Commems Collection Classic: The Cary & Cheryl Porter Collection Of US Commemoratives

For as long as I've collected classic US commemoratives, I've enjoyed looking at truly special examples of each issue. What coin collector doesn't enjoy looking at top grade coins?

While the absolute best of the best may be beyond my personal resources, it hasn't kept me from enjoying such coins and collections. How? Through the auction catalogs used to promote the coins! I have made it a part of my collecting endeavors to acquire original copies of auction catalogs for the greatest US commemorative coin collections ever assembled. I always enjoy looking at the beautiful high-resolution pictures included in the catalogs and reading the description of each lot.

Tonight, I thought I'd share with CCF an exceptional collection of classic US commemorative coins that was an important component of a Heritage Auctions sale presented in conjunction with the Central States Numismatic Society 2007 Convention. The Cary and Cheryl Porter Collection featured over 200 high-grade classic commemorative coins. How high-grade? The collection featured more coins graded MS-68 than it did a lowly MS-65! Coins in MS-67 were the most often encountered!

The Porter Collection did not generate the same level of excitement as some of the superlative commemorative collections that came before it, but it was undoubtedly a collection of "all-time" quality. Cary Porter, a realtor and developer of recreational vacation properties at the time he assembled his commemorative collection, sought coins in ultimate grades and with original color; he purchased coins in PCGS and NGC holders. Even a quick look through the Heritage catalog will reveal that Mr. Porter had a keen eye and the financial resources to acquire the very best!

To fully appreciate the collection, you have to enjoy coins with completely original surfaces and multi-hued toning. A good number of the coins exhibit the toning that comes from long-term storage in the sulfur-rich pressed-board coin albums popular in the 1930s through the 1950s or the original tab toning that develops from being stored in the original holders used by commemorative coin sponsors to distribute their coins. If you like "original," the Porter Collection is right up your alley.

It was a different time for classic commemorative coins in terms of market values in 2007; prices were significantly higher than they are today and the market was more active. Almost regardless of the market, however, exceptional coins will attract strong prices from high-end collectors, and this was the case for the Porter auction.

I've included a handful of examples below of exceptional coins that brought exceptional hammer prices, but I encourage you to spend some time reviewing the entire collection via the following link: Cary & Cheryl Porter Collection

Note: All prices include the buyer's premium.


A few of the highlights - Enjoy!

1. 1900 Lafayette Dollar, PCGS MS-66, $16,100 See the coin here.

The collection also included aa NGC MS-67 that sold for $51,750, but I don't find it as attractive.

2. 1937 Antietam Half Dollar, NGC MS-69, $25,300 See the coin here.

A coin with exceptionally clean surfaces and original tab toning from being stored in one of the original distribution holders for the coin. Wow!

3. 1936 Gettysburg Half Dollar, PCGS MS-68, $48,875 See the coin here.

A clean and colorful Superb Gem in an old PCGS green holder.

4. 1992 Grant w/ Star Half Dollar, NGC MS-67, $28,750 See the coin here.

A clean, colorful and highly lustrous Superb Gem example of the scarcer variety of the Grant half dollar.

5. 1925 Lexington Half Dollar, NGC MS-67, $16,100 See the coin here.

A wonderfully original coin with great surfaces.

6. 1938-S Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar, PCGS MS-68, $9,200 See the coin here.

The coin exhibits an excellent strike, excellent surfaces and attractive color!

7. 1915 S/S Panama-Pacific Intl Exposition Half Dollar, PCGS MS-67 $12,075 See the coin here.

A coin with impeccable surfaces and wonderful original color.


Heritage held two additional auctions that featured commemorative coins from the Porter Collection. While each included some very nice coins, the true creme de la creme was included in the May 2007 CSNS sale.