Early U.S. Ultra Rarities to Fetch Big Sums at Auction

Five coins with a combined face value of $7.35 are expected to realize over $8 million in an online auction hosted by GreatCollections that ends on Sunday, January 18. These pieces are considered trophies of early U.S. numismatics due to their rarity and condition. They have belonged to some of the most important collectors of yesteryear, including King Farouk of Egypt, Virgil Brand, and Col. E.H.R. Green. 

The top five lots include:

• 1796 Draped Bust dime, graded Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Mint State (MS)-68 (CAC Green)
• 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar B-1, BB-1, PCGS About Uncirculated (AU)-50 (CAC Green) (Toned)
• 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar B-7, BB-18, 3 Leaves, PCGS MS-66 (CAC Green) (Toned) (Ex. Bullowa & Pogue Collections)
• 1798 Capped Bust Right half eagle (gold $5) Small Eagle, BD-1, PCGS AU-55 (Ex. Farouk & Pogue Collections)
• Pattern 1792 Wright Eagle on Globe quarter, Judd-12, PCGS Specimen (SP)-63 BN (CAC Green) (Ex. Parmelee, Brand & Judd Collections)

“The 1796 dime is the finest pre-1800 silver coin issued for circulation. Somehow it survived in absolute pristine condition,” says Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections. “The 1794 silver dollar—the first year of issue—is a lightly circulated example with superior eye appeal. The 1795 silver dollar—the famous Bullowa example—is the finest known but is also a ‘Wow!’ coin due to its glorious toning. In gold, the 1798 half eagle (Small Eagle) is the finest of only a few known in private hands and missing from almost all major collections. And finally, the Wright quarter pattern is an underappreciated and historic trial design of what could have been our first quarter.” 

These five coins are among thousands of certified coins and bank notes in the auction. All are being sold without reserves. “It could be many years before these coins appear on the market again, so this is a very unique opportunity,” says Russell. 

For more information about the sale, visit GreatCollections’s website.