Nearly $28 Million in U.S. Coins, Paper Money Sold in Stack’s Bowers March Las Vegas Auction
Las Vegas,
The primary highlight of the auction was the
U.S. Mint gold coin ever sold. Accompanying this piece was the finest known 1797 Draped Bust half dollar that also set a record as the most valuable U.S. Mint half dollar at nearly $1.7 million. These two pieces were sold in the firm’s Rarities Night session held on Thursday, March 25, which is sure to be remembered as a historic event in American numismatics. By the end of the evening, seven lots had attained six or seven-figure prices, contributing to a total of $14.6 million for the session. Other outstanding results from Rarities Night included $288,000 for a 1796 Liberty Cap half cent and $117,000 for the finest known 1845-O quarter eagle, a new all-time record for the issue.
Important Collections of U.S. Coins, Paper Money Featured in Stack’s Bowers March 2021 Las Vegas Auction
March 2021 Las Vegas Auction, the firm’s first Showcase event for Americana and United States coins and paper money of the year.
The primary highlight of this auction is the magnificent
Virgil Brand and D. Brent Pogue collections. These two pieces will be sold in the firm’s
Rarities Night session held on the evening of Thursday, March 25.
In addition to these treasures, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries March 2021 Las Vegas Auction presents many significant collections spanning every category in the
Guide Book. Registry Set participants will be thrilled with the
In 1820, a quarter dollar was the typical cost for attending theatrical events and similar entertainments in
New York City, events that today might cost tens or even hundreds of dollars. Alongside the half dollar, the quarter was a workhorse of everyday commerce and most examples that left the
United States Mint wound up heavily worn within a few years.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is delighted to offer one of the most spectacular
1820 Capped Bust quarters in our March 2021 Las Vegas Auction. Graded MS-66 (NGC), it ranks as the sole finest known of the
1820 Browning-4 variety. Delightful golden-tan patina dominates this Gem, revealing vibrant splashes of olive-gold and turquoise-blue iridescence around the design elements. The eye appeal is strong, and the surfaces are lovely, even under a glass. A light prooflike shimmer is noted in the field contrasting with more satiny luster on the devices.
The
Proof 1870 quarter eagle is a tremendous rarity in all grades and only an estimated 10 to 12 survivors are known from a mintage of just 35 examples. Researcher
John Dannreuther notes that the first delivery of 25 coins occurred on February 3, while the remaining 10 coins were delivered on June 1. The obverse die was used to strike both the 35 Proofs and the 4,520 circulation-strikes for the year, and very few coins exhibit strong cameo contrast. In addition, most examples are found in grades of Proof-65 and below due to cabinet friction and other imperfections.
Stack’s Bowers is delighted to showcase an incredible Proof-66 DCAM (PCGS) in our March 2021
The
Proof 1897 Indian cent is an underrated rarity among the late dates from this series. From a mintage of 1,938 pieces, 731 were intended for sale in conjunction with the year’s silver Proof sets, while the remaining 1,207 examples went into minor coin Proof sets. Today, the Proof 1897 cent is most often found in grades up to Proof-64, with many having been cleaned or mishandled over the past century. Gems are sold at auction only a couple of times per year, and those with any traces of Cameo contrast are incredibly rare.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is delighted to feature a truly special Proof-67+ Deep Cameo (PCGS) CAC 1897 cent in our