Trio of NGC-certified Double Eagles Fly High in Heritage Sale

Three rare Double Eagles were among five coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) that sold for more than $100,000 at the Heritage Auctions Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction. Held June 4, 2020, the sale was moved to Dallas after the California show it was associated with was canceled.

An 1895 Double Eagle graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo realized an impressive $234,000. The highest-graded example of about 20 estimated survivors, this coin was once part of the renowned Ed Trompeter Collection.

1895 Double Eagle graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo: Realized $234,000. Click images to enlarge.

Another Liberty Head Double Eagle, a 1907-D graded NGC SP 65, realized $180,153. This is the finest of only three known Specimen or Proof strikes from that year with the Denver mintmark, struck at the end the Liberty Head Double Eagle's 57-year run.

1907-D Liberty Head Double Eagle graded NGC SP 65: Realized $180,153. Click images to enlarge.

Meanwhile, an example of the Liberty Head Double Eagle's successor also realized a substantial sum. A 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded NGC PF 67+ realized $168,000. This is one of the highest-graded examples known from the inaugural year of a design that is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful in US coinage.

1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded NGC PF 67+: Realized $168,000 Click images to enlarge.

In a testament to the strength of the rare coin market, another 98 NGC-certified coins realized five figures in the sale. They ranged from an 1842 Half Cent Restrike to an 1852 Augustus Humbert $50 piece.

"The results of this auction once again show the importance of NGC certification," said Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer. "At a time when bidders are making all of their purchases from a distance, NGC's services are more important than ever, giving them complete confidence in both authenticity and grade."

Other NGC-certified highlights in the Heritage auction included:

• an 1808 Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61 that realized $138,000
• an 1879 $4 Stella graded NGC PF 63 Cameo that realized $138,000
• a 1909 Half Eagle graded NGC PF 66+ that realized $75,000
• an 1871-CC Double Eagle graded NGC AU 58 that realized $72,000
• an 1895 Eagle graded NGC PF 66+ Ultra Cameo that realized $63,000
• a 1907 Wire Rim Eagle graded NGC MS 65+ that realized $63,000
• a 1908 Half Eagle graded NGC PF 67 that $57,600
• an 1871-CC Double Eagle graded NGC AU 55 that realized $57,600

Prices realized include buyer's premium.