An impressive example of the 1802 proof silver dollar has sold with excellent results on the first day of Heritage Auctions' ANA US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas.
The four-day sale began yesterday (October 18) and will close on October 21. The first day of sales saw the 1802 proof silver dollar lead, selling for $411,250.
 The coin comes with superb provenance and could be the discovery coin |
The coin is exceedingly rare, with just four examples known to exist. The auction follows Heritage Auctions' $851,875 sale of the specimen example of the iconic issue in the August 2012 Philadelphia Signature Auction. Two of the coins appearing at auction so close together is almost unheard of, drawing huge interest from the numismatic community.
The coin's appeal to collectors was further enhanced by the possibility that this could be the discovery coin that was first exhibited by Captain John W Haseltine in 1876. The dollar came with superb provenance, having been held in the collection of "super-collector" Virgil Brand as well as being a highlight of the fabled Norweb collection.
 The S-6 variety is perhaps the most common Wreath Cent |
Also selling well was a 1793 Wreath Cent S-6 with the vine and bars edge. Known as the "Sprung Die" variety, the S-6 is among the most common and easily recognisable of all the Wreath Cents, with this example in excellent condition. An exhibition quality piece, the cent sold for $329,000, achieving a 6.4% pa return on its last sale price of $138,000 in 1998.
Check back with Paul Fraser Collectibles soon to see more results from Heritage Auctions' sale. We also have a superb range of investment-grade coins available in our online store.
