Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1767
1946 P and D Booker T.
Washington Half Dollars and 1953-S Washington-Carver. Each grades MS-65
or better. The 1946 BTW has slightly mottled gold toning, with many flecks
on either side, while the 1946-D BTW boasts spectacular orange-gold hues
throughout. Last, the 1953-S WC has crackled gold, green and rose hues over
bright luster. All are totally original, and the toning is the result of
decades long storage in the original cardboard mailers used to ship these
coins. Most have been dipped over the years to restore the original, bright
silver appearance, not so here, these are delightfully original, and each is a
high end gem too. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1768
1946 PDS Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar Set. These coins grade MS-65 or better. Also
included with this lot is the original black cardboard holder of issue. The
holder grades VG, and has some small tears where stickers were removed on the
bottom part. Each of the coins is toned on one side, the other side
protected from air exposure by the holder and slide. In this case, the
Philadelphia coin toned on the reverse, while the two mintmarked coins toned on
the obverse. Fresh luster and pristine surfaces on each. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 1769
1946 Booker T. Washington
Half Dollar (5 pieces). Each is PCGS graded MS-65. Most are toned
with dark gold shades while the reverses have peripheral gold hues. Lot of 5
coins.
Estimated Value $100-125.
From the Benson collection and
purchased at the time of issue for $1.00 each.
Lot 1770
1946 Booker T. Washington
Half Dollar. And 1953 Washington-Carver. Both grade Mint State 63.
Estimated Value $20-25.
Lot 1771
1946-D Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Original tab toning on
this example, with lilac over most of the surfaces and deeper gold at the rims.
Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $80-100.
Lot 1772
1946-S Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Glorious gold and russet
toning on both sides over lustrous surfaces. Pristine quality.
Estimated
Value $150-200.
Lot 1773
1946-S Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Iridescent gold toning on
both sides, evenly distributed. Frosty luster beneath, and very much at the
high end of the gem grade. Worth a premium for the color.
Estimated Value
$100-UP.
Lot 1774
1946-S Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Rich gold and yellow
toning on each side, with luster beneath. Minor handling marks on the devices.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 1775
1947 Booker T. Washington
Half Dollar. The coin grades MS-66 or better. This one includes the
"Gems of Wisdom" original paper holder which grades Good, the paper
shows heavy folds. The coin was originally held in place by a small bit of
acetate with the reverse side down. Some of this acetate still remains on the
coin, and it has toned stunning vibrant yellow colors in that area, green and
blue elsewhere on the reverse. The obverse toning is a combination of gold,
green and blue flecks over mark-free surfaces.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1776
1947-S Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Strong luster and lightly
toned with golden gray highlights throughout. Rarely found this nice.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1777
1949 PDS Booker T.
Washington Half Dollar Set. Each is NGC graded MS-66. The D Mint
coin has some toning at the top, otherwise all bright and fresh. Lot of 3
coins.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 1778
1936 Wisconsin Half
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Yellow gold and hazy tones dominate the
surfaces. Scarce any better.
Estimated Value $180-220.
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 1779
1936 Wisconsin Half
Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Delicate sunset toning adds greatly its
eye appeal. A gem specimen in every way.
Estimated Value $175-225.
Lot 1780
1936 York Half Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-67. Curiously, many of the York commemoratives are
well preserved, and this grade can be obtained for a relatively modest price.
This particular one boasts satiny gray toning, with darker gold at the edge.
The PCGS Population Report shows 354 graded as MS-67 with this one, and just 21
graded higher, all MS-68. One of the finest, and certain to please the
specialist.
Estimated Value $275-325.
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 1781
1936 York Half Dollar (4
pieces). These grade MS-65 or better. A small hoard that has been
together since the time of issue, held in the original cardboard holder,
which is included in this lot and grades Good, with a small edge tear. The
coins are toned with stunning tab toning, from decades of storage in this
cardboard holder. Somehow this little group escaped the dipping days of the
1980s and 1990s, and sat quietly tucked away in a vault awaiting their recent
discovery. Lot of 4 coins.
Estimated Value $750-UP.
Lot 1782
1900 Lafayette Dollar.
NGC graded MS-64. This coin has the appearance of a stunning gem
with gorgeous gold and blue around the edge, fading to antique silver at the
centers. One tiny scrape on the boot, but clean surfaces elsewhere. Hard to
find this nice, especially with such rich eye appeal.
Estimated Value
$2,000-2,500.
Lot 1783
1900 Lafayette Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-63. Nice for the grade, this one boasts delicate
toning at the rims and mint fresh luster in the fields. A typical strike for
the issue, with weakness on the boot as nearly always seen.
Estimated Value
$850-950.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on
March 28, 1944 for $5.50.
Lot 1784
1900 Lafayette Dollar.
AU-55. Gold and pink toning and probably cleaned long ago. We note
some stains behind Washington's head and others on Lafayette's, and these may
have been caused by a rubber band or some other similar source.
Estimated
Value $150-200.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S.
Reed on May 22, 1945.