Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 2001
1850-C. NGC graded
MS-61. A well struck and problem-free specimen. NGC has certified but 8 in
this grade with 5 higher.
Estimated Value $7,500-9,000.
Lot 2002
1854. PCGS graded
MS-60. Scarce in this grade, as are all mint state no motto half eagles.
Approximately one half of the fields show low areas on both sides, either both
dies had some grease on them or this one wasn't well struck. Other areas are
sharp. This striking phenomenon is common on coins from this era. We note a
long hidden mark down Liberty's crown and curls, accounting for the grade.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 2003
1855-S. PCGS graded
AU-58. Most of the original mintage was lost, or spent down to much lower
grades. To find a nearly mint state example will certainly take time for even
the most advanced numismatist. This particular coin boasts superb surfaces that
show mint fresh luster and no problem marks or ticks. There is one small low
area where the coin was not fully struck extending between the first star and
the date, and just missing the truncation on Liberty. Abundant eye appeal for
the date, and much better than most "58s" we see. PCGS has graded 10 this high,
with a single coin graded higher (MS-62), placing this coin in a select group
as one of the finest known of the date. Truly an opportunity.
Estimated
Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2004
1859. NGC graded
MS-62. A needle sharp strike and with enough reflective surface in the
protected areas as to be suggestive of a proof. A low mintage date with only a
handful being saved. One of only 5 graded by the service with none higher.
Color photo.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Lot 2005
1865-S. NGC graded
AU-58. A fully lustrous example that has a few too many light contact marks
to qualify as strictly mint state. A decidedly rare coin in grades above Very
Fine and in this state of preservation, only a small handful exist. Between
both leading grading services, only 5 have grade fully Mint State.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 2006
1876-CC. AU-53.
A very pleasing example with excellent eye-appeal. The surfaces appear to
have been lightly cleaned, and perhaps the rims have been slighty smoothed;
nevertheless, plenty of mint luster remains. A very rare coin that is seldom
offered in such high grade.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 2007
1881, 1882 and 1893.
A trio which grades from AU-50 to 55. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated
Value $350-400.
Lot 2008
1886-S. MS-63.
A frosty mint example.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 2009
1890-CC. PCGS
graded MS-61. Frosty luster and fairly well preserved for the moderate
grade assigned. We note the obverse is clean for the grade, while the reverse
has minute, but widely scattered ticks. Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value
$800-1,000.
From Superior Galleries Boys Town Sale, May 27-29, 1990, lot
4762.
Lot 2010
1894. PCGS graded
Proof 64 Cameo. A remarkable proof specimen with excellent cameo contrast
and as such is recognized on the holder by the grading service. Its color is
warm golden, the fields appear with watery mirror depth. Only 75 proofs were
made. Population: 11, with only 2 higher. It would be hard to imagine
any more beautiful than this one.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 2011
1899. MS-60.
Typical handling marks and well struck by the dies.
Estimated Value
$150-200.
Lot 2012
1899 Closed 9 variety.
Together with: 1900, both grade MS-60 or better. Two coins in
lot.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 2013
1900. NGC graded
MS-63. Sparkles with frosty mint luster.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 2014
1901. MS-63.
Nice luster and decent surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value
$350-400.
Lot 2015
1901-S. NGC graded
MS-64. A satiny mint beauty. Ideal for a top quality type set.
Estimated Value $700-850.
Lot 2016
1902-S. MS-60+.
Clean surfaces, but we note some trivial hairlines.
Estimated Value
$200-250.
Lot 2017
1903. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Struck in the all mirror finish peculiar to 1902-03. Moderate
handling marks on the obverse, and moreso on the reverse account for the grade.
Nearly choice, and a decent coin for the grade.
Estimated Value
$3,000-4,000.
Lot 2018
1903-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. A gorgeous example, well struck and frosty with natural light
golden-rose mint bloom color.
Estimated Value $750-850.
Lot 2019
1903-S. NGC graded
MS-63. Sparkles with mint luster.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 2020
1903-S. NGC graded
MS-63. A fully lustrous example.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 2021
1903-S. MS-63.
Nice and frosty and delicately toned.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 2022
1903-S. MS-60+.
Nice luster and a few hairlines.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 2023
1906. NGC graded
MS-66. A splendid satiny mint gem with wonderful eye appeal. Delicate
golden-orange with pale olive overtones and a coppery toning spot at the first
star.
Estimated Value $3,750-4,250.
Lot 2024
1906-D. PCGS graded
MS-64. Nice and frosty with undisturbed mint color that is enhanced by a
hint of light olive tone about the extreme borders.
Estimated Value
$750-850.
Lot 2025
1907. PCGS graded
MS-63. Nice color and surfaces for the average choice grade.
Estimated
Value $400-450.
Lot 2026
1907. NGC graded
MS-62. Decent luster and nice surfaces for the moderate grade.
Estimated Value $200-220.
Lot 2027
1907 and 1907-D.
Both grade MS-60+. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 2028
1907-D. NGC graded
MS-64. Well struck and satiny with remarkably clean surfaces and even
golden-orange mint color. We note a faint surface scratch in the reverse field
before LIBERTY that can only be seen under magnification when tipped to a light
source. A date that is always in demand for an "all mints" type set.
Estimated Value $750-850.