The rare coin collecting community witnessed a historic milestone as an 1822 Half Eagle $5 gold coin, one of the most elusive pieces ever minted by the U.S. government, was sold for a staggering $8.4 million during a public auction held in Las Vegas. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a U.S. gold coin produced by the U.S. Mint.
A Rarity in the World of Numismatics
The 1822 Half Eagle $5 coin is not just rare—it is nearly mythical. According to Douglas Mudd, curator and director of the Edward C.
Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this coin is one of only three known to exist. Remarkably, it is the only specimen currently in private hands. The other two reside permanently within the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
Minted by the United States Mint in 1822, the coin is a symbol of early American coinage and a prized possession for elite collectors. Its scarcity and historical importance made this coin a true centerpiece in the auction world.
From Private Collector to Record Auction
This historic coin was part of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, a legendary assortment of U.S. coins widely regarded as one of the most significant ever assembled. The coin had a storied journey—first acquired by a private collector in 1899, sold again in 1945, and then picked up by Brent Pogue in 1982.
The recent auction was organized by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a leading numismatic auction house. Jarrod Holland, a spokesman for the gallery, confirmed the buyer’s wish to remain anonymous but noted that the winning bid helped set a new benchmark for gold coins in American history.
Coin Graded AU50 by PCGS
The coin’s value was further validated by its condition. Brett Charville, president of the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in Santa Ana, California, graded the coin as AU50, meaning “About Uncirculated.”
This grade indicates the coin retains much of its original mint luster, with only slight wear—an impressive feat for a piece that is over two centuries old.
AU50 is among the highest possible grades for coins of this age, significantly influencing its desirability and auction value.
How It Compares to Other Historic Coin Sales
Although the 1822 Half Eagle set a record for gold coins, it falls just short of the all-time record for a U.S. coin. That honor belongs to the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which sold for $10 million and is believed to be one of the very first coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint. However, the sale of the 1822 Half Eagle still places it in the elite league of numismatic treasures.
Why This Coin Matters to Collectors and Historians
Beyond its price tag, the 1822 Half Eagle embodies a rich history of American coinage, monetary policy, and craftsmanship.
Minted during the presidency of James Monroe, the coin reflects an era when the U.S. was still shaping its national identity and financial system. Its rarity and survival through decades of economic and political upheaval make it a tangible link to the early republic.
Collectors value more than just the metal content or market worth—they cherish the story, the legacy, and the deep connection to America’s formative years.
Last Thought
The $8.4 million auction of the 1822 Half Eagle gold coin isn’t just a financial headline—it’s a celebration of American history, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of rarity. As coin collectors and historians reflect on this monumental sale, it reinforces the idea that numismatics is more than a hobby—it’s a preservation of national heritage, encapsulated in gold.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just learning about coin history, the story of the 1822 Half Eagle reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can carry the weight of centuries.
Patricia is a dedicated finance content writer specializing in personal finance, budgeting, investing, and financial planning. With a passion for making money matters easy to understand, she crafts well-researched, reader-friendly content that helps individuals take control of their financial future.