Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 732
1873. Arrows. PCGS
graded Proof 64. Resplendent blue and gold toning on the obverse, with a
headlight at the center, and the reverse brighter with a ring of gold at the
periphery. A scarce type coin that was made for just two short years, and
seldom found this nice, and rarely better. PCGS reports 24 graded this high,
with 14 graded higher. Don't skip over this and wait for a better gem to show
up. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
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 733
1874. Arrows. PCGS
graded Proof 67. One of the finest coins from this extensive collection,
this rare with arrows quarter is one of just 2 graded this high by PCGS, and
none are graded higher! Vibrant blue, gold and green tones span the obverse,
with a bright well centered frosty white area on Liberty's chest and head. The
reverse similar, with deep blue peripheral toning, and undiminished white frost
on the devices and crackling fresh mirror fields surrounding. As perfect as one
could imagine. Color photo.
Estimated Value $15,000-20,000.
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 734
1875. PCGS graded
Proof 66. A knockout coin that boasts seductive blue and gold obverse
toning with a central bright area on Liberty. The usual "Benson" reverse
toning, bright save for a ring of dark blue and gold through most of the
lettering. Near perfect surfaces, with no signs of handling or abuse of any
kind. PCGS agrees, and this is one of just 3 graded this high, and none are
graded higher! One of the very finest of 700 struck, and worthy of the finest
collection in the land. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
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 735
1876. PCGS graded
Proof 67. This is the Finest graded of this date by PCGS, it is alone in
the PR-67 category. Deep blue gray tones on the obverse, with brighter untoned
areas at the center of the obverse. On the reverse, the coin ranges through
golden gray at the rims to gun metal gray at the centers. Pristine fields and
surfaces throughout, and no signs of handling, or other problems of any sort.
One for the condition King, who demands the finest of any date. This is the
important centennial year issue, when America celebrated its first one hundred
years as a nation. Color photo.
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 736
1876-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. Well struck with undisturbed frosty mint luster overlayed with a
natural blending of pale blue and delicate golden hues.
Estimated Value
$500-600.
Lot 737
1877. PCGS graded
Proof 64. A scarce date with just 510 struck, this near gem boasts
exceptional color in the form of two bands of gold and blue at the top and
bottom of the obverse, while the center remains bright and untoned. The reverse
ringed in gold and bright otherwise. Examination will note some scattered
handling marks and an ancient fingerprint on the lower reverse. PCGS notes 35
graded this high, with 19 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$550-650.
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 738
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Toned with steel gray at the centers which darkens to blue and
sea green at the rims. We note some faint lines in the fields, most of which
are probably die file marks as opposed to hairlines. Superb quality, PCGS has
graded only 6 this high with a single coin graded higher from the original
mintage of a scant 800 coins. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
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 739
1879. PCGS graded
Proof 67. One of the Finest Known with just 3 graded this high by PCGS!
Superb colors of blue and gold on the obverse, ringed with gold on the reverse,
and acres of pristine fields on either side. As Larry Goldberg noted, the
Benson quarters were truly the highlight of the collection, with many superb
pieces, including this one near the top of the list. Of the 1,100 struck, only
3 have been graded this high, so don't expect to locate a better one. How do
you spell fresh? Take a look at our definition here.
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 740
1879. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Deep gray russet and blue colors on both sides, with clean fields
and surfaces too. Boldly struck as expected for a proof. PCGS notes 25 graded
this high with just 16 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 741
1880. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Superb toning of blues and gold on the obverse, with the usual
ring of gold around the reverse periphery. Blast white at the left center of
the obverse and even more vibrant white on the reverse. PCGS has graded 15 this
high (downright common!) with a single coin graded higher. Few could be as
beautiful as the coin offered here, and everyone who sees this coin will want
to own it. Color photo.
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 742
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Gorgeous deep blue and gold toning on both sides, with untoned
centers. PCGS has seen 20 this high, with just 8 higher (all PR-67). The fields
and devices are virtually perfect, and we invite you to study them closely to
see how magnificent these quarters are.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
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 743
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 65. This one is much more beautiful than the "average" gem coin, the
fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are emboldened with frost. Lightly
toned with gold around the periphery, and totally trouble free surfaces. PCGS
has graded 35 as such, with 28 higher.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 744
1881. NGC graded
MS-65. Deeply toned and well preserved with pristine surfaces and fields.
Deep gold and blue throughout. Just 12,000 struck for circulation, and few
could look this nice, or be this well preserved.
Estimated Value
$1,100-1,300.
Lot 745
1882. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Tied for the finest graded by PCGS with 8 coins in their recent
Population Report. Glassy mirror fields are graced by dancing colors or russet,
blue and gold on each side. Blazing white at the centers. One tiny lint mark
above the second star and another near Liberty's left elbow. Stunning quality,
even for this collection. The Benson Seated quarter collection contains many
superb coins, some of which are the finest or tied for the finest graded of the
date. Historically the opportunity to purchase such pristine, fresh material
always yields strong prices, which is understandable given that most collectors
have passed on many cleaned up coins without any eye appeal offered at only a
small discount to the going market price. It has been proven over and over that
eye appealing coins bring stronger prices than "average" quality for any
series.
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 746
1882. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Resplendent blue and gold toning on both sides of this stunning
gem coin. The centers are brighter, while the edges toned down, probably from
long storage in an album. Well frosted on the devices, and very clean surfaces,
of course. Exceptional eye appeal, and worthy of the finest collection. PCGS
has only graded 8 this high, with none graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.