A piece of copper that was struck by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia in 1794 and was a prototype for the fledgling nation's money was auctioned off for $840,000, considerably more than expected, an official said.
Heritage auctions spokesman Eric Bradley said the "No Stars Flowing Hair Dollar'' opened at $312,000 when it was put up Friday evening but "in less than a minute, intense bidding quickly pushed the coin to its final auction price of $840,000."
Copper Prototype of First U.S. Dollar (Lot 4190) Brings $840,000 at Heritage Auctions.
1794 No Stars Flowing Hair dollar blows past $350,000-$500,000 pre-auction estimate.