The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2035
1831, LM-5, V-5, R-1.
PCGS graded MS-64 Premium Quality. Gorgeous toning which is likely
from an old Wayte Raymond National Pages album, with intensly deep blue at the
rims, then an inner ring of gold, and finally brilliant silver at the centers
on the obverse, the reverse with similar, though less vibrant, toning. Fully
struck and exceptionally clean for the grade, and worth a premium as such. Not
all that common in this grade, we note that PCGS has graded 34 this high with
19 higher of the date.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2036
1831, LM-6, V-1, R-1.
PCGS graded AU-55. Good luster, color and surfaces. Both dies show
clash marks, but are fairly early die states.
Estimated Value $150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for a $1.45 as
"uncirculated".
Lot 2037
1832, LM-1, V-10, R-4.
PCGS graded MS-66 "Eliasberg" Premium Quality. A simply magnificent
example of this scarce variety, with a pedigree to match its quality. Silvery
gray at the centers, with darker blue and gold iridescent toning around the
periphery. Fully struck on the tiny star centers, but a few of the central
curls on Liberty's head show slight weakness. Likely one of the finest known of
the variety, and high up there for the date too, with PCGS noting 33 this high,
and just 5 graded higher. One for the collector who loves superb quality.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg
Sale, May 1996, lot 922 and the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2038
1835. Large date and
5¢, LV-3, V-3, R-1. SEGS graded Proof 63. Light silvery gray in
color with mirror surfaces and boldly struck devices. The fields and devices
show wipe lines which are common on silver coins of the period. Reflective
fields except for areas near the devices, which show some of the usual die wear
from past clashing. Note the depth of the strike, all the minute
characteristics are very sharp, such as the die line through the F in OF, and
the veins in the tiny leaves in the branch as well. In the recently published
Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Logan and McCloskey, the authors note that only
the LM-4 variety had been seen in proof. Many other varieties of 1835 are seen
with mirror fields and well frosted devices, but it is uncertain at this time
if these were indeed proofs or specimen strikings or just very well made
business strikes. Much controversy surrounds these early proofs, and it is
undoubtedly an area which will command much numismatic research and attention
over the next few decades as these rarities turn up at auctions.
Estimated
Value $3,500-4,500.
It is noted on the SEGS holder insert that this is
from the GNA 1990 Sale.
Lot 2039
1837. Small 5¢, LM-4,
V-2, R-3. PCGS graded MS-64. In high demand as the only variety with
the small 5¢ on the reverse for the year, locating a mint state example
can be quite a challenge for most collectors. Here is a frosty white example
that boasts satiny luster and a very sharp strike. The reverse die has a crack
down towards the motto through the first T of STATES, and the tops of both Ss
are filled, as well as the top of the 5. A rare coin in this grade, PCGS notes
in their Population Report that only 5 have been graded this high with the
small 5¢ and importantly, none are graded higher! Rarely encountered this
nice.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.