Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 3932
1806. 6 over 4.
ANACS graded AU-50. A meager 1,136 were struck of this date. This
one has adjustment marks on Liberty's head, going two directions. Nicely struck
on the obverse, with full stars and defining characteristics seen on the few
known. On the reverse, the centers are weakly impressed, and parts of the
scroll, upper shield and left wing of the eagle show localized weakness. The
fields show handling marks and this coin was probably touched up a bit at some
time in the past, perhaps to remove marks or cover over some of the adjustment
marks. A couple of rim ticks on edge, but they are hard to see in the ANACS
holder. Inspection and careful study always is a necessity on these early rare
coins, and much can be learned from every example that crosses your path.
Estimated Value $6,000-6,500.
Lot 3933
1825. MS-60 Plus
but scratched. Here is a beautiful coin that has been mishandled. The
obverse has a long staple scratch up from date, through Liberty's face and eye,
back of her head, and deepest up through star six. When will people ever learn
to take the staples out of the holders before they remove the coin? One of the
best examples this cataloger has seen of a pure, unadulterated staple scratch.
Prooflike fields, frosted devices and beautiful in every other regard. Sharply
struck by the dies and still presentable, the scratch is well hidden until
examined with a glass. Examination mandatory.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,500.
Lot 3934
1825. AU-53.
The obverse of this coin has been repaired and the surfaces are covered
with a profusion of tiny marks, hints of the original prooflike fields remain
near the stars and devices. Nice on the reverse, and we note the edge has a low
area too. Careful study recommended.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,500.
Lot 3935
1826 "6 over 5".
PCGS graded AU-58. Far and away the rarest of the type, with a
mintage of only 760 pieces! Of these, only 5 have been graded as high by PCGS,
with a single coin graded as MS-60 above. It is very likely that some of the
AU-58 coins could be resubmissions in hopes of obtaining the coveted MS grade
from PCGS, but we have no evidence to be certain of this other than the small
cluster (5) that have been graded AU-58. NGC has not graded any in Mint State.
This coin is certainly one of the nicer examples of the few known, it is not
the Bass coin (October 1999) but it is the same grade according to PCGS. The
obverse has minor handling marks in the fields, but Liberty's cheek is clean
and not scuffed up. Delicate copper toning in the stars, and more so on the
reverse around the lettering. Well struck by the dies, with sharp stars,
feathers and curls. Both dies show clash marks, especially the reverse with
most of the head of Liberty outlined there.
As to the overdate, there are
some lumps on the upper left of the 6, and more on the inside loop, not enough
to tell if it was a 5 or what, perhaps it is just a recut 6. The jury remains
out, and PCGS notes the overdate in quotes, signaling their questioning of the
overdate. An opportunity for a gold specialist to put away a really rare and
under appreciated coin. Don't expect to find a better one, or even an equal!
The Bass example in the same grade realized $20,700, and so did the same grade
example sold by Heritage in February 1999. Expect competition on this wonderful
rarity. Color photo.
Estimated Value $15,000-20,000.
Lot 3936
1832. PCGS graded
AU-55. Here is a beautiful example of this rare coin. The surfaces show
minor handling marks from brief circulation, and luster remains in the fields.
Note the charming coppery gold toning on the lower reverse and other devices.
Sharply struck and seldom offered, certainly one of the highlights of the
collection of Mr. 1832! A beauty in every regard. None graded higher than MS-63
by PCGS, so don't overlook this pleasant example when shopping for your
collection.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 3937
1832. PCGS graded
EF-40. Only 4,400 were coined, most of which were lost or remelted. This
one has delicate copper toning around the rims, and retains some of the mint
luster. Each star is sharp and the surfaces show typical handling marks, none
serious or deep. A truly rare type coin that is seldom offered in any grade. An
impressive example for the advanced numismatist.
Estimated Value
$3,000-4,000.
Lot 3938
1834. No motto.
PCGS graded MS-63. Slightly prooflike in the fields and reflective.
Sharply impressed by the dies and with moderate handling marks, mostly in the
delicate semi-mirror fields. Deep orange gold color and pleasing. Only 33
graded this high by PCGS, with just 45 graded higher for the date.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
Lot 3939
1834. No motto. PCI
graded AU-58. Flashy luster with just a bit of wear on the high points.
Minor scuffs in the fields, and sharply impressed on the devices.
Estimated
Value $700-800.
Lot 3940
1835. AU-58.
Light yellow gold and reflective luster. The fields show minor hairlines
and other signs of contact. This is the only readily available variety of the
date, with the AM of AMERICA widely spaced. A couple of minor rim ticks on the
reverse. Nice luster.
Estimated Value $500-600.
From Bowers &
Merena's Harry W. Bass, II sale, 10/99: 282 with flip, prior to that from
Lester Merkin's June 1972 sale, lot 363.
Lot 3941
1835. Sharpness of
AU-50 but lightly scratched. Reflective fields which show a few marks,
including a series of faint scratches in the right obverse field. Scarce and
popular.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 3942
1839-C. ICG graded
AU-50. Choice surfaces and yellow gold in color. Decent strike for this
mint, with sharp curls on Liberty and full feathers on the eagle. Scarce and
desirable in this grade.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 3943
1839-C. ICG graded
EF-45. This one was struck with shattered dies, there is a die crack
through the second star to Liberty's chin, one also out the ninth star, another
through the 3 of the date, similar on the reverse, with radial cracks one above
the left wing, another through the eagle's head and down his body to the 2 in
the denomination. Minor encrustation in the lettering and devices, typical of a
circulated coin.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 3944
1839-D. Repunched date.
ICG graded EF-40. The date shows light repunching, and the reverse
die has some interesting die cracks, including a sharp one down through the
second T of STATES. Nice orange gold color, with typical circulation marks in
the fields and on the devices for the grade.
Estimated Value $1,700-1,900.
Lot 3945
1843-O. Small date,
crosslet 4. NGC graded AU-58. Deep orange gold in color and well
struck. Minor handling marks in the fields and on the upper devices, nothing
worthy of note. Scarce.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 3946
1845-D. Sharpness
of AU-50 but cleaned and slightly bent. This one has been cleaned and the
fields show evidence of buffing in places. There is a slight bend in the
planchet too, but this coin still boasts excellent device detail and a mintage
of just 19,460. This would fit well in a high grade date set, despite its
problems.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 3947
1847-O. ICG graded
AU-50. This one has a rotated reverse die approximately 180 degrees. The 1
in the date is recut high, and the primary digit is low into the dentils.
Typical handling marks and scarce.
Estimated Value $650-750.
Lot 3948
1848-D. AU-58.
This coin has unusual surfaces, they are a bit matte in appearance, not
unlike a sea water coin. Nevertheless the coin is very well struck, with full
stars and curls on Liberty. A scarce date that is seldom found in high grade,
and we suspect a collector could live with the minor problems which are offset
by the nearly mint state grade. Inspection recommended.
Estimated Value
$3,000-4,000.
Lot 3949
1855-D. PCGS graded
AU-55. A high condition census specimen of this, with the low mintage of
just 1,125 pieces, making this the rarest coin struck at the Dahlonega Mint.
This particular coin is from the massive Harry Bass, Jr. II sale, and although
not noted on the PCGS holder, the photograph matches this piece.
The PCGS
Population Report notes just 11 have been graded this high, with 1 graded AU-58
and 3 coins graded MS-60. This one has delicate copper toning on the lower
obverse, and even gold color on the reverse. The edge dentils are poorly struck
on the reverse, as usual. Highly appealing in color, surfaces and especially
rarity, certain to become the highlight of an advanced collection. A foremost
rarity. Color photo.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
From Stack's
Miles Collection, October 1968:169; Harry W. Bass, Jr. II, Bowers and Merena
Galleries, October, 1999:478.
Lot 3950
1859. AU-50.
There are some minor obverse marks, mostly in the fields and on the neck.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 3951
1860. New reverse.
PCGS graded MS-63. This is a choice coin for the grade, the luster
is fresh and undisturbed. The fields show some minor ticks and scuff marks.
Sharply struck and frosty. PCGS reports only 4 graded as such, with 5 graded
higher for this "new reverse" type.
Estimated Value $1,800-2,200.
Lot 3952
1860-C. PCGS graded
AU-55 Premium Quality. One of only 3 graded as such by PCGS, with just 8
graded higher (two in MS, best MS-61). Examination of the fields shows numerous
tiny tick marks, but they are even and distributed well. Only 7,469 struck, and
this is certainly one of the finest to survive. As a serious Charlotte Mint or
date collector, this coin would make a worthy acquisition.
Estimated Value
$7,500-UP.
Lot 3953
1878. MS-60.
Bright luster and well struck. Moderate handling marks.
Estimated Value
$225-275.
From Superior Galleries 2/81:923.
Lot 3954
1881. NGC graded
MS-63. Here is one of the very finest known of this rare date, only 640
were coined and most entered circulation. This is the second finest graded by
NGC, with just this piece graded as MS-63, and a single coin graded a notch
higher. PCGS has only graded 1 coin above MS-62, that coin wins the finest
status at their grade of MS-65. Prooflike in the fields, but not struck with
the proof dies (see Breen's Encyclopedia), as the dies were polished to prepare
them to strike coins, but so few were struck, the dies never lost their polish.
Well struck by the dies, and with only moderate handling marks. Another rare
offering for the advanced numismatist.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 3955
1888. MS-60.
Delicate gold toning on both sides, and minor scuffs, generally in the
fields.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 3956
1894. NGC graded
Proof 62 Ultra Cameo. With some scuffs in the fields but with deeply
mirrored fields and deeply frosted devices. A beautiful coin despite its rather
moderate grade, and one a collector will appreciate. Only 122 proofs coined.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 3957
1898. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Only 165 were coined in Proof, of which PCGS has graded 10 as
gems in this grade, with 20 graded higher. In the late 1890s, the quality of
proof coinage is simply superb. For example, this coin has full frost on the
devices, and is perfectly struck. The fields seem deeper than usual, with
reflective mirroring that expands the contrast. This is not the Trompeter coin,
and it can possibly be traced by a small tick near the middle arrow point in
the field, and a minor copper spot above the stop after AMERICA.
Estimated
Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 3958
1899. MS-64.
This one has been cleaned, and the surfaces are a uniform frosty color. The
surfaces are clean and show very few marks. Certainly a coin to be inspected by
prospective buyers, as all these quarters eagles have low mintages.
Estimated Value $450-550.
Lot 3959
1900. PCGS graded
Proof 65. This is a magnificent gem proof example. The Philadelphia Mint
squeezed of 205 to celebrate the turn of the century, most of which were
mishandled to some degree. This gem is the exception, with pristine surfaces
and glowing mint color. Well mirrored fields that show a delicate haze on the
obverse, with a touch of purplish color on the upper right reverse. A beauty.
Estimated Value $8,000-9,000.