Rarities Up For Bids: James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Coins Hit the Block

PCGS recently graded an exquisite collection of coins that will soon be offered to the public by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The coins, which hail from the legendary James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, will hit the auction block in two sales, the first of which will be held in December and the second slated for February 2026. More than 200 coins with a cumulative value of some $20 million will be offered, with many of these being trophy coins of the highest degree. Many of these coins are expected to garner hammer prices of more than $1 million, with one of the most significant of these coins being a previously unpublished 1804 Class III Draped Bust Dollar graded PCGS PR65.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have graded what becomes the 16th-known 1804 Draped Bust Dollar,” says PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. “For generations, collectors have known of only 15 examples of the 1804 Dollar, including six Class III examples. The news of a 16th specimen stunned the numismatic world and shines a new light on the grandeur and mystique of what many call ‘the King of American coins.’”

While the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, one of the most famous coins in all American numismatics, rightfully enjoys the spotlight, Sabin notes there are many other magnificent coins being offered from the James A. Stack, Sr. Collection. “Coins such as the 1907 Rolled Edge Indian Eagle (PCGS MS67), 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (PCGS MS64), and 1899 Liberty Head Half Eagle (PR69DCAM) brought moments of awe and silence in the grading room as our team evaluated them. These aren’t just rare coins – they’re true numismatic treasures that trace back to one of the greatest collectors of the 20th century.”

Stack, who was unrelated to the prestigious auction house now selling his collection, began building his collection in the late 1930s with the objective of building the most comprehensive American coin collection of his time. He achieved much success as a collector, including the acquisition of the 1894-S Barber Dime, 1838-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar, and 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar. Stack passed away in 1951, and his collection has been sold across several auction offerings since the mid-1970s. The two-part James A. Stack, Sr. Collection signifies a landmark moment for the numismatic hobby, as coins that have not been publicly available in several generations are ready for new owners.

“The fact that Stack’s Bowers Galleries chose PCGS to grade these specimens, which are being publicly offered for the first time in at least 75 years, goes to show that the best coins always end up in PCGS holders,” Sabin remarks. Those who wish to learn more about these coins and the two auctions through which they will be offered should visit StacksBowers.com.