What’s Hotter than Las Vegas in Summer? Finest Known Coins Catch Fire at Legend’s 33rd Regency Auction

Jul 7, 2019 | Auctions, News

(June 28, 2019—Lincroft, NJ)— Record prices fell at Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ June 2019 Regency Auction as multiple advanced Registry Set collectors fought it out to add finest known issues to their top ranking sets on the PCGS Registry. Besides the Finest Known coins, the action was as hot as the summer sun in the Las Vegas desert (it was a balmy 101 outside). Again, the explosive bidding activity proved that collectors of all areas were out in force to buy quality coins. As usual, PCGS/CAC coins garnered the most attention and most active bidding, realizing solid to extremely strong prices. The Regency Auction, which is the official auction of the PCGS Members Show, proves that even smaller sales get the same draw and attention of the larger conventions. While attendance was not strong at the show, pre internet and live during the sale internet bidding was the most active of ANY auction we have ever had. The top selling lots were a pair of Top Pop Mercury Dimes, which three very advanced collectors drove to shocking world record prices: lot 211, a 1931-S in PCGS MS67+ FB CAC realizing $270,250 and lot 220, a monster toned 1938-S PCGS MS68+ FB CAC sold for $364,250. All prices realized include the 17.5% Buyer’s Premium.

“Opening the sale was the Hunter Collection,” said Julie Abrams, president of Legend Rare Coin Auctions. “For the first hour and a half of the sale, it was standing room only with a huge crowd in the auction room. Collectors fought it out over and over, driving prices higher to take home the greatest prizes. The current market is as quality conscientious as ever, and Premium Quality coins (especially toners) are bringing premium bids!”

“Bidders on the phone, in the room, and online fought ferociously to bring home the prizes for their collections,” said Laura Sperber, founder of LRCA. “Julie, Jessica, and I were on the phone with bidders who really desired the absolute best coins. Clearly, Legend Rare Coin Auctions has built a clientele that are the strongest buyers, especially for the finest PCGS/CAC coins in the world and monster toned examples. We consistently sell top pop toners for world record prices that no other auction firm can touch! However, not everything had to be a pop 1 wildly toned piece to attract loads of bidder and realize strong prices. Even PCGS NO CAC coins preformed especially well ($20 1904 PCGS MS67 realized $73,437). A small group of exceptional Proof Barber dimes and quarters performed exceptionally well. Another area that performed strong: Morgan Dollars. Legend is a rising star among auction companies when it comes to selling the best quality Morgans.”

“Auction after auction, our boutique auction program gets the biggest buyers’ attention, and they return, every auction, knowing that we sell the very best coins on the market,” Julie Abrams stated. “That is why the consignors keep coming back. We offer much more then just auctioning your coins. If you have not yet consigned to our record breaking sales, now is the time to do so. We are now accepting consignments for our September Regency Auction, so contact one of our consignment specialists today. Take a look at these highlights (to name just a few) and let us do the same for you!”

• Lot 10. 10C 1798 Large 8. PCGS MS62 CAC From the Hunter Collection. Realized $30,550
• Lot 73. 1C 1955 Doubled Die. PCGS MS64 RD CAC. Realized $14,688
• Lot 92. 3CS 1855 PCGS PR64 CAC. Realized $13,513
• Lot 131. 5C 1911 PCGS PR67+ CAC. Realized $6,169
• Lot 167. 5C 1939 REV 38 PCGS PR68 CAC. Realized $6,168.75
• Lot 197. 10C 1916-D Mercury. PCGS MS64 FB CAC. Realized $38,775
• Lot 204. 10C 1923 PCGS MS68 FB CAC. Realized $35,250
• Lot 231. 10C 1943-D PCGS MS68 FB CAC. Realized $5,053
• Lot 242. 25C 1877 PCGS MS68 CAC. Realized $27,025 (wildly toned)
• Lot 268. 25C 1949-D PCGS MS68 CAC. Realized $43,475 (wildly toned)
• Lot 269. 25C 1952-D PCGS MS67+ CAC. Realized $21,150
• Lot 279. 50C 1876-CC PCGS MS66+ CAC. Realized $31,725
• Lot 290. 50C 1920-D PCGS MS65+ CAC. Realized $29,375
• Lot 306. 50C 1942-D PCGS MS68. Realized $34,075
• Lot 308. 50C 1943 PCGS MS68 CAC. Realized $28,200 (wildly toned)
• Lot 343. $1 1881-S PCGS MS66 CAC. Realized $11,163 (wildly toned)
• Lot 383. $1 1902-O PCGS MS67 CAC. Realized $19,387.50
• Lot 475. $20 1882-CC PCGS MS62 CAC. Realized $31,725
• Lot 482. $20 1904 PCGS MS67. Realized $73,438
• Lot 503. 50C 1935 Spanish Trail. PCGS MS68. Realized $17,038
• Lot 513. $1 1879 J-1629. PCGS PR67 CAC. Realized $36,425
• Lot 514. $3 1875 J-1436. PCGS PR65 RB CAC. Realized $73,438

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique numismatic auction company specializing in the finest and rarest U.S. coins. Founded in 2012 by Laura Sperber, the owner and president of Legend Numismatics, the premier rare coin retail firm. LRCA was, from the outset designed to be a different kind of rare coin auction firm. LRCA’s staff of numismatic auction industry veterans includes Julie Abrams, president; Greg Cohen, senior numismatist; and Jessica Berkman, consignment coordinator. The firm’s Regency Auctions serve as the official auction for the PCGS Members’ Shows, held six times per year. Since its founding, LRCA has sold many important collections, resulting in world-record prices, including the Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars (#1 all time PCGS set); the David Hall—Bob Simpson Collection of Liberty Head Eagles; the Sunnywood-Simpson Collection of Morgan Dollars; the Phil Flannagan Collection of Territorial Gold, Toned Dollars, and 1795 coins; duplicates from the Gerald Forsythe Collections of Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes; the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns; the Northern Lights Collection of Monster Toned Morgan Dollars; the Crow River Collections of Indian Head $10s and Peace Dollars; the P.F.M Collection (former #6 PCGS Set of Morgan Dollars with varieties); the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City $5 gold; the Konstantine Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars, the #1 PCGS Set of Red Book varieties, 1807-1836. The firm’s impressive record also includes the 2nd highest APR in 2016 with the sale of Bob Simpson’s duplicate 1879 $20 “Quintuple Stella” which realized $1,880,000. To consign to an upcoming auction or request information, visit www.legendauctions.com.

Classic Early U.S. Type, Superb Proof Barbers, Gem Silver Dollars, and Rare Gold Coins Anchor Legend’s Regency Auction 33

Jun 14, 2019 | Auctions, News

Important collections and individual rarities offer “something for everyone” in Vegas

(Lincroft, NJ—June 13, 2019)—Continuing apace for the year with its fourth Regency Auction of 2019, the June 27th auction is being held at the PCGS Members Show at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas and features 514 lots of hand selected, high end, quality rare coins. Anchored by three named collections as a backbone, the selection of coins is diverse and begins in the earliest of federal issues and goes to classic 20th century issues.

The sale begins with the Hunter Collection, a 39 piece selection of Draped and Capped Bust silver coins, from half dime to half dollar, 1796 to 1837. Choice collector grade coins and Gem Mint State coins are being offered, with coins in every budget range.

Further selections from the R.S.D. Collection include Superb Gem Proof Barber dimes and quarters that are among the finest known specimens for their respective issues, including a number of PR68 graded examples. All are PCGS and CAC.

The Hickory Ridge Collection of Peace Dollars is a complete set registered on the PCGS Set Registry and includes a wonderful selection of coins with a focus on eye appeal.

Full sale highlights include:

• Lot 1. H10C 1796 LIKERTY. PCGS MS63 CAC From the Hunter Collection
• Lot 16. 25C 1820 Large O. PCGS MS65+ CAC From the Hunter Collection
• Lot 53. 1C 1856 Flying Eagle. PCGS PR64 CAC
• Lot 91. 3CS 1868 PCGS MS66 CAC
• Lot 113. 5C 1880 PCGS MS65 CAC
• Lot 135. 5C 1918/7-D PCGS MS64+ CAC
• Lot 168. H10C 1797 16 Stars. PCGS MS65+ CAC
• Lot 197. 10C 1916-D Mercury. PCGS MS64 FB CAC
• Lot 242. 25C 1877 PCGS MS68 CAC
• Lot 258. 25C 1907 PCGS PR68 CAM CAC From the R.S.D. Collection
• Lot 308. 50C 1943 PCGS MS68 CAC
• Lot 323. $1 1795 Silver Plug. PCGS AU50
• Lot 372. $1 1895-S PCGS MS65+ PL CAC
• Lot 390. $1 1895 NGC PR64
• Lot 416. $1 1934-S PCGS MS66 CAC From the Hickory Ridge Collection
• Lot 437. $2.50 1901 PCGS PR67+ DCAM CAC
• Lot 440. $2.50 1910 PCGS PR66+ CAC
• Lot 443. $5 1795 Small Eagle. PCGS AU55 CAC
• Lot 450. $10 1799 Large Stars. PCGS MS63+ CAC
• Lot 475. $20 1882-CC PCGS MS62 CAC
• Lot 494. $20 1921 PCGS MS64
• Lot 512. $50 1851 Humbert. Reeded Edge, 880. NGC AU53 CAC

“We are extremely proud of the selection of rarities and collector coins that we have put together for the June Regency Auction,” said Laura Sperber, founder of LRCA. “There really is something for every collector no matter where in their collecting career they may be. Whether just starting out with AU Bust halves, or are putting together a world class Registry Set, there is something to attract your attention.”

Marbles Were Just One Category in Holabird Western Americana Collections’ Five-Day Don’t Lose Your Marbles Auction, May 16-20

May 31, 2019 | Auctions, News

The auction was held online and live in Reno, Nevada, grossing around a half million dollars.

Hawaiian Baseball Association stock certificate issued to baseball inventor A.J. Cartwright on June 12th, 1890, for five shares, signed by Cartwright on the reverse side ($4,500).

Marbles was just one of many collecting categories included in the five-day auction, which also featured Western Americana, mining, stock certificates, railroadiana, Native Americana, art, bottles, postcards, postal history, baseball sports memorabilia, coins, medals and tokens. The sale was held online and in Holabird’s gallery, located at 3555 Airway Drive (Suite #308) in Reno.

The sale overall contained a staggering 4,134 lots and grossed around a half million dollars, to include buyer’s premium. For those unable to attend in person, Internet bidding was facilitated by iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, AuctionMobility.com and Auctionzip. More than 4,600 people registered to bid online. Telephone and absentee bids were also taken.

Day 1, on Thursday, May 16th (lots 1000-1839) featured numismatics, to include books and checks, coins, currency, ingots, medals and scales; Part I of the mining category, to include mining artifacts and books, stocks and ephemera, mostly from Alaska and California; and general Americana, to include assorted books, fire, postal history, geographic sort and more.

The Hawaiian Baseball Association stock certificate issued to baseball inventor A.J. Cartwright on June 12th, 1890, for five shares, was the day’s top lot. Cartwright signed the reverse. Also, a stock certificate for the Pacific Pearl Company (N.Y.) for 25 shares, from 1867, achieved $2,525. The company was a venture to harvest pearls and pearl shells in the Pacific Ocean. The Chief Engineer, Julius Kroehl, invented a submarine able to dive and re-surface on its own, in 1866.

Other Day 1 top earners included an 1831 gold ducat coin from the Netherlands, showing a helmeted figure with a sword on the obverse and words in all capitals on the reverse ($1,000); and three quicksilver (mercury) flasks from New Almaden, Calif., made of iron and rusted from exposure ($812). The tallest bottle of the three was 14 ½ inches; a 12-inch one was marked “N ALMADEN”, a reference to the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine in Santa Clara, Calif. ($812).

Day 2 was dedicated to Part II of the mining collectibles, which included stocks and ephemera from Colorado and Wyoming. Star lots included a Bill Young Mining Company (San Juan County, Colo.) stock certificate, issued for 50 shares to C.P. Cogwell on May 1st, 1888 ($2,562); and a rare Leadville (Colo.) Mining & Stock Exchange Association stock certificate, issued for two shares to Clinton Bennett on May 13th, 1881, signed by H.A.W. Tabor as president ($1,688).

Day 3, Saturday, May 18th, featured transportation collectibles, to include airplane, automobile, steamer and railroad; Wells Fargo and Express; and tokens, which included tokens from brothels.

The Northern Pacific Railroad Company land grant bond that fetched $4,400 was the marquis lot of the day. The $100, 7.3 percent, 30-year land grant tax-free gold bearer bond, due in 1900, was issued July 1st, 1870 and featured an embossed seal and attractive vignettes. Also, an early Atlantic & Pacific Aerial Navigation Company (San Francisco, Calif.) stock certificate for three shares, issued June 30th, 1898 to Robert H. Mitchell, not canceled, with a vignette, hit $1,688.

Day 4, on Sunday, May 19th, was perhaps the sexiest day of the auction, with categories that included sports collectibles, jewelry, furniture, art, Native Americana, textiles, bottles, cowboy collectibles, firearms and weaponry, entertainment, gaming, military, minerals and…marbles!

The sale’s overall top lot was the wire gold specimen from the Ibex Mine in Leadville, Colorado that garnered $11,250. It was uncovered by metal detector within the last 20 years and was most recently in the collection of Bryan Lees, owner of the Sweet Home Rhodochrosite Mine (Colo.). The gold nugget necklace with 24 small nuggets (1.11 ozt) and one large nugget (1.91 ozt), set with a .5 carat round cut diamond, sailed past its estimate of $6,500-$8,500 to finish at $9,375.

An oil painting by William A. Moore, titled Pelicans Going Home, showing Winnemucca Lake and Pyramid Lake in Nevada, truly massive at 16 feet in length and 30 inches tall and in a light wood frame, went for $7,500; while a vintage Victor Moses Begay (VMB) Navajo handmade silver, turquoise and coral concho black leather belt from the 1970s, signed, breezed to $2,000.

In the sports collectibles category, a pair of Boston Red Sox stock certificates from 1916, both with ties to Babe Ruth, brought $2,000. One was signed by Joseph J. Lannin, the president of the Red Sox who brought Ruth to Boston; the other was signed by Harry Frazee, who sold Ruth to the Yankees, for $300,000. Also, an autographed Derek Jeter Yankees’ pinstripe jersey from 2000, beautifully framed and signed by Jeter in silver ink, with “00 WS MVP”, rose to $1,500.

And, lest we forget, a giant onion skin marble with mica, circa 1860s-1880s, two inches in diameter, a beautiful specimen with multi-colored splotches (mostly darker pink) and with mica flakes scattered throughout the body, in perfect condition and pontiled, rolled away for $1,475.

Oil painting by William A. Moore, titled Pelicans Going Home, showing Winnemucca Lake and Pyramid Lake in Nevada, truly massive at 16 feet in length and 30 inches tall, framed ($7,500).

Anyone owning a collection that might fit into an upcoming Holabird Western Americana Collections auction is encouraged to get in touch. The firm travels extensively throughout the U.S., to see and pick up collections. Last year it visited Boston, Florida, Seattle, and New York.

Holabird Western Americana is always seeking quality Americana and coin consignments, bottles, advertising and other fine collections for future auctions. To consign a single piece or an entire collection, you may call Fred Holabird at 775-851-1859 or 844-492-2766; or, you can e-mail him at fredholabird@gmail.com. To learn more about Holabird Western Americana, LLC, and the firm’s calendar of upcoming events, visit www.fhwac.com. Updates are posted frequently.

Many Fierce Bidding Battles Waged To Bring Home Important Numismatic Properties

May 22, 2019 | Auctions, News

Regency Auction 32 proves that top quality reigns supreme in the current market

(Lincroft, NJ—May 17, 2019)—Legend Rare Coin Auctions presented their 32nd Regency Auction, conducted as the official auction for the PCGS Members Show in New Orleans. Featuring over 630 lots, this auction included a separate session for silver dollars, held Wednesday, May 15, while type coins and gold were offered on Thursday, May 16. Important collections were offered, including the Pug Collection, the Issaquah Estate, selections from the Vanderbilt Collection, the Wolverine Collection, the Northern Lights Collection of Proof Buffalo Nickels, and other very impressive properties from many different consignors.

The auction began with tremendous strength when lot 1, a very stunning finest known silver plug that was close to Mint State 1795 silver dollar, sold for $129,250. This very important coin has a pedigree that dates back to the late 1800s and has been thought to possibly have been the first 1795 silver dollar struck. However, the top-grossing coin of the auction was lot 493, the famed “Supernova” 1857-S double eagle from the wreck of the S.S. Central America. Because of its intense, natural toning and lofty MS67 grade, this coin has been the “poster coin” for all of the second round of S.S. Central America. It garnered a record price of $282,000. NOTE: all prices realized include the auction’s 17.5% buyer’s premium.

“We knew this sale was going to be very successful,” said LRCA President Julie Abrams. “From very early on interest from potential bidders was intense. From the moment lots were posted to our website, bidders were out in force with presale bids.”

Adding to this commentary, Terryann Catalupo, the auction director, said, “we had lot multiple lot viewing opportunities around the country, including highlights at the Central States Convention and a full lot viewing at PCGS’s Public Friday event, as well as appointments in our office, and these events were all packed. This came out once we set up lot viewing in New Orleans as well, with standing room only and a line waiting to view coins. All told, we yet again achieved record registrations and bidder participation.”

“This crowd joined us both nights in the auction room, bidding in person,” Ms. Abrams continued. “One collector commented to me how the bidding action reminded him of the “old days” when you had to personally attend the sales. It was great to see! The venue helps, as New Orleans is an underserved area for its collectors, so whenever the PCGS Members’ Show comes to town, the local collectors come out in droves.”

“The market right now is very quality focused,” said Laura Sperber, the firm’s partner and founder. “We have always been quality focused, but we are seeing that now, coins that are all there are bringing very strong bidding. The strength of the bids was directly linked to the quality. Of course, PCGS/CAC coins brought the most consistently strong bidding. Also, freshness counts. The coins of the Issaquah Estate collection did very well, as most of those had been off the market for a decade or more. Wolverine Collection coins, likewise, if they were older purchases that were PCGS/CAC did very well. The numbers speak for themselves, just look at these highlights:”

• Lot 1. $1 1795 B-3, BB-11. Silver Plug. PCGS AU55 CAC. From the Pug Collection, realized $129,250
• Lot 17. $1 1857 PCGS MS64 CAC. From the Issaquah Estate, realized $34,075
• Lot 22. $1 1863 PCGS MS64 CAC. From the Issaquah Estate, realized $21,150
• Lot 36. $1 1925-S PCGS MS65 CAC. From the Issaquah Estate, realized $36,425
• Lot 67. $1 1878 7TF, Reverse of 1878. PCGS MS66 DMPL, realized $37,600
• Lot 75. $1 1879-S Reverse of 1878. PCGS MS65+. Realized $19,388
• Lot 86. $1 1881-CC PCGS MS67+ CAC. From the Coronet Collection, II realized $28,200
• Lot 92 $1 1882-CC PCGS MS66+ DMPL CAC Realized $18,800.00
• Lot 144. $1 1893-CC PCGS MS65 CAC. From the Coronet Collection, II realized $152,750
• Lot 181. $1 1921-D PCGS MS67 CAC. From the Vanderbilt Collection, ex Coronet, realized $31,725
• Lot 199. 1C 1871 PCGS PR66 RD CAC. From the Wolverine Collection, realized $10,575
• Lot 227. 10C 1893-O PCGS MS67 CAC. From the Wolverine Collection, ex Eliasberg/Simpson, realized $9,400
• Lot 250. 1C 1857 Flying Eagle. PCGS MS65+ CAC. Realized $18,213
• Lot 280. 1C 1907 PCGS PR67 RD. Realized $22,913
• Lot 311. 5C 1895 PCGS PR68. Realized $73,438
• Lot 342 5C 1942 TYII PCGS PR68 CAC $5,640.00
• Lot 348. H10C 1837 No Stars, Small Date. PCGS MS67+ CAC. Realized $36,425
• Lot 374. 10C 1942/1-D PCGS MS66+ FB CAC. Realized $73,438
• Lot 384. 25C 1806/5 PCGS MS64+ CAC. From the Pug Collection, realized $73,438
• Lot 412. 25C 1964-D PCGS MS68 CAC. Realized $27,025
• Lot 424. 50C 1873 Arrows. PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC. Realized $55,813
• Lot 493. $20 1857-S PCGS MS67 CAC “SUPERNOVA” from the S.S. Central America, realized $282,000
• Lot 531. $5 1904 PCGS PR67+ CAM CAC. Realized $102,813
• Lot 536. $10 1879-O PCGS AU55. Realized $36,425
• Lot 550. $10 1907 Wire Rim. PCGS MS65+ CAC. From the Pug Collection, realized $105,750
• Lot 605. 50C 1936-D Columbia. PCGS MS68+ CAC. Realized $15,863
• Lot 612. 50C 1921 Missouri 2X4. PCGS MS66+ CAC. Realized $31,725

“Right now, the market is starved for great, quality coins,” explained Laura Sperber. “Today, it does not matter if you are buying a $600 classic commemorative or the absolute finest graded Superb Gem rarity, you have to pay up for quality. This is especially true in this current two-tier market. Add to that PCGS has really tightened up, you know that prices for high end coins not only must go up, but actually are in venues like auctions.”

“Consignors rushed over to tell us how amazed their coins did in the sale, that they have already sent us coins for our June Regency Auction. After 32 Regency Auctions,” continued Julie Abrams, “buyers and sellers have come to expect consistently great coins and results from our small, boutique auctions, which offer top-quality and strictly vetted U.S. coins. During the two-day Regency Auction, yet again, neither side was left disappointed.”

Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ next Regency Auction, number 33, will be held on June 27 in Las Vegas. It will be a “do not miss” numismatic event! We’ll be posting highlights shortly. We will also be bringing highlights to the Baltimore Show.

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique numismatic auction company specializing in the finest and rarest U.S. coins. Founded in 2012 by Laura Sperber, the owner and president of Legend Numismatics, the premier rare coin retail firm. LRCA was, from the outset designed to be a different kind of rare coin auction firm. LRCA’s staff of numismatic auction industry veterans includes Julie Abrams, president; Greg Cohen, senior numismatist; and Jessica Berkman, consignment coordinator. The firm’s Regency Auctions serve as the official auction for the PCGS Members’ Shows, held six times per year. Since its founding, LRCA has sold many important collections, resulting in world-record prices, including the Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars (#1 all-time PCGS set); the David Hall—Bob Simpson Collection of Liberty Head Eagles; the Sunnywood-Simpson Collection of Morgan Dollars; the Phil Flannagan Collection of Territorial Gold, Toned Dollars, and 1795 coins; duplicates from the Gerald Forsythe Collections of Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes; the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns; the Northern Lights Collection of Monster Toned Morgan Dollars; the Crow River Collections of Indian Head $10s and Peace Dollars; the P.F.M Collection (former #6 PCGS Set of Morgan Dollars with varieties); the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City $5 gold; the Konstantine Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars, the #1 PCGS Set of Red Book varieties, 1807-1836. The firm’s impressive record also includes the 2nd highest APR in 2016 with the sale of Bob Simpson’s duplicate 1879 $20 “Quintuple Stella” which realized $1,880,000. To consign to an upcoming auction, visit www.legendauctions.com and contact a consignment specialist today.

“Supernova” Sinks Previous 1857-S $20 Record

May 19, 2019 | Auctions, News

Gold Rush Treasure “Supernova” Sinks Previous 1857-S $20 Record in Legend Rare Coins Auction

S.S. Central America’s Astonishing, Multi-Toned Double Eagle Sells for a record $282,000

The multi-color toned “Supernova” 1857-S Double Eagle recovered in 2014 from the “Ship of Gold” shipwreck of the S.S. Central America was sold for a record price of $282,000 by Legend Rare Coin Auctions. (Photo courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service, www.PCGS.com.)

(New Orleans, Louisiana) May 18, 2019 – The spectacular 1857-S Double Eagle, recovered in 2014 from the fabled S.S. Central America and nicknamed “Supernova” because of its amazing, unique natural toning, set a record price for any 1857 San Francisco Mint $20 gold coin in a public auction conducted by Legend Rare Coin Auctions (www.LegendAuctions.com) in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 16, 2019.

Described by Legend President Laura Sperber as “the most beautifully and amazingly colorful toned gold coin we have ever seen!,” the sunken treasure Double Eagle, graded PCGS MS67, sold for $282,000.

“Because it has amazing blasts of colors, we named it Supernova after something truly cosmic,” explained Dwight Manley, managing partner of the California Gold Marketing Group (CGMG) which consigned the coin to Legend.

“The Supernova now is part of the Black Cat Collection, a world class set of coins being built exclusively by Legend. The collection’s owner adores the color and the romance of this coin because it is real California Gold Rush treasure that was recovered from more than 7,000 feet under the sea after 157 years,” explained Sperber.

The Supernova was among piles and stacks of coins that originally were in boxes of Double Eagles being shipped to New York by San Francisco businesses.

The previous record price for any 1857-S $20 gold piece sold at auction was $152,750 in 2014. That coin also was recovered from the S.S. Central America, the fabled “Ship of Gold” that sank in 1857.
There is only one finer 1857-S Double Eagle known, graded PCGS MS67+, that also was recovered from the S.S. Central America. It is still held by CGMG as part of a six-coin “Crème de la Crème” type set of the finest known San Francisco Mint Gold Rush-era gold coins assembled by Manley from Ship of Gold treasures brought up in 2014.

CGMG acquired all the sunken treasure brought up in 2014 from Ira Owen Kane, Receiver for Recovery Limited Partnership and Columbus Exploration, LLC in a court-approved transaction. CGMG earlier acquired all of the available treasure that was recovered in the late 1980s.

The S.S. Central America sank in a hurricane in September 1857 off the coast of North Carolina while carrying tons of California Gold Rush coins and gold ingots. There were 578 passengers and crew on board, but only 153 survived.

Record Prices Realized at Extremely Active Legend’s 32nd Regency Auction

Mar 26, 2019 | Auctions, News

Fabulous Rarities Bring Fabulous Prices in Fabulous Las Vegas

(Lincroft, NJ-March 22, 2019)—In a fantastic sale featuring 497 hand selected coins from several amazing cabinets, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ 32nd Regency Auction set many records, as an extremely active room and internet drove prices up. Held in conjunction with the PCGS Members Show at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, The Grand Prix, Young-Dakota, Intense Cameo, and Prospect Collections attracted lots of attention and created quite a buzz in the market. This culminated in a highly successful auction event, again proving that the smaller sized auctions bring out the best buyers. A record number of people viewed the auction online and in person at the event.

The highlight of the sale, garnering the highest bid in the auction, was the fresh to market, totally original 1795 $10 gold piece, graded MS64+ by PCGS and endorsed by CAC. Realizing a record for the grade, it took $822,500 to bring this price home. All prices include a 17.5% buyer’s premium.

Silver dollars continued to dominate bidding activity with the Young-Dakota 1893-CC Branch Mint Proof Morgan dollar realizing a very strong $305,500; the sole finest 1891-O in PCGS MS66 realizing $108,688; and the tied for finest known 1927-D Peace Dollar in PCGS MS66+ CAC bringing a record $176,250 (well in excess of double the original estimate of $75,000)!

“Superb collections of high-end quality coins, presented in our boutique auction venue, have proven, time and again bring incredibly high (often record) prices,” said Julie Abrams, president of Legend Auctions. “Looking at the presale estimates and comparing the overall results show that even if there was some softness in areas, the end result was very successful! The sale shows that the market is finally coming to life, and collectors are becoming more active, bidding aggressively in many cases. There are still some areas that are depressed, but overall, we were surprised in many cases with the runaway prices.”

“There is such a lack of coins that when great, fresh, coins like these come out, there are no accurate pricing guides. I was stunned at how many coins simply ran away with multiple aggressive bidders participating,” said Laura Sperber. “Demand for the very finest coins is ultra-strong, there were four very active bidders on the 1927-D Peace Dollar in MS66+ over $100,000! In the end, 90% of the coins sold went to collectors.”

“It was not just headline capturing five and six-figure coins that caught the eye of collectors,” added Greg Cohen, the firm’s senior numismatist. “Fresh, attractively toned coins far exceeded expectations, realizing record prices as well. No matter what the price point, there is no substitute for quality!”

Julie Abrams continued, “Prices were strong across the board, just take a look at these highlights!”

Lot 8. 1C 1794 S-32, Head of 1794. PCGS MS66 BN, realized $152,750.
Lot 36. 1C 1911 PCGS MS66 BN Gold CAC, realized $3,290 after a short bidding war between online bidders.
Lot 91. 5C 1916 PCGS PR68, from the Grand Prix Collection, realized $30,550.
Lot 113. 5C 1945-P Doubled Die Reverse. PCGS MS66 FS realized $11,750.
Lot 148. 10C 1923 PCGS MS68+ FB CAC, realized $47,000, a world record for the date, and well above the $18,000 estimate.
Lot 159. 10C 1940 PCGS MS68+ FB CAC, realized 35,250, against an estimate of $8,000—another record shattered.
Lot 186. 50C 1794 PCGS AU53 CAC, realized $129,500.
Lot 217. 50C 1919 PCGS MS65, from the Grand Prix Collection, realized $31,725
Lot 264. 25C 1909 PCGS PR68+ CAC, from the Young-Dakota Collection, realized $29,375, well above the $18,000 estimate.
Lot 270. $1 1893-CC Branch Mint Proof. PCGS PR65+ CAC, from the Young-Dakota Collection, realized $305,500.
Lot 273. Original, matched Gem 1859 Proof Set, from the Young-Dakota Collection, realized $70,500
Lot 283. 5C 1910 PCGS PR67+ DCAM CAC, from the Intense Cameo Collection, realized $27,025
Lot 284. 20C 1875 PCGS PR66 CAM CAC, from the Intense Cameo Collection, realized $34,075
Lot 297. T$1 1882 Trade. PCGS PR66+ DCAM, from the Intense Cameo Collection, realized $44,650 on a $25,000 estimate.
Lot 303. $1 1801 PCGS MS63 CAC, realized $96,938
Lot 350. $1 1891-O PCGS MS66, the single finest of the date, realized $108,688, a record price.
Lot 372. $1 1927-D PCGS MS66+ CAC realized a record $176,250—over $100,000 above the estimate!
Lot 392. $2.50 1847-O PCGS MS64 CAC, realized $38,775.
Lot 422. $10 1795 13 Leaves. PCGS MS64+ CAC, realized $822,500, a record for the grade, and similar in price to several MS65s sold in auction.
Lot 476. 25C 1893 Isabella. PCGS MS67+ CAC, realized $16,450
Lot 484. 50C 1920 Maine. PCGS MS67+ CAC, realized $9,106.

To see complete auction results, visit www.legendauctions.com.

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique numismatic auction company specializing in the finest and rarest U.S. coins. Founded in 2012 by Laura Sperber, the owner and president of Legend Numismatics, the premier rare coin retail firm. LRCA was, from the outset designed to be a different kind of rare coin auction firm. LRCA’s staff of numismatic auction industry veterans includes Julie Abrams, president; Greg Cohen, senior numismatist; and Jessica Berkman, consignment coordinator. The firm’s Regency Auctions serve as the official auction for the PCGS Members’ Shows, held six times per year. Since its founding, LRCA has sold many important collections, resulting in world-record prices, including the Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars (#1 all time PCGS set); the David Hall—Bob Simpson Collection of Liberty Head Eagles; the Sunnywood-Simpson Collection of Morgan Dollars; the Phil Flannagan Collection of Territorial Gold, Toned Dollars, and 1795 coins; duplicates from the Gerald Forsythe Collections of Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes; the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns; the Northern Lights Collection of Monster Toned Morgan Dollars; the Crow River Collections of Indian Head $10s and Peace Dollars; the P.F.M Collection (former #6 PCGS Set of Morgan Dollars with varieties); the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City $5 gold; the Konstantine Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars, the #1 PCGS Set of Red Book varieties, 1807-1836. The firm’s impressive record also includes the 2nd highest APR in 2016 with the sale of Bob Simpson’s duplicate 1879 $20 “Quintuple Stella” which realized $1,880,000. To consign to an upcoming auction, visit www.legendauctions.com and contact a consignment specialist today.