The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 2266
1839. NGC graded
MS-62. This one is very well struck and preserved for the date, with plenty
of luster in the fields beneath the steel gray toning with gold accents at the
periphery. This is the first year of issue, and this coin is perhaps in the top
50 to 100 known of the date.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
Lot 2267
1841-O. NGC graded
MS-63. Dark reddish gold toning on this one, with pretty blues added in at
the edge. NGC has graded 7 this high, with just 4 higher, making it one of the
better coins to come down to us from this date and mint. Well struck and a
fairly early die state with a faint crack at the left wing tip of the eagle.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
Lot 2268
1842. Medium date.
NGC graded MS-64. Gorgeous old toning on this one, with dark blue at
the rims, fiery red and orange elsewhere with silvery gray predominating.
Fairly well struck by the dies, with scattered handling marks in the fields.
Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 2269
1848-O. MS-60.
Dark gold toning with lighter silver tones at the centers. Sharply struck
by the dies, and a decent coin for the moderate grade.
Estimated Value
$350-450.
Lot 2270
1853. Arrows and rays.
NGC graded MS-65. An extremely difficult type coin to locate in full
gem grades, the arrows and rays combination was used for just a part of 1853.
This particular example shows glowing sunset colors on both the obverse and
reverse with a natural gray tone elsewhere. Sharply impressed by the dies, with
full stars and details on Liberty. We note the reverse die shows clash marks
both below and above the eagle's wings. NGC has graded only 16 this high, and 7
higher (all MS-66), while PCGS has graded only 14 this high and 3 higher. An
impressive example of this important type coin for the specialist.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 2271
1854-O. Arrows. A
stunning gem! PCGS graded MS-66. Certainly one of the very
finest of this scarce type coin to be graded, and with wondrous eye appeal from
the sea green, blue and gold toning on both sides. Fully struck by the dies,
and nearly perfect in every way. One tiny tick in the field near Liberty's knee
will help trace this one, as will a couple of minor irregularities in the
toning just under the date. PCGS has graded 11 this high with a single coin
graded a notch higher, making this one of the very finest to survive of the
with arrows type. Certain to be the centerpiece of a superb type or date
collection. If you love lustrous, magnificently toned coins, then feast your
eyes on this one.
Estimated Value $9,000-11,000.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2272
1854-O. Arrows.
PCGS graded MS-64. An important type coin to find in mint state
grades, this particular one boasts glowing luster and is completely white in
color. We note only the faintest signs of handling, with minor ticks on the
fields and a small nick on Liberty's cheek. Boldly struck by the dies, and a
very nice coin for the grade. If you love blast white silver, then here is a
perfect one for your collection. PCGS has graded 45 this high, and just 21
higher of the date.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 2273
1854-O. Arrows.
MS-63. A beautiful untoned frosty mint specimen, about as fresh an
example as you will see.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 2274
1855. Arrows.
Wiley-Bugert-101, R-4+. PCGS graded MS-65. Pryor Collection on holder.
Exceptional quality for the date and type. Fiery luster in the fields which
is enhanced by stunning deep blue and green toning at the periphery of both the
obverse and reverse, the centers more gold to white in color. Fully struck save
for the very last star, which shows central weakness only. This must be an
early die state as we note a faint crack from stars five to seven, and hints of
another at the top of UNIT. Clashed with outlines of the eagle's wings up from
Liberty's right and left arm and the reverse too, with clash marks both above
and below the wings. As to rarity, this is a good one, PCGS has graded 5 this
high, with none higher, making this one of the very finest of the date. An
opportunity for the astute numismatist.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Ex: Stack's March 13-15, 1975: 467; Bowers & Merena, James Pryor
Collection Sale, January 25, 1996: 148 with both flips included and from the
Micheal Riordan collection.
Lot 2275
1856. NGC graded
Proof 65 Premium Quality. The Garrett/Pryor coin. First off, the mintage of
1856 proof half dollars is very low, perhaps 25 pieces were struck although
mintages of proofs weren't recorded with the same precision as in later years.
This particular one is not only a gem, but also has a fantastic pedigree.
Further, it is toned with magnificent blue and gold toning on both sides, which
greatly adds to the visual appeal. As noted in Breen's Proof Encyclopedia, the
reverse die shows "top of first red stripe hollow" which may be a different
reverse die from other known proofs, which this coin clearly shows. We also
note some die lines below the 1 in the date. Proofs were struck from specially
polished dies, which were first dipped in a light acid which etched the
surfaces slightly (creating the "frost" on the devices), then the fields were
polished to a mirror smoothness. Coins were then struck with the prepared new
dies, and sold to collectors or dignitaries as requested.
As to the number
graded, NGC has graded 2 this high, with 1 graded higher (PF-66), and two
others higher as PF-67 Cameo, and PCGS has only graded 1 example as high as
PR-65. Hence, this is certainly one of the very finest known of this extremely
rare coin. This particular one is identifiable by a tiny speck below her foot
in the field right of the date, and is currently in NGC holder #348899-001.
Estimated Value $12,500-15,000.
Ex: B. Max Mehl, March 13, 1920,
later from Bowers and Ruddy's Garrett Collection Sale, November 28-29, 1979,
lot 344, and later from Bowers & Merena's sale of the James Bennett Pryor
Collection, January 25, 1996: lot 152 and from the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2276
1857. NGC graded
MS-66. One of the very finest graded of this date! This particular one
boasts lovely russet and blue toning on both sides, and very few ticks from
handling. We note some minor weakness on the upper obverse, as struck, and
further the reverse die shows strong clash marks from the obverse. As to the
Population, NGC has graded 4 this high, with none higher, and PCGS hasn't
graded any above MS-65! Hence, this is likely one of the very finest known of
the date, and well worth a strong bid from a half dollar specialist.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 2277
1861. AU-58. A
well struck, lustrous example that boasts light gold toning on both sides.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 2278
1864. Proof 63 or
better. Irregular toning which ranges from blue, gold to green with some
minor hairlines beneath. On the reverse, the toning is more intense, with
darker blues in the fields and rose gold at the centers. A flashy and bright
example for the date collector.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Lot 2279
1865. PCGS graded
MS-65. One of the finest graded of this date, PCGS has awarded only 11
coins of this date with the coveted "65" grade, and importantly, just 2 are
graded higher. Satiny rose gold in color, with deeper hues at the periphery.
Boldly struck and a no nonsense gem by any standards. This one is housed in the
old small style PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.
Lot 2280
1869. PCGS graded
Proof 65 Premium Qualty. Deeply toned with superb dark blue, rose and gold
highlights on both sides. Fully struck by the dies and well preserved. A scant
600 were struck in proof during 1869, of which PCGS has graded 9 as PR-65, and
meager 4 higher, all PR-66. If you loved deeply toned gems, then take a look at
this one. Identifiable by a small light spot on the lower portion of the rock
on the obverse.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 2281
1869. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Delicate blue and gold around the edge, and bright elsewhere.
Minor hairlines and just a couple of tiny ticks from handling. One minute lint
mark below the left side of the rock on the obverse, shaped like a question
mark, will serve to identify.
Estimated Value $600-800.
From the
Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from
James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00.
Lot 2282
1873. No arrows, closed 3.
PCGS graded Proof 65. A no nonsense gem that boasts deeply frosted
devices and well mirrored fields. Delicate gold toning on both sides, the upper
reverse has blue at the top. Pristine surfaces and no troubling handling marks
or hairlines. Identifiable by a tiny speck nestled between the two lowest
points of the first star. 600 pieces were coined, and few remain in superb
condition. PCGS has graded 15 this high, with 9 graded higher.
Estimated
Value $2,250-2,750.
From the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2283
1874. Arrows.
Sharpness of MS-60 but the obverse shows fine ticks. The obverse was
face down and this one spent a brief time in a street, so the devices show fine
tick marks from this event. Pretty gold toning and still eye appealing, with
ample luster. The reverse remains nice.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 2284
1874-S. Arrows.
PCGS graded MS-65 Pryor Collection. Premium Quality. One of the
finest known examples of this rare date, the strike is full save for the sixth
through eighth stars which are slightly weak, and the surfaces are downright
pristine. Note how the luster is satiny, and the color ranges from lilac and
blue on the obverse to pale gold on the reverse. Identifiable by a tiny nick on
Liberty's right arm, just above her elbow. An early die state without cracks or
clashing. As a date, this has long been known as a rarity, especially in mint
state grades, in full gem this is very high in the condition census for the
date. PCGS has graded 2 this high, with just 1 graded higher! An exceptional
coin for an advanced collection.
Estimated Value $17,500-UP.
Ex:
Stack's Garrett Sale, March 13-15, 1975: 540; Bowers & Merena's James Pryor
Sale, January 25, 1996: 223 and the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2285
1877-CC. PCGS
graded MS-64 Premium Quality. A beautiful coin, the surfaces are very
pleasing indeed, with great luster and no significant problems. A few tiny
hairlines and scattered ticks, otherwise all is mint-fresh and original. One
small area of raised toning between Liberty's head and cap on the star.
Splashes of hazy color starting in the fields of both sides. A rare coin in
this grade, and well worth a strong bid. Struck from a clashed reverse die,
with outlines of Liberty around the eagle.
Estimated Value $1,300-1,500.
Lot 2286
1878. PCGS graded
MS-64. Brilliant white luster throughout with no signs of toning. Sharply
struck by the dies, with full radial lines on the stars, and similar on the
eagle, the only weakness we could locate was on the arrow feathers. Stone white
for the collector who likes his coins fresh and bright.
Estimated Value
$1,000-1,250.
Lot 2287
1879. MS-60+.
Pretty and bright, with deep blue toning around the periphery and frosty
white at the center. The reverse has more blue toning with an off center
lighter gold area high on the reverse. Minor hairlines from a higher grade, but
plenty of eye appeal otherwise.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 2288
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 65. A gem that boasts gunmetal gray hues with blowing deep blue at
the periphery, and golden highlights in the fields and on the devices.
Excellent surfaces that show just the faintest hairlines and virtually no
contact marks. A low mintage date, with 975 proofs struck. PCGS has graded 30
this high, and just 10 higher.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
From
the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 2289
1889. PCGS graded
MS-66. Resplendent toning here, with radiant blue at the periphery with the
balance a deep reddish gold over the lustrous surfaces. Boldly struck on the
devices, with each star sharp and complete, and similar details on the eagle's
claws too. Both the obverse and reverse are toned evenly, although the center
of the reverse is a bit lighter overall. Simply superb, and a gem by any
standards. PCGS has graded a scant 7 this high, and importantly none are graded
higher! Add to this, the original mintage of a paltry 12,000 coins, and you
know that not many are around in top grades. If you want one of the very finest
to exist, and love superbly toned coins, then take a look at this jewel. In
PCGS holder #10009056.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Lot 2290
1891. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Dark to medium gray in color, with vibrant hints of gold, blue
and green when examined under a light. Excellent surfaces for the moderate
grade, we note only a trace of hairlines and no other significant ticks from
handling. Boldly struck and well preserved for the date and issue.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
From the Michael Riordan collection.