Scarce Gold Coins Certified by NGC Featured in Stack’s April Sale

Rare coins, including three Panama-Pacific gold commemoratives and a coin struck amid the California Gold Rush — all certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) — are being offered in an upcoming Stack’s Bowers sale. Popular with advanced collectors, these coins are among a fascinating selection of NGC-certified rarities in the sale. The Spring 2022 Auction is now open for online bidding, with the various sessions concluding April 4-13, 2022.

One of the most-exciting lots offered (Session 3, lot 3196) is a gold coin celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, about 645 issues of the 1915-S Panama-Pacific Octagonal $50 were distributed, including this particular example graded NGC MS 66 — among the top 5% of those in the NGC Census. Designed by Robert I. Aitken, the coin displays a Roman-themed motif with dolphins surrounding Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, war and crafts, on the obverse, and the goddess’s animal emblem on the reverse.

1915-S Panama-Pacific Octagonal $50 graded NGC MS 66 Click images to enlarge.

Following Session 3 on April 5, two more NGC-certified 1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 coins, both graded NGC MS 64, are being offered in Session 4. From the collection of Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito, lot 4080 is a round issue, while lot 4081 is an octagonal issue. Price guides suggest all three Panama-Pacific coins should achieve prices over $100,000.

Another gold coin featured in the sale is an 1853 US Assay "884" $20 graded NGC MS 63 (lot 3202), also struck in San Francisco. With the inflow of numerous miners during California’s Gold Rush, the demand for refining gold increased dramatically. The “884 THOUS.” stamped on the obverse is the federally mandated metal composition. This coin is one of the last gold coins struck before the Assay Office closed that same year to make way for an official government mint.

1853 U.S. Assay Office "884" $20 graded NGC MS 63 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale include:

• a 1795 13 Leaves Eagle graded NGC AU 50 (lot 3149)
• an 1893-S Morgan Dollar graded NGC AU 58 (lot 3058)
• an 1833 Half Eagle graded NGC AU 55 (lot 3141)
• a C.Bechtler (1837-42) $2.50 graded NGC MS 63 (lot 3200)
• an 1854-S Double Eagle graded NGC MS 62 (lot 3170)
• a 1907 High Relief Wire Rim Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded NGC MS 64+ (lot 3185)
• a 1932-S Washington Quarter graded NGC MS 66 (lot 3036)
• a 1922 Grant Memorial Star Half Dollar graded NGC MS 67 (lot 3193)