In its inaugural American Numismatic Association Las Vegas Coin Show Official Auction, Bowers and Merena brought in $6 million, a total that includes the 15 percent buyer’s fee.
U.S. silver and gold coins led the way as the sale averaged $4,000 per lot.
“Our first sale in association with the newly established ANA Las Vegas Coin Show was an outstanding achievement,” said Bowers and Merena President Steve Deeds. “Lot after lot brought substantial premiums or record-breaking prices, including a Civil War-era 1861 Seated half dollar in (Professional Coin Grading Service) Proof-64 Cameo that sold for $18,400 – more than 10 times its expected value.”
Pattern offerings helped pad the total.
“Our Official Auction of the ANA Las Vegas Show saw lots of fresh patterns – some of which have been off the market for as many as 60 years – bringing out the strongest bids from specialized collectors,“ said Jeff Ambio, Bowers and Merena's director of numismatics.
Bowers and Merena received bids in person, by phone and by the Internet.
Broken up into three sessions, the sale was highlighted by a Morgan and Peace Dollar collection, ranked No. 13 on the PCGS Set Registry, that realized $335,000.
An 1875 Liberty eagle, graded Proof-65 Ultra Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., fetched $202,400. The coin is tied for finest known of the fewer than 12 in existence.
Also, one of fewer than 20 known 1885 Liberty double eagles – this one PCGS graded Proof-66 Deep Cameo – brought in $163,300.
For more information on the auction, call (800) 458-4646 or visit www.bowersandmerena.com.
