The corridors of numismatic history, few coins whisper with the gravitas of a 1796 quarter dollar—especially one bearing the B-1 die variety, a distinction carved deep into collectors’ desires. Such a relic, originating from the vaunted Frost Collection, found its stage at Heritage’s U.S. Coins Signature Auction (April 3-6), where fervent bidding drove its final price to a thunderous $168,000. In a sale that amassed $6,826,524, this singular piece stood at the helm.
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“This coin doesn’t just exist—it survives, in a world where its kind have all but vanished in mint brilliance,” said Todd Imhof, Executive VP of Heritage. “The B-1 die, rarer than its B-2 cousin, is practically a spectral presence in the market. This specimen ranks within the uppermost echelon—among a mere half-dozen known.”
Gold Glows-Indian Eagles Roar
Gold took center stage with majestic resonance as a 1915 Indian Eagle, PR66 NGC, emerged victorious at $117,000. Only 75 such proofs were coaxed into existence by Philadelphia’s Mint craftsmen, their total known survivors possibly no more than 40-45, a number further diluted by re-submissions and cross-certifications. Two reside within the hallowed vaults of the Smithsonian, rendering even fewer available for acquisition.
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Hot on its heels, a 1912 Indian Eagle PR66 NGC fetched $111,000, holding court as one of merely nine in this grade, with a scant five finer. Though 144 proofs were minted, only 83 were sold—collectors of that time turning a cold shoulder to the then-unloved sandblast finish. The balance, tragically, was lost to the furnace—proofs unappreciated, turned to bullion.
Golden Curtain Call-The 1929 Double Eagle
The Saint-Gaudens saga saw its swan song with the 1929 Double Eagle, a glimmering MS65 PCGS example realizing $93,000. Though over 1.7 million were struck, the coin’s survival is shrouded in shadow. Official figures tout nearly 1,000 known, yet Heritage specialists peg the number far closer to 350–400—making each specimen a ghost of monetary policy past.
Flowing Hair Dollars-Echoes from 1795
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Another crown jewel of early Americana—a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar, B-6, BB-25, Three Leaves, AU58 PCGS CAC—closed at a resonant $90,000. Close to Mint State and bearing the fleeting elegance of its era, this dollar drew 40 bids, each a voice vying for legacy. A sibling specimen—B-5, BB-27, AU58 PCGS CAC—followed close behind at $81,000.
Proof of a Phantom-The 1895 Morgan Dollar
The enigmatic 1895 Morgan Dollar, PR64 PCGS, also claimed $81,000, standing as a spectral anomaly in U.S. coinage. Though Mint records from June of that year cite 12,000 standard strikes, none have surfaced. Most experts believe they met their end in the great Pittman melting of 1918, leaving only proof strikes like this to carry their vanished story.
Metal with Memory-The Blake & Co. Ingot
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Closing on a wholly different note, alchemy met artistry in the form of a 4.10-ounce Blake & Co. Mixed Metal Presentation Ingot, struck in 1870 in Silver City, Idaho Territory. This vertically engraved relic, stamped with gold and silver assay details, soared to $58,800 after igniting 42 bids. Just ten examples from Owyhee County are known, including one tragically stolen in 2007—a reminder that history, too, can vanish in a heartbeat.
FAQs
What made the 1796 quarter dollar so valuable?
It’s a rare B-1 variety in Mint State condition, with very few surviving examples, making it highly desirable to collectors.
How many 1915 Indian Eagle Proofs exist today?
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Around 40–45 examples are believed to survive, with only 38 officially certified by grading agencies.
Why is the 1912 Indian Eagle also rare?
Only 83 were sold in 1912; the rest were melted, leaving very few in high grades today.
What is special about the 1929 Double Eagle?
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Though over 1.7 million were minted, only about 350–400 are believed to still exist.
Why is the 1895 Morgan Dollar important?
No circulation strikes are known today; only proof versions exist, making it extremely rare.
What is unique about the Blake & Co. ingot?
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It’s a mixed metal ingot from 1870 with detailed assay markings; only 10 are known to exist from its region.
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