1894-S 10C Branch Mint PR66 PCGS Secure, CAC, one of the rare coins highlighting the auction. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

AUCTION NEWS: New year begins at Heritage Auctions with exceptional rare coins offering in Tampa

1870-S $1 XF40 PCGS one the rare coins to be offered at Heritage Auctions. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions

TAMPA , FLORIDA – Rare coins collectors will get a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own an 1894-S Barber Dime, Branch Mint PR66 PCGS CAC.  The finest known survivor is one of the most famous, mysterious and elusive coins in American numismatics. It will be auctioned on Thursday, January 7, 2016, as the centerpiece of Heritage Auctions Platinum Night offerings at the FUN Convention in Tampa, FL.

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This is the fourth time this very rare coin is appearing at the auction. Since bidding opened recently online, offer has reached over $800,000. ‘The 1894-S Barber dime is a classic in American coinage,’ said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. Often grouped with the 1804 dollar and the 1913 Liberty nickel, the 1894-S Barber Dime has a long history that will make Sherlock Holmes dizzy. From one theory to another, the quest to authenticate the coin was filled with twists and turns. In the end, it was declared “the finest-known specimen.”

Greg Rohan describes this rare coin succinctly:  ‘This legendary coin is often grouped with the 1804 dollar and the 1913 Liberty nickel as ‘The Big Three’ of U.S. coin rarities. It has been the stuff of collector dreams since it was first mentioned in the numismatic press by Augustus Heaton in 1900.’

The 1894-S Barber Dime, Branch Mint PR66 PCGS CAC is not the only rare coin to feature prominently at the Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night offering gold, silver and bronze rare coins. The 1870-S Silver Dollar XF40 PCGS, ex: Ostheimer-Gardner, the fourth finest known example of this landmark rarest regular issue silver dollar is bound to give collectors in Tampa something to cheer about. A storied error issue in the form of a 1943-S 1C Struck on a Bronze Planchet AU55 PCGS Secure, will also get collectors on the edge of their seats.  The third finest graded at PCGS and the third-finest of six confirmed examples, there are clear indications that this old coin will break many records.

Beyond silver and rare bronze coins, the auction will also include important rare gold coins. Highlighting the gold offering is an 1849-C G$1 Open Wreath MS62 PCGS Secure, Ex: Richmond Collection. This is the finest-known specimen and one of the rarest and most valuable rare coins in the U.S. gold series. The  1804 Quarter Eagle, 13 Stars Reverse, AU55 PCGS Secure CAC is another gold piece that will delight collectors. This is the second finest known example of the exceedingly rare BD-1 Variety.

Other rare coins highlighting the Heritage Auctions Platinum Night offerings include, but certainly are not limited to:

• 1792 Fusible Alloy Cent VF35 PCGS Secure CAC, Ex: Simpson
• 1861 Original CSA Cent MS64+ PCGS Secure CAC, Ex: Simpson: Probably the finest known
• 1943 Cent Struck on a Bronze Planchet AU58 PCGS Secure CAC, Ex: Simpson
• 1792 Half Disme MS62 PCGS Secure, Ex: Simpson
• 1792 Disme Fine 15 NGC

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