Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 4065
1795. 13 leaves below
eagle. Taraszka-4, Rarity-5. AU-55. This one has been lightly
cleaned with the usual resulting faint hairlines in the fields. Well struck on
the stars, Liberty and the eagle, including the breast. Long popular with type
collectors, this is the first year of issue of the denomination and important
as such. Few are known in high grades, and most show wear well beyond this
piece. The fields are reflective, and still retain some of the prooflike
surface from the dies.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
Lot 4066
1798. 8 over 7, 9 stars
left, 4 right. Taraszka-9:7-F, High Rarity-4. PCGS graded AU-50.
Magnificent color throughout, the peripheral devices have copper to purple
tones while the centers are original gold in color. Sharply struck by the dies
with no signs of weakness anywhere. We note a trivial scratch above Liberty's
cap, but it is faintly visible. The fields, rims and devices show few signs of
handling, and we rarely see such an original and unmolested coin from this
period. If you demand a first rate coin for your collection, then study this
piece carefully and form a strong bid.
Estimated Value $20,000-30,000.
Lot 4067
1798. 8 over 7, 9 stars
left, 4 right. Taraszka-9: 7-F, Breen 1A, High Rarity-4. PCGS graded
VF-30. The obverse has variegated toning which seems to lead towards the
stars and Liberty's breast, while the reverse is more even in color. Some
luster adherences near the devices, and the fields show even wear from
circulation. There is one minor scratch from the center of the E of UNITED to a
wing feather below, and it is light, there is a deeper cut on the obverse rim
between the date and the last star, and these marks will serve to identify this
piece in the future. Sharply struck for the date, with all devices clear,
including E PLURIBUS UNUM on the ribbon. A tough date in an acceptable
collector grade.
Estimated Value $8,000-12,000.
Lot 4068
1800. Taraszka-23:15-M,
Rarity-4. Sharpness of AU-50 but the edge is irregular. The rim
adjacent to the right side of the obverse has weak or no reeding, and this may
or may not have been mint caused. Under the scrutiny of our 10X glass, we don't
see evidence of post mint repair work, but it must be noted as a possibility.
Minor hairlines in the field, but toned with medium gold at the centers, and
darkening slightly towards the rim, especially in the devices. Sharply struck
on the stars and central devices and with excellent rims (no bumps!). Overall,
this is an eye appealing coin that will certainly find an appreciative buyer.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 4069
1801. Taraszka 25:17-N.
Rarity-3. AU-50. This coin is well struck and centered by the dies,
the surfaces show some minor hairlines more from circulation than anything else
we expect. Delicate gold toning on the upper left obverse, the reverse untoned.
Frosty luster remains in the fields of both sides. No weakness on the stars on
either side. Perfect for a type collector.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 4070
1804, Taraszka-31,
Rarity-4. AU-55. This one boasts flashy luster throughout, and is
well struck. There are some adjustment marks on Liberty's face, and a dull
scrape behind her head in the field. We note a small weak area on the left
outer wing of the eagle, below the cloud, which is unusual. Struck in the final
year of eagle production until 1838, and the last of this style. Rare and
desirable and worth a look.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 4071
1839. Large letters.
NGC graded MS-60. An important example of this lovely type coin
which was issued for only two years. Liberty has a long loose wave of hair
which sweeps back over her ear to her hair bun. Slightly prooflike in the
fields, and sharply struck. Examination will locate the usual bagmarks from
handling around the time of issue, but they are evenly distributed and none are
deep or problematic. Minor hairlines in the fields and upper devices. Probably
in the top dozen of this date to survive and always popular for the unusual
obverse design. An impressive coin for the numismatist who is assembling a
world class collection.
Estimated Value $15,000-20,000.
Lot 4072
1843. Sharpness of
AU-50 with light marks. This one has light handling marks, and the coin has
probably been cleaned at some point. Sharply struck.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
Lot 4073
1847-O. Sharpness
of AU-50 but a seawater coin. This coin was probably recovered from a
shipwreck. The surfaces are etched by long exposure to active currents, and
there are several small marks mostly on the lower rim, and a couple above the
eagle in the fields. Inspection recommended.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 4074
1850-O. AU-58.
Nice surfaces, but there is a scuffy area above the right wing of the
eagle. An appealing example of this scarce date.
Estimated Value
$4,000-5,000.
Lot 4075
1855-O. AU-50.
Light hairlines from a cleaning and circulation, but well struck. Typical
bagmarks from circulation and with a small rim tick near the last star. Only
18,000 coined, all with thin numerals in the date.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,200.
Lot 4076
1874. PCGS graded
MS-65. One of the finest graded by PCGS, in fact only 2 have been graded
this high! NGC has only graded one coin this high, neither service has graded
any higher, of course. 1874 was an interesting year, mintages gasped up to
53,140 from much lower numbers the previous few years. The American economy had
been hammered in 1873 and was barely recovering. Precious few people could
afford to save an amount like $10, for any reason. Thus, few eagles were saved.
and only 30 so exist in any grade that can be called mint state. Even in high
circulated grades this coin is rare. Breen notes that as a date, 1874 is
"Extremely rare above EF" in his wonderful Encyclopedia.
This coin has
delightful golden toning and the surfaces are superb, free of all but the most
minute bagmarks on the obverse, while the reverse has a few others. There is
one minor tick above the eagle's head. Don't expect quality like to come at a
bargain price, it never has and probably never will. Boldly struck and one of
the two or three finest of this date to survive.
Estimated Value
$30,000-UP.
Lot 4077
1881-CC. PCGS
graded MS-61. A rare date from this Mint, with just 24,015 coined. Of
these, only a handful remain in Mint State grades, in fact PCGS has only graded
10 this high, with 18 graded higher (all MS-62). This one has flashy luster and
moderate bagmarks expected for the grade. Bright and yellow on the obverse, the
reverse with a bit of toning and a small planchet flaw above the right side of
the eagle. Minor hairlines from a past cleaning or handling.
Estimated
Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 4078
1882. VF-35.
Frosty luster throughout, with some streaky rust toning on both sides,
mostly on the reverse. Conservatively graded and worth a bid.
Estimated
Value $130-160.
Lot 4079
1882-O. EF-45.
Moderate circulation marks.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 4080
1882-O. EF-40.
Well struck and with typical handling marks.
Estimated Value $350-400.
Lot 4081
1886. PCGS graded
Proof 64 Premium Quality. Here is a lovely coin that boasts ankle deep
frost on the devices and glassy reflective fields. Made during the "best" years
at the Philadelphia Mint, when Proof coinage really was perfected. Minor
hairlines from years of enjoyment, as always, account for the grade. One tiny
lint mark up from the top left of the first 8. One of the best of only 60
struck. PCGS agrees, with only 7 graded in all, 2 this high and a single coin a
notch higher. A delight to behold and no doubt own.
Estimated Value
$20,000-25,000.
Lot 4082
1886. Proof 63.
This one has light hairlines in the fields and a delicate copper tone too.
Frosted devices and still appealing. Rare, just 60 were coined in all, this one
has minor handling but a nice appearance. A glass will locate some trivial
marks, as always. We suspect that this coin was carefully cleaned and for that
reason is not in a third party grading holder.
Estimated Value
$8,000-10,000.
Lot 4083
1892. PCGS graded
MS-65. One of only 3 so graded by PCGS, with a single coin graded
higher! Don't expect to capture this prize without a fight. Stunning
quality for this date, outstanding luster and color, and of course the surfaces
are pristine. If you demand the finest, then purchase this coin for your date
collection.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.