Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 2057
1797. Large eagle,
Taraszka-8: 6-E, Breen 2-B, Rarity-4. NGC graded AU-58. Toned with a
light coppery gold color on both sides, the surfaces retain some luster and the
strike is sharp. This would make a nice type coin for the collector as it is a
common variety and virtually a new coin. Examination will locate minor handling
ticks, but there are no surface problems whatsoever. There are no visible
adjustment marks and the devices are very well struck on both the obverse and
reverse, including the stars which are frequently weak. We note that the
reverse die has been touched up, with the dentils strengthened over the E of
STATES, and the second T of STATES has also been touched up, with the post now
extending up beyond the crossbar, that or a small die lump has formed in this
area.
Estimated Value $9,500-11,500.
Lot 2058
1798. 8 over 7, 9 stars
left, 4 right, Tarazska-9, Rarity-4+. PCGS graded MS-61. Long
considered to be very rare, enough recent appearances seem to support a
population of closer to 100 rather than Breen's suggested 18-20 known (per his
Encyclopedia). However, most of those known are circulated examples, unlike
this lovely mint state coin here. Abundant luster in the fields and the devices
are well struck by the dies. Moderate adjustment marks can be seen with a glass
on the obverse, as made. It has long been considered that only 900 were struck,
based on the Mint's official warrants for 1798, but more research needs to be
done, as some 1797 coins were struck after this 1798, given advanced die
state analysis done by Anthony Taraszka, making the Mints warrants a good
guide, but not necessarily as straight forward as one might hope. All 1798
eagles are rare, and the date has long been held in high regard as so few are
known when compared with many other dates in this series. This particular one
should be identifiable from previous sales by a small spot just touching the
middle of Liberty's neck, and a short line extending from the last S of STATES
(this is a small planchet defect). Of course, with so few known in Mint State,
there have only been a few auctioned over the years. This is not the Eliasberg
or Carter coin, but might be the Baldenhofer or Davis-Graves specimen, or
perhaps one that has escaped being memorialized in an auction until recently.
PCGS has graded just 3 this high, with none graded higher. This will
give an indication of just how truly rare this coin is in full mint state
grades. Color photo.
Estimated Value $50,000-70,000.
Lot 2059
1800. Taraszka-23, Breen
1-A, Rarity-4. PCGS graded MS-63. Reported mintage of 5,999 makes
this one of the rare dates of the early eagle series. Only one pair of dies was
used to coin these, and all show a die crack through the tops of LIBERTY. We
note some adjustment marks along the reverse rim. Toned with delicate golden
copper shades near the devices, and with very appealing surfaces and color.
PCGS has graded 6 this high, with 3 graded higher. Color photo.
Estimated
Value $30,000-UP.
Lot 2060
1803. Sharpness of
VF-30 but used as jewelry. The surfaces are abraded and this coin was
obviously used as jewelry. Probably mounted, as there is a dark area on the rim
below the date, on both the edge and in the dentils. Inspection mandatory.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 2061
1803. Large reverse stars,
Taraszka-30: 18-R, Breen 1-E, Rarity-4. NGC graded AU-50. Delicate
gold to copper toning on both the obverse and reverse and well struck for this
date. We note one minor rim bump below the 3 in the date, and this should serve
to hallmark this coin. Much larger stars than on the other reverse dies of the
year, and this creates a minor type variety for the collector. These early
eagles are very scarce, most were lost or melted soon after they were struck,
and very few have been located today for the many collectors who desire to own
a decent example.
Estimated Value $5,500-6,500.
Lot 2062
1803. Sharpness of
EF-45 but harshly cleaned and burnished. The surfaces have been harshly
cleaned and burnished and reflect heavy cleaning lines. Appealing if you want a
high grade coin for a moderate price. Inspection mandatory.
Estimated Value
$2,500-3,000.
From Superior Galleries October 2000 Sale, lot 4692.