Paper Rarities Soar at Stack's Bowers: A Look at Recent US Auctions

Stack's Bowers auctions reveal key trends in paper rarities. From record prices to strategic partnerships, see what's driving the market.

Paper Rarities Soar at Stack's Bowers: A Look at Recent US Auctions

The world of paper money collecting is buzzing, and Stack's Bowers Galleries is right in the thick of it! With recent auctions showcasing some seriously impressive rarities, it's time to dive into the trends and insights shaping this fascinating market.

Summer 2025 Global Showcase: A Roaring Success

Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction was a major hit, raking in a total of $7,521,894 across four sessions. The inaugural U.S. Currency Rarities Night alone accounted for a staggering $4,954,260! This demonstrates the high demand and value placed on rare paper money.

Highlights included notes from the Shores Collection Part II and the McLaughlin Collection of Napier – Thompson Notes. A Gold Certificate issued under the Act of March 3, 1863, fetched a whopping $516,000, while a Fr. 1218g sold for $312,000. These prices underscore the importance of provenance and the allure of exceptionally rare pieces.

Confederate and National Bank Notes Hold Strong

The auction also featured strong interest in Colonial, Continental, and Confederate notes. A counterfeit Confederate T-64 $500 realized $22,800, and a T-2 $500 issued out of Montgomery brought $21,600, proving that Confederate rarities continue to captivate collectors.

National Bank Notes also performed well, with a Series of 1902 Red Seal $100 from the First National Bank of Bonham fetching $66,000. This sale highlights the appeal of unique and previously uncirculated notes.

Stack's Bowers and PCGS: A Powerhouse Partnership

In an exciting development, Stack's Bowers Galleries is teaming up with Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) for a series of Trade and Grade Showcase events. This collaboration aims to create a more inclusive marketplace, open to the public, where collectors and dealers can connect and trade.

The Submission Integration Program (SIP) will streamline the grading and selling process, allowing collectors to submit coins and banknotes for grading and seamlessly transition them to Stack's Bowers for auction or direct purchase. This innovative program will improve customer experiences.

What does it mean? My take.

Stack's Bowers' strategic partnership with PCGS is a smart move. By integrating grading services with auction opportunities, they're creating a more efficient and accessible marketplace for collectors. This not only benefits consignors looking to maximize their returns but also enhances the overall experience for buyers. This integrated approach could set a new standard in the numismatic industry. The convenience of SIP makes participating in auctions far more straightforward and appealing, particularly for newer collectors.

Looking Ahead

With record prices being realized and exciting partnerships forming, the paper rarities market is definitely one to watch. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, there's never been a better time to dive in and discover the fascinating world of rare paper money.

So, keep an eye on Stack's Bowers Galleries – they're clearly shaping the future of paper money collecting. Who knows what treasures they'll uncover next? Happy collecting, folks!