A full suite of numismatic auctions by Heritage Auction Galleries - U.S. coins, U.S. Currency, ancients & world coins, and tokens & medals - at the Long Beach Coin Expo have produced results of $34.8 million thus far, with Post-Auction sells expected to push the total well above $35 million. U.S. coins realized $16.5 million, U.S. Currency added $12.9 million, ancients & world coins are nearing $5 million, and tokens & medals contributed another half million dollars. Heritage’s Long Beach Signature® Auctions were held September 17-21, 2008. Complete auction results are now posted on Heritage’s HA.com website, including full-color images, descriptions, and prices realized for all of the Long Beach lots.

“Among the gold rarities included in the Long Beach auction,” commented Heritage President Greg Rohan, “we were especially pleased with the performance of Lot 3571, an 1879 $4 stella (Judd-1635, Pollock-1833) with Flowing Hair, certified by NGC as PR65 Cameo, which realized $204,125, a 1929 $20 certified by PCGS as MS66, with CAC approval, which realized $184,000, and a 1927-S $20, certified PCGS MS65, which realized $161,000. The pair of 1839-O Capped Bust, Reeded Edge Proof half dollars also excited bidders; Lot 2164: PR63 NGC, realized $149,500, and Lot 2163: PR62 NGC, brought $63,250. In spite of the turbulent week on Wall Street, the results of the Long Beach auction demonstrates that collectors are still very excited about numismatic items!”

“One of the most fascinating rarities in the auction,” concluded Rohan, “the newly discovered error 1831 quarter eagle struck on a dime planchet (Lot 3227) realized $46,000. Not a bad return for an item purchased as junk silver! Incidentally, our pre-auction publicity resulted in another well-circulated quarter eagle struck on a dime planchet coming into our offices — and of another date! We are in the process of authentication research, but we certainly expect numismatists to be more carefully examining their worn early dimes in the future!”

The anchor consignments in the U.S. coin catalog were: The Nora Bailey Collection; The Bell Collection; The Davis Conway Collection; The Morton J. Greene Collection; The Hamous Collection of California Gold; The Laredo Collection; The Malibu Collection; The Mississippi Collection; The Menlo Park Collection; The Nevada Collection of Seated Quarters; and The Sundance Collection.

Highlights from Heritage’s September 2008 Long Beach Signature® Auction:

• Lot 112: 1805 1/2 C Small 5, Stems XF40 PCGS. C-2, B-2.

Realized $29,900 This is an important example Census level example of the rarest 1805 half cent, and one of the rarest Draped Bust half cent varieties. From The Nora Bailey Collection.

• Lot 132: 1832 half cent PR64 Brown PCGS C-2, B-2, R.7

Realized $63,250 A significant rarity, with only a handful of proofs of this variety known.

• Lot 173: 1806 cent, S-270, B-1, R.1, MS64 Brown NGC.

Realized $27,600 A remarkable large cent, this is the single finest certified by NGC; as a comparison, the incredible Walter Husak Collection auctioned by Heritage on February 15, 2008 contained ‘only’ an AU50!

• Lot 833: 1937-D 5C Three-Legged MS65 PCGS.

Realized $43,125 The 1937-D Three-Legged nickel is one of the more significant and famous varieties in American numismatics, and only four have been certified finer by PCGS.

• Lot 1270: 1915-S $50 Round Panama-Pacific MS64 NGC. CAC.

Realized $103,500 Designer Robert Aitken’s fifty dollar commemorative continued the classical allusions of the renaissance that began with Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907, and also celebrated the recovery of the “City by the Bay” from the devastating Great Earthquake and Fire.

• Lot 1271: 1915-S $50 Octagonal Panama-Pacific MS64 NGC. CAC.

Realized $92,000 This is a wonderful realization of Aitken’s design, with brilliant luster cascading from the surfaces, which are predominantly orange-gold on each side.

• Lot 1300: 1903 Jefferson Gold Dollar, PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC.

Realized $34,500 One of two gold commemoratives struck to help offset the cost of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in St. Louis to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this monumental event.

• Lot 1352: 1853 50C Arms of California 50 Cents, BG-435, Low R.5, MS62 PCGS.

Realized $9,200 This date has always been one of the most sought-after in the popular California fractional gold series, with the distinctive obverse modeled after the state arms. From The Hamous Collection of California Gold.

• Lot 1533: 1864-S quarter, MS64 PCGS.

Realized $41,688 One of the finest known survivors, from The Nevada Collection of Seated Quarters.

• Lot 1538: 1872-S Quarter, MS66 PCGS.

Realized $86,250 The incomparable Norweb example, ranking among the most challenging Motto Seated quarters. From The Nevada Collection of Seated Quarters.

• Lot 1555: 1792 Half-Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, VF35 NGC.

Realized $92,000 A lovely example of this great American numismatic rarity.

• Lot 1631: 1802 10C AU55 PCGS. JR-4, R.4.

Realized $20,700 The JR-4 die combination is the most plentiful of four known varieties of 1802 dimes, yet it is still rated R.4, meaning fewer than 200 are known - but only five have been certified finer!

• Lot 1772: 1942/1 Mercury dime, MS66 Full Bands PCGS.

Realized $71,875 This exceptional coin is tied for the finest certified, and as such is a prize for the Registry Set collector or 20th century series enthusiast.

• Lot 1815: 1796 quarter XF40 NGC, High 6. B-2, R.3.

Realized $40,250 The Draped Bust, Small Eagle quarter dollar is a single year design and the first year of issue for the denomination, and this is an attractive, well balanced representative. From The Menlo Park Collection.

• Lot 1887: 1883 quarter PR68 Cameo NGC. CAC.

Realized $27,600 Business strike mintage of quarters in 1883 was a minuscule 14,400 pieces, with a further 1,039 proof quarters.

• Lot 1950: 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, MS66 Full Head NGC.

Realized $37,375 Ex: Richmond Collection, this Premium Gem first-year 1916 quarter is virtually the finest quality obtainable, with silver-white surfaces and deeply frosted texture.

• Lot 1973: 1918/7-S quarter MS62 PCGS.

Realized $21,850 The 1918/7-S overdate is the only Standing Liberty quarter that successfully competes with the first-year 1916 issue in terms of desirability and rarity.

• Lot 2017: 1796 half dollar, 15 Stars, VF25 PCGS. O-101, R.5.

Realized $86,250 Mintage of the 1796-1797 Draped Bust Small Eagle design type totaled only 3,918 coins, and this example is sharp for its grade, with individually distinctive denticles. From The Menlo Park Collection.

• Lot 2163: 1839-O 50C Capped Bust, Reeded Edge PR62 NGC.

Realized $63,250 Substantially rarer than the 1838-O proof half dollars are the similarly designed 1839-O proof halves. With two of only four confirmed extant examples in this auction, this will be a historic event.

• Lot 2164: 1839-O 50C Capped Bust, Reeded Edge PR63 NGC.

Realized $149,500 Relatively little is known about this enigmatic issue, one of the hidden jewels of the numismatic world; two things are certain–they are indubitably specially struck coins and there are only four confirmed examples extant. The current auction is a landmark event in that we are offering two pieces! The present specimen is the Breen Proof Encyclopedia Plate Coin. Ex: Krouner Collection; George Byers Collection.

• Lot 2167: 1839 50C Drapery MS65 NGC.

Realized $19,550 Although the No Drapery variant is slightly less available than With Drapery halves in Mint State, both types are equally rare in Gem or better condition. From The Sundance Collection.

• Lot 2178: 1849-O 50C MS65 NGC.

Realized $12,650 Like many antebellum minor silver issues, this heavily circulated New Orleans half dollar is immensely elusive in the better Mint State grades; this is tied for the finest known. From The Sundance Collection.

• Lot 2224: 1870-CC 50C AU50 NGC.

Realized $28,750 As is the case with the many other issues struck in the first year of operation for the Carson City Mint, the 1870-CC halves rank as the most challenging and desirable within their series.

• Lot 2246: 1848 50C PR64 NGC.

Realized $46,000 This extraordinarily rare 1848 proof half dollar, pedigreed to the Eliasberg Collection, is the second finest known. From The Sundance Collection.

• Lot 2247: 1849 50C PR66 NGC.

Realized $86,250 We believe this piece, ex: Pittman, is the finest of just six or seven 1849 proof half dollars currently traced. From The Malibu Collection.

• Lot 2249: 1855/54 50C PR64 PCGS. FS-301, formerly FS-005, WB-102.

Realized $54,625 The 1855/54 is very rare in proof format, and only one has been certified finer. From The Sundance Collection.

• Lot 2254: 1865 50C PR67 Cameo NGC.

Realized $25,300 NGC has certified just 33 1865 Cameo proofs, with this piece tied with only one other at the Superb Gem level, and none finer (8/08). From The Sundance Collection.

• Lot 2264: 1873 50C Arrows PR66 Star NGC.

Realized $19,550 Lush ocean-blue, honey-gold, apricot, and cherry-red invigorate this precisely struck and unabraded Premium Gem; only one has been certified finer. From The Malibu Collection.

• Lot 2371: 1795 $1 Flowing Hair, Two Leaves, B-3, BB-11, NCS. Unc Details.

Realized $20,700 This piece is boldly defined with full definition on both sides, and despite some field repair, it may still qualify as the finest known example of the variety.

• Lot 2474: 1858 $1 PR65 Cameo NGC.

Realized $54,625 This brilliant Gem possesses icy devices that exhibit obvious contrast with the unperturbed and glassy fields of this proof-only issue.

• Lot 2476: 1859 $1 PR67 Star NGC.

Realized $63,250 One of the two finest certified with Star designation, of some 800 dollars initially struck in proof format in 1859.

• Lot 2480: 1861 $1 PR66 Cameo NGC.

Realized $25,300 The proof dollar was originally offered as part of proof sets, and perhaps 700 of the 1000 minted were melted. None finer from either service (8/08).

• Lot 2492: 1868 $1 PR67 Cameo NGC.

Realized $34,500 This is the single finest Cameo proof 1868 dollar certified by either major grading service.

• Lot 2494: 1869 $1 PR67 Star Cameo NGC.

Realized $51,750 The proof Seated dollars dated 1869 are in high demand, both as representatives from a pool of only 600 proofs, and also as substitutes for the business strikes of the same year, which are famously challenging in Mint State.

• Lot 2510: 1874-CC Trade $1 MS65 NGC.

Realized $37,375 A seldom-seen Trade dollar in mint condition as most of the 1.3 million struck were shipped to the Orient. None have been certified finer. From The Laredo Collection.

• Lot 2859: 1892-S $1 MS60 NGC.

Realized $29,900 The 1892-S Morgan dollar, with its mintage of 1.2 million pieces, was not an issue that attracted particular notice for many years, but is now a classic rarity.

• Lot 2924: 1895-O $1 MS62 PCGS.

Realized $40,250 The 1895-O has always been something of a darling among Morgan dollar enthusiasts, particularly in higher grades.

• Lot 2925: 1895-O $1 MS63 ANACS.

Realized $37,375 While the 1893-S issue is arguably the most important and widely recognized of all business strike Morgan silver dollars, the 1895-O follows closely behind.

• Lot 2988: 1881 $1 PR67 Cameo NGC.

Realized $13,800 One of only 984 proofs struck this year.

• Lot 2999: 1896 $1 PR67 Cameo NGC.

Realized $14,950 All in all, great technical quality and aesthetic eye appeal.

• Lot 3002: 1898 $1 PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC.

Realized $25,300 Proof Morgan silver dollars minted in the years 1895-1898 are known for their high technical quality and beautiful appearance, and the 735 pieces from 1898 are particularly noteworthy in this respect.

• Lot 3058: 1925-S $1 MS65 NGC.

Realized $14,950 The 1925-S is surprisingly rare in MS65 grade, and none have been certified finer.

• Lot 3147: 1854 Gold $1 Type Two MS63 PCGS.

Realized $8,050 In mid-1854, the Mint attempted to rectify problems caused by the small size of the Type One gold dollar, and the planchet diameter was increased by 2 mm. From The Bell Collection.

• Lot 3168: 1856-D Gold $1 AU58 NGC.

Realized $12,650 The 1856-D is one of the keys to the series, and always in demand. Only six coins have been certified finer.

• Lot 3224: 1825 $2.50 MS61 PCGS. BD-2, R.4.

Realized $32,200 The obverse has a recut 5, and the reverse has the stem ending over the upright of the D; both dies appear to be perfect with no die cracks or clash marks.

• Lot 3226: 1830 $2.50 AU58 NGC. BD-1, R.4.

Realized $14,950 All Capped Head quarter eagles are scarce or rare, and in 1830 only 4,540 coins of the denomination were minted, and the number of survivors is estimated to be just 80 to 100 pieces. From The Menlo Park Collection.

• Lot 3227: 1831 $2.50 Quarter Eagle Struck on a Dime Planchet, Good 6 NGC.

Realized $46,000 This is undoubtedly the most strikingly obvious and interesting error we have ever handled, all the more fascinating because it circulated for decades without notice.

• Lot 3269: 1846-C $2.50 MS62 NGC. Winter 7-F.

Realized $16,100 The 1846-C is a very scarce coin in any grade with only 4,808 pieces struck, and high grade examples are especially difficult. Only four or five pieces are believed known in Mint State. From The Mississippi Collection.

• Lot 3351: 1875 $2.50 PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC.

Realized $48,875 Since both business strikes and proofs of the 1875 quarter eagle are low-mintage issues, at 400 pieces and 20 specimens respectively, the already-small population of proof survivors faces added pressure from numismatists seeking a business-strike substitute. None certified finer.

• Lot 3353: 1898 $2.50 PR67 Star Ultra Cameo NGC.

Realized $34,500 From an original mintage of just 165 specimens, it is estimated that between 80 and 100 examples still exist, of which few equal this marvelous specimen.

• Lot 3440: 1869 5C Five Cents, Judd-688, Pollock-769, High R.7, PR66 PCGS.

Realized $16,100 One of just three known in Aluminum, an incredibly rare metal at the time.

• Lot 3452: 1880 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1658, Pollock-1858, Low R.7–Copper, Gilt–Genuine PCGS.

Realized $27,600 Struck in copper with a reeded edge, the stella’s gilt overlay is nicely done, with no apparent flakes or prominent blemishes.

• Lot 3571: 1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, PR65 Cameo NGC.

Realized $204,125 The 1879 four dollar stella is often considered the most popular gold pattern of all time, except for those who collect them as part of the regular coinage as well!

• Lot 3573: 1795 $5 Small Eagle AU55 PCGS. Breen-6412, BD-3, High R.3.

Realized $54,625 Varieties BD-2, BD-3, and BD-4 show overlapping obverse stars 11 and 12, and star 11 over the Y of LIBERTY, while the reverse wreath of BD-2 and BD-3 each have four berries. From The Menlo Park Collection.

• Lot 3574: 1795 $5 Small Eagle AU55 NGC. Breen-6412, BD-4, R.5.

Realized $43,125 A number of diagnostics easily identify this variety. All of the 1795 Small Eagles are important as the first gold coins struck by the U.S. Mint.

• Lot 3646: 1844-D $5 MS64 NGC.

Realized $40,250 Gold was discovered in the Appalachian regions of Georgia and North Carolina during the 1820s, and several private mints were established near the gold fields to allow the miners to avoid the risk and expense of shipping their gold overland to Philadelphia. This is a breathtaking coin, with none certified finer.

• Lot 3783: 1887 $5 PR64 Cameo NGC.

Realized $63,250 The 1887 proof five has the easy-to-remember mintage of the last two years of the date, that is, 87 pieces.

• Lot 3817: 1796 $10 AU55 NGC. Breen-6832, Taraszka-6, BD-1, R.4.

Realized $80,500 The only known die pair for coinage of 1796, with Mint delivery records indicating 6,934 eagles coined in 1796.

• Lot 3819: 1797 $10 Large Eagle AU58 NGC. Breen-6834, Taraszka-8, BD-2, High R.4.

Realized $46,100 After producing every authorized coinage denomination in 1796, from the half cent through ten dollar gold, in 1797 the Mint came close to doing it again, omitting only quarters entirely from the lineup.

• Lot 3820: 1798/7 $10 9×4 Stars XF40 PCGS. BD-1, High R.4.

Realized $63,250 This is the only early gold issue, regardless of denomination, bearing the 9+4 star arrangement.

• Lot 3823: 1800 $10 VF35 PCGS. Breen-6842, BD-1, High R.3.

Realized $10,350 The BD-1 is the only known variety for 1800 eagles, with all examples showing star 7 double-punched, and many displaying a die crack along the top of LIBERTY. From The Menlo Park Collection.

• Lot 3833: 1801 $10 MS63 NGC. Breen-6843, Taraszka-25, BD-2, R.2.

Realized $54,625 Amazingly, the large emission of 44,344 1801-dated tens occurred with only two die pairings. From The Mississippi Collection.

• Lot 3841: 1842 $10 Large Date MS64 NGC.

Realized $74,750 Radiant luster covers this exciting No Motto gold ten. From The Mississippi Collection.

• Lot 3853: 1846 $10 MS62 NGC.

Realized $51,750 This wonderful coin is tied with one other as the finest known of a meager 20,095 business strikes.

• Lot 3858: 1846/5-O $10 MS62 NGC.

Realized $37,375 Although undesignated as such on the NGC holder, this is actually an unrecognized 1846/5-O eagle, and as such it is a great rarity in this condition. This overdate coin appears clearly to be well within the Condition Census.

• Lot 3958: 1907 $10 Wire Rim MS65 PCGS. CAC.

Realized $80,500 Mint Director George Roberts, in one of his last official correspondences, mentioned President Roosevelt’s involvement in the production and distribution of the experimental pieces that would later become known as the Wire Rim, Periods variety.

• Lot 3968: 1907 $10 No Periods MS67 NGC.

Realized $35,938 The 1907 No Periods eagle was the third Indian Head type ten struck at the Philadelphia Mint that year.

• Lot 3984: 1910-D $10 MS66 NGC.

Realized $13,238 This example features radiant luster and the finely granular surfaces usually seen on this issue.

• Lot 4118: 1871-CC $20 AU50 NGC.

Realized $32,200 For collectors today, the CC mintmark carries an undeniable appeal, with their romantic associations with the Wild West.

• Lot 4353: 1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 PCGS.

Realized $32,200 More than a century after his design for the double eagle first made its way into circulation, Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his coin design legacy have become seemingly permanent fixtures on American coinage.

• Lot 4354: 1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS64 NGC.

Realized $27,600 The Wire Rim and Flat Rim ‘varieties’ actually reflect minor changes in Mint apparatus, rather than actual varieties or even die states. From The Mississippi Collection.

• Lot 4355: 1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim MS65 PCGS. CAC.

Realized $60,950 Today, High Relief double eagles are virtually irresistible to collectors, especially when they are as well-preserved as this charming Gem.

• Lot 4448: 1914-S $20 MS67 NGC.

Realized $43,125 This is the single finest coin certified by either NGC or PCGS.

• Lot 4503: 1927-S $20 MS62 PCGS.

Realized $36,800 Despite an initial mintage of over 3.1 million double eagles at San Francisco in 1927, it is highly prized and elusive.

• Lot 4504: 1927-S $20 MS65 PCGS.

Realized $161,000 The 1927-S has long been recognized as a key date in the Saint-Gaudens double eagle series. Beauty, rarity, and an illustrious pedigree make this coin a prize for the advanced collector. Ex: NERCA; Dr. Steven Duckor (2006); Jay Brahin (2007).

• Lot 4508: 1929 $20 MS66 PCGS. CAC.

Realized $184,000 One of the finest known of an issue once renowned as a major rarity.

To discuss consigning coins or currency to an upcoming auction, please call the Heritage Consignor Hotlines at 800-872-6467 ext. 1000 (Coins); or ext. 1001 (Currency).

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