Coin Collecting News » Heritage Auction Galleries

Certified coin populations numbers can be wrong

The Web — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:21:45 +0000

Maybe numbers don't lie, but they can be wrong. In the case of certified coin populations, such as the NGC Census Report, there are a couple of ways the numbers can be wrong. Clerical errors are easily corrected, but another source is more insidious: the re-submission.

Imagine a coin in an AU55 NGC holder. For whatever reason, the owner ...

Full Article: Coin Monday (Written on a Friday): Two Minus One - Heritage Blog

1922 Silver Dollars — Into the Downtime

The Web — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:12:11 +0000

Downtime is just a dream for me right now; the cataloging staff spent the weekend working on the upcoming Boston ANA Auction, and it looks like two more working weekends are on the way. As appealing as the thought of downtime might be, though, there's always the potential for too much of a good thing. In 1922, the U.S. Mint saw plenty of downtime, and as a result, only a few types of coins were struck that year.

In the wake of World War I, the United States went through a recession that lasted about half a year. The start of 1920 saw another economic downturn... Only one denomination was struck at all three of the active mints: the silver dollar. The 1922 silver dollars bore the then-novel Peace design...

Full Article: Coin Monday: 1922 -- Into the Downtime - Heritage Blog

1882 Double Eagle Gold Coin

The Web — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:54:02 +0000

One of the most important coins in the upcoming July Summer FUN U.S. Coin auction is an 1882 double eagle graded AU53 by PCGS. The issue has a mintage of just 571 business strikes, the lowest for any regular-issue double eagle with the James B. Longacre-designed reverse. (The Paquet reverse is another story, as there are just two Philadelphia 1861 Paquet coins. Heritage has sold one of them.)

Beyond the obvious rarity-by-mintage, there is another twist to just how elusive the 1882 double eagle business strikes are: the Smithsonian Institution doesn’t have one. The reason the Smithsonian lacks an example actually ties in to why the coins are so rare overall.) ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: The Business of the 1882 Double Eagle - Heritage Blog

Coin Errors with Flips and Trips

The Web — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:50:52 +0000

Error coin enthusiasts are one of the great traditions of U.S. numismatics, if a relatively recent phenomenon compared to, say, collectors of large cents. The two specialties are not completely separate, but intersect on occasion; after all, if 21st century Mint technology wasn’t enough to keep this proof Ohio Statehood quarter from looking like a saucer, what are the chances that things would be error-free in the late 18th century?

A pair of dramatic errors in the July 2010 Summer FUN Auction tell the ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: Flips and Trips - Heritage Blog

Cents of Steel

The Web — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:54:09 +0000

While the Man of Steel dates to 1938, America’s “cents of steel” date to 1943—the vast majority of them, anyway. Comic book superheroes, Superman included, were influenced by World War II, and so too was America’s coinage. The steel cents of 1943, such as this 1943-D/D variety cent in the upcoming July Summer FUN Auction, came about this way, ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: Cents of Steel - Heritage Blog

World Cup Commemoration in Silver Dollars

The Web — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:37:34 +0000

It’s just about World Cup time, when the greatest footballers from around the globe put on the national uniforms to seek out glory. Like just about every other World Cup tournament, this go-round has had its controversies. The host country! The Thierry Henry handball incident! The anthem! ...

Full Article: Coin (Friday and) Monday: World Cup Commemoration - Heritage Blog

Coin Monday: Pikes Peak Gold

The Web — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:51:53 +0000

The ANA Summer Seminar, held at the Colorado College in Colorado Springs, which was the site of some of my fondest Young Numismatist memories.

When a gathering of coin enthusiasts reaches critical mass, learning and silliness ensue, and this is especially true when said coin enthusiasts are in high school or college. By the end of the week, several (usually harmless) pranks have been sprung on various seminar-goers staying in the dorms ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: Pikes Peak Gold - Heritage Blog

Coin Monday: 1916/1916

The Web — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:34:51 +0000

Heritage has had at least one Featured Collection in each U.S. Coin auction since I started cataloging here, and the June Long Beach Auction is no exception. There are three Featured Collections this go-round, the most prominent of which is The Brenda John Collection. If you haven’t seen this collection already, it’s chock-full of top-quality Lincoln cents and Buffalo nickels ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: 1916/1916 - Heritage Blog

Coin Monday: 1873 $3 Gold Coin, Open and Close

The Web — Tue, 11 May 2010 06:05:25 +0000

It’s not uncommon to have guests in the cataloging department, important customers or potential customers who visit our humble wing as part of a grand tour of Heritage world headquarters. Last week was one such occasion, and I had the opportunity to show off a coin I was cataloging ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: 1873, Open and Close - Heritage Blog

Chicago’s Heritage World Coin Auction Brings $5M+

CoinNews — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:58:36 +0000

DALLAS, TX — There can be no doubt as to the continuing strength and ever-growing interest in the World Coin market after Heritage Auction Galleries April 21-22 Signature® World Coin Auction at the Chicago International Coin Fair (CICF) brought almost 3350 bidders to the table and realized a stunning total of more than $5.2 million.

"Heritage couldn’t be happier with the move of our spring auction to the CICF," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Director of International Sales at Heritage. "Anytime we can reach so many high-end world buyers in one place, and subsequently realize more than 94% by value and 97% by lot on an auction, we know we’re in the right spot."

The auction also marked the beginning of a new CICF partnership between Heritage and Krause Publications, the producers of World Coin News, Numismatic News and Bank Note Reporter, among its many publications. By all accounts, the new union was an unqualified success ...

Full Article: Chicago's Heritage World Coin Auction Brings $5M+ - CoinNews

Collecting the Atlanta Commemorative Coins

The Web — Thu, 06 May 2010 04:53:08 +0000

The Central States auction is in the books, though Post Auction Buys are still available for a limited time. The catalogers’ attention has been focused on the next auction, coming up in June at Long Beach.

One of the most interesting and unusual lots I have handled for Long Beach is of recent vintage: a complete set of U.S. commemorative coins struck for the Atlanta Olympics. (There aren’t any pictures yet for the set, but an example of the design—offered as a different lot in the same auction—illustrates this post.) ...

Full Article: Collecting the Atlanta Commemoratives - Heritage Blog

Coin Monday: A Day in the Life of John Dale Beety, Hand Model

The Web — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:49:59 +0000

“The job description doesn’t tell you half of what you’re going to do.” It was just one of many sage pieces of job advice I received in college that I had to learn the hard way.

“Numismatic cataloger” sounds nice and tidy: write about coins and get paid for it! So simple! Eh-heh-heh… The business cards remain the same, but nowadays I’m a coin cataloger, editor, over-the-phone coin describer, blogger, implementer of consignor promises and a half-dozen other roles I’ve performed in the past few weeks and now forgotten ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: A Day in the Life of John Dale Beety, Hand Model - Heritage Blog

Idaho Collector Wins 1907 Gold Coin from Heritage

CoinNews — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:23:06 +0000

15th winner of annual Heritage Auctions Survey of Clients drawing

Dallas, TX — Continuing an annual tradition begun in 1996, Heritage Auction Galleries has awarded a Mint State High Relief [Saint-Gaudens] double eagle to Steven Strom, a collector from Idaho.

The valuable rare coin was the Grand Prize in the 15th Annual Survey of Clients conducted by Heritage. The coin has been certified by NGC as a Wire Rim MS-60.

"Steven Strom’s numismatic journey will be familiar to many collectors," said David Mayfield, Vice President of Heritage Auction Galleries.

"His interest in rare coins started as a kid, collecting Jefferson nickels and Mercury dimes out of circulation.

What may be more intriguing is that he has continued specializing in Full Step Jeffersons, pursuing ever-higher Registry ratings for that series, and currently capturing the #1 spot in 14 categories."

Mr. Strom’s other interests and activities...

Full Article: Heritage Awards Idaho Collector Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle - CoinNews

Rare 1921 $20 Saint-Gaudens at Heritage CSNS Auction

CoinNews — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:59:06 +0000

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."

Full Article: Rare 1921 $20 Saint-Gaudens at Heritage CSNS Auction - CoinNews

One Cent, Two Cent, One Cent Planchet

The Web — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:52:21 +0000

From giant scaly winged monsters to other wrong things, Coin Monday is going back to errors. It’s a category that never lacks for variety at Heritage, and in the upcoming Central States U.S. Coin auction there are 77 different pieces in the Errors category. The coin that immediately caught my eye was ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: One Cent, Two Cent, One Cent Planchet - Heritage Blog

Gold double eagle coin leads Heritage sale

Numismatic News — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:11:52 +0000

Coin and paper money auctions will be called by Heritage Auction Galleries April 28-30 at the Central States Numismatic Society convention in Milwaukee, Wis.

Topping the list of coin rarities in the sale is a 1921 $20 gold piece that is graded MS-63 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.

The Saint-Gaudens $20 is pedigreed to the famous Norweb Collection ...

Full Article: Gold leads sale - Numismatic News

If you’re a nut for Bust Halves, has Heritage got something for you

The Web — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:54:59 +0000

Coin collecting humor isn’t likely to tear up the comedy club circuit anytime soon. Most of it consists of terrible puns, though there have been a handful of exceptions. (The best coin humor I’ve ever read is “Pearlman’s People,” written by public relations maestro Donn Pearlman, which used to grace the back page of The Numismatist.) [I can indeed vouch that Pearlmann is a virtuoso of PR, as I have had the chance to study at the feet of the master these last two years… - Noah Fleisher]

Even more disturbing than the generally poor quality of coin collecting humor is the number of people who repeat it, not because they know it’s bad, but because they believe it’s good...

Full Article: If you’re a nut for Bust Halves, has Heritage got something for you - Heritage Blog

Coin Treasures from the S.S. Central America

The Web — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:00:37 +0000

There are certain stories that will be told and retold for as long as there are collectors of U.S. coinage. The sinking of the S.S. Central America, with its lost gold and lost lives, has enough financial and personal tragedy to endure for centuries. Yet for decades ...

Full Article: Personal Treasures from the S.S. Central America - Heritage Blog

Little Coins Get a Little Bit Bigger

The Web — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:32:06 +0000

By size (though not value), the dime is the smallest coin used regularly in the United States, with a diameter of just under 18 millimeters. In the past, particularly during the 19th century, this wasn’t always the case. The half dime (same face value as today’s nickel, but made out of silver) was just 15.5 millimeters across ...

Full Article: Little Coins Get a Little Bit Bigger - Heritage Blog

The Norweb-Bass MS66 1911-D Quarter Eagle

CoinLink — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:28:50 +0000

The Norweb Collection was a legend while still owned by its namesake family, and while two decades have passed since the three auctions that dispersed most of it, time has only added to its importance to collectors.

Quality and rarity are the chief watchwords; no discussion of early copper, colonials, proof silver, or early and Southern-Western gold would be complete without acknowledging the Norweb influence and legacy. Rarities such ...

Full Article: The Norweb-Bass MS66 1911-D Quarter Eagle - CoinLink

Coin Monday: Fifty Large, Heritage Auction Galleries’ style

The Web — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:55:10 +0000

The last heavy stages of cataloging for Heritage’s Official ANA Auction next month are underway. Cataloging life is never more stressful than in “the crunch,” but at the same time, it doesn’t get any more interesting. It’s impossible to predict what will come next!

For me, this past Friday was the most interesting ...

Full Article: Fifty Large, Heritage Auction Galleries' style - Heritage Blog

Error Cent Brings $207,000 at Heritage Auction

CoinNews — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:10:19 +0000

A 1943-S Cent Struck on a Bronze Planchet, VF35 PCGS, an amazing 20th Century Branch Mint error rarity, proved itself once again as one of the most sought after error coins in U.S. numismatics when it soared to an impressive $207,500 tally as part of Heritage Auctions Feb. 4-7 Long Beach, CA Signature® U.S. Coin Auction.

All told the Heritage Long Beach event realized $8.76 million as almost 4,000 bidders competed for the rarities in this focused offering. All prices include 15% Buyer’s Premium.

"By certain standards this was indeed a small auction, but we’re thrilled with the prices," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auction Galleries. "The market is definitely on the rise. We saw 91.2% of lots sold by value, and 93.7% sold by number of lots. Those are good numbers."

Full Article: Error Cent Brings $207,000 - CoinNews.net

Coin Monday: The 1904 Double Eagle, Playing to Type

The Web — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:10:01 +0000

One of the broad styles or modes of collecting coins, type collecting consists of acquiring and owning a series of coins, each representative of a subset, or “type” of coin. A type set of double eagles, for example, would include coins exemplifying its various designs over the years, both long-lived (such as the “Type Three” Liberty double eagle with denomination spelled out as TWENTY DOLLARS, struck from 1877 to 1907) and short-lived (the High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle was made only briefly in the latter year) ...

Full Article: The 1904 Double Eagle, Playing to Type - Heritage Blog

Coin Monday: ‘Well, now, I wouldn’t say that!’

The Web — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:54:53 +0000

I had something of a "throwback moment" recently, reading through a copy of the "Greysheet" for the first time since — was it my internship here in the summer of 2004, or all the way back in 2002, when I was still in high school?

The Greysheet, more formally known as the COIN DEALER newsletter [sic], is a weekly publication listing "bid and ask" - suggested "buy" and "sell" prices - for many collectible U.S. coins in a variety of grades. The Greysheet, named for the signature color of its paper, has been a coin-shop staple since ...

Full Article: Coin Monday: ‘Well, now, I wouldn’t say that!’ - Heritage Blog

The best and the rest – Coin Values

Coin Values — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:20:27 +0000

In fields such as fine art and jewelry, market commentators have pointed out the growing divide between the best and the rest. Heritage Auction Galleries' Platinum Night U.S. coin auction at the January Florida United Numismatists shows that more than ever, well-heeled collectors are all gravitating toward a handful of landmark rarities.

The performance of top rarities at auction is important because ...

Full Article: The best and the rest - Coin Values

Heritage’s $11M+ NYINC Coin Auction, Canadian Cent Brings $402K+

CoinNews — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:57:57 +0000

The Canadiana Collection dominates auction action at The Waldorf Astoria, Jan. 3-4, 2010.

NEW YORK — Heritage Auctions’ World Coins division kicked off 2010 with a bang over the New Year’s weekend at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, setting an in-house record total with its $11 million+ Signature® World Coin Auction, Jan. 3-4, with the most famous Canadian coin in existence, the best of three known George V 1936 Dot Cents, leading all coins with a final price realized of $402,500. All prices include a 15% Buyer’s Premium.

"We don’t see any weakness in the World Coin market right now," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Director of International Sales at Heritage Auctions. "It almost seems strange to say it, but it’s true. Usually one area or another will show some kind of slowdown, but there were a record amount of bidders vying for almost every coin in this auction, especially The Canadiana Collection, as the more than 90% sell-through rate indicates."

The Canadiana Collection did indeed top all ...

Full Article: Heritage's $11M NYINC Auction, Canadian Dot Cent $402K - CoinNews

Ralph P. Muller $20 Saint Coin Collection Highlights F.U.N. Offerings

CoinLink — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:40:09 +0000

As happens every year, Heritage’s official auction of the F.U.N. convention attracts the finest consignments of great coins. Nothing exemplifies this more than The Ralph P. Muller Collection of Twenty Dollar Saints, an incredible 59 pieces from the Saint-Gaudens series of double eagles, valued in the many millions of dollars. Every circulation strike example in the series is included, except for the ...

Full Article: Muller $20 Saint Coin Collection Highlights F.U.N. Offerings - CoinLink

Unusual Items: 1874 Dana Bickford Ten Dollar Gold Coin

CoinLink — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:08:30 +0000

Heritage Auctions will be selling one of the two known Bickford $10 Gold Patterns at it FUN Sale this week. Below is the Catelog description of the coin and some history surrounding it.

The Bickford pattern ten dollar gold piece, known to pattern collectors as Judd-1373, is one of the most celebrated issues in the U.S. pattern series. Only two examples are known, placing the issue at the pinnacle of rarity. Both known examples have been meticulously preserved, and their size, attractive design, and majestic gold composition combine to make them breathtakingly ...

Full Article: Unusual Items: 1874 Dana Bickford Ten Dollar Gold Coin - CoinLink

Unique Item: Republic 50 Francos Gold Coin from Ecuador

CoinLink — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:30:31 +0000

Heritage World Coin Auctions will be offering perhaps the most interesting and desired South American coin, the unique 50 Francos gold piece, which was unknown for almost a century until it was discovered by Robert Friedberg in the 1950’s.

It is likely that Friedberg discovered this piece amongst the Virgil Brand collection he acquired around this time. It first appeared in Gimbels (where Friedberg worked) fixed price list in 1956 for US$3,500.

In 1962, it was offered ...

Full Article: Republic 50 Francos Gold Coin from Ecuador - CoinLink

Unusual Items: Remarkable Double Denomination Mule 1993-D Cent with Dime Reverse

CoinLink — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 06:19:38 +0000

U.S. coins struck with dies of different denominations are extremely rare. Until recent years, none were known.

The most famous among those are the Sacagawea dollar reverse, paired with a statehood quarter obverse, of which ten examples are known, per Fred Weinberg. In Heritage’s April 2006 Central States Signature, a 1999 cent with a dime reverse ...

Full Article: Double Denomination Mule 1993-D Cent with Dime Reverse - CoinLink

Brahin’s Syrup to be Auctioned at FUN: Select Group of Saint Gaudens $20 Gold Coins

CoinLink — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:35:54 +0000

On Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, Heritage’s long awaited Platinum Night event at the FUN Convention in Orlando will include a marvelous array of choice and rare U.S. coins. It is part of a larger auction extravaganza that is held in conjunction with one of the two most important coin conventions of the year, that of the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) organization.

The famous collector Jay Brahin has consigned a select group of Saint Gaudens Double Eagles ($20 gold coins) to be sold on Platinum Night. The most ...

Full Article: Brahin’s Group of Saint Gaudens $20 Gold Coins - CoinLink.com

Famous Liberty Nickel, Double Eagle Highlight Heritage FUN US Coin Auction

CoinNews — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:11:03 +0000

Spectacular examples abound as Orlando, FL plays host to the Heritage Auctions’ biggest Rare U.S. Coin Auction of the year, Jan. 6-10

DALLAS, TX — None other than the most famous American coin in existence, the "Olsen" Specimen of the 1913 Liberty nickel, is the anchor lot in Heritage Auctions Jan. 6-10, 2010 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Auction, at the Orange County Convention Center.

"The past 10 years have brought tremendous growth for Heritage," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auction Galleries. "Now, we’re thrilled to present the first great numismatic event of the new decade. As the official auctioneers for the two yearly FUN conventions, Heritage is committed to offering the best coins and related items. We’ve brought together the finest selections from more than 370 consignors to make this U.S. Coins auction a truly special event."

Without a doubt, the first among equals in the FUN auction is the 1913 Liberty nickel, PR64 NGC, CAC ...

Full Article: Famous Liberty Nickel, Double Eagle Highlight Heritage FUN US Coin Auction - CoinNews

International Rare Coins Featured at Heritage’s January NYINC World Coins Auction

CoinNews — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:34:27 +0000

NEW YORK — The single most substantial collection of Canadian Coins ever offered at public auction, accompanied by what is almost certainly the most famous South American coin of all time, will headline Heritage Auctions’ Jan. 3-4 Signature® World Coin Auction, held in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC), at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Bidding will take place live at the auction and online (www.HA.com).

"Our NYINC World Coin Auction is, simply put, going to be a tremendous event," said Warren Tucker, Director of World Coins at Heritage, "and is poised to set many records. It will easily be our largest World Coin auction ever by several million dollars. Add to that our Jan. 12 Non-Floor Session, with more than 2000 lots - a record for world coins - and you’re going to see an unheard of total for a world coin auction."

Full Article: Heritage's January NYINC World Coins Auction - CoinNews

Heritage $9 Million Houston Coin Auction

CoinNews — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:13:47 +0000

One thing was clearly on the minds of collectors at the $9.4 million+ Heritage Auctions Houston U.S. Coin Auction on Dec. 6, and that was gold. More than 3,600 bidders participated in the event, which sold through fully 93% of the lots offered, or 87% by dollar value.

"We expected gold to perform well at this auction," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, "especially with the spot price of gold at $1200. While gold did dominate the top lots of the Houston sale, it’s also encouraging to look at the overall results and see that the coin market is remaining steady."

The year 1915 seemed to be foremost in the minds of collectors in Houston, as two sculptural, splendid Panama-Pacific $50 gold pieces came in as the event’s top two lots. While the round Pan-Pac $50 commemoratives are the rarer examples in the absolute sense, the octagonal variety has always proved the more popular, as evidenced by the auction’s top price-getter, a gorgeous ...

Full Article: Heritage $9 Million Houston Coin Auction - CoinNews

Highlight of Heritage Auctions Event: 1884-CC Morgan PR66

CoinNews — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:37:16 +0000

A rare and highly desirable branch mint proof 1884-CC Morgan dollar, graded PR66 Cameo by NGC, leads the list of highlights for Heritage Auctions’ December 2009 Signature® U.S. Coin Auction, to be held in Houston, TX. It is estimated at $140,000+.

Though the Carson City Mint had neither the personnel nor the resources to strike proof coins on a par with those produced at the main Philadelphia Mint, it did turn out a small number of special pieces, or branch mint proofs.

"In the second half of the 19th century Philadelphia struck virtually all proof coins," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. "Only a handful of proofs were struck at branch mints such as Carson City — some with official authorization and some without. While this branch mint proof dollar does not appear in any official records, it is clearly ..."

Full Article: Highlight of Heritage Auctions Event: 1884-CC Morgan PR66 - CoinNews

Heritage Auctions Realizes $8.7M in Dallas

CoinNews — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:45:28 +0000

With a sell-through rate of 90% by lot and 88% by dollar value, and almost 3300 bidders, Heritage Auctions’ Oct. 23-24 Dallas Signature® U.S. Coin Auction soared to $8.7 million total. All prices include a 15% Buyer’s Premium.

The impressive tally is a good sign for the coin market and provides strong momentum as the numismatic world prepares for the January FUN auctions, long a solid indicator of the overall strength of the business and a benchmark by which to judge the coming year.

"We saw some very strong prices in some unexpected areas," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. "The rare coin market seems to be almost fully recovered in many areas, and perhaps even headed for record price levels next year."

A stunning 1879 Flowing Hair stella struck in gold, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, PR65 NGC was the top lot of the Heritage Auctions event, with a price realized of $161,000 ...

Full Article: Heritage Auctions Realizes $8.7M in Dallas - CoinNews

Heritage Long Beach Coin and Currency Auctions Top $18.4 Million

CoinLink — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:52:49 +0000

The last numismatic blast of the summer of 2009 went off with an $18.4 million flourish in Heritage Auctions’ combined Long Beach U.S. Coin, Currency and World Coin events, Sept. 10-13.

The successful trio of auctions further heartened erudite collectors as the world reflects on a year ago as financial markets buckled. U.S. Coins saw solid results with a total of more than ...

Full Article: Heritage Long Beach Coin and Currency Auctions Top $18.4 Million - CoinLink

1879 Flowing Hair Stella at Long Beach Coin Auction

CoinNews — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:59:44 +0000

One of the most popular American pattern coins, a spectacular 1879 Flowing Hair stella in gold, Judd-1635, graded PR67 by NGC, is the anchor lot at Heritage Auction Galleries’ Sept. 10-13 Long Beach, CA Signature® U.S. Coin Auction.

The auction action will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center, 100 S. Pine Avenue, in Long Beach.

"The various gold stella patterns have been immensely popular with collectors almost since their creation," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage, "and the 1879 stella with Flowing Hair portrait, with its relatively higher mintage and relatively greater availability to numismatists, has become the most popular of all. We expect this coin to bring $250,000 or more."

At the PR67 grade level, the 1879 Flowing Hair stella is...

Full Article: 1879 Flowing Hair Stella at Long Beach Coin Auction - CoinNews

Heritage joins the Social Media revolution

CoinNews — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:54:02 +0000

With the launch of www.HA.com/Connect Heritage Auction Galleries has now placed its bidder-members and followers right in the middle of the world Social Media boom.

The recent additions of a Heritage Auction Galleries page on Facebook, where all the latest press releases and pertinent announcements from the company are posted, complimented with frequent updates from Heritage on Twitter.com and daily postings on The Heritage Blog, make it easy for Heritage users to follow the day-to-day media happenings at Heritage Auction Galleries...

Full Article: Heritage joins the Social Media revolution - CoinNews

Long Beach World Coin Event Anchored by International Rarities

CoinNews — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:13:46 +0000

An auction event featuring numismatic treasures spanning the four hemispheres of globe is set to take place at Heritage’s Sept. 10-13 Long Beach, CA Signature® World Coin Auction, at the Long Beach Convention Center, 100 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

"We’ve put together a very strong, marvelously focused auction," said Warren Tucker, Director of World Coins at Heritage Auction Galleries."

After spending a great amount of time gathering and cataloging these coins it’s very gratifying to see the great auction quality we’ve produced for this event. Even better, there are coins in here for collectors of all types and all levels."

Leading the way for world coin aficionados is a classic and extremely rare Chinese coin, a...

Full Article: Long Beach World Coin Event Anchored by International Rarities - CoinNews

Heritage Secures $35 Million Loan Facility from Wells Fargo

CoinNews — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:23:08 +0000

Heritage Auction Galleries has announced that it recently secured a new $35 million line of credit from Wells Fargo Business Credit, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., to be used in support of its auction and sales operations. This comes as the holder of Heritage’s previous line of credit, Sovereign Precious Metals LLC, a subsidiary of Sovereign Bank, disbanded in the wake of new ownership.

"We believe this new relationship with Wells Fargo speaks to the financial stability of Heritage’s business operations – a stability that goes back to our inception more than 35 years ago," said Steve Ivy, Co-Chairman of Heritage. "This new line of credit further strengthens Heritage’s already very strong balance sheet."

Ivy further pointed out how crucial financial dependability is when potential clients weigh the various auction options before them...

Full Article: Heritage Secures $35 Million Loan Facility from Wells Fargo - CoinNews

Heritage LA Coin Auction Nears $25 Million

CoinNews — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:34:28 +0000

An 1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella, Judd-1660, Pollock-1860, Low R.7, PR62 NGC — a gorgeous example of the timeless design of George Morgan — realized $546,250 at Heritage Auction Galleries’ July 31-Aug. 2 Los Angeles U.S. Coin Auction, leading the almost $25 million event. All prices include 15% Buyer’s Premium.

"We’re certainly pleased with the outcome of this auction," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage.

"Our three day event was a blockbuster. It brought in more than the top grossing movie of the weekend, which earned a little more than $22 million total.

If you factor in that we did it with almost 4,000 bidders, and sold more than 90% of all lots, the figure is even more impressive."

In past auctions Heritage has only been able to account for eight different examples of the 1880 $4 Coiled Hair stella, but the firm has recently established that the Dallas Bank Collection example makes a ninth distinct survivor...

Full Article: Heritage LA Coin Auction Nears $25 Million - CoinNews

Heritage Launches New Monthly World Coin Internet Auctions

CoinNews — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:25:26 +0000

Heritage Auction Galleries, the world’s leading numismatic auctioneer, has created a new online auction venue for World Coin buyers with its new Monthly Internet-only World Coin Auctions.

The first installment of this new venture is currently online at www.HA.com/WorldCoins, closing on July 12. The next auction will start the same day, July 12, immediately following the closing of the previous auction.

"The format of the auctions is quite simple," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Director of International Sales at Heritage. "They will stay up for four weeks, will have an average of 500-600 certified lots, all unreserved and all starting at $1."

As the undisputed industry leader in World Coins, Heritage is starting its monthly world coin Internet auctions as both a compliment to its weekly U.S. Rare Coin Internet-only auctions as well as to serve the world coin collecting audience devoted to coins that fall in the price range below that of most of the company’s more high profile auctions...

Full Article: Heritage Launches New Monthly World Coin Internet Auctions

1856-O Double Eagle Leads $17.7 Million Heritage Long Beach Coin Auction

CoinNews — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:45:08 +0000

When the hammer came down on the dramatic 1856-O $20 double eagle on Friday night, May 29, during Heritage Auction Galleries’ Signature® Long Beach U.S. Coin Auction, the $1,437,500 total (including 15% Buyer’s Premium) elicited a spontaneous ovation from the buzzing crowd in the Long Beach Convention Center.

The combined totals for the Rare U.S. Coins and World Coins auction in Heritage’s annual start of summer event in California was approaching $18 million total as of Monday, June 1, with post-auction buying continuing to push the total even higher.

"To say that we’re pleased with these results is an understatement," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auction Galleries. "Everyone seems to be scrambling to figure out if the overall economy is improving or worsening; one thing is for certain, though: high quality rare U.S. and World coins are selling as well as ever and still provide one of the surest investment opportunities in the market."

The 1856-O double eagle – certified Specimen-63 by PCGS – is the rarest...

Full Article: 1856-O Double Eagle Leads $17.7 Million Heritage Long Beach Coin Auction

International Rarities Ready for Heritage Long Beach

CoinNews — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:00:27 +0000

International variety will be the name of the game at Heritage Auction Galleries Long Beach World Coin Auction, May 28-29 and 31, with an exceedingly rare 1770 Nuevo Reino Pillar Dollar anchoring the country and continent spanning collection.

Of the two that aren’t already in private hands – or held by private institutions – this one is by far the more pristine. It’s estimated at $60,000-$80,000 and officially listed as a Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1770NR-VJ, KM39 (Date Unlisted), Calico 1000, Cayon Unlisted, MS64 NGC.

Until three years ago, no one even knew that the 1770 Nuevo Reino Pillar Dollar existed. That changed quickly, however, when an amazing stash of 14 coins was found during the bulldozing of a parking lot in Bogota that was being razed for a new building. Buried beneath the dirt and the decades was the old foundations of the Nuestra Senora del Pilar church...

Full Article: International Rarities Ready for Heritage Long Beach

Singular New Orleans Double Eagle Headlines Heritage Long Beach Auction

CoinNews — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:16:14 +0000

The finest known certified New Orleans double eagle, the 1856-O Double Eagle, SP63 PCGS, descended for a century in the family of the New Orleans Mint Superintendent of 1856, Charles Bienvenu, will anchor Heritage Auction Galleries’ May Long Beach, CA Signature® US Coin Auction, May 28-31 at the Long Beach Convention Center, 100 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

"Many specialists believe that this is the single most important New Orleans double eagle in existence," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage, "and one of the most important O-mint coins of any denomination. With its sharp strike and reflective luster, this coin is clearly something special, and it has been recognized as a specimen striking by experts and the major grading services, first by NGC and now by PCGS."

The 1856-O is a tremendous rarity among Liberty double eagles, an issue whose fame transcends its series. Just 2,250 pieces were struck, and the mintage has a survival rate of less than 2% regardless of grade...

Full Article: Singular New Orleans Double Eagle Headlines Heritage Long Beach Auction

Win Callender Accepts Numismatist Post at Heritage

CoinNews — Wed, 13 May 2009 03:30:11 +0000

Heritage Auction Galleries, the World’s Leading Auctioneer of Rare Coins, has announced that noted numismatist Win Callender has joined the company as a Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director at its Uptown Dallas headquarters.

"I’ve always been fascinated with coins," said Win, "and I’m happy to be bringing my broad range of experience to my duties at Heritage."

A lifelong numismatist – he found a 1770 Russian 5 Kopek, when he was just five himself, and the journey began – he parlayed his hobby into a full time business when he was in his mid-30s, starting his own business in Broken Arrow, OK in 1993...

Full Article: Win Callender Accepts Numismatist Post at Heritage

‘King of Coins’ Leads $45 Million Heritage CSNS Auctions in Cincinnati

CoinNews — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:14:22 +0000

At the end Heritage Auction Galleries’ Central States Numismatic Society Convention Platinum Night Auction on Thursday, April 30, the Adams-Carter specimen of the Class III AU 58 PCGS 1804 silver dollar lived up to its billing as "The King of Coins" when Bedminister, NJ collector John Albanese topped all others with a $2.3 million bid, including the 15% Buyer’s Premium.

The total for the Heritage CSNS Auctions is currently at approximately $45 million with post-auction buys continuing at www.HA.com.

"There was never any question of whether it was going to be the top lot in the auction," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage. "Whenever you have an example of the most famous coin in the world it’s going to be a big night.

In this case, at $2.3 million, it set a new world record for its class. Thursday night’s price made this particular 1804 dollar the seventh most valuable coin ever sold at auction."

The Class III 1804 $1 received widespread coverage in the mainstream media in the days leading up to the auction, and the buzz in auction gallery was equal to the advance publicity...

Full Article: ‘King of Coins’ Leads $45 Million Heritage CSNS Auctions in Cincinnati

Extreme Rarities in the Greatest Collection of U.S. Silver Coins to be Auctioned in More Than a Decade

CoinLink — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:57:04 +0000

On April 29th and 30th, in Cincinnati, Heritage will auction the collection of “Joseph C. Thomas,” which features U.S. copper, nickel and silver coins, from the 1790s to the mid 20th century.

As far as I know, the Thomas collection does not contain any gold coins. In terms of depth and quality, it is the best collection of U.S. silver coins to be sold at public auction since John J. Pittman’s U.S. coins were auctioned in October 1997 and May 1998...

Full Article: Extreme Rarities in the Greatest Collection of U.S. Silver Coins to be Auctioned in More Than a Decade - CoinLink

Heritage Auction Galleries Starts Collectibles Blog

CoinNews — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:22:57 +0000

Collectors, consignors and the curious alike can now get the inside scoop on hot lots coming down the pipe at Heritage Auction Galleries, along with insight, interviews and commentary from Heritage Auction Galleries staff at the company’s recently launched blog at www.HeritageAuctions.Blogspot.com. Posts are added each weekday.

With three full months under its belt, the blog has already proven a hotspot for a wide cross-sampling of the Heritage audience. Principal writing duties for the blog are held down by staff writer Noah Fleisher, who joined the company in September of 2008.

Noah made a name for himself in the antiques and collectibles market as a writer and an editor for a variety of publications, including Antique Trader, New England Antiques Journal and Northeast Journal of Antiques and Art...

Full Article: Heritage Auction Galleries Starts Collectibles Blog