CAC Coins Fetch Premiums in March Auctions

Certified and encapsulated coins with CAC approval see significant price increases over non-CAC counterparts

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:28am by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up of intricate, industrial-looking metal gears and machinery, conveying the secure, institutional nature of the rare coin trade without using any text or symbols.The premium prices fetched by CAC-certified coins at auction reflect the value collectors place on third-party authentication and quality assurance in the rare coin market.San Francisco Today

CAC-approved and CACG-encapsulated coins performed exceptionally well in public auctions during March 2026, often fetching much higher prices than similar non-CAC coins. Examples across a range of coin types and grades, from Lincoln cents to Peace dollars, demonstrate the premium collectors are willing to pay for CAC certification.

Why it matters

The CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) sticker is a highly sought-after designation that signals a coin's quality and authenticity to collectors. This data shows the significant price premiums CAC-approved coins can command in the market, highlighting the value collectors place on this third-party verification.

The details

The price differences were substantial, with CAC-approved coins often selling for double or more compared to non-CAC examples. For instance, a CAC-approved AU-58 1805 large cent sold for $8,400, while a non-CAC AU-58 example went for just $4,080. Similarly, a CACG-graded MS-65 1904 Lewis & Clark gold dollar realized $4,440, versus $2,928 for a non-CAC MS-65. The premiums extended across denominations, from Lincoln cents to commemorative half dollars.

  • On March 10, Stack's Bowers auctioned a CAC-approved AU-58 1805 large cent for $8,400.
  • On March 10, Stack's Bowers auctioned a CACG-certified Proof-67-Red 1910 Lincoln cent for $16,800.
  • On March 13, Stack's Bowers auctioned a CACG-graded MS-65 1904 Lewis & Clark Exposition gold dollar for $4,440.
  • On March 15, GreatCollections sold a CACG-graded XF-45 1837 half dollar for $962.50.
  • On March 15, GreatCollections sold a CACG-graded MS-66 1937-D half dollar for $1,815.

The players

Stack's Bowers

A prominent numismatic auction house that sold several CAC-approved coins at high prices in March 2026.

GreatCollections

An online auction platform that facilitated the sale of multiple CAC-certified coins at significant premiums.

Heritage

A leading auction house that sold both CAC-approved and non-CAC coins, with the CAC-approved examples fetching much higher prices.

DLRC

David Lawrence Rare Coins, an auction house that sold a CAC-certified 1895 Liberty Head nickel for a premium.

PCGS

Professional Coin Grading Service, a major third-party coin grading company whose certified coins were often outperformed by CAC-approved examples.

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The takeaway

The data clearly demonstrates the significant premium collectors are willing to pay for CAC-certified coins, highlighting the importance of third-party verification and authentication in the rare coin market. This trend is likely to continue as collectors increasingly prioritize quality and provenance when acquiring valuable numismatic items.