The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, the so called King of American Coins has resurfaced in the collection of a late collector of New York, which brings the total known to 16. This Class III example has not been seen since it was sold to the Bowers Galleries of James Stack that died in 1951, and will be auctioned on December 9, 2025, in the Bowers Galleries of Stack with an estimate of 3-5 million dollars. Its introduction stirs up interest in a coin created as a result of minting errors in the era of President Andrew Jackson.
Minting Error and Ancient History
– In 1804 no genuine 1804 dollars were minted, the manufacture was suspended in 1804 with 1803 dies because of inadequate stock of silver and an exporter fear.
– In 1834 the U.S. Mint prepared eight Class I proofs of diplomatic sets to sovereigns such as the King of Siam and Sultan of Muscat, and made of an obsolete 1803 obverse (1804), with the same date, which had an 1803 obverse and a 1804 reverse.
– Class III restrikes of later, 1850s-1870s, targeted the collector and were a combination of a legitimate error and a numismatic curiosity.
Discovery, Forgotten Collection
– Re-emerged, seven decades later, in the hands of the heirs of James Stack, and was proved by Bowers experts of the Stack family to be a true Class III.
– Raise-up joins elite group such as the sale of 7.68 million Muscat in 2021 but supply addition lowers in the highest values.
– is a large discovery, and volumes have been devoted to the history of its journey out of mint-vaults to royal presents.
Expectations and Impact on the Market in an Auction
– Bidder estimated at $3-5 million, taking off after documents such as $4.56 million in 2018, due to immaculate condition and provenance.
– Increases pressure on early U.S. rarities in the face of a boom in collector attention to American numismatics.
– Its authenticity is supported by the scrutiny of Mint officials in the past which highlights its authenticity despite its controversial restrike history.
Design and Technical Details of Coins
Obverse, Draped Bust Liberty with Plain 4 date, reverse, Heraldic Eagle with added edge lettering before striking.
– Prove type on silver planchets, the only difference to the circulation strikes; weighs average 26.96 grams.
– Die varieties Die reverse X/Y differences in placements of lettering are added to make it more collector-friendly.
Gathering and Investment Intertic
– There are only 15-16 known examples which have premium prices, and the pedigrees go back to kings and mint directors and museums.
– Bids to investors to appreciate steadily; even poorer specimens would sell at more than $1 million.
– Continues to be a debated issue regarding the nature of true status, and this further solidifies its status as the ultimate coin rarity in America.
Key Specs Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar |
| Class | III (Restrike, 1850s-1870s) |
| Known Total | 16 (post-discovery) |
| Auction Date | December 9, 2025 |
| Est. Value | $3-5 Million |
FAQs
Q1: Why the King of American Coins?
One that has been auctioned off since 1867, is very rare, and is diplomatic history wins the title.
Q2: was 1804 any year actually in 1804 in which a single 1804 dollar was minted?
A: No, all are 1803 dies, subsequent proofs/restrikes done decades later.
Q3: What increases its auction price?
A: Provenance, condition and scarcity push bids into millions.
