Errors

A 1983 WASHINGTON QUARTER STRUCK OVER A TOKEN / THIS IS MY LUCKY DAY

Lot 1970
1983 P Error Washington Quarter, struck on a token! NGC graded MS-65. An extraordinary mint error, this 1983-P Washington Quarter is struck on a gold colored casino chip, or some other such token. First of all, the coin is obviously the wrong color, its gold, not unlike a Sacagawea dollar today. On Washington's face, the observer clearly sees THIS IS MY LUCKY DAY with the word MY surrounded by two four leaf clovers. On the reverse, the central devices of the token clearly read "NO CASH VALUE" with scroll work and a branch of leaves below. Around the reverse periphery you can read "FOR REPLAY ONLY". Certainly a token expert could easily identify just what token this quarter was struck over. Remarkably, the quarter is a gem mint state piece, fully struck and well preserved. Obviously, this coin was made by a Philadelphia Mint employee and spirited out probably with the assistance of other insiders. Someone had to have brought the token into the Mint, fed it into the press, and recovered the overstruck coin.
We are beginning to wonder just what is going on at the Mint, has Linderman's ghost come back to haunt us with more and more shenanigans? In this sale alone we have been presented with one of two known (and supposedly all accounted for) Martha Washington coins, ours struck on a cent, and a $5 gold Washington Commemorative struck on a dime planchet. These are not just random errors, but coins struck by employees and removed from the mint by questionable means.
Perhaps struck by the same employee that made the Washington quarter proof struck over a 1900 Barber quarter? Fun and games, in the 1870s or 1980s or currently, they continue at the Mint unabated.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.

1999-W $5 WASHINGTON GOLD COMMEMORATIVE STRUCK ON A DIME PLANCHET

Lot 1971
1999-W Error Washington $5 gold commemorative struck on a dime planchet. PCGS graded MS-68. One of the most extraordinary error coins to have ever been produced at any mint. Not only is this an off-planchet error, but its an off-metal one too. The Washington $5 commemorative is supposed to be struck in gold, and this coin is obviously struck on a dime planchet. Somehow, this one escaped the eagle eye mint employees, who specifically look for this type of error. Off it went, in the official holder of issue to fill the order by our consignor. What a delight it must have been to see as the box was opened! The strike is exceptional, of course, as the dime sized planchet is smaller in diameter than the gold planchet, allowing the dies to really squeeze the little dime-sized piece of metal during striking. The surfaces are pristine, we note a faint hint of toning starting to form on Washington. Well centered, curiously, and the extreme edge lettering and devices are off the edge of the small dime planchet. Washington's head is bold, and the eagle on the reverse is complete except for a couple of feather tips on the right side. Mintage was estimated in the current (2001) Red Book to be just 20,400 in mint state, as the final figures were not available at the time of production, but are expected to be less than 30,000. Needless to say, the final mintage is not that important, what is important is that this error coin escaped into numismatic hands, much to the delight of error collectors everywhere. The obverse reads "N GOD WE RUST" and the date states 199 with the second 9's tail missing, and only a hint of the upper loop of the last 9 is present.
How could such an error occur? Off-planchet errors are certainly very rare, at first we considered that this came into being in a similar fashion to the 1943 copper cents. Perhaps a planchet was left over in a "bin" which had been filled with dime planchets, the dimes were struck, then the coining press was switched over to produce the $5 Washington Commemorative gold coin. A single dime planchet remained at the bottom of the bin, stuck on a seam or other metal fragment. The bin was then filled with $5 gold planchets, dislodging the dime planchet inside the bin. As the $5 Washington pieces were struck, the dime planchet was fed through the coining press unnoticed. However; and this is where the challenge lies, the West Point Mint hasn't struck dimes since 1996. Could a planchet have been stuck at the bottom of a bin for 3 years before dislodging? Perhaps a dime was carefully inserted into the press that day, and spirited out of the Mint by an insider. Security is very tight, and it is unlikely that such a feat could be accomplished. And why only a single coin, no others have been reported, and this isn't the kind of error that would go unnoticed by anyone who collects coins. So, how did a dime planchet get mixed in with the $5 gold commemoratives? We don't know, but here it is, in all its glory. We displayed this coin at the recent Philadelphia ANA show, where officials from the Department of the Treasury inspected the coin. They were amazed that such an error could have occurred unnoticed, and were conducting an investigation to see how such a coin could have escaped into a collectors hand.
While the current numismatic press is filled with stories and rumors of state Washington quarter obverse, Sacagawea reverse golden dollar errors, the unknown factor of how many escaped into the channels of commerce will not be known for some time to come. Many people are hoarding these coins in unopened bags or rolls from banks and Post Offices. It is entirely possible that many thousands were produced before the quarter die was replaced with a Sacagawea dollar die. The Mint frankly does not know how many were produced or entered circulation, and it will be years before anyone knows for sure if this error is common or rare. We point this out to demonstrate the difference of this wrong planchet error as compared with a wrong die error. While both are modern errors, the Sacagawea will possibly prove to be very common in the end, while this coin will likely remain unique.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.

UNIQUE 1999 MARTHA WASHINGTON CENT TRIAL STRIKE

Lot 1972
1999 Martha Washington "Cent" Trial Strike. MS-64 Red and Brown. The numismatic community was recently stunned to hear about the appearance of a Martha Washington Dime, struck in 1965 as an experimental piece. Mint Officials claim that all of the 1965 trial pieces were destroyed or otherwise accounted for, until one turned up this year. Shortly after that appearance, this trial coin turned up in a 1999 Lincoln cent bag and was found by a Brink's employee. Needless to say, finding two Martha Washington pieces in private hands has been exciting news for our hobby.
On this particular coin, it appears to be struck on a normal post 1981 cent planchet, as the composition was changed during 1982 from pure copper to copper plated zinc. According to Paul Gikes, author of an April 10, 2000 article in Coin World (reporting the discovery of the Martha Washington Dime) "The Martha Washington/Mount Vernon dies were most recently used during metallurgical die trial testing for the Sacagawea dollar." This would explain how dies that were used initially in 1965 came to be used on post 1981 cent planchets.
The obverse of this piece was struck approximately 10 percent off-center and the impression is quite weak, showing only the details at the top portion of the die. The reverse is blank. As to its condition, its pretty much as struck, with lovely red and brown color on both sides. We note a small raised line running through VIRGINIA, perhaps this is a die break or some other problem that occurred during striking. Whatever the case, this coin is a delight to behold.
The obverse design features a bust of Martha Washington facing right, in the right field is the inscription MARTHA WASHINGTON. Above the portrait is VIRGINIA and below the date 1759. One this coin, only VIRGINIA and part of Martha's head is visible.
We can only guess as to what happened to create such an error, but it appears to be true that the 1965 Martha Washington dies were dug up out of the die vault, reset in the coining machines, and used for metallurgical die trial testing for the Sacagawea dollar. This coin is clearly a die trial experimental test strike which somehow escaped unnoticed in a regular bag of 1999 or 2000 cents.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.

Hawaii Coins and Tokens

Lot 1973
Hawaiian Type Set. Complete 5 piece type set consisting of the 1883 Dollar, 1883 Half Dollar, 1883 Quarter, 1883 Dime and 1847 Cent. The coins grange from Very Good to Very Fine and are mounted in a custom Capitol plastic holder.
Estimated Value $450-550.

Lot 1974
1847 Hawaiian Cent. PCGS graded MS-63 Red and Brown. These were coined by the Kingdom of Hawaii during the reign of King Kamehameha III and deliberately tied the Islands to the American currency system. The 1847 cents were known as "Keneta" loosely translated from "cents". They were coined by the private mint H.M. & E.I. Richards, Attleboro, Mass, and only a single order was placed in 1846 for 100,000 pieces. When they arrived in Honolulu Harbor onboard the ship Montreal January 14, 1847, they proved an extreme disappointment. The denomination read "HAPA HANERI" instead of the correct Hapa Hanele. Not only this, but the Kings portrait was unrecognizable. Stories of the time say that the natives threw them in the ocean rather than accept them in payment or spend them.
Those sent to Hawaii were probably worn or discolored by the bilge water of the Montreal, in whose hold they had spent many months. The few uncirculated ones likely trace their origins to a few held back in Massachusetts by the descendants of the Richards firm. It is said Wayte Raymond used to travel to Boston and purchase a few of these at a time, but this source was exhausted by 1956 (Breen). Without the few from the Richards firm, there would likely be no choice uncirculated pieces in existence today.
A very tough coin to locate much better, this one boasts mint red in the lettering and devices, with smooth brown toning throughout. There are a couple of minor spots on the right reverse rim. Well struck and very pleasing.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.

Lot 1975
1847 Hawaiian Cent. PCGS graded MS-62 Brown. One of the classic issues struck for the independant nation of Hawaii, long before they became a territory and tourist mecca. This one has dark brown toning with hints of original red color beneath. Typical surfaces for the grade, and always popular with collectors. The strike is sharp, and most of these circulated widely and are seldom found in any mint state grades. Housed in an old style (small) PCGS holder, making this one ripe for an upgrade.
Estimated Value $700-1,000.

Lot 1976
1883 Hawaiian Eighth Dollar, "Lazy 8" variety. ANACS graded Proof 58. The surfaces of this coin appear to be more like a mint state coin than that of a proof. As to a denomination, this is a "bit" or half a quarter. Hence, all those "two bits" jokes and comments we've always heard. Apparently, the denomination failed and the coins were not struck in quantity. Known as the "Hapawalu" in Hawaii, these have always been very popular with collectors for the curious denomination and rarity. In fact, as this coin demonstrates, early on there were restrikes made to satisfy collector demand. An original struck in silver of this coin is listed in the Guide Book for $30,000. It is unknown how many were made, obviously not many as these are seldom seen in numismatic channels, and are far more affordable for the Hawaiian specialist than the silver issues.
Although not listed in Don Medcalf's Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog he does state that "...the following were not authorized by the Hawaiian government, nor were they struck in 1883 or 1884" These eighth dollar with "lazy 8s" were struck in copper, nickel, bronze, gold and platinum. The issuer has not been determined, nor the time that these were struck. All we do know is that they are highly prized by Hawaiian collectors and have been recorded in different collections for decades. Once of numismatics unsolved mysteries.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
This appears to be the coin from Superior Stamp & Coin Co's February 1999 sale, lot 1510, as the toning specks look identical.

Lot 1977
1881 Hawaiian Quarter Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Probably one of the best from the little hoard found after World War II in Hawaii. The surfaces are satiny and show all of the original luster underneath dappled gray toning. Fully struck and certain to please a collector who wants a toned example of this popular issue.
Estimated Value $600-800.

Lot 1978
1883 Hawaiian Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. This is one of the more available of the Hawaii issues of 1883, as several rolls turned up shortly after World War II, and these were distributed to collectors, rather than melted down. This coin has an arc of toning around the rim, with bright and frosty centers on both sides. Boldly struck and perfect for the specialist.
Estimated Value $300-400.

United States

Lot 1979
1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the very finest known of this rare and popular issue, with a net mintage of just 46,348, most of which entered circulation. The coin is toned a deep antique gun-metal blue with frosty luster in the fields beneath. A few scattered tick marks can be seen with a glass, but this coin is very solid for the grade assigned, and has the original look and appearance of a gem. On the reverse, the inscription UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO translates to "the life of the land is perpetuated in Righteousness." for King David Kalakaua I.
Behind the scenes, wealthy business tycoon Claus Sprekels had special Congressional legislation passed which authorized silver coinage for the Hawaiian Islands in the amount of 1 million Dala. Spreckels submitted sketches of what he wanted the coins to look like, and Charles Barber, the Mint Engraver created the master dies and hubs. The coins were struck using normal planchets then in use for United States coinage. The coinage began with a few proofs struck in September of 1883, and coinage continued until June of 1884, but was all dated 1883. Soon thereafter, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hawaii was now to use United States coins instead of these Hawaiian coins. Banks were ordered to withdraw all 1883 coinage and return it to the mainland for melting and recoining. Thus, most of the issue was melted, and this 1 Dala coin is extremely hard to find in choice condition.
If you are a Hawaiian collector and have been searching high and low for a really beautiful example of this popular coin, then examine this one carefully, as it is one of the nicest we have ever seen. The PCGS Population Report notes just 14 graded this high, with only 2 graded higher.
Estimated Value $5,000-7,000.

Medals and Miscellaneous

Lot 1980
A large collection of 241 medals. A huge notebook of medals, some Apollo medals, Franklin Mint; coin convention medals, beer medals, wooden nickels, copper, aluminum, you name it! Inspection mandatory and please don't ask us to ship this lot, its too heavy! Lot of 241 medals.
Estimated Value $500-UP.

Lot 1981
A nice grouping of First Year Of Issue Type Coins. 1867 No Rays nickel - MS-60; 1913 type I nickel - MS-60 plus; 1838 no drapery 1/2 dime - AU-58; 1853 arrows 1/2 dime - MS-60 plus; 1917 type 1 quarter - MS-60 plus; 1878 7 tail feather dollar - MS-60 plus; 1921 Peace dollar - MS-60 plus. A nice original lot of 7 pieces.
Estimated Value $500-UP.

Lot 1982
A miscellaneous lot of silver. Included are 4 silver dollars, two of the Morgan type, and two Peace type. $6.00 face in silver half dollars, $3.00 face in silver quarters, two silver dimes, two war-time silver Jefferson nickels and a buffalo nickel. Total of $13.20 face in silver, all circulated.
Estimated Value $50-60.

Lot 1983
1878-1935 silver dollar lot. Various dates of silver dollars including the following groups: 12 pieces of pre-1921 Morgans, 5 1921 Morgans and 20 Peace dollars. Grades range from About Good to About Uncirculated, mostly in the Fine to Very Fine range. Lot of 37 coins.
Estimated Value $225-300.

Lot 1984
Soup to Nuts lot of coins: A large miscellaneous lot of coins that includes the following jewels for your closet: United States silver coins: quarters, 25 pieces, silver half dollars, 54 pieces; 2 1893 Columbia commemorative half dollars; 2 push out 1967 half dollars; 39 1964 Kennedy half dollars; 28 Franklin half dollars; 1 1971-S Ike dollar proof; 1 1972-S Ike dollar proof; 1 1972 mint set; 1 1973 mint set; foreign coins: 20 uncirculated 1966 Canadian dollars; 3 1973 German 5 marks; 7 miscellaneous foreign coins; 1 silver token; 7 1965 Churchill crowns from Great Britian. A lot to be inspected and figured conservatively. Grades range from Very Good to Mint State (with some Proofs).
Estimated Value $300-UP.

End of Sale - Thank You