Monday, June 16, 2006
Sales of some 3,600 pieces of paper money recovered from the 1956 wreck of the Andrea Doria began at the Long Beach Coins, Stamp and Collectibles Expo held June 1-3.
These notes include U.S. $1 Silver Certificates and Italian notes in 50-, 100- and 1,000-lire denominations.
"This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the famous ship," said Steven L. Contursi, president of Rare Coin Wholesalers, the firm selling the notes.
The notes have been graded by PCGS Currency with "A," "B" and "C" designations. An "A" note is more than 90 percent intact, a "B" note is 75-90 percent intact and a "C" note is less than 75 percent intact.
Prices of the notes, which are encased in lucite plastic holders, start a $595 for a $1 Silver Certificate in "C" state of preservation. There are 99 Series 1935E $1 star replacement notes among the Silver Certificates. One of these in "A" condition is priced at $2,495. A 1,000-lire note is $695.
The notes were original raised from the wreck in 1981 by Peter Gimbel of the department store family. They were in a Banco di Roma safe.
For more information, contact the firm at P.O. Box 3873, Dana Point, CA 92629. E-mail: RCWCoins@rcw1.com. If you would like to visit the Web site, check out www.rcw1.com. Toll-free phone number is (800) 347-3250.
The Andrea Doria collided with the Stockholm off the coast of Nantucket, July 25, 1956.