Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 1624
1843. MS-60 Plus.
This one has some surface problems on the obverse, which appears a bit
rough. Medium gray toning on the obverse, blotchy colors on the reverse.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1625
1844-O. Sharpness
of EF-40 but holed and repaired. Holed and repaired at 12 o'clock on the
obverse, with another attempted hole through the O of OF on the reverse. Minor
scratches, and decent in appearance.
Estimated Value $40-50.
Lot 1626
1850. PCGS graded
MS-63. A few scattered marks on each side, but toned with beautiful blue
around the periphery which fades to golden russet at the centers. Eye
appealing.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.
Lot 1627
1853. Arrows and rays.
PCGS graded MS-64. A satiny white coin that has appealing luster and
is well struck on the devices. As with most of these, the obverse die shows
cracks through the arrow heads to Liberty.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.
Lot 1628
1853. Arrows and rays.
NGC graded MS-63. Untoned and flashy, without a breath of toning or
serious contact marks. Choice and well struck, perfect for the type collector.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.
Lot 1629
1858 to 1927-S. Quarter
lot of five. Includes: 1858, 1877-S, 1892-O, 1899-S and 1927-S whizzed.
Grades from Good to Very Good. Lot of 5 coins.
Estimated Value $20-30.
Lot 1630
1861. Proof 63.
Rose to blue toning on the obverse, deep blue on the reverse. Watery mirror
fields that show the usual hairlines and appealing.
Estimated Value
$700-800.
Lot 1631
1861. AU-58.
Sharply impressed by the dies, and well preserved since that time. Light
golden toning on both sides over frosty luster.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 1632
1862. ANACS graded
Proof 64. Only 430 struck in proof, this obviously one of the better ones
to come down to us today. Essentially untoned, the surfaces show few signs of
handling and just the faintest hairlines. The devices are nicely frosted, and
the coin is overall very appealing. The Philadelphia Mint had just begun to
strike proofs on a regular basis when the Civil War began, don't forget this
coin was struck soon after those hostilities began. It has survived better than
anyone else the last 139 years! A sparkling near gem proof.
Estimated Value
$1,400-1,600.
Lot 1633
1864-S. NGC graded
MS-64. As Walter Breen stated in his 1988 Encyclopedia, "Prohibitively rare
Unc." under 1864-S. That is absolutely correct, only 3 coins have been graded
as mint state (at most) by NGC and PCGS. First, the Eliasberg coin, graded
MS-66 by Bowers and Merena in that sale, now graded MS-68 by NGC is far and
away the finest known. Next is this coin, as MS-64, nearly a full gem and a
beautiful coin in all respects. Next is a coin graded MS-63 by PCGS (perhaps
this coin?) which we haven't seen. There are no other mint state coins
reported. Furthermore, there is only one coin graded AU-55 by each service, and
only a single coin beneath that grading EF-40. Perhaps that will give the
numismatist some idea of just how rare this date is in high grade. Apparently
most of the original mintage was lost, melted or spent down to very low grades.
There simply are very few survivors in any grade above Very Fine. To secure a
mint state example may take years, perhaps a lifetime before one turns up.
Thus, we implore you to consider buying this coin if you think you will ever
want to own it. Once it is sold, it may be gone for decades.
This one is
sharply struck, and has lovely gray toning on both sides, and flashy luster.
Trivial handling marks on both sides, none deep or offensive and this is a
beautiful example of this nearly impossible date to locate.
Estimated Value
$17,500-UP.
Lot 1634
1869. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Bright and untoned with steel gray fields and frosty white
devices. Minor hairlines in the fields, as always.
Estimated Value
$350-400.
Lot 1635
1871. ANACS graded
MS-62. Satiny luster and well struck, there is some gold toning on the
rims.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1636
1873. Arrows. Ex.
Eliasberg. NGC graded Proof 67. Brilliant at the centers with
blazing frost and changing to gold and blue at the periphery. Only 540 were
struck for the year, and an important type coin with the arrows at date. These
arrows were added to announce to the public that the silver content had
actually increased slightly in 1873.
One of the finest graded by either
service, a total of just 4 have been graded this high by either service! Don't
wait for a better one, they don't exist.
Estimated Value $12,000-15,000.
From Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg Sale, April 1997, lot 1504.
Lot 1637
1874. Arrows. PCGS
graded MS-65. A golden toned gem that boasts mint fresh luster and
undiminished fields and devices. One of only 6 so graded by PCGS, with a single
coin graded higher of this important type date. This one won't be a bargain,
but it will always be worth a strong price because of its clean and appealing
surfaces.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,000.
Lot 1638
1874. Arrows. NGC
graded MS-64. A high end coin for the grade, this one boasts vibrant luster
and well struck devices. There is a touch of gold toning around the rims, but
this coin is mostly white. Rare as a type coin, the with arrows obverse was
only made for a short time. Decidedly few marks, and this coin could easily be
called a gem.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
Lot 1639
1879. NGC graded
MS-65. This bright and flashy gem has delicate gold toning around the rims
in flecks, with frosted devices. A glass will locate minor hairlines, but
almost no signs of contact from other coins. A beauty in every regard. This is
a scarce date, and seldom offered this nice.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1640
1881. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Mostly white in color with a whisper of toning here and there.
Examination will note a few stray lines on Liberty, although this coin appears
to be a gem. Well frosted and mirrored.
Estimated Value $550-650.
Lot 1641
1883. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Snow white devices provide excellent contrast over the mirror
fields. This one remains untoned, and gems of this date are rare. A loupe will
locate some trivial hairlines in the fields.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1642
1883. NGC graded
Proof 64. Deep blue gray in color with light yellow around the rims.
Reflective mirrors and not all that contrasted for a proof. Probably cleaned
and retoned years ago, but done nicely. A scarce date.
Estimated Value
$450-500.
Lot 1643
1885. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Light golden toning around the rims, with some hazy areas on the
upper reverse. Sharply impressed, and scarce in this grade.
Estimated Value
$1,500-1,600.
Lot 1644
1886. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Only 886 struck, few of which remain in full gem condition like
this wonderful proof coin. Deep frost on the devices and with excellent mirror
fields. Delicate gold toning around the edges of the obverse, a bit more on the
reverse. Stunning quality.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,600.
Lot 1645
1888. PCGS graded
Proof 63. Bright and untoned, this one has typical hairlines in the fields.
Deep frost on the devices.
Estimated Value $400-450.
Lot 1646
1891. MS-64. We
note that both the obverse and reverse die show clash marks. Excellent luster
and with a whisper of toning starting to form. Well preserved.
Estimated
Value $600-700.
Lot 1647
1891. MS-60.
With delicate gold toning on the right side of the obverse, but generally
untoned and quite flashy. Sharply impressed by the dies.
Estimated Value
$150-200.