Eric Newman coin collection to shine in New York auction

Heritage Auctions will celebrate "Newman Week" in New York from November 11-16, as it offers the outstanding coin collection of Eric P Newman.

The 1796 quarter was part of the first series of coins in the US, with this the finest existing example

The collection is legendary in the numismatic world, containing more than $15m in rare coins, many of which have not been seen in more than 70 years. Viewing will take place from November 11-14, while the auction will be held on November 15-16.

Included in the sale is the 1796 B-2 quarter dollar MS67+, the finest certified quarter, which is described as "the most beautiful American silver coin that exists today." It is currently selling for $425,000.

The first part of the Newman Collection was offered by Heritage Auctions earlier this year, with co-chairman Jim Halperin commenting: "Part I this past April brought more than $4 million in winning bids for 159 pattern coins from Newman's remarkable collection.

"Part II this fall will feature more than 1,800 early American and 19th century US coins with an estimated combined value of $15 million or more. Many of these historic treasures have been in Newman's possession since he obtained them directly from the estate of another legendary collector, 'Colonel' EHR Green, more than 70 years ago."

Newman, a retired St Louis lawyer and business executive, is now 102. Well-known to the numismatic community, he is an award-winning collector, researcher and author whose collection began when he was just seven years old.

He is also the only surviving person to have owned all five of the fabled 1913 Liberty Head nickels, with an example selling in the sale of the first part of the collection for $3.2m.

Also starring in the present sale is an MS67 graded example of the 1815 quarter.