Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1934
1795. Miller-2, Breen 1-B,
Rarity-4. Sharpness of EF-40 but the surfaces have been repaired and
cleaned. The surfaces of this coin have been cleaned and likely repaired to
reduce handling marks and rim ticks, and moderate hairlines are still present.
Well struck and with strong detail on the devices. We note a series of surface
marks on the lower half of the letters of LIBERTY, and a general layer of
handling marks on both sides. Identifiable by a dull scrape from the fourth
(from right) palm leaf down to the rim, and a similar one just above the top of
the right wing of the eagle. Obviously a coin with some problems, and one that
should be inspected by prospective buyers as all 1795 half eagles are rare. The
first year of issue, and one for a type collector who wants substantial detail
without a huge price.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,500.
From the
collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr.
Lot 1935
1795. Miller-12, Breen
8-I, Rarity-7. EF-40. This rare obverse is quickly identifiable by a
recut letter E between BE of LIBERTY and also the I is recut of that word. On
the reverse, TAT of STATES and AME of AMERICA all touch at the bottom of these
letters. Lovely copper gold in color, especially near the lettering and
devices. There are adjustment marks on the reverse, a few of which run through
the eagle, others criss crossing in the fields. A few scattered handling marks,
as expected for the grade with a few on the eagle's body which will help
identify this rare coin in the future. Sharply impressed, and a rare variety
for the specialist to acquire. No duplicate was offered in the Bass sales of a
few years ago, which confirms its rarity as a die pairing.
Estimated Value
$7,500-10,000.
From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr.
Lot 1936
1796. Small eagle, 6 over
5, Miller-16, Breen 9-I, Rarity-5. NGC graded MS-62. This is the
only die combination of 1796 half eagle found. Examination will easily locate
the 5 hiding beneath the 6, especially the ball of the 5 and the flag. Good
luster remains and the surfaces show a few expected hairlines and scattered
marks accounting for the grade. Well struck, but we not minor weakness on the
high points of the eagle on the reverse, and on some elements of Liberty on the
obverse. This is a thoroughly satisfying example of the issue, which is quite
scarce among the small eagle early fives. While not a rare variety, this coin
is needed by date, type and variety collectors alike, keeping pricing pressure
high on the few that turn up. We note that this obverse die was not used to
produce 1795 half eagles, but was probably prepared in 1795, not needed, and
then overdated in 1796 after the new year. Miller notes that "only a few
survivors near mint state", and this is borne out by the NGC Population Report
which shows 2 graded as MS-62, with 5 graded higher (best MS-65). As a date,
1796 is far rarer than 1795, and this one is a lovely coin for the collector to
secure. Color photo.
Estimated Value $70,000-90,000.
Lot 1937
1796. Small eagle, 6 over
5, Miller-16, Breen 9-I, Rarity-4. PCGS graded AU-53. Only a single
pair of dies were used to coin these 1796 half eagles. As a date, virtually
none are found in mint state, and PCGS has graded two as MS-62, and one as
MS-63, with all others seen in AU grades and below. Here is a particularly nice
example for this date. The surfaces show scattered handling marks on both
sides, with a minor scratch on the lower bust and into the drapery above the 6.
The reverse is also well struck, with full feather details on the eagle's wings
although the breast on thigh show expected weakness and wear. On the obverse,
there are some trivial scattered dark flecks, and these should help hallmark
this coin for the future. No adjustment marks or similar distractions, and just
about all a collector could hope for from this difficult early date half eagle.
PCGS has graded 5 as such, with 11 in higher AU grades, and the 3 mint state
coins mentioned at the top of the census. A rare opportunity. Color photo.
Estimated Value $17,500-20,000.
No provenance known.