May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1345
1795. Small eagle,
Miller-9, Rarity-4. VF-20. Cleaned long ago and nice today for the
grade. The surfaces show no other problems, and the wear is smooth and even.
This is an important first year of issue type, and the first year the
denomination was coined. Clean rims and generally problem free for the grade,
aside from the minor cleaning.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,500.
Lot 1346
1796. Small eagle, 6 over
5, Miller-16, Rarity-5. PCGS graded AU-55. Here is a very rare coin
that has been off the market for quite some time. The surfaces are better than
average for the grade, but not quite choice, as minimal handling marks can be
seen with the aid of a glass. Note the fine engraving of both the obverse and
reverse, each star is full, and great care was taken in the placement of each
so that no point overlapped the neighboring star, and the tenth star just
touches Liberty's cap. Similar on the lettering, some touch, others just miss
each other. The engraver had some trouble with AME, and the serifs of the M
overlap both surrounding letters as there simply was not enough space to
squeeze all three in without overlapping the eagle's wing.
As to the
overdate, it is clear with the aid of magnification, with the large 5 partially
hidden beneath the 6. Free of adjustment marks or other problems, just minor
handling ticks from brief circulation. Identifiable by a small tick between the
second star and Liberty's curl, and another vertical mark in her drapery above
the 7. On the reverse, we note a dull mark at the top of the F in OF. Most of
the breast feathers are present on the eagle, and the coin shows complete
detail throughout.
Estimated Value $15,000-20,000.
Purchased from
Abner Kreisberg many years ago, a few blocks up the street from our offices on
Beverly Drive.
Lot 1347
1798. Large eagle, large
8, 13 star reverse, Miller-31, Rarity-5. EF-45. This is a later die
state, which is very rare, note the reverse die crack between S and OF and
another extending down to the eagle's head. The star cross pattern in the stars
over the eagle's head is very unusual, and makes for quick identification.
Probably cleaned long ago as the fields are too reflective. Red and copper
toning around the date, and well struck by the dies.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,500.
Lot 1348
1806. Pointed top 6,
Miller-79, Rarity-6, 8 X 5 stars. PCGS graded MS-63. This is an
important type coin which is downright hard to find in mint state grades.
Frosty luster abounds in the fields, and the surfaces are generally clean,
keeping this in the choice category. This one is even free of the usual
annoying adjustment marks, which are common on these early half eagles. An
excellent coin to study, as the surfaces have no toning and each diagnostic is
clear. Struck late in the reverse dies life, with a retained cud over the T in
UNITED. PCGS has graded 16 this high, with just 3 graded higher, making this
one of the best around.
Estimated Value $14,000-18,000.
Lot 1349
1806. Round top 6,
Miller-84, Rarity-2. PCGS graded AU-58. One thin scratch on
Liberty's bust and well struck by the dies. Nice luster in the fields and well
preserved. One of the most common half eagles, but still scarce.
Estimated
Value $3,500-4,500.
Lot 1350
1808 Miller-107, Rarity-3.
PCGS graded AU-55. Nice luster and a decent strike on this one. No
signs of adjustment marks or other problems, the rims, devices and fields are
all clean for the grade.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 1351
1818. 5D over 50,
Miller-125, Rarity-6. PCGS graded MS-65. This is the Finest
Graded by either service! The surfaces of this magnificent gem are toned
with hazy yellow hues that surround and enhance the devices. Each star and curl
are fully struck on the obverse, and similar on the reverse where there is
slight weakness on the eagle's craggy claws. Close examination notes a few
trivial ticks on both sides, mostly in the fields, with the most notable behind
the eagle's neck in the field. Liberty's face is quite clean.
A curious die
error, the engraver first cut the denomination as "50" instead of 5 D. perhaps
thinking he was engraving a half dollar reverse instead of a half eagle die.
The error was noticed, and the appropriate D. (for Dollars) was engraved over
the errant 0.
This is the only coin graded this high by PCGS of the variety,
and there are none graded higher, making this likely the finest known, and
certainly the finest graded. Color photo.
Estimated Value $125,000-175,000.
Lot 1352
1818. 5D over 50,
Miller-125, Rarity-6. NGC graded MS-61. With typical bagmarks
expected for the grade and well struck by the dies. The mispunched denomination
is quite sharp, and the O sticks out on the left side of the proper D.
Obviously the engraver was thinking half dollar, and not half eagle, when this
reverse die was engraved! A popular error and well worth a good price. NGC has
graded just 1 as such, with 6 graded higher.
Estimated Value
$15,000-20,000.
Lot 1353
1830. Large 5D,
Miller-158, High rarity-6. NGC graded MS-65. This stunning coin
boasts lovely copper toning near the devices over lustrous fields. Liberty has
a satiny appearance and shows no blemishes despite her age. Her broad cheek is
shows no bagmarks or heavy scuffs. If one must find fault, the fields have
minor hairlines, but not enough to keep this out of the gem class. Similar on
the reverse, the proud eagle shows all feathers proudly, and the surfaces and
fields show faint signs of handling. The toning on this coin is outstanding. As
to the strike, it is full and complete, without weakness even on the upper
curls of Liberty. This is an early die state, and fine die polishing lines can
be seen, as well as recutting on stars eight, nine and twelve. Similar on the
reverse, where recut letters can be seen and the D in the denomination has
recutting noted on the inside upper curve, and on the upper post, just below
the serif.
Without question, this is a very rare coin in any grade,
NGC has graded just 5 of this variety, PCGS has graded only 11 of this date
(PCGS does not differentiate between the Large 5D and Small 5D). Of the entire
group of 16 coins graded, this one is the Finest, and almost certainly the
Finest Known. PCGS has graded two 1830 half eagles as high as MS-64, the next
level down for NGC is MS-63. Therefore, if you want clearly the finest, then
here is the coin for you. Obviously most were melted or lost from the original
mintage of 126,351.
Identifiable by a tiny planchet flake on and below the
second leaf from the top on the reverse, and currently in NGC holder
#380363-011. Color photo.
Estimated Value $100,000-UP.
Lot 1354
1834. Plain 4. NGC
graded MS-64. As a type coin this is an important and available date, even
in this delightful state of preservation. Note the mint fresh luster in the
fields and satiny face on Liberty. Well struck too, with full radial lines on
each star, but some trivial central weakness is noted on Liberty's curls and
the reverse shield and feather tips. Unlike most examples of this date, the
fields and devices show very few signs of handling, normally these are found
pretty baggy, and to obtain a near gem is well worth the premium over lower
grades. NGC has graded 44 this high, with 5 graded higher. Hence, this is about
as high a grade as one could expect to find, a notch higher and the price goes
way up, and far fewer are known. Take time to view this lovely golden jewel and
see if its the coin for you.
Estimated Value $9,000-11,000.
Lot 1355
1834. Plain 4. PCGS
graded AU-55. A beautiful example for the type collector, the surfaces are
clean for the grade and some luster resides near the lettering and devices.
Boldly struck with crisp details on the stars and curls. We note minor
hairlines from circulation or handling.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 1356
1834. Plain 4 and 1836.
PCGS graded AU-53. The 1834 grades VF-25, the 1836 grades
VF-30. There is a die crack from the rim near the fifth star down through
Liberty's ear. Both are average for the grade. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated
Value $400-500.
Lot 1357
1835. MS-60 Plus.
Light cleaning hairlines as always seen on coins of this grade, but the
surfaces are better than many. Nice gold color and relatively free of handling
marks. Well struck and preserved, and perfect for the type collector.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 1358
1839. NGC graded
MS-64. One of the finest graded of the date, with none graded higher by
either grading service (NGC or PCGS). The fields show flashy mint luster and
the devices are frosty. Minor handling marks are present, but none are deep or
problematic. Sharply struck on all but a single star. Mellow gold in color,
with a minor copper speck on the reverse. An impressive example of this first
year of issue of the new type. NGC has graded only 6 this high, while PCGS has
only graded a single coin this high. Breen notes two rust pits on Liberty's
neck, one behind her love lock, the other at the base of her neck above the 8.
Estimated Value $25,000-35,000.
Lot 1359
1839. PCGS graded
MS-62. This is the first year of issue of this long-running type. Design by
Christian Gobrecht, the obverse after Benjamin West, reverse after John Reich
and William Kneass. The engravers for the dies were Christian Gobrecht and
James Barton Longacre. Here is one of the finest to survive of this date, PCGS
has graded 5 as such, with 5 others graded a notch higher, and a single coin
above that. As to the surfaces, they are flashy, with most of the luster
retained despite minor hairlines from the past. Examination with a loupe notes
just a few handling ticks, with Liberty's cheek and neck fresh and clean.
Boldly struck at the centers, with minor weakness noted in the denticles on the
edge. Perfect for the type collector who needs this first year date.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 1360
1839-C. NGC graded
MS-60. Mintage for the year came in at 17,205. For a brief time the branch
mints placed their mintmarks on the obverse, just above the date as seen here.
Within a brief time the mintmarks were moved to the reverse, where they stayed
for the rest of the century. This particular coin has nice surfaces, although
there are extensive handling ticks to be expected for the grade. The strike is
full at the centers and just a few stars are radial line challenged. Luster
resides near the devices, and the coin has a pleasing appearance. One tiny
planchet flaw below the 83 in the date will serve to identify this coin. NGC
has graded 2 as such, with 5 graded higher. In NGC holder #289289-012.
Estimated Value $15,000-17,000.
Lot 1361
1839-C. Sharpness
of VF-30 but repaired on the edge at noon. This one has been lightly
repaired on the edge at 12 o'clock. Well struck and with decent surfaces. We
note a raised die line from Liberty's nose to the second star. Always in demand
for the obverse mintmark.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 1362
1840. AU-50.
This half eagle has a hidden scratch on Liberty's neck near her love lock,
and another above the eagle in the field. Typical handling marks for a lightly
circulated coin. Luster near the devices and well struck throughout. A scarce
early issue of this popular type coin.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 1363
1840-C. NGC graded
AU-58. This one is nicely struck for the date, with good center details
even on the obverse, which is normally weak. Toned with lovely yellow-gold
colors, especially around the periphery, and these mask several unimportant
low-areas between the rim and stars. These low areas are similar to those seen
on large cents of the era, and are a striking phenomenon. Although 18,956 were
coined, most entered circulation and became quite worn, not so here, this one
was plucked out of change and preserved for reasons unknown, and carefully
passed down to us today. Quite rare this nice, NGC has graded just 5 this high,
with only 3 graded higher. Don't wait for a better one, it might not turn up.
An opportunity for the specialist.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 1364
1842. Small letters.
PCGS graded AU-55. An extremely rare coin above EF in grade, this
lovely AU-55 piece will certainly attract attention from knowledgable
numismatists. Minor handling marks throughout, none deep. A touch of wear on
the high points, and there is a dull scrape on the 2 in the date. This issue is
believed to have been the first struck and delivered on April 30, 1842, with a
total mintage of 12,682. A delight for the specialist. The recent PCGS
Population Report shows only 2 have been graded this high, with a single coin
graded higher, none have been graded in Mint State according to that service.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1365
1842. Large letters.
PCGS graded MS-61. This is one of the finest known of the date, only
a single coin has been graded higher (MS-63) by PCGS, and this coin is alone as
MS-61. NGC hasn't graded any higher than AU-58. The surfaces are reflective,
but the fields show numerous fine fritzies, or tiny handling marks which
disturb the original surface. Near the devices, the reflective surface remains.
There is some slight weakness on the lower right horizontal shield lines. Only
14,986 struck, and this is probably the second finest to survive of the entire
mintage! An opportunity for the specialist to buy a true condition rarity.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 1366
1842-O. PCGS graded
EF-45. Rare in high grade, most of these circulated down to much lower
grades before being saved, or worse yet, melted! We note some minor circulation
marks on Liberty and in the nearby field from the rough and tumble days in New
Orleans. PCGS reports just 9 graded this high, with 7 graded higher.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 1367
1843-D. VF-20.
Clean surfaces and appealing yellow-gold in color. We note a tiny die lump
above the 3 touching Liberty's neck.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1368
1843-D. VF-20.
Average surfaces for a circulated gold coin of the period, but nice color
and less wear than one would expect.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1369
1843-O. Large letters.
NGC graded MS-62. Flashy and bright, with abundant luster in the
fields and nicely frosted devices. The surfaces show moderate handling marks,
but far fewer than one usually sees on these early half eagles. We note coppery
toning on the high points of Liberty's curls and facial features. NGC in their
recent Population Report shows only 3 graded as such, with 4 coins graded
higher.
Estimated Value $10,000-15,000.
Lot 1370
1844-C. NGC graded
AU-58. Despite the mintage being interrupted on July 27, 1844 by a burglar,
who burned down the Mint which halted production for a few years, a total of
23,631 were coined. Few survived in grades above EF, and this nearly mint state
example is no doubt high in the condition census for the date. Well struck by
the dies, and there are minimal handling marks on the coin. Some luster resides
near the devices. NGC reports only 6 graded this high, with 4 coins graded
higher.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
Lot 1371
1844-O. VF-30.
Nice surfaces for the grade, with minor handling lines on both sides.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 1372
1845-D. NGC graded
AU-58. One of the more common dates from this mint, but downright hard to
find in Mint State. This particular one is well struck and boasts mint fresh
luster in the protected areas of the fields. Clean surfaces for the grade, with
just a few minor handling ticks and not the heavy barrage often seen. One of 35
so graded by NGC, with a dozen graded higher.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1373
1846. NGC graded
MS-60. This is the small date version of the year. Typical handling marks
in the fields, but with most of the luster and mint surfaces intact. Scarce in
full mint state, and very few have been graded this high. NGC reports two
graded higher, and this coin is alone as the only MS-60 graded of the small
date variety.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,750.