Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 747
1883. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Speckled toning on the obverse, with a splash of lighter blue
near Liberty's face and the usual darker hues around the periphery of both
sides. PCGS has graded 18 this high with just 6 higher. A scarce date, only
1,039 struck in proof, and a small mintage of 14,400 for circulation as the
Philadelphia Mint, and all branch mints, focused on churning out millions of
Morgan silver dollars in order to comply with the various silver coinage acts
of 1878.
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 748
1884. NGC graded
Proof 66 Cameo. A dazzling gem proof specimen, superb in every way.
Excellent cameo contrast with the raised satiny mint devices rising from a
bright mirror background. A touch of light violet toning around the periphery
adds to its great eye appeal. Among the finest of the 875 proofs coined.
Estimated Value $1,900-2,100.
Lot 749
1884. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Here is a moderate grade for a change, this one has a few minor
hairlines in the fields, but seems to have been graded a bit harsh considering
the coin is still quite nice. Let the market decide the value.
Estimated
Value $350-450.
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 750
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Deep blue and russet toning around the periphery of both sides,
with well frosted devices too. Tough this nice, PCGS has graded 21 this high,
with just 4 higher.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
Lot 751
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Gorgeous color on both sides and clean for the grade. We do note
moderate hairlines in the obverse fields, which apparently account for the
grade. A beauty despite the hairlines.
Estimated Value $350-450.
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 752
1886. PCGS graded
Proof 67. One of the finest graded by PCGS, which has awarded the coveted
PR-67 grade to just 10 quarters of this date. None are graded higher. Toasty
brown and gold on the obverse, with a headlight of white untoned frost on
Liberty's shield. On the reverse, deep gold at the edge, vibrant white from
wing tip to wing tip. Only 886 struck in proof, along with 5,000 business
strikes keeps demand high for these in any grade. 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 753
1887. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Electric blue, gold and red toning on the obverse, the reverse
with a ring of gold at the rim, and a dark umber spot centered on the lower
part of the eagle. Boldly struck, and one of just 710 made in proof (and just
10,000 business strikes). Of these, PCGS has graded 3 this high, with none
graded higher. A high end gem that will entice many collectors to bid
accordingly. An exceptional example for the date collector or type specialist.
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 754
1888. PCGS graded
Proof 66. This one was tucked away in Dr. Benson's type set. Dark gold to
umber shades on the obverse, similar on the reverse, with bright centers on
either side. PCGS has graded 7 this high, with 4 graded higher. Superb quality,
with velvety devices and well mirrored and preserved fields. Sharp on the
devices, but the stars show some weakness on their central points. Another
stunner for the date specialist.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
From
the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on February 26, 1944 for
$3.00.
Lot 755
1888. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Splendid toning of vibrant blue, red and gold on the obverse,
bright at the center, the reverse perfectly matched. A couple of faint
hairlines in the fields from an even higher grade. Similar to the other 1888
just offered, the stars are not quite fully struck up. We also note a minor
planchet flaw extending from the U of QUAR to the claws above. It is remarkable
for a coin of this period to be so nice. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$1,100-1,300.
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 756
1889. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Lightly hairlined, but with gorgeous colors on both sides.
Estimated Value $350-450.
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 757
1890. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Quality takes a huge leap up here, as the devices are deeply
frosted and this coin will probably be resubmitted to obtain a "cameo"
designation. As to the surfaces, they are superb, nary a mark or hairline to be
found. In the color department, this one is beautiful, with rich golden hues
around the base near the date, and deeper blue and gold around the reverse
periphery. Liberty and the eagle truly jump off the mirror fields because of
the abundance of frost. Although proof mintage dropped to 590 in 1890, PCGS has
seen a number of gems, with 18 in the PR-67 category, and even 2 graded higher.
Hardly common, and we still expect this one to be a highlight in this memorable
collection of proof seated quarters. Throw away the price lists if you want
this one, once it sells you may not see it again for another 56 years.
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 758
1890. NGC graded
MS-65. Struck near the tail end of the Seated Liberty series, this one is
sharp on the lower portion of the obverse, and some devices are a touch weak at
the top. Lightly clashed dies. Icy white devices and fields, with a whisper of
toning on the right side of the obverse in the stars. Excellent surfaces, but
we note some breaks on the frost on the right wing of the eagle.
Estimated
Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 759
1891. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Light hairlines in the fields account for the grade, but with
beautiful colors around the periphery. One faint spot overlapping Liberty's
pole arm. Here we bring the Seated quarters to a close, and begin a sensational
run of Barber quarters. Hang on to your hats, it ain't over just yet.
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.