Collecting coins can sometimes be a childhood hobby that fades away as people grow up, but for Tom Hyland, a retired math teacher, his love for coins resurfaced later in life. This passion led to the creation of an impressive collection that recently went up for auction at Stack’s Bowers Galleries. This event, which took place on August 13, 2024, showcased Hyland’s carefully curated coins, including rare finds like the 1796 Liberty Cap half cent and other historical pieces. These coins fetched impressive prices, illustrating the value of his rediscovered hobby.
| Coin | Grade | Price Realized | Description | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent (C-2, With Pole) | NGC VF-30 | $39,600 | Olive-brown and antique copper patina, with fine scratches over Liberty’s portrait. 140 known examples in all grades. | Rarest date in the half cent series (1793-1857), the 1796 issue is highly sought after due to its scarcity. This particular coin had attractive toning and a solid historical provenance. |
| 1855-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar | ANACS MS-61 | $13,800 | Warmly toned in olive-gray and apricot patina, frosty finish. No significant blemishes. | Minted during the California Gold Rush, the coin is one of only 200-300 survivors from an original mintage of 129,950. A valuable piece that reflects a historical period marked by economic shifts in precious metal prices. |
| 1818 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar | NGC MS-65 | $10,800 | Satiny finish with bold details and multicolored toning of charcoal-blue, gold, and iridescent hues. | A favorite among type collectors due to its generous mintage and high production quality. The coin’s vivid colors and well-preserved condition made it a standout piece in the auction. |
Tom Hyland’s Journey into Coin Collecting
Tom Hyland’s coin collection journey began in the 1950s when his uncle Bill introduced him to the world of coins. He would visit local banks to find unique pieces, and the excitement of these discoveries kept him engaged. As Hyland grew older, his interest in coin collecting waned, but it wasn’t gone forever. Later in life, he rekindled his passion by attending courses on coin grading and early copper coins, which reignited his enthusiasm for the hobby.
The Star of the Auction: 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent
One of the standout pieces from Hyland’s collection was a 1796 Liberty Cap half cent, a rare and highly sought-after coin from the U.S. Mint’s early history. Graded Very Fine 30 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), this coin drew significant interest at the auction, eventually selling for $39,600. Its attractive appearance and historical value made it a favorite among bidders.
The cataloger described the coin as having a rich olive-brown tone with an antique copper patina. It also had a glossy surface, and despite a few edge nicks and light scratches around Liberty’s portrait, it was free from environmental damage. The 1796 Liberty Cap is particularly rare, with only around 140 known examples, making it a coveted piece for serious collectors.
The 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Another notable piece from Hyland’s collection was an 1855-S Seated Liberty half dollar. This coin, graded Mint State 61 by ANACS, fetched $13,800 at the auction. It holds special historical significance, as it was minted during the California Gold Rush when there was a shortage of silver due to the demand for gold.
The coin is believed to be one of only 200 to 300 remaining from the original mintage of 129,950 pieces. Most of these coins saw heavy use in the western United States, and some may have even been melted down for their precious metal content. The cataloger praised the coin’s warm toning and bold details, making it a highlight of the auction.
A Stunning 1818 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar
Hyland’s collection also included an 1818 Capped Bust quarter dollar, which was another standout at the auction. This coin, graded MS-65 by NGC, sold for $10,800. The cataloger noted its vibrant colors, with a blend of charcoal-blue, gold, and iridescent hues giving it a striking appearance.
This coin is especially popular among collectors because of its relatively high mintage and the care taken during its production. The Philadelphia Mint produced the 1818 Capped Bust quarter with exceptional detail, making it an attractive piece for both type collections and individual coin enthusiasts.
Reviving a Lost Hobby
For many collectors like Tom Hyland, coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with history. Hyland’s story is one of rediscovering a passion that started in his youth and grew stronger as he learned more about the hobby. By attending American Numismatic Association (ANA) courses, he was able to deepen his understanding of coins, from detecting counterfeits to appreciating the minting process.
The Importance of Numismatic Education
Education played a vital role in Tom Hyland’s journey back into the world of coins. Through the ANA’s Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Hyland was able to gain the skills needed to evaluate and appreciate rare coins. His newfound knowledge helped him build a collection that not only included historically significant coins but also rare and valuable pieces that would later sell for substantial amounts at auction.
Conclusion: A Legacy Through Coins
Tom Hyland’s collection is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that comes from rediscovering a childhood hobby. The coins that sold at Stack’s Bowers Galleries represent more than just monetary value; they are pieces of history that tell the story of America’s past. Hyland’s journey from a young collector influenced by his uncle to an expert with a deep understanding of numismatics is inspiring to anyone with a passion for collecting.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Tom Hyland and how did his coin collection begin?
A1: Tom Hyland was a high school math teacher whose coin collection journey began in the 1950s when his uncle Bill introduced him to the hobby. He spent his youth visiting local banks to find rare coins, but his interest in collecting waned as he grew older. Later in life, he rediscovered his passion and built a notable collection.
Q2: What was the highlight of the auction from Tom Hyland’s collection?
A2: The highlight of the auction was the 1796 Liberty Cap half cent, graded NGC VF-30. This rare coin sold for an impressive $39,600. It’s one of only 140 known examples, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins from the half cent series.
Q3: What makes the 1796 Liberty Cap half cent so valuable?
A3: The 1796 Liberty Cap half cent is highly valuable due to its rarity. It is the rarest date in the half cent series, which was minted from 1793 to 1857. With only about 140 known examples today, collectors prize this coin for its historical significance and scarcity.
Q4: What other notable coins were part of Hyland’s collection?
A4: Other standout coins included an 1855-S Seated Liberty half dollar, graded ANACS MS-61, which sold for $13,800, and an 1818 Capped Bust quarter dollar, graded NGC MS-65, that sold for $10,800. Both coins were praised for their beautiful toning and excellent preservation.
Q5: How did Tom Hyland improve his knowledge about coin collecting?
A5: Tom Hyland expanded his knowledge by taking courses from the American Numismatic Association (ANA). He attended their Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, where he studied topics such as counterfeit detection, early copper coins, and the minting process. This education helped him refine his skills as a collector.