On January 6-7, as a part of the NYINC festivities in New York City, Heritage presented it’s 2008 January New York, NY Signature World Coin Auction #458, which realized over $4.3 million with after-auction sales continuing. The January Heritage auctions in New York and Florida, along with the associated Final Sessions, are expected to total in excess of $60 million.

Two highly desirable Russian rarities led the results from this auction. A Russian 1835 Nicholas I 1-1/2 Family Rouble, graded AU, realized $161,000, befitting its status as the second rarest of the immensely popular Family Rouble series, and barely outdoing a prooflike Uncirculated 1836-dated coin from the same series that realized $149,500. In contrast, while Family Roubles are expected to be the highlight of virtually any auction they appear in, the third piece to break the six figure mark in this auction was a 1992-dated Chinese coin, a rare Gem Proof 2000 Yuan piece containing a full kilo of gold and numbered 10 out of a minuscule mintage of 20 pieces. Estimated at $30,000-$35,000, this coin realized an astounding $126,500.

Other highlights of the 2008 January New York, NY Signature World Coin Auction included:

* Australia: George VI Proof Crown 1937, KM34, Proof 61 NGC. Sold for $27,600
* Bolivia: Carlos II Heart-shaped cob 4 Reales 1697P-CH, type of KM25, choice VF. Sold for $27,600
* China: People’s Republic Gold Kilo Panda 10,000 Yuan 2005. Sold for $36,800
* French Cochin China: French Colonial Essai Piastre 1879A, KM-E12, MS65 ANACS. Sold for $34,500
* Great Britain: George III pattern £2 1820, S-3784, WR-179. Sold for $29,900
* Mexico: Felipe V Pillar 4 Reales 1733MX-MF, KM94, MX/XM, MS63 NCG. Sold for $25,300
* Poland: Republic gold Proof Set 1987. Sold for $29,900
* Poland: Republic gold 200000 Zlotych 1989. Sold for $40,250
* Russia: Peter I. Gold 2 Roubles 1724/3. Sold for $37,375
* Russia: Nicholas I. Borodino Commemorative 1-1/2 Rouble 1839. Sold for $27,600