AUCTION QUESTIONS
• How do I consign my items to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction?
Consigning to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction is easy and stress free! Simply click here to use our online consignment form, or call 800-458-4646 (West Coast) or 800-566-2580 (East Coast) to speak to one of our consignment directors.
• How should I pack and ship my items?
Your coins and currency can be shipped with complete confidence through the postal service by registered, insured mail. This is the safest way to transport your valuable coin or currency collection.
Before shipping your items, please contact a consignment director at 800-458-4646 (West Coast) or 800-566-2580 (East Coast) for a consignor package. In it, you will find materials that will assist you in shipping your collection, and will include consignment listings, contracts, and other materials. When packing your coins or currency, please make sure you pack them securely inside a box with enough packing material so that the items are not loose. Before you seal the box, shake it to ensure contents do not rattle; if they do, please add more packing material. Also, make sure to include a filled out consignment listing that contains the contents inside the package, as well as a signed contract. Place the box inside of another box so that it is completely enclosed. Be sure to use enough packing material so the box is secure and does not have room to move. Please note: The USPS requires you to cover all the seams of the box being shipped with tape prior to shipping.
Address the package and attach the proper labels from the post office onto the box. Please do not indicate the contents of the package outside of the box. The post office will provide you with forms for their Registered Mail service and you should purchase insurance to cover the value of the shipment.
Any package can be insured up to a maximum amount of $25,000 per parcel through the USPS. If you wish to send packages in excess of this limit, you will need to send an inventory of your collection and contact a member of our customer service team to arrange for additional insurance coverage, at our expense, through our Lloyd’s of London policy.
Please make sure you obtain a stamped receipt from the post office attendant who assisted you in shipping your order. The receipt should state what post office station you used to ship your package and when the post office accepted your package. Please keep a copy of this for your records, as this information is essential in the rare occurrence that something happens to your package. In the case of a very large or valuable collection, arrangements can be made either through Brink’s or a similar armed transportation service or with one of our representatives to pick up coins or currency directly from your home or bank and transport them to our vaults.
Please remember to contact a consignment director before shipping your collection. And if you have any additional questions regarding the shipment of your items, please do not hesitate to call us. We are more than happy to help clarify any inquires you may have or help you schedule any special arrangements needed for your collection.
• How soon will I receive a payment if I consigned my items to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction?
Consignors are paid 45 days after the last day of an auction.
• How can I bid in a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction?
In person: Bidding in person during one of our live auctions is easy and fun! Simply visit the lot viewing room at our live Showcase Auctions and complete a quick, in-person registration form to secure a bid paddle. To view our upcoming auction schedule, please click here.
By telephone: If you cannot attend the auction in person, you are welcome to make arrangements to bid via telephone with a Stack’s Bowers Galleries agent. Call us at 800-458-4646 or stop by the auction room to make arrangements prior to the start of the live auction.
By postal mail: Simply complete a bid sheet, sign it and mail it to Stack’s Bowers Galleries, 1063 McGaw Avenue Ste 100, Irvine, CA 92614. If your bid is the high bid on any lot, we will act as your representative at the auction and buy the lot.
By absentee ballot via email: Bidders who cannot attend the live auction are welcome to send their bid sheet via email at [email protected].
By fax: Complete your bid sheet and fax it to 949-253-4091.
Online
Pre-sale online bidding: You can bid online before the live auction even begins! Visit StacksBowers.com and login to your account. Click on the Browse Auctions tab to find the auction you are interested in. From there, you can browse lots and place your bids accordingly. Pre-sale online bidding is available approximately three weeks before our live Showcase Auctions take place.
Live online bidding: Our iBid LIVE feature allows users to bid from anywhere in the world, in real time, during our live Showcase Auctions. Live audio and video feeds connect you directly to the auction room and allows you to watch the sale as if you were in the room! iBid LIVE also notifies you before each lot you’re interested in becomes available for auction. To use the iBid LIVE function:
• Login to your StacksBowers.com account. Click the Browse Auction tab, then select the auction you wish to bid in.
• Once the iBid LIVE auction page loads, scroll down to the Preview Area. Click the Watch box next to all of the lots you may want to bid on during the ongoing Showcase Auction session.
• When the items you have check on your Watchlist are five lots away from being auctioned, a pop-up notice with sound will appear on your screen, notifying you that bidding will begin shortly. Then, simply click the Dismiss button on the pop-up notice and place your bid! Please note: Be sure to check your computer settings and make sure the volume is high enough so you can hear the alert.
• How do I register to bid?
In person: New and existing clients are required to register at our Showcase Auction lot viewing room prior to receiving a floor bidder paddle.
Online: Login to your StacksBowers.com account. Click the Browse Auction tab, then select the auction you wish to bid in. If you are a new client, simply visit StacksBowers.com, click the Register button located at the top right corner of the page, and set up your account. Once your account is activated, you will receive an email prompting you verify your registration. Once your account is verified, you can begin bidding online! Please note: We recommend that new clients register online at least three days prior to an auction sale.
• What is my bid limit?
All new customers are automatically given a bid limit of $15,000. Please note: This is not a credit limit, and refers to the limit up to which you can place bids in a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction. All orders must be paid in full before shipping, unless you have made prior arrangements with a Stack’s Bowers Galleries representative. If you wish to raise your bid limit, please contact us at 800-458-4646 or at [email protected].
• How can I apply for credit?
If you wish to apply for credit, please contact Andrew Glassman at 800-458-4646.
• What does Maximum Bid mean?
The term Maximum Bid refers to the maximum amount you are willing to bid on a lot. When you enter Maximum Bid, you give Stack’s Bowers Galleries permission to bid on your behalf up to and including the Maximum Bid amount that you have set. The Maximum Bid system will only raise the bid in minimum increments in response to a competing bid, so you are sure to get the lot for the lowest possible price. This allows you to remain active on an item in the auction without the need for multiple online transactions.
For example, say the item you want is currently $50 and you have a Maximum Bid set to $65. The system will bump your bid from $50 to the next increment of $55, and protect your bid up to $65. If a competing bid exceeds your Maximum Bid amount, you will be sent an outbid notice via email or text message. You can then choose to go back and place a new bid, or allow the Maximum Bid to expire without further notice. Please remember to set your preferences on whether you want your outbid notice to be sent to you via email, text message or both under My Account.
• Can I increase my Maximum Bid?
Yes! You can raise your Maximum Bid at any time by logging into your account and going to the My Bidding tab. Then, locate the lot number you want to increase your Maximum Bid on. Place your new bid into the Maximum Bid box and click Submit. The screen will refresh and show that your Maximum Bid has been increased.
• What are Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ bid increments?
Bidding increments in our Showcase Live Auctions follows this table. Please note: This example is calculated without regard to the current bid. If an item has a current bid of $275, then the next bid will be $280, then $290, $300, $320, $340, etc. If you have any questions, please call us at 800-458-4646 or email us at [email protected].
|
Bid |
Increment |
|
$0.00 - |
$99.99 |
$5.00 |
|
$100.00 |
$199.99 |
$10.00 |
|
$200.00 |
$299.99 |
$20.00 |
|
$300.00 |
$499.99 |
$25.00 |
|
$500.00 |
$999.99 |
$50.00 |
|
$1,000.00 |
$1,999.99 |
$100.00 |
|
$2,000.00 |
$2,999.99 |
$200.00 |
|
$3,000.00 |
$4,999.99 |
$250.00 |
|
$5,000.00 |
$9,999.99 |
$500.00 |
|
$10,000.00 |
$19,999.99 |
$1,000.00 |
|
$20,000.00 |
$29,999.99 |
$2,000.00 |
|
$30,000.00 |
$49,999.99 |
$2,500.00 |
|
$50,000.00 |
$99,999.99 |
$5,000.00 |
|
$100,000.00 |
$199,999.99 |
$10,000.00 |
|
$200,000.00 |
$299,999.99 |
$20,000.00 |
|
$300,000.00 |
$499,999.99 |
$25,000.00 |
|
$500,000.00 |
$999,999.99 |
$50,000.00 |
|
$1,000,000.00 |
$1,999,999.99 |
$100,000.00 |
|
$2,000,000.00 |
$2,999,999.99 |
$200,000.00 |
|
$3,000,000.00 |
$4,999,999.99 |
$250,000.00 |
|
$5,000,000.00 |
$9,999,999.99 |
$500,000.00 |
|
$10,000,000.00 |
+ |
$1,000,000.00 |
Bidding increments for our iAuctions are as follows:
|
Bid |
Increment |
|
$0.00- |
$49.99 |
$2.00 |
|
$50.00 |
$199.99 |
$5.00 |
|
$200.00 |
$499.99 |
$10.00 |
|
$500.00 |
$999.99 |
$25.00 |
|
$1,000.00 |
$1,999.99 |
$50.00 |
|
$2,000.00 |
$4,999.99 |
$100.00 |
|
$5,000.00 |
$9,999.99 |
$200.00 |
|
$10,000.00 |
$19,999.99 |
$500.00 |
|
$20,000.00 |
$49,999.99 |
$1,000.00 |
|
$50,000.00 |
$99,999.99 |
$2,000.00 |
|
$100,000.00 |
$199,999.99 |
$5,000.00 |
|
$200,000.00 |
$499,999.99 |
$10,000.00 |
|
$500,000.00 |
$999,999.99 |
$20,000.00 |
|
$1,000,000.00 |
$1,999,999.99 |
$50,000.00 |
|
$2,000,000.00 |
$2,999,999.99 |
$100,000.00 |
|
$3,000,000.00 |
$4,999,999.99 |
$200,000.00 |
|
$5,000,000.00 |
$9,999,999.99 |
$250,000.00 |
|
$10,000,000.00 |
+ |
$500,000.00 |
On occasion, Internet bidders will place a bid between increments with the thought that they may be able to win an item for less than a full increment above another bidder. For example, a bidder interested in a lot featured in a weekly iAuction that he/she thinks is worth roughly $210 plus the buyer’s premium. The current bid on the item is $1, which always means that there is only one bidder on the item. This bidder has no way of knowing what the actual maximum bid on the item is, but he/she decides to place a bid of $211. This bid is performed deliberately to outbid someone that may have already bid $210. Once the bidder has placed this bid, he/she will see one of the following scenarios:
• If the prior bid of $209 or less, the new bid will become the high bid and the current bid will become the bidding increment above the previous bid.
• If the prior maximum bid was $210, the new bid will become the high bid and the current bid will become $211.
• If the prior maximum bid was between $211 and $219, the new bid will be immediately outbid, and the current bid will become the previous bidder’s high bid.
• If the prior maximum bid was $220 or more, the new bid will be immediately outbid, and the current bid will become $220.
Important Bidding Information:
All material shall be sold in separate lots to the highest bidder as determined by the auctioneer. For the mail and Internet bidder’s protection, no “unlimited” or “buy” bids will be accepted. When identical bids are received for a lot, preference is given to the first bid received as determined by the auctioneer. The next bid increment indicated determines the lowest bid that may be placed at the current time. Bids may be placed in whole dollar amounts only, equal to or greater than one increment over the current bid. Winning bids are calculated as the lesser of: 1) the maximum bid on the item, or 2) one increment above the second highest bid on the item. Winning bids may occur between increments, as low as $1 higher than the previous increment. The auction sale is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the hammer or in any other customary manner.
• Sometimes when I place my bid, I am outbid immediately. Why?
Being immediately outbid on an item means that another bidder has placed a Maximum Bid on the item, one that is higher than the bid you just placed. With a Maximum Bid, the other bidder has asked Stack’s Bowers Galleries to bid for them up to and including a specific amount when someone else raises the current bid on an item.
When you place a bid online, it serves as a “secret maximum bid” that is unknown to other bidders, and allows our system to use it as your secret bid to compete for you against other bidders in the auction, and raise your current bid to the minimum needed to win that lot, but no more than your secret Maximum Bid. The current bid on the lot will display the amount needed to win said lot, but may not reflect the actual secret maximum of the top bidder.
• I am the current high bidder on an item. How will I know if someone outbids me?
When you have been outbid on an item for which you used to hold the high bid, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will notify you via email or text message. The message will include the lot number and the current bid. The email will also include a link to the item, should you choose to bid again. You can also check on the status of all of your bids in current auctions by logging in to your account and clicking the My Bids tab. This area will display lot information, current bid status and your Maximum Bid. It will also inform you if you have been outbid. Please remember to set your preferences on whether you want your outbid notice to be sent to you via email, text message or both under My Account.
• Can I retract my bid once it is placed?
We do not allow bidders to retract their bids once placed. In the event of a “misbid” — for example, a bid placed for $10,000 instead of $1,000 — contact our customer service department as soon as you realize this error has occurred at 800-458-4646 or i[email protected].
• Can I submit multiple bids at once?
Yes. The Multi Bid feature allows you to quickly enter your bids page-by-page rather than lot-by-lot. Enter your bids for as many items as you would like by typing the dollar amounts into the boxes in the Submit Bid column. Then click the Submit All Bids button at the bottom of the page to finalize your bids. Once your bids have been processed, the screen will refresh and show the updated status on each lot. You can then go to the next page of lots to place more bids on additional items.
• What can I do to exceed my bid limit once I have met it?
If you have reached your bidding limit and would like to have it increased, please contact our customer service department at 800-458-4646 or [email protected].
• Do lots have reserved prices?
Some lots may have reserved prices. A reserved price is set by the seller (consignor) when their item is consigned to auction. When you are placing your bid in an auction and you have not met the reserved, you will be notified immediately, as a notification will pop up on your computer screen. All reserves will be revealed seven days prior to the first session.
• How will I know if I have won an item?
Upon winning an item, you will receive an email, including your order details and payment options. You can also keep track of your winning items by logging on to you Stack’s Bowers Galleries account. Once orders have been finalized after an auction, your auction invoice will appear in the My Orders section of your account (two days after the last session of the Showcase Auction has closed; immediately after the end of an iAuction). There, you will be able to view and print your invoice and make a payment.
• Do you have a “cut” or “split” bid policy?
Yes. Cutting or splitting a bid refers to a situation where the bidder chooses to bid half of the current increment. A bidder can only do this once per lot. If the bidder is subsequently outbid, he or she may rejoin the bidding, but can only do so in full increments until the lot is sold. We do not accept cut bids online or for floor bids under $500. Cut bids are not accepted in our iAuctions.
•When will my auction winnings be shipped?
You can expect your shipment within 10-14 days after payment is approved. Orders are shipped in order of payment received. Payments must be received before an order is shipped. All checks must clear before an order is shipped. Once your order is shipped, we will send you an email containing the order tracking information. For special shipping or delivery arrangements, please contact us at 800-458-4646 or [email protected].
•How will my auction winnings be shipped?
All winning lots will be shipped via the United States Postal Service. Please note: A delivery confirmation shipment will be required for all orders. Delivery methods depend on the value of the shipment (for insurance purposes). Please refer to the chart below to see how your winning lots will be shipped. Once your order has shipped, we will send you an email containing the order tracking information.
|
Total Value of Shipment |
Shipping Method |
|
$1–$299 |
First Class |
|
$300–$9,999 |
Priority |
|
$10,000–Up |
Express |
Chart applies to U.S. addresses only — items shipped to international addresses will be delivered via USPS Airmail.
If you would like your shipped delivered via FedEx or other national carrier and not by the USPS, please contact our customer service department at 800-458-4646 to request preferred method of shipment.
• How much do you charge for shipping and handling?
Within the United States: All orders are shipped via USPS. All orders will have the following postage, insurance and handling charges added to the purchase price:
|
Invoice Amount |
Postage & Insurance |
|
Up to $200 |
$7.00 |
|
$201–$300 |
$9.00 |
|
$301–$1,000 |
$11.00 |
|
$1,001–$2,000 |
$13.00 |
|
$2,001–$3,000 |
$17.00 |
|
$3,001–$5,000 |
$18.00 |
|
$5,001–$10,000 |
$23.00 |
|
$10,001–$25,000 |
$27.00 |
|
$25,001–$50,000 |
$42.00 |
|
$50,001–$75,000 |
$55.00 |
|
$75,001–$100,000 |
$70.00 |
|
$100,001–$250,000 |
$100.00 |
|
$250,001–$500,000 |
$175.00 |
|
$500,001–$750,000 |
$250.00 |
|
$750,001 and up |
$400.00 |
International (including Canada and Mexico): All international orders are shipped via USPS Airmail. All orders will have the following postage, insurance and handling charges added to the purchase price:
|
Invoice Amount |
Postage & Insurance |
|
Up to $500 |
$25.00 |
|
$501–$1,000 |
$35.00 |
|
$1,001–$3,000 |
$40.00 |
|
$3,001–$5,000 |
$50.00 |
|
$5,001–$7,000 |
$60.00 |
|
$7,001–$9,000 |
$70.00 |
|
$9,001–$11,000 |
$80.00 |
|
$11,001–$13,000 |
$90.00 |
|
$13,001–$15,000 |
$100.00 |
|
$15,001–$20,000 |
$125.00 |
|
$20,001–$25,000 |
$150.00 |
|
$25,001–$30,000 |
$175.00 |
|
$30,001–$35,000 |
$200.00 |
|
$35,001–$40,000 |
$225.00 |
|
$40,001–$45,000 |
$250.00 |
|
$45,001–$50,000 |
$275.00 |
|
$50,001–$75,000 |
$325.00 |
|
$75,001–$100,000 |
$400.00 |
|
$100,001–$250,000 |
$450.00 |
|
$250,001–$9,900,000,000
|
$500 |
Payment Options and Instructions
Please refer to the table and information below for auction wins/purchases:
|
Order Amount |
Payment Types Accepted |
Payment Due |
|
$0-$2,500 |
Credit Card, Check, Money Order, Bank Wire, PayPal |
14 days after auction |
|
$2,500+ |
Check, Money Order, Bank Wire |
14 days after auction |
Check: Please include the invoice number on your check and make sure the check is made payable to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Send payment to:
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
1063 McGaw Ste 100
Irvine, CA 92614 U.S.A
Customers without established credit who pay by check will be subject to a 10-business day clearing period before their material is shipped. Customers who require shipment prior to the 10-business day clearing period are welcome to call and facilitate a confirmation call with their banker. There will be a $25 handling charge for returned checks.
Money Order: Please include the invoice number on your money order and make sure it is made payable to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Send payment to:
Stack’s Bowers Galleries
1063 McGaw Ste 100
Irvine, CA 92614 U.S.A
Customers without established credit who pay by money order will be subject to a 10-business day clearing period before their material is shipped.
Bank wire: For wire amounts under $5,000, payment by bank wire must include a $30 processing fee. Please instruct your bank to wire transfer to:
Bank — HSBC Bank USA N.A.
Account — Stack’s-Bowers Numismatics, LLC
Account # — 000186236
Routing # — 021001088
International Swift Code # — MRMDUS33
Bank Address — 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 USA
For complete bank wire instructions, please click here.
Credit Card/PayPal: For orders that do not exceed $2,500, customers are welcome to pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal.
Online: Visit StacksBowers.com and login. Click the My Account link, then click the My Invoices tab to view and pay your invoice.
Phone: Contact our customer service department at 800-458-4646.
Payment Options for SBG Direct:
|
Order Amount |
Payment Types Accepted |
Deposit Due |
|
$0-$2,500 |
Credit Card and PayPal only |
Payment in full |
|
$2,500+ |
Check, Money Order, Bank Wire |
5% Non-refundable |
• What are your Terms of Sale?
You must agree to our Stack’s Bowers Galleries Terms and Conditions before bidding in any Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction. To read our Terms and Conditions, please click here.
• Will I need to pay sales tax on any items purchased in a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction?
Unless you have a valid resale certificate on file with Stack’s Bowers Galleries, purchases made in certain locations are subject to local state tax laws. Below are some guidelines for your reference:
|
State |
Coins and Bullion |
Currency |
|
Maryland |
Invoices under $1,000, including buyer’s premium, only |
Yes |
|
California |
Invoices under $1,500, including buyer’s premium, only |
Yes |
|
Illinois |
No |
No |
|
New York |
Yes |
Yes |
• What is Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Return Policy?
Except as otherwise expressly provided in our Terms of Sale, no purchase items may be returned for any reason. All prospective bidders who attend our Showcase Auctions, either personally or through an agent, should carefully examine all lots that they are interested in purchasing, as well as telephone bidders who bid via telephone either personally or through an agent. Prospective bidders also assume all responsibility for examining lots prior to sale, as well as any damage the bidder causes to the lot(s). Stack’s Bowers Galleries has sole discretion in determining the value of the damage caused, which shall be promptly paid by such bidder.
All bidders should make sure to bid on the correct lot, as Stack’s Bowers Galleries is not responsible for any errors in bidding. Once the hammer has fallen and the auctioneer has announced the buyer, the buyer is responsible for paying for the lot, even if the buyer has made a mistake. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
• I forgot my username and/or password. How do I retrieve it?
To retrieve your password, click the Login button on the top right corner of the StacksBowers.com homepage. Then click Retrieve Password. Your password will be sent to your email address on file.
If you forget your username, please contact our customer service department at 800-458-4646, Monday—Friday, 8 AM–5 PM (PST).
• How can I find information on upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctions?
Please click here to see our complete auction schedule.
• Can I attend an upcoming live Showcase Auction?
Yes! Admittance to our live Showcase Auctions is absolutely free, and you’re more than welcome to attend. Please see our upcoming auction schedule to see where we’ll be next.
• How can I get a catalog for an upcoming auction?
If you would like to order a catalog for one of our upcoming live Showcase Auctions, please call our customer service department at 800-458-4646. Catalogs shipped within the U.S. are $30; $35 for international shipping. Below you’ll find pricing for our annual subscriptions:
|
Catalogs |
Domestic Shipping |
International Shipping |
|
All Catalogs:
U.S. Coin, U.S. Currency, World Coin & Currency, and Hong Kong |
USD $600 |
USD $650 |
|
All U.S. Coin Catalogs |
USD $400 |
USD $450 |
|
All U.S. Currency Catalogs |
USD $150 |
USD $175 |
|
All World Coin & Currency |
USD $175 |
USD $200 |
|
All Hong Kong Catalogs |
USD $175 |
USD $200 |