Heritage Auctions announces the sale of the rare coin collection of Eugene H. Gardner, to be sold in four unreserved auctions to take place in New York in 2014 and 2015. The first auction, taking place June 23, 2014 at The Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion (2 E. 79th Street, at 5th Avenue) offers almost all federally issued coins, largely from the 18th and 19th centuries, with a choice selection issues from early 20th century type coins. All coins are silver, copper, or nickel; no gold is included in this auction. More than 600 lots will be offered in New York on June 23, including an 1827/3/2 Capped Bust quarter PR 64 PCGS, a classic rarity and one of just nine known, and an 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter PR64 PCGS, Ex: Newcomer-Hawn, another classic rarity and a coin that is unique in Proof format.
An example of a truly fabled numismatic rarity, an 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece, MS64 PCGS, Ex: Eliasberg Collection, has already drawn a good bit of collector buzz, while an 1871-CC Seated Quarter, MS65 PCGS, Ex: James A. Stack-Battle Born Collections, the sole finest example and the first mint state example that Heritage has offered in 15 years, will give collectors a chance to acquire a true landmark coin and one of just three Mint State survivors.
The Eugene H. Gardner Collection is the culmination of a keen intellect and a passion for numismatics that began in 1954 when as a college student he initiated his first collection, which was sold in 1965. As he founded the investment advisory firm that is now Gardner Russo & Gardner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his attention turned to silver coinage and the noble aim at complete sets.
The evolution from collector to numismatist attracted the attention of the entire trade. His acquisitions were deeply rooted in aesthetics, connoisseurship, and history. The names of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., John Jay Pittman, and Eric P. Newman are just three of the names that appear in the provenances of coins in Mr. Gardner’s Collection.
