The world of rare coin collecting reached a historic milestone in 2021, as two numismatic treasures from the late 1700s—both certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)—each sold for over $1 million during Heritage Auctions’ Central States US Coins Signature Auction. Held from April 22 to 25, 2021, this prestigious event underscored the enduring value and global appeal of early American coinage, particularly when backed by trusted third-party authentication.
These landmark sales brought the total number of NGC-certified coins surpassing $1 million in value during 2021 alone to eight—a remarkable achievement that highlights the growing confidence collectors and investors place in professional grading.
Record-Breaking 1792 Judd-13 Pattern Quarter
Topping the auction was a 1792 Judd-13 Pattern Quarter, graded NGC AU 58 (lot 4960), which commanded an impressive $1.26 million. This rare pattern coin is one of only four known examples and had never before been offered at public auction, making its appearance a significant event in numismatic circles.
Struck in the early 1790s, this coin was part of the United States Mint’s experimental phase as it prepared to launch official national coinage. While the Judd-13 design was not ultimately adopted for circulation, its artistic elements influenced the first official quarters issued just a few years later. The coin’s historical significance, combined with its scarcity and NGC certification, made it a prime target for top-tier collectors.
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The Legendary 1776 Silver Continental Dollar
Another standout was the Silver 1776 Continental Dollar, graded NGC VF 35 and pedigreed to the renowned Romano and Partrick Collections (lot 3034), which sold for $1.14 million. With only four known silver specimens—all NGC-certified—this coin represents one of the most coveted niches in early American numismatics.
The "1776" date carries powerful symbolic weight, marking the year of American independence. These coins were never officially issued for circulation but were struck as diplomatic pieces or patterns, possibly intended to represent the financial aspirations of the fledgling nation. Their bold designs and revolutionary provenance make them enduring icons among collectors.
Now, every known silver Continental Dollar has crossed the $1 million threshold at auction—a testament to their unmatched historical and numismatic value.
NGC Certification: A Benchmark of Trust
Mark Salzberg, Chairman and Grading Finalizer at NGC, emphasized the role of certification in driving record prices:
"Another major numismatic auction has concluded with NGC-certified rarities at the top — and topping $1 million — making 2021 an incredible year so far. No matter where they are in the world, bidders trust NGC’s expert authentication and grading services."
NGC’s reputation for accuracy, consistency, and impartiality has made it the most trusted name in coin grading. Since its founding in 1987, NGC has certified over 49 million collectibles. Each coin receives a guarantee of authenticity and grade, which enhances buyer confidence, increases liquidity, and often results in higher realized prices.
Other NGC-Certified Coins That Surpassed $1 Million in 2021
Beyond the two stars of the Central States auction, several other NGC-certified coins achieved seven-figure results earlier in the year:
- 1787 ‘EB’ on Wing Brasher Doubloon (NGC MS 65★) – $9.36 million
- Russia 1825 Rouble (NGC PF 62) – $2.64 million
- Great Britain 1937 Gold Pattern Edward VIII 5 Sovereign (NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo) – $2.28 million
- 1786 Lima-Style Brasher Doubloon (NGC MS 61) – $2.1 million
- 1907 Extremely High Relief Double Eagle (NGC PF 68) – $3.6 million
- 1880 Coiled Hair Stella (NGC PF 67 Cameo) – $1.86 million
These results reflect a global market energized by rare, high-grade coins supported by credible certification.
Highlights from the Donald G. Partrick Collection
The Central States auction also featured exceptional pieces from the Donald G. Partrick Collection, widely regarded as one of the finest private holdings of early American coins and medals.
Among them was a 1793 Oval George Washington Peace Medal, certified genuine by NGC and formerly part of the Brand Collection (lot 3056), which sold for $630,000. Only about 50 authentic oval peace medals are known to exist, with most held in museum collections—making private ownership exceptionally rare.
Additionally, a 1796 No Pole Half Cent, graded NGC MS 63+ BN and pedigreed to the Whitney Collection (lot 3621), realized $432,000. According to Heritage Auctions, it is one of only four known Mint State examples of this variety.
Sarah Miller, Deputy Managing Director at Heritage Auctions’ New York office, commented:
"Heritage was honored to present these great numismatic rarities certified by NGC. With the confidence that NGC certification provides, these coins and medals excelled at auction, just as others have in recent sales."
Additional Notable NGC-Certified Results from the Sale
- 1796 With Pole Half Cent (NGC MS 65 RB) – $384,000
- **1870-CC $20** (NGC XF 45) – $384,000
- **1870-CC $20** (NGC XF 40) – $360,000
- 1943 Bronze Cent (NGC AU 55 BN) – $240,000
- **1833 $5** (NGC PF 61) – $240,000
- (1800) Gold Washington Funeral Medal (NGC AU Details) – $210,000
- 1811 Wide Date Half Cent (NGC SP 64 BN) – $204,000
Prices realized include buyer’s premium.
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FAQ: Understanding High-Value Coin Collecting
Q: Why are NGC-certified coins more valuable?
A: NGC certification ensures a coin’s authenticity and grade are independently verified by experts. This reduces risk for buyers, increases market confidence, and typically leads to higher resale values and greater liquidity.
Q: What makes the 1776 Continental Dollar so rare?
A: Only four silver versions are known to exist. Struck before official U.S. coinage began, they symbolize American independence and were likely used for diplomatic purposes rather than circulation.
Q: How does a coin achieve a seven-figure price?
A: Rarity, historical significance, condition (grade), provenance (ownership history), and third-party certification all contribute. When all factors align—especially with NGC verification—record prices become possible.
Q: Are older coins always more valuable?
A: Not necessarily. While age contributes, factors like mintage numbers, survival rate, demand among collectors, and state of preservation play equally important roles.
Q: What is a “pattern” coin?
A: A pattern is a proposed design tested by a mint but not adopted for general circulation. They are often produced in small quantities, making them highly collectible.
Q: Why do some coins sell for millions while others don’t?
A: Millions are paid for coins that combine extreme rarity, historical importance, exceptional preservation, and strong collector demand—especially when authenticated by a trusted service like NGC.
The sale of these NGC-certified 18th-century coins for over $1 million each marks a defining moment in modern numismatics. As collector interest grows and trust in third-party grading deepens, such milestones may become more common—proving that history, artistry, and verified authenticity continue to command premium value in the global marketplace.
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