May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1464
1795. 13 leaves below
eagle, Taraszka-2, Breen-2A. NGC graded MS-62. A choice coin for the
grade, the surfaces are a lovely yellow-gold color and free of toning or
distracting marks. Both sides of the coin have minor adjustment marks,
generally at the rim, but a few crossing the eagle's breast. The fields are
reflective and retain much of their original mint shine, subdued by hairlines
and minor handling marks, none of which are important or unexpected on a coin
of this grade. The rims and fields show no bumps or other abuse, and this is a
truly beautiful example of our first Eagle coin. Well struck throughout, with
full curls on Liberty and stars on the obverse, and excellent details on the
wing and breast feathers. One of the better ones graded of this date, NGC has
seen 21 graded this high, with 12 graded a notch higher, and just 3 above that.
An important type coin that always generates well deserved collector attention
any time one is available. Color photo.
Estimated Value $40,000-50,000.
Lot 1465
1795. 13 leaves below
eagle, Taraszka-1:1-A, Rarity-3. NGC graded MS-60. An important type
coin that is scarce in high grades, especially in Mint State. This one has been
cleaned with the usual resulting hairlines in the fields and on the devices.
However, this is the normal state of affairs for these large, early soft gold
coins. Collectors have cherished these for centuries, and somewhere along the
line, virtually all show some signs of cleaning or minor hairlines. Examination
shows a few adjustment marks through Liberty's hair, and more on the reverse
rim and a couple across the eagle's proud breast. Frosty luster in the fields,
with only a few trivial handling marks. As to the strike, it is very bold and
most of the fine details are present on this coin.
The Philadelphia Mint had
to post an expensive bond in order take precious metal consignments. The need
for coinage was very great in the new country, and copper was the most
available for coinage. Soon the silver and gold bond requirements were met, and
in 1794 silver coinage began, and later in 1795 gold coinage too. This is one
of the first gold coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and Breen notes that
these were struck from September 27, 1795 until March 30, 1796. Further, some
coins from this die pairing are believed to be presentation pieces, which
likely confirms that this die pairing was the first struck. No doubt many
important luminaries from American history were able to examine coins soon
after they were struck, and think how proud they were to see the new coinage in
gold, coming from their own Philadelphia Mint. Clearly, this is an important
piece of American history and culture, and we know a true collector will always
treasure this coin in the future, as it has been treasured in the past. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $35,000-40,000.
Lot 1466
1795. 13 leaves below
eagle, Taraszka-1:1-A. High Rarity-3. Sharpness of EF-45. This coin
has been cleaned and burnished lightly to make it appear to be a higher grade,
which is too bad as it truly is a high grade coin already. The surfaces show
light swirl lines from the burnishing and the surfaces have a polished
appearance on both sides. Nevertheless, this coin had very little wear from
circulation and has no problems such as distracting handling marks or
adjustment marks. On balance, this is a very appealing coin despite its
cleaning problems, and we don't doubt that someone will appreciate its many
attributes and ignore the minor faults.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
From a Coin Galleries Sale, October 31, 1957, lot 718.
Lot 1467
1799. Large obverse stars,
Taraszka-22: 14-M, Rarity-3. Sharpness of EF-40. This coin was
probably used as jewelry as the obverse has been entirely scrapped and
burnished, and with similar abuse on the reverse. Nevertheless, the coin
retains decent eye appeal. One to be inspected by bidders prior to the sale.
Possibly mounted as the reeding is missing from the lower left edge relative to
the obverse. All capped bust eagles are rare, and many are found with similar
problems as seen on this coin.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,800.
Lot 1468
1801 Taraszka-24:16-M,
Rarity-5. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty mint luster in the fields which
contrasts nicely with the devices. Moderate handling marks in the fields on
both sides, which is to be expected on a coin 200 years old. Each star on the
obverse is bold, as are the minute details on Liberty's curls. On the reverse,
the strike is also bold, the only weakness is on the two upper stars above the
eagle's head, which are normally weak on this die pairing. Note how fresh the
luster is on this coin, and if you need a high grade example, then be sure to
bid on this coin. Color photo.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
Lot 1469
1842. Small date.
NGC graded MS-60. This is the small date, although it is not
designated on the NGC insert. Minor weakness on the high points, but otherwise
well struck by the dies. Rather extensive bagmarks from countless inventories
and handling over the decades. Note the mint frost on the devices, which gives
them contrast from the surrounding fields. According to the NGC Population
Report, only 4 have been graded as such, with 2 coins graded higher by that
service (finest MS-63). Early date eagles are very rare in mint state, so don't
pass this one by.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 1470
1842-O. NGC graded
AU-58. Luster in the fields and a bit baggy from handling. Still with a
nice appearance though, the fields retain some of their prooflike
characteristics and the coin has a pleasant glow seen on some of the better
preserved coins of the era. Sharply struck and as Breen says "prohibitively
rare AU". NGC has graded 9 this high, with 2 graded higher.
Estimated Value
$5,000-6,000.
Lot 1471
1842-O. PCGS graded
AU-50. Nice surfaces that retain some mint luster and are generally clean
for the grade. Minor handling ticks, but none are deep or distracting. Well
struck by the dies, with full details on Liberty's curls and the eagle's
feathers and claws.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 1472
1843-O. Sharpness
of EF-45 but a mount has been removed. Examination of the rim shows some
colored areas which are the result of a mount being removed. These are minor
and the coin is pleasing despite this problem. Inspection mandatory.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1473
1844-O. VF-30.
Nice surfaces and color, perfect for the quality conscious date collector.
Estimated Value $240-270.
Lot 1474
No Lot.
Lot 1475
1849. ANACS graded
EF-40. Standard handling marks for the grade, with coppery toning around
the edges.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1476
1851-O. Fine-15.
A touch weaker on the upper obverse from wear, but decent surfaces overall.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 1477
1853. NGC graded
MS-62. Most of the mint luster in intact and the strike is full and
complete. Minor handling marks from a higher grade, mostly in the fields. A
nice look to this one.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1478
1853. PCGS graded
MS-61. Nice color and luster for the grade, with moderate handling marks on
both sides. Boldly struck throughout. One of 10 graded this high, with 9 graded
higher. This one is in the old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value
$2,500-3,000.
Lot 1479
1853. NGC graded
AU-58. Moderate handling marks on the soft gold surfaces, but precious
little wear.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Lot 1480
1854-O. EF-45.
A nice original coin from an old time collection, this is the large date
variety, which is seldom found in high grades. There are no problems worthy of
note, and most collectors will like this coin. Two die cracks on the obverse,
one through the 8 in the date, the other through the last star, both extending
vertically upward.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 1481
1854-S. Sharpness
of EF-40 but repaired. The obverse has been repaired in the left obverse
field to remove scratches, and burnishing is noted there.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 1482
1858-S. PCGS graded
AU-53. Slightly prooflike in the fields and well struck. We note a shallow
pin scratch from Liberty's face below her eye to the rim above the fourth star,
and a couple of other bagmarks as always seen on gold coins of the period.
About as nice as these are found, with only 2 graded as such by PCGS, and 2
coins graded higher. That places this coin well up in the Condition Census for
the date. Bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1483
1864. Sharpness of
EF-45 but polished long ago. This one has been polished long ago, and could
probably be made to look better by someone skilled in those areas. An extreme
rarity, only 3,530 were struck in 1864, and just 30 have been graded by both
PCGS and NGC in all grades! Perhaps 50 exist today from the original mintage.
This is not a coin to dismiss because of the polishing, as so few exist. We
note very little wear on the high points. Worth a look and as always,
inspection mandatory.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 1484
1865-S. 865 over inverted
186. PCGS graded AU-50. High in the Condition Census for the date,
this important Red Book coin is seldom available above Extremely Fine. The
surfaces on this example show moderate signs of handling and wear, while
Liberty's curls remain well defined and separated. Curiously, the "S" Mintmark
is quite large, larger in fact than the surrounding letters. The inverted date
feature is strong on this coin, with the 1 heavily sunk into the die underneath
the 5, and much of the 8 is visible too spilling out from under the 6. When the
dies were prepared, a 3 digit date logotype was punched into the die, and the
final digit separately. The engraver (Longacre?) was having an off day, and the
date was first punched in upside down, then corrected, much to the amusement of
numismatists. The PCGS Population Report shows only 3 graded as AU-50, with 3
others graded higher in AU grades, and a single coin graded MS-64 at the top.
An opportunity for the specialist to purchase a true conversation piece with
the inverted date error.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 1485
1870-S. PCGS graded
AU-50. This coin is really nice for the grade with clean surfaces, ample
mint luster and well struck devices. Minor handling marks and well preserved.
PCGS has graded 7 this high, with just 7 graded higher, only 1 of which is mint
state. So don't expect to find a better one! Perfect for the date collector.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.
Lot 1486
1872-S. NGC graded
EF-45. Scarce in high grade, NGC has only graded 36 as such, with 24 graded
higher. Average circulation marks and with little wear to note, giving the
appearance of a higher grade. Another low mintage date, with just 16,000 made
and most melted, lost or otherwise out of numismatic channels.
Estimated
Value $600-700.
Lot 1487
1874. PCGS graded
MS-64. Here we have a very high end example of this slightly more common
date from the 1870s. Examination with a strong glass fails to find more than
just faint surface scuffs, and the fields and devices have the appearance of a
higher grade. The color is quite beautiful too, with rose gold tones around the
periphery and bright mint luster throughout. Struck from lightly clashed dies
on the reverse. As a near-gem, this is one of the finest graded by PCGS, and
their Population Report shows only 13 graded this high, with only 2 coins
graded a notch higher. An exceptional coin for the advanced collector.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 1488
1874-CC. NGC graded
AU-50. Mintage of 16,767 in all, most of which are long gone. Clean
surfaces for the grade, with light handling marks in the fields and on the
devices. Breen notes this date is prohibitively rare above VF. Always popular
with Carson City collectors, few are found with nice surfaces and in high
grade. Here is a pleasant exception that will please most collectors. One of 7
graded this high, with 10 graded higher.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.