ANA Auction: Imagine being able to guess the exact auction price of a rare currency note and winning a big prize for it. That’s exactly what happened to Dale Kershner, a numismatist (coin and currency collector) from Pennsylvania.
At the 2010 Boston ANA World’s Fair of Money, Heritage Auctions hosted a special contest that combined skill, research, and a little luck. Kershner guessed the correct selling price of an incredibly rare 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note, and his accuracy made headlines in the collector community.
This story is not only about money but also about passion, precision, and the excitement of the numismatic world. Let’s dive deeper.
The Star of the Show: 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note
One of the rarest bills in American history, the Fr. 2221-B $5000 1934 Federal Reserve Note, was auctioned by Heritage. It was graded PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ, a mark that shows its excellent quality.
At the auction, this bill sold for exactly $103,500.
Kershner had predicted this amount spot on, making him the grand prize winner of Heritage’s ANA contest. His reward? A $1,000 auction credit to use on future Heritage sales.
Contest Details and Prizes
Heritage Auctions wanted to make the event exciting for collectors. So, they created a guessing challenge where participants had to predict the prices of three rare items.
The three special lots were:
- 1916-D Mercury Dime (MS67 Full Bands, PCGS, CAC) from the Joshua II Collection.
- 1928 South Africa George V Specimen Sixpence (SP63 NGC, silver).
- 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note (PCGS 64PPQ).
Winner List and Results
| Participant | Item Predicted | Actual Price | Guess Price | Prize Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dale Kershner | 1934 $5000 FRN | $103,500 | $103,500 | $1,000 credit |
| Steven Presmyk | 1928 South African Sixpence | $155,250 | $155,000 | $200 credit |
| Scott Martin | 1916-D Mercury Dime | $195,500 | $195,750 | $200 credit |
Even though only Kershner hit the exact number, both Presmyk and Martin came very close and received $200 auction credits.
A Mix of Skill and Luck
What makes the story even more interesting is that currency isn’t Kershner’s main collecting area. He admitted his winning guess was the result of “careful thought, reflection, and luck.”
David Mayfield, Heritage’s Vice President of Auctions, praised Kershner’s sharp prediction and said the contest showed how skill, research, and sometimes luck play big roles in numismatics.
Heritage Auctions and the Bigger Picture
The 2010 Boston ANA Auction was a huge success. Heritage Auctions reported sales of $46 million during the event. This contest was a way to bring collectors closer to the action, making the auction both professional and fun.
Heritage also gave all participants a free copy (digital or printed) of their award-winning book, The Collector’s Handbook.
The story of Dale Kershner’s perfect guess proves that in the world of rare coins and currency, both passion and intuition matter.
While Heritage Auctions deals with serious business worth millions, they also keep the collector community engaged with contests that celebrate knowledge and luck. For Kershner, his exact guess on the 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note turned into a memorable win that collectors everywhere admire.
FAQs
The 1934 $5000 Federal Reserve Note sold for $103,500 at the 2010 Boston ANA Auction.
He received a $1,000 auction credit from Heritage Auctions.
Steven Presmyk and Scott Martin came close in their guesses and won $200 credits each.