Gold Coins Shine at Heritage Summer FUN Sale

Heritage Auctions realized more than $12.4 million during its July 16-18 Summer FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction, led by an 1888 Liberty Head proof double eagle (gold $20) that sold for $170,800 and set a new auction record for the Proof (PR)-64 Deep Cameo grade. Greg Rohan, president of Heritage Auctions, says, “The 1888 proof double eagle represents the Liberty Head series at its artistic best, and its result reflects the enduring demand for elite proof gold.”

The three-day sale featured more than 1,400 lots spanning American numismatics, with strong demand for rare U.S. gold coins. The top-selling 1888 proof double eagle is one of an estimated 20 to 25 surviving examples from a mintage of just over 100 coins, with only four certified in PR-64 Deep Cameo.

An 1861-S Paquet double eagle from The Fudd Collection followed as the auction’s second-highest result at $128,100. The coin is one of roughly 200 known survivors of a short-lived redesign by Anthony C. Paquet that was discontinued after concerns about its narrow rim.

Additional highlights include a record-setting Mint State (MS)-64+ 1930-S Indian Head eagle (gold $10) that realized $112,850 and a MS-61 1920-S Indian Head eagle that brought $97,600. Both established new records for their respective grades.

Other standout results included an 1795 Capped Bust Right half eagle (gold $5) at $94,550, several gold rarities that sold for $91,500 each, and an 1888 Liberty Head eagle proof that achieved $85,400.