Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 701
1838. EF-45.
Popular "no drapery" type. We note numerous light marks about the
rims on both sides; nevertheless, the lovely antique toning is suggestive of an
even higher grade.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 702
1840-O. With Drapery.
AU-58. Dark golden and gunmetal blue toning. The surfaces were
almost certainly cleaned in the past. Sharply struck by the dies, with minor
die cracks through the reverse lettering.
Estimated Value $400-500.
From Bowers and Merena's Norweb Collection Part II Sale, March 1988, lot
1569.
Lot 703
1852-O. AU-55.
Steel and smoky gray in color with a golden patch through Liberty. Although
96,000 were reported coined, many of these were melted as they were worth more
than face value at the time they were issued. In particular, we note that a few
stars are sharp, but most are flat at the centers, but Liberty is well struck
from head to toe. The eagle's claws are bold, as are the wing feathers. Minor
hairlines and surface marks in the fields. A date that is very difficult to
locate in high grades, and this one is certain to attract the attention of date
collectors.
Estimated Value $2,200-2,700.
From Stack's R.L. Miles
Collection Sale, April 1969, with flip included if you ask for it at lot pick
up.
Lot 704
1853. Arrows and rays.
NGC graded Proof 64 "Pittman". This is a one year type coin and one
of the rarest dates in of all quarters in proof condition. Less than 10 exist
and perhaps as few as 5 were coined. This particular example is toned with
lovely sunset gold to gray hues over the mirror fields, and the color is even
and balanced on both sides. Reflective mirror fields confirm the status as a
rare proof of this date, which nicely offset the devices. We note an
interesting discussion between David Akers and David Bowers when they were both
cataloging the Pittman and Eliasberg coins, both of which were offered raw (not
yet certified). Mr. Akers noted that the Pittman coin (the coin offered here)
did not have a mirror finish between the shield lines, but otherwise had all
the reflectivity of a proof issue, especially given that virtually all other
1853 arrows and rays quarters are so well frosted. Prospective bidders will
want to read the description under lot 1454 in the Eliasberg sale as well as
the notations under lot 1325 in the Pittman Part II collection.
NGC has
graded 4 of this date in Proof, 2 as PF-64, 1 as PF-65, and 1 as PF-66. PCGS
has graded 3 coins, 1 as PR-63, and 2 as PR-64, with none higher. Hence, this
is one of about 10 known at most, and tied near the middle with several others
in this grade, although there may be duplication in the Population Reports.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $50,000-60,000.
From David Aker's John
Jay Pittman Part 2 Collection; May 1998:1325.
Lot 705
1853. Arrows and rays.
PCGS graded MS-65. One of the finest known of this condition rarity.
PCGS has graded only 11 this high, with 5 graded higher (4 as MS-66, and 1 as
MS-67) of this important one year type coin. Fully struck throughout, including
Liberty's head, the stars, the eagle's claws and feathers, with no hint of
weakness to be found. Toned with bluish gray shades around the periphery of the
obverse, with deeper gold hues through the reverse rays. Close examination will
note planchet roller lines running at a 45 degree angle up from left to right
on the obverse, and these are mint caused and faint. No signs of contact jump
out, the coin was obviously well preserved from the time of issue, and has been
tucked away in Dr. Benson's collection since 1944. Abundant luster remains, as
this coin avoided the last 50 plus years of dippings and cleanings, which so
diminished the luster of most of its brethren. Hence, this one was awarded the
coveted gem classification from PCGS, on the first run through no less! If you
demand a gem for your type set or collection, and can appreciate the beauty of
this lightly toned coin, then bid high as we anticipate many will desire this
condition rarity.
Estimated Value $12,000-15,000.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on April 3, 1944 for $1.50
as "Unc."
Lot 706
1854. Arrows. NGC
graded MS-64. An important type coin that includes the arrows at the date,
and this one is a fully struck untoned example. Blazing luster and snowy white
in color, and scarce and a lot more expensive a point higher. Struck from
clashed and lightly cracked dies, as are most, and we see slight recutting on
the 1 in the date.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 707
1854. Arrows. NGC
graded MS-64. Steel gray in color with hints of yellow gold in the fields.
Sharply struck from clashed and cracked dies, as are most of this issue.
Apparently, the arrows caused the dies to crack more rapidly, and most
specimens show a variety of cracks. An important one year type coin, and worth
a good bid as this one is nearly a gem.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 708
1855 The Eliasberg Coin.
NGC graded Proof 66. Toned with playful splashes of gold toning in
the fields, with deeper blues near the periphery. Struck on a planchet which
shows minor striation lines running approximately horizontal, slightly down
from left to right, and these can be seen on many of the devices using a strong
glass. Boldly struck, with all but the last star crisp to the center, and
especially sharp on Liberty's head, and the reverse is also bold. Apparently,
the date 1855 is much rarer in proof than 1854, and this is reflected in the
Population Reports of NGC and PCGS. Further, this is a two year type coin, and
struck just prior to the start of regular issue proofs around 1858, and the
date 1858 is often used by collectors to commence their proof date runs. An
exceptional rarity in this grade, and the finest graded by either NGC or PCGS,
and alone in the Proof-66 category, and with a pedigree to match. If you demand
the finest for your collection, then here it is! Don't miss it this time
around, it may be gone for a very long time again. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $25,000-35,000.
From Bowers and Merena's Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.,
Sale, 4/1997:1459; previously Harlan P. Smith Collection, S. H. and H. Chapman,
5/1906 to the John Clapp Collection and next to Eliasberg in 1942.
Lot 709
1858. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Wow, everyone will love this coin for its superb toning. Deep
blue to gold around the rims, with brighter centers on the obverse, the reverse
highlighted by a ring of coppery gold through the lettering. Nearly identical
to the PR-64 in this sale, the same two line like defects reside in the field
between the second star and Liberty's arm, and a small "7" shaped lint mark is
noted extending off Liberty's arm into the left field towards the fourth star.
There is also a small left of center belly button on Liberty, seen on both 1858
proofs in this sale. These coins were obviously struck at the same time,
probably within a few pieces of each other as the lint marks are so similar. On
this particular coin, there is a minor scrape up from the E of LIBERTY on the
shield, and this will serve to identify it. As to the PCGS Population Report,
we note 3 graded this high, none higher, making this one of the very finest
known of a limited mintage of approximately 100 pieces. If you are assembling a
gem set, then here is a great addition to pursue. Capturing a prize of this
quality and importance will be a crowning glory for an advanced collector.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of a set
of Proof quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
Lot 710
1858. PCGS graded
Proof 64. One of perhaps 100 struck in proof, and this is one of the finest
although it will be overshadowed by the PR-65 also from this collection. PCGS
has graded 8 this high, with just 3 graded higher. In particular, this coin has
deep gray toning with darker bluish shades on the left side through the stars.
One tiny lint mark up from the lower left ball of the second 8 will serve to
identify this specimen, and a pair of line like defects in the field between
the second star and Liberty's arm. Sharply struck throughout, and highly
desirable in every way. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on March 30,
1946 for $9.00.
Lot 711
1859. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Another gorgeous gem proof that has deep blue gray toning around
the periphery of the obverse, fading to gold, then bright at the center. On the
reverse, there is gold around the periphery, and mostly untoned. Although 800
were minted, many were melted as unsold at the end of the year. PCGS has graded
8 this high, with 6 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$4,000-4,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed
on August 17, 1944 as part of a set of Proof quarters from 1858 to 1915 for
$235.00.
Lot 712
1860. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Breen notes that 1000 proofs were struck, and 458 were melted as
unsold, for a net mintage of 542. PCGS has graded 12 as PR-65, with just 4
graded higher! This particular one has tawny gold toning at the top and bottom
of the obverse, with hints of bright blue included, the reverse with a ring of
gold and steel gray elsewhere. Identifiable by a minor spot on the T of UNITED.
Highly appealing for its superb surfaces, crisp strike and alluring color.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of a set of Proof
quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
Lot 713
1861. PCGS graded
Proof 64. A razor sharp strike beneath the royal blue and gold tones of the
obverse, the reverse with the ring of gold at the periphery. Abundant mint
frost on the devices, and pristine surfaces throughout. PCGS has graded 18 this
high, with just 8 graded higher. An opportunity for the specialist.
Estimated Value $1,600-1,800.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of a set of Proof
quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
Lot 714
1862. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Bright at the center, with dark gold and blue around the rims of
the obverse, and a ring of gold on the reverse periphery. Perfectly struck and
preserved, with few signs of handling even under the scrutiny of a strong glass
and light. PCGS agrees, and this is one of 11 graded this high, with just 6
graded higher.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of a set
of Proof quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
Lot 715
1863. PCGS graded
Proof 66. One of the finest graded of this date, PCGS has given only 7
coins this grade, and none have been graded higher. Superb color and surfaces
on the obverse, with deep blue and gold on the right side, fading to bright
white at the center towards Liberty's shield. The reverse brighter, with light
toning at the edge. One of the more colorful of these early proofs offered in
the Benson collection. Perfectly struck and free of contact aside from a few
stray hairlines. Color photo.
Estimated Value $6,000-6,500.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of
a set of Proof quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
Lot 716
1863. PCGS graded
Proof 64. A gorgeous proof specimen, exquisitely toned. The centers radiate
with pale violet blending outwards to electric blue iridescence at the borders.
Some scattered light hairlines visible only under strong magnification and none
are worthy of note. Only 460 proofs were made.
Estimated Value
$1,500-1,650.