The #1 All-Time Finest Set of Lincoln Cents ever assembled, by Jack Lee, sold in heated competition at the Official Auction of the Houston Money Show of the Southwest. The Houston Signature Auction, held December 4-7, saw solid prices on important material consigned by more than 230 numismatists. Among some 7,000 lots were many Registry-leading or Registry-level pieces. Details, including all prices realized, are now posted at HA.com in the Permanent Auction Archives. Total prices realized are expected to near $11 million as the non-floor sessions and Post Auction Buys continue.Houston contained three different offerings from the Estate of Jack Lee. Bidders were out in force to contend for Jack’s #1 All-Time Finest Registry Set of Lincoln Cents. Lincolns are so important to the market that it difficult to think of a more popular collector series – perhaps only Morgan dollars comes close. For decades, Jack put aside the finest Lincolns he encountered for his personal holdings, and this set was the result. High quality produced high enthusiasm among the bidders. Bidder interest was also high for Jack’s Estate Collection coins, as well as additional selections from his inventory. All these coins bear the critical “Ex: Jack Lee” pedigree that reflected Jack’s incredibly keen eye. Additional Jack Lee coins will also be included in our January FUN Platinum Night and February Long Beach auctions.

Among the magnificent gold rarities sold in our Houston auction were two impressive pieces. Lot 1968 was a 1795 $5 Small Eagle reverse, certified MS64 by NGC (Breen 1-C, Breen-6412, Bass-3034, BD-2, R.6; this was the highest certified for this variety), which realized $172,500. Lot 2244 was an 1854-O $20 with XF details from The Deadwood Gulch Collection, described as “Cleaned” by ANACS, which realized $126,500.

The Houston anchor collections included the Deadwood Gulch Collection; The Gene Gehrke Collection; The Eagle Harbor Collection; three selections from the Estate of Jack Lee (#1 All-Time Finest Registry Set of Lincoln Cents, Estate Collection, & Estate Inventory); The Craig Norris Collection; and The Wyoming Collection.

Highlights from the Houston Coin Signature Auction:

• 1914-S Cent, MS66 Red PCGS. From The Jack Lee Estate Lincoln Cent Registry Set. Realized: $83,375.
• 1926-S Cent MS65 Red PCGS. From The Joshua and Ally Walsh Collection and The Jack Lee Estate Lincoln Cent Registry Set. Realized: $106,375.
• 1795 $1 Flowing Hair, Two Leaves MS61 NGC. B-1, BB-21, R.2. Realized: $69,000.
• 1913 5C Type Two PR68 PCGS. Realized: $63,250.
• 1830 Half Dime PR65 PCGS. CAC. V-5, LM-9.1. Realized: $50,025.
• 1795 $5 BD-2 MS64 NGC. Realized: $172,500.
• 1862 $5 PR64 Ultra Cameo NGC. Realized: $57,500.
• 1795 $10 13 Leaves XF40 PCGS. Taraszka-4, BD-4, R.5. Realized: $57,500.
• 1907 $10 Rolled Edge MS62 PCGS. CAC. Realized: $80,500.
• 1854-O $20 XF Details ANACS. Realized: $126,500.
• 1861-S $20 Paquet XF40 PCGS. From The Deadwood Gulch Collection. Realized: $51,750.
• 1879-O $20 AU58 NGC. Realized: $71,875.
• 1907 $20 High Relief, Flat Rim MS66 PCGS. CAC. Realized: $86,250.

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