The Blowing Rock Collection: 5 Coins, $1 Million+

Superlative Rarities to Anchor Heritage's November 2006 Auction

DALLAS, TEXAS: The million dollar-plus Blowing Rock Collection, consisting of four $3 gold coins from the 1870s and a solitary 1880 $4 Stella rarity, will anchor Heritage's November 2006 Signature Auction. The auction will be held November 29-30 at Heritage's world headquarters in Dallas, Texas. The lots will be available for viewing Nov. 9-11 in Baltimore, and Nov. 28-30 in Dallas. The consignment deadline is October 17.

"The Blowing Rock Collection not only contains super rarities in incredible condition," enthused Heritage President Greg Rohan, "but the coins also come complete with something of a numismatic mystery. Every author writing about this series has made different suggestions regarding mintages and numbers now extant. An extended quote from the Fuljenz-Winter book illustrates this point: 'As to how many were actually struck and how rare they are today, guesses are aplenty and facts are scarce. If you like number games, contemplate that just 20 certifications (17 today) have been done for the 1875 $3 as compared to 69 (85 today) for the 1876, and you can conclude that whatever the rarity of the 1875 may be (also a guessing game), the 1876 is nearly four times more plentiful. However, in the real world that is not the case.'

"That last sentence," continued Rohan, "is the key to understanding the 1876 three dollar as well as a great many other 19th century gold rarities. Truly rare gold coins, especially 'trophy coins' such as the 1876 $3, tend to turn over at a faster rate today than they did 100 years ago, or even 50 or 60 years ago. The Blowing Rock coins - all of them - will generate incredible demand from specialists in today's market who require rarity and quality."

The Blowing Rock Collection, in Heritage's November 2006 Dallas Auction:

1873 $3 Open 3 PR65 Cameo PCGS
The 1873 Open 3 variety is one of three proof-only issues in the three dollar series, with between 25 and 50 proofs struck, with less than two dozen surviving.

1875 $3 PR64 PCGS
The 1875 is one of three proof-only issues in the three dollar series, with between 25 and 50 proofs struck, with less than two dozen surviving.

1875 $3 PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS
The number minted 1875 is disputed, but there are more survivors than the original mintage of 20 pieces; perhaps 31-33 are known today.

1876 $3 PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS
The 1876 is the third proof-only rarity in the $3 series, although it is somewhat overshadowed by the 1875.

1880 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1657, R.6, PR65 PCGS
Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber prepared the obverse design with Liberty facing left with long, flowing hair.

Lot descriptions and illustrations can be found online at www.HeritageAuctions.com as cataloging progresses. Images, descriptions, and prices realized from all of Heritage's previous auctions are available in the Permanent Auction Archives at the Heritage website, www.HeritageAuctions.com.

To reserve a copy of the catalog for any upcoming Heritage auction, please contact Nicole Jewell, c/o Heritage Auction Galleries, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219, or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272.