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NGC 1894-S Barber Dime, 1794 Dollar Each Realize Over $1 Million in Stack’s Bowers Sale

NGC 1894-S Barber Dime, 1794 Dollar Each Realize Over $1 Million in Stack’s Bowers Sale

Two vintage US coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) each realized more than $1 million in a Stack’s Bowers auction on December 17, 2020. An NGC-certified example of the legendary 1894-S Barber Dime realized $1,440,000, while an NGC-certified 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar realized $1,050,000 as part of the Larry H. Miller Collection sale.

The 1894-S Barber Dime is among the most treasured rarities of US numismatics. Only 24 examples of the 1894-S Barber Dime were struck by the San Francisco Mint and just nine are known to exist today, including two that are heavily circulated. The example that just realized $1,440,000 is graded NGC PF 65 – only one point shy of tieing for the status of finest graded – and is also pedigreed to the famous Eliasberg Collection.

Various possible explanations have been offered about why so few were minted. Some believe that the San Francisco Mint struck the dimes for assay purposes, anticipating a larger order that never materialized. Other theories are that they were made to create an even-dollar amount for a bullion account, or that they were struck to use up a small amount of silver left over from damaged or obsolete US coins that had been melted down.

The most fantastic tale is known as the “ice cream” story, which recounts that a high-ranking San Francisco Mint official struck them for banker friends. Supposedly, he also gave three to his daughter, instructing her to set them aside for years. Unaware of their numismatic value, the child quickly spent one of them on a dish of ice cream.

Also generating spirited bidding at the auction was the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 62 that realized $1,050,000. This coin is a particularly high-grade example of the first silver dollars struck by the newly established United States Mint. Only about 130 of the inaugural 1794 issue are known to survive today, from an original mintage of 1,758.

Their design demonstrates how US coinage evolved rapidly in the Mint’s initial years of operation. For instance, the earliest dollars featured a relatively modest eagle, which was quickly replaced with a more impressive rendering.

As a testament to the depth of the Larry H. Miller Collection, another nine NGC-certified coins achieved results of at least $100,000. In addition to being an enthusiastic coin collector, Miller was a philanthropist and the owner of the Utah Jazz professional basketball team until his death in 2009.

“The Larry H. Miller Collection demonstrates a level of excellence that few have been able to achieve,” said Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer. “The tremendous results of the coins in this sale — most of which were graded by NGC — once again emphasize the value of our services. NGC certification inspires confidence in bidders at all levels, including those competing for ultra-rarities like these.”

Other NGC-certified highlights include:

Prices realized include the buyer’s premium.
 

Numismatic Guaranty Company
Numismatic Guaranty Company
NGC was founded in 1987, and for coin grading, its opening heralded the introduction of a new standard of integrity. From the beginning NGC focused on only one objective, a standard of consistent and accurate grading. As NGC has grown to become the leader in third-party grading services, we have maintained a steadfast and uncompromising commitment to this standard. The knowledge, integrity and dedication of NGC's team of grading experts ensures you a level of grading consistency unparalleled among grading services. This record of consistency, built over the years, has helped to foster greater stability throughout the rare coin marketplace.

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