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1851 MS 65 PCGS. In 1851, the silver dollar was in extreme disfavor. The melt value of the coins had risen to $1.034, almost double the premium of the previous year. To issue them was to lose them, so the Philadelphia mint struck over 3 million gold dollars instead. Just 1,300 silver dollars were struck from one pair of dies, and it's strongly suspected that these were not released in the issue year. Somewhere in the production run, the dies were polished and created some prooflike pieces that have been mistakenly described as "original" proofs. Bowers describes the 1851 as the rarest Philadelphia issue in the Seated Liberty series. This rarity was recognized early on, and as a result, many of the extant pieces are mint state, albeit lower grades. This piece is a lovely gem, its full luster and light reflectivity peeking gracefully through original multicolored toning in russet, gold, and magenta with accents of light orange, cerise, and aquamarine. It exhibits the diagnostic die clash from the elbow that defines the pre-polishing strikes, but is late enough to show the delicate die cracks described on the ANS piece. PCGS and NGC combined have graded just fourteen mint state pieces of this date (4/97), and as the sole MS 65, this coin has strong claims to finest known status. A compelling piece for the specialist and sure to inspire frenzied bidding among those who seek to own a legitimately rare piece of history. (PCGS# 6939)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6152 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $57,500.00
1795 9 Leaves AU 50 PCGS. B. 4-C. A second Nine Leaves ten from the Diocese of Buffalo (the second of a remarkable three pieces from this consignment, the first in our March ANA Money Sale). Only 116 pieces are believed to have been struck of this rare variety, all in March of 1796. The extreme rarity of the 1795 Nine Leaves can best be understood when one views the reverse of this coin. A ragged V-shaped die crack is seen below the leaves and another irregular break is seen through the first T in STATES. These are apparently common to most, if not all Nine Leaves coins, and their presence indicates early failure of this reverse die.
This high grade example is a bit softly defined in the center of each side with stronger definition at the margins. There is just the faintest evidence of die striations running diagonally across Liberty's hair. Actually, these are so faint they may actually be roller marks rather than adjustment marks, but either way they are essentially a non-issue. Each side has a couple of distinctive marks that can be of aid to future pedigree researchers. In the left obverse field are a T-shaped pair of marks and a vertical abrasion in front of Liberty's forecurl. On the reverse a mark is noted within the wreath, and a long, thin scratch can be seen running from the eagle's right talon to the lower portion of the right wing. Considerable portions of mint luster remain in the more protected areas and the fields lack the reflectivity often seen on this issue and commonly encountered on many 1795 tens. A rare, high grade example of this important U.S. gold issue. (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6443 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $48,300.00
1875 XF 45. The 1875 is is one of the landmark rarities in the entire half eagle series. Among all Coronet half eagles, the 1875 is second only to the 1854-S in overall rarity. From the original mintage of 220 pieces, only 5-6 business strikes are known. This is a coin whose provenance is unknown to us other than it came from the anonymous donor who accumulated the vast holdings consigned from the Diocese of Buffalo. It is not the Wolfson coin, Eliasberg only had a proof, Amon Carter did not own one, nor did the Norwebs. In Akers' study of the half eagle series, out of the 337 gold sales he surveyed, business strike 1875 half eagles were only offered three times. For those wishing to trace the pedigree of this important coin, a light scratch is noted across the chin and lower jawline of Liberty, a small mark is in field out from stars 4 and 5, and there are a series of small milling marks in the right field out from star 12. There is no trace of reflectivity in the fields, nor are the surfaces diagnostically close to a proof with the left base of the 1 in the date left of the center of a dentil. The coin overall is a medium yellow-gold with a faint outline of rose colored patina surrounding and within the devices. A Condition Census piece also, rating somewhere in the mid to lower range of the few surviving specimens. (PCGS# 8336)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5439 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $40,250.00
1810 Small Date, Small 5 AU 55 PCGS. This is one of the major rarities in the entire half eagle series. Some thirty-five years ago only two pieces were known. Since then only six pieces have been certified by the major services. We are uncertain of the provenance of this important coin, but know for certain that it is neither the Miles nor KS 4/67 coin. It is certainly one of the premier rarities in the consignment from the Diocese of Buffalo, and further confirmation of the discriminating eye for rarity that the original (anonymous) collector had when assembling this set of gold coins.
The fields are bright and prooflike, and the striking details show a remarkable clarity of definition with strong hair curls and feathers on the eagle. The surfaces are remarkably free from post-striking impairments with the only reliable flaw for tracking the coin's pedigree being a rim bump on the obverse at 8 o'clock. A high Condition Census example of this important gold coin. (PCGS# 8105)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6399 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $36,800.00
1848 CAL. MS 62 NGC. This is a splendid yellow-gold example and the finest CAL quarter eagle we have sold through auction in recent years. The obverse is generally well struck, but the reverse is softly defined on the eagle's plumage, as usual. The minimally abraded surfaces are bright and show a trace of prooflikeness that is seen on most XF or better examples. Considered by many to be the first American commemorative coin, the CAL. quarter eagles were struck from native ore brought directly from the California gold fields. Only 1,389 pieces were struck and considering the obvious intent of the coins as well as the counterstamp, surprisingly few were saved as mementoes. A rare and historic piece of U.S. gold coinage. (PCGS# 7749)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6375 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $28,232.50
1875 VF 20. The 1875 ten-dollar is a legendary rarity in the series of Coronet eagles and among the most important of all U.S. gold coins, regardless of date or denomination. Only 100 business strikes and 20 proofs were produced, and survivors in each category are estimated to be a half a dozen or so pieces. In Akers' 18-year-old comprehensive auction survey, he found that the 1875 eagle had fewer auction appearances than any other issue in the denomination. Of the few surviving business strikes, none are known or even rumored to be mint state and only two AUs have been certified, one by PCGS and one by NGC. This is a solid VF example with no remnants of prooflike finish, only even wear and the numerous light field marks one associates with the grade. Two more noticeable digs are seen on the reverse, one above the eagle's head and the other just above the T in TEN, while a couple of reverse rim marks are present, but trivial. Certainly not in the same class with the impressive XF 45 example we offered from the Warren Miller collection (10/95), but perhaps a more affordable opportunity to acquire the desirable key Liberty ten-dollar issue. (PCGS# 8672)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5548 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $27,600.00
1836 PR 64 PCGS. This is a classic rarity in U.S. numismatics. It is also the key to the Reeded Edge series along with the branch mint proofs. This is one of the first proofs struck using the new steam presses installed at the Mint in 1836. These new presses allowed the use of a close collar and made the production of consistently higher quality coins a realistic goal. To quote Mint Director Robert Maskell Patterson, "this is struck in a close collar, which makes the edge of pieces thicker, and gives a mathematical equality to the diameters." Breen estimates a population of "at least 12 proofs" in his Complete Encyclopedia, and lists eight different examples in his 1977 work on proofs.
This is a splendid proof striking. The fields are very deeply mirrored, and almost imperceptibly hairlined. Each side shows streaks and spots of golden-brown and lilac toning. The outer margins of the coin are a bit darker in hue, but only slightly so. The striking details are unusually strong with finely detailed hair curls on Liberty and fully articulated plumage on the eagle. An extraordinary proof striking of one of the most numismatically desirable coins from the 19th century. (PCGS# 6223)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6114 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $24,150.00
1834 Capped Bust AU 58 NGC. Of the 4,000 quarter eagles struck in 1834 of this design type, virtually all were melted soon after striking as their intrinsic value was greater than their face value. It is generally accepted that today no more than 15 examples are known in all grades. Mint state examples are very scarce, and this AU 58 piece is currently tied for fourth finest known among those certified by the major services. As with all known 1834 Capped Bust quarter eagles, the fields are highly reflective. The peripheral stars are finely detailed with complete radials on each. Liberty's hair curls are a bit soft, though, and there is just a bit of striking weakness at the juncture of the left side of the shield and the eagle's breast. The coin has bright green-gold color overall and shows no large or distracting blemishes on either side. An exceptional, high-grade quarter eagle. (PCGS# 7674)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6373 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $24,150.00
1853 Assay Office Twenty-Dollar, 884 Thous. MS 60 PCGS. K-17, R.7. The .884 on the scroll over .880. A rare issue minted for just eight days in late February of 1853, most being melted and converted to .900 Fine pieces. The surfaces are well detailed throughout and exhibit a muted green-gold coloration. Of fewer than a dozen known examples, only the Carter specimen (probably the only other mint state coin, an MS 63 certified by NGC) is believed to be finer. Population: 1 in 60, none higher (4/97). (PCGS# 10010)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6562 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $21,275.00
1806/5 AU 55 NGC. Stars 7x6. The 1806/5 is one of the great rarities in the quarter eagle series. Only 480 pieces were produced, with one gold specialist doubting that as many as 16 coins still exist today in all grades (only half that number have been certified). The 6/5 is tied with the 1841 for third rarest date in the entire quarter eagle series. The overdate feature was created when an 1805 obverse die was annealed (heated) and a 6 was punched over the 5 in the date. The surfaces are bright with a greenish-gold color overall. Softly struck in the centers, the only mentionable surface flaws are a V-shaped cut that shows just above the peak of Liberty's cap on the obverse and a short planchet flaw between stars 4 and 5 on the reverse. There is, as always, the die crack in the field just left of (LI)BERTY at the top of the obverse. This is only the second example of this rare early quarter eagle we have handled in recent years, this piece is one of the highlights of the rare gold collection consigned by the Diocese of Buffalo. (PCGS# 7655)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6371 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $20,700.00
1834 Capped Bust AU 50 PCGS. One would not normally think that owning three examples of an issue would constitute a "hoard." Yet, when those three pieces constitute 20% of the examples believed to exist today, "hoard" would not be too strong a word. The anonymous collector who consigned his rare gold holdings to the Diocese of Buffalo owned three examples of this rare date (the two in this sale and the MS 61 in the Cleveland Money Auction).
There remains some debate among specialists today whether all 1834 quarter eagles of this design were originally struck as proofs as all known examples exhibit reflective fields. It is our belief that both proofs and business strikes were issued, this piece falling into the latter category. The fields are still brightly reflective even though subdued somewhat by light handling and the presence of deep reddish patina around the margins. The striking details are not quite as crisp as one would like to see on a proof copy with some softness on the hair curls of Liberty as well as the left side of the eagle's feathers. Each side displays numerous field marks, but the only one worthy of mention is a shallow scratch in the left reverse field from the eagle's wing to the left base of the T in UNITED. (PCGS# 7674)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6372 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $20,125.00
1856 MS 65 PCGS. There is only one thing better than buying a numismatic legend, and that is buying one in high grade. Many serious numismatists must wait years before finally purchasing an 1856 Flying Eagle cent, much less one in this exalted grade. This is a bold, sharply struck, and fully detailed specimen, possessing much original luster and color. The quality of the strike and the appearance of the fields argues strongly for a striking from proof dies, especially on the obverse. The reverse is strongly detailed, browner in color, and without the reflectiveness of the obverse fields. A virtually unimprovable example of this rare transitional issue, and one that we expect will attract numerous bidders. Population: 8 in MS 65, only 2 finer (4/97). (PCGS# 2013)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5937 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $20,125.00
1799 MS 63 PCGS. Large Stars. B. 5-G. A sparkling, satiny example, firmly impressed in all areas except for star 12 on the obverse and the diagnostically weak stars 3 and 4 on the reverse. There are just a few luster grazes on each side and a couple of very minor marks that preclude an even higher rating. This variety is the most common of all 1799 die pairings and is no stranger to choice mint state pieces. It is distinguished by the much larger sized obverse stars and the 8th and 13th stars being out of alignment. A delightful, choice quality early ten and a coin that would be the centerpiece of most any gold type set. (PCGS# 8562)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6444 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $19,550.00
1901 PR 64 Cameo NGC. A very pleasing, near-gem 1901 proof half eagle. Only 140 proofs were struck in this year, and few others could compare in overall attractiveness to this lovely coin. The devices are nicely frosted, and with illimitable depth of mirrored reflectivity in the fields, the coin presents a very desirable two-toned appearance. Only a few minor hairlines can be seen on either side. Population: 9 in 64, 7 higher (4/97). (PCGS# 8496)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6435 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $15,525.00
1798 Large Eagle AU 50 PCGS. Large 8. 14 Stars. A rare variety that was created when Tennessee entered the Union, the stars being arranged in the old style "arc" pattern. The rarity of this variety can be fully accounted for by the extensive die cracking seen on the reverse, which could not have been used to strike too many coins before completely giving out. Reasonably well struck, the surfaces are lightly marked with no mentionable abrasions or adjustment marks. The green-gold color of the coin is lightly accented by coppery-reddish patina that clings to the devices. A high grade example of this scarce and important design type. (PCGS# 8080)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6396 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $14,950.00
1795 MS 65 PCGS. V-4, R.4. Simply outstanding quality in an 18th century U.S. type coin. Undoubtedly preserved in such condition as a part of the Woodward Hoard, the surfaces are deeply toned with strong underlying flashes of rose, jade-green, and cobalt-blue--the entire coin being in turn illuminated by a sheen of satiny luster beneath the layers of color. The striking details are uncommonly strong on the obverse, while the reverse shows softness that is localized to the eagle's breast and left (facing) wing. Adjustment marks also cover this left wing with a few stray ones also on the lower rim of that side. On the obverse a triangular planchet flake is located on the forward part of Liberty's neck. An outstanding example of this second and final year of the Flowing Hair type. (PCGS# 4251)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6036 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $12,937.50
1849 Gold Dollar, Judd-115, Pollock-130, R.7, AU 53 PCGS. A simply laid out coin that has a square central perforation. On the obverse, around the perforation, is the legend 1.DOLLAR. 1849. The reverse has a laurel wreath around the perforated center and outside that UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Struck in gold with a plain edge. Presumably this pattern was hurriedly made, and as a result each piece was hand engraved by James Longacre rather than being struck from dies. The perforation was apparently done to make the coin wider (16 mm. vs. 13 mm. for the regular issue gold dollar), and easier to distinguish the gold dollar from the five-cent piece. Lightly handled, resulting in the AU grade, this is otherwise a problem-free example of this rare and highly desirable pattern gold coin. (PCGS# 11502)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6566 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $12,075.00
1914/3 MS 63 PCGS. Here is the coin that has received so much press over the past few months: the recently discovered and now officially sanctioned 1914/3 nickel. One look at the coin under a glass makes us wonder, how in the world did it take collectors more than 80 years to discover this overdate? This is not some maybe it is, maybe it isn't overdate. The underdigit is very plain, and in fact, virtually all of the 3 is visible.
There is an interesting story behind this particular coin. In March a group of dealers from Texas were invited into the offices at Heritage for several days to examine bulk lots of coins that had accumulated in the safe over the past six months or so. The dealers would examine these lots, place sealed bids on the ones they were interested in, and the highest bidder would be notified a couple of days later. One dealer, Coleman Foster, from Austin, found this coin in one of the bulk lots. He alerted Greg Rohan that the coin was in the bulk lot. Greg gratefully pulled the coin from the lot and offered to split the profit from the sale with Coleman, which he accepted. It was then sent to PCGS and is now being offered for sale (as an overdate) for the first time. Some might say Coleman should have cherrypicked the nickel out of the bulk lot. But as word spread (there were a number of other dealers present at the time), Coleman has received the type of positive p.r. that money simply cannot buy. Plus, by splitting the proceeds he put the marketing skills of Heritage to work to make sure both parties received as much as possible for this major rarity.
The coin itself has a medium gray-golden patina with light rose undertones. A bit softly struck, the braid of the Indian is not completely defined, nor is the tail of the bison. But the mint luster luster is soft and satiny, giving the overlay of patina a warm glow. A select example of this very rare overdate and to date one of the finest examples known. (PCGS# 93924)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6014 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $11,787.50
1836 Gold Dollar, Judd-67, Pollock-70, R.5, PR 64 NGC. The same design and composition as above. This is an exciting gold pattern that is deeply mirrored in the fields and sharply contrasted with thick mint frost on the devices, yielding an attractive cameo effect. The obverse is essentially of gem quality while the reverse displays a few extra hairlines, too many to qualify as a full gem. Nevertheless, a splendid example of this always-popular gold pattern. (PCGS# 11260)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6565 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $10,925.00
1798 XF 40. 5 Berry Reverse. Widely spaced date. A well struck coin for the grade, each side shows numerous, smaller abrasions, none of which merit individual mention. This variety, part of a total mintage of 1,094 pieces, is by far the scarcer of two varieties for the year (the other being the 4 berry design), with perhaps as few as 20-30 pieces known. (PCGS# 7649)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5250 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $9,775.00
1795 AU 58 NGC. O-105, R.4. Lowest curl connected to two points of first star. Glossy gunmetal-gray surfaces with antique-gold undertones that are seen about the obverse periphery and in the recessed areas of the reverse. The centers are well detailed and there are no adjustment marks on either side. We note a series of pinpoint marks above the 9 in the date that should be useful in attribution. A solid Condition Census example of this scarcer variety. (PCGS# 6052)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6108 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $9,775.00
1853-O MS 65 PCGS. The '53-O is the most available Type One gold dollar from the New Orleans mint and can occasionally be located in strict mint condition. In this lofty grade, however, the availability drops off drastically. PCGS has graded just four pieces in MS 65 (4/97) and none finer. This piece has bright lustrous surfaces, deep yellow-gold color, and is sharply struck, unlike most examples which are weak in the centers. A rare opportunity for the connoisseur of either New Orleans gold or gold dollars by date. (PCGS# 7524)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6361 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $9,200.00
1810 Small Date, Small 5 AU 50 Whizzed. By far the rarest of the four varieties from this year, and actually one of the rarest of all half eagles from 1795 to 1929 in any grade. It has been many years since we have handled one of these rarities. Now, in this one auction we are offering for sale two examples (the other is a certified AU 55). This sudden availability does not mean the Small Date, Small 5 is any less rare; rather, it is a reflection of many years accumulation of rare gold pieces by the anonymous donor to the Diocese of Buffalo. This is a very strongly struck piece that shows no areas of softness on either side. A rim-to-rim die crack is seen on the obverse with a couple of others that branch out at the bottom of that side. Unfortunately, the surfaces were whizzed years ago, producing an unnatural sheen across both sides. Nevertheless, this is a significant offering of this important issue. (PCGS# 8105)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5326 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,912.50
1892-S AU 58 NGC. Frosty and almost completely lustrous, with a bit of russet toning partially framing the obverse. There are few appreciable marks and the eye appeal of this coin is at least the equal of an average mint state piece (at several times the price.) Unlike the vast majority of 1892-S dollars offered as AU, this coin really is, even by the fussiest standards, and should see considerable interest among collectors of this popular series. (PCGS# 7218)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6279 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,912.50
1909 MS 66 PCGS. Incuse gold coins are very susceptible to abrasions on the raised fields, and as a result, there are very few pieces that have survived in gem condition; above MS 65, these coins are virtually unheard of. Only 73 coins have been certified as MS 66 by PCGS for the entire series with 7 other 1909s in this grade (4/97). This is a lovely coin that is virtually flawless. The luster is thick and flows unbroken over the highest portions of the design. (PCGS# 7940)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6384 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,625.00
1901 PR 64 Cameo NGC. A splendid, eye-catching example, one of 223 proofs originally minted, that combines near-gem quality with starkly contrasting surfaces. Only a small patch of superficial hairlines in the left obverse field keep this beautiful proof quarter eagle out the 65 or higher category. (PCGS# 7927)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6382 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,625.00
1907 High Relief MS 63. Flat Rim. A satiny example of one of the most popular and impressive of all American designs. The obverse of this piece shows a few minor luster grazes in the right field and a hint of brightness on Liberty's knee. The reverse is quite frosty and choice, with only trivial stacking friction. A great coin for the person desiring a medium grade, medium priced example of Saint-Gaudens' most famous work. (PCGS# 9136)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5630 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,337.50
1859-O XF 45. The 1859-O is the rarest O-mint eagle and, in fact, is one of the most elusive coins in the entire denomination from 1795 to 1933. Original and uncleaned, the surfaces display only the normal scattered marks in the fields from circulation, none of which are overly distracting. The radial details on the stars are virtually all flat, as struck, but elsewhere the coin is well defined. There is almost enough remaining mint luster for this piece to grade AU 50. (PCGS# 8629)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5497 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,050.00
1798 Large Eagle AU 50 PCGS. Small 8. 13 Stars. B. 6-H. A scarce variety and the first example we can remember having handled in recent years. The distinctive feature of this variety is the arrangement of five reverse stars that point directly at the first T in STATES. The surfaces are bright with good portions of luster remaining and an even layer of light reddish patina over the basic green-gold color of the planchet. A trifle softly struck in the centers with good detailing elsewhere and showing no mentionable abrasions on either side. (PCGS# 8078)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6395 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,050.00
1915-S Panama-Pacific Quarter Eagle MS 66 PCGS. A truly outstanding example of this very difficult issue. Creamy, satin luster coruscates across surfaces that are flawless to the naked eye. Worthy of the finest cabinet. (PCGS# 7450)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6349 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,050.00
1808 MS 64 Brown PCGS. 13 Stars. S-278, R.2. Lovely chestnut-brown surfaces with accents of bluish-steel clinging to the devices. Each side is struck a trifle off-center toward 2 o'clock, not uncommon to this variety, and there is some peripheral weakness in the stars. A most desirable Classic Head cent. (PCGS# 1543)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5931 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,050.00
1889 PR 63 Cameo ANACS. Final year of the popular three-dollar denomination and one of 129 proofs struck for collectors. The proof status of this flashy, lightly hairlined example is unquestionable, with yellow-gold surfaces that display exciting field-to-device contrast. (PCGS# 8053)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6394 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $8,050.00

Make Offer to Owner
$12,075 or more
1847 Second Restrike PR 66 Brown NGC. According to Breen, only 18 or so examples are known of this proof-only date. The diagnostic die file marks are visible on the reverse above RICA, as the same reverse die was used for all second restrikes. The obverse is a deep, cobalt-blue color with crimson-red highlights at the border, the reverse is a shade or two lighter. For pedigree purposes, one tiny circular planchet flake is noted in the field near Liberty's throat. This is the finest example thus far graded by NGC (4/97). (PCGS# 1293)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5928 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $7,935.00
1886-O MS 64 ANACS. If ever a case could be made for disregarding the correlation between mintage and rarity in high grades, the 1886-O dollar would be among the star witnesses. More than 10 million pieces were originally struck, a number greater than the '83-O through '85-O issues which are among the most plentiful Morgan dollars today in mint state. However, an uncirculated '86-O, particularly a well struck uncirculated '86-O, can be very difficult to locate due to heavy circulation among surviving pieces and extensive Pittman Act meltings. Rich orange-gold and rose toning blankets the clean, exceptionally bold surfaces of this piece. A difficult issue in all mint state grades, but particularly with such a strong strike. (PCGS# 7168)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6245 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $7,820.00
1800 MS 64 PCGS. LIBEKTY variety. V-2, R.4. Highly lustrous under blushes of ice-blue and golden-rose patina. Broken top to R, with diagnostic die clashing on the left side of the eagle and scroll. A small horizontal depression from Liberty's front curls to star 8 is the result of foreign matter adhering to the dies. Population: 10 in 64, 5 higher (4/97). (PCGS# 4264)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6038 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $7,820.00
1836 Gold Dollar, Judd-67, Pollock-70, R.5, PR 62 NGC. The obverse has a circular palm branch with 1D. in the center surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the margins. The reverse depicts a Liberty cap with rays of glory surrounding. Struck in gold with a plain edge. Bright and deeply reflective, the obverse especially looks much finer than the stated grade. A bit of granularity in the planchet disrupts the mirrored sheen in the center of the reverse. (PCGS# 11260)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6564 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $7,762.50
1914 PR 68 PCGS. Brighter and more lustrous than usual, with a fresh, original appearance and some incredible, colorful, iridescence on both sides. Sharply struck and essentially perfect as far as the surfaces go. Both sides equally show an "oil slick" golden center center surrounded by iridescent, multicolored, rainbow shades. PCGS has graded only 1 other in PR 68 (4/97). One would be hard pressed to find any fault with this naturally toned, carbon-free specimen. (PCGS# 3991)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6031 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $7,187.50
1888 MS 64 NGC. A borderline-gem specimen of this briefly minted (5,000 pieces) date. The surfaces exhibit a bright, satiny finish and sharp detail, with pinkish-gold peripheral accents. (PCGS# 8010)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6393 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $6,900.00

Make Offer to Owner
$10,350 or more
1870 Half Eagle, Judd-1032, Pollock-1167, R.7, PR64 Gilt. Regular die trials issue for the half eagle of 1870. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. A rare and unusual die trial, this issue was struck in copper, aluminum, and nickel. An attractive piece that retains complete gilting on each side. The fields are reflective and the piece looks deceptively like a proof regular issue. It is only when handled that one notices it comes up a bit light in weight. A couple of intersecting scrapes are noted in the left obverse field. On the upper reverse are remnants of a fingerprint, the acids in the skin apparently being strong enough to react with the copper even through the gilt outer layer. A scarce and desirable die trial. (PCGS# 61281)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5661 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $6,900.00
1859-O XF 45. An unprecedented second opportunity to acquire this elusive and important O-mint eagle, one of a mere 2,300 pieces minted. Survivors today are generally of lesser grade and have an estimated population of 30 to 40 coins. A similar example in our March ANA National Money Sale realized more than $8,900 with the buyer's premium. This piece is a bit brighter than the preceding and displays similar softness on the obverse stars. Much semi-reflective luster is still in evidence about the devices. (PCGS# 8629)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5498 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $6,785.00
1913 MS 64 NGC. Both sides exhibit a clean, well frosted appearance and a delicate olive tint, with precious few surface marks. (PCGS# 8525)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6441 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $6,325.00
1870-CC VF 20 Scratches, Cleaned. The '70-CC ten-dollar, while minted in greater numbers than six other CC eagles, boasts the lowest total number and average grade of survivors from this historic Western mint. As such, it is among the most famous and difficult of all Carson City gold issues. The example offered here is actually sharper than the typical, well worn '70-CC, but displays what appears to be some crude initials in the left obverse field and has been cleaned to an unnaturally bright appearance. (PCGS# 8658)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5527 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,865.00
1854-O Arrows MS 65 PCGS. Shimmering luster beneath an even layer of golden patina, with frosty devices that are sharply detailed throughout. Faint die breaks about the outer portions of the obverse, as are often seen on this short-lived type. A magnificent Arrows type coin, formerly from the important Pryor Collection of half dollars (designated on the holder). Population: 7 in 65, 5 higher (4/97). (PCGS# 6280)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6116 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,865.00
1834 Plain 4 MS 62. Unlike the Capped Bust Left series which preceded it, the reduced weight and fineness of the Classic design by Kneass caused these coins to circulate widely, and today mint state pieces are very difficult to locate. This is an impressive example of this popular first year issue. The fields are bright and semi-prooflike and show only the signs of coin-to-coin contact that are consistent with the grade. Light copper staining on each side only gives this piece more character. There is only slight softness on Liberty's hair curls and on the eagle's left wing in the area adjoining the shield. (PCGS# 8171)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5331 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,750.00
1799 eagle MS 60. B. 3-B. Bright overall and very well struck with sharp detailing on the hair curls, peripheral stars, and even on the eagle's breast above the shield. Two small rim nicks are noted on the obverse around 6 o'clock and another at 2 o'clock. Minute evidence of rim filing is also noted on the obverse. Accompanied by an ANACS color certificate as MS 60/63. (PCGS# 1699799)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6775 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,750.00
1932 MS 65 PCGS. The surfaces are extraordinarily clean for a ten Indian and show glowing, satin-like luster overlaid in delicate reddish patina, changing to green pastels outside of the central devices.
Auction 173 | Lot: 6482 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,750.00
1795 MS 63 PCGS. Ex: Eliasberg. V-5a, High R.3. Weakly defined in the centers with strong peripheral details, especially the obverse stars. The brilliant surfaces are only interrupted by an occasional fleck of grease that was struck into the planchet at the time of manufacture. In fact, one of these grease stains positively identifies this as the Eliasberg V-5a coin: one that extends from the B in LIBERTY down onto the first couple of waves of hair on Liberty's head. There are also a few small specks of grease on Liberty's neck. Essentially free from abrasions, there are no adjustment marks, but several die cracks are noted which are, of course, common to V-5a coins. Undoubtedly from the hoard distributed by W. Elliot Woodward in the early 1880s.
The text from the Eliasberg catalog relates an interesting observation about this variety that we have not previously noticed: "Inside the upper loop of the 9 are curious raised lines. One line vertically bisects the inside loop with several additional diagonal lines right of this. Dave Bowers examined this and dubbed it the "Star Spangled Banner" variety. These lines do look like a banner waving from a flagpole." For those examining this piece in person, grab a magnifier and with a little imagination it actually does look a flag inside the 9.
Ex: Eliasberg (B&M, 5/96), lot 891. (PCGS# 4251)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6035 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,750.00
1794 AU 53 PCGS. S-43, High R.2. An incredibly attractive, high grade example, known as the "Weak OF" variety. Other than OF, all the other design elements are very sharply struck with the finely detailed hair curls being the focal point of the obverse. Tobacco-brown color overall with a small spot at the top of the hair and faint trace of a fingerprint in the right obverse field. A small abrasion can also be made out on the highpoint of Liberty's cheek by way of identification. EAC specialists will undoubtedly net grade this piece several points lower because of the above mentioned defects, but for the person who wishes a high grade, well struck 1794 cent this lovely piece will certainly be a pleasing addition to a type or date collection. (PCGS# 1365)
Auction 173 | Lot: 5930 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $5,290.00

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