Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 195
1866. PCGS graded
Proof 65. The mintage of this first year of issue has long been
controversial, for many years it was estimated that 125 were struck, now the
figure has been revised to 300 as more accurate counts have been completed.
This one is a satiny gem that boasts toning and haze free surfaces, and no
value diminishing spots or problems. Several design elements show recutting, as
always seen on these proofs. PCGS has graded 96 this high, with 54 graded
higher.
Estimated Value $2,500-2,700.
From the Benson Collection and
purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to
1912 for $335.00.
Lot 196
1866. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Cameo. This is the first year of the issue and a short two year
type coin. Research has shown that the initial strikes from the polished proof
dies sometimes produced a cameo effect. This means that the devices are
especially frosty and the fields well mirrored, as seen on this gem. PCGS
reports that 101 have been graded this high, but we suspect that few of those
are "cameo" examples. One for the type or date collector who demands abundant
eye appeal and well preserved surfaces.
Estimated Value $2,500-2,700.
Lot 197
1867. Rays. PCGS
graded MS-64. Fresh and original, with nice luster and clean surfaces for
the grade. A bold strike, with sharp details on the shield and wreath above.
Estimated Value $600-700.
From the Benson Collection and purchased
from Ira S. Reed, March 20, 1944 at a cost of $7.00.
Lot 198
1867. Rays. MS-60+.
Nice on the obverse, but there is a raised corrosion lump on the upper
right rim and another on the rim left of the date, on the reverse, there are
some hairlines around the periphery from a past cleaning and a couple of spots
on CENTS from improper storage. Perhaps the corrosion can be removed, and
experts should examine this before anything is attempted.
Estimated Value
$150-200.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from
Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 199
1867. No rays. PCGS
graded Proof 63. Bold and well preserved, with hints of nickel blue in the
mirror fields and excellent surfaces. One faint spot on the N of CENT
apparently accounts for the moderate grade, as the coin has no other problems
that we noted.
Estimated Value $200-250.
From the Benson Collection
and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866
to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 200
1868. PCGS graded
Proof 64. This one has very light toning on both sides and is free of
problems aside from faint hairlines. Not an easy date to locate in choice
proof.
Estimated Value $425-500.
From the Benson Collection and
purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to
1912 for $335.00.
Lot 201
1869. PCGS graded
Proof 63. This one has minor mottled tones on the lower obverse where
raised toning areas reside near the rim. We also note light hairlines on the
reverse.
Estimated Value $200-250.
From the Benson Collection and
purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to
1912 for $335.00.
Lot 202
1870. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Fresh and original, with a faint layer of toning starting to
settle in. One small speck on the lower left reverse, and trivial hairlines.
Estimated Value $350-400.
From the Benson Collection and purchased
on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1921 for
$335.00.
Lot 203
1871. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Spot-free and clean for the grade, with the devices outlined by
haze. Downright fresh.
Estimated Value $200-250.
From the Benson
Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels
from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 204
1872. PCGS graded
Proof 64. This is the double die obverse, with minor doubling noted on the
cross and annulet below (not all that rare on the proofs, see Breen-2492 in his
Encyclopedia). Nearly a gem, and perfect for a collector.
Estimated Value
$300-350.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from
Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 205
1873. Closed 3. PCGS
graded Proof 65. A few scattered specks on the reverse, but this one is
clearly a gem. Housed in an old green insert PCGS holder, and seldom found this
nice. PCGS has graded 76 this high, with just 8 higher of the date.
Estimated Value $450-500.
Lot 206
1873. Closed 3. PCGS
graded Proof 64. This one was struck from a lapped obverse die, as the left
arrow feathers are very shallow. Nicely struck and preserved, with clean fields
and devices that are untoned, aside from a bit of haze.
Estimated Value
$250-300.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from
Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 207
1874. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Choice surfaces and color, with bright frost on the devices and
nicely mirrored fields. Spot and toning free.
Estimated Value $300-350.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S.
Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 208
1875. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Faint hairlines and light haze, otherwise fresh from the dies,
and obviously original.
Estimated Value $200-250.
From the Benson
Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels
from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 209
1876. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Hazy white tones surround the devices and well struck by the
dies. Nearly a gem of this centennial year issue.
Estimated Value $300-350.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S.
Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 210
1877. PCGS graded
Proof 65. The key date to the series, only 510 were struck in proof, and no
business strikes were coined. Of those, PCGS has graded 135 this high, with 41
graded higher. If you want a bright, fresh gem from an old time collection,
then go after this splendid coin.
Estimated Value $1,600-2,000.
From
the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set
of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 211
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Bright and fresh, with a hint of haze and a couple of tiny flecks
of dark specks when viewed with a strong glass.
Estimated Value $450-500.
From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S.
Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.
Lot 212
1879. 9 over 8. PCGS
graded Proof 65. Frosty and bright on the obverse, the reverse with a touch
of haze and a scattering of hairlines. Sharply struck from deeply engraved dies
and quite nice for the grade. As to the overdate feature, its about as sharp as
ever seen, with remnants of the underlying 8 visible within the lower part of
the 9. Scarce and always popular with collectors as overdate proofs of any
denomination are a delight to ponder.
Estimated Value $600-700.
From
the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set
of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00.