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numisma
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Season's Greetings! I hope that you are able to find something of interest in the following selection of coins and medals. If not, then I am sure that you will at least have fun looking. The Capped Bust halves were part of a set, the Buckeye Collection, which was assembled on the premise of originality. They are priced close to the owner's cost. Some of the medals offered are rare and offered at bargain prices. Enjoy!
TERMS: FREE s/h/i on all items. 30 day unconditional 100% return privilege, sometimes longer if grading necessitates. I guarantee that any raw coin I sell will certify at my grade or higher, unless otherwise noted. If a coin is returned for any reason, I pay for your return shipping expenses, so you have no risk. I accept PayPal, credit cards (through my secure web site), check or money order.
1766 William Pitt Medal, Betts-516, Silver, AU. Slightly prooflike fields with attractive toning. An attractive example of a desirable yet still undervalued Betts medal. Pitt was a great supported of colonial American causes and was responsible for convincing the British to repeal the Stamp Act in 1766. This medal commemorates that event. This is a scarce medal in silver and all recent auction appearances have been well over $1000. Priced at $850.
Struck during the 1876 Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia to commemorate both Memorial Hall and Independence Hall. Memorial Hall was designed by Hermann J. Schwarzmann for the Centennial and is still in use to this day. This is a fascinating piece that we have not been able to definitively trace. In other words, we have not found another example of this medal in any condition. It is large at about 57mm and struck in white metal. It would technically be a So-Called dollar, but it is too large to meet the criteria. The medal is attractive with nice cameo contrast and minimal distractions. The original box is included. Historical, beautiful and rare. Priced at $450.
From a 2005 Coin Galleries (Stack's) sale where it was described as follows: National Oath in Schwyz Medal, 1891. Silver, 50.4mm. Brilliant Uncirculated. Obv. Winged Genius over Oath of Rütli. Rev. Cantonal shields and dates of federation, three original cantons' arms at center. Beautiful prooflike fields, frosted reliefs. Priced at $350.
From the same 2005 Coin Galleries sale, where it was described as follows: Plains Indian Chief Medal, n.d. Bronze uniface, 60.6mm. By Carlos van Dionnant. About Uncirculated. Bust l. in war bonnet, beaded chest piece. Work of the Belgian artist who created the 1958 Brussels World's Fair coins. Struck by Antoine Fisch & Cie. Priced at $250.
Julian IP-38. This is a very scarce Indian peace medal from 1862. A few IP-39 medals (similar to this one) have recently sold at Stack's for over $1,000. IP-38 is tougher to locate than IP-39. A silver version of this medal recently sold for $30,000. These were given to Indian leaders during the time of the Civil War and, considering the condition of this piece, it was probably one such piece. The reverse scene shows negative imagery of Indian culture at the peripheries, but a more peaceful scene in the center, suggesting to the recipients of these medals that they should chose the civilized ways of the white man (yeah, right). Unfortunately, the current medal has some problems, as clearly visible in the image. Of course the problems are a blessing for the budget-minded collector who has been in search of an IP-38. Priced at $380
Baker-449A, red bronze, 41mm, R.4. Designed by William Barber and struck at the Philadelphia Mint, these were issued in 1878 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the departure of the Continental Army. This medal is larger than a silver dollar and would grade AU or better. The image is a scan rather than a photo and this piece looks nicer in hand. Offered at $200.
Baker-52A, white metal, 54mm. From Rulau and Fuld's Medallic Portraits of Washington 2nd Edition: "The coin dealer brothers, Samuel Hudson & Henry Chapman, published this medal in April, 1889, utilizing an unpublished Washington portrait by the later master engraver Charles Cushing Wright, said to be "his finest work" and the best reproduction on a medal of the Houdon bust." This large medal grades AU and has nice prooflike fields. The image quality is poor and this medal is nicer than indicated by the picture. Own a piece of history for $250.
Another medal that looks nicer "in hand" than the scanned image. This impressive medal was designed and engraved by Adriene Veyrat of Belgium. The obverse die of this medal was used to strike other medals in Europe. This piece obviously commemorates the U.S. Centennial in 1876, but I don't know much more about it. In my years of collecting and dealing, I have never seen another example of this piece, nor have I found it in any references. The condition is near-Gem and it is visually stunning. The fields are very glossy and nearly flawless. You have to see it to understand. Priced at $350.
This is an odd lot of two medals. The Napoleon is a restrike of the well known Bovy piece, probably late 1800s or early 1900s, but I am not sure. The Swiss medal by Bovy was struck in 1844 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Battle of St. Jacob an der Birs. It has some problems and would benefit from a professional conservation. The pair are priced at $50.
1543-1572 (second series). The first issue of coins struck at the Mexico City Mint and important as such. The 4 reales is the largest denomination of the early issues. These are referred to as "Loca 4 reales" since they were struck during the reign of Carlos I and Juana "La Loca", or Joanna "The Crazy". She was Queen of Castille and the daughter of the King and Queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. The current piece is in unusually nice condition for the type and very scarce, if not downright rare. Priced at $550.
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1795 Flowing Hair half, ANACS F-2. This coin comes with an interesting story. I sold it a few years ago at the ANA convention as an O-120 (raw). The specialist who bought it had it confirmed at the show by a couple of other bust half specialists before pulling the trigger. After buying the coin, the owner submitted it to ANACS, who also agreed with my attribution. Well, I received a phone call a couple of months ago from the buyer. He says that another BHNC guy did some computer overlays and determined that it was not O-120 and he wanted a refund. The coin was sold though Jade, a company that I sold a couple of years ago, but I decided to buy it back at 100% anyway (plus I paid his shipping and slabbing fee). When I got the coin in hand again, I did my own overlays and am now leaning toward O-117, but I am not 100% certain after looking at it again tonight. They share the same reverse (N) and the obverse dies are very similar. Unfortunately, at the F-2 level, details get distorted and computer overlays are not the most reliable. Why all the fuss? Well, an O-120 is now considered to be an R.7- variety and highly sought after. A VG/G example sold in 2002 for $5,500 (ex-Downey). There are 12-13 known. To be safe, I am not selling this as an O-120 and, as such, am going to lose money. I am leaving the coin in the slab, however, for those who want an authentication and grade opinion. Offered at $675.
1805/4 Draped Bust Half, O-101, R.3, EF-40 (ex-PCGS – insert available). Purchased from a Bowers & Merena auction in August of 2006 for $3565. This is a coin that definitely looks better in hand. Very original and accurately graded. Priced at $3750.
1807 Draped Bust Half, O-109 (Prime), R.7+ as a die state. Faint reverse die break at ED to left wingtip. Steve Herrman's 8/2007 edition of Auction Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars indicates that only 5-7 examples of this die marriage are known sans obverse die cracks. The auction data echoes that sentiment as the piece offered here is the only example of O109 Prime listed in Herrman's guide. Lot 5 from Downey's MB Sale #31 (7/05). Priced at $850.
The Buckeye Collection
1807 Bust half, O-120, G-6. This is the 50/20 variety, caused by the engraver mistakenly thinking that he was working on a quarter reverse die and punching a 2 instead of a 5 in the denomination. The problem was fixed before any coins were struck, but the 2 is was not completely effaced from the die and is clearly visible under the 5. You can actually see it in the image above. A nice original looking piece has a minor problem, however. If you look at the left field with the aid of a magnifying glass three light initials are observed: SD W. The graffiti is not visible with the bare eye and I mention it only for the sake of complete disclosure. A neat coin priced at $250 (the original cost).
The Buckeye Collection
1819 Bust half, O-111, VF-30. My favorite coin in the group! Attractively patinated and very original with lighter highpoints that contrast nicely with the varying shades of the fields. Just superb eye appeal. Priced at $215.
The Buckeye Collection
1829 Bust half, O-1112, VF-35. Gunmetal grey surfaces with a minor rim bump at 6 o'clock on the reverse being the only distraction. Another nice crusty-busty. Asking $160.
The Buckeye Collection
1830 Bust half, O-117, EF-40. Traces of luster are observed in the protected areas of this original bust half. $175.
The Buckeye Collection
1832 Bust half, O-107, VF-35. A uniform medium grey color throughout and problem-free. Priced at $150.
The Buckeye Collection
1836 Bust half, O-122, EF-40. This piece retains a bit of luster in the protected recesses and is refreshingly original. Asking $195.
The Buckeye Collection
1837 Bust half, JR-22, R.4. On this variety the rims are weak and tend to merge at the VF level. In addition, the bust is a bit glossy, suggesting an old cleaning that has since toned over, though most would not notice. I netted this coin to F-12. $120
TERMS: FREE s/h/i on all items. 30 day unconditional 100% return privilege, sometimes longer if grading necessitates. I guarantee that any raw coin I sell will certify at my grade or higher, unless otherwise noted. If a coin is returned for any reason, I pay for your return shipping expenses, so you have no risk. I accept PayPal, credit cards (through my secure web site), check or money order.
1766 William Pitt Medal, Betts-516, Silver, AU. Slightly prooflike fields with attractive toning. An attractive example of a desirable yet still undervalued Betts medal. Pitt was a great supported of colonial American causes and was responsible for convincing the British to repeal the Stamp Act in 1766. This medal commemorates that event. This is a scarce medal in silver and all recent auction appearances have been well over $1000. Priced at $850.
Struck during the 1876 Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia to commemorate both Memorial Hall and Independence Hall. Memorial Hall was designed by Hermann J. Schwarzmann for the Centennial and is still in use to this day. This is a fascinating piece that we have not been able to definitively trace. In other words, we have not found another example of this medal in any condition. It is large at about 57mm and struck in white metal. It would technically be a So-Called dollar, but it is too large to meet the criteria. The medal is attractive with nice cameo contrast and minimal distractions. The original box is included. Historical, beautiful and rare. Priced at $450.
From a 2005 Coin Galleries (Stack's) sale where it was described as follows: National Oath in Schwyz Medal, 1891. Silver, 50.4mm. Brilliant Uncirculated. Obv. Winged Genius over Oath of Rütli. Rev. Cantonal shields and dates of federation, three original cantons' arms at center. Beautiful prooflike fields, frosted reliefs. Priced at $350.
From the same 2005 Coin Galleries sale, where it was described as follows: Plains Indian Chief Medal, n.d. Bronze uniface, 60.6mm. By Carlos van Dionnant. About Uncirculated. Bust l. in war bonnet, beaded chest piece. Work of the Belgian artist who created the 1958 Brussels World's Fair coins. Struck by Antoine Fisch & Cie. Priced at $250.
Julian IP-38. This is a very scarce Indian peace medal from 1862. A few IP-39 medals (similar to this one) have recently sold at Stack's for over $1,000. IP-38 is tougher to locate than IP-39. A silver version of this medal recently sold for $30,000. These were given to Indian leaders during the time of the Civil War and, considering the condition of this piece, it was probably one such piece. The reverse scene shows negative imagery of Indian culture at the peripheries, but a more peaceful scene in the center, suggesting to the recipients of these medals that they should chose the civilized ways of the white man (yeah, right). Unfortunately, the current medal has some problems, as clearly visible in the image. Of course the problems are a blessing for the budget-minded collector who has been in search of an IP-38. Priced at $380
Baker-449A, red bronze, 41mm, R.4. Designed by William Barber and struck at the Philadelphia Mint, these were issued in 1878 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the departure of the Continental Army. This medal is larger than a silver dollar and would grade AU or better. The image is a scan rather than a photo and this piece looks nicer in hand. Offered at $200.
Baker-52A, white metal, 54mm. From Rulau and Fuld's Medallic Portraits of Washington 2nd Edition: "The coin dealer brothers, Samuel Hudson & Henry Chapman, published this medal in April, 1889, utilizing an unpublished Washington portrait by the later master engraver Charles Cushing Wright, said to be "his finest work" and the best reproduction on a medal of the Houdon bust." This large medal grades AU and has nice prooflike fields. The image quality is poor and this medal is nicer than indicated by the picture. Own a piece of history for $250.
Another medal that looks nicer "in hand" than the scanned image. This impressive medal was designed and engraved by Adriene Veyrat of Belgium. The obverse die of this medal was used to strike other medals in Europe. This piece obviously commemorates the U.S. Centennial in 1876, but I don't know much more about it. In my years of collecting and dealing, I have never seen another example of this piece, nor have I found it in any references. The condition is near-Gem and it is visually stunning. The fields are very glossy and nearly flawless. You have to see it to understand. Priced at $350.
This is an odd lot of two medals. The Napoleon is a restrike of the well known Bovy piece, probably late 1800s or early 1900s, but I am not sure. The Swiss medal by Bovy was struck in 1844 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Battle of St. Jacob an der Birs. It has some problems and would benefit from a professional conservation. The pair are priced at $50.
1543-1572 (second series). The first issue of coins struck at the Mexico City Mint and important as such. The 4 reales is the largest denomination of the early issues. These are referred to as "Loca 4 reales" since they were struck during the reign of Carlos I and Juana "La Loca", or Joanna "The Crazy". She was Queen of Castille and the daughter of the King and Queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. The current piece is in unusually nice condition for the type and very scarce, if not downright rare. Priced at $550.
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1795 Flowing Hair half, ANACS F-2. This coin comes with an interesting story. I sold it a few years ago at the ANA convention as an O-120 (raw). The specialist who bought it had it confirmed at the show by a couple of other bust half specialists before pulling the trigger. After buying the coin, the owner submitted it to ANACS, who also agreed with my attribution. Well, I received a phone call a couple of months ago from the buyer. He says that another BHNC guy did some computer overlays and determined that it was not O-120 and he wanted a refund. The coin was sold though Jade, a company that I sold a couple of years ago, but I decided to buy it back at 100% anyway (plus I paid his shipping and slabbing fee). When I got the coin in hand again, I did my own overlays and am now leaning toward O-117, but I am not 100% certain after looking at it again tonight. They share the same reverse (N) and the obverse dies are very similar. Unfortunately, at the F-2 level, details get distorted and computer overlays are not the most reliable. Why all the fuss? Well, an O-120 is now considered to be an R.7- variety and highly sought after. A VG/G example sold in 2002 for $5,500 (ex-Downey). There are 12-13 known. To be safe, I am not selling this as an O-120 and, as such, am going to lose money. I am leaving the coin in the slab, however, for those who want an authentication and grade opinion. Offered at $675.
1805/4 Draped Bust Half, O-101, R.3, EF-40 (ex-PCGS – insert available). Purchased from a Bowers & Merena auction in August of 2006 for $3565. This is a coin that definitely looks better in hand. Very original and accurately graded. Priced at $3750.
1807 Draped Bust Half, O-109 (Prime), R.7+ as a die state. Faint reverse die break at ED to left wingtip. Steve Herrman's 8/2007 edition of Auction Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars indicates that only 5-7 examples of this die marriage are known sans obverse die cracks. The auction data echoes that sentiment as the piece offered here is the only example of O109 Prime listed in Herrman's guide. Lot 5 from Downey's MB Sale #31 (7/05). Priced at $850.
The Buckeye Collection
1807 Bust half, O-120, G-6. This is the 50/20 variety, caused by the engraver mistakenly thinking that he was working on a quarter reverse die and punching a 2 instead of a 5 in the denomination. The problem was fixed before any coins were struck, but the 2 is was not completely effaced from the die and is clearly visible under the 5. You can actually see it in the image above. A nice original looking piece has a minor problem, however. If you look at the left field with the aid of a magnifying glass three light initials are observed: SD W. The graffiti is not visible with the bare eye and I mention it only for the sake of complete disclosure. A neat coin priced at $250 (the original cost).
The Buckeye Collection
1819 Bust half, O-111, VF-30. My favorite coin in the group! Attractively patinated and very original with lighter highpoints that contrast nicely with the varying shades of the fields. Just superb eye appeal. Priced at $215.
The Buckeye Collection
1829 Bust half, O-1112, VF-35. Gunmetal grey surfaces with a minor rim bump at 6 o'clock on the reverse being the only distraction. Another nice crusty-busty. Asking $160.
The Buckeye Collection
1830 Bust half, O-117, EF-40. Traces of luster are observed in the protected areas of this original bust half. $175.
The Buckeye Collection
1832 Bust half, O-107, VF-35. A uniform medium grey color throughout and problem-free. Priced at $150.
The Buckeye Collection
1836 Bust half, O-122, EF-40. This piece retains a bit of luster in the protected recesses and is refreshingly original. Asking $195.
The Buckeye Collection
1837 Bust half, JR-22, R.4. On this variety the rims are weak and tend to merge at the VF level. In addition, the bust is a bit glossy, suggesting an old cleaning that has since toned over, though most would not notice. I netted this coin to F-12. $120
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