By Kagin’s Auctions ……
In what some have called a surprisingly large physical turnout, the Kagin’s Auctions Official ANA National Money Show Auction of just over 1,000 lots realized $6.385 Million USD including the 17.5% buyers’ premium.
“I apologize to those bidding live that both nights the auction lasted much longer than anticipated, but I’m thrilled for the consignors at the level of excitement and participation,” exclaimed Dr. Donald Kagin, president of Kagin’s Auctions.
“There must have been over 50 people in the auction room, which is almost unheard of in these days of internet bidding. I know many of my colleagues were quite disappointed that they were not as successful as anticipated especially with this unreserved auction, but I am extremely gratified that every one of my consignors were happy,” Kagin continued.
Leading the prices realized were a trio of old-green-holder proof gold pieces–the 1860 $10 PCGS-65 finest of just two known realizing $258,500, a $5 1865 PCGS PR-65 bringing $141,000; and a $2.50 1856 PCGS PR-65 for $102,812.50.
This auction represents the first time in three decades that Kagin’s Auctions has conducted an official ANA auction. Kagin’s previously conducted three ANA sales including the 1983 auction featuring the iconic “Lady Liberty” catalog cover designed by artist Peter Max. This year Kagin’s Auctions sponsored an international cover design contest resulting in winner’s Chris Costello’s “Liberty Alive” composition, partially inspired by the Peter Max design.
The anchor consignment of Dr. Chris Allan’s #1 registry set of Bechtler Coinage was highlighted by a $2.50 75gn K-8 PCGS MS63 
, which fetched a record $123,375, and a $5 128G,22C PCGS AU58 K-21, which realized $96,937,50.
Other Pioneer gold coins included a Gem $5 Clark, Gruber & Co. PCGS M65 which set a record at $58,750.
An R-8 undated 1857 flying Eagle cent pattern J-178, S-PT1a in PCGS PR64 from the Steve Brewer collection brought $51,700.
Spotlighting the Federal silver issues was a gorgeous 10c 1876-CC PCGS Specimen 66 Branch Mint, which after fierce bidding was hammered at $158,625 with the buyer’s charge.
The auction was replete with hundreds of high-quality and rare paper currency. The star was one of only two known PMG-graded Superb Gem PG 69 EPQ large size notes—an Fr-107 1880 Legal Tender Note which set a record of $114,562.50. Another note garnering considerable bidding was a $10,000 small size Federal Reserve Note PCGS Apparent Choice New 63 from the famed Binion Hoard, which all in brought $99,875.
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Kagin’s Auction’s founder, A.M. “Art” Kagin first auction was in 1940 under the name Hollinbeck Stamp and Coin in Des Moines, Iowa. Don Kagin, who took over the auction company in 1980, moved to Tiburon, California and has since introduced a number of innovations in the numismatic auction world. Besides the cover design contest, this sale introduce the Kagin’s Auction Loyalty Program, which awards 1% back to all purchasers in credit toward the next two Kagin auctions.
Their next sale is slated for September 15 in Santa Clara, California.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting [email protected] or calling 888-8KAGINS (8524467).
