Another rarity from the Saint-Gaudens Indian Head $10 series, a 1920-S graded MS-66 by PCGS, brought $431,250. The catalog notes that in this grade there is just one coin and only one other coin grades better than this.
An NGC Proof-64 pattern 1915 Panama-Pacific half dollar, Judd-1960, formerly Judd-1793, Pollock-2031, found a buyer at $345,000. The cataloger noted, “One of only two known specimens; struck in gold as the regular silver-issue, but lacking the normal S mintmark. These extremely rare patterns were clearly clandestine strikes, produced at the Philadelphia Mint before mintmark punches were applied to the working dies. They were possibly created for Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo (a coin collector)!”
A PCGS MS-66 1913-S gold $10 fetched $299,000. The catalog said only 66,000 pieces were produced and most circulated (most are known today in VF to choice AU condition). Further, PCGS and NGC have graded three MS-65 specimens, one premium gem, and two superb gems.
“FUN 2009 was simply amazing,” said Heritage President Greg Rohan, “and we are pleased that 2009 is off to such a strong start.”
Ongoing online results will add to overall totals. Visit the firm’s Web site at www.HA.com for more information.
The Original Hobo Nickel Society held its Auction 17 in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists Convention Jan. 10, 2009, in Orlando, Fla.
It realized a total of $47,728.95. This sets a new record, said Ralph Winter, eclipsing last year’s previous record total of $36,716.20.
There were 138 lots in the auction catalog and an additional seven donation lots. Slightly over half ($24,354) of the amount realized came from 25 lots that had been part of the OHNS grading set. This set had been loaned to OHNS for over a dozen years by charter life member Bill Fivaz.
Lot 35, a superior portrait of Bert Weigand by George Washington “Bo” Hughes, realized $4,400.
Lot 42, an above average carving of a bearded man wearing a derby by “Bo,” or Bert Weigand, also netted $4,400.
Lot 41, a superior carving of a bearded man wearing a hat, netted $3,410. This carving was also by “Bo” Hughes.
At the OHNS table, contemporary hobo nickel carver Dave Boulay and club president Rollie Taylor demonstrated the art of carving hobo nickels. This was a big hit with those attending the FUN show bourse. Youths who stopped by the table and took time to sketch their hobo nickel design on paper, were each rewarded with a genuine hobo nickel.
