What an auction, I was there in the ballroom this evening when it was sold. The coin had been subject to internet bidding for several weeks before opening in the live session at 3.6 million dollars. The next bid came in at $6.0 million and was clearly meant to be a shock and awe amount meant to shut down any other bidders thinking the coin could be had for less than that. After 6 additional minutes of exceptionally well executed auctioneering, Stack's Bowers Galleries was able to coax an additional million dollars in bids prior to the lot closing at 7 million hammer, $8.4 million all-in, to shatter the record for most valuable gold coin from a US mint to ever sell at auction.
What was your bid? A couple of members here thought it should have sold for more $. 1822 Half Eagle Sells for $8.4M | Coin Talk
I personally taped the sale of the 1927-D Duckor Saint at FUN 2020.....anybody know if the video is on YouTube or somewhere on the HA website ?
I'm a world collector by avocation, so even if it were within my reach (which it wasn't) not likely I would have been bidding. On a side note, the PCGS Members Only show held in conjunction with the sale was VERY well attended. It would appear the dark days of 2020 are well behind us, at least here in Las Vegas.
And most people think $10,000 a pound for equally scarce moderns is "crazy". But what's a few million if you've got it and want an 1822 half eagle?
