May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 1489
1876. SEGS graded
AU-58. A classic rarity in any grade, this AU-58 example is certain to draw
attention. Breen estimates that a dozen to 15 survive of the business strikes,
and this is probably one of the higher grade ones. No mint state coins have
been confirmed by NGC or PCGS in either of their population reports. As noted
on the SEGS insert, there is a "tiny rim bump", which we presume is the bump
which extends on the rim from star five to six. The surfaces are also noted as
cleaned, and we see minute pin scratches around the periphery and some minor
scrapes too. Rather bagmarked for the grade, as usual for large gold coins of
the period. Nevertheless, with a coin of this magnitude in rarity, any
specimens, especially high grade ones, should be obtained as another may not be
offered for some time to come.
Estimated Value $9,000-10,000.
Lot 1490
1878-S. VF-25.
Moderate handling marks and lovely coppery toning near the devices.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 1491
1879. SEGS graded
MS-64. Hazy toning to cover over the faint hairlines on both sides. Well
struck by the dies, and note the surface quality, which is seldom found without
a profusion of bagmarks.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 1492
1879. VF-30.
Some luster and average surfaces.
Estimated Value $130-150.
Lot 1493
1879-CC. NGC graded
EF-40. Nice surfaces for the grade, with smooth, even wear and nice color
throughout. A rare date with a mintage of 1,762. Of those, NGC has graded 5 as
such, with 10 graded higher. Don't skip over this lot if you need this date.
Estimated Value $6,500-7,500.
Lot 1494
1880 and 1901-S.
The 1880 grades VF-20, the 1901-S VF-30, but it has dark spots on both
sides. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1495
1880-S. VF-30.
Average surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 1496
1881. NGC graded
Proof 65 Cameo. One of the nicest of the 42 proof eagles coined this year,
the fields are very deep in their mirroring and the devices are all deep in
golden frost. Examination with a strong glass will note few signs of handling,
including some stray hairlines over the deep orange peel fields and a nick on
Liberty's chin. NGC has only graded 4 this high, with a single coin graded
higher for the date. PCGS has only graded one coin as high as PF-65.
A
magnificent coin that represents the finest quality the Philadelphia Mint
produced. Don't expect this one to be a bargain, quality always brings a strong
price. Color photo.
Estimated Value $30,000-40,000.
Lot 1497
1881-O. SEGS graded
MS-62. Only 8,350 struck and most of those circulated. Here is a decent
Mint State example for the serious date collector. Moderate handling marks from
bag shipping account for the grade. Well struck and with decent luster in the
fields.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 1498
1889-S. AU-55.
Nice luster and only moderate handling marks.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1499
1891-CC. VF-20.
A couple of rim marks and general "CC" style spending habits prevail, in
other words, the surfaces have moderate handling marks. Carson City coins
tended to circulate very hard, and most show extensive handling.
Estimated
Value $250-300.
Lot 1500
1892. NGC graded
MS-65. Unusually nice, even for this date, with full mint bloom and
pristine fields and devices. Examination will note some stray ticks, but this
gem coin will satisfy most collectors with its flashy color and clean surfaces.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 1501
1892-O. NGC graded
MS-61. Good luster and untoned.Typical handling marks.
Estimated Value
$400-500.
Lot 1502
1893 (2 pieces).
Each grades AU-50. A nice pair, both have good luster and clean
surfaces. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $275-325.
Lot 1503
1894 and 1895. The
1894 grades AU-50 and the 1895 grades EF-40. A couple for the gold bug. Lot
of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $260-300.
Lot 1504
1894 Mint Error,
Lamination Obverse. PCGS graded MS-62. All gold mint errors are
rare, this coin has a long lamination from the 94 in the date up through
Liberty's neck. The surfaces show typical marks for the grade, with medium
yellow gold color and frosty luster throughout. Unusual to say the least, and
error collectors will appreciate the size and location of this lamination. The
PCGS insert notes Mint Error, and Minor Lamination Obv.
Estimated Value
$250-350.
Lot 1505
1896-S. NGC graded
MS-60. A rare date in Mint State, this one has moderate handling marks and
dullness on the high points. The NGC Population Report shows that 8 have been
so graded, with 9 graded one notch higher, and just 2 coins above that, both
MS-62. Don't be fooled by the high mintage, this is a date that is very rare in
full mint state as virtually the entire issue went into circulation, and
precious few were saved.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1506
1898 and 1907 Liberty.
Both grade AU-50 to 55. The first is pretty nice, the second more
baggy. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $275-325.
Lot 1507
1899. MS-60.
Rose gold in color and well struck.
Estimated Value $170-190.
Lot 1508
1905. PCGS graded
Proof 64 Premium Quality. Here is a beautiful example of Proof gold from
the Philadelphia Mint. The surfaces are very choice and show few signs of
handling or hairlines. Examination finds no fault on the obverse, and nothing
on the reverse save for an old spot on the N of TEN which will serve to
identify this specimen. Note the glittering mirror fields and satiny devices.
Just 86 were coined in 1905 in Proof, of those 7 have been graded this high,
with 5 graded higher by PCGS. A premier rarity that is seldom offered and
always admired.
Estimated Value $14,000-16,000.