The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 3779
1869. PCGS graded
Proof 66. This is likely the finest known specimen of this date in Proof,
and it is alone as the finest graded by PCGS or NGC! The surfaces are pristine,
and obviously a coin that has been carefully preserved since the day of its
striking. As a date, 1869 was an extremely low mintage year. Philadelphia
coined only 1,830 for circulation, and a paltry 25 in proof. As stated, we
believe this is the finest known of the proofs, and a regal coin it is.
Gorgeous satiny frost on the devices while the mirror fields are undiminished
by handling or similar problems. We note a delicate haze on the obverse which
produces a halo around Liberty, and this somewhat enhances the contrast between
the mirror fields and frosted devices. Similar on the reverse, again with
desirable contrast between the devices and fields. A foremost rarity as a type
in this grade, and with the rare date 1869 added in, the importance of this
coin can scarcely be overstated. Identifiable by a few tiny planchet flakes
through the first four stars on the obverse.
Estimated Value $65,000-UP.
Ex: Heritage's 1990 ANA Sale, lot 2841, later from Heritage's ANA sale,
August, 1995, lot 7927 and from the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 3780
1869-S. NGC graded
AU-55. Another condition rarity in high grades, 6,430 were struck and most
have since been lost or melted. This coin boasts rich coppery toning around the
periphery and boldly struck devices. Full curls on Liberty and even the tiny
feathers on the eagle are strong. NGC has graded only 5 this high, and 2 more
above! Cleaner surfaces than usual for the grade, with light marks primarily in
the fields.
Estimated Value $4,000-UP.
Lot 3781
1871. NGC graded
EF-40. Another rare issue, 1,790 were struck and very few survived. This
one has satiny haze on both sides, with average ticks from circulation.
Liberty's face remains in good shape, with no problem nicks there or anywhere
else to be found. A first rate example of this rare date.
Estimated Value
$1,750-2,000.
Lot 3782
1871-CC. ANACS
graded AU-50. Prohibitively rare in grades above Extremely Fine, this
lovely AU will certainly warrant strong attention from collectors. We note that
the reverse shows minor doubling, and this is apparently the double die reverse
noted in Breen's Encyclopedia. Fully struck by the dies. Clean surfaces that
show fewer than average marks, especially for this Mint! A trace of haze around
the devices, and a rare opportunity for the CC specialist.
Estimated Value
$8,000-UP.
Lot 3783
1872-S. EF-40.
Pretty coppery gold toning around the edge of this rare issue. For only
17,300 were struck, and this one is pretty decent for the grade. We do note a
few shallow scratches behind the head in the field, but they blend in well and
don't readily show to the unaided eye. Traces of luster in the fields, and
quite nice overall.
Estimated Value $550-650.
Lot 3784
1875-CC. NGC graded
EF-45. Rare and desirable as are all of the "CC" Mint coins, this one shows
the usual bagmarks from circulation and handling, but all the device details
are present. Sharply struck, with all the stars bold. We note on tick on the O
of OF at the top, which broke away a small amount of metal. NGC has only graded
1 coin as XF-45 of this date, with 7 graded higher.
Estimated Value
$6,500-UP.
Lot 3785
1876-CC. PCGS
graded VF-35. Pleasing surfaces for the moderate grade, this one circulated
long enough to smooth out the bagmarks on the high points. Delicate coppery
gold and downright rare in any grade.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.
Lot 3786
1877-S. NGC graded
AU-50. This rare date boasts bright yellow gold with ample luster in the
fields, but there are quite a few bagmarks from circulation, including a thin
scratch down Liberty's face.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,700.
Lot 3787
1878. NGC graded
AU-55. Lustrous and sharp, with fewer marks than usual for the grade.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 3788
1878-S. VF-25.
Moderate handling marks and lovely coppery toning near the devices.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 3789
1879. NGC graded
MS-61. This mint state coin has some scuffs in the fields but is generally
pleasing to the eye with its coppery luster. Well struck by the dies.
Estimated Value $350-400.
Lot 3790
1879. VF-30.
Some luster and average surfaces.
Estimated Value $130-150.
Lot 3791
1879-O. ANACS
graded AU-50. A low mintage date with a scant 1,500 struck for circulation.
This particular one has some faint pin scratches in the left obverse field,
although they are hard to see with the general handling marks usually seen on
these. Prooflike fields as usual, the obverse bright, the reverse with coppery
toning around the periphery. Always in strong demand for the low mintage by
date collectors.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 3792
1879-S. NGC graded
MS-60. Bright yellow gold in color with strong luster in the fields. A very
rare date in mint state grades, with just a couple seen as high as choice. Nice
quality for the grade.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 3793
1880. PCGS graded
MS-60. Decent luster and surfaces.
Estimated Value $200-225.
Lot 3794
1880-CC. NGC graded
EF-45. Decent surfaces for the grade, with traces of luster in the
protected areas.
Estimated Value $600-700.
Lot 3795
1880-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. Tied for the very finest graded of this date with a small population
of just 4 coins in all graded this high by PCGS. There are none graded higher.
Further, NGC hasn't graded any of this date higher than MS-63! Hence, this is
absolutely one of the very finest out there. Now that the Harry Bass coins have
been sold and graded, there aren't a lot of surprises yet to come up and
reconfigure the population reports. As to this particular coin, we note glowing
mint luster throughout, and the strike is sharp on Liberty's curls and similar
sharpness is noted on the eagle. Rich yellow gold in color, and truly a
knockout coin for the specialist. Liberty's face shows just faint signs of
contact, and the fields surrounding are quite clean, and could possibly pass
for full gem. We note that this coin is housed in an older PCGS green insert
holder, number 3269165. A dazzling coin that is simply stunning to behold.
Estimated Value $8,000-9,000.
Ex: Bowers and Ruddy's Louis Eliasberg
Sale, October 27, 1982, lot 766 and from the Michael Riordan collection.
Lot 3796
1880-S. NGC graded
MS-61. Coppery luster and a decent strike on this one.
Estimated Value
$160-180.
Lot 3797
1880-S. VF-30.
Average surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 3798
1881. NGC graded
MS-63. Bright and flashy, with glowing luster and well preserved surfaces.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 3799
1881. NGC graded
MS-63. Nice quality on this choice coin, minimal ticks from handling and
strong luster in the fields. Scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 3800
1881-O. PCGS graded
AU-53. Sharply struck by the dies and another scarce date. We note the
usual handling marks and some haze on the surfaces. Popular with date
collectors.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Lot 3801
1881-S. NGC graded
MS-61. Strong luster with a light coating of haze. Moderate handling marks,
but still with plenty of eye appeal.
Estimated Value $160-180.
Lot 3802
1882. NGC graded
MS-63. Good luster and clean surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value
$500-600.
Lot 3803
1882. MS-60.
Good luster but average handling marks.
Estimated Value $170-190.