Part III of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection of U.S. Coins, the third of four unreserved auctions presented by Heritage Auctions, realized $13.78 million in a completely sold-out auction on May 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
“The demand for Gene Gardner’s astounding collection continues to skyrocket, as do the prices realized,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. “With this event, the collection has now realized more than $47 million. That’s an astounding figure even by Heritage’s own very high expectations for this magnificent collection.”
The top collectors were out in force at the auction and no coin drew more interest, or a greater final price realized than the 1838-O Eliasberg Reeded Edge half dollar PR64 NGC, a legendary coin. After spirited bidding the coin finished the day at $646,250.
Gardner’s rare and valuable 1870-S Seated dollar XF40 PCGS, with a pedigree that reads like a who’s who of numismatics, proved quite popular to the tune of a $505,250 final price realized, while the 1873-CC No Arrows Seated quarter MS 63 PCGS, which traveled from the hands of the U.S. Assay Commission to an equally storied selection of owners, realized a $376,000 final price.
A great deal of attention was paid to the 1796 50C 16 Stars MS64 PCGS in the auction, a Choice Type Coin, which brought in $329,000, as well as the 1828 25C 25 Over 50C MS67 NGC CAC, Ex: “Col.” E.H.R. Green/Eric P. Newman Collection, which had a final price of $282,000. A final price of $205,625 was realized for Gardner’s 1841 10C PR67+ NGC CAC, Ex: “Col.” E.H.R. Green, an exceedingly rare Superb Gem proof.
Further highlights include:
1840-O 25C No Drapery MS67 NGC CAC Ex: “Col.” E.H.R. Green/Newman: Realized $199,750.
1870-CC 25C AU55 PCGS CAC Ex: Battle Born Collection: Realized $188,000.
1872-CC 10C MS63 PCGS Ex: Battle Born Collection: Realized: $182,150.
1873-CC 25C Arrows MS64 PCGS Secure CAC. Ex: Battle Born Collection: Realized $176,250.
