As a brief yet interesting aside to today’s auction recap segment, two U.S. coins with legendary numismatic status – one more than two centuries old – failed to cross the block last month in New York City.
Nearly $10.56 million USD ($13.82 million Cdn.) – the highest dollar amount ever offered for a coin, according to Sotheby’s, one of the auction houses handling
This rare 1822 U.S. Half Eagle coin was also unsold despite a big of $9.53 million. (Sotheby’s photo)
the sale of the famed D. Brent Pogue Collection – was offered via phone for an exceedingly rare 1804 U.S. Draped Bust silver dollar. Another phone bid of $7.28 million USD ($9.53 million Cdn.) was made on the likewise rare (it’s the only example outside the Smithsonian) 1822 U.S. Half Eagle. Both bids failed to meet the respective consignor’s reserve price, according to Sotheby’s.
Despite these two misses, more than 60 coins from the Pogue Collection were sold in this, the fourth part of the landmark auction, realizing more than $16.7 million USD ($21.8 million Cdn.).