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HERITAGE: 2026 SUMMER FUN SIGNATUREHeritage Auctions will be hosting their Summer FUN Signature Auction from July 16-18. The Curator's Picks are discussed below. -Garrett 
1888 $20 JD-1, R.6, PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS. In my opinion, this is the crown jewel of the Summer FUN Signature® auction. There is a complete set of 1888 proof gold pieces in this auction, offered as individual lots, which was all raw when it was consigned to us. The double eagle is my favorite coin among the gold pieces, and it is most attractive with deep contrast and mirrors. Close study will reveal a few faint coppery spots, but none are in prime focal areas, and they instead simply endorse the originality of the coin. Proof Liberty double eagles of the 1880s and earlier are some of the rarest gold pieces in the U.S. series. The 1888, offered here, is one of just 20 to 25 examples of this proof issue known to survive today.
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1797 50C O-101a, T-1, High R.4, VF20 PCGS. Amato Unlisted. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Dr. Amato, who compiled the nearly exhaustive census of Small Eagle half dollars that Heritage has long used. His work was magnificent. So, it is a rare occurrence when a coin surfaces that was not one Dr. Amato had previously seen. This VF20 1797 O-101a example is such a coin. In addition to being a new piece on the census, it is highly attractive for its grade, and it is housed in an old PCGS "rattler" holder. I would be interested to know if the winning bidder of this coin is able to someday trace its prior provenance, perhaps to an unplated old auction catalog.
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(1913-38)-S 5C Buffalo Nickel -- Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet -- AU58 PCGS. Ah yes — yet another Buffalo nickel error. Though, perhaps not just any Buffalo nickel error. This is one of 10 pieces known struck on silver dime planchets. This is one of the rarest Buffalo nickel error types that exist, and it is one that many prominent error authorities in numismatics have long found fascinating. The current example actually comes from the Fred Weinberg Collection back in 2022, and prior to that changed hands a few times via private treaty. While there are many coins in this auction more valuable, this is perhaps one of the most important offerings in terms of rarity and numismatic intrigue.
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1831 10C JR-2, R.3, PR67 NGC. This is a coin that one of my colleagues very much likes, and I have to say I share the sentiment. Not only is it very attractive and well struck, but the 1831 proof dime is a major rarity and this coin is the finest example known to us. Currently, we can positively trace only eight examples, six of which are JR-2 as here. This is the sort of coin that doesn't get the mainstream attention that more famous rarities enjoy, but which is almost never seen at auction. Its current offering is an important opportunity.
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1913-S 25C VG8 PCGS. CAC. I'm going to give this 1913-S in VG8 a shout out. I see a lot of key date Barber quarter, the 1913-S included. But a common theme among so many of them is unsightly eye appeal and/or impairments. Some are generously graded, which in my opinion makes it hard to justify a premium bid even if the coin is otherwise attractive — you're just competing with a higher market level. But this VG8 coin is truly worthy of a strong bid, and by osmosis worthy of a moment to admire it. The rims are complete, sufficient portions of LIBERTY are readable, and the two-tone stone-gray patina is undeniably original and attractive. On top of that, the coin carries CAC endorsement-only a tiny fraction of the VG-graded 1913-S quarters in existence can claim such a distinction.
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