@OldIndianNutKase said:
I am amazed....and dismayed....that some of these very rare coins sell for low five figures. I do not collect dimes or half dimes so my experience in these series is non-existent. Perhaps there is not much competition in these series?
OINK
I don't know much about the dime and half dime market, but perhaps @DIMEMAN could chime in?
@Stooge said:
Impressive write-up on the 1845-O @Currin
That is an amazing dime. Would love to see the MS69 in hand.
It's 1 of 4 SL's to get the 69 grade in all denoms. I believe.
This coin and the 66 Dollar are two. What are the other two?
I just checked the pop reports and these 2 are the only MS68 S.L. coins.
I swear I heard there was 4 total for that grade.
Can anyone jump in on this?
@OldIndianNutKase said:
I am amazed....and dismayed....that some of these very rare coins sell for low five figures. I do not collect dimes or half dimes so my experience in these series is non-existent. Perhaps there is not much competition in these series?
OINK
I don't know much about the time and half dime market, but perhaps @DIMEMAN could chime in?
I don't have my Seated Dimes anymore. When I collected them I dealt in circ grades and a few low grade uncs. These coins are way out of my expertise.
@Stooge said:
Impressive write-up on the 1845-O @Currin
That is an amazing dime. Would love to see the MS69 in hand.
It's 1 of 4 SL's to get the 69 grade in all denoms. I believe.
This coin and the 66 Dollar are two. What are the other two?
I just checked the pop reports and these 2 are the only MS68 S.L. coins.
I swear I heard there was 4 total for that grade.
Can anyone jump in on this?
@OldIndianNutKase said:
I am amazed....and dismayed....that some of these very rare coins sell for low five figures. I do not collect dimes or half dimes so my experience in these series is non-existent. Perhaps there is not much competition in these series?
OINK
I don't know much about the time and half dime market, but perhaps @DIMEMAN could chime in?
I don't have my Seated Dimes anymore. When I collected them I dealt in circ grades and a few low grade uncs. These coins are way out of my expertise.
I remember you sold your Seated Dimes but thought you might still have some insight into the market. Thanks for the repsonse. Lots of nuances in these markets.
@Stooge said:
Impressive write-up on the 1845-O @Currin
That is an amazing dime. Would love to see the MS69 in hand.
It's 1 of 4 SL's to get the 69 grade in all denoms. I believe.
This coin and the 66 Dollar are two. What are the other two?
I just checked the pop reports and these 2 are the only MS68 S.L. coins.
I swear I heard there was 4 total for that grade.
Can anyone jump in on this?
Dy no mite!!! as once said by JJ Walker. Now, the same thing can be said about this coin. I bring this coin into this discussion group because I am confused by what I see. This coin was offered in the Legend’s Regency Auction 28 on 9/27/2018. The coin was offered with this description: Dynamite! For a small coin it has explosive quality and looks! There just can't be any finer of a piece. Deep mirrors beam like the ones you see on a Proof Morgan. The mirrors are super clean, have amazing clarity, and are booming with intense flash. When you twirl the coin all you see is a river of color. Both sides enjoy gorgeous colors of original gold/royal blue/pale green/light purple. Miss Liberty and the details are frosted and are fully struck. The eye appeal (even though it is a smaller coin) is totally jaw dropping! Only 800 were minted. PCGS has graded only this coin as a PR67+. There are NONE finer. Of course this coin has never been offered in auction before. The current Collectors Universe Value is $21,000. We fully expect strong bidding for this remarkable prize FINEST GRADED coin. The listing obtained two obverses and no reverse of the coin.
1859 H10C PR67+ CAC Cert 84336184 PCGS POP 1/0
Nice coin sold by Legend, right? No big deal. They placed an estimate of $18,000 - $20,000 for this coin. The coin did not sale, it was passed. So, the PCGS 1/0 CAC coin was posted at some point recently on RareCoinWholesalers (RCW) website. All that I know for sure, it was recently posted for sale on the site. They headlined as ONLY 800 STRUCK. SOLE HIGHEST GRADED AT PCGS. CAC. Also, the coin showed up on EBay as for sale by RWC. This time the coin was priced for $23,700. The description is as follows: All early proof Seated Half Dimes are scarce, if not rare coins that are the province of advanced collectors and investors. Mintage figures for the Stars Obverse series are unknown, the Mint optining not to keep records of either its production of proof coins or its sale of those pieces during this period. Given the fact that there were few collectors active in the United States of the 1840s and 1850s, we believe that very few proof Half Dimes were delivered during these decades. Even fewer have survived, and the earliest issues in the Stars Obverse portion of the Seated Half Dime series can be particularly elusive. In fact, many early proof Seated Half Dime deliveries have extant populations of fewer than 10 or 20 coins. Later-date examples are more plentiful, but issues such as the 1857, 1858 and 1859 are still scarce and not offered with any degree of regularity in today's market. Yesterday, the coin was removed for this reason. This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.
As of today, this coin is listed in the Hansen Collection. So, here is where I am confused. When I look in my Hansen collection records that are several months old, he has owned the coin for some time. I don’t know how long he has owned it, but must have been more than two or three months. Was he trying to unload it? Is he still trying to unload it? I am not sure and I am puzzled why he would unload a PCGS 1/0. If anyone can share some light on this mystery, I would appreciate the input.
1859 H10C PR67+ CAC - Dynamite: explosive quality and looks!
@Gazes said:
The pcgs guide price looked pretty random
I completely agree. I bought this coin from Doug when I saw him mention it and Dell Loy asked if he should plug a hole temporarily with it...Unfortunately the price guides didn't make any sense, but based on the rarity, we filled a hole for a while...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
This is blatantly incorrect. He likes you...and for some reason respects you
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
@specialist said:
Currin: "One final thought, I would love to watch John and Laura negotiate. I would pay to watch."
JB and I really don't negotiate too much. When I deal w/him I want to make a deal-I don't go for every last cent. JB always pays fair. He is a nice guy. The STD deal took really very little to negotiate (ditto for the other deals I have sold them). I sell him a ton of coins. I also respect him and never go around him like others do.
Believe me, there are other people you never heard of you'd enjoy watching me negotiate with. Any time a crack out guy gets a +, OMG you'd think it was a 2 point upgrade....
Laura's absolutely right. We do quite a bit of business with each other and we treat each other with respect. We counter when we need to, but we always want to be fair with each other.
DLRC has always been a company that values relationships and fairness...and Laura is the same way, so we work together quite easily...
Now, we might not play as well with others, but there's a way to make things easy and painless...and it's a better way to do business.
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I can see long term in that he will be constantly upgrading examples
When they make sense...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
It would be interesting to know how many of DLH duplicates have been sold. If I remember correctly, there were several of his pedigreed duplicates offered in auctions this past spring. This is unusual, because most of his extra specimens go into his duplicate sets. I have planned to discuss his duplicate sets in the 50K status update that should be coming soon. Stay tune.
We did indeed sell 274 of Mr. Hansen's duplicates in an auction in April. We're preparing our second auction of duplicates currently, so you'll see that pop up in a few weeks.
Duplicate Sets: That's an entirely different story! Michael Coari and I spent 4 days in the vault a month or so ago fleshing out the duplicate sets. Sometimes when the coins in the 2nd sets are so amazing, it's hard to let them go, so there was some house-cleaning to do and we worked on building out as many of those as we could...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
This is the first feature in some time. Also, I think this is the first mention if the Lincoln series in the collection updates. The Lincoln series may be the most popular of all series. There are thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands board and books of Lincoln cents. There is no question of the popularity. DLH has nice collection of Lincolns. He is number one of all time in several registry series. He is missing one key coin, and that is the 1958 DDO.
There were four Lincolns updated this weekend, and all four are of the finest caliber. The highlight is the 1949 MS67+ PCGS POP 1/0. The others are tied for the finest. Hansen has the number one set of all times in the Lincoln Cents Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). With this upgraded, the set now includes 10 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, there are 123 other specimens tied for the finest. Even with this quality, the set is continually upgraded. The Hansen collection also has the finest Lincoln Cent Classic Set (1909-1964), just a tick better than the retired HOF Thomas Irwin Collection.
1949 Lincoln Cent, RD MS67+ RD Cert 35966799 – Replaces 1949 PCGS MS67 POP 50/1
This is the Finest 1949 Lincoln that has been encapsulated by PCGS. It is a recent certified coin. In my previous database, the 1949 Lincoln has a POP of 43/0 for MS67 and none higher. So, you can see that recently the MS67+ has been certified and a handful of MS67s. Maybe one of the Lincoln specialists can chime in on where these spectacular examples came from.
The origin of the POP 1/0 1949 Lincoln is not known. To my eye, it does not look like the MS67 that was previous in the collection. The leads me to believe the coin is a new purchase or acquisition, but is not public available. Both of the other two coins (1930-S & 1951-S) were purchased this month in a Great Collections auction. The 1992 MS69Rd was acquired this month in an EBay auction sold by Registry Rarities.
The 1949 is a spectacular specimen. The color is amazing. I miss that rich color of the copper coins. If you like Lincolns, what do think about the 1949 and the others.
1949 Lincoln Cent MS67+ RD – Finest Certified by PCGS / PCGS value $6,500
1930-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-67 RD PCGS POP 8/0 - $8,156 with Buyer’s Fee
1951-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-67+ RD CAC PCGS POP 8/0 - $5,234 with Buyer’s Fee
1992 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS 69 RD PCGS POP 11/0 – Sold for $1,800
I would want all my modern Lincolns to resemble the 1949. A four quality coin in all respects to its strike, condition, luster and tone. The next 3 coins shown above have a number of surface anomalies and flaws that I won't go into. The 30S and 51S grade MS65 IMO and the 1992 has a surface anomaly in great proportions. Off at 9:00. What would cause those flaws? There has to be a ton of 1992s with much better pristine surfaces and well centered strikes. Gads, one doesn't need 20/20 vision to see all the problems and to question why they received such lofty grades. But the 1949 would be a keeper.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
We have not had much discussion on specialty sets, but I did mention a couple months ago that there was activity taking place. It was certainly true this past week with new additions and upgrades to the Large Cent Newcomb Die Variety Sets. He added 15 new additions and upgraded four other coins. There are two registry sets.
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, CS (1816-1839) Requires 244 and have 129 (53%)
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, CS (1839-1857) Requires 373 and have 271 (73%)
As you can see, 1816 – 1857, there are 617 coins required and the Hansen collection have 400 presently (65%). As for the new additions, all but five coins are condition census. Building variety sets really expands the focus and the coin count in the Hansen Collection.
There are other very nice sets on this focus area. Twin Leaf Collection of large cents is one of the most recent. There is one other serious current collection for the date set 1816-1839. The set name is drtom and is approx. 81% completed. Presently, there is not another serious collection for the 1839-1857 set. With the two new PCGS POP 1/0, this put the total count for PCGS POP 1/0 at 31.
If you appreciate of Large Cents variety specimens, then you will like this one. It is from one of the finest large cents collections from our past. This is another coin that was acquired in a Legend auction. The coin is given an impressive description. They describe the coin as: Anyone who has been around knows that our founder, Laura Sperber, is a secret copper weenie; one of her favorite collections: Naftzger. This 1849 N-4 was lot 914 in the September 2009 sale of the Naftzger Collection, where it was described as being: "Lustrous olive brown and bluish steel with slightly faded mint color showing on at least 15% of the obverse and 5% of the reverse. Great eye appeal, just a few trivial marks..." This GEM is tied for #2 in the Condition Census, and is ex New Netherlands June 1958 auction, lot 1268. The most recent example to sell was in our January 2017 Regency Auction for $4,230. The current PCGS value is $4,500. There are none graded finer in the BN designation and this one should bring a very strong bid from Large Cent collectors. Good luck!
I did not know that Laura is a secret copper weenie. See we learn something new every day. This coin was sold in Legend’s Regency Auction 28 on 9/27/2018. They placed an estimate of 3,000.00 - 3,300.00 for this coin. The coin was hammered at 4,582.50. This Legend Rare Coin Auction set a new record for this coin. Do you consider that as a fair deal for a CAC?
Provenance: Naftzger Collection
1849 1C Newcomb 4, BN MS66BN CAC – Finest Certified by PCGS for variety
1856 1C N-12 Upright 5, RB MS64RB PCGS POP 1/0 Cert 25691682 - ONLY KNOWN PCGS RB grade
To be an 1856 Large Cent, the rarity of this variety is pretty strong. This is the only PCGS RB graded by PCGS. The finest BN grades are two MS65s. I am not sure how this coin was purchase. It appears to have been offered by listing online. It showed up as being listed on FriscoMint website. The coin is described this way: PCGS authenticated and graded MS 64 RB. Frosty mint red with light steel overtones on the reverse, a spot at ME in AMERICA, and tiny spots speckled across either side otherwise. Choice surfaces, free of notable marks, with beautiful cartwheel luster. Upright 5 variety. The price is $1,650.00 and confusing enough, it still indicates available for purchase.
Shhh, I was by far the biggest buyer out of Pogue and many other major collections when it comes to copper. Yes, I AM a copper weenie. The last thing you want to see if me at an auction w/my cell phone.....
@leothelyon said:
I would want all my modern Lincolns to resemble the 1949. A four quality coin in all respects to its strike, condition, luster and tone. The next 3 coins shown above have a number of surface anomalies and flaws that I won't go into. The 30S and 51S grade MS65 IMO and the 1992 has a surface anomaly in great proportions. Off at 9:00. What would cause those flaws? There has to be a ton of 1992s with much better pristine surfaces and well centered strikes. Gads, one doesn't need 20/20 vision to see all the problems and to question why they received such lofty grades. But the 1949 would be a keeper.
Leo
I agree with you on the 49. It's magnificent.
I think you're being a little harsh on the 30S and 51S. Technically, they are as graded, but the toning spots are slightly distracting.
As for the 92, I think it's every bit of 69. It's absolutely flawless. Yes, there appear to be some die striations, but the coin is "as struck", has a monster strike, and is amazingly clean.
This will be the third and final installment on coppers. I don’t think copper creates much excitement, so after this we will move on to eye candy that everyone likes. We did generate some interest from the secret copper weenie. Leo and Jerseycat made a comment or two. This discussion will be pertaining to the Lincoln complete variety issues. They are not expensive coins. I think this is an example that the Hansen collection has coins from few dollars to a couple million. The last few months, as Hansen talked about in his recent interview, he is working on cleaning up his modern sets.
Hansen has not cornered the market in Lincolns, as he has in some other series. He does have several of the all-time finest sets. He has the ATF Lincoln Cents Classic Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-1964). This set contains 156 coins. He also has the ATF Lincoln Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1909-Present). This set has 98 proof Lincolns. The Lincoln coppers are very popular with one of the largest group of collectors. There are several other prominent ATF Lincoln collections by current collectors Blay, Manning, Ehreth, and ErasmusHall. I have provided a link to two Hansen sets that I mention above.
This discussion is pertaining to the variety Lincoln sets. Hansen has some work to do to make a mark with circulation strike varieties. He has put together ATF sets for Lincoln proofs. He has the top spot for the Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Proof (1909-present), and the Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Proof (1909-1958). Unfortunately, both of these sets are closed to the public. The set where the work is needed is with Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). This set requires 441 coins!
Hansen is approx. 93% completed with this set. The set is in the top 5, but is not near the top. Although, the Hansen set GPA is about a point higher than any other top five set. I think the last three posting demonstrate Hansen has bigger goal than just matching Eliasberg. He has a desired to collect everything.
These were new additions added to the set.
1911-D/D 1C RPM FS-502 MS64RB PCGS POP 4/3
1925-S 1C DDO FS-101 XF45BN PCGS POP 3/12
1934-D/D 1C RPM FS-503 XF40BN PCGS POP 2/14
1938-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 AU50BN PCGS POP 1/27
1945 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 2/7
1949-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 MS62BN PCGS POP 1/26
1964 1C DDR FS-802 MS64RD PCGS POP 15/15
1966 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 8/1
1968-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 MS64RD PCGS POP 26/24
1972 1C DDO FS-103 MS65RD PCGS POP 140/32
1972 1C DDO FS-106 MS65RD PCGS POP 34/4
1972 1C DDO FS-107 MS65RD PCGS POP 36/5
1972 1C DDO FS-108 MS65RD PCGS POP 69/21
1983 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 11/13
1988 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS65RD PCGS POP 5/5
1994 1C DDR FS-801 MS66RD PCGS POP 9/3
1997 1C Dbl Ear FS-101 MS65RD PCGS POP 215/21
1998 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS65RD PCGS POP 164/131
1999 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS67RD PCGS POP 12/0
2000 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS67RD PCGS POP 360/2
2006 1C DDO FS-101 MS65RD PCGS POP 5/12
2009 1C Formative Years DDR FS-804 MS65RD PCGS POP 44/52
2009 1C Formative Years DDR FS-805 MS65RD PCGS POP 45/28
1966 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 8/1
Out of the lot, I will highlight the 1966 DDO. The coin was purchase off of EBay. According to the PCGS Auction Website, the coin sold for $650. The purchase set the auction record. The listing described the coin: Up for sale is one of my personal favorites the elusive 1966 ddo 001 FS-101 Lincoln Memorial Cent. You will look long and hard for one selling at book $750.00 (PCGS priceguide) well this one is up for $700.00. Sorry, can't go below that on this one with a pop of 9 and only 1 higher. This is a must have for PCGS registry sets as they just havn't come much higher. This particular coin is an early mid die state specimen with doubling strong throughout motto, eyelid, date and vest. Not just the RU of TRUST on this one, doubling on entire motto. No comparison to late die state examples, this one rules over any AU or RB examples if they can even be found. My pictures don't fully show the strength or brilliance of this coin, it’s a cherry.
YOS, I agree that it is not easy to do a comparison. There are some series proof sets in the Eliasberg registry. As you stated, there is not a complete (inventory) set, so it is hard to directly compare to Hansen’s 1801-Present, 80% complete set with major varieties. It appears under the yearly proofs; the Eliasberg sets listed are only the sets that are 100% completed. According to my count, there was only 15 years completed with gold (1892-1914). Hansen’s has not listed his proofs by year. Also, when looking at Eliasberg, his percentages are pretty high for post 1859 sets. They are in the 80s to high 90s percent completed. The pre-1859 sets are very low. Hansen is still adding to his sets. His 20th century proof sets are not completed.
I am not sure of Hansen’s goals for proofs. For basic proofs, 1801-Present, he has approx. 330 coins to go. Of the 330, there are approx. 125 post 1859 proofs left. These are collectable, so I think he will complete these for sure. The early proofs, 1801-1858, a complete set is not obtainable. A 99% completion would be unprecedented. If anyone disagrees, please speak up.
Ya know, as a collector, I have a hard time processing the ability to appreciate sets of 400-600 coins of a given type. Imagine going into the bank vault and hauling boxes of coins of the same type with minor variations between them. I realize that Del Loy is on a acquisition mission, but I have my doubts that he'll look at many of his Lincolns, for example.
Dell Loy needs some guidance
which Lincoln Cents are important,
and which are valuable. Perhaps Currin can post the coins missing from DellLoys sets that are
Serious upgrades ?
I know everyone have been waiting for the eye candy. The coppers just don’t do it for everyone. Today, I saw some updates to Eagles that you may like. One of the three is a PCGS POP 1/0. When I think of Hansen’s gold, I don’t think of Eagles as being his best denomination. With upgrades like these, I think the Eagles have a lot of potential. The total value of three coins is about $200,000. I will let you be the judge if you like the upgrades.
1905 Liberty Eagle MS66 Cert 25786341 PCGS POP 7/4 – Replaces 1905 MS65 POP 20/12
This is a lovely Lady Liberty. I am not sure how this coin was obtained. The coin last publicly appeared in the Heritage Auction on 2016 October US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. PCGS Price Guide Value is $15,875. The coin realized $15,875 in the2016 Heritage Auction. According to the Heritage description: Although considered a common date in lower grades, the 1905 Liberty eagle becomes conditionally rare in MS65 and is exceedingly so any finer. This Premium Gem yields a degree of eye appeal that is arguably unsurpassed by other examples in this grade. It is the first MS66 coin we have handled since 2009, and only the second PCGS-graded piece. The other PCGS Premium Gem we offered was in lot 2413 of the November 2006 Dallas Signature sale and realized $12,650. The finest pieces in the Smithsonian Institution grade only MS63, per Garrett and Guth. The present example showcases a razor-sharp strike and vibrant, frosty cartwheel luster. A small alloy discoloration between the leaves and the U in UNITED is barely mentionable. The preservation is superb.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s, he may not an Mint State coin. He set lists a Proof64 assumed grade (Choice Proof). Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $11,000.
1905 Liberty Eagle MS66 - Vibrantly Lustrous Condition Rarity
1907-S Eagle MS66+ Cert 36188740 PCGS POP 1/0 – Replaces 1907-S MS62 POP 69/34
By grade and POP report, this is the best graded coin of the three. This coin has no history that I can find. Coin Facts shows two MS66 PCGS as finest grade (no MS66+), so I believe this is a new or recently upgrade. The Auction Record is $38,400 for PCGS MS66 that sold in the 6-2018 Heritage Auctions. I don’t know if this is the same coin or not. The a couple markings on the lady’s chin and a spot on the reverse that leads me to believe this may the same coin. The coin was from the The Tuxedo Park Collection. The description for this MS66: The commentary by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth is instructive regarding the surprising scarcity of 1907-S eagles: "The 1907-S eagle is easily the scarcest of any Liberty Head eagle of the 20th century, even though the mintage is not among the lowest. Akers called this date one of his favorites and considered it one of the most underrated of all U.S. coins of any denomination." Housed in an old green label holder, this Premium Gem 1907-S displays breathtaking surface quality and a pinpoint-sharp strike. Vibrant sunglow-gold surfaces display orange accents and strong cartwheel luster. The 1907-S is exceptionally rare at this high grade, with just three examples certified by both services combined at the MS66 level, and none finer. The population in MS66 has not changed in more than 10 years.
Provenance: Possibly The Tuxedo Park Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s registry set, his coin was a circulated XF40 estimated grade. Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $1,045.
1907-S Eagle MS66+ Finest PCGS Certified
1920-S Eagle MS64 Cert 04817278 PCGS POP 6/5 – Replaces 1920-S MS63+ POP 2/11 CAC Crow River
I saved the best for last. This coin replaces a CAC MS63+ from the Crow River Collection. I am not sure how this coin was obtained. The coin last publicly appeared in the Heritage Auction on 2016 October US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. PCGS Price Guide Value is $185,000. The coin realized $144,000 in the 2016 Heritage Auction. According to the Heritage description: The 1920-S Indian eagle has a decades-long reputation as one of the premier rarities of the series. Its scarcity was recognized as early as the mid-1940s, with the piece in the J.F. Bell Collection (Stack's, 12/1944), realizing $175.00. In the World's Greatest Collection (Kosoff, 1/1946), another example was described: "Here is a date extremely difficult to obtain. Only recently have collectors realized this fact ... " Although 126,500 pieces were struck, most were retained in Mint and Treasury vaults until they were melted in the mid-1930s. Relatively few surviving examples of the issue are known with significant amounts of wear, although a number of AU-level pieces or impaired Uncirculated coins exist. David Akers considered most of the survivorship to be in Mint State due to limited circulation, and this holds true following the advent of third-party grading and more auction data. But the overall population is inherently small. The 1920-S eagle is, according to conventional wisdom and certification numbers, the third-rarest issue overall in the series, with only the 1907 Rolled Rim variety and the 1933 scarcer. In our experience handling this issue at auction, it comes available about as often as the 1930-S, although the 1920-S is difficult to find in high grade. We have not handled an MS64 coin since our 2009 FUN Signature, lot 4128, and we have not seen an MS64 PCGS coin since our July 2006 Dallas Signature, lot 1591. The present example is making its first appearance in our auctions since 2002, and it is still housed in its original green label holder. Pedigree markers on this piece include a few small marks in the left-obverse field near the rim, but the surfaces are otherwise free of distractions. Central strike weakness on each side affects Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's right (facing) leg but is not overly bothersome. Original satin surfaces are mainly orange-gold but yield traces of peach, rose, and lilac when tilted beneath a light..
In other references, the coin is described:
David Akers (1975/88): This issue has long been recognized as one of the major rarities of 20th-century United States gold coins and it is even rare in EF or AU condition. The occasional Mint State piece that comes up for sale is usually a low grade one (MS-60 to 62), and above the most basic Mint State grades, the 1920-S eagle is extremely rare. Although I have ranked the 1920-S fourth in terms of rarity at the MS-64 or better level, this is only because there are so few in MS-64. Three superb quality specimens stand out above the rest, the Winner Delp coin now owned by Harry Bass, the Stack's June 1979 Sale coin now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor (both virtually perfect), and the Stack's October 1984 Sale coin now in the collection of a prominent Eastern collector. The Goddard specimen now owned by Dr. Thaine Price and the Eliasberg specimen purchased by Ed Trompeter are also solid gems. The Auction '85 specimen, the Harry Einstein specimen (now in my personal collection), and the Norweb specimen also have legitimate claims to full MS-65 status, and are high end MS-64 coins at the very least. the typical specimen of the 1920-S is rather weakly struck, especially on the hair around Miss Liberty's ear and on the front curve of the eagle's wing and its trailing leg and claw and the arrows below it. On many specimens, RTY of LIBERTY is weak or even missing. Most specimens have a weak 19 in the date and on some the bottom half of the 2 is weak as well. (Some specimens are very sharply on the obverse, with full bold LIBERTY, but the reverse always has the weakness mentioned.) The surfaces are normally very frosty but in a very few instances they are slightly satiny. The color is generally excellent, usually rich orange or rose and greenish gold. The lustre is also typically very good on this issue..
Provenance: Peter Crist Collection - FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2002)
In comparing to Eliasberg’s registry set, his coin is coin is still better than Hansen’s upgrade. The Eliasberg specimen is a MS66 estimated grade purchased when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942. It is thought to have been obtained directly from the San Francisco Mint in 1921. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Ed Trompeter for $40,700. According to PCGS, The Eliasberg is POP 1/1, although I do not find the coin credited in Coin Facts.
1920-S Eagle MS64 - Lustrous MS64 from Grand Melt Rarity of the San Francisco Mint
Count Down 26 – Southern Dahlonega Mint Gold Quarter Eagle
Only 26 to go before DLH can accomplish his quest. This is another example that DLH has reached the stage in this pursuit that the level of difficulty certainly becomes greater and greater. This is a really tough coin to obtain in better than circulated condition. Let me also say, to find this coin in any certifiable condition that meets PCGS standards is extremely tough. The PCGS POP report indicates there are 35 certified specimens with a lone mint state specimen graded MS60.
The preceding count down coin was added on Sept 28th. That coin was 1864-S CAC in a very low grade of PCGS AG3. The coin before that was the rare 1841-D Quarter Eagle graded VF35. So, this specimen being a PCGS AU53 is in better condition than 27 and 28. This is the first new addition since Sept 28th.
There were no additions in October. At the pace we are seeing now, we could expect one more addition before the end of the year. It cannot be determine how John found this coin. If you allow me to assume for a minute, I would think maybe this coin found John. However the way it came to be in The Hansen Collection, it is a very nice coin. David Akers describes coin as: This is the lowest mintage coin from the Dahlonega Mint and also one of the rarest. However, the 1856-D, although it brings far higher prices than the 1854-D or 1855-D, is actually easier to obtain in high grade. There are several uncirculated pieces known, but I am unaware of any fully mint state 1854-D and only one uncirculated 1855-D. Nevertheless, this is a very rare and desirable date that is extremely popular due to its very low mintage. All specimens that I have seen are very poorly struck with flat stars, weak denticles and little or on detail on the head of Liberty or on the neck and right leg of the eagle.
For completion of the registry basic set, the remaining two Dahlonega Mint Gold Quarter Eagles required are the 1840-D Quarter and 1854-D Quarter Eagle. Both have low survival estimates.
This rare Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle is in almost uncirculated condition with a CAC sticker. The purchase of this coin is not known as previous stated. According to PCGS Auction database, the last PCGS specimen was sold at Heritage’s January FUN US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was an AU50 and realized $25,850. The last PCGS AU53 was sold year earlier at Heritage’s 2016 June Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Sale. That coin too realized $25,850. According to the database, only one CAC coin has sold at auction. That specimen was sold at Stacks Bowers’ August 2015 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Chicago. The coin was an AU58 CAC and realized $47,000. The auction record is $71,875 for a NGC MS61 that sold 04/06/2006 in Heritage Auctions.
Being the coin has a CAC sticker; I would think the coin is high end for the grade. I will let you be the judge of that. The 1856-D Quarter Eagle has a history of problems. Doug Winter describes the strike this way: The 1856-D is the worst struck Dahlonega quarter eagle. It could also be claimed as the single worst struck United States gold coin from any mint or era. Every known example has a very flat, somewhat concave appearance. In fact, to many collectors and dealers, the typical 1856-D quarter eagle looks counterfeit. This is understandable when one sees a piece in person. The obverse is extremely soft on the hair and the word LIBERTY. The stars are poorly formed and flat with no trace of their radial lines. The denticles are partially visible but they have a rusted, irregular appearance. The reverse is even more poorly struck than the obverse. The eagle’s neck feathers are totally indistinct while the top of the shield, the right leg and the left claw are weak. The border is flat with the denticles from 10:00 to 2:00 often indistinct. He goes on an describes eye appeal as: The concept of eye appeal cannot be applied to this date. A few moderately attractive coins exist but most are very unattractive. Because of this, the 1856-D is the most difficult Dahlonega quarter eagle to grade properly. Even knowledgeable experts will be strongly divided on the grade of a specific piece. I know that DLH is getting very picky of the coins that he is adding to his collections. He must have seen something he likes in this coin when comparing to other specimens. This is a needed coin that he now has in his collection.
The Hansen Specimen on paper is better coin than the specimen listed in Eliasberg’s collection. Without considering coinflation, his specimen had an estimated grade of XF40. The specimen was purchased by Louis Eliasberg from Stack's in 1943. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Jack Hancock and Bob Harwell for $5,500.
Provenance: Unknown
1856-D Quarter Eagle AU53 CAC Graded Specimen
There are 26 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 14 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1885 Trade Dollar Proof Only (Minted known 5)
Next 10 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13) 1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1797 "Large Eagle” Half Eagle (Survival 20)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1802 Half Dime (Survival 25)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series)
I thought it would be fun to do something different…
The Hansen Collection has grown to an amazing collection is the past couple years. The collection was inducted into the 2018 PCGS Hall of Fame for “Complete U.S. Coin Collection”. The set that receive the award and ribbon was the D.L. Hansen Collection - U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1792-present). This is a great collection of coins, but it only touches the tip of how large the collection is.
PCGS described his award as: While Dell Loy Hansen is a relative newcomer to the hobby, his accomplishments to date mark him as one of the giants of the hobby. In the short span of a little over two years, he has assembled the largest and most comprehensive collection of U.S. coins since Louis Eliasberg, and with today’s eye for quality in the market, he could be well on his way to forming the greatest collection of U.S. coins ever.
The Hansen collection has grown to 953 primary registry sets. In addition, there are 67 duplicate sets called “2nd set”. Also, there are even four “3rd sets”. He has 260 of the all-time #1 registry sets. This makes 27% of his primary collection of registry sets are all-time #1. To take it little further, 870 of the 953 sets are in the top 5 of all time (91%). There total count is 1048 sets. If you are doing the math, the missing 24 sets belong to The Diana Collection.
The Diana Collection is a sub-collection imbedded in Hansen’s collection. The Diana Collection has been mention once before in this tread. I am not sure of the goals or objectives of this collection. This collection could become an amazing collection. Will The Diana Collection become the overall 2nd Hansen collection? I would like to see all the duplicates posted in the major complete sets. This could make a good opportunity to do that.
There are already 24 sets contributed to The Diana Collection. This collection has nine completed sets, with two of them being ranked #2 behind Hansen. This is one of her sets that I like very much. The set has 20 - POP 1/0. How is that possibly? I had to think about it for a few minutes.
In speaking of coins, there are some very nice coins in The Diana Collection. Naturally, it is impossible to really have any PCGS POP 1/0 coins. But the collection can have and does have POP 2/0 coins. You know what that means, right? It means; The Hansen Collection has both of the top coins. I have not found an easily way to determine how many dual PCGS POP 2/0 coins that Hansen’s have. It would be cool to find out at some point. Let me show this example. I think I like Diana’s specimen over Hansen’s. If you could pick, which one would you pick. I don’t think either of them are CACs.
Diana’s 1880 Three-Dollar Gold Mint State-66+ PCGS POP 2/0 Brent Pogue, Great Lakes
Hansen’s 1880 Three-Dollar Gold Mint State-66+ PCGS POP 2/0 Simpson
The set has 20 - POP 1/0. How is that possibly? I had to think about it for a few minutes.
Thanks for the puzzle.
This was done in type sets by choosing a different date for each of the 2 sets.
For example, in the Dansco type set you linked, the Diana drapery half dime is 1856 PR, and the D.L. Hansen is 1853.
As you catalogue his collection and comment upon the number of registry collections for which he participates, what is the total number of coins that he owns from the information you've gathered?
One area that interests me is his Proof Gold collection. With proof gold, there are very few individuals who post on the registry. I wonder how his set compares to contemporary collectors of proof gold?
@specialist said:
Mr Simpson has a complete Pr Gold set 1884-1915 -ALL PR65 and higher. AND all the Civil War Proofs.
No kidding that most PR Gold is in Japan
That is an amazing collection Mr. Simpson has---all denominations? Why the date 1884?
I did not know that about PR gold in Japan--is it primarily with one or two collectors or many? I assume once it goes over there those coins seldom resurface?
@specialist said:
Mr Simpson has a complete Pr Gold set 1884-1915 -ALL PR65 and higher. AND all the Civil War Proofs.
No kidding that most PR Gold is in Japan
That is an amazing collection Mr. Simpson has---all denominations? Why the date 1884?
I did not know that about PR gold in Japan--is it primarily with one or two collectors or many? I assume once it goes over there those coins seldom resurface?
They'll likely find a buyer in China who will produce counterfeits from those rarities to make millions and likely will ruin the coins themselves. Oh, the horror.......seriously.
I should add, there are good upstanding people there and the coins will likely end up in those kind of hands that won't let that happen.
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
Comments
I don't know much about the dime and half dime market, but perhaps @DIMEMAN could chime in?
I just checked the pop reports and these 2 are the only MS68 S.L. coins.
I swear I heard there was 4 total for that grade.
Can anyone jump in on this?
Later, Paul.
I don't have my Seated Dimes anymore. When I collected them I dealt in circ grades and a few low grade uncs. These coins are way out of my expertise.
This may be where you remember from.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/943547/how-do-you-value-the-only-pcgs-graded-ms69-liberty-seated-coin
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I remember you sold your Seated Dimes but thought you might still have some insight into the market. Thanks for the repsonse. Lots of nuances in these markets.
Thanks Currin for clearing that up for me. I thought I may be losing my mind.
Later, Paul.
6 PCGS Liberty Seated coins graded "69"; 5 proofs and 1 MS
$1 1866 PR-69 cam [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
25c 1884 PR-69 cam, ex-Newman [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
25c 1885 PR-69 cam, ex-Newman [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
10c 1882 PR-69 [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
10c 1882 PR-69 [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
10c 1845-O MS-69, ex-Eliasberg [Heritage Auctions photo]
and a contemporary non-LS design:
T$1 1878 PR-69 cam (Simpson collection) [PCGS CoinFacts photo]
Wow, some crazy awesome toning on the Newman quarter:
I think Simpson may own all the proofs.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Hot damn, that Trade Dollar. I'm not a Proof guy, but that coin is gorgeous.
Yes, Mr Simpson does own all the proofs listed and many more with no images!!!
So that's what the MS69 45-o looks like.
Do we know where the 1845 O MS69 S.L. Dime is today?
It [was] in a closed PCGS Registry set called "Dime set" with username "seated.org".
[But see my next post for an update]
https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/item/1845-o-10c-f-101-rpd-large/537835/3355457273334193528
I was under the impression it was in Tom Bender's set but could be wrong.
I checked it again just now, and it is now open/viewable.
It is in Jason Feldman's @seateddime registry sets. Here is his dime type set:
https://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/alltimeset/168483
He actually mentioned it earlier in this thread:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12027848#Comment_12027848
thanks for finding that!
Dynamite!
Dy no mite!!! as once said by JJ Walker. Now, the same thing can be said about this coin. I bring this coin into this discussion group because I am confused by what I see. This coin was offered in the Legend’s Regency Auction 28 on 9/27/2018. The coin was offered with this description: Dynamite! For a small coin it has explosive quality and looks! There just can't be any finer of a piece. Deep mirrors beam like the ones you see on a Proof Morgan. The mirrors are super clean, have amazing clarity, and are booming with intense flash. When you twirl the coin all you see is a river of color. Both sides enjoy gorgeous colors of original gold/royal blue/pale green/light purple. Miss Liberty and the details are frosted and are fully struck. The eye appeal (even though it is a smaller coin) is totally jaw dropping! Only 800 were minted. PCGS has graded only this coin as a PR67+. There are NONE finer. Of course this coin has never been offered in auction before. The current Collectors Universe Value is $21,000. We fully expect strong bidding for this remarkable prize FINEST GRADED coin. The listing obtained two obverses and no reverse of the coin.
1859 H10C PR67+ CAC Cert 84336184 PCGS POP 1/0
Nice coin sold by Legend, right? No big deal. They placed an estimate of $18,000 - $20,000 for this coin. The coin did not sale, it was passed. So, the PCGS 1/0 CAC coin was posted at some point recently on RareCoinWholesalers (RCW) website. All that I know for sure, it was recently posted for sale on the site. They headlined as ONLY 800 STRUCK. SOLE HIGHEST GRADED AT PCGS. CAC. Also, the coin showed up on EBay as for sale by RWC. This time the coin was priced for $23,700. The description is as follows: All early proof Seated Half Dimes are scarce, if not rare coins that are the province of advanced collectors and investors. Mintage figures for the Stars Obverse series are unknown, the Mint optining not to keep records of either its production of proof coins or its sale of those pieces during this period. Given the fact that there were few collectors active in the United States of the 1840s and 1850s, we believe that very few proof Half Dimes were delivered during these decades. Even fewer have survived, and the earliest issues in the Stars Obverse portion of the Seated Half Dime series can be particularly elusive. In fact, many early proof Seated Half Dime deliveries have extant populations of fewer than 10 or 20 coins. Later-date examples are more plentiful, but issues such as the 1857, 1858 and 1859 are still scarce and not offered with any degree of regularity in today's market. Yesterday, the coin was removed for this reason. This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.
As of today, this coin is listed in the Hansen Collection. So, here is where I am confused. When I look in my Hansen collection records that are several months old, he has owned the coin for some time. I don’t know how long he has owned it, but must have been more than two or three months. Was he trying to unload it? Is he still trying to unload it? I am not sure and I am puzzled why he would unload a PCGS 1/0. If anyone can share some light on this mystery, I would appreciate the input.
1859 H10C PR67+ CAC - Dynamite: explosive quality and looks!
Legend picture one
https://legendauctions.hibid.com/lot/43537979/h10c-1859-pcgs-pr67--cac/?q=&ref=catalog
Legend picture two
RCW-eBay obv
RCW-eBay rev
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I completely agree. I bought this coin from Doug when I saw him mention it and Dell Loy asked if he should plug a hole temporarily with it...Unfortunately the price guides didn't make any sense, but based on the rarity, we filled a hole for a while...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
This is blatantly incorrect. He likes you...and for some reason respects you
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Laura's absolutely right. We do quite a bit of business with each other and we treat each other with respect. We counter when we need to, but we always want to be fair with each other.
DLRC has always been a company that values relationships and fairness...and Laura is the same way, so we work together quite easily...
Now, we might not play as well with others, but there's a way to make things easy and painless...and it's a better way to do business.
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
When they make sense...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
>
We did indeed sell 274 of Mr. Hansen's duplicates in an auction in April. We're preparing our second auction of duplicates currently, so you'll see that pop up in a few weeks.
Duplicate Sets: That's an entirely different story! Michael Coari and I spent 4 days in the vault a month or so ago fleshing out the duplicate sets. Sometimes when the coins in the 2nd sets are so amazing, it's hard to let them go, so there was some house-cleaning to do and we worked on building out as many of those as we could...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Lincoln Feature
This is the first feature in some time. Also, I think this is the first mention if the Lincoln series in the collection updates. The Lincoln series may be the most popular of all series. There are thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands board and books of Lincoln cents. There is no question of the popularity. DLH has nice collection of Lincolns. He is number one of all time in several registry series. He is missing one key coin, and that is the 1958 DDO.
There were four Lincolns updated this weekend, and all four are of the finest caliber. The highlight is the 1949 MS67+ PCGS POP 1/0. The others are tied for the finest. Hansen has the number one set of all times in the Lincoln Cents Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). With this upgraded, the set now includes 10 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, there are 123 other specimens tied for the finest. Even with this quality, the set is continually upgraded. The Hansen collection also has the finest Lincoln Cent Classic Set (1909-1964), just a tick better than the retired HOF Thomas Irwin Collection.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-major-sets/lincoln-cents-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1909-present/1246
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-major-sets/lincoln-cents-classic-set-circulation-strikes-1909-1964/1936
1949 Lincoln Cent, RD MS67+ RD Cert 35966799 – Replaces 1949 PCGS MS67 POP 50/1
This is the Finest 1949 Lincoln that has been encapsulated by PCGS. It is a recent certified coin. In my previous database, the 1949 Lincoln has a POP of 43/0 for MS67 and none higher. So, you can see that recently the MS67+ has been certified and a handful of MS67s. Maybe one of the Lincoln specialists can chime in on where these spectacular examples came from.
The origin of the POP 1/0 1949 Lincoln is not known. To my eye, it does not look like the MS67 that was previous in the collection. The leads me to believe the coin is a new purchase or acquisition, but is not public available. Both of the other two coins (1930-S & 1951-S) were purchased this month in a Great Collections auction. The 1992 MS69Rd was acquired this month in an EBay auction sold by Registry Rarities.
The 1949 is a spectacular specimen. The color is amazing. I miss that rich color of the copper coins. If you like Lincolns, what do think about the 1949 and the others.
1949 Lincoln Cent MS67+ RD – Finest Certified by PCGS / PCGS value $6,500
1930-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-67 RD PCGS POP 8/0 - $8,156 with Buyer’s Fee
1951-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-67+ RD CAC PCGS POP 8/0 - $5,234 with Buyer’s Fee
1992 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS 69 RD PCGS POP 11/0 – Sold for $1,800
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I would want all my modern Lincolns to resemble the 1949. A four quality coin in all respects to its strike, condition, luster and tone. The next 3 coins shown above have a number of surface anomalies and flaws that I won't go into. The 30S and 51S grade MS65 IMO and the 1992 has a surface anomaly in great proportions. Off at 9:00. What would cause those flaws? There has to be a ton of 1992s with much better pristine surfaces and well centered strikes. Gads, one doesn't need 20/20 vision to see all the problems and to question why they received such lofty grades. But the 1949 would be a keeper.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
Large Cents - Specialty Sets
We have not had much discussion on specialty sets, but I did mention a couple months ago that there was activity taking place. It was certainly true this past week with new additions and upgrades to the Large Cent Newcomb Die Variety Sets. He added 15 new additions and upgraded four other coins. There are two registry sets.
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, CS (1816-1839) Requires 244 and have 129 (53%)
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, CS (1839-1857) Requires 373 and have 271 (73%)
As you can see, 1816 – 1857, there are 617 coins required and the Hansen collection have 400 presently (65%). As for the new additions, all but five coins are condition census. Building variety sets really expands the focus and the coin count in the Hansen Collection.
There are other very nice sets on this focus area. Twin Leaf Collection of large cents is one of the most recent. There is one other serious current collection for the date set 1816-1839. The set name is drtom and is approx. 81% completed. Presently, there is not another serious collection for the 1839-1857 set. With the two new PCGS POP 1/0, this put the total count for PCGS POP 1/0 at 31.
Upgrades:
1849 1C Newcomb 4, BN MS66BN 1/0
1852 1C Newcomb 6, BN MS65BN 1/3
1852 1C Newcomb 16, BN MS66BN 1/5
1855 1C Knob on Ear, RB MS65RB 7/2
New Additions:
1819 1C Newcomb 3, BN MS63BN 2/2
1821 1C Newcomb 1, BN XF45BN 1/9
1827 1C Newcomb 8, BN XF45BN 2/5
1839 1C N-4 Silly Head, BN MS66BN 1/1
1845 1C Newcomb 13, RB MS64RB 3/1
1846 1C N-7 Small Date, BN MS64BN 2/2
1847 1C Newcomb 36, BN XF45BN 2/2
1848 1C Newcomb 32, BN XF40BN 1/2
1849 1C Newcomb 26, BN MS62BN 1/1
1852 1C Newcomb 1, BN MS65BN 1/7
1854 1C Newcomb 11, BN MS66BN 3/2
1855 1C N-12 Upright 55, RB MS64RB 2/0
1855 1C N-13 Upright 55, BN MS65BN 3/0
1856 1C N-8 Upright 5, RB MS65RB 3/0
1856 1C N-12 Upright 5, RB MS64RB 1/0
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/large-cents-specialty-sets/large-cents-die-variety-set-by-newcomb-circulation-strikes-1816-1839/alltimeset/150803
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/large-cents-specialty-sets/large-cents-die-variety-set-by-newcomb-circulation-strikes-1839-1857/alltimeset/151464
1849 1C Newcomb 4, BN MS66BN CAC PCGS POP 1/0 Cert 18900295 - Naftzger Collection
If you appreciate of Large Cents variety specimens, then you will like this one. It is from one of the finest large cents collections from our past. This is another coin that was acquired in a Legend auction. The coin is given an impressive description. They describe the coin as: Anyone who has been around knows that our founder, Laura Sperber, is a secret copper weenie; one of her favorite collections: Naftzger. This 1849 N-4 was lot 914 in the September 2009 sale of the Naftzger Collection, where it was described as being: "Lustrous olive brown and bluish steel with slightly faded mint color showing on at least 15% of the obverse and 5% of the reverse. Great eye appeal, just a few trivial marks..." This GEM is tied for #2 in the Condition Census, and is ex New Netherlands June 1958 auction, lot 1268. The most recent example to sell was in our January 2017 Regency Auction for $4,230. The current PCGS value is $4,500. There are none graded finer in the BN designation and this one should bring a very strong bid from Large Cent collectors. Good luck!
I did not know that Laura is a secret copper weenie. See we learn something new every day. This coin was sold in Legend’s Regency Auction 28 on 9/27/2018. They placed an estimate of 3,000.00 - 3,300.00 for this coin. The coin was hammered at 4,582.50. This Legend Rare Coin Auction set a new record for this coin. Do you consider that as a fair deal for a CAC?
Provenance: Naftzger Collection
1849 1C Newcomb 4, BN MS66BN CAC – Finest Certified by PCGS for variety
1856 1C N-12 Upright 5, RB MS64RB PCGS POP 1/0 Cert 25691682 - ONLY KNOWN PCGS RB grade
To be an 1856 Large Cent, the rarity of this variety is pretty strong. This is the only PCGS RB graded by PCGS. The finest BN grades are two MS65s. I am not sure how this coin was purchase. It appears to have been offered by listing online. It showed up as being listed on FriscoMint website. The coin is described this way: PCGS authenticated and graded MS 64 RB. Frosty mint red with light steel overtones on the reverse, a spot at ME in AMERICA, and tiny spots speckled across either side otherwise. Choice surfaces, free of notable marks, with beautiful cartwheel luster. Upright 5 variety. The price is $1,650.00 and confusing enough, it still indicates available for purchase.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Shhh, I was by far the biggest buyer out of Pogue and many other major collections when it comes to copper. Yes, I AM a copper weenie. The last thing you want to see if me at an auction w/my cell phone.....
I agree with you on the 49. It's magnificent.
I think you're being a little harsh on the 30S and 51S. Technically, they are as graded, but the toning spots are slightly distracting.
As for the 92, I think it's every bit of 69. It's absolutely flawless. Yes, there appear to be some die striations, but the coin is "as struck", has a monster strike, and is amazingly clean.
To equal Eliasberg---what must be accomplished with proof coins?
Lincoln Cents - Specialty Sets
This will be the third and final installment on coppers. I don’t think copper creates much excitement, so after this we will move on to eye candy that everyone likes. We did generate some interest from the secret copper weenie. Leo and Jerseycat made a comment or two. This discussion will be pertaining to the Lincoln complete variety issues. They are not expensive coins. I think this is an example that the Hansen collection has coins from few dollars to a couple million. The last few months, as Hansen talked about in his recent interview, he is working on cleaning up his modern sets.
Hansen has not cornered the market in Lincolns, as he has in some other series. He does have several of the all-time finest sets. He has the ATF Lincoln Cents Classic Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-1964). This set contains 156 coins. He also has the ATF Lincoln Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1909-Present). This set has 98 proof Lincolns. The Lincoln coppers are very popular with one of the largest group of collectors. There are several other prominent ATF Lincoln collections by current collectors Blay, Manning, Ehreth, and ErasmusHall. I have provided a link to two Hansen sets that I mention above.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-major-sets/lincoln-cents-classic-set-circulation-strikes-1909-1964/1936
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-major-sets/lincoln-cents-basic-set-proof-1909-present/1237
This discussion is pertaining to the variety Lincoln sets. Hansen has some work to do to make a mark with circulation strike varieties. He has put together ATF sets for Lincoln proofs. He has the top spot for the Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Proof (1909-present), and the Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Proof (1909-1958). Unfortunately, both of these sets are closed to the public. The set where the work is needed is with Lincoln Cents Complete Variety Set, Circulation Strikes (1909-Present). This set requires 441 coins!
Hansen is approx. 93% completed with this set. The set is in the top 5, but is not near the top. Although, the Hansen set GPA is about a point higher than any other top five set. I think the last three posting demonstrate Hansen has bigger goal than just matching Eliasberg. He has a desired to collect everything.
These were new additions added to the set.
1911-D/D 1C RPM FS-502 MS64RB PCGS POP 4/3
1925-S 1C DDO FS-101 XF45BN PCGS POP 3/12
1934-D/D 1C RPM FS-503 XF40BN PCGS POP 2/14
1938-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 AU50BN PCGS POP 1/27
1945 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 2/7
1949-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 MS62BN PCGS POP 1/26
1964 1C DDR FS-802 MS64RD PCGS POP 15/15
1966 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 8/1
1968-D/D 1C RPM FS-501 MS64RD PCGS POP 26/24
1972 1C DDO FS-103 MS65RD PCGS POP 140/32
1972 1C DDO FS-106 MS65RD PCGS POP 34/4
1972 1C DDO FS-107 MS65RD PCGS POP 36/5
1972 1C DDO FS-108 MS65RD PCGS POP 69/21
1983 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 11/13
1988 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS65RD PCGS POP 5/5
1994 1C DDR FS-801 MS66RD PCGS POP 9/3
1997 1C Dbl Ear FS-101 MS65RD PCGS POP 215/21
1998 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS65RD PCGS POP 164/131
1999 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS67RD PCGS POP 12/0
2000 1C Wide AM FS-901 MS67RD PCGS POP 360/2
2006 1C DDO FS-101 MS65RD PCGS POP 5/12
2009 1C Formative Years DDR FS-804 MS65RD PCGS POP 44/52
2009 1C Formative Years DDR FS-805 MS65RD PCGS POP 45/28
1966 1C DDO FS-101 MS64RD PCGS POP 8/1
Out of the lot, I will highlight the 1966 DDO. The coin was purchase off of EBay. According to the PCGS Auction Website, the coin sold for $650. The purchase set the auction record. The listing described the coin: Up for sale is one of my personal favorites the elusive 1966 ddo 001 FS-101 Lincoln Memorial Cent. You will look long and hard for one selling at book $750.00 (PCGS priceguide) well this one is up for $700.00. Sorry, can't go below that on this one with a pop of 9 and only 1 higher. This is a must have for PCGS registry sets as they just havn't come much higher. This particular coin is an early mid die state specimen with doubling strong throughout motto, eyelid, date and vest. Not just the RU of TRUST on this one, doubling on entire motto. No comparison to late die state examples, this one rules over any AU or RB examples if they can even be found. My pictures don't fully show the strength or brilliance of this coin, it’s a cherry.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
This can't be easily answered by comparing the Hansen and Eliasberg proof registry sets,
because (unlike the circulation set), nobody has filled in the Eliasberg proof set entries.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-basic-set-proof-1801-1964/4530
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-set-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-1792-1964/3241
YOS, I agree that it is not easy to do a comparison. There are some series proof sets in the Eliasberg registry. As you stated, there is not a complete (inventory) set, so it is hard to directly compare to Hansen’s 1801-Present, 80% complete set with major varieties. It appears under the yearly proofs; the Eliasberg sets listed are only the sets that are 100% completed. According to my count, there was only 15 years completed with gold (1892-1914). Hansen’s has not listed his proofs by year. Also, when looking at Eliasberg, his percentages are pretty high for post 1859 sets. They are in the 80s to high 90s percent completed. The pre-1859 sets are very low. Hansen is still adding to his sets. His 20th century proof sets are not completed.
I am not sure of Hansen’s goals for proofs. For basic proofs, 1801-Present, he has approx. 330 coins to go. Of the 330, there are approx. 125 post 1859 proofs left. These are collectable, so I think he will complete these for sure. The early proofs, 1801-1858, a complete set is not obtainable. A 99% completion would be unprecedented. If anyone disagrees, please speak up.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/louis-eliasberg/othersets/1162
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I throw the towel in w/Lincoln Cent varieties. OMG. Congrats Delloy!
Ya know, as a collector, I have a hard time processing the ability to appreciate sets of 400-600 coins of a given type. Imagine going into the bank vault and hauling boxes of coins of the same type with minor variations between them. I realize that Del Loy is on a acquisition mission, but I have my doubts that he'll look at many of his Lincolns, for example.
DLH added 16 upgrades to his all time finest Dimes w/major varieties 1796-date.
Including a 1942/1 MS66FB! Nice!!!
I'm still amazed.
Later, Paul.
Dell Loy needs some guidance
which Lincoln Cents are important,
and which are valuable. Perhaps Currin can post the coins missing from DellLoys sets that are
Serious upgrades ?
DLH's new entry into the 1907 Mint Set w/Gold pushed me down the #3. This means war. ;-)
Good luck
Another discussion of the recent 1949 Lincoln purchase by Hansen.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1008283/1949-cent-for-11-000#latest
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Eagle Updates
I know everyone have been waiting for the eye candy. The coppers just don’t do it for everyone. Today, I saw some updates to Eagles that you may like. One of the three is a PCGS POP 1/0. When I think of Hansen’s gold, I don’t think of Eagles as being his best denomination. With upgrades like these, I think the Eagles have a lot of potential. The total value of three coins is about $200,000. I will let you be the judge if you like the upgrades.
1905 Liberty Eagle MS66 Cert 25786341 PCGS POP 7/4 – Replaces 1905 MS65 POP 20/12
This is a lovely Lady Liberty. I am not sure how this coin was obtained. The coin last publicly appeared in the Heritage Auction on 2016 October US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. PCGS Price Guide Value is $15,875. The coin realized $15,875 in the2016 Heritage Auction. According to the Heritage description: Although considered a common date in lower grades, the 1905 Liberty eagle becomes conditionally rare in MS65 and is exceedingly so any finer. This Premium Gem yields a degree of eye appeal that is arguably unsurpassed by other examples in this grade. It is the first MS66 coin we have handled since 2009, and only the second PCGS-graded piece. The other PCGS Premium Gem we offered was in lot 2413 of the November 2006 Dallas Signature sale and realized $12,650. The finest pieces in the Smithsonian Institution grade only MS63, per Garrett and Guth. The present example showcases a razor-sharp strike and vibrant, frosty cartwheel luster. A small alloy discoloration between the leaves and the U in UNITED is barely mentionable. The preservation is superb.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s, he may not an Mint State coin. He set lists a Proof64 assumed grade (Choice Proof). Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $11,000.
1905 Liberty Eagle MS66 - Vibrantly Lustrous Condition Rarity
1907-S Eagle MS66+ Cert 36188740 PCGS POP 1/0 – Replaces 1907-S MS62 POP 69/34
By grade and POP report, this is the best graded coin of the three. This coin has no history that I can find. Coin Facts shows two MS66 PCGS as finest grade (no MS66+), so I believe this is a new or recently upgrade. The Auction Record is $38,400 for PCGS MS66 that sold in the 6-2018 Heritage Auctions. I don’t know if this is the same coin or not. The a couple markings on the lady’s chin and a spot on the reverse that leads me to believe this may the same coin. The coin was from the The Tuxedo Park Collection. The description for this MS66: The commentary by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth is instructive regarding the surprising scarcity of 1907-S eagles: "The 1907-S eagle is easily the scarcest of any Liberty Head eagle of the 20th century, even though the mintage is not among the lowest. Akers called this date one of his favorites and considered it one of the most underrated of all U.S. coins of any denomination." Housed in an old green label holder, this Premium Gem 1907-S displays breathtaking surface quality and a pinpoint-sharp strike. Vibrant sunglow-gold surfaces display orange accents and strong cartwheel luster. The 1907-S is exceptionally rare at this high grade, with just three examples certified by both services combined at the MS66 level, and none finer. The population in MS66 has not changed in more than 10 years.
Provenance: Possibly The Tuxedo Park Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s registry set, his coin was a circulated XF40 estimated grade. Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $1,045.
1907-S Eagle MS66+ Finest PCGS Certified
1920-S Eagle MS64 Cert 04817278 PCGS POP 6/5 – Replaces 1920-S MS63+ POP 2/11 CAC Crow River
I saved the best for last. This coin replaces a CAC MS63+ from the Crow River Collection. I am not sure how this coin was obtained. The coin last publicly appeared in the Heritage Auction on 2016 October US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. PCGS Price Guide Value is $185,000. The coin realized $144,000 in the 2016 Heritage Auction. According to the Heritage description: The 1920-S Indian eagle has a decades-long reputation as one of the premier rarities of the series. Its scarcity was recognized as early as the mid-1940s, with the piece in the J.F. Bell Collection (Stack's, 12/1944), realizing $175.00. In the World's Greatest Collection (Kosoff, 1/1946), another example was described: "Here is a date extremely difficult to obtain. Only recently have collectors realized this fact ... " Although 126,500 pieces were struck, most were retained in Mint and Treasury vaults until they were melted in the mid-1930s. Relatively few surviving examples of the issue are known with significant amounts of wear, although a number of AU-level pieces or impaired Uncirculated coins exist. David Akers considered most of the survivorship to be in Mint State due to limited circulation, and this holds true following the advent of third-party grading and more auction data. But the overall population is inherently small. The 1920-S eagle is, according to conventional wisdom and certification numbers, the third-rarest issue overall in the series, with only the 1907 Rolled Rim variety and the 1933 scarcer. In our experience handling this issue at auction, it comes available about as often as the 1930-S, although the 1920-S is difficult to find in high grade. We have not handled an MS64 coin since our 2009 FUN Signature, lot 4128, and we have not seen an MS64 PCGS coin since our July 2006 Dallas Signature, lot 1591. The present example is making its first appearance in our auctions since 2002, and it is still housed in its original green label holder. Pedigree markers on this piece include a few small marks in the left-obverse field near the rim, but the surfaces are otherwise free of distractions. Central strike weakness on each side affects Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's right (facing) leg but is not overly bothersome. Original satin surfaces are mainly orange-gold but yield traces of peach, rose, and lilac when tilted beneath a light..
In other references, the coin is described:
David Akers (1975/88): This issue has long been recognized as one of the major rarities of 20th-century United States gold coins and it is even rare in EF or AU condition. The occasional Mint State piece that comes up for sale is usually a low grade one (MS-60 to 62), and above the most basic Mint State grades, the 1920-S eagle is extremely rare. Although I have ranked the 1920-S fourth in terms of rarity at the MS-64 or better level, this is only because there are so few in MS-64. Three superb quality specimens stand out above the rest, the Winner Delp coin now owned by Harry Bass, the Stack's June 1979 Sale coin now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor (both virtually perfect), and the Stack's October 1984 Sale coin now in the collection of a prominent Eastern collector. The Goddard specimen now owned by Dr. Thaine Price and the Eliasberg specimen purchased by Ed Trompeter are also solid gems. The Auction '85 specimen, the Harry Einstein specimen (now in my personal collection), and the Norweb specimen also have legitimate claims to full MS-65 status, and are high end MS-64 coins at the very least. the typical specimen of the 1920-S is rather weakly struck, especially on the hair around Miss Liberty's ear and on the front curve of the eagle's wing and its trailing leg and claw and the arrows below it. On many specimens, RTY of LIBERTY is weak or even missing. Most specimens have a weak 19 in the date and on some the bottom half of the 2 is weak as well. (Some specimens are very sharply on the obverse, with full bold LIBERTY, but the reverse always has the weakness mentioned.) The surfaces are normally very frosty but in a very few instances they are slightly satiny. The color is generally excellent, usually rich orange or rose and greenish gold. The lustre is also typically very good on this issue..
Provenance: Peter Crist Collection - FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2002)
In comparing to Eliasberg’s registry set, his coin is coin is still better than Hansen’s upgrade. The Eliasberg specimen is a MS66 estimated grade purchased when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942. It is thought to have been obtained directly from the San Francisco Mint in 1921. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Ed Trompeter for $40,700. According to PCGS, The Eliasberg is POP 1/1, although I do not find the coin credited in Coin Facts.
1920-S Eagle MS64 - Lustrous MS64 from Grand Melt Rarity of the San Francisco Mint
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Count Down 26 – Southern Dahlonega Mint Gold Quarter Eagle
Only 26 to go before DLH can accomplish his quest. This is another example that DLH has reached the stage in this pursuit that the level of difficulty certainly becomes greater and greater. This is a really tough coin to obtain in better than circulated condition. Let me also say, to find this coin in any certifiable condition that meets PCGS standards is extremely tough. The PCGS POP report indicates there are 35 certified specimens with a lone mint state specimen graded MS60.
The preceding count down coin was added on Sept 28th. That coin was 1864-S CAC in a very low grade of PCGS AG3. The coin before that was the rare 1841-D Quarter Eagle graded VF35. So, this specimen being a PCGS AU53 is in better condition than 27 and 28. This is the first new addition since Sept 28th.
There were no additions in October. At the pace we are seeing now, we could expect one more addition before the end of the year. It cannot be determine how John found this coin. If you allow me to assume for a minute, I would think maybe this coin found John. However the way it came to be in The Hansen Collection, it is a very nice coin. David Akers describes coin as: This is the lowest mintage coin from the Dahlonega Mint and also one of the rarest. However, the 1856-D, although it brings far higher prices than the 1854-D or 1855-D, is actually easier to obtain in high grade. There are several uncirculated pieces known, but I am unaware of any fully mint state 1854-D and only one uncirculated 1855-D. Nevertheless, this is a very rare and desirable date that is extremely popular due to its very low mintage. All specimens that I have seen are very poorly struck with flat stars, weak denticles and little or on detail on the head of Liberty or on the neck and right leg of the eagle.
For completion of the registry basic set, the remaining two Dahlonega Mint Gold Quarter Eagles required are the 1840-D Quarter and 1854-D Quarter Eagle. Both have low survival estimates.
1856-D Quarter Eagle AU53 CAC Cert 36825787 PCGS POP 6/11 (Survival 45-55)
This rare Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle is in almost uncirculated condition with a CAC sticker. The purchase of this coin is not known as previous stated. According to PCGS Auction database, the last PCGS specimen was sold at Heritage’s January FUN US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was an AU50 and realized $25,850. The last PCGS AU53 was sold year earlier at Heritage’s 2016 June Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Sale. That coin too realized $25,850. According to the database, only one CAC coin has sold at auction. That specimen was sold at Stacks Bowers’ August 2015 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Chicago. The coin was an AU58 CAC and realized $47,000. The auction record is $71,875 for a NGC MS61 that sold 04/06/2006 in Heritage Auctions.
Being the coin has a CAC sticker; I would think the coin is high end for the grade. I will let you be the judge of that. The 1856-D Quarter Eagle has a history of problems. Doug Winter describes the strike this way: The 1856-D is the worst struck Dahlonega quarter eagle. It could also be claimed as the single worst struck United States gold coin from any mint or era. Every known example has a very flat, somewhat concave appearance. In fact, to many collectors and dealers, the typical 1856-D quarter eagle looks counterfeit. This is understandable when one sees a piece in person. The obverse is extremely soft on the hair and the word LIBERTY. The stars are poorly formed and flat with no trace of their radial lines. The denticles are partially visible but they have a rusted, irregular appearance. The reverse is even more poorly struck than the obverse. The eagle’s neck feathers are totally indistinct while the top of the shield, the right leg and the left claw are weak. The border is flat with the denticles from 10:00 to 2:00 often indistinct. He goes on an describes eye appeal as: The concept of eye appeal cannot be applied to this date. A few moderately attractive coins exist but most are very unattractive. Because of this, the 1856-D is the most difficult Dahlonega quarter eagle to grade properly. Even knowledgeable experts will be strongly divided on the grade of a specific piece. I know that DLH is getting very picky of the coins that he is adding to his collections. He must have seen something he likes in this coin when comparing to other specimens. This is a needed coin that he now has in his collection.
The Hansen Specimen on paper is better coin than the specimen listed in Eliasberg’s collection. Without considering coinflation, his specimen had an estimated grade of XF40. The specimen was purchased by Louis Eliasberg from Stack's in 1943. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Jack Hancock and Bob Harwell for $5,500.
Provenance: Unknown
1856-D Quarter Eagle AU53 CAC Graded Specimen
There are 26 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 14 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10
1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection)
1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection)
1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA)
1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection)
1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased)
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned)
1885 Trade Dollar Proof Only (Minted known 5)
Next 10
1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13)
1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1797 "Large Eagle” Half Eagle (Survival 20)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1802 Half Dime (Survival 25)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series)
Last 6
1796 “Stars" Quarter Eagle (Survival 40)
1839 Gobrecht Dollar Proof Only (Survival 60-75)
1840-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 65)
1854-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
1846-C Half Eagle (Survival 300)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Diana Collection
I thought it would be fun to do something different…
The Hansen Collection has grown to an amazing collection is the past couple years. The collection was inducted into the 2018 PCGS Hall of Fame for “Complete U.S. Coin Collection”. The set that receive the award and ribbon was the D.L. Hansen Collection - U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1792-present). This is a great collection of coins, but it only touches the tip of how large the collection is.
PCGS described his award as: While Dell Loy Hansen is a relative newcomer to the hobby, his accomplishments to date mark him as one of the giants of the hobby. In the short span of a little over two years, he has assembled the largest and most comprehensive collection of U.S. coins since Louis Eliasberg, and with today’s eye for quality in the market, he could be well on his way to forming the greatest collection of U.S. coins ever.
The Hansen collection has grown to 953 primary registry sets. In addition, there are 67 duplicate sets called “2nd set”. Also, there are even four “3rd sets”. He has 260 of the all-time #1 registry sets. This makes 27% of his primary collection of registry sets are all-time #1. To take it little further, 870 of the 953 sets are in the top 5 of all time (91%). There total count is 1048 sets. If you are doing the math, the missing 24 sets belong to The Diana Collection.
The Diana Collection is a sub-collection imbedded in Hansen’s collection. The Diana Collection has been mention once before in this tread. I am not sure of the goals or objectives of this collection. This collection could become an amazing collection. Will The Diana Collection become the overall 2nd Hansen collection? I would like to see all the duplicates posted in the major complete sets. This could make a good opportunity to do that.
There are already 24 sets contributed to The Diana Collection. This collection has nine completed sets, with two of them being ranked #2 behind Hansen. This is one of her sets that I like very much. The set has 20 - POP 1/0. How is that possibly? I had to think about it for a few minutes.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/alltimeset/156453
In speaking of coins, there are some very nice coins in The Diana Collection. Naturally, it is impossible to really have any PCGS POP 1/0 coins. But the collection can have and does have POP 2/0 coins. You know what that means, right? It means; The Hansen Collection has both of the top coins. I have not found an easily way to determine how many dual PCGS POP 2/0 coins that Hansen’s have. It would be cool to find out at some point. Let me show this example. I think I like Diana’s specimen over Hansen’s. If you could pick, which one would you pick. I don’t think either of them are CACs.
Diana’s 1880 Three-Dollar Gold Mint State-66+ PCGS POP 2/0 Brent Pogue, Great Lakes
Hansen’s 1880 Three-Dollar Gold Mint State-66+ PCGS POP 2/0 Simpson
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Interesting. Would have to see those $3 in person to pick a favorite since they’re imaged so differently above
Thanks for the puzzle.
This was done in type sets by choosing a different date for each of the 2 sets.
For example, in the Dansco type set you linked, the Diana drapery half dime is 1856 PR, and the D.L. Hansen is 1853.
Some great coins added to this set.
That top pop 1907-S Gold is exquisite.
It's amazing seeing the finest collection ever assembled growing before our eyes.
As you catalogue his collection and comment upon the number of registry collections for which he participates, what is the total number of coins that he owns from the information you've gathered?
One area that interests me is his Proof Gold collection. With proof gold, there are very few individuals who post on the registry. I wonder how his set compares to contemporary collectors of proof gold?
Mr Simpson has a complete Pr Gold set 1884-1915 -ALL PR65 and higher. AND all the Civil War Proofs.
No kidding that most PR Gold is in Japan
That is an amazing collection Mr. Simpson has---all denominations? Why the date 1884?
I did not know that about PR gold in Japan--is it primarily with one or two collectors or many? I assume once it goes over there those coins seldom resurface?
They'll likely find a buyer in China who will produce counterfeits from those rarities to make millions and likely will ruin the coins themselves. Oh, the horror.......seriously.
I should add, there are good upstanding people there and the coins will likely end up in those kind of hands that won't let that happen.
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection