Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 1752
1839. No Drapery. One of
two or three known in Proof. PCGS graded Proof 63. A fantastic
example of this rarity! The coin has been through the gauntlet of graders at
PCGS where they awarded it a choice PR-63 grade. This is the only example they
have graded in proof. NGC also reports this coin as PR-63 as "Reed Hawn" and
another as P. Kaufman, graded by that service as PF-62. This coin now offered
is apparently the better of two graded.
Breen, in his Proof Encyclopedia
enumerated only three examples. The first listed is in the Norweb collection,
but this is in error, as the Norwebs did not have an example of this in Proof.
Breen further notes appearances in the World's Greatest Collection Sale
(January 1945), the 1946 ANA and 1948 ANA sales. With the Norweb pedigree
removed, and none appearing in Eliasberg, it is probable that only 2 proofs
exist. Plate matching is difficult as both are toned similarly. We do know that
this is the Reed Hawn coin (Stack's 8/83:125) and prior to that it was likely
in one or more of the sales in the 1940s. For future reference, this coin has a
shallow planchet void just below the left elbow of Liberty in the left obverse
field. On the reverse, there is a small planchet flake above the ME of AMERICA.
Currently, the coin resides in PCGS holder #5782576.
As the other proof
example is described as having a reverse die crack from the rim to the upper
leaves through the eagle to the R of AMERICA, of which this coin shows no trace
of that crack, this coin was obviously struck first. We note a light die crack
through the base of HALF DOL. which continues up through the tops of MERICA.
There is no trace of the obverse crack to the base of the 1 as noted in the
Worlds Greatest Collection Sale or in the other crack noted above.
What
makes this coin so special is the fact that is a one year type coin. The "No
Drapery" designation is just one aspect of the design, the rock on which
Liberty is seated is much larger and closer to the first star than the rock on
the modified 1839 design. The actual mintage is unknown, but the no drapery
coins represent a small fraction of the with drapery pieces for the
year.
When examined with a strong glass we note minor hairlines in the
fields. These are toned over with delicate antique gray tones and hints of
blue. The strike is, of course, exceptional, and all the devices are brought up
completely. Die polishing on the fields is complete, including between the
pales and gules in the shield. The coin is a no-nonsense proof, and any
numismatist would agree after briefly viewing the coin.
A foremost
opportunity for the advanced specialist to purchase this one year proof rarity.
Estimated Value $200,000-250,000.
Ex: Stack's Reed Hawn Sale,
8/73:125.
Lot 1753
1851-O. Sharpness
of MS-60 but cleaned. The surfaces are prooflike, perhaps more from a past
cleaning than manufacture. Now starting to retone with hints of gold in the
fields. Boldly struck and only 402,000 struck.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1754
1853-O. Arrows and rays.
AU-50. Cleaned and starting to retone, still a bit washed out.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 1755
1854-O. Arrows.
PCGS graded AU-58. With a bit of friction on the high points, but
very appealing. Nearly new quality for a big discount.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
Lot 1756
1858. MS-63.
This one has a few minor hairlines and specks in the fields, but it is
toned with magnificent rainbow hues in rings near the rims. Frosty luster at
the centers.
Estimated Value $600-700.
Lot 1757
1858-O. MS-60.
Choice for the grade, the obverse boasts clean surfaces and only moderate
ticks from handling. The reverse is nicer, with frosty luster, well struck
devices and excellent fields. Light gold toning.
We note recutting in the
date above the left side of each 8 attached to Liberty's rock. Probably Breen
4885, which may be a lapped die of Breen-4884. One for the specialist.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 1758
1860. Proof 64.
Nice color and lightly toned, with heavily frosted devices. Minor hairlines
in the fields, but they are expected on all proofs of this era.
Estimated
Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1759
1864. Proof 64.
Bright and untoned, with excellent frost and contrast. We do note the usual
hairlines from a cleaning, and there is a minute spot under the first A of
AMERICA. Only 470 struck in proof, few of which survive today.
Estimated
Value $1,300-1,500.
Lot 1760
1869. Proof 63.
Delightful toning on both sides, fiery orange at the centers and antique
gray in the fields. Only 600 proofs were struck, few of which could be as
appealing as this coin.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 1761
1870. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Deeply and beautifully toned with shades Elvis blue at the rims
and sunset gold at the centers. Minor hairlines from a higher grade.
Estimated Value $700-800.
Lot 1762
1871-S. MS-60 Plus.
This coin has some minor weakness in the strike at the periphery. Delicate
pink toning and with clean fields and surfaces.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1763
1872-CC. EF-45.
This one has been cleaned in the past, and the upper obverse rim has an
irregular area where some incrustation was probably removed. Scarce and usually
found in lower grades. Nice gold toning around the periphery and well struck.
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 1764
1873. Arrows. NGC
graded Proof 65. An exceptionally beautiful example of this rare proof type
coin. It is believed by Harry X. Boosel, the worlds authority on United States
coins of 1873, that only 550 were struck of the with arrows variety. Of these,
NGC has only graded 10 this high, with 5 graded higher. That certainly makes
this in the top ten percent of those known. What makes this coin so superb is
its magnificent rose and blue toning on both sides. The rims and peripheral
areas are all toned with ocean-deep blue shades, while the centers are toned a
stunning rose pink color. The fields are free of contact or handling marks, and
the coin is well preserved. If one must complain, there are some minor
hairlines in the delicate mirror fields, but they are minor. If you have been
searching for a superb example of this date, then look no further than this
coin and bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $6,000-7,000.
Lot 1765
1873. Arrows. PCGS
graded MS-65. A magnificent example of this scarce type coin. Satiny silver
in color with just a hint of delicate gold toning near the devices. The fields
boast fiery luster which leaps off the coin when examined. Boldly struck on all
but a few of the letters on the reverse motto, which show minor weakness.
Examination will find few faults, most hidden on the upper devices where they
can scarcely be detected. In the PCGS Population Report, we note only 5 have
been graded this high, with only 2 graded higher, making this one of the very
best known of the date.
Estimated Value $9,000-10,000.
Lot 1766
1874. Arrows.
MS-63. A choice, untoned mint state example. This is important as a
scarce type coin with arrows at the date. The arrows were placed there to
broadcast a very slight adjustment in the silver content, supposedly to bring
United States coinage into the metric weight system. The metric system is still
not employed at the mints.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Lot 1767
1877-S. AU-50.
Lovely gray toning and well struck.
Estimated Value $100-125.
Lot 1768
1891. MS-63
Prooflike. This coin is very prooflike, but the mirror polishing on the
dies is missing from the central shield lines and the rims are not raised as
usually seen on proof issues. Frosty devices and exceptional quality.
Estimated Value $400-500.