Heritage’s June 4 to 7 coin auctions, held in conjunction with the Long Beach Coin and Collectibles Expo, realized over $17 million.
Leading the sales charge was an 1880 $4 Coiled Hair stella. Graded proof 65 by the Professional Grading Service (PCGS), the gold piece is one of nine known examples. It locked in at $1,116,250 when the hammer fell.
A second rare stella, an 1880 $4 Flowing Hair graded proof 65 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), brought $417,125.
Both pieces sold as Part Two of the New Orleans collection, which consisted of just four coins but "three of them would wind up at the very top of the highlights list for this auction," Heritage said.
Two $10 gold rarities completed the collection sale. A 1933 $10 Eagle MS65 PCGS realized $587,500 and a 1798/7 $10 Eagle MS62 NGC realized $199,975.
For the 1798/7 $10 gold piece, there has been just one other certified in a higher grade by either of the two major grading services, and it grades only MS63.
The U.S. coins auction featured a number of outstanding coins in addition to the New Orleans collection. Notable for being the first federal issue struck after the passage of the Mint Act of 1792, a 1792 Half Disme MS64 PCGS realized $329,000.
Also, a 1859 $20 Liberty Double Eagle, graded proof 63 Cameo by NGC and last offered in 1962, brought $223,250.
Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited to:
- 1793 1C Wreath, Vine and Bars Edge, S-9, MS65 Brown PCGS Secure: Realized: $176,250.
- 1822 25C B-1, MS67 PCGS: Realized: $164,500.
- Kellogg & Humbert 48.03-Ounce Gold Ingot. CAGB-703: Realized: $164,500.
- 1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, PR64 ★ Cameo NGC: Realized: $152,750.
- 1828 25C B-4, MS67 NGC: Realized: $108,687.
Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the U.S. and the world’s third largest, with annual sales topping $900 million. To learn more about the company, visit HA.com.
