Stack’s Bowers Galleries Announces Record Shattering $325 Million Year of Auctions in 2025

Following a record-breaking 2024, legendary numismatic firm Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce that 2025 was another banner year for the company. Over 134,000 lots of rare coins, banknotes, medals, tokens, and other numismatic collectibles were sold across more than 130 separate auction sales, resulting in total prices realized that exceeded $325 million. The lot total is an impressive increase of more than 5,000 lots from 2024’s record, while the total prices realized increased 18% from last year’s record total of $275 million. Additionally, Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ auction sales garnered headlines around the world, in both the numismatic and mainstream press. The discovery and subsequent $6 million sale of the 16^th known 1804 silver dollar hidden in the James A. Stack Collection and the $16 million sale of the final United States “Omega” cents struck for circulation were covered by news outlets the world over. (All prices include the buyer’s premium.)

In this record-shattering year, five coins brought in excess of $1 million, while nearly 300 lots sold for more than $100,000. Prices were led by the aforementioned James A. Stack specimen of the famed 1804 silver dollar, which brought $6,000,000, followed by a Choice Mint State 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar that sold for $4,500,000 from the Property of a Texas Gentleman.

“What a great year 2025 has been!” exclaimed Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “Fabulous rarities consigned to our auctions attracted strong bidding from around the globe.  Each of our product categories – American coins, world and ancient coins, and U.S. and world banknotes – saw prices realized growth year over year.”

Among United States coins, 2025 was highlighted by many impressive collections, including the Property of a Texas Gentleman, the Richard August Collection, the Floyd T. Starr Collection, the Chicago Collection, the James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, and many others. These anchors set the stage for Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ record-shattering year. Highlights include an incredibly rare 1849 Pacific Company $5 gold piece, that sold for $1,260,000 in February; the single finest known 1901 Morgan dollar that shattered previous records bringing $720,000, and the stunning 1878 Proof $3 from the Floyd T. Starr Collection that realized $348,000 (one of the highest prices ever for this denomination) in August; the famous Boyd-Cardinal-Texas Gentleman 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar that realized $4,500,000 in November; and the unique 1854 Proof double eagle and the 1859 double eagle from the James A. Stack Collection that each sold for $900,000 in December.

Drawn to a close in 2025 were Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ multi-year sales of two diverse collections. The February 2025 Showcase Auction contained the final presentation of the extensive offerings of gold coins from the Fairmont Collection. Since the first offering in 2018, the vast Fairmont Collection reoriented the hobby’s understanding of surviving populations, brought countless rare date gold coins to the market, and created a new generation of collectors pursuing rare date gold. In December, the hammer came down on the final session of the extensive Sydney F. Martin Collection, with the last of his St. Patrick’s and Connecticut coppers selling in a dedicated Collectors Choice Auction.

Among other standout cabinets sold this year was that of rock legend Rick Springfield, presented as part of the Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction. Mr. Springfield’s collection of rare United States gold coins garnered very spirited bidding. 

“Stack’s Bowers Galleries continues to be the market leader in Numismatic Americana, embracing historic American medals, tokens and other exonumia, as well as all sorts of numismatic esoterica,” said John Kraljevich, Director of Numismatic Americana. “Led by the Richard August Collection, which highlighted three of the major live 2025 sales of numismatic Americana and colonial coins, consignors saw their material reach a knowledgeable audience that pays premium prices for narrative-driven rarities.” With cataloging that leads the field, Stack’s Bowers Galleries set new auction records by telling deeply researched stories to a discerning clientele. Leading all historical medal lots, the first gold 1945 Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugural medal ever offered at auction surpassed all expectations, realizing $240,000 in the Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction. Two silver Libertas Americana medals brought $144,000 each, including Richard August’s beautifully toned AU-58+ (PCGS) (March 2025) and the John D. Miner MS-62 (PCGS) (August 2025). A rare silver John Eager Howard Comitia Americana medal from the Richard August Collection, graded MS-62 (PCGS), brought $102,000. Three different Washington medals each brought more than $50,000, signaling continued strength in the Washingtoniana market, as seen in the extensive bidding wars that broke out during the John M. Pack Collection sale in November. From sutler tokens to Indian Peace medals, from Lifesaving medals to ANS medals, Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ 2025 auction sales saw record interest and record prices among an engaged and growing audience.

The Richard August Collection was also at the forefront of record-setting offerings of pre-Federal and Colonial coins. More than 2,000 such lots crossed the block in 2025, with prices in this category led by $144,000 garnered in the November Showcase Auction by a 1787 New Jersey copper graded VG-10 (PCGS). The Maris 73 1/2 – jj variety was discovered by Mr. August while in a coin shop on his way to an auction many decades ago, and it remains unique today. Two Vermont coppers from the August Collection were among the firm’s top lots of the year: one of two privately held Ryder-33s (PCGS Fine Details) sold for $84,000, and one of five known Ryder-32s (PCGS VF-25) brought $78,000. Mr. August’s collections of Massachusetts cents and half cents, New Jersey coppers, and Vermont coppers saw strong, active bidding in the November sale, while his world-class Fugio coppers brought impressive prices in the Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction, with four pieces surpassing $30,000.

It was a banner year for Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ U.S. currency department, with more than $20 million in United States paper money sold through auction in 2025. Two extraordinary rarities from the Shores Collection were among the most valuable notes sold in public auction during the year: a Fr. 345d 1880 $500 Silver Certificate, graded PMG Choice Fine 15 (the sole collectible example of this Friedberg number) realized $528,000 and a Fr. 1166b 1863 $20 Gold Certificate, graded PCGS Banknote About Uncirculated 50 Details – Restorations (the finest Act of 1863 Gold Certificate in private hands) brought $516,000. Both notes drew intense bidding and global attention, underscoring continued demand at the highest levels of the market.

In addition, Stack’s Bowers Galleries proudly presented the McLaughlin Collection of Napier–Thompson Notes, a landmark offering that highlighted the depth and strength of the U.S. currency market. Among its many important pieces was the first sheet of Fr. 231 $1 Silver Certificates ever printed, accompanied by a handwritten 1912 letter from Treasurer Carmi A. Thompson to his daughter Gladys. This historic pairing realized $120,000, reflecting the strong appeal of notes that combine rarity, quality, and rich provenance.

“Strong prices realized across multiple major collections reaffirmed Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ position as a premier venue for rare and desirable banknotes,” said Peter Treglia, Vice President and Managing Director of Currency. “Results across our Showcase and Collectors Choice Auctions show that Stack’s Bowers Galleries continues to serve as a trusted partner for consignors and collectors at every level, providing expert cataloging, targeted global marketing, and record-setting auction performance.”

“As the year draws to a close, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is proud to reflect on significant achievements, record-setting auctions, and continued excellence across its many showcases and events,” said Matt Orsini, Director of World and Ancient Numismatics. “The company’s commitment to innovation, expertise, and client service has propelled another standout year in the global numismatic marketplace.”

The firm presented over 40,000 lots of World coins through their Showcase and Collectors Choice Auctions. Among the wide array of treasured rarities offered in Stacks’ Bowers Galleries’ Hong Kong auctions was a Chinese “Mukden Tiger” Silver Dollar Pattern, which sold for $1,020,000. A legendary rarity, the Kwangtung 7 Mace 3 Candereens smashed its high estimate to sell for $660,000, while a Gold K’uping Tael Pattern brought $528,000. A Shantung Gold 20 Dollars Pattern Year 15 graded Specimen-65+ garnered $396,000 and, ending the year on a strong note, a Hupeh Tael Year 30 (1904) achieved $384,000 in the December Hong Kong auction.

Among other World coin items, in March, the Paul McCartney Gold 5 Kilogram Coin (sold in cooperation with The Royal Mint) brought $660,000, while a PCGS Proof-62 Oliver Cromwell Gold Broad of 50 Shillings Pattern achieved $396,000. The firm’s continuing offerings from the L. E. Bruun Collection saw numerous price highlights in 2025 auctions held in Zurich and Copenhagen, led by a 1659 Denmark 5 Ducats that realized €288,000, well over the high estimate. Other exceptional prices from this cabinet included a 1663 4 Ducats that garnered €240,000 and a Denmark 1593 Half Portugaloser, which crushed its estimate, selling for €204,000.

Ancient coins also performed well throughout this year, with nearly 2,000 lots offered. A Ptolemaic Egypt AR Pentakaidekadrachm, ca. 244/3-221 B.C., graded NGC AU, brought $38,400, and a Macedon AR Dodekadrachm, ca. 480-465, garnered $26,400, roughly doubling its estimate. A Bruttium Kroton AR Stater graded NGC CH EF★ realized $20,400, while a Syracuse AR Dekadrachm also performed strongly, selling for $19,800.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries sold nearly 400 items in the Physical Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency category during 2025, setting many records and generating substantial collector premiums. The firm’s first sale of the year, hosted alongside the annual New York International Numismatic Convention in January, generated strong momentum with many notable results, including a 2016 BTCC “Poker Chip” 0.1 Bitcoin that sold for $16,800—nearly a $7,000 collector premium above the face value at the time. A silver Casascius 0.1 Bitcoin sold for $17,400 in the firm’s spring 2025 sale, representing a nearly $10,000 premium. With the market’s confidence translating into headline-grabbing prices, in the June sale, a brass 2013 Casascius 1 BTC sold for $117,000, a world-record price for that type and a $10,000 collector premium against the Bitcoin value of $107,000 at the time. This record was topped in the firm’s August sale when a 2013 Lealana “Gold B” 1 Bitcoin was sold for $118,500, establishing a new record price for any physical 1 Bitcoin collectible of any series or format, a record that still stands as 2025 closes. In the Stack’s Bowers Galleries November Showcase, a copy of Bitcoin Magazine Issue #1 sold for an astounding $4,920, ranking it among the most important and valuable printed documents relating to cryptocurrency. “If this year has proven anything,” explained James McCartney, Director of Numismatics and Physical Cryptocurrency, “it is that this niche has officially matured to a point where it can endure natural cycles and trends while still attracting serious collectors and strong premiums—just as has been done with traditional gold coins for centuries.”

2025 was also a standout year in Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ wholesale and retail rare coin business. “Strong collector demand always leads to strong dealer demand,” stated Jason Carter, Vice President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

Brian Kendrella added, “We sold millions of dollars’ worth of rare coins directly to collectors via private treaty, including several six and seven-figure rarities. With the strength seen throughout 2025 at all levels of the market, I see no reason why this trend won’t continue into 2026.”

“Traffic in our retail galleries has increased in direct relation to the increase in the prices of precious metals and the publicity our auctions garnered in the mainstream press,” said Mark Schimel, Director of East Coast Retail. “Our galleries in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Miami have been extremely busy buying and selling rare coins and bullion to a wide range of clients.”

NLG Awards Won by Stack’s Bowers Galleries: In 2025, Stack’s Bowers Galleries was the proud recipient of the following prestigious awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild:

• Best World Coin Auction Catalog: The L. E. Bruun Collection: A Scandinavian Monetary History Part I.

• Best Paper Money (U.S. or World) Auction Catalog: The Spring 2025 Showcase Auction, including selections from The Shores Collections, Part 1; The Eric Agnew Collection, Part II, and The Haram Family Collection.

• Best Book for U.S. Paper Money: Paper Dreams in the Golden State: A History of California Through Its Paper Money by Dennis Hengeveld.

• Best Numismatic Social Media Account.

• The David Lisot Memorial Video Award for Flowing Hair Gold Coins.

Miami Gallery Opening. Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ newest retail showroom and gallery officially opened in Miami, Florida, staffed by a fantastic team led by industry veteran William Conroy.

Numismatic Treasure Hunt. In celebration of 90 years of numismatic auctions, Stacks Bowers Galleries offered its followers on social media a fun and exciting way to win numismatic treasures by hosting treasure hunts in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami. Each day for a week, a clue was dropped on the firm’s social media pages, which led to an iconic location in each city where a certificate that was redeemable for that day’s prize could be found.

Partnerships with the U.S. Mint. In 2025, Stack’s Bowers Galleries continued to partner with the United States Mint, presenting two incredible offerings for collectors. In September, a special auction of seven space-flown Sacagawea dollars struck in 22k gold saw very active bidding and achieved more than $3.2 million in overall prices realized. Even more impressive was the firm’s December sale of the 2025 “Omega” cents, the final circulation strike cents to be produced. Comprising 232 lots, each of which contained a Philadelphia Mint, a Denver Mint, and a gold striking, the sets realized nearly $17 million dollars, including the final examples that sold for $800,000.

The Professional Numismatists Program (PNP). The firm hosted another class of talented young numismatists this summer as part of the popular PNP program. Over two dozen young enthusiasts from around the United States, aged 18-26, attended the all-expenses-paid week in Costa Mesa, where they learned aspects of the numismatic business, from grading and trading to auction production, cataloging, and more, from Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ legendary staff. 

Official Auctioneer of the PCGS Trade and Grade. In fall 2025, it was announced that Stack’s Bowers Galleries would serve as the official auctioneer for the PCGS Trade and Grade shows. Along with this honor, Stack’s Bowers Galleries and PCGS introduced the Submission Integration Program, allowing for coins and banknotes submitted at a PCGS Trade and Grade event to be automatically consigned to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction.

Rebirth of the Long Beach Expo. Also in the fall, Stack’s Bowers Galleries announced that it had acquired the Long Beach Expo from Collectors Universe, Inc., and will be relaunching the show in February 2026. The Long Beach Expo, one of the longest-running coin shows in the United States, is an iconic event on the West Coast, having served the numismatic community for more than 60 years.

Coin World’s Most Influential: Greg Roberts, Brian Kendrella, and Christine Karstedt.

COINage’s World’s Greatest Coin Authorities: Bobby Avena, Andrew Bowers, Jason Carter, Andrew Glassman, Christine Karstedt, Brian Kendrella, John Kraljevich, James McCartney, Greg Roberts, Lawrence Stack, and Vicken Yegparian.

PNG’s Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Roberts.

New Collection Management Tool. In an effort to assist collectors in keeping their collections organized, Stack’s Bowers Galleries introduced a new feature on the firm’s website called My Collections. This new tool allows clients to organize, track, and manage their holdings via a user-friendly platform.

As Stack’s Bowers Galleries enters its 10th decade as America’s preeminent specialty numismatic auction house, the firm remains grateful to partners who make its success possible – from hobbyist collectors to professional numismatists, learned institutions to the United States Mint and The Royal Mint, and consignors and bidders that help the firm grow and prosper. With expertise and integrity, Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ staff of professionals adds value to collectibles entrusted to them and endeavors to promote the growth of numismatics.

Looking forward to 2026, the market continues to show strength, led by historically high precious metal prices, which attract both new buyers and new sellers. In the coming year, collectors of U.S. material will have many great opportunities to add to their holdings, beginning with sales of the James A. Stack, Sr. and the Richard August collections in February and March. Incredible worldwide treasures will cross the block in the January New York International Numismatic Convention and April Hong Kong Auctions, as well as another presentation from the L. E. Bruun Collection on March 24-25 in New York City.

For additional information about the firm, visit StacksBowers.com. To consign to an upcoming auction, call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries conducts live, internet, and specialized auctions of rare U.S. and world coins and currency and ancient coins, as well as direct sales through retail and wholesale channels. The company’s 90+ year legacy includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable United States coin and currency collections to ever cross an auction block — The D. Brent Pogue Collection, The John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, The Joel R. Anderson Collection, The Norweb Collection, The Cardinal Collection, The Sydney F. Martin Collection and The Battle Born Collection — to name just a few.

World coin and currency collections include The Pinnacle Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Gold Coins, The Kroisos Collection, The Alicia and Sidney Belzberg Collection, The Salton Collection, The Wa She Wong Collection, the Augustana Collection of gold rarities from across western Europe, the Richard Margolis Collection of world coins and medals and The Thos. H. Law Collection. Recently, the firm was awarded the privilege of bringing the most valuable world coin collection to auction – the L. E. Bruun Collection.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, which is also the location of Griffin Studios, the firm’s custom-built, broadcast-ready auction and event facility. In addition, the company has galleries in New York, Boston, Miami, and Philadelphia, as well as offices in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Paris, and Vancouver. Stack’s Bowers Galleries hosts a Global Showcase each summer as an Event Auctioneer Partner of the ANA World’s Fair of Money, a sale that features United States coins and currency, Ancient coins and World coins and currency. They are also the Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic events, including the New York International Numismatic Convention, the Whitman Spring, Summer, and Winter Expos, the Spring and Fall Hong Kong shows, and the Maastricht Paper Money shows.