From the effective date, new replica listings and replica relistings will not be allowed. Existing listings will be allowed to expire. eBay defines replica coins as "a copy or reproduction of an actual coin, including U.S., foreign and other historic coins."

The policy will help ensure compliance with the Hobby Protection Act, which requires replica coins to be permanently marked with the word "COPY".

PNG President Jeffrey Bernberg enthusiastically endorsed eBay's decision to eliminate listings of replica coins:

"The new eBay policy is very positive for consumers.  Most of us who have been in the coin business for any length of time have encountered numerous people who have been hurt by replicas -- both financially and emotionally.  I personally have seen dozens of cases of people mistakenly thinking they had a real gold coin but it was merely one of the a base metal, plated "Baldwin $10" replicas distributed in the early 1960s as a give-away in cereal boxes.  People truly believed these were genuine gold pieces simply because they'd been in the family for 40 or 50 years.  The new eBay policy set forth with PNG's collaboration will have a lasting, positive effect for decades and even for generations to come."

As part of eBay's commitment to buyers and sellers in the coins category, they are collaborating with the coin collecting community to ensure the experience on eBay meets industry standards and is an effective destination for coin buyers and sellers. Several eBay representatives were in attendance at the PNG members meeting held at the recently concluded 2012 FUN show. As part of its work with the PNG, eBay will be setting up a program to better educate collectors about the PNG and its member dealers.

PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman added:  "Stay tuned for more exciting announcements over the coming year – this is only just the beginning.  eBay is committed to working with PNG to grow the business of its member dealers."

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"PCGS-certified coins ruled the day at the recent FUN show. Record prices were realized for a 1793 Chain cent as well as an 1829 large date $5, both bringing $1.38 million in the Heritage Platinum Night auctions.  Strong prices were also realized for Denis Loring's 1793 large cent collection as well as Dr. Steven Duckor's collection of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles," said Don Willis, President of PCGS, a division of Collectors Universe, Inc.

The Chain cent (S-4) once owned by legendary Baltimore banker Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. is graded PCGS MS65 Brown.  The 1829 Half Eagle gold piece (BD-1), formerly in the famous Garrett Collection, is graded PCGS Secure Plus PR64.

Heritage officials reported that Dr. Duckor's 52-piece Saint-Gaudens $20 collection realized $5.68 million, as 33 of the coins set or tied record prices for their date and grade.

"It was very exciting, and Heritage did a fabulous job with a memorable catalog; 170 pages devoted to 54 lots of my collection, and with extensive comments by David Akers," said Dr. Duckor.

"I really like PCGS, and with only two exceptions, PCGS-graded coins are the only ones I've bought since 1989.  Their Population Reports, grading accuracy, consistency and transparency of the company are all phenomenal.  They're the best for grading gold.  My 'mantra' has always been to buy the very best quality you can afford -- even stretching to buy the best including mortgaging my home! -- and don't 'flip' coins.  I've now added another mantra: Buy the coin AND the holder.  The (PCGS Secure) Plus grades have brought coins to a new level.

Dr. Duckor said the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles from his collection benefited from PCGS Secure Plus grading, and he cited several examples: 1910 PCGS MS66+ sold for $54,625; 1911 PCGS MS67 $184,00, and 1928 PCGS MS67+ $54,625.

Twelve varieties of 1793 large cents from Loring's collection were offered and sold in the auction, all of them graded AU53 and AU58 by PCGS.

"I'm more than happy with the results.  I received a number of kind compliments on the quality of the coins.  Heritage did a terrific job both cataloging and marketing the collection," said Loring.  "I'm still actively collecting, as I have non-stop since 1955.  I'm very fortunate to have found a hobby that has given me great pleasure, and through which I've met so many fascinating people."

Underlying the continuing strength of the market for high-quality, rare U.S. coins, Heritage reported more than 7,000 bidders participated in the auction, vying for 9,420 U.S. coins in an auction that resulted in nearly $56 million in winning bids.  All prices quoted include the 19.5 percent buyer's premium.

Photo Credits: Heritage Auctions

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"The winner of the PCGS Collectors Club Grading Contest will win a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded PCGS Secure Plus MS65 with a retail value today of over $2,200," said PCGS President Don Willis.

The competition is sponsored by PCGS Photograde^TM Online and will be open to current members of the PCGS Collectors Club as well as active PCGS Set Registry^SM members.  It will not be open to dealers.

"Participants will have to grade 20 U.S. coins of random denominations and dates that have been previously certified by PCGS, but their encapsulation inserts will be covered from view," explained PCGS Set Registry Manager BJ Searls. "The winner will be the collector who has the most correct grades, 'correct' defined as matching the PCGS grade exactly. In case of a tie, there will be a ten-coin 'playoff' to determine the winner."

Past winners of PCGS grading contests are not eligible to participate.

The competition will be conducted at the PCGS booth (#100) at FUN, and participants should ask for BJ Searls or Gayle Kean at that booth.  Additional information and complete rules will be available there as well as on the PCGS web site, www.PCGS.com.

PCGS Photograde Online also will sponsor an educational exhibit at the PCGS booth with approximately $100,000 of coins from the PCGS Grading Set.

"We'll be displaying 36 Morgan dollars graded MS60 to MS68, including examples within each grade of high-end (worthy of a plus grade), mid-range and 'barely-make-the-grade' specimens.  The exhibit also includes 27 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles graded MS60 to MS67, with variations within each grade noted," said David Hall, PCGS Co-Founder and President of Collectors Universe, Inc. "This will give everyone at FUN a chance to see the sometimes subtle but important differences that can affect a coin's overall grade and marketplace value for these two extremely popular types of coins."

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“I appreciate the recognition of the time, talent, and financial support I have been able to provide to MSNS over the years,” said Heller. “It would not be possible for me to have offered my services without the support of my deeply experienced professional staff.  They deserve this honor along with me.  Their efforts made it possible for me to chair MSNS committees, lead the effort that won the sales and use tax exemption on the retail sales of precious metals and rare coins in Michigan, and sponsor MSNS Young Numismatist activities.”

The Michigan State Numismatic Society, founded in 1956, is a non-profit organization that supports members and the general public in the study and collecting of rare coins, paper money, and related items.  One of MSNS’s early projects was to persuade the US Mint to modify the design of the Jefferson Nickel in 1966 to add the initials of coin designer Felix Schlag (who lived and is buried in Owosso, Michigan) to the bottom edge of Jefferson’s neck.

Liberty Coin Service, in the Bank of America and Clippert Buildings in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing, was established in 1971.  It is Michigan’s largest rare coins and precious metals bullion dealership.  Owner Patrick A. Heller also owns Premier Coins & Collectibles on Lansing’s west side.

Patrick Heller writes a monthly newsletter, Liberty’s Outlook, posted at http://www.libertycoinservice.com.  Heller also writes weekly gold and precious metals commentaries for http://www.numismaster.com and http://www.coinupdate.com.   His award-winning weekly radio program titled “Things You ‘Know’ That Just Aren’t So, And Important News You Need To Know” streams live and is archived at www.1320wils.com.

Heller’s other recent honors include the 2011 Numismatic Literary Guild award for industry’s best radio or television program, the 2010 Professional Numismatists Guild Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the 2010 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards in the Retail category, and the American Numismatic Association Presidential Award in 2008.  Heller was recently interviewed by or appeared in The Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com, Fox Business News, Bloomberg, The Journal of Accountancy, thestreet.com, London’s Financial Times, and other major newspapers.

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"The scholarship will cover airfare, tuition for one of the two week-long Summer Seminar sessions in June or July, meals, and six nights of dormitory accommodations on the campus of Colorado College, site of the ANA headquarters," said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman. "All young numismatists between the ages of 13 and 22 are eligible to enter and are cordially invited to apply for the scholarship. Entrants must submit a short essay outlining why they should be chosen as the 2012 scholarship recipient. The deadline for receipt of the entries is March 30, 2012."

Entries must include the applicant's name and contact information. The essays can be sent by email to info@PNGdealers.com or by mail to the PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA  92590.

"Coins are well known as history in your hands.  Our youth are the future of our hobby.  This scholarship gives a promising young collector the opportunity of a lifetime.  We look forward to awarding this to an individual who appreciates the significance of the  knowledge and experience that will be gained as winner of the 2012 PNG young numismatist scholarship," said Jeffrey Bernberg, PNG President.

The two separate 2012 ANA Summer Seminar week-long sessions will be held Saturday, June 23, to Friday June 29, and from Saturday, June 30, to Friday, July 6.  Participants ranging from teenagers to senior citizens take 25 hours of class instruction on specific coin and paper money collecting topics or the hobby's technical and business aspects.  Additional information about the Summer Seminar sessions can be found on the ANA website www.money.org.

The funds to pay for the annual PNG YN Scholarship are administered from PNG's Gerald Bauman Memorial Fund. Bauman, who died in 2001, served for many years as a prominent coin dealer with Manfra, Tordella & Brookes in New York City.

The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin and paper money dealers in the United States and seven other countries. PNG member-dealers must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise. For additional information, visit online at www.PNGdealers.com or call (951) 587-8300.

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“PNG membership recognizes the top echelon of coin dealers around the world,” said Patrick Heller. “The average member has worked as a full-time professional for 25 years.  Allan, Paul, and Tom have each worked at Liberty for more than 25 years.  They have distinguished themselves in demonstrating the PNG requirements of Knowledge, Integrity, and Responsibility.  When I won the PNG’s top award last year, it was only possible with the support of a deeply experienced staff, including Allan, Paul, and Tom.”

The Professional Numismatists Guild is a non-profit organization composed of the world’s top rare coin, paper money, and precious metals experts.  Founded in 1955, the PNG has approximately 280 full and associate members.  Its primary mission is to make the hobby safe for collectors and investors by maintaining rigid standards of excellence for member dealers.

Liberty Coin Service, in the Bank of America and Clippert Buildings in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing, was established in 1971.  It is Michigan’s largest rare coins and precious metals bullion dealership.  Owner Patrick A. Heller also owns Premier Coins & Collectibles on Lansing’s west side.

Heller writes a monthly newsletter, Liberty’s Outlook, posted at http://www.libertycoinservice.com.  Heller also writes weekly gold and precious metals commentaries for http://www.numismaster.com and http://www.coinupdate.com.   His award-winning weekly radio program titled “Things You ‘Know’ That Just Aren’t So, And Important News You Need To Know” streams live and is archived at www.1320wils.com.

Heller’s recent honors include the 2011 Numismatic Literary Guild award for industry’s best radio or television program, the 2010 Professional Numismatists Guild Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the 2010 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards in the Retail category, and the American Numismatic Association Presidential Award in 2008.  Heller was recently interviewed by or appeared in The Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com, Fox Business News, Bloomberg, The Journal of Accountancy, thestreet.com, London’s Financial Times, and other major newspapers.

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The Long Beach Expo, also owned by Collectors Universe, is not affected by the Santa Clara show closing.  The next Long Beach Expo is scheduled for February 2 - 4, 2012.

"The coin show business has changed quite a bit in the past decade and the smaller regional shows face significant financial challenges.  We have decided to stop our involvement with the Santa Clara show and concentrate our efforts on the larger Long Beach shows," said David Hall, President of Collectors Universe. "We appreciate the support of dealers and Bay area collectors, and are sorry we can no longer provide the show."

Public attendance was growing in recent years as thousands of collectors attended the two annual Santa Clara Expo events, and the support of local and regional dealers was excellent, according to show organizers.  However, the number of out-of-state dealers who purchased bourse tables dwindled due to frequent scheduling conflicts with competing shows in the eastern United States and elsewhere.

The last scheduled Santa Clara Expo will be held November 18 - 20, in the Santa Clara, California Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway.  Public hours are Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We had a wonderful run bringing together collectors, dealers and the general public.  I appreciated the huge support from the San Jose and Cupertino Coin Clubs, and I have many great memories of visitors from around the world as well as from Silicon Valley and the Bay area," said Ronald J. Gillio, Expo General Chairman. "We were unsuccessful in finding a buyer to take over the shows.  Many of the local dealers I've already spoken with about the upcoming closing are disappointed because they told me they always did good business at the Santa Clara Expo."

Gillio and his company, Expos Unlimited, acquired the Santa Clara show in November 2002 from its founder, Rudy Christianson.  Gillio expanded the show to include more coin and stamp dealers, showcased special exhibits, arranged for visits by United States Mint representatives, on-site participation by third-party grading services, and arranged for rare coin and paper money auctions to be conducted. He also tried other enhancements such as adding a fourth public day to each show in 2004, and for a brief time conducted a third Santa Clara Expo in the summer. Gillio sold the Santa Clara Expo and Long Beach Expo shows to Collectors Universe in 2006.

For additional information during the upcoming Santa Clara Expo call (408) 748-7055.  Prior to November 17, call Expos Unlimited at (805) 962-9939 or visit online at www.SantaClaraExpo.com.

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"If you don't know your gold, silver, or platinum coins, you'd better know your coin dealer to help you make responsible decisions," advises PNG President Jeffrey Bernberg of Willowbrook, Illinois.  "To make an informed purchase of gold, silver or platinum, investors need to be aware of three crucial marketplace factors: the actual cost per ounce of the precious metals; the bullion value versus any collector value of the coin; and timely delivery of the merchandise."

Price: Gold Investors should be aware that gold bullion coins trade at a small premium over the actual spot gold price because they are minted by sovereign governments that charge a fabrication fee.  The spot gold price is based on 100 ounce or larger .999 fine gold bars.  Gold bullion coins ranging from 1/10 oz to one ounces trade at 3% to 15% premium over spot, based on the coin, it's size (for example, 1/10th, 1/4th, 1/2 or 1 full ounce), and the quantity being purchased.  Many major gold bullion dealers typically will sell a single, one-ounce gold American Eagle gold coin at approximately four to five percent over the current spot/melt value (and purchase them from customers at about two percent less than their selling price.) American Eagles, Canadian Maple leafs and South African Krugerrands are some of the most popular gold bullion coins. Investors should contact several creditable precious metal dealers and shop for the best price.

Bullion vs. Collector Coins: Investors should distinguish between bullion coins whose values generally fluctuate according to the current price of gold, silver or platinum, and "rare coins" that can carry a significant collector premium based on historical supply and demand. Some U.S. gold and silver coins may be readily available in circulated condition for a modest premium over their bullion content, but those same coins in superb condition may have significantly higher value -- perhaps thousands of dollars above their melt value.

Delivery: Under normal conditions, delivery of coins you've purchased should be received with 10 to 14 days. However, if at the time of purchase the seller may be aware of a mint delivery problem, it should be disclosed to you that there may be a delay.  The PNG does not recommend having coins stored by dealers, instead, verified storage at an independent, accredited depositary is acceptable for many investors, especially if it involves a large quantity of gold.

Members of the Professional Numismatists Guild must adhere to a Collector's Bill of Rights and a Code of Ethics that prohibit use of high pressure sales tactics and misrepresentation of the value of items being sold.  PNG members must demonstrate knowledge, responsibility and integrity in their business dealings. They also must agree to binding arbitration to settle unresolved disagreements over numismatic property. A complete list of PNG member-dealers can be found online at www.PNGdealers.com.

For a copy of the informative pamphlet, "What You Should Know Before You Buy Rare Coins," or a printed directory of PNG member-dealers, send $1 to cover postage costs to: Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Rd., Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590.  Phone: (951) 587-8300. Email at info@PNGdealers.com, or visit the web site at www.PNGdealers.com.

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Said Heller, “Last year, the management of WILS proposed that I create a program to inform the station’s listeners about financial and monetary issues that were not satisfactorily covered by mainstream media.  Since program’s inception, local listenership has grown along with the national audience that can access it on the internet.  To accommodate this response, the length of the program was recently expanded by 25%.  This award simply is another acknowledgement of the value that listeners derive from the content of the programs.”

WILS-AM 1320 is “Live And Lansing”, a talk radio station that is one of four Lansing stations owned by MacDonald Broadcasting Company, which was founded in 1963.

Patrick A. Heller owns Liberty Coin Service, in the Bank of America and Clippert Buildings in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing, established in 1971.  It is Michigan’s largest rare coins and precious metals bullion dealership.  He also owns Premier Coins & Collectibles founded in 2009 on Lansing’s west side.  Heller writes a monthly newsletter, Liberty’s Outlook, posted at http://www.libertycoinservice.com.

Heller also writes weekly gold and precious metals commentaries for http://www.numismaster.com and http://www.coinupdate.com. His award-winning weekly radio program titled “Things You ‘Know’ That Just Aren’t So, And Important News You Need To Know” streams live and is archived at www.1320wils.com.  Recent honors include the 2011 Numismatic Literary Guild award for industry’s best radio or television program, the 2010 Professional Numismatists Guild Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the 2010 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards in the Retail category, and the American Numismatic Association Presidential Award in 2008.  Heller was recently interviewed by or appeared in The Wall Street Journal, ABCNews.com, Fox Business News, Bloomberg, The Journal of Accountancy, thestreet.com, London’s Financial Times, and other major newspapers.

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The award-winning Shireman Collection of Barber half dollars will be displayed at the PCGS booth, #807.

1894-O Barber Half Dollar PCGS Secure Plus MS66+ Photo: PCGS TrueView image

"This stunning set of Barber halves was assembled over decades by Dr. and Mrs. Peter K. Shireman. It has a weighted grade point average of 66.085," said BJ Searls, Set Registry Manager.

Highlights of the collection include:

• 1892-O Micro O rare variety, graded PCGS Secure Plus™ MS65
• 1894-O, PCGS Secure Plus MS66+, and formerly in the Hugon Collection
• 1904-O, PCGS Secure Plus MS66+, formerly in the Eliasberg Collection
• 1904-S, PCGS Secure Plus MS67, formerly in the Norweb Collection
• 1906-S, PCGS Secure Plus MS68, the finest known and also with a Hugon pedigree.

Dr. Shireman began collecting coins at the age of 10 in Kansas City, Missouri in 1968.

"One event that stands out is seeing a friend of one of my older brothers checking his pocket change and knowing that a 1964-D nickel was a common date.  That seemingly trivial event piqued my interest, and I started collecting coins from circulation," he recalled.

Dr. Shireman resumed collecting in 1987 after attending college and receiving his medical degree from the University of Michigan.  The circulation strikes Barber half dollar collection assembled by him and his wife, Janice, was submitted earlier this year for PCGS Secure Plus service.

University of Rare Coins, Photo: Donn Pearlman

Another featured attraction, the "University of Rare Coins" (URC), the first interactive online learning center on numismatics, created and presented by Century Tangibles Group (www.CTGroup.com) of Irvine, California, will make its premier West Coast public debut at the show.  The 30-foot long URC exhibit, resembling a combination of an extensive library and ivy-covered university building, allows visitors to experience the stellar educational videos, the multimedia content and the extensive free online curriculum that exists on the University website.

"URC is a self-paced, e-learning center offering over 60 hours of lectures and robust multimedia material that allows investors and collectors to explore specific topics related to the history of rare coins and bullion," explained Todd Griffiths, CTGroup Chief Executive Officer.

The Long Beach Expo is open to the public for buying and selling gold and silver, rare coins, vintage paper money, rare stamps and other collectibles and estate jewelry.  Many of the 1,000 dealers attending the show will offer free, informal appraisals for the public.  Educational seminars and collector's club meetings will be held, and Heritage Auctions will conduct a public auction of rare coins during the show.

The Long Beach Expo will be held in the Long Beach, California Convention Center, 100 S. Pine Ave.  Public hours are Thursday and Friday, September 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $8 (good for all three days); $4 for seniors 65 and older and children ages 8 to 16.  Free admission for children ages 7 and younger.  Additional information about the show and discount coupons are available online at www.LongBeachExpo.com, or call (805) 962-9939.

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