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

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Dimes

Liberty Seated Dimes

Extremely Rare 1837 Gem Proof No Stars Dime

Lot 1569 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1837. No stars, large date. NGC graded Proof 66. One of 30 or so struck on June 30, 1837 of this new design in proof condition. Of these, PCGS has graded a single coin this high, with none higher, and NGC has graded three this high, with a single coin graded higher. That makes this one of the five finest known of the date.

The surfaces reflect lovely light green toning on both sides, over sharply struck devices. The delicate mirror fields show only the faintest evidence of hairlines, and the coin has a stunning gem appearance. Proofs struck prior to 1857 were very much hit and miss, some years saw only a couple produced, others none, and for special events like the coining of a new design, a few extra were made. Most of these disappeared into non numismatic channels, instead going to V.I.P.'s and the like. Survival was a matter of chance. This coin not only survived, but it survived in exceptionally high grade. Don't let this opportunity slip away, so bid accordingly. Color photo.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.

Lot 1570
1837. No stars, small date. EF-45. Light hairlines in the fields and a couple of handling ticks and scuffs. Nice gold color and an important type coin.
Estimated Value $350-400.

Lot 1571 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1838. Large stars. NGC graded MS-66. A flashy gem that has medium coppery toning on both sides, evenly distributed on the devices and fields. Especially well struck, each star and device is full and complete, and a remnant of a wire rim is noted on the lower right of the obverse. Examination with a glass fails to note any significant marks or problems, and this coin is clearly a high end gem. Struck with a clashed reverse die, with the outline of Liberty reaching up from the E in DIME into the field above. Only 21 graded this high by NGC, with 9 graded higher by that service.
Estimated Value $2,250-2,750.

Lot 1572 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1838. Large stars. PCGS graded MS-65. One of only 25 graded as such, with just 9 graded higher by PCGS. Toned an appealing rose to lilac hue on both sides, and we note some jeweler's rouge mounded up in the date from an old cleaning (note the white residue within the loops of the 8's). A few minor hairlines can be seen with a glass, but they are very minor. This is an important gem coin that will excite the advanced collector.
Estimated Value $2,300-2,800.

The Highest Graded 1843 Dime

Lot 1573 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1843. PCGS graded MS-66. Blazing white luster on both sides and well struck. While considered a common date, finding a true gem is nearly impossible. This one is the finest graded by PCGS, and the only one its grade class, naturally, there are none graded higher! In fact, there is only a single coin graded MS-65 by that service. An outstanding specimen in every way.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.

Lot 1574
1843-O Dime in VG-8 and 1861-S Quarter VF-20 but damaged. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $75-100.

Lot 1575
1854 and 1875. Both grade AU to Unc. The 1854 has some trivial contact marks on the obverse. Lot of 2 coins.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 1576
1862. NGC graded MS-63. Beautiful antique gray and green toning on both sides. A few trivial ticks from a higher number, but beautiful in appearance and a coin which most collectors would be proud to own.
Estimated Value $160-250.

Lot 1577
1866. NGC graded Proof 64. Gold toning on both sides with some dark blue on Liberty's head in the fields. Frosty on the devices.
Estimated Value $450-550.

Lot 1578
1867. Proof 63. Only 625 proofs struck, this one with deep watery fields and frosted devices. A few handling marks, and the usual hairlines on the delicate fields.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 1579
1879. MS-64. The date shows minor repunching. This is a scarce coin, mintages plummeted as all the mints focused attention on churning out millions and millions of silver dollars. Dime production slipped to just 14,700 units in 1879, and the branch mints didn't produce any. Here is one of the nicer to survive.
Estimated Value $400-450.

Lot 1580 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1880. NGC graded Proof 65. A fashionable gem proof that is untoned in the fields. Deeply frosted on the devices, and graced by excellent contrast. Only 1,355 struck, few of which remain in full gem condition.
Estimated Value $800-900.

Lot 1581
1882. PCI graded Proof 64. Deeply mirrored fields and mile-high frost on the devices. Only 1,100 struck in Proof, few of which are this nice.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 1582
1885. MS-63. A choice coin that has light toning and flashy luster.
Estimated Value $150-170.

Lot 1583
1885-S. ANACS graded Almost Good-3. A rare date, the obverse has strong rims while the reverse rims have worn down towards the wreath. Nice surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 1584
1886. Proof 63. Bright and untoned, with few signs of handling.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1585
1888. PCGS graded MS-64. Delicate gold toning on the obverse and well struck, the reverse is a bit brighter, but not as sharp appearing. Nearly a gem and scarce this nice.
Estimated Value $225-275.

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