Feb. 24-25, 2003, The Benson Collection Part 3, Sale 17

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Barber Quarter Dollars

Lot 432      1892. PCGS graded MS-65. Superb multicolored toning on both sides of this first year of issue gem! Frosty luster and well struck by the dies. This one will certainly bring a premium for the iridescent and lovely colors.
Estimated Value $700-800.
 
Lot 433      1894-S. MS-65++. Spectacular color here on both sides, bold yellow and blue with ample iridescent green in the fields. Truly a coin which will be the highlight of any Barber quarter collection for the colorful toning array. Color photo.
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.
 

Deep Cameo 1895 Proof Quarter
Lot 434      1895. PCGS graded Proof 67 Deep Cameo. One of the finest examples of this date to be graded by PCGS, in fact that service has graded a total of 3 Deep Cameo examples in all, two as PR-67, and one above as PR-68! As we know, very few deep cameo coins were produced in any given year, sometimes none at all, and these were the first strikes from the dies. As more coins were struck, the die polish (which appears as frost) wears down somewhat, and normal non-cameo proofs are then produced. Loads of snowy white frost on this example, and we note a touch of hazy gold toning around the rims. Deeply mirrored fields which remain undisturbed. For the curious, there is a raised lint mark on Liberty's nose, which must have somehow been on the hub when this die was made, and hence appears as a raised line.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
 
Lot 435      1895-O. NGC graded MS-65. Dark gray in color with deeper blue at the rims on both sides. Well struck and scarce this nice, with few seen in full gem grades. Nice cheek on Liberty, with just one tiny nick below the eye.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,250.
 

Magnificent Ultra Cameo Proof 1896 Barber Quarter
Lot 436      1896. NGC graded Proof 68 Ultra Cameo. Here is a truly remarkable coin. The frost is piled high on all the devices, lettering and even the dentils on the rim! Further, the surfaces are pristine and show only the faintest traces of contact, hard to believe after more than 100 years since it was struck. Snowy white in color, the frost and fields show no signs of toning down. As to NGC Population Report, they show 6 graded this high, with just 2 higher, making this one of the very best to have been graded. If you demand a magnificent, stunning coin for your type or date collection, then make sure to bid accordingly for this jewel.
Estimated Value $12,500-UP.
 
Lot 437      1897. NGC graded MS-65. Medium gold and gray toning over luster. Further, there is a sharp strike on Liberty and the surfaces are nice and satiny.
Estimated Value $750-800.
 
Lot 438      1897. NGC graded MS-65. Iridescent blue and gold toning on both sides, and quite lovely we might ad. A gem in every way, and worth a premium for the toning.
Estimated Value $750-800.
 
Lot 439      1897-O. PCGS graded MS-65. Bluish gray in color over golden luster on both sides. The strike is typical, sharp on the obverse, but with trace weakness on the sinister claw and arrow feathers. As a date, 1897-O is scarce, but in gem grades this one is truly rare. PCGS has graded only 6 coins as MS-65, with an additional 6 higher all as MS-66, confirming that this is likely one of the best to survive. Examination will note a few minor ticks on Liberty's cheek and the reverse has a few trivial toning streaks. Delightfully toned and rare this nice.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
 
Lot 440      1899. PCGS graded MS-66. Toned with desirable light greenish gold hues over luster. Fully struck on the devices, with no signs of weakness to be found. On the reverse we note a minor speck on the left edge and some hazy areas intermixed over the surfaces as well. Creamy luster and exceptional quality. PCGS in their Population Report note 9 have been graded this high and just one single coin higher.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,400.
 
Lot 441      1901. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deeply toned with reflective blues and gray tones, and sharply impressed. If you love colorful toning, then take a look at this one, as many will feel the colors are quite lovely. A few trivial lines from perfection.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
 
Lot 442      1906. PCGS graded MS-65. Flashy and bright with minimal signs of contact. A common date, but in very nice condition.
Estimated Value $800-850.
 
Lot 443      1907. Proof 64. This one is white and shows good contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields.
Estimated Value $600-650.
 
Lot 444      1907-O. NGC graded MS-66. Mottled but intense gold toning on both sides, with a sharp strike on the devices. Rare this fine.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
 
Lot 445      1909. NGC graded Proof 65. A glittering gem specimen with a hint of tone starting to form about portions of the borders. Nice cameo contrast further adds to this coins appeal. Only 650 proofs struck.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.
 
Lot 446      A small Barber quarter lot. Lot of 3 coins. Dates are 1910-D VF, 1914-D VF with rough surfaces and 1916 (Barber) AU-50. The last one is the nicest. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $100-125.
 
Lot 447      1910-D. MS-64. Satiny and bright, with nice luster and creamy texture.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
 
Lot 448      1914. NGC graded MS-66. This one is toned with a pleasing golden rust color over luster on both sides, with small areas of brighter jewel tones as well. Fully struck by the dies and with very clean surfaces. NGC has graded 8 this high, while PCGS has graded 10 this high of the date, and both services have each graded 1 coin a notch higher. A worthy example for the advanced date collector or for the type collector who needs a lovely toned coin.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.
 
Lot 449      1916-D. NGC graded MS-65. Totally white and lustrous, with a decent strike on the devices for this final year of issue. Seldom found as a date, and especially tough in gem grades.
Estimated Value $700-750.
 
Lot 450      A large lot of mixed date circulated Barber Quarters. Lot of 381 coins. This lot includes 381 coins from circulation dating from 1892 to 1916, with grades from AG to VG. Expect mostly common dates, as these were taken from circulation many years ago. Lot of 381 coins.
Estimated Value $700-800.
 

Liberty Standing Quarter Dollars

Lot 451      1916. PCGS graded VG-8. Natural silvery gray in color with the date worn but readable. The key date of the Standing Quarter series.
Estimated Value $2,300-2,500.
 
Lot 452      1917. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-66. Nearly a full head, but not quite on this lustrous Standing Liberty Quarter. A touch of gold toning has formed on the lower obverse, and we note a trace of haze on the reverse. An important type coin for the collector, and one which rarely comes this nice. In the recent online PCGS Population Report, we note only 36 graded as MS-66 with a single coin higher, and quite a few more in the full head category for this date.
Estimated Value $800-900.
 
Lot 453      1917. Type 1. MS-65 Full Head. Gorgeous gold and green toning on both sides enhances the majestic design. Boldly struck, as are most of this date.
Estimated Value $600-700.
 
Lot 454      1917. Type 1 (2 pieces). Lot of 2 coins. Both are toned and grade AU-58. A lovely pair for the collector. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $200-250.
 
Lot 455      1917-D. Type 1. AU-55. Good luster and well struck.
Estimated Value $100-120.
 
Lot 456      1918-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Not quite a full head as usual for this date, with flatness on Liberty's crown. Satiny luster and mostly bright.
Estimated Value $450-500.
 

Choice Uncirculated 1918-S, 8 over 7 Quarter
Lot 457      1918-S, 8 over 7. PCGS graded MS-63 Chicagoland Collection. A very choice example of this very rare overdate. Fresh mint luster in the fields, and no bagmarks worthy of description. The head has a decent strike for this die, with the 3 leaves mostly visible in Liberty's crown. PCGS lists a census of 23 in this grade with 28 higher, a decidedly small number for this very popular series. This is a very rare coin in any grade, the overdate feature is quite clear on this choice mint state coin.
Estimated Value $18,000-21,000.
Chicagoland Collection.
 

Scarce Overdate 1918-S, 8 over 7 Quarter
Lot 458      1918-S, 8 over 7. PCGS graded AU-53. Light silvery gray in color and well preserved for this high grade coin. The overdate feature is sharp, and the 7 is clear under the 8 in the date. Liberty's head is fairly well struck for the issue, although central weakness around her ear and the usual shield areas are not brought fully up by the dies. An important rarity that has been found in very limited quantities over the decades. In fact, PCGS has only graded a total 388 of this date in all grades! Considering the popularity of this series, there are very few to go around, and most collectors are unable to locate a nice example for their sets.
Estimated Value $6,500-7,500.
 
Lot 459      1919-S grading VG-8 and 1921 grading G-6. Lot of 2 coins. Both have decent surfaces for the moderate grade. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $120-140.
 
Lot 460      1920. NGC graded MS-66. Blast white in color and nearly a full head, with just a bit of weakness as usual.
Estimated Value $600-650.
 
Lot 461      1920-D. MS-63. Allthough the head is flat and the shield is lacking a few rivits, there is enough blazing satiny mint lustre as to easily justify the grade. The surfaces are light golden in color as this is a very choice brilliant uncirculated example.
Estimated Value $500-550.
 
Lot 462      1924. MS-60+. This coin boasts lovely iridescent toning on both sides, but is mostly deep to light gold in color. A decent strike on Liberty's head, but not quite full.
Estimated Value $90-100.
 
Lot 463      1924-D. NGC graded MS-67. Not a bad strike too, with a few of the leaves on Liberty's head present at the top, but weaker near her ear. Strong luster and white save for a touch of gold.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.
 
Lot 464      1926. PCGS graded MS-63. Frosty and bright, with abundant luster on both sides. A touch of gold around the reverse rim. Perhaps 80 percent of Liberty's head is present.
Estimated Value $125-150.
 
Lot 465      1929-D. PCGS graded MS-66. Here is a toned coin for the collector who demands colorful gems. Both the obverse and reverse are toned with abundant gold which darkens to red and green in the fields. Strong luster, and well struck, but not quite a full head.
Estimated Value $700-900.
 
Lot 466      A high grade group of Standing Liberty quarters. Lot of 7 coins. This group includes: 1918-D EF-40, 1925 AU-55, 1926 XF-45, 1927 XF-45, 1928 EF-40 and 1929 EF-40 (2 pieces). A nice lot for the dealer or date collector. Lot of 7 coins.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
 
Lot 467      A group of circulated Standing Liberty quarters. Lot of 193 coins. This lot includes the following: 148 pieces of full date common coins, also 1926-D (3 pieces, each AG-VG) 1927-D (8 pieces, each AG-G), 1927-S (7 pieces, each AG-G) plus another 27 pieces with no dates. A nice lot for the dealer to break up. Lot of 193 coins.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
 
Lot 468      A lot of Standing Liberty quarters. Lot of 31 coins. These range from 1917 to 1924, mostly with full dates, and grades from AG to Fine. A nice selection for the album collector. Lot of 31 coins.
Estimated Value $250-UP.