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Legend and Morphy join up for Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions

blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,968 ✭✭✭✭✭
Is this the expected announcement?


Legend and Morphy join up for Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions
Date of Release: June 6, 2012

New joint venture launched under the banner of Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions

Sept. 27 auction premiere to be held at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery

DENVER, Pa. – Two of the country’s most influential and respected collectibles experts, auction house owner Dan Morphy and antique coin authority Laura Sperber, have joined forces to establish Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions. The new firm, which will produce a minimum of two rare coin auctions per year, represents a powerful merger of numismatic knowledge and auction-management experience.

Morphy is the dynamic CEO and owner of Morphy Auctions in Denver, Pa., while Sperber is a renowned US coin expert and founding owner of Legend Numismatics Inc. The third key player behind the new operation is Julie Abrams, who co-founded the groundbreaking digitized coin-auction company Teletrade in 1986, long before Internet auctions existed. Abrams will serve as president of Legend-Morphy, overseeing all executive matters and day-to-day operations.

Morphy said the new company will take an innovative approach to numismatic sales. “As I see it, the coin auction world has always been about business and numbers. What it has lacked is personalized service at both ends of a transaction – for the customer who is buying just as much as for the consignor who is selling. Morphy-Legend will certainly be run like a world-class rare coin business with Laura and Julie involved. They’re consummate professionals, both in their business acumen and knowledge of coins. But the three of us are also committed to injecting excitement and passion into the process of buying and selling fine coins. Morphy’s has an enthusiastic support team on board to help us make that vision a reality,” Morphy said.


Legend-Morphy’s auctions will be conducted live at Morphy’s southeastern Pennsylvania gallery and other venues, with some of the auction dates and locations chosen specifically to coincide with major coin shows. All forms of bidding will be available at the company’s sales, including absentee, phone and live via the Internet. Morphy’s staff will handle pre- and post-event duties, catalog production and shipping.

“I think collectors will react very enthusiastically to our new venture because we’re a fresh enterprise that’s approaching the auction business from a collector’s point of view,” said Sperber, who operates at the highest echelons of the numismatic hobby. Over the years, Sperber’s New Jersey-based Legend Numismatics has owned some of the rarest US coins in existence and has brokered a number of monumental private-treaty deals, including the $36 million private sale of a single intact collection.


Sperber said the concept behind Legend-Morphy has been brewing for several years. “Dan has had a long involvement with coins. He started collecting them as a boy, and by
the time he was 12, he was already actively buying and selling coins and other types of antiques and collectibles. He and I collaborated on a few coin sales in the past, and they were very successful, but we knew that in order for our collaboration to be a long-term venture, we needed additional staff and more gallery space,” Sperber said. “Morphy’s has since doubled both its gallery size and staff, and has built a phenomenal customer base of more than 350,000 collectors worldwide. With those points checked off our list, Dan and I felt there was only one item of unfinished business to attend to – signing on Julie Abrams, the person whose Internet coin-trading experience and executive abilities would ensure our success.”


Abrams described the joint venture between Morphy and Sperber as “a meeting of the minds…on one hand you have one of the country’s top auction houses wanting to start a coin division, and on the other hand, the top coin dealer wanting to start an auction division. It’s two fabulous companies joining forces at the right time, and I’m incredibly excited that they asked me to spearhead the venture for them.”

In addition to working with Sperber and Morphy on consignments, publicity and marketing, Abrams will be representing Legend-Morphy at all major coin shows and conventions. Like Sperber, Abrams is impressively credentialed and is a member of the ANA and other prestigious numismatic organizations.

Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions will launch its new operation with a Sept. 27 sale at Morphy’s gallery. Already, several stellar coins have been confirmed for consignment to the event. A preview selection will be on display Aug. 7-11 at the ANA Convention in Philadelphia, and at several other coin shows.

The company’s website, www.legendmorphy.com, is expected to go live in late June. To inquire about consigning, call 717-335-3435 or e-mail juliea@legendmorphy.com. Or stop by our table 555 at the upcoming Baltimore Show.


Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t207595/#ixzz1x1uzL5zm
http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook

Comments

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    MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,613 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Didn't they do this once before?

    I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu.
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    messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,747 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Didn't they do this once before?

    I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu. >>


    OK, so it isn't just me.
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    123cents123cents Posts: 7,178 ✭✭✭
    They had a joint venture before. This must be the second time around.
    image
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    blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,968 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Didn't they do this once before?

    I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu. >>


    OK, so it isn't just me. >>



    Or me. I had to double check the date ( and year) in case this was just the old announcement. I saw this on another board, not mention on the Legend site yet.

    At least is it not another new show being announced.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
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    CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,652 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lemme see if I understand this - there are too many coin shows, but not enough coin auctions. Is that the deal?
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    djmdjm Posts: 1,565 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I can just imagine what the fee's will be for these auctions. Probablly twice what everone else charges.
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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,626 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>They had a joint venture before. This must be the second time around. >>



    The first one expired just a shade over 4 years ago. I still have the one coin I purchased from them, a 1900-S PCGS ms64 CAC Morgan.
    theknowitalltroll;
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    BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,790 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was thinking the same as some...that this feels like "deja vu"....
    Wonder if only CAC'ed coins will be allowed.... image

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

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    CoinJunkieCoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Competition is good, but a new player is going to have to offer a substantial value proposition to overtake the
    established houses. I see some generalities in the press release, but no concrete statements as to what that
    value proposition might be. If they can in fact pull it off, more power to them.
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    LoveMyLibertyLoveMyLiberty Posts: 1,784 ✭✭✭
    Old thread announcing auction


    TDN where are you?
    My Type Set

    R.I.P. Bear image
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    etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,852 ✭✭✭
    I still own 2 Morgans from the first go around of Legend-Morphy.

    Looking forward to the new auctions.


    Mike
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    SoCalBigMarkSoCalBigMark Posts: 2,845 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I wish them the best.
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    mingotmingot Posts: 1,807 ✭✭✭
    One side of me is happy for another venue to look for nice coins. The other side is not because it's YET ANOTHER place I have to go to try to ferret out nice coins.

    Anyone else feel this (these) way(s)?

    image
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    CalebCaleb Posts: 739
    If they under cut the buyer's and seller's fees that the other auction firms charge, it could be a good venture.
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    BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,790 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Didn't they do this once before?

    I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu. >>


    OK, so it isn't just me. >>



    Or me. I had to double check the date ( and year) in case this was just the old announcement. I saw this on another board, not mention on the Legend site yet.

    At least is it not another new show being announced. >>



    I just got the email from them, so it is announced by Legend as well.

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

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    messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,747 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>If they under cut the buyer's and seller's fees that the other auction firms charge, it could be a good venture. >>


    Only if they can get the same material (quality and selection) and sustain the business so that it becomes an issue the big boys have to contend with.
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    StaircoinsStaircoins Posts: 2,590 ✭✭✭✭
    You guys have it all wrong. Totally wrong.

    Last time it was "Morphy/Legend Coin Auctions" with a website of www.mlcoinauctions.com.
    This time it is "Legend-Morphy Rare Coin Auctions" with a website of www.legendmorphy.com.

    See there, completely different. Not the same thing at all.





    image
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    RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,621 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I thought this was an old thread until I looked at the date. image

    In the words that may or may not have been spoken by Yogi Berra, "It sounds like deja vu all over again." image

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

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    OnedollarnohollarOnedollarnohollar Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭
    Great! Another auction house I can't afford to buy anything from. Like standing outside of a bakery looking throught the window at all of the treats as a kid without a nickel to my name.

    (a nickel was alot back then). Guess I'll keep roll searching.....image
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    MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Didn't they do this once before?

    I have a distinct feeling of déjà vu. >>


    OK, so it isn't just me. >>



    Or me. I had to double check the date ( and year) in case this was just the old announcement. I saw this on another board, not mention on the Legend site yet.

    At least is it not another new show being announced. >>




    ... or me... I also had to check the date as well...
    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
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    WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    I got the notice this morning and at first I thought this was recycled news as well.

    More competition in the auction business is a good thing. Effectively this industry is down to to large companies with a few other smaller ones sprinkled around.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
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    seateddimeseateddime Posts: 6,180 ✭✭✭
    With buyer premiums going up and a lack of nice coins for sale maybe the timing is just right.

    I scored a few nice coins once before. I hope to again.
    I seldom check PM's but do check emails often jason@seated.org

    Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.

    Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,537 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It'll be interesting to see how long this venture lasts.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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    BillJonesBillJones Posts: 35,810 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Legend tired this a few years ago and found out that the auction is not nearly as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of effort to build a list of strong clients on BOTH the bidder and consignor sides of the equation.

    They might find an opening if they keep their buyers’ fee at 15%. I’m not happy at all that Stacks and Heritage have raised their fees to 17.5%. As buyer it’s going to raise prices since some people seem to ignore the buyers’ fee they are bidding. As seller it will definitely mean lower net returns, because a most buyers DO lower their bids because of the buyers’ fee. Either way, it stinks when the leading auction houses get together to raise their fees. And don’t tell me they didn’t know that the other one was going to do it when they did it within couple of months of each other.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
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    keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    According to the 2008 thread...it seems this will be the 3rd attempt at the auction realm. Maybe the 3rd time will be the charm.

    Was it not just last month or so that she said Legend was going back to eBay...so is this instead of that?...or in addition to that?

    I think more venues for coin sales is a good thing for the collector so I certainly wish them luck. I hope the photos are good and I certainly would not mind Cherrypicking a few things from them....like I have been able to do with the other auction houses. image
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner. :smile:
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    baddspellarbaddspellar Posts: 270 ✭✭✭
    I bought my St Gaudens double eagle from them last go around.
    It was an MS63 and I got it at a good price.
    I was really happy with how it worked out
    Sorry for the crappy pics. I'm not very good at taking them yet
    image
    image
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    BillJonesBillJones Posts: 35,810 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>It was an MS63 and I got it at a good price. >>



    That was the problem the last time around. There are too many "good prices" in their auctions. Buyers might not appreciate this, but auctions are a two way street. If you get lousy prices for your coins at auction, the buyers might be happy, but the consignors will have the blues. Auction houses that get poor results don't last long.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
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    raysrays Posts: 2,424 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I bought only one coin in their last auction venue, this very nice 1799/8 1c PCGS VG10 CAC, pop. 5, total of 47 graded at PCGS (AU58 finest). I paid a fair price, less than the PCGS price guide at the time.

    image
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    << <i>Lemme see if I understand this - there are too many coin shows, but not enough coin auctions. Is that the deal? >>






    YES!!! Diffrent age now. Too ez to sit in the comforts of your home in your drawers, save gas, bad attitudes & lack of material.


    Auction houses are sadly takin over
    Singapore & Hong Kong March/April
    Hong kong/Long Beach JUNE Table #838
    MACAU
    emgworldwide@gmail.com
    Cell: 512.808.3197
    EMERGING MARKET GROUP
    PCGS, NGC, CCE & NCS, CGC, PSA, Auth. Dealer
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    ajmanajman Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    To me it's just another venue to search for coins from. I wish them the best of luck and hopefully they'll have something I'll be interested in.
    Beer is Proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy -Benjamin Franklin-

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