May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1228
1796. No stars on obverse.
NGC graded AU-58. Here is a classic rarity in high grade, this is
the Miles coin from the Stack's sale in 1968, and prior to that in the Grant
Pierce sale. This particular coin is exceptionally well struck, including the E
of LIBERTY which is almost always found weakly struck (being behind the eagle's
tail feathers). The reverse stars are exceptional too, each boldly executed and
preserved. The Philadelphia Mint struck only 963 of these, and most entered
circulation or were eventually lost or remelted. The no stars obverse design
lasted less than a year, and stars were added late in 1796, making this one of
the rarest and shortest lived type coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint. NGC
has graded 18 this high with just 11 graded higher. As to the surfaces, they
show minimal handling marks and this coin is clean for the grade. In the color
department it is untoned, no sign of the copper shades frequently seen these
days, just rich yellow gold. We note some trivial adjustment marks on the upper
right side of the shield, but they are not deep or problematic. If you have
been looking for a truly superb example of this date, and one of the only ones
known this well struck, then take a look and study this one during lot viewing.
You will see a splendid example of our first Quarter Eagle, wonderfully
preserved and worthy of an aggressive bid. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$75,000-UP.
Ex: Stack's Grant Pierce Sale and later Stack's R. L. Miles,
Jr. Sale 10-1968:79 at $7,000.
Lot 1229
1834. No motto.
PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and with loads of luster in the
fields. This is a rare coin that is perfect for the type collector who needs a
choice example. One of 34 graded, with 39 graded higher by PCGS. Minor handling
marks on each side, none of consequence or distracting.
Estimated Value
$3,500-4,500.
Lot 1230
1835. VF-25. A
few trivial circulation marks, as expected for the grade.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 1231
1836. Script 8. NGC
graded MS-64. One of a small group that has been graded this high, as
prescious few were saved from the ravages of time and circulation. Critical
examination will note a few scattered hairlines, but virtually no signs on
handling on the soft gold surfaces. Experienced collectors know how unusual
this state of affairs is, as virtually every gold coin from the 1830s is
heavily abraided, even if the devices show little or no wear, the coins are
almost always nicked and bagmarked. Not so here, the surfaces are pristine and
show satiny mint frost throughout. As to the strike, it is full and complete,
with every tiny radial line crisp on each star, and the design elements are
perfectly presented. A fine die crack extends through the sixth star through
Liberty down to the rim between the last two stars, and another fine crack
extends down her cheek from above her ear into the field below her jaw. The 3
was cut into the die a bit low, and the 6 used in the date was too large, and
extends well above the other digits. As to the rarity, the recent NGC
Population Report shows just 19 graded this high, with a single coin graded
higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
Lot 1232
1836. Script 8. NGC
graded MS-63. A choice coin with frosty luster in the fields and well
struck devices. Note the die crack through star six down through Liberty's head
which ends near the last two stars. Clean surfaces which show only minor
handling marks in the fields while Liberty's cheek is still nice. An excellent
choice for the type collector.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.
Lot 1233
1836. Script 8.
VF-20. Nice and original throughout. One tiny rim mark above the
fifth star, and a die crack from the rim through the sixth star down towards
Liberty's ear. Coppery toning on both sides.
Estimated Value $200-250.
From Stack's Sale of the Wilson-Rueter Collection, October 16-17, 1959,
lot 794, envelope included.
Lot 1234
1839 Ultra Rare
Proof. PCGS graded Proof 62. Breen, when he originally wrote his
epic Encyclopedia of United States And Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1977
stated that quarter eagles in proof were "unknown". A few years later, when
Breen's Encyclopedia of United States Coins was published he noted that 3 were
known of this date in proof. NGC hasn't graded any of this date in proof yet,
and PCGS has graded 2 coins, both as PR62. Examination with a glass fails to
locate distracting ticks or bumps, and the surfaces are very nice for the grade
assigned. Perhaps the moderate hairlines discounted the grade to its rather
moderate level. The coin is toned a rich gold color, and Liberty's face and
cheek are especially nice.
The die diagnostics are the 839 all show
mispunching or repunching, the eighth star shows heavy recutting, others very
light, and a large centering dot is noted left of Liberty's ear, hidden a bit
by the curl. On the reverse, we note a lump between the leaves where most of
the branch or another leaf has virtually been lapped away, and a centering dot
is located near the top of the shield on the second horizontal
line.
Needless to say, this is an exceptionally rare coin in Proof, and this
opportunity may not present itself for decades to come.
Estimated Value
$65,000-UP.
No provenance information included, but we could find no
record of this being offered in the last 5 years. Previously in the Ed
Trompeter collection and sold privately.
Lot 1235
1839-C. NGC graded
AU-58. Charlotte coined 18,140 during 1839. Most of those struck show
extensive die cracks on both sides, as the dies broke early, but held together
long enough to coin the number noted. This one is well struck on Liberty, but
the stars lack their central points, On the reverse, a hint of luster remains
in the lettering, and the eagle and surrounding letters are sharp enough,
despite the die cracks through the denomination and around the eagle. NGC has
only graded 32 this high, with 6 graded in various mint state grades. Popular
for the obverse Mintmark above the date.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 1236
1839-C. NGC graded
AU-55. Moderate handling marks from limited circulation and well preserved
from this Southern Mint. Struck from cracked dies, as are most of this issue,
with cracks through the 3 in the date, second star and ninth star towards the
center. Similar on the reverse, with heavy breaks through the first 2 in the
denomination, above the left wing and through the eagle's beak into the field
above. Nicer than most, and ever popular for the obverse mintmark above the
date. Well struck by the dies, and pleasing for what it is.
Estimated Value
$3,000-4,000.