From September 30th through October 2nd, Stack’s conducted its landmark Philadelphia Americana sale as the official auctioneer of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Philadelphia Expo. In three days, Stack’s sold nearly 4,500 lots of U.S. paper money, coins, medals, and tokens, realizing a total of $9,822,522.60!

Items from many important collections were featured in this sale, including the Q. David Bowers Collection of Aces, selections from the Estate of Louis E. Eliasberg, Jr., a phenomenal collection of Federal Presentation Proofs and Essays, the Anthony Terranova Collection of Counterstamped Coins, the Chester L. Krause Collection of Wisconsin Obsolete Currency: Part 3, the Property of a Southern Gentleman, and many others.

Session One was comprised entirely of American Paper Money, led off by the Q. David Bowers Collection of Aces. Important realizations here included an outstanding Gem 1880 Legal Tender $1, a Fr.31 note graded Gem Uncirculated-66 EPQ (PMG) that sold for $11,500. Coin or Treasury Notes boasted a landmark 1890 Fr.348 graded Choice Uncirculated-64 EPQ by PMG that bought $25,300.

One dollar Nationals featured a very important Arkansas Original Series issue, the only Original Series National Bank Note known from the entire state! Graded Net Good-6 by PMG, this note sold for $37,375. Immediately following this note was a prized Original Series Colorado Territory $1 graded AU-58 EPQ (PMG) that brought $25,300. Dakota Territory Nationals were well-represented by the Original Series note on the First National Bank of Yankton. Graded AU-50 by PMG, this vividly colored note sold for $16,100.

Other important rarities included an extremely rare 1875 Boston, Massachusetts 4-subject sheet on the First Ward National Bank of Boston. The 1875 sheets are rarer than the Original Series sheets, and there are fewer than 10 of them known across all denominations. This beautiful piece sold for $32,200. The note offered as the last lot of this amazing collection was the prized Laramie City, Wyoming Territory Ace. A beautiful and vibrant note, graded VF-30 by PMG, this Original Series issue represented the centerpiece of the Bowers Collection, and sold for a hefty $74,750.

Early American Currency and Obsolete Currency followed suit, with offerings from the Chester L. Krause Collection of Wisconsin Obsolete Bank Notes. Also offered here was a small but impressive selection of Confederate Paper Money, which included a complete first series set of notes from the Q. David Bowers Collection. First was an important Montgomery Issue $1000, the first Confederate note, graded Very Fine-25 Net (PMG) that sold for $46,000. Next was a vibrant and choice Montgomery Issue $500 in Very Fine-25 EPQ (PMG) that brought $43,125. Completing the set were the Montgomery Issue $100 and $50 notes, graded About Uncirculated-55 (PMG) and Very Fine-30 (PMG) respectively, which brought in $29,900 and $19,550. Also offered in this section was an exceedingly rare Thian Confederate Currency Album, one of only five made and perhaps the finest survivor of the five original albums. This fabulous showpiece sold for $126,500.

Our Philadelphia Americana sale also featured a spectacular group of Federal Proofs and Essays, a fascinating collection that is historic for both its size and scope. These amazing notes saw extremely competitive bidding and truly amazing prices. Among the outstanding realizations was an extremely impressive $500 Legal Tender proof, a prized high denomination Mansfield type that sold for a whopping $54,625. Silver certificate proofs boasted a stunning $1000 proof, perhaps the most beautiful from the collection, which brought an impossibly strong price of $109,250!

Treasury Note proofs provided an amazing opportunity to own a truly remarkable prize—the epic “Grand Watermelon” $1000 face proof. The first we have ever seen and arguably the Holy Grail of American currency, this gorgeous piece soared to a closing bid of $97,750. Also featured here was a previously unknown $500 Coin Note proof, another extremely desirable high denomination proof in superb condition that sold for $97,750.

Among Gold Certificate proofs was an awesome 1882 Countersigned $5000 proof, a note unknown in issued form, that brought $97,750, immediately followed by an inspiring $10,000 countersigned style proof of museum caliber that topped out at the same price of $97,750. Gold Certificate proofs without the countersignature also provided several wonderful choices, like the stunning $10,000 face proof that sold for $74,750. This terrific collection was rounded out by a gorgeous selection of Philippine proofs, all of which performed tremendously, and four lots of federal vignette presentation books.

After the conclusion of the Federal Proof Note section began the regular run of U.S. paper money, commencing with Large Size Currency. Important lots here included a bold gem 1863 $10 Legal Tender note graded Gem Uncirculated-65 EPQ (PMG) that sold for $17,250, as well as an 1869 $50 Henry Clay note graded Very Fine-25 by PMG, one of just 63 known survivors, that topped out at $37,375. Silver Certificates presented one of the finest known 1880 $10 Fr.288 notes, a fabulous highlight of the sale graded Gem Uncirculated-66 EPQ (PMG) that brought $37,375. A scarcer variety 1880 $10 Silver Certificate appeared a few lots later, a Fr.290 note in Extremely Fine-40 EPQ (PMG) that sold for $37,375. Coin or Treasury Notes showcased a gem 1890 $2 note, an attractive example with a fancy back and a brown seal. Graded Gem Uncirculated-65 PPQ (PCGS), this note reached $34,500.

Federal Reserve Notes featured a rare and important 1918 $1,000 Dallas District note, a Very Fine-25 (PMG) note that is one of just three known that sold for $29,900. Gold Certificates included the 1905 Technicolor $20, a Choice Uncirculated-64 EPQ (PMG) note formerly part of the Eliasberg Collection that brought $23,000. National Bank Notes offered an outstanding First National Gold Bank of San Francisco $5 in About Uncirculated-50 (CGA), which sold for $43,125 and later a beautiful $50 brown back from Washington, Pennsylvania graded About Uncirculated-50 EPQ (PMG) sold for $17,825. This section also provided a large offering of New York National Bank Notes, with highlights like the extremely rare East Aurora 1902 $10, a Choice Fine note that is one of just two known! This impressive piece sold for $16,100. U.S. small size currency finished out the first session of the Philadelphia Americana sale.

Session Two began on Friday morning and covered U.S. coins. Colonial and Early American coins led the way. The tenth lot of the morning was an AU-55 (PCGS) 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree shilling, a Small Planchet, Noe-16 variety that closed for $11,500. Other important colonial lots included a (1785) Bar copper graded pleasing AU-55 by PCGS. This coin joined a new collection after a winning bid of $18,400.

This sale offered two regulated gold coins, both of which performed well. The first was a rare and historic plugged Half Joe (Brazil 6400 Reis). Marked by both Ephraim Brasher and John Burger, this choice example went to a new home for a price of $43,125. The second regulated coin was a lovely Ephraim Brasher-marked English half guinea. Half guineas marked by Brasher are extremely rare, a fact attested to by the selling price of $21,850.

U.S. half cents began with an outstanding 1794 C-4a, B-6b Small Edge Letters example, previously from the Joseph Brobston Collection. The grade of MS-62 (PCGS) places this coin among the top 8 examples of the variety, and the coin sold for a strong $19,838. Large cents featured an important 1793 S-4 Chain cent, an ex Roper piece in a Genuine (PCGS) holder. The right obverse field was lightly smoothed, but the look overall is quite good, with AU-55 details and a wholesome appearance. This important coin sold for a respectable $25,300.

The classic 1792 half disme made an appearance in this sale as lot 2606. Though the coin is neatly holed at 12:00, it is still one of the most beautiful circulated 1792 half dismes available. Excellent surfaces and light antique gray toning combine to create fabulous eye appeal. Obviously bidders felt the same way, as the coin sold for $34,500! U.S. quarters commenced with an impressive 1796 B-2 issue graded MS-63 by PCGS. Beautifully toned and of the utmost rarity in this lofty grade, this amazing coin sold for an incredible $172,500.

U.S. dollars featured a 1797 B-1, BB-73 example in AU-53 (NGC), a 9×7 Stars, Large Letters variety displaying residual lustre against the stark white surfaces. This pleasing coin sold for $12,651. Seated Liberty dollars included a Proof-62 (NGC) example of the rare 1851 Restrike that brought $24,150. Morgan dollars were highlighted by the splendid gem 1902-S example offered as lot 3128. This MS-67 (PCGS) was the Norweb specimen and the former “World’s Finest Morgan Silver Dollar” specimen, though now three other examples share the MS-67 designation with the present coin. This beautiful coin climbed to a final price of $43,125.

Following the U.S. silver and trade dollars were Pattern Coins, where a stunning 1873 pattern eagle stole the spotlight. This J-1343, Rarity-8 coin was struck in aluminum and is graded an impossibly fine Proof-66* Ultra Cameo by NGC. This gorgeous pattern took in $23,000. Errors, commemoratives, and bullion issues followed the patterns, and Private and Territorial coins were up next. Here, Stack’s proudly offered a beautiful Kellogg and Humbert gold ingot from the S.S. Central America. This nearly 40-ounce ingot was acquired for a successful bid of $103,500.

U.S. gold dollars featured an 1858-D example in MS-63 (NGC), one of the ten finest graded by NGC, that sold for $13,225. Half eagles provided several nice early issues, and a stunning 1887 Proof example. One of just 87 pieces minted, the coin is graded Proof-65 Cameo by PCGS and is the only Gem that has a received a Cameo designation by that service. Bidding climbed to a steep $97,750 on this lot. U.S. eagles began with a lovely 1795 BD-4, a Rarity-5 variety graded AU-53 by PCGS that sold for $54,625. Immediately following this coin was a bright and attractive 1799 Small Stars Obverse graded AU-53 (PCGS); this gently circulated rarity garnered $18,400.

Among double eagles was an 1859-O graded AU-58 PL by NGC from wreck of the S.S. Republic. Only one coin has been graded finer by NGC within the PL designation, placing this coin among the finest prooflike coins on the market—this double eagle rarity sold for $69,000. Proof double eagles featured an extraordinarily lovely 1892 example graded Proof-66 DCAM (PCGS Secure). One of just 93 struck, tied for finest certified by PCGs, and once part of the John Jay Pittman collection, this impressive coin sold for $132,250. Saint Gaudens double eagles performed strongly, and closing the session was a beautiful 1931-D example. Graded MS-65 (PCGS Secure), this frosty gem found a new home after a winning bid of $109,250.

Session Three of our Philadelphia Americana sale immediately followed Session Two and was comprised of U.S. medals. A healthy selection of Betts, Comitia Americana, and related medals got the ball rolling and prices were generally strong. Also offered here was an unprecedented collection of Abraham Lincoln gold medals from the collection of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. The first item offered from this astounding collection was a stunning 1862 Abraham Lincoln gold Indian Peace Medal. Probably unique, this gorgeous medal sold for a very strong $43,125. The second item offered in this section was a majestic gold Lincoln Presidential Medal bearing the George Morgan portrait of Lincoln. Likely struck in 1909, this dramatic gold medal raked in $21,850.

Additional items from the Eliasberg Collection included an amazing 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commemorative Medal in gold that sold for $40,250, followed by the legendary 1905 250th Anniversary of Jewish Settlement in the United States Medal. This breathtaking Choice Uncirculated medal, initially presented to President Grover Cleveland, is one of just two struck in gold by the fledgling Medallic Art Company and sold for $69,000! An interesting selection of ephemera from the Eliasberg collection finished out the selection here, and included a paperwork, correspondence, and appraisals in connection with the collection.

Other U.S. Medals followed this offering, and the 1787 Columbia and Washington Medal in Very Fine was a popular item. The first American medal struck after independence, the medal celebrated the first American circumnavigation of the globe, and is listed as #31 in Q. David Bowers’ 100 Greatest American Tokens and Medals. $18,400 was the final price paid for this impressive example. A set of Washington Seasons Medals was also offered here, all from the Q. David Bowers Collection, and previously from the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection. “The Shepherd” example, Julian IP-51, is remarkably free of the damage that these medals often suffer, and this bronze medal sold for $20,700. “The Home” example, a bronze Julian IP-52 medal, topped out at $19,550 and “The Farmer,” a Choice Extremely Fine bronze Julian IP-53 example, brought $17,250.

Session Four, held on Saturday morning, began with the magnificent Anthony Terranova collection of counterstamped coins, comprising some 300 lots and offering some truly interesting and desirable pieces. The Brunk L-188, HT-146 Dr. LEACH counterstamp was one such item. Stamped on an 1824 O-110 half dollar, this piece is probably unique and sold for a pleasing $4,888. Another important lot was an 1827 O-143 half dollar bearing a J. MARTINE stamp that sold for $5,750. Counterstamps on U.S. dollars included a beautiful 1896 Proof Morgan dollar stamped with BRYAN on the obverse. An unusual and rare counterstamp, this lot sold for $4,025 after strong bidding.

Washington medals included many important and high quality items from the Patriot Collection, a collection focused on the medals of Washington and Lafayette. One such item was the 1776 (1805) American Beaver Medal, a lovely medal in Uncirculated condition that brought $5,463. Other U.S. Medals included a Choice Uncirculated 1904 St. Louis Olympic Games Participation Medal. A bronze octagonal medal of extreme rarity, this medal sold for a very strong $19,550.

U.S. tokens finished out Session Four of this diverse sale, headed up a marvelous Feuchtwanger token. This prooflike Choice Uncirculated HT-261, Low-248 token is a Rarity-7 issue and hailed from the Q. David Bowers Collection. It found a new home after a top bid of $17,250. Two lots later was a splendid Feuchtwanger 3¢ token, a gorgeous prooflike Choice Uncirculated showpiece. This HT-265, Low-119 token is a Rarity-7+ issue also from the Q. David Bowers Collection that brought in $10,925. Another important Hard Times token was the Beck’s Public Baths token from Richmond, Virginia, an MS-66 BN (NGC) example that sold for $10,580.

Merchant, Civil War, Trade, and other tokens, along with So-Called Dollars and engraved pieces completed our Philadelphia Americana sale. For further information on participating in or consigning to an upcoming Stack’s auction, contact Stack’s at 123 West 57th Street, NY, NY 10019 or at Box 1804, Wolfeboro, NH, 03894. By phone please use 800-566-2580. Full sales results from The Philadelphia Americana Sale, as well as full photos and text from previous sales, are available online at our website.