Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 1960
1842. MS-63.
This one has nice surfaces, but myriad hairlines in the delicate prooflike
fields. There is a minor rim nick on the reverse at 9 o'clock. Satiny gray in
color and a coin to view carefully.
Estimated Value $3,000-4,000.
Lot 1961
1843. EF-45.
Deeply toned and probably not entirely original in the color department.
Well struck and balanced, there are some minor rim bumps on the reverse.
Estimated Value $240-275.
Lot 1962
1846. PCGS graded
EF-40. This one is silvery gray in color with some darker shades near the
periphery. Some minor circulation marks on both sides, but well struck by the
dies.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1963
1846-O. EF-40.
This one is bright and untoned, and was likely cleaned not too long ago.
Nice surfaces and well struck.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1964
1859-O. PCGS graded
MS-62. Bright and untoned, with well struck devices and abundant luster. As
typical of this hoard coin, the surfaces show minute handling marks. About as
nice as these are found, there are only 63 graded as such by PCGS, with just 31
graded higher. Perfect for the type collector.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 1965
1861. PCGS graded
MS-64. Only 77,500 were struck as the nation slipped into Civil War, which
was anything but "civil". Needless to say, most coins went into hiding and were
spent for needed supplies and food as the six week war dragged on and on. Of
the 1861 dollars that have come down to us, only 16 have been graded as MS-64
by PCGS, and just 5 coins grade higher (all MS-65). Satiny luster beneath steel
gray toning on both sides and very sharply struck for the date. One small
toning spot on the upper shield lines, and more on the reverse near the upper
olive leaves, these will serve to identify this rare coin. A few handling marks
from gem, but this is one of the nicest seen of the date.
Estimated Value
$7,000-8,000.
Lot 1966
1866. With motto.
Proof 60. This one has delicate gray to deep gold toning throughout
and has nice eye appealing surfaces. There are the usual hairlines and a couple
of minor rim ticks too, accounting for the grade, as well as a dull scratch in
the right obverse field.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
Lot 1967
1870. Proof 60.
A few minor hairlines in the fields and well struck, with well frosted
devices. Free of toning and very appealing.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
Lot 1968
1870. PCGS graded
MS-64. Here is a lovely coin that boasts prooflike surfaces on the obverse
(although it is clearly not a proof) and cartwheel luster on the reverse.
Shades of tan are forming around the periphery, otherwise this coin is untoned.
Sharply struck, with slight weakness on a couple of the upper right stars only
at the centers. One of only 10 graded this high, with just 3 graded higher
making this one of the best around and likely high in the Condition Census for
the date.
Estimated Value $4,000-5,000.
Lot 1969
1871. Proof 55.
This one was probably spent at some point where it acquired minor handling
marks. On the reverse rim there is a divet above the A of STATES where a bump
resides. On the lower reverse, there is evidence of a rubber band burn through
the leaves and above ONE. Still a scarce coin, and nicely toned today.
Estimated Value $600-650.
Lot 1970
1871. PCI graded
VF-30 Buffed. The coin has been buffed to a milky white color, inspection
mandatory. Possibly cleaned with an eraser, with some bonus scratches on
Liberty's face. Hints of dark patina remain near the devices.
Estimated
Value $80-100.