Kagin’s calls $6.4 million sale

A $6.4 million sale was called by Kagin’s Auctions on March 9-10 at the American Numismatic Association National Money Show in Orlando, Fla.

The 1,050 lots attracted many bidders who participated in the sale in person, said Dr. Don Kagin, firm president.

“I apologize to those bidding live that both nights the auction lasted much longer than anticipated, but I’m thrilled for the consignors at the level of excitement and participation,” Kagin said.

“There must have been over 70 people in the auction room, which is almost unheard of in these days of Internet bidding. I know many of my colleagues were quite disappointed that they were not as successful as anticipated, especially with this unreserved auction, but I am extremely gratified that every one of my consignors were happy,” Kagin said.

Topping the prices realized list was a trio of old-green-holder proof gold pieces, Kagin said.

A Liberty Head 1860 gold $10 graded Proof-65 by the Professional Coin Grading Service sold for $258,500. It is the finer of two known examples.

A PCGS Proof-65 gold $5 dated 1865 brought $141,000, while a PCGS Proof-65 Liberty head gold $2.50 dated 1856 fetched $102,812.50.

These prices and all prices in the story include a 17.5 percent buyer’s fee.

The anchor consignment of Dr. Chris Allan’s No. 1 Registry set of Bechtler gold Coinage was highlighted by a $2.50 (1831-1834) 75gn, K-8, PCGS MS-63 with Certified Acceptance Corporation sticker, which reached a record $123,375 price and a Bechtler gold $5 (1834) 128G, 22C PCGS AU-58 CAC, K-21, which realized $96,937,50.

Other Pioneer gold coins included a $5 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. graded MS-65 by PCGS. It, too, set a record price at $58,750.

An R-8 undated 1857 Flying Eagle cent pattern, J-178, S-PT1a, in PCGS Proof-64 from the Steve Brewer collection sold for $51,700.

Spotlighting the federal silver issues was an 1876-CC PCGS Specimen-66 Branch Mint dime, which after fierce bidding was hammered at $158,625 with the buyer’s charge, Kagin said.

The auction also included hundreds of high quality and rare paper currency notes. The star was one of only two known PMG graded Superb Gem CU 69 EPQ large size notes, an Fr-107 1880 Legal Tender Note, which set a record of $114,562.50.

Another note garnering considerable bidding was a $10,000 small-size Federal Reserve Note graded PCGS Apparent Choice New 63 from the famed Binion Hoard, which brought $99,875.

This auction represents the first time in three decades that Kagin’s Auctions has conducted an official ANA auction. Kagin’s previously conducted three ANA sales, including the 1983 auction featuring the iconic “Lady Liberty” catalog cover designed by artist Peter Max. This year, Kagin’s Auctions sponsored an international cover design contest resulting in winner Chris Costello’s “Liberty Alive” composition, partially inspired by the Peter Max design.

Kagin’s Auction’s founder, A.M. “Art” Kagin’s first auction was in 1940 under the name Hollinbeck Stamp and Coin in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Donald Kagin, who took over the auction company in 1980, moved to Tiburon, Calif., and has since introduced a number of innovations in the numismatic auction world. Besides the cover design contest, this sale introduced the Kagin’s Auction Loyalty Program, which awards 1 percent back to all purchasers in credit toward the next two Kagin auctions. The firm’s next sale is slated for Sept. 15. It will be held in conjunction with Expo Santa Clara in Santa Clara, Calif.

Additional information about the ANA auction results and consigning to the next sale can be obtained by contacting Nina@Kagins.com, or calling 888-8KAGINS (852-4467).

More Collecting Resources

• Are you a U.S. coin collector? Check out the 2018 U.S. Coin Digest for the most recent coin prices.

• The Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is the only annual guide that provides complete coverage of U.S. currency with today’s market prices.