Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 408
1855. PCGS graded
AU-55. Strong luster in the fields, and well struck from an obverse die
that has a nice bisecting horizontal crack. Gold toning with iridescent
highlights around the periphery. Exceptional quality for the grade.
Estimated Value $90-110.
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 409
1855-O. PCGS graded
AU-58. This coin was purchased at Kosoff/Kreisberg's Numismatic Gallery
sale of The World's Greatest Collection. In that sale, the cataloger's graded
this as "Extremely Fine" and estimated the value to be $1.50. The coin sold for
$2.50 at that sale to Dr. Benson, and the original envelope is included with
this lot.
As to the variety, this is V-1a, with a healthy die crack through
stars eight to thirteen. with a lighter crack through the first seven stars to
Liberty's head. Lumps are noted on Liberty's cap, and there is die rust on some
of the stars on the right. The date and right arrow are weak, probably due to
die lapping. Toned with deep blue and gold on the obverse, the center bright
white with the reverse with light gold around the edge, and mostly white. A
rare coin in or approaching mint state, and expect a battle when this sparkling
little jewel crosses the block.
Estimated Value $150-200.
From the
Benson collection and purchased directly from Numismatic Gallery's sale of the
"World's Greatest Collection" May 11, 1945, with envelope included from that
sale.
Lot 410
1856. MS-60.
Frosty luster in the fields and mostly white in color at the centers, while
the edges are toned with alluring green and gold hues. Poorly struck at the
dentils, but sharp on the central devices. This is an example of the upright 5,
curved 6 with an open top variety.
Estimated Value $100-120.
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 411
1856-O. EF-40.
Here is an example of the closed 6, large O variety. Magnificent blue green
toning around the periphery, a few minor surface marks too, and typical of the
Benson collection.
Estimated Value $60-70.
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 412
1857. NGC graded
Proof 65. A totally white gem proof example with plenty of contrast between
the mirror surfaces and frosted devices. Some faint die chip and lint marks can
be seen under magnification, these were undoubtedly present when struck. One of
only about 70 or so made.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.
Lot 413
1857. PCGS graded
MS-64. Nearly a gem that boasts full luster, delicate gold to darker shades
around the edges, and a decent strike. Scarce, and a lot more expensive any
better.
Estimated Value $450-500.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from B. Max Mehl as "Unc." for 75¢.
Lot 414
1857. MS-63.
Mottled gold and blue toning on both sides, and sharp on the left side,
weak on the right, as the dies may have been slightly out of alignment.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 415
1857. MS-63.
Bright and untoned, with strong luster. The planchet shows minor streaks
and which caused some weakness on Liberty's head.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 416
1858. PCGS graded
Proof 65. A superb example of this rare early proof issue, perhaps 100 were
coined, and PCGS has graded 10 this high, with a single coin graded higher.
This particular coin boasts frosted devices and well mirrored fields. In the
toning department, it is truly beautiful, with deep blue and gray around the
edges into the fields, and snowy white at the center on the obverse, the
reverse similar but with less toning around the edge, and more snowy white
areas from the wreath to the center. There is a small area right and below HALF
where the mirror surfaces are not complete, as struck, which should help to
identify this one. Color photo.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
From
the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $7.25 probably in the
mid 1940s. While we have no substantiation, this may be the Newcomb coin, as
Dr. Benson purchased several coins from that collection via various dealers,
and it was broken up around the time this collection was formed.
Lot 417
1858-O. EF-45.
Steel gray with gold around the edges. Minor surface marks left of the
date.
Estimated Value $50-60.
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 418
1859-O. PCGS graded
AU-55. Bright at the centers with the periphery toned from long storage in
National Pages albums. Sharply struck, with minimal circulation evidence.
Estimated Value $150-175.
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 419
1859. PCGS graded
Proof 65. A gorgeous example of this date. Deep blue toning around the rim,
with frosty white centers. The reverse is lighter, with gold around the rim.
One small planchet flaw is noted through the lower two points of the ninth star
to just below the base of Liberty's cap will serve to identify. PCGS notes 21
graded as such, with 9 graded higher (best PR-67). Color photo.
Estimated
Value $3,000-3,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max
Mehl for $4.20 probably around 1944.
Lot 420
1860. Obverse of 1859,
reverse of 1860 (with stars). Judd-267, Pollock 315, Rarity-4. PCGS
graded MS-67. The coin without a country! One of the more famous
pattern issues, the obverse retains the 1859 and prior design with the stars
surrounding Liberty, while the reverse is the new style with the larger wreath,
as was adapted in 1860. The problem with the design is, there is no identifying
which country issued it! Only 100 were struck, sort of as a pattern issue, but
they have been included in all the mainstream collecting references for
decades, such as the Guide Book, Breen's Encyclopedia and others. Hence,
everyone wants one, and there are precious few to go around. PCGS has graded
just 42 of these, and this one sits solidly at the top as MS-67, and is one of
5 seen by that service graded this high.
The surfaces are pristine, and the
frost literally jumps of the surfaces. Around the edge we note deep blue toning
turning to gold through the obverse stars and reverse wreath. The strike is not
quite complete on just three of the stars, perhaps because of the wreath on the
reverse. One of the most famous of all pattern issues, and always in feverish
demand. To find one so fresh and pristine is quite a challenge, and no doubt
this one will be snapped up be an eager collector who demands the absolute best
available. Color photo.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on April 2, 1945 for the relatively
high price of $75.00.
Lot 421
1860. Legend. PCGS
graded Proof 62. Here is an example of a moderate grade on a really
beautiful coin. The obverse has deep blue and gold toning, with the centers
bright white, the reverse has similar toning, deep gold at the rims, bright at
the centers. Minor handling marks inside the wreath on the reverse, and trivial
hairlines from a higher grade. A scarce and early proof issue.
Estimated
Value $250-300.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max
Mehl for $2.85, probably around 1943/4.
Lot 422
1860. Legend. PCGS
graded Proof 62. Deep blue toning with rose highlights at the centers.
Minor hairlines account for the grade. One for the toned coin specialist.
Estimated Value $250-300.
From the Benson collection and purchased
from Ira S. Reed, March 22, 1944 for $3.50.
Lot 423
1860-O. NGC graded
MS-63. Here is a controversial coin, the surfaces are reflective and we
note a strong wire edge around most of the obverse and reverse as seen on proof
issues. Breen states that 4 proofs are known of this date, the reason they were
struck is unknown. Regardless, if this is mint state or proof, it is a
beautiful example that boasts deep gray and blue toning on the obverse, and
lighter shades on the reverse. Quickly identifiable by a small edge cut or
lamination left of the date and a speck near the bottom point of the cap. The
mintmark is thin on the left, thicker on right side.
Estimated Value
$250-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 424
1861. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Extremely pleasing for the grade, with deep blue and green around
the rims, brighter at the centers. Minor hairlines account for the grade.
Estimated Value $250-300.
From the Benson collection and purchased
from B. Max Mehl for $7.00 around 1945.
Lot 425
1862. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Hazy golden gray on both sides, with deeper blue around the
obverse rim. Boldly struck as expected for a proof, and well frosted on the
devices. This appears to be V-3, with the top of the second S in STATES filled.
Another magnificent coin for the grade, and one which most collectors will be
proud to own for many years to come.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From
the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $2.10 probably around
1944.
Lot 426
1863. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Deep gold and blue in color on the obverse, lighter on the
reverse. Sharply impressed and quite appealing for the grade. This is the V-1
variety, with the 18 repunched low. Color photo.
Estimated Value $500-600.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $3.35
around 1944.
Lot 427
1863-S. EF-40.
Golden toning on the obverse, but there are several faint scratches in the
fields on the obverse.
Estimated Value $80-90.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl as "Unc." probably around 1944.
Lot 428
1864. PCGS graded
Proof 66. One of the finest graded of this date, PCGS notes 6 this high
with a single coin graded higher. Deep blue in the fields, frosty on the
devices which also show toning. A superb example for the specialist who demands
outstanding quality. Further, this is a rare date with a mintage of just 470
and a low mintage of just 48,000 for circulation. Mintages of both proofs and
business strikes plummeted during the dark days of the Civil War. Always
popular with collectors, this date is seldom offered in high grades. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from B. Max Mehl for $25.00 around 1944.
Lot 429
1864-S. PCGS graded
AU-58. Another coin from the famous WGC. This one is a delight, frosty
luster with delicate gold around the rims, with ample eye appeal. One tiny
planchet lamination at the O in OF will serve to identify. Only 90,000 were
struck, and few remain in high grade. This one will no doubt find many suitors.
Estimated Value $300-400.
From the Benson collection and purchased
directly from Kosoff's/Kreisberg's Numismatic Gallery's sale of the "World's
Greatest Collection", May 11, 1945 as "extremely fine" for $7.50 with envelope
included.
Lot 430
1865. PCGS graded
Proof 66. One of the finest graded by PCGS, which reports 10 this high and
none graded higher! Superb deep blue around the rims, fading to gold, then
white at the centers. Deeply frosted devices, and wonderfully preserved. Only
500 minted, with an additional 13,000 business strikes, combine to make this
one of the lowest mintage years of all Half Dimes. Don't miss this one if you
love toned proofs. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
From
the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $7.35 around 1944.
Lot 431
1865-S. PCGS graded
AU-50. Flashy gold toning around the rims, bright white at the centers.
Sharp for this date, and struck from clashed dies, with cracks on either side
of the mintmark to the rim.
Estimated Value $300-350.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 9, 1945 for $2.50.