Auction Highlights

We are excited to see the auction action of 2022 unfold, especially coming off of a record-breaking 2021 during which many significant coins crossed the block. Many more great coins are sure to trade hands this year for strong prices, too. In the meantime, here are some highlights of coins and banknotes that were recently sold for big bucks.

1886 Morgan Dollar Die Cap, PCGS MS64

This dramatic die cap error shows the Morgan Dollar obverse design on both the obverse and reverse. The edge of the coin also has a high curved rim, making it look like an ashtray. The reverse prominently displays the obverse design but is offset. The legends on the reverse of the coin, including the date, are all easily visible, they are just revealed backward. Major Morgan Dollar errors are highly scarce, especially errors of this magnitude. Yet, one graded PCGS MS64 appeared in a January 2022 GreatCollections offering, where it realized $160,312.

1968 Proof No S Roosevelt Dime, PCGS PR69

This modern scarcity was the first United States proof coin ever produced without containing its intended mint mark. Making the 1968 Proof No S Dime even more special is that it is considered one of the scarcest Proof No S coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint to date. At PCGS, we have graded only 33 examples in total across all grades. Examples of this coin don’t appear at auction often, yet a PCGS PR69 example sold at Heritage Auctions in December 2021 and fetched a handsome $45,600. No other examples have been graded higher than PCGS PR69, and according to PCGSCoinFacts.com, this is the only time a PCGS PR69 specimen has sold at auction.

1918 $500 Federal Reserve Note Minneapolis FR-1131-I, PCGS AU50

This 1918 $500 Banknote hails from the Minneapolis District and is believed to be one of only two 1918 $500 Banknotes from that jurisdiction, making it extremely rare. On the obverse of the banknote is a portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, the front of the banknote also boldly and elegantly displays the prominent blue serial numbers and Treasury seal. The reverse showcases the famous scene of Hernando de Soto exploring the Mississippi. Overall, the note is in great condition, showing very few traces of wear and boasting full details all around. It’s a very attractive piece, especially for such a rare issue. The example that Stack’s Bowers Galleries recently sold at auction was assigned a grade of PCGS About Uncirculated 50 and took an impressive $50,400.