Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 4218
Christopher Bechtler, ONE
DOLLAR CAROLINA, 28 gr., N reversed. PCGS graded MS-61. Lovely
antique copper toning over the slightly prooflike fields, and with the
appearance of a higher grade. We note 3 very faint scratches at the center of
the reverse in the field below 28G, which keep this from a higher grade. Minor
hairlines, but boldly struck and always popular for the reversed N obverse.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 4219
Christopher Bechtler, 5
DOLLARS CAROLINA, 140 gr. 20 carats. Plain edge, Kagin-17, Rarity-5.
PCGS graded AU-53. A rare coin in high grade, this one has lovely
gold toning with hints of copper mixed in and clean surfaces. There are a few
minor rim marks above GOLD and there may be traces of undertype below ATS of
CARATS. As always, examine the surfaces carefully to see if this is the coin
for your collection.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 4220
1849 Norris, Gregg &
Norris (San Francisco) $5 Gold. Plain edge. MS-60 Semi-Prooflike.
Here is a choice coin that boasts lovely copper toning on both sides and
well struck devices. The fields and surfaces show moderate handling marks, but
they are better than one would expect for the grade. The color is exceptional.
Well struck, with the 5 on the shield clear. One of the most popular and rare
of the early territorial gold issues which is seldom found at all, much less in
mint state grades. Take a look and see if this is one for your collection.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $12,000-15,000.
Lot 4221
1849 Norris, Gregg &
Norris (San Francisco) $5 Plain edge, struck in copper. AU-55. This
is a very unusual piece, the obverse eagle is from a different die punch than
that used on the 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris pieces, and the dentils are spread
apart and not touching, unlike the original dies. However, the reverse is very
close to the original dies, although the placement of the stars and other
devices varies a bit from the known production pieces. No doubt similar to the
Horsemen Baldwin & Co. "restrikes" noted in the Kagin reference work Private
Gold Coins and Patterns of the United States on page 367, and possibly the
same maker.
These territorial gold coins have long been popular with
collectors, and the origin of this piece is uncertain, it does not appear to be
struck from known dies, but is a close simulation. The edge is plain, and the
surfaces quite choice. An excellent coin to study, and we were unable to locate
any record of its existence or others like it, and it came with no pedigree
information. One to research, and we can not say for sure that it was or was
not made by the Norris, Gregg & Norris company.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Lot 4222
1851 U.S. Assay Office $50
"slug", 880 THOUS. Lettered edge, no 50 on reverse, K-2. AU-58. This
one has especially nice surfaces, with areas of coppery toning hidden in the
devices. On the reverse, the engine turned design is quite nice, although there
are a couple of minor planchet flaws noted on the lower reverse. We note that
HUMBERT is upside down on the edge. Free of the usual heavy edge knocks, and
far better than normally seen for this popular issue. We do note some very
faint tooling on the edges, but this is visible only with a glass and does not
detract from this important coin.
Estimated Value $17,500-22,500.
Lot 4223
1853 U.S. Assay Office $20
Gold, 884 THOUS. ANACS graded Sharpness of AU-50 details, net EF-40,
damaged. This one looks like it was recovered from a shipwreck or something
similar. The edges have some dents, one above the first S of STATES, another
above A, a large one at the base of the obverse and a dig below the Y of
TWENTY. On the reverse there are more bumps and the central lettering has marks
from contact with something heavy. The surfaces show some hairlines but all the
devices are sharp and clear. A coin to be inspected as the problems noted are
not that uncommon to these large, soft gold coins.
Estimated Value
$6,000-7,000.
Lot 4224
1853 U.S. Assay Office $20
Gold, 900 THOUS. MS-60 Plus. Frosty luster in the fields surrounding
the devices and sharply struck. There is a curious scuff area above the eagles
head which may have been slightly touched up. Examination of the surfaces will
find hairlines in the fields, but they are not troublesome. One edge mark on
the right side of the reverse and a beautiful coin overall.
Estimated Value
$5,500-6,500.
Lot 4225
1860 Clark, Gruber & Co.
(Denver, Colorado) $2.50 Gold. PCGS graded AU-55. Sharply impressed
by the dies and well preserved. A few trivial hairlines probably as much from
circulation as handling. One tick above Liberty, near her hair bun, and a
couple of shallow marks on Liberty's face. One for the territorial specialist.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
Lot 4226
1861 Clark, Gruber & Co.
(Denver, Colorado) $2.50 Copper die trial. PCGS graded MS-65. Deep
brown in color on the obverse, the reverse has some dark greenish color along
the lower half, otherwise brown. This is the finest graded by PCGS and alone in
its grade category. Sharply struck and well preserved, the fields and devices
are quite nice, keeping this firmly in the gem class.
Estimated Value
$6,000-7,000.
Lot 4227
1861 Clark, Gruber & Co.
(Denver, Colorado) $2.50 Gold. PCGS graded MS-61. One of just 5 so
graded by PCGS with only 3 graded higher of this important Territorial issue.
Weakly struck on the high points and with light scuffs on Liberty's cheek from
handling.
Estimated Value $7,000-UP.