Bowers and Merena Auctions started out 2009 with two January auctions that brought a combined $6.3 million.
The Orlando Rarities Sale held on Jan. 4 prior to the Orlando FUN Convention realized $4,745,806, followed by the Ponterio & Associates, Inc., N.Y.I.N.C. ’09 Auction on Jan. 9 and 10 which realized $1,648,460.
The Orlando spotlight was on Lot 225, a fully complete, exceptionally high-grade set of Business Strike Three-Cent Nickels, PCGS certified and bearing the CAC designation, which realized $304,750. Comprised exclusively of top-of-the-pop coins, many of which are pop 1/0, this complete set is ranked at the top of the Current-Finest PCGS Registry in the category of Three-Cent Nickels, Circulation Strikes (1865-1889) – a top-ranked Registry Set acquired with a single purchase.
Also garnering attention was Lot 1387, a 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle from the Mises Institute Collection, graded MS-63 by PCGS, that realized $287,500; and Lot 1280, a 1799 Capped Bust Right Eagle, BD-7, HBCC-3188, Taraszka-19, Rarity-3, Small Stars Obverse, graded MS-64 by PCGS and also bearing the CAC designation, which realized $132,250.
“We are very pleased with the results of our Orlando Rarities Sale,” said Steve Deeds, president of Bowers and Merena. “There were some in the industry who expressed concern about the economy and were unsure what this first major show of the year would bring, but overall attendance was positive and we were happy to present a strong selection of fine rarities that were very well received by our bidders.”
At the top of the NYINC Auction highlights list is Lot 945, PERU, 8 Escudos, 1712-M, Fr-7; KM-38.2, ex: “1715 Plate Fleet,” which was recovered on July 31, 1992, by Captain Stephen Shouppe off the coast of Florida near a small cluster of cannons in about 15 feet of water. It realized $32,200, more than double the low estimate, and is considered to be one of the finest known Lima 8 Escudo cobs.Prices realized for all lots in both auctions are available online at www.bowersandmerena.com.
Bowers and Merena’s next auction is the official auction of the ANA National Money Show in Portland, Ore., March 11-13. Ponterio & Associates will present the official auction of the Chicago International Coin Fair, April 24-25. Lot viewing and auction schedules are available at www.bowersandmerena.com.
