Lot 2359
1873. NGC graded
Proof 65. One of the finest graded by NGC, this one boasts lovely blue gray
toning on both sides which characteristically offsets the devices. The surfaces
are very clean, and only the faintest hairlines can be seen in the delicate
fields. Sharply struck throughout, and a grand example of this first year of
issue. NGC has graded 11 this high, with just 2 graded higher. Exceptionally
appealing and worth a strong bid.
Estimated Value $3,800-4,200.
Lot 2360
1873-S. MS-63 or
better. Steel gray toning with areas of gold and blue mixed in over
slightly prooflike fields. Well struck for the date and well preserved.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 2361
1875-CC. PCGS
graded MS-62. Bright and lustrous, with no signs of toning on either side.
Scarce in mint state, and very rare in higher grades. Fully struck and well
preserved, with a few minor hairlines accounting for the grade.
Estimated
Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 2362
1876-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. An exceptionally beautiful toned example of this date. The centers
are toned with yellow gold, while the periphery boasts a sea green and blue
over luster, which is perfectly matched on the reverse too. Fully struck and a
coin that all collectors will love. Minor ticks hidden on Liberty from a higher
grade.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 2363
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Here is a lovely toned gem proof example of this date. The fields
display deep blues and gray while the centers are lighter gray and well
frosted. Examination will note how superbly struck this coin is, and how clean
the surfaces are. Faint hairlines are the only sign of handling, and these
scarcely show with the gorgeous toning. PCGS has graded 8 this high, with 10
graded higher, making this likely one of the top couple of dozen known of the
date. Perfect for the date or type collector who demands a toned gem.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2364
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 64. A toning bonanza here, deep blues and golds on both sides, with
hazy gray on the frosted devices. Sharply impressed by the dies as expected,
but this one is also very well preserved. Breen (1977) notes that the mintage
came in at 900 for the year, and many of those were poorly cleaned. This
particular one is in an old green insert PCGS holder, and was likely put away
some years ago.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2365
1880. PCGS graded
Proof 67 Cameo. Premium Quality. A stunning coin that boasts snowy white
frost on all the lettering and devices which is naturally well contrasted by
the deep, dark mirror fields. Ringed with a hint of gold at the periphery, this
one will excite even the most advanced collector for its resplendent quality. A
monumental grade and as nice as this date can be found, we note that PCGS has
graded 5 this high, with none higher, and we don't know if any of the others
are Cameo proofs or not. Perfectly struck and preserved, with such quality
seldom available, and never inexpensive.
Estimated Value $18,000-UP.
Lot 2366
1880. NGC graded
Proof 67 Cameo. Well mirrored fields surrounded by snowy white frost on the
devices with a touch of gold toning around the extreme edge above the dentils.
These cameo proofs are very beautiful, and are truly head and shoulders above
the average contrast pieces. Perhaps a tenth of original issue qualifies as
cameo or ultra cameo. NGC has graded 23 this high (only 4 are cameos), and 6
higher of the date.
Estimated Value $12,500-15,000.
Lot 2367
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Light silvery gray on the obverse, with desirable gold and
magenta tones on the obverse, the reverse with more toning of random blue and
magenta from top to bottom. Well frosted devices, which give the desired
contrast between the mirror fields. Identifiable by a tiny rectangular flaw in
the field just left of the T in TRADE on the reverse. Most of this date are
poorly struck, not so here, all the obverse stars and even Liberty's head is
bold! Nearly a gem and worthy of a top-notch date run or type set.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
From the Michael Riordan collection.