Baltimore Auction At $4.3 Million

A proof 1904 double eagle led Bowers and Merena Auctions' June 28-29 sale at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention.

Realizing $80,500, the 1904 $20 was noted for its finish by sale catalogers, referring to a quality they called "strike rarity." While most of the 98 proof 1904 $20s delivered had an all-brilliant finish, this one has "satiny devices and mirror-finish fields." It was graded Proof-65 Cameo by Professional Coin Grading Service.

The overall three-session B&M Baltimore auction realized $4.3 million. All prices reported here include 15 percent buyer fees.

A 1911-D Indian quarter eagle graded PCGS MS-65 came in at $76,475. "Sharply impressed from the dies, showing virtually complete definition throughout, this is a coin not to be missed," catalogers said.

Third-highest realization of the sale was $69,000 for a 1915-S Pan-Pac octagonal $50 in PCGS MS-63.

A bank note comes next, a 1901 $10 "Bison" Legal Tender Note, Friedberg 115, that sold for $63,250. It was graded Gem CU-66 PQ by Rare Currency Grading Service.

A proof 1893 Liberty gold $5, one of 77 struck with about 25 believed to have survived, graded PCGS Proof-66 Deep Cameo, went for $51,750.

Another bank note, a $10 1902 Red Seal National Bank Note from the First National Bank of Prague, Territory of Oklahoma, was in fine-very fine condition. It realized $46,000.

Coming in at $41,975 was an 1802/2 Capped Bust gold $5. It was graded PCGS MS-64.

A 1916 Standing Liberty quarter graded MS-66 Full Head by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. brought $41,400. Sale catalogers wrote of it, "Free from distracting abrasions and blemishes, this piece is furthermore fully untoned, dressed in an ice-white sheen - an effect coveted by many a collector in today's market." Elsewhere in the sale, a 1919 Standing Liberty quarter in PCGS MS-68 reached $32,200.

A third bank note in the Top 10 prices realized in B&M's sale was an 1891 $2 Treasury Note, Fr. 356, graded Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 EPQ by Paper Money Guaranty. Selling price was $40,825.

Bid to $40,250 was a 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece with Roman numerals and wire rim. It was graded PCGS MS-65.

Also bid to $40,250 was a 1796 large cent, the Sheldon 104 variety with the "B" of LIBERTY looking more like an "H." NGC graded it AU-53 Brown.

A 1907 Liberty eagle in PCGS Proof-65 went for $38,525.

A couple small cents made the highlights, an 1877 Indian Head cent in PCGS MS-65 Red that sold for $29,900 and a 1914-D Lincoln Cent in PCGS MS-65 Red that fetched $24,150.

For more information, contact Bowers and Merena Auctions, 18061 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614; telephone (800) 458-4646; e-mail info@bowersandmerena.com. The Web site is https://www.bowersandmerena.com.