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Auction 349 | Lot 6001 » Colonials

1787 COPPER New York Excelsior Copper, Eagle Left VF35 PCGS. Eagle on globe facing left. Breen-980. Breen credits this design to John Bailey, who also helped engrave the similar eagle motif on the reverse of the legendary Brasher doubloons. According to Breen, only 15 to 20 survivors are known, "usually in low grades." This richly detailed piece has a well centered obverse, while the reverse is slightly off center toward 11 o'clock. The slightly granular dark walnut-brown fields complement the lighter mahogany devices. A generally unabraded example of this rare Early American piece. Listed on page 46 of the 2004 Guide Book. (PCGS# 427)

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Grade VF35

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Auction 349 | Lot 6004 » Colonials

1786 COPPER Vermont Copper, VERMONTENSIUM AU58 NGC. RR-6, Bressett 4-D, R.2. A virtually unabraded golden-brown representative that has bold definition on the major devices. A 2% curved rim clip (as made) is noted at 1 o'clock. The borders have a few moderate planchet flaws, as made, these mostly affect the BLI in PUBLICA and the CI in DECIMA. A mint-made die crack wanders below QUARTA. A decidedly lofty grade for a Landscape Vermont piece, and worthy of the finest specialized cabinet. Listed on page 51 of the 2004 Guide Book. (PCGS# 545)

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Grade AU58

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Auction 349 | Lot 6006 » Federal Contract Coinage

1787 1C Fugio Cent, STATES UNITED, Cinquefoils--Double Struck, 2nd 15% Off Center--MS64 Brown NGC. Newman 11-X, R.4. According to Breen (1988), many Mint State examples of this variety emerged from the Bank of New York hoard. Both sides are double struck, the second impression being 15% off center at 9 o'clock. There are two dates discernible on the obverse, although we note that the first date is somewhat off the flan. Mostly medium brown in color with the barest traces of faded mint red in a few of the more protected areas. Scattered planchet flaws (as struck) are noted, particularly on the reverse, although we stress that these features are anything but uncommon for the type. Listed on page 63 of the current Guide Book.

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Grade MS64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6009 » Large Cents

1793 1C Wreath Cent--Vine and Bars--Specimen MS65 Brown NGC. S-6, R.3. The S-6 is one of the most frequently encountered and certainly most easily recognized of all 1793 varieties. Its "Sprung Die" in the left obverse field is immediately apparent and seen on all examples of the variety to one degree or another. On this example it is especially pronounced with a sharp ridge in the field. This, of course, is because the coin was struck from a later state of the dies. In fact, almost all the Die State VI characteristics are present on this piece, indicating it was one of the final coins struck in the run of 12,000 S-6 cents and most likely minted on April 9, 1793. The Breen reference states this piece is a Die State II coin, but we respectfully disagree.

Three exceptional S-6 cents are known as well as a couple of memorable S-5 coins. According to the EAC Condition Census, this piece is tied for second finest known with the ANS coin, which is permanently impounded. The coin that is considered the finest known is the Ex: Bement example and is known as "The King of the 1793 Cents."

The condition of this coin is truly extraordinary. It was Breen's contention in his 1977 reference on proofs that this particular coin was struck on a burnished blank for presentation purposes. The surfaces do indeed display a brightness and vibrancy that is not seen on other Wreath cents we have encountered. Again, according to Breen, the Harold Bareford coin (this piece) is the one S-6 that most clearly qualifies as a presentation piece. The fields are bright and glow with semi-reflectivity. The design motifs also show an unparalleled degree of definition in all areas. Although there is no direct evidence of heavy metal flow in the fields, indirect evidence can be seen from the strongly bifurcated lettering around the peripheries, leading one to suspect that this coin may have been double struck. As for surface flaws, there are really none that are immediately apparent. Examination with a glass (PCGS# 1347)

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Grade MS65

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Auction 349 | Lot 6010 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C MS63 PCGS. Snow-9. On page 39 of Rick Snow's reference on the Flying Eagle series, he states: "Most of the examples from this die pair which exist in high grade show detail and edges which confirm their status as proofs. However, the overall quality of these pieces are not anywhere near that of the regular proof issues of the period. These usually have dull or nonexistent mirrors. Many show striking defects such as lint strike-throughs and planchet flaws. The probable reason for the poor quality is the relatively large production." The bold definition of this Select representative is consistent with a proof striking, but reflectivity on the streaky autumn-brown surfaces is almost non-existent and several planchet cracks are noted on each side.
From The Barry Donnell Collection. (PCGS# 2013)

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Grade MS63

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Auction 349 | Lot 6012 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C PR65 PCGS. Snow-9. The S-9 variety is the most frequently encountered die pairing for 1856 Flying Eagle Cents. These coins were produced from late 1857 until 1860. A considerable (but unknown) number were struck and apparently stockpiled in the mint for sale to collectors. Snow speculates that after the start of the Civil War, sales stagnated, and those pieces that remained were mistakenly released into circulation. This is a fully original example that has lustrous surfaces that display variegated golden, brown, and lilac coloration with the reverse being somewhat deeper in hue. A pleasing, high grade example of this fabled 19th century rarity. Population: 40 in 65, 5 finer (3/04). (PCGS# 2037)

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Grade PR65

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Auction 349 | Lot 6013 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1856 1C PR65 NGC. Snow-9. A richly colored golden-tan specimen that is subtly reflective and displays expectantly bold highpoint detail. The popularity of the 1856 Flying Eagle cannot be overstated. Its production marks the first deviation from the Mint's standards on copper coinage after it began losing money on Large Cent planchets earlier in the decade. Immediately successful, although still not officially authorized, restrikes became necessary to ensure that the many government officials and various "VIPs" received an example of the new smaller copper-nickel issue. Because of their distribution among the non-numismatic community, many survivors received either light circulation or have otherwise been impaired to some degree. (PCGS# 2037)

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Grade PR65

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Auction 349 | Lot 6014 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1857 1C PR64 PCGS. Snow-PR1. According to official Mint records, 485 proofs were struck of this issue. Most were apparently unsold and melted or released into circulation, however, as only a tiny fraction, perhaps fewer than 50 pieces, of the original number survives today as a recognizable proof. This specimen was produced from one of three proof dies known for the 1857 Flying Eagle, being characterized by a die file mark from the left serif of the top of the I in UNITED to the rim, and a die scratch that slants downward in the obverse field just below the eagle's beak. A thin veil of milky patina rests over both sides, leaving the viewer to angle the coin in order to appreciate the underlying reflective qualities. The obverse displays a few scattered carbon spots and tinges of forest-green color are seen about the wreath on the reverse. Population: 17 in 64, 11 finer (3/04).
From The Barry Donnell Collection. (PCGS# 2040)

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Grade PR64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6016 » Small Cents » Flying Eagle Cents

1858 1C Small Letters PR66 Cameo NGC. Low Leaves Reverse. Snow-PR-2. This is one of the finest known examples of this rare issue, and it is also one of the most aesthetically desirable. A stunning specimen, the devices are fully struck up with every feather and wreath element showing razor sharp detail. The fields are virtually flawless and show splendid mirrored reflectivity when held at direct angles. Characteristic striations are also evident when the coin rotates under the light, and they are suggestive of a very early die state. Aside from the outstanding condition of this piece, the eye appeal benefits from beautiful champagne, apricot, and pastel-lilac shadings. A small diagonal abrasion is noted above the 185 of the date, this being mentioned solely for future identification purposes.

The mintage of 200 pieces that many catalogers report for this proof issue seems to be somewhat higher than the actual number of coins produced. A more appropriate estimate would be somewhere in the range of 100 pieces. There is also some confusion surrounding the number of coins extant, particularly because auction records include prooflike business strikes that the mint issued in the 1858 12-piece pattern sets. These coins are still occasionally graded as proofs in error. Richard Snow believes that approximately 75 proof 1858 Small Letters Flying Eagle Cents are extant, a total that makes this issue similar in overall rarity to the proof 1857.

Collectors with enough curiosity to look at the reverses of their coins may discover the changes that the Mint implemented in 1858. At some time early in the year the design was changed in an effort to lower the relief. This would enable the coiner to lessen the striking pressure and extend working die life. The high relief design is called the "High Leaves Reverse" because the leaves inside the wreath at the C and T in CENT are fairly long. This design was in use in 1856, 1857, and early 1858 and may also be called the "Type of 1857." The l (PCGS# 2043)

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Grade PR66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6017 » Small Cents » Indian Cents

1871 1C MS65 Red NGC. Razor sharp with satin-like fields and attractive amber-gold coloration evenly dispersed over the smooth surfaces. A couple of marks are visible on the principal obverse device. The 1871 is one of the most elusive Indian Cent issues in Red Uncirculated grades, of comparable rarity to dates such as the 1872 and 1877. Population: 4 in 65, none finer (4/04). (PCGS# 2102)

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Grade MS65

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Auction 349 | Lot 6430 » Proof Sets » Early Proof Sets

A Ten-Piece 1867 Proof Set PR62 to PR64 PCGS. The set includes:

Cent PR64 Red and Brown. Well struck and exquisite with intermingled orange and lilac patina.

Two Cent Piece PR64 Red and Brown. A needle-sharp near-Gem with essentially undisturbed surfaces. Bright honey color competes for territory with lavender hues.

Three Cent Nickel PR63. This silver-gray specimen features a curly mint-made lintmark on Liberty's jaw. Crisply struck aside from the centers of the first two pillars of the denomination.

Three Cent Silver PR63. Golden-brown, ruby-red, and ocean-blue colors appear when this boldly struck and nicely preserved example is rotated under a light. Business strikes and proofs combined for only 4,625 pieces.

No Rays Nickel PR62. Fletcher's IIa Reverse. A meticulously struck dove-gray piece with a few wispy hairlines on the reverse.

Half Dime PR62. Mauve and electric-blue colors embrace this nicely struck and lightly hairlined specimen. A low mintage date, since just 8,625 proofs and commercial strikes were coined.

Dime PR63. Navy-blue and golden-brown patina cedes to a lightly toned reverse center. The 18 in the date is lightly repunched. Silver coins did not circulate during this era except in the far west, and between proofs and business strikes only 6,625 pieces were issued.

Quarter PR63. Orange, mauve, and sky-blue colors bathe this lightly hairlined piece. Just 625 proofs were struck, along with a mere 20,000 business strikes.

Half Dollar PR63. An exquisitely struck example that has deep honey, aqua, and navy-blue patina. A few hairlines and handling marks are evident upon thorough examination. Elusive due to a stingy proof mintage of 625 pieces.

Silver Dollar PR63. This boldly struck Seated Dollar has carefully preserved surfaces and deep apple-green, mauve, (PCGS# 2289)

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Grade PR64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6431 » Proof Sets » Early Proof Sets

1893 Proof Set PCGS Certified. A dazzling set of primarily cameo proofs that includes:

Cent 1C PR64 Red and Brown. Mostly pinkish-tan with a touch of haziness over both sides. Small carbon spot connects the bases of AM in AMERICA.

Nickel PR65 Cameo. Strong reflectivity for a nickel striking and just a few wispy contact marks above the denomination.

Dime PR66 Cameo. Fully brilliant with glassy fields and heavily frosted features that result in dramatic contrast.

Quarter PR65 Cameo. A nice match for the Dime, with crystal clear fields and equally chalky central devices.

Half Dollar PR65 Cameo. Just a hint of golden toning is seen at the margins of this otherwise brilliant specimen.

Dollar PR64 Cameo. Well detailed for this often substandard issue and boasting eye catching contrast over untoned surfaces. Most often downgraded by wispy hairlines, this lovely proof Morgan derives its less-than-Gem rating from a well concealed milling mark in the curls over Liberty's ear. (Total: 6 Coins) (PCGS# 2368)

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Grade PR64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6434 » Proof Sets » Early Proof Sets

1903 Proof Set PR64 to PR66 PCGS. The set includes:

Cent PR64 Red. Lemon and peach hues enliven this meticulously struck near-Gem. A few tiny carbon flecks do not remove the eye appeal. Although proof Indian Cents had higher mintages than their silver and gold denomination counterparts, full Red examples are elusive.

Nickel PR66 Cameo. Lovely rose, gold, and powder-blue patina graces the impressively preserved surfaces of this well struck premium Gem. Originally toned Cameos are scarce, since many proofs have been dipped to make their white on black nature more apparent.

Dime PR64. Waves of sea-green and apricot color embrace this beautifully preserved near-Gem. A mere 755 pieces were produced, the same low mintage as the other proof silver denominations for the year.

Quarter PR66 Cameo. Peripheral qua-marine, peach, and electric-blue colors frame the lightly toned centers. An essentially pristine premium Gem. Due to a lapped die, a mirrored surface (as made) is noted within and below Liberty's ear.

Half Dollar PR64. Rich golden-brown, steel-gray, and mauve patina embraces this sharply struck and carefully preserved Choice Barber Half. A prize for the collector who covets originally toned silver proofs.

Morgan Dollar PR64. Lovely tan, rose, and apple-green colors dominate this nicely struck and nearly undisturbed near-Gem. A thin planchet streak (as made) below the eagle's below is strictly of mint origin and does not affect the technical grade. (Total: 6 Coins) (PCGS# 2398)

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Grade PR64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6019 » Small Cents » Lincoln Cents

1922 No D 1C Weak Reverse MS63 Red and Brown PCGS. Glossy with ample evidence of sunset-orange coloration in the protected areas. The wheat stalks display characteristic deficiency in strike and the D mintmark is only faintly visible, being positioned just to the left of the first 2 in the date. Population: 17 in 63, 7 finer (3/04).
From The Barry Donnell Collection. (PCGS# 2541)

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Grade MS63

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Auction 349 | Lot 6020 » Small Cents » Lincoln Cents

1970-S 1C Doubled Die MS64 Red PCGS. FS-029, DDO 1-O-I. A highly coveted variety that exhibits bold die doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The 0 in the date is also clearly doubled. A nicely struck and lustrous near-Gem with magenta-red color and a few minor handling marks. This Guide Book variety is one of the major stoppers to a complete collection of Memorial Reverse Cents. Population: 14 in 64, 5 finer (3/04). (PCGS# 92939)

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Grade MS64

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Auction 349 | Lot 6435 » Proof Sets » Early Proof Sets

A Five Piece 1911 Proof Set PR66 to PR67 PCGS. The set includes:

Cent PR66 Red and Brown. Golden-brown color dominates the reverse, while lilac hues endow the majority of the reverse. An exquisitely struck and seemingly immaculate premium Gem. Population: 13 in 66 Red and Brown, none finer (3/04).

Nickel PR66 Cameo. A well struck specimen that exhibits lovely powder-blue and peach colors. The obverse is essentially flawless, and the reverse has only a couple of minute flecks of green debris. Population: 10 in 66 Cameo, 5 finer (3/04).

Dime PR66. A magnificently struck premium Gem with flashy mirrors and deep olive, rose, and aquamarine patina. A beautiful example of this low mintage issue. Population: 27 in 66, 17 finer (3/04).

Quarter PR67. Iridescent apricot, sea-green, orange, and rose-pink colors enrich each side. A razor-sharp strike and undisturbed surfaces further the eye appeal of this imposing specimen. The Barber Dime, Quarter, and Half Dollar for this year each have a scant production of only 543 pieces. Population: 22 in 67, 7 finer (3/04).

Half Dollar PR66 Cameo. The snow-white devices have pleasing contrast with the mirrored fields, and the untoned surfaces are essentially pristine. This sharply struck premium Gem would be a highlight of any proof Barber collection. Population: 7 in 66 Cameo, 1 finer (3/04). (Total: 5 coins) (PCGS# 3310)

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Grade PR66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6021 » Two and Three Cents » Three Cent Silver

1858 3CS PR65 Cameo NGC. Breen estimates that 60-75 proof Trimes were produced this year, only about two or three dozen of which are extant. An early die state, this coin exhibits numerous striations (as produced) slanting down to the right in the obverse field. The finish is fully brilliant, and the surfaces shimmer with a very slight cameo effect noted on each side. A remarkable Gem proof Type Two Three Cent Silver piece. (PCGS# 3705)

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Grade PR65

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Auction 349 | Lot 6022 » Two and Three Cents » Three Cent Silver

1858 3CS PR66 PCGS. First year of commercially available proofs from the Mint, the 1858 is also generally the only year Type Two Three Cent Silver pieces are available in the proof format. This wonderfully preserved specimen is liberally striated on the obverse and both sides sparkle beneath a mixture of violet and aquamarine toning. Since Breen (1977) states that the diagnostic die striations of this issue fade with subsequent impressions, this Gem quality survivor is most likely one of the first few pieces produced. Population: 7 in 66, 0 finer (3/04). (PCGS# 3705)

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Grade PR66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6023 » Two and Three Cents » Three Cent Silver

1858 3CS PR66 NGC. A scarce Type Two proof issue, struck from a small but inexact mintage with estimates varying from 75 to 300 pieces. Both sides of this solid Gem specimen are toned in intermingles shades of steel-violet and aqua. The obverse is noticeably striated, a normal characteristic of proofs from this year. (PCGS# 3705)

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Grade PR66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6024 » Two and Three Cents » Three Cent Nickels

1877 3CN PR67 Cameo NGC. With an original mintage of only 510 pieces, all of which were proofs, the 1877 is one of the two stars in the three cent nickel series, only sharing the spotlight with the 1865 proof. This is an all-brilliant example that has moderately mirrored fields with a strong presence of mint frost on the devices. Exceptional technical preservation as well as eye appeal. (PCGS# 83773)

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Grade PR67

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Auction 349 | Lot 6025 » Nickels » Shield Nickels

1867 5C No Rays PR66 Cameo PCGS. Reverse IIa. As a first year type candidate for the proof collector, we cannot overstate the importance of this gorgeous Gem. Watery, deeply reflective fields form a lovely backdrop to crisply delineated features. A few whispers of pale golden iridescence are evident at certain angles, but there is not a single mentionable blemish. One of only five so graded examples at PCGS, and unsurpassable at that service with a Cameo designation (3/04). (PCGS# 83821)

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Grade PR66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6026 » Nickels » Liberty Nickels

1899 5C PR67 Cameo NGC. An occasional trace of tan color graces the meticulously struck surfaces of this undisturbed Premium Gem. Even the left ear of corn (located above the CE in CENTS) possesses sharp definition on the kernels. The white on black contrast is unmistakable, although Liberty's hair has greater frost than does the remainder of her portrait. The Cameo designation is elusive for 1899 proofs, since (as of 4/04) NGC has only certified six pieces as Cameo in all grades. The present specimen is the single finest certified by NGC, although the service has encapsulated 17 examples as PR67 without a Cameo designation. (PCGS# 83897)

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Grade PR67

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Auction 349 | Lot 6027 » Nickels » Buffalo Nickels

1916-D 5C MS66 PCGS. Despite trivial incompleteness of detail on the Indian's hair and the bison's head, this is an attractive piece whose luster cartwheels gracefully beneath a blanket of warm champagne patination on the reverse. The accurately graded, pristine surfaces are indicative of the MS66 grade tier. Population: 8 in 66, none finer at either service (3/04). (PCGS# 3932)

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Grade MS66

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Auction 349 | Lot 6028 » Nickels » Buffalo Nickels

1920 5C MS67 NGC. While the 1920-P (63 million pieces produced) is a plentiful Buffalo Nickel in terms of total number of coins known, it is a rare issue at the Superb Gem level of preservation. Simply put, this is the most exquisite 1920 Nickel that this cataloger has handled. Untoned with a bright, lustrous sheen, the surfaces exhibit overall sharp striking definition that further enhances the already memorable eye appeal. Expertly preserved with nary a bothersome handling mark to report. NGC and PCGS combined report a mere six examples in MS67, and none are finer (3/04). (PCGS# 3944)

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Grade MS67

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Auction 349 | Lot 6029 » Nickels » Buffalo Nickels

1925-S 5C MS65 PCGS. One of the foremost strike rarities in the Buffalo Nickel series and a scarcity at any level of Mint State, the 1925-S emerges as one of the most challenging issues of this popular type at the Gem level of preservation. A soft, frosted sheen over both sides is complemented by delicate accents of golden and sky-blue patina. Just a trace of mushiness is noted on the highpoints of the obverse, although nothing like the deficiency that is normally encountered on Mint State representatives. The reverse, however, possesses an even stronger strike, sharp enough that the presence of the S mintmark almost defies belief. Any 1925-S Buffalo in Gem condition is of the utmost importance to the serious collector of this challenging series. Population: 12 in 65, 1 finer (3/04). (PCGS# 3956)

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Grade MS65

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