Dallas, TX. The Official Auction of the February 2008 Long Beach Coin Expo has been posted by Heritage Auction Galleries on their HA.com website. Combining the lots in the Signature, Husak, and Final Session catalogs of U.S. coins, more than 5,500 lots will be available for viewing and bidding in Long Beach. The Auction dates are February 14-16, 2008, and the auction will be held at the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center.

“This Long Beach has three stars,” commented Heritage President Greg Rohan, “one coin and two collections! The first star is an absolutely classic numismatic rarity. The 1838-O half dollar is one of the most celebrated properties in America’s numismatic history, and mystery surrounds its rich history. The generally accepted mintage figure is 20 coins, based upon a handwritten note that accompanied the 1838-O half dollar sold in June 1894 by Edouard Frossard: “The enclosed specimen coin of the U.S. branch mint at New Orleans is presented to Pres. Bache by Rufus Tyler the coiner. It may be proper to state that not more than 20 pieces were struck with the half dollar dies of 1838.” Eleven examples have been traced, most with significant pedigrees including Boyd, Empire, Hawn, Norweb, Boyd, Green, Anderson-Dupont, Parmalee, Eliasberg, Newcomer, and Atwater (this coin). This may also be the finest known survivor.”
Lot 600: 1838-O 50C PR63 Branch Mint PCGS. CAC. JR-1, R.7.

“The second star of Long Beach,” continued Rohan, “is the Husak Collection of Early U.S. Large Cents, which may well be the greatest ever formed. It includes virtually every Sheldon number in the 1793 to 1814 series (a remarkable 299 of the 302 Sheldon-numbered varieties and sub-varieties), and the grades are remarkable. Included are many Mint State pieces, numerous Condition Census examples, and several are the finest known. Mr. Husak started collecting with two goals: 1) the acquisition of coins that were attractive and pleasant, preferably in the Condition Census; 2) the acquisition of coins with exceptional pedigrees. Despite the serious challenges implicit in goal goals, Mr. Husak has succeeded brilliantly! Visit HA.com to see what all the excitement is about.”

“The third star in Long Beach,” continued Rohan, “is the Southwest Collection – a truly great offering of gem-quality rare coins that are simply amazing. Valued at more than four million dollars, these eye-appealing coins combine rarity with eye-appeal. The quality of virtually every coin places it among the finest known, and their eye-appeal continues throughout the collection of Mint State and Proof coins. In many case, the consignor chose better dates – note the 1916-D Mercury Dime graded MS65 Full Bands NGC, or his 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter in MS66 Full Head NGC for those types! The Southwest Collection was meticulously assembled by a connoisseur of cultural artifacts of many types. This serious collector has demonstrated an ability to procure the best in all his diverse collecting interests which typically demonstrated his willingness to ‘pay the price’ to obtain the best. A prominent and successful executive, the same dedication that he brought to his business endeavors is evident in his collecting successes.”

“With the interest in these coins that we have already seen” concluded Rohan, “we are expecting to give our new Heritage Live online bidding system its most strenuous workout yet! We expect more Internet bidders to participate in Long Beach – and to win more lots as well!”

Long Beach anchor consignments include: The Harold C. Ayres VMD Collection; The Al Blythe Collection of Half Dimes; The Jimmy G. PCGS Registry Collection of Morgan Dollars with Varieties; The Walter J. Husak Collection; The Liberty Collection of United States Colonial Coinage, Part Two; The Scheppman Collection, #4 PCGS Registry of Full Band Mercury Dimes; The Southwest Collection; and The John J. Stimson, Sr. Collection, Part Two.

Related posts:

1. Husak Large Cents Soar Past $10.7 Million At Heritage’s $25 Million Long Beach Signature Auction
2. The Walter J. Husak Collection of Large Cents
3. Virtually Complete Early Large Cent Collection of Walter Husak to be Auctioned
4. The Col. Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Half Cents to be Offered in Heritage’s May 2008 Long Beach Signature Auction
5. Greatest All-Time Collection of Middle Date Large Cents (Part 4): Review of the Naftzger 2 Auction — Cents of the 1820s
6. Rare 1838-O Half Dollar Struck to Commemorate the Opening of the New Orleans Mint Will be Offered in Heritage’s April Central States Auction
7. Pair of 1794 Dollars Lead Heritage’s May 2008 Long Beach Auction
8. 1796 Half Cent to be auctioned by Heritage at Long Beach
9. 1838-O sale mystery of 1989 unraveled
10. The Ted Naftzger Collection of United States Large Cents to be Sold