The world of rare coin collecting reached new heights in 2021 as two historically significant pieces 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, this landmark sale not only highlighted the enduring value of early American numismatics but also reinforced the critical role of third-party certification in driving collector confidence and record-breaking prices.
Among the standout performers was a 1792 Judd-13 Pattern Quarter, graded NGC AU 58 (lot 4960), which commanded an impressive $1.26 million, making it the top lot of the auction. This exceptionally rare piece is one of only four known examples and had never before been offered at public auction. Struck in the early 1790s, it was created as the U.S. Mint explored designs for a national coinage system. Although never adopted for circulation, its design elements influenced the first official U.S. quarters issued just a few years later.
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Another seven-figure result came from a Silver 1776 Continental Dollar, graded NGC VF 35 (lot 3034), which realized $1.14 million**. This coin traces its provenance to the prestigious Romano and Partrick Collections, adding to its desirability. With their bold designs and symbolic "1776" date—representing the birth of American independence—Continental Dollars occupy a revered place in U.S. numismatic history. Only four silver examples are known to exist, and remarkably, **all four have now surpassed $1 million in value, with each authenticated and graded by NGC.
The Growing Influence of NGC Certification
These results underscore a broader trend: NGC-certified coins continue to dominate high-end auctions. In fact, with these two sales, eight NGC-certified coins had already exceeded $1 million in value by mid-2021. This consistent performance reflects deep trust among global collectors in NGC’s authentication and grading standards.
Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer, emphasized the significance:
"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."
This trust translates directly into market performance. NGC certification ensures authenticity, provides grade consistency, and enhances liquidity—key factors that enable rare coins to achieve maximum value at auction.
Other Million-Dollar NGC-Certified Highlights in 2021
Beyond the Central States auction, several other NGC-certified coins achieved seven-figure results earlier in the year:
- A 1787 ‘EB’ on Wing Brasher Doubloon, graded NGC MS 65★ and from the Partrick Collection, sold for $9.36 million on January 21.
- A 1907 Extremely High Relief Double Eagle, PF 68, from the Paramount Collection, fetched $3.6 million on February 24.
- A Russia 1825 Rouble, PF 62, with provenance to Joseph, Richter, and the Pinnacle Collection, realized $2.64 million on April 6.
- A Great Britain 1937 Gold Pattern Edward VIII 5 Sovereign, PF 67 Ultra Cameo from the Paramount Collection, sold for $2.28 million on March 26.
- A 1786 Lima-Style Brasher Doubloon, MS 61 and also from the Partrick Collection, brought $2.1 million on January 21.
- An 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, PF 67 Cameo from the Paramount Collection, achieved $1.86 million on February 24.
These results illustrate that while early American coins dominate headlines, globally significant rarities also command extraordinary values when backed by NGC certification.
The Partrick Collection: A Legacy of Numismatic Excellence
The Central States auction featured multiple highlights from the Donald G. Partrick Collection—a renowned assembly of early American coins and medals. In addition to the Silver Continental Dollar and Judd-13 Quarter, other notable pieces included:
- A 1793 Oval George Washington Peace Medal, certified genuine by NGC and linked to the Brand Collection, which sold for $630,000. Only about 50 authentic oval peace medals are known to exist, with most held in museum collections.
- A 1796 No Pole Half Cent, graded NGC MS 63+ BN and pedigreed to the Whitney Collection, realized $432,000. It is one of only four known Mint State examples of this variety.
Additional high-performing NGC-certified coins from the sale include:
- A 1796 With Pole Half Cent, MS 65 RB (Whitney and Partrick provenance), sold for $384,000
- An 1870-CC $20**, XF 45, also achieved **$384,000
- Another 1870-CC $20**, XF 40, brought **$360,000
- A rare 1943 Bronze Cent, AU 55 BN from the Partrick Collection, sold for $240,000
- An 1833 $5**, PF 61, realized **$240,000
- An (1800) Gold Washington Funeral Medal, AU Details (Garrett and Partrick provenance), fetched $210,000
- An 1811 Wide Date Half Cent, SP 64 BN (Norweb and Partrick provenance), sold for $204,000
Sarah Miller, Deputy Managing Director at Heritage Auctions’ New York office, noted:
"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."
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Why Certification Matters in Coin Collecting
Third-party grading has revolutionized numismatics by introducing transparency and standardization. NGC, founded in 1987, has certified over 49 million collectibles and remains the industry leader in accuracy and impartiality. Every coin they grade is backed by a comprehensive guarantee of authenticity and grade—giving buyers confidence that directly impacts auction results.
For collectors and investors alike, owning an NGC-certified coin means access to a more liquid market, higher resale potential, and protection against counterfeits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a coin “NGC-certified”?
A: NGC certification means the coin has been authenticated, graded for condition on a standardized scale, and encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation—a globally trusted authority in coin grading.
Q: Why did the 1792 Judd-13 Pattern Quarter sell for over $1 million?
A: Its rarity (only four known), historical significance as a prototype for U.S. coinage, pristine grade (AU 58), and fresh appearance at auction contributed to its record price.
Q: Are all Silver 1776 Continental Dollars worth over $1 million?
A: Only four silver examples are known—all NGC-certified—and each has now sold for over $1 million due to their symbolic date, scarcity, and historical importance.
Q: How does provenance affect a coin’s value?
A: Coins with notable collections in their lineage—like the Partrick or Paramount Collections—often command premium prices due to documented history and enhanced credibility.
Q: What role does Heritage Auctions play in rare coin sales?
A: As one of the world’s leading numismatic auctioneers, Heritage provides a trusted platform where rare coins achieve record prices, especially when backed by third-party certification.
Q: Can modern coins also reach seven-figure prices?
A: While most million-dollar coins are rare historic issues, select modern patterns or ultra-low mintage proofs (like certain high-relief double eagles) have also surpassed $1 million.
👉 Explore what drives seven-figure valuations in collectible markets today.
Final Thoughts
The success of these NGC-certified coins from the 1700s demonstrates that rarity, historical context, condition, and trusted certification collectively determine market value. As collector demand grows and supply remains fixed, such iconic pieces will likely continue setting benchmarks in the years ahead.
For enthusiasts and investors alike, focusing on certified rarities—especially those with strong pedigrees—offers a strategic path to long-term value appreciation in the dynamic world of numismatics.
Prices realized include buyer’s premium.