The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 3490
1842. PCGS graded
AU-55 Pittman. One of the very finest known of this extremely scarce date,
mintage was a paltry 2,823 with few that survived. To locate a high grade coin
can take years and years. This particular example boasts fully struck devices
and a satiny hazy appearance on both sides. The fields and surfaces show
minimal handling marks, and this is a coin most collectors will be proud to
own. PCGS has graded only 2 as such, with a single coin higher of the date,
which will give the buyers an idea of how truly rare this date is.
Estimated Value $9,000-UP.
From David Akers sale of the John J.
Pittman collection.
Lot 3491
1844-C. NGC graded
MS-61. Hazy orange gold luster on the obverse, with more coppery tones on
the reverse. A fairly good strike for the issue, with all but the uppermost
curls showing definition, and similar on the reverse where the usual weak
culprits won out on the eagle, although the claws are sharp enough to show
separation. Charolotte pounded out 11,622 in 1844, and most of these circulated
down into lower grades or were melted. NGC has graded 5 as MS-61, and 2 higher,
both as MS-62. PCGS has also graded 2 as MS-62, and one above as MS-63, but
none as MS-61. Hence, this one is in the top 10 graded of the date, and quite
important as such.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Lot 3492
1844-D. NGC graded
MS-63. An extremely rare date in mint state grades, especially so in choice
condition as seen here. The fields and devices are reflective, and show minor
signs of handling and contact. Further, struck from worn or rusted dies, with
peripheral roughness seen on both sides, and more areas of roughness around the
eagle. As to the strike, we note some weakness on the central areas as always
seen. Regardless, the coin boasts bright luster and is one of only 4 graded
this high by NGC, with none higher, further, PCGS has only graded 1 this high,
also with none higher. Thus, if you want one of the very finest of this date,
then here it is.
Estimated Value $17,500-20,000.
Lot 3493
1845. NGC graded
MS-65. Here is the finest graded coin of this date by either NGC or PCGS!
The surfaces show faint contact marks mostly in the fields, and we see the
usually hazy luster on both sides. Fully struck with excellent details on the
obverse, especially on Liberty's top curls, and nearly full on the eagle's
thigh, but strong on his neck. Interesting bisecting die crack on the reverse,
just touching the left side of the first 2 in the denomination, up the eagle's
thigh, neck and to the rim just left of OF. One the obverse, we note a faint
crack through stars three to six. As noted, this coin is the finest graded by
NGC, and we note only 2 coins graded below in MS-64, similar at PCGS where they
have graded only 3 in MS-64, and none higher. A foremost opportunity for the
specialist. In NGC holder #956117-004.
Estimated Value $9,000-UP.
Lot 3494
1846-O. NGC graded
MS-63. One of the very finest known of this date, and almost impossible to
locate in any mint state grade. Here is a lovely choice example, the surfaces
are fresh and clean, and show no significant ticks or handling marks. We see a
light haze over the surfaces. Fully struck by the dies, the only signs of
weakness are on the eagle's thigh, which is always weak on these early issues.
Excellent luster and mint color throughout. As to the population, NGC has
graded 2 this high, with 1 above as MS-64, and the finest is apparently the
Pittman coin, which is NGC MS-66. PCGS has not graded any as MS-63, and only a
single example as MS-64 at their top of the poll. Although 62,000 were struck,
very few were saved in high grades. An important offering for the date
collector.
Estimated Value $12,000-15,000.
Lot 3495
1848. CAL above eagle.
NGC graded MS-62. One of the most important early quarter eagles of
the Gold Rush, these were coined from a small amount of gold from the first
shipment out of California. To mark the event, the California gold was
designated for quarter eagles which were each stamped with the word "CAL."
above the eagle's head on the reverse. Only 1,389 were coined, and most of
those entered circulation. A few were saved in mint state, and we are proud to
present one here. The surfaces show moderate handling marks, mostly in the
fields, as expected for the grade. The fields are slightly prooflike, and the
strike is especially sharp on the stars and curls on Liberty. NGC has graded 4
this high, with 9 graded higher of this early commemorative issue. Identifiable
by a small nick at the top of the first star. Rich orange gold in color, and
appealing in every way.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Lot 3496
1848-C. NGC graded
MS-62. Tied for the finest graded of the date by both NGC and PCGS, with a
combined population of 5 coins as MS-62. Bright yellow gold with reflective
surfaces on both sides. As to the strike, it is sharp for the date, with only a
touch of weakness on the central curls of Liberty and the eagle's head and
neck. Minor handling marks from a higher grade, but apparently this is as nice
as this date comes, so don't wait for a better one. Always popular for the low
mintage (16,788) and the Charlotte Mintmark. Certain to be a highlight in an
advanced collection.
Estimated Value $12,000-15,000.
Lot 3497
1848-D. NGC graded
MS-63. Tied for the highest graded by either NGC or PCGS of the date!
Glowing orange luster in the fields, with some haze to note the passage of
time. Liberty's face is particularly clean, and the strike is exceptional, with
complete knobby claws on the eagle, and full detail on the feathers of his
thighs. NGC has only graded 1 coin of this date as such, and PCGS has graded 2
this high, and of course, neither service has graded any higher. If you demand
one of the very finest known of this rare date, then here is a coin to acquire
for your collection. In NGC holder #568461-004.
Estimated Value
$20,000-25,000.
Lot 3498
1850. PCGS graded
MS-64. One of the finest graded of this date, with a PCGS Population of
only 4 coins this high and a single coin graded higher (MS-65). Rich golden
luster with slightly prooflike fields. We note one bagmark in the field near
the fourth star, otherwise the surfaces are very nice. Sharp on all the stars,
but we note minor weakness on Liberty's upper curl and on the eagle's feet on
the reverse, as is typical of the period. A rare coin in this grade.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 3499
1850-C. NGC graded
MS-61 Pittman. Bright yellow gold as usually seen on these "C" Mint coins,
with fully struck devices and strong luster. One of the finest graded of the
date, NGC has awarded this grade to 6 coins thus far with just 2 graded higher.
We note that this piece is from the famous John J. Pittman collection, which
adds measurably to the appeal. Diagnostics include die file lines on the rim
near star nine and twelve. An important coin for the date or Charlotte
specialist.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
From David Aker's sale of
the John J. Pittman collection.
Lot 3500
1851. PCGS graded
MS-64. A scarce coin in this grade, and we note clean surfaces and hazy
white luster on both sides. Well struck, with just a touch of weakness on the
eagle's thigh. PCGS has graded 16 this high, and importantly only 3 higher of
the date.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
Lot 3501
1851. PCGS graded
MS-64. Bright and fresh, with just a few traces of hairlines and virtually
no signs of handling otherwise. An impressive example, and scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
Lot 3502
1852 (2 pieces).
One grades VF-30, the other EF-40. One has deep coppery toning while
the other may have been lightly cleaned. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value
$250-300.
Lot 3503
1852-C. NGC graded
MS-61. A rare date in any grade, we note Charlotte coined 9,772 for 1852,
and most of those were circulated. Here's a remarkable exception to the usual
rule, for this coin remains in mint state condition, with a sharp strike on
Liberty's curls and minor weakness on the eagle's thigh. The fields are
prooflike, but their reflective surfaces show moderate handling marks. Both the
obverse and reverse show clash marks in the fields. As to the population, NGC
has graded 4 this high, with just 1 coin graded higher as MS-62, similar at
PCGS where they have graded 1 in each MS-61, 62 and the finest graded at MS-63.
Certainly a highlight in this sale, and a date that is rare indeed.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
Lot 3504
1854. NGC graded
MS-65. The luster is especially bright on this early quarter eagle, and we
note faint contact marks mostly in the fields. Liberty's face is clean and
fresh, and the strike is absolutely sharp. Both the obverse and reverse show
strong clash marks, with virtually all of Liberty's head outlined on the
reverse, and significant portions of the eagle are seen on the obverse in the
fields. NGC has graded 4 this high, with just one coin graded higher, and PCGS
has graded 4 this high, with none higher. An important coin for the specialist.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 3505
1854-C. NGC graded
MS-61. A rare coin in mint state with just a dozen or so known that qualify
at the lower end of the mint state curve. This particular one boasts strong
stars while the centers show minor weakness below Liberty's ear and around the
shield on the eagle. We note a tiny die crack from the rim up into the fraction
bar. NGC has graded only 4 this high, with 6 graded higher, all MS-62. Similar
at PCGS where they have graded one coin as MS-61, and one as MS-62, and we note
that neither service has graded an example as MS-63 or higher of this scarce
date.
Estimated Value $11,000-13,000.
Lot 3506
1854-C. NGC graded
MS-60. A great rarity in high grades, especially so in Mint State as seen
here. Charlotte struck just 7,295 of these, virtually all of which circulated
into much lower grades than seen here. We note the surfaces are a bright yellow
gold color, and we see none of the haze or toning over the luster. As to the
strike, this one really shines, noted expert Doug Winter wrote in his reference
on the series that "Weak strikes are the rule for this date. The obverse is
often blurry on the hair around Liberty's ear. The reverse is always weaker
than the obverse; the center and eagle's claws are invariably very weak...." We
note that the hair around Liberty's ear is fairly well struck, especially so
given the date, and the reverse shows the expected softness on the eagle's
thigh, claws and areas around the shield. In addition, we note a small die
crack from the rim to the fraction bar on the reverse with minor collar cuds
below on the extreme edge. The obverse die shows light clash marks from
Liberty's nose and in front of her neck. Virtually no identifying marks on this
one, there is a very short and shallow scratch left of the lower serif of the
first S in STATES, and a minor tick on the post and lower serif of the F in OF,
in NGC holder #289463-009. An American classic, NGC has graded only this coin
as MS-60, with 4 above as MS-61, and 6 above that as MS-62, with none higher.
PCGS has graded one in each MS-61 and 62, also with none higher. Rare and
seldom offered in mint state grades.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 3507
1856-C. NGC graded
AU-58. As always seen the planchet shows minor roughness in the fields.
However, this particular coin is fairly sharp for the date, and displays only
scant evidence of circulation on the high points of the design. Minor weakness
can be seen on the eagle, as struck. NGC has graded 7 as AU-58, and just 2
above, both MS-60. No doubt in the top dozen of the date, and worth a strong
bid.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 3508
1861. ANACS graded
AU Details Net VF 30, Type 1, Repaired Whizzed. This one has some problems,
we note minor surface marks in the fields and the tell tale signs of polishing.
Estimated Value $125-175.
Lot 3509
1873. Closed 3 and 1915
Indian Quarter eagle. Both were used as jewelry pieces, and are
damaged. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $100-125.
Lot 3510
1877. PCGS graded
AU-55. Hazy luster with a touch of coppery toning. A rare date, with a
mintage of 1,652 only, few of which remain for date collectors.
Estimated
Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 3511
1890. PCGS graded
Proof 65. A gorgeous proof that boasts well frosted devices which show
strong contrast with the orange peel mirror fields. Not only was this proof
quite well made and struck, but it also is very well preserved. Superb surfaces
throughout, with no bothersome handling marks or hairlines. PCGS agrees, and
gave this one of its top grades. In their Population Report we note 10 graded
this high, with 4 graded higher, all PR-66 from the original mintage of 93
pieces. In an old green insert PCGS holder, #4320632.
During this period,
the Philadelphia Mint really excelled in creating some of the most gorgeous
proof coinage ever seen, on gold coins the fields possess a peculiar orange
peel surface, which is both reflective and textured, and the lettering and
devices are well frosted by the dies. Creating these proofs was a many step
process, first the dies were dipped in either a weak acid or lightly
sandblasted. This process creates the "frosted" devices seen, next the fields
are polished to a fine mirror like finish, which gives the coins their unique
reflectivity in the fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few
were struck, and often the dies were later used for normal business strike
coinage. Exactly how the orange peel surface was created is not known, and it
is likely a secret.
Estimated Value $9,000-11,000.
From the Michael
Riordan collection.
Lot 3512
1897. PCGS graded
MS-64. Bright and frosty with bold devices and well preserved surfaces.
Nearly a gem, and worth a good bid from a date or type collector.
Estimated
Value $500-600.
Lot 3513
1901. NGC graded
MS-65. A truly lovely example of this date and grade, strong luster and a
bold strike, and we note problem free surfaces. The last 1 shows recutting at
the base, and a small die crack is seen through the A of STATES. Perfect for
the type collector.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.
Lot 3514
1901. NGC graded
MS-65. Sharp stars and nice luster, but we note the central obverse curl
shows minor weakness. Well balanced for the grade, with traces of hairlines and
no handling marks or nicks worth noting.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.