In a thrilling turn of events, a long-forgotten collection of coins stashed away for decades in a garage in Boston became the epicenter of a heated bidding war. The treasure trove of numismatic history was showcased at Heritage’s The Boston Collection US Coins Showcase Auction, where fervent collectors and enthusiasts vied passionately, ultimately raising the total proceeds to an astonishing $987,789 on September 11.
This remarkable collection, meticulously assembled during the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s by the consignors’ grandfathers, had remained concealed until its recent unveiling at auction. The boxes containing these numismatic gems bore postmarks as early as 1942 and included a cache of unopened correspondence from the U.S. Mint, adding an air of mystery and anticipation to the proceedings.
Sam Foose, Senior Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions, expressed the significance of this extraordinary find, stating, “Much of the material in this collection has never been offered at auction before, and the aggressive bidding underscored the significance of this collection.”
One of the auction’s standout moments was the bidding frenzy surrounding a collection of unopened mint-sealed Proof sets. Leading the pack was a box containing 25 pristine, untouched sets, which commanded an astonishing $60,000. Not to be outdone, a 1952 box containing 50 unopened mint-sealed sets achieved an impressive price of $28,800, while another box from 1951, featuring 25 sets, secured a winning bid of $27,600. Further exemplifying the demand for these time capsules of numismatic history, a box of 100 1955 Proof sets closed at $16,200.
Foose commented on the allure of these unopened sets, saying, “Unopened, mint-sealed sets always are in high demand because the coins in the sets often are so well-protected, and the opportunity they represented was shown in the aggressive bidding that drove their results far beyond pre-auction expectations.”
While the Proof sets took center stage, individual coins also shone brightly in the auction. The top result for a single coin was achieved by a 1909 Half Eagle graded MS66 NGC, closing at an impressive $26,400.
Other notable lots included a 1945 Wells Fargo Original BU Roll of Half Dollars, which fetched $12,000, as well as boxes of 25 1954 Proof Sets and 25 1955 Proof Sets, realizing $11,400 and $10,200, respectively.
The discovery of this hidden treasure trove of coins in a Boston garage serves as a testament to the enduring allure of numismatic collecting. The excitement and competitive fervor it generated at Heritage’s US Coins Showcase Auction reaffirm the timeless fascination with coins that have the power to unlock the past and redefine their worth in the present.
For a comprehensive look at all the lots featured in this auction, including detailed images and information, visit HA.com/63242.
