Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13

United States Coins

Quarters

Standing Liberty Quarters

Choice Mint State 1916 Liberty Standing Quarter

Lot 809
1916. PCGS graded MS-63 Full Head. Here is a classic rarity in choice grade, with a full head no less! Mint records show 52,000 were struck, most of which promptly entered circulation. Some were saved as the first of their issue, as is probably the case here. Well struck for this issue, about a third of which show a full head, the majority weaker on the head and shield than seen here. This one is toned with mottled gold and smoke hues on both sides under which lies abundant luster. Examination notes a couple of faint marks on the lower left obverse. Always in high demand as the rarity of the series, aside from the overdate. Color photo.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Dr. Mann on April 28, 1945 for $40.00.

Mint State 1916 Liberty Standing Quarter

Lot 810
1916. PCGS graded MS-63. This one has a typical strike with softness on Liberty's head and shield, but is bathed in luster. Essentially untoned and a lovely example of this low 52,000 minted date. About 800 have been graded in mint state by PCGS in all grades, this one at the middle of the bell curve. All in all, not many survive in mint state of this important first year of issue coin. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,500.

Lot 811
1916. MS-60 Full Head. Late in 1916 the design of the quarter was changed from Charles Barber's to that of Hermon A. MacNeil. MacNeil's design incorporated a full view of a draped Liberty, with a shield in her dexter left arm, and olive branch in her right (alluding to America's preference of peace over war). The reverse depicts an eagle in full flight, surrounded by stars. As 1916 drew to a close, the designs were hurriedly approved, and coinage began at the Philadelphia Mint on December 16, 1916 and 52,000 were coined in the next two weeks as the year ended. These 1916 quarters were released in January 1917, along with 1917 quarters, and were quickly snatched up by an adoring public. Most of the 1916 quarters were not well struck, showing only partial heads and shield details.
Here is a an exception, this coin is well struck with full details on Liberty's head. Cleaned and retoned, we note a few faint hairlines on the surfaces, but some luster still remains. The coin is now a faded gold color with steel gray hues. Minor handling marks expected for the grade. This one is perfect for placing in an album for display.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.

Lot 812
1917. Type 1. NGC graded MS-64 Full Head. An intensely lustrous example, fully struck up, with light russet toning about the borders.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 813
1917. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-63. Sharp, but not quite full on Liberty's head as usual. Good luster and free of toning. Problem free surfaces for the grade, and an excellent example of this short-lived type coin. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $175-225.

Lot 814
1917. Type 1. EF-40. Dark original toning throughout. There are some minor marks on the reverse below ED of UNITED.
Estimated Value $40-50.
From the Dr. Benson collection and probably taken from circulation in the 1940s.

Lot 815
1917. Type 1 and 1917. Type 2. Both grade MS-64 Full Head. The Type 1 has pretty gold toning with colorful iridescence while the Type 2 is generally untoned but retains its full mint bloom and luster. Perfect for the type collector. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 816
1917-D. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-63. Bold and lustrous with a good strike on the high points, and without signs of toning. One small area of residue on the upper reverse, which could probably be removed. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 817
1917-D. Type I. MS-60+. Full Head. Somber gray and dark gold in color, the obverse lighter, and the reverse darker and somewhat mottled. Nice luster under the toning, and sharp throughout.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 818
1917. Type 2. NGC graded MS-66. A well struck example with the head about 90% full and all of the rivets on the shield complete. Beautifully toned with hues of light violet and bluish-grey deepening about the borders on both sides.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 819
1917. Type 2. PCGS graded MS-63 Full Head. Mint fresh luster on both sides and lightly toned with a haze of rose gold over satiny 1917 frost. Well struck, and downright pleasing. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $150-175.

Lot 820
1917-S. Type 2. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice luster and with a typical strike from the dies, with just a touch of rub on the high points. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $80-100.

Lot 821
1918. MS-65. 90% full head. Here is a stunning, original coin that boasts satiny luster with delicate gold and green toning on the obverse, the reverse with much deeper gold color, with the devices enhanced by deeper gold flecks over luster. Not rare, but downright magnificent for its toning.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 822
1918. PCGS graded MS-64 Full Head. Beautifully toned with delicate golden hues on the obverse, less so on the reverse. Well struck, with full leaves on Liberty's head, but weakness over her temple area. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $225-275.

Lot 823
1918-D. PCGS graded AU-55. A well made example of this date, as the central stars and devices are all crisply struck, and we note full leaves on Liberty's head. With a touch of wear from mint, and untoned. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $90-110.

Lot 824
1918-S. Normal date. PCGS graded MS-63. Satiny with a haze of gold toning on both sides. Curiously, we note a strongly clashed "E" just left of Liberty's knee cap from the motto on the reverse. A typical strike for the date.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 825
1918-S. AU-53. Silvery white in color and well preserved. An average strike.
Estimated Value $50-60.

Lot 826
1919. PCGS graded MS-65. A delightful gem coin that boasts radiant luster and nearly a full head on Liberty. Excellent surfaces that show few signs of contact anywhere. One of the rare dates that is seldom offered in full certified gem grades. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $350-400.

Lot 827
1919-D. PCGS graded MS-63. Mostly untoned on the obverse, with a few traces of color starting to form, the reverse has more extensive and colorful toning splashed on. Scarce as a date in this grade, and worth a strong bid. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.

Lot 828
1919-S. PCGS graded MS-63. A choice example of this date which shows some details on Liberty's head but not enough to be full. Mottled gold toning starting to form, and enough luster to dazzle the eye. Clean surfaces for the grade, and this one is in an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.

Lot 829
1920. PCGS graded MS-65. Scarce any better, and difficult enough in this grade. White luster and well struck save for Liberty's head. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $325-400.

Lot 830
1920-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Here is a tough date to find near gem condition. The strike is weak on the upper parts of Liberty's head, but full enough elsewhere. Lightly toned around the rims, with some minor staining on the reverse. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $850-1,000.

Lot 831
1921. PCGS graded MS-64. Snow white luster and sharp, with Liberty's head not quite full. Flecks of gold near the rims. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $800-900.

Lot 832
1923-S. PCGS graded MS-64. A low mintage date that is scarce in full mint state grades, and really rare in near gem condition as seen here. Bright and without toning, and well struck for this date, with full leaves on Liberty's head, but weakness just below. Sharp on the date and other devices save for a couple of bosses on the shield. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $800-900.

Lot 833
1924. PCGS graded AU-58. Nearly new.
Estimated Value $50-75.