Five U.S. Coins Bring 7 Figures in $67 Million+ Heritage ANA Auctions

Scandinavian gold rarities also command exceptional results DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT DALLAS, Texas (Sept. 8, 2026) — The finest-certified example of one of the greatest rarities in the U.S. pattern series sold for a record $2,562,000 to lead Heritage’s Aug. 31-Sept. 5 ANA U.S. Coins Signature® Auction to $39,918,268. That result, when added to Heritage’s $26,415,000 Sept. 1-5 World & Ancient Coins Auction and the $850,798 Physical Cryptocurrency featuring The Otoh Collection, Part VIII World Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction, raised the total for the world’s leading numismatic auctioneer’s ANA events to $67,184,066. The 1879 Liberty Head Quintuple Stella, Judd-1643, Pollock-1843, Low R.7, PR64+ Deep Cameo PCGS from the celebrated Bob R. Simpson Collection surpassed the previous auction record of $2.16 million, set at Heritage last year. One of just five examples traced, including one in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, the so-called Metric double eagle is closely associated with the famous four-dollar stellas of 1879 and 1880, but it is considerably rarer. The offered coin also once was part of the enormous collection of legendary numismatist Virgil Brand. “This is the kind of rarity that commands attention whenever it reaches the market, and the opportunity to acquire the finest-certified example is extraordinary,” says Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Coming from the celebrated Bob R. Simpson Collection only adds to its significance. It is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history and exactly the caliber of coin collectors have come to expect from this collection and from Heritage Auctions.” The auction produced five seven-figure results, including $1,891,000 for an 1879 Coiled Hair Stella, Judd-1638, Pollock-1838, JD-1, R.6, PR67 Cameo NGC from the Tacasyl Collection. One of only 14 examples traced, the 1879 Coiled Hair stella ranks among the rarest and most valuable issues in American numismatics. Traditionally included among patterns but embraced by collectors of regular U.S. gold coinage as well, the issue combines formidable rarity with a celebrated design and an extraordinary history. The example in this auction is tied for the finest certified of this magnificent coin, which is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. A magnificent 1824/1 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle, BD-1, JD-1, PR67 PCGS pedigreed to the legendary Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection reached $1,494,500. The 1824/1 quarter eagle is elusive even as a business strike, while proof examples are virtually unobtainable. Only two proof specimens have been confirmed, and one resides permanently in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. This example is the only proof certified by either of the leading grading services, making the Superb Gem an extraordinary opportunity for advanced collectors of early U.S. gold. Another landmark pattern from the Simpson Collection established an auction record when the unique 1876 Liberty Double Eagle, Judd-1490, Pollock-1643, PR64+ Cameo PCGS. CAC climbed to $1,403,000 in its first auction appearance since the 1980s. With just one specimen known, Judd-1490 is an ultimate stopper for collectors of U.S. patterns; even such legendary collections as those formed by Major Lenox Lohr, Harry W. Bass, Jr. and Dr. J. Hewitt Judd lacked the issue. The transitional gold pattern, created in connection with design changes to the Type Three format during the nation’s centennial year, made just its third auction appearance ever in this event. Rounding out the auction’s million-dollar results was an 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, Judd-1660, Pollock-1860, JD-1, Low R.7, PR64 Cameo PCGS that realized $1,189,500. The rarest of the four stella varieties, the 1880 Coiled Hair issue is represented by 10 traced examples. Like its 1879 counterpart, the 1880 Coiled Hair stella is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. A number of additional numismatic treasures rewrote the auction record book. The finest-known 1897-S Liberty Double Eagle, MS67 PCGS. CAC soared to $390,400, smashing the previous auction record of $60,375 established in 2005. The former Eliasberg coin, reportedly obtained through the Clapp estate after originally being purchased directly from the Mint at face value in 1897, made only its second documented auction appearance. It remains housed in its late-1980s PCGS holder and, by virtue of its CAC endorsement, is considered the finest known example of the issue. A unique early gold rarity, the 1797 Small Eagle Half Eagle, 16 Stars, BD-4, High R.8, AU58+ PCGS brought $317,200. The coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts and serves as the plate coin in Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, A Study of Die States 1795-1834. Known to collectors since the 19th century but not properly identified as a distinct gold half eagle variety until 1972, it remains one of the great rarities of the early half eagle series. An 1884 Liberty Double Eagle, JD-1, R.6, PR64 Cameo NGC established a new auction record at $268,400, edging past the previous mark of $264,500 set in 2006. The Philadelphia Mint struck no circulation double eagles in 1884 and produced just 71 proofs. Research by John Dannreuther indicates only 20 to 24 examples survive, three of which are held in museum collections. The offered coin features a sharp strike, strong Cameo contrast and an exceptional level of preservation for this scarce proof-only issue. One of the most unusual mint errors in the sale brought $219,600 when an 1860-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar indented by a half dime planchet and accompanied by the matching half dime planchet crossed the block in its inaugural auction sale. The two planchets entered the half dollar press together, creating a remarkable mated pair that has remained intact since 1860. Each piece would qualify as a major error on its own; together, the New Orleans Mint pair represents an extraordinary survival from the eve of the Civil War. The Bolt Collection of Proof Lincoln Cents also produced a record when its 1914 Lincoln Cent, PR68+ Red PCGS. CAC reached $195,200, surpassing the previous record of $126,500 set at Heritage in 2008, and becoming one of the highest prices ever realized at auction for any proof Lincoln cent. It is the sole finest proof Lincoln cent of the 1909-16 period and the only 1914 proof cent to receive the PR68+ designation from PCGS. With a reported proof mintage of just 1,365 pieces, the 1914 issue was produced during a period when proof Lincoln cents were unpopular with collectors because of their visual similarity to circulation strikes. More than a century later, the extraordinary preservation of this example distinguishes it as one of the most important proof Lincoln Wheat cents available to collectors. Complete results can be found at HA.com/1396. World & Ancient Coins DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT An exceedingly rare Christian IV gold 10 Ducat (Portugaloser) 1623 AU53 NGC sold for $561,200 to lead the World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction. The Christian IV 10 Ducat, struck at the Glückstadt Mint during a reign that spanned nearly six decades, is believed to be one of just four surviving examples, including one in the National Museum of Denmark and another in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Adding to its appeal is a melting pot countermark on the reverse that guarantees the purity of the gold. The Glückstadt issue is readily identifiable by its figure of Fortuna, an allegorical reference to the literal meaning of the town’s name, “Luck City.” “Scandanavian coins have experienced a surge in popularity among serious collectors — a trend that was fully on display in this auction,” says Kyle Johnson, Heritage’s Managing Director of World & Ancient Coins. “Many collecting segments enjoyed unrivaled success in the auction, and I am glad to see Scandinavian rarities like these receive the attention they deserve.” Scandinavian rarities commanded many of the auction’s highest prices, including $512,400 for a Frederik III gold 10 Ducats (Portugaloser) ND (1668-1669) MS63★ NGC. One of the marquee offerings heading into the auction, the monumental 34.46-gram coin combines semi-reflective surfaces with lightly frosted, intricately engraved devices and no discernible weakness of strike or wear. Only one other example of the type is known, and it resides in the National Museum of Denmark. Also finishing at $488,000 was a Christian IV gold Sovereign (3 Guilder) 1608 MS62 NGC from the Elsinore Mint. The type is extraordinarily elusive, with virtually no registered public auction appearances beyond this specimen from the Bruun Collection. Its sharply struck devices and flashes of orange-peel luster distinguish an exceptional survivor of an early 17th-century gold denomination that itself is seldom encountered. Russian gold also reached $390,400 when a Nicholas II gold Proof 25 Roubles (2-1/2 Imperials) 1896 PR61 NGC found a new home. Just 300 were originally struck to commemorate the coronation of Czar Nicholas II, with undoubtedly fewer surviving today. The large-format type frequently reaches the market impaired, making a problem-free Proof such as this fully mirrored, boldly struck example especially notable. A George II gold Proof 5 Guineas 1729 PR63 NGC achieved $329,400. Any Proof struck during the reign of George II should be celebrated, but especially so at the largest gold denomination of 5 guineas. Its mirrored fields and Choice Proof preservation suggest a coin produced for a special purpose or presentation, while its distinguished provenance adds to its significance. The Vila Rica Collection of Brazilian Gold Coins, Part II produced another major result when a João VI gold Ingot of Mato Grosso 1818 Genuine NGC realized $317,200. Weighing 139.50 grams — more than four ounces — the bar is an exceptional survivor of a form of wealth that largely disappeared as Brazilian gold bullion was melted and converted into coinage. Of just 20 surviving Mato Grosso bars cataloged by Prober, 13 are in museum collections across Brazil and Portugal and three were stolen from Brazil’s National Historic Museum in 1939 and are believed to have been melted, leaving only four that potentially remain in private hands. Prober studied this very piece in 1940, when it belonged to Brazilian businessman Guilherme Guinle, builder of Rio de Janeiro’s famed Copacabana Palace Hotel. A Magnentius (AD 350-353). AV medallion of 3-solidi (34mm, 13.38 gm, 1h). NGC AU★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style soared past pre-auction estimates when it closed at $268,400. Magnentius was presented as a champion of the common people, a role reflected in this gold multiple. The reverse legend also carries a populist message, celebrating the liberation of the state from the tyranny of the sons of the House of Constantine, and was struck to celebrate his entry into Aquileia in late AD 350 or early AD 351. Records were set throughout the event, including among the extraordinary Latin American coins that were a centerpiece of the auction. A Philip V “Milled” 8 Reales 1732 Mo-F MS61 NGC from the Grundy Collection of Latin American and Spanish Coins’ established an auction record for the date at $207,400. The first date in the celebrated Pillar Dollar series, the 1732 issue introduced one of the world’s most recognizable coin types. Although a 1728 royal decree authorized circular coinage in the Spanish realm, the first Pillar 8 Reales were not struck at Mexico City until March 29, 1732. The design subsequently spread through the Spanish colonies, and the coins circulated extensively throughout the Americas and the young United States. Ancient coins also produced a significant record when a Macedonian Kingdom Philip II gold stater, a late posthumous issue struck at Colophon under Philip III Arrhidaeus circa 322-319 BC, realized $158,600 — an auction record for the type. Graded Choice MS★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style by NGC and offered from The Randy & Nancy Best Collection, the coin features a distinctive portrait of Apollo whose features depict Alexander III the Great. Its flashy surfaces and well-centered strike complement an issue produced during the unsettled period following Alexander’s death in Babylon. Another record emerged from the Vila Rica Collection when a Maria I & Pedro III gold 1600 Reis 1780-B MS64 NGC reached $91,500, an auction record for the denomination. A first-year issue from the Bahia Mint, the coin combines an important date with a remarkable state of preservation. Mint State examples of these small Brazilian gold issues are exceptionally difficult to locate, and the offered MS64 is considered the finest known. A War of Independence rarity from Zacatecas climbed to $56,120, setting an auction record for any Zacatecas 8 Reales. The Ferdinand VII “L.V.O.” 8 Reales 1810 AU55 NGC is one of the earliest provisional issues associated with this pivotal period and is immediately recognizable by the Cerro de la Bufa and El Grillo hills above the initials “L.V.O.” The 1810 issue was produced for only two months, helping account for its exceptional scarcity. NGC’s census includes just five examples, with only one graded finer. The Grundy Collection produced another record when a Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1808 So-FJ MS61 NGC from the Santiago Mint sold for $26,840, the highest price at auction for the date. The “imaginary” military bust issue is rarely encountered, particularly in Mint State. The catalog description notes only one other auction appearance of the date and type in the previous two decades, an AU58 example Heritage handled in 2011. Complete results can be found at HA.com/3135. Cryptocurrency DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT Two loaded physical Bitcoins each realized $85,400 to lead Heritage’s Sept. 3 ANA Physical Cryptocurrency featuring The Otoh Collection, Part VIII World Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction to $850,798. A BTCC titanium Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2016 MS69 Antiqued NGC reached $85,400. Part of BTCC’s V Series, the issue was struck in aerospace-grade titanium and features softly lustrous surfaces and a vibrant hologram. The coin was loaded before Bitcoin’s second halving in July 2016, when miners still earned 25 BTC per block, linking the physical token to an earlier period in Bitcoin’s history. The example was accompanied by its original red box and product leaflet. Kialara’s “FOMO” Conceptual Post-it® Art Note, serial number 01 of 12, made its first appearance at public auction and realized $10,980. The work consists of a Maxfield-signed and numbered Post-it® note accompanied by an irrevocable IOU promising redemption for $1,000 despite an original issue price of $500. The concept intentionally places the owner between two choices: redeem the note and extinguish the artwork, or retain the object and forgo the guaranteed gain. As the inaugural example in the edition, the sale marked the project’s first moment of public price discovery and extended the work’s themes of value, trust, speculation and collector psychology into the auction itself. A Polymerbit x Zetra “1206/NOTE” Unloaded (Unfunded) 2026 Cold Storage Document Gem UNC 66 PPQ PCGS, the inaugural serial 01 out of only 21 and part of a collaboration between Polymerbit, the renowned producer of Bitcoin, brought $2,074. Complete results can be found at HA.com/3140. Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, Geneva, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Heritage also enjoys the highest Online traffic and dollar volume of any auction house on earth (source: SimilarWeb and Hiscox Report). The Internet’s most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has more than 2,000,000 registered bidder-members and searchable free archives of more than 7,000,000 past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit. For breaking stories, follow us: HA.com/Facebook and HA.com/Twitter. Link to this release or view prior press releases . Hi-Res images available: Steve Lansdale, Senior Public Relations Specialist 214-409-1699; SteveL@HA.com