Southern Gold Society

Auctions

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.

Rare 1859-O Seated Dollar Featured in Heritage Auction

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The upcoming Heritage Auctions Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction #1384, held July 17-20, 2025, presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors with Lot #3062: an 1859-O Seated Dollar graded MS64 by PCGS with CAC endorsement. This underrated O-Mint issue stands out for its bold cartwheel luster and high quality, making it a prized addition for Seated Liberty dollar enthusiasts.

1859-O Seated Dollar

The 1859-O, alongside the 1860-O, is often considered one of the more available dates in the Seated dollar series due to their mintages. However, this tells only part of the story. Large quantities of these New Orleans issues were stored in Mint bags at the Treasury for a century, with thousands released primarily between 1962 and 1964. Most of these coins suffered from bagmarks and graded in lower Mint State conditions due to prolonged handling and storage. Select Uncirculated examples like this MS64 are far scarcer, and near-Gem or finer pieces are exceptionally rare, highly coveted by series specialists.

This particular 1859-O dollar, identified as OC-1, R.1, Osburn-Cushing Die State c/e with a high mintmark, showcases silver fields and motifs with faint champagne-gold accents, complemented by bits of blue and amber-gold toning at the margins. Light abrasions are present, consistent with its Choice Uncirculated grade, but the CAC endorsement confirms its superior quality. PCGS reports a population of 29 in MS64 (3 in 64+), with only 4 finer, while CAC notes 6 in 64 and just 1 finer (as of 5/25).

Don’t miss this chance to acquire a standout piece from the Seated Liberty dollar series. For more details or to bid, visit the Heritage Auctions website for the Summer FUN Auction, Lot #3062.

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.

A Southern Gold Rarity: 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle

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For collectors of Southern gold coinage, few pieces command as much reverence as the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin represents the lowest mintage of any double eagle produced at that facility, with only 2,250 pieces ever made. Today, it stands as one of the most elusive and historically significant gold coins in American numismatics.

A Coin of Unmatched Rarity

Numismatic experts consistently rank the 1856-O among the premier rarities in U.S. gold coinage. Noted specialist Doug Winter describes it as the second-rarest Type One double eagle, behind only the 1861 Paquet Reverse. In addition, its overall scarcity surpasses even the esteemed 1854-O double eagle. Current estimates suggest that fewer than 40 examples exist across all grades, with two permanently housed in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection.

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

The Context of Its Mintage

The limited production of the 1856-O double eagle can be attributed to shifting economic and industrial factors. Prior to 1854, the New Orleans Mint processed significant amounts of California gold, transported via treacherous routes for striking into coinage. However, the opening of the San Francisco Mint in 1854 drastically reduced the volume of bullion reaching New Orleans. By 1856, gold coin production at the Southern mint had dwindled, and that year’s double eagle mintage was cut short in October due to structural renovations at the facility.

Surviving Specimens and Pedigree Highlights

Unlike many collectible gold coins, virtually all 1856-O double eagles saw circulation, with only one known to have been deliberately preserved at the time of issue. That specimen, originally kept by New Orleans Mint Superintendent Charles Bienvenue, remains the sole Uncirculated example, graded SP63 by PCGS. Most survivors, however, exhibit varying degrees of wear, a testament to their extensive use in commerce.

Over the years, some of the finest known examples have passed through prestigious collections, including that of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., the only collector to assemble a complete U.S. coin set by date and mintmark. The specimen offered in the upcoming Heritage Auctions event, graded AU58 by PCGS, ranks high within the Condition Census and represents an exceptional opportunity for advanced numismatists.

The 1856-O’s Numismatic Legacy

The significance of the 1856-O double eagle was not widely recognized until the 20th century, particularly after the Gold Recall of 1933. With gold bullion holdings restricted, collectors began appreciating the numismatic value of large-denomination gold coins. Its reputation as a landmark rarity grew, particularly following the discovery of the Baltimore Hoard in 1934, which included a single example of the elusive 1856-O.

Decades of searching have yielded few additional specimens. Many are believed to have been lost during the Civil War, as Confederate forces funneled Southern gold reserves abroad, where much of it was melted. Today, only a small handful of examples remain available for collectors, making any public offering a numismatic event of great significance.

An Extraordinary Opportunity for Collectors

The upcoming Heritage Auctions 2025 February 27 – March 2 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature® Auction #1381 presents a rare chance to acquire an outstanding example of this historic coin. With its exceptional pedigree, strong technical quality, and place in numismatic history, this AU58 specimen is sure to attract considerable interest.

For those interested in learning more about the fascinating history of this issue, watch Heritage Auctions’ detailed spotlight video on the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle:

Heritage Auctions. “1856-O $20 AU58 PCGS. Winter 1. Ex: Eliasberg.” 2025 February 27 – March 2 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature® Auction #1381, Lot #3384. Accessed February 2025. https://coins.ha.com/itm/liberty-double-eagles/1856-o-20-au58-pcgs-winter-1/a/1381-3384.s?type=YouTube-VLD-060215.

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.

Unveiling the Hidden Chronicles: The Charlotte Mint Working Volume

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Bound Volume of Mint Publications
Bound Volume of Mint Publications, Interleaved with Annotations for Use at the Charlotte Mint in Its Early Years.

In the latest edition of E-Sylum, Volume 27, Number 10, dated March 10, 2024, Len Augsburger, the Newman Numismatic Portal Project Coordinator, shares an intriguing report regarding a remarkable find from the Eric P. Newman collection. This report delves into a previously unknown working volume from the early days of the Charlotte Mint, a discovery of immense significance to numismatists and historians alike. Signed by the first Superintendent of the Charlotte Mint, John H. Wheeler, this volume contains meticulous documentation of the legislation surrounding the mint’s establishment, alongside extensive annotations. Its contents offer a unique glimpse into the operations and historical context of the Charlotte Mint during its formative years. To delve further into this captivating discovery and explore the world of Southern gold coins, read the full article available here.