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A unique South African bronze 1928 pattern sovereign, graded Matte Proof 64 by NGC, brought $184,000 as the top lot in Heritage Auctions’ $10.7+ million Jan. 2-3 World & Ancient Coins Signature® Auction at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel held as part of the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC). All prices include 19.5% Buyer’s Premium.

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         This South African bronze 1928 pattern sovereign realized $184,000 at Heritage’s January NYINC World Coins Auction                                                                                                                 



"South African numismatics are quite hot and the prices in this auction show that, led by this beautiful pattern sovereign," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Vice President of Heritage Auctions. "This coin appealed broadly to collectors worldwide, for a variety of reasons, and ended up more than doubling its pre-auction estimate of $40,000+."

The $10.7 million total prices realized came from more than 2,580 bidders vying for more than 2,250 lots in the auction, translating into a sell-through rate of 87% by value. While the NYINC World & Ancient Coins auction was happening, Heritage was also conducting its annual FUN U.S. Coins and Currency auctions in Orlando, FL. The Currency section of the FUN auction realized $8.4+ million, with a 93.7% sell-through rate by value, while the U.S. Coins section realized in excess of $56 million, with a sell-through rate of more than 91% by value, lifting Heritage’s New Year’s Week’s total sales from all three auctions to well above $75 million.

"Prices were solid, the offerings were top shelf and collector interest was steady," said Bierrenbach, "resulting in steady bidding and superb results in a market with a close eye on the current international financial situation."

Right behind the 1928 South African pattern sovereign was another spectacular South African coin, a proof 5 shilling piece dated 1892 and graded Proof 66 Cameo by NGC, which realized $161,000 after several rounds of spirited bidding.