The Central States Numismatic Convention and Heritage Auctions teamed up
for an exciting auction and the big winner was the collector. The event was held
over two days, April 27 and 28, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio. After auction on-line
sales are expected to push the total auctions ales over $24 Million.

The
strong results speak volumes about the strength of the hobby. “Going into this
series of auctions, we had been hoping to realize $18-$20 million,” said Greg
Rohan, President of Heritage in a press release, “so we’re thrilled with these
impressive results. The numismatics market has been red-hot recently, and shows
no signs of slowing down.”

“The big highlight of this auction was the
1792 Half Disme,” Rohan said, “for which we received international publicity
with thousands of media placements, including AP, CNN and the New York Times.
When this coin was offered, the floor was packed with bidders and every single
one of our phone lines was in use. Previously auctioned in October 1992 as part
of the Floyd Starr collection for a mere $96,250, the current price realized of
$1,322,500 represents about a 14-fold increase in less than 14 years! A
collector, who was bidding through Heritage’s Internet site, purchased the coin,
outbidding both a major dealer, who wanted the coin for his personal collection,
and another major collector, both of whom were in attendance at the
auction.”

“$10 Indians were in extremely high demand,” Rohan said, “with
the coins from the collection of Dr. Steven L. Duckor realizing just over $1.2
million against a $600,000 – $800,000 preauction estimate. Nearly all of Dr.
Duckor’s fabulous coins sold to collectors.”

“On the currency side,”
said Rohan, “Large-size US Currency – type notes – are white hot, with PMG- and
PCGS-certified notes bringing unheard-of prices almost across the board. We had
estimated the currency auction at $4 – $4.5 million before the event, so the
resultant $6.2 million is also a very strong showing.”

Coin Collectors
and Heritage are now looking forward to the annual Long Beach scheduled for May
31 – June 3 as part of the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo.
Details on the Columbus auction, as well as a preview of Long Beach are
available at http://coins.heritageauctions.com/default.php.