Auctions

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, coin collectors! Stack’s Bowers Galleries is hosting a historic auction on September 12, 2025, featuring an extraordinary selection of gold Sacagawea dollars, including seven 2000-W 22 Karat gold coins that traveled nearly 2 million miles aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999 and the very first struck 2025-W 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollar commemorating the series’ 25th anniversary. This auction is a landmark event for numismatists, space enthusiasts, and collectors of American artifacts alike.

Space-Flown 2000-W 22 Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollars

These 22 Karat gold Sacagawea dollars are no ordinary coins. Struck in a Proof format on 1/2oz gold planchets originally intended for American Eagle bullion coins, they feature the rare “engraved tailfeathers” reverse design, shared with the coveted “Cheerios” variety. Only 39 were initially minted to promote the new Golden Dollar and celebrate the first space shuttle mission commanded by a woman, USAF Col. (ret.) Eileen Collins. Of those, just 12 were selected for the Columbia flight, with the remaining 27 destroyed. Now, only seven of these space-flown coins will be available for public ownership, as the United States Mint will archive the remaining five in its heritage collection.

Ranked #5 among the Top 100 Modern Coins by PCGS, these coins are true numismatic legends, having been stored at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository for over two decades. Each coin will be monetized as legal tender upon sale, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Acting Mint Director Kristie McNally. Certified by PCGS with bespoke labels, they’ll also be eligible for inclusion in the PCGS Set Registry, offering collectors a chance to compete for the coveted #5 slot in the Top 100 Modern Coins set.

First-Struck 2025-W 24 Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollar

Adding to the excitement, the auction includes the #1 struck 2025-W 24 Karat gold Sacagawea dollar, minted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series. With a limited mintage of just 7,500, these coins sold out quickly upon release. This first-struck example is a crown jewel for any modern coin collection, also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Kristie McNally. Following Stack’s Bowers’ record-setting $440,000 sale of the #1 struck 2024 Flowing Hair gold $1, expectations are high for another blockbuster result.

Auction Details

The live auction kicks off at 12:00 PM EDT (9:00 AM PDT) on September 12, 2025, hosted on Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ website (www.StacksBowers.com) and broadcast from their Costa Mesa, California headquarters. In a rare move, the Buyer’s Premium will be waived, so the highest bid (hammer price) will be the final amount paid, excluding shipping fees.

This marks the fourth time Stack’s Bowers has been chosen by the United States Mint for a special auction, a testament to their expertise in handling historic numismatic treasures. Previous sales include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 ($7.5 million), 35th Anniversary American Eagle coins ($4.6 million), and 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair coins ($8.2 million).

Why This Matters

These coins are more than just collectibles—they’re pieces of American history, blending numismatics, space exploration, and cultural milestones. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this auction offers a rare chance to own coins that have orbited Earth or mark a significant milestone in the Sacagawea series.

For more details or to consign your own collection, contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries at 800-458-4646 or email info@stacksbowers.com. Don’t miss this historic event!

Goldberg Coins & Collectibles in Los Angeles is set to auction a remarkable collection of space memorabilia from the estate of Clark C. McClelland, a NASA aerospace engineer who worked on U.S. space missions for over three decades. The auction held February 27, 2025 features rare items like moon-flown American flags, a complete set of Gemini mission silver medallions originally owned by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and a signed photograph of Neil Armstrong taken during his historic moonwalk.

McClelland, who served NASA from 1958 to 1992 at Cape Canaveral, the Johnson Space Center, and Area 51, amassed a museum-quality collection during his 34-year career. His work included technical checkouts for the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Skylab programs. “My father was passionate about NASA and inspiring the next generation in science and engineering,” said Carrie Lane, McClelland’s daughter. Her husband, Russell Lane, added, “He loved our country and the space program, and this collection reflects his dedication.”

A highlight of the auction is a rare set of sterling silver medallions from the Gemini missions (1965–1966), originally owned by Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon. Encased in a Lucite block on a wooden base, the set includes medallions from missions GT-3 through GT-12, signed by Aldrin in blue Sharpie. Only 24 such sets exist, making them highly coveted. The auction catalog estimates their value at $9,000–$12,000, noting their significance as a piece of NASA history suitable for elite collectors or museums.

The collection also includes five American flags flown to the moon during Apollo missions, a sixth carried by John Glenn on his first spaceflight, and vintage photographs from nearly 40 missions. A standout is a rare autographed photo of Neil Armstrong from the live broadcast of his first steps on the lunar surface—a moment that captivated the world.

Freeman Fisher, Director of Manuscripts & Collectibles at Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, described the collection as “museum-quality,” emphasizing its historical value. Bidders can participate in person in Los Angeles or online via the auction house’s website. The full catalog is available at auctions.goldbergcoins.com, with printed copies available for $20 (U.S.) or $40 (international).

For more details, contact Goldberg Coins & Collectibles at (310) 551-2646 or freeman@goldbergcoins.com.

Heritage Auctions achieved an impressive milestone at the January 2025 FUN Numismatic Auctions, recording over $78 million in sales. The event featured five seven-figure coins, including a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle that sold for $3.84 million and a 1798 Small Eagle $5 gold piece that brought $3 million.

Highlights of the Auction:

• 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (MS65+ PCGS, CAC): Sold for $3.84 million, leading the event.
• 1798 Small Eagle Half Eagle (AU55 PCGS): Fetched $3 million, breaking the previous auction record.
• 1894-S Barber Dime (PR66 PCGS, CAC): Achieved $2.16 million, surpassing its 2016 record.

Notable Collections:

• Bruce S. Sherman Collection: Featured elite rarities like the 1798 Small Eagle Half Eagle and an 1849-C Open Wreath Gold Dollar ($1.56 million).
• The COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection of Large Cents 1796-1814: Included every Sheldon variety from the period. Highlights featured a 1799 S-189 Cent (XF45 PCGS, CAC) that sold for $210,000 and a 1799/8 Overdate Cent (XF40 PCGS) that realized $150,000.
• Mississippi Collection of Double Eagles: Highlighted by an 1883 Double Eagle ($492,000) and other high-demand $20 gold coins.
• Whispering Pines Collection: Set records for Lincoln Wheat Cents, including a 1943 Bronze Cent ($264,000).

Currency Auction Success:

The FUN US Currency Auction added $12.8 million to the total, led by rare Federal Reserve notes, including a 1928 $5,000 note that realized $456,000.

Overall Impact:

These record-breaking results solidify Heritage’s position as a premier auction house for rare coins and currency. The auction’s success is expected to push Heritage’s numismatic sales past $100 million in early 2025.

Collectors can view the full auction results on Heritage Auctions’ website.

The Heritage Auctions U.S. Coins Signature Auction, running November 20-24, promises an exciting showcase of elite numismatic treasures. With contributions from more than 140 consignors and several significant private collections, this event is set to be one of Heritage’s largest auctions. Key highlights include remarkable coins from the Greensboro and Ronald Firman Rarities Collections, among other impressive lots.

From the Greensboro Collection, Part XI, there’s an outstanding array of Flying Eagle cents, Indian Head cents, and Buffalo nickels, most graded between PR65 and PR69, many with Cameos and high-end CAC certifications. Notable coins include an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent graded PR67+ PCGS CAC, celebrated for its first-year key date and quality.

The Ronald Firman Rarities Collection brings exceptional items such as a 1797 Reverse of 1797 Cent, graded MS66 Red and Brown, which stands as the finest known example of its kind. The collection also includes a rare 1793 S-3 Chain Cent graded XF45 NGC CAC, a significant piece from the first American copper coinage for circulation.

Other star lots feature rare gold coins, like an 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle (the first coin struck at the Carson City Mint) and an 1855 Double Eagle graded MS63+ PCGS CAC. High-value double eagles include a 1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in MS64+ PCGS, and an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella graded PR63 Cameo NGC CAC, a popular and iconic pattern coin.

Collectors and investors can explore the full catalog, available at HA.com/1378. This auction presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire historic coins of exceptional rarity and quality.

A dazzling 1895 Morgan Dollar, graded PR67+ Deep Cameo, set a new world record at Heritage’s Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature® Auction, which took place from September 12-15, 2024. After more than 30 competitive bids, the highly sought-after coin sold for an astounding $324,000, shattering the previous record of $269,500. This remarkable sale was the highlight of the auction, which totaled $11,544,441 in sales.

Heritage’s September 11-13 Long Beach Expo US Currency Signature® Auction added to the success, bringing in $10,587,005. The currency auction was led by an exceptional Fr. 2220-E $5,000 1928 Federal Reserve Note, graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ, which attracted significant attention and contributed to the impressive results.

In total, the combined events brought in a whopping $22,131,446, marking yet another successful installment of the Long Beach Expo for Heritage Auctions.

The 1895 Morgan Dollar, known as the “King of Morgan Dollars” due to its rarity and pristine condition, continues to be a prize for collectors. The new record underscores the coin’s significance and the strength of the numismatic market.