KOLBE & FANNING ANNOUNCE LIVE ONLINE BIDDING

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers have announced that their future sales of numismatic literature will feature live online bidding, beginning with their May 15–16 sales of the Philip W. Ralls library and other important numismatic books. Bidders will be able to participate in each sale online as they would in a live auction, using the custom bidding platform developed for Kolbe & Fanning by the popular online auction service iCollector.com. To see the new Kolbe & Fanning live online bidding site, please go to auction.numislit.com.

As always, printed catalogues have been issued and have been mailed this week to current customers. Bidders preferring to bid by mail, fax, phone or email may continue to do so, but all such absentee bids must be received by May 14. Every lot is illustrated in the online catalogue, and bidders can tell at a glance where the current bid stands. We think our customers will agree that the new platform represents an improvement over the old mail-bid format.

On May 15, we are privileged to offer the very fine library on American numismatics formed by Philip W. Ralls. Dr. Ralls was a specialist in United States large cents, and his library features important and rarely seen works on this popular subject. Highlights include the deluxe leatherbound editions of both the Newcomb work on 1801–1803 and the Clapp work on 1798–1799. Special edition auction catalogues are also well represented, with outstanding copies of all three deluxe Mehl sales and the rare deluxe Superior catalogues for virtually all of their important large cent sales, most of which were issued in ten copies each. The important set of ANA auction catalogues formed by Ralls is also included.

The following day, May 16, will see a second session offered, consisting of important numismatic books from around the world. The section on ancient numismatics features a set of Mazzini’s important work on Roman imperial coins, a copy of Giel’s Antiken Numismatik Südrusslands, a set of the Numismatische Zeitschrift (Wien), de Morgan on Persian coins and other delicacies. Works on medieval and modern foreign coins include material from the important library on Russian numismatics formed by Quentin Archer and a nice group of books on French coins, many in fine bindings. A small but choice section of work on U.S. numismatics includes some rarely seen sale catalogues and periodicals.

The changes in sale format and instructions have necessitated some changes to the Terms of Sale, which prospective bidders are encouraged to read before bidding. As a reminder, all absentee bids must be received by May 14. Absentee bids cannot be accepted on the sale dates. The live online sales will each begin at noon eastern time.

Kolbe & Fanning’s website is www.numislit.com and their live online site can be reached at auction.numislit.com. We look forward to your participation.

Wayne Homren, Editor

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web