May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1267
1859 Type 1 Reverse.
NGC graded MS-61. This old style reverse is scarcer than the updated
one used from midyear onward. NGC has graded 9 as such, with 7 graded higher. A
nice coin for the grade, with clean surfaces and only minor ticks.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,750.
Lot 1268
1860-C. NGC graded
AU-58. Moderate circulation marks on the surfaces, but still lustrous and
well preserved. A touch of friction on the upper curls of Liberty, and on the
eagles feathers too. We note minor die rust on the reverse, which gives the
appearance of planchet laminations around the eagle. Rare in this grade, NGC
has graded 7 as such, with 7 graded higher.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 1269
1861. NGC graded
MS-62. Yellow-gold luster in the fields and well struck, we note a light
haze of toning over the luster. Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 1270
1861. MS-60.
Clean surfaces and lustrous.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1271
1861-S. PCGS graded
AU-55. Just 24,000 struck and few were saved. This one boasts a strong
strike and clean surfaces for the grade. PCGS has graded only 8 as such, with 9
graded higher.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 1272
1861-S. PCGS graded
AU-55 Bass. Choice color and surfaces throughout, although the coin may
have been very lightly wiped at some point in the past. Boldly struck for a San
Francisco product, with full details on all the high points. One of 8 so graded
by PCGS, with 7 graded a notch higher, and 2 graded in various MS grades.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
From Bowers and Merena's Harry Bass II
Sale.
Lot 1273
1862. 2 over 1.
PCGS graded MS-62. One of the very finest known of this rare
overdate issue, PCGS has graded just 2 coins this high, with none graded
higher. When Walter Breen wrote his Encyclopedia (published in 1988), he noted
about this date "Possibly 12 known, none Unc." Today, a few more have turned
up, but this is certainly amongst the best! The surfaces are highly lustrous
and the bagmarks are typical for the grade. As to the overdate, it is clear
with the aid of a glass. Discovered by Aubrey E. Bebee in 1962, it took 100
years since the date of issue to notice this curious feature. Certainly a
foremost opportunity to purchase a very rare coin. Identifiable by a minor
surface mark in the field above the last two stars and a copper spot below the
denomination on the reverse. Color photo.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
Lot 1274
1862. 2 over 1.
PCGS graded MS-62. Wonder of wonders, here are the two known MS-62
1862/1 quarter eagles in the same auction. These are interesting times. This
one has flashy luster and clean surfaces for the grade, and the overdate
feature is clear with the aid of a glass. The 1 was partially effaced at the
Mint, and does show when examined. This one is identifiable by a small edge
nick above the fourth star. Nice luster and surfaces, and well struck.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
Lot 1275
1862-S. NGC graded
AU-58. Tied for the finest seen by NGC, this important coin grades in a
tight cluster of 21 pieces which just miss the mint state qualifications of
NGC. Better than average surfaces and a good strike add to the appeal of this
scarce coin. 8,000 were struck and just a handful remain in high grade.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 1276
1863-S. NGC graded
AU-58. Mint luster near the stars and well struck by the dies. We note a
minor tick mark or two on Liberty's cheek, but it blends in nicely with the
surrounding surfaces. Note the strong curls on Liberty's head, and also sharp
on the reverse eagle, with just a few signs of weakness on the thigh. As a
date, this is very difficult to obtain better than this, in fact NGC reports
they have graded 8 this high, with just 4 graded higher. PCGS is similar, they
have graded 6 as AU-58, and 2 higher. Keep that thought when calculating a bid.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 1277
1865. NGC graded
AU-58. This is one of the finest graded by NGC, with a total of 5 graded as
such. Struck from polished dies which tend to magnify every tiny tick mark in
the fields, even after brief circulation. There are two marks that need
mentioning here, a short scratch on Liberty's bust, and a couple of scrapes
below her bust point near the first star. Sharply struck and scarce in this
grade as only 1,520 were struck, and just a handful survived in all grades.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.
Lot 1278
1866. PCGS graded
AU-53. A condition rarity in this grade, only 3 have been graded as AU-53
by PCGS, with 3 graded AU-55. Above that grade, we see 2 graded MS-64. Breen
notes this date is "prohibitively rare above EF", to which we concur. This one
is well struck on the obverse, and on the reverse we note a weak area below the
eagle's tail extending into the denomination, this appears to be as struck and
perhaps the dies were clogged with grease, or the planchet wasn't properly
prepared. An important offering that will no doubt command a strong price.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 1279
1866-S. NGC graded
AU-53. Frosty luster in the fields near the devices which seems to outline
them a bit more in these protected areas. Ever present handling marks in the
fields and on the devices, and both dies show signs of clashing. Well struck
and a rare coin in high grades. NGC in their population report notes 3 grades
this high with 10 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 1280
1867-S. PCGS graded
MS-61. Well struck for this era, but the eighth star is weak on the
obverse, as is the eagle's thigh. Liberty's cheek has some minor ticks on it,
expected for the grade, but this coin has nice color and surfaces better than
average. PCGS has graded 3 this high, with just 3 graded higher.
Estimated
Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1281
1876-S. PCGS graded
MS-63. Mintage of just 5,000 coins, all from one pair of dies for 1876-S.
There is a short "bar" on Liberty's neck, as seen on all original coins of this
date and mint. Mint fresh luster in the fields, and with a lovely yellow-gold
color throughout. One scrape above the first star in the field, and with the
usual softness on Liberty's curls and especially on the eagle, as seen on the
few high grade examples known. PCGS has graded 4 this high, with none graded
higher. NGC hasn't graded any as high as MS-64, and none higher. Therefore,
this is high in the condition census, and is tied for the finest known of the
date.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 1282
1878 (2 pieces).
Both grade VF-30. A nice original copper toned pair. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1283
1878-S (2 pieces).
Both grade EF-40. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1284
1880. PCGS graded
MS-63 "Bass". Mintage of 2,960 in all, with just 6 graded by PCGS and 8
graded higher. Well struck by the dies, and from the important Harry Bass Jr.
sale recently. Minor staining on the obverse from past storage.
Estimated
Value $2,700-3,000.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Harry Bass Jr. Sale.
Lot 1285
1883. NGC graded
Proof 65 Cameo. A magnificent gem proof for the numismatist to covet and
enjoy. The devices are deeply frosted and have earned the "cameo" designation
from the graders at NGC. Just 82 were coined, and most fall into the choice or
below category. NGC reports 7 graded this high with 4 graded higher of this
date. To identify this coin, note there is a tiny mark on Liberty's cheek just
below and behind her mouth, she also has some coppery toning on her eye, and
another tiny tick mark on her neck above the left side of the first 8 in the
date. On the reverse we note a tiny planchet flake near the left upright serif
of the U of UNITED. As a type coin, this would make a superb choice for its
color and abundant eye-appeal.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 1286
1891. PCGS graded
Proof 65. As 1891 unfolded, orders for proof coins were fairly low. Just 80
pieces were ordered and struck. This is one of the better ones to come down to
us. Well mirrored fields which boast the curious orange-peel texture and nicely
frosted devices. Boldly struck on every tiny detail, as the Philadelphia Mint
was showing off what a top quality coin should look like. Despite their best
efforts, most of these proofs were mishandled over the years, some were
carelessly cleaned, others dropped or even spent as the various depressions
rolled across the land. Thus, to find a "gem" proof is quite a feat, and
decidedly few qualify at that level today. PCGS has graded 10 this high, with a
single coin graded higher. This one shows faint hairlines in the fields and the
toning is a bit cloudy. As noted in Breen's Encyclopedia, most of the proofs
show recut digits on the 891 in the date at the base. Color photo.
Estimated Value $9,000-10,000.
Lot 1287
1895. MS-63 or
better. Abundant luster and well struck for this date, the surfaces are
quite beautiful. The only minor problem we note are faint hairlines, especially
on the obverse, but these can only be seen when tilted in a light, which
confirms how truly faint they are.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1288
1903. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Simply put, this is one of the finest graded 1903 quarter eagles.
The surfaces approach perfection, and the mirror fields and devices show
virtually no contact marks or hairlines. Effectively, this coin is as nice as
the day it was coined. Of the 197 struck, this is the only example graded this
high by PCGS. NGC has graded a single coin as PR-67 too, but there are no
others higher. Therefore, if you want the best, you should buy this coin. Deep
gold in color and perfectly struck. Unimprovable quality is seldom offered, and
always commands a premium. Color photo.
Estimated Value $15,000-20,000.
Lot 1289
1903. PCGS graded
MS-64. A frosty near-gem that boasts great luster and color. In the old
style small PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $500-550.
Lot 1290
1903. MS-60.
Nice color and surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 1291
1903. AU-58.
This one has just a hint of wear.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1292
1905. MS-64.
Fresh mint luster and just a couple of tiny hairlines visible with a glass.
Boldly struck by the dies and perfect for the date set or type collection.
Estimated Value $500-550.
Lot 1293
1905. MS-60.
One dark toning area near the right wing of the eagle.
Estimated Value
$225-275.
Lot 1294
1905. AU-58. A
few handling marks and light hairlines from new.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1295
1907 (2 pieces).
Both grade MS-60. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 1296
1907. Sharpness of
MS-60. The edge is irregular and mishandled.
Estimated Value $150-200.