At the Heritage, September 12-15, 2024, Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction, more than 30 bids were established on a stunning 1895 Morgan Dollar, PR67+ Deep Cameo, before it set a new record by selling for an amazing $324,000. This coin was the star of the auction, allowing it to drive the total sales to $11,544,441. When integrated with the $10,587,005 from the Heritage September 11-13 U.S. Currency Signature Auction, which was guided by a Fr. 2220-E $5,000 1928 Federal Reserve Note (PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ), the events contained a total of $22,131,446.
Highlights from the Heritage Long Beach U.S. Coin Auction:
1895 Morgan Dollar, PR67+ Deep Cameo:
- Sold for: $324,000
- Previous record: $269,500
Only 880 proof strikes were minted, with even rarer being known to collectors. As Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, noted, “While as many as 12,000 circulation-strike Morgan Dollars may have been made, any survivors remain hidden from the public eye.” This coin is one of the best examples, a crown gem for any serious collector.
Major General Alexander Macomb’s Congressional Gold Medal:
- Sold for: $240,000
One of 27 War of 1812 veterans honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, this medal was amazing as it was personally welcomed by Macomb from former President James Madison. This particular example is the only one struck in gold, while bronze duplicates were later issued by the U.S. Mint.
1909-O Indian Half Eagle, MS64, PCGS CAC Variety 1:
- Sold for: $216,000
With only 34,200 pieces struck in 1909, this half eagle is the only issue of Bela Lyon Pratt’s design ever minted at the New Orleans facility. Collectors identified the value of this coin, contributing to its excellent final price.
More Treasures from the Duffy Family Collection:
1907 Rolled Edge Eagle, AU55 PCGS:
- Sold for: $186,000
This is one of the second-rarest issues in the series, with only 50 examples surviving out of those struck before most were melted. Its historical importance and rarity make it a prized possession.
1907 High Relief, Wire Rim Double Eagle, MS67★ NGC:
- Sold for: $168,000
It is designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the recommendation of President Theodore Roosevelt, this coin’s complex detail and methodical craftsmanship make it a standout in U.S. numismatics. The Wire Rim combination is even rarer than its Flat Rim counterpart, making this example quite valuable.
1796 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, AU50 PCGS:
- Sold for: $152,400
From a mintage of only 963 pieces, this coin is a famous one-year design type, making it historically important and highly coveted by collectors.
1793 S-3 Cent, AU55 PCGS CAC:
- Sold for: $150,000
This rare early American cent saw more than three dozen bids, as its quality and rarity make it one of the most preferred pieces from the early U.S. Mint.
Currency Highlights from the U.S. Paper Money Auction:
Fr. 2220-E $5,000 1928 Federal Reserve Note, PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ:
- Sold for: $384,000
This note is the finest PMG-graded example of a 1928 $5,000 note from any district. With only 22 such notes graded by PMG, this particular note stands alone at the top of the list.
Fr. 2230-E $10,000 1928 Federal Reserve Note, PMG About Uncirculated:
- Sold for: $384,000
Series 1928 $10,000 notes are extremely rare, with only seven known examples graded by PMG across all districts. The value and rarity of this note made it highly preferred.
Fr. 2220-J $5,000 1928 Federal Reserve Note, PMG Extremely Fine 40:
- Sold for: $228,000
One of just two known 1928 Kansas City $5,000 notes, this example from the Gustafson Collection is an extraordinary rarity. Originally from a run of only 720 notes, this piece was earlier part of the Taylor Family Collection.
Fr. 167a $100 1863 Legal Tender PCGS Choice About New 55PPQ:
- Sold for: $216,800
It is known as the “Spread Eagle” note because of the eagle with outstretched wings on its obverse, this piece is from a population of just 23 serial numbers. Five of these examples are held in prestigious collections, making this a rare find.
Additional Notes of Interest:
Fr. 2221-B $5,000 1934 Federal Reserve Note, PMG Extremely Fine 40:
- Sold for: $192,000
This low-serial number note is always in high demand, with collectors attracted to its rarity and exceptional grade.
Also Read –
- 1969 Washington Modern Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide
- 1968 Washington Modern Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1967 Washington Modern Quarter: A Numismatic Rarity
- 1965 Washington Modern Quarter: A Guide for Coin Enthusiasts
Fr. 1950-K $5 1928 Federal Reserve Note, PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ:
- Sold for: $40,800
A serial number 1 note, making it a must-have for any collector who values low-serial numbers.
The Heritage Long Beach Expo was once again established to be a playground for serious collectors, presenting an array of rare and historical U.S. coins and currency. These auctions attract the world’s top numismatists and always set new records in the hobby.
Complete results from the Heritage Long Beach Expo U.S. currency auction can be found at HA.com/3596.