Heritage’s ‘most successful ever’ Long Beach World coins sale nets $34m

'The market for world coins has never been stronger, and shows no sign of slowing,' says Heritage

With total prices realised across three auctions totalling more than $34m, Heritage is celebrating its most successful combined Long Beach, CA numismatic auction events ever.

All prices quoted below include 15% Buyer's Premium.

According to a statement, the auction house was "blown away by these fantastic results across the board as collectors were out in force over the course of the week."

"Rare gold in pristine condition was the main draw and the top collectors didn't let anything stop them from obtaining their preferred treasures."

The legendary Yung Hi gold 20 Won Year 3 (1909) coin

The main draw of the Long Beach Coin, Stamps & Collectibles Expo events was Heritage's Signature® World and Ancient Coins Auction, the total of which — nearly $20.4 million — achieved the category's single highest grossing auction since its inception 11 years ago.

More than 3,580 bidders vied for the 2,835 lots in the auction, translating into an astounding 97.74% sell-through rate by value.

The top lots of the World & Ancients Coins auction included the legendary Yung Hi gold 20 Won Year 3 (1909), KM1144, J&V AD3, MS64 NGC, which realised $632,500.

The coin is essentially a perfect strike, with full deep-mirror fields and only a few, barely noticeable, tiny contact marks. It is one of only two pieces known.

The "Ides of March" Denarius - a rare numismatic specimen

Meanwhile, an incredible "Ides of March" Denarius, struck by Marcus Junius Brutus, Assassin of Caesar and Imperator (44-42 BC), which came in almost exactly at its high estimate, realising $546,250.

Struck in exceptionally sound metal and beautifully toned, the coin is a work of true work of art. It boasts a superb portrait of the famed tyrannicide and is among the finest specimens known

"The market for world and ancient coins has never been stronger, and it shows no sign of slowing as emerging nations the world over, along with smart American collectors, capitalise on the incredible value of those beautiful coins," said a Heritage statement.

Recent and related articles

·On top of the world: The Pikes Peak collection presents gold coins from all over the globe | 7 September 2011

·Chinese Phoenix and Dragon gold coin could rise at Long Beach, this week | 6 September 2011

·Queen Victoria commands respect as $47,500 leader of Heritage's coin auction | 1 September 2011

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Images: Heritage