Rare 1807 Draped Bust Quarter Sets New Record at Auction
A rare 1807 Draped Bust quarter, considered the best-known example of its kind and once part of the Stickney-Clapp-Eliasberg collection, sold for a record-breaking $630,000. This historic coin, featured in the Bob R. Simpson Collection, was auctioned by Heritage Auctions during its U.S. Coins Auction held November 19–22 in Dallas, Texas. The overall event brought in $14,513,117, with Simpson’s collection dominating the top-selling lots.
“I feel extremely grateful and honored to see so many new records set,” said Simpson. “I appreciate Heritage’s strong marketing and the collectors who made this possible.”
So far, the first two parts of Simpson’s coin collection have brought in $23 million at Heritage Auctions. The third part is scheduled to go on sale from January 6–10, 2021.
Highlights from the Simpson Collection Continue to Impress
In Dallas, several coins from Simpson’s collection stood out for their rarity and condition. A one-of-a-kind Mint State 1795 Small Head half dollar, graded MS63 by PCGS, fetched $528,000. It’s the only known example in Uncirculated condition. The coin has a remarkable history, believed to have been obtained from the Philadelphia Mint by William Strickland in 1795, brought to England, and passed down through the Lord St. Oswald Collection. Later, it joined prestigious U.S. collections, including those of D. Brent Pogue and Bob R. Simpson.
Wartime Rarity and Early Silver Coins Bring Top Dollar
A 1943-S Lincoln cent struck on a bronze planchet, graded MS63 Brown by PCGS with CAC approval, realized $504,000 after 47 competitive bids. It is one of just six known examples struck in San Francisco during World War II.
Another standout coin was a 1795 Draped Bust dollar with the Small Eagle reverse and Centered Bust design. Graded MS65+ by PCGS and CAC, the coin sold for $456,000. Known for its detailed strike and nearly perfect surfaces, it remains one of the finest of its type.
U.S. Gold Coin Rarity Reaches High Price
Simpson’s 1912-S Indian half eagle, graded MS65, brought strong interest for being the best of its kind at PCGS and the second-rarest date in Gem condition. It sold for $300,000. Completing a high-grade Indian half eagle set is one of the toughest challenges in U.S. gold coin collecting, with the 1912-S posing a significant hurdle due to the lack of high-grade specimens set aside when it was minted.
Finest 1802 Dollar and Other Major Sales
A rare 1802 Narrow Date silver dollar, graded MS65+ by PCGS and certified by CAC, sold for $300,000. It is the top-rated example of its specific die variety and the finest 1802 dollar known, offering collectors a pristine representation of early U.S. Mint production.
Also drawing attention was an 1899-S Liberty Head eagle ($10 gold coin), graded MS68+ by PCGS and CAC. It realized $288,000 and is likely the finest Liberty eagle ever offered by Heritage Auctions. This coin was originally purchased directly from the San Francisco Mint.
Other Auction Highlights
- $204,000 – An 1893-CC Morgan dollar, PR65+, struck at the Carson City Mint. Only about 12 are believed to exist, and this example features strong mirrors and a notable pedigree.
- $180,000 – A pristine 1800 dime, JR-2 variety, graded MS66+ by PCGS with CAC approval. It is the best known of its year and among just 150–250 survivors.
- $180,000 – A 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar, O-105 variety, AU58+ PCGS, from the Jim O’Neal Collection. It is the finest example of this variety.
- $144,000 – A 46.53-ounce Kellogg & Humbert gold ingot recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck, one of about 370 salvaged from the vessel.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Bob R. Simpson?
A: Bob R. Simpson is a well-known coin collector and part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team. His collection is one of the most prestigious in U.S. coinage history.
Q2: What makes the 1807 Draped Bust quarter so valuable?
A: It is the finest known example of its type, with exceptional preservation and a rich provenance including top collections.
Q3: Why is the 1943-S bronze cent so rare?
A: It was struck in error during World War II, as cents were supposed to be made from zinc-coated steel. Only six San Francisco examples are known.
Q4: What is special about the SS Central America gold ingots?
A: These gold bars were salvaged from a shipwreck that occurred in 1857, offering a rare glimpse into the Gold Rush-era economy.
