR President Christine Karstedt says, “The Eliasberg name holds a unique appeal for American collectors and is also famous around the world. The sale of this portion of the collection is a joyous occasion for collectors on every continent. Our entire staff is delighted to be working with the Eliasberg family in bringing more this carefully built cabinet to collectors.”

Featuring some dramatic rarities and highly sought after coins in remarkable condition, the collection also includes the John H. Clapp Collection of World Gold Coins, purchased in tact by Mr Eliasberg in the early 1940s, which in turn encompasses treasures from the Waldo C. Newcomer Collection.

Approximately two-thirds of the sale focuses on the notable issues of Central and South America and features some of the most significant gold Latin American rarities in existence, many with a distinguished provenance such as Clapp, Newcomer, Mehl, Hammel and Flanagan.

European coinage also forms a major part of the Eliasberg Collection and consists primarily of coins from the British Isles, France, Italy, Germany and Austria. Russian coins and medals include pieces in both gold and platinum. Dozens of patterns, off-metal strikes in gold, and rare medals are also on offer, as are classic Proof sets with gold. Asia is also represented with rarities from Japan and Korea among the highlights.

***

Note to Editors:
Previous Auctions of the Eliasberg Collection:
1982: The gold section of the US collection was sold by Bowers & Ruddy for $12,400,000.
1996 & 1997: The non-gold section of the US collection was auctioned by Bowers & Merena for $11,600,000 and $20,900,000.

Auction: Mon 18th & Tues 19th April 2005: Park Lane Ballroom, Helmsely Park Lane Hotel, 36 Central Park South, New York NY10019
Public Enquiries: 020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com - info@spink.com
Images & Further Information: Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009