Friar Park Collection, 1796 Half Dollar, Vintage Black NGC Holder, India 1841 Gold Mohur...
Welcome to this week's Top Ten List from GreatCollections, for our Sunday, March 30th auctions. With almost 6,000 certified coins and banknotes, we have a very diverse offering in our auctions on Sunday.
From the Friar Park Collection of U.S. Coins are several key issues, including the 1796 Half Dollar, 15 Stars, graded PCGS Fine-12. 1796 Half Dollars are rare in any condition, and this is a very pleasing evenly circulated example.
In the rare holder department, an exceedingly rare vintage Black Holder by NGC - which were only produced for a few days at the very beginning of NGC by John Albanese. Another rare holder is the White Rattler - and we have a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, graded PCGS MS-64 with CAC approval and was graded by PCGS in the first 2350 coins ever graded by the firm.
Precious metals have been getting more and more attention over the past few months - and we have a massive S.S. Cairsoppa Shipwreck Silver Ingot/Bar - weighing over 1,000 oz.
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 4,000 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:
Struck in the second year of Proof Morgan production with a mintage of just 1,100, this 1879 Proof Morgan is certified Proof-66 by PCGS and has a CAC endorsement. It has a stunning blast-white appearance, frosty raised devices, and sharply defined details, with virtually no visible blemishes on the high points. Scarce in such high grade, this example features outstanding contrast between the devices and mirrored surfaces.
Sold for $11,925.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (21 Bids)
Number 9:
Struck at the Calcutta Mint, this 1841-(C) Gold Mohur (Crosslet 4) showcases impressive luster and vibrant gold coloration, with subtle hints of patina throughout the protected areas. Certified MS-62 by ANACS, it is an appealing piece of British India’s numismatic legacy.
Sold for $14,063.62 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (26 Bids)
Number 8:
With CAC approval, this aluminum 1869 half-dollar pattern is one of just eight graded at PCGS—and one of only two to receive the Cameo designation. Exhibiting an exceptionally crisp strike and mostly white surfaces, this Judd-753 was struck in Philadelphia and stands as a seldom-seen gem from the innovative pattern coinage experiments of the late 19th century.
Sold for $6,468.75 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (37 Bids)
Number 7:
Numbered JZ0446, this 1,038-ounce .999 fine silver ingot is one of 462 bars recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration from the sunken S.S. Gairsoppa. Minted in Bombay, India, it was part of nearly 100 metric tons of silver en route to Britain in early 1941. Torpedoed by a German U-boat on February 17, 1941, the ship sank to a depth of 4,700 meters.
Sold for $38,819.25 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (48 Bids)
Number 6:
This modern restrike of a 1912-dated Bulgarian 100 Leva gold coin (KM-34) was produced under the auspices of the National Bank with a mintage of 1,000 coins, preserving the original design while adding a high-quality, proof finish. Containing 0.9334 oz. of actual gold weight, it has been certified as Proof-67 Cameo by NGC, it has strongly mirrored fields and prominently frosted devices.
Sold for $3,825.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (26 Bids)
Number 5:
From the Friar Park Collection of U.S. Coins, this 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar (Two Leaves) is an exceptionally preserved AU-53 example. Housed in an older-generation blue holder, it boasts remarkably even surfaces and retains considerable luster for its numeric grade. CAC approval further confirms its stellar eye appeal, a great choice for early U.S. type collectors.
Sold for $26,437.50 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (12 Bids)
Number 4:
Widely considered the scarcest Proof Flying Eagle date (even rarer than the storied 1856), the 1857 saw only 485 examples struck and just 62 ever certified at PCGS. This PCGS Proof-65 piece, CAC-approved and from the Simpson/Sebastian Collection, features superb striking detail, unproblematic surfaces, and a delicate hint of rainbow iridescence on the reverse. With just two coins graded higher at PCGS, it represents a top-tier example of this underrated rarity.
Sold for $32,625.00 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (49 Bids)
Number 3:
Rarely seen today, this Double Eagle is housed in a first-generation “Rattler” holder featuring the seldom-seen white label (rather than green), indicating it was among the very first coins graded by PCGS, within the initial 2,350 graded coins. Although considered a common date, it exhibits exceptional luster, rich color, and impressively clean surfaces, making it a standout for collectors of PCGS-certified coins.
Sold for $11,812.50 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (36 Bids)
Number 2:
This 1885-O Morgan Dollar, graded MS-63, resides in the original NGC black retro holder that was introduced in 1987, a distinctive holder used for only a few months and is now highly prized by collectors. Subtle rim toning accentuates the coin’s already impressive eye appeal and looks incredible for its assigned numerical grade. CAC-approved.
Sold for $13,062.38 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (12 Bids)
And Number 1:
With one of the briefest yet most iconic designs in U.S. coinage, this 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar (15 Stars) hails from the Friar Park Collection of U.S. Coins. With an estimated 569 coins originally struck and just 68 survivors certified by PCGS, the issue remains extremely scarce. Graded F-12, this piece displays appealing even color and uniformly honest wear, an overall great "Fine" example with unproblematic surfaces.
Sold for $52,312.50 (incl. Buyer's Fee) (7 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!
GreatCollections is currently at the Whitman Baltimore Expo - at table 345. Stop by and see some amazing auction highlights - including the vintage black NGC holder - and also consign your duplicates or collection.