Feb. 16, 2001, The Benson Collection Part 1, Sale 8
Lot 1971
1873-CC. SEGS
graded MS-63. One of the better examples of this rare date, the mintage was
only 124,500 and most entered circulation. Perhaps a couple of dozen are known
in various mint state grades. PCGS hasn't graded any higher than MS-63, and few
have been offered in Mint State over the years. This one has a satiny gold
color on both sides and the surfaces show minor hairlines. A touch soft on
Liberty's head and on the upper stars, but otherwise sharp. We would probably
grade this a bit lower, but it does have flash combined with an unusual color.
Rare and inspection recommended, as always! Take a look and make up your own
mind.
Estimated Value $10,000-12,000.
Lot 1972
1874. PCGS graded
Proof 65. Here is a spectacular gem example of this date. Only 700 were
coined in Proof, Of these, PCGS has graded 9 this high, with just 2 coins
graded higher! The mirrors are ocean deep in the fields, and the devices are
especially frosty. Furthermore, there is delicate gold toning around the entire
rim, with hints of deep blue at the edge. Examination will note very shallow
hairlines, seen on probably every single proof coin of the era. The eye appeal
of this coin is simply outstanding, and any collector who examines it will want
to own it.
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.
Lot 1973
1874. PCGS graded
Proof 62. Only 700 proofs were struck for this second year of issue of the
Trade Dollar, and this one is about average. There are some hairlines in the
fields and they are toned over with light gray colors. An important coin for
the type collector.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
Lot 1974
1875. PCGS graded
Proof 64. Antique gold and blue toning on both sides over clean surfaces. A
near-gem that boasts lovely toning.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.
Lot 1975
1875. ANACS graded
Proof 62 Cameo. This one has a nice cameo appearance, but rather heavy
hairlines account for the grade.
Estimated Value $950-1,050.
Lot 1976
1875-S. MS-62.
Flashy luster in the fields and well struck. Lightly toned and quite
appealing.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 1977
1875-S. PCI graded
MS-60 Cleaned. Cleaned to a bright snowy white with the usual streaky
hairlines. One that should be toned.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1978
1875-S. AU-50.
This one was cleaned with the usual resulting hairlines in the fields.
Estimated Value $125-150.
Lot 1979
1876. MS-60 Plus
Prooflike. Frosty devices and well struck throughout, excellent contrast
for a business strike. Moderate handling marks, and with delicate gold toning.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 1980
1876-S. PCGS graded
MS-61. Bright and untoned, with decent luster and surfaces for the moderate
grade assigned.
Estimated Value $300-350.
Lot 1981
1876-S. MS-60 Plus
Prooflike. The obverse fields are reflective, while the reverse fields are
more typical satiny luster. Free of annoying handling marks or problems, and
with light hairlines visible with a glass on the obverse. Sharply impressed
with full radial lines on the stars and excellent device detail throughout.
Perfectly centered and an exceptional coin for the collector.
Estimated
Value $350-450.
Lot 1982
1876-S. EF-40.
Light hairlines from a cleaning noted in the fields. Bright and untoned
still.
Estimated Value $90-110.
Lot 1983
1877. VF-20.
Chop marks on both sides, and cleaned to an unnatural brightness.
Estimated Value $25-50.
Lot 1984
1877-S. PCGS graded
MS-64. Flashy white luster and untoned. Examination will note a scattering
of minor bagmarks, but none are deep. One for the type collector.
Estimated
Value $1,500-2,000.
Lot 1985
1877-S. EF-45.
Flashy white and untoned. Well struck.
Estimated Value $100-115.
Lot 1986
1877-S. VF-20.
Silvery gray in color.
Estimated Value $70-80.
Lot 1987
1878-S. PCI graded
MS-60 Cleaned. Harshly cleaned, and there is some roughness in the left
obverse field. Another coin that needs to be retoned. Well struck.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 1988
1878-S. AU-58.
Somewhat prooflike in the fields with the usual hairlines and minor surface
imperfections. Generally white, with few signs of toning. A well struck example
of this date.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 1989
1878-S. VF-35.
Lightly toned, and there is a minor scrape in the field near Liberty's
knee.
Estimated Value $80-100.
Lot 1990
1880. Proof 60
plus. A banner year of orders came in for Trade dollars in 1880, a total of
1,987 were coined. This one has medium gray toning and has nice frost on the
devices. Average and expected hairlines in the fields are offset by eye appeal.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.
Lot 1991
1882. SEGS graded
Proof 64 Light Hairlines and Toned. Deeply toned to cover over hairlines in
the fields. Lots of contrast between Liberty and the reflective surfaces, and
sharply impressed. Inspection recommended.
Estimated Value $2,200-2,500.
Lot 1992
1883. PCGS graded
Proof 67. One of the three finest graded by PCGS, there are none graded
higher either. This one has magnificent obverse toning, deep blue fading to
purple and yellow in rings around the periphery, with the centers yellow gold.
On the reverse, the toning is just a bit of mottled gold. Naturally, the
surfaces are deep mirror fields and well preserved. Minor hairlines well hidden
by toning, and one of the finest of just 979 struck.
Estimated Value
$15,000-20,000.