In the numismatic auction world, there is no greater thrill than having “old friends” return home. This week’s highlight for the 2015 New York Americana Sale is an 1879-CC gold eagle, which we last offered as lot 734 in our February 1979 sale of the Ellis Robison Collection of United States Gold Coins. The Robison Collection was a classic Stack’s sale of the era, featuring one of the most extensive collections of U.S. gold coins to be offered at auction. Mr. Robison purchased this coin from our (Stack’s) sale of the Collection of the Cincinnati Art Museum (and other properties) in June 1977, where this coin was featured as part of “An Extraordinary Collection of Eagles and Double Eagles.” When the coin arrived in our office, it was still sealed in the original Robison auction flip, and we submitted the coin to PCGS on the consignor’s behalf. The lovely coin now resides in a PCGS EF-45 holder, and its freshness to the market should attract much bidder attention when it crosses the auction block.
This key-date issue had an original mintage of only 1,762 pieces, many of which were lost to circulation and attrition. High grade examples are few and far between, and a single NGC-certified MS-62 is the only Mint State coin listed by PCGS or NGC; PCGS shows 14 grading events at EF-45 with a mere dozen finer (AU-58 finest). This important rarity from the famed Carson City Mint will be a nice highlight for the next cabinet it graces. Cataloged in the Robison sale catalog as: “Extremely Fine, some luster in the devices… One of the classic rarities in the entire series.” To that we add: “This is an exceptionally attractive coin… Boldly defined in the absence of all but light wear, both sides also exhibit pleasing honey gold patina with a tinge of rose-gold undertoning… remnants of vibrant satin to modestly semi-reflective luster…”
The Americana Sale will be held February 5-6, 2015, and will be anchored by the Stephen Winthrop Collection, the Highland Collection, and other important consignments. Catalogs are being prepared and will be mailing early in the New Year. If you bought coins from us in the past, we would love to hear from you and work to offer your numismatic items in one of our upcoming sales. We are accepting consignments for the official auction for the American Numismatic Association’s National Money Show in Portland, OR and the official Whitman Coin and Currency Expo in Baltimore, both sales being held in March, so if you are interested in consigning, please contact one of our consignment specialists to discuss your collection.
