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

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United States Coins

Half Dollars

Capped Bust Half Dollars

Lot 974
1832. O-102, R-1. PCGS graded AU-55. Wonderful peripheral toning on the obverse, with similar but lighter gold on the reverse rims. Well struck by the dies, and we note minimal hairlines and handling marks.
Estimated Value $170-200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 975 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1832. O-122, R-1. AU-55 and a possible proof. This coin is a possible proof, as the fields are entirely reflective and mirror like, including between the shields lines on the reverse. However, it briefly circulated and the fields are now hairlined. A few areas of dark patina are noted on both sides, but the coin is virtually untoned. As far as we know, Overton-122 was not a die pairing used to produce proofs, and this could possibly be a very early strike after the dies were just prepared. Boldly struck on the stars, Liberty and the eagle, the only weakness is on the top of the 0 in the denomination. As always, inspection recommended so you can make up your own mind as to if this is a proof.
Estimated Value $500-UP.

Lot 976
1832. O-106, R-1. VF-35. Steel gray and nice for the grade.
Estimated Value $40-45.
From the Benson collection and purchased in the 1940s for $1.50.

Lot 977
1832. O-118, R-1. VF-35. This one his hard to attribute as there is virtually no reeding to work with for diagnostics. It does have a double corner on the left side of the shield. Dark steel gray with some areas of deep gold.
Estimated Value $40-45.
From the Benson collection and purchased in the 1940s for $1.50.

Lot 978 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1832. Large letters, O-101a, R-1. AU-58. Quintessential Benson toning on this gorgeous coin, with rings of vibrant blues and gold around the obverse, and a much smaller but still vibrant ring on the reverse. One small planchet streak before Liberty's face in the field. A few hairlines, expected on these, but blazing luster and excellent quality for the grade. Well struck for the large letters variety, with the usual long die break on the reverse from the left wing to the olive leaves, and die rust behind the eagle's head.
Estimated Value $175-225.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on October 13, 1944 for $10.00 as "Proof", because of the reflective surfaces.

Lot 979 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1833. O-102, R-1. NGC graded MS-64. Satiny gray gold toning on both sides over lustrous fields. Struck from worn dies as are most seen, with slightly drawn stars and other design elements. The antique toning really enhances the eye appeal of this coin. Probably in the top half dozen known, and just a hair behind a couple of gems reported on the Parsley-Overton census.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.

Lot 980 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1833. O-112, R-2. PCGS graded AU-55. Excellent surfaces and quality for the grade, with blue and gold around the obverse periphery and strong luster in the fields.
Estimated Value $170-200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source around 1944 for $2.50.

Lot 981 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1834. Large date and letters, O-101, R-1. AU-50. This one was cleaned long ago, but has retoned with brilliant blue and red at the periphery, more gold on the reverse edge. The edge lettering is blundered, something like CENTS ORLF... We also note a couple of tiny rim bruises. Quite appealing overall.
Estimated Value $100-125.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 982
1834. Large date and letters, O-102, R-1. EF-40. Minor hairlines from an old cleaning, but retoned with gold around the obverse, mostly white on the reverse.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased from French's on July 24, 1944 for $2.00.

Lot 983
1834. Large date, small letters, O-107, R-1. PCGS graded AU-50. Deep steel gray in color with rubbed high points on Liberty's face breaking into the toning.
Estimated Value $150-175.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 984
1834. Small date, stars and letters, O-111, R-1. PCGS graded AU-53. This is the so called "child's head" because of Liberty's wide eyed, round cheeked appearance. Beautiful toning and a pleasant example.
Estimated Value $170-200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 985
1834. Small date, stars and letters, O-119, R-3. EF-40. Antique gray in color and well preserved. Nice quality for the grade.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased from French's on July 24, 1944 for $2.00.

Lot 986
1834. Small date, stars and letters, O-109, R-1. EF-40. Beautiful multicolored toning on the obverse, less so on the reverse. Average surfaces.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 987 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1835. O-105, R-1. PCGS graded AU-58. A classic example of a choice coin that has just a hair of rub on the high points. Good luster, splendid color and frost devices combine to give this one abundant appeal. Typical weakness on the reverse motto.
Estimated Value $175-225.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.40.

Lot 988 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1836. Lettered edge, O-106, R-1. PCGS graded AU-58. Minor handling marks and hairlines on both sides, and this one has lovely dark gold toning around the periphery. Nicely struck, with the usual weakness on the first nine stars, which is diagnostic to the variety. Strong luster and abundant appeal.
Estimated Value $200-225.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Co., on July 26, 1944 for $2.00 as "uncirculated".

Lot 989
1836. Lettered edge, O-122, R-2. EF-40. Cleaned long ago with the usual hairlines on both sides, and these should be inspected. Lovely shades of blue and gold around both the obverse and reverse.
Estimated Value $50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister in June 1944 for $1.50.

Lot 990 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1836. Reeded edge. PCGS graded AU-50. Steel gray at the centers and toned with hazy blue around the periphery. Minor hairlines from handling, but clean surfaces and solid for the grade. As the Philadelphia Mint finally was able to purchase a new steam press, the first coins made were these reeded edge half dollars. Mint records show 1,200 were struck, and most were saved as the first of their kind. Always in demand and seldom offered in such nice condition.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Co., July 26, 1944 for $15.00 as "Very Fine".

Lot 991 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1837. MS-60. Mostly white in color with some gold and blue toning at the rims, and strong luster remains despite a light cleaning and the usual hairlines on the surfaces. Boldly struck with full curls on Liberty, and no signs of wear. Minor die cracks on both sides.
Estimated Value $450-500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on February 26, 1944 for $2.00.

Lot 992
1837. PCGS graded AU-55. Gunmetal gray and even toning throughout, with some luster beneath. The upper devices show only a trace of wear. Another appealing example.
Estimated Value $250-300.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source for $1.25 in the 1940s.

Lot 993
1837. AU-55. A problem-free example with plenty of mint luster remaining.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 994 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1837. PCGS graded AU-50. Deep blue at the rims, then gold, then silvery white at the centers on the obverse, the reverse with a ring of blue and gold at the extreme edge. Well struck, and only a few minor handling marks from circulation.
Estimated Value $225-250.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Co., on July 26, 1944 for $2.00.

Lot 995 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1838. PCGS graded AU-55. Frosty luster in the fields and boldly struck by the dies, we note deep blue and gold at the edge, and just a few trivial hairlines. An important type coin for the collector. Faint adjustment marks are noted on both sides.
Estimated Value $250-300.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on November 22, 1944 for $2.00.

Lot 996
1838. PCGS graded AU-50. Some luster in the protected areas, and dark blue toning near the rims.
Estimated Value $250-275.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source for $2.25.

Lot 997
1839. AU-55. This one has been cleaned long ago, but has lovely and colorful toning on the obverse now. A few hairlines and the surfaces are reflective.
Estimated Value $175-225.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 12, 1944 for $4.00.

Lot 998 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1839-O. PCGS graded AU-50. A few ticks and scrapes on either side, nothing too deep or distracting. Ringed with blue and gold through the obverse stars, silvery gray otherwise. Struck from the common die pairing with numerous cracks on each side.
Estimated Value $800-900.
From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 6, 1944 for $5.00.

Lot 999
A group of Bust half dollars. This group includes 1812, 2 over 1 NGC graded F-12; 1822 PCI graded EF-45; 1830 SEGS graded XF-40 cleaned "star" holder; 1832 ANACS graded AU-55; 1833 PCI graded VF-35 and 1835 PCI graded AU-53. Most are bright and untoned, and these were not checked for varieties. Lot of 6 coins.
Estimated Value $175-225.

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