ORLANDO, FLA.- One of the finest known 1876 twenty cent pieces led the results as
Heritage Auctions' July 6-9 auction in Orlando, Florida, realized nearly $6 million. The auction was held in conjunction with the summer convention of Florida United Numismatists and offered important condition rarities.
"We are particularly proud of the auction's 99 percent, nearly complete sell-through rate," said James Halperin, Co-Founder of Heritage Auctions. "We continue to attract the type, rarity and condition collectors seek in today's market and we're eager to bring these special coins to auction."
Leading the way with a sale price of $88,125 was one of the finest twenty cent pieces ever certified: an 1876 example graded a stunning MS67 by PCGS. This ill-fated twenty cent denomination lasted only four years, and only four circulation strike issues (1875, 1875-CC, 1875-S and 1876) generally are considered collectible. This coin is exceeded in grade by a sole MS67+ example at the two major grading services.
An 1893-S dollar graded AU55 by PCGS brought a price of $38,796 when the final hammer fell. This date is the well-known key among the heavily collected circulation strike Morgan dollar series, and a high-quality choice AU coin like this piece is not out of place in an otherwise Mint State set.
The high relief MCMVII (1907) double eagle is a tremendous example of the engraver's art, in high demand in any grade. These coins were an accurate representation of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' vision for American coinage, but only about 12,000 were struck before the relief was drastically lowered. A Wire Rim example of the high-relief double eagle, graded MS64 by PCGS, sold for $32,900 in the Orlando auction.
Additional highlights of this auction include, but are not limited to the following:
· 1916-D 10C MS64 Full Bands NGC: realized $25,850
· 1652 Pine Tree Shilling, Large Planchet, Reversed N, MS64 NGC : realized $24,675
· 1976 SWO-521Aa National Bicentennial Medal PR64 NGC: realized $23,500
· 1806 25C B-9, MS63 PCGS. Gold CAC: realized $23,500
· 1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 PCGS: realized $23,500
· 1911-D $5 MS62+ PCGS. CAC: realized $22,325
· 1866 $20 Motto MS62 PCGS: realized $21,150