U.S. Coin Market Explodes
August has arrived, and while summer may be ending, the U.S. rare coin market is heating up faster than ever.
In this special Monday Market Report (August 3), Sean from Blueridge Silverhound reviewed some of the most important post-1900 graded U.S. coins sold on GreatCollections.com — one of the world’s premier auction platforms.
From ultra-rare Lincoln cents to Buffalo nickels, Mercury dimes, quarters, and modern surprises, collectors witnessed jaw-dropping prices and powerful trends shaping today’s numismatic market.
Let’s break it down step by step. 👇
🔍 Step 1 – Understanding This Market Report
All coins discussed were:
- Professionally graded (PCGS / NGC)
- Many CAC approved ✅
- Sold at public auction
- Focused on post-1900 U.S. type coins
This week’s twist:
The grader intentionally hid the grades at first to challenge collectors to estimate condition using the Sheldon Scale (1–70).
A brilliant way to sharpen grading skills while tracking real market values.
🪙 Step 2 – Lincoln Cents Steal the Spotlight
🔹 1974-D Lincoln Memorial Cent – MS67+ Red
💵 Sold for: $1,912
Top grade (MS68) can reach $4,000–$5,000
➡ Lesson: Even modern cents can be valuable in top condition.
🔹 1948 Wheat Cent – MS67 Red (CAC)
💵 Sold for: $2,278
Despite average eye appeal, PCGS + CAC confirmed elite status.
🔹 1935-D Wheat Cent – MS67 Red (CAC)
💵 Sold for: $1,511
Strong strike, excellent luster, true high-grade example.
🔹 1931-D Wheat Cent – MS65 RB (CAC, Old Holder)
💵 Sold for: $1,293
Depression-era survivor with limited high-grade supply.
🔹 1928-S Wheat Cent – MS66+ Red (Steuart Blay Collection)
💵 Sold for: $112,500 🤯🔥
One of the finest known examples.
🔹 1930s Wheat Cent – MS67+ Red (Steuart Blay)
💵 Sold for: $50,625
🔹 1925-S Wheat Cent – MS65 Red (Steuart Blay)
💵 Sold for: $112,500
📌 Three coins = nearly $280,000 combined
🦬 Step 3 – Buffalo Nickels Roar Back
🔸 1925-S Buffalo Nickel – MS65+
💵 Sold for: $33,187
Rare date + strong luster = massive demand.
🔸 1916-S Buffalo Nickel – MS65+ (CAC)
💵 Sold for: $4,173
🔸 1913 Type 1 Buffalo – MS67+ (Toned)
💵 Sold for: $2,531
Beautiful toning boosts premium 🎨
🔸 1912-S Liberty Nickel – AU53
💵 Sold for: $1,744
Key date of the V-nickel series.
⚡ Step 4 – Mercury Dimes Show Serious Strength
🔹 1944-P Mercury Dime – MS68+ Full Bands
💵 Sold for: $5,692
🔹 1942-D/1 Overdate – AU58 (CAC)
💵 Sold for: $3,165
🔹 1916-D Mercury Dime – VG
💵 Sold for: $2,194
Even low grades command huge prices for this legendary key date.
🏛 Step 5 – Quarters Bring Classic Power
🔸 1942 Washington Quarter – MS67+ CAC (Toned)
💵 Sold for: $1,265
🔸 1937-D Washington Quarter – MS67+
💵 Sold for: $743
🔸 Standing Liberty Quarter – MS66+ Full Head (CAC)
💵 Sold for: $3,048
🔸 1918/7-S Overdate Quarter – AU Details (Cleaned)
💵 Sold for: $5,962
In problem-free condition → double the price.
🧪 Step 6 – Modern Coins Shock Everyone
🔹 1982-P Kennedy Half Dollar – MS67+
💵 Sold for: $3,294
Despite visible planchet flaws.
🔹 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar – SP68 Deep Cameo
💵 Sold for: $9,168 😲
A proof-like strike from a year with no official proofs.
📊 What This Tells Collectors
The current market shows:
✅ Explosive demand for high-grade coins
✅ Strong premiums for CAC approval
✅ Registry collectors driving competition
✅ Toned and rare-date coins outperforming
✅ Even modern coins can become 4-figure assets
Summer slowdown? Not in numismatics.
🏁 Final Thoughts
From $1,000 wheat cents to $112,500 Lincoln coins, August’s market report proves one thing clearly:
Rare coins are no longer just collectibles — they are serious financial assets.
And the market momentum is still accelerating 🚀
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