Topping the bidding at the Bowers & Merena Auctions sale held Nov. 18-22 at the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention was a 1795 reeded edge Liberty Cap cent.
It sold for $402,500, while the entire auction realized approximately $6.2 million. Prices here include 15 percent buyer’s fees.
Firm President Steve Deeds, was excited to have a discovery coin featured in the sale. The 1795 large cent, which is S-79, is one of just six known to exist and it is the only example certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
The coin grades Good-4, according to PCGS, and it is mounted in a special PCGS holder that allows for easy viewing of the edge.
“This is really a unique opportunity to acquire one of the rarest large cents ever minted,” Deeds said before the sale.
Another top bid was $138,000 for a 1920-D Buffalo nickel that grades MS-67*, according to Numismatic Guaranty Corp.
A $92,000 price was achieved by an 1841 Seated Liberty quarter, Briggs 4-B, that was graded PCGS Proof-61.
Bringing $50,600 was a 1920-S Walking Liberty half dollar graded PCGS MS-66.
An interesting counterstamped 1795 two-leaves silver dollar realized $40,250. The coin was counterstamped “WG & Co.” and “4/9” in two lines on the neck of Miss Liberty, indicating a value of 4 shillings ninepence. The company was in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and though undated is from the 1820-1821 period.
Another high bid for a cent was $37,950 for an 1856 Braided Hair cent, N-5, Slanted 5, graded Proof-66 RB by PCGS with a CAC sticker.
For more information, visit the Web site at www.bowersandmerena.com, telephone (800) 458-4646, or write the firm at 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614.
