Texas-Found Gold Coin Sells for Record $97,600
A rare 1867-S Liberty Half Eagle gold coin discovered in a Texas closet set a new price record at auction.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Collecting
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An 1867-S Liberty Half Eagle gold coin found in a cigar box in a Buda, Texas, closet recently sold at auction for $97,600. The sale price set a new record for this specific coin variety, significantly exceeding its previous auction peak.
Why it matters
The coin is the finest-known surviving example of its kind, making it a highly significant find for numismatists. Its discovery and subsequent sale highlight the enduring value of rare pieces hidden in everyday items.
Professional Coin Grading Service experts assigned the piece a Mint State 63 grade. While the San Francisco Mint produced 29,000 of these coins, fewer than 100 are estimated to survive, with only two confirmed in uncirculated condition.
The players
Heritage Auctions
This auction house is based in Dallas, Texas, and specializes in high-value collectibles and numismatics.
Professional Coin Grading Service
This organization is an industry leader in the authentication and grading of rare coins.
The details
The coin was discovered by chance inside a cigar box stored in a closet, leading to a competitive bidding process at Heritage Auctions. Experts authenticated the piece and assigned it a grade to confirm its rarity and market value.
Timeline
The San Francisco Mint produced the Liberty Half Eagle in 1867.
The previous auction record of $22,800 was set in 2021.
The auction for the gold coin occurred on October 8 and 9, 2026.
Culture Shift
The sale of the 1867-S Liberty Half Eagle follows the market precedent set by the $2.928 million sale of the 1792 Half Disme. This event highlights the growing appreciation for rare numismatic finds that emerge from private collections into the public auction market.
Collectors should regularly audit personal stashes like cigar boxes for potentially high-value items, as condition and grade significantly dictate resale prices. Owners of rare numismatic pieces should consider professional grading to establish authenticity and maximize potential market returns.
The takeaway
This sale serves as a reminder that rare historical artifacts can be found in common household storage locations. Owners are encouraged to have curious items professionally inspected to determine if they hold significant historical or financial value.
Further reading
Learn more about the market for rare pieces at the United States Collecting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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