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1856-O $20 --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. This is the classic key-date issue in the Liberty double eagle series, and this example with its light hairlines and minor abrasions may prove to be an affordable alternative to those coins that have been offered in the recent past. The original mintage of this coin was just 2,250 pieces, making it the rarest New Orleans Mint double eagle, with only the 1854-O issue being a close contender. Very few coins struck at this Southern branch mint have lower mintages or smaller surviving population. Estimates of the number of survivors range from a low of 10 coins (Breen) to a high of 20 coins (Winter). Most examples surviving today are similar quality to this coin, being in the Very Fine to Extremely Fine range. Perhaps just three or four finer examples exist, including a splendid Mint State specimen.

The surfaces are medium greenish-gold, with hints of pinkish color on the devices. Despite being cleaned, the fields retain reflectivity that is always seen on these coins. Traces of luster are still visible around the devices. The surfaces are lightly abraded as usual, with two or three specific marks for pedigree tracking. Hair details are a little softly defined, as are the eagle's wingtips; however, all other obverse and reverse design details are well defined. The obverse has a small rim bruise at 3 o'clock and a tiny abrasions close to the bust line above the right side of the digit 5. The reverse has a short horizontal mark above the right side of the eagle's head, but in a different location from the coin we sold in our 1997 ANA sale. (PCGS# 8918)
Auction 402 | Lot: 2137 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $161,000.00
1794 $1 --Repaired--NCS. XF40 Details. (PCGS# 6851)
Auction 1104 | Lot: 2329 | Apr 19, 2008

Sold For: $109,250.00
1870-CC $20 XF Details, Improperly Cleaned, NCS. The 1870-CC is the first Double Eagle issue struck at the Carson City facility and a legendary rarity that is among the most prized issues in the entire series of Liberty Twenties. It is surpassed in overall rarity only by the ultra-rare 1861 Paquet, the 1856-O, and the business strikes of 1882 and 1886, but none of these important issues garner more attention than is generated by the appearance of a '70-CC. Only 3,789 pieces were originally produced and reliable estimates place the number of survivors in the neighborhood of 45 pieces. From the standpoint of condition rarity, the '70-CC ranks number one in the Liberty Double Eagle series, with most known examples being only Very Fine or Extremely Fine, with heavily abraded surfaces. The median grade example offered here actually displays less abrasions than the typical survivor and the strike is more than adequate for this premier CC issue. A paper thin disturbance down the portrait and a few ill-placed marks to the left of Liberty's ear lobe are really mentioned primarily for attribution. While the cleaning qualifier on the NCS insert could hardly be disputed, it fails to be a major distraction on this important Carson City rarity.
From The Barry Donnell Collection. (PCGS# 8958)
Auction 349 | Lot: 6356 | Jun 5, 2004

Sold For: $97,750.00
1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. O-101a, High R.4. The appearance of a 1796-1797 Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar at auction, even those that display impairments, is always the cause of excitement. This is because its two-year-type status makes it necessary for the completion of a type set of United States coinage. Early half dollar specialists attempting to assemble a date and/or variety collection place additional demand on this series. High demand and a paltry mintage of 3,918 pieces, followed by a relatively low survival rate, have all combined to maintain a relatively high value for 1796-1797 half dollars since the dawn of American coin collecting in the 1850s. Published estimates of the number of extant pieces range from about 100 to 300 examples, though recent empirical research has accounted, to date, for about 225 or so coins.

Four varieties of Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are known. The first 1796 variety (Overton 101) consists of 15 obverse stars. The star number on 1796-dated coins was eventually increased to 16 (Overton-102), apparently to commemorate Tennessee's June 21, 1796 admission to the Union as the 16th state. The two 1797 varieties (Overton-101 and Overton-102), each bearing 15 obverse stars, are differentiated by slight differences in the reverse wreath alignment vis-a-vis the peripheral lettering. The 1797 Overton-101 variety eventually developed extensive spindly die cracks on the reverse, resulting in an Overton-101a die state.

The 1797 AU Details specimen offered in this lot is Overton-101a. Fine hairlines on both sides are well concealed within the bluish-gray toning that is accented by occasional blushes of orange-gold and magenta, particularly on the obverse. The design elements exhibit sharp detail, and are nicely centered on the planchet. A few light obverse adjustment marks are visible. Each side reveals a mark or two that may aid in the pedigree of this coin, especially two light abrasions on the outer p (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 422 | Lot: 957 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $92,000.00
1794 $1 --Obverse Repaired--NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 6851)
Auction 446 | Lot: 1847 | Sep 28, 2007

Sold For: $86,250.00
1794 $1 VF20 Details, Repaired, NCS. B-1, BB-1. The 1794 dollar is one of the best known rarities in the entire series of U.S. numismatics. The mintage is also well known: only 1,758 pieces were struck. In fact, the mintage and lore about this issue are so well known that we showed this coin to a former coin guy, now turned currency expert, and he remembered the exact mintage, even though when he was dealing in coins he never got any closer to a 1794 than a dealer's showcase. It is widely believed that between 120 and 140 examples survive today in all grades--this estimate being based largely upon research done by the late Jack Collins, whose unpublished manuscript we do not have in our library (hint, hint).

This particular coin was repaired in 1976 on stars 2, 3, and 4 on the obverse, and on the reverse STAT in STATES was strengthened. The surfaces overall are somewhat bright with an overlay of medium gray patina interspersed with brilliance, this effect being most obvious on the reverse. The most obvious features that will help trace the pedigree of this coin are a short, angling mark above the 1 in the date, a tiny rim bump at 9 o'clock on the reverse, and a slightly curved planchet flaw below and to the left of the eagle's left (facing) wing. There is also tiny, round pit between Y and star 9; and a tiny pit in the field behind the third curl back of the head. This piece was certified by ANACS in August 1982 (certificate #EX3736), but not graded, as "repaired, engraved, whizzed."
Ex: Bill Grayson (1976); to Silver Towne / Leon Hendrickson; The Charmont Sale (Steve Ivy, 8/83), lot 3768, where bought in at $16,000; reconsigned to The 1988 ANA Sale (Heritage, 8/88), lot 930, where it realized $10,450, and was graded Very Fine 20/20. (PCGS# 6851)
Auction 346 | Lot: 7927 | May 8, 2004

Sold For: $86,250.00
1794 $1 B-1, BB-1, R.4 -- Obverse Repaired -- NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 39972)
Auction 1231 | Lot: 5435 | Jan 11, 2016

Sold For: $85,187.50
1795 $5 Small Eagle--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. Unc Details. (PCGS# 8066)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1935 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $80,500.00
1852 $50 Assay Office Fifty Dollar, 900 Thous. -- Obverse Graffiti -- NCS. Unc Details. K-14. High R.5. (PCGS# 10019)
Auction 1201 | Lot: 5624 | Jan 12, 2014

Sold For: $76,375.00
1794 $1 B-1, BB-1, R.4--Environmental Damage--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 39972)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 3922 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $74,750.00
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4--Environmental Damage--NCS. XF Details. A major question surrounding the 1792 half disme is whether or not President George Washington supplied the silver for its production. Research conducted by Joel Orosz and Carl Herkowitz, entitled "George Washington and America's 'Small Beginning' in Coinage: the Fabled 1792 Half Dismes," published in the 2003 American Journal of Numismatics, cited a memorandum by a Mr. John A. McAllister, Jr. who related his interview with Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt:

"In conversation with Mr. Adam Eckfeldt (Apr. 9, 1844) at the Mint, he informed me that the Half Dismes...were struck, expressly for Gen. Washington, to the extent of One Hundred Dollars, which sum he deposited in Bullion or Coin, for the purpose. Mr. E. thinks that Gen. W. distributed them as presents. Some were sent to Europe, but the greater number, he believes, were given to friends of Gen. W. in Virginia. No more of them were ever coined."

Eric von Klinger, in a June 13, 2005 Coin World review of Orosz's and Herkowitz's article, entitled "Document Details Half Disme: Confirms that G. Washington was Source of Silver," wrote: "General Washington did indeed deposit silver for the 1792 half dismes." Orosz responded in a July 4, 2005 letter to the editor that:

"We never claim in our article that we have proved that President Washington provided the silver used to strike the half dismes, as both the headline and the first sentence of von Klinger's article flatly state. In our article, we conclude that while the great preponderance of the evidence points toward Washington as the silver provider, the pieces of evidence that could prove he was - Washington's diary for 1792 and Acting Chief Coiner Henry Voigt's July 1792 account book - are unavailable. Washington was a long-time diarist, but the press of his presidential duties prevented him from keeping a diary in 1792. Voigt did keep an account book, bu (PCGS# 11020)
Auction 450 | Lot: 481 | Apr 10, 2007

Sold For: $74,750.00
1795 $10 9 Leaves--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. Breen-6831, B. 4-C, Taraszka-3, R.6. The 1795 9 Leaves Ten Dollar is a rare issue that has attracted growing numismatic attention over the past 45 years. Some in the numismatic community believe this variety was not discovered until 1960 when a coin appeared in the New Netherlands "Cicero" Sale. However, it was apparently a known variety to Waldo Newcomer in 1926 who paid $100 for a VF example, well over the then-current price for a 1795 13 Leaves Eagle. The earliest published reference that we could find for the Nine Leaves variety was a coin in Edgar Adams article that he published in the May 1934 issue of Coin Collector's Journal entitled "Early United States Gold Coins: Eagles." However, it appears the variety was more or less forgotten until the 1960 sale.

Designed by Robert Scot, Walter Breen states that 116 pieces were struck on March 30, 1796, and an unknown (but presumably small) number had also been struck on March 1, 1796 on Warrant No. 58, which had a total mintage of 1,169 pieces. Robert Hilt believes that the Nine Leaves comprised a portion (he estimated 210 pieces) struck on Warrant No. 66 of June 21, 1796. According to Neil Berman and Silvano DiGenova, as published in the 11/2005 CDN Monthly, "There are 21 examples reported certified in all grades, which is undoubtedly many of the same coins being resubmitted to the grading services. I doubt there are even the fifteen [pieces] that Dannreuther seems to think survived." As such, it is the rarest Guide Book type among all early Tens, barely surpassing the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars.

When examining this piece, 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, which is less obvious on this piece than most examples seen by this cataloger (JRJ), indicates an early failure of the reverse die. This is (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 394 | Lot: 3520 | Jan 7, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1797 50C --Obverse Graffiti--NCS. XF Details. O-101, High R.4. The total production of 1797 half dollars was accomplished with a single obverse die and two reverse dies. The reverse die of the 1797 Overton 101 variety is a carry over from the 1796 production. The fine die crack from the milling to the top of the O in OF on the 1796-dated coins has become larger on the 1797 O-101 variety, and now extends to the leaf tip beneath the F. As indicated in the introductory write-up, this reverse die eventually breaks up, giving rise to the 1797 O-101a variety.

The present coin displays a mix of light gray, mauve, and rose-gold patination. The design elements exhibit relatively strong definition, and are well centered on the planchet. Most of the dentilation is strong, except for that along the right obverse border. The surfaces are finely hairlined, and a series of pinscratches are located in the left obverse field, accounting for the NCS disclaimer.

Despite the moderate impairments, the rarity of 1796 and 1797-dated half dollars is sure to draw bidder interest in this piece. Unfortunately, many coins of this design type possess problems of one sort or another, some of which are far more serious than those encountered on the present specimen.
Ex: Paramount (3/1969), lot 2638. (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 390 | Lot: 22514 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $69,000.00
1794 $1 B-1, BB-1, R.4 -- Obverse Repaired -- NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 39972)
Auction 1238 | Lot: 4151 | Aug 14, 2016

Sold For: $64,625.00
1797 50C -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. O-101a, High R.4. Amato-408. (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 1188 | Lot: 5631 | Aug 10, 2013

Sold For: $64,625.00
1930-S $20 --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. Unc Details. (PCGS# 9191)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3404 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $63,365.00
1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. 50 Rev.--Obverse Damage--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 10199)
Auction 1124 | Lot: 2795 | May 3, 2009

Sold For: $63,250.00
1802 10C AU Details, Scratched NCS. (PCGS# 4472)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1429 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $63,250.00
1796 50C 15 Stars--Environmental Damage--NCS. VF Details. O-101, R.5. The diagnostic die crack that extends from the edge at 5 o'clock to Liberty's bust, and turns right through the drapery and connects stars 15, 14, and 13, is very prominent. As mentioned in the introductory section to the 1796-1797 Draped Bust half dollars, this crack is visible on virtually all known 1796 Fifteen Star specimens. The middle and lower portions of Liberty's hair display nice detail, as do most of the eagle's wing and tail, and the design elements are well centered on the planchet.

Both sides display pinkish-gray patination, which is joined on the obverse with lime-green coloration, yielding a somewhat streaked appearance. Occasional hints of lilac and sky-blue visit each side. The surfaces reveal no mentionable abrasions, and are devoid of adjustment marks. Wispy slide marks on the Liberty and eagle motifs are mentioned for accuracy, but are not offensive. The NCS "Environmental Damage" designation apparently refers to the areas of lime-green coloration on the obverse that may have been associated with some sort of residue.

Overall, this is a decent example of the 1796 Fifteen Stars variety, despite the NCS disclaimer. The surfaces do not appear to be seriously impaired. Considering the fact that the Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollar is one of the keys to completing a type set of U. S. coinage, we expect that this lot will generate spirited bidding.
Ex: From the C. L. Arnold Collection (Stack's, September 1968), lot 1117. (PCGS# 6057)
Auction 390 | Lot: 22512 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $63,250.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4 -- Plugged -- NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 3884 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $60,000.00
1878-S 50C -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. WB-101, Die Pair 1. (PCGS# 6360)
Auction 1208 | Lot: 5585 | Aug 9, 2014

Sold For: $58,750.00
1878-S 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. A legendary rarity in the Seated half series. The mintage was a mere 12,000 pieces, all struck before the mint's equipment was pressed into full time service producing Morgan dollars. As a result, surviving examples of the half dollars are very rare. According to our records, only 33 specimens have been offered in public sales during the past 30 some years. This specimen displays sharp design detail. The surfaces are bright and finely hairlined, and are retoning aqua marine in isolated areas, particularly along the borders. We also note a horizontal pinscratch across Liberty's midsection between her two arms. (PCGS# 6360)
Auction 390 | Lot: 21386 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $58,075.00
1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURENCY, Pewter MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 791)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 3549 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $57,500.00
1797 50C --Improperly Cleaned--NCS. XF Details. (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 3837 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $57,500.00
1794 $1--XF Details, Obverse Repaired--NCS. We are not aware of another opportunity collectors have ever had to choose between so many 1794 dollars. As a rule, silver dollars from this year are rarely offered at public auction, and the demand for these coins far outdistances the supply. This particular coin shows evidence of minor repair in the upper obverse field, and yet numismatists for many generations have been willing to accept or overlook this defect as this piece has been in major collections since the 1870s. The surfaces are medium gray with much lighter accents over the highpoints on the reverse. Weakly struck on the stars on the obverse stars, as always, with the left side of the reverse also weak from having been struck from misaligned dies. The only mentionable surface defect is a diagonal scratch across the eagle's neck that continues into the field below. The repair was done on the obverse in the field at 1 o'clock and it affects a couple of stars. Apparently this area was smoothed in order to lessen the effect of a deep planchet flaw; however, the flaw is still obvious. A well detailed and historic 1794 dollar.
Ex: Michael Moore Collection (Edward Cogan, May 1-2, 1879), lot 611; John C. Lighthouse Collection (J. C. Morgenthau & Co., February 18-19, 1936), lot 208; F. S. Guggenheimer Collection (Stack's, January 22-24, 1953), lot 945. (PCGS# 6851)
Auction 349 | Lot: 6106 | Jun 5, 2004

Sold For: $57,500.00
1652 6PENCE Willow Tree Sixpence--Plugged--NCS. Fine Details. Noe 1-A. 34.8 grains. This is the number 5 specimen on the Noe plate of Willow Tree sixpences, attributed as the property of a "Mid-West Coin Firm." When Sydney Noe's treatise on the subject of NE and Willow Tree Coinage was published by The American Numismatic Society in 1943, just 10 examples were known. Today, the number is slightly larger, with 14 pieces known, according to the Guide Book. Since its plated appearance over 60 years ago, the coin has been skillfully plugged at 2 o'clock relative to the obverse and 9 o'clock relative to the reverse, the difference in position attributed to incorrect alignment of the design. Although slightly wavy as always, the surfaces have pleasing lilac-gray and steel color with much of the design details complete.

The sixpence and threepence pieces (the few that are known) exhibit much stronger, more even definition on each side than the earlier produced shillings. Dies 1 and 2 in the shilling series are problem-ridden and usually show evidence of multiple passes through the press, while Die 3 shows a notable improvement in technique in the use of the rocker press. One may infer from the superior production of the sixpence and threepence coins that these were most likely made after the shillings, and thus benefited from the coiner's experience with the shillings.

The opportunity to acquire any Willow Tree piece seldom takes place, and the chance to bid on a Willow Tree sixpence, regardless of condition, is an event of a lifetime. When Stack's sold the magnificent Hain Family Collection of Massachusetts Silver in 2002, eight Willow Tree shillings were offered, yet the collection did not contain a single sixpence. The Hain Family Collection included 180 different pieces of Massachusetts silver coinage. Similarly, the John Ford Collection of Massachusetts silver coinage, including 147 pieces from this series, had just two Willow Tree sixpence (both of which realiz (PCGS# 15)
Auction 422 | Lot: 700 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $54,625.00
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VF Details, Reverse Scratched NCS. Medium grayish-brown color with hints of gold and pale blue toning. Minor scratches are visible in the obverse fields and on the reverse, yet this is still a most pleasing example. Although long considered a pattern coin, this issue in silver is generally now thought to be a standard item issued for circulation, essentially our nation's first coinage issue, although almost certainly not struck within the walls of the new mint building. Regardless of where, when, or how many, examples are quite elusive today.
Ex: Bowers and Merena (11/1985), lot 1245.
From The William A. Harmon Collection of United States Half Dimes. (PCGS# 11020)
Auction 384 | Lot: 1969 | Sep 24, 2005

Sold For: $54,625.00
1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4 -- Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 45515)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 4659 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $52,800.00
1930-S $20 -- Polished, Improperly Cleaned -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 9191)
Auction 1299 | Lot: 5094 | Sep 6, 2019

Sold For: $50,400.00
1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1832, R.3--Repaired, Whizzed--NCS. Impaired Proof. (PCGS# 8057)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3126 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $48,875.00
1839 50C Small Letters--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. JR-1, R.7. The talons curve are tightly curved, and lines 2 and 3 of stripe 1 extend to the 3rd crossbar, others to the 2nd. In his Variety Identification Manual for U.S. Reeded Edge Half Dollars, Reiver indicates that "this may be the same reverse die used on Pattern Judd 95." Judd 95 is the famous backwards Liberty, with a crowned head of Liberty facing to the right. Judging from illustrations, the reverse appears to be either the same die, or at least a die from the same hub. Examination of both issues, side-by-side, would probably be necessary to make an exact determination. This specimen displays semi-bright bluish-gray surfaces that are finely hairlined. A decent coin despite the cleaning.

This is an exceptional rarity among the Reeded Edge half dollars, and is one of few varieties listed individually in Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia. It is easily identified, not only for the different sized letters, but also there relative position, distant from the border. While there may be more examples known today in 2006, at the time his reference was published, Breen only knew of two or three examples. At the time, he specifically discussed three coins:

1. First Coinvestor's, Inc.; Julian Leidman. EF. The Discovery Coin.

2. Julian Leidman; Stanley Scott: 387; Harte: 2650; 1981 GENA: 1133; Kagin's 333rd Sale: 1686. VF, reverse rim dent.

3. Delaware private collection. EF. This is the specimen being offered here.

Walter Breen gave the credit for this discovery to Maurice Rosen, circa September 1972, although he suggested that Beistle may have seen the variety nearly half a century earlier. Currently, Steve Herrman has suggested that perhaps as many as five or six examples are known, but he has not further auction listings for any examples since the 1984 Kagin's sale.

Around 1980, Julian Leidman discovered the Reiver Collection specimen among coins that Jules al (PCGS# 6180)
Auction 390 | Lot: 23442 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $48,875.00
1795 $10 13 Leaves--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8551)
Auction 1116 | Lot: 3816 | Sep 21, 2008

Sold For: $46,000.00
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, LM-1, R.3. --Scratched--NCS. VF Details. The obverse has some minor pin scratches, primarily in the fields, and on the reverse there is a deeper scratch from the back wing of the eagle to the rim between the IC of AMERICA. While these surface scratches are present, they are not as distracting as they could be, and the coin is toned with a pleasing light silver color with a hint of gold on the devices. The strike is typically sharp, and the wear generally even although we note that the tops of STR of INDUSTRY are a bit weak, and the right wing of the eagle fades into the field near the center of that device. This particular coin is a testament to the fact that these first Half Dismes were made for circulation. Although some were saved and remain in various states of uncirculated condition, most show wear to some degree.

These were struck in John Harper's cellar as the new Philadelphia Mint was not yet set up. The dies were engraved by Robert Birch, and by tradition Liberty is represented by Martha Washington from a painting by John Trumbull. George Washington provided the silver for the bullion to strike these coins, and this bullion was delivered by Thomas Jefferson on July 10, 1792 and Jefferson returned on July 12 to pick up the coins. As the summer heat brought the annual Yellow Fever epidemic to the Philadelphia area, Jefferson picked up the newly struck Half Dismes and took them to Monticello for the summer. On October 1, Jefferson returned to the city, but stopped on his way by Mt. Vernon to drop off these coins to Washington. During July 1792 the new Director of the Mint, David Rittenhouse had purchased the lots and buildings which would become the new Philadelphia Mint, and the months of August and September were filled with the renovations of the old distillery into a modern coining facility. Washington and others had been eager to start coinage as a proof of sovereignty of the new American nation, and issuing their own new coin (PCGS# 11020)
Auction 390 | Lot: 21910 | Jan 28, 2006

Sold For: $46,000.00
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3 -- Altered Surface -- NCS. Unc Details. (PCGS# 519852)
Auction 1374 | Lot: 4554 | May 12, 2024

Sold For: $45,600.00
1795 $5 BD-1, R.5 -- Reverse Repaired -- NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 8066)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 3964 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $43,200.00
1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1832, R.3--Mount Removed--NCS. Proof, AU Detail. (PCGS# 8057)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1930 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $43,125.00
(1615-16) 6PENCE Sommer Islands Sixpence, Large Portholes--Bent, Corroded--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 5)
Auction 1108 | Lot: 1818 | Jun 2, 2008

Sold For: $43,125.00
1921 $20 --Damaged--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 9172)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3380 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $43,125.00
1836 P$1 Name Below Base, Judd-58 Restrike, Pollock-61, R.6(?)--Improperly Cleaned--NCS. Proof. (PCGS# 11217)
Auction 446 | Lot: 1903 | Sep 28, 2007

Sold For: $43,125.00
1797 50C --Scratched--NCS. Fine Details. O-102, Low R.6. Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars, bearing the dates 1796 or 1797, are a highly desirable item. These coins have for the most part held their value since the inception of coin collecting in the United States in the 1850s. Whether or not a particular specimen is impaired appears to make little difference in the demand side of the equation. The realization that this series exhibits a low mintage (3,918 pieces) along with a low survival rate (probably less than 300 examples) prompts knowledgeable collectors to keenly compete for those examples that appear at public auction, "warts and all." In this respect, it is worth mentioning that, in a February 2005 study by this cataloger (Jon Amato) that was published in the John Reich Journal, Volume 16/Issue 2, fully 43 examples of the 216 pieces "captured" in the study analysis (nearly 20 %) revealed "major" problems (plugs, re-engraved designs, smoothed fields, removed graffiti/initials, deep and/or long scratches, porosity, etc.). Several other specimens exhibited "minor" problems (many of which were certified by 3rd party grading services). These included shallow scratches, light rim dings, light cleaning, wispy hairlines, etc.

The coin presented in this lot does not fall within the category of "major" problems. The NCS holder says "scratched." True, there are a few unobtrusive short pinscratches on the lower part of the bust, but overall, this is a pleasingly toned specimen that shows two shades of natural gray (the design elements are highlighted by the slightly darker fields). Both sides are quite clean, and reveal no mentionable contact marks or adjustment marks. Some light streaks are noted in the obverse fields; we cannot be sure if these are toning streaks, or perhaps light erasure marks. Whatever the case, they are not distracting to the eye. I asked the other Heritage catalogers to inspect this coin, and to a person, all agreed that this was a (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 422 | Lot: 955 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $43,125.00
1861 $20 Clark, Gruber & Co. Twenty Dollar AU50 Details, Rim Filed, NCS. K-8, R.5. A boldly struck coin that shows very little wear and excellent surfaces. It is difficult to tell just where the rim was filed in the holder. Identifiable by a very minor nick on Liberty's chin, just below her mouth. Both the obverse and reverse die show minor clashing. Examination will note some minor surface lines but traces of luster reside in the protected areas. Rich orange-gold in color and appealing.

After the trouble seen in California, these Colorado minters were very careful to make sure their coins were not debased in any way, and in fact made the planchets contain about one percent of additional gold so they would not be accused of dishonesty or debasement. Coinage continued into 1862 using the 1861 dies, but pressure came from Washington to stop the private coinage, and soon whatever gold dust came into their offices was turned into gold bars, all of which seem to have been shipped off for coining by other world mints as none are known to survive.

Dies for this issue were very similar to the Federal design double eagles of the period. Philadelphia jeweler Bailey & Company prepared the dies for this issue. Specific characteristics include a boldly repunched N in TWENTY and a blundered V in DENVER, punched over a previous N. Listed on page 310 of the 2005 Guide Book.
From The Great Western Collection of Territorial Gold. (PCGS# 10142)
Auction 382 | Lot: 10452 | Jul 30, 2005

Sold For: $43,125.00
1794 $1 VF Details, Repaired NCS. B-1, BB-1, the only known dies. It is difficult to locate a 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar in today's market that is completely problem-free. The coin in this lot is not perfect, but it does possess some noteworthy and desirable features besides the 1794 date. Of obvious importance is the striking definition along the lower left obverse periphery. Stars 1, 3, and 4 are discernible, if not complete, and only star 2 can be described as being totally absent. All four digits in the date are readily evident, this despite a little softness of detail over the 1. The reverse die was also misaligned at the time of striking with the result that the TED in UNITED and STATE in STATES are more or less absent. All other design features are at least present, and there is some bolder definition in the more protected areas of the obverse portrait and reverse eagle. Now for the surface preservation. Both sides reveal some scattered circulation marks, but none are particularly noteworthy given the amount of wear that this coin saw. Much of the surfaces display not unattractive dove-gray coloration, although we do note a few areas of variegated color around the peripheries. This last feature brings us to this coin's most significant detraction: a plug through the upper obverse. This repair was rather well executed on the reverse, yet markedly less so on the obverse as far as the E in LIBERTY is concerned. Nevertheless, as a mid-grade survivor of this fabled numismatic rarity that offers relatively good overall definition, this coin represents a bidding opportunity that one should consider most carefully. (PCGS# 6851)
Auction 360 | Lot: 30264 | Jan 15, 2005

Sold For: $43,125.00
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4--Repaired--NCS. AU Details. (PCGS# 11020)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 1502 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $41,687.50
1797 50C --Mount Removed, Damaged--NCS. VF Details. O-101a, High R.4. The importance of the half dollars of 1796-1797 cannot... (PCGS# 6060)
Auction 428 | Lot: 1117 | Oct 24, 2006

Sold For: $41,400.00
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3 -- Altered Surfaces -- NCS. Unc. Details. (PCGS# 519852)
Auction 1347 | Lot: 3252 | Jul 14, 2022

Sold For: $40,800.00
1652 Willow Tree Shilling--Scratched--NCS. Fine Details. 66.8 grains. Noe 3-E, Cr. 3-E, Rarity-7. After the NE coinage was struck in 1652, the Willow Tree shillings began to be produced the same year. The earlier varieties of Willow Tree shillings show how unfamiliar the coiner was with the rocker press. Most of the known examples from earlier dies display multiple impressions of the devices from multiple passes through the press in an attempt to more fully strike up the details in the dies. This is examined in detail in Louis Jordan's book John Hull, The Mint and Economics of Massachusetts Coinage, page 296:

" ... the dramatic nature of these errors, such as the erratic alignment of bead segments and the presence of fully double letters and numbers, suggests the rockers were not sufficiently secure in the press. Possibly, the tolerance of the die shank was not accurate so that there was not a tight fit when it was inserted into the opening in the shaft of the press. It is also possible the pins fastening the die shank to the press did not fully stabilize the die."

By the time the Noe (and Crosby) 3 dies were used, the operator of the press was more familiar with his craft, and these pieces do not exhibit the multiple impressions seen on earlier pieces. The only doubling of details on this coin is seen by a slight trace of a second inner border on the reverse.

Only eight or so pieces are known of this variety, and at one time Stearns owned three examples! The remarkable part of this coin is that it shows full legends on both sides. The centers are predictably lacking details, except for the slightest trace of the tree branch and roots on the right side. The surfaces are deep gray with blue around the margins. Several shallow scratches are located in the centers of both obverse and reverse, which account for the "Scratched" designation from NCS.
Ex: Stearns Collection (Mayflower Coin Auctions, 12/66), lot 9; Hain Family Collection (Stack's (PCGS# 16)
Auction 422 | Lot: 704 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $40,250.00
1915-S $50 Panama-Pacific 50 Dollar Octagonal--Spot Removed--NCS. Unc Details. The technical specifications for most commemoratives are fairly obvious. Typically, the law stipulates a weight and fineness identical to that of the existing denomination. Sometimes, however, there is no such precedent. The bimetallic Library of Congress ten dollar commemorative of 2000 is a modern example, but the coins of interest for classic commemorative collectors are the round and octagonal Panama-Pacific fifty dollar pieces of 1915. The fineness is identical to that of circulating coinage of the era, that is, .900 fine, alloyed with copper. These mammoth pieces stretch a full 1.74 inches (44.2 centimeters) from tip to tip on the octagonal, with a diameter of the same size for the round. They weigh 83.55 grams apiece, logical enough, given how close the value is to two-and-a-half times the weight of a double eagle. At the given fineness, this translates to more than 2.4 ounces of pure gold. The "slugs" of Augustus Humbert were 60 years in the past. These grand commemoratives were unlike anything most people had ever seen, but whether they recognized it or not these octagonal pieces were a numismatic tribute to the "slugs" from the Gold Rush days.

The surfaces of this coin are an interesting study in themselves. It appears that there were several streaks of copper alloy on the obverse that eventually turned green. Someone saw these as a defect and tried to remove them. Unfortunately, it was not done with the greatest care. As a result, each green streak still remains but is now overlaid with noticeable (with a magnifier) hairlines. A few small contact marks are also located in the centers, but the coin appears quite pleasing at arm's length. (PCGS# 7452)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3855 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $40,250.00
1795 $10 9 Leaves AU Details, Burnished, NCS. Breen-6831, B. 4-C, Taraszka-3, R.6. Only 116 pieces are theorized by Breen 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, which is less obvious on this piece than most examples seen by this cataloger, indicates early failure of the reverse die. Clusters of tiny digs and scratches are seen on the obverse, mostly at 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock, although a few others are noticed to the right of the date. (PCGS# 8552)
Auction 372 | Lot: 8744 | May 7, 2005

Sold For: $40,250.00

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