Two NGC-certified Double Eagles Soar at Stack’s Bowers Rarities Night

We have recently learned that vintage U.S. coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) did exceptionally well at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Baltimore Rarities Night. The top lots were two $20…

We have recently learned that vintage U.S. coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) did exceptionally well at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Baltimore Rarities Night. The top lots were two $20 coins from New Orleans: an 1856-O Liberty Head double eagle and an 1854-O Liberty Head double eagle, which together realized more than $500,000 (USD) in the Nove. 14, 2019, sale.

The 1856-O Liberty Head Double Eagle graded NGC AU 53 realized $264,000 (USD). It is one of only 2,250 pieces struck, as very little of the bullion mined in California during the mid-1850s reached the New Orleans Mint for double eagle coinage. Most went to San Francisco or the Northeast, making this coin a true southern belle highly sought after by collectors.

1856-O Liberty Head double eagle. Realized $264,000 at auction. Images courtesy of NGC.

Minted two years earlier, an 1854-O Liberty Head Double Eagle graded NGC XF 45, realized $240,000 (USD). This coin is also among the rarest of double eagles. Less than 40 examples are thought to exist and very few have been offered for sale at auction in recent years.

An example from the smallest mintage of the entire Draped Bust Half Dime series had a big day at auction. Realizing $192,000 (USD), this 1802 Half Dime graded NGC AU 50 is a classic numismatic rarity, recognized as the key date among all issues of the denomination.

1802 half dime graded AU50 by NGC that realized $192,000 at Stack's Bowers' Rarities Night. Images courtesy of NGC.

Other NGC-certified coins that realized significant prices included:

All prices realized include buyer’s premium.

To see all lots from the Stack's Bowers Rarity Night, click here.