NGC-certified Coins Realize Impressive Sums in Heritage Auctions FUN Show Sale

Vintage US coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) did exceptionally well at the January 2020 Heritage Auctions FUN US Coins Signature Auction. In all, 30 NGC-certified US coins realized six figures in the sale.

An 1855 Gold Dollar graded NGC PF 66★ Ultra Cameo realized $336,000. This coin is the finest of only seven known Proof examples of the Type Two Gold Dollar, which was struck only in 1854 through 1856. Type Two Gold Dollars have emerged as prime gold rarities over the years due to the short duration of the series, their challenging design to strike — with high points on the obverse directly opposed to the date and denomination on the reverse — and the continuing popularity of gold type collecting.

1855 Gold Dollar graded NGC PF 66★ Ultra Cameo that realized $336,000 Click images to enlarge.

Another rare gold type coin that excelled in the sale was a 1796 No Stars $2.50 graded NGC MS 63. It realized $300,000 (USD). Part of an extremely low mintage of an estimated 963 coins, this Quarter Eagle is a significant example of a one-year type coin with two varieties. Interestingly, the No Stars variety is generally more desirable than the With Stars variety, even though fewer coins were minted With Stars in 1796.

1796 No Stars $2.50 graded NGC MS 63 that realized $300,000 Click images to enlarge.

An 1887 Morgan Dollar graded NGC PF 68 Ultra Cameo also achieved a significant result. Only two 1887 Morgan Dollars have received the Ultra Cameo designation from NGC, and this example is a full three points higher than the other. This finest-known specimen realized an exceptional $90,000 in the sale.

1887 $1 graded NGC PF 68 Ultra Cameo that realized $90,000 Click images to enlarge.

Rick Tomaska, the high bidder, enthused: “I am beyond thrilled to own this beautiful NGC-certified coin. It was the coin’s first appearance at auction, and believe me, I was ready!”

Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer, added: “We’re very happy for Rick, as this Morgan is the highest-graded by NGC for this issue. It’s always wonderful to see the exciting NGC-certified coins in the Heritage Auctions FUN Show sale. Congratulations to all of the successful bidders!”

Other NGC-certified highlights in the Heritage Auctions FUN Show sale included:

• an 1872-CC $10 graded NGC MS 62 that realized $240,000
• an 1898 $20 graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo that realized $210,000
• an 1891 $20 graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo that realized $204,000
• an 1865 $10 graded NGC PF 65 Cameo that realized $204,000
• an 1888 $20 graded NGC PF 66 Ultra Cameo that realized $192,000
• an 1864 $10 graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo that realized $186,000
• a 1795 Small Eagle $5 graded NGC MS 64 that realized $180,000
• an 1879 Flowing Hair $4 graded NGC PF 65 Cameo that realized $180,000
• an 1879 Flowing Hair $4 graded NGC PF 65 that realized $162,000
• an 1823 $5 graded NGC MS 65 that realized $156,000
• an 1800 “AMERICAI” Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 65 that realized $156,000
• a 1909 $20 graded NGC PF 66 that realized $150,000
• a 1911 $20 graded NGC PF 67 that realized $144,000
• a 1794 Silver Dollar graded NGC VF 30 that realized $132,000
• an 1858 $2.5 graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo that realized $132,000
• a 1911 $10 graded NGC PF 67 that realized $90,000
• a 1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific Octagonal $50 graded NGC MS 64 that realized $84,000.

All prices realized include buyer’s premium.