An extremely rare example of the prized 1907 ultra high relief double eagle sold for $1,057,500 to lead the results of Heritage’s US Coins Signature auction, held August 2‵. More than $21 million in rare coins sold August 3 in the Platinum night sale. Overall, this auction brought its happy consignors more than $27.5 million, with an additional $1 million in sales from Heritage’s currency auction held on August 3.
The ultra high relief double eagle is distinctive because of its 1906 style edge lettering, in a sans serif font with stars between each of the letters of E Pluribus Unum. This lettering style dates this coin as one of the first three ultra high reliefs struck. This piece was the first coin discovered with this lettering style, in 1992, and today just two such coins are known. The coin shows evidence of handling, as implied by its proof-58 grade.
Almost as rare, with only four examples known, is the 1802 novodel proof dollar that realized $851,875. The term “novodel” describes a coin struck long after the date it bears, but which is not a restrike. The dies for this coin were most likely prepared in the 1870s, when the coin is believed to have been struck. Heritage believes that this piece is the finest known of the four by the tiniest of margins.
All prices reported include the buyer’s premium.
A complete review of this auction will appear in a future issue.
