Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 347
1829 V-12, LM-13.1. R-6 as
a Proof. NGC graded Proof 64. After 24 years half dime production
resumed in 1829, and several proofs were struck from various dies. This
particular variety is not reported in Breen's Encyclopedia on Proofs, but is
noted in the recent Logan-McCloskey variety reference work as being represented
by proof and business strike coins. Toned a very deep blue in color with clean
surfaces and excellent eye appeal. Identifiable by a small lint mark that
extends up from the front tip of the headband curling back above the cap
towards the rim. This one did not come with a pedigree, and we've found these
early proofs extremely difficult to trace to prior sales, as photography and
printing have both advanced substantially, as well as values, in the last few
decades. In NGC holder #259896-015. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$8,000-10,000.
Possibly one of 2 offered in Heritage's FUN sale,
1/99:6382, 6383.
Lot 348
1829. LM-18, V-1b,
Rarity-5. PCGS graded AU-58. This is a very scarce die variety that
is seldom available in any grade. Note that this is an early die state and the
crack through the third and fourth star has barely started. Minor circulation
marks in the fields, and delightful deep blue around the rims fading to bright
gold at the centers. Lustrous and well preserved, a true variety collector will
certainly appreciate the condition and rarity of this coin. Currently in the
top half dozen known of the variety, and well worth a premium as such.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the Benson collection and purchased
April 3, 1944 from James G. Macallister as Uncirculated for $1.50.
Lot 349
1829. LM-4, V-13, Rarity-3.
EF-45. Probably cleaned years ago, as we see minor hairlines in the
fields, but now toned with desirable and lovely deep blue and gold around the
periphery of the obverse and reverse.
Estimated Value $80-100.
From
the Benson collection, and purchased on November 22, 1944 from B. Max Mehl for
$1.45 as "Uncirculated".
Lot 350
1830 V-5, LM-9.1, R-7.
NGC graded Proof 66. An extremely rare coin in Proof, only a few are
known, and to find one in such superlative condition is simply amazing. Only 3
have been graded by the two grading services, this is the finest seen, with
PCGS having one as PR-65, and NGC has another as PF-64. The surfaces are bright
and flashy, with a touch of gold to show some age, and each of the devices is
well frosted. Perhaps traceable by a tiny speck at the rim just left of the
date, and a bit more golden toning on the reverse. In NGC holder #564264-004.
Deeply mirrored fields provide the contrast which makes these proofs so
distinctive, and this coin boasts abundant eye appeal.
Curiously, these
early proofs were hit or miss. Some years, like 1829, quite a few were coined,
PCGS estimates 30, then in 1830 mintages really tailed off, with perhaps 10
struck at most. Dies were simply polished up and a proof coin or two was
stamped out. In this case, the reverse die already showed signs of wear when
this proof was coined, with the tops of S1 and S2 both filled, as well as the
left side of the M, and rim crumbling is noted near the arrowheads. The obverse
die appears to be an early die state, and Liberty herself is well frosted and
shows faint die lines that would soon be worn away as more coins were struck.
Well mirrored fields and a true connoisseurs coin. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $25,000-30,000.
Lot 351
1830. LM-1.2, V-10,
Rarity-4. PCGS graded MS-62. Not only is this a beautiful coin, but
the die state is fascinating. Bright luster is enhanced by vibrant peripheral
shades of blue and gold, while the centers are white. Minor handling marks,
expected for the grade. As to the die state, the obverse die has a light crack
through Liberty's head and up above her cap (as seen on LM-2), and the reverse
has several cracks, with die sections loose through MER and above IC in
AMERICA. We also note a healthy lump (sinking in the die) on the eagle's wing
below CA, which is very similar in appearance to the 1855 "knob ear" large
cent. Truly one for the collector to enjoy and study.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G.
Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00.
Lot 352
1831. LM-6, V-1, Rarity-1.
PCGS graded AU-55. Good luster, color and surfaces. Both dies show
clash marks, but are fairly early die states.
Estimated Value $150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for a $1.45 as
"uncirculated".
Lot 353
1832. LM-3, V-1, Rarity-1.
AU-50. Cleaned long ago, but still lustrous and mostly white. One
small surface disturbance near the denomination by the rim on the reverse.
Estimated Value $125-150.
From the Benson collection and purchased
from B. Max Mehl for $1.25.
Lot 354
1833. LM-4.1, V-3,
Rarity-2. PCGS graded AU-55. An average strike with minor weakness
on the eagle, but nice color at the rims. Minor handling marks expected from
circulation.
Estimated Value $160-175.
From the Benson collection
and purchased in a large group of half dimes from J. G. Macallister on November
7, 1944 for $80.00.
Lot 355
1834. LM-2, V-1, Rarity-1.
PCGS graded MS-63. This choice coin is prooflike in the fields and
is toned with magnificent deep gray, green, gold and blue. Minor handling marks
from a higher grade, but certain to please. These dies produced proof examples,
and this coin is from an early die state, so the dies retained some of their
proof mirroring when this was struck, especially on the reverse. This one has
enough mirror finish to possibly be a proof, so inspection recommended. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7,
1944 for $80.00.
Lot 356
1835. Large date and
5¢, LM-7, V-4, Rarity-3. MS-60+. Toned with deep and
questionable gray colors on both sides, although the luster seems undisturbed.
Perhaps this one was exposed to a few too many Philadelphia summers in the
past. Nicely struck, with sharp stars and curls on Liberty. A scarce die
marriage, and probably could be improved.
Estimated Value $200-225.
From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister for
$1.50 around 1944.
Lot 357
1835. Small date, large
5¢, LM-8.1, V-5, Rarity-2. PCGS graded AU-58. Nearly mint
state, with dark peripheral toning and luster in the fields. Struck from
clashed dies.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the Benson collection
and purchased from J. G. Macallister for $1.50 probably around 1944.
Lot 358
1836. The Eliasberg Coin.
Large 5¢ V-5, LM-1-1, R-5. NGC graded Proof 66. This coin is
simply stunning to behold. The head of Liberty is toned a light silvery gray,
while the surrounding fields are varying hues of blue, green and rich gold
colors, as you near the rim. Similar toning on the reverse, with deeper colors
near the rim, mottled gold at the centers and on the eagle. As to the strike,
it is extremely sharp, and the fields are well mirrored including between the
shield lines on the reverse. The only part of the field that is not mirrored is
a small area which extends up from the left wing of the eagle to the scroll
below the first U of PLURIBUS, and this part of the reverse die has clashed
with the obverse, the shape of area is from Liberty's bust. Bowers and Merena,
when they catalogued the fabulous Louis Eliasberg Collection in 1996, noted
that this coin was a "possible proof" and graded it MS-65, prooflike. They also
noted that Walter Breen, in his Proof Encyclopedia, noted that he had examined
this coin and considered it to be a proof. NGC agreed, and they have graded it
as PF-66. As to the rarity, both PCGS and NGC have each graded 1 coin, both as
PR-66 (possibly the same coin, although we have no information to back this
up). Regardless of the grade, this is a fantastic coin which will surely
delight the most advanced specialist for its superlative surfaces, strong
strike and alluring color.
As a die state, this early reverse use is quite
rare. The reverse die has cracked through the T of UNITED to the scroll, and
another crack extends between the D and S from the scroll. Thus, despite these
cracks this is an early reverse die state, and precious few are known.
Soon after this coin was struck, this section of the die became loose, and
formed a retained cud. In one of those curious events, more 1835 half
dimes were struck after this retained cud formed, as well as more 1836 half
dimes, proving once again that the Mint didn't always pay attention to the
dates on dies, but simply used them until they fell apart or the design
changed. Color photo.
Estimated Value $25,000-30,000.
From Bowers &
Merena's Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., collection, Part 1, May 1996, lot 934.
Lot 359
1836. Small 5¢, LM-4,
V-2, Rarity-2. PCGS graded AU-50. Deep smoky blue-gray toning
throughout, and one spot below the last star. Probably cleaned decades ago,
with resulting hairlines on the surfaces.
Estimated Value $150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased from J.G. Macallister for $1.50
around 1944.
Lot 360
1836. 3 over inverted 3,
LM-3, V-4, Rarity-1. PCGS graded AU-55. Minor circulation marks, and
a tiny pit on Liberty's cheek, but wonderful toning on both sides. Early die
state, but a touch weak on the curl over Liberty's ear and on the left wing of
the eagle. If you like toned coins, you'll love this piece, otherwise you
should collect something else altogether!
Estimated Value $150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased from J.G. Macallister at $1.50,
around 1944.
Lot 361
1837. Large 5¢, LM-1,
V-3, R-1. AU-50. Lovely peripheral toning of deep blue and gold,
with the centers bright and untoned. Probably cleaned decades ago, like
everything else, but not enough to harm it. Nicely struck.
Estimated Value
$150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased on November 7, 1944
in a large group of half dimes from J. G. Macallister for $80.00.