Extremely Rare Proof 1867 Eagle

Lot 1023
1867. PCGS graded Proof 64. Here is a genuine rare early proof gold coin. The devices are piled high with mint frost, and the mirror fields are well preserved for the grade, and we wonder why this one was not designated a cameo proof. We note a few faint hairlines, expected and always seen on early proof gold such as this. Remarkably, 50 were coined back in 1867 for collectors, but where are they today? PCGS for all its years of grading has seen 2 of these, just 2. This coin at the top as PR-64, and another way below as PR-55 (being mishandled or spent!). NGC has seen a total of 4 pieces, 2 as PF-64, one as PF-65 and one more at the top as PF-66. Obviously, there aren't 50 out there awaiting to come out of the woodwork! This particular one can be identified by a thin line below TE of TEN, and a tiny short lint mark off to the right from the top berry on the branch.
A foremost rarity in proof, and a rare production date as well, 1867 eagles are just a rare bird any way you cook them. An opportunity for the advanced numismatist.
Breen enumerated those known as follows:
1). Mint, Smithsonian
2). Brock, Morgan, ANS
3). Boyd, WGC, J.F. Bell, "Memorable":566
4). Atwater:1445, Possibly same as next
5). Ullmer:491, $15,000 Possibly same as 3) or 4)
6). Clapp, Eliasberg:727, $17,600, RARCOA session of Auction '85:457: $17,600 Superior's 1/86:3208, $18,150
7). N.M. Kaufman:879, $7,500, tiny rim nick obverse
8). Garrett 3/76:417, $10,000, Essex Numismatic Properties, Trompeter collection.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.

Elusive High Grade 1873 Eagle

Lot 1025
1873. NGC graded AU-55. An extremely rare date in all grades, only 825 pieces were coined! Any appearance of this date is a special event, and to find a high grade example as offered here is truly an epic moment. The surfaces show moderate handling marks on both sides, but the strike is quite sharp and the coin retains plenty of eye appeal. NGC has graded only 3 this high, with a single coin graded higher, as AU-58 while PCGS has graded only 1 as AU-55, one as AU-58 and the finest seen by either service as MS-60. Destined for a great collection of eagles, and certain to be a major highlight of any collection it graces.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.

Rare Choice AU 1873-CC Eagle

Lot 1026
1873-CC. NGC graded AU-53. A choice example for the grade, with ample luster in the fields to dazzle the eye and plenty of device detail on Liberty and the eagle. Fully struck by the dies and this one is very nice for the grade as the surfaces show minimal handling marks. This date is virtually impossible to locate in AU grades. NGC has awarded this AU-53 grade to just 4 specimens, with a single example graded higher, that the AU-58 Harry Bass Jr., example recently sold by Bowers and Merena Galleries. PCGS has a single coin graded as AU-53, and that service hasn't graded any higher than that! Certainly a condition census piece in this grade, and worthy of a most advanced Eagle or Carson City collection. Mintage ceased after 4,543 were struck, and most are found in much lower grades. A formost opportunity for the astute numismatist. In NGC holder #1273079-007.
Estimated Value $17,500-UP.

Gem St. Gaudens 1907 Eagle, Wire Rim, Periods

Lot 1040
1907. Wire rim, periods. PCGS graded MS-65. One of just a handful of true gems of this first year and type of issue. Augustus St. Gaudens designed this superb coin, and about 500 were struck. Of these PCGS has awarded the gem grade to just 37, with a scant 11 graded higher. The ever jealous mint engraver Charles Barber hated the thought of a coin coming out of his Philadelphia Mint that he didn't design, so when President Teddy Roosevelt had the premier artist of the time, Augustus St. Gaudens design this and the High Relief double eagle, Barber worked quickly to undermine the beauty of St. Gaudens designs. Soon the relief was flattened, and the later 1907 double eagles and eagles were mere shadows of their former selves.
This is one of the great ones, the way St. Gaudens designed this magnificent coin, with the dies finely executed and the coins all sharply struck. With Barber at the helm, mediocrity soon returned, and these brief fleeting moments are now treasures to those who can appreciate the supreme artistry transferred to the dies for mere coinage during a few months of 1907.
Estimated Value $34,000-37,000.