The last few days, we have talked mostly about Hansen’s work with Jefferson Nickels. The Jefferson is not the only nickel series that he has been working on. As most of you are aware, the #1 Registry Buffalo Nickel Set is the HOF Forsythe Set. The set is a long standing set that has maintained the award of the best of the registry since 2005. It will be difficult, if not impossible for Hansen to overcome this set for #1. The Forsythe set has seven PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, there are 25 specimens tied for “Finest PCGS” with several that are POP 2/0. If you do the math, with 32 coins that are finest or tied, out of 64 required coins, the set is 50% comprised of the finest known specimens. The other interesting tidbit, the set has not been updated in three years.
This appears to be an impossible challenge that has not discouraged Hansen in his quest. If you have followed closely, you may know the reason that I think he is not discourage. I don’t think his purpose is to unseat anyone. His purpose is to build the best sets possible, by acquiring the best coins available, if the price is fair. I think you have heard that several times from John Brush, and by my observations, I believe that to be true.
Due to this purpose and goal, I can understand why he would acquire five coins at a value of $101,000, without a clear shot at the #1 spot. With that said, the D. L. Hansen Buffalos are coming along nicely. The Hansen set has two PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. With these new upgrades, there are 13 specimens tied for “Finest PCGS”. If you do the math for Hansen, with 15 coins that are finest or tied, out of 64 required coins, the set is slightly less than 25% containing finest known specimens. The second factor that hinders the availability of high end coins is the fact there is another strong set that reside in the all-time #2 spot. Just to overcome the #2 set may also be an impossible challenge.
1916-S Buffalo Nickel, MS66 PCGS Coin #3933 / PCGS Serial #50265382 / POP 37/8 PCGS Price Guide Value: $5000.00
Expert Comments: In circulated grades, the 1916-S is the least rare of the 1913 to 1919 San Francisco Mint Buffalo nickels, and though it has a slightly lower mintage, it is not quite as scarce as the 1916-D. In mint state condition, it is also a little easier to find than the other S Mints of the era, but in Gem MS65 or better the 1916-S is quite rare. It is rarer in gem condition than the 1913-S Type 2, 1914-S, and 1915-S. The 1916-S can be found well struck, but they are some less than fully struck survivors. Luster is typically somewhat frosty and is usually excellent on higher grade mint state specimens. (David Hall)
Purchase: David Lawrence Rare Coins, Advertised Price, $6,046.48 DLRC Description: Gold and pink color on top of a great strike and flashy luster. Better date S-mint.
Expert Comments: The 1919-S is scarce in circulated grades, rare in Mint State, and a major rarity in Gem condition. Most of the killer rarities in the Buffalo nickel series are the 1918 thru 1927 San Francisco issues. They are all extremely rare in Gem MS65 condition and almost impossiblke to find any better. For the 1919-S, only a few dozen Gems are known. Strike can often be a problem, as can a lack of decent luster. In Gem condition, the 1919-S is one of the key dates in the series. (David Hall)
Expert Comments: In circulated grades, the 1921-S is one of the rarest coins in the Buffalo nickel series. In Mint State and Gem uncirculated condition it is not quite as relatively rare, but is still very rare. In Gem condition, the rarest dates in the series are the 1918-S, 1919-S, 1920-S, 1923-S, 1924-S, 1925-S, 1926-S, and 1927-S. The 1921-S is the next rarity level as it is not quite as rare as those issues, but is very rare nonetheless. It is comparable in rarity in Gem condition to the 1919-D, 1920-D, 1925-D, 1927-D, and 1928-S. Strike is usually decent for a San Francisco Mint issue, though there are some survivors with weakly struck Buffalo's horn and tail. Luster is usually a subdued frosty look (David Hall)
Purchase: Harry Laibstain Rare Coins, (via eBay) Price, $13,500 HLRC Description: Key date Buffalo Nickel is scarce above MS65. This well struck brilliant gem has great eye appeal, with smooth, problem-free surfaces. Last CAC trade in 65 at 9,900 and last CAC trade in 66 at 28,200. No public trades on 65+. A great coin for you registry Buffalo nickel set.
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. 1924-D Buffalo Nickel, MS66 (Gold Shield) --- TIED FOR FINEST PCGS PCGS Coin #3952 / PCGS Serial # 34588255 / POP 9/0 PCGS Price Guide Value: $21,500
Expert Comments: The 1924-D is scarce in circulated grades and very scarce in mint state. Like the other pre-1930 Denver Mint issues, the 1924-D is rare in Gem condition, though not as rare as the S Mints of the era. This issue is usually, but not always, well struck. There are some examples with weak Buffalo horn detail. Luster is of the frosty iridescent type. (David Hall)
Purchase: Unknown
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. 1927-D Buffalo Nickel, MS66 CAC (Gold Shield) --- TIED FOR FINEST PCGS PCGS Coin #3961 / PCGS Serial # 35201346 / POP 9/0 PCGS Price Guide Value: $26,000
Expert Comments: The 1927-D is semi-common in lower circulated grades, but scarce in grades VF20 and above. It is scarce in mint state grades thru MS64, then it is very rare in MS65 or better. In fact, in Gem condition it is tied for rarest of the Buffalo nickels with the 1920-D and 1919-D. The 1927-D is often faairly well struck. Luster is usually subdued and more brilliant than frosty. In Gem condition, this is definitely a key date. (David Hall)
@Zoins said:
I’m impress by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
Out of idle curiosity... if Hansen completes his collection, and every coin is slabbed by PCGS, and he stacks all of the slabs next to / on top of each other as tightly as possible, how much space would all of those slabs take up?
@jonathanb said:
Out of idle curiosity... if Hansen completes his collection, and every coin is slabbed by PCGS, and he stacks all of the slabs next to / on top of each other as tightly as possible, how much space would all of those slabs take up?
Without giving too much away, I think Mr. Hansen just needs Captain Marvel's cat.
@Zoins said:
I’m impress by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
But is also announces to the world what you need, and it sometimes creates a "fresh blood" smell for coin sharks.
@Zoins said:
I’m impress by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
But is also announces to the world what you need, and it sometimes creates a "fresh blood" smell for coin sharks.
Of course and that is why the normal course of action is to go under the radar. However, I think Hansen has done a good job of getting the benefit of having collections come to him but not being desperate when "coin sharks" try to hold him up for coins he needs. Also, I think it helps him that there are so many coins involved there are really just a few that he has to have. Keep in mind also that those coins that he has to have---they are the type of coins that are unique anyway and anyone who wants one will have many of the same issues he has.
@Zoins said:
I’m impress by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
But is also announces to the world what you need, and it sometimes creates a "fresh blood" smell for coin sharks.
Of course and that is why the normal course of action is to go under the radar. However, I think Hansen has done a good job of getting the benefit of having collections come to him but not being desperate when "coin sharks" try to hold him up for coins he needs. Also, I think it helps him that there are so many coins involved there are really just a few that he has to have. Keep in mind also that those coins that he has to have---they are the type of coins that are unique anyway and anyone who wants one will have many of the same issues he has.
Agree this takes a lot of discipline to not get taken hostage. I know collectors who got burned out because of this.
Agree this takes a lot of discipline to not get taken hostage. I know collectors who got burned out because of this.
“Takes a lot of discipline”, I don’t think it could be said better in 20 characters or less. In addition, I believe this to be true to a point that some folks have difficulty understanding. I know we have read in several places that Hansen has passion for the hobby and growing his collection. Passion and discipline don’t naturally go together. Usually one of the two wins out. In the case of JB and DLH, I believe discipline wins most of the time. This is the way JB described their patience: the fact is, if it's offered to us and it's "fair" we'd pursue it. Unfortunately when you reach this far and have such a small number of coins remaining, people get quite aggressive in their pricing. Fortunately, we're in no rush, so we don't have to make hasty decisions. For instance, we've had 2-3 1933 $10s offered recently and we've passed as the prices have been ridiculous. JB wrote this statement in June 2018. They still do not have a 1933 Eagle Specimen. “A lot of discipline”
I do want to make a couple points about the coin sharks by @cameonut2011. He makes a valid point if Hansen’s goal is 100% completion. If that is the goal, then I think at some point he will need to go shark hunting. Maybe we can discuss this more as the week goes on, and I will plan to share my couple points.
Are there any Morgan guys in the house? I bet there are. This is not one of Hansen’s better series. He has a very nice Morgan Dollar Prooflike Set that is five coins shy of completion. He has a weighted average that would place him #1 for All-Times PCGS, if he completes the set. As for the basic technical registry set, he is not so good.
With recent purchases, Hansen moves up to #5 for the current sets. As for all-time finest, the collection is way down on the list at #17. A top tier set, Vanderbilt Collection retired recently. The set is being sold by Mike’s Coin Chest in Torrance, CA. Hansen did acquire a couple of the Morgans. He did not acquire the two POP 1/0 specimens in the set. One of coins went in the current #3 set, and I am not sure on the other one. It appears to me that Hansen has not become serious with the Morgan Basic Set yet. He is just dabbling, that is if you call recently spending about a half million dollars on 6 or 7 upgrades. The thought of catching Jack Lee’s HOF set is probably unthinkable at this point. If he keeps dabbling, who knows?
1892-S $ Morgan Dollar, MS65 – Hansen’s best upgrade
Q. David Bowers: Commentary: The 1892-S dollar is one of those United States coins that is very common in worn grades but which is an extreme rarity at the MS-65 level. In 1992, a coin in VG-8 grade was worth about $10, while an MS-65 coin would have brought $50,000 or more at auction. In other words, an MS-65 coin is worth 5,000 times as much as a VG-8! The explanation is that many if not most 1892-S dollars were placed into circulation at or near the time of issue, and few were saved in Mint State. However, in the days of long ago the 1892-S was not recognized as a rarity. No accolades were given to the issue whenever an Uncirculated coin crossed the auction block in the period extending up to 40 years after it was minted. In Ed. Frossard's sale of March 8, 1898, a Mint State 1892-S fetched $1.05; in the U.S. Coin Co. auction of May 19-21,1915, $1.50 was obtained for another; and in Thomas L. Elder's auction of April 13-14, 1917, $1.50 was again achieved. In fact, it was not until comparatively recent years that the rarity of the 1892-S has been recognized; this after the San Francisco Mint dispersals from storage in the 1940s and 1950s apparently yielded no bags of this date, nor were any among the untold millions of Morgan dollars paid out by the Treasury during the 1962-1964 emptying of government vaults. However, it is known that at least one bag of 1892-S dollars was paid out by the San Francisco Mint in 1925-1926. Few coins reached numismatic circles, as there was little collecting interest in Morgan dollar mintmarks at the time. Perhaps, some of the AU coins now known came from that release. Hansen's Specimen is a $200K coin and it is not in the TOP 10 for condition census. That should give you an idea of the value placed on this coin by the Morgan community.
Provenance: unknown.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his is in a group of 2 -3 PCGS MS67s. The specimen is Ex: J. Colvin Randall; J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. The coin was sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $132,000. The coin today would sell somewhere around a half million dollars! WOWer
1892-S $ Morgan Dollar, MS65, (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7218 / PCGS Serial #36154376 / POP 4/10 PCGS Price Guide: $200,000
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A few more of Hansen’s recent purchases.
1880-CC Morgan Dollar 8/7 High 7 MS67+ Cert #03142031, PCGS #7102 POP 3/1 PGV $95,000 Heritage Spring 2019 Baltimore - Session 2 - Rarities Night / realized $52,800
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. 1890-O Morgan Dollar MS66+ Certification #36420594, PCGS #7200 POP 2/0 PGV $38,500
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. 1893-CC Morgan Dollar MS65 Certification #36775337, PCGS #7222 POP 12/2 PGV $105,000 Ex: Vanderbilt
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. 1897-O Morgan Dollar MS65+ Certification #36302636, PCGS #7248 POP 1/8 PGV $75,000 Ex: Vanderbilt
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. 1899-O Morgan Dollar MS67+ Certification #36068534, PCGS #7260 POP 1/8 PGV $12,500 Heritage 2019 January 9 - 14 FUN US Coins Signature Auction - Orlando / realized $15,000
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. 1900 Morgan Dollar MS67+ Certification #36586726, PCGS #7264 POP 8/0 PGV $16,000 Stacks Bowers 2019 Baltimore - Session 2 - Rarities Night / realized $45,600, 3X PCGS PGV
@Zoins said:
I’m impress by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
But is also announces to the world what you need, and it sometimes creates a "fresh blood" smell for coin sharks.
I indicated a couple days ago, this I would discuss this topic or concern a little more. This is my observation, and I could be right or wrong. If you see or feel differently, please jump in. The water is not that deep.
First point, I don’t think that JB and DLH are dealing with coin sharks at this time. The three main methods to purchase these specimens as I see it:
1- By pubic auction,
2- By coins being offered at fair price in private transactions,
3- By chasing down the owner of desired coins and make offers to encourage them to sell. The third way is where the coin sharks can have their way. We have been told by JB on several occasions that they are not “chasing coins”. I have not seen evidence that they have. You can certainly disagree, you may know something that I don’t.
The other point, will they ever adventure in the waters where the coin sharks are? I think that depends. If the goal is to have a complete set, as Eliasberg, then at some point I think they will have to. Maybe, that will be with 5-6 coins remaining.
At this point, I not sure Hansen is a completest. I know some people believe him to be. I have yet to read anything to convince me that he is. In Hansen’s first post in this forum on 9/21/2017: I do not believe you can equal the completeness of Louis Eliasberg….. You cannot complete the five dollar gold collection. However I believe that you can overtime improve the quality because of our superior ability to study coins today …. He goes on to say in his second posting on the same day: I doubt that this collection will ever be complete during my lifetime… On his third and last comment on the site (10/6/2017), he discussed the difficulty around the final coins. He discussed the goal to complete the registry sets for Complete Set and Complete with Major Varieties category. He says: The easy collecting is over. The tough coins will not be easily found. His last words to us: Life is great and I enjoy being a contributing member of the numismatics community!!
If his goal is not to complete the set (the 21 remaining coins in the list that I provided), but get as close as possible, then it will take some of the “fresh blood” from the sharks. Of the 21 coins remaining, if they become available to JB and DLH (available also includes at a fair price), they will buy and will be one step closer. He does pull back at times. We know he quit bidding on the 1913 Eliasberg Nickel due to price. We know he had the 1854-S Half Eagle (1 of only 2) in hand, and let it sell because didn't like the coin, even at a good price. We know he has walked away from a couple opportunities on 1933 Eagle. He did not acquire the Greensboro 1827/3 Original Quarter that recently realize an all-time auction record of $444,000. He has discussed his thinking on 1894-S Dime that would best fit for him to buy. To this point, he has not pulled the trigger. I think he has used a “lot of discipline” to “not get taken hostage”, or jump in the bloody water with the coin sharks. I think a few folks have been stunned by his restraint and maybe a couple guys have paid a price or lost a great opportunity.
DLH seems to be a businessman who loves to collect coins. As a businessman, he's never overpaid for anything, so why should he start now. In business, if you miss a stock, real estate or business opportunity, there is always another train coming. He may sacrifice completeness, but for a businessman, happiness is achieved by obtaining a fair price (and even more so by getting a great deal) rather than completing a set. Just MHO as a businessman who loves to collect coins--and has many partially completed sets.
@wondercoin said:
“But here's a question for Mr Currin. The following coin is Mr Hansen's, the 2nd is mine, which of the two coins do you like better?”
Posts like this are really unnecessary. It would be like me posting one of my monster toned killer Washington quarters every time Mr. Currin pictured Mr. Hansen’s recent buy of the same date. Why would I be doing it on a thread entitled “Hansen Watch”.
Just saying.
Wondercoin.
I hate it when someone posts a coin to be discussed or admired and very quickly the thread gets "jammed" with a bunch of other coins. I'd rather see a new discussion: "Mine's better than yours." or "Mine is just as pretty."
I'll answer Leo's question, I'll pick the one without all the contact marks on the steps.
Now, I have a very serious question about "steps" and other designations. I want to hear what others think. Since It does not belong in this thread, I shall start a new discussion soon.
Isn't the answer to the shark question to use a 10 year time horizon? There are 1 or 2 sharks that might hold something that long, but I doubt there are many more than that.
@Srotag said:
DLH seems to be a businessman who loves to collect coins. As a businessman, he's never overpaid for anything, so why should he start now. In business, if you miss a stock, real estate or business opportunity, there is always another train coming. He may sacrifice completeness, but for a businessman, happiness is achieved by obtaining a fair price (and even more so by getting a great deal) rather than completing a set. Just MHO as a businessman who loves to collect coins--and has many partially completed sets.
“The week of the Eagles”. This week we will cover eight dates for this issue, and for the second week, Hansen loses ground to Eliasberg. Eliasberg competes well this week by winning the eagle challenge with some great specimens. Hansen still maintains a comfortable lead by seven coins. After this week, Hansen leads is (31-24-8). Again this week, most of the Eliasberg coins are estimated grades from his registry set, except for the 1795 “Small Eagle Reverse” Eagle that is presently a PCGS MS65. This POP 3/1 coin is slightly better than Hansen’s PCGS MS63 Specimen. Eliasberg won last week challenge by two coins and this week by one. Can he continue this streak of wins next week?
As stated, we are comparing eight different ten dollars eagles. Eliasberg takes the lead out of the gate with his 1795 “Small Eagle” in MS65. The 1799 Eagle is tied with both having a MS65 specimen. Eliasberg takes a two coin lead with MS62 1838 Eagle. Eliasberg was strong in this competition with five of the eight coins graded between MS62-MS66. Hansen has only three mint states, MS63-MS65. Although with Eliasberg’s strength, Hansen won the next three coins (1854-S, 1870-CC, 1883-O) to take a one coin lead. I may be seeing a trend where Hansen has overall better branch mint coins than Eliasberg. In weeks to come, I will need to do a deeper dive to confirm this observation. Eliasberg wins this week’s challenge with the last two coins. His 1907 “Wire Edge” Eagle is a couple ticks better than Hansen’s. The last coin was won by default due to Hansen not having a 1933 Eagle Specimen.
This week’s challenge was competitive with Eliasberg taking the advantage with the last coin. We have seen several of these challenges with decision being made by the last coin. Hansen lead drops to a seven coin lead with just two weeks to go. Next week’s challenge will compare seven Double Eagles. It will require a total Eliasberg sweep for the challenge to be tied going into the last week. If I recall, Hansen have some really nice Liberty Double Eagles.
Eagle Challenge
1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle: First year of issue and one of the first U.S. gold coins.
Hansen Coin: 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 4/8)
Eliasberg Coin: 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS65 (POP 3/1)
1799 Eagle: Only affordable 18th century issue of this denomination.
Hansen Coin: 1799 Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 8/3)
Eliasberg Coin: 1799 Eagle Est. MS65 (POP 8/3)
1838 Eagle: First year of issue ; scarce, low mintage date.
Hansen Coin: 1838 Eagle PCGS AU53 (PCGS POP 4/19)
Eliasberg Coin: 1838 Eagle Est. MS62
1854-S Eagle: Earliest collectible issue from this mint.
Hansen Coin: 1854-S Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 21/6)
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-S Eagle Est. AU55 (POP 32/27)
1870-CC Eagle: First Carson City issue of this denomination.
Hansen Coin: 1870-CC Eagle PCGS AU55 (PCGS POP 3/0)
Eliasberg Coin: 1870-CC Eagle Est. VF30(POP 4/39)
1883-O Eagle: Lowest mintage New Orleans gold coin (800 struck).
Hansen Coin: 1883-O Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 4/1)
Eliasberg Coin: 1883-O Eagle Est. XF45 (POP 7/9)
Winning Coins: (Pictures are shown when available)
Eliasberg’s 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS65 (POP 3/1) Ex: S.H. Chapman, 1909 - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Ruddy 10/1982:643, $57,200 - Heritage 8/2013:5871, $675,625
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. Hansen’s 1870-CC Eagle PCGS AU55 (PCGS POP 3/0)
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. Hansen’s 1883-O Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 4/1) Ex: Ex: Warren Miller Collection (Heritage, 10/1995), lot 6421; The Admiral Collection (Heritage, February 2018 - Long Beach #1272) – D.L. Hansen Collection
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. Next Week - Double Eagles:
1850 Double Eagle: First collectible Double Eagle.
1854-O Double Eagles: One of Rarest Liberty Head double eagle.
1854-S Double Eagle: Along with similarly dated eagle, first collectible San Francisco coin.
1856-O Double Eagles: Another Rare Liberty Head double eagle.
1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle: Popular experimental issue.
1870-CC Double Eagle: Rarest Carson City gold coin; first CC double eagle.
1907 High Relief Double Eagle: Popular, beautiful, great story; always in demand.
This is the link to the eBay listing. I know Hansen has been a repeated customer of this seller, but he already has a pretty nice MS63. I am not confident that he is looking to upgrade his specimen. Would you advise him to upgrade for $1.5M?
I think we have spoken about Hansen’s Three Dollar Mint State Sets, but this may be this first for the proofs. We know THE THREE DOLLAR PROOF SET is the HOF Bender Set. The set is world class and possibly will always be the finest every assembled. Even with most of the top coins tucked away, Hansen is trying to make a splash in the $3 proof series. There is no other competition in the registry. The HOF set is all that is listed in registry except for Hansen’s unfinished set. I know we could hear about the “Other Guy” as having a set unlisted. All I have to go on is what listed. For Hansen to compete this set will be a big accomplishment no matter where he falls out in the ranking. Here is PCGS comment: Rare! That’s a word that describes the $3 gold series in proof. There’s the possibly unique 1855-S that is graded and authenticated by PCGS. There’s the extremely rare 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857 1858...the highest population of any of these coins is four, and that includes all proof grades! The $3 gold series in proof is rarely collected, due to the price. But what a set it is! Even the most common coin in the series (did we say “common?”) has a population of only 48 coins in Proof 65 or better.
The registry list shows 4 completed sets all-time: HOF Bender, Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter. Eliasberg is listed as being two coins short. Even the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is a couple short. The only other set in the registry is Hansen’s set that is now a little over 50% completed. In the last 4-5 months, Hansen has added 4 coins. It also appears he has purchased them one at a time. Has he moved his focus to this series? It will be interesting to see if this set continues to grow.
1877 Three Dollar, PCGS PR66DC CAC
The first PCGS POP 1/0 Three Dollar Proof Specimen is the 1877. The published mintage for this date is 20. The PCGS POP report list 11 certified, with the known specimens listed as 15-18. There are only three certified PCGS DCAM with Hansen’s specimen being the only PR66DC. There are no PR66 or PR66CA certified by PCGS. David Akers: Like the 1872 and 1879, and to a lessor extent the 1874, many specimens of this rare date have been incorrectly catalogued as proofs when they were in fact, proof-like business strikes. (David Akers wrote this in 1976, well before third party grading and authentication made the proof/unc question less of a problem. His monumental books on gold coins used large auction catalog surveys as a starting point for rarity and condition analysis. The problem with miscataloging was obviously something he had to address.) With a proof mintage of only 20 pieces, the total of 27 appearances in "proof" in our 238 catalogue auction survey is clearly out of line, and a careful check of many of the catalogues in which these so-called "proofs" appear proves that the coins were actually business strikes rather than proofs. Proofs are readily distinguishable from business strikes by the location of the date. The date on the proofs is low in the field with the first 7 being just above the bow. On the business strikes, the date is higher in the field and is nearly centered between the bow and the word DOLLARS. On some proofs, there is also a raised dot (a rust spot) on the lower right side of the curl of hair just below Liberty's ear. This same rust spot also appears on all proofs of 1878 and 1879, as well as on all the proofs of 1880 that I have seen, indicating that this obverse die saw considerable service.
The auction record was set in Heritage’s 2013 FUN Signature Auction in Orlando for an 1877 $3 PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC that realized $64,500. Hansen did not purchased his POP 1/0 specimen in an auction. In fact, this is another one of Hansen’s mystery coins that we do not know how he obtained the finest GEM. The coin does not appear in PCGS Condition Census report nor does it have a value placed on it in the PCGS Price Guide.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, the registry describes his specimen as 1877 assumed grade PR64CA. Ex. "Detroit" (1894); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $16,500. Lot #303.
1877 Three Dollar, PCGS PR66DC CAC (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #98041 / PCGS Serial #36612707 / POP 1/0 PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown
I am not sure if you follow JB on his weekly blog, “Coins We Love”. In an edition a few weeks ago, he shared a little behind the curtain information with his work and progress with the Hansen Collection. I will not add much; rather let you enjoy the read if you did not see the original on his website. I will do a follow-up post maybe tomorrow or the next day. His number "12 left" is incorrect and I will share that too. Can anyone solve the error (puzzle)? ENJOY!
I’ve also been toying around with the idea to add a comment once a month regarding the Hansen Collection that we’ve been working on for our partner. As many of you know, Dell Loy Hansen set out three years ago to buy one of each standard issue coin ever made by the United States. Dubbed the “Eliasberg Quest” we’re seeking to not only eclipse Louis Eliasberg, the King of Collectors, in quality, but also by adding on an additional 55 years. See, Mr. Eliasberg stopped collecting with the year 1964 and the goal of the Hansen Quest is to go from 1792-Present. So, there are a TON of moderns included.
This week we also had the pleasure of placing two rarities into the collection as well as one of the most elusive modern pieces. The surprisingly rare modern item was a 1993-P Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, this was the last nickel needed to complete an entire set of Nickels produced by the United States. Not only was it the last nickel, it was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-Present. While this much has probably never been written about a 1993-P Nickel, I thought it was worthwhile…Where did the last coin come from you ask? Well, we’ve searched for one (seriously!) for two years. So, minding the fact that we couldn’t find one that was already certified, we recently bought a group of mint sets from one of our favorite customers, Bill in Paso Robles, California and decided to simply send the coin in for grading. While it wasn’t a very exciting find as the grading cost more than the perceived value of the coin, it was still the last item for this momentous occasion. So, thanks Bill!
To add a bit more color to the background, PCGS states that there are 3,676 coins in this Registry Set compilation to acquire the full U.S. issue set. Well, now we have 12 left. The more notable additions this week were a 1797/5 $5 PCGS AU50 (Large Eagle) and a 1797 $2 ½ PCGS/CAC XF40 (with Stars). It may be asked where does one go when the last 12 are found? Well, I can’t answer that fully, but I’d suggest, there are still a lot of Major Varieties and Proofs to go...and one can always upgrade right?
That being said, we want to congratulate Mr. Hansen on what he’s done so far. It’s been an impressive and exciting journey!
will he do patterns? come in my world Delloy!!! Eliasberg had them.....Simpson and BC have nearly 2000 different patterns between them (about $85-100 Million worth). Neither is selling..... Delloy did try to get benders $3. I think it was a mistake a deal did not happen.
I am going to keep this post as short as possible. I hope it to be more show than tell. First, JB told us yesterday, 1993-P Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, this was the last nickel needed to complete an entire set of Nickels produced by the United States. Not only was it the last nickel, it was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-Present. Although this coin is not a TOP POP, it would be nice to keep the coin in the collection forever because of its significance.
D. L. Hansen Collection Last Non-Gold Issue 1993-P 5C, FS MS66FS Certification #37754616, PCGS #84130, PCGS POP 118/2, Value $70 Ex: Self-Made
I think another last coin that JB did not mention that was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-1964. The 1802 Half Dime was the last pre 1964 non-gold. I think this coin also should hold noteworthy status in the collection. I will toss water in parade by saying these coins are not really the last if you consider the ultra-rarities and unique coins that are not required in the registry set.
D. L. Hansen Collection Last Non-Gold Issue – Pre 1964 1802 H10C XF45 CAC Certification #29582773, PCGS #4268, PCGS POP 1/4, Value $250,000 Ex: George Hale, 1945 - Dr. Angus Black, 1970 - Reed Hawn, 1973 - Newport Collection, 1975 - Bibler - private collection - Norman Pullen - Larry Hanks - East Coast Collection - Vintage Auctions 8/1989:103 - Bob R. Simpson Collection- JRCSLM32 sold to D. L. Hansen Collection
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I indicated yesterday that JB’s statement is incorrect: To add a bit more color to the background, PCGS states that there are 3,676 coins in this Registry Set compilation to acquire the full U.S. issue set. Well, now we have 12 left.
These are the 12 left per registry:
1798 $2-1/2
1840-D $2-1/2
1854-D $2-1/2
1798 $5 "Small Eagle" 1795 $5 "Large Eagle" / Have BD-14 Specimen - Coin # 519968, Cert #32231605
1819 $5
1822 $5 1828 $5 / Have BD-1 Specimen - Coin # 519940, Cert #81339439
1829 $5 "Large Size"
1854-S $5
1875 $10
1933 $10
I am unsure why these two coins are not in the HOF set. I would guess the reason is the registry set has not been updated to accept these varieties of the coins, which is common problem. Here are the missing coins, and they are both breathtaking.
1795 $5 BD-14 Large Eagle MS62+ Cert #32231605, PCGS # 519868 (Variety of: 8075) PCGS POP 1/3, Value $210,000 Ex: William H. Woodin; Waldo C. Newcomer; Col. E.H.R. Green (via B. Max Mehl); King Farouk (Sotheby's, 2/1954), lot 226; later, A Gentleman's Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 6/2005), lot 1010; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4839, realized $149,500; D.L. Hansen Collection
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. 1828/7 $5 BD-1 MS63 Certification #81339439, PCGS #519940 (Variety of: 8138) PCGS POP 1/2, Value $325,000 Ex: George F. Seavey Collection, before 1864; Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, by sale, en bloc, 1873; New York Coin and Stamp Company’s (H.P. Smith and David Proskey) sale of the Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, June 1890, lot 978; Harlan P. Smith Collection; Harlan P. Smith Estate, 1902; S. Hudson and Henry Chapman’s sale of the Harlan Page Smith Collection, May 1906, lot 216; John H. Clapp Collection; John H. Clapp Estate, 1940; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, by sale, en bloc, via Stack’s, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Jr., by descent, 1976; Bowers and Ruddy Galleries’ sale of the United States Gold Coin Collection, October 1982, lot 385, via Stanley Kesselman.; Brett D. Pogue Collection; D.L. Hansen Collection
I have not read anywhere that he have any interest in patterns. He has a few specimens that I think came along with some collections that were purchased. Also, a couple very rare specimens as example below. It has been revealed over and over that his focus is US Issue Coins. He varies a little from that focus when it makes sense, i.e. the purchased of the 1885 TD and early proofs. Both, as is the 1913 Liberty Nickel, are not really US issued coins. Yes minted, but not issued. I think this “US Issue Coin” focus will include Varieties and Proofs. I think it will also include bullion, commemoratives, eagles, etc.; all coins that are issued from the US Mint. For patterns, no one knows how many of them were produced and for what purpose. Very few were ever issued to the public.
Also, he is only interested in coins that are available at a fair price. You already said the patterns will “Never be available, because they are not selling”. So, I think you may have answered your own question.
Lastly, when a rare pattern coin comes along and works well with the collection that being assembled by Hansen, I think he does pop on it. I could be wrong about all of this. I am going on information that I have observed. This specimen is a pattern that is presently in his collection.
1792 Silver Center Cent J-1, BN SP65BN (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #11001 / PCGS Serial #25667344 / POP 1/1 PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown (coin last sold at Heritage 2014 Auction $1,997,500 as MS64 Brown)
Ex: Col. Robert C.H. Brock Collection - University of Pennsylvania Collection - Philip H. Ward Collection - Charles Dochkus Collection - Harry Forman - New Netherlands, sold privately on 3/14/1958 - Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/1988:3392, $143,000 - Stack's 1/2002:724, $414,000 - Ed Milas - Marvin Browder Collection, sold privately in 2011 for a reported $2.5 million - Stuart Levine, Joe O’Connor, and Anthony Terranova, sold privately in 2011 - Oliver Jung Collection - Heritage 8/2014:5517, $1,997,500
The challenged is winding down. This is last of the gold and only one week to go. Hansen dominates this week with his Liberty Head Double Eagles. I had thought he would be strong due to his world class and probably the finest set of Liberty Head Double Eagles ever assembled (mostly from The AWA Collection). The collection has great specimens from the first coin to the last. The Hansen collection has the best specimens for all six Liberty Head coins that were compared. Eliasberg did finish by winning the last coin, St. Gaudens 1907 High Relief Double Eagle. The D.L. Hansen Collection has a great specimen, PCGS MS66, but the Eliasberg specimen is the famous MS68. I wish I had a picture of the coin, but could not find one.
This week’s challenge was certainly not as competitive as some that we have seen. As stated before, we have seen several of these challenges with decision being made by the last coin. This was not the case this week. Hansen extends his lead to twelve coins which the largest lead since the challenge started. The record now stands at (37-25-8). With only four coins left in the commemorative series, we can safely conclude the winner of the challenge is the D. L. Hansen Collection. Let’s see which one of these titans of the US Issue Coins takes the last challenge.
Double Eagle Challenge
1850 Double Eagle: First collectible Double Eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1850 Double Eagle PCGS MS64 (PCGS POP 4/0) Tied Finest
Eliasberg Coin: 1850 Double Eagle Est. XF40 (POP 143/820)
1854-O Double Eagle: One of Rarest Liberty Head double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1854-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 1/0) Finest Known
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-O Double Eagle Est. AU55 (POP 3/1)
1854-S Double Eagle: Along with similarly dated eagle, first collectible San Francisco coin.
Hansen Coin: 1854-S Double Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 2/0) Tied Finest
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-S Double Eagle Est. AU58 (POP 11/54)
1856-O Double Eagle: Another Rare Liberty Head double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1856-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58+ (PCGS POP 1/0) Finest Known
Eliasberg Coin: 1856-O Double Eagle Est. AU58 (POP 1/1)
1870-CC Double Eagle: Rarest Carson City gold coin; first CC double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1870-CC Double Eagle PCGS XF45 (PCGS POP 15/6)
Eliasberg Coin: 1870-CC Double Eagle Est. XF40 (POP 10/21)
1907 High Relief Double Eagle: Popular, beautiful, great story; always in demand.
Hansen Coin: 1907 High Relief Double Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 129/41)
Eliasberg Coin: 1907 High Relief Double Eagle Est. MS66 (PCGS POP 4/1)
I did a feature for the Three Dollar Gold Collection not too long ago. Also, I had a good discussion in Gazes Challenge – Part 11 on the Three Dollar collection. I will save you from hashing all the details and would ask you to refer back if needed. Although, I will stated the All-Time top registry set for three dollars is from the Brent Pogue Collection. Hansen has some of the Pogue coins, but not all them. I recall saying that he needs a couple upgrades to move into the top spot. This update is about one of those upgrades. This recent upgrade can be found in Hansen large complete sets. He has not added the new coin the Three Dollar sets yet.
I recently discussed 1854-O Three Dollar in the Gazes Challenge. The coin was one of the three coins compared. All coins in the challenge are “Stand Alone Coins” per Doug Winters. He developed a grouping of about 75 – 80 coins that he called “Stand Alone Coins”. The coin is rare but not so rare that it becomes esoteric. The appeal of the coin is widespread. Its "essence" is easily definable--it has a great story or interesting history. It has "cross appeal" --i.e. collectors in various series all want this particular coin. It is affordable. It exists in relatively high grades(s). This coin is defined by being the only issue of three dollar denomination from the New Orleans mint. At the time, the Hansen collection had a very nice MS61 (PCGS POP 1/1) Specimen from Bob R. Simpson Collection. The only PCGS certified coin that is better is the D. Brent Pogue MS62. That coin is now in the Hansen Collection. This Hansen Collection improves to (16) PCGS POP 1/0 coins which is tied with Pogue on top coins in the set. Hansen still needs to replace a couple more if he desire to move into top spot.
1854-O Three Dollar MS62 - D. Brent Pogue
This is the finest 1854-O Three Dollar coin graded by PCGS. The last auction appearance of this coin was the Stack's Bowers - The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III sale in 2016. The coin realized $76,375. The auctioneer described the coin as “Single Finest Graded by PCGS”. The description: This memorable coin is a boldly lustrous example from the New Orleans Mint’s only foray into the $3 denomination. The surfaces are deep yellow-gold with a mix of satin and frost throughout. There is a hint of reflectivity, chiefly at the peripheries, while wisps of sunset orange and olive iridescence endorse both sides. The strike is fairly sharp, though lapping of the reverse die has left the bow at the bottom of the wreath in several independent pieces. The leaves at the viewer’s right are separated from the wreath and the right ribbon is incomplete. The large O mintmark is sharper than often seen. A loupe reveals a scattering of tiny ticks, as should be expected for the grade, though few can be seen with the unaided eye. The luster is unbroken on the design high points and the assigned grade is spot-on in our opinion.
It is a very desirable and appealing coin. The Bob R. Simpson specimen was also a nice coin. If I had to guess, I would think we will see this coin in Diana’s Set of $3 Gold. This will bring the set to 3 coins left for completion. The Diana set is presently more than eight GPA Weighted points ahead of Eliasberg.
I am not sure how John Brush obtained the Pogue MS62. John had the coin listed for sale for a short period of time. It recently appeared on eBay for $108,670. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $96,000. We know the listing ended with this comment: This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available. This is a little interesting in thinking that DLH may have to negotiate with JB as any customer would. If true, I just find that a little interesting. This is JB’s description of the coin in his recent listing: The 1854-O is one a popular and scarce New Orleans $3 gold issue. Of only 24,000 coins minted, only 2 examples have been graded as uncirculated by PCGS. This lovely example is certainly accurately graded, despite the cabinet friction across the surfaces that appear to the naked eye like hairlines. Pretty mint frost with light reddish-golden tints highlighting the overall surfaces. Rare! I wonder if Hansen has a business partner discount!
1854-O Three Dollar PCGS MS62 Certification #32219941, PCGS #7971 (PCGS POP 1/1) Ex: Old-time McHenry, IL collection - Great Lakes Collection - Hanks & Associates, sold privately as an entire collection in 10/2005 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers 2/2016:3091, $76,375
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. Hansen Duplicate that I think will be added to The Diana Set 1854-O Three Dollar PCGS MS61 (PCGS POP 1/1) Ex: Heritage 4/2006:2561, $86,250 - Bob R. Simpson Collection
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. Note: There are only two mint state PCGS certified coins. Both are in the Hansen Collection
@WaterSport said:
Is Hansen trying ?? I mean he is working on the variety cents. What about all the other sets with varieties? Is he doing ALL of them also? if so, then he is undertaking the challenge.
WS
Now that is a good question. @Currin may have insight to this?
This question was proposed in a discussion with Cherry Pickers Guide Varieties. I am not that familiar with CPG Varieties, but I can speak for what I have seen with Die Variety and Die State which are listed in the PCGS Registry. The answer, yes, the Hansen Collection is adding many of these varieties. A recent example is the Large Cents Varieties identified by Newcomb.
Hansen has added a dozen of these Large Cents in the last 2-3 weeks. They have come from different sources and I have include the seller and price on the ones that I could find. This first post shows additions to the (1816-1839) set.
Part 1 Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, Circulation Strikes (1816-1839) 57.38% Complete / 58.28 GPA Weighted
1818 1C Newcomb 6, BN AU53BN Certification #36353884, PCGS #36616 POP 1/13 Sold by Jewelry World and Loan (CA) via eBay for $499.99
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. 1824 1C Newcomb 3, BN MS62BN Certification #26400716, PCGS #36772 POP 2/6 CAC Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior's sale of April 2004, lot 1009; Tom Reynolds, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior's sale of September 2004, lot 776; Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of the Dan Holmes Collection, Part II, lot 187; Legend's sale of March 2018, lot 3 Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $4,080
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. 1828 1C Newcomb 3 Large Narrow Date, BN MS62BN Certification #34401631, PCGS #36880 POP 1/5 Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex Heritage's sale of February 2018, lot 3091 Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $1,380
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. 1835 1C N-1 Lg 8 Lg Stars, BN MS63BN Certification #13772066, PCGS #37105 POP 4/1 Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex Pete Miller; Larry Whitlow, June 17, 2010; Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of the Gene Heard Collection, June 2017, lot 332 Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $2,040
@specialist said:
will he do patterns? come in my world Delloy!!! Eliasberg had them.....Simpson and BC have nearly 2000 different patterns between them (about $85-100 Million worth). Neither is selling..... Delloy did try to get benders $3. I think it was a mistake a deal did not happen.
Oooh, Tom Bender's proof 3's were a sight to behold...
Thanks to heads up by Gazes, I was able to read a very insightful and interesting article written on the D. L. Hansen Collection. The article is specifically pertaining to Liberty Gold and was authored by Doug Winter on Douglas Winter Numismatics blog website. If you have been following Hansen Watch the past year, you too would have observed that several of Hansen’s purchases have been from DWN. Mr. Winter’s opening remarks, The once-in-a-generation US coin collection being assembled by Dell Loy Hansen and David Lawrence Rare Coins….
The Eliasberg Collection was assembled well before my time. All that I can remember is reading about the sale. I am certainly glad Hansen was driven to build this collection during my generation. Who knows.. 50 years from now, one of our grandkids could be on a Hansen Quest!
The most fascinating observation made was the number of opportunities that Hansen missed purchasing a coin that he needed for an upgrade. Mr. Winter actually shows some of the coins that were overlooked. He states: With a collection as vast as this—it includes all regular issue US coins from 1793 to date—it is certain that a small but significant number of issues get overlooked. “Small, but significant”. I can see that. I am not going to provide any additional spoilers, rather provide you the link for your enjoyment. For true Hansen Watchers, this is a must read article.
Updates last night indicate that D. L. Hansen purchased the Whitlock Collection of Kennedy Half Dollars. The ATF PCGS collection contained a comprehensive group of Kennedys Half Dollars, including major and minor varieties, and proofs. The only missing coin that I can determine is the ultra-rare 1964 SMS. This was a very nice, massive collection of high end PCGS Kennedys that will remain on the Top 5 PCGS ATF list for many years to come.
Naturally, this places The D. L. Hansen Half Dollars as the ATF. If we look at the basic (1964-Present) set with 106 required coins, Hansen had only one PCGS POP 1/0 coin (1984-D MS67+). He picked up eight additional POP 1/0 coins in the purchased. In addition, there 30 others tied for finest known added from the purchase. There are a couple of other strong registry players in this series, Acadia and Wondercoin.
This purchase also takes Hansen to the top of the ranking in the comprehensive complete variety set of 263 coins. PCGS description of the set: A complete variety set of any set is usually a challenge, and the Kennedy Halves are no different. Topping the list is the extremely scarce 1964 "SMS" issue. Only about a dozen of these are known, and prices can run well into five figures. Dozens of varieties from the Cherrypicker's Guide are to be found here, usually Doubled Die Obverses, though other types of varieties also exist. This set has yet to be completed, though a few collectors have come close.
As of today, it remains no one has completed the set. Hansen is not number #1, but does appear to be very close to the collection that has held this honor for more than a decade. Like the Hansen set, the #1 set does not have the 1964 SMS either. There have been only (13) 1964 SMS certified by PCGS. Seem unusual that none of them are in the PCGS registry. The finest certified is the exclusive SP69. PCGS Price Guide places the value of the coin at $65,000. I wonder where it is, and could it use a new home?
1964 50C Accented Hair, DC PR69DC Certification #80504252, PCGS #96801 PSGS POP 1/0
There are a lot of coins that I could pick to show and discuss. Unfortunately, most of the coins do not have pictures. The coin that I will show is the 1964 Accented Hair variety. The coin is one of the original designs and Jaime Hernandez comment with this story: The Accented Hair design is believed to have been the first design used to strike Proof Kennedy Half Dollars in 1964. The Accented Hair variety displays extra hair, right above Kennedy’s ear, as opposed to a regular coin which will have less hair above the ear. The Accented Hair variety will also be missing most of the lower left serif on the letter, I, of the word, LIBERTY. Jacqueline Kennedy the wife of John F. Kennedy played a major role in the production of Kennedy Half Dollars. Initially, the John F. Kennedy design was intended to replace the Washington Quarter design. However, Mrs. Kennedy requested that the Washington Quarter design be left alone. As a result, the Franklin Half Dollar was replaced with the Kennedy Half Dollar design. Soon after, the Accented Hair variety was used to strike the first Proof Kennedy Half Dollars. Mrs. Kennedy also requested that the Accented Hair variety be slightly modified, so that the hair strands right above the ear on the coin would be less prominent. This made the Accented Hair variety a one year type and even then, it was only used to strike some Proof Kennedy Half’s in 1964. Since the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half with the Accented hair variety was replaced the same year, the Accented Hair variety became somewhat scarce compared to the regular issue proof coins of that year. Less than 5% of the entire 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar mintage is believed to have the Accented hair variety.
Other than the coin came from the Whitlock Collection of Kennedy Half Dollars, there is not much else known. PCGS Coin Guide for a PR69DC values the coin at $25,000.
it really is. we are very fortunate to be able to follow it coin by coin. I can think of no other collection that has been so public, so comprehensive and of such high quality put together in a relatively short time with such a massive investment. A couple of years ago few thought this could be done. In another 5 years this collection could be at even a different level. I often thought how amazing it would be to have had a behind the scenes view of the building of great collections like Eliasberg or Pittman---now we are all getting that opportunity.
Beautiful coins. All I can think of when I see the coins and how much he spent is: "How much money is Hansen going to lose when he sells his coins"? I never used to think that way about numismatics, now it is the driving consideration.
@ARCO said:
Beautiful coins. All I can think of when I see the coins and how much he spent is: "How much money is Hansen going to lose when he sells his coins"? I never used to think that way about numismatics, now it is the driving consideration.
The new paradigm will be measuring wealth by rare coins.
This week bring the challenge to an end. I have enjoyed researching the coins shown in this endeavor. I hope you have enjoyed watching. Thanks to Gazes for inspiring the idea. We finish this week with commemorative issues. To be honest, I had no idea how this week would pan out. Surprisingly to me, Hansen finishes strong with a 3-0-1 victory. I think overall the challenge was competitive, although Hansen has assembled some series that are far better in grade. I think those series, i.e. Three Dollar Gold and Liberty Head Double Eagles are the big difference in the challenge. I believe The Hansen Collection has much more work to do with early coinage. If we look just at pre-1839 specimens, I think the challenge will have closer results.
Hansen started this week with a super nice MS66+ Isabella Quarter Dollar. The Eliasberg example was more of a common MS60 issue. Hansen followed up with another super nice coin, MS66 Lafayette Dollar. This week challenge concludes with two Panama Pacific Exposition $50 Gold Pieces. Hansen squeaks out a win for the Round Issue with a MS64 Specimen compared to Eliasberg’s MS63. The Octagon Specimen resulted in tie, with both collections having a MS63 example.
For the last week, Hansen finished strong, with Hansen winning 3-0-1. The total for the challenge was Hansen 40, Eliasberg 25, and 9 Ties.
Commemorative Issue Challenge
1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar: First modern commemorative issue; only commemorative of this denomination (25C).
Hansen Coin: 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar PCGS MS66+ CAC (PCGS POP 39/63)
Eliasberg Coin: 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar Est. MS60 (POP 61/4643)
1900 Lafayette Dollar: First commemorative silver dollar.
Hansen Coin: 1900 Lafayette Dollar PCGS MS66 CAC (PCGS POP 92/17)
Eliasberg Coin: 1900 Lafayette Dollar Est. MS64 (POP 1008/485)
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: Largest size & value commemorative; low mintage and beautiful designs.
Hansen Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: PCGS MS64 CAC (PCGS POP 96/46)
Eliasberg Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: Est. MS63 (POP 116/140)
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's:Largest size, value commemorative; low mintage & beautiful designs.
Hansen Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 167/169)
Eliasberg Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50’s PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 167/169)
@specialist said:
will he do patterns? come in my world Delloy!!! Eliasberg had them.....Simpson and BC have nearly 2000 different patterns between them (about $85-100 Million worth). Neither is selling..... Delloy did try to get benders $3. I think it was a mistake a deal did not happen.
His name is Dell Loy. And once he is done his current quest, I am hopeful he will build the finest pattern collection also! He has great representation, so I don't think he'll have trouble sourcing great pattern coins.
Delloy or any else has NO shot ever in coming close obtaining the greatest Patterns that exist. Mr Simpson (memba him?) only has 1,800 pieces or so-many of which are the greatest you can find. He has coins you can't even imagine-like all his Gold Patterns, PR68 specimans of R-7/8 pieces. Black Cat now has 200+ including the $50 Half Union we just bought at the ANA Mid winter sale (Simpson has the PR 65). Patterns simply cannot be found. As good as JB is, he can't buy them-NO ONE can. And if something comes we don't have, I think my record for buying patterns in auction is 100%!
Eliasberg had Patterns. No one can rebuild that group-ever. Neither Mr Simpson or BC are sellers.
This summer at ANA BC will be displaying a handful of his patterns.
Delloy has done a great job on his collection, however he can not say he is Eliasberg II with out the Patterns! BUT I am tremendously impressed with his darn Jefferson Nickel collection. God bless him he stayed with it and built the #1 set. I could never do that.
“Delloy has done a great job on his collection, however he can not say he is Eliasberg II with out the Patterns! “
Not to mention United States Philippine Coins (1903-1945) that Eliasberg also had a nearly complete collection of.
Besides Jeffs, he has also built a World Class set of Silver Roosevelt Dimes and, now, Kennedy Half Dollars as well. Well on the way with Ike $1s as well.
Wondercoin.
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
I am confident that Dell Loy, if he wants to, will dominate the pattern market when he's done dominating the Eliasberg challenge. Money is the ultimate persuador.
Besides Jeffs, he has also built a World Class set of Silver Roosevelt Dimes and, now, Kennedy Half Dollars as well. Well on the way with Ike $1s as well.
Wondercoin.
Hey, what about the Lincoln Cents? I think that series is strong. You agree?
And the Washington Quarters? What is your opinion on how that series coming along? Does Hansen need to sign a check for one of Washington Collections? You may know someone that has a very nice and comprehensive collection.
I am confident that Dell Loy, if he wants to, will dominate the pattern market when he's done dominating the Eliasberg challenge. Money is the ultimate persuador.
please share with me what you are drinking (I don't smoke).....
Comments
I didn’t get the point of the “here are 6 coins from a Google search” post. I’m hoping we won’t see 6 Google coins for every Hansen coin here.
I’m enjoying the “nickel” measuring going on in this thread.
D. L. Hansen Buffalos Update
The last few days, we have talked mostly about Hansen’s work with Jefferson Nickels. The Jefferson is not the only nickel series that he has been working on. As most of you are aware, the #1 Registry Buffalo Nickel Set is the HOF Forsythe Set. The set is a long standing set that has maintained the award of the best of the registry since 2005. It will be difficult, if not impossible for Hansen to overcome this set for #1. The Forsythe set has seven PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, there are 25 specimens tied for “Finest PCGS” with several that are POP 2/0. If you do the math, with 32 coins that are finest or tied, out of 64 required coins, the set is 50% comprised of the finest known specimens. The other interesting tidbit, the set has not been updated in three years.
This appears to be an impossible challenge that has not discouraged Hansen in his quest. If you have followed closely, you may know the reason that I think he is not discourage. I don’t think his purpose is to unseat anyone. His purpose is to build the best sets possible, by acquiring the best coins available, if the price is fair. I think you have heard that several times from John Brush, and by my observations, I believe that to be true.
Due to this purpose and goal, I can understand why he would acquire five coins at a value of $101,000, without a clear shot at the #1 spot. With that said, the D. L. Hansen Buffalos are coming along nicely. The Hansen set has two PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. With these new upgrades, there are 13 specimens tied for “Finest PCGS”. If you do the math for Hansen, with 15 coins that are finest or tied, out of 64 required coins, the set is slightly less than 25% containing finest known specimens. The second factor that hinders the availability of high end coins is the fact there is another strong set that reside in the all-time #2 spot. Just to overcome the #2 set may also be an impossible challenge.
1916-S Buffalo Nickel, MS66
PCGS Coin #3933 / PCGS Serial #50265382 / POP 37/8
PCGS Price Guide Value: $5000.00
Expert Comments: In circulated grades, the 1916-S is the least rare of the 1913 to 1919 San Francisco Mint Buffalo nickels, and though it has a slightly lower mintage, it is not quite as scarce as the 1916-D. In mint state condition, it is also a little easier to find than the other S Mints of the era, but in Gem MS65 or better the 1916-S is quite rare. It is rarer in gem condition than the 1913-S Type 2, 1914-S, and 1915-S. The 1916-S can be found well struck, but they are some less than fully struck survivors. Luster is typically somewhat frosty and is usually excellent on higher grade mint state specimens. (David Hall)
Purchase: David Lawrence Rare Coins, Advertised Price, $6,046.48
DLRC Description: Gold and pink color on top of a great strike and flashy luster. Better date S-mint.
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1919-S Buffalo Nickel, MS65+ CAC (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #3933 / PCGS Serial #35098621 / POP 3/3
PCGS Price Guide Value: $36,500
Expert Comments: The 1919-S is scarce in circulated grades, rare in Mint State, and a major rarity in Gem condition. Most of the killer rarities in the Buffalo nickel series are the 1918 thru 1927 San Francisco issues. They are all extremely rare in Gem MS65 condition and almost impossiblke to find any better. For the 1919-S, only a few dozen Gems are known. Strike can often be a problem, as can a lack of decent luster. In Gem condition, the 1919-S is one of the key dates in the series. (David Hall)
Purchase: Unknown
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1921-S Buffalo Nickel, MS65+ CAC (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #3948 / PCGS Serial # 36477114 / POP 10/9
PCGS Price Guide Value: $12,000
Expert Comments: In circulated grades, the 1921-S is one of the rarest coins in the Buffalo nickel series. In Mint State and Gem uncirculated condition it is not quite as relatively rare, but is still very rare. In Gem condition, the rarest dates in the series are the 1918-S, 1919-S, 1920-S, 1923-S, 1924-S, 1925-S, 1926-S, and 1927-S. The 1921-S is the next rarity level as it is not quite as rare as those issues, but is very rare nonetheless. It is comparable in rarity in Gem condition to the 1919-D, 1920-D, 1925-D, 1927-D, and 1928-S. Strike is usually decent for a San Francisco Mint issue, though there are some survivors with weakly struck Buffalo's horn and tail. Luster is usually a subdued frosty look (David Hall)
Purchase: Harry Laibstain Rare Coins, (via eBay) Price, $13,500
HLRC Description: Key date Buffalo Nickel is scarce above MS65. This well struck brilliant gem has great eye appeal, with smooth, problem-free surfaces. Last CAC trade in 65 at 9,900 and last CAC trade in 66 at 28,200. No public trades on 65+. A great coin for you registry Buffalo nickel set.
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1924-D Buffalo Nickel, MS66 (Gold Shield) --- TIED FOR FINEST PCGS
PCGS Coin #3952 / PCGS Serial # 34588255 / POP 9/0
PCGS Price Guide Value: $21,500
Expert Comments: The 1924-D is scarce in circulated grades and very scarce in mint state. Like the other pre-1930 Denver Mint issues, the 1924-D is rare in Gem condition, though not as rare as the S Mints of the era. This issue is usually, but not always, well struck. There are some examples with weak Buffalo horn detail. Luster is of the frosty iridescent type. (David Hall)
Purchase: Unknown
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1927-D Buffalo Nickel, MS66 CAC (Gold Shield) --- TIED FOR FINEST PCGS
PCGS Coin #3961 / PCGS Serial # 35201346 / POP 9/0
PCGS Price Guide Value: $26,000
Expert Comments: The 1927-D is semi-common in lower circulated grades, but scarce in grades VF20 and above. It is scarce in mint state grades thru MS64, then it is very rare in MS65 or better. In fact, in Gem condition it is tied for rarest of the Buffalo nickels with the 1920-D and 1919-D. The 1927-D is often faairly well struck. Luster is usually subdued and more brilliant than frosty. In Gem condition, this is definitely a key date. (David Hall)
Purchase: Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I’m impressed by how many “purchase: unknown” coins there are. Perhaps there is something to advertising what you’re collecting.
honestly I think making his goals and collection public was genius. The prevailing thought was to do this type of thing under the radar. Doing it under the radar certainly helps dealers who are out there at shows, using connections, etc make sales. However, Hansen by going public has cut out some of the need for that by having collectors and dealers go directly to him.
Out of idle curiosity... if Hansen completes his collection, and every coin is slabbed by PCGS, and he stacks all of the slabs next to / on top of each other as tightly as possible, how much space would all of those slabs take up?
Without giving too much away, I think Mr. Hansen just needs Captain Marvel's cat.
But is also announces to the world what you need, and it sometimes creates a "fresh blood" smell for coin sharks.
Of course and that is why the normal course of action is to go under the radar. However, I think Hansen has done a good job of getting the benefit of having collections come to him but not being desperate when "coin sharks" try to hold him up for coins he needs. Also, I think it helps him that there are so many coins involved there are really just a few that he has to have. Keep in mind also that those coins that he has to have---they are the type of coins that are unique anyway and anyone who wants one will have many of the same issues he has.
Agree this takes a lot of discipline to not get taken hostage. I know collectors who got burned out because of this.
“Takes a lot of discipline”, I don’t think it could be said better in 20 characters or less. In addition, I believe this to be true to a point that some folks have difficulty understanding. I know we have read in several places that Hansen has passion for the hobby and growing his collection. Passion and discipline don’t naturally go together. Usually one of the two wins out. In the case of JB and DLH, I believe discipline wins most of the time. This is the way JB described their patience: the fact is, if it's offered to us and it's "fair" we'd pursue it. Unfortunately when you reach this far and have such a small number of coins remaining, people get quite aggressive in their pricing. Fortunately, we're in no rush, so we don't have to make hasty decisions. For instance, we've had 2-3 1933 $10s offered recently and we've passed as the prices have been ridiculous. JB wrote this statement in June 2018. They still do not have a 1933 Eagle Specimen. “A lot of discipline”
I do want to make a couple points about the coin sharks by @cameonut2011. He makes a valid point if Hansen’s goal is 100% completion. If that is the goal, then I think at some point he will need to go shark hunting. Maybe we can discuss this more as the week goes on, and I will plan to share my couple points.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Morgan Dollar Update
Are there any Morgan guys in the house? I bet there are. This is not one of Hansen’s better series. He has a very nice Morgan Dollar Prooflike Set that is five coins shy of completion. He has a weighted average that would place him #1 for All-Times PCGS, if he completes the set. As for the basic technical registry set, he is not so good.
With recent purchases, Hansen moves up to #5 for the current sets. As for all-time finest, the collection is way down on the list at #17. A top tier set, Vanderbilt Collection retired recently. The set is being sold by Mike’s Coin Chest in Torrance, CA. Hansen did acquire a couple of the Morgans. He did not acquire the two POP 1/0 specimens in the set. One of coins went in the current #3 set, and I am not sure on the other one. It appears to me that Hansen has not become serious with the Morgan Basic Set yet. He is just dabbling, that is if you call recently spending about a half million dollars on 6 or 7 upgrades. The thought of catching Jack Lee’s HOF set is probably unthinkable at this point. If he keeps dabbling, who knows?
1892-S $ Morgan Dollar, MS65 – Hansen’s best upgrade
Q. David Bowers: Commentary: The 1892-S dollar is one of those United States coins that is very common in worn grades but which is an extreme rarity at the MS-65 level. In 1992, a coin in VG-8 grade was worth about $10, while an MS-65 coin would have brought $50,000 or more at auction. In other words, an MS-65 coin is worth 5,000 times as much as a VG-8! The explanation is that many if not most 1892-S dollars were placed into circulation at or near the time of issue, and few were saved in Mint State. However, in the days of long ago the 1892-S was not recognized as a rarity. No accolades were given to the issue whenever an Uncirculated coin crossed the auction block in the period extending up to 40 years after it was minted. In Ed. Frossard's sale of March 8, 1898, a Mint State 1892-S fetched $1.05; in the U.S. Coin Co. auction of May 19-21,1915, $1.50 was obtained for another; and in Thomas L. Elder's auction of April 13-14, 1917, $1.50 was again achieved. In fact, it was not until comparatively recent years that the rarity of the 1892-S has been recognized; this after the San Francisco Mint dispersals from storage in the 1940s and 1950s apparently yielded no bags of this date, nor were any among the untold millions of Morgan dollars paid out by the Treasury during the 1962-1964 emptying of government vaults. However, it is known that at least one bag of 1892-S dollars was paid out by the San Francisco Mint in 1925-1926. Few coins reached numismatic circles, as there was little collecting interest in Morgan dollar mintmarks at the time. Perhaps, some of the AU coins now known came from that release. Hansen's Specimen is a $200K coin and it is not in the TOP 10 for condition census. That should give you an idea of the value placed on this coin by the Morgan community.
Provenance: unknown.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his is in a group of 2 -3 PCGS MS67s. The specimen is Ex: J. Colvin Randall; J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. The coin was sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $132,000. The coin today would sell somewhere around a half million dollars! WOWer
1892-S $ Morgan Dollar, MS65, (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #7218 / PCGS Serial #36154376 / POP 4/10
PCGS Price Guide: $200,000
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A few more of Hansen’s recent purchases.
1880-CC Morgan Dollar 8/7 High 7 MS67+ Cert #03142031, PCGS #7102 POP 3/1 PGV $95,000
Heritage Spring 2019 Baltimore - Session 2 - Rarities Night / realized $52,800
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1890-O Morgan Dollar MS66+ Certification #36420594, PCGS #7200 POP 2/0 PGV $38,500
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1893-CC Morgan Dollar MS65 Certification #36775337, PCGS #7222 POP 12/2 PGV $105,000
Ex: Vanderbilt
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1897-O Morgan Dollar MS65+ Certification #36302636, PCGS #7248 POP 1/8 PGV $75,000
Ex: Vanderbilt
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1899-O Morgan Dollar MS67+ Certification #36068534, PCGS #7260 POP 1/8 PGV $12,500
Heritage 2019 January 9 - 14 FUN US Coins Signature Auction - Orlando / realized $15,000
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1900 Morgan Dollar MS67+ Certification #36586726, PCGS #7264 POP 8/0 PGV $16,000
Stacks Bowers 2019 Baltimore - Session 2 - Rarities Night / realized $45,600, 3X PCGS PGV
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I indicated a couple days ago, this I would discuss this topic or concern a little more. This is my observation, and I could be right or wrong. If you see or feel differently, please jump in. The water is not that deep.
First point, I don’t think that JB and DLH are dealing with coin sharks at this time. The three main methods to purchase these specimens as I see it:
1- By pubic auction,
2- By coins being offered at fair price in private transactions,
3- By chasing down the owner of desired coins and make offers to encourage them to sell. The third way is where the coin sharks can have their way. We have been told by JB on several occasions that they are not “chasing coins”. I have not seen evidence that they have. You can certainly disagree, you may know something that I don’t.
The other point, will they ever adventure in the waters where the coin sharks are? I think that depends. If the goal is to have a complete set, as Eliasberg, then at some point I think they will have to. Maybe, that will be with 5-6 coins remaining.
At this point, I not sure Hansen is a completest. I know some people believe him to be. I have yet to read anything to convince me that he is. In Hansen’s first post in this forum on 9/21/2017: I do not believe you can equal the completeness of Louis Eliasberg….. You cannot complete the five dollar gold collection. However I believe that you can overtime improve the quality because of our superior ability to study coins today …. He goes on to say in his second posting on the same day: I doubt that this collection will ever be complete during my lifetime… On his third and last comment on the site (10/6/2017), he discussed the difficulty around the final coins. He discussed the goal to complete the registry sets for Complete Set and Complete with Major Varieties category. He says: The easy collecting is over. The tough coins will not be easily found. His last words to us: Life is great and I enjoy being a contributing member of the numismatics community!!
If his goal is not to complete the set (the 21 remaining coins in the list that I provided), but get as close as possible, then it will take some of the “fresh blood” from the sharks. Of the 21 coins remaining, if they become available to JB and DLH (available also includes at a fair price), they will buy and will be one step closer. He does pull back at times. We know he quit bidding on the 1913 Eliasberg Nickel due to price. We know he had the 1854-S Half Eagle (1 of only 2) in hand, and let it sell because didn't like the coin, even at a good price. We know he has walked away from a couple opportunities on 1933 Eagle. He did not acquire the Greensboro 1827/3 Original Quarter that recently realize an all-time auction record of $444,000. He has discussed his thinking on 1894-S Dime that would best fit for him to buy. To this point, he has not pulled the trigger. I think he has used a “lot of discipline” to “not get taken hostage”, or jump in the bloody water with the coin sharks. I think a few folks have been stunned by his restraint and maybe a couple guys have paid a price or lost a great opportunity.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
DLH seems to be a businessman who loves to collect coins. As a businessman, he's never overpaid for anything, so why should he start now. In business, if you miss a stock, real estate or business opportunity, there is always another train coming. He may sacrifice completeness, but for a businessman, happiness is achieved by obtaining a fair price (and even more so by getting a great deal) rather than completing a set. Just MHO as a businessman who loves to collect coins--and has many partially completed sets.
I hate it when someone posts a coin to be discussed or admired and very quickly the thread gets "jammed" with a bunch of other coins. I'd rather see a new discussion: "Mine's better than yours." or "Mine is just as pretty."
I'll answer Leo's question, I'll pick the one without all the contact marks on the steps.
Now, I have a very serious question about "steps" and other designations. I want to hear what others think. Since It does not belong in this thread, I shall start a new discussion soon.
Isn't the answer to the shark question to use a 10 year time horizon? There are 1 or 2 sharks that might hold something that long, but I doubt there are many more than that.
My YouTube Channel
Gazes Challenge – Part 13
“The week of the Eagles”. This week we will cover eight dates for this issue, and for the second week, Hansen loses ground to Eliasberg. Eliasberg competes well this week by winning the eagle challenge with some great specimens. Hansen still maintains a comfortable lead by seven coins. After this week, Hansen leads is (31-24-8). Again this week, most of the Eliasberg coins are estimated grades from his registry set, except for the 1795 “Small Eagle Reverse” Eagle that is presently a PCGS MS65. This POP 3/1 coin is slightly better than Hansen’s PCGS MS63 Specimen. Eliasberg won last week challenge by two coins and this week by one. Can he continue this streak of wins next week?
As stated, we are comparing eight different ten dollars eagles. Eliasberg takes the lead out of the gate with his 1795 “Small Eagle” in MS65. The 1799 Eagle is tied with both having a MS65 specimen. Eliasberg takes a two coin lead with MS62 1838 Eagle. Eliasberg was strong in this competition with five of the eight coins graded between MS62-MS66. Hansen has only three mint states, MS63-MS65. Although with Eliasberg’s strength, Hansen won the next three coins (1854-S, 1870-CC, 1883-O) to take a one coin lead. I may be seeing a trend where Hansen has overall better branch mint coins than Eliasberg. In weeks to come, I will need to do a deeper dive to confirm this observation. Eliasberg wins this week’s challenge with the last two coins. His 1907 “Wire Edge” Eagle is a couple ticks better than Hansen’s. The last coin was won by default due to Hansen not having a 1933 Eagle Specimen.
This week’s challenge was competitive with Eliasberg taking the advantage with the last coin. We have seen several of these challenges with decision being made by the last coin. Hansen lead drops to a seven coin lead with just two weeks to go. Next week’s challenge will compare seven Double Eagles. It will require a total Eliasberg sweep for the challenge to be tied going into the last week. If I recall, Hansen have some really nice Liberty Double Eagles.
Eagle Challenge
1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle: First year of issue and one of the first U.S. gold coins.
Hansen Coin: 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 4/8)
Eliasberg Coin: 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS65 (POP 3/1)
1799 Eagle: Only affordable 18th century issue of this denomination.
Hansen Coin: 1799 Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 8/3)
Eliasberg Coin: 1799 Eagle Est. MS65 (POP 8/3)
1838 Eagle: First year of issue ; scarce, low mintage date.
Hansen Coin: 1838 Eagle PCGS AU53 (PCGS POP 4/19)
Eliasberg Coin: 1838 Eagle Est. MS62
1854-S Eagle: Earliest collectible issue from this mint.
Hansen Coin: 1854-S Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 21/6)
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-S Eagle Est. AU55 (POP 32/27)
1870-CC Eagle: First Carson City issue of this denomination.
Hansen Coin: 1870-CC Eagle PCGS AU55 (PCGS POP 3/0)
Eliasberg Coin: 1870-CC Eagle Est. VF30(POP 4/39)
1883-O Eagle: Lowest mintage New Orleans gold coin (800 struck).
Hansen Coin: 1883-O Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 4/1)
Eliasberg Coin: 1883-O Eagle Est. XF45 (POP 7/9)
1907 Wire Edge Eagle: Popular, low mintage, beautiful issue.
Hansen Coin: 1907 Wire Edge Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 62/32)
Eliasberg Coin: 1907 Wire Edge Eagle Est. MS66 (PCGS POP 17/8)
1933 Eagle: Only gold coin dated 1933 that is legal to own.
Hansen Coin: Not in Collection
Eliasberg Coin: 1933 Eagle Est. MS65 (PCGS POP 5/4)
Gaze Challenge Results
Half Eagles - Eliasberg (4-3-1)
Overall - Hansen (31-24-8)
Winning Coins: (Pictures are shown when available)
Eliasberg’s 1795 Small Eagle Reverse Eagle PCGS MS65 (POP 3/1)
Ex: S.H. Chapman, 1909 - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Ruddy 10/1982:643, $57,200 - Heritage 8/2013:5871, $675,625
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Hansen’s 1870-CC Eagle PCGS AU55 (PCGS POP 3/0)
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Hansen’s 1883-O Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 4/1)
Ex: Ex: Warren Miller Collection (Heritage, 10/1995), lot 6421; The Admiral Collection (Heritage, February 2018 - Long Beach #1272) – D.L. Hansen Collection
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Next Week - Double Eagles:
1850 Double Eagle: First collectible Double Eagle.
1854-O Double Eagles: One of Rarest Liberty Head double eagle.
1854-S Double Eagle: Along with similarly dated eagle, first collectible San Francisco coin.
1856-O Double Eagles: Another Rare Liberty Head double eagle.
1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle: Popular experimental issue.
1870-CC Double Eagle: Rarest Carson City gold coin; first CC double eagle.
1907 High Relief Double Eagle: Popular, beautiful, great story; always in demand.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Beautiful coin. It looks like a real blazer and luster bomb.
Do we know who owns the Eliasberg coin now?
It’s on eBay.
Look to the right of the eagle on the blow up pics. A bit hazy
[https://ebay.com/itm/1795-DRAPED-BUST-10-PCGS-MS-65/173383666639?hash=item285e78cbcf:g:aVgAAOSw4GFbNFnG
This is the link to the eBay listing. I know Hansen has been a repeated customer of this seller, but he already has a pretty nice MS63. I am not confident that he is looking to upgrade his specimen. Would you advise him to upgrade for $1.5M?
Hansen’s 1795 $10 13 Leaves MS63 Certification #18405698, PCGS #8551
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Would you advise him to upgrade for $1.5M?
Not if he likes his 63. If he doesn’t, Legend has a stickered 65 available for the same price as the unstickered coin
Hansen’s First Three Dollar POP 1/0 Proof
I think we have spoken about Hansen’s Three Dollar Mint State Sets, but this may be this first for the proofs. We know THE THREE DOLLAR PROOF SET is the HOF Bender Set. The set is world class and possibly will always be the finest every assembled. Even with most of the top coins tucked away, Hansen is trying to make a splash in the $3 proof series. There is no other competition in the registry. The HOF set is all that is listed in registry except for Hansen’s unfinished set. I know we could hear about the “Other Guy” as having a set unlisted. All I have to go on is what listed. For Hansen to compete this set will be a big accomplishment no matter where he falls out in the ranking. Here is PCGS comment: Rare! That’s a word that describes the $3 gold series in proof. There’s the possibly unique 1855-S that is graded and authenticated by PCGS. There’s the extremely rare 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857 1858...the highest population of any of these coins is four, and that includes all proof grades! The $3 gold series in proof is rarely collected, due to the price. But what a set it is! Even the most common coin in the series (did we say “common?”) has a population of only 48 coins in Proof 65 or better.
The registry list shows 4 completed sets all-time: HOF Bender, Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter. Eliasberg is listed as being two coins short. Even the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is a couple short. The only other set in the registry is Hansen’s set that is now a little over 50% completed. In the last 4-5 months, Hansen has added 4 coins. It also appears he has purchased them one at a time. Has he moved his focus to this series? It will be interesting to see if this set continues to grow.
1877 Three Dollar, PCGS PR66DC CAC
The first PCGS POP 1/0 Three Dollar Proof Specimen is the 1877. The published mintage for this date is 20. The PCGS POP report list 11 certified, with the known specimens listed as 15-18. There are only three certified PCGS DCAM with Hansen’s specimen being the only PR66DC. There are no PR66 or PR66CA certified by PCGS. David Akers: Like the 1872 and 1879, and to a lessor extent the 1874, many specimens of this rare date have been incorrectly catalogued as proofs when they were in fact, proof-like business strikes. (David Akers wrote this in 1976, well before third party grading and authentication made the proof/unc question less of a problem. His monumental books on gold coins used large auction catalog surveys as a starting point for rarity and condition analysis. The problem with miscataloging was obviously something he had to address.) With a proof mintage of only 20 pieces, the total of 27 appearances in "proof" in our 238 catalogue auction survey is clearly out of line, and a careful check of many of the catalogues in which these so-called "proofs" appear proves that the coins were actually business strikes rather than proofs. Proofs are readily distinguishable from business strikes by the location of the date. The date on the proofs is low in the field with the first 7 being just above the bow. On the business strikes, the date is higher in the field and is nearly centered between the bow and the word DOLLARS. On some proofs, there is also a raised dot (a rust spot) on the lower right side of the curl of hair just below Liberty's ear. This same rust spot also appears on all proofs of 1878 and 1879, as well as on all the proofs of 1880 that I have seen, indicating that this obverse die saw considerable service.
The auction record was set in Heritage’s 2013 FUN Signature Auction in Orlando for an 1877 $3 PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC that realized $64,500. Hansen did not purchased his POP 1/0 specimen in an auction. In fact, this is another one of Hansen’s mystery coins that we do not know how he obtained the finest GEM. The coin does not appear in PCGS Condition Census report nor does it have a value placed on it in the PCGS Price Guide.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, the registry describes his specimen as 1877 assumed grade PR64CA. Ex. "Detroit" (1894); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $16,500. Lot #303.
1877 Three Dollar, PCGS PR66DC CAC (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #98041 / PCGS Serial #36612707 / POP 1/0
PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I am not sure if you follow JB on his weekly blog, “Coins We Love”. In an edition a few weeks ago, he shared a little behind the curtain information with his work and progress with the Hansen Collection. I will not add much; rather let you enjoy the read if you did not see the original on his website. I will do a follow-up post maybe tomorrow or the next day. His number "12 left" is incorrect and I will share that too. Can anyone solve the error (puzzle)? ENJOY!
I’ve also been toying around with the idea to add a comment once a month regarding the Hansen Collection that we’ve been working on for our partner. As many of you know, Dell Loy Hansen set out three years ago to buy one of each standard issue coin ever made by the United States. Dubbed the “Eliasberg Quest” we’re seeking to not only eclipse Louis Eliasberg, the King of Collectors, in quality, but also by adding on an additional 55 years. See, Mr. Eliasberg stopped collecting with the year 1964 and the goal of the Hansen Quest is to go from 1792-Present. So, there are a TON of moderns included.
This week we also had the pleasure of placing two rarities into the collection as well as one of the most elusive modern pieces. The surprisingly rare modern item was a 1993-P Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, this was the last nickel needed to complete an entire set of Nickels produced by the United States. Not only was it the last nickel, it was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-Present. While this much has probably never been written about a 1993-P Nickel, I thought it was worthwhile…Where did the last coin come from you ask? Well, we’ve searched for one (seriously!) for two years. So, minding the fact that we couldn’t find one that was already certified, we recently bought a group of mint sets from one of our favorite customers, Bill in Paso Robles, California and decided to simply send the coin in for grading. While it wasn’t a very exciting find as the grading cost more than the perceived value of the coin, it was still the last item for this momentous occasion. So, thanks Bill!
To add a bit more color to the background, PCGS states that there are 3,676 coins in this Registry Set compilation to acquire the full U.S. issue set. Well, now we have 12 left. The more notable additions this week were a 1797/5 $5 PCGS AU50 (Large Eagle) and a 1797 $2 ½ PCGS/CAC XF40 (with Stars). It may be asked where does one go when the last 12 are found? Well, I can’t answer that fully, but I’d suggest, there are still a lot of Major Varieties and Proofs to go...and one can always upgrade right?
That being said, we want to congratulate Mr. Hansen on what he’s done so far. It’s been an impressive and exciting journey!
Sincerely,
John Brush and Your Friends at DLRC
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
will he do patterns? come in my world Delloy!!! Eliasberg had them.....Simpson and BC have nearly 2000 different patterns between them (about $85-100 Million worth). Neither is selling.....
Delloy did try to get benders $3. I think it was a mistake a deal did not happen.
Follow-up Update
I am going to keep this post as short as possible. I hope it to be more show than tell. First, JB told us yesterday, 1993-P Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, this was the last nickel needed to complete an entire set of Nickels produced by the United States. Not only was it the last nickel, it was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-Present. Although this coin is not a TOP POP, it would be nice to keep the coin in the collection forever because of its significance.
D. L. Hansen Collection Last Non-Gold Issue
1993-P 5C, FS MS66FS Certification #37754616, PCGS #84130, PCGS POP 118/2, Value $70
Ex: Self-Made
I think another last coin that JB did not mention that was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-1964. The 1802 Half Dime was the last pre 1964 non-gold. I think this coin also should hold noteworthy status in the collection. I will toss water in parade by saying these coins are not really the last if you consider the ultra-rarities and unique coins that are not required in the registry set.
D. L. Hansen Collection Last Non-Gold Issue – Pre 1964
1802 H10C XF45 CAC Certification #29582773, PCGS #4268, PCGS POP 1/4, Value $250,000
Ex: George Hale, 1945 - Dr. Angus Black, 1970 - Reed Hawn, 1973 - Newport Collection, 1975 - Bibler - private collection - Norman Pullen - Larry Hanks - East Coast Collection - Vintage Auctions 8/1989:103 - Bob R. Simpson Collection- JRCSLM32 sold to D. L. Hansen Collection
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I indicated yesterday that JB’s statement is incorrect: To add a bit more color to the background, PCGS states that there are 3,676 coins in this Registry Set compilation to acquire the full U.S. issue set. Well, now we have 12 left.
These are the 12 left per registry:
1798 $2-1/2
1840-D $2-1/2
1854-D $2-1/2
1798 $5 "Small Eagle"
1795 $5 "Large Eagle" / Have BD-14 Specimen - Coin # 519968, Cert #32231605
1819 $5
1822 $5
1828 $5 / Have BD-1 Specimen - Coin # 519940, Cert #81339439
1829 $5 "Large Size"
1854-S $5
1875 $10
1933 $10
I am unsure why these two coins are not in the HOF set. I would guess the reason is the registry set has not been updated to accept these varieties of the coins, which is common problem. Here are the missing coins, and they are both breathtaking.
1795 $5 BD-14 Large Eagle MS62+ Cert #32231605, PCGS # 519868 (Variety of: 8075)
PCGS POP 1/3, Value $210,000
Ex: William H. Woodin; Waldo C. Newcomer; Col. E.H.R. Green (via B. Max Mehl); King Farouk (Sotheby's, 2/1954), lot 226; later, A Gentleman's Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 6/2005), lot 1010; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4839, realized $149,500; D.L. Hansen Collection
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1828/7 $5 BD-1 MS63 Certification #81339439, PCGS #519940 (Variety of: 8138)
PCGS POP 1/2, Value $325,000
Ex: George F. Seavey Collection, before 1864; Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, by sale, en bloc, 1873; New York Coin and Stamp Company’s (H.P. Smith and David Proskey) sale of the Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, June 1890, lot 978; Harlan P. Smith Collection; Harlan P. Smith Estate, 1902; S. Hudson and Henry Chapman’s sale of the Harlan Page Smith Collection, May 1906, lot 216; John H. Clapp Collection; John H. Clapp Estate, 1940; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, by sale, en bloc, via Stack’s, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Jr., by descent, 1976; Bowers and Ruddy Galleries’ sale of the United States Gold Coin Collection, October 1982, lot 385, via Stanley Kesselman.; Brett D. Pogue Collection; D.L. Hansen Collection
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Note to PCGS: Please fix if needed!
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I have not read anywhere that he have any interest in patterns. He has a few specimens that I think came along with some collections that were purchased. Also, a couple very rare specimens as example below. It has been revealed over and over that his focus is US Issue Coins. He varies a little from that focus when it makes sense, i.e. the purchased of the 1885 TD and early proofs. Both, as is the 1913 Liberty Nickel, are not really US issued coins. Yes minted, but not issued. I think this “US Issue Coin” focus will include Varieties and Proofs. I think it will also include bullion, commemoratives, eagles, etc.; all coins that are issued from the US Mint. For patterns, no one knows how many of them were produced and for what purpose. Very few were ever issued to the public.
Also, he is only interested in coins that are available at a fair price. You already said the patterns will “Never be available, because they are not selling”. So, I think you may have answered your own question.
Lastly, when a rare pattern coin comes along and works well with the collection that being assembled by Hansen, I think he does pop on it. I could be wrong about all of this. I am going on information that I have observed. This specimen is a pattern that is presently in his collection.
1792 Silver Center Cent J-1, BN SP65BN (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #11001 / PCGS Serial #25667344 / POP 1/1
PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown (coin last sold at Heritage 2014 Auction $1,997,500 as MS64 Brown)
Ex: Col. Robert C.H. Brock Collection - University of Pennsylvania Collection - Philip H. Ward Collection - Charles Dochkus Collection - Harry Forman - New Netherlands, sold privately on 3/14/1958 - Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 11/1988:3392, $143,000 - Stack's 1/2002:724, $414,000 - Ed Milas - Marvin Browder Collection, sold privately in 2011 for a reported $2.5 million - Stuart Levine, Joe O’Connor, and Anthony Terranova, sold privately in 2011 - Oliver Jung Collection - Heritage 8/2014:5517, $1,997,500
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Gazes Challenge – Part 14
The challenged is winding down. This is last of the gold and only one week to go. Hansen dominates this week with his Liberty Head Double Eagles. I had thought he would be strong due to his world class and probably the finest set of Liberty Head Double Eagles ever assembled (mostly from The AWA Collection). The collection has great specimens from the first coin to the last. The Hansen collection has the best specimens for all six Liberty Head coins that were compared. Eliasberg did finish by winning the last coin, St. Gaudens 1907 High Relief Double Eagle. The D.L. Hansen Collection has a great specimen, PCGS MS66, but the Eliasberg specimen is the famous MS68. I wish I had a picture of the coin, but could not find one.
This week’s challenge was certainly not as competitive as some that we have seen. As stated before, we have seen several of these challenges with decision being made by the last coin. This was not the case this week. Hansen extends his lead to twelve coins which the largest lead since the challenge started. The record now stands at (37-25-8). With only four coins left in the commemorative series, we can safely conclude the winner of the challenge is the D. L. Hansen Collection. Let’s see which one of these titans of the US Issue Coins takes the last challenge.
Double Eagle Challenge
1850 Double Eagle: First collectible Double Eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1850 Double Eagle PCGS MS64 (PCGS POP 4/0) Tied Finest
Eliasberg Coin: 1850 Double Eagle Est. XF40 (POP 143/820)
1854-O Double Eagle: One of Rarest Liberty Head double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1854-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 1/0) Finest Known
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-O Double Eagle Est. AU55 (POP 3/1)
1854-S Double Eagle: Along with similarly dated eagle, first collectible San Francisco coin.
Hansen Coin: 1854-S Double Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 2/0) Tied Finest
Eliasberg Coin: 1854-S Double Eagle Est. AU58 (POP 11/54)
1856-O Double Eagle: Another Rare Liberty Head double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1856-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58+ (PCGS POP 1/0) Finest Known
Eliasberg Coin: 1856-O Double Eagle Est. AU58 (POP 1/1)
1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle: Popular experimental issue.
Hansen Coin: 1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 5/0) Tied Finest
Eliasberg Coin: 1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle Est. XF40 (POP 10/70)
1870-CC Double Eagle: Rarest Carson City gold coin; first CC double eagle.
Hansen Coin: 1870-CC Double Eagle PCGS XF45 (PCGS POP 15/6)
Eliasberg Coin: 1870-CC Double Eagle Est. XF40 (POP 10/21)
1907 High Relief Double Eagle: Popular, beautiful, great story; always in demand.
Hansen Coin: 1907 High Relief Double Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 129/41)
Eliasberg Coin: 1907 High Relief Double Eagle Est. MS66 (PCGS POP 4/1)
Gaze Challenge Results
Double Eagles - Hansen (6-1)
Overall - Hansen (37-25-8)
Winning Coins: (Sorry no picture for Eliasberg’s winner)
Hansen’s 1850 Double Eagle PCGS MS64 (PCGS POP 4/0)
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Hansen’s 1854-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 1/0)
Ex: Akers Plate Coin’ Winters Plate Coin; H. Jeff Browning "Dallas Bank" Collection - Sotheby's/Stack's 10/2001:10, $161,000 - Hansen Collection
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Hansen’s 1854-S Double Eagle PCGS MS65 (PCGS POP 2/0)
Ex: AWA Collection - Hansen Collection
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Hansen’s 1856-O Double Eagle PCGS AU58+ (PCGS POP 1/0)
Ex: Amon G. Carter, Jr. Family Collection - Stack's 1/1984:847, $46,200 - AWA Collection - Hansen Collection
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Hansen ‘s 1861-S Paquet Reverse Double Eagle PCGS AU58 (PCGS POP 5/0)
Ex: Goldbergs 6/2005:1075, $134,550 - Ohringer Family Trust Holdings - Goldbergs 9/2008:1286, $166,750 - AWA Collection - D.L. Hansen Collection (as PCGS AU58 81718842)
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Hansen’s 1870-CC Double Eagle PCGS XF45 (PCGS POP 15/60)
Ex: AWA Collection - Hansen Collection
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Next Week (Last) - Commemorative Issues:
1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar: First modern commemorative issue; only commemorative of this denomination (25C).
1900 Lafayette Dollar: First commemorative silver dollar.
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: Largest size and value commemorative issues; low mintage and beautiful designs.
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's: Largest size and value commemorative issues; low mintage and beautiful designs.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Three Dollar Upgrade
I did a feature for the Three Dollar Gold Collection not too long ago. Also, I had a good discussion in Gazes Challenge – Part 11 on the Three Dollar collection. I will save you from hashing all the details and would ask you to refer back if needed. Although, I will stated the All-Time top registry set for three dollars is from the Brent Pogue Collection. Hansen has some of the Pogue coins, but not all them. I recall saying that he needs a couple upgrades to move into the top spot. This update is about one of those upgrades. This recent upgrade can be found in Hansen large complete sets. He has not added the new coin the Three Dollar sets yet.
I recently discussed 1854-O Three Dollar in the Gazes Challenge. The coin was one of the three coins compared. All coins in the challenge are “Stand Alone Coins” per Doug Winters. He developed a grouping of about 75 – 80 coins that he called “Stand Alone Coins”. The coin is rare but not so rare that it becomes esoteric. The appeal of the coin is widespread. Its "essence" is easily definable--it has a great story or interesting history. It has "cross appeal" --i.e. collectors in various series all want this particular coin. It is affordable. It exists in relatively high grades(s). This coin is defined by being the only issue of three dollar denomination from the New Orleans mint. At the time, the Hansen collection had a very nice MS61 (PCGS POP 1/1) Specimen from Bob R. Simpson Collection. The only PCGS certified coin that is better is the D. Brent Pogue MS62. That coin is now in the Hansen Collection. This Hansen Collection improves to (16) PCGS POP 1/0 coins which is tied with Pogue on top coins in the set. Hansen still needs to replace a couple more if he desire to move into top spot.
1854-O Three Dollar MS62 - D. Brent Pogue
This is the finest 1854-O Three Dollar coin graded by PCGS. The last auction appearance of this coin was the Stack's Bowers - The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III sale in 2016. The coin realized $76,375. The auctioneer described the coin as “Single Finest Graded by PCGS”. The description: This memorable coin is a boldly lustrous example from the New Orleans Mint’s only foray into the $3 denomination. The surfaces are deep yellow-gold with a mix of satin and frost throughout. There is a hint of reflectivity, chiefly at the peripheries, while wisps of sunset orange and olive iridescence endorse both sides. The strike is fairly sharp, though lapping of the reverse die has left the bow at the bottom of the wreath in several independent pieces. The leaves at the viewer’s right are separated from the wreath and the right ribbon is incomplete. The large O mintmark is sharper than often seen. A loupe reveals a scattering of tiny ticks, as should be expected for the grade, though few can be seen with the unaided eye. The luster is unbroken on the design high points and the assigned grade is spot-on in our opinion.
It is a very desirable and appealing coin. The Bob R. Simpson specimen was also a nice coin. If I had to guess, I would think we will see this coin in Diana’s Set of $3 Gold. This will bring the set to 3 coins left for completion. The Diana set is presently more than eight GPA Weighted points ahead of Eliasberg.
I am not sure how John Brush obtained the Pogue MS62. John had the coin listed for sale for a short period of time. It recently appeared on eBay for $108,670. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $96,000. We know the listing ended with this comment: This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available. This is a little interesting in thinking that DLH may have to negotiate with JB as any customer would. If true, I just find that a little interesting. This is JB’s description of the coin in his recent listing: The 1854-O is one a popular and scarce New Orleans $3 gold issue. Of only 24,000 coins minted, only 2 examples have been graded as uncirculated by PCGS. This lovely example is certainly accurately graded, despite the cabinet friction across the surfaces that appear to the naked eye like hairlines. Pretty mint frost with light reddish-golden tints highlighting the overall surfaces. Rare! I wonder if Hansen has a business partner discount!
1854-O Three Dollar PCGS MS62 Certification #32219941, PCGS #7971 (PCGS POP 1/1)
Ex: Old-time McHenry, IL collection - Great Lakes Collection - Hanks & Associates, sold privately as an entire collection in 10/2005 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers 2/2016:3091, $76,375
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Hansen Duplicate that I think will be added to The Diana Set
1854-O Three Dollar PCGS MS61 (PCGS POP 1/1)
Ex: Heritage 4/2006:2561, $86,250 - Bob R. Simpson Collection
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Note: There are only two mint state PCGS certified coins. Both are in the Hansen Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
This question was proposed in a discussion with Cherry Pickers Guide Varieties. I am not that familiar with CPG Varieties, but I can speak for what I have seen with Die Variety and Die State which are listed in the PCGS Registry. The answer, yes, the Hansen Collection is adding many of these varieties. A recent example is the Large Cents Varieties identified by Newcomb.
Hansen has added a dozen of these Large Cents in the last 2-3 weeks. They have come from different sources and I have include the seller and price on the ones that I could find. This first post shows additions to the (1816-1839) set.
Part 1
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, Circulation Strikes (1816-1839)
57.38% Complete / 58.28 GPA Weighted
1818 1C Newcomb 6, BN AU53BN Certification #36353884, PCGS #36616 POP 1/13
Sold by Jewelry World and Loan (CA) via eBay for $499.99
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1824 1C Newcomb 3, BN MS62BN Certification #26400716, PCGS #36772 POP 2/6 CAC
Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior's sale of April 2004, lot 1009; Tom Reynolds, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior's sale of September 2004, lot 776; Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of the Dan Holmes Collection, Part II, lot 187; Legend's sale of March 2018, lot 3
Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $4,080
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1828 1C Newcomb 3 Large Narrow Date, BN MS62BN Certification #34401631, PCGS #36880 POP 1/5
Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex Heritage's sale of February 2018, lot 3091
Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $1,380
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1835 1C N-1 Lg 8 Lg Stars, BN MS63BN Certification #13772066, PCGS #37105 POP 4/1
Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex Pete Miller; Larry Whitlow, June 17, 2010; Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of the Gene Heard Collection, June 2017, lot 332
Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $2,040
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Oooh, Tom Bender's proof 3's were a sight to behold...
For the most part, built Tom Benders PR 3 set. Its amazing. Delloy tried....
Dell Loy is doing awesome at what he’s doing. I wonder if anyone else will try?
Part 2
This set has some really nice new specimens.
Large Cents Die Variety Set by Newcomb, Circulation Strikes (1839-1857)
77.75% Complete / 61.85 GPA Weighted
1840 1C N-7 Large Date, BN MS64BN CAC Certification #31374743, PCGS #395837 POP 2/0
EX: Twin Leaf Collection – D.L. Hansen Collection
Sold by Frisco Mint via eBay for $2,250.00
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1841 1C Newcomb 3, BN MS64BN Certification #84766498, PCGS #405800 POP 1/0
Ex: Paradise Collection. Earlier ex Heritage's sale of February 2018, lot 3093
Sold by Stack’s Bowers Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction for $1,140
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1846 1C N-6 Small Date, RB MS65RB Certification #18900104, PCGS #403869 POP 2/0
Ex: Willard C. Blaisdell date set, sold privately in 9/1976 (via Del Bland) - R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection - Goldbergs 9/2009:717, $3,450 - Adam Mervis Large Cent Collection - Heritage 1/2014:2275, $3,525
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1846 1C N-25 Tall Date, BN AU55BN Certification #18900128, PCGS #405597 POP 1/0
EX: R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection – D.L. Hansen Collection
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1848 Large Cent N-34 403920 1C MS65RB CAC POP 2/0
EX: R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection – D.L. Hansen Collection
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1849 1C Newcomb 20, RB MS64RB Certification #06619432, PCGS #405680 POP 1/0
EX: R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection – D.L. Hansen Collection
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1854 1C Newcomb 14, RB MS65RB CAC Certification #06619435, PCGS #406101 POP 2/0
EX: R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection – D.L. Hansen Collection
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1855 1C N-5 Upright 55, BN MS62BN Certification #36582851, PCGS #406156 POP 1/1
Sold by Inde Et Lib via eBay for $750.00
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
History in the making !
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
Thanks to heads up by Gazes, I was able to read a very insightful and interesting article written on the D. L. Hansen Collection. The article is specifically pertaining to Liberty Gold and was authored by Doug Winter on Douglas Winter Numismatics blog website. If you have been following Hansen Watch the past year, you too would have observed that several of Hansen’s purchases have been from DWN. Mr. Winter’s opening remarks, The once-in-a-generation US coin collection being assembled by Dell Loy Hansen and David Lawrence Rare Coins….
The Eliasberg Collection was assembled well before my time. All that I can remember is reading about the sale. I am certainly glad Hansen was driven to build this collection during my generation. Who knows.. 50 years from now, one of our grandkids could be on a Hansen Quest!
The most fascinating observation made was the number of opportunities that Hansen missed purchasing a coin that he needed for an upgrade. Mr. Winter actually shows some of the coins that were overlooked. He states: With a collection as vast as this—it includes all regular issue US coins from 1793 to date—it is certain that a small but significant number of issues get overlooked. “Small, but significant”. I can see that. I am not going to provide any additional spoilers, rather provide you the link for your enjoyment. For true Hansen Watchers, this is a must read article.
https://raregoldcoins.com/blog/2019/3/26/gold-coin-rarity-what-we-can-learn-from-the-hansen-collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Whitlock Collection of Kennedy Half Dollars
Updates last night indicate that D. L. Hansen purchased the Whitlock Collection of Kennedy Half Dollars. The ATF PCGS collection contained a comprehensive group of Kennedys Half Dollars, including major and minor varieties, and proofs. The only missing coin that I can determine is the ultra-rare 1964 SMS. This was a very nice, massive collection of high end PCGS Kennedys that will remain on the Top 5 PCGS ATF list for many years to come.
Naturally, this places The D. L. Hansen Half Dollars as the ATF. If we look at the basic (1964-Present) set with 106 required coins, Hansen had only one PCGS POP 1/0 coin (1984-D MS67+). He picked up eight additional POP 1/0 coins in the purchased. In addition, there 30 others tied for finest known added from the purchase. There are a couple of other strong registry players in this series, Acadia and Wondercoin.
This purchase also takes Hansen to the top of the ranking in the comprehensive complete variety set of 263 coins. PCGS description of the set: A complete variety set of any set is usually a challenge, and the Kennedy Halves are no different. Topping the list is the extremely scarce 1964 "SMS" issue. Only about a dozen of these are known, and prices can run well into five figures. Dozens of varieties from the Cherrypicker's Guide are to be found here, usually Doubled Die Obverses, though other types of varieties also exist. This set has yet to be completed, though a few collectors have come close.
As of today, it remains no one has completed the set. Hansen is not number #1, but does appear to be very close to the collection that has held this honor for more than a decade. Like the Hansen set, the #1 set does not have the 1964 SMS either. There have been only (13) 1964 SMS certified by PCGS. Seem unusual that none of them are in the PCGS registry. The finest certified is the exclusive SP69. PCGS Price Guide places the value of the coin at $65,000. I wonder where it is, and could it use a new home?
1964 50C Accented Hair, DC PR69DC Certification #80504252, PCGS #96801 PSGS POP 1/0
There are a lot of coins that I could pick to show and discuss. Unfortunately, most of the coins do not have pictures. The coin that I will show is the 1964 Accented Hair variety. The coin is one of the original designs and Jaime Hernandez comment with this story: The Accented Hair design is believed to have been the first design used to strike Proof Kennedy Half Dollars in 1964. The Accented Hair variety displays extra hair, right above Kennedy’s ear, as opposed to a regular coin which will have less hair above the ear. The Accented Hair variety will also be missing most of the lower left serif on the letter, I, of the word, LIBERTY. Jacqueline Kennedy the wife of John F. Kennedy played a major role in the production of Kennedy Half Dollars. Initially, the John F. Kennedy design was intended to replace the Washington Quarter design. However, Mrs. Kennedy requested that the Washington Quarter design be left alone. As a result, the Franklin Half Dollar was replaced with the Kennedy Half Dollar design. Soon after, the Accented Hair variety was used to strike the first Proof Kennedy Half Dollars. Mrs. Kennedy also requested that the Accented Hair variety be slightly modified, so that the hair strands right above the ear on the coin would be less prominent. This made the Accented Hair variety a one year type and even then, it was only used to strike some Proof Kennedy Half’s in 1964. Since the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half with the Accented hair variety was replaced the same year, the Accented Hair variety became somewhat scarce compared to the regular issue proof coins of that year. Less than 5% of the entire 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar mintage is believed to have the Accented hair variety.
Other than the coin came from the Whitlock Collection of Kennedy Half Dollars, there is not much else known. PCGS Coin Guide for a PR69DC values the coin at $25,000.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
it really is. we are very fortunate to be able to follow it coin by coin. I can think of no other collection that has been so public, so comprehensive and of such high quality put together in a relatively short time with such a massive investment. A couple of years ago few thought this could be done. In another 5 years this collection could be at even a different level. I often thought how amazing it would be to have had a behind the scenes view of the building of great collections like Eliasberg or Pittman---now we are all getting that opportunity.
Beautiful coins. All I can think of when I see the coins and how much he spent is: "How much money is Hansen going to lose when he sells his coins"? I never used to think that way about numismatics, now it is the driving consideration.
The new paradigm will be measuring wealth by rare coins.
Gazes Challenge – Part 15
This week bring the challenge to an end. I have enjoyed researching the coins shown in this endeavor. I hope you have enjoyed watching. Thanks to Gazes for inspiring the idea. We finish this week with commemorative issues. To be honest, I had no idea how this week would pan out. Surprisingly to me, Hansen finishes strong with a 3-0-1 victory. I think overall the challenge was competitive, although Hansen has assembled some series that are far better in grade. I think those series, i.e. Three Dollar Gold and Liberty Head Double Eagles are the big difference in the challenge. I believe The Hansen Collection has much more work to do with early coinage. If we look just at pre-1839 specimens, I think the challenge will have closer results.
Hansen started this week with a super nice MS66+ Isabella Quarter Dollar. The Eliasberg example was more of a common MS60 issue. Hansen followed up with another super nice coin, MS66 Lafayette Dollar. This week challenge concludes with two Panama Pacific Exposition $50 Gold Pieces. Hansen squeaks out a win for the Round Issue with a MS64 Specimen compared to Eliasberg’s MS63. The Octagon Specimen resulted in tie, with both collections having a MS63 example.
For the last week, Hansen finished strong, with Hansen winning 3-0-1. The total for the challenge was Hansen 40, Eliasberg 25, and 9 Ties.
Commemorative Issue Challenge
1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar: First modern commemorative issue; only commemorative of this denomination (25C).
Hansen Coin: 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar PCGS MS66+ CAC (PCGS POP 39/63)
Eliasberg Coin: 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar Est. MS60 (POP 61/4643)
1900 Lafayette Dollar: First commemorative silver dollar.
Hansen Coin: 1900 Lafayette Dollar PCGS MS66 CAC (PCGS POP 92/17)
Eliasberg Coin: 1900 Lafayette Dollar Est. MS64 (POP 1008/485)
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: Largest size & value commemorative; low mintage and beautiful designs.
Hansen Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: PCGS MS64 CAC (PCGS POP 96/46)
Eliasberg Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: Est. MS63 (POP 116/140)
1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's:Largest size, value commemorative; low mintage & beautiful designs.
Hansen Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 167/169)
Eliasberg Coin: 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50’s PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 167/169)
Gaze Challenge Results
Commemorative Issues - Hansen (3-0-1)
Overall - Hansen (40-25-9)
Winning Coins:
Hansen’s 1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar PCGS MS66+ CAC (PCGS POP 39/63)
Ex: David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction # 642, 05-Dec-2011, $4,945; Legend Rare Coin Regency XIV Auction, 15-Oct-2015, $3,643; Legend Rare Coin Internet Sale Auction, 14-Sep-2016, $3,900; David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction # 950, 06-Mar-2017, $4,850 - Hansen Collection
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Hansen’s 1900 Lafayette Dollar PCGS MS66 CAC (PCGS POP 92/17)
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Hansen’s 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Round $50: PCGS MS64 CAC (PCGS POP 96/46)
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Hansen’s 1915-S Panama Pacific Exposition Octagonal $50's PCGS MS63 (PCGS POP 167/169)
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Next Week – Summary
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
His name is Dell Loy. And once he is done his current quest, I am hopeful he will build the finest pattern collection also! He has great representation, so I don't think he'll have trouble sourcing great pattern coins.
Delloy or any else has NO shot ever in coming close obtaining the greatest Patterns that exist. Mr Simpson (memba him?) only has 1,800 pieces or so-many of which are the greatest you can find. He has coins you can't even imagine-like all his Gold Patterns, PR68 specimans of R-7/8 pieces. Black Cat now has 200+ including the $50 Half Union we just bought at the ANA Mid winter sale (Simpson has the PR 65). Patterns simply cannot be found. As good as JB is, he can't buy them-NO ONE can. And if something comes we don't have, I think my record for buying patterns in auction is 100%!
Eliasberg had Patterns. No one can rebuild that group-ever. Neither Mr Simpson or BC are sellers.
This summer at ANA BC will be displaying a handful of his patterns.
Delloy has done a great job on his collection, however he can not say he is Eliasberg II with out the Patterns! BUT I am tremendously impressed with his darn Jefferson Nickel collection. God bless him he stayed with it and built the #1 set. I could never do that.
“Delloy has done a great job on his collection, however he can not say he is Eliasberg II with out the Patterns! “
Not to mention United States Philippine Coins (1903-1945) that Eliasberg also had a nearly complete collection of.
Besides Jeffs, he has also built a World Class set of Silver Roosevelt Dimes and, now, Kennedy Half Dollars as well. Well on the way with Ike $1s as well.
Wondercoin.
I am confident that Dell Loy, if he wants to, will dominate the pattern market when he's done dominating the Eliasberg challenge. Money is the ultimate persuador.
Hey, what about the Lincoln Cents? I think that series is strong. You agree?
And the Washington Quarters? What is your opinion on how that series coming along? Does Hansen need to sign a check for one of Washington Collections? You may know someone that has a very nice and comprehensive collection.
Thanks Mitch for your insight...
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I am confident that Dell Loy, if he wants to, will dominate the pattern market when he's done dominating the Eliasberg challenge. Money is the ultimate persuador.
please share with me what you are drinking (I don't smoke).....