Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1055
1892. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Hazy gold and blue toning on both sides and simply beautiful in
every way. Minor hairlines in the fields, and this one was graded rather
harshly by PCGS, see what you think. A lot of eye appeal for a moderate price.
Estimated Value $350-400.
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 1056
1892. PCGS graded
MS-65 Premium Quality. Here is a gorgeous gem coin that boasts desirable
antique gold and green toning at the periphery, hugging all the devices, the
centers frosty silver gray. A few trivial mint caused lines on Liberty's face,
these caused when the planchets were rolled out. Certainly a high grade coin
that deserves another look at the services, as the appeal is beyond the grade
assigned, as well as the technical quality too. Take a long look at this one.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Lot 1057
1892. PCGS graded
MS-65. First year of issue of the new Barber design, and some were hoarded
as the first of their kind. This one is bright white with a delicate ring of
gold around the obverse and reverse periphery. A couple of lines and ticks on
the face, but even so, this one could grade higher as the surfaces are
exceptional. PCGS has graded 52 this high, with 33 higher.
Estimated Value
$1,700-2,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed
on February 26, 1944 for $3.00.
Lot 1058
1893. PCGS graded
Proof 65. This coin is an artists palette of gold and red with several
other colors mixed in at the rims. Steel gray on the devices, and exceptionally
pretty.
Estimated Value $1,700-1,900.
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 1059
1893. NGC graded
Proof 65. Deep blue around the periphery of both sides, lighter at the
centers, but still toned. A few lines on Liberty from a higher grade. Rare in
full gem grades.
Estimated Value $1,700-1,900.
Lot 1060
1893-O. PCGS graded
MS-64. An absolutely stunning coin! This beauty radiates with undisturbed
satin mint luster overlayed with a gorgeous array of natural russet and violet
tones. Definitely worthy of a premium bid.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 1061
1894. NGC graded
Proof 67. A truly high end gem proof of this date. 972 were struck for the
collectors that ordered one for 1894. Most are in lower proof grades. Once in a
long while, a true gem turns up as seen here. The surfaces are toned with a
deep crackle finish of gold and green, generally even on both sides. NGC has
graded 21 this high, including their various permutations, with just 4 graded
higher of the date. Outstanding quality, any way you look at it.
Estimated
Value $3,500-4,000.
Lot 1062
1894. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Moderate hairlines account for the grade, but toned with
desirable blue and gold around the rims.
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 1063
1895. NGC graded
Proof 65. Deep peripheral toning and lighter at the centers. Excellent
contrast and frosty devices coupled with the mirror fields. Trivial hairlines
from a higher grade. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,750-UP.
Lot 1064
1895. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Snowy white at the center of the obverse, and toned around the
rims with dark blue and gold. We note a thin hairline on the cheek, and others
in the field, which apparently limited 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 1065
1896. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Frosty white at the center, and toned russet and blue at the
edge. Moderate hairlines in the field and on Liberty's face. Loads of eye
appeal without breaking the bank.
Estimated Value $350-400.
From the
Benson collection and purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., November 21, 1944
for $8.00.
Lot 1066
1897. PCGS graded
Proof 66. One of the most colorful coins in this long run of Proofs, and
that says a lot! Rich blue and red on Liberty's neck, with the centers a light
gold, and darker hues surround in the fields. The reverse white for the most
part, with reddish gold at the rims. Deeply frosted devices and as near to
perfect as one could hope. Curiously, this is the "common" date in gem proof
condition, as PCGS has graded 22 this high, with an astounding 20 graded
higher! Nevertheless, any true numismatist who loves wildly toned coins, will
certainly do well to acquire this gem. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$2,400-2,800.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl
on April 12, 1945 for $9.00.
Lot 1067
1897-O The Finest
Graded by PCGS! PCGS graded MS-68. Here is a wonder coin, the
surfaces approach absolute perfection and the boasts hazy white toning with an
arc of blue and gold at the top of the obverse. Examination will note the
fields are prooflike, and this is certainly an early impression from the dies
(struck soon after they were polished up). When this coin last sold at the
Eliasberg Sale in 1997, it was noted that this coin is "possibly a presentation
coin, or branch mint proof" to which we concur. Breen, in his Proofs
Encyclopedia notes that several different dates of Barber half dollars from New
Orleans are known that qualify as branch mint proofs, although he does not
mention this 1897-O. Every star, claw, curl and feather is razor sharp, keeping
this one in the superb category. As to the surfaces, they are nearly perfect,
we see a faint chattermark on Liberty's chin, and another behind her mouth, and
on the reverse there is a tiny tick on the fifth wide vertical stripe counting
from the left on the shield. A few wispy hairlines can be seen when the coin is
examined with a strong glass. Needless to say, this is the only coin graded
this high of the date by PCGS, in fact it is likely one of the very best of the
small mintage of 632,000 coins. PCGS has graded one other as high as MS-67
below this. Given the fact that this coin was purchased directly from the New
Orleans Mint at the time of issue by J. M. Clapp it is conceivable that special
care was taken to polish the dies and we see slight evidence of doubling on
some of the letters, implying a second strike from the dies. We even note a
short lint mark down from the mintmark on the reverse to the D of DOLLAR. NGC
has graded one as MS-68 too, and this coin appeared in Heritage's 9/98 Long
Beach sale, lot 6784, and this is a different coin than the present specimen
with no mention of prooflike fields. Almost certainly tied for the finest known
with 1 other example, and a rare date to boot. In an old green insert PCGS
holder, which implies this one was graded some years ago. A foremost
opportunity for a superb condition rarity.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
Purchased by J.M. Clapp directly from the New Orleans Mint in November
1897; John M. Clapp; John M. Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis Eliasberg, Sr.,
Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg II Sale, April 1997, lot 2080 to the present
consignor.
Lot 1068
1898. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Slightly mottled colors on both sides, mostly on the high points.
We suspect that this coin was lacquered in the past as there are wavy areas in
the mirror fields, especially around the date and first couple of stars, as
well as from the left tip of the eagles wing where a lint mark resides. Minor
hairlines.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From the Benson collection and
purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., on November 21, 1944 for $8.00.
Lot 1069
1899. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Hot blue and gold at the rims, with good contrast. Minor
hairlines in the fields and a tiny speck in the field out from Liberty's nose.
Estimated Value $750-850.
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.