The first US coin auction to take place at our Beverly Hills office is now complete, with total prices realized for the November 8-10 auction approaching $7 million. All prices include a 15% Buyer’s Premium.
The top lot in the auction was a 1796 quarter, graded MS63 by PCGS. Not only is this the first date quarters were issued by the US mint, but the mintage of the date was paltry, barely exceeding 6,000 pieces. In addition, the 1796 was a one year type coin, making an example of the date necessary to complete a US type set. With wide appeal to type, date, denomination, and ultra-rarity collectors, this well-struck example brought $161,000.
Two octagonal $50 pieces from the California Gold Rush era took the next honors. Officially ingots, rather than coins, these pieces are more commonly referred to as “slugs.” An unusual 1851 Humbert Lettered Edge slug, 887 Thous, with 50 punched into the reverse, sold for $80,500. This AU details coin featured an impressive strike and a good deal of luster. In addition, a Choice AU 1852 Assay Office $50, 887 Thous, the last octagonal slug issue, sold for $51,750.
Just a few of the other highlights of this auction were:
- 1911 $2 1/2 PR68 NGC. Sold for: $51,750
- 1895 $1 PR64 Cameo NGC. CAC. Sold for: $48,875
- 1856 G$1 Slanted 5 PR65 Ultra Cameo. Sold for: $48,875
- 1930-S $10 MS64 PCGS. Sold for: $46,012
- 1913 $10 PR65 NGC. Sold for: $44,562
- 1876 20C MS67 PCGS Secure. CAC. Sold for: $41,400
- 1892-S $1 MS61 PCGS. Sold for: $40,250
- 1863 $2 1/2 PR60 PCGS. CAC. Sold for: $40,250
- 1836 $1 Name on Base, Judd-60 Original, Medal Alignment PR63 PCGS. Sold for: $40,250
- 1801 $10 MS62 PCGS. CAC. Sold for: $37,375
Our New York US Coins Signature Auction will open for bidding very soon at HA.com/Coins.
