The most complete variety set sold in LA!

The Dan Holmes collection of large cents is being sold by the Goldbergs. The Early Dates were sold Sunday (9/6/09), starting at 1PM LA time, and going well into the evening. (One thing I think I mentioned in my 'coverage' of the Naftzger Middle Dates earlier this year is that the Goldbergs' auctions move slowly - barely better than a lot per minute.) Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this sale in person, but did follow it live on-line.

This collection is notable in that it is the most complete variety collection ever assembled. It includes examples of all 295 numbered Sheldon varieties, including sub-varieties (e.g., for different edge devices, bringing the total to the full 302 recognized varieties. In addition, the collection includes examples of 52 of the 53 so-called 'not collectible' varieties. The one missing NC variety is unique, and in the ANS collection, but has recently been displayed with the Holmes collection for true completeness. In addition, the Holmes collection includes multiple examples of many varieties, usually in different die states. Many of these coins are among the finest known of their respective varieties & die states. It is truly a fabulous collection.

Pre-sale low estimates totaled $6.9 million, and the preliminary results were nearly $15.1 million - averaging about $26,650 per lot. The most expensive lot made some news. Lot 128 was the finest known (in a VG10 PCGS slab; VG8 by McCawley & Grellman EAC-style grading standards) 1795 Sheldon-79 reeded edge cent, estimated at $250,000-UP, and hammered at $1.1 million, or $1,265,000 with buyer's premium. I believe this is the first copper numismatic item to break the $1 million mark.

The only certified mint state 1799 cent (NGC MS62, but AU55 according to M&G) was hammered down at $850,000 ($977,500 including "juice"). There were numerous other highlights, including two of the four known Strawberry Leaf 1793 cents. If you are interested, I expect that the on-line catalog and results will remain available on the Goldbergs' web site (http://www.goldbergcoins.com/index.shtml). Their photography is excellent.

As I write this, the Goldbergs' (also in association with M&G) sale of the Naftzger Late Date large cents is in progress. I'll post another journal about that (including my new purchase!) in the coming days.

I wish Dan Holmes and family the best, and the family of Ted Naftzger as well.