The sole finest known JR-1 variety 1796 dime sold for $881,250 in the June 23 auction of The Eugene H. Gardner Collection Part I by Heritage Auctions. Overall, the coins in this auction sold for $19,627,872 million, all prices include a 17.5% Buyer's Premium.
The 1796 dime that highlighted this auction is not only the sole finest known of the variety, certified by PCGS at MS67, with the added CAC green approval sticker, but it is also the earliest die state known for any coin of the variety. Heritage catalogers claimed the unique coin, possibly a specimen strike, and clearly at least two bidders agreed. The 1796 dime, characteristic of Mr. Gardner’s collector’s eye and talent for selecting the best coins, was purchased in 1999 for just $161,000.
"My family and I couldn't be happier," Mr. Gardner said. "It was difficult for me to part with the coins, but the whole experience has been wonderful and the surprising total realized was highly gratifying in terms of what it said about the quality of the coins being recognized. This would be any collector's dream. I even had the opportunity to meet the collector who purchased the 1901-S Quarter, and that was special for me"
Other highlights of the auction:
1876-CC twenty cent piece, graded MS64 by PCGS, sold for $470,000.
1793 AMERI. Chain cent sold for $440,625.
1793 Wreath Cent graded MS68 by PCGS sold for $329,000
1822 dime, PR66 PCGS, Cameo, one of two known, sold for $440,625
Three more New York auctions by Heritage are scheduled for the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, with Part II taking place Oct. 27.
