Of the 8 Class I "Original" 1804 dollars, the Stickney-Eliasberg has this pedigree shown at PCGS CoinFacts:
Acquired by Matthew Stickney on May 9, 1843 at the U.S. Mint in exchange for a 1785 Immune Columbia struck in gold - Henry Chapman 6/1907:849 - Col. James Ellsworth - Wayte Raymond & John Work Garrett (via Knoedler & Co.), 1923 - William Cutler Atwater - B. Max Mehl 6/1946:213 - Louis Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 4/1997:2199, $1,815,000
So I suppose this traces it directly to the mint.
But I agree - I'd say the 1804 in the King of Siam proof set has a pretty direct pedigree, too.
However, my understanding is that the King of Siam set was not sold until 1962, so perhaps Eliasberg did not know about it in 1953.
And I agree, a "unique pedigree" is a far cry from a "unique coin"!
Another statement in the article which seems to be wrong is where it states a second 1870-S $3 was placed in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint building, but was lost when that building was destroyed.
That building, the second San Francisco Mint, was completed in 1874 and is still standing.
An article at the time said that one of each 1870-S denominations were placed in a 8" x 16" x 6" copper box, along with other historical artifacts. https://www.numismaticnews.net/flipside/old-sf-mints-lost-treasure https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v07n16a14.html
Seems like "US coins" was loosely defined and includes colonials, territorials, patterns, etc. I wonder if any of those would be "required" or at the collectors discretion? Certainly, it's nice to see them represented. I imagine colonials, territorials, the Confederate cents, and the Stellas would help capture the attention of non-collectors.
@specialist said:
Hey, maybe Delloy has my missing 1893CC BM PR65+ CAC???? Is he buying black market coins now????
I am ONLY kidding-but had to ask!
I still say Delloy needs to do Patterns. If no, can someone explain me why Eliasberg had so many? Trust me, Legend will never lose on Patterns we want or need.
How about a 1933 Saint before the Branch Mint Proof...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
@specialist said:
Hey, maybe Delloy has my missing 1893CC BM PR65+ CAC???? Is he buying black market coins now????
I am ONLY kidding-but had to ask!
I still say Delloy needs to do Patterns. If no, can someone explain me why Eliasberg had so many? Trust me, Legend will never lose on Patterns we want or need.
How about a 1933 Saint before the Branch Mint Proof...
@Coinosaurus said:
How can the 1804 $1 possibly be "unique?" I wonder if Eliasberg represented it to Life as "unique." And how is it that of fifteen known, this is the only one that can be traced to the U.S. Mint. Where were the other 14 struck? The double-secret counterfeit mint in Siam??
Isn't the 1804 $1 class II a unique coin as in 1 only? The other 14 are all class I & III.
I think that makes the Eliasberg/Overton/Wallis 1817/4 just a little bit more special. What do you think Currin? It would mean of course Del Loy should strive for 22 more coins. How many others might consider this a good addition for the esteemed Mr. Hansen?
Yes, I do consider the Overton 1817/4 a very important coin, and the AU53 is a killer of a specimen. I do think at some point, Mr. Hansen will add one, but I am not sure it is on his short list. As a matter of fact, I am not sure he has a list. It may be as we often hear, if a coin is available at a fair price, then he is in the market. So, 21 vs 22 may not mean anything to him. Do you know if the PCGS AU53 is available? I think you may have the second finest, so that one is off the market for now. Several of the other very limited specimens are in registry sets, but I don’t find the AU53 in any sets.
This coin fits well in the Major Varieties Sets. I checked my notes and Hansen has only 52 remaining to complete this very large PCGS Registry set. If he completes, it should be another HOF set for sure. When this number gets down to 40 remaining, I am planning a countdown for MVs.
As a subset, I know you are very well aware that he is assembling a Major Varieties Set for Early Half Dollars. The 101-Coin set is rather difficult as no one know better than you. Hansen’s set will not be close is class to what you have achieved in Early Half Dollars. Hansen is four coins away from completing and he still needs: 1795 “Small Head”, 1812/1 “Large 8”, 1839 “Reeded Edge, Small Letters”, along with the 1817/4 “Overdate”.
I think that makes the Eliasberg/Overton/Wallis 1817/4 just a little bit more special. What do you think Currin? It would mean of course Del Loy should strive for 22 more coins. How many others might consider this a good addition for the esteemed Mr. Hansen?
Yes, I do consider the Overton 1817/4 a very important coin, and the AU53 is a killer of a specimen. I do think at some point, Mr. Hansen will add one, but I am not sure it is on his short list. As a matter of fact, I am not sure he has a list. It may be as we often hear, if a coin is available at a fair price, then he is in the market. So, 21 vs 22 may not mean anything to him. Do you know if the PCGS AU53 is available? I think you may have the second finest, so that one is off the market for now. Several of the other very limited specimens are in registry sets, but I don’t find the AU53 in any sets.
I posted the PCGS AU53 Wallis discovery specimen's registry set in my earlier post with the TrueView.
It's in the registry set "The Link Early American Silver Overton Variety Set of Lettered Edge Half Dollars" by user icrf03. I doubt the individual coin will become available as this is an Overton Variety Set and the variety is a pop 0/1/0 for Overton 102a at PCGS. The other known coins are also much lower in grade. It might be more probable to buy the entire set.
It's mentioned on the cert verification page, but you can't actually go to the set contents because it's private.
Thanks Zions for the update. I found this Coinweek article that discussed all the known 1817/4 coins. It has some details on Dr. Link and the AU53. The Link Half Dollars are amazing. I did find an open set. Nearly all are POP 1/0 or tied for finest.
@specialist said:
Hey, maybe Delloy has my missing 1893CC BM PR65+ CAC???? Is he buying black market coins now????
How about a 1933 Saint before the Branch Mint Proof...
I thought all the black market 1933 Saints been accounted for. Are there more?
If I find one, I'm going to mail it directly to JB!
Don’t use my Post Office
m
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
It is time to get back to the bread and butter of this collection. That would be the coins, the sets, the collection. I believe this to be the first real discussion on the San Francisco Issues. According to PCGS, the San Francisco Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1854-present) Set has two coins remaining for Hansen to complete. According to my account, there are four coins left. I will explain later. Although, Hansen is the only completive player in the registry complete set for this mint, he has not slowed down on the upgrades. He has upgraded about 30-32 coins in the set since January 1st. This is not an easy mint set to assemble in high grade.
The first year of issue from the San Francisco was 1854. I wondered what the city was like in the 1850’s. These are excerpts from “Stories of American History”, an internet blog by Noah Washington.San Francisco was discovered by the Spanish in 1769. A desolate area of sand dunes and hills, for nearly a century it boasted little more than a chapel and a few huts. In 1848 its population was around 500. In that year, gold was discovered at nearby Sutter’s Mill, and by 1850, the sleepy village had exploded into a boomtown of 30,000 people.
By 1853 this shantytown was one of the biggest cities in the nation, with 46 gambling halls, 144 taverns and 537 places that sold liquor. Rowdy young men roamed the streets, looking to spend their gold as fast as they found it. Fortunes were made by those who sold goods and services to the miners; eggs went for a dollar apiece, a pound of butter for six dollars, a pair of boots for a hundred. Many of the newly-rich moved directly from shacks into mansions. Ninety-two percent of the population were men between fifteen and forty-four years of age. The mere rumor of a female arriving in town could cause the saloons to empty and a crowd to gather at the docks. With only one woman to every dozen men, brothels flourished; the going rate was 100 dollars a night, roughly the price of a house.
San Francisco Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1854-present)
Hansen’s Registry Set is 99.7% completed. This is a set that requires 690 coins. PCGS description: The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought the eyes of America on the rapidly-growing town of San Francisco. There, in 1854, the United States opened a new Mint to handle the vast quantities of gold bullion that needed conversion into coins. In subsequent years, the mint added copper, nickel, and silver coins to its repertoire until it soon became one of the most important Mints in the system. This set contains one of each of all the hundreds of coins produced at the San Francisco Mint from 1854 until today. Included among these coins are some incredibly rare ones that make it virtually impossible to complete the set: 1854-S $2.50, the unique 1870-S $3, the 1854-S $5, and the 1873-S Silver Dollar (gotcha - none were ever made). There are numerous other rarities, such as the 1870-S Silver Dollar. However, there are so many collectible coins in this set that a high level of completion can be achieved. There is a lifetime of enjoyment built into this remarkable collection.
The ability to assemble a nice near completed set may not be extremely difficult. The ability to complete a mint condition set with all known issues is very difficult due a number of ultra-rarities. By today’s standard of known coins, no one has ever assembled a San Francisco Mint complete set in history. Not one person, not even Eliasberg or the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. The two missing coins in Hansen’s set for the registry is the ultra-rare 1854-S Half Eagle, and the 1870-S Unique Bass Three Dollar. The other two missing coins that are not in the PCGS set, are the 1870-S Unique Bender Half Dime, and the ultra-rare famous 1894-S Dime. The 1894-S Dime is expensive in all grades, but in this foursome, 1894-S would be the easiest to obtain a specimen. The task of completing this set does not have the best of odds.
This is not a set that Hansen updates as regular as some other sets. He updated the set about 3 times this year, including Sunday night. The upgraded coins included the PCGS POP 1/0 1938-S Jefferson Nickel that was discussed several weeks ago. Out of the thirteen new upgrades this week, I will highlight the 1858-S Eagle. It is not a POP 1/0, but it is a very nice old gold coin addition.
This specimen of the 1858-S Eagle is tied for finest known and a solid condition census Top 3. This coin does not appear often in auctions, and the first appearance was this past January in Legend’s Regency Auction 30. The coin realized $43,475. PCGS Price Guide Value places the price for Hansen’s AU58 at $55,000. This is a very nice upgrade.
Legend estimated the coin would bring $45,000 - $55,000, so if Hansen was the winning bidder; he was able to obtain at the lower end. The Legend author gives the coin a nice write-up: Legend Rare Coin Auctions is proud to offer this impressive 1858-S ten, a major condition rarity, and this is tied for FINEST graded at both PCGS and NGC. This coin began its life rare, as only 11,800 were struck. Depending on your source, 60-80 to perhaps as much as 1% of the original mintage are believed to survive, and David Akers noted in his seminal work, "is a very rare and underrated coin in any grade, as rare in fact as the highly publicized 1858...Most known specimens grade no better than VF. If an uncirculated example exists, I have not seen or heard of it..." That was written in the 1970s and today, neither PCGS nor NGC have graded a single Mint State example. While the S.S. Republic wreck contained four 1858-S eagles, NONE were Mint State. The present coin is vibrantly lustrous with a bold satiny glow in the fields. The faintest trace of friction and microscopic, scattered contact marks are all that keep this important rarity from a full Mint State grade. There are a few minor lines that attest to that friction. The devices are boldly impressed from a heavy blow from the dies. NO PCGS AU58 has ever sold in auction. The famed David Hall-Bob Simpson Collection contained an exceptional AU55. The amazing Harry Bass Collection had 2 in AU55, the Eliasberg coin was called a "Choice VF-30", Norweb's coin was a VF35 or finer, and the famed Dallas Bank Collection only had a VF. The Amon Carter Collection lacked an example. This is a truly important opportunity to acquire one of the FINEST examples that exists and will see very strong bidding from the advanced collector of this extremely challenging series. We would not be shocked to see a RECORD realization for this coin when it crosses the block.
Provenance: unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his 1858-S Eagle specimen as an estimated grade XF40. Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $605. Lot #707.
1858-S Eagle, PCGS AU58 (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #8627/ PCGS Serial #36086486/ POP 3/0
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
@specialist said:
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
So I challenge Delloy on that one.
Good info, but if your offer was rejected, can we really say the offer was over the moon? Perhaps it was more likely in the stratosphere?
For comparison, a trip to the moon from Space Adventures is $175 million. Read more here:
Agree it will be an great challenge to get one. It's a famous coin that captures the imagination. It would be great to see it slabbed by PCGS. Good luck on the chase!
@specialist said:
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
1873-S Silver Dollar (gotcha - none were ever made).
1873-S Seated Dollar:
Supposedly 700 were minted, but none have shown up in collections.
There's a good discussion of theories here: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1873-s-1-seated/6973
Maybe they meant the 1870-S dollar makes set completion difficult? (around 11 known).
Similarly, for the 1873-S No Arrows Seated Half Dollar, supposedly 5000 were minted, but none are known today.
@specialist said:
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
So I challenge Delloy on that one.
Let’s not forget about the 1885 Trade, so don’t get too far over your ski.
@specialist said:
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
So I challenge Delloy on that one.
Let’s not forget about the 1885 Trade, so don’t get too far over your ski.
The only reason that coin was available is because we have held in our hands the better one and are waiting patiently for it. Different circumstance on the 1933.
On the 1885 TD, NOT the same buyers. TDN can tell you-these 3 can out bid Delloy and TDN on anything and not even feel it!!! Hint, one owns 2 1933 $10-MS65+66!!!! You think he wants one?????
@specialist said:
On the 1885 TD, NOT the same buyers. TDN can tell you-these 3 can out bid Delloy and TDN on anything and not even feel it!!! Hint, one owns 2 1933 $10-MS65+66!!!! You think he wants one?????
But I'm guessing none of them have as complete of a coin collection as Dell Loy? I'm also guessing none of them have as many #1 sets?
After seeing these, I think it would be cool for Dell Loy to pick up some patterns, colonials, territorials and Confederate cents. A gold Confederate cent would be awesome. Perhaps not required but definitely nice to have.
Here's the Farouk specimen of the gold Haseltine restrike of the CSA cent.
"1861" Confederate States of America cent - Haseltine restrike in gold, Farouk, PCGS MS63+ DCAM pop 0/1/0
PCGS has 5 gold CSA Haseltine cents in the pops, 1 DCAM here and 4 non-CAM.
@specialist said:
On the 1885 TD, NOT the same buyers. TDN can tell you-these 3 can out bid Delloy and TDN on anything and not even feel it!!! Hint, one owns 2 1933 $10-MS65+66!!!! You think he wants one?????
But I'm guessing none of them have as complete of a coin collection as Dell Loy? I'm also guessing none of them have as many #1 sets?
I suspect these whales couldn’t careless about owning a complete set. Why own hundreds of 1-3 k coins when your a billionaire? These guys want single digit total pop coins. Personally I would rather have 100 or so 500 k plus coins than several thousand top pop generics .
Why stack up on white MS65 1881-S Morgan Dollars, when Hansen can hoard MS68+ GOLD CAC 1881-S Morgan Dollars!
Indian Head Quarter Eagle Gold Basic is another series where The Hansen Collection is actively working to improve the ranking. The set is 4th place on the All-Time Finest and 2nd in the current set listing. The set is second to the long standing PCGS HOF Kutz Collection. This set has been on top of the registry since 2005, and should be hard to dethrone. The series is very popular with approx. 50 current sets at 100% complete. PCGS describes the set as: The $2 1/2 Indian set was issued from 1908 through 1929. There are only 15 coins in the complete set, including three issues from the Denver Mint. If the set is collected in circulated condition there is only one key date (the 1911-D), but if the set is assembled in MS65, there are many challenging coins to be located.
This upgrade is the key date coin in the set, the 1911-D. This PCGS finest is the POP 1/0 MS66+ Kutz specimen. The new Hansen coin is the best available and has a rich history. This key date is described by expert David Hall as: This is the key date to the $2.5 Indian series and is one of the more famous key dates of the 20th century. Decades ago (1950s and 1960s and before) everyone viewed coins based on mintages. The 1911-D has an original mintage of only 55,680 coins. The next lowest mintage is the 1914 with 240,000 minted and average mintages for $2.5 Indians is in the 400,000 to 500,000 range. So the low mintage of the 1911-D certainly was easy to notice. At the time, the 1911-D was way more expensive in all grades than any other $2.5 Indian. Nowadays, we realize original mintage is not the only factor in rarity and we focus more on survival estimates. And we have better tools in population reports and expert survival estimates, which are now very comprehensive on PCGS CoinFacts. For the 1911-D $2.5, its status as a rarity has held up. It is still the rarest $2.5 Indian and it is still way more expensive than the other dates in the series in circulated grades. It is also the most expensive $2.5 Indian in mint state grades. There are a handle of Gems known, including several superb MS66s.
The Hansen Collection already had a GEM 1911-D “Strong D” Quarter Eagle. His previous coin is a MS65 (Certification #81891460). The coin is a PCGS POP 22/4 valued about $50,000. As nice as this coin is, to phrase an expression from the specialist, “Hansen fired it”. In its place, he acquired a real jewel. The Hansen Specimen may have the best history of all 1911-D “Strong D” Quarter Eagles. The coin will add more value to the collection than just one grade point!
Norweb/Bass 1911-D “Strong D MS66” Quarter Eagle
This is another very nice coin that JB produced out of thin air. The coin first showed up in the Hansen Collection about 2 weeks ago. There are no recent activities that can be found online. The coin last sold in the Heritage’s April 2013 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $176,250. Heritage description: while the gold half eagle and eagle dated 1911-D are also low-mintage productions, they are among several keys within their respective series. The 1911-D quarter eagle, on the other hand, stands alone among the Indian Head quarter eagles as the acknowledged key in every grade, save for the very highest Mint State levels where the 1914-D and 1914 come into play as conditional rarities. The fact that both the Norwebs and Harry Bass chose this 1911-D quarter eagle for their collections speaks volumes about the quality of this piece. In both cases, those collectors could afford to buy any example they chose to represent this key. And in both cases, this was the coin. Close examination with a loupe quickly demonstrates why. It would be interesting to know the pedigree of this coin prior to the Norwebs purchase; it looks like someone plucked it from the dies immediately after striking. The surfaces exude originality. Both sides show a significant presence of lilac that is interspersed with light reddish-gold. The satiny luster is bright and almost unaffected by the abrasions that usually afflict all issues in the Indian quarter eagle series. Also of note is the remarkably strong strike, with almost complete definition on the lowest feather of the headdress as well as the boldly defined mintmark. But don't take our word for it, let two of the most notable collectors of the 20th century be your guide to the quality of this lot.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1911-D Quarter Eagle specimen as estimated grade AU55, sold for $1100 at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale. Lot #857.
D. L. 1911-D “Strong D MS66” Quarter Eagle (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7943 / PCGS Certification #36534002 / POP 2/1 Pedigree: Norweb/Bass / PCGS Price Guide Value: $200,000
B. Max Mehl, believed late 1930s - Ambassador & Mrs. R. Henry Norweb - Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 3/1988:2122, $30,800 - Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 10/1999:643, $63,250 - H.R. Luchs Collection - Heritage 1/2005:30421, $161,000 - Atherton Family Collection - Heritage 3/2010:2176, $172,500 - Heritage 4/2013:4476, $176,250
Currin---you mentioned the 1911-D quarter eagle appeared out of thin air. I may have a little info where it came from. I saw the coin posted in March 2019 on Park Ave numismatics listed for $201,000. Obviously that was only the list price but apparently that is where the coin seems to have come from.
@Gazes said:
Currin---you mentioned the 1911-D quarter eagle appeared out of thin air. I may have a little info where it came from. I saw the coin posted in March 2019 on Park Ave numismatics listed for $201,000. Obviously that was only the list price but apparently that is where the coin seems to have come from.
The coin discussed had been on the market for about a year now.
@specialist said:
On the 1885 TD, NOT the same buyers. TDN can tell you-these 3 can out bid Delloy and TDN on anything and not even feel it!!! Hint, one owns 2 1933 $10-MS65+66!!!! You think he wants one?????
But I'm guessing none of them have as complete of a coin collection as Dell Loy? I'm also guessing none of them have as many #1 sets?
I suspect these whales couldn’t careless about owning a complete set. Why own hundreds of 1-3 k coins when your a billionaire? These guys want single digit total pop coins. Personally I would rather have 100 or so 500 k plus coins than several thousand top pop generics .
Rainbow, I guess we all would think of Hansen as a whale. Being Hansen is odd or unique, are you saying that is a good thing, bad, or neither? I think Hansen does care about a complete set, not only does he care about $500K coins but also $500.
The point that I think you are making is right on. There are more big fish like Legend clients than there are like Hansen. It appear in the last century, there have been only 2 - Eliasberg and Hansen. You may could say the Richmond collector as the third.
As for Eliasberg, I don’t think he cared about the common coins in his collection as Hansen does. I would contribute the underline reason for this difference to the registry that we have today, and the desire to have a condition census specimen as a min.
@Currin said:
The point that I think you are making is right on. There are more big fish like Legend clients than there are like Hansen. It appear in the last century, there have been only 2 - Eliasberg and Hansen. You may could say the Richmond collector as the third.
I think the fact these collectors care about all coins makes them more accessible to more collectors.
Who is the Richmond collector? I did notice in my thread about the "greatest collectors", no one mentioned anonymous collectors, only named collectors. I wonder if anonymous collectors are somehow just out of the thought process.
This coin certainly meets the definition of a common 20th Century Gold Coin. The 1903-S Half Eagle is about as common as one can be. A choice mint strike can easily be found just a few dollars above spot. I think in most collections with the size and depth of Hansen’s Coins, this coin would have very little consideration. One of the series this coin belongs to is the Liberty Head CS $5 Gold with Major Varieties (1839-1908). The series have ultra-rarities as the 1854-S and many other branch mint tough guys. The 1903-S is just one of 220 coins in this massive set. PCGS describes the set as: The basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? There are coins from seven different Mints as a starter, plus the ultra-ultra-rare 1854-S $5 and much more. Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series!
As stated, choice mint strike 1903-S Half Eagle can easily be found just a few dollars above spot. He does not have one of these. Hansen has a specimen that was second none at one time. The coin being replaced is the 1903-S MS66+ (Certification #82126349). This coin appeared for a long time in Hansen Collection as tied for finest, until recently when the first PCGS MS67 was certified. At early stages of Hansen Collection just a couple years ago, this coin was PCGS POP 7/0 and now is PCGS POP 12/1. This is a pretty large difference in just a couple years. I am not sure the driver in this change. This is a really nice coin that could be in someone's type collection. If Hansen decides to sell, I hope there is a nice home out there for it to go. I will show a picture of this coin below.
1903-S Five Dollar, MS67 / The Sole Finest at PCGS
This coin appeared in the Heritage April 2019 (CSNS) Signature Auction in Chicago. I can assume that Hansen was the winning bidder, but I cannot confirm. In reading the auction description, the specimen appears to be new material. It would be interesting if anyone have knowledge of the source. In my opinion, Heritage is the best auction site on providing background and provenance on the coins they list. In this case, there was not anything given but this: A plentiful date in the absolute sense, the 1903-S Liberty half eagle is a popular type coin. However, that availability disintegrates in MS66, and in MS67, only one coin is reported at PCGS -- this piece (2/19). We have previously handled only one of the NGC coins in this grade, in the Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2013), which realized $12,375.10. To our knowledge, this PCGS coin has never before appeared at auction. The coin is fully struck and lustrous with frosted original surfaces. Yellow-gold margins cede to warmer rose-gold and peach interiors, delivering attractive eye appeal. No mentionable abrasions are seen.
As stated in some of my previous postings, adding this type coin to a collection of Hansen’s size, the coin makes practically no difference. The weight give to the coin is only 1. Over a number years and/or decade, making hundreds or maybe thousands of these upgrades is where it going to add up to something very special. He was fine with what he had, but it appears his desire is keep the set as “best” as possible. At some point, the collection could be considered remarkable, even by the most vocal skeptics.
This coin holds the Auction Record for 1903-S Five Dollar of $15,600, in the recent Heritage auction. It will be interesting to see how long the coin will hold the POP 1/0 title. There could be more in the future. Not much additional information other that the Heritage description can be found. Being common coin or not, this was a nice upgrade for the price of $15,600. PCGS Coin Guide Value places the dollar figure of $21,500.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1903-S Half Eagle Specimen as estimated grade MS66, Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $6,600. Lot #607. Both of Hansen coins are higher grade than Eliasberg specimen.
I suspect these whales couldn’t careless about owning a complete set. Why own hundreds of 1-3 k coins when your a billionaire? These guys want single digit total pop coins. Personally I would rather have 100 or so 500 k plus coins than several thousand top pop generics .
I think Hansen does care about a complete set, not only does he care about $500K coins but also $500.
Another point to make on Hansen’s style of collecting big sets with one of everything. Most of the big fish spend their millions only with the elite dealers and auction houses. Whereas, Hansen spreads his spending around. The little dealers to the big guys gets some action from Hansen. I have seen him purchase a $100 coin on eBay. I think that good for all levels of business.
@specialist said:
Hey, maybe Delloy has my missing 1893CC BM PR65+ CAC???? Is he buying black market coins now????
How about a 1933 Saint before the Branch Mint Proof...
I thought all the black market 1933 Saints been accounted for. Are there more?
Probably a dangerous question to answer here!
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Who is the Richmond collector? I did notice in my thread about the "greatest collectors", no one mentioned anonymous collectors, only named collectors. I wonder if anonymous collectors are somehow just out of the thought process.
DLRC helped to assemble and sold the Richmond Collection. The three auction events occurred in 2004-2005. At the time, it was the largest grossing collection of US coins to sell in public auction.
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Another point to make on Hansen’s style of collecting big sets with one of everything. Most of the big fish spend their millions only with the elite dealers and auction houses. Whereas, Hansen spreads his spending around. The little dealers to the big guys gets some action from Hansen. I have seen him purchase a $100 coin on eBay. I think that good for all levels of business.
One prominent dealer-friend of mine told us that Mr. Hansen had kept him in business in 2007-2008. When business was tough, his purchases literally kept his business afloat. I have a feeling he wasn't the only dealer that felt that way, but overall it's good for the coin market.
And, I can vouch that he is certainly intrigued by EVERY, SINGLE Coin. In fact, he's in dire need of a Roosevelt Dime and reminds me of it at least once a week...
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Another point to make on Hansen’s style of collecting big sets with one of everything. Most of the big fish spend their millions only with the elite dealers and auction houses. Whereas, Hansen spreads his spending around. The little dealers to the big guys gets some action from Hansen. I have seen him purchase a $100 coin on eBay. I think that good for all levels of business.
One prominent dealer-friend of mine told us that Mr. Hansen had kept him in business in 2007-2008. When business was tough, his purchases literally kept his business afloat. I have a feeling he wasn't the only dealer that felt that way, but overall it's good for the coin market.
And, I can vouch that he is certainly intrigued by EVERY, SINGLE Coin. In fact, he's in dire need of a Roosevelt Dime and reminds me of it at least once a week...
First, this is an amazing thread. Currin is awesome.
TDN.. my goodness.. posting Anne Benjamin piece of Scrooge McDuck? Sigh. High rollers insist on a Carl Barks original oil painting with Scrooge and his vault. Sniff.
Does Mr. Hansen and his representatives ever consider raw coins for purchase? Or is his collection built only from slabbed coins [and if so are coins in second and third tier slabs ever considered for purchase]?
I assume there are many raw coins that, if slabbed, would possibly be finest graded. Particularly moderns.
I could see quantities of prescreened raw coins being presented and evaluated for possible purchase.
Looking at raw coins may increase the likelyhood of improving the quality of Mr. Hansen's collection.
And, I can vouch that he is certainly intrigued by EVERY, SINGLE Coin. In fact, he's in dire need of a Roosevelt Dime and reminds me of it at least once a week...
I believe I know the one that he wants. Its going to be a very hard find, even though there are only a couple places to look.
@SanctionII said:
Does Mr. Hansen and his representatives ever consider raw coins for purchase? Or is his collection built only from slabbed coins [and if so are coins in second and third tier slabs ever considered for purchase]?
I assume there are many raw coins that, if slabbed, would possibly be finest graded. Particularly moderns.
I could see quantities of prescreened raw coins being presented and evaluated for possible purchase.
Looking at raw coins may increase the likelyhood of improving the quality of Mr. Hansen's collection.
Interesting question.
We have bought raw coins, graded them, and added to the set. But, in today's world when you're looking at the kind of quality that he's looking for, 99.9% of the coins are already certified, so it's not necessary (unless we're talking about post 2000 modern coins).
We buy PCGS and NGC coins, though only PCGS coins show up in the registry sets as NGC coins do not display well there. I think that a combined registry would be a fantastic concept, but I'm afraid that isn't in the long term plans at PCGS.
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I believe the last discussion on the Major Varieties Set was when the 1806 Early Half Dollar “O-108 Knob 6 No Stem” was added. This week’s update is not an addition, but a pretty nice upgrade. Hansen is progressing well on the massive U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1792-1964). This set contains a total of 3260 coins with 439 as Major Varieties that are not listed in the basic set. To my knowledge, no one has ever completed this set. The Hansen Collection has 62 coins remaining with 11 coins in the basic category and 51 as major varieties. This places Hansen at 98.07% completed. In comparison, Louis Eliasberg set was 92.98% completed. There are some real difficult jewels left in the 51 remaining, including the likes of, 1861 “Paquet” with 2 known, 1804 Ten Dollar “Plain Proof” with 3 known, and 1793 “Strawberry Leaf” Large Cent with 4 known. There are many more rarities including the famous 1817/4 half dollar and two Half Eagles that are not collectable. I plan to start a countdown around 40 remaining, and should be fun to watch.
The variation of the 1814 dime with “STATESOF” was upgraded in his sets. The coin has an overall survival of about 350, but is rare in mint condition. The mint condition survival is maybe 5 or 6. He replaced an 1814 “STATESOF” AU55 Specimen (Certification #21812747). The coin had a PCGS POP 2/6. Both coins are in a PCGS #4490, which is the standard Major variety holder which fits into the JR-5 slot. Being that we do not have pictures, we would assume they are not one of the other John Reich varieties.
This specimen is on the top of the condition census report with a PCGS POP 2/0. The variety is described by expert Ron Guth: The 1814 STATESOFAMERICA Dime is an interesting variety caused when the engraver placed the word UNITED too high on the reverse die. This forced a shifting of the word STATES and OF to the right, effectively reducing the spacing between these words, and making STATES OF AMERICA appear as a single word. This mistake occurred on only one die of 1814 (JR-5). Apparently, the die survived its press run in 1814, as it was set aside and reused again in 1820, in a cost- and time-saving move, on the JR-1 variety. Thus, in a single stroke, the engraver created inadvertently, two interesting, arms-length varieties for collectors to pursue. Fortunately, the 1814 JR-5 variety is common enough that it does not command much of a premium over the type versions of this date. Very few Mint State varieties exist of the 1814 STATESOFAMERICA Dime. The best appear to be three to four MS-65 examples certified by NGC. The finest example certified by PCGS is a single MS62. Fully struck examples seem to be rare. Usually, this variety shows weakness on the highest points of the hair at Liberty's forehead and temple, and often the 6th, 7th, and 10th stars are flat. The reverse often shows weakness at the base of the shield and on the talons of the eagle's right foot (viewer's left).
The origin of this coin is not publicly known. It has not appeared in recent auctions. It does appear, at some point, to have been listed on “Eye Appealing Coins” website. This is a company in Hilliard, OH. The posting for the sale has been removed, but the retail price showed to be $37,500. If someone from the community have some additional information, please feel free to add. The coin does not have a TrueView photo and the one from the seller website is no longer available. More to come on the 1792-1964 Circulation Strike Major Varieties.
The U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Proof (1801-1964) is an 1145 coin set. The Hansen collection has about 300 left, so the set is approx. 75% completed. This is an interesting set to watch, but is not one that Hansen upgrades on a regular bases. He did make an upgrade over the weekend where 11 new coins were added and 23 were replaced with upgrades. PCGS describes the set as: Every basic classic U.S. coin in Proof from 1801 through 1964, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble in high grade. To give a flavor of what’s left, the set is complete from 1915 – Present. The 1914 Eagle is the newest coin need. For non-gold, the set is complete from 1856-Present. The newest non-gold proof needed is 1855 copper half cent. The 1854 “Arrows” quarter dollar is the silver. The set has a ways to go. There are no other registry competitors more than approx. 20% completed. Only five sets are listed and three of them are less than 5% completed. There are room for many more, so jump in.
1870 Quarter Dollar Proof PR67DC (CERT#: 36763628) PCGS POP 1/0 replaces 1870 PR66 PCGS POP 2/7
This specimen is being showcased as the finest known. The coin sold in David Lawrence Rare Coins Internet Auction #1056 that closed on Sunday, March 17, 2019. The coin realized $29,500. The auction site described the coin as: Finest Known! Beautiful blast white fields with amazing eye appeal. From a low mintage of just 1,000 coins. CAC approved for quality. I think this to be the same coin that sold as 1870 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC, in Heritage 2013 US Coins Signature Auction in Houston. Heritage described the coin as From a generous proof mintage of 1,000 pieces, this magnificent coin is the single finest certified 1870 Seated Liberty quarter at either of the leading grading services. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, with razor sharp definition on the eagle's claws and star radials. The devices are richly frosted, providing profound cameo contrast with the deeply mirrored fields. A few die striations are visible in the fields on both sides, but close inspection with a loupe reveals no mentionable post-strike surface flaws. Eye appeal is terrific. This coin should find a home in the finest collection or Registry Set. The coin realized $19,975 in 2013.
The provenance of the coin was not revealed by neither auction sale, but now the coin is in the Hansen Collection, does it really matter? Again, Hansen replaces a very nice coin with a better grade. If you like tone coins, then you will like the PR66 better. The PR67DC is blast white by all accounts.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg, his collection had an assumed graded Choice Proof that was sold by Bowers & Merena April 1997, price that realized $2,310.
Hansen’s New Top POP PCGS 1/0 1870 Quarter Dollar, DC PR67DC (PCGS Gold Shield) CAC / Certification #36763628 / PCGS #95569 PCGS Coin Value Guide Price (Not listed)
Today, I am featuring a Large Cent Red Proof Specimen. This is not a type coin that can be found abundantly. The total PCGS population for certified red specimens for the Braided Hair Series (1840- 1857) is just 16. For the Coronet Head (1817-1839), the population is even less at 7. Less than two dozen makes up the total Red Large Cent Proofs. To own one would a great achievement. It is understandable assembling these sets may not be as popular as other opportunities.
During the registry era, the ESM Collection stands alone in taking the challenge for assembling a high grade registry set (Large Cents Basic Set, Proof (1817-1857)). The set is not a PCGS HOF Set, even though to me on quality it should. The set has 15 Top Pop PCGS 1/0 coins, and 6 others that are tied for PCGS finest known. The set only requires 34 coins, so this is very impressive. I hope ESM does receive the HOF chevron in the very near future. To me, this set deserves a chevron. (Note: ESM is HOF for the circulation strike collection, but not this fantastic proof set)
Now, back to what Hansen is doing. The Hansen Collection is the only other attempt at this series. The Hansen Collection is now just over 50% completed for Large Cent Proofs. The present GPA Weight is less that one point below the #1 set. The #1 set will remain #1 until it sells. This is not discouraging Hansen from working on building his set with coins that are available. With this new addition, Hansen has two Top Pop PCGS Red Proof Large Cents. His Top Pop RB coin gives him three Top Pops. Certainly, this set is a work in progress.
1854 Large Cent PR64RD Cert 35479249 PCGS POP 1/0
The 1854 Red PCGS POP 1/0 is not only top pop, but appears to be unique in red. As stated earlier, these coins are very rare in certified red state. It is not known exactly how Hansen acquired this coin, but we do know that the coin was marketed by Rare Coin Wholesalers on their website in April. The coin was listed as being available for $28,900 on RCW eBay offer. RCW description of the coin: A very rare proof type, the Braided Hair Cent was produced during an era in which the United States Mint did not record yearly mintage figures for specimen coinage. There were very few coin collectors active in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s, and Mint policy at the time was to strike a limited number of proof sets for presentation and other special purposes. We also believe that the federal government prepared additional proof coins for individual sale and on a per-order basis. Many specimens were undoubtedly lost over the years, and survivors of all issues in this proof series are few in number and seldom encountered in today's market. It is a very nice coin and great to see it ended up in the Hansen Collection.
The coin has a pedigree that dates back to the 1940s. The coin has appeared at auction about 4 times between 1997-2013. At these auctions, the coin was PR64RD in a PCGS holder, but different cert number. The Auction Record for the 1854 Proof large cent is $28,200 at Heritage Auctions in 2014 for PCGS PR65RB. PCGS Price Guide Value for Hansen’s PR64RD is $25,000.
Provenance: Dr. Christian A. Allenburger Collection - B. Max Mehl 3/1948:1138, $79 - John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I - David Akers 10/1997:271, $4,950 - Paul Norris Collection - Superior 6/2000:398 - Bowers & Merena 1/2001:671 - Heritage 5/2001:4039, $9,750 - Heritage 7/2003:5215, $8,625 - Greensboro Collection - Heritage 1/2013:5538, $12,428
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his specimen as estimated graded MS65RB, sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $770. Hansen’s 1854 mint state is a PCGS certified MS66RB. There is no reference that I can find that Eliasberg had an 1854 Large Cent Proof in his collection.
Hansen’s 1854 Large Cent PR64RD – PCGS Unique in Red Certification #36533664, PCGS #8408, PCGS Gold Shield PCGS POP 1/0 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $25,000
The Barber coinage is fascinating. I know for some people the series is not, and that’s Ok. Barber was a short lived series compared to the Seating Liberty, for example. PCGS describes the coinage this way: Dimes, quarters and half dollars! When you build this set you’ve covered the gamut of the "Barber" design (named for designer Charles Barber, not his father William). There aren’t any super-rarities in the basic set, but you’ll be challenged by the 1901-S quarter and several other issues in any grade and kept busy until you're dizzy if you try to complete the set in Mint State. While you're at it, why not try to put this collection together in MS65 or better? This series is loaded with condition rarities, so we wish you the best!
The Hansen Collection is the registry best for the comprehensive series; dime, quarter dollars, and half dollars. His set has a GPA Weighted average of 66.60. The set starts with three MS64 quarter dollars and concludes with probably the best Barber coin known, the 1901-S MS68+ Quarter dollar. All the other of the 221 coins falls between these grades. The collection is just four coins always from being known as MS65 or better. Hansen is the King of the Barber Half Dollars with all-time finest PCGS sets in both circulated strikes and proofs. The dime and quarter dollars sets are where work is needed, especially the quarters. In the quarter dollar set, RSD has a runaway lead. In the Barber Dime series, Stewart Blay has been strong in the series for almost two decades. His collection presently is the all-time finest for Barber Dimes.
It appears that Hansen is active in the Barber Dime series. It is hard to determine if the #1 set is catchable. In Hansen’s recent update to his HOF complete master set, he upgraded six Barber Dimes. Two of them were Top Pop 1/0 specimens. I believe both coins are from Joshua’s Lily Nicole Collection. I can confirm one for sure and the other appears to be confirmed by reviewing pictures. If this data is incorrect, please clarify. Also, I can confirmed at least one of the other upgrades was from Lily Nicole Collection, the 1906-S MS67 PCGS 3/0. The Lily Nicole Collection of Barber Dimes was retired in 2015 and broken up. The set was once all-time finest and currently #4 for All-Time Top Five Registry Sets. It is nice to see amazing coins from great sets eventually makes their way back to a great collection in the making.
This is another top coin with a great pedigree that has recently been added to the Hansen Collection of US Coins. The coin is finest grade for the year and mint. Ron Guth describes the coin as: The 1908-D Dime is easy to obtain in most grades, including Mint State. As with most Barber Dimes, the typical grades are MS63 and MS64. However, in this case, there are quite a few Superb pieces that have survived. MS67's dominate the PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census, with MS67+ being the very best grade. The strike quality of the 1908-D is generally strong. One interesting collecting option is to obtain as many different mintmark positions as possible.
This coin proudly carries the Lily Nicole Collection Pedigree. The coin was last publicly sold by Stacks & Bowers at their November 2015 auction in Baltimore. The coin headlined as Superb Gem 1908-D Dime, PCGS Pop: 1/0, MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.. The coin description: This stunning Superb Gem is the sole occupant of the top Condition Census tier among certified 1908-D dimes. Slightly mottled golden-olive iridescence adorns the obverse and the periphery of the other otherwise pearl gray reverse. Fully struck and highly lustrous. The surfaces are exceptionally well preserved. Although the 1908-D is the first Denver Mint Barber dime that will not pose too much difficulty to locate in Mint State, it is only slightly more plentiful at this level of preservation than the first year 1906-D. It is rarer than the 1911-D, 1912-D and 1914-D, and in the finest Mint State grades, as here, is every bit as challenging to locate as the lower mintage 1907-O. The first coin listed among the significant examples for the issue in the 2009 book Collecting & Investing Strategies for Barber Dimes by Jeff Ambio, this remarkable survivor is almost certainly the finest 1908-D Barber dime extant. The coin realized $5,170. PCGS Price Guide Value is $6,000. I am not sure how or when Hansen acquired this coin. It is a very good update to his collection.
Provenance: From Ira & Larry Goldbergs' sale of the Bradley Bloch Collection, September 1999, lot 1203; Heritage's sale of the John C. Hugon Collection, January 2005, lot 4051; Heritage's sale of The Collection of Dr. Steven L. Duckor, January 2006, lot 1019; Heritage's sale of the Lily Nicole Collection, April 2015, lot 3953.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1908-D Dime as PCGS grade MS65 POP 14/22. Sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $880. Lot #1293.
This coin is the now considered the best grade for the year and mint. Expert comments from Ron Guth:The 1909-D Dime has the smallest mintage of any of the Dimes produced in 1909, and the smallest mintage (under 1 million coins) since 1904. In most grades, the 1909-D Dime fetches a nice premium, but this may be an overreaction to the mintage since the 1909-D is no more rare than the other Mints of the year (based on the number of certified examples). For instance, the 1909-O has a smaller number of certified Mint State examples than the 1909-DS, yet it is almost invariably priced lower then the 1909-D. It should be the other way around. Finding a nice, Mint State 1909-D Dime should be accomplished easiy. MS64 is the most frequently-seen grade, bracketed by equal amounts in MS63 and MS65. Gems are rare, especially in the elusive MS66+ grade. None have been graded higher.
The coin was sold by Heritage after the Lily Nicole Collection of Barber Dimes was retired. At that time, the coin headlined as 1909-D Dime, PCGS MS66+ None Numerically Finer at PCGS. The coin realized $4,700. Description from the Heritage 2015 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago: The 1909-D stands out from its peers due to a mintage of less than 1 million coins (954,000 pieces), but it is also a notable condition rarity in MS66, and is almost unobtainable finer. This Plus-designated piece exhibits sharp motifs set against thick, satiny luster. The margins show splashes of aquamarine and amber toning, while the centers are softly colored in warm champagne hues. The coin was upgrades to a PCGS MS67 between the Heritage sale and a more recent sale by Stacks & Bowers at their spring auction in Baltimore. The coin headlined this time as Finest Known 1909-D Barber Dime, 1909-D Barber Dime. MS-67 (PCGS). The coin description: Strong cartwheel luster accentuates warm medium-gold, powder-blue, and copper-apricot peripheral toning. Boldly struck with pristine surfaces, this beauty is a delight to view with magnification. A scarce date with a mintage under one million pieces, and this is the finest known example among them. For the Registry Set collector, this coin represents an opportunity that is not likely to come again soon. This time the coin realized $9,300. PCGS Price Guide Value is $21,500. I am not sure if Hansen purchase the coin at auction or privately. The hammered price was really a good deal if you are to believe the value given in the PCGS report as good. By all accounts, this is a great addition to Hansen Collection of US Coins.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1909-D Dime as estimated grade MS65. Sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $1,760. Lot #1297.
The Hansen Collection of basic early US coinage is near completion with only a small hand full of coins remaining. They are all gold and include: 1798 $2-1/2, 1798 $5 Small Eagle, 1795 $5 Large Eagle, and 1822 $5. Although the set is near completion, in accordance to Hansen’s standards, a lot more work is remaining. I don’t see Hansen slowing down until the set is World Class. I have seen this term used my one of our esteem community members. I am not exactly sure I understand the definition. I wish someone would explain, but I think it is one of things that you will just know when it is world-class. By upgrading a coin with a Condition Census POP 2/2 is most certainly a step in the right direction. Agree?
Hansen’s early quarter dollar set ranks third all-time, behind Pogue and Eliasberg. One of Eliasberg’s best early series is the quarter dollar. Hansen is on the way to the top. The set has two PCGS, POP 1/0 and three others tied as finest. In comparing to Pogue, his set has three PCGS,POP 1/0 and three others tied as finest. So, if catching Pogue establishes World-Class, then it can be done. Hansen’s Achilles Heel is his 1823/2 specimen that is graded G4.
Ron Guth made these expert comments about the coin: In 1805, a real effort was made to produce Quarter Dollars for circulation. The result was a large mintage of over 120,000 pieces, easily eclipsing the tiny mintages of 1796 and 1804. Hundreds of certified, circulated examples complement the many raw pieces that are available to collectors. Mint State examples are a bit more elusive and far more expensive. The most frequently-seen grade is MS63, where at least a dozen examples are known. MS64 examples are rare, and only one example is known in MS65. Five different obverse and reverse die combinations comprise the whole mintage for this year.
1805 B-3 Bust Quarter, Lustrous MS64+, Condition Census, Late Die State Coin
The above statement is the headline for this coin from a Heritage Auction. The coin is also described as B-3, R.1, MS64+ PCGS. CAC. The coin was listed in Heritage’s 2016 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin at this time, realized $38,775. Heritage described the coin as: This common Browning variety is actually quite rare in such an advanced die state, and the present example is equal to the top of the Condition Census enumerated in Walter Breen's 1992 update of Browning's The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States, 1796-1838. The late die state of this coin is characterized by several die markers. There are three obverse die cracks: one through star 4 passing below the hair ribbon to the hair curl, a second that runs through stars 1 and 2 and through the lower date digits, and a third that extends upward from the 5 in the date to the bust. The E in LIBERTY is quite weak, noticeably more so than the flanking letters. On the reverse, there are heavy clash marks from the bust above the clouds and STATES OF, a crack through the tops of STA, and another from the rim to the upright of the first T in STATES. The current example has muted silver-gray surfaces with a golden overlay, complemented on the reverse by peripheral aqua and amber. Bright mint luster radiates beneath the light toning. A small dark alloy spot in the 0 of the date will serve as a pedigree identifier. There are no mentionable planchet flaws or other distractions on this incredibly rare and appealing coin. This example is sure to generate some spirited bidding.
It appears Hansen acquired the coin last week from the Legend Regency 32 Auction. The coin was from the Pug Collection. Legend describes the coin as: This is likely the FINEST KNOWN 1805 B-3 quarter, a coin that ranked at the top of the Walter Breen's 1992 update of Ward Browning's The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States, 1796-1838; and is listed as Condition Census #1 in the Rea-Koenings-Haroutunian Census and #1 in the Tompkins' Census. This satiny, frosty near-GEM is struck from a very late die state with multiple bold die cracks and clash marks that add character to the otherwise smooth surfaces. The devices are crisply embossed by a forceful blow from the screw press. The details are highlighted by a glowing, ember-like luster that clings to the recesses and protected areas of the Draped Bust design type. Olive tinged pewter-silver with richer lilac-violet at LIBERTY. The reverse has an aqua-teal and soft gold at the periphery, similar pewter-silver and gold. We do not see any real traces of contact, even under a careful inspection with a strong glass. The eye appeal is, as you would expect for the FINEST KNOWN, very high end. We had a hard time putting this one down. There are two in MS64+, the other one sold in our December 2016 Regency Auction for $52,875. The current PCGS value is listed at $60,000 and there are just 2 coins finer at PCGS, both MS65. Bound for a great collection! Whether you are a type collector, or a specialist in early quarter die varieties, or anything in between, this coin is sure to please! Don't let this amazing, essentially FULLY GEM quality early quarter pass you by! Legend estimated the coin to bring $45,000 - $50,000. The coin realized 49,937.50, so they nailed this one.
Provenance: Heritage (4/2006), lot 1462; The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part Two / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 5/2009), lot 601. Pug Collection, Legend’s Regency Auction 32.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his specimen as PCGS MS64. Ex: S.H. and H. Chapman; J.M. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $14,300.
This is another upgrade that certainly meets the common 20th Century Gold Coin criteria. You may remember the 1903-S Half Eagle was upgraded just a few days ago. That MS67 was “The Sole Finest at PCGS”. Although, this MS67 is a very fine coin on all accounts, it does have a PCGS POP 4/0. The condition census reports list only three, so not sure if one was a resubmit or not. High Grade MS 67 coins are not that readily available for Liberty Eagle, With Motto (1866-1907). The total POP for all dates is 22/4. For only a couple dozen coins in a 40 year run, says a lot for the difficulty. There is only one coin that has been graded MS67+, with three others that are MS68.
We have seen with many of Hansen’s recent updates his willing to upgrade a very nice coin with a better specimen. Hansen existing coin was a 1903-S MS66+ Eagle, Certification #81338684. The coin PCGS POP is 6/5. The upgrade was only a half point, but appears again Hansen has the willingness to pull the trigger on a better graded coin. The difference in value of the half point is more than $20,000. Expert Comments from Ron Guth: In 1903, employees at the San Francisco Mint cranked out 538,000 $10 gold pieces. Though thousands of examples are known today, this date has a much lower survival rate than other dates, such as 1901 and 1901-S. Both of those dates have higher mintages, but they were also more common in European hoards than was the 1903-S. Nonetheless, Mint State 1903-S Eagles are readily available in grades all the way up to MS64. MS65 examples tend to be scarce, and MS66 examples are rare. The top grade for this date is MS67, where just a few examples are available for collectors. Typically, the 1903-S Eagle is well-made and sharply struck. Luster ranges from soft and frosty to hard and chrome-like.
1903-S Eagle MS67
I believe this may be a newly upgraded coin. As I stated earlier, the census report shows three MS67 coins and the POP report shows four. Note: the POP report recently changed from 6/3 for MS66+ to 5/4. The possibility is certainly there. Except for the Legend’s Regency Auction 32, a couple weeks ago, this coin has not appeared in this holder before. The coin realized $22,912.50, which was solid in the $20,000 - $24,000 estimated range by Legend. The Auctioneer did not offer much information except for: This is a truly gorgeous SUPERB GEM Liberty Head eagle. Sharply struck devices, clean (almost flawless) and exceptionally lustrous surfaces combine for a special, condition census level coin, worthy of the top ranking Registry Set of this long lived series. NONE are CAC. The current Collector's Universe value is $32,000 and no PCGS-graded coins have sold in five years, the most recent PCGS examples have sold in the $25,000 range. The Simpson Hall coin was only a 66+. Worthy of a strong bid from the advanced collector.
As stated, the pedigree was not determined, but I think there a great possibility the coin was previously in a PCGS MS66+ holder. With more research comparing pictures, there may be some addition history out there. I have said this before and repeat again, adding this type coin to a collection of Hansen’s size; the coin makes practically no difference. I do think that over a number years and/or decade, making hundreds or maybe thousands of these upgrades is where it going to add up to something very special. This type of reporting is becoming very familiar when watching the Hansen Collection.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1903-S Eagle Specimen as estimated grade MS66, Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $8,800. Lot #830. Both of Hansen coins are higher graded that Eliasberg.
Hansen’s New 1903-S Eagle Specimen 1903-S MS67 Certification #36763611, PCGS #8754 PCGS POP 4/0 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $30,000
Comments
Of the 8 Class I "Original" 1804 dollars, the Stickney-Eliasberg has this pedigree shown at PCGS CoinFacts:
So I suppose this traces it directly to the mint.
But I agree - I'd say the 1804 in the King of Siam proof set has a pretty direct pedigree, too.
However, my understanding is that the King of Siam set was not sold until 1962, so perhaps Eliasberg did not know about it in 1953.
And I agree, a "unique pedigree" is a far cry from a "unique coin"!
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1804-1-original-class-bb-304/6907
Another statement in the article which seems to be wrong is where it states a second 1870-S $3 was placed in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint building, but was lost when that building was destroyed.
That building, the second San Francisco Mint, was completed in 1874 and is still standing.
An article at the time said that one of each 1870-S denominations were placed in a 8" x 16" x 6" copper box, along with other historical artifacts.
https://www.numismaticnews.net/flipside/old-sf-mints-lost-treasure
https://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v07n16a14.html
Great posts on the Life Magazine article @Currin and @yosclimber.
Seems like "US coins" was loosely defined and includes colonials, territorials, patterns, etc. I wonder if any of those would be "required" or at the collectors discretion? Certainly, it's nice to see them represented. I imagine colonials, territorials, the Confederate cents, and the Stellas would help capture the attention of non-collectors.
How about a 1933 Saint before the Branch Mint Proof...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Agree. A 1933 Saint would be amazing.
Isn't the 1804 $1 class II a unique coin as in 1 only? The other 14 are all class I & III.
Later, Paul.
Yes, I do consider the Overton 1817/4 a very important coin, and the AU53 is a killer of a specimen. I do think at some point, Mr. Hansen will add one, but I am not sure it is on his short list. As a matter of fact, I am not sure he has a list. It may be as we often hear, if a coin is available at a fair price, then he is in the market. So, 21 vs 22 may not mean anything to him. Do you know if the PCGS AU53 is available? I think you may have the second finest, so that one is off the market for now. Several of the other very limited specimens are in registry sets, but I don’t find the AU53 in any sets.
This coin fits well in the Major Varieties Sets. I checked my notes and Hansen has only 52 remaining to complete this very large PCGS Registry set. If he completes, it should be another HOF set for sure. When this number gets down to 40 remaining, I am planning a countdown for MVs.
As a subset, I know you are very well aware that he is assembling a Major Varieties Set for Early Half Dollars. The 101-Coin set is rather difficult as no one know better than you. Hansen’s set will not be close is class to what you have achieved in Early Half Dollars. Hansen is four coins away from completing and he still needs: 1795 “Small Head”, 1812/1 “Large 8”, 1839 “Reeded Edge, Small Letters”, along with the 1817/4 “Overdate”.
Thanks! As always for you contribution.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I posted the PCGS AU53 Wallis discovery specimen's registry set in my earlier post with the TrueView.
It's in the registry set "The Link Early American Silver Overton Variety Set of Lettered Edge Half Dollars" by user icrf03. I doubt the individual coin will become available as this is an Overton Variety Set and the variety is a pop 0/1/0 for Overton 102a at PCGS. The other known coins are also much lower in grade. It might be more probable to buy the entire set.
It's mentioned on the cert verification page, but you can't actually go to the set contents because it's private.
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/25359636
Thanks Zions for the update. I found this Coinweek article that discussed all the known 1817/4 coins. It has some details on Dr. Link and the AU53. The Link Half Dollars are amazing. I did find an open set. Nearly all are POP 1/0 or tied for finest.
https://coinweek.com/us-coins/the-rarest-half-dollar-coin-of-the-philadelphia-mint-the-18174-overdate-bust-half/
Dr. Link’s HOF Set including 1817/4 specimen.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-dollars/early-half-dollars-major-sets/capped-bust-half-dollars-classic-set-circulation-strikes-1807-1839/alltimeset/70262
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I thought all the black market 1933 Saints been accounted for. Are there more?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
If I find one, I'm going to mail it directly to JB!
Sunshine Rare Coins
sunshinecoins.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Don’t use my Post Office
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Six Eggs and a half pound of Butter
It is time to get back to the bread and butter of this collection. That would be the coins, the sets, the collection. I believe this to be the first real discussion on the San Francisco Issues. According to PCGS, the San Francisco Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1854-present) Set has two coins remaining for Hansen to complete. According to my account, there are four coins left. I will explain later. Although, Hansen is the only completive player in the registry complete set for this mint, he has not slowed down on the upgrades. He has upgraded about 30-32 coins in the set since January 1st. This is not an easy mint set to assemble in high grade.
The first year of issue from the San Francisco was 1854. I wondered what the city was like in the 1850’s. These are excerpts from “Stories of American History”, an internet blog by Noah Washington. San Francisco was discovered by the Spanish in 1769. A desolate area of sand dunes and hills, for nearly a century it boasted little more than a chapel and a few huts. In 1848 its population was around 500. In that year, gold was discovered at nearby Sutter’s Mill, and by 1850, the sleepy village had exploded into a boomtown of 30,000 people.
By 1853 this shantytown was one of the biggest cities in the nation, with 46 gambling halls, 144 taverns and 537 places that sold liquor. Rowdy young men roamed the streets, looking to spend their gold as fast as they found it. Fortunes were made by those who sold goods and services to the miners; eggs went for a dollar apiece, a pound of butter for six dollars, a pair of boots for a hundred. Many of the newly-rich moved directly from shacks into mansions. Ninety-two percent of the population were men between fifteen and forty-four years of age. The mere rumor of a female arriving in town could cause the saloons to empty and a crowd to gather at the docks. With only one woman to every dozen men, brothels flourished; the going rate was 100 dollars a night, roughly the price of a house.
San Francisco Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1854-present)
Hansen’s Registry Set is 99.7% completed. This is a set that requires 690 coins. PCGS description: The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought the eyes of America on the rapidly-growing town of San Francisco. There, in 1854, the United States opened a new Mint to handle the vast quantities of gold bullion that needed conversion into coins. In subsequent years, the mint added copper, nickel, and silver coins to its repertoire until it soon became one of the most important Mints in the system. This set contains one of each of all the hundreds of coins produced at the San Francisco Mint from 1854 until today. Included among these coins are some incredibly rare ones that make it virtually impossible to complete the set: 1854-S $2.50, the unique 1870-S $3, the 1854-S $5, and the 1873-S Silver Dollar (gotcha - none were ever made). There are numerous other rarities, such as the 1870-S Silver Dollar. However, there are so many collectible coins in this set that a high level of completion can be achieved. There is a lifetime of enjoyment built into this remarkable collection.
The ability to assemble a nice near completed set may not be extremely difficult. The ability to complete a mint condition set with all known issues is very difficult due a number of ultra-rarities. By today’s standard of known coins, no one has ever assembled a San Francisco Mint complete set in history. Not one person, not even Eliasberg or the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. The two missing coins in Hansen’s set for the registry is the ultra-rare 1854-S Half Eagle, and the 1870-S Unique Bass Three Dollar. The other two missing coins that are not in the PCGS set, are the 1870-S Unique Bender Half Dime, and the ultra-rare famous 1894-S Dime. The 1894-S Dime is expensive in all grades, but in this foursome, 1894-S would be the easiest to obtain a specimen. The task of completing this set does not have the best of odds.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/complete-sets-by-mint/san-francisco-complete-set-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-1854-present/alltimeset/155435
1858-S Eagle, Tied for Finest Known
This is not a set that Hansen updates as regular as some other sets. He updated the set about 3 times this year, including Sunday night. The upgraded coins included the PCGS POP 1/0 1938-S Jefferson Nickel that was discussed several weeks ago. Out of the thirteen new upgrades this week, I will highlight the 1858-S Eagle. It is not a POP 1/0, but it is a very nice old gold coin addition.
This specimen of the 1858-S Eagle is tied for finest known and a solid condition census Top 3. This coin does not appear often in auctions, and the first appearance was this past January in Legend’s Regency Auction 30. The coin realized $43,475. PCGS Price Guide Value places the price for Hansen’s AU58 at $55,000. This is a very nice upgrade.
Legend estimated the coin would bring $45,000 - $55,000, so if Hansen was the winning bidder; he was able to obtain at the lower end. The Legend author gives the coin a nice write-up: Legend Rare Coin Auctions is proud to offer this impressive 1858-S ten, a major condition rarity, and this is tied for FINEST graded at both PCGS and NGC. This coin began its life rare, as only 11,800 were struck. Depending on your source, 60-80 to perhaps as much as 1% of the original mintage are believed to survive, and David Akers noted in his seminal work, "is a very rare and underrated coin in any grade, as rare in fact as the highly publicized 1858...Most known specimens grade no better than VF. If an uncirculated example exists, I have not seen or heard of it..." That was written in the 1970s and today, neither PCGS nor NGC have graded a single Mint State example. While the S.S. Republic wreck contained four 1858-S eagles, NONE were Mint State. The present coin is vibrantly lustrous with a bold satiny glow in the fields. The faintest trace of friction and microscopic, scattered contact marks are all that keep this important rarity from a full Mint State grade. There are a few minor lines that attest to that friction. The devices are boldly impressed from a heavy blow from the dies. NO PCGS AU58 has ever sold in auction. The famed David Hall-Bob Simpson Collection contained an exceptional AU55. The amazing Harry Bass Collection had 2 in AU55, the Eliasberg coin was called a "Choice VF-30", Norweb's coin was a VF35 or finer, and the famed Dallas Bank Collection only had a VF. The Amon Carter Collection lacked an example. This is a truly important opportunity to acquire one of the FINEST examples that exists and will see very strong bidding from the advanced collector of this extremely challenging series. We would not be shocked to see a RECORD realization for this coin when it crosses the block.
Provenance: unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his 1858-S Eagle specimen as an estimated grade XF40. Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $605. Lot #707.
1858-S Eagle, PCGS AU58 (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #8627/ PCGS Serial #36086486/ POP 3/0
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I can state for a fact, LEGEND WILL be the buyer of the next legal 1933 Saint. We did make an offer on the one out there last year but was rejected. We have THREE people will pay over the moon for one. We tried to buy the Langford deal too.
So I challenge Delloy on that one.
Good info, but if your offer was rejected, can we really say the offer was over the moon? Perhaps it was more likely in the stratosphere?
For comparison, a trip to the moon from Space Adventures is $175 million. Read more here:
http://www.spaceadventures.com/experiences/circumlunar-mission/
Agree it will be an great challenge to get one. It's a famous coin that captures the imagination. It would be great to see it slabbed by PCGS. Good luck on the chase!
That'll be an auction to see!
1873-S Seated Dollar:
Supposedly 700 were minted, but none have shown up in collections.
There's a good discussion of theories here:
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1873-s-1-seated/6973
Maybe they meant the 1870-S dollar makes set completion difficult? (around 11 known).
Similarly, for the 1873-S No Arrows Seated Half Dollar, supposedly 5000 were minted, but none are known today.
Let’s not forget about the 1885 Trade, so don’t get too far over your ski.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The only reason that coin was available is because we have held in our hands the better one and are waiting patiently for it. Different circumstance on the 1933.
On the 1885 TD, NOT the same buyers. TDN can tell you-these 3 can out bid Delloy and TDN on anything and not even feel it!!! Hint, one owns 2 1933 $10-MS65+66!!!! You think he wants one?????
But I'm guessing none of them have as complete of a coin collection as Dell Loy? I'm also guessing none of them have as many #1 sets?
After seeing these, I think it would be cool for Dell Loy to pick up some patterns, colonials, territorials and Confederate cents. A gold Confederate cent would be awesome. Perhaps not required but definitely nice to have.
Here's the Farouk specimen of the gold Haseltine restrike of the CSA cent.
"1861" Confederate States of America cent - Haseltine restrike in gold, Farouk, PCGS MS63+ DCAM pop 0/1/0
PCGS has 5 gold CSA Haseltine cents in the pops, 1 DCAM here and 4 non-CAM.
Why stack up on white MS65 1881-S Morgan Dollars, when Hansen can hoard MS68+ GOLD CAC 1881-S Morgan Dollars!
1911-D “Strong D” Quarter Eagle Upgrade
Indian Head Quarter Eagle Gold Basic is another series where The Hansen Collection is actively working to improve the ranking. The set is 4th place on the All-Time Finest and 2nd in the current set listing. The set is second to the long standing PCGS HOF Kutz Collection. This set has been on top of the registry since 2005, and should be hard to dethrone. The series is very popular with approx. 50 current sets at 100% complete. PCGS describes the set as: The $2 1/2 Indian set was issued from 1908 through 1929. There are only 15 coins in the complete set, including three issues from the Denver Mint. If the set is collected in circulated condition there is only one key date (the 1911-D), but if the set is assembled in MS65, there are many challenging coins to be located.
This upgrade is the key date coin in the set, the 1911-D. This PCGS finest is the POP 1/0 MS66+ Kutz specimen. The new Hansen coin is the best available and has a rich history. This key date is described by expert David Hall as: This is the key date to the $2.5 Indian series and is one of the more famous key dates of the 20th century. Decades ago (1950s and 1960s and before) everyone viewed coins based on mintages. The 1911-D has an original mintage of only 55,680 coins. The next lowest mintage is the 1914 with 240,000 minted and average mintages for $2.5 Indians is in the 400,000 to 500,000 range. So the low mintage of the 1911-D certainly was easy to notice. At the time, the 1911-D was way more expensive in all grades than any other $2.5 Indian. Nowadays, we realize original mintage is not the only factor in rarity and we focus more on survival estimates. And we have better tools in population reports and expert survival estimates, which are now very comprehensive on PCGS CoinFacts. For the 1911-D $2.5, its status as a rarity has held up. It is still the rarest $2.5 Indian and it is still way more expensive than the other dates in the series in circulated grades. It is also the most expensive $2.5 Indian in mint state grades. There are a handle of Gems known, including several superb MS66s.
The Hansen Collection already had a GEM 1911-D “Strong D” Quarter Eagle. His previous coin is a MS65 (Certification #81891460). The coin is a PCGS POP 22/4 valued about $50,000. As nice as this coin is, to phrase an expression from the specialist, “Hansen fired it”. In its place, he acquired a real jewel. The Hansen Specimen may have the best history of all 1911-D “Strong D” Quarter Eagles. The coin will add more value to the collection than just one grade point!
Norweb/Bass 1911-D “Strong D MS66” Quarter Eagle
This is another very nice coin that JB produced out of thin air. The coin first showed up in the Hansen Collection about 2 weeks ago. There are no recent activities that can be found online. The coin last sold in the Heritage’s April 2013 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $176,250. Heritage description: while the gold half eagle and eagle dated 1911-D are also low-mintage productions, they are among several keys within their respective series. The 1911-D quarter eagle, on the other hand, stands alone among the Indian Head quarter eagles as the acknowledged key in every grade, save for the very highest Mint State levels where the 1914-D and 1914 come into play as conditional rarities. The fact that both the Norwebs and Harry Bass chose this 1911-D quarter eagle for their collections speaks volumes about the quality of this piece. In both cases, those collectors could afford to buy any example they chose to represent this key. And in both cases, this was the coin. Close examination with a loupe quickly demonstrates why. It would be interesting to know the pedigree of this coin prior to the Norwebs purchase; it looks like someone plucked it from the dies immediately after striking. The surfaces exude originality. Both sides show a significant presence of lilac that is interspersed with light reddish-gold. The satiny luster is bright and almost unaffected by the abrasions that usually afflict all issues in the Indian quarter eagle series. Also of note is the remarkably strong strike, with almost complete definition on the lowest feather of the headdress as well as the boldly defined mintmark. But don't take our word for it, let two of the most notable collectors of the 20th century be your guide to the quality of this lot.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1911-D Quarter Eagle specimen as estimated grade AU55, sold for $1100 at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale. Lot #857.
D. L. 1911-D “Strong D MS66” Quarter Eagle (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #7943 / PCGS Certification #36534002 / POP 2/1
Pedigree: Norweb/Bass / PCGS Price Guide Value: $200,000
B. Max Mehl, believed late 1930s - Ambassador & Mrs. R. Henry Norweb - Norweb Collection - Bowers & Merena 3/1988:2122, $30,800 - Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 10/1999:643, $63,250 - H.R. Luchs Collection - Heritage 1/2005:30421, $161,000 - Atherton Family Collection - Heritage 3/2010:2176, $172,500 - Heritage 4/2013:4476, $176,250
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Nothing like upgrading finest known and set key gold to make a set jump. Really terrific 1911-D Quarter Eagle!
awesome upgrade and even better pedigree
Never mind - I see this was already suggested ...
Currin---you mentioned the 1911-D quarter eagle appeared out of thin air. I may have a little info where it came from. I saw the coin posted in March 2019 on Park Ave numismatics listed for $201,000. Obviously that was only the list price but apparently that is where the coin seems to have come from.
The coin discussed had been on the market for about a year now.
Andrew Blinkiewicz-Heritage
Rainbow, I guess we all would think of Hansen as a whale. Being Hansen is odd or unique, are you saying that is a good thing, bad, or neither? I think Hansen does care about a complete set, not only does he care about $500K coins but also $500.
The point that I think you are making is right on. There are more big fish like Legend clients than there are like Hansen. It appear in the last century, there have been only 2 - Eliasberg and Hansen. You may could say the Richmond collector as the third.
As for Eliasberg, I don’t think he cared about the common coins in his collection as Hansen does. I would contribute the underline reason for this difference to the registry that we have today, and the desire to have a condition census specimen as a min.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I think the fact these collectors care about all coins makes them more accessible to more collectors.
Who is the Richmond collector? I did notice in my thread about the "greatest collectors", no one mentioned anonymous collectors, only named collectors. I wonder if anonymous collectors are somehow just out of the thought process.
Lillian Gottschalk published a coffee table book on her amazing toy cars and trucks collection.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Toy-Cars-Trucks-1894-1942/dp/0896596532
It would be cool if Dell Loy did the same with his coins.
The Sole Finest at PCGS
This coin certainly meets the definition of a common 20th Century Gold Coin. The 1903-S Half Eagle is about as common as one can be. A choice mint strike can easily be found just a few dollars above spot. I think in most collections with the size and depth of Hansen’s Coins, this coin would have very little consideration. One of the series this coin belongs to is the Liberty Head CS $5 Gold with Major Varieties (1839-1908). The series have ultra-rarities as the 1854-S and many other branch mint tough guys. The 1903-S is just one of 220 coins in this massive set. PCGS describes the set as: The basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? There are coins from seven different Mints as a starter, plus the ultra-ultra-rare 1854-S $5 and much more. Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series!
As stated, choice mint strike 1903-S Half Eagle can easily be found just a few dollars above spot. He does not have one of these. Hansen has a specimen that was second none at one time. The coin being replaced is the 1903-S MS66+ (Certification #82126349). This coin appeared for a long time in Hansen Collection as tied for finest, until recently when the first PCGS MS67 was certified. At early stages of Hansen Collection just a couple years ago, this coin was PCGS POP 7/0 and now is PCGS POP 12/1. This is a pretty large difference in just a couple years. I am not sure the driver in this change. This is a really nice coin that could be in someone's type collection. If Hansen decides to sell, I hope there is a nice home out there for it to go. I will show a picture of this coin below.
1903-S Five Dollar, MS67 / The Sole Finest at PCGS
This coin appeared in the Heritage April 2019 (CSNS) Signature Auction in Chicago. I can assume that Hansen was the winning bidder, but I cannot confirm. In reading the auction description, the specimen appears to be new material. It would be interesting if anyone have knowledge of the source. In my opinion, Heritage is the best auction site on providing background and provenance on the coins they list. In this case, there was not anything given but this: A plentiful date in the absolute sense, the 1903-S Liberty half eagle is a popular type coin. However, that availability disintegrates in MS66, and in MS67, only one coin is reported at PCGS -- this piece (2/19). We have previously handled only one of the NGC coins in this grade, in the Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2013), which realized $12,375.10. To our knowledge, this PCGS coin has never before appeared at auction. The coin is fully struck and lustrous with frosted original surfaces. Yellow-gold margins cede to warmer rose-gold and peach interiors, delivering attractive eye appeal. No mentionable abrasions are seen.
As stated in some of my previous postings, adding this type coin to a collection of Hansen’s size, the coin makes practically no difference. The weight give to the coin is only 1. Over a number years and/or decade, making hundreds or maybe thousands of these upgrades is where it going to add up to something very special. He was fine with what he had, but it appears his desire is keep the set as “best” as possible. At some point, the collection could be considered remarkable, even by the most vocal skeptics.
This coin holds the Auction Record for 1903-S Five Dollar of $15,600, in the recent Heritage auction. It will be interesting to see how long the coin will hold the POP 1/0 title. There could be more in the future. Not much additional information other that the Heritage description can be found. Being common coin or not, this was a nice upgrade for the price of $15,600. PCGS Coin Guide Value places the dollar figure of $21,500.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1903-S Half Eagle Specimen as estimated grade MS66, Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $6,600. Lot #607. Both of Hansen coins are higher grade than Eliasberg specimen.
Hansen’s New 1903-S Half Eagle Specimen
1903-S $5 MS67 Certification #36533664, PCGS #8408
PCGS POP 1/0 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $21,500
.
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Hansen’s #2 Specimen
1903-S $5 MS66+ Certification #82126349, PCGS #8408
PCGS POP 12/1 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $8,250
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Another point to make on Hansen’s style of collecting big sets with one of everything. Most of the big fish spend their millions only with the elite dealers and auction houses. Whereas, Hansen spreads his spending around. The little dealers to the big guys gets some action from Hansen. I have seen him purchase a $100 coin on eBay. I think that good for all levels of business.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Probably a dangerous question to answer here!
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
DLRC helped to assemble and sold the Richmond Collection. The three auction events occurred in 2004-2005. At the time, it was the largest grossing collection of US coins to sell in public auction.
Richmond Collectionhttps://ngccoin.com/gallery/richmond.aspx
Richmond Catalog Part 1: https://archive.org/details/richmondcollecti0000davi
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
One prominent dealer-friend of mine told us that Mr. Hansen had kept him in business in 2007-2008. When business was tough, his purchases literally kept his business afloat. I have a feeling he wasn't the only dealer that felt that way, but overall it's good for the coin market.
And, I can vouch that he is certainly intrigued by EVERY, SINGLE Coin. In fact, he's in dire need of a Roosevelt Dime and reminds me of it at least once a week...
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
First, this is an amazing thread. Currin is awesome.
TDN.. my goodness.. posting Anne Benjamin piece of Scrooge McDuck? Sigh. High rollers insist on a Carl Barks original oil painting with Scrooge and his vault. Sniff.
Does Mr. Hansen and his representatives ever consider raw coins for purchase? Or is his collection built only from slabbed coins [and if so are coins in second and third tier slabs ever considered for purchase]?
I assume there are many raw coins that, if slabbed, would possibly be finest graded. Particularly moderns.
I could see quantities of prescreened raw coins being presented and evaluated for possible purchase.
Looking at raw coins may increase the likelyhood of improving the quality of Mr. Hansen's collection.
I believe I know the one that he wants. Its going to be a very hard find, even though there are only a couple places to look.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Interesting question.
We have bought raw coins, graded them, and added to the set. But, in today's world when you're looking at the kind of quality that he's looking for, 99.9% of the coins are already certified, so it's not necessary (unless we're talking about post 2000 modern coins).
We buy PCGS and NGC coins, though only PCGS coins show up in the registry sets as NGC coins do not display well there. I think that a combined registry would be a fantastic concept, but I'm afraid that isn't in the long term plans at PCGS.
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Major Varieties Set
I believe the last discussion on the Major Varieties Set was when the 1806 Early Half Dollar “O-108 Knob 6 No Stem” was added. This week’s update is not an addition, but a pretty nice upgrade. Hansen is progressing well on the massive U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1792-1964). This set contains a total of 3260 coins with 439 as Major Varieties that are not listed in the basic set. To my knowledge, no one has ever completed this set. The Hansen Collection has 62 coins remaining with 11 coins in the basic category and 51 as major varieties. This places Hansen at 98.07% completed. In comparison, Louis Eliasberg set was 92.98% completed. There are some real difficult jewels left in the 51 remaining, including the likes of, 1861 “Paquet” with 2 known, 1804 Ten Dollar “Plain Proof” with 3 known, and 1793 “Strawberry Leaf” Large Cent with 4 known. There are many more rarities including the famous 1817/4 half dollar and two Half Eagles that are not collectable. I plan to start a countdown around 40 remaining, and should be fun to watch.
1814 Dime “STATESOF” MS66 / PCGS POP 2/0
Certification #85185372, PCGS #4490
PCGS Price Guide $25,000 / Website listing $37,500
The variation of the 1814 dime with “STATESOF” was upgraded in his sets. The coin has an overall survival of about 350, but is rare in mint condition. The mint condition survival is maybe 5 or 6. He replaced an 1814 “STATESOF” AU55 Specimen (Certification #21812747). The coin had a PCGS POP 2/6. Both coins are in a PCGS #4490, which is the standard Major variety holder which fits into the JR-5 slot. Being that we do not have pictures, we would assume they are not one of the other John Reich varieties.
This specimen is on the top of the condition census report with a PCGS POP 2/0. The variety is described by expert Ron Guth: The 1814 STATESOFAMERICA Dime is an interesting variety caused when the engraver placed the word UNITED too high on the reverse die. This forced a shifting of the word STATES and OF to the right, effectively reducing the spacing between these words, and making STATES OF AMERICA appear as a single word. This mistake occurred on only one die of 1814 (JR-5). Apparently, the die survived its press run in 1814, as it was set aside and reused again in 1820, in a cost- and time-saving move, on the JR-1 variety. Thus, in a single stroke, the engraver created inadvertently, two interesting, arms-length varieties for collectors to pursue. Fortunately, the 1814 JR-5 variety is common enough that it does not command much of a premium over the type versions of this date. Very few Mint State varieties exist of the 1814 STATESOFAMERICA Dime. The best appear to be three to four MS-65 examples certified by NGC. The finest example certified by PCGS is a single MS62. Fully struck examples seem to be rare. Usually, this variety shows weakness on the highest points of the hair at Liberty's forehead and temple, and often the 6th, 7th, and 10th stars are flat. The reverse often shows weakness at the base of the shield and on the talons of the eagle's right foot (viewer's left).
The origin of this coin is not publicly known. It has not appeared in recent auctions. It does appear, at some point, to have been listed on “Eye Appealing Coins” website. This is a company in Hilliard, OH. The posting for the sale has been removed, but the retail price showed to be $37,500. If someone from the community have some additional information, please feel free to add. The coin does not have a TrueView photo and the one from the seller website is no longer available. More to come on the 1792-1964 Circulation Strike Major Varieties.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-set-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-1792-1964/alltimeset/150013
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Top Pop Proof Quarter Dollar Upgrades
The U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Proof (1801-1964) is an 1145 coin set. The Hansen collection has about 300 left, so the set is approx. 75% completed. This is an interesting set to watch, but is not one that Hansen upgrades on a regular bases. He did make an upgrade over the weekend where 11 new coins were added and 23 were replaced with upgrades. PCGS describes the set as: Every basic classic U.S. coin in Proof from 1801 through 1964, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble in high grade. To give a flavor of what’s left, the set is complete from 1915 – Present. The 1914 Eagle is the newest coin need. For non-gold, the set is complete from 1856-Present. The newest non-gold proof needed is 1855 copper half cent. The 1854 “Arrows” quarter dollar is the silver. The set has a ways to go. There are no other registry competitors more than approx. 20% completed. Only five sets are listed and three of them are less than 5% completed. There are room for many more, so jump in.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-basic-set-proof-1801-1964/publishedset/152271
1870 Quarter Dollar Proof PR67DC (CERT#: 36763628) PCGS POP 1/0 replaces 1870 PR66 PCGS POP 2/7
This specimen is being showcased as the finest known. The coin sold in David Lawrence Rare Coins Internet Auction #1056 that closed on Sunday, March 17, 2019. The coin realized $29,500. The auction site described the coin as: Finest Known! Beautiful blast white fields with amazing eye appeal. From a low mintage of just 1,000 coins. CAC approved for quality. I think this to be the same coin that sold as 1870 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC, in Heritage 2013 US Coins Signature Auction in Houston. Heritage described the coin as From a generous proof mintage of 1,000 pieces, this magnificent coin is the single finest certified 1870 Seated Liberty quarter at either of the leading grading services. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, with razor sharp definition on the eagle's claws and star radials. The devices are richly frosted, providing profound cameo contrast with the deeply mirrored fields. A few die striations are visible in the fields on both sides, but close inspection with a loupe reveals no mentionable post-strike surface flaws. Eye appeal is terrific. This coin should find a home in the finest collection or Registry Set. The coin realized $19,975 in 2013.
The provenance of the coin was not revealed by neither auction sale, but now the coin is in the Hansen Collection, does it really matter? Again, Hansen replaces a very nice coin with a better grade. If you like tone coins, then you will like the PR66 better. The PR67DC is blast white by all accounts.
Provenance: Unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg, his collection had an assumed graded Choice Proof that was sold by Bowers & Merena April 1997, price that realized $2,310.
Hansen’s New Top POP PCGS 1/0
1870 Quarter Dollar, DC PR67DC (PCGS Gold Shield)
CAC / Certification #36763628 / PCGS #95569
PCGS Coin Value Guide Price (Not listed)
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Hansen’s Duplicate
1870 Quarter Dollar, PR66
CAC / Certification #06635956 / PCGS #5569
PCGS Coin Value Guide Price $4,500
Pedigree Bruce Scher
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
One of this Kind
Today, I am featuring a Large Cent Red Proof Specimen. This is not a type coin that can be found abundantly. The total PCGS population for certified red specimens for the Braided Hair Series (1840- 1857) is just 16. For the Coronet Head (1817-1839), the population is even less at 7. Less than two dozen makes up the total Red Large Cent Proofs. To own one would a great achievement. It is understandable assembling these sets may not be as popular as other opportunities.
During the registry era, the ESM Collection stands alone in taking the challenge for assembling a high grade registry set (Large Cents Basic Set, Proof (1817-1857)). The set is not a PCGS HOF Set, even though to me on quality it should. The set has 15 Top Pop PCGS 1/0 coins, and 6 others that are tied for PCGS finest known. The set only requires 34 coins, so this is very impressive. I hope ESM does receive the HOF chevron in the very near future. To me, this set deserves a chevron. (Note: ESM is HOF for the circulation strike collection, but not this fantastic proof set)
Now, back to what Hansen is doing. The Hansen Collection is the only other attempt at this series. The Hansen Collection is now just over 50% completed for Large Cent Proofs. The present GPA Weight is less that one point below the #1 set. The #1 set will remain #1 until it sells. This is not discouraging Hansen from working on building his set with coins that are available. With this new addition, Hansen has two Top Pop PCGS Red Proof Large Cents. His Top Pop RB coin gives him three Top Pops. Certainly, this set is a work in progress.
1854 Large Cent PR64RD Cert 35479249 PCGS POP 1/0
The 1854 Red PCGS POP 1/0 is not only top pop, but appears to be unique in red. As stated earlier, these coins are very rare in certified red state. It is not known exactly how Hansen acquired this coin, but we do know that the coin was marketed by Rare Coin Wholesalers on their website in April. The coin was listed as being available for $28,900 on RCW eBay offer. RCW description of the coin: A very rare proof type, the Braided Hair Cent was produced during an era in which the United States Mint did not record yearly mintage figures for specimen coinage. There were very few coin collectors active in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s, and Mint policy at the time was to strike a limited number of proof sets for presentation and other special purposes. We also believe that the federal government prepared additional proof coins for individual sale and on a per-order basis. Many specimens were undoubtedly lost over the years, and survivors of all issues in this proof series are few in number and seldom encountered in today's market. It is a very nice coin and great to see it ended up in the Hansen Collection.
The coin has a pedigree that dates back to the 1940s. The coin has appeared at auction about 4 times between 1997-2013. At these auctions, the coin was PR64RD in a PCGS holder, but different cert number. The Auction Record for the 1854 Proof large cent is $28,200 at Heritage Auctions in 2014 for PCGS PR65RB. PCGS Price Guide Value for Hansen’s PR64RD is $25,000.
Provenance: Dr. Christian A. Allenburger Collection - B. Max Mehl 3/1948:1138, $79 - John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I - David Akers 10/1997:271, $4,950 - Paul Norris Collection - Superior 6/2000:398 - Bowers & Merena 1/2001:671 - Heritage 5/2001:4039, $9,750 - Heritage 7/2003:5215, $8,625 - Greensboro Collection - Heritage 1/2013:5538, $12,428
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his specimen as estimated graded MS65RB, sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $770. Hansen’s 1854 mint state is a PCGS certified MS66RB. There is no reference that I can find that Eliasberg had an 1854 Large Cent Proof in his collection.
Hansen’s 1854 Large Cent PR64RD – PCGS Unique in Red
Certification #36533664, PCGS #8408, PCGS Gold Shield
PCGS POP 1/0 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $25,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/large-cents-major-sets/large-cents-basic-set-proof-1817-1857/5305
ESM's set is in the HOF (Hall of Fame) for the more general (but not overlapping) category - Half Cents and Large Cents Circulation Strikes Complete Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/18940
It also says the Circulation Strikes set was retired on 3/20/2018.
A Pair of Top Pops
The Barber coinage is fascinating. I know for some people the series is not, and that’s Ok. Barber was a short lived series compared to the Seating Liberty, for example. PCGS describes the coinage this way: Dimes, quarters and half dollars! When you build this set you’ve covered the gamut of the "Barber" design (named for designer Charles Barber, not his father William). There aren’t any super-rarities in the basic set, but you’ll be challenged by the 1901-S quarter and several other issues in any grade and kept busy until you're dizzy if you try to complete the set in Mint State. While you're at it, why not try to put this collection together in MS65 or better? This series is loaded with condition rarities, so we wish you the best!
The Hansen Collection is the registry best for the comprehensive series; dime, quarter dollars, and half dollars. His set has a GPA Weighted average of 66.60. The set starts with three MS64 quarter dollars and concludes with probably the best Barber coin known, the 1901-S MS68+ Quarter dollar. All the other of the 221 coins falls between these grades. The collection is just four coins always from being known as MS65 or better. Hansen is the King of the Barber Half Dollars with all-time finest PCGS sets in both circulated strikes and proofs. The dime and quarter dollars sets are where work is needed, especially the quarters. In the quarter dollar set, RSD has a runaway lead. In the Barber Dime series, Stewart Blay has been strong in the series for almost two decades. His collection presently is the all-time finest for Barber Dimes.
It appears that Hansen is active in the Barber Dime series. It is hard to determine if the #1 set is catchable. In Hansen’s recent update to his HOF complete master set, he upgraded six Barber Dimes. Two of them were Top Pop 1/0 specimens. I believe both coins are from Joshua’s Lily Nicole Collection. I can confirm one for sure and the other appears to be confirmed by reviewing pictures. If this data is incorrect, please clarify. Also, I can confirmed at least one of the other upgrades was from Lily Nicole Collection, the 1906-S MS67 PCGS 3/0. The Lily Nicole Collection of Barber Dimes was retired in 2015 and broken up. The set was once all-time finest and currently #4 for All-Time Top Five Registry Sets. It is nice to see amazing coins from great sets eventually makes their way back to a great collection in the making.
1908-D Barber Dime MS67+ CAC / Hugon - Duckor - Lily Nicole / POP 1/0
This is another top coin with a great pedigree that has recently been added to the Hansen Collection of US Coins. The coin is finest grade for the year and mint. Ron Guth describes the coin as: The 1908-D Dime is easy to obtain in most grades, including Mint State. As with most Barber Dimes, the typical grades are MS63 and MS64. However, in this case, there are quite a few Superb pieces that have survived. MS67's dominate the PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census, with MS67+ being the very best grade. The strike quality of the 1908-D is generally strong. One interesting collecting option is to obtain as many different mintmark positions as possible.
This coin proudly carries the Lily Nicole Collection Pedigree. The coin was last publicly sold by Stacks & Bowers at their November 2015 auction in Baltimore. The coin headlined as Superb Gem 1908-D Dime, PCGS Pop: 1/0, MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.. The coin description: This stunning Superb Gem is the sole occupant of the top Condition Census tier among certified 1908-D dimes. Slightly mottled golden-olive iridescence adorns the obverse and the periphery of the other otherwise pearl gray reverse. Fully struck and highly lustrous. The surfaces are exceptionally well preserved. Although the 1908-D is the first Denver Mint Barber dime that will not pose too much difficulty to locate in Mint State, it is only slightly more plentiful at this level of preservation than the first year 1906-D. It is rarer than the 1911-D, 1912-D and 1914-D, and in the finest Mint State grades, as here, is every bit as challenging to locate as the lower mintage 1907-O. The first coin listed among the significant examples for the issue in the 2009 book Collecting & Investing Strategies for Barber Dimes by Jeff Ambio, this remarkable survivor is almost certainly the finest 1908-D Barber dime extant. The coin realized $5,170. PCGS Price Guide Value is $6,000. I am not sure how or when Hansen acquired this coin. It is a very good update to his collection.
Provenance: From Ira & Larry Goldbergs' sale of the Bradley Bloch Collection, September 1999, lot 1203; Heritage's sale of the John C. Hugon Collection, January 2005, lot 4051; Heritage's sale of The Collection of Dr. Steven L. Duckor, January 2006, lot 1019; Heritage's sale of the Lily Nicole Collection, April 2015, lot 3953.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1908-D Dime as PCGS grade MS65 POP 14/22. Sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $880. Lot #1293.
1908-D Barber Dime MS67+ (CAC)
Certification #19344908, PCGS #4847, PCGS POP 1/0
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $6,000
Ex: Lily Nicole Collection
1909-D Barber Dime MS67 / Lily Nicole Collection / POP 1/0
This coin is the now considered the best grade for the year and mint. Expert comments from Ron Guth:The 1909-D Dime has the smallest mintage of any of the Dimes produced in 1909, and the smallest mintage (under 1 million coins) since 1904. In most grades, the 1909-D Dime fetches a nice premium, but this may be an overreaction to the mintage since the 1909-D is no more rare than the other Mints of the year (based on the number of certified examples). For instance, the 1909-O has a smaller number of certified Mint State examples than the 1909-DS, yet it is almost invariably priced lower then the 1909-D. It should be the other way around. Finding a nice, Mint State 1909-D Dime should be accomplished easiy. MS64 is the most frequently-seen grade, bracketed by equal amounts in MS63 and MS65. Gems are rare, especially in the elusive MS66+ grade. None have been graded higher.
The coin was sold by Heritage after the Lily Nicole Collection of Barber Dimes was retired. At that time, the coin headlined as 1909-D Dime, PCGS MS66+ None Numerically Finer at PCGS. The coin realized $4,700. Description from the Heritage 2015 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago: The 1909-D stands out from its peers due to a mintage of less than 1 million coins (954,000 pieces), but it is also a notable condition rarity in MS66, and is almost unobtainable finer. This Plus-designated piece exhibits sharp motifs set against thick, satiny luster. The margins show splashes of aquamarine and amber toning, while the centers are softly colored in warm champagne hues. The coin was upgrades to a PCGS MS67 between the Heritage sale and a more recent sale by Stacks & Bowers at their spring auction in Baltimore. The coin headlined this time as Finest Known 1909-D Barber Dime, 1909-D Barber Dime. MS-67 (PCGS). The coin description: Strong cartwheel luster accentuates warm medium-gold, powder-blue, and copper-apricot peripheral toning. Boldly struck with pristine surfaces, this beauty is a delight to view with magnification. A scarce date with a mintage under one million pieces, and this is the finest known example among them. For the Registry Set collector, this coin represents an opportunity that is not likely to come again soon. This time the coin realized $9,300. PCGS Price Guide Value is $21,500. I am not sure if Hansen purchase the coin at auction or privately. The hammered price was really a good deal if you are to believe the value given in the PCGS report as good. By all accounts, this is a great addition to Hansen Collection of US Coins.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1909-D Dime as estimated grade MS65. Sold by Bowers & Merena May '96 price realized $1,760. Lot #1297.
1909-D Barber Dime MS67 (Gold Shield)
Certification #36068542, PCGS #4851, PCGS POP 1/0
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $21,500
Ex: Lily Nicole Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
1805 Quarter Dollar Upgrade
The Hansen Collection of basic early US coinage is near completion with only a small hand full of coins remaining. They are all gold and include: 1798 $2-1/2, 1798 $5 Small Eagle, 1795 $5 Large Eagle, and 1822 $5. Although the set is near completion, in accordance to Hansen’s standards, a lot more work is remaining. I don’t see Hansen slowing down until the set is World Class. I have seen this term used my one of our esteem community members. I am not exactly sure I understand the definition. I wish someone would explain, but I think it is one of things that you will just know when it is world-class. By upgrading a coin with a Condition Census POP 2/2 is most certainly a step in the right direction. Agree?
Hansen’s early quarter dollar set ranks third all-time, behind Pogue and Eliasberg. One of Eliasberg’s best early series is the quarter dollar. Hansen is on the way to the top. The set has two PCGS, POP 1/0 and three others tied as finest. In comparing to Pogue, his set has three PCGS,POP 1/0 and three others tied as finest. So, if catching Pogue establishes World-Class, then it can be done. Hansen’s Achilles Heel is his 1823/2 specimen that is graded G4.
Ron Guth made these expert comments about the coin: In 1805, a real effort was made to produce Quarter Dollars for circulation. The result was a large mintage of over 120,000 pieces, easily eclipsing the tiny mintages of 1796 and 1804. Hundreds of certified, circulated examples complement the many raw pieces that are available to collectors. Mint State examples are a bit more elusive and far more expensive. The most frequently-seen grade is MS63, where at least a dozen examples are known. MS64 examples are rare, and only one example is known in MS65. Five different obverse and reverse die combinations comprise the whole mintage for this year.
1805 B-3 Bust Quarter, Lustrous MS64+, Condition Census, Late Die State Coin
The above statement is the headline for this coin from a Heritage Auction. The coin is also described as B-3, R.1, MS64+ PCGS. CAC. The coin was listed in Heritage’s 2016 CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin at this time, realized $38,775. Heritage described the coin as: This common Browning variety is actually quite rare in such an advanced die state, and the present example is equal to the top of the Condition Census enumerated in Walter Breen's 1992 update of Browning's The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States, 1796-1838. The late die state of this coin is characterized by several die markers. There are three obverse die cracks: one through star 4 passing below the hair ribbon to the hair curl, a second that runs through stars 1 and 2 and through the lower date digits, and a third that extends upward from the 5 in the date to the bust. The E in LIBERTY is quite weak, noticeably more so than the flanking letters. On the reverse, there are heavy clash marks from the bust above the clouds and STATES OF, a crack through the tops of STA, and another from the rim to the upright of the first T in STATES. The current example has muted silver-gray surfaces with a golden overlay, complemented on the reverse by peripheral aqua and amber. Bright mint luster radiates beneath the light toning. A small dark alloy spot in the 0 of the date will serve as a pedigree identifier. There are no mentionable planchet flaws or other distractions on this incredibly rare and appealing coin. This example is sure to generate some spirited bidding.
It appears Hansen acquired the coin last week from the Legend Regency 32 Auction. The coin was from the Pug Collection. Legend describes the coin as: This is likely the FINEST KNOWN 1805 B-3 quarter, a coin that ranked at the top of the Walter Breen's 1992 update of Ward Browning's The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States, 1796-1838; and is listed as Condition Census #1 in the Rea-Koenings-Haroutunian Census and #1 in the Tompkins' Census. This satiny, frosty near-GEM is struck from a very late die state with multiple bold die cracks and clash marks that add character to the otherwise smooth surfaces. The devices are crisply embossed by a forceful blow from the screw press. The details are highlighted by a glowing, ember-like luster that clings to the recesses and protected areas of the Draped Bust design type. Olive tinged pewter-silver with richer lilac-violet at LIBERTY. The reverse has an aqua-teal and soft gold at the periphery, similar pewter-silver and gold. We do not see any real traces of contact, even under a careful inspection with a strong glass. The eye appeal is, as you would expect for the FINEST KNOWN, very high end. We had a hard time putting this one down. There are two in MS64+, the other one sold in our December 2016 Regency Auction for $52,875. The current PCGS value is listed at $60,000 and there are just 2 coins finer at PCGS, both MS65. Bound for a great collection! Whether you are a type collector, or a specialist in early quarter die varieties, or anything in between, this coin is sure to please! Don't let this amazing, essentially FULLY GEM quality early quarter pass you by! Legend estimated the coin to bring $45,000 - $50,000. The coin realized 49,937.50, so they nailed this one.
Provenance: Heritage (4/2006), lot 1462; The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part Two / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 5/2009), lot 601. Pug Collection, Legend’s Regency Auction 32.
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his registry set describes his specimen as PCGS MS64. Ex: S.H. and H. Chapman; J.M. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $14,300.
1805 Quarter Dollar, MS64+ (CAC )
PCGS Coin #5313 / PCGS Certification #25621571 / POP 2/2
PCGS Price Guide Value: $60,000
Replaces 1805 25C MS63 CAC, Certification #81340717
Ex: Col E.H.R. Green/Bewman
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
1903-S Full Bird MS67
This is another upgrade that certainly meets the common 20th Century Gold Coin criteria. You may remember the 1903-S Half Eagle was upgraded just a few days ago. That MS67 was “The Sole Finest at PCGS”. Although, this MS67 is a very fine coin on all accounts, it does have a PCGS POP 4/0. The condition census reports list only three, so not sure if one was a resubmit or not. High Grade MS 67 coins are not that readily available for Liberty Eagle, With Motto (1866-1907). The total POP for all dates is 22/4. For only a couple dozen coins in a 40 year run, says a lot for the difficulty. There is only one coin that has been graded MS67+, with three others that are MS68.
We have seen with many of Hansen’s recent updates his willing to upgrade a very nice coin with a better specimen. Hansen existing coin was a 1903-S MS66+ Eagle, Certification #81338684. The coin PCGS POP is 6/5. The upgrade was only a half point, but appears again Hansen has the willingness to pull the trigger on a better graded coin. The difference in value of the half point is more than $20,000. Expert Comments from Ron Guth: In 1903, employees at the San Francisco Mint cranked out 538,000 $10 gold pieces. Though thousands of examples are known today, this date has a much lower survival rate than other dates, such as 1901 and 1901-S. Both of those dates have higher mintages, but they were also more common in European hoards than was the 1903-S. Nonetheless, Mint State 1903-S Eagles are readily available in grades all the way up to MS64. MS65 examples tend to be scarce, and MS66 examples are rare. The top grade for this date is MS67, where just a few examples are available for collectors. Typically, the 1903-S Eagle is well-made and sharply struck. Luster ranges from soft and frosty to hard and chrome-like.
1903-S Eagle MS67
I believe this may be a newly upgraded coin. As I stated earlier, the census report shows three MS67 coins and the POP report shows four. Note: the POP report recently changed from 6/3 for MS66+ to 5/4. The possibility is certainly there. Except for the Legend’s Regency Auction 32, a couple weeks ago, this coin has not appeared in this holder before. The coin realized $22,912.50, which was solid in the $20,000 - $24,000 estimated range by Legend. The Auctioneer did not offer much information except for: This is a truly gorgeous SUPERB GEM Liberty Head eagle. Sharply struck devices, clean (almost flawless) and exceptionally lustrous surfaces combine for a special, condition census level coin, worthy of the top ranking Registry Set of this long lived series. NONE are CAC. The current Collector's Universe value is $32,000 and no PCGS-graded coins have sold in five years, the most recent PCGS examples have sold in the $25,000 range. The Simpson Hall coin was only a 66+. Worthy of a strong bid from the advanced collector.
As stated, the pedigree was not determined, but I think there a great possibility the coin was previously in a PCGS MS66+ holder. With more research comparing pictures, there may be some addition history out there. I have said this before and repeat again, adding this type coin to a collection of Hansen’s size; the coin makes practically no difference. I do think that over a number years and/or decade, making hundreds or maybe thousands of these upgrades is where it going to add up to something very special. This type of reporting is becoming very familiar when watching the Hansen Collection.
In comparison, The Eliasberg registry set describes his 1903-S Eagle Specimen as estimated grade MS66, Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $8,800. Lot #830. Both of Hansen coins are higher graded that Eliasberg.
Hansen’s New 1903-S Eagle Specimen
1903-S MS67 Certification #36763611, PCGS #8754
PCGS POP 4/0 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $30,000
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Hansen’s #2 - 1903-S Eagle Specimen
1903-S MS66+ Certification #81338684, PCGS #8754
PCGS POP 5/4 / PCGS Coin Guide Value: $8,750
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Would you be happy with this Eagle in your collection?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004