SOLD
260,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2006 Jan 11 @ 16:13UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT
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<B>1891<$20> PR68 <S Deep Cameo NGC.</B></I> This coin is the single finest known example of any proof Liberty double eagle of any date certified at either NGC or PCGS. Besides its phenomenal condition, this is an exceedingly rare date, with a total mintage of 1,390 business strikes and 52 proofs. Q. David Bowers' <I>A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</B></I> notes that this date "has long been recognized as a rarity in any grade." The history of bimetallism (or the lack thereof) and its relationship to the present coin is worth exploration. In 1837 the U.S. government pegged the ratio of gold to silver at 16 to 1. During the War Between the States (1861-1865), little silver was mined, and there were no major discoveries of the metal. An immediate consequence of the aftermath of the Civil War had to do with the circulation of $450 million in "greenback" notes that were unbacked by gold or silver reserves. Farmers and other debtors supported the issuance of increased numbers of greenbacks, which would spur inflation and lessen in absolute terms their ultimate debt repayments. Farmers supported inflation because they incurred debts in the spring and discharged them in the fall. Lenders and the wealthy, on the other hand, wanted to eliminate the circulating greenbacks and to return to a gold-backed currency, which would reduce inflation and ensure that they were paid, or repaid, in "hard currency." In 1873, silver was demonetized and the nation adopted the gold standard, leading the farmers and debtors to band together with Western silver-mining interests to rally against what they termed the "Crime of '73." By 1877 debate raged regarding "Free Silver," with advocates, generally Western silver miners and the aforementioned debtors, endorsing the unlimited coinage of silver dollars, while Easterners and creditors generally preferred gold's stability. The "Free Silver" forces won a partial victory with the 1878 passage of the "fatally stupid" Bland-Allison Act, as Walter Breen called it. The Bland-Allison Act required the U.S. Treasury to buy between two million and four million dollars' worth of silver bullion monthly at market prices to be coined into silver dollars, which were made legal tender for all debts, even though there were no demands for such coins in commerce. Indeed, millions of Mint State silver dollars went into bank vaults in bags, there to remain for decades. However, despite passage of the Bland-Allison Act the government notes were still backed only by gold. True bimetallism would have backed the notes with either metal, ratios fixed and predetermined by the government. The Bland-Allison Act heightened overseas fears that the nation might eventually abandon the gold standard. In the early 1880s farm prosperity lessened the urgency of "Free Silver," but in 1887 a downturn in the agrarian economy again brought the issue to the fore, with farmers and miners demanding a return to bimetallism and unlimited silver coinage at the previous ratio of 16 to 1.<BR> Those Western silver interests were stronger than before, with the addition to the Union in 1889 and 1890 of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming, in that order. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act, passed in 1890, not only required the government to purchase more silver than ever before in amounts that nearly equaled the Western silver mines' entire output, but it also greatly increased the amount of currency in circulation. Against this backdrop of ever-increasing silver dollar output for more than a decade, European bankers and private creditors became increasingly fearful that the United States might abandon the gold standard, thus eliminating the possibility of debt repayments in gold coins or bars. While central banks preferred gold bars, private banks and merchants preferred gold coins, specifically double eagles, which contained a known quantity of gold. The gold content of bars could be determined only by independent assay. (While domestic accounts could mostly be settled with paper currency or gold or silver, international commerce largely demanded hard currency). All this uncertainty regarding the United States' commitment to gold versus silver meant that for many years in the 1870s through the 1890s, and continuing until 1900, when the nation again adopted the gold standard, there were enormous net outflows of gold bars and double eagles outside of the country.<BR> All of this history does much to explain why this particular date is so rare, both as a business strike and as a proof. But besides macroeconomic issues unique to 1891, there were also microeconomic ones at play: twenty dollars was a lot of money in 1891, and two years later, during the Panic of 1893 when times got harder, it was even more money. Perhaps a significant portion of the original proof mintage was spent for one reason or another. There are certain diagnostics that distinguish proofs from business strikes. The date on proofs is higher than on business strikes, and level, while on business strikes it slants downward slightly. The rays below TE on the reverse are thinner than the other rays.<BR> This example, as the grade suggests, is virtually flawless. Every hair on Liberty's head is sculptural in detail. The problem-free devices have heavy frost that provides a startling black-on-gold contrast against the profoundly deep and incredibly pristine fields. Lengthy scrutiny under a 16x magnifier reveals only a tiny reverse round dot indentation to the right of the topmost serif of the F in OF. Not only is this coin the highest graded at either NGC or PCGS, its appeal is so phenomenal that NGC has awarded its most coveted "Star" designation to this example, and quite a star it is. NGC has graded a total of 22 proof examples, with this being the <B>highest graded specimen,</B></I> followed by one coin in Proof 67. PCGS has graded a total of 21 proof specimens, the highest being a Proof 66 Deep Cameo. Both of those figures assuredly include numerous resubmissions and crossovers (11/05).<BR><I>From The Clausen Family Collection.</B></I>
Auction Location:
Orange County Convention Center, Hall NB / North Concourse 230 B, 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, United States
Previewing Details:
Monday, January 2 ...................................... AM- 7 PM ET
Tuesday, January 3 ......................................... 8 AM- 7 PM ET
Wednesday, January 4 ................................... 8 AM- 7 PM ET
Thursday, January 5 ...................................... 8 AM- 7 PM ET
Friday, January 6 ............................................ 8 AM- 7 PM ET
Saturday, January 7 ....................................... 8 AM- 6 PM ET
See terms and conditions
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
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Auction Terms and Conditions
AUCTIONEER AND AUCTION:
1. This Auction is presented by Heritage Numismatic Auctions. Inc.; or its subsidiary Currency Auctions of America, Inc.; or their affiliate, Heritage Auctions, Inc. d/b/a Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers, Heritage Art Auctions, Heritage Fine & Decorative Arts Auctions, Heritage Comics Auctions, Heritage-Slater Americana, Heritage Vintage Movie Posters, or Heritage Sports Collectibles Auctions, as identified with the applicable licensing information on the title page of the catalog or on the Internet site (the “Auctioneer”). The Auction is conducted under these Terms and Conditions of Auction and applicable state and local law.
BUYER’S PREMIUM:
2. On bids placed through Heritage, a Buyer’s Premium of fifteen percent (15%) for Heritage Numismatic Auctions Inc, Heritage-CAA, and Heritage Comics Auctions and Heritage Movie Posters or nineteen and one-half percent (19.5%) for Heritage Sports Collectibles, Heritage Music & Entertainment Memorabilia, Heritage Art Auctions, Heritage Americana and Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers of the hammer price will be added to the successful bid. If the bid is placed through eBay Live a Buyer’s Premium equal to the normal Buyer’s Premium plus an additional five percent (5%) of the hammer price will be added to the successful bid up to a maximum Buyer’s Premium of Twenty Two and one-half percent (22.5%). There is a minimum Buyer’s Premium of $9.00 per lot.
AUCTION VENUES:
3. Exclusively Internet, Continuous Internet, Internet Currency, Amazing Comics Auctions, Amazing Sports Auctions, and Online Session are Auctions conducted on the Internet. Signature Auctions accept bids on the Internet first, followed by a floor bidding session; bids may be placed prior to the floor bidding session by Internet, telephone, fax, or mail.
BIDDERS:
4. Any person participating or registering for the Auction agrees to be bound by and accepts these Terms and Conditions of Auction (“Bidder(s)”).
5. All Bidders must meet Auctioneer’s qualifications to bid. Any Bidder who is not a customer in good standing of the Auctioneer may be disqualified at Auctioneer’s sole option and will not be awarded lots. Such a determination may be made by Auctioneer in its sole and unlimited discretion, at any time prior to, during, or even after the close of the Auction.
6. If an entity places a bid, then the person executing the bid on behalf of the entity agrees to personally guarantee payment for any successful bid.
7. Auctioneer reserves the right to exclude any person it deems in its sole opinion is disruptive to the Auction or is otherwise commercially unsuitable.
8. CREDIT REFERENCES: Bidders who do not have established credit with the Auctioneer must either furnish satisfactory credit information (including two collectibles-related business references) well in advance of the Auction or supply valid credit card information. Bids placed through our Interactive Internet program will only be accepted from pre-registered Bidders; Bidders who are not members of HeritageGalleries.com or affiliates should pre-register at least two business days before the first session to allow adequate time to contact references.
BIDDING OPTIONS:
9. Bids may be placed for a Signature Auction as set forth in the printed catalog section entitled “Choose your bidding method.” For Exclusively Internet, Continuous Internet, Internet Currency, Amazing Comics Auctions, Amazing Sports Auctions, and Online Session auctions, see the alternatives shown on each website. Review at http://www.heritagecoins.com/common/howtobid.php.
10. Presentment of Bids: Non-Internet bids (including but not limited to podium, fax, phone and mail bids) are treated similar to floor bids in that they must be on-increment or at a half increment (called a cut bid). Any podium, fax, phone, or mail bids that do not conform to a full or half increment will be rounded up or down to the nearest full or half increment and will be considered your high bid.
11. Auctioneer’s Execution of Certain Bids. Auctioneer cannot be responsible for your errors in bidding, so carefully check that each bid is entered correctly. When identical mail or FAX bids are submitted, preference is given to the first received. To ensure the greatest accuracy, your written bids should be entered on the standard printed bid sheet and be received at Auctioneer’s place of business at least two business days before the Auction start. Auctioneer is not responsible for executing mail bids or FAX bids received on or after the day the first lot is sold, nor Internet bids submitted after the published closing time; nor is Auctioneer responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, FAX, e-mail, Internet, or in person once the Auction begins. Internet bids may not be withdrawn until your written request is received and acknowledged by Auctioneer (FAX: 214-443-8425); such requests must state the reason, and may constitute grounds for withdrawal of bidding privileges. Lots won by mail Bidders will not be delivered at the Auction unless prearranged in advance. The decision of the Auctioneer and declaration of the winning Bidder is final.
12. Caveat as to Bids. Bid increments (over the current bid level) determine the lowest amount you may bid on a particular lot. Bids greater than one increment over the current bid can be any whole dollar amount. It is possible under several circumstances for winning bids to be between increments, sometimes only $1 above the previous increment. Please see: "How can I lose by less than an increment?" on our website.
13. Bidding Increments: The following chart governs current bidding increments.
Bidding Increments
Current Bid Bid Increment
< $10 $1
$10 - $29 $2
$30 - $59 $3
$60 - $99 $5
$100 - $199 $10
$200 - $299 $20
$300 - $499 $25
$500 - $999 $50
$1,000 - $1,999 $100
$2,000 - $2,999 $200
$3,000 - $4,999 $250
$5,000 - $9,999 $500
$10,000 - $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 - $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 - $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 - $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 - $249,999 $10,000
$250,000 - $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 - $1,499,999 $50,000
>= $1,500,000 $100,000
CONDUCTING THE AUCTION:
14. Notice of the consignor’s liberty to place reserve bids on his lots in the Auction is hereby made in accordance with Article 2 of the Texas Uniform Commercial Code. A reserve is an amount below which the lot will not sell. THE CONSIGNOR OF PROPERTY MAY PLACE WRITTEN RESERVE BIDS ON HIS LOTS IN ADVANCE OF THE AUCTION; ON SUCH LOTS, IF THE HAMMER PRICE DOES NOT MEET THE RESERVE, THE CONSIGNOR MAY PAY A REDUCED COMMISSION ON THOSE LOTS. Reserves are generally posted online about 3 days prior to the Auction closing on Internet-Only Auctions, and 7 days prior to the Auction on Signature Auctions. Any successful bid placed by a consignor on his consigned lot on the Auction floor or by telephone during the live session, or after the reserves for an Auction have been posted, will be considered an unqualified bid, and in such instances the consignor agrees to pay full Buyer’s Premium and Seller’s Commissions on any lot so repurchased.
15. The highest qualified Bidder shall be the buyer. In the event of any dispute between floor Bidders at a Signature Auction, Auctioneer may at his sole discretion reoffer the lot. Auctioneer’s decision shall be final and binding upon all Bidders.
16. Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse to honor any bid or to limit the amount of any bid which, in his sole discretion, is not submitted in “Good Faith,” or is not supported by satisfactory credit, numismatic references, or otherwise. A bid is considered not made in “Good Faith” when an insolvent or irresponsible person, or a person under the age of eighteen makes it. Regardless of the disclosure of his identity, any bid by a consignor or his agent on a lot consigned by him is deemed to be made in “Good Faith”.
17. All items are to be purchased per lot as numerically indicated and no lots will be broken. Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw, prior to the close, any lots from the Auction.
18. Bids will be accepted in whole dollar amounts only. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. Bidders will be awarded lots at approximately the increment of the next highest bid. No additional commission is charged for executing bids. Off-increment bids may be accepted by the Auctioneer at Signature Auctions.
19. Auctioneer reserves the right to rescind the sale in the event of nonpayment, breach of a warranty, disputed ownership, auctioneer’s clerical error or omission in exercising bids and reserves, or otherwise.
20. Outage Policy: Auctioneer occasionally experiences Internet and/or Server outages during which Bidders cannot participate or place bids. If such outage occurs, we may at our discretion extend bidding for the auction up to 24 hours. At our discretion, Auctioneer may consider two outages that occur very closely to one another to be one outage when extending such Auction. This policy applies only to widespread outages and not to isolated problems that occur in various parts of the country from time to time.
21. Scheduled Downtime: Auctioneer periodically schedules system downtime for maintenance and other purposes; this scheduled downtime is not covered by the Outage Policy.
22. The Auctioneer or its affiliates may consign items to be sold in the Auction, and may bid on those lots or any other lots. Auctioneer or affiliates expressly reserve the right to modify any such reserve bids on these items or any others at any time prior to the live auction or the online closing based upon data made known to the Auctioneer or its affiliates. The Auctioneer may extend advances, guarantees, or loans to certain consignors, and may extend financing or other credits at varying rates to certain Bidders in the auction.
23. The Auctioneer has the right to sell certain items after the close of the sale. Items sold by Auctioneer post sale shall be considered sold during the auction and all these Terms and Conditions shall apply to such sales including but not limited to the payment of the buyer’s fee, return rights and disclaimers.
PAYMENT:
24. All sales are strictly for cash in United States dollars. Cash includes: U.S. currency, bank wire, cashier checks, travelers checks, and bank money orders, all subject to reporting requirements. Credit Card (Visa or Master Card only) and PayPal payments may be accepted up to $10,000 from non-dealers at the sole discretion of the auctioneer, subject to the following limitations: a) sales are only to the cardholder, b) purchases are shipped to the cardholder’s registered and verified address, c) Auctioneer may pre-approve the cardholder’s credit line, d) a credit card transaction may not be used in conjunction with any other financing or extended terms offered by the Auctioneer, and must transact immediately upon invoice presentation, e) rights of return are governed by these Terms and Conditions, which supersede those conditions promulgated by the card issuer, f) floor Bidders must present their card. Personal or corporate checks may be subject to clearing before delivery of the purchases.
25. Payment is due upon closing of the Auction session, or upon presentment of an invoice. Auctioneer reserves the right to void an invoice if payment in full of the invoice is not received within 7 days after the close of the Auction.
26. Lots delivered in the States of Texas, California, or other states where the Auction may be held, are subject to all applicable state and local taxes, unless appropriate permits are on file with us. Bidder agrees to pay Auctioneer the actual amount of tax due in the event that sales tax is not properly collected due to: 1) an expired, inaccurate, inappropriate tax certificate or declaration, 2) an incorrect interpretation of the applicable statute, 3) or any other reason.. Lots from different Auctions may not be aggregated for sales tax purposes.
State Coins Currency All Other Collectibles
Texas Residents Under $1,000 only Yes Yes
California Under $1,000 only Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in CA Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in CA
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois No sales tax No sales tax Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in that state
New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in that state Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in that state Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in that state
Missouri No sales tax Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in MO Applicable state sales tax on Signature Auctions ONLY if held in MO
Oregon No sales tax No sales tax No sales tax
*Unless an approved resale form is on file with Heritage.
27. In the event that a Bidder’s payment is dishonored upon presentment(s), Bidder shall pay the maximum statutory processing fee set by applicable state law.
28. If the Auction invoice(s) submitted by Auctioneer is not paid in full when due, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law from the date of invoice until paid. If the Auctioneer refers the invoice(s) to an attorney for collection, the buyer agrees to pay attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by Auctioneer. If Auctioneer assigns collection to its in-house legal staff, such attorney’s time expended on the matter shall be compensated at a rate comparable to the hourly rate of independent attorneys.
29. In the event a successful Bidder fails to pay all amounts due, Auctioneer reserves the right to resell the merchandise, and such Bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable costs of resale, including a 10% seller’s commission, and also to pay any difference between the resale price and the price of the previously successful bid.
30. Auctioneer reserves the right to require payment in full in good funds before delivery of the merchandise to the buyer.
31. Auctioneer shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the buyer to secure payment of the Auction invoice. Auctioneer is further granted a lien and the right to retain possession of any other property of the buyer then held by the Auctioneer or its affiliates to secure payment of any Auction invoice or any other amounts due the Auctioneer from the buyer. With respect to these lien rights, Auctioneer shall have all the rights of a secured creditor under Article 9 of the Texas Uniform Commercial Code. In addition, with respect to payment of the Auction invoice(s), the buyer waives any and all rights of offset he might otherwise have against the Auctioneer and the consignor of the merchandise included on the invoice.
32. If a Bidder owes Auctioneer or its affiliates on any account, Auctioneer and its affiliates shall have the right to offset such unpaid account by any credit balance due Bidder, and it may secure by possessory lien any unpaid amount by any of the Bidder’s property in their possession.
33. Title shall not pass to the successful Bidder until all invoices are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the buyer to provide adequate insurance coverage for the items once they have been delivered.
RETURN POLICY:
34. A MEMORABILIA lot (Autographs, Sports Collectibles, or Music, Entertainment, Political, Americana and/or Pop Culture memorabilia): The Auction is not on approval. When the lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (or its equivalent) from an independent third party authentication provider, buyer has no right of return. Under extremely limited circumstances not including authenticity (e.g. gross cataloging error), a purchaser who did not bid from the floor may request Auctioneer to evaluate voiding a sale; such request must be made in writing detailing the alleged gross error, and submission of the lot to Auctioneer must be pre-approved by Auctioneer. A bidder must notify the appropriate department head (check the inside front cover of the catalog or our website for a listing of department heads) in writing of the purchaser’s request and such notice must be mailed within three (3) days of the mail bidder’s receipt of the lot. Any lot that is to be evaluated for return must be received in our offices within 30 days after Auction. AFTER THAT 30 DAY PERIOD, NO LOT MAY BE RETURNED FOR ANY REASONS. Lots returned must be in the same condition as when sold and must include the Certificate of Authenticity, if any. No lots purchased by floor bidders may be returned (including those bidders acting as agents for others). Late remittance for purchases may be considered just cause to revoke all return privileges.
35. COINS, CURRENCY, COMICS AND SPORTSCARDS Signature Auctions: The Auction is not on approval. No certified material may be returned because of possible differences of opinion with respect to the grade offered by any third-party organization, dealer, or service. No guarantee of grade is offered for uncertified Property sold and subsequently submitted to a third-party grading service. There are absolutely no exceptions to this policy. Under extremely limited circumstances, (e.g. gross cataloging error) a purchaser, who did not bid from the floor, may request Auctioneer to evaluate voiding a sale; such request must be made in writing detailing the alleged gross error, and submission of the lot to the Auctioneer must be pre-approved by the Auctioneer; bidder must notify Ron Brackemyre, (ext. 312) in writing of the such request and such notice must be mailed within three (3) days of the mail bidder’s receipt of the lot. Any lot that is to be evaluated must be in our offices within 30 days after Auction. Grading or method of manufacture do not qualify for this evaluation process nor do such complaints constitute a basis to challenge the authenticity of a lot. AFTER THAT 30-DAY PERIOD, NO LOTS MAY BE RETURNED FOR REASONS OTHER THAN AUTHENTICITY. Lots returned must be housed intact in the original holder. No lots purchased by floor Bidders may be returned (including those Bidders acting as agents for others). Late remittance for purchases may be considered just cause to revoke all return privileges.
36.Exclusively Internet, Internet Currency, Amazing Comics Auctions, Amazing Sports Auctions, Continuous Internet and Online Session auctions: THREE (3) DAY RETURN POLICY. All lots (Exception: Third party graded notes are not returnable for any reason whatsoever) paid for within seven days of the Auction closing are sold with a three (3) day return privilege. You may return lots under the following conditions: Within three days of receipt of the lot, you must first notify Auctioneer by contacting Customer Service by phone (1-800-872-6467) or e-mail (Bid@HeritageGalleries.com), and immediately mail the lot(s) fully insured to the attention of Returns, Heritage, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas TX 75219-3941. Lots must be housed intact in their original holder and condition. You are responsible for the insured, safe delivery of any lots. A non-negotiable return fee of 5% of the purchase price ($10 per lot minimum) will be deducted from the refund for each returned lot or billed directly. Postage and handling fees are not refunded. After the three-day period (from receipt), no items may be returned for any reason. Late remittance for purchases revokes all Return-Restock privileges. 37. All Bidders who have inspected the lots prior to the auction will not be granted any return privileges, except for reasons of authenticity.
DELIVERY; SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES:
38. Postage, handling and insurance charges will be added to invoices. Please either refer to Auctioneer’s website HeritageGalleries.com for the latest charges or call Auctioneer.
COMPLETE SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES
39. Auctioneer is unable to combine purchases from other auctions or Heritage Rare Coin Galleries into one package for shipping purposes. Successful overseas Bidders shall provide written shipping instructions, including specified customs declarations, to the Auctioneer for any lots to be delivered outside of the United States. NOTE: Declaration value shall be the item(s) hammer price together with its buyer’s premium.
40. All shipping charges will be borne by the successful Bidder. Due to the nature of some items sold, it shall be the responsibility for the successful bidder to arrange pick-up and shipping through third parties, as to such items Auctioneer shall have no liability. Any risk of loss during shipment will be borne by the buyer following Auctioneer’s delivery to the designated common carrier, regardless of domestic or foreign shipment. Any request for shipping verification for undelivered packages must be made within 30 days of shipment by Auctioneer.
41. In the event an item is damaged either through handling or in transit, Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall be the amount of the successful bid including the Buyer’s Premium. On the fall of Auctioneer’s hammer, Buyers of Fine Arts and Decorative Arts lots assumes full risk and responsibility for lot, including shipment by common carrier, and must provide their own insurance coverage for shipments.
CATALOGING, WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS:
42. NO WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DESCRIPTION CONTAINED IN THIS AUCTION OR ANY SECOND OPINE. Any description of the items or second opine contained in this auction is for the sole purpose of identifying the items for those Bidders who do not have the opportunity to view the lots prior to bidding, and no description of items has been made part of the basis of the bargain or has created any express warranty that the goods would conform to any description made by Auctioneer.
43. Auctioneer is selling only such right or title to the items being sold as Auctioneer may have by virtue of consignment agreements on the date of auction and disclaims any warranty of title to the Property.
44. Translations of foreign language documents are provided as a convenience to interested parties. Heritage makes no representation as to the accuracy of those translations and will not be held responsible for errors in bidding arising from inaccuracies in translation.
45. In the event of an attribution error, Auctioneer may at its sole discretion, correct the error on the Internet, or, if discovered at a later date, to refund the buyer’s money without further obligation. Under no circumstances shall the obligation of the Auctioneer to any Bidder be in excess of the purchase price for any lot in dispute.
46. Auctioneer disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purposes.
47. Auctioneer disclaims all liability for damages, consequential or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with the sale of any property by Auctioneer to Bidder. No third party may rely on any benefit of these Terms and Conditions and any rights, if any, established hereunder are personal to the Bidder and may not be assigned. Any statement made by the Auctioneer is an opinion and does not constitute a warranty or representation. No employee of Auctioneer may alter these Terms and Conditions, and, unless signed by a principal of Auctioneer, any such alteration is null and void.
48A. COINS – Coins sold referencing a third-party grading service are sold “as is” without any express or implied warranty, except for a guarantee by Auctioneer that they are genuine. Certain warranties may be available from the grading services and the Bidder is referred to them for further details: ANACS, P.O. Box 182141, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2141; Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), P.O. Box 4776, Sarasota, FL 34230; Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), PO Box 9458, Newport Beach, CA 92658; and ICG, 7901 East Belleview Ave., Suite 50, Englewood, CO 80111.
48B. CURRENCY – Notes sold referencing a third-party grading service are sold “as is” without any express or implied warranty, except for a guarantee by Auctioneer that they are genuine. Grading, condition or other attributes of any lot may have a material effect on its value, and the opinion of others, including independent grading services such as PCGS Currency, PMG, and CGA may differ with that of Auctioneer. Auctioneer shall not be bound by any prior or subsequent opinion, determination, or certification by any independent grading service. Bidder specifically waives any claim to right of return of any item because of the opinion, determination, or certification, or lack thereof, by any independent grading service. Certain warranties may be available from the grading services and the Bidder is referred to them for further details: Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), PO Box 4711, Sarasota FL 34230; PCGS Currency, PO Box 9458, Newport Beach, CA 92658; Currency Grading & Authentication (CGA), PO Box 418, Three Bridges, NJ 08887.
48C. COMICS – Comic books sold referencing a third-party grading service are sold “as is” without any express or implied warranty. Certain warranties may be available from the grading services and the Bidder is referred to them for further details: Comics Guaranty Corporation (CGC), P.O. Box 4738, Sarasota, FL 34230. Subject to sections 57 and 58, bidders who intend to challenge authenticity or provenance of a lot must notify Auctioneer in writing within thirty (30) days of the Auction’s conclusion. Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall not exceed the high bid on that lot, which bid shall be deemed for all purposes the value of the lot. In the event Auctioneer cannot deliver the lot or subsequently it is established that the lot lacks title, provenance, authenticity, or other transfer or condition issue is claimed, Auctioneer’s liability shall be limited to recission of sale and refund of purchase price. After one year has elapsed, Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall be limited to any commissions and fees Auctioneer earned on that lot.
48D. SPORTSCARDS – Sportscards sold referencing a third-party grading service are sold “as is” without any express or implied warranty. Certain warranties may be available from the grading services and the Bidder is referred to them for further details: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), P.O. Box 6180 Newport Beach, CA 92658; Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC) P.O. Box 6919 Parsippany, NJ 07054-6919; Global Authentication (GAI), P.O. Box 57042 Irvine, Ca. 92619; Beckett Grading Service (BGS), 15850 Dallas Parkway, Dallas TX 75248.
48E. MEMORABILIA – Auctioneer does not warrant authenticity of a memorabilia lot (Autographs, Sports Collectibles, or Music, Entertainment, Political, Americana and/or Pop Culture memorabilia), when the lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, or its equivalent, from an independent third-party authentication provider. Bidder shall solely rely upon warranties of the authentication provider issuing the Certificate or opinion. For information as to such authentication provider’s warranties the bidder is directed to: SCD Authentic, 4034 West National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215 (800) 345-3168; JO Sports, Inc., P.O. Box 607 Brookhaven, NY 11719 (631) 286-0970; PSA/DNA; 130 Brookshire Lane, Orwigsburg, Pa. 17961; Mike Gutierrez Autographs, 8150 Raintree Drive Suite A, Scottsdale, AZ. 85260; or as otherwise noted on the Certificate. Subject to sections 57 and 58, bidders who intend to challenge authenticity or provenance of a lot must notify Auctioneer in writing within thirty (30) days of the Auction’s conclusion. Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall not exceed the high bid on that lot, which bid shall be deemed for all purposes the value of the lot. In the event Auctioneer cannot deliver the lot or subsequently it is established that the lot lacks title, provenance, authenticity, or other transfer or condition issue is claimed, Auctioneer’s liability shall be limited to recission of sale and refund of purchase price. After one year has elapsed, Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall be limited to any commissions and fees Auctioneer earned on that lot.
48F. FINE AND DECORATIVE ARTS – Auctioneer warrants bold-faced items in the descriptions, which are otherwise provided for identification purposes only. Subject to sections 57 and 58, bidders who intend to challenge the bold-faced authenticity or provenance of a lot must notify Auctioneer in writing within thirty (30) days of the Auction’s conclusion. Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall not exceed the high bid on that lot, which bid shall be deemed for all purposes the value of the lot. In the event Auctioneer cannot deliver the lot or subsequently it is established that the lot lacks title, provenance, authenticity, or other transfer or condition issue is claimed, Auctioneer’s liability shall be limited to recission of sale and refund of purchase price. After one year has elapsed, Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall be limited to any commissions and fees Auctioneer earned on that lot.
49. All non-certified coins, currency, and comics are guaranteed genuine, but are not guaranteed as to grade, since grading is a matter of opinion, an art and not a science, and therefore the opinion rendered by the Auctioneer or any third party grading service may not agree with the opinion of others (including trained experts), and the same expert may not grade the same item with the same grade at two different times. Auctioneer has graded the non-certified numismatic items, in the Auctioneer’s opinion, to their current interpretation of the American Numismatic Association’s standards as of the date the catalog was prepared. There is no guarantee or warranty implied or expressed that the grading standards utilized by the Auctioneer will meet the standards of ANACS, NGC, PCGS, ICG, CGC, CGA or any other grading service at any time in the future.
50. Since we cannot examine encapsulated notes or comics, they are sold “as is” without our grading opinion, and may not be returned for any reason. Auctioneer shall not be liable for any patent or latent defect or controversy pertaining to or arising from any encapsulated collectible. In any such instance, purchaser’s remedy, if any, shall be solely against the service certifying the collectible.
51. Due to changing grading standards over time, differing interpretations, and to possible mishandling of items by subsequent owners, Auctioneer reserves the right to grade items differently than shown on certificates from any grading service that accompany the items. Auctioneer also reserves the right to grade items differently than the grades shown in the catalog should such items be reconsigned to any future auction.
52. Although consensus grading is employed by most grading services, it should be noted as aforesaid that grading is not an exact science. In fact, it is entirely possible that if a lot is broken out of a plastic holder and resubmitted to another grading service or even to the same service, the lot could come back with a different grade assigned.
53. Certification does not guarantee protection against the normal risks associated with potentially volatile markets. The degree of liquidity for certified coins and collectibles will vary according to general market conditions and the particular lot involved. For some lots there may be no active market at all at certain points in time.
RELEASE:
54. In consideration of participation in the auction and the placing of a bid, a Bidder expressly releases Auctioneer, its officers, directors and employees, its affiliates, and its outside experts that provide second opines from any and all claims, cause of action, chose of action, whether at law or equity or any arbitration or mediation rights existing under the rules of any professional society or affiliation based upon the assigned grade or a derivative theory, breach of warranty express or implied, representation or other matter set forth within these Terms and Conditions of Auction or otherwise, except as specifically declared herein; e.g., authenticity, typographical error, etc., and as to those matters, the rights and privileges conferred therein are strictly construed and is the exclusive remedy. Purchaser, by non-compliance to its express terms of a granted remedy, shall waive any claim against Auctioneer.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION PROVISION:
55. By placing a bid or otherwise participating in the auction, such person or entity accepts these Terms and Conditions of Auction, and specifically agrees to the alternative dispute resolution provided herein. Arbitration replaces the right to go to court, including the right to a jury trial.
56. Auctioneer in no event shall be responsible for consequential damages, incidental damages, compensatory damages, or other damages arising from the auction of any lot. Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall not exceed the high bid on that lot, which bid shall be deemed for all purposes the value of the lot. In the event that Auctioneer cannot deliver the lot or subsequently it is established that the lot lacks title, provenance, authenticity, or other transfer or condition issue is claimed, Auctioneer’s liability shall be limited to recission of sale and refund of purchase price. After one year has elapsed, Auctioneer’s maximum liability shall be limited to any commissions and fees Auctioneer earned on that lot.
57. Any claim as to provenance or authenticity must be first transmitted to Auctioneer by credible and definitive evidence and there is no assurance after such presentment that Auctioneer will validate the claim. Authentication is not an exact science and contrary opinions may not be recognized by Auctioneer. Even if Auctioneer agrees with the contrary opinion of such authentication, our liability for reimbursement for such service shall not exceed $500.
58. Provenance and authenticity are not guaranteed by the Auctioneer, but rather are guaranteed by the consignor. Any action or claim shall include the consignor with Auctioneer acting as interpleador or nominal party. While every effort is made to determine provenance and authenticity, it is up to the Bidder to arrive at that conclusion prior to bidding.
59. If any dispute arises regarding payment, authenticity, grading, description, provenance, or any other matter pertaining to the Auction, the Bidder or a participant in the Auction and/or the Auctioneer agree that the dispute shall be submitted, if otherwise mutually unresolved, to binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association (A.A.A.). A.A.A. arbitration shall be conducted under the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act with locale in Dallas, Texas. Any claim made by a Bidder has to be presented within one (1) year or it is barred. The prevailing party may be awarded his reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. An award granted in arbitration is enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. No claims of any kind (except for reasons of authenticity) can be considered after the settlements have been made with the consignors. Any dispute after the settlement date is strictly between the Bidder and consignor without involvement or responsibility of the Auctioneer. NOTE: Purchasers of rare coins or currency through Heritage have available the option of arbitration by the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG); if an election is not made within ten (10) days of an unresolved dispute, Auctioneer may elect either PNG or A.A.A. Arbitration.
60. In consideration of his participation in or application for the auction, a person or entity (whether the successful Bidder, a Bidder, a purchaser and/or other Auction participant or registrant) agrees that all disputes in any way relating to, arising under, connected with, or incidental to these Terms and Conditions and purchases or default in payment thereof shall be arbitrated pursuant to the arbitration provision. In the event that any matter including actions to compel arbitration, construe the agreement, actions in aid or arbitration or otherwise needs to be litigated, such litigation shall be exclusively in the Courts of the State of Texas, in Dallas County, Texas, and if necessary the corresponding appellate courts. The successful Bidder, purchaser, or Auction participant also expressly submits himself to the personal jurisdiction of the State of Texas.
MISCELLANEOUS:
61. Agreements between Bidders and consignors to effectuate a non-sale of an item at Auction, inhibit bidding on a consigned item to enter into a private sale agreement for said item, or to utilize the Auctioneer’s Auction to obtain sales for non-selling consigned items subsequent to the auction, are strictly prohibited. If a subsequent sale of a previously consigned item occurs in violation of this provision, Auctioneer reserves the right to charge Bidder the applicable Buyer’s Premium and consignor a Seller’s Commission as determined for each auction venue and by the terms of the seller’s agreement.
62. Acceptance of these terms and conditions qualifies Bidder as a Heritage customer who has consented to be contacted by Heritage in the future. In conformity with “do-not-call” regulations promulgated by the Federal or State regulatory agencies, participation by the Bidder is affirmative consent to being contacted at the phone number shown in his application and this consent shall remain in effect until it is revoked in writing. Heritage may from time to time contact Bidder concerning sale, purchase and auction opportunities available through Heritage and its affiliates and subsidiaries.
63. Storage of purchased coins and currency: Purchasers are advised that certain types of plastic may react with a coin’s metal or transfer plasticizer to notes and may cause damage. Caution should be used to avoid storage in materials that are not inert.
STATE NOTICES:
64. Notice as to an Auction Sale in California. Auctioneer has in compliance with Title 2.95 of the California Civil Code as amended October 11, 1993 Sec. 1812.600, posted with the California Secretary of State its bonds for it and its employees and the auction is being conducted in compliance with Sec. 2338 of the Commercial Code and Sec. 535 of the Penal Code.
Rev. 8/17/04
View the Auction Terms
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Buy Now Terms and Conditions
Return Policy:
All orders come with an unconditional seven-day return privilege. We're not satisfied until you are.
All returns must be in their original, undamaged holder and must be accompanied by a copy of the invoice.
You are responsible for fully insuring and the safe delivery of any returns.
Returns after seven days are subject to market fluctuations and will be valued accordingly.
There is no return privilege on any invoice where payment was received late (this includes bounced checks, etc.) Extended Payment Plan purchases are not returnable.
Payment & Shipping:
Shipping and Handling charges will be added to invoices for shipments delivered by mail. Charges will apply as follows, based on the invoice total:
Complete Shipping and Handling Charges
MasterCard or Visa for fastest shipping. Delivery must be to the billing address of the credit card holder. New clients using a credit card may be asked to provide industry references.
Payments may be made by Bank Wire, Cashier's Check, Money Order, or Personal Check. Any written form of payment may be held up to ten days at our discretion. Written payments should be made out to Heritage Capitol Corp. and should be mailed to:
Heritage Rare Coin Galleries
3500 Maple Ave. 17th Floor
Dallas, TX 75219-3941
There is a $25 service charge for any bounced check or stop payment.
Texas residents must pay Texas State Sales Tax on orders for COINS under $1,000. All other collectibles including Currency are charged Sales Tax on the full purchase price. Only registered coin dealers with an approved Resale Certificate are exempt.
All purchasers must be of legal age or have the permission of their parent or guardian.
We do not ship outside the U.S. without written instructions and insurance to be provided by the purchaser.
Title to each item remains the property of Heritage Rare Coin Galleries until good funds are received. Once payment is received, title passes to the purchaser when the order is shipped. With Federal Express shipping, we insure all packages for delivery. With U.S. Postal mail, any claims for lost/damaged packages must be made by (and are the responsibility of) the purchaser. However, we will be cooperative in assisting you with your claim.
Credit applications for approval service are available upon request. Please allow thirty days for processing.
Miscellaneous:
All posted prices are invitations to purchase and are subject to availability and changes in market conditions. They are not offers. No agreement on price has been reached until you receive confirmation from Heritage that your offer to purchase has been accepted.
Heritage is not responsible for typographical errors, incorrect attributions, errors in pricing, or anything of this nature. If we have made an error in our description or price you may return the item at no cost to yourself.
Heritage reserves the right to change any aspect of our Terms & Conditions without prior notice.
Registration & Bidding qualifies user as a Heritage customer and regardless of any regulation to the contrary agrees, until this consent is revoked in writing, that Heritage may from time to time contact user concerning sale and purchase opportunities available through Heritage.