With 28 of the top 30 highest-selling coins recognized by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), 2024 had record-breaking deals in the numismatic sector. This continues the long-existing pattern of PCGS-graded coins leading the auction market and maintaining their reputation as the gold standard for coin grading and authentication.
The fact that PCGS is ready to get involved in high-profile agreements as it celebrates its 40th anniversary reveals how much collectors and dealers consider the service. PCGS holders frequently buy the best and rarest coins because of the company’s high grading standards and worldwide market awareness.
PCGS Market Dominance in 2024
PCGS President Stephanie Sabin expressed pride in the company’s continued success, saying:
“We’re proud of these results not just because of the great sums our coins have brought at auction but also their market dominance. PCGS-graded coins have always represented the biggest share of the top-hammering coins for years now, and we noticed that again in 2024. It goes to show the great trust that collectors and dealers alike place in our company and services, and it highlights the fact that the best coins always end up in PCGS holders.”
With 28 out of 30 of the highest-selling coins graded by PCGS, the company solidified its position as the leading grading service in the numismatic industry. Each auction house attracted great bids on historic and extremely rare coins during the sales, that were held over many auctions, including Stack’s Bowers Galleries, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections.
The complete list of the top 30 coins sold at auction in 2024, with their values, grades, and auction details, can be considered below.
Top 30 Coins Sold at Auction in 2024
#1. Undated (1652) NE Threepence – $2,520,000
- Grade: PCGS XF45
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: November, 2024
- Description: This extremely rare coin from the colonial era represents one of the first American currency types. Collectors have a strong desire for the “NE” (New England) style.
#2. 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle – $1,440,000
- Grade: PCGS AU55
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: November 2024
- Description: The Carson City Mint is famous for producing some of the rarest U.S. coins. This Double Eagle is among the best examples.
TIED #3. 1850 Baldwin and Co. $10 – $1,260,000 (3rd place)
- Grade: PCGS MS63+
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: November 2024
- Description: A rare California Gold Rush-era coin struck by Baldwin & Co., known for its unique design and historical value.
TIED #3: 1855 $50 Kellogg and Co. Fifty Dollar – $1,260,000 (3rd Place)
- Grade: PCGS PR64CAM
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date: January 2024
- Description: One of the most iconic private-issue gold coins from the Gold Rush era, known for its big size and superior design.
#5. 1860 $5 Large Planchet Half Eagle – $1,140,000
- Grade: PCGS PR64+DCAM
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date: January 2024
- Description: It is the best example of the rare Judd-271 design coin with excellent deep cameo contrast.
#6. 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle – $1,080,000
- Grade: PCGS PR62
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: August 2024
- Description: A rare, out-of-date Capped Head Left Half Eagle is valued because of its historical importance.
#7. 1851 $5 Schultz and Co. Five Dollar – $1,020,000
- Grade: PCGS MS62
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date: January 2024
- Description: A key coin from California’s private gold-issuing period, extremely scarce in high grade.
#8. 1868 $10 Liberty Head Eagle – $930,000
- Grade: PCGS PR66CAM
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date: January 2024
- Description: A stunning proof issue with strong cameo contrast, rarely seen in such high condition.
#9. 1779 (1789) John Stewart at Stony Point Medal – $900,000
- Grade: PCGS MS62
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: March 2024
- Description: A military medal of honor given for bravery in the American Revolution.
TIED #10. 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella (Flowing Hair) – $840,000
- Grade: PCGS PR67DCAM
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: March 2024
- Description: A highly desired pattern coin, known for its experimental denomination and stunning proof quality.
TIED #10. 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle – $840,000
- Grade: PCGS AU50
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: March 2024
- Description: Another key issue from the Carson City Mint, is heavily desired by collectors.
#12.1863 $10 Liberty Ten Dollar – $810,000
- Grade: PCGS PR64CAM
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: May 2024
This 1863 $10 Liberty Ten Dollar is a unique and historic coin from the Civil War era. It is struck as a Judd-349, Pollock-421 pattern coin, it represents an experimental design not intended for widespread circulation.
#13. 1876-CC 20 Cent Piece – $690,000
- Grade: PCGS MS65
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: August 2024
The 1876-CC 20-cent piece is one of the rarest and most desired coins from the Carson City Mint and this PCGS MS65 specimen is among the finest examples.
#14. 1881-O Morgan Dollar – $660,000
- Grade: PCGS PR64
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: November 2024
A true numismatic rarity, the 1881-O Morgan Dollar PCGS PR64 example is one of the best known, showcasing stunning mirrored fields and frosted devices.
#15. 1795 $10 Gold Eagle (13 Leaves) – $600,000
- Grade: PCGS MS64+
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: May 2024
The 1795 $10 Gold Eagle is an iconic coin of early American coinage, one of the first gold coins struck by the U.S. Mint. The PCGS MS64+ grade signifies exceptional preservation for a coin nearly 230 years old..
#16. 1907 Indian Gold Eagle (Rolled Edge) – $589,500
- Grade: PCGS MS65+
- Auction House: GreatCollections
- Date Sold: February 2024
The 1907 Indian Head $10 Gold Eagle (Rolled Edge) is one of the most famous and beautiful coins in U.S. history designed by the legendary Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This PCGS MS65+ example is combination of rarity, artistry, and historical importance.
#17. 1794 1C Head of 1794 (Double Struck) – $588,000
- Grade: NGC MS66BN
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date: August 2024
- Description: This early large cent is a rare double-struck variety, producing it highly desirable among early copper collectors.
#18. 1878 Pattern Half Eagle – $576,000
- Grade: PCGS PR65+CAM
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date Sold: August 2024
This unique gold pattern (Judd-1570, Pollock-1764) has a reeded edge and was struck as an experimental design. The high-contrast proof surfaces and deep cameo finish helped this rare piece achieve $576,000 at auction.
#19. 1887 Liberty Head Double Eagle – $528,000
- Grade: PCGS PR65+DCAM
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date Sold: November 2024
This 1887 Liberty Head $20 Double Eagle is a rare treasure with only a few proof examples survivin,. The deep cameo contrast and superb preservation in PR65+DCAM made it a standout, selling for $528,000.
#20. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – $511,875
- Grade: PCGS MS65+
- Auction House: GreatCollections
- Date Sold: February 2024
One of the most famous Buffalo Nickel varieties, the 1918/7-D overdate is highly sought after. This MS65+ example is among the finest known, driving its final price to $511,875.
#21. 1975 Roosevelt Dime No S – $506,250
- Grade: PCGS PR67
- Auction House: GreatCollections
- Date Sold: October 2024
A true modern rarity, this 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime was mistakenly struck without the mintmark. With only a few known, this high-grade example brought an astonishing $506,250.
#22. 1804 $10 Gold Eagle (Judd-34) – $504,000
- Grade: PCGS PR64
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: January 2024
A legendary early U.S. gold pattern, this 1804 $10 Gold Eagle (Judd-34, Pollock-46) is a key piece of numismatic history. Its rarity and historical significance helped it achieve $504,000.
#23. 1893-S Morgan Dollar – $444,000
- Grade: PCGS MS63
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: January 2024
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is the rarest regular-issue Morgan in mint-state condition. This MS63 example is an exceptional survivor, commanding $444,000.
#24. 1794 Liberty Cap Large Cent – $432,000
- Grade: PCGS MS64BN
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: January 2024
This 1794 Large Cent (S-18b, Head of 1793, Edge of 1794) is an important transitional design. With a near-gem grade, it realized $432,000.
#25. 1892 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – $429,750
- Grade: PCGS MS67
- Auction House: GreatCollections
- Date Sold: April 2024
This superbly preserved MS67 example of the 1892 $20 Liberty is among the finest known, selling for $429,750.
#26. 1870-CC Liberty Head Eagle – $420,000
- Grade: PCGS AU55
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date Sold: August 2024
A rare early Carson City gold piece, this AU55 example of the 1870-CC $10 Eagle saw heavy circulation, making high-grade survivors extremely valuable. It sold for $420,000.
TIED #27. 1893 Liberty Head $20 Double Eagle – $408,000
- Grade: PCGS PR65DCAM
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: May 2024
This Deep Cameo Proof $20 Liberty from 1893 is a rare find. The stunning contrast and high preservation pushed it to $408,000.
TIED #27. 1877 $50 Half Union (Judd-1549) – $408,000
- Grade: PCGS PR67BN
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Date Sold: January 2024
One of the most famous U.S. pattern coins, the 1877 $50 Half Union was never issued for circulation. This PR67BN example achieved $408,000 due to its historical value and extreme rarity.
TIED #27. 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle – $408,000
- Grade: NGC AU50
- Auction House: Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- Date: August 2024
- Description: A key-date quarter eagle from the San Francisco Mint, extremely rare in all grades.
#30. 1871-CC Liberty Gold Double Eagle – $395,438
- Grade: PCGS MS61
- Auction House: GreatCollections
- Date Sold: August 2024
The 1871-CC $20 Liberty is a key date from the Carson City Mint. This MS61 example is one of the better-preserved survivors, earning $395,438 at auction.
The Only Two Non-PCGS Coins in the Top 30
While PCGS dominated 28 of the top 30 sales, there were two significant exceptions graded by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company):
Conclusion:
The 2024 auction maintains PCGS‘s reputation as the leading coin-grading company in the market. PCGS is still the best option for investors and collectors who want trust market value, and authenticity since it has verified 28 of the top 30 buying coins.
PCGS-graded coins are expected to keep dominating top auctions as long as the numismatic business continues to grow, ensuring that the best examples bring record-breaking bids in the future.