Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 28
1694 New England Elephant
Token Robinson Copy. SEGS graded MS-63 "Elephant Copy". This is a
famous copy with dies made by Joseph Merriam of Boston (circa 1861), Robinson
apparently struck just a few, notably 3 in silver; 15 in copper, 15 in brass
and 15 in nickel. This is one of the brass examples, the surfaces are choice,
the obverse has only one tiny spot below the elephant's tail, and one on the
reverse on the W of NEW. An important piece of American numismatic history. See
Breen-197 in his Encyclopedia.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
Lot 29
1760 Hibernia-Voce Populi
Halfpenny, Stern Bust variety. PCGS graded MS-63 Brown. This is one
of the very best known of this issue, only 3 have been graded higher, and just
5 in this grading category by PCGS. Medium to dark brown in color, with some
minor darker areas on the reverse. Well struck, with good definition on the
bust, face and hair, on the reverse too, with bold letters and central devices.
One minor die crack at the back of Liberty's head on the reverse. One you won't
need, or want, to upgrade.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 30
1760 Hibernia-Voce Populi
Halfpenny. "VOOE POPULI". PCGS graded AU-53. Although not stated on
the PCGS insert, this is the scarce VOOE variety, the C of VOCE was either
first engraved backwards, or the O was used again instead of the correct C.
After the error was noticed, the correct C was placed over the prior letter.
Milk chocolate brown in color, with some darker colors embedded in the ample
devices. Boldly struck on both sides, and this coin is medallic in appearance.
One tiny mark over the error O on the obverse, this coin is far more choice
than the average example.
Estimated Value $700-1,000.
No pedigree
information available.
Lot 31
1766 Pitt Token Halfpenny.
PCGS graded AU-58. These were struck to commemorate the victory of
the American people over the stamp act. The obverse depicts Sir William Pitt,
who defended the rebellious colonists in America by supporting their cause in
Parliament. Pitt stated "as subjects they are entitled to the common right of
representation, and cannot be bound to pay taxes without their consent,"--Pitt
further demanded the Stamp Act be repealed, which it was soon thereafter. James
Smither engraved the dies, allegedly from sketches by Paul Revere, and they
were struck in either New York or Philadelphia.
Light chocolate brown in
color and well struck by the dies, the surfaces are free of problems and the
coin is highly desirable. A scarce coin in this grade, and worth a strong bid.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
No pedigree information available.
Lot 32
1766 Pitt Token Halfpenny.
PCGS graded AU-55. Here is a resplendent example of this important
colonial issue. Superb surface quality and color, and well struck too. Often
found in lower grades, this coin will be the highlight of a colonial
collection, and is certainly one of the finest circulated examples known. Don't
miss viewing this coin and expect to pay a worthy premium.
Estimated Value
$2,700-3,200.
Lot 33
1766 Pitt Token Halfpenny.
Del Bland graded VF-25. Quite well centered, only the tops of IENDS
OF L are weak or worn smooth. Opposite the nose is a darkish spot, still very
nice for the grade. Medium dark steel brown. A rare and desirable colonial
issue, the lettering is easily readable, despite being a touch weak at the top.
Seldom offered, and always in demand.
Estimated Value $900-1,350.
Lot 34
(c. 1779) Rhode Island Ship
Medal, with wreath, pewter. PCGS graded MS-63. Breen states that
about six are known of this variety struck in pewter. Most of those are in
circulated grades, including the EF Garrett coin (Bowers & Ruddy Galleries,
10/80:1328). To find a choice mint state example that has been off the market
for 55 years is something of a miracle. The surfaces are free of disturbing
handling marks or other problems, and the coin has an even gray patina over
lustrous fields. It is boldly struck and of utmost importance to the colonial
specialist and one of the most desirable colonial coins in this extensive
collection.
The PCGS Population Report notes only 4 examples of this have
been graded, one is slightly better at MS-64, next is this coin, and below that
are two other circulated pieces. The Guide Book states that "those
struck in pewter are all rare and valued higher", but gives no estimate of
market value. In Scott's Encyclopedia (1971) it states that only 2 are
known. Breen enumerates 5 pieces, but notes that some duplication may be
included in that list. The extensive Roper Collection (Stack's 1984) had a
pewter example, but it was not the wreath below ship variety. These have been
included in the American colonial issues for over a century, and are highly
prized by specialists.
Free of tin pesting which so often mars pewter coins
of this era, and graced by luster in the fields, and deeply struck devices. The
only striking weakness is on the extreme high points of the ship port holes at
the center of the vessel. One of the most important rarities in this colonial
section, and worthy of a record price for the issue. So far as we know, no
other pewter examples have been offered since the Roper coin in 1983, which as
noted was a different variety.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
No
pedigree information included, but most likely purchased in the mid 1940s
privately.
Lot 35
(c. 1779) Rhode Island Ship
Medal, with wreath, pewter. PCGS graded MS-62. Here is another
outstanding example of this popular colonial issue. The surfaces are a satiny
gray color and the coin is boldly struck throughout. There is a mint made clip
at the top of the date, visible on both sides, but it is small and unimportant.
Breen estimates that only 6 are known with a question, PCGS reports only 5 have
been graded of this variety, this is the third best with a couple of slightly
better ones ahead. One for the specialist who demands top quality and rarity.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 36
(c. 1779) Rhode Island Ship
Medal, with wreath, brass. PCGS graded MS-62. These tokens were
struck in England for a Dutch audience, in hopes the Dutch would not sign The
Treaty Of Armed Neutrality (December 1780). The obverse design shows the
Americans (with French naval support) retreating from Conanicut Island (near
Newport) in 1778 pursued by the British under General William Howe's detachment
that were occupying Rhode Island. A little over a year later, the Americans
returned, and this time Howe's men and ships had to retreat. The legend loosely
translates to "The Americans had to run away in 1778, now there goes Gen. Howe
the same way in 1779" (Breen). Many of these apparently circulated in America,
and few of these are known in mint state grades.
This is a rare coin in mint
state, only two have been graded higher by PCGS, and this is the only coin in
its grade category. We note some minor staining on the upper devices, most
notable on the upper reverse, like a dark cloud at the top of the ship. Sharply
struck and highly collectible in this grade. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$2,500-UP.
Lot 37
1783 Chalmers Shilling.
Birds, short worm. PCGS graded AU-50. Deep gray in color and well
struck for this issue. There is a small edge clip at the top of the obverse and
bottom of the reverse and a couple of minor handling marks on both sides. One
of the best graded by PCGS, only 5 have been graded this high, with a single
coin grade higher.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 38
1741 French Colonies Half
Sou Marque. EF-40. Choice silvery gray in color and with darker
shades on the devices. Well preserved and seldom offered.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 39
1762-BB French Colonies Sou
Marque. PCGS graded AU-50. Nice surfaces for the grade, with
delicate blue tones in the lettering. Some weakness in the strike on the
periphery.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 40
1721-H French Colonies
Copper Sou. VF-30. Struck at the La Rochelle Mint in France from
copper mined at the "Copper Mountain" in Falun above Stockholm (source of 2/3
of the copper ore used by European mints since it was discovered in 1347).
Shipped over in mid-1722, most of the French colonists refused to accept these
pieces (Breen). During that time, John Law was up to his famous attempt at
paying off the French national debt with paper currency, and French money of
all sorts was being devalued. The French troops stationed in Quebec were
threatening to mutiny, and these coins were sent over to help avert this
action. Fearing a further devaluation, these coins were not readily accepted,
and did not widely circulate. Sharply struck at the centers and average in
surface quality. One small rim mark on the top left of the reverse, and the
planchet is slightly bent. Slightly porous and toned a medium and reddish brown
on the obverse, more red on the reverse.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Purchased from Stack's 10/21/44 for $5.
Lot 41
1767-A French Colonies Sou.
(i.e. 1793) Collot. RF counterstamp. PCGS graded AU-55. These coins
have turned up in non collector accumulations with other early colonials, so
they apparently circulated in America during the 1780s . This one has light
brown color and clean fields and devices. Over 98 percent of the original issue
was counterstamped with the RF, and these circulated as cents in this country.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 42
1783 Nova Constellation
Copper. Pointed rays, small U.S. PCGS graded MS-62 Brown.
Examination with a glass will note some minor surface corrosion on both
sides, which caused the planchet to flake. Medium brown in color and generally
free of handling marks or other problems. Sharply impressed and always popular
for its decidedly American themes, this CONSTELLATIO NOVA or The New
Constellation, surrounded by thirteen stripes and thirteen stars (the new
American flag elements as passed by the Second Continental Congress). These
were ordered from New York and designed by William Wyon, III and struck at the
Birmingham Mint.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,250.
No pedigree
information available, but likely purchased in the mid 1940s.
Lot 43
1783 Nova Constellation
Copper. Pointed rays, small U.S. PCGS graded AU-55. This one has a
great strike and color for the issue. The obverse depicts the all seeing eye of
wisdom, surrounded by the stars representing the thirteen states, and these
were struck under the authority of the Articles of Confederation. A glass will
note the slightest roughness in the fields, but no handling marks or problems
otherwise. Usually found in lower grades, this lovely AU-55 coin should please
most any collector.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 44
1783 Nova Constellation
Copper. Blunt rays. PCGS graded AU-50. Dark chocolate brown in color
and with some very slight darkening around the devices. On the obverse there is
a faint scratch through the upper left rays. About as nice as these are found,
only 4 have been graded higher by PCGS, with 8 in the AU-50 slot. Well struck
and overall a pleasing coin.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
Lot 45
1783 Nova Constellation
Copper. Blunt rays. Fine-15. On a problem-free planchet that boasts
smooth even wear and delicate brown toning. Well struck and centered. Pleasing
in every way.
Estimated Value $125-200.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, July 1944,
at $2.
Lot 46
1783 Nova Constellation
Copper. Blunt rays. VG-8. Dark olive in the fields and slightly
porous, lighter brown on the upper devices. Well struck and generally pleasing
for the grade.
Estimated Value $75-100.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, July 1944
at $2.
Lot 47
1785 Nova Constellation
Copper. Pointed rays. PCGS graded AU-58. Struck from rusted dies
that also show a few minor die cracks. Medium brown in color and well
preserved, without the usual porous surfaces or other problems. Seldom found
this nice, and almost never better.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,500.
No
pedigree information provided, but likely purchased in the mid 1940s.
Lot 48
1785 Nova Constellation
Copper. Pointed rays. Good-5. This one was apparently burned in a
fire and the planchet shows extensive cracks on both sides. Most of the devices
are still visible, and the color is a medium brown. Inspection mandatory.
Estimated Value $50-75.
Lot 49
1787 Massachusetts Half
Cent. PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. A scarce coin in this grade, the coin
is well struck with most of the central devices present, although some are
weak. Deep brown in color, with hints of original red near the devices.
Exceptional surfaces, accounting for the grade, and without the usual problems
of spotting or heavy handling marks. We note a very minor edge clip on the
right side, near 3 o'clock on both the obverse and reverse.
Estimated Value
$3,500-UP.
Ex: Syracuse Coin Shop, 1/41, price unknown.
Lot 50
1787 Massachusetts Half
Cent. PCGS graded AU-58. Choice medium brown in color and with most
of the device detail sharp. HALF CENT is weak, but can be seen with the unaided
eye. Excellent rims, fields and devices, which scarcely show any signs of
contact or wear. Another outstanding colonial coin.
Estimated Value
$1,800-2,500.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, 7/44 as "Very Fine" for $3.
Lot 51
1788 Massachusetts Cent.
Period after "Massachusetts", Arrows in left talon. PCGS graded MS-63
Brown. Here is a coin that will please the Massachusetts specialist. It is
one of two coins graded in mint state by PCGS, the other being slightly better
and with red and brown color. When found at all, this variety is usually seen
in grades below very fine. This coin is well struck, with only slight weakness
on the central clothes of the Native American, and on the reverse the word CENT
is clear, and slight weakness can be seen on the vertical shield lines. No sign
of porosity or even spots, this copper coin has been splendidly preserved. This
is the thin line below the eagle variety (Breen-962). An opportunity to snag a
truly special colonial coin.
Estimated Value $4,000-UP.
No
provenance information included, but probably purchased in the mid 1940s.
Lot 52
1788 Massachusetts Cent.
Period after "Massachusetts". MS-60. Toned a dark chocolate brown in
color and well struck throughout. We note the shield lines, CENT and even the
Native American's tunic shows fine definition seldom seen on these. The
surfaces have a coat of wax which has long been used to preserve early copper.
As this has the "open S's", this must be from Wetherle's Mint, with dies by
Callender. Nice surfaces that boast hints of brown luster, and one of the nicer
Massachusetts pieces we've seen.
Estimated Value $2,000-UP.
Ex: Ira
S. Reed 7/21/44 at $2.50.
Lot 53
1788 Massachusetts Cent.
Period after "Massachusetts" 167.9 grains, Ryder 10L. PCGS graded AU-55.
Delightful comes to mind when examining this piece, the surfaces are quite
clean for the grade, and more importantly, the copper has not deteriorated with
the usual problems. One notes minor streaks in the planchet from the rolling
process, and a single very small red speck on the Indian's left arm near the
his shoulder. A minute tick mark in the field below the H of WEALTH will serve
to identify this coin, and there is a similar tiny one between TS on the
reverse. Medium brown in color and decidedly choice in every
way.
Massachusetts copper coins were amongst the best made of the
circulating colonial coins. In fact, once the careful production costs were
examined, it was discovered that each coin cost twice its face value to
produce! Hence, the more that were produced, the greater the loss. Production
ceased with this revelation. Note that Massachusetts coinage included the first
usage of the word "CENT" to define a copper coin of this size.
Estimated
Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 54
1788 Massachusetts Cent.
Period after "Massachusetts". PCGS graded AU-55. Slight weakness
around the periphery, as usual, and well struck at the centers. Deep mahogony
brown and with some darker streaks in the planchet. One spot of corrosion on M
of MASS.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.