Auction Gets Bob R. Simpson Collection Over $14.6 Million

Heritage Auctions reported on Sept. 21 that Part 1 of the Bob R. Simpson Collection sold for $14.6 million, above expectations. The auctioneer called Bob R. Simpson "numismatic royalty" for his unparalleled proof coin and ultimate rarity collection.

“I’m happy to share the collection with so many enthusiasts,” Simpson added. “Heritage promoted the auction well, and the results exceeded my expectations.”

For years, Simpson's collection has been unavailable. His 1894-S Barber dime, PCGS-graded PR-66, one of nine survives, auctioned for $1.5 million, fascinated the hobby. Simpson, whose collection is considered one of the best ever, is deaccessioning items through Heritage until August 2021.

The finest example of this variation is his 1796 JR-1 dime, PCGS SP-67. Collectors bid $750,000 for this rare specimen. This unprecedented first-year, first striking coin has proof-like fields on both sides. It is also the oldest known die state for 1796 JR-1 dimes.

The anticipated 1795 Flowing Hair dollar, B-7, BB-18, MS65+, the best with Silver Plug and second-finest overall, sold for $630,000. Simpson chose gold led by 1808 BD-1 quarter eagle, PCGS MS-63. The only second-finest PCGS sample is the one-year type, which sold for $576,000.

“We are grateful to Mr. Simpson for selecting Heritage to conduct these auctions,” said Heritage Auctions President Greg Rohan. Offering this collection is a highlight of our work and partnerships. We are pleased for him.”

His territory gold collection was centered on a PCGS MS-65 1854 Kellogg & Co. Twenty. Its $336,000 auction price indicates its gem condition, and educated numismatists consider it the best circulation-strike Kellogg $20 of any date or kind.

Simpson's 1918/7-S Standing Liberty quarter, graded MS-64+, equals the best complete head coin at $336,000. It also has the best 1918/7-S pedigree.

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