As always, all eyes in the numismatic world were on the fabulous Stack’s Bowers Galleries series of auctions that took place in Baltimore July 16 and 17, 2015. When all was said and done, the total realization for the collection went far past the pre-sale estimate realizing over $10 million. Anchored by the Twin Leaf Collection of middle and late-date large cents and the Douglas C. Kaselitz Collection of U.S. type coins, the end results were nothing short of spectacular. More than half a dozen lots realized hammer prices in the six-figure range, and numerous other lots pushed that level in a frenzy of bidding activity in the auction gallery, on the telephone, and worldwide on the Internet. The Twin Leaf Collection of large cents was masterfully assembled over the course of several years and included numerous gem coppers of the 1816-1857 decades with amazing pedigrees in many instances that dated back to the 19th century. Among highlights of the Twin Leaf Collection was Lot 2540, a Proof 1850 Newcomb-11 cent in a PCGS Proof-66 RB holder that brought a resounding $82,250 against a pre-sale estimate of $25,000.
Another big hit, the U.S. type coin collection of the late Douglas C. Kaselitz was chock-full of high-grade and high-quality pieces and was eagerly received by floor and internet bidders alike. It also brought far more than the high estimate! One prominent highlight from this important type collection was Lot 5168, an MS-63 PCGS-certified 1795 Flowing Hair half dollar, Overton-116, that brought a final price of $123,375 after heated bidding activity. Today’s collectors are always pleased when superb coins are offered, and the Stack’s Bowers Galleries July Baltimore sales offered some of the nicest coins – and most famous pedigrees – available in today’s numismatic marketplace. Other highlights of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo include:

 

Lot 2033 1817 Cent. N-16. 15 Stars. MS-64 RB (PCGS). (CAC) With a generous measure of original Mint color, in terms of numerical grade and the equally if not more important in the opinion of many advanced collectors, this may be the finest known of this, one of the most curious varieties in the series. $58,750

Lot 2042 1818 Cent. N-4. AU-58 (PCGS). (CAC). There was a virtual firestorm of bidding as this coin went up, up, and up some more—until captured by a leading specialist in the series of die varieties.  $49,937.50

Lot 2314 1839/6 Cent. N-1. AU-55 (PCGS). (CAC). This was another skyrocket coin. Bids came in from all directions, the room was up for grabs, and the sky seemed to be the limit. The dust finally settled at $64,625

Lot 2619 1852 Cent. N-24. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). This, another Twin Leaf treasure, far exceeded expectations at $105,750

Lot 4243 1916-D Mercury Dime. MS-64 FB (PCGS). OGH, a lovely coin that was conservatively graded and also had a generous measure of eye appeal. $17,625
Lot 4253 1796 Quarter. B-2. MS-62 (PCGS). This lovely lower-range Mint State example of the first year of the denomination went to a new home for $88,125

Lot 4297 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. MS-64 (PCGS). High but perhaps conservative technical grade combined with eye appeal to drive this classic rarity to $30,550

Lot 4593 1895 Morgan Dollar. Proof-63 Cameo (PCGS). This, a coin on almost everyone’s want list, engendered many bids and was sold for $49,937.50

Lot 5104 1803 Half Dime. Large 8. LM-3. MS-65+ (PCGS). (CAC). In the annals of half dimes, few coins can come even slightly close to this one. It seems that just about every specialist in the series was alerted, realizing a record $164,500

Lot 5179 1853 Half Dollar. Arrows and Rays. MS-66+ (PCGS). (CAC). A poster example of a condition rarity, this coin probably now resides in a type set of extraordinary quality. $94,000

Lot 5219 1807 Half Eagle. Capped Bust Left. MS-63 (PCGS). Gold coins die well across the board. This one sold for $21,150

Lot 5222 1797 Eagle. Heraldic Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS). (CAC). A great coin sold for the strong price of $52,875.

All lot descriptions and images for the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo held in July can be viewed online on our website, StacksBowers.com;  or by email at auction@stacksbowers.com; these in addition to the printed catalog.