Oct 1-2, 2001, The George Mouhtouris Collection, Sale 11
Lot 2178
1841. PCGS graded MS-63. While many may consider this to be a common date because of its availability in circulated grades, one need only glance at the PCGS Population Report to see
what a condition rarity this is. In fact, PCGS reports only 4 coins have been graded in mint state grades, 2 as MS-60, 1 as MS-62 and this coin alone and apparently the best at MS-63. NGC has only seen a single coin they grade as MS-63, and also
none are graded higher by that service. So, there it is, this is tied for the finest graded by either major grading service. This coin is sharply struck by the dies, and exhibits a rich yellow gold color and full luster. We note a long die crack
through the left wing of the eagle, down his wing, through the middle of the shield towards the R in AMERICA, where it peters out mid field. A stunning and exciting coin to own, and precious few mint state pieces of any date are available
from the eagle series of the period. If you demand one of the finest known, or at least the finest graded, then here is the coin for your collection. Color photo.
Estimated Value $20,000-30,000.
Lot 2179
1842-O. EF-40. Typical surfaces for the period, with minor handling marks on both sides, and we also note a rim bump on the upper right side of the obverse. A bit reflective, probably
from a cleaning in the past, as usually seen.
Estimated Value $350-400.
Lot 2180
1860. PCGS graded MS-64. This is the finest graded by PCGS, by a wide margin we might add, and undoubtedly one of the finest known of the date. The mintage of 1860 eagles stopped at
15,055. In economic terms, the Civil War was rumbling, and gold and silver were quickly hoarded by the population as soon as they were coined while the politicians prepared for war. Somehow, this coin survived with clean surfaces and precious few
signs of handling. Virtually all gold from this period shows heavy bagmarks and circulation marks, even on virtually mint state coins. Here is a complete exception to the norm. The surfaces are aglow with radiant luster, and the devices are well
frosted by the dies. Perhaps this coin was picked up at the Mint just after coining, and held aside, for everything is unusual about it, as eagles from the period simply don't come this nice. Close examination will note the fine roller lines from
the planchet preparation process, they are all parallel, and are a normal part of the coining process. The current PCGS Population Report notes 2 as MS-64, but that reflects the same coin, this coin, as it was resubmitted after the Bass Sale and
received the same MS-64 grade, but the original tag was apparently not returned to PCGS to remove it from the Population Report.
Estimated Value $20,000-25,000.
Ex: Bowers and Merena's Bass II Sale, October 1999, lot 1474, prior to that
Superior's session of Auction '85 lot 959.
Lot 2181
1861. NGC graded AU-58. Moderate bag marks from handling, while the fields retain their glowing luster. Boldly struck, with good separation on even the highest curls of Liberty.
Estimated Value $800-1,200.
Lot 2182
1862. AU-50. This one has been cleaned and retoned with coppery orange shades over moderately bagmarked surfaces. A low mintage date, with just 10,995 struck, and this one remains at
the high end of the survivors despite its handling marks and cleaning. We note a minor rim tick on the right side of the obverse.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,400.
Lot 2183
1865. AU-58. A high grade example of this rare date, the surfaces show rather extensive marks from handling, as usual for the date. Identifiable by a stain in the dentils on the lower
right of the reverse. Boldly struck and downright rare this nice.
Estimated Value $6,000-8,000.
Lot 2184
1870. NGC graded AU-58. Flashy luster and well struck by the dies on this rare date. We note rather extensive handling marks, as all too often seen on these important rare dates. To
date, NGC has graded just 4 this high, with none graded higher! PCGS has only seen one coin as high as AU-58, also with none graded in Mint State. There you have it, this may be one of the finest known of the date, and it is certainly tied with at
most 5 coins as the finest graded. Something to think about when formulating your bid.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Lot 2185
1871-CC. ANACS graded AU-50. Mintage for the year was a scant 8,085, with most suffering great indignities while circulating. In particular, this coin has moderate handling marks common
to most of the large CC coinage, especially gold. Certainly a condition rarity, PCGS (this coin is graded by ANACS, but the more meaningful population report is published by PCGS and NGC) has only graded 5 coins this high, with 3 graded higher
(AU-55 best). Identifiable by a small tick mark over the left wing and a toning speck on the rim between the eighth and ninth star. An important coin for the specialist.
Estimated Value $12,000-14,000.
Lot 2186
1878. PCGS graded MS-62 Premium Quality. Mint fresh luster and with choice glowing gold color. Examination will find a few scattered ticks, and a small area of action above the date
where something tiny has been removed. A good strike here, with few complaints worthy of note. One of 16 graded as such, with 10 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,250.
Lot 2187
1879-S. VF-35. Some luster remains, but a bit baggy as are most seen in the grade range assigned.
Estimated Value $175-200.
Lot 2188
1880-S, 1884-S, 1888-S and 1889-S. These grade VF-EF. Lot of 4 coins.
Estimated Value $550-600.
Lot 2189
1881-CC. MS-60. Matte in appearance from the usual bagmarks and we note some dullness on the high points. Moderate luster in the fields, and this is another scarce date in high grades.
Liberty's face is generally clean and this is a decent coin overall.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.
Lot 2190
1882. AU-58. Better than average.
Estimated Value $150-175.
Lot 2191
1882 and 1892. Both grade EF-45. Decent surfaces. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $300-320.
Lot 2192
1886. Proof 60+. This one has light hairlines in the fields and a delicate copper tone too. Frosted devices and still appealing. Rare, just 60 were coined in all, this one has minor
handling but a nice appearance. A glass will locate some trivial marks, as always. We suspect that this coin was carefully cleaned or expertly worked on and for that reason is not in a third party grading holder. Still a nice proof coin, and an
affordable example of some of the finest workmanship of the Philadelphia Mint. Inspection recommended, as always, and still a very nice proof example. Color photo.
Estimated Value $7,000-10,000.
Lot 2193
1886-S. NGC graded MS-63. Good luster with faded yellow gold color on both sides and moderate handling marks. This one jostled around in a bag for awhile before being plucked out, soon
enough to remain choice. Scarce any better, and tough enough to find this nice.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 2194
1888-O. PCGS graded MS-62. Most New Orleans mint gold saw plenty of use, but not this one. Some scattered marks here and there, but plenty of original mint lustre to justify the
uncirculated grade.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.