A piece of American numismatic history made waves at Heritage Auctions earlier this month, as a rare 1796 Quarter Dollar from the prestigious Frost Collection sold for a remarkable $168,000. The coin was the crown jewel of Heritage Auctions’ U.S. Coins Signature Auction, held April 3–6, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. In total, the event brought in an impressive $6.83 million in sales.
A Closer Look at the Historic Quarter
The star of the show, the 1796 Quarter Dollar, is a standout for several reasons. Graded MS61 by PCGS, it is a Condition Census specimen of the elusive B-1 variety—a version that’s far rarer than the B-2. Fewer than a third as many B-1 coins exist in Mint State compared to B-2, making this example even more desirable to collectors.
According to Todd Imhof, Executive Vice President at Heritage Auctions, this coin sits comfortably among the top six known examples of its kind, bested only by four MS63 specimens and one in MS66. With only around 100 Mint State examples of the 1796 Quarter known to exist today, its rarity speaks volumes. No surprise then that bidding was intense and the final price reflected its historical and numismatic significance.
The Frost Collection: A Collector’s Dream
Coins from the Frost Collection always draw attention—and for good reason. This elite collection is known for its meticulously curated assortment of early silver and copper U.S. coinage. For this auction, 64 lots were featured, including 23 offered during the high-profile Premier Session. In addition to the standout quarter, collectors had their eyes on several other showstoppers, including Proof Indian Cents, Standing Liberty Quarters, and more.
Other Auction Highlights
While the 1796 Quarter Dollar led the way, several other coins also captured the spotlight:
- A 1915 Indian Eagle (PR66 NGC), one of just 75 proofs ever minted, sold for $117,000.
- A near-Mint 1795 Flowing Hair Three Leaves Dollar (AU58 PCGS) attracted strong bids thanks to its outstanding condition and historical appeal.
- The always-coveted 1895 Morgan Dollar (PR64 PCGS)—known only in proof form due to the Pittman Act of 1918—also commanded attention.
Heritage Auctions: A Leader in Rare Coin Sales
Since its founding in Dallas in 1976, Heritage Auctions has grown into a global powerhouse in collectibles, especially in the world of rare coins. Their pioneering online bidding system, launched in 1999, made them a trailblazer in the industry and brought high-end collectibles to a wider audience than ever before.
Events like this most recent Signature Auction show just how central Heritage Auctions is to the numismatic world. Their ability to connect elite collections with passionate bidders—while achieving record-breaking results—continues to shape the future of coin collecting, both as a pursuit of history and a long-term investment.
FAQ’s
1. Why is the 1796 Quarter Dollar so valuable?
The 1796 Quarter Dollar is highly prized due to its low original mintage, exceptional rarity in Mint State condition, and historical significance as the first year of issue for U.S. quarters.
2. What makes the B-1 variety of the 1796 Quarter Dollar special?
The B-1 variety is significantly rarer than the B-2, with only about one-third as many known Mint State examples. Its scarcity adds substantial value and collector interest.
3. What is the Frost Collection?
The Frost Collection is an elite assemblage of early U.S. silver and copper coins, known for its high-grade specimens. It consistently draws strong attention at major auctions like those held by Heritage Auctions.
