@tradedollarnut said:
Btw - Hansen wrote the foreword in the newest edition of the 100 Greatest US Coins
Sweet. That's something I'd love to read.
I have a Word document of it around here somewhere...
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
@jpkinla said:
My first post in ten years but am still going through the thread to learn about this amazing collection. Best of luck in the quest.
Welcome back John! Hope that you're doing well.
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
For the those that have been watching know, the most worn coin the core collection was the 1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AG3, PCGS POP 1/16 with CAC Approval. I wrote in detail about the coin when the coin was added September 28, 2018. If you like to go back and read more, the discussion can be found on page 25 of this thread. The coin was Count Down #27. I wrote this about the coin at that time:
This rare San Francisco half eagle is well worn, but does have CAC sticker. This purchase was called by jonruns on Sept 2nd of this month. In knowing that DLH needed this coin, he noticed that Doug Winter Numismatics sent out an email of their ANA purchases which included an 1864-S $5 PCGS/CAC AG03. Being the coin was not listed the next day in the NEWP as he expected, it made him wonder. He contacted DW and was told the coin had been purchased. Well now we know who purchased it. Great investigate work Jon. The coin did eventually appear on DWN website. A sold total was posted on the website, the coin realized $12,500. To make matters more interesting, there is not a PCGS Price Guide value for the AG3. The next coin up, G4 is valued at only $6000. DLH paid doubled the amount for a lower graded specimen. There is no identified history on the coin. Although DWN states: This piece is fresh to the market and it comes from a collection which has been put away for decades. As for the condition, he says, If we used split grades to designate coins; I’d call this a VG8 obverse/AG3 reverse. It is extensively worn but totally problem-free with attractive warm natural russet color and problem-free surfaces.
We will miss this old coin in the core collection, but from the beginning, we knew the days were numbered for this coin. It did last a little over 12 months, and it will be remembered as the original Count Down #27 specimen.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55, POP 1/1
This new coin was crossed over during the recent work by PCGS to re-slab, photography and pedigree Mr. Hansen’s core collection. By John Brush account, this coin was purchased in a NGC AU58 holder. By having it coin crossed over to PCGS AU55, they knew the coin would probably decrease in value. The overall objective is to have the highest possible PCGS graded collection, so taking a few hits is known and acceptable.
The newly certified Hansen Collection Specimen takes second spot on the PCGS POP Report. The coin replaces the Kesselman – Bass PCGS AU53 Specimen for second place, but trails the monster Norweb -Bass, PCGS MS65+ Specimen. David Hall wrote about this top specimen: The "unc" mentioned by David Akers in his 1979 book was subsequently sold in the Norweb Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1987) and then in the Harry Bass Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1999). It is graded MS65 by PCGS and it is the finest known by an incredible 10 points!
This specimen has not shown up in any recent auctions that I can find. I wished I knew a little more on its history, but there is not much information that I can find. The coin makes a great upgrade for this collection. The PCGS coin guide has not updated this specimen to show a value for AU55. The Value given for AU63 is $95,000. I would think this coin would be valued in six figures.
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates his example was estimated gradeEF45. Ex. Atwater; Mehl (1946). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $2,530.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55 (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #8297 / PCGS Serial #38081986 PCGS POP 1/1
"Tied for FINEST KNOWN 1819 Large 9 with the Clapp-Eliasberg-Pogue-Link B-1 at the MS65 level at PCGS" proclaimed by Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 6/27/2019. This is another example where Mr. Hansen is attempting to improve the Early Federal Coinage 1792-1839. The more I study the D. L. Hansen Collection and Early Federal Coins, the more this becomes a realization to me that a high quality collection cannot be built in just a few years. Along with money, it also takes patience and longevity. The Pogue Collection that is universally recognized as the finest collection of Early Federal Coins ever assembled was built over decades by a father and son team. In my discussions with Mr. Hansen, I feel he is in this endeavor for the long haul. In fact, the impression that I got from him is he is not planning to sell his core collection in his lifetime. If my assumption holds true, can you imagine this collection in a couple more decades?
There are several reasons for the difficulty level for Early Federal Coins. One significant reason is many of the high grade coins are impounded in strong collections that are not for sale. For example, the Early Dollars are impounded in the HOF Bruce Morelan Collection of Early Dollars. This 12–piece set contains 10 coins that are the finest or tied for the finest certified by PCGS. Half of 10 are PCGS Pop 1/0 coins. Of all the Early Dollars coins, there are only three coins that could improve the grade of the set. Bruce may say even if the higher grade coin improves the rating of set, they are not the best on quality and appearance. In comparison, Mr. Hansen has two coins that are tied for finest, but as you can see, the availability for the top Early Dollars coins is just not there.
Let’s look at a few additional series that hits closer to home for this recent upgrade. Another HOF Collection is the Dr. Charles Link’s Bust Coinage. Many of his sets are closed to the public view, but it is well known that he owns many of the great bust rarities from assembling the collection for over three decades. He is still actively adding and upgrading his collection. His specialty includes Bust Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarter and Half Dollars. He has more than 50 registry sets of Early Federal Bust Coinage. More than 35 of these sets are PCGS All-Time Finest! Many surpass D. Brent Pogue Collection in grade and quality.
To wrap up before taking a look at the new upgrade, you should be able to get a feel for Mr. Hansen’s challenge in Early Federal Bust Coinage. These two PCGS collections will never be surpassed as long as they remain active. There are other large holdings that are even more private than these. Some may not be registered. But even with this tremendous challenge, Mr. Hansen still find great upgrades as this one.
1819 Quarter, B-2, MS65, Tied for Finest Large 9 at PCGS, Ex: Gardner
This coin has been offered in a couple auctions this year. The first appearance was the Legend Rare Coin -The Regency 33 Auction in Las Vegas, 6/27/2019. The coin realized $28,200, which was on the low end of Legend’s estimate. The listing indicated the coin was from the Hunter Collection.
The coin was described as: Tied for FINEST KNOWN 1819 Large 9 with the Clapp-Eliasberg-Pogue-Link B-1 at the MS65 level at PCGS. This impressive GEM has no less an impressive provenance, being the Randall-Garrett-Gardner coin. In its first recorded auction appearance in the March 1980 sale of the Garrett Collection, where it appears as lot 632, it was cataloged as: "MS65...Extremely sharply struck. A truly fantastic early quarter. The obverse and reverse are toned a pleasing light gray and lilac color with hints of blue and green iridescence. We have never seen a finer example and doubt if one exists." This nearly 40 year old description holds up today, though it does fail to mention the satiny underlying brilliance of the luster on the obverse. Struck from a later state of the B-2 dies, all the Die State B die cracks as described in Early Quarters of the United States Mint. The eye appeal is unbelievable and has a provenance that dates back into the 1800s! As an indication of how impressive the quality of this GEM really is, in 1980, this coin brought $37,500 (at the height of the silver boom market). The Eliasberg-Pogue coin is the most recent example to sell in auction, realizing $88,125 in May 2015. The current Collector's Universe value is listed at $42,500 and with the Pogue coin now impounded in the Link Collection, this is the FINEST Large 9 that will be available for collectors for a long time to come. If you are working on an early quarter set, you need to see this historic offering. Good luck!
The coin appeared later in the year in Heritage’s 2019 ANA World's Fair of Money Signature Auction in Chicago. This action was held on August 18, 2019 and the coin realized $33,600. In this action, the coin was given a more modest description: Tompkins Die State 4/2. The Capped Bust quarters of 1819 had a low mintage of 144,000 pieces, less than half that of 1818, and only four known 1819 die marriages resulted. Here, the Large 9 in the date points to lower fold in Liberty's drapery. The left edge of Liberty's lowest hair curl is over the left edge of 9 in the date. On the reverse, the scroll begins under the left tip of D and ends under the left side of the right diagonal of A2. I3 is centered under the left side of T3. A crisply struck example with bold definition on all obverse star radials and all of Liberty's hair curls. Light mint-green and peach-gold patina adorns the obverse. The reverse toning is similar, but the mint-green color turns to olive, and coloration has a more mottled appearance than on the obverse. One of the top two finest Large 9 examples at PCGS (7/19).
As stated, the specimen is a PCGS POP 2/0 for Large 9 examples, but the coin is a POP 1/0 for Die Variety B-2. In Legend’s description, the other top pop coin is in Dr. Charles Link Collection. That coin is a PCGS POP 1/0 for Die Variety B-1. Ron Guth mention both coins in his PCGS experts comments: Two major varieties comprise the 1819 Quarter Dollars: Large 9 and Small 9 (the Small 9 is called a "Normal" 9 by early Quarter Dollar experts Rea et al). The 9 on the Large 9 is substantially larger than either of the 1's in the date; on the Small ("Normal") 9, the 9 is approximately the same height as the adjacent 1. The most common of the two 1819 Large 9 Quarter Dollar die varieties (B-2) is scarce; the other (B-1) is very scarce to rare. According to the PCGS Population Report, the Large 9 is nearly twice as rare as the Small 9. The PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census for the 1819 Large 9 Quarter Dollar includes coins from PCGS AU53 to PCGS MS-65. The finest examples are a pair at the MS-65 level.
Provenance: J. Colvin Randall Collection - John Work Garrett Collection - Johns Hopkins University Collection, Part II - Bowers & Ruddy 3/1980:632, $37,500 - Jason Carter, sold privately in 2/2010 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part II - Heritage 10/2014:98342, $28,200 - Dr. Charles Link Collection - Hunter Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 6/2019:15, $28,200 - Heritage 8/2019:3730, $33,600
In an Eliasberg comparison, the other MS65 specimen in Dr. Charles Link’s collection was from the Eliasberg Collection.
1819 Quarter, B-2, MS65 (Gold Shield w/ Hansen Pedigree) PCGS Coin #5326 / PCGS Serial #14681240 PCGS POP 2/0, PCGS Price Guide Value $42,500
For the those that have been watching know, the most worn coin the core collection was the 1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AG3, PCGS POP 1/16 with CAC Approval. I wrote in detail about the coin when the coin was added September 28, 2018. If you like to go back and read more, the discussion can be found on page 25 of this thread. The coin was Count Down #27. I wrote this about the coin at that time:
This rare San Francisco half eagle is well worn, but does have CAC sticker. This purchase was called by jonruns on Sept 2nd of this month. In knowing that DLH needed this coin, he noticed that Doug Winter Numismatics sent out an email of their ANA purchases which included an 1864-S $5 PCGS/CAC AG03. Being the coin was not listed the next day in the NEWP as he expected, it made him wonder. He contacted DW and was told the coin had been purchased. Well now we know who purchased it. Great investigate work Jon. The coin did eventually appear on DWN website. A sold total was posted on the website, the coin realized $12,500. To make matters more interesting, there is not a PCGS Price Guide value for the AG3. The next coin up, G4 is valued at only $6000. DLH paid doubled the amount for a lower graded specimen. There is no identified history on the coin. Although DWN states: This piece is fresh to the market and it comes from a collection which has been put away for decades. As for the condition, he says, If we used split grades to designate coins; I’d call this a VG8 obverse/AG3 reverse. It is extensively worn but totally problem-free with attractive warm natural russet color and problem-free surfaces.
We will miss this old coin in the core collection, but from the beginning, we knew the days were numbered for this coin. It did last a little over 12 months, and it will be remembered as the original Count Down #27 specimen.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55, POP 1/1
This new coin was crossed over during the recent work by PCGS to re-slab, photography and pedigree Mr. Hansen’s core collection. By John Brush account, this coin was purchased in a NGC AU58 holder. By having it coin crossed over to PCGS AU55, they knew the coin would probably decrease in value. The overall objective is to have the highest possible PCGS graded collection, so taking a few hits is known and acceptable.
The newly certified Hansen Collection Specimen takes second spot on the PCGS POP Report. The coin replaces the Kesselman – Bass PCGS AU53 Specimen for second place, but trails the monster Norweb -Bass, PCGS MS65+ Specimen. David Hall wrote about this top specimen: The "unc" mentioned by David Akers in his 1979 book was subsequently sold in the Norweb Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1987) and then in the Harry Bass Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1999). It is graded MS65 by PCGS and it is the finest known by an incredible 10 points!
This specimen has not shown up in any recent auctions that I can find. I wished I knew a little more on its history, but there is not much information that I can find. The coin makes a great upgrade for this collection. The PCGS coin guide has not updated this specimen to show a value for AU55. The Value given for AU63 is $95,000. I would think this coin would be valued in six figures.
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates his example was estimated gradeEF45. Ex. Atwater; Mehl (1946). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $2,530.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55 (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #8297 / PCGS Serial #38081986 PCGS POP 1/1
The MS65 1864-S which is a wonder coin was for sale or at least had a “make and offer” at an ANA a few years back.
@tradedollarnut said:
Legend's offering of newps this week would enhance any collection
Wow! Wow and Wow!
Some of the world's finest Draped Bust Dimes just hit the market. Each one of them is a treasurer to own. If I was putting together a world class Early Dime set and wanted it to be the finest ever, then they would be included in my set, without exception. Previously they were included in some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled. if i had the funds to own them, i would have bought them already. Yeah - i am a Early Dime junkie.
@tradedollarnut said:
Legend's offering of newps this week would enhance any collection
Wow! Wow and Wow!
Some of the world's finest Draped Bust Dimes just hit the market. Each one of them is a treasurer to own. If I was putting together a world class Early Dime set and wanted it to be the finest ever, then they would be included in my set, without exception. Previously they were included in some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled. if i had the funds to own them, i would have bought them already. Yeah - i am a Early Dime junkie.
The NEWPS from Legend this week blew me away. The market report gives a bit of the back story--would love to know more. I didn't cross check it against the Hansen collection but I wonder how the coins offered would impact the collection?
@tradedollarnut said:
Legend's offering of newps this week would enhance any collection
Wow! Wow and Wow!
Some of the world's finest Draped Bust Dimes just hit the market. Each one of them is a treasurer to own. If I was putting together a world class Early Dime set and wanted it to be the finest ever, then they would be included in my set, without exception. Previously they were included in some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled. if i had the funds to own them, i would have bought them already. Yeah - i am a Early Dime junkie.
The NEWPS from Legend this week blew me away. The market report gives a bit of the back story--would love to know more. I didn't cross check it against the Hansen collection but I wonder how the coins offered would impact the collection?
I know the coins and i believe everyone are upgrades. But just comparing grades-
5 would be upgrades and 1 would fill a missing spot. For example, the 1797 16 Stars - the one for sale is a 66 and Hansen's is a 65. While not an upgrade, i feel the 66 is hands down the finest. If you compare the 1798/7 13 Stars - the one for sale is a 63 and Hansen doesn't own one. There are more but it really doesn't matter because the ones being offered are the best of the best IMHO. Personally, i never thought that after Pogue i would ever see these coins offered again.
@tradedollarnut said:
Legend's offering of newps this week would enhance any collection
Wow! Wow and Wow!
Some of the world's finest Draped Bust Dimes just hit the market. Each one of them is a treasurer to own. If I was putting together a world class Early Dime set and wanted it to be the finest ever, then they would be included in my set, without exception. Previously they were included in some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled. if i had the funds to own them, i would have bought them already. Yeah - i am a Early Dime junkie.
The NEWPS from Legend this week blew me away. The market report gives a bit of the back story--would love to know more. I didn't cross check it against the Hansen collection but I wonder how the coins offered would impact the collection?
Agree. The NEWPS from Legend are really high end. The 1795 $10 is the prize!
Now the Election Season is over, I can get back to what I love. The upgrades typically drop off this time of the year. Hansen did not make purchases that I could find in the Legend’s Regency Exclusively Event held 10/24/2019. I don’t know if he was too busy to participate or he was under bidder on everything. He could have purchased some “under the radar” coins that just don’t stand out in my searches. It is seemly odd an event this size, Hansen did not come away with something.
I thought with the break in the action; this would be a good time look at Hansen's new “branding”. If you missed it, John Brush provided an inside look of the event in Salt Lake that took place about a month ago. Take a detail look if you like to read more:
John Brush describes this label as a satin gray background that is offered on just a few coins at the moment. The name he gives is The Next Generation. The Pedigree reads: D.L. Hansen Collection (with the small eagle at center top). John describes the task as Herculean by encasing nearly 8,000 coins. It is interesting there are several of these new braded coins for sale on DLRC website.
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Hansen Blue Label – Cert # on Front
This is standard blue label slab with the certification number on front. The Pedigree reads: D.L. Hansen Collection (with the small eagle to the left side). Mr. Hansen is said not to particular care for this label because the blue fades and over time become almost white. He does not like the inconsistency of the shade of blues in a set.
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Hansen Blue Label – Cert # on Back
This is standard blue label slab with the certification number on back label. Everything else is pretty much the same as previous label.
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Hansen Barber Label
This appears to be a special label designed just for his Barber coins. The pedigree appears over two lines, with the top line reads: D.L. Hansen. The second line reads: Barber Collection. This may become one of his rare holders.
Mixed emotions regarding this vanity project. I understand the desire to have consistency, but we are just temporary caretakers until the next collector who feels the need to emblazon their name.
Seated Half Society member #38 "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
@Catbert said:
Mixed emotions regarding this vanity project. I understand the desire to have consistency, but we are just temporary caretakers until the next collector who feels the need to emblazon their name.
Imagine if every collector counterstamped their coins
Personally I like the blue label with the PCGS shield on it. If he just had his last name above the cert # that would do it for me. I really liked the Pogue label.
This may be the first posting discussing the Civil War coins. The D.L. Hansen Collection is attempting to assemble the first Civil War Proof set with gold. Without gold, there are three current sets completed with The Collection having the top two spots. With gold, it is a different story. Mr. Hansen is the only current collector working on completing this set. If there are others, they are not on the registry. We know Simpson’s Gold Set does not start until 1886, so we can count him out. From what I have seen, I know BigMo have some really nice Proof Gold Civil War coins, but not sure if he has interest to assemble a complete set. If anyone know of someone, please contribute.
It is very obvious assembling this great set is not for the faint of heart. PCGS describes the set as: This challenging set represents four years of our country's most trying times, the Civil War. It is a sampling of all denominations including the very tough proof gold issues which are rare in nearly all denominations. Completing this set will be an accomplishment as well also an historic representation of a difficult war that took place over 150 years ago. This s a 69 piece set that requires 40 gold coins. The Hansen set is 81% completed, with 13 gold proof coins left. The set has six PCGS certified POP 1/0 coins and seven others tied for PCGS finest. This remarkable set has weighted grade point average of 66.31. When completed, this set will be breathtaking.
Three Proofs Added
There were three proofs added to the set. The 1861 & 1862 Half Eagles are two stunning PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. The third coin added was the 1864 Three Dollar Proof PR65DCAM POP 2/1. I cannot determine how or where these three coins were acquired. I place the value of the three coins based on past auctions and PCGS price guide at approx. $350,000.
1861 Half Eagle, PR64CAM, PCGS POP 1/0 Only Three or Four Known in Private Hands
According to Heritage, this is a fairly rare coin with “Only Three or Four Known in Private Hands”. I do not know how Mr. Hansen acquired his specimen, but was last sold in Heritage’s 2018 January FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Tampa. The coin listed as 1861 $5 PR64 Cameo, in a NGC Holder. Heritage described the 1861 Half Eagle as: The official mintage of 66 proofs is probably accurate for the 1861 half eagle. However, like other denominations struck from 1859 through 1861, an unknown number were melted. In fact, Breen records "At least 10 proofs melted Jan. 1862 as unsold." From the lack of survivors today, it would appear there many more were melted later in the year. When one investigates the auction appearances of the 1861, it is remarkable how many major collections have lacked an example. It is probable that only three or four pieces are in private collections of this rarity: The Eliasberg/Trompeter coin that is graded PR66 Cameo and held in a private collection, the ex: Amon Carter coin (grade unknown), a PCGS PR63 that is probably the same as the Floyd Starr (Stack's, 10/92) example, and this coin. To these pieces, the Smithsonian and ANS coins may be added but these are, of course, not available. This is certainly the only 1861 proof five on the market today
The coin is not only a very high grade, it also have great appeal. The Heritage describes the condition as: The rich orange-gold surfaces are lightly hairlined (the viewer will need a magnifier, though). The fields are exceptionally deep in their mirrored reflectivity and the devices show a strong presence of mint frost that gives the coin its cameo contrast. The only marks of any note are a short scratch above the eye of Liberty, and another shallow one on the chin. This is a major opportunity for the specialist in 19th century gold, and it is obviously a rare chance to add this date to a run of early proof fives. The coin realized $102,000 in the January 2018 auction.
Provenance: Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2453
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg had a assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Ten Eyck; Mehl (1922); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $14,300. Lot #500.
1861 Half Eagle, PR64CAM (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #88451 / PCGS Serial #38081988 PCGS POP 1/0, Last Sold in Auction at $102,000
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. 1862 Half Eagle, PR64+CAM, PCGS POP 1/0
David Akers described: Proofs are rare and probably only about 12-15 exist. All proofs have a prominent center dot on the reverse..
This 1862 Specimen could not be found in any previous auctions. The coin is near flawless. Great Appeal. The coin is valued at $140,000 by the PCGS Price guide.
Provenance: unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg actually had an Assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Woodin; Elder (1911); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $13,200. Lot #287.
1862 Half Eagle, PR64+CAM (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #98452 / PCGS Serial #38466370 PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide Value $140,000
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. 1864 Three Dollar Gold, PR65DCAM, PCGS POP 2/1
David Akers: The proof mintage of 50 is somewhat higher than for most other dates in the 1860's, but it is likely that a number of the proofs were melted because this date is just as rare in proof as other dates with lower proof mintages.
Provenance: unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg actually had an assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Sears (1909); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $4,400. Lot #289.
1864 Three Dollar Gold, PR65CAM (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #98027 / PCGS Serial #38454559 PCGS POP 2/1, PCGS Price Guide Value $110,000
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
LOL, How it feels when you're near the top of a registry and then along comes Hansen to drop a new set and debuts at #1:
OPE! EDIT This video has some language that was beeped out of the original broadcast. Let me know if not allowed. Til then, I'm rereading the rules. LOL
@GoBust said:
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
@GoBust said:
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
I heard Doug Winter bought it.
Do you know if he is planning to hold it or offer it for sale on his website?
@GoBust said:
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
I heard Doug Winter bought it.
Do you know if he is planning to hold it or offer it for sale on his website?
No...but 90+% of coins of that magnitude are bought representing a collector rather than for stock.
@GoBust said:
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
I heard Doug Winter bought it.
Great purchase!
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Really great purchace Doug. I thought the 1838-O was one of the better ones extant. Really lovely, nice surfaces without any nicks and immediate eye appeal.
Regarding Hansen branding, I like how he keeps the previous provenance on the insert as shown in the following example, but noticed that PCGS doesn't list D.L. Hansen in the Pedigree line. Is there any reason why Hansen wouldn't be listed in the PCGS Pedigree? Has this changed now?
I would much rather have the half dollar than the two common date Mercs in uber high grades that he spent more money on. I seriously hope Hansen didn't pass up on the opportunity.
@GoBust said:
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
Significant 1798 Quarter Eagle A Famed Rarity of the Series 1798 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-5+. Close Date, Four Berries. AU53 (PCGS)
6th coin in last Box of 20…… Present Box Value = $2,260,800
There are only 14 coins left in Eliasberg Quest. In addition, the PCGS Hall of Fame U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1792-present) is nearing completion. The set only has 4 coins remaining. One of the remaining coins is the 1875 $10 in Business Strike. This coin is needed to complete the registry set, but Mr. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts). The other three coins are what I call the Half Eagle Trifecta.
The first coin is the 1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle. Ruth Guth describes the coin as: As of 2015, only seven examples are known of the 1798 Small Eagle $5. Two are in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. One is tied up in the Harry Bass Research Foundation. The Atwater example has not been seen since it appeared in a B. Max Mehl sale in 1946. The Garrett example disappeared "into the woodwork" circa 1983 when a mystery buyer flew into Lexington, Kentucky, purchased the coin, then flew off into the sunset in a private plane. In fact, the only example to appear on the market since 2000 is the PCGS AU55 D. Brent Pogue example that sold in September 2015 for a record $1,175,000 (and which itself had been off the market since 1979). Thus, the opportunity to purchase an example of this coin is exceedingly rare, and it would be difficult to pry one onto the market because we simply don't know where they are.
The second coin the trifecta is the 1854-S Half Eagle. This is an interesting coin, because Mr. Hansen had fourth example of this coin in hand, but after looking at the coin and with its mysterious history, he allowed it to be sold in a matter of hours. Jaime Hernandez wrote this: Sometime early in 2018, a 4th example was reported as being discovered by the news media. The owner of the coin chose to remain anonymous but he is said to be from New England. According to the news reports, the owner of the coin had shown it to several dealers and collectors who all deemed it fake. The coin was graded XF45 and was consigned to Heritage Auctions where it realized $2,160,000 on August 2018. With one of the four specimens tucked forever away is the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, the other example from the Willis H. Dupont Collection which stolen in 1967 and never recovered. Mr Hansen deciding not to keep the fourth example, then the only example let is the Pogue family specimen purchased at the Eliasberg sale. It is presently deemed as not for sale, and the future availability of this coin has not been determined.
The third of the trifecta coins is the 1822 Half Eagle. The difficulty level of this coin is even greater than the previous one. David Akers describes the coin as: The legendary 1822 Half Eagle is the most famous and desirable U.S. gold coin. It traded hands at fantastic prices when other great rarities that are now worth six figure prices were bringing mere pittances. There are three known specimens, two permanently impounded in the Smithsonian Institution (one in the Mint Collection, the other in the Lilly Collection) and one in the Louis Eliasberg Collection. The specimen in the Mint Collection has been there since the 1830's. The Lilly specimen was purchased from Amon Carter, Jr. in the early 1960's and is the H. P. Smith-William Dunham specimen. It was offered in the 1890 Parmelee Sale where it had a realized price of $900. In 1906, it sold in the H.P. Smith Collection Sale for $2165 and later brought a record $11,575 at the Dunham Sale. The Eliasberg coin was purchased by Mr. Eliasberg in July, 1945 from Abe Kosoff for $14,000. All three specimens are in the VF to EF range with the Eliasberg specimen being the finest of the three. As with the 1854-S Half eagle, the coin is presently deemed as not for sale, and the future availability of this coin has not been determined.
In summary, Mr. Hansen has reach a point where obtaining the remaining four coins will be very difficult. This is especially true for the Half Eagle Trifecta coins. There are eleven other coins left in the Eliasberg Quest. Mr. Hansen had several opportunities to purchase a handful of the coins in 2018 and 2019. His interest has remain focused on the registry required coins. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Hansen turns his attention to any of these coins in 2020.
1798 $2.50 Close Date AU53, Pop 2/4
The Close Date BD-1 Variety is the more difficult of the two known. Gordon Wrubel describes the two varieties this way: There are only two die varieties of 1798 $2 1/2 dollar gold pieces. These are comprised of two distinct obverses and reverses: The Close Date with a 4 Berry reverse, Bass-Dannreuther, BD-1, and the Wide Date with a 5 Berry reverse, BD-2. While both varieties are rare, the Bass-Dannreuther research has shown that the former, BD-1, is about TWICE as rare as the latter, BD-2, in all grades including Mint State. Of course the two varieties can be distinguished by counting the berries in the branch held in the eagle's left claw. But the obverse dies are also distinctive. The Close Date has the digits rather closely spaced and the 8 is CLEAR OF THE BUST. The Wide Date has noticeably wider spaced digits and the 8 is EMBEDDED IN THE BUST drapery. CoinFacts place the Rarity and Survival Estimates at 30 for all grades. There may be two specimens between MS60-MS64, and only one MS65. That would be the MS65 PCGS specimen from D. Brent Pogue Collection that realized $763,750 in Stack’s/Bowers & Sotheby’s in 2015.
Mr. Hansen purchased the coin last weekend in Stacks Bowers 2019 Rarities Night Auction in Baltimore. Stacks Bowers described the coin as: Pleasing semi-reflective surfaces exhibit blushes of pale rose to otherwise dominant bright olive-gold patina. The strike is well centered on the obverse, drawn trivially to the viewer's upper right on the reverse, although denticulation is also complete on the latter side. Striking detail to the major design elements is suitably bold in an example of this challenging early U.S. Mint gold type. BD Die State a. The coin realized an healthy sum of $78,000. PCGS Values the coin around $60,000. There is not information given for the history of this coin. The specimen is not listed in Coinfacts Condition Census Table. It should be included at the next update. This is a nice condition census addition to the The D.L. Hansen Collection: The Greatest Collection of U.S. Coins Ever Assembled.
Provenance: Stacks Bowers, November 2019 Baltimore - Session 4 - Rarities Night - D.L. Hansen Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, according to information provided by PCGS Registry, his specimen was the more common Wide Date variety (BD-2). The coin was estimated grade AU55. It was purchased by Louis Eliasberg when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942, earlier from the W.H. Spedding collection, auctioned by the Chapman Brothers in 1894. The coin purchased by Don Kagin at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale for $8,250.
1798 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1 PCGS Coin #97649 / PCGS Serial #38432370 / POP 2/4
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. There are 14 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 11 coins that are not listed in “U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes Set” are Bold below. The remaining three Half Eagle Trifecta coins plus the 1875 $10 in Business Strike is needed to complete the registry set. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts), therefor is not shown on this list
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 4 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8) 1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9) 1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24) 1839 Gobrecht Original Dollar (Survival 60-75)
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
happy Thanksgiving to all.
The CAC registry is live and being used quite a bit. I see it as a game changer in many ways.
Sticking to the DLH post: Will DLH compete? It seems so and in a big way. Many sets are listed showing how many CAC coins are needed, Will DLH be looking for them? I believe yes. Why not?
He wants the best. It will not be easy and could take lots of time. It will be interesting.
@Perfection said:
happy Thanksgiving to all.
The CAC registry is live and being used quite a bit. I see it as a game changer in many ways.
Sticking to the DLH post: Will DLH compete? It seems so and in a big way. Many sets are listed showing how many CAC coins are needed, Will DLH be looking for them? I believe yes. Why not?
He wants the best. It will not be easy and could take lots of time. It will be interesting.
What actions suggest that he actually wants the best? Many actions would suggest he wants an expansive set, not the best individual coins.
Don't think so. Why would DLH add many sets to the new registry showing all the holes if he did not intend to full them at some point.
He is a competitor, well off and like many of us we want the best.
I advised him long ago to buy almost only CAC but......
It is possible to build some all CAC sets that are number one on the non CAC registry but it takes patience.
@Perfection said:
happy Thanksgiving to all.
The CAC registry is live and being used quite a bit. I see it as a game changer in many ways.
Sticking to the DLH post: Will DLH compete? It seems so and in a big way. Many sets are listed showing how many CAC coins are needed, Will DLH be looking for them? I believe yes. Why not?
He wants the best. It will not be easy and could take lots of time. It will be interesting.
What actions suggest that he actually wants the best? Many actions would suggest he wants an expansive set, not the best individual coins.
Well Hansen did spend more than $500k on two uber common ultra high grade Mercury Dimes this year.
@Perfection said:
happy Thanksgiving to all.
The CAC registry is live and being used quite a bit. I see it as a game changer in many ways.
Sticking to the DLH post: Will DLH compete? It seems so and in a big way. Many sets are listed showing how many CAC coins are needed, Will DLH be looking for them? I believe yes. Why not?
He wants the best. It will not be easy and could take lots of time. It will be interesting.
What actions suggest that he actually wants the best? Many actions would suggest he wants an expansive set, not the best individual coins.
Well Hansen did spend more than $500k on two uber common ultra high grade Mercury Dimes this year.
And passed in actually irreplaceable coins in the same timeframe if I recall. Same goes for the 38-O 50c recently sold.
I think the evidence is that Dell Loy is into his third year of developing a high quality set. For those of us with top sets or near top sets, how often did we need to wait 5 to 10 years to find the perfect high quality? Now imagine you are trying to create EVERY existing redbook set. I also filled holes with less than top notch coins, suffering the completeness disease with my collecting. I should have done less of that over the years, but you often can wait a very, very long time for key redbook varieties. For example, it took forever (almost 15 years) to obtain a high grade, condition census 1820 no serifs half or a 1839 small letters reverse Capped Half. Every series has these stoppers no doubt.
But Dell Loy and John are only 3 years into this venture. He already has many top quality, finest known redbook sets mostly CAC, often after buying then intact. Time will tell, as I've posted many times here, how great his collection with ultimately become. Great collecting does take a decade or more.
I spoke with the new owner of the terrific 1838-O Reeded Edge Capped Half Dollar PCGS SP63 CAC that everyone has been raving about. He has a very discerning eye for quality and he is beyond thrilled. He has worked with Doug Winter for many years already. So congratulations to them again. The rumor mill is that another 1838-O is potentially in play. Several (i think 5 at least) have turned over the last four or five years. I'm sure John keeps Dell Loy informed about these potential opportunities. A few are now in very strong hands, but others not.
Loses its significance? Depends on why, I suppose. DLH added a lightly cleaned 70CC to my (his now) seated dollar set. It’s not really a great coin - might as well have a nice 63 instead of that 64.
On the other hand no 1804 dollar has a sticker - they are ALL overgraded. But price is by ranking, not by grade, so as long as it’s just the overgrade then no the sticker doesn’t matter. But....one has turned, another has a spot scratched out and another is cleaned. Caveat Emptor
Are there any plans to start showcasing pieces of this set at various shows?
I’ve never traveled outside of the state for a show but I know if Hansen’s set (some part of it at least) was being shown then I’d likely purchase my first flight for a coin show.
Comments
I have a Word document of it around here somewhere...
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
My first post in ten years but am still going through the thread to learn about this amazing collection. Best of luck in the quest.
$20 Saint Gaudens Registry Set
Welcome back John! Hope that you're doing well.
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
Poof! The AG3 is Gone
For the those that have been watching know, the most worn coin the core collection was the 1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AG3, PCGS POP 1/16 with CAC Approval. I wrote in detail about the coin when the coin was added September 28, 2018. If you like to go back and read more, the discussion can be found on page 25 of this thread. The coin was Count Down #27. I wrote this about the coin at that time:
This rare San Francisco half eagle is well worn, but does have CAC sticker. This purchase was called by jonruns on Sept 2nd of this month. In knowing that DLH needed this coin, he noticed that Doug Winter Numismatics sent out an email of their ANA purchases which included an 1864-S $5 PCGS/CAC AG03. Being the coin was not listed the next day in the NEWP as he expected, it made him wonder. He contacted DW and was told the coin had been purchased. Well now we know who purchased it. Great investigate work Jon. The coin did eventually appear on DWN website. A sold total was posted on the website, the coin realized $12,500. To make matters more interesting, there is not a PCGS Price Guide value for the AG3. The next coin up, G4 is valued at only $6000. DLH paid doubled the amount for a lower graded specimen. There is no identified history on the coin. Although DWN states: This piece is fresh to the market and it comes from a collection which has been put away for decades. As for the condition, he says, If we used split grades to designate coins; I’d call this a VG8 obverse/AG3 reverse. It is extensively worn but totally problem-free with attractive warm natural russet color and problem-free surfaces.
We will miss this old coin in the core collection, but from the beginning, we knew the days were numbered for this coin. It did last a little over 12 months, and it will be remembered as the original Count Down #27 specimen.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55, POP 1/1
This new coin was crossed over during the recent work by PCGS to re-slab, photography and pedigree Mr. Hansen’s core collection. By John Brush account, this coin was purchased in a NGC AU58 holder. By having it coin crossed over to PCGS AU55, they knew the coin would probably decrease in value. The overall objective is to have the highest possible PCGS graded collection, so taking a few hits is known and acceptable.
The newly certified Hansen Collection Specimen takes second spot on the PCGS POP Report. The coin replaces the Kesselman – Bass PCGS AU53 Specimen for second place, but trails the monster Norweb -Bass, PCGS MS65+ Specimen. David Hall wrote about this top specimen: The "unc" mentioned by David Akers in his 1979 book was subsequently sold in the Norweb Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1987) and then in the Harry Bass Sale (Bowers and Merena, 1999). It is graded MS65 by PCGS and it is the finest known by an incredible 10 points!
This specimen has not shown up in any recent auctions that I can find. I wished I knew a little more on its history, but there is not much information that I can find. The coin makes a great upgrade for this collection. The PCGS coin guide has not updated this specimen to show a value for AU55. The Value given for AU63 is $95,000. I would think this coin would be valued in six figures.
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates his example was estimated gradeEF45. Ex. Atwater; Mehl (1946). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $2,530.
1864-S Half Eagle PCGS AU55 (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #8297 / PCGS Serial #38081986
PCGS POP 1/1
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Currin, the provenance on the 1864-S $5 appears to be American Numismatic Rarities 1/2005:957
Ron Guth, Chief Investigator
The Numismatic Detective Agency
Tied for FINEST KNOWN
"Tied for FINEST KNOWN 1819 Large 9 with the Clapp-Eliasberg-Pogue-Link B-1 at the MS65 level at PCGS" proclaimed by Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 6/27/2019. This is another example where Mr. Hansen is attempting to improve the Early Federal Coinage 1792-1839. The more I study the D. L. Hansen Collection and Early Federal Coins, the more this becomes a realization to me that a high quality collection cannot be built in just a few years. Along with money, it also takes patience and longevity. The Pogue Collection that is universally recognized as the finest collection of Early Federal Coins ever assembled was built over decades by a father and son team. In my discussions with Mr. Hansen, I feel he is in this endeavor for the long haul. In fact, the impression that I got from him is he is not planning to sell his core collection in his lifetime. If my assumption holds true, can you imagine this collection in a couple more decades?
There are several reasons for the difficulty level for Early Federal Coins. One significant reason is many of the high grade coins are impounded in strong collections that are not for sale. For example, the Early Dollars are impounded in the HOF Bruce Morelan Collection of Early Dollars. This 12–piece set contains 10 coins that are the finest or tied for the finest certified by PCGS. Half of 10 are PCGS Pop 1/0 coins. Of all the Early Dollars coins, there are only three coins that could improve the grade of the set. Bruce may say even if the higher grade coin improves the rating of set, they are not the best on quality and appearance. In comparison, Mr. Hansen has two coins that are tied for finest, but as you can see, the availability for the top Early Dollars coins is just not there.
Let’s look at a few additional series that hits closer to home for this recent upgrade. Another HOF Collection is the Dr. Charles Link’s Bust Coinage. Many of his sets are closed to the public view, but it is well known that he owns many of the great bust rarities from assembling the collection for over three decades. He is still actively adding and upgrading his collection. His specialty includes Bust Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarter and Half Dollars. He has more than 50 registry sets of Early Federal Bust Coinage. More than 35 of these sets are PCGS All-Time Finest! Many surpass D. Brent Pogue Collection in grade and quality.
To wrap up before taking a look at the new upgrade, you should be able to get a feel for Mr. Hansen’s challenge in Early Federal Bust Coinage. These two PCGS collections will never be surpassed as long as they remain active. There are other large holdings that are even more private than these. Some may not be registered. But even with this tremendous challenge, Mr. Hansen still find great upgrades as this one.
1819 Quarter, B-2, MS65, Tied for Finest Large 9 at PCGS, Ex: Gardner
This coin has been offered in a couple auctions this year. The first appearance was the Legend Rare Coin -The Regency 33 Auction in Las Vegas, 6/27/2019. The coin realized $28,200, which was on the low end of Legend’s estimate. The listing indicated the coin was from the Hunter Collection.
The coin was described as: Tied for FINEST KNOWN 1819 Large 9 with the Clapp-Eliasberg-Pogue-Link B-1 at the MS65 level at PCGS. This impressive GEM has no less an impressive provenance, being the Randall-Garrett-Gardner coin. In its first recorded auction appearance in the March 1980 sale of the Garrett Collection, where it appears as lot 632, it was cataloged as: "MS65...Extremely sharply struck. A truly fantastic early quarter. The obverse and reverse are toned a pleasing light gray and lilac color with hints of blue and green iridescence. We have never seen a finer example and doubt if one exists." This nearly 40 year old description holds up today, though it does fail to mention the satiny underlying brilliance of the luster on the obverse. Struck from a later state of the B-2 dies, all the Die State B die cracks as described in Early Quarters of the United States Mint. The eye appeal is unbelievable and has a provenance that dates back into the 1800s! As an indication of how impressive the quality of this GEM really is, in 1980, this coin brought $37,500 (at the height of the silver boom market). The Eliasberg-Pogue coin is the most recent example to sell in auction, realizing $88,125 in May 2015. The current Collector's Universe value is listed at $42,500 and with the Pogue coin now impounded in the Link Collection, this is the FINEST Large 9 that will be available for collectors for a long time to come. If you are working on an early quarter set, you need to see this historic offering. Good luck!
The coin appeared later in the year in Heritage’s 2019 ANA World's Fair of Money Signature Auction in Chicago. This action was held on August 18, 2019 and the coin realized $33,600. In this action, the coin was given a more modest description: Tompkins Die State 4/2. The Capped Bust quarters of 1819 had a low mintage of 144,000 pieces, less than half that of 1818, and only four known 1819 die marriages resulted. Here, the Large 9 in the date points to lower fold in Liberty's drapery. The left edge of Liberty's lowest hair curl is over the left edge of 9 in the date. On the reverse, the scroll begins under the left tip of D and ends under the left side of the right diagonal of A2. I3 is centered under the left side of T3. A crisply struck example with bold definition on all obverse star radials and all of Liberty's hair curls. Light mint-green and peach-gold patina adorns the obverse. The reverse toning is similar, but the mint-green color turns to olive, and coloration has a more mottled appearance than on the obverse. One of the top two finest Large 9 examples at PCGS (7/19).
As stated, the specimen is a PCGS POP 2/0 for Large 9 examples, but the coin is a POP 1/0 for Die Variety B-2. In Legend’s description, the other top pop coin is in Dr. Charles Link Collection. That coin is a PCGS POP 1/0 for Die Variety B-1. Ron Guth mention both coins in his PCGS experts comments: Two major varieties comprise the 1819 Quarter Dollars: Large 9 and Small 9 (the Small 9 is called a "Normal" 9 by early Quarter Dollar experts Rea et al). The 9 on the Large 9 is substantially larger than either of the 1's in the date; on the Small ("Normal") 9, the 9 is approximately the same height as the adjacent 1. The most common of the two 1819 Large 9 Quarter Dollar die varieties (B-2) is scarce; the other (B-1) is very scarce to rare. According to the PCGS Population Report, the Large 9 is nearly twice as rare as the Small 9. The PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census for the 1819 Large 9 Quarter Dollar includes coins from PCGS AU53 to PCGS MS-65. The finest examples are a pair at the MS-65 level.
Provenance: J. Colvin Randall Collection - John Work Garrett Collection - Johns Hopkins University Collection, Part II - Bowers & Ruddy 3/1980:632, $37,500 - Jason Carter, sold privately in 2/2010 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part II - Heritage 10/2014:98342, $28,200 - Dr. Charles Link Collection - Hunter Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 6/2019:15, $28,200 - Heritage 8/2019:3730, $33,600
In an Eliasberg comparison, the other MS65 specimen in Dr. Charles Link’s collection was from the Eliasberg Collection.
1819 Quarter, B-2, MS65 (Gold Shield w/ Hansen Pedigree)
PCGS Coin #5326 / PCGS Serial #14681240
PCGS POP 2/0, PCGS Price Guide Value $42,500
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Legend's offering of newps this week would enhance any collection
You ain't kidding!
The MS65 1864-S which is a wonder coin was for sale or at least had a “make and offer” at an ANA a few years back.
Latin American Collection
Wow! Wow and Wow!
Some of the world's finest Draped Bust Dimes just hit the market. Each one of them is a treasurer to own. If I was putting together a world class Early Dime set and wanted it to be the finest ever, then they would be included in my set, without exception. Previously they were included in some of the greatest coin collections ever assembled. if i had the funds to own them, i would have bought them already. Yeah - i am a Early Dime junkie.
The NEWPS from Legend this week blew me away. The market report gives a bit of the back story--would love to know more. I didn't cross check it against the Hansen collection but I wonder how the coins offered would impact the collection?
I know the coins and i believe everyone are upgrades. But just comparing grades-
5 would be upgrades and 1 would fill a missing spot. For example, the 1797 16 Stars - the one for sale is a 66 and Hansen's is a 65. While not an upgrade, i feel the 66 is hands down the finest. If you compare the 1798/7 13 Stars - the one for sale is a 63 and Hansen doesn't own one. There are more but it really doesn't matter because the ones being offered are the best of the best IMHO. Personally, i never thought that after Pogue i would ever see these coins offered again.
Agree. The NEWPS from Legend are really high end. The 1795 $10 is the prize!
D.L. Hansen Branding
Now the Election Season is over, I can get back to what I love. The upgrades typically drop off this time of the year. Hansen did not make purchases that I could find in the Legend’s Regency Exclusively Event held 10/24/2019. I don’t know if he was too busy to participate or he was under bidder on everything. He could have purchased some “under the radar” coins that just don’t stand out in my searches. It is seemly odd an event this size, Hansen did not come away with something.
I thought with the break in the action; this would be a good time look at Hansen's new “branding”. If you missed it, John Brush provided an inside look of the event in Salt Lake that took place about a month ago. Take a detail look if you like to read more:
https://blog.davidlawrence.com/coins-we-love-the-hansen-update/
Hansen New Label - The Next Generation
John Brush describes this label as a satin gray background that is offered on just a few coins at the moment. The name he gives is The Next Generation. The Pedigree reads: D.L. Hansen Collection (with the small eagle at center top). John describes the task as Herculean by encasing nearly 8,000 coins. It is interesting there are several of these new braded coins for sale on DLRC website.
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Hansen Blue Label – Cert # on Front
This is standard blue label slab with the certification number on front. The Pedigree reads: D.L. Hansen Collection (with the small eagle to the left side). Mr. Hansen is said not to particular care for this label because the blue fades and over time become almost white. He does not like the inconsistency of the shade of blues in a set.
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Hansen Blue Label – Cert # on Back
This is standard blue label slab with the certification number on back label. Everything else is pretty much the same as previous label.
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Hansen Barber Label
This appears to be a special label designed just for his Barber coins. The pedigree appears over two lines, with the top line reads: D.L. Hansen. The second line reads: Barber Collection. This may become one of his rare holders.
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Any thoughts on the new label?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Mixed emotions regarding this vanity project. I understand the desire to have consistency, but we are just temporary caretakers until the next collector who feels the need to emblazon their name.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
My preference would be that PCGS maintains provenance records, but never on the slab.
Imagine if every collector counterstamped their coins
Personally I like the blue label with the PCGS shield on it. If he just had his last name above the cert # that would do it for me. I really liked the Pogue label.
Later, Paul.
Three Civil War Proofs
This may be the first posting discussing the Civil War coins. The D.L. Hansen Collection is attempting to assemble the first Civil War Proof set with gold. Without gold, there are three current sets completed with The Collection having the top two spots. With gold, it is a different story. Mr. Hansen is the only current collector working on completing this set. If there are others, they are not on the registry. We know Simpson’s Gold Set does not start until 1886, so we can count him out. From what I have seen, I know BigMo have some really nice Proof Gold Civil War coins, but not sure if he has interest to assemble a complete set. If anyone know of someone, please contribute.
It is very obvious assembling this great set is not for the faint of heart. PCGS describes the set as: This challenging set represents four years of our country's most trying times, the Civil War. It is a sampling of all denominations including the very tough proof gold issues which are rare in nearly all denominations. Completing this set will be an accomplishment as well also an historic representation of a difficult war that took place over 150 years ago. This s a 69 piece set that requires 40 gold coins. The Hansen set is 81% completed, with 13 gold proof coins left. The set has six PCGS certified POP 1/0 coins and seven others tied for PCGS finest. This remarkable set has weighted grade point average of 66.31. When completed, this set will be breathtaking.
Three Proofs Added
There were three proofs added to the set. The 1861 & 1862 Half Eagles are two stunning PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. The third coin added was the 1864 Three Dollar Proof PR65DCAM POP 2/1. I cannot determine how or where these three coins were acquired. I place the value of the three coins based on past auctions and PCGS price guide at approx. $350,000.
1861 Half Eagle, PR64CAM, PCGS POP 1/0
Only Three or Four Known in Private Hands
According to Heritage, this is a fairly rare coin with “Only Three or Four Known in Private Hands”. I do not know how Mr. Hansen acquired his specimen, but was last sold in Heritage’s 2018 January FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Tampa. The coin listed as 1861 $5 PR64 Cameo, in a NGC Holder. Heritage described the 1861 Half Eagle as: The official mintage of 66 proofs is probably accurate for the 1861 half eagle. However, like other denominations struck from 1859 through 1861, an unknown number were melted. In fact, Breen records "At least 10 proofs melted Jan. 1862 as unsold." From the lack of survivors today, it would appear there many more were melted later in the year. When one investigates the auction appearances of the 1861, it is remarkable how many major collections have lacked an example. It is probable that only three or four pieces are in private collections of this rarity: The Eliasberg/Trompeter coin that is graded PR66 Cameo and held in a private collection, the ex: Amon Carter coin (grade unknown), a PCGS PR63 that is probably the same as the Floyd Starr (Stack's, 10/92) example, and this coin. To these pieces, the Smithsonian and ANS coins may be added but these are, of course, not available. This is certainly the only 1861 proof five on the market today
The coin is not only a very high grade, it also have great appeal. The Heritage describes the condition as: The rich orange-gold surfaces are lightly hairlined (the viewer will need a magnifier, though). The fields are exceptionally deep in their mirrored reflectivity and the devices show a strong presence of mint frost that gives the coin its cameo contrast. The only marks of any note are a short scratch above the eye of Liberty, and another shallow one on the chin. This is a major opportunity for the specialist in 19th century gold, and it is obviously a rare chance to add this date to a run of early proof fives. The coin realized $102,000 in the January 2018 auction.
Provenance: Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2453
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg had a assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Ten Eyck; Mehl (1922); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $14,300. Lot #500.
1861 Half Eagle, PR64CAM (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #88451 / PCGS Serial #38081988
PCGS POP 1/0, Last Sold in Auction at $102,000
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1862 Half Eagle, PR64+CAM, PCGS POP 1/0
David Akers described: Proofs are rare and probably only about 12-15 exist. All proofs have a prominent center dot on the reverse..
This 1862 Specimen could not be found in any previous auctions. The coin is near flawless. Great Appeal. The coin is valued at $140,000 by the PCGS Price guide.
Provenance: unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg actually had an Assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Woodin; Elder (1911); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $13,200. Lot #287.
1862 Half Eagle, PR64+CAM (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #98452 / PCGS Serial #38466370
PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide Value $140,000
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1864 Three Dollar Gold, PR65DCAM, PCGS POP 2/1
David Akers: The proof mintage of 50 is somewhat higher than for most other dates in the 1860's, but it is likely that a number of the proofs were melted because this date is just as rare in proof as other dates with lower proof mintages.
Provenance: unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, per the PCGS registry notes, Eliasberg actually had an assumed graded Choice Proof. Ex. Sears (1909); Clapp Collection (1942). Sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $4,400. Lot #289.
1864 Three Dollar Gold, PR65CAM (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #98027 / PCGS Serial #38454559
PCGS POP 2/1, PCGS Price Guide Value $110,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Did he get the Eagle from the mint this morning?
I see another slot filled in the 1793-1964 set. 1798 $2-1/2 in AU-53.
This leaves:
1798 $5 Small Eagle
1822 $5
1854-S $5
1875 $10 (which he does have in proof)
In the 1793-date set, these coins are missing, but exist the the 1793-1964 set (a hint to do an update)
1798 $2-1/2
1798 $5 Large Eagle
1819 $5
1828 $5
Currin,
Here's some additional information on Hansen's Civil War gold coins listed above:
1861 $5 38081988
Provenance: Heritage 4/2008:2453, not sold - Heritage 1/2018:5042, $102,000 - D.L. Hansen Collection
Eliasberg's 1861 $5 is NGC PR66CAM
1862 $5
Provenance: King Farouk (The Palace Collections of Egypt) - Sotheby's 2/1954:254 - Hans Schulman (as agent) - Norweb Collection, Part I - Bowers & Merena 10/1987:870, $13,200 - E.S.S. Collection - Stack's/Bowers 8/2019:5330, $96,000 - D.L. Hansen Collection
1864 $3
Provenance: Stack's/Bowers 8/2019:5298, $60,000 - D.L. Hansen Collection
Ron Guth, Chief Investigator
The Numismatic Detective Agency
I wondered the same thing.
Any news about the 1838-O half that just sold at Stacks? I really liked that example, thought it very PQ for grade. I was hoping Dell Loy took a fancy to it.
LOL, How it feels when you're near the top of a registry and then along comes Hansen to drop a new set and debuts at #1:
OPE! EDIT This video has some language that was beeped out of the original broadcast. Let me know if not allowed. Til then, I'm rereading the rules. LOL
Positive BST Transactions (buyers and sellers): wondercoin, blu62vette, BAJJERFAN, privatecoin, blu62vette, AlanLastufka, privatecoin
#1 1951 Bowman Los Angeles Rams Team Set
#2 1980 Topps Los Angeles Rams Team Set
#8 (and climbing) 1972 Topps Los Angeles Rams Team Set
I heard Doug Winter bought it.
Do you know if he is planning to hold it or offer it for sale on his website?
No...but 90+% of coins of that magnitude are bought representing a collector rather than for stock.
Great purchase!
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Really great purchace Doug. I thought the 1838-O was one of the better ones extant. Really lovely, nice surfaces without any nicks and immediate eye appeal.
Great purchase
Latin American Collection
Any chance Winter was working for DLRC/Hansen? If not, Hansen unfortunately missed an excellent opportunity to fill a major hole in his set.
How much did the coin sell for?
$504K
Regarding Hansen branding, I like how he keeps the previous provenance on the insert as shown in the following example, but noticed that PCGS doesn't list D.L. Hansen in the Pedigree line. Is there any reason why Hansen wouldn't be listed in the PCGS Pedigree? Has this changed now?
I would much rather have the half dollar than the two common date Mercs in uber high grades that he spent more money on. I seriously hope Hansen didn't pass up on the opportunity.
Here's the 1838-O half dollar for reference:
Count Down 14 in Eliasberg Quest
Significant 1798 Quarter Eagle
A Famed Rarity of the Series
1798 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-5+. Close Date, Four Berries. AU53 (PCGS)
6th coin in last Box of 20…… Present Box Value = $2,260,800
There are only 14 coins left in Eliasberg Quest. In addition, the PCGS Hall of Fame U.S. Coins Complete Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1792-present) is nearing completion. The set only has 4 coins remaining. One of the remaining coins is the 1875 $10 in Business Strike. This coin is needed to complete the registry set, but Mr. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts). The other three coins are what I call the Half Eagle Trifecta.
The first coin is the 1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle. Ruth Guth describes the coin as: As of 2015, only seven examples are known of the 1798 Small Eagle $5. Two are in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. One is tied up in the Harry Bass Research Foundation. The Atwater example has not been seen since it appeared in a B. Max Mehl sale in 1946. The Garrett example disappeared "into the woodwork" circa 1983 when a mystery buyer flew into Lexington, Kentucky, purchased the coin, then flew off into the sunset in a private plane. In fact, the only example to appear on the market since 2000 is the PCGS AU55 D. Brent Pogue example that sold in September 2015 for a record $1,175,000 (and which itself had been off the market since 1979). Thus, the opportunity to purchase an example of this coin is exceedingly rare, and it would be difficult to pry one onto the market because we simply don't know where they are.
The second coin the trifecta is the 1854-S Half Eagle. This is an interesting coin, because Mr. Hansen had fourth example of this coin in hand, but after looking at the coin and with its mysterious history, he allowed it to be sold in a matter of hours. Jaime Hernandez wrote this: Sometime early in 2018, a 4th example was reported as being discovered by the news media. The owner of the coin chose to remain anonymous but he is said to be from New England. According to the news reports, the owner of the coin had shown it to several dealers and collectors who all deemed it fake. The coin was graded XF45 and was consigned to Heritage Auctions where it realized $2,160,000 on August 2018. With one of the four specimens tucked forever away is the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, the other example from the Willis H. Dupont Collection which stolen in 1967 and never recovered. Mr Hansen deciding not to keep the fourth example, then the only example let is the Pogue family specimen purchased at the Eliasberg sale. It is presently deemed as not for sale, and the future availability of this coin has not been determined.
The third of the trifecta coins is the 1822 Half Eagle. The difficulty level of this coin is even greater than the previous one. David Akers describes the coin as: The legendary 1822 Half Eagle is the most famous and desirable U.S. gold coin. It traded hands at fantastic prices when other great rarities that are now worth six figure prices were bringing mere pittances. There are three known specimens, two permanently impounded in the Smithsonian Institution (one in the Mint Collection, the other in the Lilly Collection) and one in the Louis Eliasberg Collection. The specimen in the Mint Collection has been there since the 1830's. The Lilly specimen was purchased from Amon Carter, Jr. in the early 1960's and is the H. P. Smith-William Dunham specimen. It was offered in the 1890 Parmelee Sale where it had a realized price of $900. In 1906, it sold in the H.P. Smith Collection Sale for $2165 and later brought a record $11,575 at the Dunham Sale. The Eliasberg coin was purchased by Mr. Eliasberg in July, 1945 from Abe Kosoff for $14,000. All three specimens are in the VF to EF range with the Eliasberg specimen being the finest of the three. As with the 1854-S Half eagle, the coin is presently deemed as not for sale, and the future availability of this coin has not been determined.
In summary, Mr. Hansen has reach a point where obtaining the remaining four coins will be very difficult. This is especially true for the Half Eagle Trifecta coins. There are eleven other coins left in the Eliasberg Quest. Mr. Hansen had several opportunities to purchase a handful of the coins in 2018 and 2019. His interest has remain focused on the registry required coins. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Hansen turns his attention to any of these coins in 2020.
1798 $2.50 Close Date AU53, Pop 2/4
The Close Date BD-1 Variety is the more difficult of the two known. Gordon Wrubel describes the two varieties this way: There are only two die varieties of 1798 $2 1/2 dollar gold pieces. These are comprised of two distinct obverses and reverses: The Close Date with a 4 Berry reverse, Bass-Dannreuther, BD-1, and the Wide Date with a 5 Berry reverse, BD-2. While both varieties are rare, the Bass-Dannreuther research has shown that the former, BD-1, is about TWICE as rare as the latter, BD-2, in all grades including Mint State. Of course the two varieties can be distinguished by counting the berries in the branch held in the eagle's left claw. But the obverse dies are also distinctive. The Close Date has the digits rather closely spaced and the 8 is CLEAR OF THE BUST. The Wide Date has noticeably wider spaced digits and the 8 is EMBEDDED IN THE BUST drapery. CoinFacts place the Rarity and Survival Estimates at 30 for all grades. There may be two specimens between MS60-MS64, and only one MS65. That would be the MS65 PCGS specimen from D. Brent Pogue Collection that realized $763,750 in Stack’s/Bowers & Sotheby’s in 2015.
Mr. Hansen purchased the coin last weekend in Stacks Bowers 2019 Rarities Night Auction in Baltimore. Stacks Bowers described the coin as: Pleasing semi-reflective surfaces exhibit blushes of pale rose to otherwise dominant bright olive-gold patina. The strike is well centered on the obverse, drawn trivially to the viewer's upper right on the reverse, although denticulation is also complete on the latter side. Striking detail to the major design elements is suitably bold in an example of this challenging early U.S. Mint gold type. BD Die State a. The coin realized an healthy sum of $78,000. PCGS Values the coin around $60,000. There is not information given for the history of this coin. The specimen is not listed in Coinfacts Condition Census Table. It should be included at the next update. This is a nice condition census addition to the The D.L. Hansen Collection: The Greatest Collection of U.S. Coins Ever Assembled.
Provenance: Stacks Bowers, November 2019 Baltimore - Session 4 - Rarities Night - D.L. Hansen Collection
In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, according to information provided by PCGS Registry, his specimen was the more common Wide Date variety (BD-2). The coin was estimated grade AU55. It was purchased by Louis Eliasberg when he acquired the John Clapp collection in 1942, earlier from the W.H. Spedding collection, auctioned by the Chapman Brothers in 1894. The coin purchased by Don Kagin at the Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 Eliasberg sale for $8,250.
1798 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1
PCGS Coin #97649 / PCGS Serial #38432370 / POP 2/4
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There are 14 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 11 coins that are not listed in “U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes Set” are Bold below. The remaining three Half Eagle Trifecta coins plus the 1875 $10 in Business Strike is needed to complete the registry set. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts), therefor is not shown on this list
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 4
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1839 Gobrecht Original Dollar (Survival 60-75)
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
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
happy Thanksgiving to all.
The CAC registry is live and being used quite a bit. I see it as a game changer in many ways.
Sticking to the DLH post: Will DLH compete? It seems so and in a big way. Many sets are listed showing how many CAC coins are needed, Will DLH be looking for them? I believe yes. Why not?
He wants the best. It will not be easy and could take lots of time. It will be interesting.
What actions suggest that he actually wants the best? Many actions would suggest he wants an expansive set, not the best individual coins.
Latin American Collection
Don't think so. Why would DLH add many sets to the new registry showing all the holes if he did not intend to full them at some point.
He is a competitor, well off and like many of us we want the best.
I advised him long ago to buy almost only CAC but......
It is possible to build some all CAC sets that are number one on the non CAC registry but it takes patience.
Well Hansen did spend more than $500k on two uber common ultra high grade Mercury Dimes this year.
And passed in actually irreplaceable coins in the same timeframe if I recall. Same goes for the 38-O 50c recently sold.
Latin American Collection
I think the evidence is that Dell Loy is into his third year of developing a high quality set. For those of us with top sets or near top sets, how often did we need to wait 5 to 10 years to find the perfect high quality? Now imagine you are trying to create EVERY existing redbook set. I also filled holes with less than top notch coins, suffering the completeness disease with my collecting. I should have done less of that over the years, but you often can wait a very, very long time for key redbook varieties. For example, it took forever (almost 15 years) to obtain a high grade, condition census 1820 no serifs half or a 1839 small letters reverse Capped Half. Every series has these stoppers no doubt.
But Dell Loy and John are only 3 years into this venture. He already has many top quality, finest known redbook sets mostly CAC, often after buying then intact. Time will tell, as I've posted many times here, how great his collection with ultimately become. Great collecting does take a decade or more.
I spoke with the new owner of the terrific 1838-O Reeded Edge Capped Half Dollar PCGS SP63 CAC that everyone has been raving about. He has a very discerning eye for quality and he is beyond thrilled. He has worked with Doug Winter for many years already. So congratulations to them again. The rumor mill is that another 1838-O is potentially in play. Several (i think 5 at least) have turned over the last four or five years. I'm sure John keeps Dell Loy informed about these potential opportunities. A few are now in very strong hands, but others not.
Would JA refuse to bean the Farouk saint if it was graded MS66?
My assumption is CAC looses its significance at top pops.
In that case, why would D.L.H bother?
My Saint Set
Loses its significance? Depends on why, I suppose. DLH added a lightly cleaned 70CC to my (his now) seated dollar set. It’s not really a great coin - might as well have a nice 63 instead of that 64.
On the other hand no 1804 dollar has a sticker - they are ALL overgraded. But price is by ranking, not by grade, so as long as it’s just the overgrade then no the sticker doesn’t matter. But....one has turned, another has a spot scratched out and another is cleaned. Caveat Emptor
Are there any plans to start showcasing pieces of this set at various shows?
I’ve never traveled outside of the state for a show but I know if Hansen’s set (some part of it at least) was being shown then I’d likely purchase my first flight for a coin show.
You should go to Long Beach in February and see a great display of Eagles
@Currin I'd still love a write up on his half cent collection, if you're willing.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"