Southern Gold Society

News Release

Rare 1830 Templeton Reid Gold Coin Headlines Stack’s Bowers Auction

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The Southern Gold Society is thrilled to share news of an extraordinary opportunity for collectors of Territorial gold coins. Stack’s Bowers Galleries has announced the upcoming auctions of selections from the renowned James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, featuring 28 Territorial gold coins, many with provenances tracing back to numismatic auctions from the 1910s through the 1940s. This remarkable offering includes a standout piece: the 1830 Templeton Reid $2.50 gold piece, a rare and historic example of the first private coinage struck from native gold in the United States.

1830 Templeton Reid 250 gold piece.

The 1830 Templeton Reid $2.50 gold piece, graded PCGS AU-58 CAC CMQ, is a cornerstone of this collection. Last seen publicly in Henry Chapman’s 1924 sale of the Arthur Nygren Collection, this coin represents a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. Templeton Reid, a Georgia assayer, produced these coins during the early days of the Southern gold rush, making them a tangible link to the pioneering spirit of the era. Graded highly and certified by both CAC and CMQ, this piece is a must-see for collectors of Southern and Territorial gold.

Half of the Territorial coins in this offering hail from the collection of Hillyer Ryder, a numismatist better known for his work in colonial coinage but whose world-class assemblage of U.S. Federal and Territorial gold is equally impressive. These coins, unseen on the market for decades, offer a rare chance to acquire pieces with impeccable pedigrees and historical significance.

The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, valued at over $20 million, is one of the most significant U.S. coin collections ever assembled. Stack’s Territorial gold holdings, including the Templeton Reid piece, will be showcased in two upcoming auctions by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, scheduled for December 2025 and February 2026 at their Griffin Studios in Costa Mesa, California. Highlights of the collection, including freshly graded coins by PCGS, will be revealed in the lead-up to the August 2025 American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Oklahoma City, where collectors can view a more complete display at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries booth.

For Southern Gold Society members and Territorial gold enthusiasts, this auction represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire rarities like the 1830 Templeton Reid $2.50 gold piece. Stay tuned for updates from Stack’s Bowers Galleries via their e-blasts, social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), and at www.stacksbowers.com.

Historic Reunion of 1844-O Proof Gold Coins at ANA World’s Fair of Money

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In a remarkable event for numismatists, the unique 1844-O $5 and $10 Proof Gold Coins, minted in New Orleans, will be reunited for the first time in over a century at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Oklahoma City, August 19-23, 2025. These extraordinary rarities, last owned by the same collector at the 1890 Parmelee auction, will be displayed at GreatCollections’ tables 901/1000 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.

GreatCollections, the Irvine-based rare coin auction house, facilitated the sale of both coins to a single collector, now part of the prestigious Elite Collection, one of the finest assemblies of U.S. numismatic rarities. While the sale prices remain undisclosed, the coins will be insured for $15 million during the event. Their historical significance is amplified by their believed purpose: minted to honor a visiting dignitary, a rare occurrence for proof coins struck at branch mints like New Orleans, marked with the distinctive “O” on the reverse.

1844-O $5 Proof Gold Coin
1844-O $10 Proof Gold Coin

These coins boast a storied provenance. Once part of the famed Parmelee Collection, they were acquired by William H. Woodin in 1890. The $10 Gold Eagle later joined Virgil Brand’s collection in 1911, while the $5 Half Eagle passed through Waldo Newcomer and King Farouk’s renowned collections. The 1844-O Liberty Gold Eagle, graded PCGS Proof-65 DCAM, resurfaced in the 1990s, while the Half Eagle, graded PCGS Proof-67 DCAM with CAC approval, remained elusive until its quiet appearance around 2021. Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, noted the Half Eagle’s reemergence went unnoticed in numismatic circles, allowing their team to pursue its acquisition discreetly to reunite the pair.

David Akers, a respected numismatist, described the Half Eagle as “virtually perfect,” comparing its quality to the finest proof Liberty Head half eagles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Both coins rank #45 in Jeff Garrett’s 100 Greatest U.S. Coins, underscoring their significance. Notably, these rarities are absent from the Smithsonian’s otherwise comprehensive collection of the era.

Southern Gold Society members attending the ANA World’s Fair of Money are encouraged to visit GreatCollections’ tables to view these extraordinary coins. For more details, contact GreatCollections at 1-800-442-6467 or email info@greatcollections.com.

Record-Breaking Sale of the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle

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The 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle, AU58 PCGS, Winter 1, has made history by achieving a record-breaking price of $690,000 at Heritage Auctions’ February 27-March 2 Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature® Auction. This exceptional coin, part of the Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles, surpassed its previous record of $576,150 set in 2008, reaffirming its status as a premier rarity in the Liberty double eagle series.

1856-O Liberty Double Eagle Obverse
1856-O Liberty Double Eagle Reverse

The 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle, known for its exceedingly low mintage of just 2,250 coins, is regarded as one of the most coveted pieces in American numismatic history. Once part of the renowned collection of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., this coin is the third-finest known example of the issue, making it an extraordinary addition to any collection.

Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, aptly commented, “This record is a fitting result for such a magnificent coin coming from such an exceptional collection. It’s an exceedingly rare coin that understandably drew major interest from serious double eagle collectors on its way to this record result.”

While the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle stole the spotlight, it was far from the only standout in this incredible auction. Numerous other rare and historical coins, including the finest known examples of the 1836 P$1 Name Below Base and the 1896-S Liberty Eagle, also set new auction records. Among these, the 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle and the 1850-O Double Eagle from the Mississippi Collection also commanded impressive results, with the latter reaching $132,000—an all-time high for this specific variety.

How exciting to see such record-breaking achievements in the world of rare coins, as these extraordinary pieces continue to highlight the lasting value and historical significance of the Liberty double eagle series and other iconic U.S. gold coinage. For more information and complete auction results, visit HA.com/1381.

Discovering the History and Trade of Precious Metals

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The Southern Gold Society is pleased to present The Data Mine of Gold: A Comprehensive History of Gold, Platinum & Silver Trade, a remarkable study by coin and precious metals expert David Yawn. Drawing from over 40 years of experience in the coin and precious metals markets, Yawn offers an unparalleled exploration of the history, uses, and global impact of gold, platinum, and silver.

In this meticulously compiled work, readers are taken on a journey through the centuries—tracing the perilous quests for gold that shaped human history, from ancient settlements to modern industry. Yawn’s study delves into topics ranging from the practical uses of gold and its role in world finance to counterfeit detection and the inner workings of the Federal Reserve Bank’s gold vaults. With engaging historical anecdotes and insightful analysis, this study is both a treasure trove of knowledge and an invaluable resource for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts alike.

Highlights of the Study Include:

  • The history and influence of gold in early trade and industry
  • Banking, gold reserves, and the evolution of the gold standard
  • Counterfeit detection techniques and the rise of fake gold bars
  • Platinum’s unique role and other fascinating facts about precious metals

This comprehensive guide concludes with a detailed appendix and a credentials overview of David Yawn, affirming his dedication to impartiality and his commitment to the interests of coin collectors and sellers.

We invite you to explore this rich repository of knowledge and share in Yawn’s lifelong passion for the world of precious metals.

Click here to download the PDF of The Data Mine of Gold

Note: This work is shared with the express permission of the author. Reprinting or use is prohibited without prior written consent and attribution.

The 1849-C Open Wreath Gold Dollar in the Bruce S. Sherman Collection

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The numismatic world will soon focus its attention on the 2025 FUN US Coins Signature Auction #1380, where one of the most extraordinary coins in U.S. history, the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar, will take center stage. This rarity, graded MS62 by PCGS, is the finest-known specimen of its kind, embodying the pinnacle of rarity and historical significance in American coinage.

1849-C G$1 Open Wreath Obverse
1849-C G$1 Open Wreath Reverse

This coin is part of the celebrated Bruce S. Sherman Collection, a numismatic achievement renowned for its exceptional quality and representation of some of the rarest coins in U.S. history. Bruce Sherman, a noted money manager, philanthropist, and chairman of the Miami Marlins, has curated a collection that speaks volumes about his passion for history and his drive for excellence. His collection will debut at the January 2025 auction, with more selections to follow in April at the CSNS US Coins Signature Auction.

Struck at the Charlotte Mint during the initial year of the gold dollar denomination, the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar tells a unique story. The design, featuring an open wreath reverse, was the first iteration of the newly authorized gold dollar, born of the California Gold Rush. However, Mint Director Robert M. Patterson criticized the design’s high borders and other features, prompting an early switch to the “Closed Wreath” design.

Before this change, the Charlotte Mint produced only a small number of Open Wreath gold dollars. Of the 11,634 gold dollars struck at Charlotte in 1849, no more than 125 featured the Open Wreath design. Today, just five examples are known to survive, making this coin the rarest gold dollar ever struck by any U.S. mint.

The offered specimen’s pedigree is as remarkable as its rarity. It first appeared reliably in the numismatic record as part of the Richmond Collection in 2004, where it realized $690,000—a record at the time for any gold dollar. Earlier mentions in auction catalogs and numismatic literature, such as the Belden Roach Collection sale in 1944, have led to speculation about its earlier ownership, but the historical record remains incomplete.

As the only Mint State example of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar, graded MS62 by PCGS, this coin’s prooflike surfaces and sharp details set it apart from its counterparts. Its unmatched condition and storied history make it an essential piece for any collector of rare U.S. coinage.

For Bruce Sherman, coin collecting has always been about more than rarity or value. It has been a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and a way to preserve history. “I’m captivated by the history and the story behind each coin,” Sherman explains. His collection, replete with rarities like the 1894-S Barber dime and a 1792 copper disme, reflects his deep appreciation for the narratives coins carry.

This January, the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar will pass from Sherman’s stewardship to a new collector, ready to carry its legacy forward. The coin, along with the rest of Sherman’s collection, represents not just a triumph of numismatics but a celebration of the stories that define American history.

For more information about this coin and other offerings in the auction, visit Heritage Auctions.

NGC-certified Gold Coins from Dahlonega Mint in August Sale

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Stack’s is offering some of the rarest issues that came out of the Georgia gold rush.

1840-D $2.50
1840-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle obverse.

Stack’s Bowers is offering a selection of vintage US gold coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) that were struck at the Dahlonega Mint, which was active in Georgia from 1838 to 1861. Online bidding for the Global Showcase Auction will begin on August 23, 2022.

The second largest Gold Rush in US history began in 1829, along the northern regions of Georgia. Nine years later, the boom led to the establishment of the Dahlonega Mint, which only produced gold coins until its doors closed in 1861. By the 1840s, gold became scarce, and prospectors headed west, chasing another gold find located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains — the California Gold Rush.

One of the stunning NGC-certified offerings in the sale is an 1840-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, declared the finest known issue. The metal used to make this coin was found along Dukes Creek, one of the first locations that yielded gold. With deep strikes and exquisite detail, this particular coin is graded NGC MS 62, the highest graded example recorded in the NGC Census.

1840-D $2.50 Reverse
1840-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle reverse.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale include:

  • an 1853-D Gold Dollar graded NGC MS 62
  • an 1858-D Gold Dollar graded NGC AU 58
  • an 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 50
  • an 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC XF 45
  • an 1841-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61 and pedigreed to the Pittman Collection
  • an 1843-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61
  • an 1843-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61
  • an 1843-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1843-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC VF 30
  • an 1844-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC XF 45+
  • an 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 55
  • an 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC XF 45
  • an 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 55
  • an 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC XF 45
  • an 1850-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1851-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC XF 40 and pedigreed to the Suwannee River Collection
  • an 1855-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 58
  • an 1854-D Gold Three-Dollar graded NGC VF 30
  • an 1842-D Liberty Head Small Date Half Eagle graded NGC AU 55
  • an 1842-D Liberty Head Small Date Half Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1842-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC XF 40
  • an 1843-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC VF 35
  • an 1844-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1846-D/D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC XF 40
  • an 1847-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC MS 63
  • an 1850-D Liberty Half Eagle graded NGC VF 30
  • an 1852-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC AU 53
  • an 1852-D Liberty Half Eagle graded NGC XF 45
  • an 1852-D Liberty Half Eagle graded NGC XF 40
  • an 1853-D Liberty Head Half Eagle graded NGC XF 40