Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 793
1907. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Magnificent toning on both sides, with greens and golds in
abundance. The obverse is very well struck and preserved, and we see minor
planchet lines running down from left to right on the upper devices of the
reverse. These planchet lines are mint caused, and can only be seen with a
strong glass. PCGS has graded 12 this high, and just 13 are graded higher.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.
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 794
1907-D. PCGS graded
MS-64. A lovely frosty mint example, untoned and very choice.
Estimated
Value $700-1,000.
Lot 795
1908. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Superb colors on both sides of this proof, with a well centered
bright area on the obverse and reverse. The toning is somewhat irregular, but
quite beautiful. A low mintage date of 545 struck, of which PCGS has graded 12
this high with 13 graded higher. The quality of these coins is unbelievable and
its hard to imagine how there could be so many that remain so pristine. We're
certain the bidders will be enticed by the dizzying array of colors and
exceptional quality. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.
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 796
1908-D. PCGS graded
MS-64 Premium Quality. This one has gorgeous iridescent blue and gold
toning on both sides. We note this is in an old green insert PCGS holder, the
kind not used for several years. As to the surfaces, this one is really nice
and we feel it could upgrade. Scarce and desirable in this grade, and downright
rare any better.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 797
1909. NGC graded
Proof 67. Mottled deep blue and gold toning on both sides with the centers
brighter. Rarely encountered this nice, and certainly a sight to behold. NGC
has graded 22 this high, with just 7 graded higher of the date. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 798
1909. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Here is one that needs to be inspected closely, there is a faint
line running just below the reverse shield tip into the thigh and field beyond
to the left, and this appears to be a small struck through hair that was on the
planchet at the time of striking. Perhaps PCGS thought it was a light scratch,
and hence downgraded this coin to the conservative PR-64 level. The toning is
magnificent, and we see no other signs of contact to account for the
conservative grade. As always, make your own decisions as to the grade and
especially the value of any coin you are considering purchasing prior to
the sale.
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 799
1910. PCGS graded
Proof 67. Deep speckled green and rose toning on both sides of this
memorable quarter. The fields push the envelope of perfection, and the coin is
a joy to behold. We expect the prices of these toned quarters to be quite
strong, as they deserve. PCGS has graded 17 this high, with 6 graded higher.
Color photo.
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 800
1911. PCGS graded
Proof 67. One of the prettiest coins in this extensive date run, the colors
range through lovely teal blue on the bust and cap, to bright gold which
lightens towards the well centered circle over Liberty's ear. Similar tones on
the reverse, with deep green and blue at the rims, gold inside that, and white
for most of the reverse, again well centered. PCGS notes 19 have been graded
this high, with 7 graded higher. It would be hard to imagine a finer coin
technically, or aesthetically. This is one that you won't want to put down when
viewing, and will never sell if you are lucky enough to buy it. Color photo.
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 801
1912. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Steel gray with blue and gold highlights on both sides. We note a
couple of very faint hairlines in the fields, which must account for the grade.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
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 802
1913. NGC graded
Proof 68. One of the very finest graded by NGC of this date, with just 3
seen this high, and a single coin graded a notch higher. Bright white at the
centers, the periphery deeply toned with blues and golds likely from the
original Mint wrappers. As stunning as one could hope to find, and nearly
perfect surfaces and strike to boot. Superb gems like this have yet to find
their true potential. Color photo.
Estimated Value $5,000-7,500.
Lot 803
1913. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Darker toned than most of this set but with rich colors which
come alive when held under a light. Excellent surfaces for the grade, and no
signs of the usual culprits like hairlines or other handling marks. Sharp save
for the upper right corner of the shield, and the claw clasping the arrows,
both of which show minor weakness. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,200.
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 804
1914. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Deep smoky gold and blue toning on both sides which conceals a
few faint hairlines. Fully struck, including the often weak arrow claw and
shield point. One of the key dates with a scant 380 struck in proof, and few
gems to be found, especially toned with such an array of colors. Another
visually appealing gem that will be hard duplicate if you miss this lot. Color
photo.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
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 805
1915. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Hazy gold toning with blue highlights on the obverse, evenly
distributed on the reverse. Superb quality, even for this grade, and PCGS seems
to agree as only 6 have been graded this high, with 6 graded higher from the
original mintage of 450. Fully struck, and highly appealing. This is the final
year of proofs in the Barber series.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.
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 806
1915. MS-63.
Nice and frosty with areas of natural russet toning.
Estimated Value
$125-150.
Lot 807
1916-D. PCGS graded
MS-66. This one is from Dr. Benson's type set, and what a nice coin it is!
Frosty luster in the obverse fields overlayed with a delicate gold, green and
red tones, especially on the lower right obverse, the reverse more evenly toned
antique gray and gold hues. Fairly well struck, with the only signs of weakness
located on the eagle's claws. Close examination will locate precious few signs
of handling, and we feel it was conservatively graded. PCGS notes just 54
graded this high, with only 3 graded higher (all MS-67). Final year of issue,
and excellent in every way. This is the rare "double mintmark" as noted in
Breen's Encyclopedia.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
From the Benson
collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 9, 1944 for
$2.00.
Lot 808
1916-D. NGC graded
MS-66. A well struck gem exploding with frosty white mint luster.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.