May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1201
1854 Type 2. PCGS
graded MS-65. One of the American classics when it comes to rarity on this
short-lived type coin. The Type II Indian gold coin has always been in feverish
demand the past three decades by type and date collectors. Note the overlay of
luster spread across the coin, with a seductive satiny reddish tint of colors
that promote contrast between the flatness of the fields to the raised
lettering and devices. On the obverse, the coin boasts a golden yellow hue
which reflects back the harsh light used for critical examination. Turning to
the reverse, we see similar satiny yellow fields with crisply struck devices,
and surrounding the wreath is a lilac-orange-red-green combination of colors
that dance when examined in the light with a youthfulness that belies the
passage of 147 years since this one was struck.
As always, the dies show
clash marks on both the obverse and reverse, as many times the dies came
together without a planchet as the feeding machinery frequently jammed on these
tiny planchets. The vast majority of these show clash marks. Scrutiny finds
little to fault, sure there are some hidden hairlines and ticks which blend
into luster, but this is clearly one of the few gems that have been graded
during the past 15 years since PCGS began grading coins. The March 2001 PCGS
Population Report shows only 34 graded as MS-65, with a scant 8 graded higher
for this date. Certainly not many to go around to all the eager collectors out
there attempting to put together gem type collections. Color photo.
Estimated Value $30,000-35,000.
Lot 1202
1854 Type 2. NGC
graded MS-61. Bright luster and good yellow-gold color on both sides.
Struck from clashed dies as are most, and this is an important type coin.
Precious few marks to account for the grade.
Estimated Value $2,700-3,000.
Lot 1203
1854 Type 2. VF-30.
There are some faint scratches on the upper obverse in the fields, perhaps
where an erasure was lightly used. Scarce.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1204
1855. PCGS graded
MS-63. Appealing sunset gold luster near the devices while the open fields
are more straight yellow in color. Note how few handling marks or hairlines can
be seen, and this coin appears better than the grade assigned. The strike is a
bit weak, as usual, with a lack of definition on the upper right maple leaves
on reverse. On the obverse, some of the peripheral lettering is weak,
especially IC of AMERICA. Struck from clashed dies, and with the familiar
slanting 55 in the date. Only 204 graded as MS-63 by PCGS, with 163 graded
higher.
Estimated Value $8,000-9,000.
Lot 1205
1855. NGC graded
MS-62. Nice luster and surfaces, struck from clashed dies, as are most.
Typical strike for this issue, with the LL of DOLLAR and the 8 in the date a
bit weak, otherwise sharp. Copper spot on the R of DOLLAR and a toned area on
the upper right wreath.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1206
1855. EF-40.
Nice color and clean surfaces.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1207
1856. Large head, upright
5. NGC graded MS-61. Sporadic weakness on both sides on a few
letters and the date, but overall nice color and clean surfaces.
Estimated
Value $300-400.
Lot 1208
1856. Large head, slant 5
(3 pieces). A triplet of these grading from VF-25 to VF-30. Lot of 3
coins.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1209
1856. Large head, slant 5.
EF-40. Nice surfaces.
Estimated Value $120-140.
Lot 1210
1857. AU-50.
One shallow scrape in the lower left obverse field.
Estimated Value
$150-175.
Lot 1211
1857. EF-45. A
few stray hairlines over lustrous fields.
Estimated Value $140-160.
Lot 1212
1857-C. Sharpness
of EF-40 but may have been repaired. This one may have been repaired at
twelve o'clock on the obverse as the rim is slightly irregular in that area.
There is also a tiny planchet flake over the R of AMERICA on the rim. Well
struck, and really a decent coin for the grade. We note that the surfaces may
simply as struck, as the Charlotte Mint didn't have the finest equipment, and
hence many coins are not the quality of the Philadelphia Mint, for instance.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 1213
1859-D. NGC graded
MS-62. This is an extremely rare coin in full mint state, in fact NGC has
only graded 5 coins of this date as MS-62, with just 4 coins graded higher. A
trickle of 4,952 were struck, and most show evidence of clashed dies and are
poorly struck up on the high points, as we see here. Untoned and with fresh
luster in the fields. A specialist's coin that is seldom offered and rarely
available.
Estimated Value $7,000-10,000.
Lot 1214
1859-D. PCGS graded
AU-58. A rare coin in this grade, the 1859-D was struck as the Civil War
was about to unfold. Virtually the entire issue was spent, and most were lost
or melted in the next few decades. PCGS has graded 21 in various mint state
grades, with just 11 graded this high. Well struck throughout, the dies were
hastily prepared and some of the reverse letters are filled. Nice luster and
average surfaces, with just a bit of wear.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 1215
1860-D. PCI graded
EF-40 Cleaned. The surfaces are slightly pebbly from the cleaning and have
a satin appearance. A truly rare date in every way, and few are encountered in
grades like this. Well struck for the most part, but weak on the UN of UNITED
and the upper left wreath, near the rim. This coin could be improved.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,800.
Lot 1216
1862. ANACS graded
MS-63. A few hairlines and stacking marks from a higher grade. Nice luster
in the fields.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1217
1862. AU-50.
Nice for the grade.
Estimated Value $150-175.
Lot 1218
1870. PCGS graded
MS-64. Hazy toning on both sides over lustrous fields. Nicely struck.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1219
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Ex: Trompeter. Tied for the finest graded of this date, only 20
were coined in Proof, and PCGS has graded 6 this high, with none graded higher.
A superb example for the advanced collector. The fields and devices show
excellent contrast and the surfaces are pristine. Delicate copper toning and as
nice as a collector could hope for.
Estimated Value $10,000-13,000.
Lot 1220
1881. NGC graded
Proof 65 Cameo. Philadelphia coined 87 proof gold dollars dated 1881, of
these very few remain in gem condition. NGC has only graded 3 coins as such,
with a single coin graded higher for the date. Note the lovely coppery-red
tones on both sides that have settled into the fields, while the devices remain
piled high with snowy frost. Truly, the fields appear icy in their smoothness,
and the devices give one the thought that Liberty and her surrounding lettering
could slide right off the coin, leaving the perfectly smooth fields behind.
Examination notes a few trivial hairlines and handling ticks, none of
consequence. Color photo.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 1221
1881. PCGS graded
MS-64. Prooflike in the obverse fields, satiny on the reverse. Faint
handling marks from full gem, but fresh and original throughout.
Estimated
Value $600-800.
Lot 1222
1883. PCGS graded
Proof 65. 1883 saw America in a period of growth. The Civil War was now a
generation old, and the current youth reflected high energy and enjoyed the
excellent prospects not seen in decades. Gold dollar proof orders were high in
1883, up from prior years to a total of 207 coins. Of these, only 5 have been
graded as PR-65 by PCGS, with 10 graded higher. That puts this coin in the top
ten percent of those coined, and one of the prettiest frosted proofs you're
likely to find.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 1223
1883. NGC graded
MS-67. One of the finest graded of this date, with 44 graded as such by
NGC, with a single coin graded higher. Note the superb surfaces and color.
Nothing to complain about, no value impairing marks to describe, no unsightly
hairlines or digs, bumps or bangs. Just millimeters of pristine surfaces.
Perfect for the perfectionist.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 1224
1884. PCGS graded
MS-65. Nice luster in the fields and struck from lightly clashed dies. In
an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1225
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 66. The boom of the 1880s continued, and Philadelphia sold 1,105
Proof gold dollars to collectors. Quality stepped up a notch too, with the
chief coiner at the Mint perfecting the process that textures the smooth fields
with an orange peel surface. This process is quite beautiful, and when the coin
is examined using a strong light one can see the texture imparted to the fields
by the dies. Further, the acid used bring out the frost on the devices also
found just the right mix, and proof coinage from 1884 to 1901 is decidedly a
cut above coins produced before or after. Hence, the cameo effect is strong,
and the coin possesses a quality that is easy to appreciate. PCGS has only
graded 23 as such, with just 3 coins graded higher for the date.
Estimated
Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 1226
1886. NGC graded
MS-66. Virtually as struck, the luster complete and unbroken and the strike
is also bold. A few faint hairlines in the mirrored fields, and no other signs
of handling.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
Lot 1227
1888. MS-62. A
couple of marks on the cheek, otherwise fresh and nice.
Estimated Value
$300-400.