Updated Thursday, March 12th, 2010, 3:15 P.M.

The following are my “TOP PICKS” for today…and they may not be available much longer than that. I believe these coins meet the highest standards for rarity, popularity and historical significance…AND…also have above-average potential for significant price appreciation in the months and years ahead. I encourage you to act quickly as these coins are offered on a strict “first-come, first-served” basis. So contact a Monaco Rare Coins Account Representative now to inquire about current availability and to lock in your order.

Top Pick #1:

Monaco is proud to announce the offering of an important piece of Early Americana…

1796/5 Capped Bust to Right, Small Eagle $5 Gold Half Eagle>
A "Condition Census" certified rarity graded NGC MS64PL
Offered at: $400,000

Half Eagles made their appearance in 1795. The delay of gold coins being minted in the early years of our young nation is largely attributed to the lack of gold bullion being deposited at the Mint. One of the more interesting numismatic aspects of these early coins is that the dies were hand-made, and as a result, numerous varieties exist today and are highly collected by date and variety. The over-date offered here is a representation of that fact. The 1796/5 is significantly rarer than the 1795 and is considered underrated by many top numismatic scholars and early gold specialists. Both the obverse and reverse dies used in striking these early American rarities were leftovers from 1795. The reason for the over-date is due to the "6" being punched over the "5." Uncirculated examples are extremely rare with only 21 coins graded MS60 or better by PCGS or NGC, and there are most certainly multiple submissions which are duplicated. A more realistic estimate of mint-state coins would be 10-12 coins. Only 31 appearances for the date have been seen in all grades since 1990 with the average grade being in the AU50-53 range.

The finest-known is a lone MS65 certified by NGC and no records of sale exist for this specimen. However, the Numismedia price guide lists the MS65 grade for $606,250. Although there are NO proof-like coins of record which have sold publicly, only two are graded as such by PCGS or NGC of which the finest is offered here. Auction records available for choice examples show only two, a MS63 and a MS64, and they are as follows:

March 2006 / ANR Lot #1554 / MS63 / $207,000

June 2008 / Stack's Lot #2055 / MS64 / $316,250

The specimen offered here is an absolutely beautiful NGC-certified MS64PL (Proof-Like) example with eye-popping devices exhibited over highly reflective fields. A beautiful russet color adorns the fields giving it an antique "rosie" reflection. Simply put, this is what an old gold coin should look like. Another important note is that this is the only coin graded by either PCGS or NGC which has been given a proof-like designation. It truly is a special coin.

Although there is a MS65 in some collection somewhere, that coin would be hard-pressed to have any better appeal than this MS64PL. Don't miss this opportunity to own an important and beautiful piece of Early Americana.

Top Pick #2:

The 1915-S Panama-Pacific

$50 Round
PCGS MS65 "CAC"
Offered at: $175,000

The 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 gold coins were designed to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. Their hefty size of almost 2.5 ounces of gold, these beautiful coins, also known as “slugs,” are very popular with both collectors and investors. They were made in both "round" and "octagonal" shapes and although a little over 1,500 of each were made, many were melted making them very scarce today. The round had a surviving mintage of only 483 pieces and a net distribution of the octagonal was 645. Today the round trades at a slight premium, especially in higher grades. The coin offered is simply spectacular, grading MS65 by PCGS, and is the nicest I have ever owned. The next custodian of this beautiful specimen will be delighted at the perfectly preserved surfaces and complete strike. The widely used CU3000 price guide published by PCGS has the coin currently listed at $180,000.

Top Pick #3:

Lowest Price Guaranteed on 2010 “Early Release” American Eagles!

They have arrived! Monaco Rare Coins has acquired a small cache of the world's most beautiful and popular 1-ounce gold coins: the one-ounce gold American Eagle, certified MS70 "Early Release" by NGC. With less than 5,000 coins in gem perfect MS70 condition, and the current bull market in gold with gold prices under extreme pressure to go higher, you need to act fast to acquire your position of these very popular modern gold coins.

Monaco will meet or beat any advertised price for NGC-certified MS70 or MS69 designated "Early Release" American Eagles . . . GUARANTEED! Call today and secure your share of the limited-time availability release of a true American Gold Classic!

Top Pick #4:

The King of Territorial Gold Coins

The giant gold 2.5 ounce 1855 Kellogg Proof $50 gold piece has long been one of the most valuable pieces of the California Gold Rush period . . . as indicated by it being called the "King of Territorials" and auction records exceeding $750,000!

Thanks to the discovery of the SS Central America it is now possible to acquire an authentic piece of the California Gold Rush period. The large and beautiful $50 Kellogg Ship of Gold Commemorative is one of the most beautiful and affordable coins in the market. They were struck with gold that was assayed by the office of Kellogg & Humbert in the 1850s and sank with the SS Central America in 1857.

The coins available today are listed in the Guide Book to United States Coins (Redbook) as commemorative restrikes. They were struck from August 20, 2001 through September 12, 2001, which was the 144th anniversary of the date that the gold was on the high seas on its way to New York . . . but sadly, the S.S. Central America sank on September 12, 1857, never reaching its final destination.

A lot of our customers get started with us by purchasing one of these coins and when they get them . . . THEY LOVE THEM! Believe me when I tell you . . . THEY ARE IMPRESSIVE!!!

The original issue of these coins has been sold out for some time and most of them sold for as much as $5,000 each. Monaco recently purchased a small cache of these coins and are now offering them for only $3,950.

With the recent Ten Year Anniversary Special Edition of Coin World magazine commemorating the treasure coming to market, and the $20,000,000 treasure display at this week's Long Beach Coin Expo, these coins will not last long. Don't hesitate . . . call Monaco Rare Coins now before this small supply is gone!

See details of the exhibit incredible Ship of Gold

Top Pick #5:

1884 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar - Below Wholesale! Plus - a FREE Special Offer

One of the hottest areas of the rare coin market is Morgan Silver Dollars. With precious metals in the news every day, and gold recently setting new highs and silver threatening to take out all-time highs, it is with little surprise these highly desirable and relatively inexpensive Wild West Americana rarities have had a boost in demand. That added demand is causing prices to move higher. To celebrate the release of my new book, Carson City Morgan Dollars Featuring the Coins of the GSA Hoard, I am offering a small group of beautiful, brilliant uncirculated 1884-CC Morgan dollars in their original government GSA holders at below wholesale ... and with them I will send you a copy of my new book absolutely FREE.

I am so convinced you will see the value of owning and collecting a set of these wonderful rarities that you will want to continue building a world-class set of Carson City Morgan Dollars. That's right, call today and purchase one of these 1884-CC Morgans for only $189 (limit one per household, plus $15 shipping) and I will send you a copy of my new book FREE.