The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14

Small Cents

Indian Head Cents

Lot 1930
1859. PCGS graded Proof 66. One of the finest graded of this date, and a single year type coin to boot! PCGS has awarded this grade to only 18 coins, with a single coin graded higher of the date. Glowing reddish gold and yellow hues in the fields, and nearly perfect in strike, and surface quality. We do note two minute specks, but both are located on the extreme edge on the obverse. A condition rarity in this grade, and certainly one of the very finest known of this rare first year of issue and single year proof type coin.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.

Lot 1931
1859. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice color and luster, with a few minor planchet flakes including one on the 9 in the date. A one year type coin that is always in strong demand. In an old green insert PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $600-800.

Lot 1932
1864. Bronze, no "L". NGC graded MS-66 Red and Brown. Mostly red in color with slight fading on the devices, especially on the reverse. Well struck by the dies, and very clean for the period. NGC has graded just 56 this high, with 1 higher in the RB category. One tiny speck on the lowest feather.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 1933
1865 Plain 5. PCGS graded MS-64 Red and Brown. Good color and well struck on the devices, but light on the date.
Estimated Value $125-175.

Lot 1934
1866. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red and Brown. One of the better examples of this date, which is nearly impossible to locate in a higher technical grade. The surfaces are mostly faded red, with faint woodgrain toning on the reverse. We see two very tiny traces of carbon the obverse, but they are microscopic. PCGS has graded 35 this high, with only a single coin graded higher. A pleasing coin in every way for the date collector.
Estimated Value $700-800.
From the Michael Riordan collection.

Lot 1935
1867. PCGS graded MS-64 Red. Light red in color with just a small toned area between and above the bottom two feathers. We note several tiny die lines on Liberty's face from improper polishing of the die, others appear in the feathers too. Rare this nice. No trace of recutting on the date.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.

Lot 1936
1868. PCGS graded Proof 65 Brown. Pretty wood grain brown toning on this one, and we note a couple of very minor spots.
Estimated Value $400-450.

Lot 1937
1871. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red and Brown. Hazy toning on both sides starting to form the usual wood grain appearance. Reflective gold mirror fields, and scarce in this grade.
Estimated Value $700-800.

Lot 1938
1875. NGC graded Proof 65 Red. One of the finest graded of this date and almost impossible to find in full "red" condition. NGC has graded 7 this high, but none are graded higher in Red by that service. The obverse shows only a trace of wood grain toning, similar on the reverse but there we find a fiery sunset glow around the devices. Truly a superb example for the advanced numismatist.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,500.

Lot 1939
1875. MS-63 or better. Red. Bright yellow gold in color and well struck and preserved. We note a small speck in the headdress, otherwise all is fresh and bright.
Estimated Value $700-900.

Lot 1940
1877. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red. The key date to the Indian cent series, 1877 has remained popular with collectors for well over a century. Naturally, the most desirable color to find is a full "red" example, as seen here, as compared with a brown or red and brown example of this date. In expected fashion, this proof is fully struck and very well preserved. The surfaces show minor fly specks on both sides, expected on these early proofs. The devices and lettering are well frosted, giving this particular specimen good contrast between the fields and devices. PCGS estimates that 900 were struck, with a reported mintage of just 510 from Mint records. Of these, PCGS has graded 39 specimens as such in Red, with 33 graded higher. With mint state examples few and far between, many collectors purchase a proof example for their collection.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.

Lot 1941
1879. NGC graded Proof 66 Genaitis. Red and Brown. Golden red in color and barely toned overall. The surfaces are quite clean as expected, and this example would put most others of this date to shame! A sparkler.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
From Heritage's sale of the Genaitis collection.

Lot 1942
1879. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red. Magnificent mellow red color, with clean surfaces too. Spot and problem free.
Estimated Value $800-950.

Lot 1943
1880. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red and Brown. Golden red on the obverse, the reverse is toned with lovely lavender colors that just simply glow.
Estimated Value $175-200.

Lot 1944
1881. Proof 64 Red. Choice brick red in color with no signs of spots or other problems. Well centered and struck, and very appealing.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 1945
1881. Proof 63 Brown. Nice for the moderate grade, with good color and clean surfaces.
Estimated Value $70-80.

Lot 1946
1882. NGC graded Proof 67 Brown. One of the finest graded by NGC, with just 3 seen as such, and another 5 as RB, but none higher. Beautiful medium brown color on both sides, with hints of dark red near the devices. Exceptional quality.
Estimated Value $700-800.