The Robison Collection of

United States Gold Coins

About The Donors…


The Robison Collection of United States Gold Coins was donated by Doris and Ellis Robison to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Cornell University. The Robisons have been deeply involved with these institutions and have, in the past, provided both financial support and counsel.

Ellis Robison, a 1918 graduate of Cornell University, is President-Treasurer of John L. Thompson Sons & Co., the nations’s oldest wholesale pharmaceutical firm, located in Troy, New York. He joined the Thompson Company as general manager in 1927. In 1952 he acquired full ownership of the firm and recently celebrated his 51st year there.

“Roby”, as Ellis Robison is affectionately called by his friends, together with his wife, Doris, recently donated a “Hall of Fame” to Cornell University to honor the school’s athletes of past and present. Being interested in athletics, the Robisons have contributed to many athletic programs including a sport and recreation center at Rensselaer Polytechic Institute.

“Roby” has received Cornell University’s and Rensselaer Polytechic Institute’s highest honor, that of being named Presidential Counselor at each university. Gifts of coins donated by the Robisons have also provided Union College and Cornell University with herb gardens that have received international acclaim — the garden at Cornell University being recognized as the most comprehensive and complete herb garden in the United States.

It is with their tireless devotions to the athletic programs that this extensive collection was donated. In a recent interview, “Roby” commented on his feelings towards the support of athletic programs:

“There is no better way I can use what funds I have available than to have them applied towards facilities for students. They are able to graduate with better minds and sounder bodies. I think there should be a balance between academics and sports. Usually all the money goes for academics.”

Stack’s is proud to have been selected by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Cornell University to catalogue and sell this most important collection. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the coins will be used to establish the Robison Athletic Fund at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the other 50% will be added to the already existing Robison Athletic Fund at Cornell University. These Funds are devoted to the betterment of the schools’ athletic, physical education, and recreation programs.

About The Collection…


The Robison Collection of United States Gold Coins consists of about 1,000 specimens embracing the $1.00, $2.50, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00, and $20.00 Gold from 1795 to 1932, as struck by each of the seven U.S. Mints.

It is unquestionably one of the most complete collections ever offered for sale. The last comparable offering at Public Auction was our R.L. Miles, Jr. Collection sold in 1968.

The Robison Collection includes the following series: A complete set of Gold Dollars (except for the 1849 ‘C’ Open wreath). The Quarter Eagles ($2.50 Gold) from 1796 are virtually complete, including all the early dates, and boasts an 1841. The Three Dollar Gold series is complete. The Half Eagles ($5.00 Gold) start with 1795, feature many dates of the rare 1820 and 1830 issues, and continue with few exceptions to 1929. The Eagles ($10.00 Gold) are just about complete from 1795 through 1932. The Double Eagles ($20.00 Gold) from 1850 to 1932 lack only a few to be complete. Also featured is a Four Dollar Gold “Stella”, a set of Gold Commemoratives, a Panama-Pacific Set, and a Confederate Cent in Gold.

This sale took place on February 2-3, 1979.


United States Gold Dollars

The Complete Set of Gold Dollars is highlighted by the 1851 ‘D’ in Gem condition, and the Very Rare 1855 ‘D’, 1856 ‘D’, 1860 ‘D’ and 1875, as well as the Extremely Rare 1861 ‘D’. The overall condition is very nice with the rarities in above average condition.

United States Quarter Eagles

The Quarter Eagles are virtually complete. There are 20 different dates in the series from 1796 to 1834. The collection is highlighted by both varieties of 1796, 1808, 1826, 1829, 1838 ‘C’, 1843 ‘C’ Small Date, 1848 ‘CAL’, 1856 ‘D’, 1875, 1885, and the Extremely Rare 1841. In addition, the series is complete in the Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans Mints.

United States Three Dollar Gold

The Three Dollar Gold pieces are complete. Some of the more important coins are the 1854 ‘D’, 1871, 1873, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1880, 1881, 1884, and 1885. Either rarity or quality make these outstanding.

United States Half Eagles

The Half Eagles lead off with both varieties of 1795, and include 1814, 1820, 1821, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, both varieties of 1834 Motto, 1839 ‘D’, 1861 ‘D’, 1874 ‘CC’, 1876, 1878 ‘CC’, 1887, 1929. This section like the others is virtually complete. Of particular note are the 40 different dates or varieties before 1834.

United States Eagles

The early Eagles are complete but for on variety. This outstanding group features the following: 1795, 1796, both varieties of 1797, 1804, 1839, 1855 ‘S’, 1858, 1863, 1865, 1866 ‘S’ No Motto, 1875 Pattern-Gilt, 1876, 1877, 1879 ‘O’, 1879 ‘CC’, 1907 Rolled Edge-Periods, 1907 Wire Edge-Periods, 1920 ‘S’, and 1930 ‘S’. Also represented in this collection are most of the hard-to-find dates in the 1860’s and 1870’s.

United States Double Eagles

The Double Eagles are probably the most impressive part of this collection. It lacks only four in the Liberty Head and two in the St. Gaudens to be complete. Featured are the 1860 ‘O’, 1861 ‘S’ Paquet, 1862, 1870 ‘CC’, 1879 ‘O’, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1891, 1891 ‘CC’, 1892, 1920 ‘S’, 1921, 1929, 1930 ‘S’, 1931, 1931 ‘D’, and 1932. It is one of the most comprehensive groups offered in decades.

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