Internationally recognized antiques dealer M.S. Rau is pleased to announce its expansion into a fascinating product category: numismatics, which includes rare gold coins, silver dollars, ingot and federal notes.

The New Orleans-based gallery's numismatic collection will focus on the most elusive and prestigious coins and banknotes known, including the rarest Early Date specie, ancient gold pieces and shipwreck ingots. Among the initial offerings are such scarcities as an 1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella (Proof), as well as a one-of-a-kind collection of six gold coins from the S.S. Central America Shipwreck.

"Rare currency was a natural addition to our current offerings," said owner Bill Rau, a third-generation antiques dealer and leader in the industry. "Our clients have come to expect one-of-a-kind, historic luxury items from us, and numismatics tick all of those boxes."

Rau conducted an exhaustive search to find the most highly qualified expert in the field to ensure that the numismatic pieces M.S. Rau offers have the same level of quality and rarity expected in all its acquisitions.

Bruce Smith, an internationally recognized expert in the field, has been appointed the Director of M.S. Rau's new Numismatics division and will play an integral role in sourcing treasures from around the globe.

During his 25-year career in the industry, Smith has had the honor of negotiating some of the most noted specie in the history of the market, including many of the Top 100 coins. A published author in the category, Smith has hosted radio, podcast and speaking forums, and has appeared on various national news platforms for his work.

ABOUT WILLIAM RAU AND M.S. RAU

Considered one of the world's foremost experts on 18th- and 19th-century antiques and fine art, William Rau is President, CEO and third-generation owner of M.S. Rau of New Orleans, Louisiana. Over 105 years old, M.S. Rau is one of the largest premier fine arts and antique galleries in the world. William Rau's extensive knowledge of the international art and antiques market has allowed him to help clients cultivate museum-quality collections.

ABOUT BRUCE SMITH

Bruce has been involved with rare world-class objects for more than 25 years. A specialist in Numismatics, he has negotiated some of the most noted specie in the history of the market, including many of the Top 100 coins. Having a broad knowledge across many categories, he has placed important art, sculpture, memorabilia, watches and books, among other world-class rarities. Aside from his degrees in theology, he has a wide interest in studies ranging from English literature to politics, finance and leadership. A published author, he has hosted radio, podcast and speaking forums and has appeared on various national news platforms for his work. A father of eight, when not placing rare objects, he is typically on a motorcycle or a tennis court. His passion for rare things is evident and flows from his awareness that collections are about the fundamental appreciation of the human story.

Direction of Large portfolios//gold and related assets, high value rarities, research and analysis. Managing some of the most extensive and compelling portfolios in numismatics, he applies a research based and relationship driven approach to portfolio direction.For nearly 20 years he has specialized in coins of significant historical importance and high value, placing, amongst others, the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, for over $3 million USD. Current projects include a book focused on the Art and Science of Investing in Rarities and Collectible Assets.

To see the firm's numismatic offerings:
https://rauantiques.com/collections/numismatics-collection