Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1785
1904 Lewis and Clark
Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. A few faint hairlines and handling ticks
from new, but no real wear noted on the high points.
Estimated Value
$400-500.
Lot 1786
1905 Lewis and Clark
Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. In gem condition, this is the key issue in
the popular 11 piece gold commemorative set. This satiny mint specimen is
bursting with lister and delicate golden-olive mint bloom color. If you are
looking for a gem example to fill out your commem set, you should carefully
consider this little jewel.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Lot 1787
1905 Lewis and Clark
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Of all the small sized denomination
Commemorative gold, the two Lewis and Clark issues are by far the most
difficult to locate in gem or near gem grades. Well struck by the dies, with a
few minor hairlines in the fields, but no other detriments.
Estimated Value
$4,000-4,500.
Lot 1788
1905 Lewis and Clark
Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. A high end coin for the grade with
excellent luster, a strong strike and beautiful color and surfaces. This is one
of the scarcer issues.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1789
1905 Lewis and Clark
Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. Nice and satiny, a high-end coin for the
grade.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 1790
1903 Louisiana
Purchase-Jefferson Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. A few trivial
hairlines, but this one still looks mint state to us. Check it out.
Estimated Value $225-250.
Lot 1791
1903 Louisiana
Purchase-McKinley Dollar. AU-58. Nice luster and with just a few
minute handling marks.
Estimated Value $225-275.
From Superior
Galleries Club Cal Neva Sale, September 1987, lot 4322.
Lot 1792
1916 McKinley Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-64. Sharply struck by the dies, including the reverse
memorial building, and well preserved luster in the fields. Minor hairlines
from a higher grade.
Estimated Value $800-900.
Lot 1793
1916 McKinley Dollar.
MS-60+. A few hairlines and surface ticks, but generally nice for
the moderate grade.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 1794
1917 McKinley Dollar.
NGC graded MS-64. A satiny mint beauty with a hint of light pinkish
tone.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
Lot 1795
1917 McKinley Dollar.
PCGS graded MS-63. Frosty luster and well preserved. Examination
will note some minor hairlines, and the strike is average.
Estimated Value
$650-700.
Lot 1796
1915-S Panama-Pacific
Dollar. MS-60+. Faint hairlines but no other problems on this
sparkling little jewel. One of the most popular of the commemorative issues for
its ground breaking designs and timeless beauty.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1797
1915-S Panama-Pacific
$2.50. NGC graded MS-65. A frosty mint gem specimen.
Estimated
Value $4,400-4,700.
Lot 1798
1915-S Panama-Pacific
$2.50. PCGS graded MS-64. A better than average strike and unlike
many, even in this high state of preservation, this Pan Pac quarter eagle is
fully lustrous.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 1799
1915-S Panama-Pacific
Presidential signing pen. This is one of the official pens used by
President Taft to sign the legislation authorizing the Panama Pacific
International Exposition in 1915, the pen grades Very Fine or so. An
historic relic of one of the most important expositions seen in this country.
The pen is housed in a special velvet case which shows some wear, but inside
the colors are bright, and the jeweler's stamp on the inside cover reads N.M.
Kirshner, Reliable Jeweler, 413 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CAL. The pen itself
is engraved OFFICIAL PEN USED BY PRESIDENT TAFT IN SIGNING THE P.P.I.E. BILL.
Note that the pen has traces of ink at the base, and is further engraved in
small letters: "Official Souvenir P.P.I.E. 1915 Reg. Off. Sec. State Cal." This
pen would make a delightful companion piece to a copper frame set of the Panama
Pacific Exposition coins, especially with the unusual silver medal offered with
the silver commemoratives from this Exposition. Undoubtedly rare and seldom
offered.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
Lot 1800
1915-S Panama-Pacific
International Exposition Silver Token. The token grades Extremely
Fine. We've never seen anything like this, the token is apparently silver,
with one side showing a nicely engraved rampant bear with his snout just about
touching the date 1915, the other side has a similar well engraved walking bear
with the initials PPIE for the San Francisco Pacific PanAmerican International
Exposition. The surfaces are toned with an antique gray color and the rim is
plain (not reeded). A simple design, but no doubt historically important with
the California bear and the reference to the Exposition. Something that is
definitely worth some research, as it is certainly very unusual.
Estimated
Value $100-UP.
Lot 1801
1926 Sesquicentennial
$2.50. PCGS graded MS-64. Gorgeous deep golden toning further
enhances the eye appeal of this satiny mint beauty.
Estimated Value
$750-850.
Lot 1802
1926 Sesquicentennial
$2.50. NGC graded MS-64. Nice and frosty, a very choice example.
Estimated Value $700-750.
Lot 1803
1926 Sesquicentennial
$2.50. MS-60. We note a couple of edge dings on the reverse.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1804
1915-S Panama-Pacific
Copper Frame and Original Shipping Box. No coins are included for this
single set of five pieces. The frame is in excellent condition and the
original white box is in poor condition, with some minor tears at the
corners. An extraordinary item, and one of the first we've seen that
included the original shipping box. Many collectors purchase the frame, then
assemble the coins, putting back together one of the most popular sets ever
issued by the United States Mint. We expect substantial bidder interest on this
frame and box.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.