PHILADELPHIA, PA.- In 1792, President George Washington appointed scientist David Rittenhouse to launch the first US Mint in the nation’s then-capital, Philadelphia. It is said that Washington, who lived only a few blocks from the Mint, even donated some of his own personal silver to help launch the fledgling monetary system. Thus began the tradition of gold and silver coinage in the City of Brotherly Love, and ever since then, many generations of Philadelphians have regarded precious metals as an essential part of any investment portfolio or estate holding. When it’s time to sell, owners of gold, silver and paper currency frequently turn to the experts at Stephenson’s Auctioneers, which has an international following among numismatists and investors.

Stephenson’s next Gold & Silver Coin Auction will be held at the company’s Southampton gallery on Friday, August 21st, starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time. All additional forms of bidding will be available, including phone, absentee or live via the Internet.

The 220-lot auction consists of four collections, two of which were sourced from estates. All four consignments are from Philadelphia or upscale suburbs in Montgomery and Bucks County.

Among the top lots is a 1973 Franklin Mint Centennial Car sterling silver ingot collection. In all, there are 100 ingots, each weighing 1000 grains and featuring the image of a different type of car. Presented in a handsome case with slide-out trays, the set is estimated at $3,500-$4,500.

A wealth of silver US coinage will be offered in group-lots. The large representation of silver dollars includes both Morgan and uncirculated Peace varieties. Additionally, there are rolls of Mercury-head dimes, and silver rounds.

A 1984 gold proof US Olympics coin set consists of a US $10 gold coin with two silver dollars. It is expected to make $600-$700.

Collectors will find many ways to “strike gold” at auction. Highlights include a 1922-B gold Swiss franc, estimate $200-$400; an 1857 French 20-franc gold coin, $200-$300; a 1976 Canadian Olympics $100 gold coin proof, $500-$700; and a 1911 gold Indian head quarter eagle, $300-$400.

The gold selection continues with a 1998 proof 1/10-oz American Eagle coin US Mint-marked “W,” and a 2007 proof 1/10-oz American Eagle coin. They are individually estimated at $130-$160. There are two prized US $10 gold eagle coins, as well – one from 1999 and the other from 2000. Each is cataloged with a $400-$500 estimate. Rounding out the category are US Mint bags of various types of uncirculated coinage, and US Mint sets.

An interesting array of American paper currency will cross the auction block. Top lots include an 1899 black eagle $1 silver certificate, $1 silver certificates from 1891 and 1923; plus an 1855 [Charleston] South Carolina State Bank $5 note and an 1864 Richmond, Virginia Confederate $10 note.

Stephenson’s has added Internet live bidding to many of their specialty sales as a convenience to customers. “We tried it out with our last coin auction and it worked very well for us, so we’re going to continue to offer that option,” said Cindy Stephenson, owner of Stephenson’s Auctioneers.

Stephenson’s Friday, August 21, 2015 Gold & Silver Coin Auction will commence at 11 a.m. Eastern time. The pre-auction inspection will be held immediately prior to the auction, from 9-11 a.m. The gallery is located at 1005 Industrial Blvd., Southampton, PA 18966.

View the fully illustrated online catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.liveauctioneers.com, www.invaluable.com or www.auctionzip.com.

For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Tom Wakeley at Stephenson’s Auctioneers: 215-322-6182, or e-mail info@stephensonsauction.com.