Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 336
1796. "LIKERTY", LM-1, V-1,
Rarity-3. PCGS graded VF-30. For the lover of toned coins, this one
boasts splendid blue, green and gold circles of vibrant hues around the
periphery, while the centers remain silvery white. This coin was obviously
housed in a National Pages album for many years, and sent off to PCGS prior to
this sale. As to the surfaces, they are free of the usual handling problems
such as scratches or adjustment marks, and present an opportunity as such. 1796
half dimes come well struck as a rule, and this coin is no exception. Curiously
the reverse die was rotated about 20 degrees counter clockwise when this one
was struck. As a type coin, the draped bust small eagle coins were struck in
just two years, and this has long been one of the more difficult type coins to
locate in high grade.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,800.
Purchased by Dr.
Benson on December 26, 1944 from Hollinbeck Coin Company for $16.00.
Lot 337
1797. 15 stars, LM-1, V-2,
Rarity-3. EF-45. Here is another delightfully toned coin that boasts
rich yellow, red, blue, gold and green shades on the obverse, and similar bold
colors around the reverse periphery. As frequently seen on this type, there are
shallow pin scratches in the right obverse field and an even lighter one on her
face. Other handling marks are less noticeable, as well as the usual hairlines.
As always seen, the central design elements are weakly struck, especially the
fine feather details on the eagle.
Certainly worth a strong premium for the
superb color and strong hair detail on Liberty. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $2,500-3,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased May, 1944
from Ira S. Reed for $25.00.
Lot 338
1797. 15 stars, LM-1,
Valentine-2, Rarity-3. PCGS graded VF-30. It is apparent that this
coin was cleaned in the distant past, as the surfaces show myriad lines from
cleaning with a light abrasive. Over the last 57 years the coin has toned back
with magnificent rainbow colors around the periphery of each side, while the
centers are still untoned. Minor surface scratches can be seen with a glass and
there are some tiny pits at the center of the obverse. Struck from clashed
dies, as are all, with minor weakness on the eagle.
Estimated Value
$1,500-1,800.
Purchased by Dr. Benson on February 22, 1945 from Ira S.
Reed for $20.
Lot 339
1797. 16 stars, LM-2, V-4,
Rarity-4. From the "World's Greatest Collection" sale of 1945. PCGS
graded AU-55. First of all, this coin is extraordinary, the surfaces don't
show wear and we would not at all be surprised to see this coin graded higher
in the future, and well it should. As to the strike, we note full curls on
Liberty's upper head, but ever-present weakness is located at the center below
Liberty's ear. Sharp on the stars, date and periphery. On the reverse, we see
clashed dies, which show fine wavy lines above the eagle from Liberty's hair,
and the outline of her bust on the upper right of the reverse. The eagle has
the usual mushy strike, with most of the wing feathers clear, but the breast
and thigh feathers flat. However, the eagle does have a nice head, with a
strong tongue and partial eye visible. If you love toned coins, then take a
look at this one, the periphery is alive with dark gold, red and blue shades
over the lustrous fields and devices, while the centers are still white. There
is a trivial dark area on the palm leaves below the M of AMERICA and this will
help serve to identify this coin in the future.
This pair of dies clashed
very early and both the obverse and reverse show strong clash marks, further
the reverse die cracked through the E of UNITED when it was paired with a 15
star obverse earlier, so all coins of this variety have that particular die
crack on the reverse. Further, the reverse die shows rust around the periphery,
an indication of improper storage (not enough grease) in the humid Philadelphia
air. This is a fairly early die state for this variety.
Over the years, a
great many coin auction sales have taken place, few can stand the test of time
as truly historic memorable collections. The collection, or perhaps "hoard", of
F.C.C. Boyd was one of those truly memorable events. His collection was
catalogued and sold by Numismatic Gallery in several parts, and this part of
the auction took place in May, 1945. Most of the coins were separated long ago
from their pedigrees, but a few of the coins in this collection were purchased
directly at the sale by Ira S. Reed, acting as agent for Dr. Benson, and the
original auction paper envelope is included with the coins confirming this
illustrious pedigree. Color photo.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
From the Dr. Benson Collection, and purchased by his agent Ira S. Reed
at the World's Greatest Collection Sale, Numismatic Gallery, May 12, 1945, for
$31.00 with envelope flip included.
Lot 340
1797. 13 Stars, LM-4,
Valentine-1, Rarity-6. Sharpness of VF-35 but porosity on the obverse
and with a bend on the rim. This particular coin boasts well struck devices
and even breast feathers on the eagle. However, the surfaces have been cleaned,
and we note an area of porosity up from the rim at the date through most of
Liberty, and this is likely some sort of post minting damage. There is a mark
on Liberty's cheek, and the edge is slightly bent along the lower right of the
obverse. We also see a minor tick between the AT of STATES on the reverse. A
coin that could be retoned and made to look more natural. Rare and seldom
offered in high grades, this one should be carefully viewed by prospective
buyers.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
From Superior Stamp & Coin
Company's Steinberg Sale, September 1996, lot 378.
Lot 341
1800. LM-1, V-1, Rarity-3.
PCGS graded MS-63. This is the commonest variety of 1800 half dime.
Frosty luster in the fields which boasts rich blue and gold shades on both
sides. Note the splashes of gold on the left and right side of the obverse,
while the central area remains a beautiful shade of blue. As to the strike, it
is full and complete on the obverse, with strong stars and sharp curls on
Liberty. Similar on the reverse, with strong device detail on the eagle and
lettering, and the only weakness is on the upper right clouds and a couple of
the stars, as usually seen on this variety. The dies both show light clash
marks. One tiny scratch is seen from the left side of the first T of STATES
down to the star below, and there is a minor planchet line below Liberty's
bust, likely where something was on the planchet when it was struck. A
magnificent coin that will certainly be the highlight of an advanced half dime
collection. Color photo.
Estimated Value $8,000-10,000.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from the"World's Greatest Collection",
Numismatic Gallery, May 11, 1945, lot 198 with envelope included.
Lot 342
1800. LM-1, V-1, Rarity-3.
PCGS graded AU-58. This one is nearly mint state, and has deep blue
toning with bright silver at the center in the shape of an eye on both sides.
The surfaces are clean, with no problem marks or blemishes. One tiny scrape
past the last A of AMERICA and another touching the top two arrowhead into the
field above will serve to identify this stunning coin. Boldly struck and well
balanced, the dies show minor clash marks, and the luster is abundant
throughout. Not a particularly rare coin, but certain to please the specialist
in early silver. A lot of flash for the cash. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$3,000-3,500.
From the Benson collection and probably purchased in the
1940s.
Lot 343
1800. "LIBEKTY", LM-3, V-2,
Rarity-4. PCGS graded AU-55. Deep blue, green and yellow toning on
the obverse, lighter on the reverse, where the coin is white save for
peripheral blue shades. Nicely struck by the dies, with full stars and curls on
the obverse, and the usual die flaw on the reverse below the eagle's beak.
Minor hairlines from handling and circulation, with a faint cluster left of the
date. Excellent luster and surfaces, and worth a strong bid for the colorful
toning and curious broken "R" punch on the obverse. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $3,000-3,500.
From the Benson collection and probably purchased in
the 1940s.
Lot 344
1801. LM-2, V-1 (or V-2),
Rarity-4. AU-55. This coin is stunning for the grade. We note a
minor planchet flaw from the rim to the third star, which does not affect the
reverse. Naturally, such flaws are common on early coinage, and are reminders
of the primitive equipment and difficult times facing the Mint, especially so
in 1801 when the Senate nearly voted it out of existence! In the toning
department, this one has beautiful golden-gray shades with blue luster
throughout, and lighter shades at the center of the reverse. Few marks are
worthy of note, the most obvious identifier is the planchet flaw, and we also
note a hidden scrape on the inside of stars ten and eleven, and a few very
minor handling marks on Liberty's head and curls. On the reverse we note a tiny
horizontal scratch right of the shield in the eagle's wing, and another small
tick below and right of the scroll end below the ME of AMERICA. There are
scattered handling marks and hairlines, none of consequence.
An early die
state, struck soon after the obverse die clashed with the reverse, leaving the
shield lines above the back of Liberty's head, and long before the obverse die
cracked. Slightly off-center, with areas of the dentils weak, others very
sharp, as the dies were probably not quite lined up in perfect horizontal
fashion in the press. Mint-fresh luster and a coin that will dazzle the
advanced numismatist for many decades to come.
Much research has been done
over the last decade on 1801 half dimes. Valentine probably knew of only one
variety, although he reported two, it now appears to be a case of a heavily
lapped obverse die. An intense study of dozens of 1801 half dimes was been
conducted by Jules Reiver and Ed Price, who have concluded that both
Valentine-1 and Valentine-2 were struck with the same pair of dies, and thus
are the same variety, but vastly different die states. Their findings were
published in the John Reich Journal, and copies would happily be provided to
the buyer of this lot. A third variety, Valentine-3 (LM-1) has been well
documented and remains very rare with just a few specimens known. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
From the Benson collection and likely
purchased in the 1940s although no specific pedigree information was found with
this particular coin.
Lot 345
1805. LM-1, V-1, Rarity-4.
AU-50. As a date, the 1805 half dime is highly desirable. The
reported mintage of 15,600 leaves precious few for collectors today. To find a
high grade example is nearly impossible. In particular, this coin has frosty
luster, deep blue and gold toning around the rims, and has the typical strike
(weak on Liberty's bust). One tiny drill mark is noted on the second T of
STATES, but this is not too distracting, and microscopic in size. We also note
two minor scratches below the lower curl of Liberty, left of the date. On the
edge of the coin, we note reeding on the left side of the obverse, none on the
right side, perhaps the coin was not aligned in the Castaing machine when the
edge reeding was applied, and only half the coin lined up on the edge die.
Irregular reeding is not that uncommon on these early small silver coins. As a
date, 1805 is difficult to obtain above EF condition, and the opportunity to
purchase such a wonderful toned example of this rare date should not be missed.
In a review of the PCGS Population Report, the finest 1805 half dime graded is
AU-58, and only a total of 3 coins have been graded as high as AU-50! The
significance of this lustrous AU coin can not be overstated.
Estimated
Value $2,000-2,400.
From the Benson collection and purchased from
Macallister on March 17, 1945 as "Uncirculated" for $220, and previously in a
Wayte Raymond Sale, lot 501.
Lot 346
1805. LM-1, Valentine-1,
Rarity-4. VG-8. Medium steel gray in color and decent for the
moderate grade assigned. A few stray surface marks, and weakly struck on the
bust and eagle, as always seen.
Estimated Value $600-700.
From
Stack's sale, June 1989, Lot 1217.