May 26-27, 2003, The Dr. Jacob Terner Collection, Sale 20
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U. S. Coins

U. S. Gold Coins

$5 Liberty/No Motto

High Grade 1876-CC $5.00

Lot 920
1876-CC. NGC graded AU-50. A wonderful high grade example of this important Carson City issue. The rims are nice and clean and the surfaces exhibit the normal allotment of contact marks commensurate for this numerical grade. Very rare, particularly in such high grade in addition to being lowest mintage of all half eagles from this western mint. NGC reports only 3 in this grade with 8 higher, the finest being in MS-61.
Estimated Value $8,000-9,000.

Condition-Rarity 1877-CC $5 Liberty

Lot 921
1877-CC. SEGS graded MS-63. Soft golden luster and a nice, even strike. One of the classic, condition rarities of the CC-mintmarked Half Eagles. The low mintage of 8,680 pieces automatically limited the number of possible Mint State survivors, and virtually the entire mintage circulated heavily. At auction, this date appears perhaps twice a year, so the opportunities to buy any example in any grade is rare, indeed. The best example certified by PCGS is a single MS-62; NGC has yet to grade a Mint State example of this date! Thus, in theory at least, this may be the finest example known to exist. It is certainly the finest example we've ever handled. Color photo.
Estimated Value $40,000-50,000.

Lot 922
1880-CC. NGC graded VF-20. Just even wear.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 923
1881. NGC graded MS-65. Heavy mint frost and luster. Well struck. NGC has graded only 33 at this level, with only 9 higher (all MS-66's). This is such a great value. We recall that back in 1989, at the peak of a hot market, MS-64 Liberty Head Half Eagles were selling for over $6,000 each. Now, almost fifteen years later, one can buy a Gem for much, much less.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.

Lot 924
1884-CC. PCGS graded AU-58 Ashland City. A flashy coin with intense golden-yellow mint luster. Well struck with light handling marks in the fields, none of which are too serious. A very high grade example of this popular Carson City issue. Population of 5 with only 2 higher, the highest being MS-62. Color photo.
Estimated Value $6,500-7,000.
Ashland City Collection.

Pittman's Proof 1895 Half Eagle

Lot 925
1895. PCGS graded Proof 64. Premium Quality. This lovely coin hails from the celebrated collection of John Jay Pittman, a man of moderate means who built one of the finest collections of Proof American coins through shrewd and judicious purchases (not to mention a little foresight and good luck). He selected this coin for its excellent eye appeal and lovely, golden toning. PCGS reports 5 at this level, with 6 graded higher. Housed in an old style, green label PCGS holder. Original mintage -- 81 Proofs. No identifying marks -- presumably the 64 grade stems from a tiny patch of hairlines on Liberty's chin. It's still a premium-quality coin! Color photo.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Ex John Pittman Collection.

Lot 926
1898. NGC graded MS-65. Strong luster and clean surfaces that show just a few scattered ticks, all of which are perfectly consistent with the grade. Not to be confused with later P-mint Half Eagles that are very common in Gem condition. NGC has graded only 9 at this level, with only 5 finer. Compare with the next year, 1899, where over 200 Gems have been certified by NGC!
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.

Lot 927
1900. PCGS graded MS-62 PQ.
Estimated Value $200-240.

Lot 928
1901-S. PCGS graded AU-58. Fully lustrous with golden-orange highlights.
Estimated Value $130-145.

Lot 929
1903-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Premium Quality. Soft, creamy, dreamy mint bloom combined with subtle green and coppery gold toning. Yes, PCGS has graded about a dozen finer (all MS-66's), but you won't be "settling" if you buy this beautiful example.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.

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