Some 400 lots comprised the first Bonhams New York sale held Dec. 3.
A bid of $54,990 purchased a round 1915-S Panama-Pacific gold $50 commemorative.
An 1851-O Liberty Head gold $20 drew a bid of $12,285.
The cataloger noted that only 100 or so of these pieces exist of the same quality as this coin, although the original mintage was 315,000 pieces.
An 1878 $3 called exceptional saw the gavel fall at an $11,700 price.
An 1808 $5 gold piece brought $8,775.
A set of two 1881-S $5 coins carrying a pre-sale estimate of $550-$650 set off competitive bidding that ultimately resulted in a final price of $8,190.
The illustrated catalog for the sale will be online at www.bonhams.com/uscoins in the weeks following the auction. For more information about the department, please visit www.bonhams.com/newyork.
“I am delighted to have been able to organize and hold our inaugural auction at Bonhams New York,” commented Director of Coins and Banknotes, Paul Song.
The next sale is planned for spring 2010.
More Resources:
• State Quarters Deluxe Folder By Warmans
