By CoinWeek Staff
The rare coin market kicked off 2026 with a bang. At the Heritage Auctions FUN Signature Sale, a stunning 1804 Class III Draped Bust Dollar, one of just sixteen known examples of the date, stole the spotlight, hammering at a jaw-dropping $3,538,000. The sale marked the return of the storied Adams-Carter specimen, last seen on the block in 2009 when it sold for $2.3 million.
This wasn’t just a win for one coin. It was a monumental week for the hobby. When the final gavel fell on all sessions, including Ellsworth & Jacobson’s Special Collections and the U.S. Currency Signature® Auction, the combined total surged to $63,386,877.
Let’s break down the highlights from what may be the strongest across-the-board numismatic auction in recent memory.
The 1804 Dollar: The King Still Rules
Few coins in American numismatics command more reverence than the 1804 silver dollar. Known as “The King of American Coins,” this particular Class III example, graded PR58 by PCGS, stood tall as the top lot from The Presidio Collection, a remarkable cabinet built around condition rarities and type excellence.
“Trophies like the 1804 dollars are always coveted,” said Heritage Executive Vice President Todd Imhof. “This result far exceeded expectations.”
Gold Greatness: Coiled Hair Stellas Set the Market Ablaze
High-end gold rarities dominated the sale, led by two breathtaking Coiled Hair $4 Stellas from The Costa Family Collection.
- An 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, graded PR67 Cameo (NGC), realized $2,074,000.
- A 1879 Coiled Hair Stella, PR66 Cameo (PCGS), brought in $1,464,000, setting a new auction record.
These enigmatic coins continue to mystify collectors. With low mintages and lingering questions about their origin, their appeal shows no signs of fading.
Rare Halves and Type Coins Smash Records
An 1829 Capped Head Left Half Eagle, graded MS66 by NGC, achieved a record-setting $1,006,500, eclipsing the previous high of $763,750.
Likewise, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series saw significant action. A 1919-D Walker in MS64+ PCGS CAC set a new record at $79,300, a strong result for this low-mintage, condition-sensitive issue.
Other standout type coin results include:
- 1867 Liberty Double Eagle, PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC: $793,000
- 1854-S Liberty Quarter Eagle, XF45 PCGS CAC: $561,200
- 1803 BD-3 Eagle, MS64+ PCGS CACG: $231,800
- 1864-S Liberty Eagle, AU55 NGC: $219,600
Record-Setting Lincolns and Classic Copper
Even the humble cent got its moment of glory. A 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, graded MS67 Red PCGS, hammered at $170,800, besting its previous record of $168,000.
From the Black Cat Collection, an 1835 B-2 Capped Bust Quarter in MS66 PCGS CAC earned $134,200, setting a new auction record and further proving the demand for top-tier early quarters.
Special Session Stunners: Ellsworth & Jacobson Deliver
The FUN Special Sessions spotlighted coins from two powerhouse collections:
- A 1797 BD-4 Half Eagle, AU58+ PCGS, and an 1834 BD-4 Half Eagle, MS64+ PCGS CAC, each earned $268,400.
- The 1828 BD-3 Half Eagle, MS61 PCGS, one of only two known, reached $256,200, a new auction record.
- An 1834 Capped Head Left Five Dollar, MS64, hammered at $122,000, also a record.
Meanwhile, Col. Steven Ellsworth’s legendary collection of early large cents generated fireworks of its own:
- 1793 S-15 Liberty Cap Cent, VG8 PCGS: $134,200
- 1794 S-53 Head of 1794 Cent, AU50 PCGS: $109,800
- A 1795 BD-13 Heraldic Eagle Five, MS62 PCGS: $207,400, a record for the variety.
Currency Section Delivers Six-Figure Surprises
The FUN U.S. Currency Auction was no less impressive, headlined by high-denomination rarities:
- 1934 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 2231-A), PMG 63: $317,200
- 1928 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 2220-F): $244,000
- 1934 $10,000 Atlanta Note, Very Fine 30: $183,000
A Wyoming Territory $5 National Note from 1875, PCGS 63PPQ, shattered records at $164,700, becoming the most valuable Wyoming banknote ever sold.
Rounding out the six-figure notes:
- 1882 $100 Tallahassee, FL Brown Back, PMG 25: $91,500
- 1896 $5 Educational Silver Certificate, PCGS 68 PPQ, Low Serial #29: $64,050
And a Serial #1 1914 Red Seal $10 and a unique $100 1875 from Rochester, NY each landed at $39,040, showing strong collector appetite for rare, original paper money.
A Market Running Hot Across All Series
Perhaps most remarkable wasn’t the total, but the consistency. From Colonials to gold, from cents to currency, prices soared across the board.
“This might be the strongest auction we’ve seen in terms of exceeding expectations at all levels,” added Todd Imhof. “The energy in the room, and online, was incredible.”
Collectors still have more opportunities to bid. The next chapters of The Presidio Collection and The Westchester Collection will appear at Heritage’s CSNS Auctions, scheduled for April 29–May 3.
See Full Results
- U.S. Coins Signature® Auction: HA.com/1390
- U.S. Currency Signature® Auction: HA.com/3600
- FUN Special Sessions: HA.com/1389
That 1934 $10,000 Atlanta note has lost value since it was printed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator says the present value of $10,000 in 1934 is $245,495.45.
Figure in lost interest and things get really ugly.
Y’all are getting some awesome returns!
Very informative article on the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar.
The amount the 1804 dollar realized is basically the same as it was in 2009 when adjusted for inflation. It only got roughly $7,000 more in 2026 dollars this time after adjusting for inflation. So after consignment fees I wouldn’t be surprised if the seller lost money on the 1804 dollar!
Enjoyed the article very much.
Gold Greatness indeed.
Like my father in law would say do I buy another coin or do I pay the mortgage?
Nice coin looking for one. good article,
Two of my favorite coins – the 1804 dollar and the $4 gold stella. WOW
very exiting and valuable comments here.
Beautiful 1804 dollar! Not quite as nice as the previously unknown 1804 dollar that sold last month for $6 million, but really nice!
Beautiful 1804 silver dollar! Not quite as nice as the previously unknown PF-65 1804 dollar that sold last month for $6 million, but really nice.
Sorry for the double posting!
Waiting to see a Brasher Doubloon come up for sale again!