Stunning Kellogg & Humbert 48.70oz gold bar, $120K-$160K

The 187-lot Premier Coins Auction by Morphy Auctions (www.morphyauctions.com) on May 19 will mark a milestone with the largest offering ever of rare Mormon gold coins, plus a fresh-to-market single-consignor collection that includes high-grade Morgan Silver Dollars. All lots in the $3 million collection will be sold with no reserve.

The array of fabulous Morgan Silver Dollars includes many from the legendary frontier mint in Carson City, Nevada, which was located near the rich Comstock Lode.

A top entry within the Morgan lineup is 1893-CC Silver Dollar struck during the Carson City Mint’s final year of operation. The stellar 1893-CC Morgan $1 coin is PCGS-graded MS65. It is expected to sell in the vicinity of $60,000-$90,000.

Also from the Carson City Mint, an 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is PCGS-graded MS64 Gold River and is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.

An 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS-graded MS65+ “Capped Die” is CAC certified. This coveted Carson City coin, described as “Capped Die” because of a die anomaly that required it to be restruck, is exceptionally rare. It is estimated that only one-third of the total mintage of 1879-CC Morgan Dollars are of the Capped Die variety. Of those, only 19 examples have been graded in Mint State 65 condition. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000

The auction also contains several highly collectible Morgan Silver Dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint: 1893-S Morgan, PCGS-graded AU55, $35,000-$45,000; and an 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS-graded MS60, $30,000-$40,000.

The collection’s 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS-graded PR63+CAM (Proof Cameo) is CAC-certified and estimated at $40,000-$60,000. An 1896 Morgan PCGS-graded PR67+DCAM (Deep Cameo) carries a $30,000-$40,000 estimate.

The Cameo effect adds a gorgeous extra quality to gold coins, as well. A 1900 $20 gold coin, PF64 Ultra Cameo, has been assigned a $50,000-$70,000 estimate.

An exciting category that has generated widespread interest since the auction catalog first published online is Mormon gold coinage. Privately issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 1848 and 1860, all Mormon coins (approximately 4,000) were minted in Salt Lake City.

Fifteen Mormon gold coins will be auctioned, including an elusive 1850 Mormon $5 gold coin, NGC-graded AU55+ and embossed on its obverse side with the image of clasped hands in a handshake and encircled with G.S.L.C.P.G. (Great Salt Lake City Pure Gold) and the denomination FIVE DOLLARS. On verso, it is decorated with stars and other iconography, and encircled with Holiness To The Lord. Estimate: $40,000-$60,000

An 1860 Mormon $5 gold coin is PCGS-graded AU53. On its obverse side, it bears the date 1860 and a recumbent lion encircled by an inscription in the Deseret alphabet. On verso, it shows a spread-winged eagle, a beehive, and the phrase DESERET ASSAY OFFICE / PURE GOLD / 5D.' Estimate: $40,000-$60,000.

Another auction highlight, a 48.70oz Kellogg & Humbert Assayers gold bar, is embossed with the assayers' name, No. 491, 871 FINE, and the price $876.85. Estimate: $120,000-$160,000

The May 19 no-reserve Premier Coin Auction will be held at Morphy's Denver, Pennsylvania gallery, starting at 9AM ET. Preview by appointment only during regular business hours. Bid live in-gallery, absentee, by phone, or live online through Morphy Live. Contact: 877-968-8880, coins@morphyauctions.