Coin News: Close to $6 million sells in Long Beach US Coins auction

Heritage Auctions' Coin Newsletter [Read this newsletter online]( [Heritage Auctions]( [Coin News]( In This Issue: • [Close to $6 million sells in Long Beach US Coins auction](#collector-a) • [Seldom Seen Selections: The King of Territorial Gold Coins](#collector-b) • [Website Tips: Top Bar](#collector-c) • [Around Heritage Auctions](#around-1) • [This Week's Top Ten](#top10) • [Is It Time To Sell?](#sell) • [Current Auctions](#current) September 11, 2018 []Close to $6 million sells in Long Beach US Coins auction [1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal MS64 NGC]( High-end, popular collector coins were featured as the [September 6-9 Signature Auction of US coins]( in Long Beach raised close to $6 million for its consignors. Additional auctions of world coins, world currency, and US currency are expected to raise the total in Long Beach above $18 million. As always, all prices realized include a 20% Buyer's Premium. Two octagonal 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 gold pieces were among the top lots of the auction. This iconic coin, struck to the tune of fewer than 700 pieces, has been a collector favorite for years, in part due to its large size and high denomination, and in part because its octagonal shape recalls the octagonal ingots issued during the California Gold Rush. [Lot 3285, an example graded MS64 by NGC]( sold for $90,000, while [lot 3284, graded MS63 by PCGS]( hammered for $72,000. Another iconic collector coin, [the 1895 Morgan Dollar]( sold for $87,000 during the proceedings. Although Mint records say that twelve thousand examples were struck for circulation, they must either have borne a different date or have been melted, as today only proofs are known, creating a key date for the collectors of the popular Morgan dollar series. This piece was graded Proof-65 by NGC and bore the CAC sticker as endorsement of its quality. Selling for $66,000 was a 1795 half dollar in the extremely rare O-132 variety. This is the only example of this variety traced today, with the only other example referred to in the numismatic literature not having been seen since the 1920s. A few of the additional highlights of this auction included: - [1879-CC $10 AU53+ NGC]( - [1797 50C O-101a, Fine 15 PCGS Secure]( - [1889-CC $1 MS62 PCGS Secure]( - [1875-S 20C MS67 PCGS]( - [1866-S $20 No Motto AU50 NGC]( - [1880-CC $10 MS60 NGC]( Our next auction of US coins is scheduled for October 11-15 in Chicago. It will be open for bidding soon at [coins.HA.com]( [Back to Top](#top) []Seldom Seen Selections: The King of Territorial Gold Coins [1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar PR63 NGC. Adams-54, Breen -7921, Kagin-4, High R.6]( [1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar PR63 NGC. Adams-54, Breen -7921, Kagin-4, High R.6]( Any fifty dollar gold coin is an impressive numismatic item. The massive presence of these beautiful pieces captures the attention and holds the respect of any viewer. The Kellogg fifty dollar slug probably owes its existence to its potential as an advertisement, rather than to any commercial need for such a coin, but numismatic history is much richer for its presence. The Kellogg firm was operating at full speed turning out their twenty dollar gold coins in 1855. With this denomination well established and serving admirably in the local economy, it is unlikely there was any pressing need for the fifty dollar piece. While Edgar Adams pays lip service to the idea that a larger denomination was desired by local merchants to facilitate counting of large sums, the fact that only two dozen or so pieces were minted indicates actual demand was not great. Instead, the small mintage of presentation pieces was a statement about the quality of Kellogg's products and the ability of the firm to match Wass, Molitor & Co. in the production of large denomination gold coins. John Glover Kellogg arrived in San Francisco on October 12, 1849. He was originally from Auburn, New York and came West to seek his fortune at the height of the gold rush. He initially took a position with Moffat & Co., and remained with that firm during their operation as the United States Assay Office of Gold. When Moffat & Co. closed down in late 1853, prior to transitioning their facility to the new San Francisco Mint, Kellogg established a partnership with assayer G.F. Richter. The new firm of Kellogg & Richter was located at No. 106 Montgomery Street, in the basement of J.P. Haven's building. Initially, the firm acted only as an assay office, but California merchants and bankers petitioned them on January 14, 1854 to produce coins for the local economy. The intention seems to be for Kellogg & Richter to fill the gap between the closing of Moffat & Co. and the opening of the San Francisco Mint. Kellogg & Richter embraced the opportunity enthusiastically, and their first twenty dollar gold coin was minted on February 9, 1854. The coins were immediately popular with the public, and the California economy easily absorbed all the coinage the Kellogg firm could produce. Since production was modest at the new Mint in 1854, Kellogg continued producing his private coinage through 1855. By late 1854, Kellogg had dissolved his partnership with Richter and taken a new partner, Augustus Humbert. Humbert had popularized the dramatic eagle design used on the back of the Kellogg Fifty Dollar slug when he was a principal of the United States Assay Office of Gold. Ferdinand Gruner was the engraver of the slug. The Wass, Molitor & Co. firm was Kellogg's main competition in the private coinage industry, and they were famous for their giant fifty dollar slugs. Kellogg undoubtedly produced his artistically superior slug to demonstrate his firm's ability to keep pace with the competition at all levels of the private coinage trade. Our upcoming [Chicago Signature Auction]( features [an extremely attractive example of this spectacular issue]( graded Proof-63 by NGC. An exemplary strike complements the reflective fields to produce stunning eye appeal. Every detail of Gruner's intricate design is fully realized, and enticing Lemon-yellow patina radiates from the proof surfaces. A few handling marks and rim bruises are unavoidable with such a large coin, and are consistent with the grade. PCGS has graded only one coin in PR63, with two higher. NGC has certified two examples (including the present coin) in PR63, with three finer. No mintage records were kept for this issue. Experts believe perhaps 20-25 coins were produced, all as presentation pieces, with 12-15 examples extant today. We have compiled a roster of all specimens known to us below. The California Historical Society has justly called the Kellogg fifty the "King of Territorial Gold Coins." [Back to Top](#top) []Website Tips: Top Bar If you've viewed any items on our website recently, you've probably seen the scrolling images at the top of the page. If you come to the item page after having done a search, these images will, by default, reflect the exact search you performed before getting to the page. By scrolling left and right, you can continue looking at the items from your search without leaving the item page! Roll over any item to see a close-up, including a short description. Click on any item and you will jump directly to the web page for that item. [Browse Tabs] But that's not all. If you are interested in looking at other items in the same auction, you can click on the "This Auction" tab, and the scrollbar will change to lots from the auction, in lot number order. The scrolling, rollover and click functionality are still there, so you will have all the flexibility you want in viewing these items. [Browse Tabs] Many additional choices are available in the tabs at the top of the item page, including: - Search results - switch back and forth between Available Items and the Archives - My Tracked Lots - My Bids - My Wantlist Matches - My Recommendations - People also Viewed similar lots - My Consignments You can review all of these and never leave the item pages! If you don't see the appropriate tab, click on the "More" link at right, and all additional selections are shown. [More Tab] Finally, you also have full search functionality on every item page. Click on Keyword Search and instead of seeing a scrolling group of items, you will see a fully functional search bar. You don't have to even navigate back to the search page to do your next search! [Back to Top](#top) []Around Heritage Auctions Dickens Collection to be Featured in Rare Books Auction By [Megan Dyer](mailto:MeganD@HA.com) Few nineteenth-century English writers have achieved the cultural status held by Charles Dickens, and few books have gained such long-lasting appeal as those in his oeuvre. As the most popular author of his time—and one of the most popular of all time—Dickens forever changed the face of English literature, and his works have never been out of print. The extent and variety of his output has long appealed to collectors, whether they interest themselves chiefly in his [serials]( his first clothbound editions, his [Christmas books]( [collected editions]( of his letters and works, or other [Dickensiana](. Some collect in each of these areas, like Jerome P. O'Connor, whose Dickens collection forms a substantial portion of our [September 13 Rare Books & Maps Auction #6193](. [Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol]( Crowning the present selection is a [first edition, first state]( copy of A Christmas Carol (London: 1843) in Dickens's own preferred format and style, with four stunning full-color plates and light green endpapers. When the cost of producing color illustrations proved to be prohibitive, subsequent printings and editions were dialed back. Also on offer is a near fine [first American edition]( (Philadelphia: 1844) of the same, which is an almost exact reproduction of the original Christmas 1843 release. Nor does Mr. O'Connor's collection neglect first editions of Dickens's other [Christmas tales](. [[Charles Dickens]. Pair of Books from the Library of Charles Dickens]( Few, perhaps no other, authors capitalized on the serial form like Dickens, who issued all of his major novels in parts to an avid public before publishing them in bound volumes. Several original serial parts of Dickens's most famous works are also up for auction, including [David Copperfield]( (London: 1849-1850). The advertisements retained by the majority of Heritage's upcoming serial offerings supply a compelling and often amusing glimpse into Victorian life. Also of interest as a snapshot of the mid-nineteenth century is a first number of [The Daily News]( (London: 1846), founded, edited and with contributions by Dickens, in remarkable condition for a newspaper of its time. Other Dickens publications particularly of note include uncommon cloth-bound first editions, such as [A Tale of Two Cities]( (London: 1859). These volumes were typically released toward the end of the novel's serial run and were put forward for sale in uniform bindings—a common occurrence now, but one that was just beginning during Dickens's time. Many of these publisher's cloth issues tend to succumb to the Victorian fashion for rebinding in leather, but the upcoming sale has several on offer. [Charles Dickens. [The Nonesuch Dickens]]( In addition to Dickens's works, the auction will feature a number of books from Dickens's personal library, such as a first French edition of [Bleak House]( (Paris: 1857) and an association copy of [Life of William Hickling Prescott]( (Boston: 1864) from Dickens's American publishers. Some modern sets (most notably a complete [Nonesuch Dickens]( books of illustrations, and original engraved steel plates used to print the illustrations for Dickens's novels are also going up for sale. The [collection of Jerome P. O'Connor]( will be included in Heritage's [September 13 Rare Books & Maps Auction](. This assorted selection of Dickens materials should engage numerous kinds of collectors and enthusiasts, and in all probability a variety of bidders will find something to draw them to this sale. [More information about Historical Auctions]( [Back to Top](#top) []This Week's Top Ten [1787 COPPER Connecticut Copper, Draped Bust Left MS65 Brown NGC. M. 33.39-s.1, W-3960, R.4]( [1787 COPPER Connecticut Copper, Draped Bust Left MS65 Brown NGC. M. 33.39-s.1, W-3960, R.4]( The ten colonial coins most frequently offered in Heritage auctions: - 1787 Connecticut Copper Draped Bust Left - 1787 Fugio Cent, STATES UNITED, 4 Cinquefoils, Pointed Rays - 1723 Hibernia Halfpenny - 1787 New Jersey Copper, Small Planchet, Plain Shield - 1788 Massachusetts Cent, Period - 1788 Vermont Copper, Bust Right - 1783 Washington Unity States Cent - 1783 Washington Independence Cent, Large Military Bust - 1787 New Jersey Copper, Outlined Shield - 1760 Hibernia Voce Populi Halfpenny Do you have a suggestion for a future top ten list? [Send it to us!](mailto:StewartH@HA.com?subject=Top Ten List Suggestion) [Back to Top](#top) []Is It Time To Sell? An exciting consignment opportunity presents itself, as Heritage proudly presents the upcoming November 7-10, 2018 Dallas, TX US Coins Signature Auction. Heritage's Dallas auctions have a long established tradition and are eagerly anticipated by collectors and dealers from around the US and the world. These auctions have attracted eager bidders and produced strong results for consignors and we expect this pattern to continue. You can personally benefit from Heritage's connections to buyers from around the world and sell your coins alongside the millions of dollars of rare, desirable and important offerings that have already been consigned. We have entered a new generation of collecting, and Heritage ensures that bidders and consignors all benefit from the latest and best technologies available. Our award-winning website, [HA.com]( serves as the cornerstone for our innovation. We have an average of 44,000 unique collectors come to [HA.com]( every day, and they come to bid and to win! We are the auction leader, integrating our systems to deliver the greatest demand and the highest prices in the marketplace. Contact one of our Consignment Directors, and they will guide you through the process and answer all of your questions. You can reach us by calling 1-800-835-6000. November 7-10 Dallas US Coins Signature Auction Consignment Deadline: September 18, 2018 [David Mayfield]( Vice President, Numismatic Auctions [David@HA.com]( 1-800-US-COINS ext. 1000 Interested in Selling? [What's My Coin Worth?]( [Consign to a Heritage Auction]( [Back to Top](#top) []Current Auctions Coin and Currency Auctions [September 5-11 Long Beach Expo Currency Auction - Long Beach #3567]( [September 5-11 Long Beach Expo Currency Auction - Long Beach #3567]( [View Lots]( [September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction - Long Beach #3067]( [September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Auction - Long Beach #3067]( [View Lots]( [September 30 The Feeling Good Collection, Part I World and Ancient Coin Auction #271839]( [September 30 The Feeling Good Collection, Part I World and Ancient Coin Auction #271839]( [View Lots]( [September 30 The Feeling Good Collection, Part I Currency Auction Monthly Auction #141891]( [September 30 The Feeling Good Collection, Part I Currency Auction Monthly Auction #141891]( [View Lots]( [October 7 The Dr. Hans Wilski Collection of Ottoman & Islamic Coins, Part I Monthly World and Ancient Coin Auction #271840]( [October 7 The Dr. Hans Wilski Collection of Ottoman & Islamic Coins, Part I Monthly World and Ancient Coin Auction #271840]( [View Lots]( [Weekly Internet US Coins]( [Weekly Internet US Coins September 11-12 Live session @ 6PM CT]( [View Lots]( [Tuesday Internet Currency Auction]( [Tuesday Currency September 11 Live session @ 7PM CT]( [View Lots]( [Weekly World Coin Auction]( [Thursday World Coin September 13 Live session @ 8PM CT]( [View Lots]( OTHER SIGNATURE AUCTIONS • [Fine & Decorative Asian Art - Sept. 11]( • [Fine & Rare Wine - Sept. 14]( • [1909-11 T206 PSA Set Registry Catalog - Sept. 20]( • [Fine & Decorative Arts Including Estates - Sept. 21]( • [The Art of Ronald McDonald and Friends - The Setmakers Collection - Sept. 22-23]( • [Online 20th Century American Art Prints - Sept. 24]( • [Online Prints & Multiples - Sept. 25]( • [Autumn Luxury Accessories - Sept. 30]( • [Autumn Fine Jewelry - Oct. 1]( OTHER INTERNET AUCTIONS • [Tues. 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