The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2020
1913-D. Type 1.
MS-63 or better. Good luster and a decent strike for this first year
of issue.
Estimated Value $50-75.
Lot 2021
1920-S. PCGS graded
MS-62. A lovely example for the grade, and perhaps better than indicated.
Well struck for the date, with good details on the chief as well as on the
beast. Frosty luster and only minute signs of handling visible with a glass.
Worth a premium for the strike and eye appeal.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Purchased forty years ago for $8.
Lot 2022
1921. MS-63.
Choice color and luster, with a decent strike even on the bison's tail. One
of the better dates from Philadelphia.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 2023
1921-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. A decent strike on this coin for the date, with the centers sharp,
and minor weakness on the head and tail, which is nearly split. Toned with
rainbow hues moreso on the reverse, but they come alive when this one is
examined under a light. A rare date, and seldom found in this grade.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 2024
1924-D. PCGS graded
MS-64. Nickel blue toning on both sides, with the centers sharp and some
weakness on the periphery. Good luster for the date, and rare.
Estimated
Value $750-1,000.
Lot 2025
1937-D. 3 legged.
NGC graded MS-66. Pristine surfaces expected for the grade, with
glowing luster in the fields. This one is well struck by the dies, and shows
none of the weakness sometimes encountered. We do note a few very minor
flyspecks on both sides, but they are visible only with a glass. Tied for
absolute finest graded by both NGC and PCGS, combined they've graded a total of
15 this high, and of course neither has graded a coin higher than this for the
variety. If you want the ultimate Three Legger for your Buffalo nickel
collection, then here it is.
How did this curious die blunder come about?
Breen relates the story in his Encyclopedia (page 257). A Mr. Young was
operating the coin press at the Denver Mint that day, and having a large quota
to produce, noticed that the dies had clashed. Traces of the obverse design
were pounded into the reverse, the dies having come together without a planchet
between them. Rather than replace the dies, he took an emery stick and removed
the clash marks by judicious handiwork. During this process, he removed not
only the clash marks but also the foreleg of the bison. The dies were returned
to the press, and coinage resumed. Apparently quite a few of these escaped the
Mint before an inspector noticed the missing leg and the dies were discarded.
Today, most show evidence of circulation, as the coins had generally been spent
before anyone widely publicized the curious missing leg. Locating a true gem is
a challenge, although lower grade pieces are available for a price. In NGC
holder #636952-005.
Estimated Value $15,000-18,000.
Lot 2026
1937-D. 3 legged.
Fine-15. Natural gray in color and pleasing for the grade. Always in
strong demand as few have been found and many collectors desire an example for
their collections.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 2027
The Benson Buffalo nickel
partial set, 1935-1938-D. The balance of the Buffalo nickel collection is
within this sale, and this small group remains together and will be sold in the
original National Pages album. Dates range from 1935 through 1938-D, and
each coin is MS-63 or better and all are toned with lovely colors, some of
which have developed minor flyspecks over time. Lot of 10 coins.
Estimated Value $175-225.