In a report issued by Heritage Auction Galleries, 2008 saw the largest net sales in the history of the organization, posting $709,664,132 in combined auction and private treaty sales throughout their 26 departments.

"This was a year of sales growth, right from the very beginning," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage, in a recent press release. "We started the year with a record-breaking auction at the Florida United Numismatists convention—more than $63.5 million, making it the second biggest coin and currency auction ever held after our $78 million 2007 FUN auction."

As 2008 continued, Heritage seemed to break record after record, setting all-time volume records for: Natural History, with $7,475,739; Illustration Art, with $5,794,526; Comic Books and Comic Art, with $21,098,746; Movie Posters and Associated Memorabilia, with $9,878,170; Sports Collectibles, with $8,224,347; and Civil War Memorabilia: $5,937,005.

But the most astounding numbers came from the US Coin auctions, which totaled $252,689,999—a 20% increase over their reported numbers for 2007.

"Currency was another hot area in 2008," said Rohan, "with Heritage claiming the record for the two largest currency auctions ever: our May Central States currency auction grossing $14,203,004, and our $13,333,364 September Long Beach Currency auction."

In addition to increasing their earnings for 2008, Heritage was also able to increase their number of online auction participants and consignors.

For more information on Heritage Auction Galleries, please visit their website at www.ha.com.