1860 HK-9, Heenan-Sayers Boxing Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

John C. Heenan, born in Troy, New York, and known from his California years as the Benicia Boy, faced the English champion Tom Sayers at Farnborough on April 17, 1860, in a bare-knuckle fight that went on for more than two hours. After 42 rounds the crowd broke into the ring once Sayers had hurt his arm, and the bout was called a draw; Sayers never fought again. Smith and Hartmann of New York struck medals for the fight once Heenan was back in the United States. HK-9 carries Heenan's bust facing right under "John C. Heenan, the Champion of America," with the firm's signature in tiny letters below. The reverse, inside an open wreath, is lettered "The great international prize fight between Heenan & Sayers" and dates the bout to April 1860. Copper, 34 mm; the white metal is HK-10.

Cross References

HK-9; PCGS #642017; NGC #850014