On May 18, 2017, Legend Rare Coin Auctions conducted their 21st Regency Auction, consisting of 520 quality rare coins. Several important collections, including Part 2 of the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns, some from JK’s Mirror Collection, the Linda Collection of Mint State Trade Dollars, and Part 4 of the Northern Lights Collection were in the sale.
Collectively, Regency Auction XXI achieved good prices and numerous price records.
“We were astonished at some of the prices realized for some of the Proof Franklin half dollars from JK’s Mirror Collection,” Julie Abrams said. “These more modern issues really are not our bailiwick, but lots 288, 295, and 297 brought exceptionally strong prices realized.” Among those, 1951 PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC sold for $13,512; a 1959 PCGS PR67 DCAM for $9,987; and a 1961 DDR PCGS PR67 for $5,757.
“Of course, the other area of strength was in the monster toned Morgan dollars,” Laura Sperber, founder of Legend Auctions said. “The prices can be divided into two categories, ‘record prices’ and ‘insane, beyond moon money prices!’” Prices included an 1879-S PCGS MS67+ CAC ‘Super Fly’ for $27,025; an 1881-S PCGS MS66+ CAC ‘Kryptonite’ for $17,625; an 1882-S PCGS MS67 CAC ‘Wowser Bowser’ for $15,275; an 1882-S PCGS MS67+ CAC ‘High Anxiety’ for $15,862; and an 1886 PCGS MS67 CAC ‘Outrageous’ for $21,737.
“It does amaze us how extreme the depth of the market is for these amazing works of art. The demand for the simply stupefying amazing toned dollars is just never ending. There really is a parallel between exceptional quality rare coins and other valued collectibles,” Sperber said. “As we were conducting our sale, Sotheby’s sold a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat for $110,500,000—the highest price ever paid for a work by an American artist at auction. Collectors, whether they collect high-end coins, or high-end art, will do fierce battle to acquire the objects of their desires.”
Other strong prices realized included a 1C 1793 Wreath. Lettered Edge. PCGS MS64 BN CAC for $293,750; a 2C 1870 PCGS PR66+ RD CAM CAC for $24,675; a 10C 1797 16 Stars. PCGS MS62 CAC for $31,725; a 25C 1824/2 PCGS AU55 CAC for $25,850; a 1C-$1 1886 Original Proof Set, PCGS PR66-67 for $55,812; and a $10 1908 Motto. Matte. PCGS PR67 CAC for $146,875 (a record price for the issue).
“Legend Rare Coin Auctions continues to grow with each sale,” Greg Cohen, Senior Numismatist, said. “This sale did see a record number of registered bidders participating in the sale, bidding prior to and during the sale online.”
“Our niche spot in the rare coin auction business, as the boutique venue that offers only the finest and freshest, hand-selected coins enables bidders to participate with full confidence that they will only be getting the best quality coins for their collections. With the results of Regency Auction XXI, we have proved once again that Legend Rare Coin Auctions is the small auction house that gets big results,” Abrams said.
Legend is hosting monthly auctions online as well as Regency Auctions in July, October, and December. Those interested in consigning should contact Abrams at julie@legendauctions.com and (845) 430-4378 or Cohen at greg@legendauctions.com and (732) 935-1168. For more information, visit www.legendauctions.com.
