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?
Seated Half Society member #38 "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
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!
I haven't commented much lately, but just wanted to say that I enjoyed the write-up on the Diana Collection.
Dell Loy has certainly added a number of really quality #2 sets. They are a work in progress, so you might see some major changes when we swap coins for the overall #1 in our opinion, etc but these were put together recently with a number of the duplicates where the coins were just too nice to put up for sale!
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
The PR gold was sucked up by two huge telemarketers from japan. This was years ago. I sold them a monster 1891 SET all 66/67 DC!! They would only buy real cam's or Dcameos
@Catbert said:
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?
This is completely uncomfirmed, but there are somewhere around 10-12,000 total. I don't have access to the exact number at the moment as the PCGS software isn't quite built for that kind of quantity...
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
Today, we reached 50K views. Thank you for riding along the past seven months that we have been watching this set grow. I did the last one of these updates at 25K on Aug 12th. I think this is a good time to recap some of what we have seen.
Let’s talk about the misses first. The auctions at August ANA presented an opportunity to acquire two of the ultra-rarities needed in the quest, the 1913 Eliasberg Nickel and the newly discovered 1854-S Half Eagle. Hansen did not end up with either; although, he has added three countdown coins to his collection along the way. All are southern gold rarities from branch mints.
Countdown #28 was the 1841-D Quarter Eagle
Countdown #27 was the 1864-S Half Eagle
Countdown #26 was the 1856-D Quarter Eagle
We also saw Hansen put effort, time and money in the modern portion of the collection. He completed the modern proofs including the major varieties, with the exception of two great modern ultra-rarities. They are the 1975 No S Proof Dime (Two Known) and the 1976-S Type 2 Unique Silver Eisenhower Dollar. The best modern addition was the 1971-S TY1 Rev PR69DCAM Silver Ike that was obtain from Justin Spivack (Monster Coin).
Eliasberg Quest (classic style)
This is the collection that gets the most attention at this time. According to my count, The Hansen Collection has 26 coins left. A complete collection have not been achieved but once before by Louis Eliasberg. Many experts say it will never be accomplished again. I say that only time will tell.
Hansen Challenge
I am coining (pun intended) the term, Hansen Challenge for this first time. I personally think of this collection as more than just a Quest to match Eliasberg, or just a better grade. It appear to me, Hansen is on a mission to collect every date, mint mark, major variety, and proof in the US issues from 1793-Present (or as close to every as possible). With the 2018 issues, we are talking about approx. 6300 coins. The Hansen Collection master set reached 90% complete on October 6th. This is a massive effort that maybe no one has ever made a serious attempt to achieve before. PCGS has a registry set that represents this effort.
This is a colossal set with about 6300 coins that increase every year. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike and Proof from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? To be honest, after studying the set, in some ways it is a fantasy set. There are a few proofs that are not available for private purchase and a couple major variety gold coins. I think the set could be could be completed to aprox. 99.9% and Hansen is approaching 91% rapidly. It is going to interesting to watch and see how close he can meet the Hansen Challenge
. Breakdown of the Hansen Challenge
CS Pre 1964 Basic – 15 left coins left (down 3 from last update)
CS Pre 1964 Major Varieties -65 coins left (down 7 from last update)
CS Modern Basic – Complete (down 32 from last update)
CS Modern Major Varieties – 123 coins left (down 78 from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 Basic – 330 coins left (13 down from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 Major Varieties – 24 coins left (6 down from last update)
Proof Modern (including Major Varieties) – 2 coins left (53 coins down from last update)
Total – approx. 560 coins left of 6300. Roughly 90%. (Added approx. 175 coins in the last 3 months)
@Currin said:
To be honest, after studying the set, in some ways it is a fantasy set. There are a few proofs that are not available ?for private purchase and a couple major variety gold coins. I think the set could be could be completed to aprox. 99.9% and Hansen is approaching 91% rapidly. It is going to interesting to watch and see how close he can meet the Hansen Challenge
IMHO and I could be wrong, just because a coin is in a museum somewhere doesn't mean a deal couldn't be made to extract said coin from a private holding.
Museums need $$$ too.
It is very unusual to see two countdown coins in five days. This brings the Eliasberg Quest countdown to only 25 coins. The 1846-C Half Eagle was the last coin needed to complete the Basic Charlotte Gold Set. DLH still needs a couple Major Varieties including the ultra-rare 1849-C Open Wreath Dollar. The strange thing about the addition is not the timing of a new update, but timing of the sale. The sequence of events makes no sense to me. Maybe someone can explain to me what I saw. It was not an UFO, but in the numismatics world it was strange. Before we get into that, let’s discuss the coin, because it is a very nice coin and a great addition.
This 1846-C is a tough date to find in nice certified condition. The total PCGS POP for this coin is 74, with presently only five certified in MS condition. Four in the group are MS60-MS62. The only choice coin is the Eliasberg PCGS MS64. The Eliasberg specimen last appeared in auction was 1982. The coin has changed hands privately several times. Expert Doug Winter describes 1846-C HAlf Eagle this way: After having been closed for more than a full year because of a fire, the Charlotte Mint reopened in October 1846. It is probable that the quarter eagles and the half eagles produced during this year saw especially strong demand due to the shortage caused by the absence of production for a year. The surfaces on most examples are heavily marked. This is an issue that appears to have been actively used in commerce. As a result, deep obtrusive marks are commonly seen in the fields and on the devices as well. Many have been cleaned with hairlines seen in the fields. This is an extremely hard coin to find with original surfaces.
This is the only PCGS POP AU55+ PCGS graded coin. The history of the coin is not stated. The auctioneer states the coin is “fresh to the market”. Anyone know what that means? The coin is very nice and described as high end. PCGS Price Guide lists this coin as having a value of $7,900. There is one MS60 PCGS graded coin that is valued at $19,000. This AU55+ just sold in a Legend Auction for $18,212.50!
The coin was purchase in Legend’s Regency Auction 29 that took place Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 5:30PM CT in San Antonio, TX. I give you the time and date because it is important later. Legend estimated the coin at $7,500 - $8,000. If you have been a constant watcher, you would know that Hansen has paid well above the Legend estimate on several coins recently. Legend describes the coin as: Looks are deceiving. At first glance we thought his coin was Uncirculated. No, we don't need stronger glasses. The coin actually looks that good. It is HIGH END for sure. Amazing surfaces are almost full Mint State quality. Save for one small tick, the surfaces are super clean. The surfaces also have a thick satiny texture. A surprising luster beams vividly from all over. You can tell nothing has ever been done to this coin. Both sides are a wonderful and totally original deeper yellow gold color. The clear reason why this is not an AU 58+, there is some weakness in the strike on the eagle’s neck. All other details are super frosty and are fully struck. The eye appeal is beyond exceptional especially since this is C mint! This is the ONLY PCGS AU55+ graded. It has never been sold via auction. The consignor told us it is fresh to the market. It should be known that the last AU55 sold in 2006! The rarity of this date and grade cannot be disputed. We think the Collector’s Universe estimate of $7,900 is way off as are all the AU values. If you collect C Mint $5 or just $5, this is a coin that will thrill you. It belongs in a great collection! It appear to me that DLH and John likes what they saw in this coin. There are nine certified coins that are technically better. I am not sure how many of them have the CAC sticker. This coin is outside of being a condition consensus coin, but it could be top 5 on looks and appeal. I am not one that can judge. Here is the coin (#25) for you to see.
1846-C Half Eagle AU55+ CAC
Now, here the strange piece of the puzzle. I have to admit, if you can solve the riddle you are better than me. I first saw this coin added to the Hansen set Wednesday night. The PCGS Revision Time Stamp was 11/14/2018 3:05 PM. As I do most of the time, I try for find some history on the specimen, i.e. last auction, pedigree, really anything I can find traced to the certification number. I could not find anything from a historical perspective. This is not usual for Hansen’s coins. I was stun when I discovered the coin to be in an active auction! This coin entered in Hansen’s inventory on 11/14 was a coin that was in an auction that does not close until 11/15. So, Wednesday night, the last time that I check the auction, the bid was $11K. We know the when the bidding closed on Thursday, the coin sold for $18K. Was Hansen so confident in his bid, that he listed the coin early in his update? Is there another possibility that I am missing. I decided not the post the update in thinking Hansen may have entered this coin in error. As of this morning, the coin is still in his set, and he made three other updates since entering this coin on Wednesday. Does anyone else find this to be strange? Or know a solution to the puzzle?
@AllCoinsRule said:
I've noticed at least 2 times now Hansen has registered a coin while it is still up for auction. Is this just an absent minded oversight or a purposely planned statement to others that maybe they shouldn't try to bid against him?
If it were JUST 2 times, it would things easier. Many times it's adding a coin to see how it would improve a set...the problem is when we don't win it...
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 a fine Eagle. If you are an old gold coin guy, you can’t get better than this upgrade. This is a very tough date with only one coin certified as mint state (disputed). According to Coin Facts, this is not only the finest grade, but it is a full 5 points better that the #2. It is the only 1863 Eagle graded higher than an AU58, and this one is much better, a choice specimen! Doug Winter in his write-up mentions a MS62 from the S.S. Republic, but Coins Facts list the Republic specimen as an estimated AU58.
The PCGS price guide lists PCGS MS63 specimen as $200,000. This coin lasted appeared in a Bowers & Merena Auction 18 years ago where it sold for $52,900. This specimen is the auction record holder for 1863 Eagles, when this coin sold in the Cornerstone Sale for $104,500. At that time, the coin was in a NGC MS63. Hansen’s acquisition appears to be a recent private transaction with the terms not being public.
Doug Winter describes the coin this way: All of the Civil War era Liberty Head eagles are scarce (with the exception of the 1861) but the 1863 is a key rarity in this subset. In fact, I regard it as among the very rarest 19th century Philadelphia gold coins. Only 1,248 business strikes were issued of which an estimated 30-40 are known. The finest is the superb Bass lV: 683 ex: MARCA 8/91 that brought $52,900 in its last appearance (an amazing bargain) after Harry Bass had paid $104,500 for it back in 1991. The second finest known is an NGC MS62 from the S.S. Republic that is owned by a prominent Western collector. Almost every example that I have seen grades EF45 or below and is characterized by excessively abraded surfaces. The luster is either soft or frosty or, less often, semi-prooflike and the strike tends to be bold with the exception of the curl directly above Liberty's ear.
1863 $10 MS63 CERTIFICATION#: 05652511 PCGS POP 1/0 CAC replaces 1863 AU53 PCGS POP 3/4
Provenance: Heck Dodson Collection - MARCA 8/1991:755, $104,500 - Harry Bass Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/2000:683, $52,900
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his circulating coin was an XF45 assumed grade from Randall (1897); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $30,800.
I was not able to find a picture of this coin. I too would love to see this coin. If someone can find a picture of this coin, please post.
The 1863 $10 is indeed a very special item. It was offered to me by a good friend, but I'm not sure that I can disclose the seller. The coin had been put away for quite some time with a collector and when it was offered to me, I knew that it was a piece that I had to buy, whether or not Mr. Hansen would want it or not. Thankfully, he did and it now resides in the perfect collection. This is actually one of my favorite coins in the collection now as it's something that is irreplaceable and underappreciated. In the words of my colleague, Paul Nugget, "If you're looking for a high quality Eagle from 1863, you'll go decades looking for one. This is a special coin indeed!"
Edited to add: I'll try to post an image here tomorrow if I can figure it out. There's no trueview as the holder is a bit older, but we imaged this one ourselves this afternoon.
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
@JBatDavidLawrence said:
The 1863 $10 is indeed a very special item. It was offered to me by a good friend, but I'm not sure that I can disclose the seller. The coin had been put away for quite some time with a collector and when it was offered to me, I knew that it was a piece that I had to buy, whether or not Mr. Hansen would want it or not. Thankfully, he did and it now resides in the perfect collection. This is actually one of my favorite coins in the collection now as it's something that is irreplaceable and underappreciated. In the words of my colleague, Paul Nugget, "If you're looking for a high quality Eagle from 1863, you'll go decades looking for one. This is a special coin indeed!"
Edited to add: I'll try to post an image here tomorrow if I can figure it out. There's no trueview as the holder is a bit older, but we imaged this one ourselves this afternoon.
Thanks John, The picture will be nice. I was somewhat surprisesd not being able to find a picture.
@JBatDavidLawrence said:
The 1863 $10 is indeed a very special item. It was offered to me by a good friend, but I'm not sure that I can disclose the seller. The coin had been put away for quite some time with a collector and when it was offered to me, I knew that it was a piece that I had to buy, whether or not Mr. Hansen would want it or not. Thankfully, he did and it now resides in the perfect collection. This is actually one of my favorite coins in the collection now as it's something that is irreplaceable and underappreciated. In the words of my colleague, Paul Nugget, "If you're looking for a high quality Eagle from 1863, you'll go decades looking for one. This is a special coin indeed!"
Edited to add: I'll try to post an image here tomorrow if I can figure it out. There's no trueview as the holder is a bit older, but we imaged this one ourselves this afternoon.
John
how active do you see Mr. Hansen being over the next few years given what he already has and what he has accomplished?
This coin came to me from John Albanese (CAC). It's even more amazing in-hand. Maybe we'll bring it to the FUN show to display.
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
how active do you see Mr. Hansen being over the next few years given what he already has and what he has accomplished?
I wish that I had an answer to this, but I can say that he hasn't slowed down at all. In fact, I've spoken to him about coins more often in the last few weeks than I had in a while. When he has extra time, coins are his most serious hobby, so if he isn't working with something (whether it be work or charity, etc), he's looking at coins.
Improving certain sets, building secondary sets, or just checking out what's going on in coins, he's still enjoying it now as much as ever.
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
Improving certain sets, building secondary sets, or just checking out what's going on in coins, he's still enjoying it now as much as ever.
Thanks for sharing John. Does Mr. Hansen still watch this theard from time to time? If so, I hope he enjoys us in the community watching his progression.
@skier07 said:
That’s a beautiful 1863 $10. JA doesn’t sticker his own coins?
Honestly, I didn't ask him why he didn't sticker this coin. There are certain coins that might not quite pass CAC's muster, but they are so significant it really doesn't matter.
To know John is to know that if he didn't think this coin should have CAC'd 10 years ago, he's not going to change it now that he's selling it. That's why he's one of the few people in this business that I would trust completely.
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
Improving certain sets, building secondary sets, or just checking out what's going on in coins, he's still enjoying it now as much as ever.
Thanks for sharing John. Does Mr. Hansen still watch this thread from time to time? If so, I hope he enjoys us in the community watching his progression.
I know that he pops in and sees this occasionally. His daughter does as well. It really excites him that so many other people are involved in watching the collection's growth!
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 am sorry to hear also. Prayers with you and family John. You only have one Mom in a lifetime. You really don’t know just how much you will miss her until it happens...
1868 Quarter Eagle is latest addition to Hansen Basic Proof set. This increases his completion percentage to about 71.5%. He has 326 coins left to obtain. The mintage for this proof is published to be 25. PCGS places the survival to be 16 to 20 known. The PCGS POP reports 9 total certified Proofs and 3 certified Cameo Proofs. The finest specimen is this PF65CAM. The other two other specimens are certified as PR64CAMs. The PCGS PF65CAM last appeared in the January 2009 Orlando Rarities Sale auctioned by Bowers & Merena. The coin sold for an auction record price of $43,700 that stood until one of the PCGS PR64CAM specimens sold for $48,000 earlier this year. That coin had an estimated value of$20,000 to $22,000 before it was hammered at $48K. That coin did have the CAC sticker. It would be curious to know if Hansen was the under bidder for that coin.
1868 Quarter Eagle PR65CA Cert 25695135 PCGS POP 1/0
This quarter eagle is finest known specimen of the 9 PCGS certified 1868 proofs. This coin was sold in the auction 2003 and again 2009, where the coin brought $24,725 and $43,700 respectively. I have no real knowledge of the value, but could we assume the present value of this specimen could be $100,00? It appears DLH may have purchased this coin in a private transaction. There is not much history or story that I can find on this coin.
Coin Facts price this coin at $42,500. As suggested above, I do not feel this to be even close to the true value. The coin that sold early this year (PF64CA) brought more than the current PCGS value of this coin. I am not sure if this coin has the CAC sticker. When updated in Hansen’s set, it was not indicated in the note that it was. Therefore, I would lend toward that it is more probable that it is not. I wish I could share more on this coin and have a picture, but I cannot do either. The coin is a very nice addition to the Proof Set.
I think this Hansen specimen Is much nicer coin that the Eliasberg specimen. The Eliasberg registry set describes his specimen as assumed graded Choice Proof, Ex. Parmelee Collection; NY Stamp & Coin (1890); Woodin; Elder (1911); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $5,720.
Comments
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?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
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
MacArthur was...right.
We shudda KEPT Japan.
I haven't commented much lately, but just wanted to say that I enjoyed the write-up on the Diana Collection.
Dell Loy has certainly added a number of really quality #2 sets. They are a work in progress, so you might see some major changes when we swap coins for the overall #1 in our opinion, etc but these were put together recently with a number of the duplicates where the coins were just too nice to put up for sale!
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
The PR gold was sucked up by two huge telemarketers from japan. This was years ago. I sold them a monster 1891 SET all 66/67 DC!! They would only buy real cam's or Dcameos
This is completely uncomfirmed, but there are somewhere around 10-12,000 total. I don't have access to the exact number at the moment as the PCGS software isn't quite built for that kind of quantity...
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
Today, we reached 50K views. Thank you for riding along the past seven months that we have been watching this set grow. I did the last one of these updates at 25K on Aug 12th. I think this is a good time to recap some of what we have seen.
Let’s talk about the misses first. The auctions at August ANA presented an opportunity to acquire two of the ultra-rarities needed in the quest, the 1913 Eliasberg Nickel and the newly discovered 1854-S Half Eagle. Hansen did not end up with either; although, he has added three countdown coins to his collection along the way. All are southern gold rarities from branch mints.
Countdown #28 was the 1841-D Quarter Eagle
Countdown #27 was the 1864-S Half Eagle
Countdown #26 was the 1856-D Quarter Eagle
We also saw Hansen put effort, time and money in the modern portion of the collection. He completed the modern proofs including the major varieties, with the exception of two great modern ultra-rarities. They are the 1975 No S Proof Dime (Two Known) and the 1976-S Type 2 Unique Silver Eisenhower Dollar. The best modern addition was the 1971-S TY1 Rev PR69DCAM Silver Ike that was obtain from Justin Spivack (Monster Coin).
Eliasberg Quest (classic style)
This is the collection that gets the most attention at this time. According to my count, The Hansen Collection has 26 coins left. A complete collection have not been achieved but once before by Louis Eliasberg. Many experts say it will never be accomplished again. I say that only time will tell.
Hansen Challenge
I am coining (pun intended) the term, Hansen Challenge for this first time. I personally think of this collection as more than just a Quest to match Eliasberg, or just a better grade. It appear to me, Hansen is on a mission to collect every date, mint mark, major variety, and proof in the US issues from 1793-Present (or as close to every as possible). With the 2018 issues, we are talking about approx. 6300 coins. The Hansen Collection master set reached 90% complete on October 6th. This is a massive effort that maybe no one has ever made a serious attempt to achieve before. PCGS has a registry set that represents this effort.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-set-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-proof-1792-present/3072
This is a colossal set with about 6300 coins that increase every year. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike and Proof from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? To be honest, after studying the set, in some ways it is a fantasy set. There are a few proofs that are not available for private purchase and a couple major variety gold coins. I think the set could be could be completed to aprox. 99.9% and Hansen is approaching 91% rapidly. It is going to interesting to watch and see how close he can meet the Hansen Challenge
.
Breakdown of the Hansen Challenge
CS Pre 1964 Basic – 15 left coins left (down 3 from last update)
CS Pre 1964 Major Varieties -65 coins left (down 7 from last update)
CS Modern Basic – Complete (down 32 from last update)
CS Modern Major Varieties – 123 coins left (down 78 from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 Basic – 330 coins left (13 down from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 Major Varieties – 24 coins left (6 down from last update)
Proof Modern (including Major Varieties) – 2 coins left (53 coins down from last update)
Total – approx. 560 coins left of 6300. Roughly 90%. (Added approx. 175 coins in the last 3 months)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
IMHO and I could be wrong, just because a coin is in a museum somewhere doesn't mean a deal couldn't be made to extract said coin from a private holding.
Museums need $$$ too.
Later, Paul.
Count Down 25 – Unusual and Very Strange
It is very unusual to see two countdown coins in five days. This brings the Eliasberg Quest countdown to only 25 coins. The 1846-C Half Eagle was the last coin needed to complete the Basic Charlotte Gold Set. DLH still needs a couple Major Varieties including the ultra-rare 1849-C Open Wreath Dollar. The strange thing about the addition is not the timing of a new update, but timing of the sale. The sequence of events makes no sense to me. Maybe someone can explain to me what I saw. It was not an UFO, but in the numismatics world it was strange. Before we get into that, let’s discuss the coin, because it is a very nice coin and a great addition.
This 1846-C is a tough date to find in nice certified condition. The total PCGS POP for this coin is 74, with presently only five certified in MS condition. Four in the group are MS60-MS62. The only choice coin is the Eliasberg PCGS MS64. The Eliasberg specimen last appeared in auction was 1982. The coin has changed hands privately several times. Expert Doug Winter describes 1846-C HAlf Eagle this way: After having been closed for more than a full year because of a fire, the Charlotte Mint reopened in October 1846. It is probable that the quarter eagles and the half eagles produced during this year saw especially strong demand due to the shortage caused by the absence of production for a year. The surfaces on most examples are heavily marked. This is an issue that appears to have been actively used in commerce. As a result, deep obtrusive marks are commonly seen in the fields and on the devices as well. Many have been cleaned with hairlines seen in the fields. This is an extremely hard coin to find with original surfaces.
1846-C Half Eagle AU55+ CAC Cert 35824486 PCGS POP 1/9 (Survival approx. 300)
This is the only PCGS POP AU55+ PCGS graded coin. The history of the coin is not stated. The auctioneer states the coin is “fresh to the market”. Anyone know what that means? The coin is very nice and described as high end. PCGS Price Guide lists this coin as having a value of $7,900. There is one MS60 PCGS graded coin that is valued at $19,000. This AU55+ just sold in a Legend Auction for $18,212.50!
The coin was purchase in Legend’s Regency Auction 29 that took place Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 5:30PM CT in San Antonio, TX. I give you the time and date because it is important later. Legend estimated the coin at $7,500 - $8,000. If you have been a constant watcher, you would know that Hansen has paid well above the Legend estimate on several coins recently. Legend describes the coin as: Looks are deceiving. At first glance we thought his coin was Uncirculated. No, we don't need stronger glasses. The coin actually looks that good. It is HIGH END for sure. Amazing surfaces are almost full Mint State quality. Save for one small tick, the surfaces are super clean. The surfaces also have a thick satiny texture. A surprising luster beams vividly from all over. You can tell nothing has ever been done to this coin. Both sides are a wonderful and totally original deeper yellow gold color. The clear reason why this is not an AU 58+, there is some weakness in the strike on the eagle’s neck. All other details are super frosty and are fully struck. The eye appeal is beyond exceptional especially since this is C mint! This is the ONLY PCGS AU55+ graded. It has never been sold via auction. The consignor told us it is fresh to the market. It should be known that the last AU55 sold in 2006! The rarity of this date and grade cannot be disputed. We think the Collector’s Universe estimate of $7,900 is way off as are all the AU values. If you collect C Mint $5 or just $5, this is a coin that will thrill you. It belongs in a great collection! It appear to me that DLH and John likes what they saw in this coin. There are nine certified coins that are technically better. I am not sure how many of them have the CAC sticker. This coin is outside of being a condition consensus coin, but it could be top 5 on looks and appeal. I am not one that can judge. Here is the coin (#25) for you to see.
1846-C Half Eagle AU55+ CAC
Now, here the strange piece of the puzzle. I have to admit, if you can solve the riddle you are better than me. I first saw this coin added to the Hansen set Wednesday night. The PCGS Revision Time Stamp was 11/14/2018 3:05 PM. As I do most of the time, I try for find some history on the specimen, i.e. last auction, pedigree, really anything I can find traced to the certification number. I could not find anything from a historical perspective. This is not usual for Hansen’s coins. I was stun when I discovered the coin to be in an active auction! This coin entered in Hansen’s inventory on 11/14 was a coin that was in an auction that does not close until 11/15. So, Wednesday night, the last time that I check the auction, the bid was $11K. We know the when the bidding closed on Thursday, the coin sold for $18K. Was Hansen so confident in his bid, that he listed the coin early in his update? Is there another possibility that I am missing. I decided not the post the update in thinking Hansen may have entered this coin in error. As of this morning, the coin is still in his set, and he made three other updates since entering this coin on Wednesday. Does anyone else find this to be strange? Or know a solution to the puzzle?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
@Currin
I would guess that some people are more confident in their bids than others
Sounds like someone was pretty confident...however in running it is considered bad luck to wear the official race t-shirt on or before race day...
Coin World is reporting that the "Walton" specimen of the 1913 Lib. Nickel is up for auction on eBay of all places for $3.49 Million.
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1913-LIBERTY-HEAD-NICKEL-WALTON-SPECIMEN-PCGS-PROOF-63/264020041214?hash=item3d78d21dfe:g:FggAAOSwNqJbaYwB:rk:1:pf:0
Later, Paul.
If Hansen gets the nickel, he can get $100 in eBay bucks!
Later, Paul.
Hey, Del Loy - buy this and we can get our pics taken with our 1913s in one hand and 1804s in the other.
If it were JUST 2 times, it would things easier. Many times it's adding a coin to see how it would improve a set...the problem is when we don't win it...
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
...gotta wait for the race to finish before you can cash your ticket
New Upgrade Breakaway Coin (1863 Liberty Eagle)
This is a fine Eagle. If you are an old gold coin guy, you can’t get better than this upgrade. This is a very tough date with only one coin certified as mint state (disputed). According to Coin Facts, this is not only the finest grade, but it is a full 5 points better that the #2. It is the only 1863 Eagle graded higher than an AU58, and this one is much better, a choice specimen! Doug Winter in his write-up mentions a MS62 from the S.S. Republic, but Coins Facts list the Republic specimen as an estimated AU58.
The PCGS price guide lists PCGS MS63 specimen as $200,000. This coin lasted appeared in a Bowers & Merena Auction 18 years ago where it sold for $52,900. This specimen is the auction record holder for 1863 Eagles, when this coin sold in the Cornerstone Sale for $104,500. At that time, the coin was in a NGC MS63. Hansen’s acquisition appears to be a recent private transaction with the terms not being public.
Doug Winter describes the coin this way: All of the Civil War era Liberty Head eagles are scarce (with the exception of the 1861) but the 1863 is a key rarity in this subset. In fact, I regard it as among the very rarest 19th century Philadelphia gold coins. Only 1,248 business strikes were issued of which an estimated 30-40 are known. The finest is the superb Bass lV: 683 ex: MARCA 8/91 that brought $52,900 in its last appearance (an amazing bargain) after Harry Bass had paid $104,500 for it back in 1991. The second finest known is an NGC MS62 from the S.S. Republic that is owned by a prominent Western collector. Almost every example that I have seen grades EF45 or below and is characterized by excessively abraded surfaces. The luster is either soft or frosty or, less often, semi-prooflike and the strike tends to be bold with the exception of the curl directly above Liberty's ear.
1863 $10 MS63 CERTIFICATION#: 05652511 PCGS POP 1/0 CAC replaces 1863 AU53 PCGS POP 3/4
Provenance: Heck Dodson Collection - MARCA 8/1991:755, $104,500 - Harry Bass Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/2000:683, $52,900
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his circulating coin was an XF45 assumed grade from Randall (1897); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $30,800.
I was not able to find a picture of this coin. I too would love to see this coin. If someone can find a picture of this coin, please post.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
amazing upgrade. 1863 in AU53 is extremely rare but in MS63 is just jaw dropping. These types of upgrades are very special.
The 1863 $10 is indeed a very special item. It was offered to me by a good friend, but I'm not sure that I can disclose the seller. The coin had been put away for quite some time with a collector and when it was offered to me, I knew that it was a piece that I had to buy, whether or not Mr. Hansen would want it or not. Thankfully, he did and it now resides in the perfect collection. This is actually one of my favorite coins in the collection now as it's something that is irreplaceable and underappreciated. In the words of my colleague, Paul Nugget, "If you're looking for a high quality Eagle from 1863, you'll go decades looking for one. This is a special coin indeed!"
Edited to add: I'll try to post an image here tomorrow if I can figure it out. There's no trueview as the holder is a bit older, but we imaged this one ourselves this afternoon.
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
Thanks John, The picture will be nice. I was somewhat surprisesd not being able to find a picture.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Just fantastic.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
This coin sounds amazing. Would love to see it.
Later, Paul.
Yes, and 1863 $10 is impossible.. congrats JB
John
how active do you see Mr. Hansen being over the next few years given what he already has and what he has accomplished?
Here's the 1863 $10 PCGS MS63 ex: Bass, Albanese, etc.
davidlawrence.com/product/1677360
This coin came to me from John Albanese (CAC). It's even more amazing in-hand. Maybe we'll bring it to the FUN show to display.
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 wish that I had an answer to this, but I can say that he hasn't slowed down at all. In fact, I've spoken to him about coins more often in the last few weeks than I had in a while. When he has extra time, coins are his most serious hobby, so if he isn't working with something (whether it be work or charity, etc), he's looking at coins.
Improving certain sets, building secondary sets, or just checking out what's going on in coins, he's still enjoying it now as much as ever.
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
Thanks for sharing John. Does Mr. Hansen still watch this theard from time to time? If so, I hope he enjoys us in the community watching his progression.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
That’s a beautiful 1863 $10. JA doesn’t sticker his own coins?
That 1863 is 10/10 cool
Latin American Collection
Wow!!!
Honestly, I didn't ask him why he didn't sticker this coin. There are certain coins that might not quite pass CAC's muster, but they are so significant it really doesn't matter.
To know John is to know that if he didn't think this coin should have CAC'd 10 years ago, he's not going to change it now that he's selling it. That's why he's one of the few people in this business that I would trust completely.
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 know that he pops in and sees this occasionally. His daughter does as well. It really excites him that so many other people are involved in watching the collection's growth!
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
OT:
Lets take a break for a minute and say a prayer for John Brush and his family. His mom just passed away after battling a short illness
May she rest in peace and may he have strength during this tough time
Prayers. Wish all the best.
So sorry to hear this John
Life is not fair at times
R
Dang John, so sorry to hear. Your mother was a wonderful person! She will be missed.
I am sorry to hear also. Prayers with you and family John. You only have one Mom in a lifetime. You really don’t know just how much you will miss her until it happens...
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
So sorry to hear about your mother John. She will be in our prayers. I hope you and your family are doing OK during this very difficult time.
Proof Gold Quarter Eagle Addition
1868 Quarter Eagle is latest addition to Hansen Basic Proof set. This increases his completion percentage to about 71.5%. He has 326 coins left to obtain. The mintage for this proof is published to be 25. PCGS places the survival to be 16 to 20 known. The PCGS POP reports 9 total certified Proofs and 3 certified Cameo Proofs. The finest specimen is this PF65CAM. The other two other specimens are certified as PR64CAMs. The PCGS PF65CAM last appeared in the January 2009 Orlando Rarities Sale auctioned by Bowers & Merena. The coin sold for an auction record price of $43,700 that stood until one of the PCGS PR64CAM specimens sold for $48,000 earlier this year. That coin had an estimated value of$20,000 to $22,000 before it was hammered at $48K. That coin did have the CAC sticker. It would be curious to know if Hansen was the under bidder for that coin.
1868 Quarter Eagle PR65CA Cert 25695135 PCGS POP 1/0
This quarter eagle is finest known specimen of the 9 PCGS certified 1868 proofs. This coin was sold in the auction 2003 and again 2009, where the coin brought $24,725 and $43,700 respectively. I have no real knowledge of the value, but could we assume the present value of this specimen could be $100,00? It appears DLH may have purchased this coin in a private transaction. There is not much history or story that I can find on this coin.
Coin Facts price this coin at $42,500. As suggested above, I do not feel this to be even close to the true value. The coin that sold early this year (PF64CA) brought more than the current PCGS value of this coin. I am not sure if this coin has the CAC sticker. When updated in Hansen’s set, it was not indicated in the note that it was. Therefore, I would lend toward that it is more probable that it is not. I wish I could share more on this coin and have a picture, but I cannot do either. The coin is a very nice addition to the Proof Set.
I think this Hansen specimen Is much nicer coin that the Eliasberg specimen. The Eliasberg registry set describes his specimen as assumed graded Choice Proof, Ex. Parmelee Collection; NY Stamp & Coin (1890); Woodin; Elder (1911); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $5,720.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Condolences to John and his family.