One thin dime went for a very fat $881,250 at the Heritage Eugene H. Gardner Collection auction June 23 in New York City.
The 1796 coin, which was graded MS-67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service, is the finest known example of the JR-1 variety.
Total prices realized exceeded $19.6 million for just 637 coins.
All prices realized include a 17.5 percent buyer’s fee.
The catalogers said the dime is the earliest die state known for any coin of the variety and that it possibly is a specimen strike.
An 1876-CC 20-cent piece brought $470,000. It was graded PCGS MS-64. It was once part of the famed Eliasberg Collection.
Close behind was a $440,625 price for a PCGS MS-63 Brown 1793 Chain AMERI cent.
It is one of just five that are certified to be in Mint State condition with only a Specimen example grading higher than this piece.
Realizing $396,562 was a PCGS MS-64 Brown 1793 Chain AMERICA cent.
A PCGS MS-68 1793 Wreath cent was gaveled for $329,000.
This was the first of four Gardner auctions. The next one will be held in October.
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