As an aside, i underbid the PCGS AU50 2nd finest (I think) 1802 half dime to Mr. Gardner and then when he sold his set, I underbid the coin again next to Brent Pogue. Then at the Pogue auction, finally was successful bringing the tiny lovely lady home. I agree they do seem to trade on a reasonable schedule as outlined by my experience the last five years bidding on the same coin in public auction three times! I'm sure Del Loy will find a nice example to complete the silver portion of his main date and mint mark set in short course.
@GoBust said:
As an aside, i underbid the PCGS AU50 2nd finest (I think) 1802 half dime to Mr. Gardner and then when he sold his set, I underbid the coin again next to Brent Pogue. Then at the Pogue auction, finally was successful bringing the tiny lovely lady home. I agree they do seem to trade on a reasonable schedule as outlined by my experience the last five years bidding on the same coin in public auction three times!
The frequent turnover of that particular coin was more of a fluke. Gardner and Pogue both planned to hold the coin forever. As, I presume, do you.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I'm sure Del Loy will find a nice example to complete the silver portion of his main date and mint mark set in short course.
Technically, the 1802 will not complete the silver portion. He will still need the 1870-S Half Dime, 1873-CC NA Dime, 1827 Quarter, to name a few. If you are talking the registery set, then I agree.
New Upgrade to D.L. Hansen CS Complete US Set. (1792-1964)
Another amazing week for upgrades. Hansen made a massive update with 44 swaps, from an 1800 Red-Brown 1/0 half cent to an 1874-CC MS62 3/0 Liberty Double Eagle. There were five PCGS 1/0 in the replaced coins, and 13 tied for finest. In addition, there were 15 CACs. The coins for discussion are replacements in his Seated Half Dollar set. These upgrades improve his Liberty Seated (1839-1891) - The Number One Finest Set of All Time. He replaced his 1861-O MS64 PCGS POP 33/15 with an 1861-O MS66 4/1 CAC; he replaced his 1876-CC MS64 18/20, with an 1876-CC MS65+ 4/6 CAC; and lastly, he replaced his 1870-CC AU53 5/6 with 1870-CC MS64 POP 1/0.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS POP 1/0
Hansen’s new specimen 1870-CC half dollar is the finest known. This coin has a strong pedigree starting with Reed Hawn and ending with Battle Born. The last auction appearance was in the Stacks Bowers August 2011 Chicago ANA. The coin was a MS62 (NGC). The coin sold for a still standing record price of $172,500. I am not sure how this coin was acquired by Hansen, but assume at the Philadelphia ANA.
In the last auction appearance, Stack's Bowers describe the coin as: An extraordinary condition rarity for the specialist who demands quality. The toning is a rich array of rose-gold to the center with a broad frame of blue through the stars and legends on the reverse. The colors are reasonably vibrant when examined under a light and remarkably handsome when admiring the surfaces. Faint hairlines are present in the fields and there is a dull broken mark on Liberty's chest and neck mentioned for identification, and a tiny lintmark just above her ankle in the dress folds
At the 2011 sale, this specimen MS62 (NGC) and the Anderson-DuPont-Gardner MS62 (PCGS) were tied for the finest. Since 2011, this specimen ended up in a MS64 (PCGS) holder and the other specimen has not changed. PCGS Price Guide Value is $300,000.
Provenance: From the Dick Osburn Collection. From Stack's sale of the Anderson "DuPont" Collection, November 1954; Lot 2189; Stack's sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, August 1973, lot 248, the firm's sale of the John Glenn Halsell, Jr. Collection of U.S. Half Dollars, March 1984 and Bowers and Merena's sale of the James Bennett Pryor Collection, January 1996, lot 204 - Dick Osburn Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 1/2005:576, $126,500 - Stack's/Bowers 8/2011:7101, $172,500 - Rusty Goe - Battle Born Collection - Stack’s/Bowers 8/2012:11081, $109,250
I just sold the 1802 half dime in PCGS 55 last year. I had it on Collector's Corner for less than a week and had 2 inquiries, one of whom purchased the coin. Unfortunately Dell Loy or JB did not see it. It was from the Stellar Collection.
@Currin said: New Upgrade to D.L. Hansen CS Complete US Set. (1792-1964)
Another amazing week for upgrades. Hansen made a massive update with 44 swaps, from an 1800 Red-Brown 1/0 half cent to an 1874-CC MS62 3/0 Liberty Double Eagle. There were five PCGS 1/0 in the replaced coins, and 13 tied for finest. In addition, there were 15 CACs. The coins for discussion are replacements in his Seated Half Dollar set. These upgrades improve his Liberty Seated (1839-1891) - The Number One Finest Set of All Time. He replaced his 1861-O MS64 PCGS POP 33/15 with an 1861-O MS66 4/1 CAC; he replaced his 1876-CC MS64 18/20, with an 1876-CC MS65+ 4/6 CAC; and lastly, he replaced his 1870-CC AU53 5/6 with 1870-CC MS64 POP 1/0.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS POP 1/0
Hansen’s new specimen 1870-CC half dollar is the finest known. This coin has a strong pedigree starting with Reed Hawn and ending with Battle Born. The last auction appearance was in the Stacks Bowers August 2011 Chicago ANA. The coin was a MS62 (NGC). The coin sold for a still standing record price of $172,500. I am not sure how this coin was acquired by Hansen, but assume at the Philadelphia ANA.
In the last auction appearance, Stack's Bowers describe the coin as: An extraordinary condition rarity for the specialist who demands quality. The toning is a rich array of rose-gold to the center with a broad frame of blue through the stars and legends on the reverse. The colors are reasonably vibrant when examined under a light and remarkably handsome when admiring the surfaces. Faint hairlines are present in the fields and there is a dull broken mark on Liberty's chest and neck mentioned for identification, and a tiny lintmark just above her ankle in the dress folds
At the 2011 sale, this specimen MS62 (NGC) and the Anderson-DuPont-Gardner MS62 (PCGS) were tied for the finest. Since 2011, this specimen ended up in a MS64 (PCGS) holder and the other specimen has not changed. PCGS Price Guide Value is $300,000.
Provenance: From the Dick Osburn Collection. From Stack's sale of the Anderson "DuPont" Collection, November 1954; Lot 2189; Stack's sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, August 1973, lot 248, the firm's sale of the John Glenn Halsell, Jr. Collection of U.S. Half Dollars, March 1984 and Bowers and Merena's sale of the James Bennett Pryor Collection, January 1996, lot 204 - Dick Osburn Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 1/2005:576, $126,500 - Stack's/Bowers 8/2011:7101, $172,500 - Rusty Goe - Battle Born Collection - Stack’s/Bowers 8/2012:11081, $109,250
If you like early silver, you should like this new coin. It is an upgrade to the basic sets, and it is an addition to the major variety sets. We have not conversed much about Hansen’s progress with major varieties. With this addition, he is a little less than 70 coins from completion. You may have seen that his Major Variety Set is frozen because of incorrect status of retired. It seems to be taking some time for the PCGS registry team to fix. His progress after the ANA may be more, but until the set is fixed, we will not know for sure. The new addition is the 1804 10C JR-2 “14 Stars Reverse” AU58 specimen that replaces the 1804 10C “13 Stars Reverse” VF30 in the basic set. It is a very nice old silver coin which I think you will agree. Hit the button if you think so.
This new addition has a strong pedigree that can trace back more than 100 years. For over a century, this coin was considered the finest 1804 10C in all varieties. A few years ago a mint state was discovered. That specimen is at the moment in a MS63 NGC holder. Some of the former owners of Hansen’s AU58 are Clapp, Eliasberg, and Pogue. This coin holds the auction record for 1804 10C: $632,500 as NGC AU58 CAC sold 2008 by Heritage Auctions. At that time, Heritage advertised the coin as Perhaps the Finest 1804 Dime, JR-2, AU58. A pretty convincing story can be made that the discovery of the mint state impacted this specimen very harshly.
Hansen’s purchased this coin in Heritage August 2018 ANA, Rarities Night sale. The Lot Description was: The "Forgotten" Eliasberg 1804 14-Star Reverse Dime, Finest Certified by PCGS. The long description: The rarer of the two varieties of this equally rare date, long acclaimed as "unknown in Mint State," though the quality of this specimen and a recently discovered example challenge that assertion. The obverse shows strong luster and intact cartwheel, while the reverse is frosty and more subtly lustrous. Overall gold surfaces exhibit deep amber with traces of violet and blue clinging to the obverse border. The reverse transitions from silver-gray in the northwest quadrant to deep amber and gold in the southwest. The left periphery of both sides is a bit softly struck, as always seen on examples of this die marriage, suggesting axial misalignment of the dies, but the centers are well detailed. The surfaces are virtually free of marks and choice…. While this piece, in our estimate, is accurately graded, the visual appeal is superb and its desirability cannot be topped.
Hansen paid $252,000 which is significant less than $632,500 realized in 2008, ten years ago. Also, in 2015, the coin sold at auction for $329K. PCGS values the coin at $325K, so I guess it could be said that Hansen got a steal. Or maybe you can say that he rescued a falling star. I have included the new discovered mint state. Do you like the coin without the rub better?
Provenance: S.H. Chapman “David S. Wilson Collection” 3/1907:694 - John M. Clapp Collection - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, found by his son, Richard Eliasberg, circa 2004-2005 in a box full of junk coins - Heritage 1/2007:861, $161,000 - Ed Price Collection - Heritage 7/2008:1443, $632,500 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack’s/Bowers/Sotheby’s 5/2015:1046, $329,000 - Kagin’s
@MANOFCOINS said:
Just noticed a couple upgrades to his Washington qtr set 1958-p ms67+ and 1963-p ms67+ pop(2)/0. I was the underbidder on the 63-p at a recent HA. My problem unlike his I could not afford all the coins I wanted so I dropped out at 7+k.
I think Mr. Hansen, TPGS's, and the Registry sets have been great for the coin business. A pursuit for the best available is a strong and admirable human trait. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. It's too bad that most of us had no idea in the 1960's what the future would bring. In the meantime, I'm going to check out the local dealer's "melt" bucket for some "gems."
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
The updates to the proof collection were made today. Just for the basic proofs, there were 28 new specimens added and 13 upgrades. Some of the highlights are the 1866 “Motto” half dollar is MS67DC. If you are a Washington quarter guy, you will love the 1959 PR69DC. A group early proof Liberty Seated quarters: 1835 PR66CA, 1846 PR65, 1867 PR67CA, and 1869 PR66+CA. All are finest for their dates. In all, there were 24 proof quarters that were either added or updated.
The Major Varieties set included some interesting changes too. A new 1921 PR63 CAC Chapman was added. Also, Hansen upgraded his Zerbe MS64 specimen with a MS65. If you are a proof Matte gold connoisseur, you will like the new 1908 Motto Matte ten dollar specimen.
1866 50C Motto, DC PR67DC Cert 05951019 PCGS POP1/0 – Replaces 1866 Motto PR66+ CA POP 1/3
This ex. Eugene H. Gardner specimen was sold in the Heritage 2018 August 14 - 19 ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Auction in Philadelphia. I will assume that John Bush was the high bidder on this coin. The specimen realized $102,000 with a current PCGS value of $95K. The coin presently does not carry a CAC sticker and I don’t know if it qualifies for one. It is described as a Singular Deep Cameo Representative. Heritage description for the specimen: This delightful Superb Gem is an exquisite first-year Motto proof that makes even the most seasoned numismatist take notice -- a one-of-a-kind beauty. The technical preservation is exceeded only by the coin's undeniable visual appeal. Carefully preserved surfaces are immaculate both to the unaided eye and when viewed under magnification. The fields shine beautifully through a thin veil of blue-green and violet patina with small pockets of gold-orange color around the rims, while the richly frosted, needle-sharp devices remain silver-white. This PR67 Deep Cameo is the sole example in this contrast level at PCGS, and only one other PR67 Cameo is a match for the numeric grade.
The coin has appeared in two previous Heritage sales. In Gardner 2015 auction, the coin realized $56,400. Mr. Gardner purchased the coin in a 2007 Heritage auction where he paid $80,500.
Provenance: ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1694; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III (Heritage, 5/2015), lot 98507. From The Jim O'Neal Collection of Proof Type Half Dollars
The big story to tell is the updates to the early proofs. I consider early proofs (1817 to 1857) as very interesting and difficult coins to collect. If you have a short attention span but is interested to learn more about these coins, this article by Jeff Garrett posted 2/28/2013 is very informative and short in length. https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/3212/US-proof-coins/
Hansen added five silver coins that are considered early proofs to his collection. Four of the five are PCGS POP 1/0 and the fifth is a POP 1/1. All of them have a story to tell. I am not sure how many stories that I can post in the next few days, so some you many will have to look up, if you want to know more.
This is the list of the five.
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 Cert 35488068 PCGS POP 1/0
Garrett 1835 25C, CA PR66CA Cert 06724344 PCGS POP 1/0
Eliasberg 1846 25C PR65 Cert 35488077 PCGS POP 1/0
Legend Auction 1847 25C PR66 Cert 35137064 PCGS POP 1/0
Gardner 1839 50C No Drapery PR64 Cert 25645097 PCGS POP 1/1
If Hansen continues to pursuit collecting the early proofs, this is just a sample of more to come. I think it great that these jewels are not hidden away in unknown collections. Coins as these with their history, deserves to be enjoyed by the collecting community. I hope these old proofs are place on display in the near future.
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 Cert 35488068 PCGS POP 1/0
All these coins deserved their own discussion. I must start somewhere, so I will start with the smallest one first, the unappreciated half dime. It is hard not to appreciate this little guy. Relatively speaking referring to the Hansen collection, this is not an expensive coin, but it is special. From what I can determine, there has never been a certified PGCS 1850 proof offered by auction until the Legend Auction on 7/26/2018. To get a feel how unappreciated this coin is, the lot was passed (Did not sell). There have been a handful of auctions where the 1850 H10C proof sold in NGC holders. In the Legend auction, this information was offered. This coin (NGC) sold for $33,000 in the October 1997 sale of the John Pittman Collection. He bought it in 1952 from David Bullowa. More recently as an NGC PR65, it sold for $57,500 as part of the Kaufman Collection of Early Proofs in the 2008 FUN auction. A different NGC PR65 sold in January 2009 for the same $57,500. This is an EXTREMELY RARE opportunity to acquire a very important early Proof half dime rarity.
Sometime since the passing on this specimen in the 7/26 auction, John B was able to obtain it privately. We do not know the sale price, but PCGS values the coin at $30K. Legend estimated the coin should realize $45,000.00 - $48,000. This rare specimen has a rich history and appeal. In the Legend Auction the coin was describe: This is a remarkably RARE and of GEM quality coin! Boasting a classic look, as well as a classic pedigree, this 1850 Proof half dime has an incredibly awesome and original look! Both sides are have a bold flashy look to the fields. The sharply struck devices really do stand out with razor sharp definition. Shades of blue, teal, green, slate, and gold glow when rotated in a light. Both sides show heavy die polish lines are visible, showing the care taken to prepare the dies prior to striking the 7-10 Proofs. The present coin is among the FINEST known, of four graded by both services and it is quite possible that this one is also graded by NGC.
This coin was recently crossed from MS65 NGC holder to the present PCGS PR64. Prior to the crossover, there was not a PCGS 1850 proof specimen. I cannot tell for sure, there could have been one many years ago, but not one that I can find recently. To get this coin in a PCGS holder, the coin lost one point in grade. That may not be a big deal for this coin. The mint number of the 1850 proof is said to be 10. Heritage’s roster identifies five, with only 3-4 certified or verified. There have been four over the years by both TPGs, some could be duplicates. In all previous Heritage actions, this specimen is listed finer over the other known Brand- Goldberg MS65 NGC specimen. I cannot find any reference that Eliasberg ever owned a specimen of the 1850 H10C proof.
Provenance: David Bullowa (5/1952); John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 10/1997), lot 484; Phil Kaufman Collection Part Two / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2008), lot 3033; ANA Signature (Heritage, 2/2014), lot 3801
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 - Among the Most Elusive Early Proof Issues
The 1850 V-2 proof half dime above is pretty cool.
It is the only V-2 proof which has sold at auction in the last 8 years or so,
and only 2 proof 1850 half dimes have sold at auction in the last 8 years (the other one is a V-1 PR-62, Heritage 2015).
Here are a few more details on this particular coin's price history:
PR-65 2017-11 ebay NGC 2073551-003 seller: rarecoinwholesalersca
PR-65 2015-10 Heritage $22,325 NGC 1898957-014 Gardner
PR-65 2014-2 Heritage $35,250 NGC 1898957-014
PR-65 2008-1 Heritage $57,500 NGC 1898957-014 Kaufman
PR-63 1997-10 David Akers $33,000 Pittman
1952-5 David Bullowa https://web.stanford.edu/~clint/hdag/index.htm
However, at least 5 different proof 1850 half dimes have sold at auction, if we look back to 1995 and earlier.
Great early proof upgrades by Hansen. I think we are privileged as collectors to see all of these rare pieces in one registry set. I appreciate the way he is collecting his set. Truly the greatest collector of our time, closing in on history.
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
Jersey Cat - How can you call Dell Loy Hansen the Greatest Collector of our Time ??????
The man has only been collecting coins for two (2) years
We cannot sell him short. Right now he is one of the "greatest buyers" of coins in or time. Eventually, he just may be thought of as the "greatest collector" in or time.
Insider 2 - I can agree with your statement “ one of the greatest buyers of coins in our time
I can also state Laura Sperber was/ is one of the greatest buyers of coins
We can’t forget Brent Pogue
And earlier John J Pittman aka the Statue of Liberty
I will agree Mr. Hanson has spent more money than anyone has ever spent on coins
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
Insider 2 - I can agree with your statement “ one of the greatest buyers of coins in our time
I can also state Laura Sperber was/ is one of the greatest buyers of coins
We can’t forget Brent Pogue
And earlier John J Pittman aka the Statue of Liberty
I will agree Mr. Hanson has spent more money than anyone has ever spent on coins
I see all these OG’s getting the man’s name spelled incorrectly...I know some real Vikings that don’t like that...it’s SON or SEN but it can NEVER be both...it’s Hansen fellas, that’s all
@specialist said:
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
Actually Brad never had an 1804 dollar. His Redbook "date set" did not include an 1804 dollar, most Bust material or early copper coins. His gold set was nearly complete though. No 1913 nickel, or 1854-S $5, but he did have just about every other cool coin, including 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, 1927-D $20, 1885 Trade dollar, 1894-S dime, and so on.
John Feigenbaum Whitman Brands: President/CEO (www.greysheet.com; www.whitman.com) PNG: Executive Director (www.pngdealers.org)
I was told Leons 1804 $1 actually was Brads. He is a huge unknown.
I'd say Simspon and Tyrannt are the biggest buyers ever. Many people don't know about all the $5 million plus items Simpson has. All the big seceret deals we did. A tyrannt has the King Of Siam set. Tyrannt has been around for many years so his buying was spread out.
Again, take nothing away from Delloy. he clearly is in their league.
And Bruce isn't one the greatest collectors? He can tell you every detail as a numismatist, and he never ever backs down from a coins he must have. Even though his collections are smaller, what about Blay? Blay has the ONLY collection that if it was for sale I'd bid sighUNSEEN on every coin. I just made it a point to buy every coin I could out of his collection recently-for top dollar!
To me this thread is hurtful. It is not undeserving to Delloy, but I cringe every time I see him called the greatest collector ever. What I have done with Simpson actually dwarfs him. Simpsons Patterns alone are worth $100 million plus. He has so many other cool coins I forget I sold him. In his collection, and 1885 TD is an after thought.
I just wish when you guys celebrate Delloy, just ooh and ah him. Don't use the title greatest ever-he is one of the greatest for sure not the ......The late Gene Gardner probably is rolling in his grave and Mrs Norweb doing the same, while the Pittman heirs are still laughing about ever working again w/their 1997 $30 Million.....
@Zoins said:
Why do we have a Hansen Watch, but not a Simpson Watch or a Blay Watch? What makes Hansen different in this regard?
I think there was a Bay Watch once, but that was something else. I think the difference with Hansen is that he updates his registry sets frequently, so we can see what he's doing. Not so with some of the other big collectors of this era.
@specialist said:
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
Actually Brad never had an 1804 dollar. His Redbook "date set" did not include an 1804 dollar, most Bust material or early copper coins. His gold set was nearly complete though. No 1913 nickel, or 1854-S $5, but he did have just about every other cool coin, including 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, 1927-D $20, 1885 Trade dollar, 1894-S dime, and so on.
what happened to Brad Hirst's collection? I assumed it was auctioned ?
@specialist said:
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
Actually Brad never had an 1804 dollar. His Redbook "date set" did not include an 1804 dollar, most Bust material or early copper coins. His gold set was nearly complete though. No 1913 nickel, or 1854-S $5, but he did have just about every other cool coin, including 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, 1927-D $20, 1885 Trade dollar, 1894-S dime, and so on.
what happened to Brad Hirst's collection? I assumed it was auctioned ?
DLRC auctioned it in 2004-5 under the name "Richmond Collection". Brad was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana.
John Feigenbaum Whitman Brands: President/CEO (www.greysheet.com; www.whitman.com) PNG: Executive Director (www.pngdealers.org)
@Zoins said:
Why do we have a Hansen Watch, but not a Simpson Watch or a Blay Watch? What makes Hansen different in this regard?
I think there was a Bay Watch once, but that was something else. I think the difference with Hansen is that he updates his registry sets frequently, so we can see what he's doing. Not so with some of the other big collectors of this era.
There is something to be said about making set building a spectator sport. I wonder if other major collectors will adopt this approach.
@specialist said:
No, serious collectors really want privacy so they don't get taken advantage of. Even with a good dealer, every thing bad comes at you if your public.
2 of my biggest customers are private-no registries nothing. They don't collect for fame. This has helped us buy coins with no spankings.
Do you consider Hansen not serious?
Blay and Simpson have registry sets. Are they less serious?
Or is it that some serious collectors really want privacy and other serious collectors are more public?
@specialist said:
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
Actually Brad never had an 1804 dollar. His Redbook "date set" did not include an 1804 dollar, most Bust material or early copper coins. His gold set was nearly complete though. No 1913 nickel, or 1854-S $5, but he did have just about every other cool coin, including 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, 1927-D $20, 1885 Trade dollar, 1894-S dime, and so on.
what happened to Brad Hirst's collection? I assumed it was auctioned ?
DLRC auctioned it in 2004-5 under the name "Richmond Collection". Brad was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana.
@tradedollarnut said:
I’m a serious collector and I’m more public. I’ve learned to open my sets when I need the last few coins
I really appreciate the serious collectors that are more public and post online like yourself. I've learned a lot and think beign more public is great for the hobby.
Bruce you sure have been public but seems to work well for you. Your date set of early silver dollars really remains other worldly. Amazing to have such prestige is such a small number of coins. It's almost the perfect statement on quality and rarity. Although when you upgrade your 1804 to the Pogue MS68 Keep me in mind for the dupe.
Honestly, I don’t think there’s an upgrade to my coin. The 68 has turned a bit, the Eliasberg coin is a bit circy and the King of Siam coin has a scratched out spot on the obverse
Great coins are almost never cheap
When the finest 1935 Lincoln Cent brings $ 35,000 in auction
When the finest common date V nickel in proof brings $ 80, 000 in auction
Mr. Hansen must be careful
He is a total Registry Set collector
Unlike a Simpson or, a Tyrant
Public, private, does not matter. A person's choice, who cares! Most collectors do not need the quantity of coins that DLH does and want to be offered coins that go with what they are collecting.
This "Hansen Watch" works because DLH is buying so many coins, as fast as he and JB can find them.
Coincidentally, Stewart mentioned two coins. I bought both of them. Were they too much? Who knows?
The Lincoln had the best eye appeal that I have ever seen on a Lincoln. The Nickel was the ONLY 68 DCAM/CAC.
There are NOT even some over graded non CAC examples. That is hard to fathom after 30 years of grading and over grading.
it rarely happens. Also this coin allowed me to finally beat the number one set of the last 15 years. That also never or rarely happens. Tell me another set that is still active for 15 years and was beat. Usually the person has to die or sell. The lower sets buy the coins and become number one. BTW, the top set I beat was not really the number one set. It has around
11 coins that are not CAC.
Stewart, sell me beautiful coins!
If I paid too much at least I am aware of it. Most people building top sets don't care if they pay the price within reason.
Does 10K or 20K matter if they want certain coins? No. I learned over time to pay up but NOT go crazy.
Sure on occasion, (rarely now) I pay way too much.
A great example was in the last HA sale. I have the number one Proof Morgan set. All CAC of course. A Pop 1, CAC with none equal or finer appeared. That almost never happens. 1881 PR67 DCAM. I wanted it! A must have. Nope! Someone choose to pay over 100K for it.
Too high, even for me. Rare, very nice, but so what. I passed. 75K was a stretch.
Oddly enough I spent time at the Witter Booth at ANA. The buyer of this coin came by and showed it to us.
He is not even a Morgan Collector!
I think even DLH is passing and not paying the price at times. Look at the 1913. Also there are coins on the DLRC site at
times that would be upgrades but the price is too high.
Yes, Simpson did take a while, but he spent more on coins every year then Delloy or anyone else had . In 2008, the $36 million pattern set was not his only purchase. Multi million dollar deals came to us quietly.
Delloy has been a huge plus in the market.. BUT from my point of view he has made a few collectors overlooked for all their hard work and what they have achieved. This hobby is bigger then one person. That is my sore spot.
I hope he completes his agenda. Most important, I hope he and JB share the auction coins with the public
@specialist said:
Yes, Simpson did take a while, but he spent more on coins every year then Delloy or anyone else had . In 2008, the $36 million pattern set was not his only purchase. Multi million dollar deals came to us quietly.
Delloy has been a huge plus in the market.. BUT from my point of view he has made a few collectors overlooked for all their hard work and what they have achieved. This hobby is bigger then one person. That is my sore spot.
I hope he completes his agenda. Most important, I hope he and JB share the auction coins with the public
What are some ways to not overlook the collectors you're thinking of?
For very private collectors with no articles, photos, posts, or registry sets, it seems like it would be hard not to overlook them due to the very privacy they seek.
For somewhat public collectors like Simpson, articles and press releases keep their collections in discussion.
For more public collectors, I like Bruce's approach of posting online along with having photos of his coins online, a website, registry sets and displays coins at shows. Early on, I believe he posted anonymously but has become ore public over time.
For Hansen, as mentioned, watching the registry works because his set is updated often.
I just think every collector in their own right is a star. In the big boy ego world, the great collections of the past and the current should not be overshadowed. Spending $150 million in 2 years is a feat (except in art and cars). But there are others who over time do are coming close very quietly, are thy not collectors of the year?
Guess in the end, w/the registry its only about the game of marketing. Makes me both angry and sad.
@specialist said:
No, serious collectors really want privacy so they don't get taken advantage of. Even with a good dealer, every thing bad comes at you if your public.
2 of my biggest customers are private-no registries nothing. They don't collect for fame. This has helped us buy coins with no spankings.
Do you consider Hansen not serious?
Blay and Simpson have registry sets. Are they less serious?
Or is it that some serious collectors really want privacy and other serious collectors are more public?
@Zoins said:
I really appreciate the serious collectors that are more public and post online like yourself. I've learned a lot and think beign more public is great for the hobby.
Oh, my...shall we get more off track? OK, IMO, being a "serious" collector has nothing to do with deep pockets & publicity.
Yet, if I were a "serious" collector by the criteria you have chosen - no one would have a clue to who I was or what I owned except for those representing me.
@specialist said:
Oh gosh, perfection is making me blush.
All I can say is, this is a guy who has really put his money where his mouth is. I would not challenge him with anything but facts-absolute PROVEN facts when it comes to anything CAC. he is not an arm chair quarterback like so many here. While all you CAC haters lose money, he has the last laugh, He recently sold off coins he bought within the last few years for a profit.
My money is on him to make a substantial profit down the road on his 5C 1910 PCGS PR68 DC CAC he just bought.
Does anyone here really think a guy like this would have spent so much on coins if there were no CAC? NO! Take him and multiply him. So when a mindless wannabe says JA has too much power-just remind your self-hey his product has real and powerful demand. I have the an up and comer called Black Cat. He learned quick. He will ONLY buy PCGS CAC (his very first time out he had a very bad experience buying out of auction).
Unfortunately for your client who is a PCGS CAC cultist he will miss a huge portion of the market to choose from and don't forget that JA doesn't care if any particular coin he beans is PCGS or NGC.
A number of posts seem to suggest if others had Hansen's kind of money, they could do what he has done. However, there are others who have Hansen's money and they have not. There are about 585 billionaries in the US and over 2200 bilionaries in the world. They have Hansen's kind of money and have not taken on the incredible challenge he has (I am sure a few have built some incredible collections but you get my point). My only point is that Hansen has put his money where his mouth is----its one thing to have that kind of money and another to actually pull the trigger.
Comments
As an aside, i underbid the PCGS AU50 2nd finest (I think) 1802 half dime to Mr. Gardner and then when he sold his set, I underbid the coin again next to Brent Pogue. Then at the Pogue auction, finally was successful bringing the tiny lovely lady home. I agree they do seem to trade on a reasonable schedule as outlined by my experience the last five years bidding on the same coin in public auction three times! I'm sure Del Loy will find a nice example to complete the silver portion of his main date and mint mark set in short course.
The frequent turnover of that particular coin was more of a fluke. Gardner and Pogue both planned to hold the coin forever. As, I presume, do you.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Technically, the 1802 will not complete the silver portion. He will still need the 1870-S Half Dime, 1873-CC NA Dime, 1827 Quarter, to name a few. If you are talking the registery set, then I agree.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
New Upgrade to D.L. Hansen CS Complete US Set. (1792-1964)
Another amazing week for upgrades. Hansen made a massive update with 44 swaps, from an 1800 Red-Brown 1/0 half cent to an 1874-CC MS62 3/0 Liberty Double Eagle. There were five PCGS 1/0 in the replaced coins, and 13 tied for finest. In addition, there were 15 CACs. The coins for discussion are replacements in his Seated Half Dollar set. These upgrades improve his Liberty Seated (1839-1891) - The Number One Finest Set of All Time. He replaced his 1861-O MS64 PCGS POP 33/15 with an 1861-O MS66 4/1 CAC; he replaced his 1876-CC MS64 18/20, with an 1876-CC MS65+ 4/6 CAC; and lastly, he replaced his 1870-CC AU53 5/6 with 1870-CC MS64 POP 1/0.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS POP 1/0
Hansen’s new specimen 1870-CC half dollar is the finest known. This coin has a strong pedigree starting with Reed Hawn and ending with Battle Born. The last auction appearance was in the Stacks Bowers August 2011 Chicago ANA. The coin was a MS62 (NGC). The coin sold for a still standing record price of $172,500. I am not sure how this coin was acquired by Hansen, but assume at the Philadelphia ANA.
In the last auction appearance, Stack's Bowers describe the coin as: An extraordinary condition rarity for the specialist who demands quality. The toning is a rich array of rose-gold to the center with a broad frame of blue through the stars and legends on the reverse. The colors are reasonably vibrant when examined under a light and remarkably handsome when admiring the surfaces. Faint hairlines are present in the fields and there is a dull broken mark on Liberty's chest and neck mentioned for identification, and a tiny lintmark just above her ankle in the dress folds
At the 2011 sale, this specimen MS62 (NGC) and the Anderson-DuPont-Gardner MS62 (PCGS) were tied for the finest. Since 2011, this specimen ended up in a MS64 (PCGS) holder and the other specimen has not changed. PCGS Price Guide Value is $300,000.
Provenance: From the Dick Osburn Collection. From Stack's sale of the Anderson "DuPont" Collection, November 1954; Lot 2189; Stack's sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, August 1973, lot 248, the firm's sale of the John Glenn Halsell, Jr. Collection of U.S. Half Dollars, March 1984 and Bowers and Merena's sale of the James Bennett Pryor Collection, January 1996, lot 204 - Dick Osburn Collection - American Numismatic Rarities 1/2005:576, $126,500 - Stack's/Bowers 8/2011:7101, $172,500 - Rusty Goe - Battle Born Collection - Stack’s/Bowers 8/2012:11081, $109,250
1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar PCGS POP 1/0
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I just sold the 1802 half dime in PCGS 55 last year. I had it on Collector's Corner for less than a week and had 2 inquiries, one of whom purchased the coin. Unfortunately Dell Loy or JB did not see it. It was from the Stellar Collection.
Speaking of Collector's Corner, the Pittman 1802 half dime (AU-50 NGC; was PCGS EF-45 in the 1997 Pittman sale) is for sale there right now for $375k.
http://www.collectorscorner.com/Products/Item.aspx?id=28036016
Holy crap! What a coin!
How can I see a picture of the coin that was replaced? I am curious to see the 1876-CC 50c in MS64.
There is not a picture for this coin online or PCGS registry that I can find. The PCGS cert # is 83799345.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
New Major Variety Addition
If you like early silver, you should like this new coin. It is an upgrade to the basic sets, and it is an addition to the major variety sets. We have not conversed much about Hansen’s progress with major varieties. With this addition, he is a little less than 70 coins from completion. You may have seen that his Major Variety Set is frozen because of incorrect status of retired. It seems to be taking some time for the PCGS registry team to fix. His progress after the ANA may be more, but until the set is fixed, we will not know for sure. The new addition is the 1804 10C JR-2 “14 Stars Reverse” AU58 specimen that replaces the 1804 10C “13 Stars Reverse” VF30 in the basic set. It is a very nice old silver coin which I think you will agree. Hit the button if you think so.
1804 10C JR-2 14 Stars Reverse AU58 CAC Cert 06936157 PCGS POP 1/0
This new addition has a strong pedigree that can trace back more than 100 years. For over a century, this coin was considered the finest 1804 10C in all varieties. A few years ago a mint state was discovered. That specimen is at the moment in a MS63 NGC holder. Some of the former owners of Hansen’s AU58 are Clapp, Eliasberg, and Pogue. This coin holds the auction record for 1804 10C: $632,500 as NGC AU58 CAC sold 2008 by Heritage Auctions. At that time, Heritage advertised the coin as Perhaps the Finest 1804 Dime, JR-2, AU58. A pretty convincing story can be made that the discovery of the mint state impacted this specimen very harshly.
Hansen’s purchased this coin in Heritage August 2018 ANA, Rarities Night sale. The Lot Description was: The "Forgotten" Eliasberg 1804 14-Star Reverse Dime, Finest Certified by PCGS. The long description: The rarer of the two varieties of this equally rare date, long acclaimed as "unknown in Mint State," though the quality of this specimen and a recently discovered example challenge that assertion. The obverse shows strong luster and intact cartwheel, while the reverse is frosty and more subtly lustrous. Overall gold surfaces exhibit deep amber with traces of violet and blue clinging to the obverse border. The reverse transitions from silver-gray in the northwest quadrant to deep amber and gold in the southwest. The left periphery of both sides is a bit softly struck, as always seen on examples of this die marriage, suggesting axial misalignment of the dies, but the centers are well detailed. The surfaces are virtually free of marks and choice…. While this piece, in our estimate, is accurately graded, the visual appeal is superb and its desirability cannot be topped.
Hansen paid $252,000 which is significant less than $632,500 realized in 2008, ten years ago. Also, in 2015, the coin sold at auction for $329K. PCGS values the coin at $325K, so I guess it could be said that Hansen got a steal. Or maybe you can say that he rescued a falling star. I have included the new discovered mint state. Do you like the coin without the rub better?
Provenance: S.H. Chapman “David S. Wilson Collection” 3/1907:694 - John M. Clapp Collection - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, found by his son, Richard Eliasberg, circa 2004-2005 in a box full of junk coins - Heritage 1/2007:861, $161,000 - Ed Price Collection - Heritage 7/2008:1443, $632,500 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack’s/Bowers/Sotheby’s 5/2015:1046, $329,000 - Kagin’s
Clapp-Eliasberg-Pogue 1804 10C 14 Stars Reverse AU58 CAC
1804 JR-2 14 Stars Reverse Dime, MS63 - Finer Than the Price-Eliasberg or Stack Coins
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Great coin. One of my favorite early dimes! A great addition to the set!
Sunshine Rare Coins
sunshinecoins.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
I think Mr. Hansen, TPGS's, and the Registry sets have been great for the coin business. A pursuit for the best available is a strong and admirable human trait. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. It's too bad that most of us had no idea in the 1960's what the future would bring.
In the meantime, I'm going to check out the local dealer's "melt" bucket for some "gems." 
Mr Hansen is not the only one to attempt to do a Eliasberg type of set. In fact I believe an early DLRC customer-Brad Hirst (also a huge customer of the late Leon Hendrickson, DID do a complete set of every coin in the red book. He did have an 1804 $1 at one point. He just did quietly. The Registry was not around when he did it. That had dealers scrambling and earning business when he wanted to get it done
Proof Updates
The updates to the proof collection were made today. Just for the basic proofs, there were 28 new specimens added and 13 upgrades. Some of the highlights are the 1866 “Motto” half dollar is MS67DC. If you are a Washington quarter guy, you will love the 1959 PR69DC. A group early proof Liberty Seated quarters: 1835 PR66CA, 1846 PR65, 1867 PR67CA, and 1869 PR66+CA. All are finest for their dates. In all, there were 24 proof quarters that were either added or updated.
The Major Varieties set included some interesting changes too. A new 1921 PR63 CAC Chapman was added. Also, Hansen upgraded his Zerbe MS64 specimen with a MS65. If you are a proof Matte gold connoisseur, you will like the new 1908 Motto Matte ten dollar specimen.
1866 50C Motto, DC PR67DC Cert 05951019 PCGS POP1/0 – Replaces 1866 Motto PR66+ CA POP 1/3
This ex. Eugene H. Gardner specimen was sold in the Heritage 2018 August 14 - 19 ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Auction in Philadelphia. I will assume that John Bush was the high bidder on this coin. The specimen realized $102,000 with a current PCGS value of $95K. The coin presently does not carry a CAC sticker and I don’t know if it qualifies for one. It is described as a Singular Deep Cameo Representative. Heritage description for the specimen: This delightful Superb Gem is an exquisite first-year Motto proof that makes even the most seasoned numismatist take notice -- a one-of-a-kind beauty. The technical preservation is exceeded only by the coin's undeniable visual appeal. Carefully preserved surfaces are immaculate both to the unaided eye and when viewed under magnification. The fields shine beautifully through a thin veil of blue-green and violet patina with small pockets of gold-orange color around the rims, while the richly frosted, needle-sharp devices remain silver-white. This PR67 Deep Cameo is the sole example in this contrast level at PCGS, and only one other PR67 Cameo is a match for the numeric grade.
The coin has appeared in two previous Heritage sales. In Gardner 2015 auction, the coin realized $56,400. Mr. Gardner purchased the coin in a 2007 Heritage auction where he paid $80,500.
Provenance: ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1694; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III (Heritage, 5/2015), lot 98507. From The Jim O'Neal Collection of Proof Type Half Dollars
Gardner 1866 50C Motto, DC PR67DC
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Proof Updates – Episode 2
The big story to tell is the updates to the early proofs. I consider early proofs (1817 to 1857) as very interesting and difficult coins to collect. If you have a short attention span but is interested to learn more about these coins, this article by Jeff Garrett posted 2/28/2013 is very informative and short in length. https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/3212/US-proof-coins/
Hansen added five silver coins that are considered early proofs to his collection. Four of the five are PCGS POP 1/0 and the fifth is a POP 1/1. All of them have a story to tell. I am not sure how many stories that I can post in the next few days, so some you many will have to look up, if you want to know more.
This is the list of the five.
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 Cert 35488068 PCGS POP 1/0
Garrett 1835 25C, CA PR66CA Cert 06724344 PCGS POP 1/0
Eliasberg 1846 25C PR65 Cert 35488077 PCGS POP 1/0
Legend Auction 1847 25C PR66 Cert 35137064 PCGS POP 1/0
Gardner 1839 50C No Drapery PR64 Cert 25645097 PCGS POP 1/1
If Hansen continues to pursuit collecting the early proofs, this is just a sample of more to come. I think it great that these jewels are not hidden away in unknown collections. Coins as these with their history, deserves to be enjoyed by the collecting community. I hope these old proofs are place on display in the near future.
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 Cert 35488068 PCGS POP 1/0
All these coins deserved their own discussion. I must start somewhere, so I will start with the smallest one first, the unappreciated half dime. It is hard not to appreciate this little guy. Relatively speaking referring to the Hansen collection, this is not an expensive coin, but it is special. From what I can determine, there has never been a certified PGCS 1850 proof offered by auction until the Legend Auction on 7/26/2018. To get a feel how unappreciated this coin is, the lot was passed (Did not sell). There have been a handful of auctions where the 1850 H10C proof sold in NGC holders. In the Legend auction, this information was offered. This coin (NGC) sold for $33,000 in the October 1997 sale of the John Pittman Collection. He bought it in 1952 from David Bullowa. More recently as an NGC PR65, it sold for $57,500 as part of the Kaufman Collection of Early Proofs in the 2008 FUN auction. A different NGC PR65 sold in January 2009 for the same $57,500. This is an EXTREMELY RARE opportunity to acquire a very important early Proof half dime rarity.
Sometime since the passing on this specimen in the 7/26 auction, John B was able to obtain it privately. We do not know the sale price, but PCGS values the coin at $30K. Legend estimated the coin should realize $45,000.00 - $48,000. This rare specimen has a rich history and appeal. In the Legend Auction the coin was describe: This is a remarkably RARE and of GEM quality coin! Boasting a classic look, as well as a classic pedigree, this 1850 Proof half dime has an incredibly awesome and original look! Both sides are have a bold flashy look to the fields. The sharply struck devices really do stand out with razor sharp definition. Shades of blue, teal, green, slate, and gold glow when rotated in a light. Both sides show heavy die polish lines are visible, showing the care taken to prepare the dies prior to striking the 7-10 Proofs. The present coin is among the FINEST known, of four graded by both services and it is quite possible that this one is also graded by NGC.
This coin was recently crossed from MS65 NGC holder to the present PCGS PR64. Prior to the crossover, there was not a PCGS 1850 proof specimen. I cannot tell for sure, there could have been one many years ago, but not one that I can find recently. To get this coin in a PCGS holder, the coin lost one point in grade. That may not be a big deal for this coin. The mint number of the 1850 proof is said to be 10. Heritage’s roster identifies five, with only 3-4 certified or verified. There have been four over the years by both TPGs, some could be duplicates. In all previous Heritage actions, this specimen is listed finer over the other known Brand- Goldberg MS65 NGC specimen. I cannot find any reference that Eliasberg ever owned a specimen of the 1850 H10C proof.
Provenance: David Bullowa (5/1952); John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 10/1997), lot 484; Phil Kaufman Collection Part Two / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2008), lot 3033; ANA Signature (Heritage, 2/2014), lot 3801
Pittman 1850 H10C PR64 - Among the Most Elusive Early Proof Issues
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 1850 V-2 proof half dime above is pretty cool.
It is the only V-2 proof which has sold at auction in the last 8 years or so,
and only 2 proof 1850 half dimes have sold at auction in the last 8 years (the other one is a V-1 PR-62, Heritage 2015).
I agree that Eliasberg did not have an 1850 proof half dime.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12059154#Comment_12059154
Here are a few more details on this particular coin's price history:
PR-65 2017-11 ebay NGC 2073551-003 seller: rarecoinwholesalersca
PR-65 2015-10 Heritage $22,325 NGC 1898957-014 Gardner
PR-65 2014-2 Heritage $35,250 NGC 1898957-014
PR-65 2008-1 Heritage $57,500 NGC 1898957-014 Kaufman
PR-63 1997-10 David Akers $33,000 Pittman
1952-5 David Bullowa
https://web.stanford.edu/~clint/hdag/index.htm
However, at least 5 different proof 1850 half dimes have sold at auction, if we look back to 1995 and earlier.
Great early proof upgrades by Hansen. I think we are privileged as collectors to see all of these rare pieces in one registry set. I appreciate the way he is collecting his set. Truly the greatest collector of our time, closing in on history.
Jersey Cat - How can you call Dell Loy Hansen the Greatest Collector of our Time ??????
The man has only been collecting coins for two (2) years
We cannot sell him short. Right now he is one of the "greatest buyers" of coins in or time. Eventually, he just may be thought of as the "greatest collector" in or time.
Insider 2 - I can agree with your statement “ one of the greatest buyers of coins in our time
I will agree Mr. Hanson has spent more money than anyone has ever spent on coins
I’m not so certain about that. Possibly...
TDN, of course you are included. In my post, I used "ONE OF."
I see all these OG’s getting the man’s name spelled incorrectly...I know some real Vikings that don’t like that...it’s SON or SEN but it can NEVER be both...it’s Hansen fellas, that’s all
Actually Brad never had an 1804 dollar. His Redbook "date set" did not include an 1804 dollar, most Bust material or early copper coins. His gold set was nearly complete though. No 1913 nickel, or 1854-S $5, but he did have just about every other cool coin, including 1880 Coiled Hair Stella, 1927-D $20, 1885 Trade dollar, 1894-S dime, and so on.
Whitman Brands: President/CEO (www.greysheet.com; www.whitman.com)
PNG: Executive Director (www.pngdealers.org)
I’m not even close to the biggest spender. Mr Simpson, on the other hand...
I was told Leons 1804 $1 actually was Brads. He is a huge unknown.
I'd say Simspon and Tyrannt are the biggest buyers ever. Many people don't know about all the $5 million plus items Simpson has. All the big seceret deals we did. A tyrannt has the King Of Siam set. Tyrannt has been around for many years so his buying was spread out.
Again, take nothing away from Delloy. he clearly is in their league.
And Bruce isn't one the greatest collectors? He can tell you every detail as a numismatist, and he never ever backs down from a coins he must have. Even though his collections are smaller, what about Blay? Blay has the ONLY collection that if it was for sale I'd bid sighUNSEEN on every coin. I just made it a point to buy every coin I could out of his collection recently-for top dollar!
To me this thread is hurtful. It is not undeserving to Delloy, but I cringe every time I see him called the greatest collector ever. What I have done with Simpson actually dwarfs him. Simpsons Patterns alone are worth $100 million plus. He has so many other cool coins I forget I sold him. In his collection, and 1885 TD is an after thought.
I just wish when you guys celebrate Delloy, just ooh and ah him. Don't use the title greatest ever-he is one of the greatest for sure not the ......The late Gene Gardner probably is rolling in his grave and Mrs Norweb doing the same, while the Pittman heirs are still laughing about ever working again w/their 1997 $30 Million.....
Perhaps when Mr. Hansen has spent $ 1,000,000,000 on his collection.....
He could be considered in a league of his own
This will still take years
Why do we have a Hansen Watch, but not a Simpson Watch or a Blay Watch? What makes Hansen different in this regard?
I think there was a Bay Watch once, but that was something else. I think the difference with Hansen is that he updates his registry sets frequently, so we can see what he's doing. Not so with some of the other big collectors of this era.
what happened to Brad Hirst's collection? I assumed it was auctioned ?
DLRC auctioned it in 2004-5 under the name "Richmond Collection". Brad was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana.
Whitman Brands: President/CEO (www.greysheet.com; www.whitman.com)
PNG: Executive Director (www.pngdealers.org)
There is something to be said about making set building a spectator sport. I wonder if other major collectors will adopt this approach.
No, serious collectors really want privacy so they don't get taken advantage of. Even with a good dealer, every thing bad comes at you if your public.
2 of my biggest customers are private-no registries nothing. They don't collect for fame. This has helped us buy coins with no spankings.
Do you consider Hansen not serious?
Blay and Simpson have registry sets. Are they less serious?
Or is it that some serious collectors really want privacy and other serious collectors are more public?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I’m a serious collector and I’m more public. I’ve learned to open my sets when I need the last few coins
I really appreciate the serious collectors that are more public and post online like yourself. I've learned a lot and think beign more public is great for the hobby.
Bruce you sure have been public but seems to work well for you. Your date set of early silver dollars really remains other worldly. Amazing to have such prestige is such a small number of coins. It's almost the perfect statement on quality and rarity. Although when you upgrade your 1804 to the Pogue MS68 Keep me in mind for the dupe.
Honestly, I don’t think there’s an upgrade to my coin. The 68 has turned a bit, the Eliasberg coin is a bit circy and the King of Siam coin has a scratched out spot on the obverse
Great coins are almost never cheap
When the finest 1935 Lincoln Cent brings $ 35,000 in auction
When the finest common date V nickel in proof brings $ 80, 000 in auction
Mr. Hansen must be careful
He is a total Registry Set collector
Unlike a Simpson or, a Tyrant
Not every one is public. At some point the leeaches do come after you if you are.
I dunno, for certain people I've seen it work well not being public. It depends who you are and what you want to do
Public, private, does not matter. A person's choice, who cares! Most collectors do not need the quantity of coins that DLH does and want to be offered coins that go with what they are collecting.
This "Hansen Watch" works because DLH is buying so many coins, as fast as he and JB can find them.
Coincidentally, Stewart mentioned two coins. I bought both of them. Were they too much? Who knows?
The Lincoln had the best eye appeal that I have ever seen on a Lincoln. The Nickel was the ONLY 68 DCAM/CAC.
There are NOT even some over graded non CAC examples. That is hard to fathom after 30 years of grading and over grading.
it rarely happens. Also this coin allowed me to finally beat the number one set of the last 15 years. That also never or rarely happens. Tell me another set that is still active for 15 years and was beat. Usually the person has to die or sell. The lower sets buy the coins and become number one. BTW, the top set I beat was not really the number one set. It has around
11 coins that are not CAC.
Stewart, sell me beautiful coins!
If I paid too much at least I am aware of it. Most people building top sets don't care if they pay the price within reason.
Does 10K or 20K matter if they want certain coins? No. I learned over time to pay up but NOT go crazy.
Sure on occasion, (rarely now) I pay way too much.
A great example was in the last HA sale. I have the number one Proof Morgan set. All CAC of course. A Pop 1, CAC with none equal or finer appeared. That almost never happens. 1881 PR67 DCAM. I wanted it! A must have. Nope! Someone choose to pay over 100K for it.
Too high, even for me. Rare, very nice, but so what. I passed. 75K was a stretch.
Oddly enough I spent time at the Witter Booth at ANA. The buyer of this coin came by and showed it to us.
He is not even a Morgan Collector!
I think even DLH is passing and not paying the price at times. Look at the 1913. Also there are coins on the DLRC site at
times that would be upgrades but the price is too high.
Yes, Simpson did take a while, but he spent more on coins every year then Delloy or anyone else had . In 2008, the $36 million pattern set was not his only purchase. Multi million dollar deals came to us quietly.
Delloy has been a huge plus in the market.. BUT from my point of view he has made a few collectors overlooked for all their hard work and what they have achieved. This hobby is bigger then one person. That is my sore spot.
I hope he completes his agenda. Most important, I hope he and JB share the auction coins with the public
What are some ways to not overlook the collectors you're thinking of?
Zoins,
Good question. Hard to answer.
I just think every collector in their own right is a star. In the big boy ego world, the great collections of the past and the current should not be overshadowed. Spending $150 million in 2 years is a feat (except in art and cars). But there are others who over time do are coming close very quietly, are thy not collectors of the year?
Guess in the end, w/the registry its only about the game of marketing. Makes me both angry and sad.
Sorry for the rant.
Back to Delloys updates.
Oh, my...shall we get more off track? OK, IMO, being a "serious" collector has nothing to do with deep pockets & publicity.
Yet, if I were a "serious" collector by the criteria you have chosen - no one would have a clue to who I was or what I owned except for those representing me.
Unfortunately for your client who is a PCGS CAC cultist he will miss a huge portion of the market to choose from and don't forget that JA doesn't care if any particular coin he beans is PCGS or NGC.
A number of posts seem to suggest if others had Hansen's kind of money, they could do what he has done. However, there are others who have Hansen's money and they have not. There are about 585 billionaries in the US and over 2200 bilionaries in the world. They have Hansen's kind of money and have not taken on the incredible challenge he has (I am sure a few have built some incredible collections but you get my point). My only point is that Hansen has put his money where his mouth is----its one thing to have that kind of money and another to actually pull the trigger.