Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8

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Nickels

Shield Nickels

Lot 1483
1866. Rays. PCGS graded MS-64. The first year of issue of the nickel, which competed alongside the half dime for the next seven years before winning the planchet battle. Nice luster, with some die cracks and a touch weak on the shield.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 1484
1868. PCGS graded Proof 64. A coin that boasts delightful peripheral toning, with sunset hues and blue, fading to rose at the centers.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1485
1868. NGC graded MS-65. The date is firmly attached to the ball at the base of the shield. Untoned and pristine, with excellent luster throughout. Sharply struck and a gem by any standards.
Estimated Value $475-550.

Lot 1486
1872. Proof 64. Untoned and fresh, with sharply struck devices. Free of the usual spots and other problems which often plague this issue.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1487 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1875. PCGS graded Proof 65. Light golden toning on both sides and free of distracting spots or similar problems.
Estimated Value $1,375-1,475.

Lot 1488 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1876. NGC graded Proof 66. Clean surfaces that show virtually no signs of contact or hairlines. Lightly toned, and frosty on the devices.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.

Lot 1489
1876. NGC graded MS-63. Hazy toning with some yellow shades, lumpy, fat date.
Estimated Value $150-170.

Lot 1490 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1877. PCGS graded Proof 65. One of the key dates to the Shield nickel series, this lovely gem 1877 in Proof will excite the date specialist. Enhanced by delicate nickel blue toning on both sides, and free of annoying specks or spots that often mar these. Only 510 struck, few of which remain this nice.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.

Lot 1491 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1878. PCGS graded Proof 67. One of the finest graded of this date, only 13 have been awarded a grade this high, and none are graded higher according to a recent PCGS Population Report. Stunning quality, superb untoned fields and devices, all boldly impressed by the dies. Struck on an excellent planchet and free of spots.
Estimated Value $1,600-1,800.

Lot 1492
1878. Proof 64. This is one of the early die states which shows the final 8 engraved over a 7. Discovered by Walter Breen in 1973. This die was later polished to produce additional proofs, which removed traces of the final 7. Scarce and always in demand as an overdate proof issue.
Estimated Value $400-450.

Lot 1493 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1879. 9 over 8. PCGS graded Proof 66. This one with gleaming white frost on the devices and excellent mirror fields throughout. A hint of toning around the periphery, but this coin is untoned for all intents and purposes. One of just 97 graded as such by PCGS.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.

Lot 1494 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1879. 9 over 8. PCGS graded Proof 66. Sharp and bright, with just a hint of specks on either side. A no nonsense gem! Rare as such, with just 97 so graded and 29 higher.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.

Lot 1495
1880. NGC graded Proof 66. A spot free gem that boasts original surfaces and no toning, just a bit of nickel haze. Color photo.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1496
1882. Proof 64. A beauty that is well preserved and flashy. One tiny spot has been removed from above the R of AMERICA.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1497
1868 to 1915-D. A whizzed nickel lot. The following are included: 1868, 1876, 1892, 1883 No Cents, 1891, 1914-S and 1915-D. All grade around Very Fine before they were whizzed. Lot of 7 coins.
Estimated Value $60-80.

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