Heritage Auctions' U.S. Coins Sale Reaches Nearly $12 Million Led by Rare 1796/5 Half Eagle
Heritage Auctions conducted a U.S. Coins Signature Auction from March 26 to March 28, achieving total sales of $11,948,630. The event was highlighted by two significant lots: a 1796/5 BD-1 Half Eagle graded MS64 by NGC sold for $256,200, and an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella pattern coin graded PR65 Cameo by NGC fetched $201,300. According to Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President of Heritage Auctions, the auction demonstrated strong collector interest in early American gold coins, classic patterns, and historic shipwreck artifacts. The 1796/5 Half Eagle, considered a key piece in early U.S. gold coinage, was the highest-priced item. Numismatic expert John W. Dannreuther estimates its original mintage between 1,057 and 2,000 pieces, with only about 80 to 100 specimens known to exist across all conditions today. This auction provided opportunities for collectors to acquire rare items across various categories, reinforcing the market's vitality for historical U.S. coinage.
Key facts
- Heritage Auctions held a U.S. Coins Signature Auction from March 26 to March 28
- Total sales reached $11,948,630
- Top lot was a 1796/5 BD-1 Half Eagle graded MS64 by NGC selling for $256,200
- An 1879 Flowing Hair Stella pattern coin graded PR65 Cameo by NGC sold for $201,300
- Todd Imhof commented on strong collector demand for early U.S. gold series
- The 1796/5 Half Eagle is a significant issue in early American gold coinage
- John W. Dannreuther estimates mintage between 1,057 and 2,000 coins
- Approximately 80 to 100 examples of the 1796/5 Half Eagle survive in all grades