Historic Privy Mark 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Gold Coins Sold on Behalf of the United States Mint Realize an Astonishing $8.23 Million

In the firm’s third collaboration with the United States Mint, Stack’s Bowers Galleries has again made numismatic history with their sale of the Historic 230^th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Gold Coins featuring the “230” Privy Mark. The entire mintage of 230 pieces was consigned to the December 12, 2024 sale, and after several hours of intense bidding action, the prices realized totaled $8,230,000.

The coins were struck to commemorate the 230^th anniversary of America’s first silver dollar—the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar. The modern pieces serve as a faithful homage to the original dollar, featuring obverse and reverse designs re-sculpted by Mint medallic artists and exquisitely rendered on a 1-ounce planchet of .9999 fine gold. Produced at the United States Mint facility in West Point, these special Privy Mark gold coins were identified and sold in order of their striking, 1 to 230, and the Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction offered collectors their only means to acquire one of these iconic pieces.

"It is an incredible honor for Stack’s Bowers Galleries to work with the United States Mint once again on such a historic project," said Brian Kendrella, President of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. "The 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Gold Coins embody the timeless appeal of American numismatics, celebrating both the artistry of the original 1794 design and the craftsmanship of these modern masterpieces. Collectors’ enthusiastic response to this sale, culminating in an astonishing $8.23 million total, highlights the enduring reverence for these iconic designs. We are immensely proud of the role we played in connecting passionate collectors with these extraordinary coins and in celebrating this important milestone in U.S. Mint history."

Stack’s Bowers Galleries has served as auctioneer for the United States Mint twice before. In July 2002 (in conjunction with Sotheby’s), the firm sold the only example of the 1933 double eagle that is legal for private ownership, which at the time set a record for most valuable coin ever sold in auction, realizing $7.59 million. More recently, Stack’s Bowers Galleries was selected to sell the special 35^th Anniversary American Eagle at Dusk and at Dawn coins in September 2022, which realized more than $4.6 million.

“We are thrilled to commemorate the 230th anniversary of the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar with these exceptional gold coins,” said Ventris Gibson, Director of the United States Mint. “This modern homage honors one of our nation’s most iconic designs, blending historic artistry with the Mint’s cutting-edge craftsmanship. We are proud to have collaborated with Stack’s Bowers Galleries to bring these remarkable coins to collectors, whose passion and enthusiasm for numismatics continues to inspire our work. The outstanding success of this sale is a testament to the enduring legacy of America’s coinage and its place in our shared history.”

For a complete list of prices realized for the December 12, 2024, Auction of Historic 230^th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Privy Mark Gold Coins visit StacksBowers.com. To consign to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.