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King of Siam set returns to Vegas

Numismatic News
Monday, September 18, 2006

Las Vegas will see the return of the King of Siam proof set Oct. 27-29 at the second annual Las Vegas Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show sponsored by the American Numismatic Association.

More than 100 dealers will have tables at the show, and Bowers and Merena of Irvine, Calif., will conduct a public auction.   It will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Riviera Hotel and Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nev.

The King of Siam proof set was last seen in Las Vegas seven years ago when it was displayed at the grand opening of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in 1999.   The world’s most famous coin set was originally presented as a diplomatic gift on behalf of President Andrew Jackson to the King of Siam (now Thailand) in 1836.

The set was purchased last year for $8.5 million by Steven L. Contursi, president of Rare Coin Wholesalers of Dana Point, Calif., who will display it at the Las Vegas show.   Among the 11 gold, silver and copper 19th century U.S. coins in the set is one of the 15 known 1804-dated U.S. Draped Bust silver dollars.

The ANA School of Numismatics will offer three separate, two-day seminars for collectors and dealers immediately prior to the show Oct. 25-26, said Lane Brunner, Ph.D., ANA’s director of numismatic outreach.   The fee for each class is $445, and a $100 discount is available for ANA members.

“Introduction to Counterfeit Detection of United States Gold Coins, ” “Fundamentals of Grading United States Coins” and “Introduction to Collecting United States Paper Money” are the three courses.

For additional information and to enroll, contact the ANA Numismatic Outreach Department at (800) 367-9723 extension 126, or at seminars@money.org.

The show is held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show® and Steel Classics®.   Admission is free to ANA members with proper identification.   Admission for non-ANA member is $15 per day or $35 for a thee-day pass.   A $5 discount coupon is available online at www.LasVegasCollectibles.com.   Children ages 11 and under will be admitted free.

The show opens all three days at 9 a.m., and closes at 5 p.m., except on the final day, which will close at 3 p.m.

For additional information about the show, contact Ann Phan at (866) 362-6642, or Ann@LasVegas Collectibles.com.