It appear to me the collection that Hansen is assembling will be well more than 6,000 coins that you mention. When you consider the silver and gold bullion, the complete set of commemoratives to present, the silver, gold, platinum eagles, odd and ends patterns, colonials, and territorial issues, the collection will be well above 10,000. This is not considering the speciality die variety sets and the duplicate sets.
Speaking of duplicates, I am surprised he hasn't sold off all of his duplicate registry sets. It would free up capital for other coins.
he is a billionaire. He doesnt have to sell off his duplicates to raise capital.
It appear to me the collection that Hansen is assembling will be well more than 6,000 coins that you mention. When you consider the silver and gold bullion, the complete set of commemoratives to present, the silver, gold, platinum eagles, odd and ends patterns, colonials, and territorial issues, the collection will be well above 10,000. This is not considering the speciality die variety sets and the duplicate sets.
Speaking of duplicates, I am surprised he hasn't sold off all of his duplicate registry sets. It would free up capital for other coins.
he is a billionaire. He doesnt have to sell off his duplicates to raise capital.
It appear to me the collection that Hansen is assembling will be well more than 6,000 coins that you mention. When you consider the silver and gold bullion, the complete set of commemoratives to present, the silver, gold, platinum eagles, odd and ends patterns, colonials, and territorial issues, the collection will be well above 10,000. This is not considering the speciality die variety sets and the duplicate sets.
Speaking of duplicates, I am surprised he hasn't sold off all of his duplicate registry sets. It would free up capital for other coins.
he is a billionaire. He doesnt have to sell off his duplicates to raise capital.
He may be a billionaire, but much of his wealth is likely on paper and includes his vast real estate holdings. Hansen might not want to liquidate his real estate holdings or other paper assets to purchase more coins. The relevant question is not the value of his assets/net worth, but how much cash on hand he has and cash flow.
He may be a billionaire, but much of his wealth is likely on paper and includes his vast real estate holdings. Hansen might not want to liquidate his real estate holdings or other paper assets to purchase more coins. The relevant question is not the value of his assets/net worth, but how much cash on hand he has and cash flow.
In the unlikely event he is asset rich and cash poor I’m pretty certain he has a monstrous credit line at very favorable terms.
Now, I appreciate the question, but I don't think it would be wise for me to answer the question before the auction on any coin...
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
@jonathanb said:
I wonder, has anyone come up with a ballpark value (or at least an acquisition cost) of the complete collection that Hansen is working on? Define value any way you like and define complete any way you like, since I'm asking about ballpark anyway.
I know there are some ultra rarities that are worth millions by themselves, but I figure the "typical" piece is probably under $10,000. With a bit over 6,000 entries in the largest Registry set, that works out to about $60 million for the complete collection. Even if I'm off by 3x, that's still under $200 million.
Anyone want to suggest a different number?
Now this would make for a great new thread!
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
A couple days ago in a similar update, I posted a coin from the recent retired HOF Jung Type Set. It appears to me that Hansen purchased eight coins from this great collection. This is the second coin posted from the collection and the second coin that qualifies as the finest known PCGS certified coin for the type. The first coin that I posted was an impressive 1838 No Drapery, Lg Stars, Seated Liberty Half Dime MS68+ Specimen. This update for a Seated Liberty Half Dollar is just as impressive.
1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Arrows, MS67+
This coin is only Type 6, With Motto, Arrows at Date Specimen that carries the PCGS MS67 or MS67+ grade. Next highest graded is a single MS66+ Specimen. This coin represents the best on the Condition Census charts for the Type 6, With Motto coins. This was only a two year coin type that ran in 1873 and 1874. This new specimen now own by Hansen is mentioned in a description by Ron Guth: This was the second (and last year) in which the government placed arrowheads on either side of the date of the Half Dollar, signifying a reduction in the stattpry weight. Though this is a common date, it is in high demand as a type coin, thus the values for any given grade are higher than if this was a normal Stars Obverse Half Dollar. Mint State examples of the 1874 With Arrows Half Dollar are semi-scarce and certainly more plentiful than the 1873. Recently (in 2015), PCGS certified a single MS67 example which represents the finest example of the date and type.
The coin can be traced back to the Heritage 2003, Orlando, FL. (FUN) Signature Sale, Lot #7186. The coin realized $37,950. The listing does not provide any additional information on history or origin. The Auction Record is $40,250 realized by a PCGS MS66 in a 2011 Heritage Auction.
Majestically Toned is the description given for this coin in 2003. Heritage goes onto describe the coin as: This coin was previously offered as lot 8153 in our July 2002 New York Signature Sale, where it was cataloged as: "A weight change during this and the preceding year brought back the Arrows design from two decades earlier. Although not particularly scarce in Mint State when compared to other issues in the series, the two Philadelphia Halves from these years are often sought out as a briefly minted type. We have been fortunate to offer several Choice or better examples during the past few years, but the appearance of this Superb Gem raises the bar substantially. The obverse is toned in mostly concentric shades of forest-green, rose-violet, and orange. These same colors reappear on the reverse, but leave a window of brilliance at its center. Under these vivid colorations, satiny, impeccably preserved surfaces have no trouble penetrating the depth of the toning. A truly one-of-a-kind type coin."
Provenance: Heritage 7/2002:8153 - Heritage 1/2003:7186, $37,950 - The Type Set Collection (Oliver Jung) (PCGS Set Registry) - D.L. Hansen Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, the registry lists the Eliasberg Specimen as a Proof. Ex: J.M. Clapp Collection; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $3,300. Lot #2028.
1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Arrows, MS67+ (Gold Shield) PCGS POP for Coin: 1/0 / POP for Type: 1/0 Certification #30773342, PCGS #6346 PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown ($55,000 when certified as MS67)
Has Hansen stated what he will do with the coins after they pass to his heirs? Will they be returned to the public or held away in a numismatic trust of sorts?
If anyone go by the DLRC table at the show this week, get pictures of the Trade Dollar display. It would be nice to share for everyone to see.
Lastly, the fun announcement for this event is that we’ll be displaying the Hansen Proof Trade Dollar Set. The #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set will be on display at our table. Not often do you get to see an 1884 or an 1885 Proof Trade Dollar, but when you get to see both examples that are the finest examples graded, it’s a special event. Please stop by and enjoy our display!
Thanks again for reading and we hope to see you next week!
The #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set of Proof Trade Dollars with the finest graded 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars.
And thrown in for fun is an 1829 $5 PCGS MS66+...
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
Speaking of duplicates, I am surprised he hasn't sold off all of his duplicate registry sets. It would free up capital for other coins.
I don’t know if you have looked at his duplicate sets, but he has some very impressive sets. I don’t really discuss them here, so unless you look for them, they are somewhat under the radar. There are a few registry sets that does not carry his name.
He is selling a few coins through the DLRC website, but the numbers are very small. If he did liquidate his duplicates as you suggested, it would be a really big event requiring multiple parts. Maybe even a couple years. For example, in a couple 1800s silver proof sets, he is two or three complete sets deep. Also, this does not account for the coins in the collection that are in NGC, etc. holders, and the raw ones. Really amazing if you think about it.
Lastly, some of the Major Collections, i.e. Eliasberg, were auctioned with duplicates. If I were to guess, Hansen have some duplicates that he would never sell until the collections is sold, auctioned, or preserved in a museum or similar.
Heritage ANA auction is starting now. I have have 13 coins on my Hansen watch list. It will be interesting to see if he wins any of them tonight.
@JBatDavidLawrence JB, tomorrow I'm gonna come by and let's get some photos of the set in it's entirety that way we can post it on the threat. What do you say?
@ilikemonsters said: @JBatDavidLawrence JB, tomorrow I'm gonna come by and let's get some photos of the set in it's entirety that way we can post it on the threat. What do you say?
Let's do it! I have an Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Breakfast at 7am (who schedules these things?), but I should be to the show by 9 and would love to do that!
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
Heritage ANA auction is starting now. I have have 13 coins on my Hansen watch list. It will be interesting to see if he wins any of them tonight.
How'd we do?
Actually, we're having some issues with some Registry Set updates, but David Talk is trying to get them fixed for us, so you'll see a few updates to the Eliasberg Set very soon (I hope!)
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
It has been a long wait. The last count down coin was posted February 21, 2019. Six Months! I hope Hansen is back on track to clip these off more frequently now. The collection is down to needing only 20 coins to exceed the Eliasberg Collection for US Issue for completeness. I say exceed, because Eliasberg did not own the 1870-S Half Dime. This coin is one of the remaining 20 coins. The last 20 is not an easy task. There are some expects that say it is impossible because of the unique coins. They may be right. Only time can tell.
This is a new addition to the Dahlonega Mint set. The 58 piece set requires one more coin, 1854-D Quarter Eagle. When completed, I believe the Hansen Dahlonega Mint set will be one of the finest and complete sets ever been assembled, maybe second only to the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is completed for this mint. Of course, Eliasberg had a complete set. Also, Newcomer and Pittman assembled completed Dahlonega Mint sets. In registry ratings, Hansen set has a little better grade than any of them. The Green Pond Collection appears to be finest by grade shown in the registry ratings. The Green Pond Collection is a set of high grade Dahlonega gold coins. Included in the set are coins from the collections of Harry W. Bass, Jr. Louis Eliasberg and John Jay Pittman. Individual highlights included two 1855-D gold dollars in mint state, one with a full date, an 1856-D dollar in MS-62, 1861-D dollar in MS-63, 1841-D quarter eagle in MS-63 and both the 55-D and 56-D quarter eagles in MS-60. The five dollar gold set has an 1841-D in MS-64, a 1842-D Large Date in MS-61, both the 1854-D and 1856-D in MS-64, the 1855-D in MS-63 and the 1861-D in MS-62. The Green Pond Collection is surely one of the finest collections of Southern gold ever assembled. According to the registry, the set was missing three coins. I cannot verify if that is true or not.
By any standard of measure, Hansen’s Dahlonega Mint Collection is a great accomplishment. This new addition is not a Condition Census coin, rather than a nice, appealing heavy worn old gold piece. For this date, there is only one mint grade coin, the PCGS MS61 specimen. There are maybe a dozen nice about uncirculated (AU) specimens. The survival estimate for all grades is approx. 65. David Akers comments: This is an extremely rare coin in all grades and, as far as I know, unknown in full mint state. I have, however, seen several AU pieces, the finest of which is in a Connecticut collection. Generally not as well struck as the 1840-C, but usually more sharply struck than the 1840. From the standpoint of number of auction appearances, this is one of the dozen rarest Liberty Head quarter eagles and it has actually appeared at auction fewer times than the highly regarded 1854-D and 1856-D.
1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20
As previously stated, this 1840-D Quarter Eagle is not in the condition census Top 5, but serves as a nice hole filler for now. It is not known where this coin was purchased. No information is online. The coin was updated to the Hansen’s set sometimes between late yesterday afternoon and late last night. Is it too much to imagine that Hansen made this find on the browse floor yesterday? If you noticed someone with a pipe checking out old southern gold coins, please let us know. Even if the coin was to be replaced one day, I would think this coin would remain in his collection for this interesting reason.
Provenance: unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, the registry describes his specimen as a 1840-D Quarter Eagle, PCGS grade XF45. Ex: Purchased by Louis Eliasberg when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942. Earlier from the Chapman Brothers in 1894. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Harry Bass for $4,400. Lot #114.
1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20 (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7719 / PCGS Serial 37550729 / POP 4/45
There are 20 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 13 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 9 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13) 1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series) 1839 Gobrecht Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
@Currin said: Count Down 20 – Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle
Only 20 left!
It has been a long wait. The last count down coin was posted February 21, 2019. Six Months! I hope Hansen is back on track to clip these off more frequently now. The collection is down to needing only 20 coins to exceed the Eliasberg Collection for US Issue for completeness. I say exceed, because Eliasberg did not own the 1870-S Half Dime. This coin is one of the remaining 20 coins.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 9 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13) 1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series) 1839 Gobrecht Dollar Proof Only (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Last 1
1854-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 75)
Other than the 1870-S H10c and the 1933 St. Gaudens $20, which of the others was Eliasberg missing?
There are two coins on the list that Eliasberg never own. The 70-S half dime and1866 "No Motto" Dollar. There is a controversy on should the dollar be required.
@tradedollarnut said:
The 1839 gobrecht is not ‘proof only’.
I'll attempt to explain this further.
Although PCGS currently lists the 1839 Gobrecht Dollars only on Proof pages,
this is based on an older and recently disproven method which uses die alignment to classify original vs. restrike versions.
The new research (starting in Fall 1986) has established that die alignment is not sufficient to determine original vs. restrike.
In addition, the original 1839 Gobrecht Dollars (minted in December 1839) were business strikes and were released into circulation.
Specific quote on the above:
Determining 1839 Judd-104 originals is nearly as easy. All original J-104s specimens are business strikes using Alignment IV and can be readily identified by an overall satin luster, with slightly mirrored surfaces, and a typically weakly struck foot on Liberty. Conversely, Alignment IV restrikes are proofs and thus show high, often harsh polish with deep mirrors and usually a fully struck foot.
from: The DTS Theory of Gobrecht Dollars: The Original Issues of 1838 and 1839
by Craig Sholley, John Dannreuther, and Saul Teichman
Published in the March 2016 edition of the Numismatist, all rights reserved. https://uspatterns.stores.yahoo.net/noname.html
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
Not to be macabre, but now that Brent Pogue has passed away does anyone know if his estate will be selling his 1804 Class I Dollar, 1822 Half Eagle, and 1854-S Half Eagle? Two of the three would fill holes and the 1804 dollar would be a six point upgrade.
@3keepSECRETif2rDEAD said:
Awesome!...that DuckTales necktie is the cherry on top!
I’m glad someone noticed! I wore it today to reference Scrooge’s lucky dime!
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
@Currin said: Count Down 20 – Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle
Only 20 left!
It has been a long wait. The last count down coin was posted February 21, 2019. Six Months! I hope Hansen is back on track to clip these off more frequently now. The collection is down to needing only 20 coins to exceed the Eliasberg Collection for US Issue for completeness. I say exceed, because Eliasberg did not own the 1870-S Half Dime. This coin is one of the remaining 20 coins.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 9 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13) 1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series) 1839 Gobrecht Dollar Proof Only (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Last 1
1854-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 75)
Other than the 1870-S H10c and the 1933 St. Gaudens $20, which of the others was Eliasberg missing?
anyone looking for a challenge? This (the final 20 countdown) would make a nice box of 20 checklist to collect
@Winchester1873 said:
An 1854-D $2.50 was auctioned by Stacks at ANA. Was that a Hansen purchase?
Lots of updates to come, but that would be an affirmative.
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
As a branch mint gold officianado , I can’t say that I liked the surfaces and color of the 54-D $2.5. Very difficult coin for sure but I’ve seen better quality over the last 5 years.
I did not see the 54-D first hand but would note that this date has no coins CAC in unc and only 3 in AU 58 and 1 in AU 53. It is a date that is very difficult to find with natural color and most have weak strikes. It seems to be a strong price for the coin but he needs it and truly top end 54-Ds don't come around often. The finest coin for this date is the Duke's Creek coin and it is now in the finest quarter eagle collection that exists (not a registry set) and is unlikely available for a long period of time.
Count Down 19 – Iconic Holy Trinity of American Coins
1st coin in “Last Box of 20” …….Present Box Value = $1,320,000
Just over night, the countdown went from 20 to 19. As Gazed pointed out, Hansen is working on his “Last Box of 20” for completing the Eliasberg Quest. (Thanks Gazes for the inspiration). In addition to that fact, this coin fills spot #8 in Ten Most Famous United States Ultra Rarities set. This moves the D. L. Hansen Collection to second place on the All-Time Registry List, behind Eliasberg. According to the registry, Eliasberg is the only collector history to have assembled the set. This purchase also moves the Hansen Collection ahead of the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection, which has six of these famous coins. Also, Hansen moves ahead of Norweb, and was already ahead of Neil, Simpson, and Carter before this last addition. To complete the set, Hansen will need to acquire an 1838-O Half Dollar and the other iconic coin, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
The Stacks Bowers auctioneer said this was one of the “Iconic Holy Trinity of American Coins”. He said the three coins were the 1804 Dollar, 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, and the 1894-S Barber Dime. This purchase now gives Hansen two specimens of the 3 coins. I could say a lot more about this coin. With all the discussions leading up to the sale, I know great deal of information has been shared. I will provide a couple links below where you can find some additional information.
I really don’t think the purchase of this coin by Hansen was a real surprise to anyone. The coin hammered at $1,320,000. Also, I don’t think this price was a surprise. This was a coin that Hansen needed, so he went for it, and bought it. I think there were three floor bids, $950,000, $1M, and $1.1M. With fees, the winning $1.1M bid resulted in the purchase price of $1,320,000. JB did nice job bidding. (if you view the video below, you can see the under bidder at $1M).
The coin has a nice appeal. Coin facts does not list a value for the PR63BM, but the price for the PR64BM is $1.5M, so I think $1.3M for the PR63BM is in reason. Your thoughts? The coin is a Condition Census and is listed as #5 on the condition census report. PCGS POP on the coin is 1/3. Stacks Bowers description of the coin: A lovely Choice Proof specimen certified Branch Mint Proof-63 by PCGS and one of only three examples verified by CAC. Both sides of this coin are sharply struck, although the detail is not 100% full with the most minor softness of detail to the high points of Liberty's portrait on the obverse, the ribbon at the base of the wreath on the reverse and a few of the adjacent leaves. A shallow planchet void slants up to the right from the lower border to the ribbon to the right of the S mintmark. There is also a strikethrough, likely from a sliver of metal, that extends to the right from the planchet void along the lower reverse border. These two features, both as made, interfered with the flow of metal during striking and resulted in an incomplete mintmark with the upper half of the S soft and the bottom half virtually absent. A few wispy handling marks in the center of the wreath around the denomination ONE DIME are mentioned for accuracy. Both sides are satiny in texture with strong lighting calling forth modest hints of semi-reflectivity from the fields. The obverse exhibits splashes of reddish-russet, olive-copper and cobalt blue patina to a base of light silver gray. The reverse is more vividly and extensively toned with minimal silver gray shining through an overlay of blended cobalt blue, antique gold, reddish-apricot and rose-russet iridescence.
Provenance: James Kelly - Malcolm Chell-Frost - F.S. Guggenheimer Collection - Stack’s 1/1953:772, $2,100 - Abner Kreisberg - Empire Coin Company - Kagin’s 11/1973:1114, $52,000 - Montrose Coin Gallery, offered for $75,000 - Superior Galleries, sold privately in 1978 - Dr. Jerry Buss Collection - Superior 1/1985:617, $50,600 - Superior 6/1988:4510 - E. Horatio Morgan Collection - Stack's/Bowers 8/2019, $1,320,000 – D. L. Hansen Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, rosters describes his specimen as a SP64BM PCGS grade. Ex: J.M. Clapp - Louis Eliasberg, Sr. - Bowers & Merena 5/20/1996:1250 (as “Proof-64 or finer”), $451,000 - Stack’s 10/2000:565 (as “Superb Gem Brilliant Proof”), $431,250 - Harvey Stack - private client.
Note: Louis Eliasberg, Sr. purchase two 1894-S coins from J.M. Clapp. Eliasberg’s duplicate coin was the finest known, Stack's auctioned off the duplicate in 1947. This coin only resided in Eliasberg’s collection a few years.
1894-S Barber Dime, PR63BM CAC – (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #4805 / PCGS Serial #37859748 / POP 1/3 Dr. Jerry Buss / D.L. Hansen Specimen
There are 19 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 12 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10 1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection) 1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection) 1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA) 1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection) 1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased) 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned) 1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 8 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series) 1839 Gobrecht Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
@Currin said:
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
amazing coin. i know some collectors have done amazing things with various series. But what Hansen is doing in every series is truly remarkable.
@Currin said:
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
@Currin said:
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
MS66+
Nice try Paul. Only one grade MS66 and none higher. You want try again?
@Currin said:
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
MS66+
Nice try Paul. Only one grade MS66 and none higher. You want try again?
HAHA, It was a good guess NO? I never looked to see what the grade was ie: I never cheat at guessing. It's a beauty and has a nice clean cheek with a smooth field on the obverse, so my grade stands. I'd still give it an MS66+.
@Currin said:
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
MS66+
Nice try Paul. Only one grade MS66 and none higher. You want try again?
I will grade it as 66+ as well........PCGS was unreasonably tough on this one. The luster is amazing, and perfect.
Comments
he is a billionaire. He doesnt have to sell off his duplicates to raise capital.
he is a billionaire. He doesnt have to sell off his duplicates to raise capital.
Heh.
He may be a billionaire, but much of his wealth is likely on paper and includes his vast real estate holdings. Hansen might not want to liquidate his real estate holdings or other paper assets to purchase more coins. The relevant question is not the value of his assets/net worth, but how much cash on hand he has and cash flow.
In the unlikely event he is asset rich and cash poor I’m pretty certain he has a monstrous credit line at very favorable terms.
Now, I appreciate the question, but I don't think it would be wise for me to answer the question before the auction on any coin...
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
Now this would make for a great new thread!
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
Jung Type Set Upgrade #2
A couple days ago in a similar update, I posted a coin from the recent retired HOF Jung Type Set. It appears to me that Hansen purchased eight coins from this great collection. This is the second coin posted from the collection and the second coin that qualifies as the finest known PCGS certified coin for the type. The first coin that I posted was an impressive 1838 No Drapery, Lg Stars, Seated Liberty Half Dime MS68+ Specimen. This update for a Seated Liberty Half Dollar is just as impressive.
1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Arrows, MS67+
This coin is only Type 6, With Motto, Arrows at Date Specimen that carries the PCGS MS67 or MS67+ grade. Next highest graded is a single MS66+ Specimen. This coin represents the best on the Condition Census charts for the Type 6, With Motto coins. This was only a two year coin type that ran in 1873 and 1874. This new specimen now own by Hansen is mentioned in a description by Ron Guth: This was the second (and last year) in which the government placed arrowheads on either side of the date of the Half Dollar, signifying a reduction in the stattpry weight. Though this is a common date, it is in high demand as a type coin, thus the values for any given grade are higher than if this was a normal Stars Obverse Half Dollar. Mint State examples of the 1874 With Arrows Half Dollar are semi-scarce and certainly more plentiful than the 1873. Recently (in 2015), PCGS certified a single MS67 example which represents the finest example of the date and type.
The coin can be traced back to the Heritage 2003, Orlando, FL. (FUN) Signature Sale, Lot #7186. The coin realized $37,950. The listing does not provide any additional information on history or origin. The Auction Record is $40,250 realized by a PCGS MS66 in a 2011 Heritage Auction.
Majestically Toned is the description given for this coin in 2003. Heritage goes onto describe the coin as: This coin was previously offered as lot 8153 in our July 2002 New York Signature Sale, where it was cataloged as: "A weight change during this and the preceding year brought back the Arrows design from two decades earlier. Although not particularly scarce in Mint State when compared to other issues in the series, the two Philadelphia Halves from these years are often sought out as a briefly minted type. We have been fortunate to offer several Choice or better examples during the past few years, but the appearance of this Superb Gem raises the bar substantially. The obverse is toned in mostly concentric shades of forest-green, rose-violet, and orange. These same colors reappear on the reverse, but leave a window of brilliance at its center. Under these vivid colorations, satiny, impeccably preserved surfaces have no trouble penetrating the depth of the toning. A truly one-of-a-kind type coin."
Provenance: Heritage 7/2002:8153 - Heritage 1/2003:7186, $37,950 - The Type Set Collection (Oliver Jung) (PCGS Set Registry) - D.L. Hansen Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, the registry lists the Eliasberg Specimen as a Proof. Ex: J.M. Clapp Collection; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Sold by Bowers & Merena Apr '97 price realized $3,300. Lot #2028.
1874 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, Arrows, MS67+ (Gold Shield)
PCGS POP for Coin: 1/0 / POP for Type: 1/0
Certification #30773342, PCGS #6346
PCGS Price Guide Value: Unknown ($55,000 when certified as MS67)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
phenomenal eye appeal
Latin American Collection
Has Hansen stated what he will do with the coins after they pass to his heirs? Will they be returned to the public or held away in a numismatic trust of sorts?
Latin American Collection
That 1874 half is spectacular.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
If anyone go by the DLRC table at the show this week, get pictures of the Trade Dollar display. It would be nice to share for everyone to see.
Lastly, the fun announcement for this event is that we’ll be displaying the Hansen Proof Trade Dollar Set. The #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set will be on display at our table. Not often do you get to see an 1884 or an 1885 Proof Trade Dollar, but when you get to see both examples that are the finest examples graded, it’s a special event. Please stop by and enjoy our display!
Thanks again for reading and we hope to see you next week!
Sincerely,
John Brush and Your Friends at DLRC
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
What trade dollar display?
The #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set of Proof Trade Dollars with the finest graded 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars.
And thrown in for fun is an 1829 $5 PCGS MS66+...
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
Pretty coin. It's a cover coin for a "tell-all" book. I won't be the one to write it.
I don’t know if you have looked at his duplicate sets, but he has some very impressive sets. I don’t really discuss them here, so unless you look for them, they are somewhat under the radar. There are a few registry sets that does not carry his name.
He is selling a few coins through the DLRC website, but the numbers are very small. If he did liquidate his duplicates as you suggested, it would be a really big event requiring multiple parts. Maybe even a couple years. For example, in a couple 1800s silver proof sets, he is two or three complete sets deep. Also, this does not account for the coins in the collection that are in NGC, etc. holders, and the raw ones. Really amazing if you think about it.
Lastly, some of the Major Collections, i.e. Eliasberg, were auctioned with duplicates. If I were to guess, Hansen have some duplicates that he would never sell until the collections is sold, auctioned, or preserved in a museum or similar.
Heritage ANA auction is starting now. I have have 13 coins on my Hansen watch list. It will be interesting to see if he wins any of them tonight.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I've been tracking his "SSS" (secret saint set
) and David Lawrence but nothing seems to ever happen.
I even offered super premium money for one of his dups.
That sort of thing generally works on other people but not DLH.
What's an obsessed person to do
My Saint Set
@JBatDavidLawrence JB, tomorrow I'm gonna come by and let's get some photos of the set in it's entirety that way we can post it on the threat. What do you say?
Let's do it! I have an Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Breakfast at 7am (who schedules these things?), but I should be to the show by 9 and would love to do that!
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
How'd we do?
Actually, we're having some issues with some Registry Set updates, but David Talk is trying to get them fixed for us, so you'll see a few updates to the Eliasberg Set very soon (I hope!)
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
Count Down 20 – Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle
Only 20 left!
It has been a long wait. The last count down coin was posted February 21, 2019. Six Months! I hope Hansen is back on track to clip these off more frequently now. The collection is down to needing only 20 coins to exceed the Eliasberg Collection for US Issue for completeness. I say exceed, because Eliasberg did not own the 1870-S Half Dime. This coin is one of the remaining 20 coins. The last 20 is not an easy task. There are some expects that say it is impossible because of the unique coins. They may be right. Only time can tell.
This is a new addition to the Dahlonega Mint set. The 58 piece set requires one more coin, 1854-D Quarter Eagle. When completed, I believe the Hansen Dahlonega Mint set will be one of the finest and complete sets ever been assembled, maybe second only to the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is completed for this mint. Of course, Eliasberg had a complete set. Also, Newcomer and Pittman assembled completed Dahlonega Mint sets. In registry ratings, Hansen set has a little better grade than any of them. The Green Pond Collection appears to be finest by grade shown in the registry ratings. The Green Pond Collection is a set of high grade Dahlonega gold coins. Included in the set are coins from the collections of Harry W. Bass, Jr. Louis Eliasberg and John Jay Pittman. Individual highlights included two 1855-D gold dollars in mint state, one with a full date, an 1856-D dollar in MS-62, 1861-D dollar in MS-63, 1841-D quarter eagle in MS-63 and both the 55-D and 56-D quarter eagles in MS-60. The five dollar gold set has an 1841-D in MS-64, a 1842-D Large Date in MS-61, both the 1854-D and 1856-D in MS-64, the 1855-D in MS-63 and the 1861-D in MS-62. The Green Pond Collection is surely one of the finest collections of Southern gold ever assembled. According to the registry, the set was missing three coins. I cannot verify if that is true or not.
By any standard of measure, Hansen’s Dahlonega Mint Collection is a great accomplishment. This new addition is not a Condition Census coin, rather than a nice, appealing heavy worn old gold piece. For this date, there is only one mint grade coin, the PCGS MS61 specimen. There are maybe a dozen nice about uncirculated (AU) specimens. The survival estimate for all grades is approx. 65. David Akers comments: This is an extremely rare coin in all grades and, as far as I know, unknown in full mint state. I have, however, seen several AU pieces, the finest of which is in a Connecticut collection. Generally not as well struck as the 1840-C, but usually more sharply struck than the 1840. From the standpoint of number of auction appearances, this is one of the dozen rarest Liberty Head quarter eagles and it has actually appeared at auction fewer times than the highly regarded 1854-D and 1856-D.
1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20
As previously stated, this 1840-D Quarter Eagle is not in the condition census Top 5, but serves as a nice hole filler for now. It is not known where this coin was purchased. No information is online. The coin was updated to the Hansen’s set sometimes between late yesterday afternoon and late last night. Is it too much to imagine that Hansen made this find on the browse floor yesterday? If you noticed someone with a pipe checking out old southern gold coins, please let us know. Even if the coin was to be replaced one day, I would think this coin would remain in his collection for this interesting reason.
Provenance: unknown
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, the registry describes his specimen as a 1840-D Quarter Eagle, PCGS grade XF45. Ex: Purchased by Louis Eliasberg when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942. Earlier from the Chapman Brothers in 1894. Purchased at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale by Harry Bass for $4,400. Lot #114.
1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20 (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #7719 / PCGS Serial 37550729 / POP 4/45
There are 20 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 13 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10
1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection)
1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection)
1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA)
1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection)
1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased)
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned)
1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 9
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1894-S Barber Dime BM Proof Only (Survival 13)
1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series)
1839 Gobrecht Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Last 1
1854-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 75)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Other than the 1870-S H10c and the 1933 St. Gaudens $20, which of the others was Eliasberg missing?
The 1839 gobrecht is not ‘proof only’.
I recall a 1840-D in VF30 selling at GC back in June. Was it that one?
Actually, Eliasberg owned a 1933 $20 from 1944 until 1952, so he was not really missing that coin.
He surrendered it to the gov't in 1952.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mycoinfacts/1933-20/321275/81461
W> @yosclimber said:
There are two coins on the list that Eliasberg never own. The 70-S half dime and1866 "No Motto" Dollar. There is a controversy on should the dollar be required.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I'll attempt to explain this further.
Although PCGS currently lists the 1839 Gobrecht Dollars only on Proof pages,
this is based on an older and recently disproven method which uses die alignment to classify original vs. restrike versions.
The new research (starting in Fall 1986) has established that die alignment is not sufficient to determine original vs. restrike.
In addition, the original 1839 Gobrecht Dollars (minted in December 1839) were business strikes and were released into circulation.
Specific quote on the above:
from:
The DTS Theory of Gobrecht Dollars: The Original Issues of 1838 and 1839
by Craig Sholley, John Dannreuther, and Saul Teichman
Published in the March 2016 edition of the Numismatist, all rights reserved.
https://uspatterns.stores.yahoo.net/noname.html
Sources:
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
Awesome!...that DuckTales necktie is the cherry on top!
Not to be macabre, but now that Brent Pogue has passed away does anyone know if his estate will be selling his 1804 Class I Dollar, 1822 Half Eagle, and 1854-S Half Eagle? Two of the three would fill holes and the 1804 dollar would be a six point upgrade.
@JBatDavidLawrence
I’m glad someone noticed! I wore it today to reference Scrooge’s lucky dime!
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
anyone looking for a challenge? This (the final 20 countdown) would make a nice box of 20 checklist to collect
An 1854-D $2.50 was auctioned by Stacks at ANA. Was that a Hansen purchase?
Lots of updates to come, but that would be an affirmative.
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
As a branch mint gold officianado , I can’t say that I liked the surfaces and color of the 54-D $2.5. Very difficult coin for sure but I’ve seen better quality over the last 5 years.
Latin American Collection
I did not see the 54-D first hand but would note that this date has no coins CAC in unc and only 3 in AU 58 and 1 in AU 53. It is a date that is very difficult to find with natural color and most have weak strikes. It seems to be a strong price for the coin but he needs it and truly top end 54-Ds don't come around often. The finest coin for this date is the Duke's Creek coin and it is now in the finest quarter eagle collection that exists (not a registry set) and is unlikely available for a long period of time.
Count Down 19 – Iconic Holy Trinity of American Coins
1st coin in “Last Box of 20” …….Present Box Value = $1,320,000
Just over night, the countdown went from 20 to 19. As Gazed pointed out, Hansen is working on his “Last Box of 20” for completing the Eliasberg Quest. (Thanks Gazes for the inspiration). In addition to that fact, this coin fills spot #8 in Ten Most Famous United States Ultra Rarities set. This moves the D. L. Hansen Collection to second place on the All-Time Registry List, behind Eliasberg. According to the registry, Eliasberg is the only collector history to have assembled the set. This purchase also moves the Hansen Collection ahead of the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection, which has six of these famous coins. Also, Hansen moves ahead of Norweb, and was already ahead of Neil, Simpson, and Carter before this last addition. To complete the set, Hansen will need to acquire an 1838-O Half Dollar and the other iconic coin, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
The Stacks Bowers auctioneer said this was one of the “Iconic Holy Trinity of American Coins”. He said the three coins were the 1804 Dollar, 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, and the 1894-S Barber Dime. This purchase now gives Hansen two specimens of the 3 coins. I could say a lot more about this coin. With all the discussions leading up to the sale, I know great deal of information has been shared. I will provide a couple links below where you can find some additional information.
1894-S Barber Dime, PR63BM CAC – Buss / Hansen Specimen
I really don’t think the purchase of this coin by Hansen was a real surprise to anyone. The coin hammered at $1,320,000. Also, I don’t think this price was a surprise. This was a coin that Hansen needed, so he went for it, and bought it. I think there were three floor bids, $950,000, $1M, and $1.1M. With fees, the winning $1.1M bid resulted in the purchase price of $1,320,000. JB did nice job bidding. (if you view the video below, you can see the under bidder at $1M).
The coin has a nice appeal. Coin facts does not list a value for the PR63BM, but the price for the PR64BM is $1.5M, so I think $1.3M for the PR63BM is in reason. Your thoughts? The coin is a Condition Census and is listed as #5 on the condition census report. PCGS POP on the coin is 1/3. Stacks Bowers description of the coin: A lovely Choice Proof specimen certified Branch Mint Proof-63 by PCGS and one of only three examples verified by CAC. Both sides of this coin are sharply struck, although the detail is not 100% full with the most minor softness of detail to the high points of Liberty's portrait on the obverse, the ribbon at the base of the wreath on the reverse and a few of the adjacent leaves. A shallow planchet void slants up to the right from the lower border to the ribbon to the right of the S mintmark. There is also a strikethrough, likely from a sliver of metal, that extends to the right from the planchet void along the lower reverse border. These two features, both as made, interfered with the flow of metal during striking and resulted in an incomplete mintmark with the upper half of the S soft and the bottom half virtually absent. A few wispy handling marks in the center of the wreath around the denomination ONE DIME are mentioned for accuracy. Both sides are satiny in texture with strong lighting calling forth modest hints of semi-reflectivity from the fields. The obverse exhibits splashes of reddish-russet, olive-copper and cobalt blue patina to a base of light silver gray. The reverse is more vividly and extensively toned with minimal silver gray shining through an overlay of blended cobalt blue, antique gold, reddish-apricot and rose-russet iridescence.
Link to Stacks Bowers listing (Lots of general info on the 1894-S Barber Dime)
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-J403W/1894-s-barber-dime-branch-mint-proof-63-pcgs-cac
Link to video of Stacks Bowers Auction and watch the hammer fall (near the end of 7-8 min video)
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/567528
Link to DLRC blog on the purchase of the 1894-S Barber Dime
https://blog.davidlawrence.com/coins-we-love-august-16-live-at-the-ana/
Provenance: James Kelly - Malcolm Chell-Frost - F.S. Guggenheimer Collection - Stack’s 1/1953:772, $2,100 - Abner Kreisberg - Empire Coin Company - Kagin’s 11/1973:1114, $52,000 - Montrose Coin Gallery, offered for $75,000 - Superior Galleries, sold privately in 1978 - Dr. Jerry Buss Collection - Superior 1/1985:617, $50,600 - Superior 6/1988:4510 - E. Horatio Morgan Collection - Stack's/Bowers 8/2019, $1,320,000 – D. L. Hansen Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, rosters describes his specimen as a SP64BM PCGS grade. Ex: J.M. Clapp - Louis Eliasberg, Sr. - Bowers & Merena 5/20/1996:1250 (as “Proof-64 or finer”), $451,000 - Stack’s 10/2000:565 (as “Superb Gem Brilliant Proof”), $431,250 - Harvey Stack - private client.
Note: Louis Eliasberg, Sr. purchase two 1894-S coins from J.M. Clapp. Eliasberg’s duplicate coin was the finest known, Stack's auctioned off the duplicate in 1947. This coin only resided in Eliasberg’s collection a few years.
1894-S Barber Dime, PR63BM CAC – (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #4805 / PCGS Serial #37859748 / POP 1/3
Dr. Jerry Buss / D.L. Hansen Specimen
There are 19 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 12 coins that are not listed in “complete registry set” are Bold below. Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client.
Top 10
1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection)
1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection)
1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA)
1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection)
1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased)
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned)
1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)
Next 8
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1841 Quarter Eagle (Survival for regular strikes 12, proofs 4)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1933 Ten Dollar (Survival 40, rarest issue in series)
1839 Gobrecht Dollar (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)
Last 1
1854-D Quarter Eagle (Survival 75)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
YEEE.hawaaaa
19 to go baby....
Go DLH go!!!!
My Saint Set
This is the latest addition to the Hansen Collection. Before I post an upgrade, can someone tell me what you would grade this coin? You can post or PM me privately, your preference. Thanks
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Wow
Latin American Collection
+1
amazing coin. i know some collectors have done amazing things with various series. But what Hansen is doing in every series is truly remarkable.
MS66+
Later, Paul.
Holy crap!
Nice try Paul. Only one grade MS66 and none higher. You want try again?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
HAHA, It was a good guess NO? I never looked to see what the grade was ie: I never cheat at guessing. It's a beauty and has a nice clean cheek with a smooth field on the obverse, so my grade stands. I'd still give it an MS66+.
Later, Paul.
I will grade it as 66+ as well........PCGS was unreasonably tough on this one. The luster is amazing, and perfect.
OINK
.
Sunshine Rare Coins
sunshinecoins.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
I personally grade it 65+ (beat up reverse). I'd sell it as a 66+ and I'll bet it is in a 67 slab or 67+.