Investing in Rare Coins: A Trove for Your Coin Portfolio

When it comes to diversifying an investment portfolio, rare coins are often overlooked gems that can offer substantial returns. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a novice investor, acquiring rare coins can be a fascinating and profitable venture. Highlighting some extraordinary pieces, Heritage Auctions’ ANA US Coins Signature® Auction from 13-18 August 2024 provides an excellent opportunity for investors to add unique coins to their collections.

Investing in Rare Coins: A Treasure Trove for Your Portfolio

The Magnificent 1794 S-28 Head of 1794 Cent

One standout item in this auction is the 1794 S-28 Head of 1794 Cent, graded MS66 Brown by NGC. This coin is notable for its dramatic double-strike error, making it a highly sought-after piece.

Double-strike errors occur when a coin is impressed more than once, resulting in multiple images on the coin.

According to Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, this coin is exceptionally rare and one of the finest examples of the S-28 variety.

Its remarkable condition and unique error make it a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.

The 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece

Another highlight is the 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece, graded MS65 by PCGS. This coin is considered one of the finest known examples in the U.S. silver series.

The 1876-CC issue is particularly notable because it had a limited mintage of only 10,000 pieces. Out of this small production, just 16 coins are confirmed to have survived in all grades, making high-grade examples like this MS65 specimen extremely rare.

Minted at the Carson City Mint with its storied association with the Wild West and the Nevada Silver Rush, the 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece coin is one of the finest known examples.

Its provenance includes the prestigious F.C.C. Boyd and Armand Champa collections, adding to its allure and value.

The twenty-cent piece was a short-lived experiment in American coinage, intended to alleviate the small change shortage in the western United States. However, due to its similarity in size and appearance to the quarter, it led to confusion and was quickly discontinued, with production ceasing in 1878.

The obverse of the coin features the iconic Liberty seated figure, while the reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest. The MS65 grade indicates that this coin has been preserved in exceptional condition, with sharp details and minimal signs of wear, a true testament to its historical journey.

Owning an 1876-CC Twenty Cent Piece in such high grade is a remarkable achievement for any collector. Its rarity, historical context, and superb condition make it a standout piece in any prestigious coin collection, offering both historical insight and significant investment potential.

The Rare 1907 Rolled Rim Indian Eagle

Graded MS66 by PCGS and certified by CAC, this coin exemplifies exceptional quality. The rolled rim variant features a raised edge, differing from the more common flat rim, and was an attempt to improve the coin’s stacking and durability. However, this design was quickly abandoned, making the rolled rim issues incredibly scarce.

Only an estimated 40-42 examples of this variant are known to exist today, most of which are in lower grades. The offered 1907 Rolled Rim Indian Eagle coin is one of the top surviving specimens making it a coveted piece for collectors of gold coins, pattern collectors and series specialists.

This coin was part of the early Indian Head Eagle series designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, under the directive of President Theodore Roosevelt to beautify American coinage. The 1907 issue was particularly experimental, with the rolled rim variant being one of the rarest and most sought-after.

A 1907 Rolled Rim Indian Eagle sold at Heritage Auctions for $195,500 in 2004.

The 1907 Rolled Rim Indian Eagle, especially in such high grade, is a masterpiece of American numismatics. Its historical significance, coupled with its rarity and aesthetic beauty, makes it a centerpiece in any high-end coin collection.

The 1821 Half Eagle $5 gold coin

The 1821 BD-1 Half Eagle, graded MS63 by PCGS and certified by CAC, is another treasure in this auction.

This coin is a rarity in the early U.S. gold series, with only a few examples in such high grade.

There are two varieties of 1821 half eagles and only 17 coins known to exist for both varieties combined.

Its unique obverse die and historical significance make it a valuable asset for investors.

The 1851 Humbert Fifty Dollar Territorial Gold Piece

An 1851 Humbert Fifty Dollar, graded MS63 by NGC, is tied for the highest recorded grade for this type. Issued by the San Francisco Assay Office, these octagonal ingots were used for large transactions and customs dues. This coin’s historical context and rarity enhance its investment appeal.

The Benedict Family Collection of Rare Coins

The auction also features the Benedict Family Collection, comprising 70 lots of exceptional type coins and important rarities.

1887 Liberty Double Eagle

Notable pieces include an 1887 Liberty Double Eagle, graded PR65 Deep Cameo by PCGS and certified by CAC.

With only 35-40 surviving examples, this proof-only issue is a prized rarity.

During the 1880s, the Philadelphia Mint produced limited numbers of double eagles, with no business-strike double eagles minted in 1883, 1884, and 1887.

The San Francisco Mint continued producing large quantities, and the Carson City Mint made smaller contributions. The Philadelphia Mint still produced proofs for collectors, with a notable mintage of 121 proof Liberty double eagles in 1887.

Collector demand for gold proofs has increased over time. Initially, 1887 proofs fetched modest premiums, with early auctions selling them in complete sets. For instance, in 1890, a set including the 1887 proof double eagle sold for $46. However, recent sales have seen significant price increases, such as a PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS example selling for $420,000 in a 2022 auction by Stack’s Bowers.

1895 Morgan Dollar

Another highlight is the 1895 Morgan Dollar, graded PR68 Cameo by PCGS and certified by CAC, once part of the Bob R. Simpson Collection.

The 1895 Morgan Dollar is one of the most renowned and coveted coins among numismatists, often referred to as the “King of Morgan Dollars.”

This coin, minted at the Philadelphia Mint, is notable for its rarity and the mystery surrounding its production.

Official records indicate that 12,000 business strikes were minted, but none have ever been confirmed to exist, leading collectors to believe that these were either melted down or never released.

All known 1895 Morgan Dollars are proof issues, with only 880 proofs struck. These proofs are highly sought after for their exceptional detail and beauty, showcasing the artistry of the Morgan Dollar design to its fullest extent.

The obverse features Lady Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, with a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbols of agricultural prosperity. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch.

1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle, XF40 NGC

The 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle, XF40 NGC is a prized piece for any serious coin collector. Minted in Carson City, Nevada, during the height of the Gold Rush era, this coin represents a significant period in American history.

With an XF40 grade by NGC, this example shows moderate wear consistent with its age but retains much of its original detail and charm.

1919-S Quarter, MS66 Full Head PCGS

The 1919-S Quarter, in MS66 Full Head grade by PCGS is a remarkable specimen that stands out for its exceptional strike and preservation. The Full Head designation indicates that the coin’s design features, particularly Liberty’s head, are fully and sharply defined, a rare quality in quarters from this era.

This coin hails from the San Francisco Mint, known for its lower production runs, making high-grade examples like this particularly valuable.

1799 Ten Dollar, MS65+ CACG

The 1799 Ten Dollar gold coin, graded MS65+ by CACG, is a true numismatic treasure. This coin, part of the early gold series of the United States, embodies the young nation’s aspiration and growth.

The MS65+ grade indicates a coin in superb condition, with minimal marks and excellent eye appeal. With the CACG certification, it also has an additional layer of assurance regarding its quality and authenticity.

1920-S Indian Ten, MS64+ PCGS. CAC

The 1920-S Indian Head Ten Dollar gold coin, graded MS64+ by PCGS and certified by CAC, is a standout example of early 20th-century American coinage. This coin is known for its beautiful design by sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, featuring a Native American chief in full headdress.

The 1920-S issue is particularly rare, as it was struck in relatively small quantities at the San Francisco Mint. The MS64+ grade denotes a coin with exceptional quality, just shy of near-perfect condition, while the CAC certification adds to its desirability by confirming its superior quality within the grade.

2000-D Sacagawea Dollar/Quarter Mule, MS64 PCGS

The 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar/Quarter Mule error coin, graded MS64 by PCGS, is one of the most intriguing modern rarities.

This coin resulted from a minting error where the obverse die of a Washington Quarter was paired with the reverse die of a Sacagawea Dollar, creating a unique mule coin. Such errors are incredibly rare and are highly sought after by collectors.

The MS64 grade indicates that the coin is in excellent condition with only slight imperfections.