Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 619
1916-D. PCGS graded
MS-64 Full Bands. The key date to this beautiful series, only 264,000 were
coined, and most are found well circulated. PCGS has graded a number of these,
in this particular grade just 81, and we note 45 have been graded higher.
Lightly toned around the devices, with good luster and clean surfaces, even for
this grade. Boldly struck, as were most that year, with full separation on the
central fasces bands. A few faint lines can be seen with a glass.
Estimated
Value $8,000-9,000.
Lot 620
1916-D. MS-60 or
better. This one has been cleaned and is now a bit dull and we see a few
hairlines on the surfaces. A mintage of 264,000 keeps this one in strong demand
as the key date to the series. Boldly struck for the date, and worth a look
from date collectors. Starting to retone with golden hues over silvery white
fields and devices.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 621
1916-S and 1931-S.
The first grades MS-64, the second MS-65. Both are lightly toned
jewels that boast excellent luster. Softly struck at the centers, as often seen
for these dates. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $100-120.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on September 25, 1944 in
a partial collection of Mercury dimes for $100.00.
Lot 622
1917-D, 1918-D and 1920-D.
These grade as follows: 1917-D EF-40 cleaned, 1918-D AU-58 and 1920-D
AU-55. The first has retoned over the decades, and still shows luster, and
all are decent for the grade. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on
September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for $100.00.
Lot 623
1917-S. NGC graded
MS-66 Full Bands. Gorgeous white luster and well struck throughout. A rare
date this nice, and certain to attract attention from the specialists in the
series. NGC has graded 11 this high, with none graded higher.
Estimated
Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 624
1917-S. PCGS graded
MS-64 Full Bands. Premium Quality. All we can say is look at this coin. If
you want a superb 1917-S with delicate toning, a strong strike and the only
complaint is the faintest tick mark on the jaw, then here it is.
Estimated
Value $750-850.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James
Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for
$100.00.
Lot 625
1917-D. MS-63 Full
Bands. Sharply struck by the dies, including the central bands on the
reverse. Deep golden toning on both sides, over luster in the fields.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 626
1918-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. A lovely coin that boasts golden toning on both sides over mint
fresh luster. Weakly struck, as usual for this date.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James
Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for
$100.00.
Lot 627
1919-D. AU-53.
Rich gold color on the obverse, and subtle gray on the reverse. Typical
hairlines from an ancient cleaning.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the
Benson collection and purchased on December 26, 1944 from Hollinbeck for $3.75
as "Uncirculated".
Lot 628
1919-S The World's Greatest
Collection Specimen. PCGS graded MS-65. Superb luster and flecks of
gold toning on both sides, with hints of sea green and other hues. Minor
weakness at the centers, but this coin is simply a joy to behold. The pedigree
isn't bad either.... Color photo.
Estimated Value $700-800.
From the
Benson collection and purchased at Numismatic Gallery's sale of "The World's
Greatest Collection", May 11, 1945, lot 781 for $4.25 or $7.25 both prices were
noted, with envelope included from that sale.
Lot 629
1920-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. Flecks of deep gold toning scattered over both sides and lustrous
beneath. Average strike.
Estimated Value $300-350.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from James Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a
partial collection of Mercury dimes for $100.00.
Lot 630
1921. PCGS graded
MS-65 Full Bands. This popular low mintage date is seldom available in high
mint state grades. In particular, only 1,230,00 were struck, most of which
circulated down to very low grades before being saved during the coin
collecting boom years of the 1940s and 1950s. With the advent of population
reports, we now have a better idea of just how rare some of these dates are, in
particular, PCGS has graded only 42 coins as MS-65 FB for 1921, with a scant 21
graded higher. That isn't many to go around for all the specialized Mercury
dime collections. The coin has a few tiny flakes of toning over satiny white
luster, and is highly appealing. Examination will find virtually no signs of
contact on the obverse, and just a few tiny ticks on the central reverse
device. Boldly struck, and a prize for the collector.
Estimated Value
$2,700-3,200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James
Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for
$100.00.
Lot 631
1921-D. PCGS graded
MS-65 Full Bands. Stunning, simply stunning. Delicate gold tones on either
side and boldly struck throughout. Examination with a 10X glass finds only the
tiniest of ticks, and precious few of those. We can't imagine anyone finding
fault with this coin, other than the well deserved strong price that it will
bring! PCGS has graded 47 as such of this desirable rarity, and 15 graded
higher, all MS-66 FB. A classic rarity in gem condition that will always be the
highlight of an advanced Mercury dime collection, just as its been a highlight
in Dr. Benson's collection for the last 57+ years.
Estimated Value
$3,500-4,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James
Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for
$100.00.
Lot 632
1921-D. NGC graded
MS-65 Full Bands. A fully struck and very choice example, totally white in
appearance.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 633
1923-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. Deep gold and sea green toning extends across the obverse, the
reverse brighter with abundant luster. Nearly a full strike, as the bands show
good separation but are not quite full at the center. We note a thin scratch
below the L of LIBERTY, which accounts for the grade.
Estimated Value
$350-450.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Numismatic
Gallery's "World's Greatest Collection Sale", May 12, 1945, lot 783, for $4.75
with envelope included from that remarkable sale.
Lot 634
1924-D. PCGS graded
MS-66 Full Bands. Deep gold toning with touches of sea green at the rims on
the lower parts of the obverse, and left side of the reverse. Boldly struck by
the dies and in a superb state of preservation. If you loved toned coins, take
a peek at the vibrant colors here. PCGS has graded 30 this high, with just 7
graded higher (all MS-67 FB). Superb in every way. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $1,800-2,200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ben's
Stamp & Coin on November 21, 1944 for $3.25.
Lot 635
1924-D. MS-64 Full
Bands. A rare coin in this grade, and this one is quite beautiful for the
dazzling array of colors on both sides. Sunset gold to red on the obverse, and
similar matching colors on the reverse. Quite lustrous and a gem in every
regard. A late die state with a crack up through Liberty's bust, and a rim
break behind her wing.
Estimated Value $300-400.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from Hollinbeck December 26, 1944 for $3.75.
Lot 636
1924-S. PCGS graded
MS-65. Lightly toned with satiny gold hues over abundant mint fresh luster.
Well struck, but the central reverse bands are not quite full. Pristine
surfaces throughout, and a rare coin in this grade, as few have been awarded
gem grades by PCGS, where the Population Report shows just 16 graded this high,
with a single coin graded higher, and similar numbers for full bands specimens.
An opportunity to put a rare date away as it is seldom available in gem grades.
Estimated Value $700-800.
From the Benson collection and purchased
from James Macallister on September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury
dimes for $100.00.
Lot 637
1925-D. PCGS graded
MS-66 Full Bands. One of the finest to survive from this date, PCGS notes
just 22 have been graded this high, with 2 coins graded higher! Gorgeous gold
toning on the obverse, with reddish and green hints mixed in near the rims, the
reverse brighter with gold around the edges. Remember, most of these were put
away in 1944 and not touched since that time. To find such quality is nearly
impossible under any circumstances and the quality of the Benson coins simply
staggers the imagination. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on
September 25, 1944 in a partial collection of Mercury dimes for $100.00.
Lot 638
1925-S. PCGS graded
MS-66 Full Bands. One of the finest graded to date by PCGS, only 12 have
been awarded this grade, with a single coin graded higher. This particular coin
has gold and green shades splashed onto the obverse, while the reverse is more
white, with gold at the edges. If you want a pristine example for your
collection, then here is a magnificent coin that would be virtually impossible
to best. Expect a runaway price on this well struck gem.
Estimated Value
$5,500-6,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck
on December 26, 1944 for $3.75.