DALLAS, TX.- The finest known JR-2 1802 dime, MS62 PCGS, led all results as Heritage's July 10 - 13 U.S. Coins Signature Auction at the Summer FUN convention in Orlando realized a total of over $9.7 million overall. All results include a 17-1/2 percent Buyer's Premium.
Just 250 to 300 1802 dimes are estimated to survive in all grades and most are well worn. Most of the very few mint state coins known are the JR-4 variety, and until the specimen crossed the block in Orlando Heritage catalogers were aware of only a single Mint State specimen in another variety, the Ed Price JR-2 Specimen, which graded MS61. The PCGS-graded MS62 example now stands alone atop the condition census, and it found a new home in this auction for $70,500.
"The U.S. Coin market is moving forward in solid confidence and collectors are making the most of the opportunity," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. "Our Summer FUN auction is always a high point on our auction calendar but the enthusiasm seen at this year's event made extremely enjoyable. Florida was the place to be this July."
Four coins shared second honors in this auction, each selling for $52,875. An 1855-D gold dollar from the J.S. Morgan Collection of Gold Dollars, graded XF45 by PCGS, represents the only Dahlonega issue of the coveted Type 2 gold dollar, and in addition boasts a minuscule mintage of only 1,811 coins. Likewise, an 1873 silver dollar was heavily melted, leaving Gems such as the PCGS-graded piece in our auction heavily coveted by collectors.
A 1907 With Periods Wire Rim eagle, MS64 PCGS, sold in the auction only has a net mintage of 472 coins, fueling speculation about whether it was intended as a pattern or a regular issue. Whatever the answer, examples like the coin are eagerly collected by series specialists. Finally, the 1929 half eagle, a melt rarity like so many late date gold issues, is highly coveted in any grade, with this MS63 PCGS specimen typical of the examples known.
Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:
1842-C $5, AU58 PCGS, a small date rarity and one of the three finest specimens ever graded: Realized: $49,937.
1907 $20, MS65 PCGS, a high relief Saint-Gaudens example with an exceptionally flat rim: Realized: $47,000.
1920-D 10C MS67+ Full Bands PCGS, presenting a bright, satiny luster beneath distinct patina of silver-blue: Realized: $44,062.
1853/53 25C No Arrows, Briggs 1-A, FS-301, MS67 PCGS, an exceptional coin with wonderful toning: Realized: $41,125.
1889-CC Morgan Dollar, MS63 NGC, a great key date in the Morgan dollar series: Realized: $41,125.
1908 $10 Motto, MS67 PCGS, with beautifully preserved surfaces: Realized: $39,656.
Heritage's American Numismatic Association auctions to include U.S., World Coins, and Currency, spanning the week of Aug. 3-9, 2014 are open for bidding at
HA.com/coins.