The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2065
1849. 9 over 6.
PCGS graded MS-64. A beautiful mint state example of this popular
overdate. The remnants of the 6 are easy to see with a glass, including the
recutting on the 84 as well (Valentine-1). Breen called this variety the
1849/8/6 (his #3052) in his Encyclopedia. An excellent enlargement of the date
is available in Al Blythe's Complete Guide To Liberty Seated Half Dimes. Satiny
gold on the obverse over luster, the reverse with more blues as well as gold
toning. Interesting radial die cracks on the reverse. PCGS has graded 4 this
high with just 4 higher, all MS-65 above.
Estimated Value $900-1,200.
Lot 2066
1849-O. PCGS graded
MS-64. One of the finest graded of this date, with a curious PCGS
Population Report, we note the mint state coins reported are 1 as MS-62, and
then a small cluster of 6 as MS-64. Perhaps there was a small hoard, or simply
coincidence of having half a dozen MS-64s, but none higher. The coin itself
shows light gold flecks in the stars, and similar matching colors on the
reverse and is silvery gray in color. Not the finest die work of the period,
with a few lumps around the stars, and the strike is somewhat uneven on the
upper reverse. Clean surfaces that show faint signs of handling, but are quite
pleasing for the grade. A rare opportunity to purchase a coin that is certainly
one of the very finest known of the date.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2067
1850. NGC graded
MS-66. Snowy white in color, with satiny luster on both sides. Nearly
perfect surfaces, and the strike is absolutely sharp on all the devices. Truly
an outstanding example of this date. NGC has graded 12 this high with just 7
higher.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 2068
1850. PCGS graded
MS-65 Premium Quality. A fine gem example of this date, the surfaces are
satiny and gray with a touch of gold toning. We note the strike is very sharp
on both sides, and the coin is not only appealing, but totally problem free.
PCGS has graded 18 this high and 18 higher.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
Lot 2069
1851. NGC graded
MS-66. Mostly light silvery gray with pretty orange gold toning around the
periphery on the obverse, and through the fields and rims on the reverse.
Boldly struck by clashed dies, as usual for the period. Pristine surfaces,
expected for the grade. NGC has graded 6 this high, with just 3 higher of the
date. Recall that these were melted in massive quantities and the price of gold
fell relative to the price of silver from the California gold rush, and it
wasn't until 1853 that the silver content was reduced slightly, allowing these
tiny coins to circulate more freely. Most of the silver coins struck before the
silver content reduction (1853) were melted as they were worth more than face
value.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 2070
1851-O. NGC graded
MS-66. One of the finest graded, and likely one of the finest known of the
date. Silvery gray luster on both sides, with no blemishes or annoying contact
marks found even with a glass. The strike is decent too, we note virtually full
stars around Liberty and details on her head. Interesting die file marks on the
upper right obverse rim towards a few of the stars. NGC in their Population
Report note 4 this high, with none higher, PCGS has graded one example as high
as MS-65 only. A rare coin in this grade, and a true gem for the connoisseur.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 2071
1852-O. PCGS graded
MS-64. Choice reddish gold toning on both sides with flashy luster beneath.
Note how the left obverse stars are sharply struck, while the stars on the
right show minor weakness at the extreme centers (partial radial lines), and
similar on the reverse where the wreath is sharp save for a touch of weakness
on the ribbon. Mintages dropped to 260,000 this year in New Orleans, and most
of these were melted as they were worth more than face value at the time they
were coined. PCGS has graded 5 this high, with just 3 higher.
Estimated
Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 2072
1853. No arrows.
PCGS graded MS-66 Premium Quality. One of the very finest of this
rare date to survive, this particular coin boasts deep blue peripheral toning
and rich golden hues near the centers. Fully struck by the dies, with bold
details on Liberty and the stars, similar on the reverse which shows no
weakness whatsoever. PCGS has graded 5 this high, with just 2 coins graded
higher of this date, from the mintage of a scant 135,000. We note a thin die
crack through the lower digits of the date, and another at the top of the cap
extending each direction towards the stars. Similar on the reverse, with a few
light cracks to the tops of the letters and main device points. If you want a
truly stunning coin for your collection, then check out this one.
Estimated
Value $2,500-3,500.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2073
1853. Arrows. PCGS
graded MS-64 Premium Quality. Highly lustrous and generally bright save for
peripheral gold toning on the obverse, the reverse with more gold toning and a
streak on the right side. Clean surfaces, and well struck by the dies. We note
extensive clash marks and die wear visible on this coin. A nice type example
for the collector.
Estimated Value $400-500.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2074
1854. PCGS graded
MS-66. One of the finest graded of the date, and don't forget that this is
a short lived type coin with arrows at the date. Boldly struck by the dies,
with full radial lines on the stars and excellent details on Liberty, head to
toe! The obverse die must be an early die state as we note several die file
lines around the periphery, and minor clash marks, and the reverse too is
clashed. Pristine surfaces and blazing original luster throughout. PCGS has
graded a scant 3 this high, and none are graded higher by that service. This
one is a keeper.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 2075
1854. PCGS graded
AU-53. One of the prettiest half dimes in the sale, this one boasts
colorful rainbow toning around the edges, and frosty luster at the centers. The
reverse die is strongly clashed, with the outline of Liberty in the wreath.
Estimated Value $80-100.
From the Benson collection and purchased
from Ira S. Reed for 75¢ in the mid 1940s as "Unc."
Lot 2076
1854-O. NGC graded
MS-66 Pittman. An outstanding coin with an equally outstanding pedigree
from the John J. Pittman collection. Blast white in color with a hint of toning
on the obverse and just a trace of gold on the reverse. Pristine surfaces that
are effectively free of contact marks. One of the finest graded, PCGS has seen
none higher than MS-65, and NGC reports only 4 this high, with a single coin
graded higher as MS-67 by that service. Several minor die cracks on the
obverse, and one on the reverse. An important type coin, and far more difficult
than other dates of the era.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
From
David Aker's sale of the John Jay Pittman collection.
Lot 2077
1854-O. PCGS graded
MS-65 Premium Quality. Stunning toning on this gem, with colors ranging
from blue to gold to green over the lustrous fields. Sharply struck by the
dies, with no signs of weakness noted. A few trivial die cracks on the obverse.
Examination will not find fault, for this is a true gem in every regard. PCGS
has graded 7 this high, with none graded higher, making this one tied for the
finest seen by that service. We suspect that if all 7 could somehow be rounded
up, this might be one picks for eye appeal and toning.
Estimated Value
$3,000-4,000.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2078
1854-O. PCGS graded
MS-63. This one has loads of eye appeal for the grade but we note some
minor surface marks in the right obverse field and a long streak down the
reverse on the right side which disturbs the surfaces slightly. Light toning
over luster.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 2079
1855. PCGS graded
Proof 64 Premium Quality. Although mintages were not recorded for proof
issues, it is believed that 20 were struck. This particular one is toned deep
blue, gray and gold, and carries all of Breen's diagnostics for a proof of this
date. Examination will note a few small lint marks through the first few stars,
and a small cluster of lint marks on the reverse at the A of HALF.As a type
coin, these early with arrows pieces are extremely rare in proof, and it is
likely that this piece will bring a very strong price. PCGS has graded 4 this
high, with just 2 graded higher.
Estimated Value $7,500-8,500.
From
the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2080
1855. NGC graded
MS-65. A colorful example for the toned collector. The obverse boasts
several shades of jewel tones around the periphery, while the reverse is more
evenly toned blue and gray gold. Boldly struck by the dies, and there is a long
bisecting crack on the reverse. About as nice as this is comes, with NGC
reporting 21 this high, 8 higher in grades as high as MS-68.
Estimated
Value $1,250-1,750.
Lot 2081
1856. PCGS graded
MS-65. Lovely steel gray with flecks of gold and green on both sides over
luster. Excellent surfaces and strike, with sharp details on Liberty and the
stars, although the obverse dentils are mush (the die was probably lapped when
this one was struck). While a common date, this coin is a condition rarity as
PCGS reports they have graded just 16 this high, and here's the important part,
there are none graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 2082
1857-O. PCGS graded
MS-66. Blazing white luster and completely without toning. Not only is this
coin stone white, but the strike is bold throughout, with no signs of weakness.
Minor clash marks on both sides and just a few tiny pecks from handling. One of
the finest graded of the date, PCGS notes just 5 this high with 2 graded
higher.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 2083
1858. PCGS graded
MS-64. Stunning blue and gold toning on this piece, with matched toning on
both sides. Well worth a premium for the color and clean surfaces.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 2084
1859. NGC graded
MS-67. Outstanding color and surfaces even for this monumental grade. The
coin has an extremely strong strike, with full stars, and details on Liberty
all of which are crisp, similar on the reverse where no signs of weakness are
found. Toned with reddish gold and blue on both sides, and certain to attract
the toned coin specialists. An early die state, with just a few traces of light
clash marks. In NGC holder #246171-012. NGC has graded 15 this high with only 3
higher of the date. If you want a memorable coin for your collection, then take
a look at this toned beauty.
Estimated Value $2,250-2,750.
Lot 2085
1859-O. NGC graded
MS-66. Absolutely one of the finest graded of this date by either NGC or
PCGS! The surfaces push perfection back another notch, and the luster is alive
with mint freshness. Further, the periphery is toned with light to medium gold
on the obverse, even moreso on the reverse. Both dies show light clash marks.
NGC has graded only 2 coins this high, with none higher, and PCGS hasn't graded
any higher than a respectable MS-65. Hence, it is logical to assume that this
is one of the very finest known, perhaps tied with 1 other of equal quality.
Fairly well struck for the date. In NGC holder #629471-010.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,500.
Lot 2086
1859-O. PCGS graded
MS-64. Exceptionally pretty toning on both the obverse and especially so on
the reverse. Deep bluish gold on Liberty, with the reverse bathed in sunset
gold at the rims, violet, mauve and blue over luster. Naturally the fields and
surfaces are very choice, as expected for the grade, and the strike is fine
enough for this Mint. PCGS has graded 10 this high, with just 4 higher, all
MS-65 above, making this one well worth buying for an advanced collection.
Estimated Value $750-UP.
Lot 2087
1860. Legend. PCGS
graded Proof 66 Premium Quality. This is the first regular issue of the new
design with the legend on the obverse, and Longacre's wreath of cereals on the
reverse. Superb dark blue around the obverse periphery, fading to gold towards
the fields and center, and well frosted. The reverse similar, with deeper blue
at the center, rose on the right, and more silvery gray on the left, and well
frosted on the devices. Nearly perfect surfaces, as expected for the grade, and
we see no signs of handling or abuse. PCGS agrees and awarded this one of its
highest grades, PR-66, of which only 4 are seen of this date and a single coin
graded higher. A worthy acquisition for the specialist.
Estimated Value
$1,500-2,000.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2088
1860. Legend. NGC
graded MS-67. A simply gorgeous blue and gold toned super gem. The
periphery of both the obverse and reverse is toned with deep blue, quickly that
turns into rich orange gold toning clear to the centers. Further, this one has
a sharp strike, with no signs of weakness on the design elements. An important
first year of design change type coin, with the proud legend added to the
obverse. NGC has graded 17 this high, with 4 graded higher of the date. Few
could boast the wonderful eye appeal of this one, and we think it will be
recognized for the gem it is when it crosses the block.
Estimated Value
$1,500-2,000.
Lot 2089
1861. 1 over 0.
PCGS graded MS-66. This is one of the finest known of this rare and
somewhat controversial overdate. The remnants of something, thought to be an 0,
are clearly present on the left side of the second 1 in the date. Breen thought
is was an overdate too, although at least two obverse dies show identical
features giving some experts pause, as the raised area left of the second 1
could simply have been caused by a defective date punch. Regardless, study and
photography help settle these issues in time. Here is a satiny example in high
gem condition for the specialist to ponder. The luster is bright and fresh, and
the coin has delicate gold toning around the rims. Sharply struck except for a
small area on the upper left wreath. PCGS has graded only 3 this high, with
none higher, making this likely one of the finest known, and best preserved, of
this overdate variety.
Estimated Value $4,500-UP.