Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 3999
1795. Small eagle.
Miller-2, Breen 1-B, Rarity-4. NGC graded MS-62. This one boasts
prooflike fields and satiny luster on the devices. The fields do show minor
hairlines, as expected for the grade, but the coin does have abundant eye
appeal. Fully struck with excellent feather details on the eagle, the only sign
of weakness is on his lower leg. Bold on all the stars and Liberty, with no
weakness on the obverse. Further, this coin shows no adjustment marks on either
side. If you need a high grade type coin of this early gold coin, then take a
look to see if this coin suits your wants. In NGC holder #1294520-013. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Lot 4000
1800. Miller-42, Rarity-4.
PCGS graded MS-62. Toned with copper colors in the stars. Moderate
handling marks on both sides and with a nick on Liberty's nose tip and chin.
Hairlines are noted in the fields. Sharply struck and otherwise well preserved.
Early gold in full mint state is rare, and seldom encountered. Check this one
out to see if it will fit in your collection.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 4001
1803. 3 over 2. Miller-57.
Breen-1-D, Rarity-2. PCGS graded MS-63. One of just 14 so graded by
PCGS, with only 19 graded higher. An extremely rare coin in any grade of mint
state, especially rare in choice condition as offered here. Flashy luster and
well struck devices combine to enhance this rare piece. Further, the fields and
devices show only minimal handling marks.
We note the reverse die is a late
state, it was probably lapped, then cracked through the left wing to rim, down
through the eagle, top leaf in the branch through the E of AMERICA. The obverse
does not show the crack through the date, but has delicate die cracks through
LIBERTY at the top and others connecting several stars on the obverse.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 4002
1806. Pointed top 6, 8 X 5
stars. Miller-75, not in Breen, Rarity-6. MS-60. Light handling
marks and a few hairlines in the fields from a cleaning. This is a curious die
variety with the first star stuck in as an afterthought. On the reverse there
is a rim break at the top.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 4003
1806. Round top 6, 7 X 6
stars. Breen-6448, B-5E, Rarity-3-. PCGS graded MS-64. A very high
end example of this date, only 25 have been graded this high, with a single
coin graded higher by PCGS. Well struck on the obverse devices, and the only
area of softness is noted around the lower and left side dentils of the
obverse, caused by minor adjustment marks in that area. On the reverse, there
is some very minor weakness on the shield, but the balance of the devices are
sharp. Outstanding luster and surfaces, which make this coin truly exceptional,
considering the period it was made. A sparkling jewel which will entice any
specialist.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
Lot 4004
1807. Miller-87,
Breen-2-B, Rarity-6+. AU-50. A scarce variety that is seldom seen in
any grade. This one has been cleaned and retoned with delicate coppery tones in
the stars and peripheral lettering. Luster remains in the fields. There is a
faint die crack from the rim to the top of Liberty's cap. As Miller notes in
his book on Half Eagles, supervision must have been lax at the Mint, as these
show extensive rust which continues to spread through the dies life, indicating
the dies were not properly greased and stored in the humid Philadelphia
climate.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 4005
1807. Miller-91, not in
Breen, Rarity-7. AU-58. While called Rarity-8 in the recent Robert
W. Miller, Sr., book on half eagles, we agree with the author who notes that
more of this variety will likely be attributed once people carefully check
their examples of Breen 4-C. The date shows clear double punching on the 1 and
the 0. On the reverse, the diagnostic of AME and RI touching, combined with the
faint mark up from the left shield point to the star above make for positive
identification that this is not Breen's reverse "C". It appears that the Bass
coin, 10/99:784 was also this variety. A bit soft on the left side of the
eagle's wing, and with minor scuffs on Liberty, but well preserved overall with
mint fresh luster. Free of adjustment marks and a rare offering, which could
possibly remain very rare. Only time will tell.
Estimated Value $3,500-UP.
Lot 4006
1809. 9 over 8.
Miller-108, Rarity-3. NGC graded AU-55. This one is lightly
circulated, and with minor hairlines on both sides. No bumps or other problems.
Satiny in appearance.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 4007
1811. Tall 5.
Sharpness of EF-40 but burnished. With sharp details on the devices,
but the surfaces have been burnished giving the coin a polished appearance. The
reeding is weak on the upper obverse. Sharply struck by clashed dies. A scarce
type coin.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
Lot 4008
1812. Miller-118, Low
Rarity-2. NGC graded MS-62. Satiny mint luster in the fields and
fairly well struck by the dies. Minor hairlines from handling and perhaps a
gentle cleaning. There are some minor tick marks below Liberty's ear, and most
of the fields show scuffs and other signs of contact.
Estimated Value
$6,500-7,500.
Lot 4009
1818. Miller-123,
Rarity-6. PCGS graded MS-65. Clearly the Finest known of this
variety this coin stands alone in MS-65 in the PCGS Population Report, in fact
there are no MS-64s graded, and only six in MS-63. The obverse boasts glowing
original mint frost and a hint of coppery toning, similar on the reverse, which
retains its original luster and mint bloom. As to the strike, it is sharp on
the obverse, with the reverse a touch weak at the center, probably because of
the bisecting die crack that starts near the 5 in the denomination, and
continues up to the second S of STATES. Another crack is noted through the base
of AMERICA to the D. Close examination reveals few signs of handling, even on
the devices, save for the most minute contact ticks. An impressive example of
this rare type, and worthy of the finest collection. In PCGS holder #6561403.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $45,000-UP.
Lot 4010
1823. Miller-146, High
Rarity-5. PCGS graded MS-63 HW Bass, Jr. Coll. A cameo of Liberty in
bright yellow gold against the reflective prooflike fields. We note a hint of
coppery toning near the date, otherwise all is bright and fresh. Some scattered
hairlines on both sides, always seen on the delicate mirror surfaces. There are
a couple of small chatter marks behind the eagle's head, and these will
continue to identify this coin. Only a single die pair was used in 1823, and
all coins of this type are considered rare. Locating a mint state example can
take years of patience. Only 3 or so graded by PCGS, with just 2 coins graded
higher (both MS-64) for the date. Boldly struck on the devices, including the
stars and even the eagle's claws. An important rarity that will no doubt
feature high in any collection it graces. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$25,000-30,000.
Ex: Rarcoa's sale of April, 1968: 204; Rowe & Brownlee,
May 7, 1969; Bowers and Merena's Bass Sale II, October 1999: 817.
Lot 4011
1832. Square base 2, 13
stars. Miller-164, 4 Known. PCGS graded AU-50. An extremely rare
variety, only 4 are known, and this is the second auction appearance that we
know of. The only other auction appearance of this variety was the Norweb coin,
a "burnished" AU-50. None were offered in the massive Harry Bass, Jr., holdings
which have flooded the market the past few years. As a date, these are seldom
found in any grade, apparently the entire mintage was melted, and just a
handful survived. With the recent publication of United States Half Eagle
Gold Coins 1795- 1834 by Robert W. Miller, Sr. this rare variety was first
published widely. The obverse has 13 stars, with the fourth star sharply recut.
On the reverse, the period after the D in the denomination is way to the right,
and the middle arrow points to the center of the I in AMERICA. Furthermore,
unlike the burnished Norweb coin, this is a very desirable and lovely example.
The strike is sharp and full, with each star brought up well, as are the
feathers on the eagle and the curls on Liberty. This one has been off the
market for some years and still resides in the old small style PCGS holder.
Orange gold in color, with light copper toning around the periphery. A foremost
opportunity for the gold specialist, and a coin that deserves a runaway price.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Lot 4012
1834. Crosslet 4.
EF-40 Cleaned. Cleaned and perhaps polished a bit. Well struck and
preserved, with few problems from circulation. One for the type collector.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 4013
1840. Broad Mill.
PCGS graded AU-58. Reflective in the fields and well struck. As
always, the surfaces show numerous tiny ticks from handling and circulation
Still bright and lustrous and worthy of a high end date set.
Estimated
Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 4014
1842-C. Small date.
NGC graded AU-58. An extremely rare coin in high grade, only 4,595
were struck (Breen), and some of those were melted for assay pieces. The die
broke on March 22, 1842 and many of the known examples show a sharp die break
at the top of the obverse. This is apparently an earlier strike, as no sign of
the die break, or crack, is yet visible. Better than the coin offered in the
recent Bass Sale (Best offered PCGS AU-53), and even the lovely example offered
in Bowers and Merena's November 1998 Sale (NGC AU-55), both of which were the
late die state with the obverse rim cud. Breen notes this date is prohibitively
rare above EF. A review of the last decade of auctions notes only one coin
tied, that PCGS AU-58 which was sold in January 1999 by Heritage at the FUN
Sale for $77,625. Both the Heritage specimen and this coin are the early die
state, and are obviously comparable in grade, surfaces and overall
quality.
Long known as the rarest collectible Charlotte Mint gold coin
(behind the ultra rare 1849-C open wreath gold dollar,) the only finer example
is the MS-62 piece in the Paul Dingler Collection (Ex: Elrod). Certainly one of
the highlights of any gold collection, this coin will be the crowning glory of
the most advanced set of half eagles. The delicate mirror fields show scattered
ticks from brief circulation, but there is very little wear on the upper hair
of Liberty or on the reverse eagle. Tied with at least one other as the second
finest known of the date and a beautiful example for the connoisseur. In NGC
holder #1610251-001. Color photo.
Estimated Value $60,000-70,000.
Lot 4015
1842-D. Small date.
ICG graded EF-45. This one has rather heavy circulation marks, but
remains in high grade. The stars have central radial lines, but the obverse die
must have been lapped before this one was struck, as the stars are very
shallow. Scarce and in demand.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
Lot 4016
1843-O. Large letters.
NGC graded AU-58. One of the finest of this date to survive, only 3
have been so graded by NGC, and just 2 coins graded higher (both MS-64) by that
service. Similar numbers at PCGS. Prooflike and reflective fields, which show
every tiny contact mark, and these are numerous. The reverse die must have been
lapped, as the lower lettering is weak. Rare in this grade, with just 82,000
coined. Rare and seldom offered in high grade.
Estimated Value
$4,000-5,000.
Lot 4017
1846-D. High second D over
D. PCGS graded AU-50. A scarce date in high grade, this one has
typical surfaces that display minor random ticks from handling. There is also a
minor scratch at the back of Liberty's head, above her hair bun, and a long
mark over the eagle. The D over D is sharp and clearly visible.
Estimated
Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 4018
1846-O. AU-58.
A rare coin that is seldom offered in any grade, especially approaching
mint state. The recent PCGS Population Report notes just 5 have been graded in
the lower ranges of mint state, and only 4 graded AU-58. This one boasts
prooflike fields and beautiful copper toning around the periphery. Sharply
struck, even on the delicate upper curls on Liberty, and similar on the eagle,
with sharp feather details even on his thigh. Minor circulation marks on both
sides.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
From Bowers and Merena's Bass
II Sale, October, 1999, lot 967.
Lot 4019
1847. SEGS graded
MS-60. With a bisecting reverse die crack. Flashy luster.
Estimated
Value $700-900.
Lot 4020
1850-D. NGC graded
AU-55. One of just 14 graded as such by NGC, with only 11 graded higher,
most in AU-58. Moderate handling marks and well struck by a cracked reverse
die, with cracks meandering through the legends. Coppery toning around the
periphery.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.