1944-S Lincoln Cent on Steel Planchet, British Gothic Crown, Red Seal Serial #1 Nationals...
Welcome to this week's Top Ten List from GreatCollections, for our Sunday, January 5th auctions - our first auction of 2025!
Please take a moment to enjoy our Top Ten list for our auctions this week. And although these ten auctions might be perfect for what you're looking for, please be aware that this is only a tiny percentage of the whole auction. Each week, GreatCollections auctions over 5,000 certified coins and banknotes! So, if you don't see anything of interest below, be sure to browse our categories or view all upcoming auctions.
Happy collecting!
- Ian
Number 10:
Presenting vibrant color, this note hails from a remote community in northeastern Washington and ranks among just three known large-size issues from its bank—the only example of its denomination. It’s been decades since a note from this bank appeared at public auction, and an opportunity like this may not surface again soon.
Sold for $7,894.12 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (21 Bids)
Number 9:
This VF example of an exceedingly rare key date features slate-gray toning throughout, highlighted by subtle reddish-brown hues on the obverse.
Sold for $6,536.25 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (24 Bids)
Number 8:
Among the finest of its issue, only 460 Proofs were struck—some showing an overdate with a faint 2 beneath the 3, visible here as a raised line across the lower loop of the 3.
Sold for $11,531.25 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (30 Bids)
Number 7:
Formerly part of the San Diego Collection, and relatively attainable in MS-62 to MS-64, this spectacular MS-68+ piece epitomizes near perfection, boasting textbook rainbow target toning. No example at this lofty grade has ever appeared at auction. Tied with just two others at PCGS, it represents the pinnacle of strike, luster, and stunning color.
Sold for $34,875.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (66 Bids)
Number 6:
From the “Lincoln Collection” of Lincoln Cents, the San Francisco Mint’s 1916 production soared more than fivefold over the previous year. Nevertheless, the 1916-S remains scarcer than many earlier teen S-mint issues. This example boasts satiny, lustrous fields with deeper red coloration; without any strong marks to distract from its overall eye appeal, it is easy to see why this coin was given its CAC-approval.
Sold for $20,251.12 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (62 Bids)
Number 5:
Most 1895-S Morgans are found in lower Mint State ranges with heavy bag marks, or in well-circulated condition. This old green holder example, however, is an exceptional survivor with bright white surfaces and a soft yellow hue across the devices. CAC approval affirms its superior quality for the grade, and the luster and eye appeal are remarkable. Only 11 examples stand higher at PCGS out of more than 6,600 coins graded—truly top-tier for the series.
Sold for $14,408.86 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (17 Bids)
Number 4:
One of two round half varieties bearing the Frontier, Deviercy & Co. initials, BG-403 shares its obverse die with the nearly-as-rare BG-404. This prooflike designation is notably scarcer than its mint-state counterpart, exhibiting rich color and avoiding the striking or bubbling issues typical to the type. A rare and highly desirable pickup for any fractional collector.
Sold for $3,100.50 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (23 Bids)
Number 3:
A well-struck example of this renowned Gothic Revival design—an iconic hallmark of Queen Victoria’s reign and British numismatics—this PCGS-graded piece displays vibrant toning in the right light, revealing deep purples, greens, and oranges (as shown in the GreatPhoto). Though light wisps in the fields reflect mild handling, they scarcely detract from this coin’s superb overall presentation for its assigned grade.
Sold for $28,125.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (47 Bids)
Number 2:
Serial Number 1 Red Seals from Georgia are exceedingly scarce, with just one example documented in the National Currency Foundation census. Only two Fort Valley notes appear in the National Banknote Census, and this piece is among them—making this Serial #1 undeniably rare. From the Coronado Collection of Serial Number One Red Seal National Banknotes, issued by a southern Georgia bank near the Florida border, it features bold signatures, superb centering, vivid coloring, and excellent paper quality. A minor center fold hardly detracts from its impressive overall eye appeal for the assigned grade.
Sold for $59,062.50 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (60 Bids)
And Number 1:
Struck on a leftover 1943 steel planchet, the 1944-S Steel Cent is an incredibly rare off-metal error—only two are known. Previously part of the Simpson Collection (the only complete set ever compiled of this popular series), this CAC-approved example is graded MS-66 by PCGS and boasts exceptional luster and a sharp strike, it stands out as a superb gem in every respect and stands as the finest known ever graded at PCGS.
Sold for $490,500.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (71 Bids)
Thank you for viewing this week's Top Ten List at GreatCollections.
We are always looking for quality coins and banknotes for future GreatCollections auctions. Consign today by visiting www.greatcollections.com/selling or calling 1-800-442-6467. Who knows, maybe your consignment will be featured in a future GC Top Ten List!
Our next show is just around the corner - and in 2025! The FUN Show kickstarts the year of numismatics and Ian, Andy, Jack and Jose will be at the show all week. Plan to stop by and say hello!