Some of the top dollar CBH's up for auction at Stack's Franklinton Collection Auction
Goldbully
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Check 'em out and dream of owning one of these Busties.....................
1814 O-103. Rarity-1. MS-66 (NGC).
Certainly one of the nicest early half dollars of any date to cross the auction block in recent times. Both obverse and reverse are very well struck, an important consideration. The grade of MS-66 is seldom seen in this early era. Added to these considerations is the aspect of eye appeal—simply gorgeous! Both obverse and reverse are essentially light silver with delicate magenta and gunmetal-blue toning.
This is the famous variety with clash marks on both sides, with part of the motto visible on the obverse above the two central figures of the date. For the specialist in Capped Bust half dollars this is a true find.
NGC Census: 6; 4 finer (MS-68* finest).
STARTING BID: $8,000.00
CURRENT BID: $8,000.00
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1817/3 O-101. Rarity-3. MS-64 (PCGS).
This lovely coin traces its pedigree to the unique collection of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., where it appeared as Lot 1734 over a decade ago, there described as:
"Sharply struck with full details including complete border dentils, a sharp contrast to many that have 'shallow strikes' and are 'washed out' (Souders, p. 269). Not perfectly centered, the dentils at upper right are wider than those at the lower left. Deeply and attractively toned with reflective surfaces. Predominantly grayish brown with iridescent blue-green and reddish gold at the edges. Minor hairlines and a few other abrasions are visible consistent for the grade. This is a superb Condition Census example of this overdate variety."
Today, the Eliasberg coins are widely scattered, with many of them tightly held by astute collectors or otherwise off the market for the foreseeable future. While this coin itself is superb and fit for the finest collection, the Eliasberg pedigree adds an extra element of desirability and likely will be the first thing the new owner mentions when displaying this treasure. Beyond that, we note that no finer example has been certified by PCGS, another attraction.
PCGS Population: 2; none finer within the overdate type.
STARTING BID: $17,500.00
CURRENT BID: $17,500.00
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1820 O-106. Rarity-1. MS-65 PL (NGC).
The present coin was a highlight among early half dollars in the Eliasberg Collection sold in April 1997 as Lot 554, there catalogued as a Proof—by virtue of the extensive mirror surfaces on both sides, including within the shield stripes. At present it is certified as MS-65 PL by NGC, reflecting a difference of opinion. Buyers can decide on their own.
In the Eliasberg Collection the coin was described as follows:
"1820 Normal Date. No Knob 2. O-106. Unique as Proof impression. Proof-62. All details are bold except for a few stars which are flat. Well centered with crisp, even borders. Superb toning. Pale reddish gold at the centers changing to iridescent blue and lilac along the rims. Reflective fields with cameo devices. A few minor hairlines and other imperfections are visible. Faint traces of Mint frost appear along the upper edge of the eagle's head and wings.
"Only this example from these dies is known in Proof format. Walter Breen reported the following Proofs: one example of O-103, a single O-105, this unique O-106, two Proofs of O-108, and one other unattributed example (which we know is also an O-108 and which will be sold next year as part of the Pittman Collection). The Pittman coin is an authentic Proof striking of this date...
"To reiterate, as a date this 1820 Proof half dollar is a major rarity. As a variety, this O-106 Proof impression is believed to be absolutely unique.
"Any Proof Capped Bust half dollar is a numismatic showpiece. The Eliasberg Collection coin will be a cherished possession for its next owner."
Proof or prooflike, take your choice. Either way the coin is of remarkable quality and splendid in appearance.
NGC Census: 1; none finer within the designation.
STARTING BID: $20,000.00
CURRENT BID: $20,000.00
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1831 O-111. Rarity-1. MS-66 (PCGS).
A spectacular Bust half dollar, the finest listed by Herman and perhaps the finest known of the variety, one that realized over 8,000 times Pittman's initial purchase price when sold as part of that cabinet in 1998. Called "a gem of the highest order" in David Akers' cataloguing of this piece, today it remains as gorgeous as then, boldly lustrous with cartwheel as thorough as any Bust half we've seen. The light silver gray surfaces show beautiful delicate toning in pastel blue, gold, and soft olive that gains in intensity as it approaches the peripheries. The surfaces are bright, frosty, and pristine. While the stars are flat at the centers, as is often the case, other designs are impressive in their detail. A spot is noted on Liberty's chin, but any marks that are present are so minor as to be insignificant—we will mention a nick in the drapery only because Akers did. The combination of the color, lustre, and technical quality of this piece make for one truly extraordinary half dollar.
This would make an ideal addition to a type set of Koshkarian or Jung quality. Its aesthetic appeal is superb.
PCGS Population: 4; none finer. This coin is in the top .039% of all 1831 half dollars certified by PCGS!
In his description of this coin, David Akers noted that the largest multiplier for any coin sold to that point in the Pittman Collection was over 7850x, for a Mint State Type II 1854 gold dollar that Pittman purchased for $7 and sold for $55,000. He suggested that "this 1831 half dollar, and perhaps several of the other Gem Uncirculated half dollars that JJP bought in the mid 1940s, may not do quite as well, but they will undoubtedly bring thousands of times the price that JJP paid for them a half century ago." In fact, the multiplier on this coin turned out to be even greater! Its price realized in 1998—$18,700—was more than 8300 times that of the price paid by Pittman in 1946.
Purchased from Wayte Raymond on May 14, 1946 for $2.25; from David Akers Numismatics' sale of the Pittman Collection, Part II, May 1998, Lot 1496 at $18,700.
STARTING BID: $12,000.00
CURRENT BID: $15,500.00
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1836 Reeded Edge. Proof-64 (NGC).
A lovely Proof example, one of fewer than 20 known, of the first year combining the Capped Bust design with small diameter and reeded edge, dies by Christian Gobrecht. The obverse and reverse are a lovely heather, magenta, and blue. The details are superb, and the eye appeal follows suit.
These and related pieces were struck on a steam operated press in early November 1836, at which time some samples, probably all in Proof format, were sent from the Philadelphia Mint to the Treasury Department. After that, a small quantity of circulation strikes was produced of the same design. Beginning in 1837, the motif was struck in quantity, continuing through all of 1838 and part of 1839. Today, the 1836 is isolated as by far the rarest date of that short-lived type. Proofs come on the market only at widely spaced intervals.
NGC Census: 5; 2 finer within the Reeded Edge variety (Proof-65 finest).
STARTING BID: $24,000.00
CURRENT BID: $24,000.00
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Sale ends Jan, 7, 2008
1814 O-103. Rarity-1. MS-66 (NGC).
Certainly one of the nicest early half dollars of any date to cross the auction block in recent times. Both obverse and reverse are very well struck, an important consideration. The grade of MS-66 is seldom seen in this early era. Added to these considerations is the aspect of eye appeal—simply gorgeous! Both obverse and reverse are essentially light silver with delicate magenta and gunmetal-blue toning.
This is the famous variety with clash marks on both sides, with part of the motto visible on the obverse above the two central figures of the date. For the specialist in Capped Bust half dollars this is a true find.
NGC Census: 6; 4 finer (MS-68* finest).
STARTING BID: $8,000.00
CURRENT BID: $8,000.00
***************************************************************************************************************
1817/3 O-101. Rarity-3. MS-64 (PCGS).
This lovely coin traces its pedigree to the unique collection of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., where it appeared as Lot 1734 over a decade ago, there described as:
"Sharply struck with full details including complete border dentils, a sharp contrast to many that have 'shallow strikes' and are 'washed out' (Souders, p. 269). Not perfectly centered, the dentils at upper right are wider than those at the lower left. Deeply and attractively toned with reflective surfaces. Predominantly grayish brown with iridescent blue-green and reddish gold at the edges. Minor hairlines and a few other abrasions are visible consistent for the grade. This is a superb Condition Census example of this overdate variety."
Today, the Eliasberg coins are widely scattered, with many of them tightly held by astute collectors or otherwise off the market for the foreseeable future. While this coin itself is superb and fit for the finest collection, the Eliasberg pedigree adds an extra element of desirability and likely will be the first thing the new owner mentions when displaying this treasure. Beyond that, we note that no finer example has been certified by PCGS, another attraction.
PCGS Population: 2; none finer within the overdate type.
STARTING BID: $17,500.00
CURRENT BID: $17,500.00
**************************************************************************************************************
1820 O-106. Rarity-1. MS-65 PL (NGC).
The present coin was a highlight among early half dollars in the Eliasberg Collection sold in April 1997 as Lot 554, there catalogued as a Proof—by virtue of the extensive mirror surfaces on both sides, including within the shield stripes. At present it is certified as MS-65 PL by NGC, reflecting a difference of opinion. Buyers can decide on their own.
In the Eliasberg Collection the coin was described as follows:
"1820 Normal Date. No Knob 2. O-106. Unique as Proof impression. Proof-62. All details are bold except for a few stars which are flat. Well centered with crisp, even borders. Superb toning. Pale reddish gold at the centers changing to iridescent blue and lilac along the rims. Reflective fields with cameo devices. A few minor hairlines and other imperfections are visible. Faint traces of Mint frost appear along the upper edge of the eagle's head and wings.
"Only this example from these dies is known in Proof format. Walter Breen reported the following Proofs: one example of O-103, a single O-105, this unique O-106, two Proofs of O-108, and one other unattributed example (which we know is also an O-108 and which will be sold next year as part of the Pittman Collection). The Pittman coin is an authentic Proof striking of this date...
"To reiterate, as a date this 1820 Proof half dollar is a major rarity. As a variety, this O-106 Proof impression is believed to be absolutely unique.
"Any Proof Capped Bust half dollar is a numismatic showpiece. The Eliasberg Collection coin will be a cherished possession for its next owner."
Proof or prooflike, take your choice. Either way the coin is of remarkable quality and splendid in appearance.
NGC Census: 1; none finer within the designation.
STARTING BID: $20,000.00
CURRENT BID: $20,000.00
*********************************************************************************************************************
1831 O-111. Rarity-1. MS-66 (PCGS).
A spectacular Bust half dollar, the finest listed by Herman and perhaps the finest known of the variety, one that realized over 8,000 times Pittman's initial purchase price when sold as part of that cabinet in 1998. Called "a gem of the highest order" in David Akers' cataloguing of this piece, today it remains as gorgeous as then, boldly lustrous with cartwheel as thorough as any Bust half we've seen. The light silver gray surfaces show beautiful delicate toning in pastel blue, gold, and soft olive that gains in intensity as it approaches the peripheries. The surfaces are bright, frosty, and pristine. While the stars are flat at the centers, as is often the case, other designs are impressive in their detail. A spot is noted on Liberty's chin, but any marks that are present are so minor as to be insignificant—we will mention a nick in the drapery only because Akers did. The combination of the color, lustre, and technical quality of this piece make for one truly extraordinary half dollar.
This would make an ideal addition to a type set of Koshkarian or Jung quality. Its aesthetic appeal is superb.
PCGS Population: 4; none finer. This coin is in the top .039% of all 1831 half dollars certified by PCGS!
In his description of this coin, David Akers noted that the largest multiplier for any coin sold to that point in the Pittman Collection was over 7850x, for a Mint State Type II 1854 gold dollar that Pittman purchased for $7 and sold for $55,000. He suggested that "this 1831 half dollar, and perhaps several of the other Gem Uncirculated half dollars that JJP bought in the mid 1940s, may not do quite as well, but they will undoubtedly bring thousands of times the price that JJP paid for them a half century ago." In fact, the multiplier on this coin turned out to be even greater! Its price realized in 1998—$18,700—was more than 8300 times that of the price paid by Pittman in 1946.
Purchased from Wayte Raymond on May 14, 1946 for $2.25; from David Akers Numismatics' sale of the Pittman Collection, Part II, May 1998, Lot 1496 at $18,700.
STARTING BID: $12,000.00
CURRENT BID: $15,500.00
************************************************************************************************************************
1836 Reeded Edge. Proof-64 (NGC).
A lovely Proof example, one of fewer than 20 known, of the first year combining the Capped Bust design with small diameter and reeded edge, dies by Christian Gobrecht. The obverse and reverse are a lovely heather, magenta, and blue. The details are superb, and the eye appeal follows suit.
These and related pieces were struck on a steam operated press in early November 1836, at which time some samples, probably all in Proof format, were sent from the Philadelphia Mint to the Treasury Department. After that, a small quantity of circulation strikes was produced of the same design. Beginning in 1837, the motif was struck in quantity, continuing through all of 1838 and part of 1839. Today, the 1836 is isolated as by far the rarest date of that short-lived type. Proofs come on the market only at widely spaced intervals.
NGC Census: 5; 2 finer within the Reeded Edge variety (Proof-65 finest).
STARTING BID: $24,000.00
CURRENT BID: $24,000.00
**********************************************************************************************************************
Sale ends Jan, 7, 2008
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Comments
Eliasberg or not, I'm extremely leery of MS65 bust halves these days. If they don't walk, talk, and sing to you, think twice.
The 1831 PCGS CBH has been to auction a few times in the past 12-18 months. It's sort of obvious when the same PCGS 66 shows up repeatedly as they don't grow on trees.
roadrunner
IMO gem CBHs are scarce and incredibly undervalued. I used to see a few around but lately they have been nonexistent.
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