Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 4021
1851-O. Sharpness
of AU-50 but cleaned long ago. Cleaned long ago and still a washed out.
Well struck and a coin that could probably be improved. Only 41,000 struck and
few could approach the grade of this coin. Rare and seldom offered.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Lot 4022
1854-C. NGC graded
MS-61. A premier rarity in mint state, with this coin certainly well within
the condition census. The surfaces show extensive luster in the fields, and a
few minor hairlines from handling over the last 146 years. Delightful copper
toning has started to form in the lower reverse lettering while the obverse is
still untoned. Boldly struck and with definition on all but the small curls
over Liberty's ear. As with most seen of the date, the mintmark is weak, but
clearly present above the VE of FIVE on the reverse. The reverse die had
clashed with the obverse when this one was struck, thus Liberty has the eagle's
wing protruding from her mouth into the left field, with the upper outline of
the wing extends from her throat. Curious indeed.
Identifiable by a minor
tick mark that lies at a 45 degree angle down on the right horizontal shield
stripes, and currently in NGC holder #569252-040. An opportunity for the
advanced numismatist who needs a high end example of this date. Color photo.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 4023
1855-C. PCGS graded
MS-63. This is tied for the finest graded by PCGS of the entire date! It is
the same grade as the Harry Bass, Jr., coin offered in October of 1999. We must
also note that NGC has graded two higher. Certainly one of the top four known
overall. The devices are satiny while the fields are a bit reflective.
Excellent surfaces and highly desirable as a rare date in choice condition.
Fully struck by the dies and simply superb for the grade.
Estimated Value
$25,000-UP.
Lot 4024
1861. PCGS graded
MS-65. One of the finest known of this date, only 6 have been graded this
high with a single coin graded higher by PCGS. Well struck on Liberty, but a
touch weak on the lower obverse. Delicate coppery toning and with abundant eye
appeal on both sides. A coin for the connoisseur.
Estimated Value
$10,000-UP.
Lot 4025
1866. With motto.
AU-58. Here is a low-mintage rarity in high grade. Only 6,700 were
coined, and pitifully few remain in grades approaching this. Sharply struck on
each device, the stars, curls and eagle. This is the first year of issue with
the new IN GOD WE TRUST motto on the reverse. None have been graded as Mint
State by PCGS, making this undoubtedly in the top half dozen to survive.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 4026
1871-CC. ICG graded
VF-35. A rare date that is seldom available in any grade, this high end VF
example has a pleasant appearance. The surfaces show moderate wear, and the
bagmarks are well distributed and not too heavy. A touch weak on Liberty's neck
curl, probably from wear. Coppery toning on both sides, with natural appearing
surfaces.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,800.
Lot 4027
1879-CC. PCGS
graded AU-55. One of the many rare dates from this popular Western Mint,
the 1879-CC has a stated mintage of just 17,281 pieces. Of these, an even dozen
have been graded as AU-55 by PCGS, only 6 a notch higher at AU-58, and a single
lone specimen as MS-61. Aside from the high grade, this coin has excellent
surfaces, none of the usual lunar landscapes familiar to gold collectors. This
one has no significant ticks on either side, and the fields have a touch of
gold toning which adds to the allure. Any specialist will delight in owning
this coin, so bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 4028
1883. PCGS graded
AU-53. Some luster remains in the protected areas, minor handling marks as
usual.
Estimated Value $110-130.
Lot 4029
1885. MS-64.
Flashy gold luster with a bit of rose gold toning on the lower obverse and
on the reverse. Sublime surfaces that show only faint hairlines and decidedly
few ticks from handling.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 4030
1890-CC. PCGS
graded MS-63. Nicer on the obverse, with a few more scuffs and ticks on the
reverse. Choice and original, these CC mints are hard to find this nice. PCGS
has graded 15 this high, with 25 graded higher.
Estimated Value
$2,700-3,300.
Lot 4031
1892-CC. VF-25.
Some luster adheres near the devices.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 4032
1893. PCGS graded
MS-64. Nice coppery toning on both sides and well preserved. Clean fields
and devices.
Estimated Value $575-625.
Lot 4033
1893. PCGS graded
MS-64. A few tiny fritzies in the fields from gem, but far and away above
average for the date.
Estimated Value $575-625.
Lot 4034
1893. PCGS graded
MS-64. Lightly toned and very choice.
Estimated Value $575-625.
Lot 4035
1893. PCGS graded
MS-64. Hazy toning and very choice.
Estimated Value $575-625.
Lot 4036
1893-CC. NGC graded
AU-58. Satiny luster and well struck, with a few minor ticks from brief
circulation. About 100 or so graded higher by NGC, making this one of the more
available CC dates for collectors to obtain. Nice gold toning and pleasing.
Estimated Value $600-800.
Lot 4037
1899. PCGS graded
MS-64. Satiny luster on both sides and well struck. A scarce coin in near
gem condition.
Estimated Value $550-650.
Lot 4038
1900. MS-64.
Nice luster and surfaces with a clean cheek on Liberty.
Estimated Value
$550-650.
Lot 4039
1900. MS-60 Plus.
This one has some marks on Liberty's bust.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 4040
1900-S. NGC graded
MS-63. Flashy luster and with the typical scattered bag marks. Lovely
yellow gold in color.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 4041
1900-S. PCGS graded
MS-63. Frosty luster in the fields and well struck, we note some minor
copper toning spots on the obverse.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 4042
1901. MS-60.
Flashy luster and the surfaces have some handling marks.
Estimated
Value $150-170.