Rare coin sells for $390,400, smashing the old auction record

News1897-S Double Eagle.Heritage AuctionsBy Kayode Crown | kcrown@al.comAn 1897 coin broke the previous auction record of $60,375 established in 2005, selling for $390,400 at an auction on Sept. 2, Heritage Auctions, the organizer, said in a statement.The $20 coin had not appeared at auction in more than 100 years before this sale, and was purchased directly from the Mint at face value in 1897.“Radiant sun-gold luster virtually drips from the pristine surfaces and sharp motifs of this piece,” Heritage says. “The reverse of the coin might well be considered flawless, while the obverse has but the most minute flaws, such as a tiny tick in the field under Liberty’s chin that serves as a pedigree marker.”The front features Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” with 13 stars around her. The back has an eagle and shield design, with the eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. Inscriptions on the back include E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TWENTY DOLLARS and IN GOD WE TRUST.“The appearance of this coin is not merely important for Registry collectors of the series, but it is an event for the history books,” Heritage added.Kayode Crown covers trending news and national stories, with a focus on money, federal benefits, military contracts, space news, collectibles and government programs that affect readers across the country. He...