Million-Dollar Rarities in Heritage’s ANA Auctions

The 1879 Liberty Head “Quintuple” Stella (Proof [PR]-64+ Deep Cameo PCGS) from the celebrated Bob R. Simpson Collection surpassed the previous auction record of $2.16 million, set at Heritage last year. One of just five known examples, including one in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, the so-called metric double eagle (gold $20) is closely associated with the famous $4 Stellas of 1879 and 1880, but it is considerably rarer. The offered coin also once was part of the collection of legendary numismatist Virgil Brand.

An 1879 Coiled Hair Stella (PR-67 Cameo NGC) from the Tacasyl Collection realized $1,891,000. One of only 14 examples known, the 1879 Coiled Hair Stella ranks among the rarest and most valuable issues in American numismatics. Traditionally included among patterns but embraced by collectors of regular U.S. gold coinage as well, the issue combines formidable rarity with a celebrated design and an extraordinary history. This example is tied for the finest certified of this magnificent coin, which is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.

A magnificent 1824/1 Capped Head Left quarter eagle (gold $2 1/2) (PR-67 PCGS) pedigreed to the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection reached $1,494,500. The 1824/1 quarter eagle is elusive even as a business strike, while proof examples are virtually unobtainable. Only two proof specimens have been confirmed, and one resides permanently in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. This example is the only proof certified by a leading grading service, making the Superb Gem an extraordinary opportunity for advanced collectors of early U.S. gold.

Another landmark pattern from the Simpson Collection established an auction record when the unique 1876 Liberty double eagle (PR-64+ Cameo PCGS, CAC) climbed to $1,403,000 in its first auction appearance since the 1980s. With just one specimen known, this piece is an ultimate stopper for collectors of U.S. patterns; even such legendary collections as those formed by Major Lenox Lohr, Harry W. Bass Jr., and Dr. J. Hewitt Judd lacked the issue. The transitional gold pattern, created in connection with design changes to the Type Three format during the nation’s centennial year, made just its third auction appearance ever in this event.

Rounding out the auction’s million-dollar results was an 1880 Coiled Hair Stella (PR-64 Cameo PCGS) that realized $1,189,500. The rarest of the four Stella varieties, the 1880 Coiled Hair issue is represented by 10 known examples. Like its 1879 counterpart, the 1880 Coiled Hair Stella is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.