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

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Proof Sets

1822 Gem Silver Proof Set of the Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar
Lot 1834      1822 Silver Proof Set of the Dime, Quarter and Half Dollar. Lot of 3 coins. This lot represents the following three lots as a group. This lot is sold on the condition that the price for the three coins offered in the immediately following three lots total less than 105 percent of the price realized for this lot. If the hammer price of this three coin lot exceeds the individual lots by five or more percent, then the buyer of this set will be the winner. If the individual coins bring more than five percent over the price of this lot, then the coins will be sold to the individuals who purchase the following three lots.
The three coins being offered in this lot are as follows: 1822 Dime PCGS graded PR-66, ex James A. Stack specimen; 1822 Quarter PCGS graded PR-65, ex John Jay Pittman and 1822 Half dollar PCGS graded PR-65 the Norweb specimen.
All United States proof coinage struck prior to 1858 is rare, and very early issues such as these 1822 proof coins were often struck in quantities of just one coin up to perhaps half a dozen.
Each of these three coins is described in the following three lots, which contain the particulars of each coin in greater detail and need not be repeated here. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $365,000-UP.
 

Gem Proof 1822 Capped Bust Dime
Lot 1835      1822 Proof Dime, JR-1. PCGS graded Proof 66. An extremely rare coin in proof, of which there are perhaps just two known. This one is by far the finest graded and the finest known. One other proof 1822 dime has been seen, that coin is PCGS graded PR-63. Breen also estimates that two are known, with a third rumored and similarly three proofs are estimated in Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 variety book on the series, although the third specimen has not made an auction appearance that we could locate. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that just two specimens exist in proof. It is possible that the rumor of a third specimen is simply a reappearance of this or the other proof specimen. Mint records do not reflect the issuance of proofs until decades after this one was struck and are therefore not a reliable source. A classic rarity in every sense of the word, and truly a museum piece for the connoisseur.
Naturally, this coin is of stunning quality to attain such a high grade from PCGS. The surfaces are pristine. The toning is simply gorgeous, with deep iridescent gold, blue and green forming a halo around Liberty on the obverse, while the reverse is a lighter gray with a ring of blue at the rim. Boldly struck on all the central devices, with the obverse stars strong on the right, while those on the left side show partial radial lines at the center of the stars, they are not quite full. Complete proof characteristics on both the obverse and reverse. Liberty herself boasts excellent mint frost which gives this coin a cameo appearance.
Despite the mintage of 100,000 pieces struck in 1822, it is very likely that most of those reported were dated 1821 (Breen), as so few 1822 dimes are known today. The authors of the dime variety book estimate that just 300 are known in all grades, far too few for a mintage of 100,000 given the normal mathematical survival ratios! This is one of the great rarities of the 19th century, and this particular example is clearly the finest known example of the date. A foremost American rarity that would be impossible to duplicate for any price.
Estimated Value $125,000-175,000.
Ex: Abe Kosoff's World's Greatest Collection Sale, 5/12/45:467; Stack's, James Aloysius Stack Collection, 1/16/90:28.
 

Magnificent Gem Proof 1822 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar
Lot 1836      1822 Proof Quarter, Browning-1. High Rarity-7 or possibly Rarity-8 as a Proof. PCGS graded Proof 65. A foremost rarity in proof grade and virtually unobtainable this nice. The surfaces shows reddish gold toning on the obverse, with violet and blue at the borders.
The strike on the central devices is absolutely complete and full, although the stars show minor weakness at their centers on the radial lines, similar to the strike on the Eliasberg example. There are just three noted in the Pittman catalog that qualify as true proofs, as follows: 1). Eliasberg, ex Mills and Clapp; 2). The Pittman coin and present specimen is PCGS graded PR-65 and 3). The Newcomb I:596 believed to be the Cleneay (1890):1323 also PCGS graded PR-65. In addition to these three, there are two other proofs but they are the B-2 variety with the error reverse of 25/50 both of which are PCGS graded PR-65. Others have been called proofs in the past, but most are now believed to be prooflike mint state coins and not actual proof issues. Naturally, opinions vary, but any way you look at the known population of this date and variety, it remains a rare issue, and virtually unobtainable in proof grades save for the three coins noted above. Certain to be a major highlight of any collection which acquires it.
Estimated Value $100,000-125,000.
Ex: B. Max Mehl's Allenburger Collection, 3/48:76 at $42.50 and David Aker's sale of the John Jay Pittman Collection, 5/20/98:1278.
 

The Finest Known Proof 1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar
Lot 1837      1822 Proof Half Dollar, Overton-103, Rarity-8 as a Proof and possibly unique. PCGS graded Proof 65. This is apparently the finest proof of the date, and remains the finest graded by PCGS or NGC and is alone as the sole PR-65 seen. The strike and surfaces are superb and we see no trace of weakness, the devices boast excellent mint frost and well mirrored fields are intact. When viewing this coin, everything about the surfaces confirms it is a proof, and it remains the only proof to qualify as such at PCGS. Toned with glowing reddish gold hues on the obverse, the reverse shows a trace of dark blue and green at the rim, with more reddish gold at the centers and elsewhere. Highly appealing and as perfect as one could hope to find of this important early proof date. Star ten on the obverse is recut, which is diagnostic for the variety. Curiously, this is the only known proof coin of this die pairing, the others which claim to be proofs are from the O-111 and O-114 die pairings.
The known population is as follows (our thanks to Bowers & Merena who published this list in the Rarities Sale, 8/9/99 on lot 193):
1). The present specimen, O-103 PCGS graded PR-65 ex: Chapman's Cleneay Sale 12/1890:1152; Kreisburg-Schulman 2/1961:2755; Bowers & Merena Norweb Sale 11/88:3077.
2). O-111 Brilliant Proof, Bart Holmes; R.T. McPherson; Stack's 2/1953: Stack's 11/1957:1313; Reed Hawn; Stack's 8/1973:63, not graded as proof by either PCGS or NGC at this time.
3). O-114 Choice Proof, Dr. C.A. Allenburger Collection, B. Max Mehl 3/1948:780; John Jay Pittman Sale, David Akers 5/1998:1479, Bowers and Merena's Rarities Sale, 8/9/99:193, currently NGC graded PF-64.
4). O-114 Proof-64, George H. Earle; Henry Chapman 6/1912:2908; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., Bowers and Merena 4/1997:1790. Questionable proof status, possibly a mint state coin according to Bowers in his Rarities Sale 8/9/99:163 after further study, not graded by either NGC or PCGS as proof at this time.
5). O-114 Robert Arnel; Stack's 1/67:359; George F. Scanlon; Stack's 10/1973:1385, not graded as Proof by either PCGS or NGC at this time.
In addition, an example appeared in Part I of the Howard Newcomb Collection: J.C. Morgenthau 2/1945:741, and this is likely one of those listed above as it is otherwise untraced.
A foremost rarity, and a coin which is certainly the finest proof half dollar of this date graded, and may be unique as a proof according to our consignor and PCGS.
Estimated Value $140,000-175,000.
Ex: Kriesburg-Schulman's Gustav Lichtenfels Collection Sale, 2/61:2755 and Chapman's Cleneay Sale 12/1890:1152, and most recently from Bowers and Merena's Norweb Collection, 11/14/88:3077.
 
Lot 1838      1890. Indian Cent. NGC graded Proof 65 Red. Bright and well preserved, with just a trace of streaking noted when closely examined. Excellent surfaces throughout, and problem free.
Estimated Value $500-600.
 
Lot 1839      1890. Liberty Nickel. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. Snowy white in color and sharp throughout. This example has excellent contrast and hence earned the coveted "cameo" designation from NGC.
Estimated Value $300-400.
 
Lot 1840      1890. Seated Dime. NGC graded Proof 68 Cameo. Stark white in color and without a breath of toning. The cameo contrast on this coin is very strong, and the technical grade is simply outstanding. Further, this is the finest graded by NGC with the Cameo designation, and only 2 others have been graded as PF-68 by that service. Hence, this coin is very likely the finest known of the proof dimes issued in 1890. The gleaming surfaces nudge perfection back another notch! Truly an outstanding specimen for the connoisseur which can't be bettered and likely not equaled.
Estimated Value $4,000-UP.
 
Lot 1841      1890. Seated Quarter. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo. A superb gem that boasts blast white surfaces and ankle deep frost on the devices. The mirror fields are perfectly formed and reflective, and show virtually no signs of even microscopic contact. NGC has graded 9 this high with the cameo designation, with 5 graded higher, and even more in the Ultra Cameo designation. Regardless, this is an extremely nice coin and one that would certainly grace even the most advanced collection.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
 
Lot 1842      1890. Seated half dollar. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Superb surfaces throughout and stark white in color. Well frosted on the devices and boldly struck, as expected. NGC has graded 2 as PF-66 Cameo of this date, with 4 higher and one other as PF-67 Ultra Cameo. If you love the splendid contrast between the cameo devices and mirror fields, then we highly recommend this specimen.
By 1890 the Philadelphia Mint had really perfected the process for making proof coins. The dies were carefully polished with the devices etched to create the cameo frost. The heavy frost quickly wore down as a handful of coins were struck, and the majority struck are the regular proofs, without the ultra or even full cameo contrast as seen here. Spot and toning free, and this coin probably looks virtually the same as the day it was struck.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
 

Cameo Proof 1890 Morgan Silver Dollar
Lot 1843      1890. Morgan silver dollar. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo. Perfectly matched with the other silver coins in this set, we note the surfaces are totally white in color and the frost is deep and complete, keeping this one solidly in the "cameo" category. As noted, the coining techniques for making these proofs improved dramatically around the time this one was struck, and more cameo and ultra cameo proofs survive from this period than most others. NGC has graded 11 this high in the cameo designation and only 9 higher, none this high as Ultra Cameo too. An important acquisition for the specialist who demands top quality.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
 

Monumental 1890 Ultra Cameo Quarter Eagle
Lot 1844      1890. Coronet Quarter eagle. NGC graded Proof 68 Ultra Cameo. Here is what is very likely the Finest Known proof quarter eagle of this date! It is alone as the sole PF-68 graded by NGC, and boasts the coveted "ultra cameo" designation, awarded to just a few coins with the deepest frost on the devices, and most stunning contrast. Further, NGC has only graded 2 in PF-67 below. In particular we note that this coin has superb contrast and exceptional orange-peel fields, precisely as the Mint intended. Of the original 93 minted, this one was probably in the first 5 struck, and certainly the best preserved of the entire mintage. A monumental coin that simply cannot be replaced at any price.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
 

Gem Ultra Cameo Proof 1890 Coronet Half Eagle
Lot 1845      1890. Coronet Half eagle. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. A gorgeous example of this date, only 88 were struck in proof, and just a few were struck early enough to qualify as "Ultra Cameos" under todays strident grading standards. The surfaces show a couple of very faint marks, one in the field near Liberty's nose, another on the post of the R in AMERICA, but this coin is clearly a gem by any standards. As a date, 1890 is very difficult to find in high grades for this denomination, NGC has graded just 4 as PF-65 UC, with a total of 3 graded higher. A truly outstanding example for the specialist.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
 

One of the Finest Known Ultra Cameo Proof 1890 Eagles
Lot 1846      1890. Coronet eagle. NGC graded Proof 66 Ultra Cameo. A stunning and superb example of this scarce date. Further, this is tied with the Trompeter coin as the Finest graded of the Proofs, and both are Ultra Cameos. Curiously, the NGC Population Report notes 2 coins as PF-66 UC under Trompeter, which is possible, but we believe there should be only 1 coin noted as the Trompeter specimen as Mr. Trompeter sold off his duplicates and upgrades upon acquiring a better example of any date. PCGS hasn't graded any higher than PR-65 of this date, confirming that the present coin is absolutely one of the very finest known. The surfaces show the familiar orange peel texture in the fields, and the devices are heaped high with Mint frost, which provide the stunning contrast seen here. Identifiable by a tiny break in the frost on the truncation above the 1 in the date, and a couple of very faint nicks on Liberty's chin. Truly an outstanding opportunity for the most advanced numismatist who demands the ultimate quality, rarity and condition.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
 

Ultra Cameo Gem Proof 1890 Double Eagle
Lot 1847      1890. Coronet Double eagle. NGC graded Proof 66 Ultra Cameo. A majestic example of this grand denomination. This is the only "ultra cameo" of this date and denomination graded by NGC, and PCGS hasn't graded any higher than PR-65, and none as either Cameo or Deep Cameo of this date. We do note that NGC has graded 3 coins PF-68 Cameo at the very top of the technical grading scale, and none as PF-67. This particular one is identifiable by a tiny lint mark midway between the lowest curl and the last star, and a tiny break in the frost on the upper diagonal of the N of UNITED and on the right leg of the M of AMERICA. In addition, we note a very minor planchet hairline from the left top ribbon end to the lower right ribbon end through the shield on the reverse, this line was obviously present before the coin was struck, and will further serve to hallmark this specimen. A truly incredible example of this extremely rare coin in proof condition.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
 

The Complete 1890 Proof Set, Cent Through Double Eagle
Lot 1848      1890. A complete Gem Proof set, Cent through Double Eagle. Lot of 10 coins. This lot is offering the previous 10 lots as a complete set. Opening bid for this lot will equal the total winning hammer prices of the 10 individual lots plus 5 percent. Should a successful bid be forthcoming, the individual lot sales will be cancelled in favor of this lot sale.
The following 1890 coins are included in this complete set: Indian cent NGC graded PF-65 Red, Liberty nickel NGC graded PF-65 Cameo, Seated dime NGC graded PF-68 Cameo, Seated quarter NGC graded PF-67 Cameo, Seated half dollar NGC graded PF-66 Cameo, Morgan dollar NGC graded PF-67 Cameo, Coronet quarter eagle NGC graded PF-68 Ultra Cameo, Coronet half eagle NGC graded PF-65 Ultra Cameo, Coronet eagle NGC graded PF-66 Ultra Cameo and Coronet double eagle NGC graded PF-66 Ultra Cameo.
Bidding will commence on this lot based on the total hammer price of the prior 10 lots plus 5 percent. Lot of 10 coins.
Estimated Value $200,000-UP.
 
Lot 1849      1896. Indian cent. NGC graded Proof 65 Red. Slightly mellowed color and very appealing. A lovely gem example in every way.
Estimated Value $500-600.
 
Lot 1850      1896. Liberty nickel. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. Bright and well frosted on the devices, with excellent contrast as well.
Estimated Value $300-400.
 
Lot 1851      1896. Barber dime. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. This is the only Ultra Cameo dime graded of this date by NGC! We do note that 4 Cameo dimes have been graded as PF-67 as well, and 14 as regular proofs as well. Nevertheless, if you want booming contrast between the fields and devices, then bid well to win this lot or set. Totally white in color and without a breath of toning to be found. An incredible coin to behold.
Estimated Value $4,000-UP.
 
Lot 1852      1896. Barber quarter. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Stark white in color and with excellent contrast throughout. Boldly struck throughout, and simply a superb coin in every way. The frost on Liberty's face is very thick, and shows just a hint of handling.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,400.
 
Lot 1853      1896. Barber half dollar. NGC graded Proof 67. Another totally white coin that boasts creamy frost on the devices and well mirrored fields. The surfaces are exceptionally clean, enough so to win this very high grade from NGC. Spot and problem free, and certain to please the discriminating numismatist.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,000.
 

Memorable 1896 Ultra Cameo Proof Morgan Dollar
Lot 1854      1896. Morgan silver dollar. NGC graded Proof 66 Ultra Cameo. One of perhaps 3 graded as Ultra Cameo by NGC of this date, which gives collectors some idea of just how rare these Ultra Cameo coins are. Two are reported by NGC as PF-67 UC, and this coin a notch below. Magnificent contrast with snowy white frost drifted high on all the devices, while the mirror fields are completely stark in their reflectivity. No signs of toning whatsoever, and this coin is perfectly white. A trace of the faintest hairlines are the only sign of handling. Certainly an opportunity for the advanced collector.
Estimated Value $7,000-UP.
 

One of the Finest Graded 1896 Ultra Cameo Quarter Eagles
Lot 1855      1896. Coronet quarter eagle. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. A remarkable coin that defies description as the contrast and surfaces are so far above the normal quality encountered, even for proof gold of this period. Further, the devices are bathed in rich golden frost while the delicate mirror fields are superb, and show only the faintest signs of contact visible with a strong glass. If you demand the ultimate grade on proof coinage, then here is a grand selection on which to feast. NGC has graded only 3 this high, with none higher in the Ultra Cameo designation.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
 

Stunning 1896 Ultra Cameo Half Eagle
Lot 1856      1896. Coronet half eagle. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. As a date, 1896 is very difficult to find in proof in this denomination. Few were saved, and obviously very few look like this. Totally bright and fresh, with full cameo contrast on the devices and lettering, with well rippled orange peel fields as well. We note the obverse has a number of microscopic flecks which were likely part of the minting process on this very early strike proof issue. NGC has graded only 2 this high, with none higher, and we also note 2 others that they graded as PF-67 Cameo, with a little less contrast. Certain to be the highlight of even the most advanced collection.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
 

Exceptional Ultra Cameo Proof 1896 Eagle
Lot 1857      1896. Coronet eagle. NGC graded Proof 66 Ultra Cameo. Tied for the finest graded by NGC with a total of 4 coins plus one more as PF-66 but without the cameo contrast. PCGS has also graded 2 as PR-66 Deep Cameo and 1 other regular non cameo in the same grade as well, for a total of 7 coins graded as PR or PF-66. This particular coin is exceptionally clean, and we note a faint trace of contact on Liberty's cheek, and a tiny lint mark in the field above her bust tip. Magnificent cameo contrast, with the devices piled high with frost while the fields are the familiar deep orange peel surface and highly reflective. On the reverse we note no spots or handling marks, and close examination will note light hairlines if caught in the light just right, otherwise nothing untoward. Obviously one of the very best in existence, and simply a joy to behold.
Estimated Value $45,000-UP.
 

Majestic 1896 Ultra Cameo Double Eagle
Lot 1858      1896. Coronet or Liberty double eagle. NGC graded Proof 66 Ultra Cameo. Majestic in size and contrast, any ultra cameo double eagle is a sight to behold. This one is tied with a total of 3 for the finest graded of this date and grade, the only others close are 4 that are the same technical grade but are only rated as cameos by NGC. The surfaces are simply pristine, with full bodied frost on Liberty and the fields surrounding are perfectly crackled in their orange peel texture. No signs of spotting or handling aside from the faintest lines. An awe inspiring coin for the most advanced numismatist to pursue.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
 

1896. A complete proof set, cent through double eagle.
Lot 1859      1896. A complete proof set, cent through double eagle. Lot of 10 coins. This lot is offering the previous 10 lots as a complete set. Opening bid for this lot will equal the total winning hammer prices of the 10 individual lots plus 5 percent. Should a successful bid be forthcoming, the individual lot sales will be cancelled in favor of this lot sale.
The 1896 coins offered are all graded by NGC as follows: Indian cent PF-65 Red, Liberty nickel PF-65 Cameo, Barber dime PF-67 Ultra Cameo, Barber quarter PF-66 Cameo, Barber half dollar PF-67, Morgan silver dollar PF-66 Ultra Cameo, Coronet quarter eagle PF-67 Ultra Cameo, Coronet half eagle PF-67 Ultra Cameo, Coronet eagle PF-66 Ultra Cameo and Liberty double eagle PF-66 Ultra Cameo. The relevant photos are included with the ten individual lots immediately preceding this lot. Lot of 10 coins.
Estimated Value $240,000-UP.
 
Lot 1860      1915. Lincoln cent. NGC graded Proof 65 Red & Brown. Lovely color throughout with hints of blues, reds and golds on both sides. Satiny surfaces and well preserved as well. Note the fullness of the strike, something only found on the few proofs issued during these early years. A couple of very minor flecks of carbon are noted on the lower left reverse.
Estimated Value $500-600.
 
Lot 1861      1915. Buffalo nickel. NGC graded Proof 66. Satiny and bold throughout with a trace of golden toning on the reverse. As usual, the bison has a faint die crack on his shoulder down to his mid quarters. These proofs have a far better strike than the standard business issues of the period. Further, the surfaces are nearly perfect keeping this one at the upper end of the gem class.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,800.
 
Lot 1862      1915. Barber dime. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Demand and mintages fell to a trickle during this period. The world was focused on events in Germany and France instead. A scant 450 were produced in proof, and NGC has graded a total of 2 coins that they consider the desirable "cameo" contrast. No ultra cameos have been graded by NGC at this time. NGC has graded this one as PF-66 Cameo, and one other, that a notch higher at PF-67 Cameo. Apparently the Mint didn't prepare the proof dies quite carefully enough to generate the ultra cameo coins seen in other years. Totally white and pristine throughout.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
 
Lot 1863      1915. Barber quarter. NGC graded Proof 65. Blazing and starkly white on both sides, with no hint of toning. As noted on the Barber dime, the Mint was focused elsewhere during this time, and no Cameos were apparently produced as neither NGC or PCGS has graded any quarters as "cameo" from 1915. Lovely surfaces that show only a few trivial hairlines visible under intense scrutiny.
Estimated Value $1,600-2,000.
 
Lot 1864      1915. Barber half dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. A few light hairlines from gem and a touch of haze on both sides, but mostly white in color. Scarce, and a difficult date to find at all.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,200.
 

Gem Satin Proof 1915 Indian $ 2.50
Lot 1865      1915. Indian quarter eagle. NGC graded Proof 65. The final year of proof issues for this denomination and type, with the total produced frozen at a nice even 100 pieces. Few gems remain, and this particular coin boasts the expected satiny yellow gold finish peculiar to a few years of Pratt's production. NGC has graded 10 as PF-65, with 10 graded higher as well. Boldly rendered and carefully preserved. Breen notes that many of the proofs of 1915 were melted as unsold by 1916, leaving precious few for collectors to acquire.
Estimated Value $14,000-17,000.
 

1915 Gem Matte Proof Indian $ 5
Lot 1866      1915 Indian half eagle. NGC graded Proof 66. One of the very finest graded of this rare date, only 75 were struck and some were melted as unsold after the close of the calendar year. This particular one boasts rich and deep orange toning on both sides and the satin matte finish seen only on 1914-1915 proof gold coins. The surfaces are very pleasing and only the faintest signs of handling can be seen under ideal circumstances. NGC has graded 6 this high with none higher, while PCGS hasn't graded any as PR-66, but has graded 1 coin higher as PR-67, which is apparently the finest. A magnificent and rare coin that should bring a very strong price in this market.
Estimated Value $25,000-30,000.
 

Alluring 1915 Proof Indian $ 10
Lot 1867      1915 Indian eagle. NGC graded Proof 66. A very rare coin in proof grades, only 75 were struck and several were melted as unsold after the time of issue. This one boasts a light yellow gold color and a coarse sandblast finish that was only used for 1914-1915 proof gold. Struck with authority, and the tiny nuances of the dies were completely brought up on this specimen, with no signs of weakness to be found. A few faint signs of handling keep this from absolute perfection, but no distracting spots or marks are worthy of note. NGC has graded 5 this high, with a single coin graded higher. Exceptionally beautiful, and truly an American numismatic classic.
Estimated Value $37,000-42,000.
 

Gem Matte Proof 1915 St. Gauden's Double Eagle
Lot 1868      1915. St. Gauden's double eagle. NGC graded Proof 65. One of the finest graded of this very rare date. Mint records show a meager 50 were coined, and Breen estimated that less than a dozen survive. Now with the combined population reports we suspect that perhaps 30 to 40 survive, as even more than that have been graded. As to NGC, they have graded only 10 this high, with a single coin higher, making this one of the very best to survive. We note lovely matte surfaces with the color even undisturbed. A strong glass will note some trivial rim wobbles. Identifiable by a tiny tick on the torch at about Liberty's wrist level. The final year of proof gold issued for quite a few years by the American mints.
Estimated Value $40,000-50,000.
 

The Complete 1915 Proof Set, Cent Through Double Eagle
Lot 1869      1915. A complete proof set, cent through double eagle. Lot of 9 coins. This lot is offering the previous 9 lots as a complete set. Opening bid for this lot will equal the total winning hammer prices of the 9 individual lots plus 5 percent. Should a successful bid be forthcoming, the individual lot sales will be cancelled in favor of this lot sale.
The 1915 coins offered are all graded by NGC as follows: Lincoln cent PF-65 Red and Brown, Buffalo nickel PF-66, Barber dime PF-66 Cameo, Barber quarter PF-65, Barber half dollar PF-64, Indian quarter eagle PF-65, Indian half eagle PF-66, Indian eagle PF-66 and St. Gaudens double eagle PF-65. The relevant photos are included with the nine individual lots immediately preceding this lot. Lot of 9 coins.
Estimated Value $140,000-UP.