1799 S-189 Cent

Heritage’s FUN Numismatic Auctions Total Over $78 Million with Record-Breaking Sales

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Heritage Auctions achieved an impressive milestone at the January 2025 FUN Numismatic Auctions, recording over $78 million in sales. The event featured five seven-figure coins, including a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle that sold for $3.84 million and a 1798 Small Eagle $5 gold piece that brought $3 million.

Highlights of the Auction:

  • 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (MS65+ PCGS, CAC): Sold for $3.84 million, leading the event.
  • 1798 Small Eagle Half Eagle (AU55 PCGS): Fetched $3 million, breaking the previous auction record.
  • 1894-S Barber Dime (PR66 PCGS, CAC): Achieved $2.16 million, surpassing its 2016 record.

Notable Collections:

1799 S-189 Cent
Leading the way in the sale of the COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection of US Large Cents was a 1799 S-189 Cent, XF45 PCGS. CAC that drew a winning bid of $210,000. The famous “Abbey” cent has a provenance of 180 years, one of the longest unbroken ownership chains for a US large cent. More importantly, it is the finest that CAC has approved, and has been called the most important 1799 cent.
  • Bruce S. Sherman Collection: Featured elite rarities like the 1798 Small Eagle Half Eagle and an 1849-C Open Wreath Gold Dollar ($1.56 million).
  • The COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection of Large Cents 1796-1814: Included every Sheldon variety from the period. Highlights featured a 1799 S-189 Cent (XF45 PCGS, CAC) that sold for $210,000 and a 1799/8 Overdate Cent (XF40 PCGS) that realized $150,000.
  • Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles: Highlighted by an 1883 Double Eagle ($492,000) and other high-demand $20 gold coins.
  • Whispering Pines Collection: Set records for Lincoln Wheat Cents, including a 1943 Bronze Cent ($264,000).

Currency Auction Success:

The FUN US Currency Auction added $12.8 million to the total, led by rare Federal Reserve notes, including a 1928 $5,000 note that realized $456,000.

Overall Impact:

These record-breaking results solidify Heritage’s position as a premier auction house for rare coins and currency. The auction’s success is expected to push Heritage’s numismatic sales past $100 million in early 2025.

Collectors can view the full auction results on Heritage Auctions’ website.