The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 1996
1866. PCGS graded
Proof 66 Premium Quality. A superb example of this first year of issue of
the denomination in nickel. The devices are well frosted and show nice contrast
with the mirror fields. Delicate gold toning is starting to form near the
periphery, but this one is mostly bright and untoned. Examination will note
some interesting diagnostics on this coin, there is a small centering dot in
the shield, the upright of the 5 shows recutting, and several stars also are
repunched. Not exactly the best die engraving from the Philadelphia Mint, but
certainly more interesting than most. One of the finest graded by PCGS, they
has seen 54 this high, but just 2 have been graded higher. A perfect coin for
the type or date collector.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
From the
Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 1997
1866. NGC graded
MS-65. A glowing gem that retains an even gray mint luster on both sides
with only a trace of a fingerprint on the lower obverse. Struck from clashed
dies, the reverse shows several clash marks on the left side. This one boasts a
strong strike as well as very clean surfaces. NGC has graded just 88 this high,
with 14 graded higher of this first year of issue date. One for the type or
date collector who demands gem quality.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
Lot 1998
1867. No rays. NGC
graded Proof 65. Spot free and well preserved, this one boasts near perfect
surfaces and just a trace of haze to note the passage of time. As nice as this
date is found, NGC has graded 48 as such, with only 10 graded higher. In an old
NGC holder.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
Lot 1999
1868. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Problem free surfaces that boast good reflectivity and just a
hint of haze. No spots or similar lumps in the potatos to detract. A scarce
early date, PCGS has graded only 65 this high, and important 9 higher, all
PR-66.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
Lot 2000
1869. NGC graded
Proof 65. A bright and flashy proof of this date, the surfaces have no
spots or haze, and this coin is perfect for the date or type collector.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 2001
1870. NGC graded
Proof 65. Struck by lapped dies with the left arrow feathers weak. Clean on
the obverse, the reverse has a couple of small green specks. Untoned and a gem.
Estimated Value $800-950.
Lot 2002
1871. NGC graded
Proof 65. Bright and flashy, the obverse with just a couple of specks
tucked away near the devices. No toning on either side, and generally pleasing.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 2003
1872. NGC graded
Proof 65. Clean and spot free, with just a whisper of haze on this gem. In
an old NGC holder with the very light gray background on their insert.
Estimated Value $500-550.
Lot 2004
1873. Closed 3. NGC
graded Proof 65. This one shows the recutting on the 1 in the date, but we
also note that the dies were obviously lapped before this was struck, given the
weakness on the left arrow feathers. Free of spots and just a touch of haze,
with no toning on either side.
Estimated Value $550-600.
Lot 2005
1873. Closed 3.
PCGS graded Proof 65. Bright and untoned, this one has especially
well mirrored fields and frosted devices too. A problem free gem that will
satisfy a collector.
Estimated Value $400-500.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2006
1874. NGC graded
Proof 65. This one has lovely faint purple rose toning on the obverse, and
similar hues on the reverse. No problem specks on this gem, and it remains
highly appealing, even moreso than when struck because of the toning.
Estimated Value $600-650.
Lot 2007
1875. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Cameo. One of only 3 Cameo proofs graded by NGC, this one boasts
bright frost over the mirror fields, and no signs of toning. It is generally
believed that cameo proofs were some of the first ones struck after the dies
were polished and prepared, and hence have the best contrast available.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 2008
1875. NGC graded
Proof 65. Nice color and surfaces, with a few minor dark specks on the
obverse, and some orange gold colors. This date is hard to find in gem grades
and especially difficult any higher.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 2009
1876. NGC graded
Proof 65. Hazy toning with several light specks starting to form.
Centennial year, and with a touch of golden glow on the devices.
Estimated
Value $550-600.
Lot 2010
1877. NGC graded
Proof 65 Premium Quality. Here is the key date to the series, only 510 were
struck and virtually all the survivors have been sent to the grading services
at least once, given the current reported populations reported by NGC and PCGS
total 641 pieces. Here is a premium gem example, the surfaces are fresh and
clean, with good mint color and a touch of gold. One speck above the left
obverse arrow feathers, and a couple more on the lower reverse rim. NGC has
graded 107 this high, with just 36 higher.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,800.
Lot 2011
1878. NGC graded
Proof 65. This is actually the 1878/7 overdate, with the shaft of the 7
clear in the lower loop of the second 8 (Breen #2509). Light haze and no spots
or other problems on this one, and we note the surfaces are very clean and
reflective.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 2012
1879. NGC graded
Proof 65. The date is obviously repunched to the left on the 18, as often
seen on these. Good reflectivity and just a few traces of haze and a speck or
two.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 2013
1879. 9 over 8. NGC
graded Proof 65. Scarcer than the generic 1879 date, and one of the more
difficult dates to find in gem grades. The obverse has a sharp strike from an
early die state, while the reverse has thinner and probably later die state
characteristics on the devices. Nice surfaces all around, and a touch of gold.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 2014
1880. NGC graded
Proof 65. This one has hazy gold toning on the obverse, and some minor
flecks that should probably be removed professionally (before they cause
spots).
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 2015
1881. NGC graded
Proof 65. Bright and flashy, we note a single small speck on the lower
right obverse rim, and hints of toning starting to form on the reverse.
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 2016
1882. NGC graded
Proof 65. Strong mint color and some gold flecks of toning around the
periphery. In an old NGC holder.
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 2017
1883. NGC graded
Proof 65. The most common date of Proof Shield nickel, this one has light
gold toning and a touch of haze.
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 2018
1894. NGC graded
Proof 65. Bright and fresh, with excellent contrast and just a touch of
haze.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 2019
1897. MS-63.
Lovely surfaces and color, with hints of pinkish-gold on both sides.
Estimated Value $60-70.