In a recent auction held by Heritage Auctions in Long Beach, California, collectors witnessed extraordinary sales. The auction featured iconic items, including the record-breaking 1895 Morgan Dollar, which sold for a staggering $269,500, setting a new benchmark. Alongside it, various rare notes brought the total auction value to an impressive $22.1 million. Let’s dive into the details of these remarkable coins and notes.
The 1895 Morgan Dollar
The 1895 Morgan Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in the U.S. Here are some key points about this coin:
- Record Sale: The 1895 Morgan Dollar sold for an amazing $269,500, breaking its previous record.
- Production: It’s estimated that around 12,000 circulation-strike Morgan Dollars were made, but most remain hidden from collectors.
- Rarity: There are only 880 Proofs of this coin, making it a significant addition for any collector.
Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, highlighted how rare this coin is, as many high-quality examples are not easily available to collectors.
Major General Alexander Macomb’s Congressional Gold Medal
Another standout item in the auction was the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Major General Alexander Macomb, a veteran of the War of 1812. Here’s why it’s special:
- Winning Bid: This medal attracted 55 bids and sold for $240,000.
- Unique Design: It was engraved by Moritz Fürst and features a battle scene on the back. Only Macomb’s personal medal was struck in gold, while bronze duplicates were made later.
The 1909-O Indian Half Eagle
Among the significant sales was the 1909-O Indian Half Eagle, which fetched $216,000. Here are its highlights:
- Limited Production: Only 34,200 of these coins were made in 1909, making them extremely rare.
- Historical Importance: It is the only issue of Bela Lyon Pratt’s design produced at the New Orleans Mint.
Notable Coins from the Duffy Collection
The auction featured several other important coins from the Duffy Family Collection:
- 1907 Rolled Edge Eagle: This coin sold for $186,000. It is known for its rarity and quality, with only 50 examples remaining.
- 1907 High Relief, Wire Rim Double Eagle: This beautiful coin sold for $168,000 and is one of the finest examples of its kind.
- 1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle: This historic coin fetched $152,400, notable for its tiny mintage of just 963 pieces.
- 1793 S-3 Cent: Selling for $150,000, this cent is rare, with only two examples graded in its quality.
U.S. Paper Money Highlights
The auction also featured significant paper currency, including high-denomination notes from the Ronald R. Gustafson Collection:
- 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note: This note is the finest known and sold for a remarkable amount, highlighting the rarity of such high-denomination notes.
- 1928 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note: With only a few existing examples, this note brought in a winning bid of $384,000.
Conclusion
The Heritage Auctions in Long Beach showcased some incredible items, with the 1895 Morgan Dollar setting a new sales record at $269,500. The auction drew in collectors from around the world, eager to add these rare coins and notes to their collections. From historic military medals to high-denomination notes, the event highlighted the fascination and value that rare items hold in the world of numismatics. As collectors continue to seek unique pieces, auctions like this one are crucial in shaping the market for rare coins and currency.
Coin Comparison
| Coin Name | Year Minted | Sale Price | Rarity | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1895 Morgan Dollar | 1895 | $269,500 | 880 Proofs | Highly sought after in collections |
| 1909-O Indian Half Eagle | 1909 | $216,000 | 34,200 struck | Only issue of its design |
| 1907 Rolled Edge Eagle | 1907 | $186,000 | 50 remaining | Rare design change |
| 1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter | 1796 | $152,400 | 963 struck | Celebrated one-year design type |
| 1793 S-3 Cent | 1793 | $150,000 | 2 in this quality | Extremely rare example |
Paper Money Comparison Table
| Note Name | Year | Sale Price | Rarity | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 Federal Reserve Note | 1928 | Undisclosed | Finest known | Highest grade among 1928 series |
| $10,000 Federal Reserve Note | 1928 | $384,000 | Very rare | Only a few known examples |
| $5,000 Federal Reserve Note | 1928 | $228,000 | One of two known | Extremely rare from an original run |
| $100 Legal Tender | 1863 | $216,800 | 23 serial numbers | Attractive design known as “Spread Eagle” |
FAQ’s
Why is the 1895 Morgan Dollar so valuable?
The 1895 Morgan Dollar is rare, with only 880 Proofs made, making it highly sought after by collectors.
What was the selling price of Major General Macomb’s Congressional Gold Medal?
The medal sold for $240,000 during the auction.
How many 1909-O Indian Half Eagles were produced?
Only 34,200 of the 1909-O Indian Half Eagles were struck, making it a rare find.
What is significant about the 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note?
It is the finest known example of its series and holds significant historical value.
How much did the 1907 Rolled Edge Eagle sell for?
The 1907 Rolled Edge Eagle fetched $186,000 in the auction.