Strong bidding on high-priced lots helped Ira and Larry Goldberg realize $10.5 million at the firm?s Pre-Long Beach Auction.
Held Feb. 5-8, the sale featured an 1879 Stella, graded Proof-65 Deep Cameo by Professional Coin Grading Service, that fetched $241,500.
Also making noise was an 1877 pattern $50 half union, graded Proof-64 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., that brought in $230,000.
?The surprise of the sale,? said Ira Goldberg, ?was the strength of expensive key coins. Interest was keen on coins worth over $50,000. Both Stellas, the half union, the Schoolgirl pattern dollar, and early Seated half dollars all brought six figures.?
In all, more than 3,500 lots were offered in the auction, held at the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills and at the offices of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Other U.S. coin highlights included: an 1879 Schoolgirl pattern, PCGS Proof-65, $109,250; an 1831 $2.50 gold proof, NGC Proof-64 Cameo, $148,350; an 1875 $3 gold, NGC Proof-64 Cameo, $175,375; an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella, NGC Proof-66, $212,750; and a 1909 $5 Indian, NGC Matte Proof-66, $161,000.
To learn more about the sale or contact Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, visit www.goldbergcoins.com, or call (310) 551-2646, fax (310) 551-2626, or write to: 350 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 350, Beverly Hills, CA 9