The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2145
1838-O. No stars.
PCGS graded MS-64 Premium Quality. A very important coin in this
grade, and certainly in the top twenty known of the date. Further, this is a
rare two year type coin, with the no stars obverse die. Another important
feature is that this one came from the first year the New Orleans branch mint
opened, and production was limited. Breen notes that two pairs of dime dies
were shipped, and coins were struck from May until early 1839. This particular
coin shows full luster and just a touch of gold toning, primarily on the
reverse. It is fully struck and apparently an early die state, with no cracks
present, although the obverse shows some rust or die wear around the periphery.
Aside from the initial group of 30 coined, virtually all entered circulation,
and most of this date are well worn. Breen notes that very few were saved, and
this is a truly rare date in mint state grades. PCGS confirms this in their
Population Report, where they note 7 have been graded as MS-64, with just 6
graded higher, all MS-65. Truly a delightful coin and worthy of a gem type
collection.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Lot 2146
1841. NGC graded
MS-67. Absolutely glorious concentric ringed rainbow toning on both the
obverse and reverse. While the grade alone should be worth celebrating, one
must truly get out the trumpets and sound off about the toning here. This one
obviously was carefully preserved from the time of issue, and placed in a
sulfur type coin album, likely a Wayte Raymond National Pages or something
similar for at least two decades which would be required to develop toning like
this. The out ring is bright yellow gold, next is blue, then reddish gold
fading to light gold at the centers. Perfectly centered rings of color,
overlayed on a nearly perfect coin. Throw away the bid price if you expect to
purchase this stunning coin. NGC has graded only 1 as such, with a single coin
graded higher of this date.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 2147
1846. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Lovely steel gray with blue highlights near the rim and very
boldly struck. PCGS estimates that 10 were struck, perhaps that is a bit low,
but certainly not too many above that. This is from a partial 1846 proof set
that is offered in this sale by denomination, with the half dime and quarter
appearing elsewhere in this sale. PCGS has graded only 4 this high, with none
higher of the date in proof. Hence, this is a rare opportunity for the
specialist! A no nonsense proof that will entice the advanced collector for its
color and surfaces and best of all, its rarity.
Estimated Value $8,500-UP.
Lot 2148
1847. NGC graded
MS-65. A condition rarity in this gem grade that is simply exquisite. The
strike is sharp on the obverse stars and devices, and similar on the reverse
but we do note a trace of weakness on the first S of STATES and the cluster of
leaves below. Toned with deep blue and dark gold on both sides, with pristine
surfaces throughout. Identifiable by a tiny tick located in the field inside
the twelfth star. High in the condition census for the date, this is the finest
graded by NGC, and alone in that category, and similar at PCGS, where none have
been graded as MS-65, but a single coin resides at the top of census as MS-66
graded by that service. A truly scarce date despite the mintage, especially in
upper grades.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2149
1848. NGC graded
Proof 66. An American classic, this rare early proof issue boasts the
expected mirror fields, and a strike that is far and away sharper than the
usual business strike of this date. The stars are all needle sharp, and
Liberty's hair is especially sharp. Toned with magnificent blue around the
periphery, with a satiny golden gray over Liberty and reflective fields around,
the reverse well matched but lighter in color and with less blue around the
periphery. As noted in the Breen Encyclopedia on Proofs, the 1 in the date is
repunched on the upper serif below, and the date slants down to the right.
Curiously, the reverse die was used on proof dimes from 1844, 1846 and 1847,
indicating some methodology to these vastly understudied early proof issues. It
is apparent that the proofs struck prior to 1857 were not widely available, and
dates were struck in a seemingly random fashion, if at all. On these 1848 proof
dimes, it is reasonable to believe that about 20 were struck, of these NGC has
graded 3 as PF-63, 1 as PF-64, 3 as PF-65 and 4 at the top as PF-66. PCGS has
only graded 2 of these, both as PR-64. Therefore, this is one of the finest
certified examples of this date in proof. We note some minor hairlines in the
fields, and to identify this one in the future we note a tiny tick on the lower
left arm just above her elbow, and another tiny tick on her left knee, the
reverse by an extremely faint pin line above TES of STATES which bumps along
the dentils. In NGC holder #698601-002.
Estimated Value $18,000-22,000.
This is likely the coin we offered in our Ariagno Sale, May 1999, lot
237.
Lot 2150
1854-O. NGC graded
MS-67. While tied with two others for the finest graded of the date by NGC,
we note a well concealed mark from the third star to the shoulder of Liberty.
Toned with pretty blue and gold colors on the obverse only, the reverse with
flashy white luster. Well struck by the dies, with most of the obverse covered
in satiny luster under the toning. As stated, this is tied for the finest
graded by NGC with 2 others, and PCGS hasn't graded any of this date higher
than MS-65. Make sure to view this beauty before the sale, you'll be glad you
did. In NGC holder #962577-001.
Estimated Value $9,000-UP.
Lot 2151
1855. PCGS graded
Proof 64. An important type coin that is seldom found in Proof grades, and
especially rare this nice. Toned with rich sunset gold on the obverse with
hints of blue and purple at the extreme edge, on the reverse we see even more
colorful tones, with blues and purple about the periphery, and golden sunset
tones for the balance. Superbly struck and preserved, with traces of hairlines
and virtually no handling marks. Identifiable by a small irregular planchet
flake located at the top left of the M in DIME on the reverse. Double punched
on the date, as always. Perhaps 25 were struck, and PCGS has graded 6 this
high, with just one coin graded higher, at PR-65. A date which is seldom
offered at auction, and worth a premium for the radiant, colorful toning.
Estimated Value $12,500-17,500.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2152
1855. PCGS graded
MS-67. A spectacular coin for the date, and even for the series, and one of
the very finest graded. The obverse is toned with an even layer of golds, grays
and blues, while the reverse is brighter, and displays light gold over blazing
luster. What separates this coin from its peers is the superb quality.
Examination will not detect fault, the fields are pristine, and the devices
show no signs of contact or handling. Fully struck on the obverse, with sharp
stars and drapery lines on Liberty, but we note a trace of softness on the
curls of her head, and on the opposing ribbon knot on the reverse. In terms of
rarity, this one shines with the highest grade from PCGS for this date, tied
with a total of 3 coins as MS-67, and of course none are seen higher by that
service. Further, this one is enhanced by the arrows at date, making this a
short three year type coin. All in all, this is an outstanding coin for the
advanced numismatist.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,500.
From the
Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2153
1858. PCGS graded
MS-67. Snowy white luster and completely fresh. This coin exudes luster and
superb quality at a glance, and close examination fails to find any faults.
Utterly free of toning, this one must appear virtually as bright as the day it
was struck. The strike is very sharp, and the dies were in good shape when this
one was coined, with only a trace of a crack and faint clash marks. PCGS has
graded 2 this high, with none graded higher of the date, same with NGC also
with 2 this high and none higher. If you demand the finest, and want a winter
blast white coin for your collection, then bid high and win this piece. In PCGS
holder #9802739.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2154
1859. PCGS graded
Proof 66. A superb gem proof that boasts stunning deep blue and magenta
toning on both sides. The fields are nearly perfect, as are the surfaces of
this coin. As to the strike, it is extremely bold, and we see no signs of
weakness anywhere. In terms of grade, PCGS has awarded PR-66 to only 18 coins
so far, with just 2 graded higher (both PR-67 above), out of the original
mintage of 800 pieces. Further, this is the stars obverse, or type I design,
which is far more difficult to locate in gem proof grades than the later
issues. If you love beautifully toned coins, then bid high to obtain this
jewel. In PCGS holder #10002407.
Estimated Value $3,500-UP.
Lot 2155
1859. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Dark gray toning that is perfectly even on both the obverse and
reverse. An early proof issue with a mintage of 800 pieces, few of which are as
nice as this one.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 2156
1859. PCGS graded
MS-67. A splendid gem example that is toned with royal blue shades on both
the obverse and reverse over satiny luster! Easily one of the prettiest Seated
dimes for the color, when coupled with the superb grade, this coin is certainly
a home run. 1859 is a slightly better date, with a mintage of 430,000 pieces.
Apparently a few were saved, perhaps hoarded as the Civil War loomed on the
horizon when this was struck. Apparently this one stayed tucked away, and
somehow was never handled or knocked about during the unfolding decades.
Examination will confirm that the surfaces are pristine, with no signs of
handling or cleaning whatsoever. The strike is absolutely full and complete,
with mountainous details on Liberty and the wreath, and no signs of weakness
were found. Struck from a slightly clashed obverse die. Anyone who desires
toned coins will fall for this one, and you can bet on that! Remarkably, PCGS
has graded 11 this high, with a single coin graded higher of this date.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2157
1860. NGC graded
Proof 66 Cameo. An early strike by the proof dies here, with fully frosted
devices and well mirrored fields, enough so to earn this one the coveted
"cameo" designation. Further, this one is completely white, without any signs
of toning. Delightful fields and surfaces, and highly appealing. NGC has graded
only 7 proofs of this date with the cameo designation, this one is alone as
PF-66, and we note 3 are graded higher by that service.
Estimated Value
$1,500-1,700.
Lot 2158
1861. PCGS graded
Proof 65. A lovely toned proof example of this date. The surfaces show
ample blue toning over gunmetal gray, with gold intermixed. Fully impressed by
the dies and without fault. Easily a gem, and a very pleasing coin. PCGS has
graded 10 as such, with just 4 graded higher. An important offering from the
original 1,000 minted, obviously few of which could approach the grade and eye
appeal of this example.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
From the
Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2159
1868. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Premium Quality. Gorgeous toning on both sides, with deep blues at
the rims, lighter gold and rose at the centers and gray tones in the fields.
Rarely are these early proofs found in such pristine condition, and this one is
truly stunning because of the toning. Clean fields and devices, as expected for
a gem, and this one is certainly very high end for the grade. PCGS has graded
18 this high, but just 3 higher, all PR-66. Any true collector would be
thrilled with this one.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
From the
Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2160
1869-S. PCGS graded
MS-66 "Eliasberg" Premium quality. A frosty white gem that is sharply
struck and superbly preserved. Note the height of the curls on Liberty's head
and the fullness of her gown. The only weakness we noted is found on the lower
right side of the obverse, on her foot and the surrounding area. We note a tiny
die speck on her upper right arm, and the Mintmark is filled as always seen.
PCGS has graded just 3 as such, with a single coin graded higher. If you want a
blast white gem, then bid accordingly.
Apparently this coin was nearly lost
back in 1906, it was purchased by J. M. Clapp from San Francisco dealer A.
Reimers in March of 1906, and the Great San Francisco Earthquake rolled through
in April of 1906, destroying most of the city, but luckily for us today the
coin had already been sent to Mr. Clapp. Later, Clapp sold his coins to Louis
Eliasberg, Sr. in 1942.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex; A. Reimers
March 1906 to J. M. Clapp, Clapp estate to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., 1942,
Bowers and Merena Eliasberg Sale, May 1996 and the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2161
1874. Arrows. PCGS
graded MS-67. One of the very finest certified grades awarded to this
important two year type coin. The surfaces are toned with irregular deep
reddish gold and blue on the obverse, lighter red gold on the reverse.
Naturally, as expected for "67", the surfaces are pristine, with no signs of
handling aside from microscopic traces. Fully struck and superbly preserved in
every way. PCGS has graded only 4 this high, with 2 graded higher of the date.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
Lot 2162
1876. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Premium Quality. A frosty white gem proof that boasts well
mirrored fields and deeply frosted devices. Curiously there is a faint die
crack on the reverse on the upper right side, which wanders in from the edge
through the outer leaves and back out the edge. PCGS has graded 11 this high,
with just 6 higher, all PR-66.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
From
the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2163
1876. MS-60+.
Nice for the grade with blue and gold peripheral toning and luster in the
fields. Struck from a clashed reverse die.
Estimated Value $100-140.
Lot 2164
1876-CC. NGC graded
MS-67. Struck by very rusted dies on both sides, the surfaces are clean and
fresh with abundant luster and only a trace of gold toning. Amongst the very
finest known of this date, with NGC reporting only 3 graded this high, and none
higher, similar at PCGS with 2 this high and none higher. Hence, this one is
tied with at most 5 for the finest of the date. An important coin for the
specialist.
Estimated Value $2,750-UP.
Lot 2165
1877. PCGS graded
MS-65. A stone white coin that boasts heavily frosted devices and slightly
prooflike fields. Close examination notes that the surfaces are very clean,
easily keeping this coin in the gem class. PCGS has graded 14 this high, with 8
graded higher.
Estimated Value $800-900.
Lot 2166
1878. NGC graded
MS-66. Lovely deep blue and gold peripheral toning on both sides. The
fields show nice satiny luster and the strike is somewhat weak, notably with
softness on parts of Liberty's head and the lower wreath bow. Truly a beautiful
coin and it shows just traces of contact with others. NGC has graded only 2
this high, with 1 graded higher.
Estimated Value $750-950.
Lot 2167
1880. PCGS graded
MS-65. A piddling mintage of 36,000 still managed to produce enough that
some gems were saved, and here is a lovely example. Stark white on the obverse,
the reverse with a bit of gold forming over luster. Sharp and well preserved.
PCGS has graded 22 this high, with 23 higher.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.
Lot 2168
1882. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Deep blue and gold toning on both sides and truly superb in every
regard. The mirror fields are exceptionally well preserved, and the devices
show none of the usual signs of handling or contact. PCGS has graded 7 this
high, with only 1 single coin higher. If you loved toned wonder coins, then
take a peek at this one.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 2169
1890. NGC graded
MS-65. A glowing gem that retains excellent luster and blazing white color
with just a hint of gold around the edge. Fairly sharp despite minor meandering
cracks on both sides.
Estimated Value $600-700.