Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 582
1902. NGC graded
Proof 66. Radiant bluish purple tones on both sides of this one, with
boldly struck devices and clean surfaces too. NGC reports just 15 graded this
high, with 7 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 583
1902. PCGS graded
Proof 65. In 1902 the proof style changed from frosted devices and mirror
fields to a semibrilliant surface. This is one of the finest around, and PCGS
agrees, with 15 graded as such, and 14 graded higher from the original mintage
of 777. Gorgeous blue and gold around the rims. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $950-1,050.
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 584
1903. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Deep bluish-gold in color and very reflective. This date was
struck in the all mirror finish, which was used for 1902-3. PCGS has graded 13
this high with just 5 higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 585
1903. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Blue, lavender and gold about the periphery of each side. This
one is very sharply struck, and we note just a few minor hairlines on Liberty's
face.
Estimated Value $400-450.
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 586
1903-O. PCGS graded
MS-65. A true Barber dime collector will instantly recognize this date as
one of the many "sleepers" of this series. After more than 15 years of
certified grading the truth is now available for anyone who can read a spread
sheet in the Population Reports. This is a downright tough date to find in high
grades, especially in gem condition. Fully struck on all devices, and with very
clean surfaces. Toned with delightful gold and gray on the obverse, while the
reverse is more alive with an artist's palette of tones, with iridescent colors
around the rims and brighter silver at the centers. PCGS has graded just 7 this
high, with a single coin graded higher, NGC has only graded a single coin as
MS-65, with none graded higher. Certainly in the top dozen known of this date,
and all about tied at that level (save for the 1 coin graded higher by PCGS).
Thus, it comes down to eye appeal, and this one certainly has loads of appeal.
An opportunity for the astute numismatist.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 587
1904. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Mottled blue and gold shades on the obverse, more organized on
the reverse with deeper blues confined to the wreath. Scarce this nice. We note
one spot over the E of UNITED.
Estimated Value $950-1,050.
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 588
1905. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Here is a vividly toned example from this memorable collection.
The hues are much richer and deeper on this 1905, dark blue around the edge,
coppery gold next fading to medium gold at the centers. Well mirrored fields,
which show few signs of handling in their glassy surface or on Liberty's cheek.
Only a 4? Yeah, sure.
Estimated Value $400-450.
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 589
1906. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Dark toning on this one that matches the 1905 just offered. Faint
hairlines on the reverse, and certainly at the high end of the 63 grade
category.
Estimated Value $225-275.
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 590
1907. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Umber shades around the rims, darkening to inky blue at the rims.
Liberty is nicely frosted, and the quality here is remarkable. These coins were
all put away in 1944 and not touched, given decades to tone the delightful
colors which are so desirable. The Benson collection is a feast for the eyes,
and will no doubt lay waste to many collecting budgets when these finally cross
the auction block. PCGS notes 21 graded this high, with just 7 graded higher.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
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 591
1907. NGC graded
Proof 66. Gorgeous colors and bright at the centers, with maximum eye
appeal. There are a few tiny ticks on Liberty's jaw from an even higher grade.
NGC reports 16 graded this high, with 9 graded higher.
Estimated Value
$1,100-1,300.
Lot 592
1908. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Particularly nice color on this coin, with blues and golds in all
the right places. PCGS liked it too, as they have only given this grade to 22
of this date, with 9 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 593
1908. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Tawny brown and gold toning, possibly from a fingerprint on the
obverse, more typical on the reverse. Bold and beautiful, and another high end
gem to entice the collector. PCGS notes only 18 graded as such, with 31 higher.
Estimated Value $950-1,050.
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 594
1908-D. NGC graded
MS-66. Deeply toned with dark gray and gold on both sides, with the centers
slightly lighter. The reverse has gorgeous blues at the edge, with reddish gold
over luster. Well struck for the date, with full details on the wreath and head
of Liberty. NGC in their Population Report notes 9 this high with just 4
higher.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 595
1909. PCGS graded
Proof 66. This gem proof has remained quite bright, with just a hint of
toning at the periphery. PCGS has graded 27 this high, with 18 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 596
1909. PCGS graded
Proof 66. This gem proof has toned with mottled gold colors. PCGS has
graded 27 this high, with 18 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 597
1909. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Dark gold and blue fingerprint toning mottled on the obverse and
reverse. Pristine surfaces beneath, and quite bold.
Estimated Value
$950-1,050.
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 598
1909-S. PCGS graded
MS-65. Well struck with gorgeous light steel blue and pale violet toning
evenly distributed on both sides. Great eye appeal.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,400.
Lot 599
1910. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Dark yellow gray toning on the obverse, the centers a bit lighter
but still quite toned. The reverse with violet blue on the wreath, with rainbow
shades surrounding. Watery fields and well preserved, although we do not a
couple of tiny planchet flakes on either side. PCGS has graded 11 this high,
with 11 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
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 600
1911. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Dark and seductive peripheral toning fading to brighter silver
hues at the centers. PCGS has graded 27 this high with just 16 higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.