Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1649
1936 Elgin Half Dollar.
NGC graded MS-66. A lightly toned example with some deeper russet
tones resting around the protected areas of the periphery.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 1650
1936 Elgin Half Dollar (4
pieces). These each grade MS-65 or better. Also included is the
original cardboard holder of issue which grades Fine, which housed these
four coins for many years, giving them magnificent tab toning on one side, more
even hues on the other. The cardboard holder is stamped by L. W. Hoffecker of
El Paso, Texas, and the ink is faded a bit, but can easily be read. These are
from the original group that came to us after being put away since the time of
issue. Lot of 4 coins.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
Lot 1651
1936 Gettysburg Half
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Hazy toning and a lovely gem in every
way.
Estimated Value $350-400.
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 1652
1936 Gettysburg Half
Dollar (3 pieces). Each grades MS-65. These three were all stored in
the original cardboard mailing holder for many years and developed the
interesting tab toning on one side, and are more evenly toned on the other
side. Totally original, and each has exceptionally clean surfaces. Lot of 3
coins.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,750.
Lot 1653
1922 Grant Half Dollar,
with star. PCGS graded MS-66. One of the great rarities of the
Commemorative half dollar series, and one that is rarely found in gem grades.
This fact is borne out by the years of statistical data represented in the
grading services Population Reports. In the current PCGS Population Report we
see that 19 Grant with star commemoratives have been graded this high, with
just 3 graded higher. Hence, this is one of the very finest of this key date to
survive. We anticipate healthy bidding activity when it crosses the block, for
such superb coins are rarely encountered, and always command a premium. Fully
struck by the dies, with good luster in the fields and toned with tawny gold
hues on both sides. Remarkably clean surfaces, of course. Color photo.
Estimated Value $9,000-UP.
Lot 1654
1922 Grant Half Dollar,
with star. PCGS graded MS-64. Golden flecks of toning at the edges
and fairly well struck for this issue, although there is slight weakness in
Grant's curls. The surfaces show few signs of contact, and this coin certainly
has the appearance of a gem.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1655
1922 Grant Half Dollar, no
star. NGC graded MS-66. Medium gray toning on both sides with areas
of brighter gold shining through. Nicely struck for a Grant, but what sets this
apart is the clean surfaces. Most Grants are banged up, but not so here, as the
surfaces remain mint fresh and clean.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 1656
1922 Grant Half Dollar, no
star. NGC graded MS-64. This one is graced by loads of magnificent
toning which ranges from blue to rose red, and ample gold too. Nicely struck
and well preserved, but this one will go to a color hound.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 1657
A pair of commemoratives.
The first is a 1922 Grant which is EF-40, cleaned, next is a 1925 Stone
Mountain, AU-50. Lot of 2 coins.
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 1658
1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar.
PCGS graded Proof 62. One of just 50 struck in Sandblast
Proof! An incredibly important coin for the Commemorative half dollar
specialist, and one that is seldom offered, especially in certified grades. The
strike is needle sharp, and the surfaces are a soft matte appearance from the
sandblasted dies. This one is toned a lilac gray color, with areas of gold
nestling in with the devices. Where are the original 50? The Breen-Swiatek
Commemorative book gives a big jump on the issue, as our friend Gordon Medcalf
went to the Hawaiian State archives and located the original list of buyers of
the 50 struck, and this list is published in the Breen-Swiatek book. Eight of
the 50 had been donated to museums by the time the book was published in 1981,
and likely a few more have drifted that direction and are now off the market.
Of those remaining, PCGS has graded a total of 8 coins as follows: PR-61,
PR-62, PR-63, and 5 as PR-64. NGC has graded a dozen, and there is likely
duplication between the services as these rare coins would frequently be sent
to both to see how a particular coin grades. That's it, there are obviously
others but they have not been graded as of yet.
The Hawaiian commemorative
half dollar has always been in strong demand, the issue sold out quickly, and
the only known hoard has been broken up years ago. Further, the 50 proof struck
went to individuals, and no hoard of these has ever been assembled to our
knowledge. One of these sold for over $15,000 in 1979, and we can therefore
suggest that these are due for a price increase one of these years, as they
haven't traded higher as many other far more common coins have in the last two
decades. Purchasing a Hawaiian proof will certainly be the pinnacle of most
coin collectors sets, and this is an excellent opportunity to take advantage
of. Bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
Lot 1659
1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-65. Bright and lustrous, without the usual dull
toning often seen, this one must have escaped the damp Hawaii environment early
on, before the toning process started. Clean surfaces, with delightful mint
frost and just a light scattering of ticks from handling. These are seldom
found bright and lustrous, this should certainly be worth a premium as such.
Housed in an old style green insert PCGS holder. Scarce this nice, and rare any
better.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 1660
1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar.
MS-60+. A rare, early commemorative that is always in strong demand.
Sharply struck by the dies, but the surfaces have been cleaned and show minute
porosity. Toned with hazy gold over somewhat cloudy surfaces. Color photo.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
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 1661
1935 Hudson Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-63. As with most of these, the strike is not quite
full, but the luster and color combine to make this one worth a bid.
Estimated Value $350-400.
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 1662
1924 Huguenot-Walloon Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Brilliant yellow gold toning on the
obverse, more silvery gray on the reverse. Excellent luster and well struck for
this gem coin. Color photo.
Estimated Value $300-UP.
Lot 1663
1924 Huguenot-Walloon Half
Dollar. MS-60. Antique gray and gold toning, but some hairlines
underneath.
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 1664
1918 Illinois Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-67. Here is one of the finest graded of the issue,
PCGS has seen 51 this high, but none have been graded higher. Toned with light
blue gray on both sides with vibrant luster in the fields. No signs of marks or
handling save for the most minute ticks. This one has good feather detail on
the eagle too.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,000.
Lot 1665
1918 Illinois Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-65. A beautiful, well struck example that boasts
satiny luster and light golden toning. We note a hidden tick on the second N of
CENTENNIAL, otherwise this would have graded higher.
Estimated Value
$400-UP.
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 1666
1946 Iowa Half Dollar.
NGC graded MS-67. Strong luster and boasting lovely toning around
the obverse periphery. Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $250-UP.
Lot 1667
1925 Lexington-Concord
Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. One of the better Lexington's to
survive from the original mintage. PCGS has graded just 95 this high, with a
single coin graded higher! Satiny gray luster throughout, with vibrant colors
at the edge. A superb example of this issue.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
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.