Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 452
1796. JR-3, R-5.
Sharpness of EF-45 but damaged. A rare coin, but the surfaces have
been lightly scraped and scratched on both sides. The most apparent area is
between D and S of UNITED STATES and again around OF. Most of these surface
marks are light, but can easily be seen with a glass. This is a tragedy, as
this coin would be a very high grade example of this rare variety, and possibly
in the condition census. In addition, there are some adjustment marks on the
reverse rim, and it appears that some of the surface scratches were done to
reduce these. Light gold to brown toning, and well struck. A later die state
with the reverse die cud over the first T of STATES.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from J. C.
Macallister on March 31, 1944 as "Unc." for $50.00.
Lot 453
1796. JR-6, R-3.
Almost Good-3. The left stars are worn to the rim and the tops of
UNITED are gone as well. Minute surface scratches on both sides. A filler for
the type collector. We note that this is a very late die state.
Estimated
Value $450-500.
Lot 454
1798 over 97. 16 stars,
JR-1, Rarity-3. PCGS graded MS-65. This is the finest graded of the
variety by PCGS! Toned with delicate gold hues on the obverse over frosty
luster in the fields, and the reverse with a touch more gold, mostly at the
periphery. Struck unevenly by the dies, as always, the central shield is
slightly weak, and the second star on the obverse does not show the center as
full as the others, and these diagnostics are seen on the few other high grade
examples of this date. A curious die pair, the overdate feature is popular with
the long tail of the 7 extending below the 8, and 13 stars are noted on the
obverse. But wait, the reverse shows 16 stars! What was going on? Well, the
Philadelphia Mint kept adding stars as new states joined the union. By 1796,
there were 16 states, and hence 16 stars. Sometime in 1797-98 it was decided to
go back to the original 13 stars, as the dies were becoming too crowded, plus
most of the engravers could scarcely count up to 13, and sixteen was a big
challenge for some. On the reverse, the stars are arranged in two rows of seven
each, with two additional stars surrounding the eagle's head. The obverse die
was not used to coin 1797 dimes, but was prepared and not used. Rather than
toss it away, an 8 was engraved over the final 7, and coins were struck. The
Philadelphia Mint prepared 4 reverse dies using the sixteen star pattern. Three
of these dies were used to coin quarter eagles, which are the exact same size
as dimes, and the other reverse was used to coin dimes. The dies used for the
dimes all show rust and were poorly polished, and the obverse die was obviously
lapped heavily before this one was coined, making the curls, stars and the Y of
LIBERTY weaker than the surrounding details. An important opportunity for the
dime specialist who demands gem condition, even on the early coins. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
No provenance known, although
similar to the Eliasberg coin they appear to be different, and this is not the
Numisma '95 example from Akers/Rarcoa/Stack's, nor is it the Suros coin from
Superior.
Lot 455
1805. Four berries, JR-2,
R-2. PCGS graded AU-53. Beautiful blue gray tones on the obverse,
more golden on the reverse. Nicely struck, and well preserved. A light scratch
from the hair to the upper point of the second star. We note that the PCGS
holder states "5 berries" but this is the 4 berry variety. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,200.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from J.C. Macallister on March 31, 1944 as "Unc." for $15.00.
Lot 456
1805. JR-2, Rarity-2. Four
berries. Fine-12. Steel gray in color and we see moderate hairlines
in the fields from an old cleaning. Well struck by the dies.
Estimated
Value $400-475.
Purchased in a Coin Galleries Sale, February 1990, lot
1896.
Lot 457
1807. JR-1, R-2.
Fine-12. Lightly cleaned long ago as the surfaces are slightly
reflective, now retoned.
Estimated Value $400-450.