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

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United States Coins

Half Dollars

Liberty Seated Half Dollars

Superb Gem Proof 1884 Liberty Seated Half

Lot 1047 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1884. PCGS graded Proof 67. Here is one of the highest grade proofs from this stunning and memorable run from the Benson collection. The surfaces are toned with perfect sea blue at the rims, which change to reddish gold then gold, while the centers remain hazy white. Examination will note virtually no signs of contact, not even hairlines to distract the eye! One tiny speck left of the left wing of the eagle. As near to perfect as we can imagine, check it out if you love quality. PCGS has graded just 2 this high, with a single coin graded higher from the original mintage of 875 coins. If you want one of the best, bid high. Color photo.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
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 1048 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1885. PCGS graded Proof 63. Delightful old time album toning on this one, which mitigates the minor hairlines in the fields. A whole lot of coin for the moderate grade assigned.
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 1049 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1886. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deeply toned around the periphery with blue, which quickly turns to reddish gold in a ring that runs right through Liberty's eyes! The centers are blast white with icy frost heaped on the devices. PCGS has graded 22 this high, with 14 graded higher of this date. Color photo.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
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 1050 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1887. PCGS graded Proof 64. Excellent and colorful toning on both sides, with gold at the centers surrounded by blue at the rims. Not all that well struck, with minor weakness on Liberty's head and a few of the stars, which is typical of this issue (Breen). Trivial hairlines, but truly nice for the grade for its rich colors which are a feast for the eyes. Color photo.
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 1051 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1888. PCGS graded Proof 62. Bright blue at the rims, frosty at the centers. Moderate hairlines in the fields, but they are not that distracting. There is a thin line down Liberty's right arm, which is almost certainly mint caused, as it continues up into the field above through the star. A lot of appeal for the uninspired grade.
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 1052 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1889. PCGS graded Proof 63. Minor hairlines in the fields, and wonderfully toned with dark gold and blue shades. This is an early die state which shows the lump on the 9, which for a brief time was pronounced an "overdate". This feature is seen on about half of the issue, and has been generally accepted to simply be a minor cutting error or die lump and is not an overdate according to current expert opinion.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on April 2, 1945 for $7.50.

Astounding Gem Proof 1890 Half Dollar

Lot 1053 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1890. PCGS graded Proof 67. One of the finest graded of this date according to PCGS, who note 9 this high, with none graded higher. Full blazing white frost on the devices and lettering, which combine with the decades old toning around the edges to create a resplendent picture. Mintages plunged to 590 in proof for the year, and this one is certainly one of the very best by any standards. Identifiable by a minor planchet flaw through the eagle's beak. This one has enough frost to possibly be a cameo.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on April 2, 1945 for $10.00.

Lot 1054 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1891. PCGS graded Proof 65. Flashy and white at the centers with rich blue and gold at the periphery. The surfaces show a scattering of ticks, including one on each arm and a few in the fields. PCGS has graded 17 this high with 9 graded higher. This is the final year of issue of the Seated Liberty design.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
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.

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