The key elements that drive desire for important coins — rarity, condition and a history of residence in elite collections — all are in place for an elusive prize that will be available in Heritage Auctions’ CSNS US Coins Signature® Auction May 3-7.
The 1829 half eagle Large Diameter, Large Date, BD-1, R.7, PR66+ PCGS. JD-1, R.8 as a Proof that will be offered is one of just two proofs known of this magnificent coin, which is among the most coveted of 122 lots from the The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III that will be up for grabs in the five-day event.
In Heritage’s Jan. 5 The Bass Collection, Part II US Coins Signature® Auction – Orlando FUN, 30 records were set on the way to a total of $24,322,741. The event was the second installment of the collection of Harry W. Bass; proceeds from the auction will benefit the dozens of Dallas-based nonprofits supported by the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation, with a particular emphasis on early childhood education and literacy in Dallas. Part I reached $20,459,645 Sept. 29.
“The collection of Harry W. Bass is a historically significant assemblage of elite coins that has brought nearly $44.5 million so far,” Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Todd Imhof said. “His extraordinary collection, including some magnificent gold rarities, has helped his foundation benefit important Dallas-area nonprofits, focusing on early childhood education and literacy.
“This 1829 half eagle is an extraordinary coin that will make its new owner exceptionally proud, and will be a big part of the outstanding results for the Bass collection.”
The offered coin is the highest-graded of the known 1829 Large Date half eagles, and has resided in a number of elite collections, including those of John W. Haseltine, John Colvin Randall, David S. Wilson and Bass; it was on display at ANA headquarters until 2022.
Images and information about all 2,730 lots in the auction can be found at HA.com/1359.