Heritage Auctions has hit a hot streak in a series of coin auctions during the ANA (American Numismatic Association) events in late August. The auction house surpassed $68 million in total sales and set multiple records for rare and historic coins.
The headline event from August 26th-31st pulled in over $51 million, while the smaller session from August 27th-29th added another $17 million.
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Over the Million Mark
Leading the sales was an 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, which fetched $2.28 million. The coin is one of only nine known examples of the rarest of the four gold Stella varieties.
The auction had two other coins that crossed the $2 million mark: an 1879 Liberty Head Quintuple Stella for $2.16 million, and an 1874 Bickford Ten Dollar, which sold for $2.04 million.
All three rarities were part of The Costa Family Collection, Part I, which contributed 94 lots to the auction.
Costa Family Collection
The Costa Family Collection featured many other significant pieces, including a 1879 Coiled Hair Stella that sold for $1.44 million, an 1852 Assay Office Fifty Dollar coin that sold for $690,000, and an 1880 Flowing Hair Stella that sold for $492,000.
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Other Notable Consignments
Other than the Costa collection, there were other collections and coins that drew attention to Heritage Auctions. The Alymaya Collection presented the Duckor-Godard specimen of the 1921 Double Eagle, which earned $1.56 million.
The Alymaya also included exceptional Saint-Gaudens pieces, such as a 1927-S MS67 PCGS that sold for $690,000 and a 1931-D MS66 PCGS CAC coin that earned $504,000.
San Francisco Vertical Gold Ingot
One of the most extraordinary pieces from Heritage Auctions was a San Francisco Mint Type Two Hallmark Vertical Gold Ingot that weighed 398.55 ounces.
Sold for $1.326 million, the ingot made its first known auction appearance and challenged historical assumptions by proving that large ingots were produced beyond 1950.
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Colorado Collection
The Colorado Collection provided some excitement at the tables, with an 1800 Capped Bust Right Eagle, which earned $576,000 after 58 bids. Other collections like The Desert Find of 1889-CC Morgan Dollars provided a sweep of brilliant, uncirculated coins untouched for over half a century.
ANA Platinum Session
The ANA World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction featured almost 332 lots, including pieces from The Peh Family Collection, Part II, and The Eternal Collection, Part II. A United East India Company gold Proof Pattern Ducaton from 1728 garnered $360,000.
The platinum auction also featured highly coveted British coins, such as an Anne gold 5 Guineas 1709 MS61 PCGS, which sold for $216,000, and a William & Mary gold “Elephant & Castle” 5 Guineas 1693 MS63 NGC, which sold for $192,000.
Ancient Coins
Ancient coins also found value at the auction. Highlighted pieces included a Pertinax AV aureus NGC Gem that sold for $144,000, an Augustus aureus commemorating a key naval victory that sold for $52,800, and a Julius Caesar AV aureus that sold for $48,000.
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Heritage’s Impact
Heritage Auctions’ presence at these events was emphasized by executives. Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President, commented on the buoyancy of the numismatic market and how the auctions continuously attracted new and confident bidders, resulting in record-high prices.
Kyle Johnson, Managing Director of World & Ancient Coins, remarked on the success of single-owner sessions in particular, solidifying Heritage Auctions’ position as the market leader for significant collections.
Looking forward, collectors and enthusiasts prepare for more landmark sales as Heritage Auctions continues to offer tantalizing collections, filled with rare commemorative medals and exclusive international consignments.
The August auction is a testament to the enduring value of rare coins and the numismatic market.
