A rare 1854-S two and a half dollar gold piece, graded VF35 by PCGS and pedigreed to the famous Norweb Collection, is among the premier lots in Heritage Auctions' upcoming U.S. Coins Signature event at the Fall National Money Show, with floor sessions scheduled for October 13-14 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Bids already stand at $220,000 with nine collectors having thrown their hats in the ring and several more tracking - perhaps waiting for their moment.

The coin is the most prestigious in The Baltimore Collection, Part Two, an impressive collection of Liberty quarter eagles.

Only a dozen or so 1854-S quarter eagles are known, out of a tiny mintage of just 246 pieces. Many famous collections have established their reputations in part by owning an example of the 1854-S, and the date's presence in The Baltimore Collection reflects the collection's overall importance.

1854-S two and a half dollar coin

In addition to the 1854-S, The Baltimore Collection, Part Two contains a number of other important Liberty quarter eagle rarities. The vast majority of the coins are circulation strikes, but the consignor made exceptions for the two famous proof-only issues of the series.

The 1841 quarter eagle, PR55 NGC is of similar rarity to the 1854-S quarter eagle and is nicknamed "The Little Princess" by collectors. The 1863 quarter eagle, PR63 Cameo NGC, has a mintage of just 30 pieces, about half of which are known today.

Watch this space for more news of this exciting sale.