Coin Collectors News

Eye Appealing and High Quality Coins Reign Supreme at Legend Rare Coin Auctions 34th Regency Auction

Sep 27, 2019 | Auctions, News

(Lincroft, NJ—September 27, 2019) Legend Rare Coin Auctions presented its 34th Regency Auction on the evening of September 26, 2019 at the Bellagio, and as usual, high end quality performed very well. Online, in person, and phone attendance at the auction, which was held as the official auction for the PCGS Members Only Show, set another record for the firm. Since its founding, LRCA has presented the finest, curated boutique auctions that focus on high quality rare U.S. coins, attracting today’s most advanced and sophisticated collectors to participate as both consignors and buyers. This matching of the best coins from the best sources to the best buyers has resulted in exceptionally strong results. Regency Auction 34 was no exception to this trend.

Taking top honors was lot 165, a Gem MS65+ 1926-S nickel graded by PCGS and endorsed by CAC, realizing $246,750—a record for any PCGS-graded example of the date. (Note: all prices included in this press release include the firm’s 17.5% buyers’ premium). This amazing coin, tied for finest PCGS certified, is now a part of a world class collection of nickels.

“Even though the overall market seems somewhat sluggish, our sale was very healthy” said Julie Abrams, president of LRCA. “Trends that we have seen over the last year or so are consistent, and we think that the market for ‘average’ coins has finally found its bottom. Nickels seemed to draw the most attention as a denomination. The Meridian Collection of Proof Liberty Nickels saw some of the most active bidding in the entire sale. The results proved that high quality and eye appealing coins, even if they are not Top Pop will still bring very strong results. We saw this elsewhere in the sale as well,” Ms. Abrams continued.

“Exciting coins,” explained the firm’s founder Laura Sperber “created exciting results. There were a number of record shattering prices realized, which when added to the 92 record breakers that we had in the first half of 2019, will bring the total to well in excess of 100 new all-time world record prices realized in auction by the firm this year.”

“While activity prior to the sale showed that bidding activity would be strong, it is very interesting how big a surge of bidding took place during the sale, and there were many lots that saw protracted bidding wars break out between phone and floor bidders or several online bidders going up against each other.” Matt Bell, executive VP of LRCA said. “Overall, we had a very successful auction and we are pleased with the results! Just look at these incredible prices realized:”

Lot 5. 1C 1856 Flying Eagle. PCGS PR66 CAC realized $70,500
Lot 107. 5C 1876 PCGS PR67 DCAM realized $17,625
Lot 125. 5C 1892 PCGS PR67+ CAM CAC realized $18,213
Lot 150. 5C 1896 PCGS PR67+ CAC realized $15,275
Lot 165. 5C 1926-S PCGS MS65+ CAC realized $246,750
Lot 180. 5C 1936 Brilliant. PCGS PR68+ realized $39,950
Lot 215. 10C 1939-D PCGS MS69 FB CAC realized $42,300
Lot 236. 25C 1899-S PCGS MS67 CAC realized $9,694
Lot 255. 25C 1950-D PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $7,638
Lot 271. 50C 1845 PCGS MS64+ realized $16,450
Lot 282. 50C 1883 PCGS PR66 CAM CAC realized $9,694
Lot 303. 50C 1940 PCGS MS68+ CAC realized $29,375
Lot 311. 50C 1949-S PCGS MS67+ FBL CAC realized $18,213
Lot 324. 50C 1963 PCGS MS66+ FBL realized $85,188
Lot 399. $1 1885-S PCGS MS66+ CAC realized $19,975
Lot 407. $1 1889-CC PCGS MS63+ PL CAC realized $99,875
Lot 422. $1 1897 PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $24,675
Lot 434. $1 1904-O PCGS MS67 CAC realized $15,275
Lot 450. $1 1926-S PCGS MS66+ CAC realized $41,125
Lot 451. $1 1927 PCGS MS66 realized $30,550
Lot 463. $2.50 1893 PCGS MS67+ CAC realized $27,025
Lot 468. $2.50 1883 PCGS PR66+ DCAM CAC realized $52,875
Lot 498. $20 1892-S PCGS MS65 realized $19,388

“What we can tell from these results is the Set Registry program is bringing more and more people to bid in auction for top grade specimens, especially in popular 20th century series,” said Greg Cohen, senior numismatist of Legend Rare Coin Auctions. “Top grade Proof Liberty nickels, top pop Mint State 20th century coins, especially Franklin half dollars have over performed. Just look at the 1939-D dime in MS69 FB CAC and the 1963 Franklin half in MS66+ FBL!”

Legend Rare Coin Auctions next sale is a special Regency Event, called Exclusively Legend, which features the properties of five of Legend Numismatics’ long time customers and will be held on Thursday, October 24, at the New Orleans PCGS Members Only Show. Consignments are now being sought for the December Regency Auction 35. For more information about these auctions, or to consign, contact Legend’s consignment specialists: Julie Abrams, President, at julie@legendauctions.com; Greg Cohen, Senior Numismatist, at greg@legendauctions.com; or Jessica Berkman, Consignment Director, at jessica@legendauctions.com.

A final note from Laura Sperber: “We have already received so much great feedback from consignors and successful bidders, many of whom said they cannot wait to participate in the next Regency Auction. Space is filling up quickly, we already have over 250 coins in house for the December sale, so get your coins to us as soon as possible to ensure your place in Regency Auction 35!”

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.

David Motl, Former US Mint Acting Principal Deputy Director, Agrees to Exclusive NGC Signature Label Deal

Sep 26, 2019 | News

David Motl, who formerly served as the Acting Principal Deputy Director of the US Mint during a particularly innovative time in its history, has agreed to individually hand sign certification labels exclusively for NGC.

Motl became Acting Principal Deputy Director of the US Mint and its senior career official in January 2017, placing him in charge of the Mint until he retired in January 2018. During Motl’s tenure, the Mint celebrated its 225th anniversary, which it commemorated with the American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin and Silver Medal. The American Liberty Gold Coin went on to win “Best Gold Coin” at the World Money Fair in Berlin in 2019.

Motl also supervised the release of the 2017 American Palladium Eagle, the first palladium coin issued by the United States, as well as the 2017-P Lincoln Cents, the first cents to feature the “P” mintmark.

“I am proud to collaborate with NGC to highlight the important recent work of the US Mint and to further the narrative of our nation’s history as told through the story of US coins,” said Motl.

NGC David Motl Authentic Hand-signed Labels will be available soon from select retailers.

Patrick A. Heller Honored, New Treasurer and Secretary Installed

Sep 26, 2019 | ICTA/NCBA, News

Patrick A. Heller was honored during the Industry Council for Tangible Assets dinner in Rosemont, Illinois, on August 14. He is stepping down as treasurer after 17 years of service. Heller will continue to serve as a director and ICTA’s states’ sales-tax exemption guru.

“It has been my honor to serve as ICTA treasurer for so long. I won’t completely retire from ICTA as I will continue as a board member until next August,” said Heller. “Further, I will continue to serve ICTA with my expertise at helping gain more state sales and use tax exemptions on retail sales of precious metals bullion and rare coins.”

ICTA chair John Brush (right) presents Patrick Heller with an engraved clear crystal wave award: Thank You / PATRICK A. HELLER / for 17 years / of Dedicated Service / as Treasurer and your / continued commitment. / 2002 – 2019.

Heller has received numerous local and national awards over his career, including the Industry Council for Tangible Assets Diane Piret Memorial Outstanding Service Award.

Heller received an engraved clear crystal wave service award. A chocolate cake with “Thank you, Patrick Heller!” was also presented to him and enjoyed for dessert by everyone at the dinner.

John Fisher (Fisher Precious Metals, Deerfield Beach, FL) was installed as the new treasurer during the ICTA board of directors meeting earlier that day. Fisher immediately stepped into his role as treasurer.

Fisher remarked, “I’m honored to serve ICTA members and I look forward to working with Jimmy, David, and the directors.”

At the board of directors meeting, Patrick Perez (CDN Publishing, Virginia Beach, VA) was also installed as secretary, filling that vacant position when Richard Weaver stepped down in May. Weaver was recently selected as the new Professional Numismatists Guild president.

“I am happy to serve as ICTA’s secretary. ICTA has an important role in the numismatic community and I look forward to helping the association fulfill its mission,” said Perez.

United States Mint Unveils Anwar El Sadat Congressional Gold Medal Design

Sep 19, 2019 | News, U.S. Mint

U.S. Mint WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today unveiled the designs for the Anwar El Sadat Congressional Gold Medal in the Department of the Treasury’s historic Cash Room. United States Mint Director David J. Ryder unveiled the designs, and the ceremony was led by Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Management David Eisner. In attendance were members of the Sadat family as well as representatives from Egypt and other nations.

“We are eternally grateful for President Sadat’s contributions towards peace in the Middle East,” said Director Ryder. “Through this medal, the United States honors a courageous man of principle, vision, and wisdom, who brought hope and unity in a world filled with conflict and divisiveness.”

Congress bestows the Congressional Gold Medal – one of the nation’s highest civilian awards – as an expression of gratitude for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, groups, or institutions. On December 13, 2018, Congress authorized the award in recognition of Sadat’s heroic achievements and courageous contributions to peace in the Middle East. President Sadat was the first Arab leader to visit Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin, and speaking before the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem stating, “I have come to you so that together we might build a durable peace based on justice, to avoid the shedding of one single drop of blood from an Arab or an Israeli. Any life lost in war is a human life, irrespective of its being that of an Israeli or an Arab. When the bells of peace ring, there will be no hands to beat the drums of war.”

President Sadat engaged in negotiations with Prime Minister Begin, which resulted in the Framework for Peace in the Middle East, more commonly known as the “Camp David Accords.”

Following negotiations, they signed the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty at the White House on March 26, 1979, and Egypt became the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel. The Peace Treaty ultimately ended the state of war that had existed between Israel and Egypt since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In 1978, both President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

“President Sadat took countless personal risks to achieve a society grounded in peace and diplomacy – an endeavor that ultimately cost him his life,” said Isaac Dabah, National Chairman of the Anwar Sadat Congressional Gold Medal Commission.

The medal’s obverse (heads) design features a large, dramatic portrait of Anwar El Sadat. The composition is designed for the portrait to be sculpted in the manner of ancient Egyptian relief, with the figure inset into the surface of the medal and its features sculpted flush with the medal’s surface. The inscription “ANWAR EL SADAT” is incused along the right border. The reverse (tails) design depicts the Unknown Soldier Memorial and Anwar El Sadat’s Tomb with the inscriptions “HE LIVED FOR PEACE AND DIED FOR PRINCIPLES,” “ANWAR EL SADAT 1918-1981,” and “ACT OF CONGRESS 2018.”

The obverse was designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna, and the reverse was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Artist Donna Weaver. The Anwar El Sadat Congressional Gold Medal design will be struck at the United States Mint at Philadelphia.

First 2019 American Innovation™ $1 Coin on Sale on September 19

Sep 19, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON —The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for rolls and bags of American Innovation™ $1 Coins representing Delaware starting September 19 at noon EDT. This is the first of four 2019 American Innovation $1 Coins the Mint will release this year.

The rolls and bags contain uncirculated coins from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver. Available product options are:

PRODUCT CODE	PRODUCT OPTION	MINT MARK	PRICE
19GRA	25-Coin Roll	P	$32.95
19GRE	25-Coin Roll	D	$32.95
19GBA	100-Coin Bag	P	$111.95
19GBE	100-Coin Bag	D	$111.95

The American Innovation $1 Coin–Delaware recognizes astronomer Annie Jump Cannon who developed a system for classifying the stars that is still used today. The coin’s reverse (tails) features a silhouette of Annie Jump Cannon against the night sky, with a number of stars visible. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” ANNIE JUMP CANNON,” “CLASSIFYING THE STARS,” and “DELAWARE.” The obverse (heads) features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. The year of minting, mint mark, and inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coin.

The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Shipping options are available online at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.

The bags and rolls of American Innovation $1 Coin–Delaware will also be available for purchase over-the-counter at United States Mint sales centers in Washington, Philadelphia, and Denver. Inventory is limited to availability and subject to change.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of Sept. 19, 2019, at noon EDT.