Heritage Auctions

Records continue to tumble in the vibrant US market. Hardly a week goes by without another new marker being established as comics thrive in a remarkably buoyant collectables collecting scene, or sought-after high-grade copies attract rocketing prices.

The reverse to the 1817 George III crown is considered a masterpiece of numismatic neoclassical design.

Discovery recalls earliest American silversmith of African descent

A set of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings realised a premium-inclusive $250,000 (£187,500) at Heritage Auctions of Dallas.

Before the August 8 Historical Manuscripts sale at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Dallas, specialist Sandra Palomino fielded many questions about one lot in particular.

Jean-Étienne Liotard (1702-89) made his name creating rococo pastel portraits of the European elite. However, in his formative years as a painter he had harboured loftier artistic ambitions as a history painter.

Frank Frazetta’s cover painting for a 1967 Lancer/Ace Conan paperback, a landmark of modern fantasy art commonly known as Man Ape, sold for a world record $13.5m (£9.99m) including the buyer’s premium at Heritage Auctions.

The market for Tiffany’s Japonesque style demonstrated its strength at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

A recent rare books sale at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in the US delivered strong performances for a handful of coveted 20th century firsts in dust jackets.

The only known bass drumhead featuring John Bonham’s personal symbol – the interlocking rings that became his mark after Led Zeppelin’s fourth album – hammered at $70,000 (£53,000) at Heritage (25% buyer’s premium) in Dallas.