In American numismatics there are some coins that are in a class of their own, often because of their rarity or because of their quality. One of the offerings at Stack’s-Bowers’ ANA auction in Chicago on August 15 certainly falls in both categories. Offered was the finest known example of the 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, […]
1804 Silver Dollar Realizes $3,877,500 at Auction
On the night of August 9, 2013, Heritage Auctions sold what is known as the “King of American Coins” at their Platinum Night Sale prior to the ANA convention in Rosemont, IL. An “original” or Class I 1804 Silver Dollar, graded Proof-62 by PCGS realized a final price of $3,877,500 including buyer’s premium. On the […]
Key Dates & Rarities: 1995-W Proof American Silver Eagle
The 1995-W Proof American Silver Eagle remains the undisputed key date of the popular series and has come to represent one of the most coveted modern rarities. The issue was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the American Eagle program and only included within a special set containing four higher priced gold coins. The […]
Key Date Walking Liberty Half Dollars
From 1916 to 1947 the half dollar denomination featured the Walking Liberty design of Adolph A. Weinman. This type was struck in large numbers for most of the years at the various Mints in use at the time. While most coins of the series are readily available in circulated condition and not all that difficult […]
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Continues to Captivate
Few coins catch the mind of the American numismatist as much as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest of all American coins, with only five examples known to exist. Technically, this issue might not be a true coin intended for circulation, but rather a more of a fantasy piece struck under mysterious […]
Key Date Mercury Dimes
The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916 after the Barber Dime had been in production since 1892 and had long been unpopular. Like the other denominations redesigned in this time period, it was felt that the dime should better reflect the artistry of the time. Adolph Weinman came up with a design which would be […]
1792 Half Disme Graded NGC MS 68 Realizes $1,145,625
On January 24th Stacks Bowers sold the finest known 1792 Half Disme (pronounced Deem) certified by NGC as MS-68. Part of the Cardinal Collection, the coin was offered as lot 13093 and realized $1,145,625. Even tough this was substantially less than the last time the coin traded hands (it was reportedly sold to the Cardinal […]
1794 Silver Dollar Sells for Record $10 Million
On January 24th Stack’s Bowers offered the PCGS SP66 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar in their auction of the Cardinal collection. This coin has been prominently featured in the numismatic community for decades, tracing its pedigree back to the famed Virgil Brand Collection from the late 19th century and owned by some of the most prominent […]
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent Realizes $22,325
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent is readily identified by extremely strong doubling on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse, as well as on the word LIBERTY and the date. There is no doubling visible on the mintmark, as this was punched into the die just prior to the die […]
Experimental 1868 Aluminum Pattern Proof Set Realizes $211,500
Offered as lot 6006 in Heritage’s FUN auction was a complete 16 piece aluminum proof set of all denominations struck for circulation in 1868. Such off-metal strikes, on an individual basis, are very scarce and infrequently encountered at auction and in private collections. A complete aluminum set is a major rarity and a once in […]
