Oct 1-2, 2001, The George Mouhtouris Collection, Sale 11
Lot 2110
1825. 5 over 1, Miller-149, Breen 2-A. Sharpness of AU-50 but repaired and cleaned. This one has been repaired in the fields on the obverse and reverse and faint tooling lines can be
seen around the stars. The entire coin was bathed in acid for a time, and the surfaces show trace porosity when examined with a strong glass. Still a rare coin that has been toned with pretty copper hues and is well struck. Perhaps two dozen are
known in all grades, as most of these were melted as the price of gold rose during the period. This particular piece is about average for those known, and finding a choice circulated example is a real challenge.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2111
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.
Estimated Value $70,000-UP.
Lot 2112
1834. Plain 4. NGC graded MS-63. A choice coin for the grade, the surfaces display copious luster and the devices are sharp. We note a couple of handling marks, including a hidden tick
on the first T in STATES. Precious few of these were saved in mint state grades, as most entered commerce quickly and soon were well worn or abraded. NGC has graded 44 this high with 5 graded higher.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2113
1834. Crosslet 4. NGC graded AU-58. Rich gold toning and lustrous around the devices. Nicely struck and downright rare this nice, and a lot more expensive any better. Clean surfaces
from brief circulation and sharp.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.
Lot 2114
1835. Sharpness of Fine-12 but worn as jewelry. This one has numerous ticks and marks from being worn as jewelry.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 2115
1837. AU-53. The surfaces are slightly matte in appearance from circulation but the coin is well struck on the devices. Popular with type collectors.
Estimated Value $750-850.
Lot 2116
1838. PCGS graded MS-63. Perfect for the type collector, this choice example boasts rich gold mint luster and a sharp strike from the dies. Scattered handling marks, as always, and
generally well cared for since the time of issue. PCGS has graded 11 like this, with 25 graded higher.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,500.
Lot 2117
1841. PCGS graded MS-61. A rare early date in mint state, PCGS notes only 1 in this grade with 14 graded higher. Good color and luster, with average surfaces for the grade that show no
significant marks, just light handling fritzies. Boldly struck throughout, and quite appealing.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 2118
1844. PCGS graded EF-45. Coppery toning around the periphery and nicely struck. Minor handling marks, expected for the grade.
Estimated Value $170-190.
Lot 2119
1844-C. NGC graded AU-58. One of the finest seen by NGC, they note just 6 graded this high in their current NGC Population Report and 4 graded higher (MS-63 best). This one is well
struck by the dies, and retains some of the luster in the protected areas. We note the usual bagmarks on either side, which are evenly scattered and typical of the period. A rare date this nice and worth a look from a specialist.
Estimated Value
$7,000-8,500.
Lot 2120
1845-O. Sharpness of EF-40 but cleaned. This one shows the ususal hairlines from a past cleaning. Starting to recover with deep copper shades around the dentils. A low mintage date and
a coin that could possibly be improved.
Estimated Value $300-325.
Lot 2121
1846. AU-58. Clean surfaces for the grade and boldly struck by the dies. Liberty's face is clean, and there is quite a bit of luster in the fields.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 2122
1849-C. PCGS graded AU-55. As nice as this date is usually found, PCGS has graded 16 this high with 14 graded higher. This one is sharply struck on all but the highest devices and shows
good color and decent surfaces. A scarce date with a mintage of 64,823, most of which were melted or lost in the sweep of time.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 2123
1851-O. ANACS graded Sharpness of MS-60 Net AU 50, Obv. Tooled and Whizzed. As noted on the ANACS insert, this one has been Tooled and Whizzed on the obverse, probably to reduce marks
on Liberty's face and in the surrounding field. Well struck and a bit too perfect in appearance, as early gold is just not found with such smooth surfaces. Inspection mandatory, and a rare coin.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
Lot 2124
1852. NGC graded MS-64. High in the condition census for the date, this magnificent early half eagle will entice the advanced collector with its lovely mint bloom, fresh luster and
sharp strike. We note minor low areas in the fields which are a striking phenomenon, and they are seen on most coins of the period. Liberty's face is quite fresh, and no distracting marks are seen there, or anywhere else for that matter. NGC has
graded just 6 coins this high, with 2 graded higher (both MS-66, same coin?). Similar at PCGS, where 8 have been graded as MS-64, but none higher there. Simply stunning quality, and worth a strong bid if you expect to capture this prize. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $12,000-UP.
Lot 2125
1852-D. ICG graded MS-63. An extremely rare coin in any mint state grade, PCGS in their Population Report notes only 4 coins have been graded as Mint State, with the best there MS-63.
The rims are somewhat weak as struck, and this coin may have been exposed to seawater, as the surfaces are slightly matte in appearance (but less so than usual for the date). This is a judgment call, and something we'll leave to the experts in this
series, as the coin may just be a normal issue. Luster in the protected areas and an important coin for the specialist, however it's judged. Certainly one of the best known of this date. Color photo.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Lot 2126
1854. PCGS graded MS-63. One of the finest graded of the date, PCGS has awarded 7 with grades this high, with just 2 graded higher. Full mint bloom and a decent strike for the date. We
note faint pin scratches above the AM of AMERICA, which can only be seen at certain angles under a light. A truly nice coin for the grade.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 2127
1857. PCGS graded MS-62. Nice color and luster on both sides, with some trivial verdigris around the date. Light hairlines from a higher grade, and a scarce coin as such.
Estimated
Value $2,500-UP.