Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1601
1937-S Arkansas Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Peripheral gold toning and sharp, with a
few small splashes of gold on the obverse. Rare this nice, and seldom found
with so few signs of handling on this later commemorative issue.
Estimated
Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 1602
1939-S Arkansas Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Brilliant gold toning at the periphery
with areas of darker gold elsewhere, the centers brighter silver color. Well
struck by the dies, and we note some hairlines which must account for the
moderate grade, as there are virtually no contact marks from other coins.
Estimated Value $700-1,000.
Lot 1603
1936 Bay Bridge Half
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-67. One of the finest graded of this popular
issue. The coin is lightly toned with hazy white over the surfaces, at the
extreme edge through the date there is a brilliant red splash with similar
tones at the top of the reverse too, probably caused by long storage in the
original paper holder. Curiously, the large grizzly bear is often peppered in
tick marks from handling, not so here, as close examination will locate
precious few signs of contact. PCGS agrees, and they have graded 59 this high
with just 7 graded higher (all MS-68). Bear that in mind when bidding.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased
as part of a type set of Commemorative half dollars from Ira S. Reed on
February 15, 1944 for $135.00.
Lot 1604
1936 Boone Half Dollar.
NGC graded MS-66. Strong luster and toned with a light lilac hue.
Well struck by the dies and exceptional quality.
Estimated Value $140-160.
Lot 1605
1937 Boone Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-65. Mostly white at the centers, with light gold
peripheral toning.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 1606
1937 Boone Half Dollar.
MS-64. Hazy white luster and well struck.
Estimated Value
$50-60.
From the Benson collection and purchased as part of a type set
of Commemorative half dollars from Ira S. Reed on February 15, 1944 for
$135.00.
Lot 1607
1937 PDS Boone Half Dollar
Set. These grade as follows: Philadelphia coin NGC graded MS-66, Denver
coin PCGS graded MS-66 and San Francisco coin is NGC graded MS-66. Each
coin is very satiny, with delicate gold and blue toning at the rims, while the
centers and fields remain very bright. A scarce set this nice.
Estimated
Value $1,000-1,250.
Lot 1608
1937 P and D Boone Half
Dollar. The two coins grade MS-66 or better. Both show the familiar
tab toning and have been together since the time of issue, almost certainly in
the same original mailing holder. Excellent surfaces and strike, with abundant
luster in the fields. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $800-900.
Lot 1609
1937 P and D Boone Half
Dollar. The two coins grade MS-65 or better. Both are toned with
mottled gold and gray hues over mint fresh luster. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $600-700.
Lot 1610
1936 Bridgeport Half
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Totally original and perfectly matched
with most of the others from the Benson Commemorative half dollar set, the
surfaces show hazy gray toning with darker gold at the rims. Well struck and
very clean for the grade. We note a single small reeding mark on Barnum's jaw
and a few very light surface ticks on the high points elsewhere. PCGS notes 387
graded this high, with 27 graded higher (all MS-67), to give the bidders a
picture of how difficult this grade is to obtain.
Estimated Value $300-350.
From the Benson collection and purchased as part of a type set of
Commemorative half dollars from Ira S. Reed on February 15, 1944 for $135.00.
Lot 1611
1936 Bridgeport Half
Dollar. ICG graded MS-66. Glowing gold color with bold luster.
Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 1612
1936 Bridgeport Half
Dollar. MS-66 or better. Boom! The color canon went off on this one,
with stunning blues, greens, golds, reds and whatever other color you could
imagine. Superb surfaces too, with no signs of handling or similar problems.
Throw away the price sheets if you expect to compete for this one, the colors
will bring a premium worthy of their artistry. Color photo.
Estimated Value
$750-UP.
Lot 1613
1936 Bridgeport Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Delicate pastel toning adds to this gem's
eye appeal.
Estimated Value $140-160.
Lot 1614
1936 Bridgeport Half
Dollar (2 pieces) in their original box of issue. Each of the two coins
grades MS-65 or better. Here is something we rarely see, each coin is still
housed in the original blue box of issue with the Bridgeport gold seal on the
cover, and two gold bands at the top and around the edges. The boxes grade
Good or so. Both coins show delightful toning over blazing luster, and are
simply stunning to behold in their original box of issue. These two are part of
an old hoard which recently turned up, and somehow missed the crazy games of
dipping and cleaning that have diminished so many others over the decades. Lot
of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1615
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-68. One of the most perfect California
Commemoratives in existence, with frosty white centers and delightfully toned
edges. As to the grade, MS-68, the surfaces are nudging perfection back
another notch. NGC has only graded 8 this high, PCGS just 2, and neither
service has graded any higher. Sharply struck at the centers, and this is one
of the nicest commemoratives to survive of any issue.
Estimated Value
$3,500-UP.
Lot 1616
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-67. Exceptionally bright luster and lightly
toned at the periphery. One of 80 graded this high by NGC, and exceptional in
every way.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1617
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Great color and nice surfaces for the
grade, and fairly well struck too. The toning on this coin is particularly
pretty, deep blues and gold at the periphery, bright at the centers.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
Lot 1618
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Sharply struck, even on the bears nose,
and toned with lovely peripheral colors. Great luster and surfaces for the
grade. NGC has graded 257 this high.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 1619
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. A satiny mint gem with lovely natural
golden and light russet toning, mostly on the obverse.
Estimated Value
$550-600.
Lot 1620
1925-S California Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Intensely lustrous, this very choice
example exhibits light rainbow toning that deepens at the borders.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 1621
1925 California Half
Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. Gorgeous arcs of color at the rims.
Estimated Value $60-80.
From the Benson collection and purchased as
part of a type set of Commemorative half dollars from Ira S. Reed on February
15, 1944 for $135.00.
Lot 1622
1952 Carver-Washington
Half Dollar (20 pieces). This 20 coin roll of 1952 pieces includes: 2
PCGS graded MS-65; 3 PCGS graded MS-64 and the balance are raw and grade from
MS-63 to 65. Most are bright and untoned, or lightly toned around the
periphery. These were all put away at the time of issue. Lot of 20 coins.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 1623
1953-S Carver-Washington
Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Beautiful toning and great luster
throughout.
Estimated Value $150-200.