Features

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.