Sample bid book
See a real bid book, and how the lots actually sold.
5 real lots from Weston's Auction Gallery, Coventry, CT, September 29, 2026 (sold). This is the full book format: the auction coversheet, a quick look at the lots, then every lot broken down. We set a value and a max bid before the sale, then recorded the hammer price.
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AUCTION BID BOOKWeston's Auction Gallery · Coventry, CT · Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
■ AUCTIONWeston's Auction Gallery, Estates Auction #1416
2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry, CT 06238
2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry, CT 06238
■ AUCTION DATETuesday, September 29, 2026
9:30 AM ET jewelry, coins, gold, silver · Noon furniture, art, smalls · 2:30 PM LPs, comics, stereos, tools
9:30 AM ET jewelry, coins, gold, silver · Noon furniture, art, smalls · 2:30 PM LPs, comics, stereos, tools
■ PREVIEWSat 9 AM – noon · Mon 10 AM – 1 PM · Tue from 8 AM · or by appointment
■ BUYER'S PREMIUM15% on all successful bids
Cash or known check. Phone bids from $100, left bids from $30.
Cash or known check. Phone bids from $100, left bids from $30.
■ MY BIDDER #
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Precious Metals Reference
Spot as of Fri Sep 25, 2026, 4:26 PM ET · Source: Kitco spot bid. The same spot is used for every lot melt in this book.
■ GOLD
$4,287.20 per troy oz| KARAT / FINENESS | PER TROY OZ | PER GRAM | PER PENNYWEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K .999 | $4,282.91 | $137.70 | $214.15 |
| 22K .9167 | $3,930.08 | $126.35 | $196.50 |
| 18K .750 | $3,215.40 | $103.38 | $160.77 |
| 14K .585 | $2,508.01 | $80.63 | $125.40 |
| 10K .417 | $1,787.76 | $57.48 | $89.39 |
| GOLD BULLION COINS | GOLD CONTENT (TROY OZ) | MELT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Gold Eagle | 1.0000 | $4,287.20 |
| 1/2 oz Gold Eagle | 0.5000 | $2,143.60 |
| 1/4 oz Gold Eagle | 0.2500 | $1,071.80 |
| 1/10 oz Gold Eagle | 0.1000 | $428.72 |
■ SILVER
$64.17 per troy oz| FINENESS | PER TROY OZ | PER GRAM | PER PENNYWEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine .999 | $64.11 | $2.06 | $3.21 |
| Sterling .925 | $59.36 | $1.91 | $2.97 |
| 90% coin .900 | $57.75 | $1.86 | $2.89 |
| 80% Canada .800 | $51.34 | $1.65 | $2.57 |
| 40% .400 | $25.67 | $0.83 | $1.28 |
| SILVER BULLION | SILVER CONTENT (TROY OZ) | MELT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz Silver Eagle | 1.0000 | $64.17 |
■ THIS SALE: LOT MELT
at this spot| LOT | METAL / WEIGHT | MELT |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 16.8 g 14k (10.8 dwt) | $1,355 |
| 32 | 5 g .9999 gold bar + sterling (not weighed) | $688 |
| 20 | 8.8 g 14k | $709 |
| 25 | 6.1 ozt sterling (tag) | $362 |
| 10 | 9.3 g 10k (6 dwt) | $535 |
| Total | $3,649 |
WEIGHT CONVERSIONS1 troy ounce (ozt) = 31.1035 grams (g) = 20 pennyweight (dwt)1 troy ounce = 1.097 avoirdupois ounces1 pound (lb) = 14.583 troy ounces1 pennyweight (dwt) = 1.5552 grams
| JUNK SILVER | DIMES 90% Barber, Mercury, Roosevelt 1964 & earlier | QUARTERS 90% Washington 1932–1964 | HALVES 90% Walking Liberty, Franklin, 1964 Kennedy | DOLLARS 90% Morgan 1878–1921 Peace 1921–1935 | KENNEDY HALVES 40% 1965–1970 | WAR NICKELS 35% 1942–1945 | $1 FACE, 90% circulated | $1 FACE, 40% 2 Kennedy halves | $1 FACE, 35% 20 war nickels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver content (troy oz) | 0.0723 | 0.1808 | 0.3617 | 0.7734 | 0.1479 | 0.0563 | 0.7150 | 0.2958 | 1.1252 |
| Melt | $4.64 | $11.60 | $23.21 | $49.63 | $9.49 | $3.61 | $45.88 | $18.98 | $72.20 |
Junk silver = common circulated 90% US silver coins valued for their melt, not a collector premium. $1 face of circulated 90% is figured at 0.715 troy oz. Dealers buy junk silver at a multiple of face value, below melt. Melt = metal content × spot; dealers typically pay below melt. Prices change; verify on auction day.
Auction Advantage · [email protected] · Descriptions as listed by the auction house. Verify all items at preview.Page 1 of 15
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AUCTION BID BOOKWeston's Auction Gallery · Coventry, CT · Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Auction Day Toolkit
■ BUYER'S PREMIUM CALCULATOR
| HAMMER | +15% PREMIUM | SUBTOTAL | +6.35% CT TAX | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | $3.75 | $28.75 | $1.83 | $30.58 |
| $50 | $7.50 | $57.50 | $3.65 | $61.15 |
| $100 | $15.00 | $115.00 | $7.30 | $122.30 |
| $250 | $37.50 | $287.50 | $18.26 | $305.76 |
| $500 | $75.00 | $575.00 | $36.51 | $611.51 |
| $1,000 | $150.00 | $1,150.00 | $73.03 | $1,223.02 |
| $2,500 | $375.00 | $2,875.00 | $182.56 | $3,057.56 |
Connecticut Department of Revenue Services: the buyer's premium is taxed as part of the sale price, so tax is on hammer + premium unless exempt (e.g., resale certificate, qualifying coins/bullion). Confirm the auction house's terms.
■ HALLMARKS & PURITY MARKS
| MARK | MEANS |
|---|---|
| 999 / .999 | Fine silver (or fine gold if marked 24K) |
| 925 / Sterling | 92.5% silver |
| 900 / Coin | 90% silver (US coin silver) |
| 800 | 80% silver (common in European pieces) |
| 24K / 22K | 99.9% / 91.67% gold |
| 18K / 750 | 75.0% gold |
| 14K / 585 | 58.5% gold |
| 10K / 417 | 41.7% gold |
| PT950 / PLAT | 95% platinum |
Plated / not solid: GF = Gold Filled, GP = Gold Plated, HGE = Heavy Gold Electroplate, RGP = Rolled Gold Plate, EP = Electroplated, EPNS = Electroplated Nickel Silver. Vermeil = gold over sterling, so the value is in the silver.
■ KEY-DATE COINS TO CHECK FIRST
| COIN | WHAT TO LOOK FOR |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB cent | "S" under date, "VDB" on reverse |
| 1914-D cent | "D" under date; altered dates common |
| 1955 doubled-die cent | Strong doubling on date & legend |
| 1916-D Mercury dime | "D" on reverse by fasces; often faked |
| 1937-D Buffalo nickel | "3-legged": front leg missing |
| 1932-D & 1932-S quarters | Mint mark on reverse below eagle |
| 1889-CC Morgan | "CC" on reverse below wreath |
| 1893-S Morgan | "S" on reverse; the key Morgan |
| 1921 Peace dollar | First year, high relief |
■ GRADED SLAB CHECK
- Look up every cert # free: PCGS, NGC (coins), PSA, CGC (cards/comics).
- Match the coin or card, grade and photo to the online record.
- Fakes reuse real cert #s: a valid # is not proof. Match the online photos, and check fonts, label, hologram and holder seams.
- A slab from an unknown grader is not the same as PCGS/NGC/PSA.
■ SPORTS CARD BASICS
- RC (Rookie Card) logo = player's rookie year in that league or brand; not always the first card ever made.
- Serial numbered (e.g., 12/99): lower print run.
- Autos (autographs) & relics: on-card or sticker autographs; game-used patches.
- Raw isn't graded. Check centering, corners, edges, surface; a raw card is not a PSA 10.
■ PREVIEW-DAY CHECKLIST
- Magnet (tungsten fakes still pass)
- 10x loupe for marks, dates, mint marks
- Pocket scale in grams (0.01 g)
- Flashlight
- Phone, charged, for cert lookups & spot price
- This book, a pen, your max bids
Auction Advantage · [email protected] · Descriptions as listed by the auction house. Verify all items at preview.Page 2 of 15
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AUCTION BID BOOKWeston's Auction Gallery · Coventry, CT · Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Common Fakes to Watch For
■ COINS
- Chinese fakes, cast or die-struck: Morgans, trade dollars, gold. Look for weak detail, soft stars and letters, wrong luster.
- Added mint marks (e.g., an S added to make 1893-S, or CC): look for seams or tooling at the base of the letter.
- Altered dates: one digit changed (1898-S made into 1893-S; 1880s-CC into 1889-CC).
- Whizzed / cleaned: unnatural shine used to hide tooling. Buy key dates certified.
■ BULLION
- Tungsten-filled bars: tungsten is almost as dense as gold, so weight alone won't catch it.
- Fake rounds and bars: copied logos, plated base metal.
- Quick tests: magnet (catches steel or iron cores only), ping (silver rings; fakes thud), weight and size vs. mint specs.
- Sealed assay cards can be faked too: check the serial with the refiner.
■ JEWELRY & GOLD
- GF (Gold Filled), GP (Gold Plated), HGE (Heavy Gold Electroplate), RGP (Rolled Gold Plate) sold as solid: a karat next to these letters (e.g., 14K GF) is the plating, not the piece.
- Fake or moved marks: a factory "925" or "14K" guarantees nothing; acid or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) test.
- CZ (cubic zirconia) or moissanite as diamond: a basic thermal tester can read moissanite as diamond; use a dual tester. CZ weighs more than diamond.
- Fake pearls: real pearls feel gritty on the tooth; glass and plastic feel smooth.
■ SPORTS CARDS
- Reprints: wrong card stock or gloss, too clean, "reprint" in fine print.
- Trimmed cards: sharp, too-perfect edges; measure against an original. A PSA "Authentic" label can mean altered.
- Fake slabs: real cert #s reused; match the online images.
- Fake autos (autographs): verify the COA (certificate of authenticity) # with PSA/DNA, JSA or Beckett.
■ WATCHES
- Rolex: the date lens (cyclops) magnifies about 2.5x and is centered; ROLEX engraved crisp on the inner ring.
- Most Rolex Oysters have a solid, plain caseback; a see-through back is a red flag.
- Ticking seconds hand = quartz fake (genuine Rolex mechanicals sweep smoothly). A sweep alone proves nothing.
- Omega: check the caseback engraving, movement serial and dial printing under a loupe.
■ COLLECTIBLES & ANTIQUES
- Hummel: look for an incised M.I. Hummel signature and a period Goebel mark; "Made in China" or "Original Hummel Reproduction" = not genuine.
- Tiffany lamps: real ones use textured, hand-cut, leaded glass; painted glass or poor solder = fake.
- Signed memorabilia without a verifiable COA (PSA/DNA, JSA, Beckett) is worth little.
- Repro cast iron & signs: rough, pebbly castings, loose seams, bright paint; on signs, look for bare metal in the mounting holes.
Quick screening tips only; when in doubt, get it authenticated (PCGS, NGC, PSA, CGC, a GIA-trained jeweler, or a licensed watchmaker).
Auction Advantage · [email protected] · Descriptions as listed by the auction house. Verify all items at preview.Page 3 of 15
Auction AdvantageA PRODUCT OF AI BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
AUCTION BID BOOKWeston's Auction Gallery · Coventry, CT · Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Your Lots at a Glance
5 lots, in sale order · Max bid = last hammer before the 15% premium · Melt at spot of Fri Sep 25, 2026, 4:26 PM ET
| PHOTO | LOT | WHAT'S IN IT | MELT | OUR VALUE | MAX BID | ACTION | SOLD FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 19 | Four diamond and opal pieces in one 14k lot 16.8 g 14k (10.8 dwt) | $1,355 | $1,286 – $1,754 | $1,037 | CHASE | $960 ✓ |
 | 32 | A sterling tray with a gold bar hidden in it 5 g .9999 gold bar + sterling (not weighed) | $688 | $839 – $1,089 | $690 | CHASE | $480 ✓ |
 | 20 | A 14k ring, two chains and a pendant 8.8 g 14k | $709 | $674 – $815 | $543 | CHASE | $380 ✓ |
 | 25 | A mixed sterling jewelry tray, tagged 6.1 oz 6.1 ozt sterling (tag) | $362 | $344 – $416 | $277 | CHASE | $140 ✓ |
 | 10 | Colored-stone 10k jewelry and a pin 9.3 g 10k (6 dwt) | $535 | $507 – $614 | $405 | CHASE | $340 ✓ |
| Totals (5 lots) | $3,649 | $3,650 – $4,688 | $2,952 | $2,300 | |||
✓ 5 of 5 sold at or under our max bidSold = the hammer price recorded at the sale.
CHASE = real edge · MAYBE = only if cheap · CHECK FLOOR = needs hand inspection · SKIP = costume or thin. This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Max bids are a ceiling, not a target.
Auction Advantage · [email protected] · Descriptions as listed by the auction house. Verify all items at preview.Page 4 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
Auction Advantage bid book · [email protected] — Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Estimates only; not an appraisal. Verify at preview.
LOT 19 – BOX SUMMARY – CHASE
| Lot description | Estate 14KT gold jewelry lot with diamonds: opal earrings, diamond channel band, white-gold diamond cluster, wide band. 16.8 g / 10.8 dwt |
|---|---|
| Contents (from photo) | 4 items: Opal earrings; Diamond channel-set band; White-gold diamond cluster ring; Wide band. The diamonds are extra value on top of the gold. |
| Melt value | $1,355 |
| Our value | $1,286 – $1,754 |
| MAX BID (cap) | $1,037 |
| ACTION | CHASE |
| Sold for | $960 ✓ Called it |
| Preview checks | Weigh all four pieces together and test the gold. |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 5 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
LOT 19 – one item per line · Our value $1,286 – $1,754 · Max bid: $1,037 · CHASE.
| # | Item (description) | Qty | Metal / weight | Melt $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opal earrings | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| 2 | Diamond channel-set band | 1 | 14k | — | Engraved C.H.C. 2-14-76 |
| 3 | White-gold diamond cluster ring | 1 | 14k white gold | — | Seen in photo |
| 4 | Wide band | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| Lot total | 4 | 16.8 g 14k (10.8 dwt) | $1,355 | Melt of the weighed metal |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 6 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
Auction Advantage bid book · [email protected] — Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Estimates only; not an appraisal. Verify at preview.
LOT 32 – BOX SUMMARY – CHASE
| Lot description | Sterling jewelry and smalls tray: turquoise bracelets, mother-of-pearl knives, cuff, plus a Credit Suisse 5 g .9999 fine gold bar |
|---|---|
| Contents (from photo) | 4 items: Credit Suisse gold bar; Turquoise bracelets; Mother-of-pearl knives; Cuff. The gold bar alone covers the max bid. The sterling is extra and was not counted. |
| Melt value | $688 |
| Our value | $839 – $1,089 |
| MAX BID (cap) | $690 |
| ACTION | CHASE |
| Sold for | $480 ✓ Called it |
| Preview checks | Check the gold bar and its packaging, then weigh the silver. |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 7 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
LOT 32 – one item per line · Our value $839 – $1,089 · Max bid: $690 · CHASE.
| # | Item (description) | Qty | Metal / weight | Melt $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Credit Suisse gold bar | 1 | 5 g .9999 fine gold | $688 | Check the assay card serial |
| 2 | Turquoise bracelets | 1 | Sterling | — | Not weighed |
| 3 | Mother-of-pearl knives | 1 | Sterling | — | Not weighed |
| 4 | Cuff | 1 | Sterling | — | Not weighed |
| Lot total | 4 | 5 g .9999 gold bar + sterling (not weighed) | $688 | Melt of the weighed metal |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 8 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
Auction Advantage bid book · [email protected] — Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Estimates only; not an appraisal. Verify at preview.
LOT 20 – BOX SUMMARY – CHASE
| Lot description | 14K gold jewelry group: citrine-style ring, rope chain, box chain, textured pendant. 8.8 g |
|---|---|
| Contents (from photo) | 4 items: Citrine-style ring; Rope chain; Box chain; Textured pendant. Easy to resell as separate pieces. |
| Melt value | $709 |
| Our value | $674 – $815 |
| MAX BID (cap) | $543 |
| ACTION | CHASE |
| Sold for | $380 ✓ Called it |
| Preview checks | Weigh the group and look for 14k marks on each piece. |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 9 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
LOT 20 – one item per line · Our value $674 – $815 · Max bid: $543 · CHASE.
| # | Item (description) | Qty | Metal / weight | Melt $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citrine-style ring | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| 2 | Rope chain | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| 3 | Box chain | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| 4 | Textured pendant | 1 | 14k | — | Seen in photo |
| Lot total | 4 | 8.8 g 14k | $709 | Melt of the weighed metal |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 10 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
Auction Advantage bid book · [email protected] — Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Estimates only; not an appraisal. Verify at preview.
LOT 25 – BOX SUMMARY – CHASE
| Lot description | Sterling jewelry tray: feather brooch, malachite earrings, Lauren watch, herringbone chain. Tag 6.1 ozt |
|---|---|
| Contents (from photo) | 4 items: Feather brooch; Malachite earrings; Lauren watch; Herringbone chain. If the watch is base metal, its weight should not count. |
| Melt value | $362 |
| Our value | $344 – $416 |
| MAX BID (cap) | $277 |
| ACTION | CHASE |
| Sold for | $140 ✓ Called it |
| Preview checks | Weigh the silver without the watch. |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 11 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
LOT 25 – one item per line · Our value $344 – $416 · Max bid: $277 · CHASE.
| # | Item (description) | Qty | Metal / weight | Melt $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feather brooch | 1 | Sterling | — | Seen in photo |
| 2 | Malachite earrings | 1 | Sterling | — | Seen in photo |
| 3 | Lauren watch | 1 | May be base metal | — | Exclude from the weight if base metal |
| 4 | Herringbone chain | 1 | Sterling | — | Seen in photo |
| Lot total | 4 | 6.1 ozt sterling (tag) | $362 | Melt of the weighed metal |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 12 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
Auction Advantage bid book · [email protected] — Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Estimates only; not an appraisal. Verify at preview.
LOT 10 – BOX SUMMARY – CHASE
| Lot description | 10KT gold estate jewelry lot: opal, green and purple stone pieces and a pin. 9.3 g / 6 dwt |
|---|---|
| Contents (from photo) | 4 items: Opal jewelry; Green-stone jewelry; Purple-stone jewelry; Pin. The colored stones were not counted in the max bid. |
| Melt value | $535 |
| Our value | $507 – $614 |
| MAX BID (cap) | $405 |
| ACTION | CHASE |
| Sold for | $340 ✓ Called it |
| Preview checks | Weigh the lot and test the gold. |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 13 of 15
Weston's Auction Gallery – 2799 Boston Tnpk (Rt 44), Coventry – Tue Sep 29 2026 9:30 AM ET
LOT 10 – one item per line · Our value $507 – $614 · Max bid: $405 · CHASE.
| # | Item (description) | Qty | Metal / weight | Melt $ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opal jewelry | 1 | 10k | — | Seen in photo |
| 2 | Green-stone jewelry | 1 | 10k | — | Seen in photo |
| 3 | Purple-stone jewelry | 1 | 10k | — | Seen in photo |
| 4 | Pin | 1 | 10k | — | Seen in photo |
| Lot total | 4 | 9.3 g 10k (6 dwt) | $535 | Melt of the weighed metal |
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. · This is an estimate, not an appraisal. Verify at preview.Page 14 of 15
Auction AdvantageA PRODUCT OF AI BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
AUCTION BID BOOKWeston's Auction Gallery · Coventry, CT · Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
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Bid books from $4.99 for 3 lots · Full auction $149
This is an estimate, not an appraisal. We have not inspected the items. Verify everything at preview.
Max bids are a ceiling, not a target. Max bids are hammer prices before the buyer's premium and any tax.
Metal values use Kitco spot bid prices from Fri Sep 25, 2026, 4:26 PM ET. Sold prices are the hammer prices recorded at the sale. Photos: Weston's Antiques.
Auction Advantage is an independent service and is not affiliated with Weston's Auction Gallery. Questions: [email protected]
Auction Advantage · [email protected] · Descriptions as listed by the auction house. Verify all items at preview.Page 15 of 15