Pogue Collection Chain Cent falls just short of $1 million

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The third sale of the legendary D. Brent Pogue Collection of rare coins occurred Feb. 9, and while no individual specimen realized a price at or above the $1 million mark, a few came close.

The sale consisted of pre-1800 half cents, 1793 large cents, Capped Bust dimes, Capped Bust half dollars from 1823 to 1836, $3 gold pieces, and gold half eagles from 1807 to 1820.

Of the 158 coins in the sale, 43 topped the six-figure level, ranging in prices from $105,750 to $998,750. Twenty broke into the $100,000 ara; 13 finished in the $200,000 range; two reached the $300,000 level; four entered the $400,000 range; one topped the $700,000 barrier; one touched the $800,000 peak; while two broke into the $900,000 range. The two cheapest coins sold for $8,812.50 each.

Which rarities were the biggest breadwinners? The heavyweight, bringing in $998,750, was the Garrett-Pogue 1793 Chain Cent, one of finest known and certified at MS65 Red Brown by PCGS.

Following in second place and commanding $940,000 was a 1794 Half Cent, discovered only about 40 years ago and certified at MS67 Red Brown by PCGS.

Next, an 1815 Half Eagle, graded at MS65 by PCGS and one of only six in private hands, brought in $822,500.

And realizing a price of $763,750 was a 1796 No Pole Half Cent, certified at MS67 Red Brown by PCGS. This coin was once in the famed Eliasberg Collection and was the first example of its denomination to sell for more than a half-million dollars.

The strong prices achieved suggest once again that big-name numismatic coins with superlative rarity, condition, and provenance can be counted upon to attract impressive bids even as the overall financial backdrop, from stocks to commodities, increasingly resembles a global recession.