Kagin's

MOFFAT & COMPANY Perhaps the Most Prolific Coiner of the California Gold Rush

anteater — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

MOFFAT & COMPANY

Perhaps the Most Prolific Coiner of the California Gold Rush

Established in late 1848, the firm of Moffat & Company sailed for San Francisco in February of 1849, arriving sometime during the summer. Before producing coins, the company issued gold ingots of a variety of sizes, each stamped with their fineness and cash value. With the addition of the services of engraver George Kuner, the company began issuing Eagles and Half Eagles. In 1850, the company’s reputation helped to secure Moffat & Company the contract to strike gold coins on behalf of the U.S. Assay office in San Francisco. At about this time, Moffat & Company stopped striking coins; however, in early 1852, the firm struck 8,650 $10 gold pieces to satisfy local demand for denominations under $50 – the lowest denomination that the Assay Office was authorized to issue at the time. When the Assay Office began issuing $10 and $20 coins in 1852, the name was retired, not to be seen on a coin again until 1853, when Joseph Curtis and Philo Perry, two of Moffat’s original partners, suspended operations at the Assay Office and began their own assaying firm, which issued $20 gold coins bearing the familiar name on Liberty’s tiara.

1850 $5 Moffat & Co. (Kagin-7b) PCGS XF451850 $5 Moffat & Co. (Kagin-7b) PCGS XF451850 $5 Moffat & Co. (Kagin-7b) PCGS XF45 – This specimen exhibits nearly full luster and attractive honey-gold coloration, and “Moffat & Co.” is completely legible on Liberty’s coronet. It is the equal of many coins that we have seen in AU55 and AU58 holders, perhaps being net-graded by PCGS for a small cut through the eagle and shield on the coin’s reverse – a great value………………………………$5,750.00 SOLD

1852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) NGC MS611852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) NGC MS611852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) NGC MS61 – An extraordinary coin with loads of luster and lovely, coppery toning. This world-class example is probably the finest business strike of the variety (which is also known as a Specimen Strike). A highly important coin, with tremendous eye-appeal for the issue…………………………………$82,750.00

1852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) PCGS VF30 1852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) PCGS VF30 1852 $10 Moffat & Co. Wide Date (Kagin-9) PCGS VF30 – An exceptionally sharp example for the assigned grade– this specimen shows virtually complete hair and feather detail, and even retains muted luster over most of its surfaces. Were it not for a shallow scrape through Liberty’s neck, we would expect to see this example in an AU holder……$13,500.00 SOLD

1853 $20 Moffat NGC AU551853 $20 Moffat NGC AU551853 $20 Moffat NGC AU55 – A lustrous example of this underrated issue of 1853. These rare coins were struck by Curtis & Perry – two of the former partners in Curtis, Perry & Ward, the company who oversaw the U.S. Assay Office after the dissolution of Moffat & Company in 1852……………….$17,250.00 SOLD

San Francisco Mint Gold

anteater — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:52:28 +0000

1858-S $5 No Motto NGC AU58 – A lustrous and attractive example of this challenging San Francisco issue that boasts attractive, honey-gold surfaces. This specimen is tied for second finest known along with a handful of other examples.…………………………………… …..$12,625.00 SOLD

1860-S $5 No Motto NGC AU581860-S $5 No Motto NGC AU581860-S $5 No Motto NGC AU58 – A virtually uncirculated example of this rare pre-Civil War Half Eagle. This example is devoid of any significant marks and has plenty of luster for the assigned grade. Tied for second finest known – Heritage has never auctioned an example of this date in a grade above AU55……………..$13,250.00 SOLD

1865-S $5 No Motto NGC AU55 1865-S $5 No Motto NGC AU55 1865-S $5 No Motto NGC AU55 – An original and appealing example of this popular Civil War Date $% – this specimen has plenty of luster and wonderful color. Perfect for a discerning collector……….$5,150.00

1866-S $5 Motto NGC AU551866-S $5 Motto NGC AU551866-S $5 Motto NGC AU55 – A lovely, honey gold example of this challenging variety. A search of auction results reveals that the “With Motto” variety is offered much less frequently than the 1866-S No Motto – only eight examples of the 1866-S $5 No Motto have been graded finer at either PCGS or NGC. Ex-Richmond Collection……………………………………………………………….…………………..$9,150.00

1877-S $5 Liberty NGC MS611877-S $5 Liberty NGC MS611877-S $5 Liberty NGC MS61 – One of only three Mint State Examples known of this date. This specimen is highly lustrous, with satiny, to semi-prooflike surfaces. Highly underrated……………$9,875.00 SOLD

1856-S $10 No Motto NGC AU581856-S $10 No Motto NGC AU581856-S $10 No Motto NGC AU58– A nice example of this relatively available No Motto Eagle. This specimen has bright green-gold surfaces with some coppery toning and very crisp luster. Fewer than ten coins have graded higher at PCGS or NGC…………………………$4,250.00

1861-S $10 No Motto NGC AU551861-S $10 No Motto NGC AU551861-S $10 No Motto NGC AU55 – A very attractive example of this popular Civil War date $10 featuring attractive, original color and plenty of luster for the assigned grade……………$7,250.00

A Selection of Exceptional Large Cents

anteater — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:47:24 +0000

1794 1C Starred Reverse (S-48) NGC F12BN1794 1C Starred Reverse (S-48) NGC F12BN1794 1C Starred Reverse (S-48) NGC F12BN – A sharp, problem-free example of what may be the premier variety in all of American Numismatics. This specimen shows ample detail, and is devoid of any significant defects, unlike many pieces out there………………………………………………………………….$42,500.00

1821 1C (N-1) NGC PF66BN1821 1C (N-1) NGC PF66BN1821 1C (N-1) NGC PF66BN – The finest 1821 proof Large Cent. This gem-quality example is devoid of marks and boasts flashy, mirrored surfaces with blue, green, magenta and gold toning. Hints of original mint red can be seen in the protected areas of the obverse. An exceptional, rare coin………..$42,500.00

1836 1C (N-3) PCGS MS64BN CAC1836 1C (N-3) PCGS MS64BN CAC – An incredible coin with surfaces that could barely be improved upon – strong, frosty luster literally drips off of the coin, and the color epitomizes originality: beautiful chestnut with hints of cobalt blue and gold. A large cent to fall in love with…………………………….$2,475.00 SOLD

1839 1C Booby Head (N-5) PCGS MS64BN CAC – A lustrous and attractive example of this very popular variety. This specimen has strong, satiny luster and a few minute tics, befitting the grade. It has toned a deep walnut brown with appealing cobalt highlights. A charming coin…………………………………….$2,250.00

1841 1C (N-1) NGC PF65RD – This specimen is widely acknowledged as the finest example of this popular proof Large Cent, and hails from the incomparable collection of FCC Boyd. Razor sharp strike, deeply mirrored fields and stunning red color combine to make this a particularly notable proof Large Cent. A memorable piece…………………………………………………………………$36,000.00

1841 1C (N-1) PCGS PR64BN – An appealing example of this popular proof Large Cent that boasts hints of red in the protected areas of the obverse, and a considerable amount of original mint red on the reverse. Both sides have also developed attractive green, gold and magenta toning. A choice example……………………………………………………………………………..$10,750.00

Quality Colonials

anteater — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:44:35 +0000

QUALITY COLONIALS

1652 6P Oak Tree Noe-20 PCGS VF351652 6P Oak Tree Noe-20 PCGS VF351652 6P Oak Tree Noe-20 PCGS VF35 – A sharp example of this challenging Massachusetts Silver issue with original lilac toning. This piece exhibits exceptional details for the assigned grade and, despite some granularity on the obverse, is comparable to several higher graded examples that we have seen lately………………………………………$5,750.00

1662 2P Oak Tree Noe-30 PCGS AU551662 2P Oak Tree Noe-30 PCGS AU551662 2P Oak Tree Noe-30 PCGS AU55 – An extraordinary Oak Tree Twopence that is nearly perfectly centered, boasts ample luster and is sharply struck. Massachusetts Silver is crudely struck coinage, and it is rare indeed to find an example without some drawback; the present coin is one such specimen. An exceptional find……………………………….$8,950.00

1652 1S Small Planchet Pine Tree Noe-16 PCGS VF351652 1S Small Planchet Pine Tree Noe-16 PCGS VF351652 1S Small Planchet Pine Tree Noe-16 PCGS VF35 – An unusually nice example for a VF. This specimen boasts hard, glossy surfaces and strong details. A great example for the price……..$5,7570.00

1723 Hibernia Farthing D: G: Rex PCGS MS63BN1723 Hibernia Farthing D: G: Rex PCGS MS63BN1723 Hibernia Farthing D: G: Rex PCGS MS63BN – A lovely coin with beautiful glossy surfaces. This is the rarer of two Red Book varieties for 1723, and is not often found in this condition…………………$1,025.00

1787 1C CONNFC M.43.1-Y PCGS MS61BN1787 1C CONNFC M.43.1-Y PCGS MS61BN 1787 1C CONNFC M.43.1-Y PCGS MS61BN – An exceptionally high grade example of this variety – one that was represented in the Ford sale by a coin that was described as a “rough AU.” This example has glossy surfaces and a pleasing chestnut brown color……………….$4,625.00

1788 H1C Massachusetts R-1B PCGS MS62BN1788 H1C Massachusetts R-1B PCGS MS62BN1788 H1C Massachusetts R-1B PCGS MS62BN – A glossy and attractive example for the grade. This specimen is original and uncleaned, and is devoid of any significant marks………………………….$3,950.00

1791 1C Washington Large Eagle PCGS AU551791 1C Washington Large Eagle PCGS AU55 – A fresh, original example of this popular Washington piece. This specimen shows trifling rub on the highpoints, and has retained plenty of original luster for the assigned grade………………………………..$1,250.00 SOLD

California Dreaming: An Impressive Stock of California Nationals

anteater — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:02:41 +0000

The national banking system began under the auspices of the Federal Government with the National Banking Act of February 25, 1863 and was later refined by the act of June 3, 1864. Under these acts, banks were given a charter number valid for 20 years. Following the rules and regulations of the National Banking Act, banks were allowed to circulate their own national bank notes up to 90% of the value of bonds (and later other securities) deposited with the United States Treasury Department. Unlike their predecessor, otherwise known as obsoletes or “wildcat” bank notes, the value of nationals were secured regardless of the success of the bank. If the bank were to fail, the notes remained redeemable throughout the United States and in turn became the obligation of the Federal government and not of the individual bank. However, problems began to arise soon afterwards and as a result the national banking system ended in 1935.

Glendale $10 1902PB Ch#7987 The First NB VF+; Only 5 notes total known for bank, no small…$8,500

Glendale $20 1902PB Ch# 10412 The Glendale NB VF/XF; UNIQUE FOR TITLE Three title changes for this Southern California bank with this example being the only one known – a true California rarity…$22,500

Long Beach $10 1902PB Ch# 8510 The Exchange NB VG/F; Only 10 large known for this bank title; 3 large for 2nd title. No small size…$1,500

Long Beach $10 1929 T2 Ch# 11873 California First NB VG; Only 2 Type 2′s known for the bank…$600

Los Angeles $100 1902PB Ch# 2491 Los Angeles-First NT&SB VF+; Nice, large size high denomination notes from any state are always in demand…$2,450

Los Angeles $50 1882DB Ch# 5927 Citizens NB VF; A rare and wholesome large size fifty; only 25 1882 date back $50′s known for the entire state of California…$7,950

Pasadena $5 1882BB Ch# 3499 The First NB VF+; A pleasing Southern California brown back with nice margins…$4,750

Rialto $10 1902 PB Ch# 8768 The First NB VG stained and frayed; Only 8 large, 10 small. Last large size sold in ’05…$2,650

San Fernando $10 1902DB Ch# 10273 The San Fernando NB PMG 10; ONLY 2 NOTES KNOWN FOR ENTIRE THE BANK!!! $9,250

San Jose $5 1874 Ch# 2158 The Farmers National Gold Bank PMG 30 net; FINEST KNOWN This is an incredible example of one of the most desirable California nationals. The note maintains its original golden brown paper and the gold coins on the back are sharp and detailed throughout the entire design. The red seal, charter and serial numbers highlight the face making this example one of the best National Gold Banks notes we have ever seen…$34,950

San Jose $50 1902DB Ch# 2158 First NB Fine; Only 4 known for denomination and type…$3,250

Santa Monica $5 1902PB Ch# 12787 The American NB VF+; Only seven large from this very desirable Southern California bank…$4,250

Whittier $10 1882BB Ch# 5588 The First NB VF/XF; Sharp looking brown back from this tough Southern California bank…$3,950 SOLD

A FLIGHT OF FEUCHTWANGERS And a World-Class R.E. Russell Token

anteater — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:05:10 +0000

Born in Bavaria in 1805, Lewis Feuchtwanger received a doctorate from the University of Jena before emigrating to the United States and settling in New York City. Feuchtwanger was something of a Renaissance man, practicing medicine, chemistry, mineralogy and metallurgy. During the Hard Times, a scarcity of circulating coinage spurred him to concoct “Feuchtwanger’s Composition,” a silver-colored alloy that Feuchtwanger believed would make a good substitute for the copper contained in Half Cents and Large Cents of the day. In 1837, hoping to persuade Congress to adopt the use of his metal, Feuchtwanger struck the first Small Cents in the United States, as well as two different Three Cent Pieces, fourteen years before the U.S. would first strike the denomination. Although his alloy was never adopted by the government, a large number of his coins circulated in New York City and its environs, and are perhaps some of the most interesting tokens associated with the Hard Times.

At some point, 12 ½ Cent Tokens were issued on behalf of an R.E. Russell, using the sixth Feuchtwanger obverse die and a reverse die that was cut using the same punch set that was used to create the Feuchtwanger Cents .

1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 3.E) PCGS MS65 CAC1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 3.E) PCGS MS65 CAC1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 3.E) PCGS MS65 CAC – A highly lustrous Gem Uncirculated example of this die pair that is usually found in circulated grades. This specimen exhibits lovely, satiny surfaces with faint periwinkle and gold toning. Probably the finest known example of the die pair……………….$2,650.00 SOLD

1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 4.E) PCGS MS641837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 4.E) PCGS MS641837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 4.E) PCGS MS64 – An exceptional example of this challenging variety that is rarely found in higher grades. This specimen is well-struck and virtually devoid of marks. It has developed an attractive and original olive-colored patina …………………………………………………………$1,150.00

1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 5G) PCGS MS65 CAC1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 5G) PCGS MS65 CAC1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 5G) PCGS MS65 CAC – A very well-struck example of this variety that is often found in higher grades. This specimen features attractive, original surfaces and has been stickered by CAC………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$2,250.00

1837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 6.I) PCGS MS651837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 6.I) PCGS MS651837 1C Feuchtwanger (Variety 6.I) PCGS MS65 – An extraordinary piece that has developed incredible golden toning – its unusual color led one expert to catalogue it as brass. While its metallic content has not been analyzed, we feel that this piece is of the usual composition. Still, an extraordinary piece…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..$2,850.00

1837 12 ½ C R.E. Russell NGC AU581837 12 ½ C R.E. Russell NGC AU581837 12 ½ C R.E. Russell NGC AU58 – The second finest example of this popular and scarce token that we have seen. This specimen exhibits a small amount of friction on its high points, but still retains full luster throughout its fields. A fabulous piece……………………………………………………………………….$4,750.00 SOLD

A Spectacular Collection of Errors

anteater — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:11:45 +0000

1835 1C Struck 30% Off-Center PCGS AU581835 1C Struck 30% Off-Center PCGS AU58 1835 1C Struck 30% Off-Center PCGS AU58 – A dramatic off-center error with virtually full luster and appealing milk-chocolate brown surfaces. Struck 30% off-center at 2:30………………….$7,625.00

1863 1C Indian Cent Reverse Die Cap PCGS MS66 1863 1C Indian Cent Reverse Die Cap PCGS MS66 1863 1C Indian Cent Reverse Die Cap PCGS MS66 – An extraordinary Indian Cent error! Dramatic, with exceptional surfaces – this specimen has been struck to the point that it has stretched to the size of a Quarter. A prize for the specialist…………………………………………………………………..$13,250.00

1956 1C Lincoln Struck on a Honduras 1C Planchet NGC MS64BN 1956 1C Lincoln Struck on a Honduras 1C Planchet NGC MS64BN 1956 1C Lincoln Struck on a Honduras 1C Planchet NGC MS64BN – A wonderful error that is about 2/3rds the size of an ordinary Lincoln Cent. The lustrous surfaces retain hints of mint red and are graced with attractive cobalt blue toning………………………………………………………………………………….$3,250.00

1965 10C Roosevelt Major Die Cud PCGS MS64 1965 10C Roosevelt Major Die Cud PCGS MS64 1965 10C Roosevelt Major Die Cud PCGS MS64 – An unbelievably late die state! Nearly half of the obverse die sheared away before this coin was struck, making it one of the most incredible die cuds that we have ever seen. It is astounding that this piece ever made it out of the mint…………………..$2,150.00

1923 S$1 Peace Die Adjustment Strike NGC BU1923 S$1 Peace Die Adjustment Strike NGC BU1923 S$1 Peace Die Adjustment Strike NGC BU – Only the second example of this rare type that we have handled. Struck while the press was still being adjusted, this example is about 60% struck up. The struck areas have blazing luster, giving this piece exceptional eye appeal for what is often a rather unattractive error……………………………………………………………………………………………$7,475.00

1807 $5 Misaligned Obverse Die PCGS Genuine1807 $5 Misaligned Obverse Die PCGS Genuine1807 $5 Misaligned Obverse Die PCGS Genuine – Very Fine details with some slight rim damage at 11:00. An extremely rare error; this example is one of only two known examples on an early U.S. Gold coin. Its importance is compounded by the fact that no early U.S. gold coins are known off-center. A very special coin that never fails to elicit impressed remarks…………………………………………$11,500.00

FR. 2231-B $10,000 1934 Federal Reserve Note New York PCGS 65

anteater — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:09:27 +0000

ONLY ONE $10,000 NOTE FINER!!!

Ex: Binion’s Hoard

$10,000 bills are one of the few notes that stir the passion of every numismatist. They elicit a sense of admiration and mystic that only few type notes can manifest. There is an overwhelming feeling of shock and awe upon holding the highest denomination note ever made for circulation in the United States. This note is not only beautiful but powerful as well. Imagine the buying power of this note back in the 30’s and 40’s! And unlike other high powered notes with face values of $20 or $1,000, this note is legal tender for $10,000. No other note can make that claim.

With more than fifty years of printing paper money and eight different types of currency, United States was one of the last industrialized countries to create a centralized banking system. Under the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, the act called for the creation of 12 separate reserve banks throughout the country. Maintained by a Presidentially-appointed board of governors, Federal Reserve Notes grew in popularity and became the dominate type of currency in the 1920’s and ultimately today.

Sharp corners, nice margins, and vivid print detail highlight this PCGS certified GEM $10,000 note. Like many other notes, a U.S. President was not picked to be printed on the face of this note. They decided to put Salmon P. Chase, Treasury Secretary under the Lincoln administration as the center vignette of the highest denomination U.S. note ever made! For those of you who do not know, he is the person who initiated the concept of issuing U.S. paper money for general circulation. Enjoy!

Available today for only..…$138,500

Coins of The Gold Rush

anteater — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:13:52 +0000

The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 led to one of the most colorful eras in United States history. It also resulted in many of our Nation’s most interesting coins – the lack of an efficient means of exchange in Gold Rush-era California led to the founding of many private coiners, such as Norris Gregg & Norris, Moffat & Company, and Baldwin & Company, as well as the establishment of the U.S. Assay Office. The availability of California gold even led the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City to strike gold coins. Today, the coinage of the California Gold Rush is in great demand due to its rarity and historical interest.

1853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU581853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU581853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU58 – A highly lustrous, attractively toned example of this important issue of the U.S. Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco, featuring the iconic Heraldic Eagle motif that is also found on $50 slugs……………………………………………………$17,850.00 SOLD

1853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU551853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU55 1853 $10 U.S. Assay NGC AU55 – A crusty and original example of this important Assay Office issue. Sharply struck, with plenty of bag-dirt still clinging to its surfaces …………………………………………$11,750.00 SOLD

1853 $20 Moffat NGC AU551853 $20 Moffat NGC AU551853 $20 Moffat NGC AU55 – A lustrous example of this underrated and important emergency issue of 1853. These rare coins were struck by Curtis & Perry – two of the former partners in Curtis, Perry & Ward, the company who oversaw the U.S. Assay Office after the dissolution of Moffat & Company in 1852…………………………………………………………….$17,250.00 SOLD

1855 $10 Wass Molitor & Co. NGC AU55 1855 $10 Wass Molitor & Co. NGC AU55 1855 $10 Wass Molitor & Co. NGC AU55 – An attractively toned, well-struck specimen of this challenging issue. After the establishment of the San Francisco Mint in 1854, the need for private coinage in California should have abated; however, occasional shortages of parting acids forced the closure of the new mint in 1854 and 1855, assayers Wass Molitor & Company briefly struck coins during the shortages of 1855 at the request of local merchants, including $10, $20 and $50 Gold pieces……………$27,500.00 SOLD

1849 $2 ½ Mormon NGC AU58 1849 $2 ½ Mormon NGC AU58 1849 $2 ½ Mormon NGC AU58 – An original, lustrous example of this rare Mormon denomination – in several years, we have only handled one finer example of this challenging Pioneer Quarter Eagle, a mint state piece that sold for a price well in to six figures. A rare opportunity………………………$63,450.00 SOLD

1860 $5 Mormon “Lion and Beehive” NGC AU50 1860 $5 Mormon “Lion and Beehive” NGC AU50 – Ex-Eliasberg. An originally toned, appealing example of this popular design that was struck following the discovery of gold in Colorado. These fascinating coins feature the first use of the Deseret alphabet – the basis of a newly devised language that was to be used by the Mormons in Utah……………………………………………………..$52,750.00

FR. 1180 $20 1905 Gold Certificate PCGS 67 PPQ ex. Philpott

anteater — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:38:45 +0000

Tied For the FINEST KNOWN Technicolor Note!

FR. 1180 $20 1905 Gold Certificate PCGS 67 PPQ ex. Philpott

Considered to be one of the most beautiful notes ever produced by the United States, this Technicolor note is a collector’s dream come true. Stunning vivid colors, razor sharp corners, near perfect centering, and the eye appeal of a new Ferrari, this note has it all.Gold certificates were first authorized following the passage of the Act of March 3, 1863 but were not issued until the end of the Civil War. Immediately following the war, there were three different types of gold certificates however none of these earliest certificates were issued for general circulation. Following January 1, 1879 gold certificates became readily available when all U.S. currency was backed by either gold or silver. Some of the more attainable gold notes include the series of 1882, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1913 and 1922.At first glance, Technicolor notes are strikingly different than their more common 1906 counterpart.

Perhaps not Technicolor as the name would suggest however the yellow, gold, black and red colors literally jump out at you in a three dimensional fashion. Other differences include gold tinting of the “20″ on the top of the note and “IN GOLD COIN” on the bottom, the interwoven dollar sign within the “20” on the left side (as opposed to roman numerals), the yellowish gold under print on the face, as well as the red seal and serial numbers.With only 186 examples known for the Friedberg number this note is tough in any grade. Listed as #9 in the 100 Greatest American Currency Notes, this note is one of the finest examples known to exist. In the words of its previous owner, William Philpott, a pioneer of U.S. currency, “This note will make your collector heart grow!”