The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 3609
1795. Small eagle, Breen
1-B, Miller-2. R-4. PCGS graded MS-62 Premium Quality. One of the
most important early type coins for the advanced numismatist to acquire. The
fields are slightly prooflike and the devices well frosted. The Philadelphia
Mint took extra care to produce really beautiful gold coins for their first
year of issue, and this one was nice enough to be saved for over 200 years!
Fully struck by the dies, with no adjustment marks whatsoever. We do note minor
hairlines from handling but the coin remains very eye appealing. PCGS has
graded only 20 this high of the date, with 11 graded as MS-63 and 5 more above
that in higher grades. A solid coin for the grade, and worthy of a strong bid.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Lot 3610
1812. Sharpness of
MS-60 but bent and damaged. This one has been wacked pretty hard, enough so
to slightly bend the coin, and there is a heavy mark on the 8 of the date and a
rim mark on the reverse in that same area. Perhaps someone didn't believe it
was gold. Still bright and lustrous, and a good coin to put in an album, or for
someone very skilled at repairs to work with.
Estimated Value $4,000-4,500.
Lot 3611
1838. NGC graded
MS-64. One of the finest graded of this date by NGC, we note a scant 10
have been awarded this grade with none graded higher! PCGS has graded a few
higher, but this is certainly one of the better examples to survive. An
important type coin and worth a strong bid. Identifiable by a small planchet
void between the wing the eagle's lower beak. Sharply struck, and with minimal
handling marks, which is quite unusual for a coin that was made 164 years ago.
Estimated Value $8,000-9,000.