By Kathleen Duncan for Pinnacle Rarities

Although it has been increasingly difficult to acquire nice rarities in the past several months, we were presented with some fabulous material through our dealer connections at last week’s Central States Convention. We were pleased to get first opportunity on a blockbuster collection of early Proof Seated Halves, two heralding from the 1997 Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. collection.

Another favorite purchase was a beautiful condition census 1798 Draped Bust Dollar (ex. Phil Flanagan) in PCGS MS64 condition. We also were the successful bidder (on behalf of a client) on the 1802 Novodel PR65 Cameo Dollar from the fabulous Queller collection, in our opinion the nicest coin in Heritage’s $45 million sale, although only the second most expensive: The 1804 Dollar in NGC PR62 condition broke the record for the third highest price paid for a coin in auction, realizing $3,737,500.

The pre-convention sale held by Bowers and Merena showcased some high-end collections of Washington quarters and Buffalo nickels bringing similarly high-end prices. A 1926-S NGC MS66* brought $322,000, which is an auction record for a 26-S Buffalo nickel and the first to surpass the $300,000 level. A 1932-D 25c PCGS MS66 brought a healthy $143,750. We had the pleasure of handling this same coin in the mid 90s for approximately $20,000. Our client turned it around in 2001 for a tidy $90,000, a good example of the staggering price increases for certain Key dates in the past decade.

While most areas are experiencing strong demand from collectors, prices on Silver Commemoratives are still quiet on all but the’top pop’ examples. Other series that present excellent value are Three Cent Nickels and Proof Liberty nickels. Outstanding value continues to exist within the Barber and Seated series, Walking Liberty Halves, and Peace Dollars. But finding the coins is another matter. We did not, however, have any trouble finding quality coins to purchase in Chicago, so enjoy browsing our newest selections.