Oct 1-2, 2001, The George Mouhtouris Collection, Sale 11
Lot 2026
1804. 14 star reverse. PCGS graded AU-58. A beautiful example of this scarce date and type! The surfaces show moderate handling marks in the fields, but none are deep or distracting.
Fully struck on the devices, with good separation on Liberty's curls and just a touch of wear on the tips of the eagle's wing feathers and tail. Bold stars in the field above the eagle, complete with the curious 14 star count, apparently Robert Scot
was trying to employ the old "star cross" pattern, with the stars in straight lines instead of three natural arcs, and miscounted, adding an additional star. As the reverse dies were the exact same size as dimes of the period, many were used to coin
quarter eagles and dimes over the span of several years, as was the practice at the Philadelphia Mint at the time. Faint adjustment marks can be seen with a strong glass, a few on the shield and through the rim above the legend. PCGS has graded 9
this high, with just 12 graded higher (best MS-63).
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 2027
1805. PCGS graded AU-58. Reflective fields from the original die polish near the stars, the balance of the fields with minute handling marks from limited circulation. There are light
adjustment marks down through Liberty's curls, but they are somewhat hidden by her cascading hair. Nicely struck by the dies, with no weakness on the obverse, although weak at the center of the reverse on the upper portion of the eagle. Problem free
for the grade, and always in demand. PCGS has graded 10 this high, with just 3 graded higher (best MS-61) so don't expect to locate that gem out there! An opportunity for the specialist.
Estimated Value $8,500-10,000.
Lot 2028
1807. PCGS graded MS-63. One of the finest graded of the entire date, PCGS has only graded 3 coins this high, with 2 graded higher! Precious few were coined nearly 200 years ago, and
very few remain in any condition today. To locate a choice uncirculated example is something extraordinary. This one can be identified by a tiny pit mark left of the L in LIBERTY and another tiny mark resting on the top left of the 8 in the date.
Fully struck on the stars and Liberty, with bold curls, similar on the reverse which shows all the stars strong except for a single star behind the eagle's head, which is weak. Minor hairlines from handling, and a couple of stray marks too, but
nothing distracting. On the upper rim we see evidence of minor adjustment marks, but they don't extend beyond the dentils, and few would ever notice them, especially as long at this coin is in a holder. Great luster and a rarity in any uncirculated
grade. Color photo.
Estimated Value $30,000-40,000.
Lot 2029
1808. PCGS graded AU-50. Only year of the type.One of the most difficult type coins of the entire sweep of United States Numismatics, as a meager 2,710 were struck, way back in 1808.
That's the year prior to Lincoln's birth, to put some perspective on it. The dies were probably engraved by John Reich, the German engraver that the Philadelphia Mint kicked around for several years, as we see his signature of the thirteenth star
with a small notch at the outer point. Clean surfaces for the grade, and problem free throughout. We see a tiny die crack along the top of the cap in the field. A true collector coin in high grade, and yet affordable as compared with a mint state
example. Color photo.
Estimated Value $30,000-35,000.
Lot 2030
1830. PCGS graded EF-45. Nice quality and surfaces, with coppery toning starting to form around the periphery. Typical strike for the date, sharp around the edge, and weaker at the
centers.The U of UNITED is broadly recut to the left. Rare and seldom encountered.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
Lot 2031
1834. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Here is a stunning near gem of this important type coin. PCGS has graded just 35 this high with 8 graded higher. Prooflike and reflective, the
surfaces are clean save for a few scattered ticks. Boldly struck and well preserved, with booming luster expected on later issues, but seldom seen on a coin from this period. An impressive and exciting coin to view, and no doubt satisfying to own.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $9,000-10,000.
Lot 2032
1836. Script 8. MS-60. Typical surfaces for the grade, with minor handling marks on both sides. Good luster in the fields and some central weakness in the strike. We note a bisecting
crack on the obverse through Liberty's diadem.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,400.
Lot 2033
1836. Script 8. NGC graded AU-55. Splendid color and surfaces, but we do note one sharp nick on the edge above star five. The usual die crack bisects the obverse through star six.
Estimated Value $400-500.