Saint-Gaudens coinage continues to anchor demand for rare gold in April 28-30 Milwaukee event
DALLAS, TX — A 1921 double eagle, graded MS63 by PCGS and pedigreed to the famous Norweb Collection, is the signature rarity of the upcoming Heritage Auction Galleries U.S. Coin Auction, with floor sessions held April 28 – 30 in conjunction with the Central States Numismatic Society’s annual convention in Milwaukee, WI.
"The Norweb 1921 double eagle, is an incredible coin in its own right but greatly aided by its pedigree," said Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auction Galleries.
"In our most recent auction in Fort Worth, the glamorous Norweb pedigree helped propel a 1911-D quarter eagle to the top of the Prices Realized chart, and the Norweb name is sure to aid this double eagle as well."
As with many later dates in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series, the 1921 was never released to circulation in significant numbers, making it scarce today. The appearance of a high-grade example, such as this Select Mint State coin, is sure to generate excitement when it sells as part of Heritage’s Platinum Night session, scheduled for April 29.
The Norweb 1921 double eagle is the most important coin in The Carter Family Collection, which contains a broad range of rarities. Additional highlights include lot 2352, a 1920-S double eagle graded MS64 by PCGS, and lot 2370, a 1932 double eagle graded MS66 by PCGS.
Another marquee coin among the Platinum Night gold is Lot 2234, an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella in gold, graded PR66 by NGC. The unusual denomination of four dollars has made this pattern a longstanding favorite, accorded a place of honor alongside regular-issue coins in many collections and numismatic publications.
In minor coinage, two prominent Featured Collections cater to different tastes: The Boca Collection, Part II is a continuation of the collection first offered in January 2010, containing a wide selection of proof coins to be sold individually. Important selections include Lot 2406, a Snow-9 1856 Flying Eagle cent pattern PR63 NGC, and Lot 2714, an 1895 Morgan dollar PR64 Cameo NGC.
Passionate Bust half dollar variety collectors will find a treasure trove of scarce and rare die pairs in The Donald R. Frederick Collection of Early U.S. Coinage: Bayside Part II. Among the jewels of the collection is Lot 3174, an 1827 Square Base 2 O-148 half dollar graded VF35 by PCGS; the O-148 variety is rated a High R.6, with only 14 or 15 examples known regardless of grade.
Copper and silver coins offer plenty of choices outside of the Featured Collections as well. Lot 2033, a matte proof 1909 VDB Lincoln cent graded PR64 Red and Brown by PCGS, has great appeal for 20th century copper specialists.
"Just as the 1909-S VDB is the key to the business strike Lincoln cents, the 1909 VDB is the key to the matte proof set," said Imhof. "The remarkable quality of this specimen should have proof Lincoln cent collectors scrambling to bid."
Seated quarter enthusiasts will find several prominent rarities in Platinum Night. Lot 2081 is an incredible 1838 No Drapery quarter graded MS68 by PCGS and CAC, a stunning type coin. Lot 2083 is an example of the fascinating 1853/4 Arrows and Rays quarter variety, certified as MS65 by PCGS and CAC. A final important selection is Lot 2087, an 1853 Arrows and Rays quarter graded PR67 by NGC.
Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:
- Lot 2005, 1786 "Hercules Head" Connecticut Copper, Miller 5.3-B.2, AU50 PCGS: An extremely rare die pair with the famous "Hercules Head" obverse. One of just four pieces accounted for in Heritage’s census.
- Lot 2045, 1792 Half Disme VF35 PCGS: A very scarce variety that in many ways marks the beginning of United States silver coinage.
- Lot 2128, 1878-S Half Dollar VG8 NGC: One of an estimated 60 survivors from a mintage of just 12,000 pieces.
- Lot 2306, 1861-S Paquet Double Eagle AU50 NGC: One of two examples of the Paquet reverse in the auction, a short-lived design variety pulled from use because of striking problems.
About Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $600 million, and 500,000+ registered online bidder members.
For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.
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