Heritage's Ancient & World Coin Signature Auction at September Long Beach Tops $3.2 Million

Dallas, TX. The Official Auctions of the September 2007 Long Beach Coin Expo were held by Heritage Auction Galleries, and included Signature Auctions of ancient and world coins ($3,210,026, U.S. coins ($11,311,996), U.S. currency ($10,486,434), and U.S. tokens and medals ($598,946). When proceeds from Final Session Auctions of ancient and world coins, U.S. coins, and U.S. currency are concluded, plus Post Auction Buys from all events are added, total prices realized are expected to approach $27 million. This was Heritage's 61st Official Auction at Long Beach. All lot descriptions, images, and prices realized for the eleven thousand-plus lots that sold in Long Beach are currently posted at www.HA.com.

"Our Long Beach auctions of ancient and world coins demonstrated strength across the market," noted World Coin Director Warren Tucker. "Based on results in our recent auctions, we anticipated strong prices for the rarer Russian material, but even then we underestimated the growing demand for these rarities. Another area that emerged even stronger than enthusiastic estimates were the modern Chinese rarities, which attracted demand appropriate with their size!"

September 2007 Long Beach Ancient & World Coins Highlights:

Lot 52182: Russia, Nicholas I. 1-1/2 Rouble 1836, obverse signed, reverse unsigned, Bust of Nicholas I right/Bust of Empress Alexandra in the center, facing right, surrounded by busts of the Royal children with no circles, Bit-888, Uzd-4207, MS64 NGC.
This is the finest piece certified by NGC and undoubtedly one of the nicer examples extant.
Realized: $138,000

Lot 52287: Russia, Nicholas I Mining Institute gold medal ND (1834); the obverse was engraved by H. Gube and the reverse by P. Utkin, 234.2 gm, as Diakov 512.1
This absolutely incredible example of Russian medallic art was issued by the Institute of Mines and given for Diligence and Good Behavior.
Realized: $74,750

Lot 50743: China, People's Republic kilo gold 3,000 Yuan 2000, unlisted in KM; Gem Proof in the original wooden case with certificate.
Number 8 of the 68 minted, on the certificate and stamped on the edge of the coin.
Realized: $51,750

Lot 51108: German States, Furstenberg-Stuhlingen. Josef Wenzel Broad 4 Taler 1767-ARW, KM19, Davenport LS276, Dollinger 31.
Struck as part of the Mining Taler series featuring St. Wenceslas standing in front of the Wenceslas Mine. The 3 Taler of this type is occasionally available, but we have not recorded another example of this denomination.
Realized: $44,563

Lot 50744: China, People's Republic kilo gold 10,000 Yuan 2001, KM1138, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate.
Krause has this piece listed as a 10 ounce gold coin with a mintage of 68 pieces.
Realized: $40,250

Lot 51514: Hong Kong, Victoria, Reeded Edge Proof Dollar 1866, KM10, Prid-1A, Proof 63 NGC.
Sharply struck with bluish-gray and golden toning.
Realized: $27,600

Lot 52059: Poland, Republic, Papal Visit 4-piece gold Set 1987: 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Zlotych 1987, KM138, 169, 170, and 171, all Gem Proof in a custom wooden case with certificate.
Commemorating the Papal visit to America.
Realized: $25,300

Lot 50930: Ecuador, Republic gold 8 Escudos 1850-GJ, KM34.1, choice VF.
One of the rarest coins bearing the portrait of Bolivar, unpriced in all grades in the SCWC.
Realized: $25,300

Lot 51050: Germany, Colonial gold 20 Mark 1895A, KM9, Friedberg 1, Proof 64 Cameo NGC.
Proofs of the 20 Mark are highly elusive.
Realized: $25,300

Lot 50754: China, People's Republic, Bimetallic Panda Proof 500 Yuan 1995, KM793, Gem Proof and housed in the original case with certificate.
A mintage of only 103 pieces is indicated.
Realized: $24,150

Lot 50729: China, People's Republic, Bi-metallic 500 Yuan Panda 1996, KM1020, 5 oz. gold & 2 oz. silver, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate.
A mintage of only 199 pieces is listed.
Realized: $23,000

Lot 52147: Russia, Paul I. Heavy Rouble 1797 CM-$&, Crowned Russian letter P in cruciform and the date/Tablet with four line inscription, Bit-18 (R), MS63 PCGS.
One of the nicer examples of this rare and popular type.
Realized: $23,000

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

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