Oct 1-2, 2001, The George Mouhtouris Collection, Sale 11
Lot 2013
1854 Type 2. NGC graded MS-66. Superb! One of the very finest graded of this important date and type, and one of the most difficult of all series to find in true gem grades. The
type II Indian gold dollar was struck in limited numbers as the Civil War loomed on the horizon, few were saved and almost all of those found today are circulated. NGC has graded just 4 this high, with a single coin graded higher, similar at PCGS
where 6 have been graded as MS-66 and just 2 have been graded higher. Examination shows superb luster and a strong strike. All design elements are sharp, and the dies do not show clash marks. This is one of the rarest and most sought-after type
coins, and one that has been a stellar rarity for decades as precious few have ever been found even approaching this grade. If you demand a show stopper, then here it is. Color photo.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
Lot 2014
1854 Type 2. PCGS graded MS-65. One of the American classics when it comes to rarity on this short-lived type coin. The Type II Indian gold coin has always been in feverish demand the
past three decades by type and date collectors. Note the overlay of luster spread across the coin, with a seductive satiny reddish tint of colors that promote contrast between the flatness of the fields to the raised lettering and devices. On the
obverse, the coin boasts a golden yellow hue which reflects back the harsh light used for critical examination. Turning to the reverse, we see similar satiny yellow fields with crisply struck devices, and surrounding the wreath is a
lilac-orange-red-green combination of colors that dance when examined in the light with a youthfulness that belies the passage of 147 years since this one was struck.
As always, the dies show clash marks on both the obverse and reverse, as many
times the dies came together without a planchet as the feeding machinery frequently jammed on these tiny planchets. The vast majority of these show clash marks. Scrutiny finds little to fault, sure there are some hidden hairlines and ticks which
blend into luster, but this is clearly one of the few gems that have been graded during the past 15 years since PCGS began grading coins. The March 2001 PCGS Population Report shows only 34 graded as MS-65, with a scant 8 graded higher for this
date. Certainly not many to go around to all the eager collectors out there attempting to put together gem type collections. Color photo.
Estimated Value $30,000-35,000.
Lot 2015
1854 Type 2. NGC graded MS-62. A rare type coin that is seldom offered in mint state grades. This one has a wobbly scrape before the Indian's forehead, but the scrape is very shallow
and can only be seen at certain angles when examined. Bright luster and struck from clashed dies, as were most.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
Lot 2016
1854 Type 2. NGC graded MS-61. This one was struck with clashed dies and we note some weakness at the centers. Moderate hairlines in the fields.
Estimated Value $2,250-2,750.
Lot 2017
1854 Type 2. Sharpness of MS-60 but damaged. This coin was probably used to turn a screw in the distant past as there is minor rim damage at OF on the obverse, and some file marks on
the reverse rim at the same location. Nice luster and otherwise a nice coin.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
Lot 2018
1854 Type 2 Mint error, rim clipped planchet. PCGS graded AU-58. The clip is small and appears to be located at about 9:30 on the obverse (it's hard to tell in the PCGS holder) as we
see the dentils get a bit smaller in that area. Well struck from lightly clashed dies, and note the luster in the fields. This is the scarce "Type II" variety.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
Lot 2019
1855 Type 2. MS-60. Struck from clashed dies, as were most of these, and with nice surfaces. Luster in the fields and a rare type coin.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 2020
1855 Type 2. AU-58. Well struck by the usual clashed dies, the only weakness in on the 8 in the date and the LL above, frequently seen. Still lustrous and with decent surfaces. An
expensive type coin.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.