On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the numismatic community witnessed a truly historic event. Two sessions of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Summer Global Showcase Auction combined to realize an astounding nearly $31 million in sales.
The auction drew collectors, investors, and enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing why Stack’s Bowers remains a leader in rare coin auctions.
- The first session featured the collection of famed rock star Rick Springfield, a gathering of high-quality and historically important pieces that appealed to both music fans and numismatists alike.
- The second session, known as the firm’s Rarities Night presentation, was the highly anticipated highlight of the showcase. It brought together superb Morgan Dollars, rare gold issues, and unique pattern coins—all of which drove spirited bidding.
This dual-session format created a perfect storm of excitement, pushing values higher and setting multiple records in the process.
The Two Record-Setting Lots
The top lot of the day was shared by two remarkable pieces—one silver and one gold—both commanding incredible attention and each realizing $720,000.
- Lot 3140: This was the single finest known 1901 Morgan Dollar, graded MS-66 by PCGS with a CMQ designation. Its spectacular condition and rarity combined to set an all-time record price for the date, further cementing the 1901 Morgan Dollar as one of the most coveted rarities in U.S. numismatics.
- Lot 3386: This lot features a 1870-CC Double Eagle, graded AU-50 by PCGS, a piece that ranks among the finest known examples of this rare first-year issue from the Carson City Mint. Its historical significance and quality helped it match the Morgan Dollar in value, making it another headline result of the evening.
(All prices include the buyer’s premium.)
Prestigious Collections Represented
One of the defining features of this sale was the representation of named collections, which brought pedigree and history to many of the lots. These included:
- Chicago Collection
- Floyd T. Starr Collection
- Hough Family Collection
- Illinois Set
- Iron Eagle Collection
- John D. Miner Collection
- Julian Korein Collection
- PentaMint™ Collection
- Seven Lions Collection
- Warwick Collection
Each of these collections added depth and credibility to the auction. Many coins coming from these pedigreed groups achieved record-shattering prices, proving once again that provenance plays a crucial role in the numismatic marketplace.
Global Participation and Bidding Activity
“Significant collections of United States gold coins and patterns led to very active and strong bidding from across the globe,” said Brian Kendrella, president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
“Even more impressive is how deep the pool of collectors truly is.”
The auction floor, online platforms, and phone lines were all buzzing with energy. Collectors from multiple continents battled for ownership of these treasures, making it clear that the U.S. coin market is more global than ever.
This global participation not only pushed values higher but also underscored the international appeal of rare American coinage, particularly when tied to storied collections.
Reactions from Consignors and Market Observers
Mr. Kendrella further emphasized the remarkable outcome of the sale:
“Not only were we amazed by the strength of the sale, but our consignors were floored with the results,” he said.
- The quality of the offering was exceptional, and the market took note immediately.
- Competition for certain lots extended for several minutes, with multiple bidders online, in the room, and on the phone battling until the hammer fell.
- This extraordinary level of participation drove prices well beyond estimates, with an astonishing 72 coins breaking into six-figure territory.
For many consignors, the results exceeded expectations, confirming both the resilience of the rare coin market and the prestige of Stack’s Bowers Galleries as the auction house of choice for world-class numismatic material.
Key Highlights from Rarities Night
The Rarities Night session was filled with notable sales across different series, ranging from early copper issues to pattern rarities. Below are some of the standout results:
Early Copper and Classic Dimes
- Lot 3007: 1793 Flowing Hair Cent, Wreath Reverse, AU-55+ (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). This Condition Census Clarke-Naftzger-Weinberg Specimen realized $66,000.
- Lot 3031: 1837 Capped Bust Dime, JR-2, Specimen-64 (NGC). Believed to be unique, this dazzling coin realized $72,000.
Half Dollar Highlights
- Lot 3067: 1806/5 Draped Bust Half Dollar, MS-63 (PCGS, CAC). From the famed Newcomer-Green-Bareford-Richmond Collection, it realized $50,400.
- Lot 3068: 1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar, AU-58 (PCGS, CAC). The finest known from these dies, realized $60,000.
- Lot 3077: 1872-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar, MS-66+ (CACG). This exceptional piece realized a record $30,000.
- Lot 3087: 1936-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar, MS-67 (PCGS, CAC, CMQ-X). A beautifully toned Superb Gem, it set a new record at $38,400.
Silver Dollar Achievements
- Lot 3099: 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, AU-58 (NGC). Brought a robust $66,000, a 33% increase from its 2021 auction price.
- Lot 3119: 1880/79-S Morgan Dollar, MS-68 (PCGS, CAC). A top-graded specimen that realized $40,800.
- Lot 3145: 1927-S Peace Dollar, MS-65+ (PCGS, CAC). This phenomenal gem realized $38,400, a record for its grade.
Gold Rarities and Historic Records
- Lot 3231: 1881 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, Proof-67 DCAM (PCGS, CAC). A stellar Pop-Top Superb Gem realized $96,000, far exceeding the previous 2013 record of $62,250.
- Lot 3247: 1857 Three-Dollar Gold Piece, Proof-66 DCAM (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). One of only six confirmed examples, from the Floyd T. Starr Collection, realized a world record $336,000.
- Lot 3254: 1866 Three-Dollar Gold Piece, Proof-66+ DCAM (PCGS, CAC, CMQ-X). The finest known Starr coin, off the market since 1958, sold for $264,000.
- Lot 3265: 1878 Three-Dollar Gold Piece, Proof-67+ Cameo (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). The single finest known example, acquired by Starr in 1937, realized $348,000.
- Lot 3267: 1880 Three-Dollar Gold Piece, Proof-68 DCAM (PCGS). The highest graded Proof $3 gold piece, smashed records at $312,000.
- Lot 3279: 1858 Three-Dollar Gold Piece, Proof-65+ Cameo (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). The Trompeter specimen realized $192,000, surpassing the prior record by $90,000.
- Lot 3309: 1858 Liberty Head Half Eagle, Proof-66 DCAM (PCGS, CMQ). The second finest of five known sold for a world record $502,000, double the 2023 record.
- Lot 3350: 1898 Liberty Head Eagle, Proof-67 DCAM (PCGS, CAC). Ex-Simpson Collection, brought a record $216,000.
- Lot 3355: 1908 Indian Eagle, Sandblast Proof-67 (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). Realized $186,000, a record for the grade.
- Lot 3410: 1898 Liberty Head Double Eagle, Proof-64 DCAM (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). Sold for a strong $180,000, a new grade record.
- Lot 3416: 1907 Liberty Head Double Eagle, Proof-66+ Cameo (NGC). A final-year proof realized $288,000.
- Lot 3417: 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Wire Rim Double Eagle, MS-67 (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). A majestic Superb Gem sold for $312,000.
- Lot 3430: 1912 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, Proof-65 (PCGS, CAC, OGH). A wholly original Gem realized a record $204,000.
Patterns and Private Coinage
- Lot 3455: 1867 Pattern Five Cents, Proof-66 Cameo (NGC). Unique in private hands, brought $72,000.
- Lot 3471: 1877 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar, Proof-65 (NGC). The Garrett specimen set a record at $52,800.
- Lot 3473: 1877 Pattern Half Dollar, Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS, CAC). One of only four known, realized $90,000, nearly doubling the prior record.
- Lot 3474: 1877 Pattern Half Dollar, Proof-64 DCAM (PCGS, CAC, CMQ). Finest of three known in silver, sold for $55,200.
- Lot 3477: 1879 Pattern Washlady Quarter Dollar, Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS, CAC). Realized a new all-time record of $38,400.
- Lot 3486: August Bechtler $1 Gold, MS-64 (PCGS). Tied for finest certified, realized a record $33,600, more than double the prior auction record.
Auction Overview
“These highlights show strength across many areas,” said Brian Kendrella, president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “Feedback from consignors and bidders has been very positive. We look forward to the remainder of the 2025 auction schedule, as additional important properties are set to cross the block.”