PCGS Graded 23 of Top 25 Most Expensive United States Coins Sold in 2020

Jan 8, 2021 |

The 23 Coins Include Rare 1894-S Barber Dime That Sold For $1.44 Million And Crossed Over to PCGS

(Santa Ana, California – January 8, 2021) – With 2020 officially behind us, Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) is once again on top when it comes to grading almost all the top 25 most valuable most coins sold at public auction during the past year. Having graded 23 of the 25 most valuable coins to cross the auction block in 2020, that number represents an increase of two PCGS-graded top-priced coins from the previous year’s count of 21 in 2019. It also includes the crossing of a graded rarity that sold for $1.44 million and was in a holder from another grading service.

The sales data compiled here derives from the seven top auction companies, which include Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, Legend Rare Coin Auctions, GreatCollections, Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams. A complete list of the top 25 most valuable coins sold in 2020 can be found online at https://www.pcgs.com/top-selling-coins-2020.

The Top 25 of 2020 list includes:

  1. Stickney / Eliasberg Specimen 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, Class I PCGS PR65 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $3,360,000, 12/20/2020 (PCGS Cert #0001804)
  2. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS MS65+ – sold by Heritage Auctions for $2,160,000, 1/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #37543118)
  3. F.C.C. Boyd Specimen 1854-S Liberty Head Half Eagle, PCGS AU58+ – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $1,920,000, 3/20/2020 (PCGS Cert #28572787)
  4. 1894-S Barber Dime Branch Mint Proof, PCGS PR66 – sold by Heritage Auctions for $1,500,000, 9/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #40323817)
  5. Berg / Garrett Specimen 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, Class III PCGS PR55 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $1,440,000, 3/20/2020 (PCGS Cert #38997237)
  6. Eliasberg Specimen 1894-S Barber Dime Branch Mint Proof, now PCGS PR65+ – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $1,440,000, 12/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #41477463)
  7. Olsen / French Specimen 1885 Trade Dollar, PCGS PR64 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $1,320,000, 3/19/2020 (PCGS Cert #38607296)
  8. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, NGC MS62 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $1,050,000, 12/17/2020
  9. Col. Green / Kern / Carter / Miller Specimen 1849 Mormon $10, PCGS AU53 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $840,000, 12/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #6565696)
  10. 1886-O Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS67DMPL – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $780,000, 11/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #4884183)
  11. George Bodway / Jack Lee / Larry H. Miller Specimen 1884-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS68 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $750,000, 11/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #7455496)
  12. Hayes / Whitney / Gardner Specimen 1796 Draped Bust Dime, PCGS SP67 – sold by Heritage Auctions for $750,000, 9/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #40323766)
  13. 1896-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS69 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $720,000, 11/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #04884181)
  14. Eliasberg Specimen 1795 Draped Bust Dollar Off-Center Strike, PCGS MS66 – sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions for $705,000, 10/8/2020 (PCGS Cert #11777144)
  15. 1796 Draped Bust Dollar, Small Date Small Letters, PCGS MS65 – sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions for $705,000, 10/8/2020 (PCGS Cert #25011756)
  16. 1907 High Relief-Wire Edge Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, NGC PR69 – sold by Heritage Auctions for $660,000, 9/18/2020
  17. Parmelee Specimen 1793 Flowing Hair Wreath Reverse, Strawberry Leaf PCGS VG10 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $660,000, 8/6/2020 (PCGS Cert #12952855)
  18. Stickney / Clapp / Eliasberg 1807 Draped Bust Quarter, PCGS MS67 – sold by Heritage Auctions for $630,000, 11/19/2020 (PCGS Cert #40274315)
  19. 1892-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS68 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $630,000, 11/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #07455547)
  20. Lord St. Oswald Specimen 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar, Three Leaves Silver Plug, PCGS MS65+ – sold by Heritage Auctions for $630,000, 9/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #40323794)
  21. 1893-S Morgan Dollar, PCGS MS65 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $600,000, 11/12/2020 (PCGS Cert #3134219)
  22. 1808 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle, PCGS MS63 – sold by Heritage Auctions for $576,000, 9/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #40323808)
  23. 1907 Indian Eagle, Rolled Edge, PCGS MS67 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $576,000, 3/20/2020 (PCGS Cert #38634098)
  24. 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar, Two Leaves, PCGS MS65 – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $576,000, 12/17/2020 (PCGS Cert #4722363)
  25. Carter Specimen 1884 Trade Dollar, PCGS PR64+CAM – sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $552,000, 3/19/2020 (PCGS Cert #38553561)

“We’re proud that 22 of the 25 most valuable United States coins that crossed the auction block in 2020 were in PCGS holders,” says PCGS President Brett Charville. Adding to the 22 coins that exchanged hands with PCGS certification is the 1894-S Barber Dime, which crossed into a PCGS holder with a grade of PR65+. “The crossing of this seven-figure ultra-rarity to a PCGS holder only further underscores that the best coins are found in PCGS holders.”

The outstanding market performance of PCGS-graded coins during what was a most unusual year is something Charville says speaks to the confidence collectors and dealers alike have in PCGS holders. “The marketplace trusts the accuracy of our grading and security of our holders – benefits that the numismatic hobby has embraced since our company’s founding in 1986. Ultimately, PCGS provides maximum value, security, and liquidity for collectible coins.”

In addition to coins, PCGS also grades banknotes under its new PCGS Banknote service, which launched early in 2020. Other highlights from the year include the full rollout of innovative anti-counterfeiting Near-Field Communication devices in all PCGS holders, which help to further ensure collectors and dealers that the coins and banknotes in each holder are the ones described on their label. Another landmark in 2020 was the addition of the 20,000th member to the PCGS Collectors Club, which is now the nation’s second largest coin club. By the end of 2020, PCGS had also graded its 45 millionth coin.

“It’s been a challenging year for so many people,” remarks Charville. “But as we head into 2021, we are looking forward to what the new year will bring. PCGS will be marking its 35th anniversary, and we’ve got many exciting things planned to mark the occasion.”

About Professional Coin Grading Service

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 45 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of more than $41.7 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.

ANA College Scholarships Available to Young Collectors

Jan 8, 2021 | ,

Applications for college scholarships provided by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) are being accepted through March 12. The scholarship fund was established in 2014 to provide a graduating high school senior who is also a member of the ANA with $1,000 to use at the university, community college, or trade school of the student’s choice. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on numismatic merit and financial need.

The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, or supplies directly related to class requirements. Up to two scholarships may be awarded annually. Students with a full class schedule, who maintain a B average throughout their higher education, can receive the $1,000 scholarship up to four years.

ANA Scholarship“The ANA’s primary goal is education,” said Rod Gillis, the ANA’s education director. “Generally, students who are involved in numismatics are the best and brightest scholars. It stands to reason that we should do all that we can to invest in our members at such a critical time in their lives.”

Besides holding membership in the ANA, applicants must be a graduating high school senior with a cumulative grade-point average of at least a 3.0. The winning students may use the scholarship at any two- or four-year college, university, or trade school within the United States.

Two letters of reference must be sent on the applicant’s behalf. The authors of the references may not be family members. Reference letters must be submitted by the person writing the reference, not the scholarship applicant, and must be received at the ANA by March 12.

The first scholarship was graciously underwritten by Brian Fanton, ANA Education & Young Numismatist Committee Chair and former ANA Governor, and Walter Ostromecki Jr., ANA Governor and past President. Funds for future scholarships will be raised through donations.

Applications must be postmarked by March 12, 2020. Completed applications and references should be sent to:

ANA College Scholarship Committee
c/o Rod Gillis
818 N. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

For additional information, contact Rod Gillis via email at gillis@money.org or call (719) 482-9845.

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000-plus members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.

Strong 2020 Rare Coin & Banknote Market Despite Pandemic, Reports Professional Numismatists Guild

Jan 8, 2021 | ,

Over $419 million of historic U.S. rare coins and paper money sold at major public auctions in 2020

(Temecula, California) January 6, 2021 – It was the year of pandemic-related cancelled coin shows, but 2020 still resulted in one of the strongest U.S. rare coin and paper money markets in recent years, according to a year-end survey of major auction houses conducted by the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org), a nonprofit organization composed of many of the country’s top rare coin and paper money dealers.

Based on responses to a PNG questionnaire, the aggregate prices realized for U.S. rare coins sold at major public auctions in 2020 totaled nearly $369 million. The aggregate total was $325 million in 2019; $345 million in 2018; and $316 million in 2017.

Major auction sales of U.S. banknotes in 2020 totaled $50.6 million bringing the combined aggregate auction sales of rare U.S. coins and paper money the past year to over $419 million. This was the first year PNG included banknotes in its annual survey.

“With most of the scheduled coin shows and conventions canceled after early March, much of the auction sales activity successfully moved online which already was a growing trend the past decade. Several major collections of high-quality coins and banknotes started coming to market in 2020 as previously planned, and as the pandemic intensified the market also provided liquidity for some collectors who needed cash,” said PNG President Richard Weaver. “This is the strongest rare coin market we’ve seen in years.”

Eight individual rare coins were purchased at auctions for $1 million or more in 2020. The top two were an 1804-dated Draped Bust Class I silver dollar graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Proof-65 sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries for $3,360,000 and a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ($20 denomination gold coin) graded PCGS Mint State-65+ sold by Heritage Auctions for $2,160,000.

1804 U.S. silver dollar

The most valuable U.S. rare coin sold at auction in 2020 was this 1804-dated silver dollar for $3,360,000. Photo courtesy of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

“While prices held steady or slightly declined during 2020 for some U.S. coins in easily available lower grades, more than 600 noteworthy coins that are among the finest known of their kind from early American to modern set price records at auctions. The emphasis was on historical significance and finest quality,” said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

Among the many notable examples of record-setters and price increases in the market was a 1907 High Relief, Wire Rim Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) Proof-69 sold by Heritage for $660,000. That same coin brought $573,300 in a 2013 auction.

Other noteworthy records included a Draped Bust 1796 quarter-dollar graded PCGS MS-64 sold by GreatCollections for $303,750, about 20% higher than its price guide value. A similarly graded one sold for $141,000 in 2015. An 1896 Morgan silver dollar graded PCGS MS-68 sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions in 2020 for a record $30,550; $5,550 higher than its price guide value at the time.

The two most valuable individual U.S. banknotes sold at auction in 2020 were an 1863 $100 Legal Tender Note graded by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) sold by Stack’s Bowers for $432,000 and a 1934 $10,000 Federal Reserve $10,000 Note graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ sold by Heritage for $384,000.

1863 U.S. $100 banknote

The most valuable individual U.S. paper money sold at auction in 2020 was this Civil War-era 1863 $100 Legal Tender Note for $432,000. Photo courtesy of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

Heritage sold a total of $183 million of U.S. rare coins and $33.5 million of U.S. banknotes at auctions in 2020, and Stack’s Bowers had $88.1 million in auctions of U.S. coins and $14.9 million in U.S. banknotes.

“The markets for collectibles have not merely survived the COVID-19 crisis, they have thrived. There is no doubt: collectibles are an asset class. A broad range of collectibles, including rare coins, banknotes, comic books and trading cards, have become highly liquid and fungible,” said Mark Salzberg, Chairman of Certified Collectibles Group, parent company of NGC (www.NGCcoin.com), the PNG’s official authentication and grading service.

In alphabetical order, the auction firms that responded to the PNG 2020 year-end questionnaire are: Bonhams (www.Bonhams.com); Early Cents Auctions (www.EarlyCentsAuctions.com); Fox Valley Coins (www.FoxValleyCoins.com); Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers (www.GoldbergCoins.com): GreatCollections (www.GreatCollections.com); Heritage Auctions (www.HA.com); Kagin’s (www.Kagins.com); David Lawrence Rare Coins (www.DavidLawrence.com); Legend Rare Coin Auctions (www.LegendAuctions.com); Scotsman Coin & Jewelry (www.scoin.com); Sotheby’s (www.Sothebys.com): and Stack’s Bowers Galleries (www.StacksBowers.com).

The Professional Numismatists Guild was founded in 1955, and its member-dealers must adhere to a strict code of ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.

For additional information and a list of PNG member-dealers, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call the PNG headquarters in Temecula, California at 951-587-8300.

Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Warns Feds About Online “Coin” Seller

Dec 23, 2020 | ,

(Temecula, California) December 23, 2020 — Promptly acting on a tip from a concerned collector, the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation’s (www.ACEFonline.org) Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) has notified law enforcement agencies and online shopping platform Amazon.com about a seller who is in apparent violation of federal laws involving reproductions of rare coins.

The seller using the name SeTing offered nine reproductions of coins and fantasy dates, but none of the accompanying coin images indicated any of the items were properly marked “COPY” as mandated by the Hobby Protection Act.

The offered items included replicas of a 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, an 1804 Draped Bust dollar and a 1915 Indian Head Quarter Eagle ($5). There was also a fantasy piece resembling a Trade Dollar but with the date 1791 and a Carson City mint mark that was identified by the seller as “Old Original Morgan Dollar.” Genuine U.S. Trade Dollars were struck from 1873 to 1885 and Morgan silver dollars were produced between 1878 and 1921.

Prices for the “coins” ranged from $2.99 to $3.29 plus an additional $3.98 shipping.

A hobbyist who saw the online listings sent a complaint about the seller to members of the American Numismatic Association Board of Governors, some former ANA officers, the United States Mint and to several numismatic publications and numismatic information websites. ANA Past President Gary Adkins forwarded the email complaint to former Texas Police Chief Doug Davis, ACEF Director of Anti-Counterfeiting.

“The timely ‘heads up’ tip from the concerned collector is greatly appreciated. These six items are in apparent violation of both the Hobby Protection Act and Title 18 of the U.S. Code involving counterfeiting and forgery of United States coins. The task force has reported the information to the appropriate federal agencies and Amazon,” said Davis.

“ACTF currently monitors over 200 websites and social media platforms selling counterfeit coins and precious metals across the country and around the world.

Intelligence information is forwarded to the Secret Service and Treasury Department Office of the Inspector General. ACTF also assists all levels of law enforcement in counterfeit case development for prosecution,” he explained.

“The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation is aggressively seeking legislation on the state level to provide local law enforcement officers with statutes seeking criminal penalties for the possession, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit coins and precious metals,” said ACEF Executive Director Robert Brueggeman. “However, to address these problems requires the support of the numismatic community. The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that operates solely upon donations.”

Monetary contributions can be made online at www.acefonline.org/donate or by check mailed to ACEF, 28441 Rancho California Rd., Ste. 106, Temecula, CA 92590. For additional information about donating, contact ACEF Executive Director Brueggeman at info@ACEFonline.org.

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