Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 552
1884. PCGS graded
Proof 67. One of the finest grades awarded to any of these superb dimes,
this one boasts deep gold toning with blue highlights at the rims. Pristine
surfaces, with nearly perfect devices and fields throughout. The quality of
this coin simply staggers the imagination. PCGS has graded 14 this high, with 3
graded higher, all PR-68. If you want the winner of the grading marathon, then
take a long look at this coin and expect to pay a strong price if you expect to
acquire it. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,800-3,200.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as
part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 553
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Creamy white frost on the devices and boldly impressed by the
dies. During the last 56 years, this one has toned with rich gold shades and
deep blue at the extreme edge, courtesy of a Wayte Raymond holder. PCGS notes
that 27 have been graded this high, with 8 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858
to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 554
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Lovely antique gray toning around the periphery, with deep frost
on the devices. Apparently an early strike from the dies. PCGS in their
Population Report shows just 27 this high, with 8 graded higher of this date.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 555
1885. NGC graded
MS-65. A well toned specimen favoring the hues of violet and blue on both
sides.
Estimated Value $450-500.
Lot 556
1886. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Especially deep blue forming a nearly complete circle on the
obverse, with a small break at 9 o'clock where reddish gold predominates.
Gorgeous gold and copper shades in the fields, while Liberty shows just a
whisper of antique gold toning. Similar on the reverse, with the headlight
white at the center, toned around the wreath with gold fading to ocean cove
blue at the rims. 886 were struck in 1886, 17 of which PCGS has graded this
high, with just 5 graded higher, all PR-67. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$1,500-1,700.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James
Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 557
1886-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. A splendid example, well struck and delicately toned with gold and
gray around the devices.
Estimated Value $1,700-1,900.
Lot 558
1887. PCGS graded
Proof 66. One of the finest graded of this date, PCGS notes just 10 seen
this high with a single coin graded higher (PR-67). Seductive blue and gold
toning over frosted devices, and highly eye appealing. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858
to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 559
1888. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Watery deep fields that are enhanced by rich golden tones and
electric blue at the rims. Boldly struck and superb quality for this date. PCGS
notes 10 graded this high, with just 4 graded higher. Another toned delight for
the proof specialist. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March
31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 560
1889. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Sharp on the wreath, but minor weakness is noted on Liberty's
head. Deep gold and blue around the periphery, and trouble free surfaces
throughout.
Estimated Value $350-400.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858
to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 561
1890. PCGS graded
Proof 66. A frosty white gem that boasts deep gold at the rims, a touch of
blue, and superb surfaces. PCGS seems to agree, only 19 have been graded this
high, with a mere 5 graded higher. Boldly struck, and near the tail end of the
Seated coin production.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as
part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00.
Lot 562
1891. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Dark blue at the rims, deep gold through the lettering and snowy
white at the center of the obverse, the reverse with a ring of gold and bright
white from the wreath to the center. Simply superb, undiminished fields and
devices. All one can find with a glass are some scattered lint particles which
were present when this one was struck. One of the finest graded by PCGS, they
have awarded 10 this high, with none graded higher. Perhaps that will change if
this is resubmitted to PCGS or NGC for a higher grade. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,800-3,200.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858
to 1915 for $195.00.