The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14

Three Cent Pieces

Silver Three Cent Pieces

Lot 1978
1852. NGC graded MS-65. Frosty and white, but struck from worn dies. A touch of gold is starting to form.
Estimated Value $450-500.

The Eliasberg Gem Proof 1857 Three Cent Silver

Lot 1979
1857. PCGS graded Proof 66 "Eliasberg". This is the finest graded of the date by PCGS and it is alone as the sole PR-66 graded by that service. Further, it is the Eliasberg coin, which is certainly one of the very best pedigrees in American numismatics. It is believed that 75 were coined in Proof, of which perhaps half remain in proof grades. Both sides are toned with dusky gold tones with flecks of blue toning mixed into the fields. Watery mirror fields surround the devices, and this is a very appealing coin. Worthy of a strong bid from a specialist.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg Sale, May 1996, lot 866 and from the Michael Riordan collection.

Rare Proof 1857 Silver Three Cents

Lot 1980
1857. PCGS graded Proof 64. It is estimated that only 75 of these were struck. This one is bright and untoned, with medium steel gray surfaces. PCGS has graded 14 this high, with just 7 a grade higher and 1 more at the top as PR-66. A rare opportunity for the date specialist.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.

Lot 1981
1858. PCGS graded MS-65 Premium Quality. Gorgeous deep blue and gold toning on this one, with even toning on both sides. Best of all, the surfaces remain in pristine condition, with no significant handling marks to be found with a strong glass. Struck from clashed dies, as are most. PCGS has graded 29 this high, with 21 graded higher, but we doubt many could be as pretty as the one offered here. Examine it for yourself.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
From the Michael Riordan collection.

Lot 1982
1859. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deep steel gray toning on both sides with a hint of blue. Only 800 were struck, and we note that PCGS has graded just 9 this high with 3 higher, making this one of the best around for the collector. Superb surfaces throughout.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.

Lot 1983
1862. PCGS graded Proof 66 Premium Quality. A simply stunning toned coin that boasts rich blue tones at the center of the obverse with dark gold around periphery, just the opposite on the reverse, with deep blue at the periphery, and golden red at the center. Superb surfaces expected for the grade, and you won't be disappointed here. PCGS has graded just 6 this high, with a single coin graded higher, making this likely one of the very best around. Another coin that should bring a premium for the rich toning.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
From the Michael Riordan collection.

Lot 1984
1864. PCGS graded Proof 66. Dark gold and blue toning on both sides, and nearly perfect surfaces beneath. A knock-out gem.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.

Toned Gem Uncirculated 1864 Three Cents Silver

Lot 1985
1864. PCGS graded MS-67. A rare date with a mintage of only 12,000 pieces. This particular one has glowing mint luster and is graced by blue and gold toning on both sides in the usual peripheral organization. PCGS has graded only 4 this high, with 3 higher.
Estimated Value $3,500-UP.

Lot 1986
1870. PCGS graded MS-64. This one has very pretty peripheral toning with the centers more steel gray. Examination will note a couple of minor hairlines, which account for the grade.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.

Lot 1987
1871. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deep reddish gold toning throughout, with well preserved surfaces. A lovely toned gem of this date.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.