
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is thrilled to announce a remarkable consignment from a Texas gentleman that will feature in their highly anticipated February Showcase Auction, scheduled for February 4-5, 2025. The rare and historic coins in this collection, “The Property of a Texas Gentleman,” are designed to appeal to collectors and coin enthusiasts everywhere. The best-known of these is the famous $5 gold piece from the Pacific Company in 1849, which is a real gem of American numismatics.
The Iconic 1849 Pacific Company $5 Gold Piece
The centerpiece of this consignment is the 1849 Pacific Company $5 gold piece, graded AU58 by PCGS and approved by CAC and CMQ. This coin is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship but also a key artifact of the Gold Rush era. It stands as one of just a half-dozen known examples, with only four traceable today.
This particular coin boasts a provenance tied to some of the most prestigious collections in numismatic history, including:
- The Garrett Collection
- The Riverboat Collection
- Notable names like Kagin and David McCarthy
Out of the remaining examples:
- One resides permanently in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Another has remained in a private collection since its last auction appearance in 1987.
- The fourth, tragically, was stolen from the duPont Collection in 1967 and has never been recovered.
With no other examples expected to hit the market anytime soon, this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for specialists and collectors to own this remarkable piece of history.
A Legacy of Gold Rush Treasures

Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries, expressed his excitement, saying:
“After achieving a record-breaking $1.26 million sale of the Baldwin Horseman $10 in our November Rarities Night Auction, we are honored to present another world-class Gold Rush era gold coin. The Property of a Texas Gentleman also includes several early American coins of outstanding quality.”
Other exceptional highlights from this consignment include:
- A 1793 half cent graded MS65 BN by PCGS.
- A 1792 half disme, graded MS62 by NGC.
- 1795 dollars representing both the Flowing Hair (NGC MS64) and Draped Bust (NGC MS65) design types.
These coins, steeped in American history, further enhance the significance of this auction.
The Final Named Set from the Fairmont Collection

In addition to the Property of a Texas Gentleman, the auction will also feature a monumental offering from the Fairmont Collection. After nearly seven years of showcasing coins from this unparalleled accumulation of United States gold coins, the Riviera Set will be the final named set to receive its own catalog.
The Fairmont Collection is celebrated as the largest and most diverse collection of U.S. gold coins ever brought to market. The Riviera Set comprises more than 320 gold coins, including half eagles, eagles, and double eagles, spanning a wide variety of dates and mints. These coins represent series such as:
- Liberty Head
- Indian Head
- Saint-Gaudens
Each coin in the Riviera Set is fresh to the market, continuing the tradition of excellence associated with Fairmont Collection offerings.
Brian Kendrella reflected on the legacy of this collection, saying:
“It is a bittersweet moment. For nearly a decade, every time a selection of Fairmont Collection coins crossed the auction block, records were broken and numismatic history was made.”
How to Participate in the February Showcase Auction
The entire February 2025 Showcase Auction is now open for viewing and pre-sale bidding at StacksBowers.com. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of numismatics, this auction promises an incredible lineup of rare coins that you won’t want to miss.
To consign your coins to one of Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ showcase or online auctions, you can:
- Call: 800-458-4646
- Email: Consign@StacksBowers.com
Conclusion
The February Showcase Auction by Stack’s Bowers Galleries promises to be an extraordinary event, featuring museum-quality rarities and unparalleled treasures from both the Property of a Texas Gentleman and the Fairmont Collection. With these remarkable coins crossing the auction block, collectors have a unique chance to own pieces of American history.