Southern Gold Society

Features

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.

Review of “Growing Pains” in The Numismatist

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The article “Growing Pains” by Nancy Oliver and Richard Kelly, published in the May 2025 issue of The Numismatist (pages 52-53), offers a detailed look at the early challenges faced by the Charlotte Mint in North Carolina from 1838 to 1861. Drawing from National Archives records, the authors outline equipment failures, such as a leaking zinc roof and broken rollers, and personnel issues, including conflicts between Superintendent John Hill Wheeler and Assayer John H. Gibbon. A notable discovery is the discrepancy in the 1838 Charlotte half eagle mintage, reported as 12,886 coins by the mint but listed as 17,179 in the Red Book, suggesting this coin is rarer than previously thought. The article also highlights operational delays, such as sulfuric acid breakage and inadequate water supply, which hindered coining. This engaging account of the Charlotte Mint’s early struggles and its eventual success in producing gold coins will captivate Southern Gold Society members interested in regional numismatic history.

1838-C $5 Gold Coin
Rare 1838-C $5 Gold Half Eagle from the Charlotte Mint, with a mintage discrepancy—reported as 12,886 by the mint but listed as 17,179 in the Red Book, hinting at its true rarity. Image credit: PCGS Coin Facts.

Reference: Oliver, Nancy, and Richard Kelly. “Growing Pains.” The Numismatist, May 2025, 52-53.

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.

Revised Edition of The Early Years of the Louisiana Mint, 1837-1861

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The revised edition of The Early Years of the Louisiana Mint, 1837-1861 by Richard G. Kelly and Nancy Y. Oliver, recently brought to the Southern Gold Society’s attention through correspondence with the authors earlier this year, is available on the Newman Numismatic Portal here. This expanded 158-page treatise builds on the original 75-page version, first noted in our December 5, 2023 post, offering a richer exploration of the New Orleans Mint’s formative years.

This comprehensive work incorporates newly acquired archival records from the Philadelphia Archives, addressing gaps in the initial edition. Drawing from Mint Record Group 104, handwritten letters, and records from the National Archives in Philadelphia and College Park, Maryland, with contributions from numismatic researchers Robert Julian and Roger Burdette, the authors have crafted a detailed chronological narrative. Their two-year research effort, supplemented by contemporaneous newspapers and Newman Portal resources, vividly captures the Mint’s construction, workforce, and coinage production during this pivotal era.

Kelly and Oliver, also known for their work on the San Francisco Mints, have donated this revised edition to the Newman Numismatic Portal, ensuring free access for all. Their dedication extends to ongoing research, including a Charlotte Mint treatise where they’ve uncovered a corrected 1838 half eagle mintage of 12,886 pieces, not 17,179 as listed in the Red Book. This commitment to accuracy underscores their contributions to numismatic scholarship.

Southern Gold Society members and numismatic enthusiasts are encouraged to explore this work here. Additionally, a class on New Orleans coinage is scheduled for the 2025 ANA Summer Seminar (see the 2025 Summer Seminar Catalog, class no. 16). This revised edition is a testament to the authors’ dedication and a treasure for anyone interested in America’s numismatic heritage.

Southern Gold Society to Host Annual Gathering at GNA Coin Show

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The Southern Gold Society is pleased to announce its annual gathering, set to take place during the Georgia Numismatic Association (GNA) Coin Show at the Dalton Convention Center. This special event is open to ALL show attendees, and everyone with an interest in numismatics is invited to join.

The gathering will be held on Friday, April 11, at 2:00 p.m., providing an engaging and social setting for collectors and enthusiasts of Southern gold coinage.

This year’s event features a keynote presentation by Jeff Garrett, one of the nation’s foremost experts in U.S. numismatics. Garrett will delve into the Southern gold coins of the Great Kentucky Hoard, an extraordinary discovery of more than 700 Civil War-era gold coins found in Kentucky. His talk will explore the historical context, rarity, and significance of these coins, making this a must-attend event for anyone fascinated by numismatic history.

1851-O Eagle
1851-O $10 Liberty, NGC AU55 – A stunning gold coin from the Great Kentucky Hoard, a remarkable Civil War-era treasure discovered in Kentucky.

The Southern Gold Society is dedicated to fostering thoughtful discourse on Southern gold coins in a relaxed, gentlemanly setting. The annual gathering is not just for members—it is open to EVERYONE at the show! This is a prime opportunity for attendees to connect, share knowledge, and appreciate the rich history of numismatics in a welcoming environment.

As one of the premier numismatic events in the Southeast, the GNA Coin Show attracts collectors, dealers, and experts from across the country. The Southern Gold Society enthusiastically invites ALL show attendees to participate in this unique event and join the lively discussion on one of the most intriguing numismatic finds in recent history.

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.