Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 1535
1794. Valentine-1, LM-1,
Rarity-6. NGC graded AU-55. This is the rarest of the four known
1794 die varieties. Light gray in color and well preserved. No signs of
adjustment marks or other problems. We note a minor old scuff on Liberty's
bust, and another in the field before her mouth. Sharply struck for the
variety, including the fourth star which is diagnostically weak. Early die
state, with the crack from the twelfth star to chin just starting to show up,
it does not continue to the fourth star, and the crack through the Y hasn't
appeared either. On the reverse, the curious die line (crack?) connects the
eagle's two legs, just above his claws, and the faint crack is present to the
left of the M in AMERICA.There is a tiny planchet void above the A of STATES on
the rim, perhaps it is a small clip, but it is hard to tell in the holder.
Estimated Value $4,500-5,500.
Lot 1536
1794. Valentine-3a, LM-3,
Rarity-4. PCGS graded MS-62. Magnificent deep blue toning around the
periphery and bright gold at the centers of both sides. Fiery colors and
blazing luster. Free of adjustment marks or other problems, close examination
will only show the lightest hairlines. Certainly one of the finest of the
variety, although there is a higher grade reported in the recent superb study
by Russ Logan and John McCloskey.
Over the decades many new die variety
studies have been published on various denominations. As these books are
distributed, it seems to take about five years for the denomination to suddenly
become "collected". Half dimes were well covered by the 1930 Valentine study of
die varieties, but new rarity and die state information now available has
greatly improved the available knowledge. Collectors of the early pieces are
few and far between, but we suspect more and more will begin collecting these
fascinating coins soon. Here is a great way to start, this coin boasts stunning
colors and is well struck. Further, there is an obverse die break from the
sixth star, through Liberty's head and out the E of LIBERTY. On the reverse,
the die cracks are heavier, with a light crack up through the right stem end
(similar in placement to the V-4a reverse crack, but this is a different
reverse die), and a heavy crack through the R of LIBERTY towards the eagle's
tail where it meets the other reverse crack. A grand coin for the advanced
numismatist to enjoy.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 1537
1794. Valentine-4a, LM-4,
Rarity-4. NGC graded MS-63. This is the most common of the 1794 half
dime varieties, but "common" is a relative term. All 1794 half dimes can
rightfully be considered rare, especially so in mint state. The NGC Population
Report shows just 6 are graded this high, with 19 in various grades higher.
PCGS is similar, with 7 graded as MS-63, and 13 graded higher.
What is
important to keep in mind is not the raw numbers, but the quality of the piece
on offer. A glance will tell the knowledgeable numismatist that this is a
delightful coin. The surfaces are clean and show few marks, none of the
annoying adjustment marks that are frequently seen, or handling problems which
plaque this small coin. Steel gray in color with delicate silvery tones on both
sides. Sharply struck from clashed dies, with at least three clash marks noted
on the reverse, and a strong single clash on the obverse. The die engraver was
probably Robert Scot, as there are numerous devices which show recutting. On
the reverse, the die crack through the D of UNITED to the eagle's breast is
light, and the crack up through the right stem has just started to form.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.
Lot 1538
1795. Valentine-4, LM-10,
Rarity-3. PCI graded VF-35. Weakly struck on the obverse, from a
late die state too, with the familiar die break above TY and the star. One
small mark on the right wing of the eagle. Medium gray and pleasing color. A
common die variety.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 1539
1795. Valentine-4a, LM-10,
Rarity-3. AU-55. A common variety of this type coin. The surfaces
are toned a medium gray and the coin is generally well struck, save for the
lower reverse dentils, which are weak. A couple of minor circulation marks.
Estimated Value $2,700-3,200.
Lot 1540
1801. Valentine-1,
Rarity-3. VF-30. This half dime has the die break through RT of
LIBERTY and below the bust. A couple of marks near the second star and a few
more above near the rim which slightly bent the coin. There is a thin scratch
in the right obverse field. Steel gray and with nice details for the grade,
despite its surface problems. One of the most fascinating dates which has been
subject to much speculation as the Valentine 1 and 2 varieties were eventually
found to be the same die pairing, but only after examination of dozens of
pieces and micro photographs, this research done by Ed Price and Jules Reiver.
Research continues, and collectors are always learning more as time passes.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,100.
Lot 1541
1805. Valentine-1,
Rarity-4. ANACS graded Sharpness of VF-20 Net G-6, Damaged-Graffiti.
Damaged with pitting at the centers of both sides and with graffiti in the
right obverse field. Nice details remain, and a coin that should be inspected.
Estimated Value $450-550.
Lot 1542
1829, Valentine-3.
PCGS graded Proof 64. Extremely rare as a Proof, only a few were
minted, and most were not well cared for. The recent PCGS Population Report
shows just 2 have been graded this high, with 2 graded higher. This coin has
medium to deep gray colors on both sides and is very sharply struck. The stars,
curls on Liberty, lettering, devices and scrolls are all crisp and fully
brought up by the dies. The fields have some very minor handling marks, as well
as some trivial hairlines, but this coin is nearly a gem, and many would in
fact call it that. Perhaps these were struck to commemorate the restoration of
the half dime denomination, none had been struck since 1805, and the nation
still needed small change. Once the Mint started making half dimes, they kept
cranking them out in fairly large numbers, so the denomination must have proven
useful to the public. Here is one of the very finest to survive in proof
condition.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Lot 1543
1834. Valentine-1c, LM-2,
Rarity-1. MS-60. Sharply struck and without toning, allowing the
luster to shine forth. The obverse die has a faint crack from the seventh star
to Liberty's cap, and there is another crack from her nose down her face to her
drapery, above the 1 in the date. This second crack is not noted in most
reference works, and it apparently was lapped away before the next obverse due
usage (LM-5).
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1544
1837. Large 5¢.
Valentine-1, LM-5, Rarity-1. MS-65. Delicate yellow and rose tones
with some hints of blue at the centers on both sides. Frosty luster in the
fields and well struck except on the extreme high points of the devices, which
show minor weakness. Trivial handling marks, but a high end coin.
Estimated
Value $2,000-3,000.