Continental Dollar Commands $180,000 at Heritage Auction

A rare coin from the founding of the United States certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation realized $180,000 in Heritage Auctions’ U.S. Coins Signature Auction held Oct. 17 in Dallas, Texas.

The pewter coin, graded NGC MS-65, is a Continental dollar from when the Continental Congress declared the independence of the 13 colonies. All examples are dated 1776.

According to Heritage’s auction catalog details, “Despite a documented history dating back more than 235 years, the 1776 Continental dollar remains an enigmatic issue to numismatists today. The coins have been studied by some of the greatest numismatic researchers of all time, but opinions about the origin and intended purpose of the coins remain divided. Regardless of their controversial nature, the coins remain elusive, valuable and historic relics of our numismatic past.”

Another highlight of the auction was a 1915-S Panama-Pacific round $50 commemorative graded NGC MS-64. It brought $96,000.

“These celebrated $50 gold coins are greatly appreciated for their beauty, impressive size and scarcity,” according to Heritage. “As souvenirs of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, they are unparalleled. But perhaps more significantly, these coins serve as tangible symbols of the California Gold Rush economy and the resulting growth of the city of San Francisco.

Other NGC-certified coins that topped the sales include:

• A 1915-S Panama-Pacific octagonal $50 commemorative graded NGC MS-63. Realized: $81,000.

• An 1810 Large Date half eagle graded NGC MS-65. Realized: $69,000.

• An 1879-CC double eagle graded NGC MS-60. Realized: $43,200.

• A 1951 Franklin half dollar graded NGC PF-67+ Ultra Cameo. Realized: $40,800.

• A 1926-D Indian Head nickel graded NGC MS-67. Realized: $38,400.

• A 1969-S cent with a doubled-die obverse and graded NGC MS-63 BN. Realized: $37,200.

Prices realized include the buyer’s premium. For full results, visit Heritage online at www.ha.com.