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"This is the first time these historic early American coins will be publicly displayed in the Bay area," said Ronald J. Gillio, Expo General Chairman.
"All of the silver coins are in amazing mint state condition. They were struck by hand in colonial Massachusetts and are dated either 1652 or 1662, although these are not necessarily the years the coins actually were produced."
"Even though some Massachusetts silver coins were struck as late as 1674, all of the coins were dated 1652 or 1662 to circumvent British laws that forbid the Colonists from creating their own money after those years," explained Steven L. Contursi, President of Rare Coin Wholesalers of Dana Point, California and the owner of the coins in the exhibit.
All five coins in the exhibit are in uncirculated condition, some still showing their original luster after 300 years of careful preservation. Many surviving examples of circulated Massachusetts silver coins are either slightly bent or actually show teeth marks from attempted bending.
"According to some researchers, the mutilation probably occurred as a result of the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Panic. Some people believed at the time that carrying a bent silver coin would ward off witches," explained Contursi.
eBay, a co-sponsor of the Santa Clara Expo, will present an educational seminar, "Buying and Selling on eBay," conducted by eBay consultant, Troy Thoreson, at noon on Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18.
More than 500 dealers will be buying and selling rare coins, bank notes, stamps and postcards, historical documents and other collectibles. Many dealers will provide free, informal appraisals for the public’s collectibles. The Cupertino Coin Club will display educational exhibits.
Superior Galleries of Beverly Hills, California will conduct the official rare coin auction during the Santa Clara show. A children's treasure hunt will be conducted between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, November 18, and a gold coin door prize will be awarded each day of the four-day show.
Public hours are Thursday, November 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $6 (good for all four days); $3 for seniors (65 and up) and children 8 to 16; children 7 and under admitted free.
Free parking is available at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway.
For additional information, call (805) 962-9939 or, November 15 - 19, 2006, call (408) 748-7055. Online: www.SantaClaraExpo.com.