Multiple Coins in Record-Setting Auction Sell for almost 9.8 Million.
Five historic U.S. coins, with a combined face value of just $7.35, were projected to realize $8 million, outperforming and bringing in a total of $9,798,750 in GreatCollections’ flagship auction held January 18th, 2026. Check the Prices realized below.
Collectors recognize these five coins as true trophies of early U.S. numismatics. Their extraordinary rarity, exceptional condition, and legendary pedigrees place them among the most important survivors of America’s earliest coinage.
Notably, they have resided in some of the most celebrated collections of all time, including those of King Farouk of Egypt, Virgil Brand, and Colonel E.H.R. Green.
- The 1796 Dime stands as the finest pre-1800 silver coin ever issued for circulation, having somehow survived in virtually pristine condition.
- Next, the Wright Quarter Pattern represents a historically significant and often underappreciated trial design for what could have become America’s first quarter dollar.
- The 1794 Silver Dollar, from the inaugural year of issue, appears lightly circulated yet displays exceptional eye appeal.
- Following that, the famed 1795 Silver Dollar, known as the Bullowa example, ranks as the finest known of its variety and captivates viewers with its extraordinary toning.
- Finally, the 1798 Half Eagle (Small Eagle) represents one of the rarest early U.S. gold issues. It remains the finest of only a handful known in private hands and remains missing from nearly all major collections.
Together, these five coins anchored a GreatCollections auction featuring thousands of certified coins and banknotes.
“It could be many years before coins of this caliber return to the market,” said Ian Russell, President of GreatCollections. “This auction represents a truly unique opportunity, and every one of these coins will sell unreserved.”
1796 Draped Bust Dime PCGS MS-68 (CAC Green)
Sold For $1,406,250
- Incredible Quality
- Single Finest 18th Century Silver Coin
- First Year of Issue
It is difficult to comprehend how a dime struck in its first year of issue could survive in such extraordinary preservation, appearing almost as though it were recently minted. This coin stands as the single finest pre-1800 silver or gold coin known today and represents a cornerstone acquisition for advanced collectors of early U.S. coinage, type sets, and first-year denominations.
Although it already holds the highest distinction possible, viewing the coin in hand easily suggests the potential for an even loftier technical assessment. The piece displays attractive original toning, magnificent luster, and a bold, well-centered strike.
Ron Howard, Director of PCGS Grading and member of the PCGS Board of Experts, stated:
“My favorite regular-issue U.S. coin is the coin PCGS graded MS 68. It is, in my opinion, unmatchable for its combination of originality, preservation, and historic numismatic significance.”
This offering marks only the second auction appearance in nearly four decades. When it last appeared at the 2014 ANA sale, it realized $793,125, a result that underperformed relative to comparable examples offered shortly beforehand. As a result, the coin appears poised to surpass the seven-figure mark when it crosses the block at GreatCollections on January 18.
Ex: FUN Sale 1/1988; unknown intermediary; ANA Auction 4/2014; Private Collector; Present Consignor at GreatCollections.
Pattern 1792 Wright Eagle on Globe Quarter Judd-12 PCGS SP-63 BN (CAC Green)
Sold For $2,947,500
- Unique in Private Hands
- Underrated Early U.S. Pattern
- Featured in the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins Book
The Wright Quarter Pattern Judd-12 stands among the true Holy Grails of early U.S. numismatics. Produced alongside the experimental 1792 coinage—including cents, half dismes, and dismes—this pattern notably lacks a stated denomination. The design is attributed to Joseph Wright, who functioned as the de facto engraver of the early Mint despite never receiving formal appointment.
Historical correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and George Washington confirms Wright’s role, with Jefferson directly referring to him as “engraver.”
Across its documented 160-year pedigree, this coin has appeared at public auction only five times. Its most recent appearance in 2015 realized $2,232,500, selling to noted dealer Kevin Lipton. In discussions with GreatCollections in 2022, Lipton described the issue as significantly undervalued relative to other trophy coins of the era and “not appreciated by the market to the level of importance.”
Only one additional example exists, and that piece is damaged, circulated, and permanently housed within the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
Ex: Edward Cogan 1863; Bushnell 1882; Lorin G. Parmelee 1890; H.P. Smith; DeWitt Smith; Virgil M. Brand; J. Hewitt Judd; Abe Kosoff 1962; Donald Groves Partrick 2015; Kevin Lipton; GreatCollections; Elite Collection; Private Collector; Present Consignor.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar B-1 BB-1 PCGS AU-50 (CAC Green) (Toned)
Sold For $911,250
- First Year of the Silver Dollar
- Pedigree Traced to 1907
- A Holy Grail of United States Coins
This example offers superior visual appeal compared to many higher-graded counterparts, as it lacks the adjustment marks commonly seen on other survivors of this inaugural issue. Additionally, attractive blue and gold toning around the peripheries further enhances its desirability.
Regardless of collecting focus, this coin commands centerpiece status in any advanced cabinet. Moreover, considering the prices achieved by Mint State examples in 2025, this piece represents exceptional value.
When Henry Chapman sold the coin in the 1907 Stickney Collection auction, he wrote extensively on its rarity and importance, noting that he had rarely encountered an 1794 dollar outside of major collections despite examining tens of thousands of lots.
Ex: Matthew A. Stickney 1907; Major Richard Lambert 1910; Colonel E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman 2014; GreatCollections; Private Collector; Present Consignor.
1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar B-7 BB-18, 3 Leaves PCGS MS-66 (CAC Green) (Toned)
Sold For $1,811,250
- Most Attractive Early Silver Dollar
- From Bullowa’s Personal Cabinet
- Extraordinary Quality and Eye Appeal
The Bullowa Dollar has earned legendary status for every possible reason. Those who view the coin in person consistently express awe. During its initial weeks at GreatCollections, staff members repeatedly examined the coin under varying light and magnification, each time confirming its unmatched visual appeal.
The coin displays razor-sharp detail, perfect centering, and vivid blues and purples across the central devices, framed by a surrounding band of golden toning. Beneath this color, proof-like surfaces and an exceptional strike have led some specialists to suggest specimen status, though the coin’s beauty speaks clearly on its own.
Legendary dealer Catherine Bullowa reportedly purchased the coin uncertified in the 1960s for $25,000 and retained it in her personal cabinet for decades. When her collection crossed the block in 2005, still raw, the coin realized $1,265,000.
Ex: Catherine Bullowa 2005; D. Brent Pogue 2015.
1798 Capped Bust Right Gold Half Eagle, Small Eagle BD-1 PCGS AU-55
Sold For $2,722,500
- Single Finest Outside Museums
- Major Rarity of Early U.S. Gold
- Featured in the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins Book
At one time, the 1798 Small Eagle Half Eagle ranked as the most valuable U.S. coin, setting a record with a $3,000 realization in 1912—a result that generated headlines nationwide. For perspective, forty years later, another example brought $6,000, while an 1804 Proof Gold Eagle realized $2,500 in the same sale.
Ron Guth of PCGS CoinFacts wrote:
“The 1798 Small Eagle $5 is one of the rarest of all regular-issue United States Coins… it is simply a low-mintage $5 gold piece struck in 1798 that went directly into circulation and all but disappeared.”
Decades can pass between auction appearances of this issue. In total, only eight examples are known, including two permanently held by the Smithsonian. Even today, the coin remains absent from many major collections.
Ex: Caldwell (PA); Col. James W. Flanagan 1944; Weihman; King Farouk of Egypt 1954; Baldenhofer; John H. Murrell; Goliad/Brownlee 1979; D. Brent Pogue 2015; Bruce Sherman 2025.
Those coins are truly stunning!
Wowwwwwwwwwwwww, give me some.
Bust dime hit it big
That’s why I bought a remake of the flowing hair dollar from the us mint!
Wow!
Beautiful coins
Awesome
If I ever own a million dollar coin it would have been purchased for much less or found somehow.
American history is revealed in our coins.
Wow! The level of design & tooling craftmanship in that time in US history is still amazing. Even more so is how these examples escaped virtually unscathed for over 200 years.
Would love to be able to bid on the Quarter,one of the most beautiful designs.
Great info
Very interesting.
Amazing coins that are just too high for my collection.
Awesome
Glad they brought the flowing hair back. Still think it is horrible what the US Mint did auctioning the gold privy version. At least the silver privy they allowed it to be random
Absolute treasures from the early days of the Philadelphia mint!
Those coins are just truly beautiful!
Very nice!!!
Beautiful coins. Wish I could get one.
Certainly a beautiful classic design!
Man they just really don’t make coins the way they used to so stunning
Stunning
Another great informative article !!
Awesome coins! The value of some of those is just mind boggling!
Such beautiful coins!
Nice article. With great examples of the pieces talked about.
I would love to own any early American coin. These coins are absolutely amazing.
Great patina on some of the coins!!!
Out of my price range; but soooo beautiful to look at. Amazing to know there are coins like this out there!
I have the new Flowing hair coin, but what i would do to have the original!
Stunning and way out of my price range.
These would be some great additions
I would love to have these in my personal collection!
Draped bust coins were great.
wow very interesting
The 1798 Half Eagle (Small Eagle) is probably my favorite of the bunch
These coins are amazing
oh to be a millionaire ………
AMAZING CONDITION ON THESE COINS.
Be cool to own any one of those. Old currency is way better looking than any new.
Amazing coins!!
I’d love to see a commemorative coin with Ben Franklin on the front and a turkey on the back.
very exiting and valuable comments here.