The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2127
1828 Large date, JR-2, R-3
F-12 and 1829 JR-3, R-4, VF-20. Analysis has shown that the 1828 large date
dimes were struck in 1829. This particular 1828 shows the reverse die crack
through the D of UNITED to the scroll and the die shows swelling through STAT
of STATES. Toned a dark gray, this coin is one of the later die states seen of
this reverse. The 1829 JR-3 is toned with lighter gold colors on the obverse,
with additional greens and golds on the reverse. The 1829 is a scarce variety,
even in this moderate grade. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 2128
1829. Small 10¢.
JR-7, R-8 as Proof. PCGS graded Proof 66" Eliasberg". Certainly the
finest proof of this date in existence, this particular coin possesses steel
gray fields overlayed with delicate gold toning on the obverse, a bit more on
the reverse. Fully mirrored fields, and well frosted on the devices, this coin
is obviously a proof, and carries its own credentials. Each star center and
curl top is full and complete, on the reverse too, the neck feathers and even
the tiny knobs on the eagle's claws show complete definition. As a final
testament, the areas between the vertical shield stripes are fully mirrored. As
to the grade, PCGS has seen a total of 3 of this date in Proof, one as a PR-62,
another as PR-63 and this breakaway coin up at PR-66. Similar at NGC where 2
have been graded, a PF-63 and another as PF-64. As expected, the surfaces of
this coin are superb, with no signs of handling or abuse, keeping this coin
high in the superb category. Identifiable by a small speck of color above the E
of LIBERTY, and of course, but the superb grade. If you demand the absolute
finest known Proof, then here is a regal coin for the advanced numismatist.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg Sale,
May 1996, lot 1086, and the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2129
1829. JR-5, R-4.
VF-30. One of six scarce R-4 varieties produced in 1829 at the Mint,
and overshadowed by the rare curl base 2 JR-10, but this variety is rare in its
own right. Toned with light silvery gray hues, the surfaces are better than
average and this coin is very appealing overall. Boldly struck and with the
usual obverse die crack from the fifth star to the rim. As a year, 1829 is one
of the most challenging for a variety collector, there are a dozen different
die varieties, but 7 of these are rated R-4 or higher! Locating a specimen of
each may take years, especially to find the rare curl base 2 JR-10, of which
perhaps 20 are known. To find a nice VF coin of each is worthwhile goal, and
will require lots of patience. Here is a perfect coin for the specialist.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Purchased by our consignor in March of
1986 privately.
Lot 2130
1829 JR-4, R-2, VF-30 and
1829 JR-11, R-4, VG-10. The JR-4 is very nice for the grade with pleasing
surfaces, and the JR-11 shows uneven wear on Liberty's face, but otherwise is
acceptable for this scarce variety. Both are toned with varying degrees of
gray. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 2131
1830. 30 over 29, JR-4,
R-2. EF-40. Always in demand for the overdate feature, which is
difficult to see under a strong glass. Medium gray in color, with some
iridescent colors on the obverse and flecks of gold on the reverse. Sharp on
the obverse, with minor weakness on the eagle's neck, as usually seen. Early
die state before the retained cud forms over M on the reverse.
Estimated
Value $200-275.
Purchased privately in July 1986 by our consignor.
Lot 2132
1830, JR-8, R-3, VF-25 and
1831 JR-5, R-1, EF-40. The 1830 JR-8 is toned with dark gray in the fields,
lighter on the devices and has average or better surfaces for the grade, the
1831 JR-5 has lovely light gray color, but there is a dull mark in the small
field above Liberty's cap, and a couple of related marks on the lower reverse,
perhaps caused by using the coin as some sort of tool. Both are entirely
acceptable for a variety collector. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value
$125-175.
Lot 2133
1830, JR-1, R-5.
VF-30. This die pairing is the rarest of the eight known pairings of
1830 dimes. The reverse die formed a retained cud over UNI which is present on
this example, and this die break likely accounts for the rarity of this issue.
Toned with steel gray in the fields and nicely contrasted with lighter silver
on the devices. Defect and problem free surfaces, this coin is much better than
average for the variety, and is certainly high in the condition census for a
JR-1. In fact, the most recent census (September 1996) showed the finest
reported as EF-45, and the next highest grade VF-25. A new dime census will be
published in the forthcoming issue of the JRCS Journal, which will report on
the last five years of collectors searching for these rare varieties. This is a
very important coin for the specialist to consider.
Estimated Value
$300-500.
Lot 2134
1833, JR-10, R-3.
AU-58. Bright and untoned, this coin was likely dipped in the not
too distant past, but plenty of luster remains. Fully struck and well
preserved, with only microscopic handling marks and a few hairlines especially
on the obverse. Later die state with cracks through the first five stars,
another on Liberty's chin, and the reverse die is sharply clashed around the
eagle. Certain to attract considerable attention, this coin will entice most
collectors who need the variety.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Purchased
from Stack's Sale, May 7, 1992, lot 2951 as "BU", which it may well be.
Lot 2135
1833 JR-8, R-5.
AU-50. A delightful example for the specialist of this rare variety.
The surfaces were probably cleaned long ago, but the coin has retoned with
medium gold on the obverse, and darker peripheral gold and blue around the
reverse. Fully and boldly struck by the dies, with no signs of weakness to be
found. Traces of roughness on the lower obverse, which were probably in the
planchet before this one was struck. Probably in the top five known of the
variety, and another condition rarity that is seldom found in any grade, much
less this nice! Be prepared for a worthwhile battle when this coin crosses the
block.
Estimated Value $500-750.
Purchased on August 30, 1986 by our
consignor.
Lot 2136
1833 JR-1, Rare late die
state reverse. VF-30. A rare late die state of this variety with a
retained reverse cud through D STATE to the motto below. Nicely retoned to a
blue steel gray with clean surfaces for the grade. Terminal and late die state
coins such as this are very rare, and tend to usually be found in very low
grades, locating a high grade example as seen here can take many years. The
large section of the reverse die was literally being pushed up and out by the
striking process, and would soon be replaced by the coiner. A specialist's
delight!
Estimated Value $150-200.
Purchased from Jim Koening's a
year ago.
Lot 2137
1833. JR-2, R-5 VG-10 and
1834 JR-2, R-3, VF-20. The 1833 is a very difficult variety to find at all,
even in lower grades, as the obverse die suffered a catastrophic crack from the
rim to cap down through the curl to the rim below (this crack is even seen on
the few Proof examples known). The obverse was not used to strike other
varieties, so far as is known. The coin is toned a lovely steel gray color and
has average surfaces, and we note the reverse grades F-12. The 1834 JR-2 has
dark gray fields with lighter gray on the devices and very nice surfaces. A
pair for the specialist. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 2138
1833. Last 3 high, JR-7,
R-5+. AU-55 but cleaned with an erasure. One of the rarest varieties
of the year, this coin would be tied for the finest seen were it not for the
fact that some dunderhead cleaned it with an erasure, likely many years ago as
the periphery has started to retone. Both sides have been cleaned by the
erasure, and this was done to bring up the appearance of luster, or to remove
previous toning, with the result being fine hairlines present on the surfaces.
Similar to the 1830 JR-2 we offered in our last sale, and still worth a good
price. Sharply struck by the dies, with bold stars and fine details present on
Liberty's curls. A later die state with cracks on both the obverse and reverse
die as noted in the dime book, and still a worthy acquisition for the
specialist as the minute details are very plain on this one.
Estimated
Value $450-UP.
Lot 2139
1834. Large 4, JR-4, R-3.
EF-45. Tied with several others as the finest reported in the JRCS
dime survey of 1996, this impressive coin boasts a sharp strike and lovely
medium gray color. Defect free and highly appealing. Once considered a very
tough variety, more have turned up over the last 18 years reducing the rarity
to moderately scarce. So far as we know, none are graded higher than EF-45,
making this a worthy coin for the specialist.
Estimated Value $150-225.
Lot 2140
1834. Large 4, JR-3, R-5+.
VG-7 obverse, AG-3 reverse. Here is a rare variety which is seldom
offered at auction. This particular coin is not the greatest example, but the
diagnostics are unmistakable. On the obverse, we note a heavy die crack through
the first five stars and this piece must have been ready to break away from the
die when this one was coined, on the reverse the weakness in the dentils above
TES OF AMERIC made the coin wear unevenly with that area worn smooth. There are
some hairlines on the obverse, and a small dig on the reverse below the T of
UNITED.
Estimated Value $50-100.
Lot 2141
1834 Large 4, JR-5, R-1,
VF-20; 1836 JR-2, R-2, EF-40 and 1836 JR-3, R-3, VF-20. The 1834 is dark
gray in color, with average surfaces, the 1836 JR-2 has hazy reddish gray
toning, and a well developed vertical bisecting die crack and the 1836 JR-3 is
a natural light gray but interestingly has the reverse die rotated about 20
degrees clockwise. An interesting lot for the variety collector. Lot of 3
coins.
Estimated Value $175-250.
Lot 2142
1835 JR-3, R-2. NGC
graded MS-62. Natural steel gray in color with darker flecks of gold around
the devices. Slight weakness on the eagle's claws, as struck. Clean surfaces,
and worth a decent bid.
Estimated Value $350-400.
Lot 2143
1835, JR-5, R-1.
AU-50. Light steel gray in color and we note a few faint hairlines
in the fields. Sharply struck and perfect for the type collector. Late reverse
die state with cracks through the legend.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 2144
1837, JR-1, R-4.
MS-60+. A rare coin in this grade, perhaps half a dozen are known in
mint state, perhaps saved as the last of their kind with the advent of the
Seated design later in the year 1837. This particular coin boasts frosty luster
with slightly mottled gold toning on the right side of the obverse and through
the stars, the reverse with more gold toning with areas of rich iridescent blue
at the periphery over luster. Well struck by the dies, and well preserved,
although we note a few trivial hairlines on the obverse devices. A condition
census coin for the variety, and worth a strong bid for the rarity as well.
Estimated Value $475-600.
From Stack's January 15, 1997 sale, lot
513.