Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1850
1874 BG-1124, R-5,
Octagonal Indian Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-62. Golden in color
with most of the luster intact in the fields. We note a few wispy hairlines on
the reverse, and these must account for the grade, as there is little else
wrong with the coin. Identifiable by two small ticks below the 8 in the date,
and somewhat weakly struck on the central reverse devices. All gold dollars are
rare, and this one is no exception. PCGS has graded 8 as such, with 15 graded
higher.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 1851
1874. BG-876, R-5. Round
Indian Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. Prooflike in the obverse
fields, less so on the reverse. We note a faint scratch down Liberty's face and
a few similar surface marks at the upper right center of the reverse. Strong
clash marks from the stars visible on the wreath. Typical die state, with a
bisecting reverse crack and clashed dies. Great color overall.
Estimated
Value $200-250.
Lot 1852
1874. BG-958, High R-6.
Octagonal Indian Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. This is one of the
very rare backdated issues from an unknown maker, but possibly Herman J. Brand.
All of these are rare and seldom encountered. Prooflike fields, and this is an
early die state with stars six and seven touching feathers, and the wreath
touching the D on the reverse. The reverse has some dark toning flecks through
the center mostly on the devices but also in part of the fields surrounding.
This may have been as struck. Here is one of the finest seen, PCGS notes just 5
graded this high, with 2 graded higher out of a total population they've seen
of 13 coins.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Lot 1853
1874/3. BG-1052, R-5.
Round Indian Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Deeply prooflike in the
fields and boldly struck by the dies. This variety has the curious die scratch
from the third star to Liberty's chin, where the engraver slipped and left a
long mark on the obverse die. We also note a die crack from the rim through the
fourth feather (counting from the top) nearly to Liberty's ear. The reverse die
shows clash marks from the stars in the wreath. PCGS notes 8 graded this high,
with a single coin graded higher, making this well up in the Condition Census
for the variety.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1854
1875. BG-1125, R-6.
Octagonal Indian Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. An important issue
thought to have been coined by Herman J. Brand. The new obverse die (first use)
was paired with an old reverse die, which has cracked and broken badly,
especially at the top. Only a few were struck before the reverse die was
discarded, and a new reverse die was paired with this obverse (BG-1126). Rich
gold colors over the mirror fields, and well frosted. A few stray hairlines in
the fields, but they are light and only visible at certain angles. All gold
dollars are rare and always in strong demand. PCGS has graded 12 this high of
the variety, and just a single coin higher (MS-65) of a total of 31 graded in
all. A rare issue that will certainly attract considerable attention.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 1855
1880. BG-799J, R-4.
Octagonal Indian Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Prooflike mirror
fields and frosted devices. Gleaming gold color and very choice. One coppery
toned area on Liberty's cheek, and a long thin hairline before Liberty's face
in the field. On the reverse we note a crease in the field left of the
denomination, and this may have been mint caused. PCGS has graded 30 this high,
with 32 graded higher.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1856
1904 Louisiana Purchase
Exposition quarter and half coins in gold. This pair grades MS-65,
Prooflike. Both are frosty and original, the obverse shows a Fleur Di Lis
with L.P.E. stamped on the extremities, the reverse has LOUISIANA GOLD with a
fraction of the denomination at the center. Flashy and bright. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Pruchased from a Coin Galleries Sale, July
14, 1993, lot 2856.
Lot 1857
A 10 coin type set of
Souvenir California gold. These grade uncirculated. Both round and
octagonal tokens are included, two are dollar sized, four are half dollar sized
and four are quarter sized. Mounted in a small Lucite holder. Lot of 10 tokens.
Estimated Value $100-200.