Numismatists could appreciate two Bass-Dannreuther (BD-4) gold coins — one a Small Eagle from 1797 and the other a Half Eagle dated 1834 — which led auctions worldwide via Heritage at $268,400 apiece. Also making noise was a lot of 28 Morgan silver dollars which cashed in for $2,032 at George Cole. Unique decorative arts pieces were popular as well, with a pair of A For Ara FS-1 floor standing speakers made $28,600 at 5th Avenue, while a “Buttman” sign autographed by Ben Affleck realized $8,260 at Bodnar. For these highlights and others, keep reading.
Buttman Sends Signal To Bodnar Bidders
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, N.J. — On January 3, Bodnar’s Auctions conducted a 179-lot auction of movie props, memorabilia and other items belonging to director and actor Kevin Smith, known for films such as Mallrats, Jay & Silent Bob, Chasing Amy and more, with Smith himself calling the sale. Leading the selection at $8,260 was a “Buttman” sign, autographed by actor and frequent collaborator Ben Affleck ($300/600). Affleck inscribed the sign as a gift to Smith, writing, “Evidently this is my legacy! Thanks Kevin.” According to Joseph Bodnar, “It is going to a collector and fan of theirs in Oregon.” For information, www.bodnarsauction.com or 732-210-6388.
Victorian Bookcase Steals The Show At Stevens
ABERDEEN, MISS. — Stevens Auction Company started off 2026 with its New Year’s Estates Auction, conducted on January 3. The 425-lot sale featured a selection of antiques, fine art, estate jewelry and decorative furnishings sourced from Southern homes and private collections. The top lot of the sale was a Victorian carved rosewood breakfront bookcase, most likely made in an American or English workshop circa 1870. The bookcase featured four tall glazed doors and various deeply sculpted ebonized appliqués; it was bid far past its $2/15,000 estimate to make $42,000. For information, www.stevensauction.com or 662-369-2200.
Standing Speakers Are Standout For 5th Avenue
STAMFORD, CONN. — On January 8, 5th Avenue Auctions conducted a 130-lot sale of fresh and marked antique and high-quality vintage furnishings from a Rhode Island estate. The sale had no reserves, and a pair of A For Ara FS-1 floor standing speakers played a tune to the highest price: $28,600. Manufactured in the United States, the contemporary speakers were made with walnut, ebony and gold leaf, had front-firing woofers and rear passive radiators and measured 54 inches tall each. For information, www.5thavenueny.com or 212-247-1097.
Men’s Clothing Bundle Is Best-Dressed At SJD
AMENIA, N.Y. — SJD Auctions rang in the new year on January 8 with its Antiques & Collectibles Auction, offering 350 lots. After 40 bids back and forth, a lot of late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century men’s clothing — including overalls, corduroy pants and a variety of shirts — earned the highest price of the day at $4,020. The clothing came from well-known brands such as James A. Hearn, Rogers Peet Company and more. For information, www.auctionninja.com/sjd-auctions or 845-489-7408.
Sèvres Busts Carve Out A Win At Vintage Accents
THOMASTON, MAINE — A pair of Sèvres busts after Jean-Antoine Houdon (France, 1741-1828) brought $875 in part one of Vintage Accents Auctions’ Cabin Fever sale on January 9. The bisque porcelain busts depicted Louise and Alexandre Brongniart, the children of architect Alexandre-Theodore Brongniart and were made after the original terracotta sculptures by Houdon that are housed in the Louvre Museum. The 8-inch-tall busts were set on blue porcelain bases and the subjects’ names were inscribed on the back of each. For information, www.vintageaccents.com or 207-354-8350.
Morgan Silver Dollars Shine At George Cole
RED HOOK, N.Y. — A group lot of 28 Morgan silver dollars proved the market is still desirable for silver when the coins realized $2,032 on January 10 at George Cole Auctions, just exceeding the high estimate. For information, www.georgecoleauctions.com or 845-758-9114.
Cartier Necklace Takes The Prize At Kodner
DANIA BEACH, FLA. — Sparkling brightly, the top lot of Kodner Galleries’ January 6 auction was a vintage Cartier diamond and 18K white gold pendant necklace that attained $41,140. Set in the center with a 2.02-carat round brilliant cut diamond, the necklace was accented with a “diamonds by the yard” chain featuring 12 round brilliant cut diamonds; it was accompanied by a Cartier certificate. For information, www.kodner.com or 954-925-2550
LaFarge Window Opens For Roland
GLEN COVE, N.Y. — Attributed to John La Farge (American, 1835-1910), a colorful leaded glass window, depicting a rose-filled urn with a butterfly against a turquoise background, made $35,750 on January 10 at Roland NY. This circa 1900 Arts and Crafts window measured 59½ inches tall by 39½ inches wide by 6 inches thick. For information, www.rolandauctions.com or 516-759-9400.
At Heritage, $5 Eagles Fly To Top
DALLAS — A 1797 Small Eagle and an 1834 Half Eagle — both Bass-Dannreuther die variety four (BD-4) — each sold for $268,400 to lead Heritage Auction’s FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson sale on January 7. The 1797 Small Eagle (shown) surfaced in the George D. Woodside collection and has appeared in several important pattern collections since. The winning bidder is just the sixth owner of the coin since the 1860s. The 1834 example also drew widespread interest. Dubbed the “King of Fat Head Fives,” it is tied with one other submission for the finest 1834 Capped Bust half eagle ever submitted to PCGS. Only six ever have been graded CAC; of those, two were MS63 coins and four were MS64 — this is the only MS64+ example. For information, www.ha.com or 214-409-1699.
