Over the past few weeks, coin collectors have been enjoying one of the greatest reveals in numismatics, with a user on numismatic social media platform MyCollect posting daily updates of the rare coin collection he has assembled over the past five years.
This is not just any collection or set – it is based on the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins book by Jeff Garrett. While the collector has not posted the number of coins in his collection yet, MyCollect members are already speculating whether it will surpass that of famed past collectors such as Louis Eliasberg and Amon Carter, and even current collector D.L. Hansen, who has an impressive 69 coins from the 100 coins listed in the publication.
The book by well-known numismatist Jeff Garrett ranks the most important coins issued by the U.S. Mint since its founding in 1792, showcasing the most significant and storied coins, blending historical context, rarity and collector appeal. Aside from famous coins such as the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent and 1916-D Mercury Dime, the book also features trophy coins that are unique or semi-unique, including the 1861 Liberty Gold Paquet Reverse Double Eagle and 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle.
"For many collectors who embark upon a collection, they acquire the more common coins first, leaving the rarities until last. Elite did the exact opposite as the initial coin added to his set was the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle. The second coin acquired was a superb example of the 1870-S Silver Dollar, one of only a dozen coins that are known today in all grades. And the list goes on. Some of the coins have not been seen in decades," said Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections who assisted the owner in forming the Elite Collection.
There is only one 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in private hands, with the remaining coins residing in the Smithsonian Collection and the Department of the Treasury. After spirited bidding, it sold for almost $19 million in a 2021 New York auction. More recently, Pawn Stars host Rick Harrison offered $25 million for the coin in a 2024 episode of the show that has been viewed by more than one million people around the world.
In addition to the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins collection, Elite has also assembled the finest set of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles ever formed.
"Another difference with a collection of this calibre, both in rarity and accessibility is Elite’s willingness and encouragement to display these famous coins at major shows around the country, so collectors can enjoy them. We look forward to displaying the unique 1844-O $5 and $10 Proof gold coins at the upcoming ANA World’s Fair of Money in Oklahoma and other rarities at additional shows in 2025 and 2026" added Russell.
Elite can be followed on MyCollect by visiting www.mycollect.com/Elite.
MyCollect is a social media platform focused on numismatics and has a popular registry for sets of U.S. and World coins. Over 87,000 coins have been added to 23,800 registry sets, including Morgan Dollars, Lincoln Cents, Commemoratives and Varieties. Interact with your fellow collectors and dealers, read the latest industry news, manage your inventory, build sets and compete with peers. MyCollect is also the home of TheftCheck, the industry’s centralized database of stolen coins, easily searchable by certification number. For more information, visit www.mycollect.com.
2025 American Eagle Gold Proof 1 oz. 2415 +60
2025 American Eagle Gold Proof ½ oz. 1267 +15
2025 American Eagle Gold Proof ¼ oz. 1625 +44
2025 American Eagle Gold Proof 1/10 oz. 4284 +154
2025 American Eagle Gold Proof 4 coin set 2129 +26
ECG @2025 AGE Proof 1 oz coin. The stated Mintage Limit is 17,500 coins.
Combining the single coin option and the 4 coin set we have 4544 sold so far⇈.
Combining the remaining inventory for both the single 1oz and 4 coin set 1oz is at 6392 coins.(1oz 2544), (4 coin set 3848).
This tells me that the Mint had struck 11,000 1oz PF coins instead of the stated 17,500 1oz coin Limit, but I could be wrong? Just an estimate with what’s out there.
Rick,
How do you get that screen shot?
Cag,
It’s a usmint.gov website that appears to reveal all of the information on any of their products via coded gobbledygook.
Follow the thread linked below and see if it makes sense…
https://www.coinnews.net/2025/03/27/png-2025-awards-dinner-to-feature-unveiling-of-saint-gaudens-tribute-artwork/#comments
Rick,
Thanks. Very helpful…
I am shocked that the mint uses cooked or misleading or dare I say, fraudulent mintage limits….. been going on for over a DECADE
John,
A maximum mintage limit is just that — the maximum amount that’s been authorized to produce.
The USM is in no way whatsoever obligated to strike up the entire stated maximum mintage limits.
Thanks Rick!! I agree with your assessment on estimated number of 1oz proofs available. 2024 and 2025 gold proofs may be on sale for years similar to the 2017 Liberty. Unless, they pull them and off load them to dealers for sweet price.
Well done, Rick. If the “authorized mintage” is approximately 11,000 and the mintage limit is 17,500, then the authorized mintage is about 63% of the mintage limit. This is within the range of 50-70% we speculated about awhile back.
My main beef is inconsistent application of the limit. Some go over as pointed herein. Other hot items don’t make it, sold to APs & now cut short Willy Billy even. Whatever they want cause that’s the way it always been.
@REB,
2025 American Buffalo Gold Proof 1 oz. = 2,661
vs. 9,700 & change total from last year. How much did the Buffalo sell in the first week last year? Looks like the downward spiral continues.
cag, thanks for the stats for both the Buffalo and the Eagles.
REB,
Launch week 2024 they were sold for $3,240.00.
How many did the Mint sell that week in 2024? I’m assuming more than this past week.
REB,
4,046.
Some of the Big Boys aren’t participating this year.
They did last year…
Thanks for the info, cag.
Over 34% down. A comparable loss for the rest of 2025, would put the final mintage somewhere in the 6,300 to 6,400 range. That number would make this by far the rarest 1 oz. proof Buffalo.
It was a pretty fast turnaround on the Buffalo. I ordered it on Thursday and received it today.
Interestingly, the COA had the signature of (Former) Director Gibson. I’m sure the paperwork for the order had been completed before her “retirement” but it was a little strange to get a coin from an already departed Mint official. The episode made me wonder about two things: 1) When was the last time a past Mint official’s signature appeared on a COA? Is the practice common? I would imagine that the transition between directors is usually smoother; and 2) Could Gibson’s exit have stopped the process of COA production? After all, has a new Mint Director been announced? Who would… Read more »
REB,
If The Mint Director’s sig must be used for an upcoming releases’ COA, and the Director is gone, maybe the temporary replacement would suffice? If a COA sig is just an added flair of legitimacy and not legally required, then maybe they have the option to just omit the sig?
With that said, I sent the USM a question: “Hello, Who is the acting Mint Director at this time? Who is in charge with making decisions with regard to Circulating, Bullion, and Numismatic Coin Production at this time? Ms Gibson left many weeks ago. Thanks!” “This letter is in response to your recent correspondence to the United States Mint. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Please be advised that the United States Mint Acting Director is Kristie McNally. For more information about Kristie McNally click the link.” Kristie McNally was the Deputy Director of the USM, and appears to… Read more »
PS:
Production of Circulating, Bullion, and Numi coinage looks to be 100% uninterrupted from what I see. But, I’m not an analyst…
Deputy Director McNally: If you’re reading this, it’s time to update the “Upcoming 2025 Releases” page of the Mint’s website. I see that in the last 48 hours a June 3 update has appeared for Dr. Vera Rubin quarter rolls and bags. But, none of the Summer releases have been updated in weeks. It is difficult for a collector to plan for a particular item if it is unknown when the item will be released, what the item looks like, what the mintage will be, and whether the item will even be released at all. Further, it’s hard to believe… Read more »
… and just like that, the Mint added the June 5 release date of the AGE uncirculated. Admittedly, I’m not a buyer of this coin but the 7,500 mintage with a household limit of 3 sounds doable. Then again, the 2024 version didn’t make it to 3,000.
Keep the reveals coming U.S. Mint. I’m waiting with baited breath.
Truly a treasure trove that we discussed briefly in a previous thread. Here is a link that Rick provided us previously, to the PCGS Forum/Blog, where “Elite”’is also unveiling and detailing his/her(Identity unknown/private) incredible collection. By “EliteCollection”, title of the forum, “My 100 Greatest US Coins Collection”
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1113733/my-100-greatest-us-coins-collection/p1
Thanks Cali! I might have a few of the greatest 100 baseball cards (1955 Koufax, 1969 Nolan Ryan (AI changed to Ariana….wtf) a 1984 McGuire that WAS worth a mint…. Ohtani Angels rookie auto, pulled that one!) bit not coins I think….
Cag USM AuE sales weak…..
Cool to hear about that those baseball cards John Q! Too funny, as there are apparently Ariana Grande trading cards! That Ohtani card you mention is awesome, although Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan are awesome as well!
Hmm makes sense on Ariana. I was reading a short on Clint Eastwood and it referred to him as “ Clinton” Eastwood…..AI human call him Clinton ….
I think I own only one of these – the 1909-S V.D.B. Elite opted for the 1861-D DOLLAR over the Half Eagle. I have an eye on the 1792 Half Disme and/or the 1793 Chain Cent. I have a feeling that the grade on either of those two coins will be MUCH higher in his collection than mine.
Best of luck locating on picking one or both of those coins up Reb! You may or may not be aware, however there is a 1793 Chain Cent VF30 BN, listed on Collectors Corner for $39,500. Perhaps they are willing to negotiate? One sold in or through Stack’s Bowers, last April for $33,600 with a CMQ certification/sticker. The one that is currently available, has what appears to be a better strike of the date and less wear at the end of Liberties nose. Additionally the overall strike on the one currently up for sale, at least to me looks better.… Read more »
Great info, Cali, and very helpful. I never cease to be amazed by the knowledge and willingness to share it on this site. Thank you.
The Half Eagle lands tomorrow. My feathers are all aflutter.
I have heard from several dealers that there are other 1933 Saints in private hands. But, In the past when the family of a Philly dealer tried to get Secret Service to authenticate they were seized.
FANCY SPACE THEMED FLORIDA AI $1 arrives 5-15
as the Saturn V sold out pretty fast a heads up to any who want. As my niece works at CalTech I will likely buy some despite the mint’s shenanigans great gift! Too bad he rProof only come via a set now…
Didn’t they have 10 of the 33’s that were seized? I think the government assumed a family member stole them from the mint or something like that. Probably should have stored them in separate areas and only tried to get one verified. But you know how greedy people can get!
I heard the 1933 coins were smuggled out of mint and sold to 3rd parties, There may be or ARE more out there. Greedy and stupid Craig!
Major D said in a previous thread: “In a previous thread REB said: “I’m becoming interested in other early commemoratives now” Herhen provided a link to the My Coin Guides page titled: “Guide to U.S. Early Commemorative Coins” Here is another website Reb, Major D, others on Classic Commemorative Coins”, hosted by the American Numismatic Association(ANA) on Classic Commemoratives for any interested or that may be unfamiliar with this other resource. Dates, details on issuance, original price, authorized mintage, trivia, etc. PS They also cover the Popularity, amounts retuned to the mint, at the conclusion of sales, allowing for an… Read more »
More good stuff. Is there any one source online to provide information/pictures of holders or accompanying ephemera that came with the commemoratives? In other words or letters, OGP. I came across the Columbia Sesqui holder quite by accident and bought it off of a Stack’s Bowers auction. I suspect the other commems came with similar “paperwork”. Any good place to check out such things?
Well Reb, I did come across some information I think you’ll find of interest? On PCGS, an article by Michael Garafolo mentions a book(1962) by Arlie R Slabaugh, titled: “United States Commemorative Coinage”. Michael writes: “This little book had pictures and stories and contained more information about the coins and some of the original holders than I had ever imagined.” If you run the aforementioned title of the article by Michael Garafolo, I think you’ll find his article quite interesting. I then looked up Michael Garafolo numismatist and went to his website, where he mentions Q. David Bowers book, titled:… Read more »
That book is GOLDEN, Cali. I checked the Columbia Sesqui section and that’s exactly the information I’m looking for. I may have to see if I can find one on the used book market to add to my numismatic library.
Reb, you are very welcome and I’m glad you find the research and information I relay helpful! Don’t wait! There are 4 viable copies available at Abe Books. There are 3 used copies of, “Commemorative Coins of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia (Hardcover)” ranging from $45-$101.78 listed as, in VG(Very Good) condition available. There is also one listed as New for $126.10. All four sellers use “stock” images, so there isn’t an opportunity to “cherry pick” for condition. So go with price or gut feeling, however don’t wait, would be my advice! You want and need this book and… Read more »
Reb, try this link instead. Shortening the web link apparently wasn’t a good idea. This one will show you the results I mentioned above. Or you can copy and paste the following, with or without quote marks into the title field of the previous link I provided. “Commemorative Coins of the United States a Complete Encyclopedia”
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?cm_sp=plpafe-_-all-_-hard&an=bowers%20david&attrs=hc&bi=h&ds=5&sortby=17&tn=commemorative%20coins%20united%20states
Rick, how long does it take GreatCollections to ship once payment has cleared? I’m wondering when to expect the last two of my Columbia Sesqui trio?
You’ll get an email within a day or two after payment clears indicating your coin has shipped w/tracking. Their go-to method is FedEx 2 day(unless you opt for USPS). You’ll need to be home – ID in hand or your DOB spoken, then sign their tablet.
If I pay on Sun evening, or Mon am, my coin is in hand by Thurs or Fri.
Congrats on your Columbia set!
PS: With all of your coin collecting, and no pics for us to see — we’re going to need to have a talk…
Click the ‘My GC’ tab at the top of the page(red arrow).
Then click the ‘Paid Invoices’ tab to see your invoice(s) that have cleared(red arrow). It should ship ASAP if paid.
To see if your payment hasn’t cleared yet, click above that tab on the ‘Unpaid/Partially paid’ tab to see your unpaid invoice. FYI…
Invoice paid on Friday. Any day now, I suppose.
Thanks for the GC shipping insights.
I’m not generally a photographic strutter, but maybe I’ll make an exception this time. I’ll try to get my wife involved since I’ve failed to post a coin pic myself each and every time I’ve tried. The suspense heightens ….