Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1032
1873. No arrows, closed 3.
PCGS graded Proof 63. A choice coin that boasts select peripheral
toning and good appeal. We note minor hairlines, and a couple of ticks,
including a hidden one just left of the shield on the obverse.
Estimated
Value $450-500.
From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of
Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for
$200.00.
Lot 1033
1873. Arrows. PCGS
graded Proof 62. Mostly white, with dark shades at the periphery of both
sides. Moderate hairlines which account for the grade.
Estimated Value
$750-850.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Hollinbeck on
March 13, 1945 for $12.00.
Lot 1034
1874. Arrows. PCGS
graded Proof 66. Gorgeous surfaces that show virtually no signs of handling
or any similar problem. Deeply toned with blues and dark gray, and we note some
lighter rose hues on the devices. A rare proof type coin, and certainly one of
the finest known in fact the PCGS Population Report shows this alone as the
only PR-66, with a single coin graded higher at PR-67. A coin for the finest
proof type set in the land. The arrows variety with motto were made for just
1873 and 1874, and in very limited quantities. To locate a high end gem is
nearly impossible, so don't pass this one by. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$12,500-UP.
Lot 1035
1874. Arrows. PCGS
graded Proof 62. This one has some very light marks on the upper obverse
devices where the coin came in contact with something that slid over the
surfaces. Nevertheless, the color and surfaces are otherwise typical of a proof
of the era, with nice toning and eye appeal. A bit more toning would go a long
way.
Estimated Value $750-850.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from Celina Coin Co., on February 10, 1945 for $8.00.
Lot 1036
1875. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Lovely color and clean surfaces throughout. Blue and gold around
the periphery, just as you like it.
Estimated Value $600-800.
From
the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from
James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1037
1876 The Atwater Coin.
PCGS graded Proof 66. Here is a coin who's pedigree is nearly as
rich as its toning! Seductive blue and green around the obverse, gold around
the reverse. Frosty devices and very well preserved. PCGS notes that only 5
have been graded this high, with none graded higher of this important
centennial date. It would be hard to imagine a better coin to represent this
date or type. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl's W. C. Atwater Sale, June 11,
1946 for $10.50.
Lot 1038
1877. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Great color, but the grade is dragged down by hairlines in the
fields. We also note a tiny amber speck in the field near Liberty's elbow which
is raised and should be removed, or will soon form a larger toning spot there.
Frosty and still appealing for the moderate grade assigned.
Estimated Value
$400-450.
From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs
from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1039
1877. NGC graded
MS-66. A splendid gem example exploding with white mint frost and a hint of
natural russet toning resting about the borders on both sides. What a wonderful
type coin.
Estimated Value $2,200-2,500.
Lot 1040
1878. PCGS graded
Proof 66. A winter blast of frost on the devices provides good contrast
with the mirror fields. All is enhanced by a complex ring of toning around the
edge through the stars and date, with similar peripheral toning on the reverse.
PCGS agrees, and we note that they have only graded 3 coins this high of the
date, and none are graded higher! As close to perfect as one could hope.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
From the Benson collection and
purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on
October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1041
1879. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Deep smoky blue and gray toning encircles Liberty, leaving a
large untoned area at the center. Similar on the reverse, but the toning is on
the left side, with rose to russet elsewhere. Close study reveals no problems,
and we believe this coin could grade even higher than the monumental grade
already received. As always, view it for yourself and make up your own mind.
PCGS has graded 13 this high, with 4 graded above, all PR-67. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
From the Benson collection and
purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on
October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1042
1879. PCGS graded
MS-65. A blistering gem that boasts hot white luster and gorgeous vibrant
blue toning on both sides. Get a load of the right wing on the eagle! Minor
handling marks on both sides, mostly hidden on the devices. Well struck, and
somewhat common in this grade, with 35 graded as such by PCGS, with 37 graded
higher, but few could possibly show such alluring colors.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed
on February 26, 1944 for $2.50.
Lot 1043
1880. PCGS graded
Proof 63. This one is a touch dull, with minor hairlines in the fields, and
wonderful toning around the obverse.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From
the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from
James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1044
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 66. Abundant eye appeal on this smoky blue toned gem, we note a
bright area around the shield, and the reverse has less toning. Excellent
surfaces that show no hairlines of any consequence. As to the strike, we see
minor weakness on the high points of Liberty. Identifiable by a thin line on
Liberty's chest, probably mint caused. PCGS has only graded 10 this high, with
none graded higher. Another opportunity for the specialist. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
From the Benson collection and
purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on
October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1045
1882. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Nice toning and well preserved, but the fields show moderate
hairlines, which account for the grade.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859
to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 1046
1883. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Silvery gray at the centers, toned with lovely blue and gold
around the edges of the obverse and reverse. Another scarce date which was
coined during the time when virtually the entire output of the various mints
was silver dollars and large gold coins. Only 1,039 were coined in Proof.
Estimated Value $600-800.
From the Benson collection and purchased
in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17,
1944 for $200.00.