The numismatic world recently witnessed a spectacle like no other with the fourth and final installment of the Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection at the US Coins Signature Auction by Heritage Auctions. This event culminated in a staggering realization of $20,739,900, bringing the combined total of the entire collection to an awe-inspiring $83.66 million.
The star of the auction was the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, PR69. This coin, which last graced the auction block in 1982, secured the event's top bid, selling for a monumental $4.32 million after 73 bids. Its illustrious history traces back to the esteemed collection of John H. Clapp, a revered collector from Washington, D.C. Upon Clapp's passing in 1940, the coin, along with his entire collection, was acquired by the legendary Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. in a transaction that, at the time, was one of the most significant in numismatic history. The coin remained with Eliasberg until his passing in 1976. It was then that Bass, recognizing its unparalleled value, acquired it in 1982 for $242,000.
Another highlight was the 1829 Capped Head Left Half Eagle, PR66+ Cameo. This coin ignited a bidding frenzy, drawing 66 bids and closing at an astounding $3.84 million. Its acquisition history is equally fascinating. Bass purchased this coin in 1987 for a then-record $352,000. Representing the first and rarest date of a new design type for the half eagle minted from 1829 through 1834, its allure is undeniable. With only a handful of business-strike examples believed to exist and just two confirmed proof specimens, its rarity is unparalleled.
The 1838 Quarter Eagle, PR64 Cameo, the only known proof of its kind, garnered an extraordinary 87 bids, culminating at $396,000. This coin's existence remained a mystery until three decades ago when Bass, in a testament to his keen eye for rarities, acquired it from Ron Karp of New York Gold Mart. Interestingly, while the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian boasts an exceptional 1838 quarter eagle graded MS68, it lacks a proof example of this rarity.
The 1823 Capped Head Left Half Eagle, MS66+ is another numismatic marvel. After 91 bids, it achieved a price of $384,000, surpassing its previous record set in January 2023. Recognized as the finest example of its date and one of the most pristine of the Capped Head, Large Diameter type minted from 1813 through 1829, it's a coin that embodies the essence of the Bass collection.
Further adding to the auction's allure, three coins — a 1797 BD-1 Small Eagle 10 dollar gold piece, MS62; an 1819 BD-1 Half Eagle, MS65; and an 1877 Half Union in Copper — each fetched $360,000, setting a new benchmark for the copper half union.
Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, reflected on the event, stating, "The coin world has long known the value of Harry W. Bass Jr.’s breathtaking collection... We are immensely proud of our association with this historic collection and the lasting impact it will have."
For numismatists, historians, and enthusiasts, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection offers a mesmerizing journey through time, celebrating America's rich numismatic past and the stories behind each coin's acquisition. To explore the full results and immerse yourself in this numismatic spectacle, visit HA.com/1363.