Five coins, with a combined face value of $7.35 are expected to realize over $8 million in the Sunday, January 18th auction by GreatCollections.
They are considered trophies of early U.S. numismatics — due to their rarity and condition – and have been part of some of the most important collections of yesteryear, including King Farouk of Egypt, Virgil Brand and Col. E.H.R. Green.
"The 1796 Dime is the finest pre-1800 silver coin issued for circulation; somehow it survived in absolute pristine condition. The 1794 Silver Dollar — the first year of issue — is a lightly circulated example with superior eye appeal," commented Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections.
"The 1795 Silver Dollar — the famous Bullowa example — is the finest known, but is also a "WOW" coin due to its glorious toning. In gold, the 1798 Half Eagle (Small Eagle) is the finest of only a few known in private hands and missing from almost all major collections. And finally, the Wright Quarter Pattern, an underappreciated and historic trial design of what could have been our first Quarter."
The five coins are part of thousands of certified coins and banknotes being auctioned by GreatCollections on Sunday, January 18th.
"It could be many years before these coins appear on the market again, so this is a very unique opportunity. All are being sold unreserved," continued Russell.
1796 Draped Bust Dime PCGS MS-68 (CAC Green)
- Incredible Quality
- Single Finest 18th Century Silver Coin
- First Year of Issue
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar B-1 BB-1 PCGS AU-50 (CAC Green) (Toned)
- First Year of Silver Dollar
- Pedigree Dates Back to 1907
- A Holy Grail of United States Coins
- Most Attractive Early Silver Dollar
- Part of Bullowa’s Personal Cabinet
- Extraordinary Quality and Eye Appeal
1798 Capped Bust Right Gold Half Eagle Small Eagle BD-1 PCGS AU-55 (Ex. Farouk & Pogue Collections)
- Single Finest of Few Outside of Museums
- Major Early Rarity of U.S. Gold
- Featured in 100 Greatest Book by Garrett/Guth
- Unique in Private Hands
- Underrated Early U.S. Pattern
- Featured in 100 Greatest Book by Garrett/Guth
For more information about the GreatCollections and the January 18th auction, please visit www.greatcollections.com or telephone 800-442-6467.
About GreatCollections
GreatCollections, the official auction house of the American Numismatic Association, specializes in auctioning certified coins and banknotes, handling transactions from start to finish. Since its founding in 2010, GreatCollections has successfully auctioned over 1.7 million certified coins, making it one of the leading certified coin companies in the United States with annual sales in 2025 exceeding $250 million. Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections, is a member of the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild, member of the National Auctioneers Association and was named the ANA Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year. For more information about GreatCollections, visit www.greatcollections.com or call 800-442-6467.
