Key Highlights from The Naples Collection Auction
A stunning 1920-S Indian Head gold $10 eagle, graded Mint State 64+ by PCGS and carrying a green CAC sticker, fetched an impressive $312,000 at Heritage’s recent Platinum Night session, showcasing the strong interest in rare coins. On the other hand, a 1907 Indian Head, Rolled Rim $10 eagle graded MS-66 by PCGS with a green CAC sticker failed to find a buyer this time, despite commanding a price of $810,000 at a previous auction in July 2022.
The collector behind The Naples Collection embarked on his numismatic journey alongside his father, beginning with Lincoln and Indian Head cents before focusing on Morgan dollars and eventually accumulating a notable array of Indian Head gold coins. Known as Naples V, the collection shines a spotlight on Indian Head $2.50 quarter eagles, $5 half eagles, and $10 gold eagles.
The 1920-S coin, along with the iconic 1907 Rolled Rim eagle and the elusive 1933 issue, stands out as a key piece in the Indian Head gold $10 coin series with a low mintage of just 126,500. Very few of these coins were released by the U.S. Mint, and most Uncirculated examples are typically found in the MS-60 to MS-62 range. Many of these coins were melted down in the 1930s, making surviving examples even more desirable.
The 1920-S eagle in question possesses the characteristic weakly defined date at the top portion, a common trait among these coins. However, it is rated as the eighth finest-known example by Heritage, making it a coveted addition to any collection.
Historical Insights into Rare Indian Head Gold Coins
The 1930-S eagle, another highly sought-after coin in the Indian Head series, faced a similar fate as its 1920-S counterpart. With a mintage of just 96,000, most of these coins were not released into circulation and were subsequently melted into gold bars following the Gold Recall of 1933. Today, only around 200 examples of the 1930-S eagle are known to exist, making each surviving piece a valuable treasure for collectors.
At the recent auction, a well-preserved MS-64+ graded 1930-S eagle, adorned with a green CAC sticker, fetched $90,000, demonstrating the enduring allure of these rare coins. This price represents a significant increase compared to a similar graded piece without a green CAC sticker, which sold for $78,000 at a previous auction.
Exquisite Examples of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Design
Among the highlights of The Naples Collection auction were two top-graded examples of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic design. Both a 1914-D and a 1910 Indian Head $10 coin, graded MS-66+ by PCGS with green CAC stickers, captivated bidders. The 1914-D coin, one of only three in PCGS MS-66+ grade with just two higher, commanded a price of $39,600, while the 1910 coin sold for $31,200, showcasing the enduring popularity of these timeless designs.
These coins, free of notable abrasions and shimmering with vibrant hues, exemplify the exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance that continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
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