It abounds with major rarities. For instance, it will include a proof 1894-S Barber dime, one of only 24 listed in Mint records, which figures to fetch more than $50,000. It also will feature a number of extremely rare half eagles, or $5 gold pieces, among them choice uncirculated examples of the 1815 and 1819 and proofs of the 1820, 1821 and 1829. According to Mr. Bowers, the 1829 half eagle is one of only three known proof specimens and the only one in private hands. There also will be an example of the rare proof 1875 $3 gold piece.

The upcoming auction will showcase half cents, small cents, two-cent pieces, three-cent pieces, half dimes, dimes, twenty-cent pieces and $3, $4 and $5 gold pieces. It also will include important offerings of Colonial coins, as will each of the two subsequent auctions. The Norweb Collection is rich in Colonial rarities, including many pieces regarded as the finest-known examples.

One of the rarest and most valuable coins in the sale is a gem uncirculated 1861 Paquet double eagle (or $20 gold piece) from the Philadelphia Mint. This is one of only two known examples of this fascinating coin which bears a reverse designed by A.C. Paquet. It also is the only surviving example in mint condition, the other piece is extremely fine.