This little gold dollar is from the Dahlonega Mint. It is written on a popular online site: The Dahlonega Mint was a former branch of the United States Mint built during the Georgia Gold Rush to help the miners get their gold assayed and minted, without having to travel to the Philadelphia Mint. It was located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, the Dahlonega Mint was seized by the Confederates. It is believed that after the Confederates took over the mint in 1861, that some gold dollars and half eagles were minted under the authority of the Confederate States Government. The exact number of 1861-D gold dollars produced is unknown, while approximately 1,597 1861-D half eagles were struck. Because of their relatively low mintage, all Dahlonega-minted gold coins are rare. It is generally accepted that gold coins estimated to exceed $6 million were minted here. After the end of the Civil War, The United States Government decided against reopening the mint.
There are 58 coin required for the Dahlonega Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) Set. PCGS describes that set as: This is one of the most historic of all coin sets, covering the Trail of Tears through the early days of the Civil War when Rebel forces captured the Dahlonega Mint. The gold dollar set features the 1861-D, a rarity with an unknown mintage that was struck after the Confederacy took charge of the Mint. The quarter eagles include the ultra-rare 1856-D, with only 874 pieces struck. The $3 gold piece of 1854-D is the only Dahlonega Mint $3 issued. The $5 pieces are rounded out by the classic 1861-D. Everything is here to remind us of an era that is gone forever. Magnificent rarities and a huge and passionate collector base add up to a great set.
There are additional dozen coins needed if you desire to complete the set with Major Varieties. The D.L. Hansen Collection has a complete 70 piece set. If you appreciate only GEM coins as Bruce and Oliver, then this set is not for you. I don’t know for sure, but the total GEM count in all denominations is extremely low. One of the best graded sets of All-Times, The Green Pond Collection, the best coins were MS64 specimens. Eliasberg, Newcomer, and Pittman Collections did not have any GEMs. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection best coins are estimated grade MS63s. The only MS65 GEM that I can find in the registry is from the Harry Bass Collection, 1845-D $5 MS65 PCGS Certification purchased from the Norweb collection auction conducted by Bowers and Merena in October, 1987. I know there are a few other Dahlonega Mint GEMs in NGC holders. The highest graded coin in the D.L. Hansen Collection is the "king" of the gold dollars, 1861-D G$1 MS64+ specimen purchased in September 2020 from the Bob Simpson Sale for $180,000.
Although the Hansen Collection does not contain any GEM Dahlonega specimens, the collection does have a few really nice coins. With this upgrade, the collection has four PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. There is another six tied for finest certified by PCGS. A total 30 of the coins are Condition Census PCGS Top Five.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+
This is as best grade that you will find in a PCGS certified holder. Doug Winter wrote: Like the 1855-D, the 1856-D is a date whose rarity has been widely overstated. In his 1965 gold dollar monograph, Breen estimated that “fewer than a dozen” examples existed. While the actual number is substantially greater, this is still a very scarce coin. The 1856-D gold dollar is a scarce coin. It is most often seen in Very Fine and lower end Extremely Fine. It is rare in Extremely Fine-45 and very rare in the lower About Uncirculated grades. In About Uncirculated-55 and About Uncirculated-58, it is extremely rare. In properly graded Mint State, this remains one of the rarest Dahlonega gold issues.
This is the first appearance for a MS62+ coin. The coin does not appear to be the Green Pond specimen which some specialists consider the finest. As appeared in a 2004 Heritage sale, We can account for four or five Uncirculated coins, of which the Green Pond Collection example is unquestionably the finest. I believe this statement was provided by Doug Winter. If this new Hansen coin at some point is proven not to be the finest, it still should remain high in the condition census report.
The coin was won by Mr. Hansen in David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction. The auction was Super Sunday Sale that took place the Sunday which was a week before the Super Bowl. David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) concluded its first DLRC Super Sunday Sale on the evening of January 31st with record-breaking results. The first offering of this special auction event included a fantastic array of Scarce US Gold issues along with their next offering of coins de-accessioned from the greatest collection of U.S. Coins, the D.L. Hansen Collection. With a total of 181 lots offered, over 110 coins found new homes with collectors, realizing over $500,000 from the special event. The 1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+ was the top seller realizing $87,500, a new Auction Record.
DLRC described the coin as: The sole finest known example of this elusive issue from an original mintage of only 1,460 coins. This stunning specimen is well struck but shows the characteristic weakness at the U of UNITED and the 5 of the date. Satiny, clean surfaces are aglow with bright luster and ideal warm yellow-golden color. An incredibly preserved survivor worthy of the discerning branch mint collector. PCGS+ grade for premium quality at the top of end of the assigned grade.
There was no additional pedigree information that I could find on this coin. It does make for a great upgrade to a great collection.
Provenance: Super Sunday Sale (DLRC 1/2021), DLRC Inventory 2225977, realized $87,500, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+, PCGS POP 1/0 Certification #41489655, PCGS #7543 PCGSGV: $90,000 / realized $87,500
Deja-vu? No, it is real. We just experience a few days ago another 1909 branch mint state coin being upgraded in this collection. You may recall the 1909-O half eagle was upgraded with a coin purchased in the Simpson sale hosted by Heritage Auctions. The new Hansen 1909-O half eagle is the only MS64+ graded by both leading TPG companies. The CAC population for this date is one in 64 (Hansen’s), and one finer, a MS65 PCGS Specimen that appeared in a 2016 Goldberg Auction. Today, we see another one of equal caliber, but this one is from the San Francisco Mint.
The D.L. Hansen Collection has a complete set of 1909 Mint Coins with Gold & Major Varieties. This is a 32 piece set. The set is described by PCGS as: To commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the first new cent design in fifty years was introduced to the American public in August, 1909. The first issues contained the designer's initials (VDB) at the bottom of the reverse. There are also two cent varieties (a doubled die on the 1909 VDB and a double mintmark - S over Horizontal S) resulting in no fewer than eight cents in this year's "With Varieties" Mint Set. Of course, the storied 1909-S VDB cent is a major key, but the last Quarters and Halves from the New Orleans Mint are also scarce, particularly in high grade. Including a variety, twelve gold coins were struck in 1909 and among them is one of the great 20th century rarities, the 1909-O Half Eagle. As the last (and only) Indian Half Eagle struck in New Orleans, it enjoys very strong demand from collectors. Gem specimens have sold in excess of half a million dollars! Another tough gold coin will be the 1909-D $20, which will run into the low six-figures in top grade. The gold variety in this set is the overdate (1909/8) from the Philadelphia Mint.
As for mentioned coins, the Hansen 1909-S VDB is a stunning MS67RD, POP 15/0. The 1909 VDB, Doubled Die Obverse is a very nice RD MS66+ RD, PCGS POP 9/7 and the 1909-S/S, S/Horizontal S, is an incredible MS67RD, POP 4/0. The key dates don’t end there, 1909-O Half Eagle is more than worthy. As stated earlier, the 1909-O Half Eagle MS64+ is an amazing coin purchased from the Simpson sale a couple weeks ago. The 1909-D Double Eagle is a GEM MS65 PCGS coin. The 1909/8 Double Eagle is MS64 which is not a GEM and could be a future target for replacement.
The D.L. Hansen Collection has the only completed set in the registry. The PCGS grades for the set ranged from MS64 to MS 67+, with an overall GPA of 66.51. The set has ten of the 28 coins as either sole finest by PCGS or tied for finest. For the average collector, if the major portion of their collection was this set, than that in itself would be a great achievement. In looking at the 28 coins in Hansen’s set, the PCGS Price Guide values the grouping a little north of $900,000. By value, the top two coins in the set is probable the two half eagles (1909-O and 1909-S)
1909-S Half Eagle MS66+, Ex: Norweb-Price-Simpson
I cannot say it is really a pattern, but quite often we see coins purchased by others in recent auctions turning up in the D.L. Hansen Collection. This is another example of that happening. The coin was purchased in the November 2020 Heritage Auction of The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part II Sale, but not by Mr. Hansen. I do not know if he was an under bidder or not.
Expert David Akers commented: The 1909-S is one of the four or five rarest issues of the series. Among San Francisco Mint issues it is virtually on par with the 1915-S and is far more rare than the lower mintage 1908-S. Mint State examples at any level are rare and in high Mint State grades, i.e. MS-64 or better, there are probably fewer than 20 specimens in all. The two best I have seen are the Brand and Norweb specimens, both better than MS-65 and undoubtedly obtained directly from the Mint at the time of issue. The Brand coin is now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor, the Norweb specimen by Dr. Thaine Price. Kruthoffer's specimen was also a gem and I have handled at least three others of that quality. The 1909-S is almost always sharply struck and the mintmark is bold and well defined. (On at least one specimen-Norweb-the mintmark is widely double punched.) Nearly all Mint State examples are frosty but I have seen a few of the satiny variety. Lustre is generally very good to excellent and, overall, a nice 1909-S looks very much like a nice 1908-S or 1910-S. Most specimens have a rich coppery gold color although some are light to medium yellow gold.
Mr. Akers mention the Norweb (Hansen) Specimen several times in his commentary. The coin appeared in 1987 Norweb Collection Part 1 Sale. The auctioneer was Bowers & Merena. It realized $23,100 as an uncertified MS65. After leaving the Norweb Collection, the coin became a part of the Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection. The collection was sold in auction by David Akers in 1998. Again, the coin was uncertified and sold as GEM UNC. It realized $44,000. As you can see, this coin went from one great collection to another. The next stop was the Bob Simpson Collection and now the Dell Loy Hansen Collection. Mr. Hansen wrote is a recent and rare posting: We all only hold these coins temporarily. This is so true.
In Simpson sale, Heritage described the difficulty of the coin as: The 1909-S is a better date in Uncirculated condition, and above MS62 it is among the most challenging Indian half eagles to acquire. Select Mint State pieces are decidedly scarce, and Choice coins are seen similarly infrequently. Only a handful of coins are known in MS65 or finer condition. The Condition Census is composed of four MS65s, three MS66s, and a sole MS67, PCGS and NGC populations combined. However, this trivial survivorship likely includes at least one or two duplications. It has been nearly a decade since an MS65 or MS66 coin last appeared at auction. The lone Superb Gem coin -- PCGS certified, Ex: Brand, Duckor -- has not been seen at auction since Superior's March 2000 ANA National Money Show sale.
The Auction Record Holder is the Jim O'Neal MS65 coin that was sold in the Heritage‘s January 2011, Tampa FUN Signature & Platinum Night US Coin Auction. The coin was headlined as “Probably the Third Finest Known Example”. The MS66 specimen realized $103,500 which is the only 1909-S Half Eagle to break the six figure mark. Heritage referenced the O’Neal sale when making this comment: A 1909-S half eagle in MS65 or better condition is the epitome of conditional rarity. We last handled an MS65 coin in our August 2001 Atlanta Signature, and only one other coin in that grade has appeared in any auction house's sales since then. We have previously handled only two MS66 pieces, one in the 2002 FUN Signature, and the other -- Ex: O'Neal -- in the 2011 FUN Signature. The latter piece realized $103,500, which is the auction record for a 1909-S half eagle. The Simpson coin is poised to shatter that record. It did not shatter the mark as the Heritage Auctioneer predicted. There are some auction results that makes me scratch my head, and this is one of them with the coin only realizing $63,000.
In the Simpson sale by Heritage, the coin was described as: Razor-sharp design elements perfectly complement luminous mint luster, cast in lovely shades of orange-gold and pale rose hues. The preservation is incredibly superb, to the point that there are few surface characteristics that can serve as pedigree markers. Eye appeal is outstanding. Registry collectors have been waiting nearly a decade for a chance to acquire a 1909-S half eagle of this caliber. This is their chance.
At $63,000, It appear the coin was a nice pickup for dealer inventory. Most recently, the coin was offered for sale by Heritage Direct. It is housed in a Simpson holder, but no other description or pedigree given. The ask price on the coin was $81,000 (Park Avenue). It is hard to know the transaction price, but we can safety assume between $63,000 and $81,000. This is far short of the record price and the PCGS Price Guide value of $110,000. With all said and done, The Hansen collection now have two 1909 branch mint half eagles. As a reminder, the Hansen 1909-O Half Eagle realized $240,000. Job well done.
Provenance: Norweb Collection (Bowers & Merena 10/1987) lot 981, realized $23,100; Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (David Akers 5/1998) lot 22, realized $44,000; The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part II / US Coins Signature (Heritage11/2020, lot 3087, realized $63,000; Pruchased in private transaction (Heritage Direct 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
There is no doubt that Hansen has the greatest US coin collection in existence now. Soon, he will have a decision to make. Complete at any cost or go for the showdown with eliasberg missing a few
There are quite a few coins missing from the Eliasberg PCGS complete registry set. Did he in fact own these coins at one time? Maybe they weren't enter by PCGS in his historic set for one reason or another. If this set is an acurate representation of Eliasberg holdings, the Hanson collection is already far superior.
@gschwernk said:
There are quite a few coins missing from the Eliasberg PCGS complete registry set. Did he in fact own these coins at one time? Maybe they weren't enter by PCGS in his historic set for one reason or another. If this set is an acurate representation of Eliasberg holdings, the Hanson collection is already far superior.
I think some people contest that it isn't an accurate representation. One of the reoccurring themes in this thread is that people believe many of Eliasberg's coins would have upgraded/be graded higher in 2021.
People often ignore the fact that D.L. Hansen has a lot of more modern issues that didn't even exist when Eliasberg was collecting. The scope of Hansen's collection is larger too. If you factor in the fact all of these coins that Eliasberg collected are now 40+ years older, maybe the difficulty for Hansen could be higher. However, the existence of the internet and improvements in communication over the last 50 years make collecting easier in other ways.
@tradedollarnut said:
There is no doubt that Hansen has the greatest US coin collection in existence now. Soon, he will have a decision to make. Complete at any cost or go for the showdown with eliasberg missing a few
Im not sure those are his only choices. Along the way we have heard many times a particular coin was Hansen's "only" chance and he passed. Those coins resurfaced again and he purchased some of them at better prices
@tradedollarnut said:
Eliasberg’s scope included patterns, colonials, Territorials and world coinage. No way no how does Hansen’s scope exceed eliasberg’s scope.
That's true, but Hansen's accomplishment is more impressive, I think. Mostly because of the overall quality, but also because much of Eliasberg's collection was acquired in a single purchase from the Clapp estate.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
@gschwernk said:
There are quite a few coins missing from the Eliasberg PCGS complete registry set. Did he in fact own these coins at one time? Maybe they weren't enter by PCGS in his historic set for one reason or another. If this set is an acurate representation of Eliasberg holdings, the Hanson collection is already far superior.
As was discussed early in this thread, for several coins Eliasberg had a proof example, but the PCGS set definition only looks for a business strike version.
It was a common style of collecting at that time.
Thanks yosclimber. That clears up my misunderstanding. It is very hard to compare 2 diffent coin collections of any specialty. How important are proofs vs circulation strikes. How about special issues(1885 Trade dollar 1904 $10)? . How about errors(1943 bronze cent etc) ? Who decides what is most important? At least it provides lots of fun when discussing coin collecting.
I’m trying to think back to the last time there was a discussion with the Mint State Trade Dollars. I did not recall having one, and I could not find a reference to a past posting, so this could be the first. There have been several discussions pertaining to the Hansen Collections of Proof Trade Dollars. As many of you know, Mr. Hansen purchased the Eliasberg 1885 once from the Hall of Fame Legend set assembled by Bruce Morelan. At time I can safely say, this is the greatest and finest collection of Trades Dollars ever assembled. PCGS wrote in the 2002 HOF bio: The circulation strikes are the finest of all-time (by a billion miles), the proofs, which have since been sold, were the finest set of all-time, and the Chop mark set is the finest of all-time. Not only is every coin in the circulation strike set a Pop Top, they are almost all unique for the grade. And the proofs include the Eliasberg examples of the ultra rare 1884 and 1885. This collection is a major numismatic accomplishment and the definitive representation of everything this important series means to U.S. coin collecting.
The Hansen Proof set is currently #1 all-time in the registry. The Mint Set is a different story. The 17-piece Morelan set was sold in tact to an anonymous registry member. This set is not just good, but certainly untouchable. It is not a large set that PCGS describes as: A short but extremely challenging series that is LOADED with condition rarities. In fact, none of the coins can be called "common." The stoppers of the series include the 1875, 1876-CC, 1877-CC, and 1878-CC, but many other dates could be added to the list depending on the condition. This is one of America's most historic and interesting coins, and in gem condition it is beautiful as well.
One oddity of the set, all 17 coins currently have sole PCGS finest POP 1/0 specimens. PCGS describes these coins a “unique for the grade”. In the Ex: Morelan set, 14 of the 17 coins are “unique for the grade”. That leaves only three PCGS POP 1/0 coins available for all the rest of the collecting community. With this recent purchase, The D.L. Hansen Collection has two of the three available. The first is the 1874-S MS65+ POP 1/0, Certification #37998846 Specimen. Mr. Hansen added his second specimen a few days ago, 1877 MS66+ Certification #37998846. There is one other PCGS POP 1/0 specimen.
1877 Trade Dollar MS66+
The 1877 Trade Dollar is narrated, with minor editing, by Q. David Bowers in "Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia" (Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., 1993): The 1877 trade dollar is very common in circulated grades. I estimate that of the levels from VF-20 to AU-58, 20,000 or more exist. Chopmarked pieces are scarcer than the high mintage would suggest. This reflects lessened demand in China, or increased diversion to domestic circulation, or both. Mint State grades: Despite its record high mintage for a Philadelphia coin of this denomination, the 1877 trade dollar is a major rarity in MS-65 grade. I estimate that just four to eight are known. Until the rarity of circulation strikes of Philadelphia Mint coins began to be studied in the 1970s, emerging almost as a science in the 1980s, the 1877 was dismissed as a common date. Now we all know the MS-65 1877 for the rarity it is. A tiny difference in grade can make a big difference in rarity (and price). I estimate that 60 to 120 or more are known at the MS-64 level. As grading is not a precise science, once the rarity of the 1877 in MS-65 becomes generally known (see preceding paragraph), I would not be surprised to see many MS-64 coins resubmitted to the certification services in the hope of attaining the pinnacle MS-65 listing. Accordingly, watch for "MS-65" coins to become more common. In MS-63 there are probably about 150 to 250 or more 1877 trade dollars known. In the MS-60 to 62 range the issue is readily available, and an estimated 450 to 900 or more are known.
The current Top Pop 1877 MS66+ Trade Dollar that Mr. Hansen purchased has been around for a while. The value has bounced around a little the last decade. The first appearance was in a Heritage’s 2013 US Coin Signature Auction where the coin was described as: Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is one of just two graded by PCGS with none finer (9/13). The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. Striking softness on the high points is almost too trivial to mention. The coin’s provenance and pedigree is from the Rosemont Signature Collection. It realized an Auction Record is $30,550 which still stands from a 2013 sale.
The coin was in The Greensboro Collection when it made the most recent appearance. The coin was headlined as: 1877 Trade Dollar, MS66, Tied for Finest at PCGS. The description is only slightly different that the 2013 listing. Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is one of just two graded by PCGS with none finer (11/18). The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. Striking softness on the high points is almost too trivial to mention, with above average head detail on the obverse. In Heritage 2019 FUN US Coins Signature, the price realized dropped to $19,200.
Fast forward to current day, the coin was offered for sale by Numismatic Financial Corporation. It was described as: 1877 T$1 MS66+ PCGS. Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is single finest known at PCGS pop 1. The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. The ask price for the coin was $39,950.
This is the nice upgrade to the Trade Dollar Set. Will this be a set that we will see more activity? Let’s watch and see.
Provenance: Rosemont Signature / US Coin Signature (Heritage 11/2013), lot 3677, realized $30,550 (Auction Record); The Greensboro Collection, Part VII / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2019), lot 3769, realized $19,200; Purchased in private transaction (Numismatic Financial Corporation via David Lawrence Rare Coins 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1877 Trade Dollar MS66+ PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest at PCGS Certification #37998846, PCGS #7044 PCGS Coin Guide Value: Unknown / Asked $39,950 Ex: Rosemont - Greensboro
In the old days, pcgs would never have graded that coin even MS65. I know - I tried every damn 1877 that I could get my hands on. Finally, they loosened up on the star strike and the floodgates literally opened on gems
The MS66 from my old set has a far superior strike and surfaces. This coin has nice eye appeal but 66+? Shrug
@tradedollarnut said:
In the old days, pcgs would never have graded that coin even MS65. I know - I tried every damn 1877 that I could get my hands on. Finally, they loosened up on the star strike and the floodgates literally opened on gems
The MS66 from my old set has a far superior strike and surfaces. This coin has nice eye appeal but 66+? Shrug
I totally agree with your perspective.
However, the greater argument is that PCGS should provide historical grade submission histories for ALL coins in their data base. Coins such as this one have been resubmitted so many times just to make a POP 1. Even if the coin was cracked, top POP coins are not unknown and their history with PCGS should be public information.
For those in the community that has been fatefully watching this collection expand and improve knows, recently I have focused a few of my updates on the Morgan Dollar Collection since the Larry H. Miller sale in November of 2020. The Hansen Morgan set was elevated into the top five leaderboard and he has continued to update in 2021. Three of the four updates in this posting were purchased from Barry Stuppler. He is marketing coins from the Illinois Collection. The other coin is from another source that Mr. Hansen turns to: GreatCollections Auction. Here are the four new 2020 upgrades and approximately when purchased.
1903-O MS67+, CAC Approved, Cert #40690986, POP 10/0. The coin was purchased 1/24/2021 in a GreatCollections Auction. It realized $30,864.
1878 7TF (Rev 79) MS67, Cert #37728196, POP 1/0, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in late January from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $60,000. This coin appeared in the Heritage August 2017 ANA US Coins Signature Auction. It was graded MS67 NGC and realized $37,600 (Auction Record).
1901 PCGS MS62 (Doubled Die Reverse) MS62, Cert #37728320, POP 3/1, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in late January from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $52,500. The ask price was $58,500.
1904-S PCGS MS67 CAC Approved, Cert #37728332, POP 2/0, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in Mid-February from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $85,000. The ask price was $95,000. (Featured Below)
The total for the four coins is estimated at just slightly below $250,000. This purchase was not for a sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 Specimen. Currently the D.L. Hansen has five POP 1/0 Specimens from the Illinois Set. There are still seven being offered by Barry Stuppler on his website. The remaining sole finest specimens range in starting ask price of $137,000 and topping out at $690,000. To purchase the remaining seven piece lot would require about $2 Million. I am not expecting that to happen, but I would keep eye open for one or two more top pop specimens at some point.
1904-S Morgan Dollar, MS67 CAC Approved, Ex: Illinois Set
We see Mr. Hansen dip into the Stuppler well once more. The coin he brings home is a 1904-S MS67 tied for sole finest certified by PCGS. Q. David Bowers writes: In worn grades the 1904-S is plentiful in lower grades through Fine or so. EF and AU pieces are few and far between. In the years before 1940, the 1904-S dollar was a great rarity in Uncirculated condition. Even the largest collections were apt to lack a specimen. After the early 1940s, the situation changed, and, as noted above, specimens were readily available on the market. The 1904-S is moderately scarce now in the 1990s. Most specimens seen today are in lower grade ranges from MS-60 to 63. MS-64 coins are scarce, and MS-65 coins are rare. I suggest that just 5,000 to 10,000 MS-60 to 62 coins survive, 4,000 to 8,000 MS-63s, 1,500 to 3,000 MS-64s, and only 200 to 400 MS-65 or better. Most 1904-S dollars are lightly struck, especially at the center of the obverse. Lustre ranges from "greasy" to lightly frosty. Some have extensive abrasions, especially on the obverse.
The coin first appeared in 2006 in a Bowers & Merena Auction offering the specimen from the Anne Kate Collection. At the time of the sale, The Anne Kate Set was #2 in the PCGS Registry. The #1 set at that time was California 1. In 15 years, the Anne Kate Set has dropped to #16. Father Time can be harsh. The uncertified MS67 realized $43,700. Just a year later, the coin appeared in Heritage’s 2007 Signature Coin Auction offering the specimen this time from The Jackson Hole Collection. The coin realized $32,200 as a PCGS certified MS67. Eight years pass before the coin is seen again. In Legend’s 2015 Regency XIV Auction, the auctioneer described the coin as: This amazing 1904-S looks like it’s been extra carefully stored from the day it left the bank until the day it was encapsulated. A true borderline MS68! Absolutely perfect surfaces will pass every test. You won't find problems of any kind. A decent luster shows off a moderate, mellow mix of original golden brown/deep champagne/pale olive evenly spread all over. Miss Liberty and the details are fully struck and the eye appeal is pleasing! This was the sale of the Coronet Collection and the coin realized $70,500 an Auction Record.
The last public auction appearance was May 2018. In the Legend Regency 26 Auction, the coin was from the P.F.M. Collection. This collection does not ring a bell for me. Also, Legend contributed the coin as an Ex: Coronet Collection and added: Described in our sale of the Coronet Collection as: "This amazing 1904-S looks like it’s been extra carefully stored from the day it left the bank until the day it was encapsulated. A true borderline MS68! Legend continue the description with: To that we will add that this coin has an impressive provenance, first being a part of the Anne Kate Collection, then going into the Coronet Collection. In the course of a dozen years, this marvelous GEM has resided in three major collections of Morgan dollars. Now with the Illinois and Hansen Collections added to the pedigree, the GEM has resided in five major collections of Morgan Dollars.
Twice Legend described the coin as A true borderline MS68!, but the coin still resides in a MS67 PCGS holder. Is it a possible candidate for a MS67+ upgrade, I do not know. Barry Stuppler described the coin as: Here is a 1904 San Francisco $1 Silver Morgan Dollar, which is holdered with the prestigious Illinois Set label and has graded MS67 by PCGS while also achieving CAC Certification. It is perfect for PCGS registry set collectors. This captivating Silver Dollar has overall lovely eye appeal, a mottled patina of burnt dusk, and clay color toning adding unique charm. The devices are well struck, with bold lines and excellent depth. A vivid cartwheel of original mint luster accentuates predominantly mark-free fields. This high-end Morgan is visually exceptional and will make an excellent complement to any portfolio or collection. In addition to being uniquely beautiful, this Morgan is also tied for the finest known. From a mintage just over 2 Million, current PCGS population reports indicate ONLY 2 have graded MS67 by PCGS with none grading higher. Of the two tied at MS67, ONLY 1 has received CAC Certification, THIS ONE! Maybe the reason the coin has not been upgrade is desire to keep the CAC Approve POP 1/0 sticker.
Will we see more Morgan upgrades in 2021? We will have to watch and see.
Provenance: Anne Kate Collection, Part II (Bowers & Merena 8/2006), lot 2287, realized $43,700; The Jackson Hole Collection / Signature Coin Auction (Heritage 4/2007), lot 116, realized $32,200; Coronet Collection / Regency XIV Auction (Legend 10/2015), lot 34, realized $70,500 (Auction Record); P.F.M. Collection / Regency 26 Auction (Legend 5/2018), lot 135, realized $70,500; Illinois Set Collection (PCGS Set Registry), offered by Barry Stuppler (Mint State Gold, 2016), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1904-S Morgan Dollar, MS67 PCGS POP 2/0, CAC Approved POP 1/0 Certification #37728332, PCGS #7294 PCGS Value Guide: $85,000 / Asked $95,000 From Illinois Collection, Ex: Kate-Coronet
Mr Hansen is a very successful businessman.. How he proceeds with his collection......nobody knows
Clapp (father and son) were true collectors who never thought of selling their coins . They died with their coins
Louis Eliasberg did die with his coins
I don’t believe DL Hansen will die with his coins
Doesn’t anyone think DL Hansen will go through a phase of exhibiting parts of his collection ?
I don’t believe DL Hansen will die with his coins
Doesn’t anyone think DL Hansen will go through a phase of exhibiting parts of his collection ?
.
.
Hey Stuart,
Have you heard something recently that I have not heard? The last I talked with Mr. Hansen about about his collection, he told me that his plan was after his death to have his collection be placed a trust for his children. The setup would be a slow sale of the coins over many years that would provide a steady income. This is a intriguing way to leave an inheritance. What I am not sure of is how his duplicate coins fit in.
I know he enjoys letting others see his coins. I think he does desire having them exhibited. As you know the logistics to have that happen is not easy with insurance policy limitations and etc. I think some parts will exhibited at some point. I have heard him say that he is please people can enjoy online. I know he did spend money to have them better photographed when they was out of plastic for branding.
OMG! This coin is so the real deal. We’d rank it MS64.8+++ every time! In full MS65, these are so exceedingly rare. Legend Numismatics, February 2021
David Akers describes the coin as: The 1837 is really a very scarce and underrated date. It is more rare in all grades than the 1834 Plain 4, 1835, 1836, or 1838 and is much rarer in choice condition than any of those four dates. In AU and Unc, it has actually appeared at auction less often than the 1838-D, although, in my experience, the 1838-D is more rare in those grades. According to PCGS reports, there are only four GEMs certified by PCGS. Two coins are graded MS65 and one MS66. The sole finest known specimen is the D. Brent Pogue Mint State-66+, PCGS Specimen. The coin was previously in the Harry W. Bass Collection sold for $235,000 (Auction Record) in Pogue Sale, Part IV on May 24, 2016. The coin is safely and securely tucked away in the fabulous High Desert Collection.
Legend Numismatics described the MS64+ rarity of the new Hansen Specimen as: This is one of just two graded MS64+ by PCGS. PCGS has possibly graded only 4 coins higher. There is NO record of this MS64+ selling in a major auction. The current PCGS Price Guide value is $57,500 and it is critical to note: an MS65 (NON CAC) sold for $100,625 way back in 2010. ALL posted numbers for this coin in MS64 and higher are incorrect. The rarity of this date and higher in this grade is extreme. If a PCGS CAC MS65 were ever to show up, it would sell for $125,000+ today. In an interesting statement, Legend does not view GreatCollection Auctions as not being a major auctioneer.
1837 Classic Head Half Eagle MS64+ PCGS, CAC Approved
Its first appearance was November 2012 in a GreatCollection Auctions. As you know, GC rarely provides lot descriptions and provenance. With only two bids, the coin realized $44,550 with Buyer Fees. After being off the market for about seven years, the coin returned to GreatCollection Auctions for a second time on June 16, 2019. This time the action was more intense. After 14 bids, the coin hammered for $62,501, realizing $70,313.62 with Buyer Fees.
I am not sure the status of the coin for the last year and half, but it appear Legend Numismatics offered the coin in the past few days. I know that I see only a fraction of the coins that Mr. Hansen acquires. I fairly confident this is not the first coin purchased from Legend Numismatics, although I do believe this is the first significant coin that I have seen. Will there be more to come, I am not really certain.
Legend Numismatics described the coin as: Outstanding surfaces are smooth and clean. Only on the reverse is there a small scuff/frost break that you can see with a glass (which is all that we can find that keeps it from MS65). This coin oozes with as much originality as we have ever seen. It looks like it was carefully stored for a very long time. A moderate glowing luster beams from all over. Both sides enjoy a rich and totally original deep gold with pale greenish gold highlights. There are NO discolorations or spots. The eye appeal is terrific! If you are trying to build a GEM set, this coin is a perfect fit! The ask price on the coin was $69,500 which is slightly below the price realized in the 2019 GreatCollection sale.
The POP 2/4 MS64+ coin is a nice upgrade to the MS62, Cert #83794555. I believe the MS62 specimen was acquired in Heritage’s July 2017 Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. It realized $11,750. The Hansen Collection is not unlike the Bass Collection where Mr. Bass had depth in many of his coins. The MS6coin does have the D.L. Hansen branding, so I am not sure the future fate of this coin. This borderline PCGS MS64+ Condition Census Top Five is a nice upgrade to the Half Eagle Collection that is just getting better and better. Let’s watch as see if the motivation is gearing up in the Early Gold series where a monster coin could be added in the future.
Provenance: GreatCollection Auctions 11/2012, ID #83410, realized $44,550; GreatCollection Auctions 6/2019, ID # 711908, realized $70,313.62; Purchased in Private Transaction (Legend Numismatics 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1837 Classic Head Half Eagle MS64+ PCGS PCGS POP 2/4, CAC Approved Certification #25502003, PCGS # 8175 PCGS Value Guide: $57,500 / Ask $69,500
@tradedollarnut said:
IMO, purchasing a tooled coin for in excess of $300k incentivizes the coin doctors and is extremely detrimental to our hobby. The proper response would’ve been “thanks but no thanks”
@Boosibri said:
Registry nonsense chasing modern coins not even around when Eliasberg was collecting while passing on irreplaceable and long-standing rarities
Have to agree
I manage money. I earn money. I save money . I give away money. I collect money. I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Hey Stuart,
Have you heard something recently that I have not heard? The last I talked with Mr. Hansen about about his collection, he told me that his plan was after his death to have his collection be placed a trust for his children. The setup would be a slow sale of the coins over many years that would provide a steady income. This is a intriguing way to leave an inheritance. What I am not sure of is how his duplicate coins fit in.
I know he enjoys letting others see his coins. I think he does desire having them exhibited. As you know the logistics to have that happen is not easy with insurance policy limitations and etc. I think some parts will exhibited at some point. I have heard him say that he is please people can enjoy online. I know he did spend money to have them better photographed when they was out of plastic for branding.
Makes me think of Bear
I manage money. I earn money. I save money . I give away money. I collect money. I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
A few days ago I posted an updated featuring the Dahlonega Mint. Today, we will take a deeper look the Charlotte Mint. It is written that The Charlotte Mint was the first United States branch mint. Following the first documented discovery of gold in the United States, the country's first gold mine was established in North Carolina at the Reed Gold Mine. As no mints existed in the Charlotte area, miners had to send their gold dust to Philadelphia to be melted and coined. The transportation process was difficult, slow, expensive, and dangerous; frustration with this system led to the creation of private gold coining operations in the Charlotte area. However, making gold into local money had its own inherent problems, such as accurate weighing and determining fineness. In the spring of 1831, North Carolina merchants and miners petitioned Congress for a branch mint in the Charlotte region to reduce the risk of transporting gold. They received no response until three years later when the United States Treasury began to investigate private coining operations and recognized North Carolina's need for more federal coinage. On March 3, 1835, the United States Congress approved an Act 115 to 60 to establish several branch mints. In May 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union. The Confederacy seized the Charlotte Mint along with those at New Orleans and Dahlonega.[1]The Confederate government continued coining operations until October when it became clear it was a futile effort. The mint was then converted into a hospital and military office space for the remainder of the Civil War.
There are 50 coins required for the Charlotte Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) Set. PCGS describes that set as: This historic Mint met the same end as that of Dahlonega, in that both were captured by the Confederacy during the Civil War and never reopened. Today, collectors from across the country remember this tumultuous time through the magnificent coins of the Charlotte Mint.
There are additional four coins needed if you desire to complete the set with Major Varieties. PCGS describes this set as: The legendary rarity of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar. The romantic end of the series as the final 1861-C half eagles were struck by the Confederacy. In between, there are rarities galore of differing degrees, such as the 1843-C Small Date quarter eagle, the 1842-C Small Date half eagle or the 1855-C Type Two gold dollar, to name but a few. The D.L. Hansen Collection has two of the four. The collection is missing the 1839/8-C which is required by PCGS for the Major Varieties. The coin is recognized by CoinFact as a die variety and not a major. Confusing or not, the coin is still missing in the collection. The other missing coin is “The legendary rarity of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar.”
In the past few days, The D.L. Hansen Collection has acquired two Charlotte Mint One Dollars from Rare Coin Wholesalers. The fist coin was a couple weeks ago updating with the 1855-C G$1, MS61, PCGS POP 4/0, Certification 39525939. The ask price by RCW was $32,950. This week the collection upgraded the 1851-C with a coin from RCW.
As you can see, the eight Gold One Dollar specimens are amazing. There are only five PCGS certified coins that could improve the grouping. The 1849-C can only be improved with the purchase of sole finest PCGS MS64+ Bob Simpson Specimen. The coin sold September 2020 for an auction Record of $48,000. The second coin is the mysterious 1857-C sole finest PCGS MS62 specimen. Last is the 1859-C specimen which there is three PCGS MS63 coins that could improve the set. The last appearance was again a specimen from the September Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I sale. The coin realized an auction record of $31,200. This week’s upgrade of the 1851-C is also from the September Simson sale, but not purchased in the sale by the Hansen team.
1851-C Gold One Dollar MS66, Ex: Bob Simpson
The MS66 coin is the only GEM in the Hansen Charlotte One Dollar collection. The date 1851-C may be the only date that has produced a GEM specimen. PCGS records nine 1851-C GEMs, six MS65 and three MS66. Doug Winter describes the coin as: During the five years in which Type One Gold dollars were struck at the Charlotte Mint (1849-1853), a total of 80,816 pieces were produced. Of these 41,267 (or 51.06%) were dated 1851-C. As one might expect, the 1851-C is by far the most common Type One Charlotte Gold dollar. It is also the most plentiful issue of any denomination from this mint, both in terms of the total number known in all grades and the amount of high grade examples that have survived. The 1851-C is the most common Charlotte gold dollar. It is also the most easily obtained Charlotte coin of any year or denomination. This issue can be found in any circulated grade without much effort. It is only moderately scarce in the lowest Uncirculated grades. In properly graded MS62 it becomes scarce and it is rare in MS63 or better. There are at least a half dozen Gem examples known and these are among the finest surviving coins from the Charlotte Mint.
There have been some discussions recently about the dislike of coins being pedigreed or placed in branded labeled holders. This specific coin has a history of auction appearances and was recently sold in the Bob Simpson Collection sale. You never would know by the coin’s listing. The coin was re-cased in a non-provenance holder and no reference in the listing description of pedigree. I know some of you like this and all I can say is each to your own. I am one that thinks history is one of the six components that make a coin great.
There have been six auctions in the past two decades offering 1851-C MS66 Specimens. Of the six, the new Simpson-Hansen coin has appeared in four of them. For the other two auctions, a PCGS MS66 Specimen appeared in the Heritage 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature Auction in Orlando. The sixth appearance was a NGC MS66 offered in a Heritage 2006 Dallas Signature Coin Auction. The two coins have not reappeared since.
The Simson-Hansen coin first appeared in a Heritage 2008 Houston Signature Auction. The MS66 NGC coin was described as: Every now and then, a coin comes along that has no real reason to exist. The nature of production and distribution of the Southern Mint gold is such that a survivor of any issue in Premium Gem quality is essentially unheard of. The NGC and PCGS population reports each show two MS66 examples of this date certified, although we tend to think that those figures only represent two or three different coins. None have ever received a higher grade. This Premium Gem has frosty and brilliant yellow-gold luster with a touch of green patina and faint splashes of iridescent toning. It is sharply struck with bold obverse and reverse design details. An impressive, amazing Premium Gem. The coin realized $25,300.
A couple years later, the coin appeared again. This time it was offered in Heritage’s 2010 Long Beach Signature US Coin Auction. The description for the coin was pretty much unchanged. The coin was listed from The Longfellow Collection. The coin realized an auction record of $40,250 that still stands today.
Just another couple years later it was offered once again. This time by Heritage in 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature Auction in Orlando. Heritage’s comments in this sale: This is one of the three finest known Charlotte gold dollars of any date; the others are similarly graded and dated 1851-C as well. It is likely that this coin was saved as a souvenir, and it somehow has escaped the ravages of time and is essentially "as struck." Both the obverse and reverse display superb swirling mint luster atop clean, fresh fields. The strike is as sharp as one would expect to find on a Philadelphia dollar of this era with strong centers including a bold date and mintmark. The coloration is lovely with delicate orange-gold, rose, and greenish hues, in slightly different configurations, seen on both sides. There are a few tiny marks in the right obverse field, but the eye appeal of this piece is off the charts. This is a perfect type coin for the collector seeking one single ultrahigh-grade dollar from this mint, and it is one of the highlights of the Cherokee County Collection. In this sale, the coin only realized $32,200.
The 2012 Cherokee County Collection sale may be where Bob Simpson rescued the coin from cycles of short lived collections. If so, then it remained in his collection for a little more than eight years. The coin was offered in The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I sale hosted September 2020 by Heritage Auctions. In the auction, the coin was graded PCGS MS66 and housed in a Simpson labeled holder. Heritage headlined the coin as: 1851-C Gold Dollar, MS66, Among the Finest Charlotte Mint Survivors. They described the listing as: The 1851-C gold dollar is by far the most collectible issue from the North Carolina branch mint. A total of 41,267 pieces were struck, of which probably more than 1,000 examples survive, including 125 to 175 in Mint State. No other Charlotte Mint gold dollar challenges the 1851-C as far as availability. However, most Uncirculated examples fall within the tight MS61-MS62 range, with small populations in MS63, MS64, and MS65. Premium Gems are conditionally rare and represent the finest known of the issue. PCGS and NGC eagle report three submissions at this level with none higher (5/20). Those totals undoubtedly include duplications; probably only three or four distinct MS66 representatives exist. As I stated earlier, I could only find at the most three distinct coins in the six auctions the past 20 years which agrees with the Heritage statement.
Heritage described the coin as: Both the obverse and reverse display superb swirling mint luster over clean, unabraded fields. The strike is as sharp as one would expect to find on a Philadelphia dollar of this era, not a Carolina product, with strong centers and a bold date and mintmark. Color is lovely with delicate orange-gold, rose, and greenish hues. There are a few tiny marks in the right obverse field, but the eye appeal of this piece is off the charts. A perfect type coin and certainly one of the very finest Charlotte Mint gold dollars extant. Although described as “eye appeal of this piece is off the charts”, the coin did not carry a CAC Approved sticker in the Simpson sale. Also, the auction results were really down by realizing only $27,600.
A few days ago, I found the coin offered on Rare Coin Wholesalers website. The ask price was $39,500 and a little more on eBay, $40,500. The coin was removed from the Bob Simpson holder and all references to past auctions omitted. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $40,000. We do not know the final negotiation price on the coin, but the coin does make a nice addition the D.L. Hansen Collection of Charlotte Gold.
Provenance: Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2008 as NGC MS66), lot 1784 realized $25,300; The Longfellow Collection / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2010 as NGC MS66 ), lot 1373, realized $40,250 (Auction Record), The Cherokee County Collection / US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012 as NGC MS66), lot 4686, realized $32,200; The Bob Simpson Collection, Part I (Heritage, 9/2020 as PCGS MS66), lot 10108, realized $27,600; Purchased by Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers , 2/2020), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1851-C Gold One Dollar MS66 PCGS POP 3/0, Among the Finest Charlotte Mint Survivors Certification #40542338, PCGS #7514 PCGS Guide Price: $40,000 / Ask $39,500 Ex: Bob Simpson
Hey Currin - Why would Mr. Hansen
burden his children with the responsibility of selling HIS coins ?
I remember Jon Pittman’s son
told Dave Akers he didn’t need him to sell his dad’s coins . His idea was to put them out on tables and invite
members of the Rochester coin club
to buy them .
BTW - Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins
I’ve ever seen.
@RedCopper said:
Hey Currin - Why would Mr. Hansen
burden his children with the responsibility of selling HIS coins ?
I remember Jon Pittman’s son
told Dave Akers he didn’t need him to sell his dad’s coins . His idea was to put them out on tables and invite
members of the Rochester coin club
to buy them .
BTW - Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins
I’ve ever seen.
I don't really think that's much of a burden. Regular folks inheriting their parents financial mess after they pass is a burden. Leaving behind keepsakes from one of your life's passions for your kids and grandkids to enjoy and do as they please with is a blessing not a burden.
@RedCopper said:
Hey Currin - Why would Mr. Hansen
burden his children with the responsibility of selling HIS coins ?
I remember Jon Pittman’s son
told Dave Akers he didn’t need him to sell his dad’s coins . His idea was to put them out on tables and invite
members of the Rochester coin club
to buy them .
BTW - Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins
I’ve ever seen.
He probably has a small army of people that would manage any trust that is used to pass down his assets. I read in a bio on him that he has 6 children, 9 stepchildren and 46 grandchildren. Must be quite the gathering at the holidays
Mr. Hansen missed out on the recent offering of the 1804 Proof Eagle, but why not go ahead and pick up a nice half eagle. In my mind, there is something special about the 1804 date. Maybe it is because of the proofs. Maybe it is because another reason, but the 1804 is something special. If you consider the 1804 Proof Eagle in the mint state set with major varieties, the coin requirement is 15. The D.L. Hansen Collection is missing two coins, 1804 Proof Eagle and 1804 Quarter Eagle “13 Star Reverse”. The reason why PCGS requires the Proof coin in a Mint State set is beyond my limited knowledge.
With the new update, The Hansen Collection has a couple PCGS sole finest POP 1/0 specimens, including the 1804 $10 “Cross 4” MS64 specimen. The coin is valued approx. one half million dollars. Besides the two sole finest, the 15 piece set has four specimens tied for sole finest certified by PCGS. The gold portion of the set is amazing. It is pretty certain at some point the Hansen team will add the 1804 Quarter Eagle “13 Star Reverse” coin. The difficulty for obtaining 1804 Proof Eagle has recently increased with all three known examples in strong hands.
The new upgrade is the 1804 Half Eagle “Small 8 over Large 8” coin. The coin replaces a MS61 POP 22/8, certification #25791983. David Akers describes the coin as: This is a very interesting major variety that can easily be seen with the naked eye. The 180 of the date was originally punched with the punches intended for Eagles and the error was corrected by repunching using the correct size numerals. As a variety, this is similar in overall rarity to the 1804 Small 8 and more scarce than the other 19th Century Half Eagles of this type with the exception of the 1806 Pointed 6. This variety is available in all grades up to and including choice uncirculated. However, choice specimens bring high prices today due to the popularity of early U.S. gold coins in choice condition.
In a more recent comment by Ron Guth, he adds: The 1804 Small 8 over Large 8 is an interesting "eyeball" variety that shows a dramatic double punching of the 8 of the date, first with a large, oversized 8, followed by a smaller 8. The reason for the overpunching is unknown, but it may have been done to correct the visual imbalance created by the use of the large 8. In most overpunchings, the engraver relies on the fact that much of the original digit is either effaced by the second digit, or the traces can be removed later by polishing. In this case, the size difference between the two digits is so significant that the smaller 8 had no chance of covering the large 8. Either no attempt was made to polish off the underlying 8 or it was ineffective. The 1804 Small 8 over Large 8 Half Eagle is not particularly rare, and a fair number of About Uncirculated examples exist to satisfy collector demand. The PCGS Condition Census includes grades ranging from MS-62 to MS-64, where PCGS has certified two examples as finest of the variety.
There are three MS64 specimens currently in the PCGS population report. First being Stack-Jung-Pogue Specimen that last appeared in auction in 2015. This coin has very distinguished reddish toning on the obverse. The current whereabouts of this coin is not known to me. The second specimen is the new D.L. Hansen purchase. The third and final coin may be Benson Specimen that was sold in a 2002 Goldberg Auction.
1804 Capped Bust Right, “Small 8 over Large 8” MS64 PCGS
According to provenance provided in a Heritage description, the first appeared was Heritage’s FUN Signature Auction in 2012. The coin was certified by NGC as MS64. Also, the coin was CAC Approved. The coin was described as: The surfaces of this attractive Choice specimen are bright yellow-gold with a complementary reddish tinge. Ample luster radiates from each side, with some semiprooflike reflectivity appearing on the reverse. The strike is well-detailed, producing complete hair details on Liberty and the breast feathers on the eagle, but some softness on the arrow fletchings and claw. A few planchet adjustment marks occur on the right rim and the shield on the reverse. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. It realized $69,000.
Seven years later, the coin appeared as a PCGS certified coin in three Heritage Auctions. In the first appearance, the coin set the all-time auction record in The Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection sale hosted by Heritage’s 2019 ANA World's Fair of Money US Coins Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $126,000. The description from the 2012 sale was basically unchanged. Second appearance was in Heritage’s 2020 Central States US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. The coin realized $75,000. For a third time, the coin appeared in Heritage’s 2020 US Coins Signature Auction. The coin realized an additional $3000 ($78,000).
It appears the coin found its way into the Hansen Collection by the means of Rare Coin Wholesalers. I am not sure the ask price directly from the company website, but the ask via eBay website was $125,000. As always, we do not know the actual negotiated price that Mr. Hansen paid for the coin. Let’s watch and see if there are more surprises with the Early Half Eagles in the near future.
Provenance: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012 as NGC MS64 CAC), lot 4851, realized $69,000; Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection / ANA World's Fair of Money US Coins Signature (Heritage, 8/2019 as PCGS MS64 CAC), lot 3865, realized $126,000 (Auction Record); Central States (CSNS) U.S. Coins Signature (Heritage, 4/2020), lot 3789, realized $75,000; U.S. Coins Signature (Heritage, 9/2020 as PCGS), lot 3714, realized $78,000; Purchased by Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
1804 Capped Bust Right, Small 8 over Large 8 MS64 PCGS PCGS POP 3/0, CAC Approved Certification #41049272, PCGS #8086 PCGS Value Guide: $120,000 / Ask $125,000 Ex: Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection
Well, when the stated goal is to exceed Eliasberg’s accomplishment, then I’d say the Red Book does. Heh
In this case, I think the PCGS Registry Set Program might be the decision maker
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: Upgraded to the Mint State Trade Dollar Set
>
Provenance: Rosemont Signature / US Coin Signature (Heritage 11/2013), lot 3677, realized $30,550 (Auction Record); The Greensboro Collection, Part VII / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2019), lot 3769, realized $19,200; Purchased in private transaction (Numismatic Financial Corporation 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1877 Trade Dollar MS66+ PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest at PCGS Certification #37998846, PCGS #7044 PCGS Coin Guide Value: Unknown / Asked $39,950 Ex: Rosemont - Greensboro
The coin was actually purchased by DLRC from NFC...then I offered it to Dell Loy and he purchased it...but, just being a footnote in history is fine by me on this 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
@RedCopper said:
Hey Currin - Why would Mr. Hansen
burden his children with the responsibility of selling HIS coins ?
I remember Jon Pittman’s son
told Dave Akers he didn’t need him to sell his dad’s coins . His idea was to put them out on tables and invite
members of the Rochester coin club
to buy them .
BTW - Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins
I’ve ever seen.
For what it's worth, Mr. Hansen's family has been incredibly supportive of his hobby. I've discussed it with most of his children at some point and they are truly happy that he's had so much joy in the process.
However, there are absolutely ways of not "burdening" them with the responsibility. I think they'll have a harder time breaking up the collection that you would think as it's been such a passion of his...
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pittman as a YN and he helped me with my exhibit that I had set up at the South Carolina Numismatic Association Show. He was so polite and kind to a young, impressionable young man who had no idea what Mr. Pittman had put together in his lifetime. I also had the honor to meet his daughter, wife and son-in-law after he passed. Fortunately they appreciated what he had done, but I have to concede that it must be overwhelming for a family to inherit such a collection.
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
@PhilLynott said:
I don't really think that's much of a burden. Regular folks inheriting their parents financial mess after they pass is a burden. Leaving behind keepsakes from one of your life's passions for your kids and grandkids to enjoy and do as they please with is a blessing not a burden.
This rings very true to me today. Having lost both of my parents in the last 2 years, I've had to unravel their very limited financial assets...and it's been an almost impossible chore.
But, today I was able to sort through my parent's coin collections and it really brought me back to my roots of collecting. Describing it as a "blessing" is so true.
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
Several of these cents are known, and judging by their color and impression it has always been considered they were a few special pieces made for some appreciative numismatist in 1829."- Henry Chapman, 1906
Unusual is a term that P. Scott Rubin used to describe this coin: The Bronzed Proof 1829 Large Cents are some of the most unusual coins ever issued. With an estimated survival number of just over a dozen or so specimens, this N-6 sub-variety is both a beautiful and desired collectable. Why this coin was struck using bronzing powder applied to the planchet’s surface before striking is not known. The more common use of this powder at the mint was for medals produced in the U.S. mint during the 19th century. The finished product from this process is a coin with a more matte-like finish than the mirror finish normally applied to Proof coins. This gives these Bronzed Proof coins a very distinctive look. With their well-struck appearance and the matte-type finish they stand out as a very special issue of the U.S. Mint. This issue should belong in a type set of Large Cents since it is so distinctive in appearance and because it is part of an obvious experiment by the mint to create an interesting collector coin. The N-6 dies were also used regular Proof coins, of which fewer specimens are known than of the Bronzed Proofs.
CoinFacts Rarity and Survival Estimate show only eight coins with three as PR65 GEM or better. In my research based in available auctions, I believe three GEMs is the correct number. The NGC Population Report lists two specimens, but I don’t there is but one. The PCGS report is correct with two.
This is my roster of GEMs compiled from recent auctions.
Mackenzie-Eliasberg PR66 NGC Specimen, Mortimer Livingston Mackenzie (Edward Cogan, 6/1869), lot 675; Dr. Edward Maris; Richard B. Winsor (Chapman Brothers, 12/1895), lot 931; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996 as uncertified PR64), lot 567, realized $12,100; John Gervasoni; The Classics Sale (American Numismatic Rarities, 12/2003), lot 470, No Sale; Superior (5/2004), lot 144; Superior (1/2005), lot 79; Goldberg Coins (5/2005), lot 23, realized $31,050; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection II / US Coins Signature (Heritage, 10/2014), lot 98055, realized $70,500 (Auction Record)
Pogue-Hansen PR65 PCGS Specimen, M.A. Brown Collection; S.H. and H. Chapman's sale of the M.A. Brown Collection, April 1897, lot 876; Major William B. Wetmore Collection, S.H. and Henry Chapman's sale of the Major William B. Wetmore Collection, June 1906, lot 631; H.A. Sternberg Collection; Milferd H. Bolender's sale of March 1956, lot 1644 (as "Uncirculated"); R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection; R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. estate, October 2007; Ted Naftzger Collection (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2009), lot 222, released $32,200; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V (StacksBower 3/2017), lot 5167, realized $32,900, Purchased in Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
HighDesert PR65 PCGS Specimen, Treasures from the S.S. New York (Stacks, 7/2009), lot 169, realized $36,000; Rosemont US Coins Signature (Heritage, 8/2013), lot 5513, realized $41,125, HighDesert Registry Set.
StacksBower noted in the Pogue Sale: The PCGS Population data reports five examples graded in bronzed format, which might well include duplicated submissions. In addition, they report two examples with the usual unbronzed finish. Among them all, this one ranks right at the top, tied with one other for finest graded.
1829 Matron Head Cent, “N6 -Large Letters” Bronzed PR65 (PCGS)
The pedigree for this coin can be traced back to 1897, “THE SPLENDID COLLECTION OF UNITED STATES COINS OF M.A. BROWN, ESQ., EAST NORTHFIELD, MASS”. This is an interesting story of the first document sale for this coin: The M.A. Brown sale was to be the first Chapman catalogue issued with actual photographic prints as plates (all of the earlier Chapman sale plates had been produced by various photographic printing processes). According to Jack Collins, the glass negatives for the plates were seized by the government on the grounds of being unauthorized reproductions of U.S. money, but not before two sets of proof prints had been made. One set was cut in half by the Chapmans to fit into their bidbook of the sale. The other set was acquired privately by Collins, and was subsequently sold privately. The sale itself is important for a very fine collection of choice large cents, eighty-four obverses and reverses of which are depicted on the four plates. Henry Chapman ended up assisting the passage of legislation allowing dealers to illustrate their coins; in the interim, however, there were no plated Chapman catalogues until 1904.
The story does not end there. The coin was featured in several other famous collections including: Major William B. Wetmore Collection, H.A. Sternberg Collection; Milferd H. Bolender's Collection, R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection, and in The D. Brent Pogue Collection before finally resting in the D.L. Hansen Collection. In the Pogue sale, the coins as described as: The reflective character in the fields is distinctive. While it differs markedly from the completely satin-finish devices, it does not have the glasslike smoothness seen on other Proofs. Magnified study reveals the surfaces to be entirely of a finely grained texture, a result of the bronzing powder application used to create these special Bronzed Proofs. To the eyes of the modern numismatist, the rare Bronzed Proofs of 1829 look exactly the same as they did to the esteemed Chapman brothers team in 1906 - very special indeed. Similarly, they have long been appreciated by collectors. Certain of them have proven to be very stable in terms of their color, making them arguably some of the most attractive Middle Date Proofs. The D. Brent Pogue Collection coin is one of those pieces. The surfaces are deep mahogany bronze with a few subtle streaks of deeper patina in the obverse field. The reverse is just slightly lighter in tone with rich red bronze tones.
This coin continues to expand the breadth of the D.L. Hansen Collection of US Issued Coinage. Due to size, a coin like this can be lost in the collection. This is an amazing coin that should always have a significant place. I hope you enjoyed seeing this unusual and strange coin as much as I have in researching the old large cent with the “Experimental Bronzed Finish”
Provenance: See Pogue-Hansen PR65 PCGS Specimen above.
1829 Matron Head Cent, “N6 -Large Letters” Bronzed PR65 PCGS POP 2/0, Tied for Finest Example Certification #40364261, PCGS #397568 PCGS Coin Guide Value: $48,000 / Ask $60,400 Ex: Brown- Naftzger-Pogue
In the PCGS Buffalo Nickels with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938), the 1914/(3) Overdate Major Variety coin is tied for #4 weighted in the 72 coin set. The three coins that rank greatest in weight is the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1918/7-D and the 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs. The set is described by PCGS as: There is something about Buffalo nickels that attracts collectors. Some collectors remember when every once in a while one would show up in their change, or a time when they did grandpa a favor and the reward was a beautiful old nickel. Perhaps it reminds us of a time when the West was still new. Whatever the reasons, many people collect Buffalo nickels and some have managed to build truly phenomenal sets. When the major varieties are added to the set, three notable rarities must be included. Most elusive are the 1916 Doubled Die and the 1918/7-D overdate. The 1937-D three-legged variety is very well known, but not nearly as difficult to locate as the other two. There are also some less obvious stoppers within the series. The San Francisco coins of the late 1910s and 1920s are elusive and the 1924 and 1926 are all actually rarer than the famous three-legged '37-D. Though there are some tough coins, this series is now and forever a favorite of collectors.
In the Major Varieties set, The D.L. Hansen Collection ranks second behind The JDG Trust Collection that has been on the top for more than a decade. The top dog is the Buffalo Hall of Fame Basic set that belongs to Gerald Forsythe. This collection was awarded the HOF in 2005. With these two sets at the top, it has been a slow burn for Mr. Hansen. We discussed the Buffalo nickel collection a few months ago. This set is a struggle for new collectors because almost all of the high end coins are in the top two sets. The last big Hansen/Buffalo upgrade took place in September 2020 Heritage Sale from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I. In that sale, Mr. Hansen purchased the Simpson 1918 Buffalo Nickel, MS67+ specimen realizing $55,200.
As stated earlier, the 1914/(3) Overdate is one of the top four or five most difficult coins in the Buffalo Nickel Series. Our resident friend and expert Ron Guth describe the coin as: Experts speculate that the 1914/3 Nickel was caused when a 1913 dated master die was repunched with a 1914 dated hub. This theory is supported by the fact that there are several different overdate dies, plus overdates reported for both the 1914-D and 1914-S Nickels. The strongest 1914/3 die from the Philadelphia mint is known as FS-101 (old FS-014.87). Value for this variety depends on the strength (visibility of the doubling). Thus, the FS-101 commands the highest premium. Other, less visible overdates command smaller premiums.
In a December 9, 2020 CoinWeek article describing the variety, the author wrote: It is unknown how many of the 20,664,463 Buffalo nickels struck at Philadelphia in 1914 are of this overdate, and there seems to be some disagreement about the origin of the 1914/(3), or 1914 4 Over 3, Buffalo nickel overdate – primarily concerning where in the process of striking coins the overdate happened. PCGS states that it was most likely created when a master die for the 1913 Buffalo nickel was repunched using a 1914-dated working hub. NGC states that the overdating occurred on a working hub for the 1914 nickel that was then struck into the working dies. Because of this difference in understanding, while PCGS still attributes the variety on its holders, NGC does not.
In CoinFacts auction history, there are no previous auctions for the MS66 examples. Since 2002 almost 20 years ago, MS65 specimens have been auctioned nine times. The Auction Record is $63,250 for a PCGS MS65 realized in a Heritage Auction on 06/01/2002. In 2002, the population was two in MS65, with none finer. There has not been another sale of a MS65 to come even close the auction record. The CoinWeek article added some additional details: There are no auction records listed by PCGS for MS-66-graded specimens. But prices for the solitary MS-65 piece reported by PCGS are all in the five figures. Selling most recently in December 2017, it went for $18,213. Over eight years earlier, it sold for $23,000 in August and $18,400 in April 2009. Five years before that, however, the MS-65 went for $27,600 in August and $29,900 in January 2004. There was no mention of the auction record.
1914/(3) Buffalo Nickel PCGSMS66 POP 3/0, CAC POP 1/0
In the fore mention article, the author went on to say, But of those nickels that PCGS has attributed the variety, the company reports only three specimens graded MS-66. Adding to the condition rarity and eye appeal of the piece GreatCollections is offering on Sunday, this example is the only one of those three top pop coins that is also approved by CAC.
The new Hansen coin was offered in auction by GreatCollection on Sunday, December 13, 2020. The starting bid was $75,000. The coin was past with no bidders. The coin was offered again a couple weekends ago on Sunday, Feb 14, 2021. GC offered a brief description, Although there are two other MS-66 examples graded by PCGS, this is the only approved by CAC. For the finest Buffalo Nickel set. Very rare. We know one of the other examples is impound in The Gerald Forsythe Collection, cert #37912751. The location of the third example in not known and does not appear to be in the registry.
In the second GreatCollections Auction, the Hansen team pulled the trigger and placed a $75,000 bid. There were no other bidders, so the coin was won with one bid and realized $84,375 with buyer’s fees. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $75,000. If you are a CAC advocate, then you may agree the sole CAC top pop may have a little added value. With all that said, this coin makes a great upgrade to the D.L. Hansen All-Time Top Three Buffalo Nickel Collection.
William Idler - Capt. John W. Haseltine and Steven K. Nagy - William Forrester Dunham, who sold his collection intact to B. Max Mehl in 1939 - William Forrester Dunham Collection - B. Max Mehl 6/1941:1150:$315 - Floyd Starr Collection - Stack's 10/1992:844, $176,000 - Jay Parrino ("The Mint") - Goldbergs 10/2000:1784, bought back at $510,600 - Jay Parrino - Heritage 11/2003:8312, not sold - Jay Parrino - D.L. Hansen Collection
1885 Trade Dollar - PCGS PR65+CAM POP 1/0 - Atwater-Eliasberg-Hansen
William Cutler Atwater Collection - B. Max Mehl 6/1946:378, $1,450 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 4/1997:2354, $907,500 - Greensboro Collection, Part VII - Heritage 1/2019:4553, $3,960,000 - D.L. Hansen Collection
Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins I’ve ever seen. RedCopper (Stuart Blay), 2/2021
Back in August 2020, I provided an update stating the D.L. Hansen Collection was the new top dog on the leaderboard for the Shield Two Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1864-1873) set. Mr. Hansen replaced six coins in this set on 8/13 and jumped from fourth place to first! He purchased six of the top coins from “at that time” number one set, The Prestwick Collection. Today, we see a very similar posting, but the set this time is the Shield Two Cents Classic, Circulation Strikes (1864-1872) set.
The Shield Two Cents Circulation Strikes PCGS sets are available in a 9-piece Basic, a 10-piece Classic, and a 12-piece Major Variety. This update places the Hansen Collection in the top spot for all three sets. PCGS describes 12-piece registry set as: Here's a set that's short but filled with challenges. You'll be able to build more than half of the set in short order, but then comes the 1864 Small Motto, the 1872 and perhaps another date or two that's truly elusive. The Major Variety set adds two more coins to the Classic set: the 1867 Doubled Die Obverse and both the plain, and fancy "5" variety of the 1865. It's a unique denomination, a one-time design (although similar to the Shield nickel) and a beauty of a set when it's completed. In the most recent update, six new coins were replaced.
Mr. Hansen replaced six coins in his set on 2/20/21 and jumped from third place to first! He purchased the six coins from an offer made by David Lawrence Rare Coins. John Brush indicated the coins were just graded and fresh to the market. I have not been able to track the group’s history, but by the coin certification numbers they appear to have been graded a long time ago. This leads me to believe they may have been upgrade. I hope at some point we can learn more about the history of this group.
When looking at the PCGS Price Guide, it is not easy to find a six figure coin. This 1872 MS67RD valued at $100,000 may be the first and only. The next is the 1864 “Small Motto” in MS66RD valued at $75,000. Third place coin is the 1871 MS67RD valued at $60,000. The Hansen Collection has examples of all three. I place the PCGS price guide value of Hansen’s 12-piece set at $400,000. If you include proofs, it is possibly $900,000 to One Million Dollars. This is really amazing to think about for a two cent set. In Atwater and Eliasberg time, they were called minor coins.
PCGS Expect Jaime Hernandez describes the 1872 coins as: The 1872 Two Cent piece is the key date to the series. It has the lowest mintage by far. It's mintage is 65,000 and the next lowest mintage is the 1871, with a mintage of 721,250. The mintage of the 1872 Two Cent piece doesn't even come near any other coins in the series. The 1872 Two Cent piece is scarce and commands a premium in all grades. In Uncirculated condition it is really scarce and only serious collectors can usually own one, as examples in Gem condition will cost thousands of dollars. Examples in Uncirculated Red Brown condition are scarce in all grades. And examples in Uncirculated Red condition are extremely scarce, especially in MS66 condition or higher.
PCGS Population lists 13 GEM Reds for the 1871 coin. About half (six) of the population is MS65RD with two more MS65+RD. That will leave four coins MS66RD with one of them being MS66+RD. The thirteenth coin is Hansen’s sole finest MS67RD.
D.L. Hansen may have assembled the greatest set of Two Cents Coppers of All-Times. Both the mint state coins and proofs have reached the pinnacle in all RED categories. Is it good enough for the PCGS Hall of Fame?
1872 Shield Two Cents MS67RD POP 1/0, Sole Finest by PCGS Certification #07054346, PCGS #3614 PCCS Value Guide: $100,000 / Unknown, purchased in six coin group
First time poster. I have read this thread since the beginning and have enjoyed it. I recently saw the sale of this Top Pop Variety that he purchased this past week from the Legend Auction. Has to be the highest price paid for this Variety. 1943 S DDO 101 Washington Quarter.
I find it interesting that this coin was put into his Major Variety Set and i am curious about his set with ALL the Varieties that is closed. He has not added this coin to that set and I was wondering if he is going to chase all the Varieties in the Washington Quarter Series? I also noticed that in the Major Variety set he is number 1 and yet he has another set that is number 4? Why?
Surely he must understand that there are those of us out there that have spent 10 or more years building our sets on the budget we have. I am very proud of my number 3 set and have to wonder why he would take up more than 1 slot in each set composite? Let us little guys have fun too. This is the link to the 185 coin Variety set and Mr Hanson is in 11th Place and notice the set is closed.
Being a Variety guy I think its going to be a hard set for him to complete but would love to watch any progress he might have. Is he number 1 in any of the Full Variety sets in any of the other series? Does he bid on the coins he purchases or does David do that? Love the thread and wish him luck and just a reminder there are other collectors who enjoy playing the registry game without being number 1......
@1tommy said:
First time poster. I have read this thread since the beginning and have enjoyed it. I recently saw the sale of this Top Pop Variety that he purchased this past week from the Legend Auction. Has to be the highest price paid for this Variety. 1943 S DDO 101 Washington Quarter.
I find it interesting that this coin was put into his Major Variety Set and i am curious about his set with ALL the Varieties that is closed. He has not added this coin to that set and I was wondering if he is going to chase all the Varieties in the Washington Quarter Series? I also noticed that in the Major Variety set he is number 1 and yet he has another set that is number 4? Why?
Surely he must understand that there are those of us out there that have spent 10 or more years building our sets on the budget we have. I am very proud of my number 3 set and have to wonder why he would take up more than 1 slot in each set composite? Let us little guys have fun too. This is the link to the 185 coin Variety set and Mr Hanson is in 11th Place and notice the set is closed.
Being a Variety guy I think its going to be a hard set for him to complete but would love to watch any progress he might have. Is he number 1 in any of the Full Variety sets in any of the other series? Does he bid on the coins he purchases or does David do that? Love the thread and wish him luck and just a reminder there are other collectors who enjoy playing the registry game without being number 1......
Enjoy Tom
Tom - I found a similar problem in my area of specialization years ago, and chose to refocus my collection of XF coins, instead of trying for higher grades. I realized that I don’t have the funds to compete with the high end players, so I cut my own path.
Surely he must understand that there are those of us out there that have spent 10 or more years building our sets on the budget we have. I am very proud of my number 3 set and have to wonder why he would take up more than 1 slot in each set composite? Let us little guys have fun too. This is the link to the 185 coin Variety set and Mr Hanson is in 11th Place and notice the set is closed.
I don't expect these large collection builders to change what they do to accomodate the small guys. I think one of the big drivers for the collection is to be better than all others. If it makes you feel any better, I often am more interested in sets other than Hansen's when I click the registry. You probably have a very deep knowledge of the series that exceeds that of Hansen. That is not always reflected in the registry.
Some of these sets lower in the registry are built very well. There is something to be said for a collection that is well built rather than one that is assembled.
I have seen activities in other areas, Commemoratives, Bullion, etc. I have seen several First Spouse $10 MS and Proof examples coming into the collection recently. Just a few days ago, The Collection added the difficult Grace Coolidge and Letitia Tyler specimens. They came from Justin (Monstercoinmart) via eBay. When all is said and done, I am not sure that I expect to see much change in Mr. Hansen’s focus in 2021, which is his fifth year of working on the mega collection. Currin 1/1/2021
I wrote this in my first posting of 2021. The comment was from what I was seeing and no inside information at that time. I have seen a greater increase of activity in some of these other areas for about four or five months now. It was starting to pick up around or just before Thanksgiving. In first two months of 2021, it has increased even more. I mentioned the First Spouse $10 MS and Proof set specifically. The last I looked, only two coins were needed to complete the 84-piece set. Maybe, I will discuss that set in the future if I get any positive responses from this posting. The set that will be the focus today is the Gold Eagles.
Gold Eagles Complete Set, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1986-present)
This is currently a 299-piece mega set. The set has drawn the interest of 35 collectors. There are two collectors that have completed the set, Goldminer's Collection and psc. The latter set has retired leaving the Goldminer's Collection set as the only current complete set. The set currently #2 is the Captain William V. Davis Collection with completion of 68.92%.
The Gold Eagles set being assembled as part of the D.L. Hansen Collection is greater than 50% completion as of this week. The set was first published on 1/24/2021 with 145 coins. The number has jumped to 168 as of yesterday. Listed here are just the most recent updates.
PCGS describes the set as: The complete set of Uncirculated and Proof American Eagle Bullion Coins is rather large set, consisting of nearly 250 coins. While there are no great rarities, there is a lot of bullion value here, so completing the set will require some outlay of funds. Among the tougher issues will be the 1999-W 1/10 and 1/4 oz. Uncirculated coins, which were struck with unpolished Proof dies. To date, only two collectors have managed to complete this set, and another couple are close.
What is meant by “the set will require some outlay of funds”? Well I did the numbers on the set. As of today, it requires 9.876 lbs. of 22 Karat Gold. Let’s break it down.
72) $5.00 Gold Eagles 1/10th of an oz. total 7.2 oz.
72) $10.00 Gold Eagles 1/4 of an oz. total 18 oz.
72) $25.00 Gold Eagles 1/2 of an oz. total 36 oz.
83) $50.00 Gold Eagles 1.0 oz. total 83 oz.
This is a total of 144.2 ounces. Current bullion price is $1736.28 per ounce. Just at bullion value, the cost would be close to $250,000. I would estimate the average values of MS70 and PR70DCAM PCGS certified coins would at least be a factor of two (maybe a little more). That would place a good ballpark estimate at Half Million Dollars for a set.
2020-W $50 Gold Eagle PR70DCAM - v75 Privy 1 of 1945 Struck First Strike
I picked this recent release coin as the feature specimen for today. The coin is not valued in PCGS Price Guide, but one of same sold in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction for $12,600. The coins was headlined as: 2020-W One-Ounce Gold Eagle, v75 Privy World War II 'Commemorative', First Strike, PR70 Deep Cameo. The auctioneer continued to describe the coin as: From a numismatic perspective, this coin represents one of the rarest and most coveted modern issues to ever come out of the U.S. Mint, and it is part of one of the most widely collector modern bullion coin series. From a historical perspective, this is a commemorative issue of profound meaning and symbolism, celebrating the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945, and the end of World War II. The small v75 privy mark in the field is flanked by the olive branch of peace, held by Liberty, symbolizing the rebirth of peace in the world that followed the end of the second Great War. This coin is fully struck and flawless in its technical and visual merits. Liquidlike fields starkly contrast against the frosted devices, and the eye appeal is stunning.
This week, I asked John Brush if he could comment on the increase of modern coins being purchased. He confirmed what I expected; the coins were being purchased by Mr. Hansen himself. He enjoys “hunting” and “building” his sets. How many billionaires would spend time searching websites and buying these coins himself? I think he enjoys the hobby as I do and maybe you too. I really enjoy the “hunt”. It is sad to say, but I enjoy the “hunt” more that observing the coins. If you know Mr. Hansen, he is a builder by nature. I think that is one of the reasons that you see him building so many sets. It is fun and what he likes to do. Me too. The difference is his budget is thousand times more than mine. I think what we are seeing recently; he is spending a lot more of this leisure time with his collection. Mr. Hansen once said, he wants to be and do things different than what have been done before. I think this is one of them.
Let me know if you like to see posting on modern coin on occasions
2020-W $50 Gold Eagle PR70DCAM v75 Privy 1 of 1945 Struck First Strike Certification #41441528, PCGS #819295 Recent Auction Result Estimated Value Realized $12,600
@asheland said:
That Mormon gold is extremely cool!
Agree. I’ve been trying to buy one piece of Mormon gold for years and boom this. Now I’m depressed.
m
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Without keeping tabs, I have a feeling that Liberty Head Gold has been the most discussed series. As a total view, all four of the Liberty Head gold denominations have been very active for Mr. Hansen. He leads the all-time PCGS Registry in all four. The best series is the Double Eagles that have a GPA of 62.90. The core of this fabulous collection of Double Eagles was the purchase of the remarkable AWA Collection. Current the only series that has a GPA less than 60 is the Eagles. With a GPA of 59.14, the set is still #1 in the Set Registry leading the Bob Simson set (58.44). The quarter eagles have the second highest GPA of 60.80. The set has a slight lead over the Harry W. Bass Collection.
With the updates shared today, the Half Eagle set has now surpassed the milestone grade of 60. In comparison, the Bass Half Eagles grades at 59.77 and the Louis Eliasberg was only 53.01. I will agree, you should include grade inflation when comparing the current grades against historical. The Hansen set now has a GPA of 60.01 for a set that PCGS describes as: There is no other set of coins that features specimens from seven U. S. Mints—Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans and San Francisco. This long-lived set includes one of the greatest rarities in numismatics, the 1854-S $5 gold piece. How many has PCGS graded? Zero! There are many sets-within-sets in this series, as most collectors focus on the coins from one particular Mint. It’s a long and challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it.
Without trying to brag on the Hansen Collection, I do agree with PCGS writer that it is a challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it. I think another amazing on-going achievement is the upgrades. The set was completed about twelve months ago with the purchase of the last coin, the Pogue 1854-S. If the set was packed up and tucked away, the set would be a tremendous achievement. That was not what a happen. Since the purchase of the 1854-S specimen, 22 coins have been upgraded. The last three that were upgraded this week have PCGS POPs of 2/0, 2/0 and 1/1.
The first was obtained in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction held January 31, 2021. The 1863-S Half Eagle PCGS MS61 (cert #25662095) specimen was described as: This stunning specimen is tied for finest known example of this very tough Civil War era gold piece struck at the San Francisco mint. This boldly lustrous example has a semi-reflective quality to the fields giving a beautiful backdrop for the crisply rendered devices to standout against. The eye appeal is phenomenal with no perceptible signs of wear. This rare Mint State survivor is certainly worthy of the advanced collector. The coin realized an auction record of $56,500. This coin replaces an AU58 POP 5/2, cert # 38396096.
The other two coins were from the Heritage Auction February 2021, US Coins Signature. The first coin was headlined as: 1865-S Five Dollar, MS62, Second Finest Example Known, A Major Rarity in Mint State. The description stated: Only seven coins are designated Mint State. Five are in MS61 NGC (a number that may include duplications as well), one is MS62 PCGS, and the last is MS64 PCGS (1/21). We have not handled an Uncirculated example of this issue since 2007, and we have never seen a coin graded finer than MS61. This piece represents an incredible opportunity for the advanced San Francisco gold collector. Honey-gold luster lightens to peach-yellow in the centers, while the outer peripheries deepen to amber-gold. Light abrasions define the grade, but the originality of the surfaces balances the eye appeal. Slight strike softness is only seen on the hair curls around Liberty's face and on the reverse fletchings. The coin realized $38,400. This coin replaces an AU55 POP 5/4, Cert # 33931719. The last coin is also from the Heritage Auction and the feature coin today.
1845-O Half Eagle PCGS MS63, Tied with One Other at PCGS
The new coin replaces an 1845-O AU58, Certification #81252595, POP 6/8. David Akers describes the coin as: The 1845-O is many times more rare than the 1844-O and is in the same rarity class as the two varieties of 1843-O. Most known specimens grade only VF or EF and even AU examples are quite rare. Strictly uncirculated examples are extremely rare and the superb Gilhousen specimen purchased by Harry Bass for $2000 is the only real gem I have ever seen. If the Gilhousen specimen is currently in a MS62 PCGS Holder, then today that coin is third on the Condition Census report with two coin grading finer at choice MS63. Doug Winter added a little different twist: The 1845-O is a more available coin than the 1846-O and 1847-O half eagles but it is still a hard coin to locate. In fact, it is considerably scarcer than many of the more heralded Charlotte and Dahlonega half eagles of this era.
As stated earlier, this coin was purchased in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was headlined as: 1845-O Half Eagle, MS63, Condition Census Rarity. The auctioneer described the coin as: Variety 1, as always for this issue. The 18 in the date is repunched. As a date the 1845-O half eagle is a great rarity in Uncirculated condition. The finest pieces certified are two MS63s at PCGS and two also at NGC (one of which at the latter service is Star designated) (1/21). The present offering is an absolute Condition Census example. We have not handled a piece in this grade since the year 2000, making the current example an incredible opportunity for the collector who has long waited for a chance to acquire a Condition Census example of this New Orleans issue.
It appears Mr. Hansen had great interest to add this specimen to his collection. PCGS price guide valued the coin at $35,000. CDN Greysheet likes to coin for $50,000 and $65,000 for a CAC Approved specimen. CDN CPG® (Retail) like this coin a little better by valuing a MS63 specimen as $60,000 and $78,000 for CAC Approved coin. The coin is not CAC Approved, but the bidding was intense. The coin realized $60,000, a new auction record.
As for pedigree, not much is known. The coin did land in a place where future pedigree will be remembered. This and the other two are nice additions to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Liberty Head Half Eagles.
Provenance: US Coins Signature, (Heritage 2/2021), lot 13763, realized $60,000; (Auction Record), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1845-O Half Eagle PCGS MS63 PCGS POP 2/0, Tied for Finest by PCGS Certification #50204848, PCGS #8225 PCGS Value Guide: $35,000 / Realized $60,000
Image provided in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction
I am beginning to concentrate on my $20 Liberty Collection. Competing with Hanson is impossible. I have to be content with being #2. I do have an outside chance of completing someday. I will need to find 1854-O , 1856-O, 1870 CC in a grade that I can afford.
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Another Upgrade to 1909 Mint Set
Deja-vu? No, it is real. We just experience a few days ago another 1909 branch mint state coin being upgraded in this collection. You may recall the 1909-O half eagle was upgraded with a coin purchased in the Simpson sale hosted by Heritage Auctions. The new Hansen 1909-O half eagle is the only MS64+ graded by both leading TPG companies. The CAC population for this date is one in 64 (Hansen’s), and one finer, a MS65 PCGS Specimen that appeared in a 2016 Goldberg Auction. Today, we see another one of equal caliber, but this one is from the San Francisco Mint.
The D.L. Hansen Collection has a complete set of 1909 Mint Coins with Gold & Major Varieties. This is a 32 piece set. The set is described by PCGS as: To commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the first new cent design in fifty years was introduced to the American public in August, 1909. The first issues contained the designer's initials (VDB) at the bottom of the reverse. There are also two cent varieties (a doubled die on the 1909 VDB and a double mintmark - S over Horizontal S) resulting in no fewer than eight cents in this year's "With Varieties" Mint Set. Of course, the storied 1909-S VDB cent is a major key, but the last Quarters and Halves from the New Orleans Mint are also scarce, particularly in high grade. Including a variety, twelve gold coins were struck in 1909 and among them is one of the great 20th century rarities, the 1909-O Half Eagle. As the last (and only) Indian Half Eagle struck in New Orleans, it enjoys very strong demand from collectors. Gem specimens have sold in excess of half a million dollars! Another tough gold coin will be the 1909-D $20, which will run into the low six-figures in top grade. The gold variety in this set is the overdate (1909/8) from the Philadelphia Mint.
As for mentioned coins, the Hansen 1909-S VDB is a stunning MS67RD, POP 15/0. The 1909 VDB, Doubled Die Obverse is a very nice RD MS66+ RD, PCGS POP 9/7 and the 1909-S/S, S/Horizontal S, is an incredible MS67RD, POP 4/0. The key dates don’t end there, 1909-O Half Eagle is more than worthy. As stated earlier, the 1909-O Half Eagle MS64+ is an amazing coin purchased from the Simpson sale a couple weeks ago. The 1909-D Double Eagle is a GEM MS65 PCGS coin. The 1909/8 Double Eagle is MS64 which is not a GEM and could be a future target for replacement.
The D.L. Hansen Collection has the only completed set in the registry. The PCGS grades for the set ranged from MS64 to MS 67+, with an overall GPA of 66.51. The set has ten of the 28 coins as either sole finest by PCGS or tied for finest. For the average collector, if the major portion of their collection was this set, than that in itself would be a great achievement. In looking at the 28 coins in Hansen’s set, the PCGS Price Guide values the grouping a little north of $900,000. By value, the top two coins in the set is probable the two half eagles (1909-O and 1909-S)
1909-S Half Eagle MS66+, Ex: Norweb-Price-Simpson
I cannot say it is really a pattern, but quite often we see coins purchased by others in recent auctions turning up in the D.L. Hansen Collection. This is another example of that happening. The coin was purchased in the November 2020 Heritage Auction of The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part II Sale, but not by Mr. Hansen. I do not know if he was an under bidder or not.
Expert David Akers commented: The 1909-S is one of the four or five rarest issues of the series. Among San Francisco Mint issues it is virtually on par with the 1915-S and is far more rare than the lower mintage 1908-S. Mint State examples at any level are rare and in high Mint State grades, i.e. MS-64 or better, there are probably fewer than 20 specimens in all. The two best I have seen are the Brand and Norweb specimens, both better than MS-65 and undoubtedly obtained directly from the Mint at the time of issue. The Brand coin is now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor, the Norweb specimen by Dr. Thaine Price. Kruthoffer's specimen was also a gem and I have handled at least three others of that quality. The 1909-S is almost always sharply struck and the mintmark is bold and well defined. (On at least one specimen-Norweb-the mintmark is widely double punched.) Nearly all Mint State examples are frosty but I have seen a few of the satiny variety. Lustre is generally very good to excellent and, overall, a nice 1909-S looks very much like a nice 1908-S or 1910-S. Most specimens have a rich coppery gold color although some are light to medium yellow gold.
Mr. Akers mention the Norweb (Hansen) Specimen several times in his commentary. The coin appeared in 1987 Norweb Collection Part 1 Sale. The auctioneer was Bowers & Merena. It realized $23,100 as an uncertified MS65. After leaving the Norweb Collection, the coin became a part of the Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection. The collection was sold in auction by David Akers in 1998. Again, the coin was uncertified and sold as GEM UNC. It realized $44,000. As you can see, this coin went from one great collection to another. The next stop was the Bob Simpson Collection and now the Dell Loy Hansen Collection. Mr. Hansen wrote is a recent and rare posting: We all only hold these coins temporarily. This is so true.
In Simpson sale, Heritage described the difficulty of the coin as: The 1909-S is a better date in Uncirculated condition, and above MS62 it is among the most challenging Indian half eagles to acquire. Select Mint State pieces are decidedly scarce, and Choice coins are seen similarly infrequently. Only a handful of coins are known in MS65 or finer condition. The Condition Census is composed of four MS65s, three MS66s, and a sole MS67, PCGS and NGC populations combined. However, this trivial survivorship likely includes at least one or two duplications. It has been nearly a decade since an MS65 or MS66 coin last appeared at auction. The lone Superb Gem coin -- PCGS certified, Ex: Brand, Duckor -- has not been seen at auction since Superior's March 2000 ANA National Money Show sale.
The Auction Record Holder is the Jim O'Neal MS65 coin that was sold in the Heritage‘s January 2011, Tampa FUN Signature & Platinum Night US Coin Auction. The coin was headlined as “Probably the Third Finest Known Example”. The MS66 specimen realized $103,500 which is the only 1909-S Half Eagle to break the six figure mark. Heritage referenced the O’Neal sale when making this comment: A 1909-S half eagle in MS65 or better condition is the epitome of conditional rarity. We last handled an MS65 coin in our August 2001 Atlanta Signature, and only one other coin in that grade has appeared in any auction house's sales since then. We have previously handled only two MS66 pieces, one in the 2002 FUN Signature, and the other -- Ex: O'Neal -- in the 2011 FUN Signature. The latter piece realized $103,500, which is the auction record for a 1909-S half eagle. The Simpson coin is poised to shatter that record. It did not shatter the mark as the Heritage Auctioneer predicted. There are some auction results that makes me scratch my head, and this is one of them with the coin only realizing $63,000.
In the Simpson sale by Heritage, the coin was described as: Razor-sharp design elements perfectly complement luminous mint luster, cast in lovely shades of orange-gold and pale rose hues. The preservation is incredibly superb, to the point that there are few surface characteristics that can serve as pedigree markers. Eye appeal is outstanding. Registry collectors have been waiting nearly a decade for a chance to acquire a 1909-S half eagle of this caliber. This is their chance.
At $63,000, It appear the coin was a nice pickup for dealer inventory. Most recently, the coin was offered for sale by Heritage Direct. It is housed in a Simpson holder, but no other description or pedigree given. The ask price on the coin was $81,000 (Park Avenue). It is hard to know the transaction price, but we can safety assume between $63,000 and $81,000. This is far short of the record price and the PCGS Price Guide value of $110,000. With all said and done, The Hansen collection now have two 1909 branch mint half eagles. As a reminder, the Hansen 1909-O Half Eagle realized $240,000. Job well done.
Provenance: Norweb Collection (Bowers & Merena 10/1987) lot 981, realized $23,100; Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (David Akers 5/1998) lot 22, realized $44,000; The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part II / US Coins Signature (Heritage11/2020, lot 3087, realized $63,000; Pruchased in private transaction (Heritage Direct 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1909-S Half Eagle MS66+
PCGS POP 1/1
Certification #40273690, PCGS #8516
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $110,000 / Asked $81,000
Ex: Norweb-Price-Simpson
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Edit Note: corrected the seller from Park Avenue to Heritage Direct.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
There is no doubt that Hansen has the greatest US coin collection in existence now. Soon, he will have a decision to make. Complete at any cost or go for the showdown with eliasberg missing a few
There are quite a few coins missing from the Eliasberg PCGS complete registry set. Did he in fact own these coins at one time? Maybe they weren't enter by PCGS in his historic set for one reason or another. If this set is an acurate representation of Eliasberg holdings, the Hanson collection is already far superior.
I think some people contest that it isn't an accurate representation. One of the reoccurring themes in this thread is that people believe many of Eliasberg's coins would have upgraded/be graded higher in 2021.
People often ignore the fact that D.L. Hansen has a lot of more modern issues that didn't even exist when Eliasberg was collecting. The scope of Hansen's collection is larger too. If you factor in the fact all of these coins that Eliasberg collected are now 40+ years older, maybe the difficulty for Hansen could be higher. However, the existence of the internet and improvements in communication over the last 50 years make collecting easier in other ways.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Eliasberg’s scope included patterns, colonials, Territorials and world coinage. No way no how does Hansen’s scope exceed eliasberg’s scope.
Im not sure those are his only choices. Along the way we have heard many times a particular coin was Hansen's "only" chance and he passed. Those coins resurfaced again and he purchased some of them at better prices
That's true, but Hansen's accomplishment is more impressive, I think. Mostly because of the overall quality, but also because much of Eliasberg's collection was acquired in a single purchase from the Clapp estate.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
That $5 Indian is sweet!
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As was discussed early in this thread, for several coins Eliasberg had a proof example, but the PCGS set definition only looks for a business strike version.
It was a common style of collecting at that time.
Thanks yosclimber. That clears up my misunderstanding. It is very hard to compare 2 diffent coin collections of any specialty. How important are proofs vs circulation strikes. How about special issues(1885 Trade dollar 1904 $10)? . How about errors(1943 bronze cent etc) ? Who decides what is most important? At least it provides lots of fun when discussing coin collecting.
Who decides what is most important?
Well, when the stated goal is to exceed Eliasberg’s accomplishment, then I’d say the Red Book does. Heh
Upgraded to the Mint State Trade Dollar Set
I’m trying to think back to the last time there was a discussion with the Mint State Trade Dollars. I did not recall having one, and I could not find a reference to a past posting, so this could be the first. There have been several discussions pertaining to the Hansen Collections of Proof Trade Dollars. As many of you know, Mr. Hansen purchased the Eliasberg 1885 once from the Hall of Fame Legend set assembled by Bruce Morelan. At time I can safely say, this is the greatest and finest collection of Trades Dollars ever assembled. PCGS wrote in the 2002 HOF bio: The circulation strikes are the finest of all-time (by a billion miles), the proofs, which have since been sold, were the finest set of all-time, and the Chop mark set is the finest of all-time. Not only is every coin in the circulation strike set a Pop Top, they are almost all unique for the grade. And the proofs include the Eliasberg examples of the ultra rare 1884 and 1885. This collection is a major numismatic accomplishment and the definitive representation of everything this important series means to U.S. coin collecting.
The Hansen Proof set is currently #1 all-time in the registry. The Mint Set is a different story. The 17-piece Morelan set was sold in tact to an anonymous registry member. This set is not just good, but certainly untouchable. It is not a large set that PCGS describes as: A short but extremely challenging series that is LOADED with condition rarities. In fact, none of the coins can be called "common." The stoppers of the series include the 1875, 1876-CC, 1877-CC, and 1878-CC, but many other dates could be added to the list depending on the condition. This is one of America's most historic and interesting coins, and in gem condition it is beautiful as well.
One oddity of the set, all 17 coins currently have sole PCGS finest POP 1/0 specimens. PCGS describes these coins a “unique for the grade”. In the Ex: Morelan set, 14 of the 17 coins are “unique for the grade”. That leaves only three PCGS POP 1/0 coins available for all the rest of the collecting community. With this recent purchase, The D.L. Hansen Collection has two of the three available. The first is the 1874-S MS65+ POP 1/0, Certification #37998846 Specimen. Mr. Hansen added his second specimen a few days ago, 1877 MS66+ Certification #37998846. There is one other PCGS POP 1/0 specimen.
1877 Trade Dollar MS66+
The 1877 Trade Dollar is narrated, with minor editing, by Q. David Bowers in "Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia" (Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., 1993): The 1877 trade dollar is very common in circulated grades. I estimate that of the levels from VF-20 to AU-58, 20,000 or more exist. Chopmarked pieces are scarcer than the high mintage would suggest. This reflects lessened demand in China, or increased diversion to domestic circulation, or both. Mint State grades: Despite its record high mintage for a Philadelphia coin of this denomination, the 1877 trade dollar is a major rarity in MS-65 grade. I estimate that just four to eight are known. Until the rarity of circulation strikes of Philadelphia Mint coins began to be studied in the 1970s, emerging almost as a science in the 1980s, the 1877 was dismissed as a common date. Now we all know the MS-65 1877 for the rarity it is. A tiny difference in grade can make a big difference in rarity (and price). I estimate that 60 to 120 or more are known at the MS-64 level. As grading is not a precise science, once the rarity of the 1877 in MS-65 becomes generally known (see preceding paragraph), I would not be surprised to see many MS-64 coins resubmitted to the certification services in the hope of attaining the pinnacle MS-65 listing. Accordingly, watch for "MS-65" coins to become more common. In MS-63 there are probably about 150 to 250 or more 1877 trade dollars known. In the MS-60 to 62 range the issue is readily available, and an estimated 450 to 900 or more are known.
The current Top Pop 1877 MS66+ Trade Dollar that Mr. Hansen purchased has been around for a while. The value has bounced around a little the last decade. The first appearance was in a Heritage’s 2013 US Coin Signature Auction where the coin was described as: Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is one of just two graded by PCGS with none finer (9/13). The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. Striking softness on the high points is almost too trivial to mention. The coin’s provenance and pedigree is from the Rosemont Signature Collection. It realized an Auction Record is $30,550 which still stands from a 2013 sale.
The coin was in The Greensboro Collection when it made the most recent appearance. The coin was headlined as: 1877 Trade Dollar, MS66, Tied for Finest at PCGS. The description is only slightly different that the 2013 listing. Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is one of just two graded by PCGS with none finer (11/18). The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. Striking softness on the high points is almost too trivial to mention, with above average head detail on the obverse. In Heritage 2019 FUN US Coins Signature, the price realized dropped to $19,200.
Fast forward to current day, the coin was offered for sale by Numismatic Financial Corporation. It was described as: 1877 T$1 MS66+ PCGS. Despite the mintage exceeding 3 million pieces for the 1877 Trade dollar, this beautiful Premium Gem is single finest known at PCGS pop 1. The ocean-blue accents near the rim make it appear that Liberty is dipping her toes into water, while lovely jade, gold, amber, pink, and copper hues make an appearance elsewhere on the obverse. The reverse displays a similar palette but offers some deeper lavender tones near the rim. Cartwheel luster prevails on both sides. The ask price for the coin was $39,950.
This is the nice upgrade to the Trade Dollar Set. Will this be a set that we will see more activity? Let’s watch and see.
Provenance: Rosemont Signature / US Coin Signature (Heritage 11/2013), lot 3677, realized $30,550 (Auction Record); The Greensboro Collection, Part VII / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2019), lot 3769, realized $19,200; Purchased in private transaction (Numismatic Financial Corporation via David Lawrence Rare Coins 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1877 Trade Dollar MS66+
PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest at PCGS
Certification #37998846, PCGS #7044
PCGS Coin Guide Value: Unknown / Asked $39,950
Ex: Rosemont - Greensboro
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
In the old days, pcgs would never have graded that coin even MS65. I know - I tried every damn 1877 that I could get my hands on. Finally, they loosened up on the star strike and the floodgates literally opened on gems
The MS66 from my old set has a far superior strike and surfaces. This coin has nice eye appeal but 66+? Shrug
I totally agree with your perspective.
However, the greater argument is that PCGS should provide historical grade submission histories for ALL coins in their data base. Coins such as this one have been resubmitted so many times just to make a POP 1. Even if the coin was cracked, top POP coins are not unknown and their history with PCGS should be public information.
OINK
Amazing 1802 Dollar!
www.brunkauctions.com
Upgrades to the Morgan Dollars
For those in the community that has been fatefully watching this collection expand and improve knows, recently I have focused a few of my updates on the Morgan Dollar Collection since the Larry H. Miller sale in November of 2020. The Hansen Morgan set was elevated into the top five leaderboard and he has continued to update in 2021. Three of the four updates in this posting were purchased from Barry Stuppler. He is marketing coins from the Illinois Collection. The other coin is from another source that Mr. Hansen turns to: GreatCollections Auction. Here are the four new 2020 upgrades and approximately when purchased.
1903-O MS67+, CAC Approved, Cert #40690986, POP 10/0. The coin was purchased 1/24/2021 in a GreatCollections Auction. It realized $30,864.
1878 7TF (Rev 79) MS67, Cert #37728196, POP 1/0, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in late January from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $60,000. This coin appeared in the Heritage August 2017 ANA US Coins Signature Auction. It was graded MS67 NGC and realized $37,600 (Auction Record).
1901 PCGS MS62 (Doubled Die Reverse) MS62, Cert #37728320, POP 3/1, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in late January from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $52,500. The ask price was $58,500.
1904-S PCGS MS67 CAC Approved, Cert #37728332, POP 2/0, Ex: Illinois Set. The coin was purchased in Mid-February from Barry Stuppler – Mint State Gold. The PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $85,000. The ask price was $95,000. (Featured Below)
The total for the four coins is estimated at just slightly below $250,000. This purchase was not for a sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 Specimen. Currently the D.L. Hansen has five POP 1/0 Specimens from the Illinois Set. There are still seven being offered by Barry Stuppler on his website. The remaining sole finest specimens range in starting ask price of $137,000 and topping out at $690,000. To purchase the remaining seven piece lot would require about $2 Million. I am not expecting that to happen, but I would keep eye open for one or two more top pop specimens at some point.
1904-S Morgan Dollar, MS67 CAC Approved, Ex: Illinois Set
We see Mr. Hansen dip into the Stuppler well once more. The coin he brings home is a 1904-S MS67 tied for sole finest certified by PCGS. Q. David Bowers writes: In worn grades the 1904-S is plentiful in lower grades through Fine or so. EF and AU pieces are few and far between. In the years before 1940, the 1904-S dollar was a great rarity in Uncirculated condition. Even the largest collections were apt to lack a specimen. After the early 1940s, the situation changed, and, as noted above, specimens were readily available on the market. The 1904-S is moderately scarce now in the 1990s. Most specimens seen today are in lower grade ranges from MS-60 to 63. MS-64 coins are scarce, and MS-65 coins are rare. I suggest that just 5,000 to 10,000 MS-60 to 62 coins survive, 4,000 to 8,000 MS-63s, 1,500 to 3,000 MS-64s, and only 200 to 400 MS-65 or better. Most 1904-S dollars are lightly struck, especially at the center of the obverse. Lustre ranges from "greasy" to lightly frosty. Some have extensive abrasions, especially on the obverse.
The coin first appeared in 2006 in a Bowers & Merena Auction offering the specimen from the Anne Kate Collection. At the time of the sale, The Anne Kate Set was #2 in the PCGS Registry. The #1 set at that time was California 1. In 15 years, the Anne Kate Set has dropped to #16. Father Time can be harsh. The uncertified MS67 realized $43,700. Just a year later, the coin appeared in Heritage’s 2007 Signature Coin Auction offering the specimen this time from The Jackson Hole Collection. The coin realized $32,200 as a PCGS certified MS67. Eight years pass before the coin is seen again. In Legend’s 2015 Regency XIV Auction, the auctioneer described the coin as: This amazing 1904-S looks like it’s been extra carefully stored from the day it left the bank until the day it was encapsulated. A true borderline MS68! Absolutely perfect surfaces will pass every test. You won't find problems of any kind. A decent luster shows off a moderate, mellow mix of original golden brown/deep champagne/pale olive evenly spread all over. Miss Liberty and the details are fully struck and the eye appeal is pleasing! This was the sale of the Coronet Collection and the coin realized $70,500 an Auction Record.
The last public auction appearance was May 2018. In the Legend Regency 26 Auction, the coin was from the P.F.M. Collection. This collection does not ring a bell for me. Also, Legend contributed the coin as an Ex: Coronet Collection and added: Described in our sale of the Coronet Collection as: "This amazing 1904-S looks like it’s been extra carefully stored from the day it left the bank until the day it was encapsulated. A true borderline MS68! Legend continue the description with: To that we will add that this coin has an impressive provenance, first being a part of the Anne Kate Collection, then going into the Coronet Collection. In the course of a dozen years, this marvelous GEM has resided in three major collections of Morgan dollars. Now with the Illinois and Hansen Collections added to the pedigree, the GEM has resided in five major collections of Morgan Dollars.
Twice Legend described the coin as A true borderline MS68!, but the coin still resides in a MS67 PCGS holder. Is it a possible candidate for a MS67+ upgrade, I do not know. Barry Stuppler described the coin as: Here is a 1904 San Francisco $1 Silver Morgan Dollar, which is holdered with the prestigious Illinois Set label and has graded MS67 by PCGS while also achieving CAC Certification. It is perfect for PCGS registry set collectors. This captivating Silver Dollar has overall lovely eye appeal, a mottled patina of burnt dusk, and clay color toning adding unique charm. The devices are well struck, with bold lines and excellent depth. A vivid cartwheel of original mint luster accentuates predominantly mark-free fields. This high-end Morgan is visually exceptional and will make an excellent complement to any portfolio or collection. In addition to being uniquely beautiful, this Morgan is also tied for the finest known. From a mintage just over 2 Million, current PCGS population reports indicate ONLY 2 have graded MS67 by PCGS with none grading higher. Of the two tied at MS67, ONLY 1 has received CAC Certification, THIS ONE! Maybe the reason the coin has not been upgrade is desire to keep the CAC Approve POP 1/0 sticker.
Will we see more Morgan upgrades in 2021? We will have to watch and see.
Provenance: Anne Kate Collection, Part II (Bowers & Merena 8/2006), lot 2287, realized $43,700; The Jackson Hole Collection / Signature Coin Auction (Heritage 4/2007), lot 116, realized $32,200; Coronet Collection / Regency XIV Auction (Legend 10/2015), lot 34, realized $70,500 (Auction Record); P.F.M. Collection / Regency 26 Auction (Legend 5/2018), lot 135, realized $70,500; Illinois Set Collection (PCGS Set Registry), offered by Barry Stuppler (Mint State Gold, 2016), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1904-S Morgan Dollar, MS67
PCGS POP 2/0, CAC Approved POP 1/0
Certification #37728332, PCGS #7294
PCGS Value Guide: $85,000 / Asked $95,000
From Illinois Collection, Ex: Kate-Coronet
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Mr Hansen is a very successful businessman.. How he proceeds with his collection......nobody knows
Clapp (father and son) were true collectors who never thought of selling their coins . They died with their coins
Louis Eliasberg did die with his coins
I don’t believe DL Hansen will die with his coins
Doesn’t anyone think DL Hansen will go through a phase of exhibiting parts of his collection ?
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Hey Stuart,
Have you heard something recently that I have not heard? The last I talked with Mr. Hansen about about his collection, he told me that his plan was after his death to have his collection be placed a trust for his children. The setup would be a slow sale of the coins over many years that would provide a steady income. This is a intriguing way to leave an inheritance. What I am not sure of is how his duplicate coins fit in.
I know he enjoys letting others see his coins. I think he does desire having them exhibited. As you know the logistics to have that happen is not easy with insurance policy limitations and etc. I think some parts will exhibited at some point. I have heard him say that he is please people can enjoy online. I know he did spend money to have them better photographed when they was out of plastic for branding.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Classic Head Half Eagle Upgrade
OMG! This coin is so the real deal. We’d rank it MS64.8+++ every time! In full MS65, these are so exceedingly rare. Legend Numismatics, February 2021
David Akers describes the coin as: The 1837 is really a very scarce and underrated date. It is more rare in all grades than the 1834 Plain 4, 1835, 1836, or 1838 and is much rarer in choice condition than any of those four dates. In AU and Unc, it has actually appeared at auction less often than the 1838-D, although, in my experience, the 1838-D is more rare in those grades. According to PCGS reports, there are only four GEMs certified by PCGS. Two coins are graded MS65 and one MS66. The sole finest known specimen is the D. Brent Pogue Mint State-66+, PCGS Specimen. The coin was previously in the Harry W. Bass Collection sold for $235,000 (Auction Record) in Pogue Sale, Part IV on May 24, 2016. The coin is safely and securely tucked away in the fabulous High Desert Collection.
Legend Numismatics described the MS64+ rarity of the new Hansen Specimen as: This is one of just two graded MS64+ by PCGS. PCGS has possibly graded only 4 coins higher. There is NO record of this MS64+ selling in a major auction. The current PCGS Price Guide value is $57,500 and it is critical to note: an MS65 (NON CAC) sold for $100,625 way back in 2010. ALL posted numbers for this coin in MS64 and higher are incorrect. The rarity of this date and higher in this grade is extreme. If a PCGS CAC MS65 were ever to show up, it would sell for $125,000+ today. In an interesting statement, Legend does not view GreatCollection Auctions as not being a major auctioneer.
1837 Classic Head Half Eagle MS64+ PCGS, CAC Approved
Its first appearance was November 2012 in a GreatCollection Auctions. As you know, GC rarely provides lot descriptions and provenance. With only two bids, the coin realized $44,550 with Buyer Fees. After being off the market for about seven years, the coin returned to GreatCollection Auctions for a second time on June 16, 2019. This time the action was more intense. After 14 bids, the coin hammered for $62,501, realizing $70,313.62 with Buyer Fees.
I am not sure the status of the coin for the last year and half, but it appear Legend Numismatics offered the coin in the past few days. I know that I see only a fraction of the coins that Mr. Hansen acquires. I fairly confident this is not the first coin purchased from Legend Numismatics, although I do believe this is the first significant coin that I have seen. Will there be more to come, I am not really certain.
Legend Numismatics described the coin as: Outstanding surfaces are smooth and clean. Only on the reverse is there a small scuff/frost break that you can see with a glass (which is all that we can find that keeps it from MS65). This coin oozes with as much originality as we have ever seen. It looks like it was carefully stored for a very long time. A moderate glowing luster beams from all over. Both sides enjoy a rich and totally original deep gold with pale greenish gold highlights. There are NO discolorations or spots. The eye appeal is terrific! If you are trying to build a GEM set, this coin is a perfect fit! The ask price on the coin was $69,500 which is slightly below the price realized in the 2019 GreatCollection sale.
The POP 2/4 MS64+ coin is a nice upgrade to the MS62, Cert #83794555. I believe the MS62 specimen was acquired in Heritage’s July 2017 Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. It realized $11,750. The Hansen Collection is not unlike the Bass Collection where Mr. Bass had depth in many of his coins. The MS6coin does have the D.L. Hansen branding, so I am not sure the future fate of this coin. This borderline PCGS MS64+ Condition Census Top Five is a nice upgrade to the Half Eagle Collection that is just getting better and better. Let’s watch as see if the motivation is gearing up in the Early Gold series where a monster coin could be added in the future.
Provenance: GreatCollection Auctions 11/2012, ID #83410, realized $44,550; GreatCollection Auctions 6/2019, ID # 711908, realized $70,313.62; Purchased in Private Transaction (Legend Numismatics 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1837 Classic Head Half Eagle MS64+ PCGS
PCGS POP 2/4, CAC Approved
Certification #25502003, PCGS # 8175
PCGS Value Guide: $57,500 / Ask $69,500
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Have to agree
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Makes me think of Bear
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Upgrades from the Charlotte Mint
A few days ago I posted an updated featuring the Dahlonega Mint. Today, we will take a deeper look the Charlotte Mint. It is written that The Charlotte Mint was the first United States branch mint. Following the first documented discovery of gold in the United States, the country's first gold mine was established in North Carolina at the Reed Gold Mine. As no mints existed in the Charlotte area, miners had to send their gold dust to Philadelphia to be melted and coined. The transportation process was difficult, slow, expensive, and dangerous; frustration with this system led to the creation of private gold coining operations in the Charlotte area. However, making gold into local money had its own inherent problems, such as accurate weighing and determining fineness. In the spring of 1831, North Carolina merchants and miners petitioned Congress for a branch mint in the Charlotte region to reduce the risk of transporting gold. They received no response until three years later when the United States Treasury began to investigate private coining operations and recognized North Carolina's need for more federal coinage. On March 3, 1835, the United States Congress approved an Act 115 to 60 to establish several branch mints. In May 1861, North Carolina seceded from the Union. The Confederacy seized the Charlotte Mint along with those at New Orleans and Dahlonega.[1]The Confederate government continued coining operations until October when it became clear it was a futile effort. The mint was then converted into a hospital and military office space for the remainder of the Civil War.
There are 50 coins required for the Charlotte Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) Set. PCGS describes that set as: This historic Mint met the same end as that of Dahlonega, in that both were captured by the Confederacy during the Civil War and never reopened. Today, collectors from across the country remember this tumultuous time through the magnificent coins of the Charlotte Mint.
There are additional four coins needed if you desire to complete the set with Major Varieties. PCGS describes this set as: The legendary rarity of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar. The romantic end of the series as the final 1861-C half eagles were struck by the Confederacy. In between, there are rarities galore of differing degrees, such as the 1843-C Small Date quarter eagle, the 1842-C Small Date half eagle or the 1855-C Type Two gold dollar, to name but a few. The D.L. Hansen Collection has two of the four. The collection is missing the 1839/8-C which is required by PCGS for the Major Varieties. The coin is recognized by CoinFact as a die variety and not a major. Confusing or not, the coin is still missing in the collection. The other missing coin is “The legendary rarity of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar.”
In the past few days, The D.L. Hansen Collection has acquired two Charlotte Mint One Dollars from Rare Coin Wholesalers. The fist coin was a couple weeks ago updating with the 1855-C G$1, MS61, PCGS POP 4/0, Certification 39525939. The ask price by RCW was $32,950. This week the collection upgraded the 1851-C with a coin from RCW.
As you can see, the eight Gold One Dollar specimens are amazing. There are only five PCGS certified coins that could improve the grouping. The 1849-C can only be improved with the purchase of sole finest PCGS MS64+ Bob Simpson Specimen. The coin sold September 2020 for an auction Record of $48,000. The second coin is the mysterious 1857-C sole finest PCGS MS62 specimen. Last is the 1859-C specimen which there is three PCGS MS63 coins that could improve the set. The last appearance was again a specimen from the September Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I sale. The coin realized an auction record of $31,200. This week’s upgrade of the 1851-C is also from the September Simson sale, but not purchased in the sale by the Hansen team.
1851-C Gold One Dollar MS66, Ex: Bob Simpson
The MS66 coin is the only GEM in the Hansen Charlotte One Dollar collection. The date 1851-C may be the only date that has produced a GEM specimen. PCGS records nine 1851-C GEMs, six MS65 and three MS66. Doug Winter describes the coin as: During the five years in which Type One Gold dollars were struck at the Charlotte Mint (1849-1853), a total of 80,816 pieces were produced. Of these 41,267 (or 51.06%) were dated 1851-C. As one might expect, the 1851-C is by far the most common Type One Charlotte Gold dollar. It is also the most plentiful issue of any denomination from this mint, both in terms of the total number known in all grades and the amount of high grade examples that have survived. The 1851-C is the most common Charlotte gold dollar. It is also the most easily obtained Charlotte coin of any year or denomination. This issue can be found in any circulated grade without much effort. It is only moderately scarce in the lowest Uncirculated grades. In properly graded MS62 it becomes scarce and it is rare in MS63 or better. There are at least a half dozen Gem examples known and these are among the finest surviving coins from the Charlotte Mint.
There have been some discussions recently about the dislike of coins being pedigreed or placed in branded labeled holders. This specific coin has a history of auction appearances and was recently sold in the Bob Simpson Collection sale. You never would know by the coin’s listing. The coin was re-cased in a non-provenance holder and no reference in the listing description of pedigree. I know some of you like this and all I can say is each to your own. I am one that thinks history is one of the six components that make a coin great.
There have been six auctions in the past two decades offering 1851-C MS66 Specimens. Of the six, the new Simpson-Hansen coin has appeared in four of them. For the other two auctions, a PCGS MS66 Specimen appeared in the Heritage 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature Auction in Orlando. The sixth appearance was a NGC MS66 offered in a Heritage 2006 Dallas Signature Coin Auction. The two coins have not reappeared since.
The Simson-Hansen coin first appeared in a Heritage 2008 Houston Signature Auction. The MS66 NGC coin was described as: Every now and then, a coin comes along that has no real reason to exist. The nature of production and distribution of the Southern Mint gold is such that a survivor of any issue in Premium Gem quality is essentially unheard of. The NGC and PCGS population reports each show two MS66 examples of this date certified, although we tend to think that those figures only represent two or three different coins. None have ever received a higher grade. This Premium Gem has frosty and brilliant yellow-gold luster with a touch of green patina and faint splashes of iridescent toning. It is sharply struck with bold obverse and reverse design details. An impressive, amazing Premium Gem. The coin realized $25,300.
A couple years later, the coin appeared again. This time it was offered in Heritage’s 2010 Long Beach Signature US Coin Auction. The description for the coin was pretty much unchanged. The coin was listed from The Longfellow Collection. The coin realized an auction record of $40,250 that still stands today.
Just another couple years later it was offered once again. This time by Heritage in 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature Auction in Orlando. Heritage’s comments in this sale: This is one of the three finest known Charlotte gold dollars of any date; the others are similarly graded and dated 1851-C as well. It is likely that this coin was saved as a souvenir, and it somehow has escaped the ravages of time and is essentially "as struck." Both the obverse and reverse display superb swirling mint luster atop clean, fresh fields. The strike is as sharp as one would expect to find on a Philadelphia dollar of this era with strong centers including a bold date and mintmark. The coloration is lovely with delicate orange-gold, rose, and greenish hues, in slightly different configurations, seen on both sides. There are a few tiny marks in the right obverse field, but the eye appeal of this piece is off the charts. This is a perfect type coin for the collector seeking one single ultrahigh-grade dollar from this mint, and it is one of the highlights of the Cherokee County Collection. In this sale, the coin only realized $32,200.
The 2012 Cherokee County Collection sale may be where Bob Simpson rescued the coin from cycles of short lived collections. If so, then it remained in his collection for a little more than eight years. The coin was offered in The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I sale hosted September 2020 by Heritage Auctions. In the auction, the coin was graded PCGS MS66 and housed in a Simpson labeled holder. Heritage headlined the coin as: 1851-C Gold Dollar, MS66, Among the Finest Charlotte Mint Survivors. They described the listing as: The 1851-C gold dollar is by far the most collectible issue from the North Carolina branch mint. A total of 41,267 pieces were struck, of which probably more than 1,000 examples survive, including 125 to 175 in Mint State. No other Charlotte Mint gold dollar challenges the 1851-C as far as availability. However, most Uncirculated examples fall within the tight MS61-MS62 range, with small populations in MS63, MS64, and MS65. Premium Gems are conditionally rare and represent the finest known of the issue. PCGS and NGC eagle report three submissions at this level with none higher (5/20). Those totals undoubtedly include duplications; probably only three or four distinct MS66 representatives exist. As I stated earlier, I could only find at the most three distinct coins in the six auctions the past 20 years which agrees with the Heritage statement.
Heritage described the coin as: Both the obverse and reverse display superb swirling mint luster over clean, unabraded fields. The strike is as sharp as one would expect to find on a Philadelphia dollar of this era, not a Carolina product, with strong centers and a bold date and mintmark. Color is lovely with delicate orange-gold, rose, and greenish hues. There are a few tiny marks in the right obverse field, but the eye appeal of this piece is off the charts. A perfect type coin and certainly one of the very finest Charlotte Mint gold dollars extant. Although described as “eye appeal of this piece is off the charts”, the coin did not carry a CAC Approved sticker in the Simpson sale. Also, the auction results were really down by realizing only $27,600.
A few days ago, I found the coin offered on Rare Coin Wholesalers website. The ask price was $39,500 and a little more on eBay, $40,500. The coin was removed from the Bob Simpson holder and all references to past auctions omitted. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $40,000. We do not know the final negotiation price on the coin, but the coin does make a nice addition the D.L. Hansen Collection of Charlotte Gold.
Provenance: Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2008 as NGC MS66), lot 1784 realized $25,300; The Longfellow Collection / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2010 as NGC MS66 ), lot 1373, realized $40,250 (Auction Record), The Cherokee County Collection / US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012 as NGC MS66), lot 4686, realized $32,200; The Bob Simpson Collection, Part I (Heritage, 9/2020 as PCGS MS66), lot 10108, realized $27,600; Purchased by Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers , 2/2020), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1851-C Gold One Dollar MS66
PCGS POP 3/0, Among the Finest Charlotte Mint Survivors
Certification #40542338, PCGS #7514
PCGS Guide Price: $40,000 / Ask $39,500
Ex: Bob Simpson
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Hey Currin - Why would Mr. Hansen
burden his children with the responsibility of selling HIS coins ?
I remember Jon Pittman’s son
told Dave Akers he didn’t need him to sell his dad’s coins . His idea was to put them out on tables and invite
members of the Rochester coin club
to buy them .
BTW - Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins
I’ve ever seen.
I only wish I had such a burden....
I don't really think that's much of a burden. Regular folks inheriting their parents financial mess after they pass is a burden. Leaving behind keepsakes from one of your life's passions for your kids and grandkids to enjoy and do as they please with is a blessing not a burden.
He probably has a small army of people that would manage any trust that is used to pass down his assets. I read in a bio on him that he has 6 children, 9 stepchildren and 46 grandchildren. Must be quite the gathering at the holidays
Capped Bust Right, Half Eagle Upgrade
Mr. Hansen missed out on the recent offering of the 1804 Proof Eagle, but why not go ahead and pick up a nice half eagle. In my mind, there is something special about the 1804 date. Maybe it is because of the proofs. Maybe it is because another reason, but the 1804 is something special. If you consider the 1804 Proof Eagle in the mint state set with major varieties, the coin requirement is 15. The D.L. Hansen Collection is missing two coins, 1804 Proof Eagle and 1804 Quarter Eagle “13 Star Reverse”. The reason why PCGS requires the Proof coin in a Mint State set is beyond my limited knowledge.
With the new update, The Hansen Collection has a couple PCGS sole finest POP 1/0 specimens, including the 1804 $10 “Cross 4” MS64 specimen. The coin is valued approx. one half million dollars. Besides the two sole finest, the 15 piece set has four specimens tied for sole finest certified by PCGS. The gold portion of the set is amazing. It is pretty certain at some point the Hansen team will add the 1804 Quarter Eagle “13 Star Reverse” coin. The difficulty for obtaining 1804 Proof Eagle has recently increased with all three known examples in strong hands.
The new upgrade is the 1804 Half Eagle “Small 8 over Large 8” coin. The coin replaces a MS61 POP 22/8, certification #25791983. David Akers describes the coin as: This is a very interesting major variety that can easily be seen with the naked eye. The 180 of the date was originally punched with the punches intended for Eagles and the error was corrected by repunching using the correct size numerals. As a variety, this is similar in overall rarity to the 1804 Small 8 and more scarce than the other 19th Century Half Eagles of this type with the exception of the 1806 Pointed 6. This variety is available in all grades up to and including choice uncirculated. However, choice specimens bring high prices today due to the popularity of early U.S. gold coins in choice condition.
In a more recent comment by Ron Guth, he adds: The 1804 Small 8 over Large 8 is an interesting "eyeball" variety that shows a dramatic double punching of the 8 of the date, first with a large, oversized 8, followed by a smaller 8. The reason for the overpunching is unknown, but it may have been done to correct the visual imbalance created by the use of the large 8. In most overpunchings, the engraver relies on the fact that much of the original digit is either effaced by the second digit, or the traces can be removed later by polishing. In this case, the size difference between the two digits is so significant that the smaller 8 had no chance of covering the large 8. Either no attempt was made to polish off the underlying 8 or it was ineffective. The 1804 Small 8 over Large 8 Half Eagle is not particularly rare, and a fair number of About Uncirculated examples exist to satisfy collector demand. The PCGS Condition Census includes grades ranging from MS-62 to MS-64, where PCGS has certified two examples as finest of the variety.
There are three MS64 specimens currently in the PCGS population report. First being Stack-Jung-Pogue Specimen that last appeared in auction in 2015. This coin has very distinguished reddish toning on the obverse. The current whereabouts of this coin is not known to me. The second specimen is the new D.L. Hansen purchase. The third and final coin may be Benson Specimen that was sold in a 2002 Goldberg Auction.
1804 Capped Bust Right, “Small 8 over Large 8” MS64 PCGS
According to provenance provided in a Heritage description, the first appeared was Heritage’s FUN Signature Auction in 2012. The coin was certified by NGC as MS64. Also, the coin was CAC Approved. The coin was described as: The surfaces of this attractive Choice specimen are bright yellow-gold with a complementary reddish tinge. Ample luster radiates from each side, with some semiprooflike reflectivity appearing on the reverse. The strike is well-detailed, producing complete hair details on Liberty and the breast feathers on the eagle, but some softness on the arrow fletchings and claw. A few planchet adjustment marks occur on the right rim and the shield on the reverse. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. It realized $69,000.
Seven years later, the coin appeared as a PCGS certified coin in three Heritage Auctions. In the first appearance, the coin set the all-time auction record in The Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection sale hosted by Heritage’s 2019 ANA World's Fair of Money US Coins Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $126,000. The description from the 2012 sale was basically unchanged. Second appearance was in Heritage’s 2020 Central States US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas. The coin realized $75,000. For a third time, the coin appeared in Heritage’s 2020 US Coins Signature Auction. The coin realized an additional $3000 ($78,000).
It appears the coin found its way into the Hansen Collection by the means of Rare Coin Wholesalers. I am not sure the ask price directly from the company website, but the ask via eBay website was $125,000. As always, we do not know the actual negotiated price that Mr. Hansen paid for the coin. Let’s watch and see if there are more surprises with the Early Half Eagles in the near future.
Provenance: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012 as NGC MS64 CAC), lot 4851, realized $69,000; Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection / ANA World's Fair of Money US Coins Signature (Heritage, 8/2019 as PCGS MS64 CAC), lot 3865, realized $126,000 (Auction Record); Central States (CSNS) U.S. Coins Signature (Heritage, 4/2020), lot 3789, realized $75,000; U.S. Coins Signature (Heritage, 9/2020 as PCGS), lot 3714, realized $78,000; Purchased by Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
1804 Capped Bust Right, Small 8 over Large 8 MS64 PCGS
PCGS POP 3/0, CAC Approved
Certification #41049272, PCGS #8086
PCGS Value Guide: $120,000 / Ask $125,000
Ex: Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
In this case, I think the PCGS Registry Set Program might be the decision maker
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
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The coin was actually purchased by DLRC from NFC...then I offered it to Dell Loy and he purchased it...but, just being a footnote in history is fine by me on this 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
For what it's worth, Mr. Hansen's family has been incredibly supportive of his hobby. I've discussed it with most of his children at some point and they are truly happy that he's had so much joy in the process.
However, there are absolutely ways of not "burdening" them with the responsibility. I think they'll have a harder time breaking up the collection that you would think as it's been such a passion of his...
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pittman as a YN and he helped me with my exhibit that I had set up at the South Carolina Numismatic Association Show. He was so polite and kind to a young, impressionable young man who had no idea what Mr. Pittman had put together in his lifetime. I also had the honor to meet his daughter, wife and son-in-law after he passed. Fortunately they appreciated what he had done, but I have to concede that it must be overwhelming for a family to inherit such a collection.
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
I'm wondering just how many coins are in the collection now!
It has to be a huge amount
This rings very true to me today. Having lost both of my parents in the last 2 years, I've had to unravel their very limited financial assets...and it's been an almost impossible chore.
But, today I was able to sort through my parent's coin collections and it really brought me back to my roots of collecting. Describing it as a "blessing" is so true.
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
Proof Large Cent Addition
Several of these cents are known, and judging by their color and impression it has always been considered they were a few special pieces made for some appreciative numismatist in 1829."- Henry Chapman, 1906
Unusual is a term that P. Scott Rubin used to describe this coin: The Bronzed Proof 1829 Large Cents are some of the most unusual coins ever issued. With an estimated survival number of just over a dozen or so specimens, this N-6 sub-variety is both a beautiful and desired collectable. Why this coin was struck using bronzing powder applied to the planchet’s surface before striking is not known. The more common use of this powder at the mint was for medals produced in the U.S. mint during the 19th century. The finished product from this process is a coin with a more matte-like finish than the mirror finish normally applied to Proof coins. This gives these Bronzed Proof coins a very distinctive look. With their well-struck appearance and the matte-type finish they stand out as a very special issue of the U.S. Mint. This issue should belong in a type set of Large Cents since it is so distinctive in appearance and because it is part of an obvious experiment by the mint to create an interesting collector coin. The N-6 dies were also used regular Proof coins, of which fewer specimens are known than of the Bronzed Proofs.
CoinFacts Rarity and Survival Estimate show only eight coins with three as PR65 GEM or better. In my research based in available auctions, I believe three GEMs is the correct number. The NGC Population Report lists two specimens, but I don’t there is but one. The PCGS report is correct with two.
This is my roster of GEMs compiled from recent auctions.
Mackenzie-Eliasberg PR66 NGC Specimen, Mortimer Livingston Mackenzie (Edward Cogan, 6/1869), lot 675; Dr. Edward Maris; Richard B. Winsor (Chapman Brothers, 12/1895), lot 931; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996 as uncertified PR64), lot 567, realized $12,100; John Gervasoni; The Classics Sale (American Numismatic Rarities, 12/2003), lot 470, No Sale; Superior (5/2004), lot 144; Superior (1/2005), lot 79; Goldberg Coins (5/2005), lot 23, realized $31,050; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection II / US Coins Signature (Heritage, 10/2014), lot 98055, realized $70,500 (Auction Record)
Pogue-Hansen PR65 PCGS Specimen, M.A. Brown Collection; S.H. and H. Chapman's sale of the M.A. Brown Collection, April 1897, lot 876; Major William B. Wetmore Collection, S.H. and Henry Chapman's sale of the Major William B. Wetmore Collection, June 1906, lot 631; H.A. Sternberg Collection; Milferd H. Bolender's sale of March 1956, lot 1644 (as "Uncirculated"); R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection; R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. estate, October 2007; Ted Naftzger Collection (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2009), lot 222, released $32,200; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V (StacksBower 3/2017), lot 5167, realized $32,900, Purchased in Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
HighDesert PR65 PCGS Specimen, Treasures from the S.S. New York (Stacks, 7/2009), lot 169, realized $36,000; Rosemont US Coins Signature (Heritage, 8/2013), lot 5513, realized $41,125, HighDesert Registry Set.
StacksBower noted in the Pogue Sale: The PCGS Population data reports five examples graded in bronzed format, which might well include duplicated submissions. In addition, they report two examples with the usual unbronzed finish. Among them all, this one ranks right at the top, tied with one other for finest graded.
1829 Matron Head Cent, “N6 -Large Letters” Bronzed PR65 (PCGS)
The pedigree for this coin can be traced back to 1897, “THE SPLENDID COLLECTION OF UNITED STATES COINS OF M.A. BROWN, ESQ., EAST NORTHFIELD, MASS”. This is an interesting story of the first document sale for this coin: The M.A. Brown sale was to be the first Chapman catalogue issued with actual photographic prints as plates (all of the earlier Chapman sale plates had been produced by various photographic printing processes). According to Jack Collins, the glass negatives for the plates were seized by the government on the grounds of being unauthorized reproductions of U.S. money, but not before two sets of proof prints had been made. One set was cut in half by the Chapmans to fit into their bidbook of the sale. The other set was acquired privately by Collins, and was subsequently sold privately. The sale itself is important for a very fine collection of choice large cents, eighty-four obverses and reverses of which are depicted on the four plates. Henry Chapman ended up assisting the passage of legislation allowing dealers to illustrate their coins; in the interim, however, there were no plated Chapman catalogues until 1904.
The story does not end there. The coin was featured in several other famous collections including: Major William B. Wetmore Collection, H.A. Sternberg Collection; Milferd H. Bolender's Collection, R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection, and in The D. Brent Pogue Collection before finally resting in the D.L. Hansen Collection. In the Pogue sale, the coins as described as: The reflective character in the fields is distinctive. While it differs markedly from the completely satin-finish devices, it does not have the glasslike smoothness seen on other Proofs. Magnified study reveals the surfaces to be entirely of a finely grained texture, a result of the bronzing powder application used to create these special Bronzed Proofs. To the eyes of the modern numismatist, the rare Bronzed Proofs of 1829 look exactly the same as they did to the esteemed Chapman brothers team in 1906 - very special indeed. Similarly, they have long been appreciated by collectors. Certain of them have proven to be very stable in terms of their color, making them arguably some of the most attractive Middle Date Proofs. The D. Brent Pogue Collection coin is one of those pieces. The surfaces are deep mahogany bronze with a few subtle streaks of deeper patina in the obverse field. The reverse is just slightly lighter in tone with rich red bronze tones.
This coin continues to expand the breadth of the D.L. Hansen Collection of US Issued Coinage. Due to size, a coin like this can be lost in the collection. This is an amazing coin that should always have a significant place. I hope you enjoyed seeing this unusual and strange coin as much as I have in researching the old large cent with the “Experimental Bronzed Finish”
Provenance: See Pogue-Hansen PR65 PCGS Specimen above.
1829 Matron Head Cent, “N6 -Large Letters” Bronzed PR65
PCGS POP 2/0, Tied for Finest Example
Certification #40364261, PCGS #397568
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $48,000 / Ask $60,400
Ex: Brown- Naftzger-Pogue
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Buffalo Nickel Upgrade
In the PCGS Buffalo Nickels with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1913-1938), the 1914/(3) Overdate Major Variety coin is tied for #4 weighted in the 72 coin set. The three coins that rank greatest in weight is the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1918/7-D and the 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs. The set is described by PCGS as: There is something about Buffalo nickels that attracts collectors. Some collectors remember when every once in a while one would show up in their change, or a time when they did grandpa a favor and the reward was a beautiful old nickel. Perhaps it reminds us of a time when the West was still new. Whatever the reasons, many people collect Buffalo nickels and some have managed to build truly phenomenal sets. When the major varieties are added to the set, three notable rarities must be included. Most elusive are the 1916 Doubled Die and the 1918/7-D overdate. The 1937-D three-legged variety is very well known, but not nearly as difficult to locate as the other two. There are also some less obvious stoppers within the series. The San Francisco coins of the late 1910s and 1920s are elusive and the 1924 and 1926 are all actually rarer than the famous three-legged '37-D. Though there are some tough coins, this series is now and forever a favorite of collectors.
In the Major Varieties set, The D.L. Hansen Collection ranks second behind The JDG Trust Collection that has been on the top for more than a decade. The top dog is the Buffalo Hall of Fame Basic set that belongs to Gerald Forsythe. This collection was awarded the HOF in 2005. With these two sets at the top, it has been a slow burn for Mr. Hansen. We discussed the Buffalo nickel collection a few months ago. This set is a struggle for new collectors because almost all of the high end coins are in the top two sets. The last big Hansen/Buffalo upgrade took place in September 2020 Heritage Sale from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I. In that sale, Mr. Hansen purchased the Simpson 1918 Buffalo Nickel, MS67+ specimen realizing $55,200.
As stated earlier, the 1914/(3) Overdate is one of the top four or five most difficult coins in the Buffalo Nickel Series. Our resident friend and expert Ron Guth describe the coin as: Experts speculate that the 1914/3 Nickel was caused when a 1913 dated master die was repunched with a 1914 dated hub. This theory is supported by the fact that there are several different overdate dies, plus overdates reported for both the 1914-D and 1914-S Nickels. The strongest 1914/3 die from the Philadelphia mint is known as FS-101 (old FS-014.87). Value for this variety depends on the strength (visibility of the doubling). Thus, the FS-101 commands the highest premium. Other, less visible overdates command smaller premiums.
In a December 9, 2020 CoinWeek article describing the variety, the author wrote: It is unknown how many of the 20,664,463 Buffalo nickels struck at Philadelphia in 1914 are of this overdate, and there seems to be some disagreement about the origin of the 1914/(3), or 1914 4 Over 3, Buffalo nickel overdate – primarily concerning where in the process of striking coins the overdate happened. PCGS states that it was most likely created when a master die for the 1913 Buffalo nickel was repunched using a 1914-dated working hub. NGC states that the overdating occurred on a working hub for the 1914 nickel that was then struck into the working dies. Because of this difference in understanding, while PCGS still attributes the variety on its holders, NGC does not.
In CoinFacts auction history, there are no previous auctions for the MS66 examples. Since 2002 almost 20 years ago, MS65 specimens have been auctioned nine times. The Auction Record is $63,250 for a PCGS MS65 realized in a Heritage Auction on 06/01/2002. In 2002, the population was two in MS65, with none finer. There has not been another sale of a MS65 to come even close the auction record. The CoinWeek article added some additional details: There are no auction records listed by PCGS for MS-66-graded specimens. But prices for the solitary MS-65 piece reported by PCGS are all in the five figures. Selling most recently in December 2017, it went for $18,213. Over eight years earlier, it sold for $23,000 in August and $18,400 in April 2009. Five years before that, however, the MS-65 went for $27,600 in August and $29,900 in January 2004. There was no mention of the auction record.
1914/(3) Buffalo Nickel PCGSMS66 POP 3/0, CAC POP 1/0
In the fore mention article, the author went on to say, But of those nickels that PCGS has attributed the variety, the company reports only three specimens graded MS-66. Adding to the condition rarity and eye appeal of the piece GreatCollections is offering on Sunday, this example is the only one of those three top pop coins that is also approved by CAC.
The new Hansen coin was offered in auction by GreatCollection on Sunday, December 13, 2020. The starting bid was $75,000. The coin was past with no bidders. The coin was offered again a couple weekends ago on Sunday, Feb 14, 2021. GC offered a brief description, Although there are two other MS-66 examples graded by PCGS, this is the only approved by CAC. For the finest Buffalo Nickel set. Very rare. We know one of the other examples is impound in The Gerald Forsythe Collection, cert #37912751. The location of the third example in not known and does not appear to be in the registry.
In the second GreatCollections Auction, the Hansen team pulled the trigger and placed a $75,000 bid. There were no other bidders, so the coin was won with one bid and realized $84,375 with buyer’s fees. PCGS Price Guide values the coin at $75,000. If you are a CAC advocate, then you may agree the sole CAC top pop may have a little added value. With all that said, this coin makes a great upgrade to the D.L. Hansen All-Time Top Three Buffalo Nickel Collection.
1914/(3) Buffalo Nickel, MS66
PCGS POP 3/0, CAC POP 1/0
Certification #40502421, PCGS #93924
PCGS Price Guide: $75,000 / Realized $84,375
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I just noticed that Dell Loy owns the top graded 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars.
What a great combo!
It's pretty intense that the 1885 is a $4M coin!
1884 Trade Dollar - PCGS PR67 POP 1/0 CAC - Dunham-Starr-Hansen
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/05781400
1885 Trade Dollar - PCGS PR65+CAM POP 1/0 - Atwater-Eliasberg-Hansen
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/36982251
It's great to see Dell Loy collecting territorial gold.
Here's his Mormon Gold:
Registry Set: https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/160782
1850 $5 Mormon Gold - PCGS XF45 POP 15/4/23
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/35689885
1850 $5 Mormon Gold - PCGS AU58 POP 123/5/2
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/38081776
1850 $20 Mormon Gold - PCGS MS61 POP 14/1/1
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/25281579
1860 $5 Mormon Gold - PCGS MS62 POP 44/2/0 - Hansen
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/82621184
New Leader in Two Cents Mint State
Mr. Hansen has a phenomenal 2 cent collection in mint state. Highest graded coins I’ve ever seen. RedCopper (Stuart Blay), 2/2021
Back in August 2020, I provided an update stating the D.L. Hansen Collection was the new top dog on the leaderboard for the Shield Two Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1864-1873) set. Mr. Hansen replaced six coins in this set on 8/13 and jumped from fourth place to first! He purchased six of the top coins from “at that time” number one set, The Prestwick Collection. Today, we see a very similar posting, but the set this time is the Shield Two Cents Classic, Circulation Strikes (1864-1872) set.
The Shield Two Cents Circulation Strikes PCGS sets are available in a 9-piece Basic, a 10-piece Classic, and a 12-piece Major Variety. This update places the Hansen Collection in the top spot for all three sets. PCGS describes 12-piece registry set as: Here's a set that's short but filled with challenges. You'll be able to build more than half of the set in short order, but then comes the 1864 Small Motto, the 1872 and perhaps another date or two that's truly elusive. The Major Variety set adds two more coins to the Classic set: the 1867 Doubled Die Obverse and both the plain, and fancy "5" variety of the 1865. It's a unique denomination, a one-time design (although similar to the Shield nickel) and a beauty of a set when it's completed. In the most recent update, six new coins were replaced.
Mr. Hansen replaced six coins in his set on 2/20/21 and jumped from third place to first! He purchased the six coins from an offer made by David Lawrence Rare Coins. John Brush indicated the coins were just graded and fresh to the market. I have not been able to track the group’s history, but by the coin certification numbers they appear to have been graded a long time ago. This leads me to believe they may have been upgrade. I hope at some point we can learn more about the history of this group.
1867 MS66+ RD Certification #07055094, PCGS #3593, PCGS POP 2/0, PCGS Price Guide: $23,500
1868 MS67RD Certification #07055095, PCGS #3599, PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide: $47,500
1869 MS67RD Certification #07055096, PCGS #3605, PCGS POP 3/0, PCGS Price Guide: $27,500
1870 MS66+ RD Certification #07055097, PCGS #3608, PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide: $25,000
1871 MS67RD Certification #07054345, PCGS #3611, PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide: $60,000
1872 MS67RD Certification #07054346, PCGS #3614, PCGS POP 1/0, PCGS Price Guide: $100,000
1872 Shield Two Cents MS67RD, POP 1/0
When looking at the PCGS Price Guide, it is not easy to find a six figure coin. This 1872 MS67RD valued at $100,000 may be the first and only. The next is the 1864 “Small Motto” in MS66RD valued at $75,000. Third place coin is the 1871 MS67RD valued at $60,000. The Hansen Collection has examples of all three. I place the PCGS price guide value of Hansen’s 12-piece set at $400,000. If you include proofs, it is possibly $900,000 to One Million Dollars. This is really amazing to think about for a two cent set. In Atwater and Eliasberg time, they were called minor coins.
PCGS Expect Jaime Hernandez describes the 1872 coins as: The 1872 Two Cent piece is the key date to the series. It has the lowest mintage by far. It's mintage is 65,000 and the next lowest mintage is the 1871, with a mintage of 721,250. The mintage of the 1872 Two Cent piece doesn't even come near any other coins in the series. The 1872 Two Cent piece is scarce and commands a premium in all grades. In Uncirculated condition it is really scarce and only serious collectors can usually own one, as examples in Gem condition will cost thousands of dollars. Examples in Uncirculated Red Brown condition are scarce in all grades. And examples in Uncirculated Red condition are extremely scarce, especially in MS66 condition or higher.
PCGS Population lists 13 GEM Reds for the 1871 coin. About half (six) of the population is MS65RD with two more MS65+RD. That will leave four coins MS66RD with one of them being MS66+RD. The thirteenth coin is Hansen’s sole finest MS67RD.
D.L. Hansen may have assembled the greatest set of Two Cents Coppers of All-Times. Both the mint state coins and proofs have reached the pinnacle in all RED categories. Is it good enough for the PCGS Hall of Fame?
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/two-three-cents/two-cents-major-sets/shield-two-cents-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-proof-1864-1873/3073
Provenance: Private Transaction (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 2/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
1872 Shield Two Cents MS67RD
POP 1/0, Sole Finest by PCGS
Certification #07054346, PCGS #3614
PCCS Value Guide: $100,000 / Unknown, purchased in six coin group
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Beautiful coins but we need to see which are CAC. Not sure why he has not started a CAC set.
First time poster. I have read this thread since the beginning and have enjoyed it. I recently saw the sale of this Top Pop Variety that he purchased this past week from the Legend Auction. Has to be the highest price paid for this Variety. 1943 S DDO 101 Washington Quarter.
https://legendauctions.hibid.com/catalog/259604/the-regency-auction-43/?q=washington+quarter&ipp=10
I find it interesting that this coin was put into his Major Variety Set and i am curious about his set with ALL the Varieties that is closed. He has not added this coin to that set and I was wondering if he is going to chase all the Varieties in the Washington Quarter Series? I also noticed that in the Major Variety set he is number 1 and yet he has another set that is number 4? Why?
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-major-sets/washington-quarters-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-proof-1932-1964/3363
Surely he must understand that there are those of us out there that have spent 10 or more years building our sets on the budget we have. I am very proud of my number 3 set and have to wonder why he would take up more than 1 slot in each set composite? Let us little guys have fun too. This is the link to the 185 coin Variety set and Mr Hanson is in 11th Place and notice the set is closed.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/2645
Being a Variety guy I think its going to be a hard set for him to complete but would love to watch any progress he might have. Is he number 1 in any of the Full Variety sets in any of the other series? Does he bid on the coins he purchases or does David do that? Love the thread and wish him luck and just a reminder there are other collectors who enjoy playing the registry game without being number 1......
Enjoy Tom
I used to be famous now I just collect coins.
Link to My Registry Set.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/publishedset/78469
Varieties Are The Spice Of LIFE and Thanks to Those who teach us what to search For.
Tom - I found a similar problem in my area of specialization years ago, and chose to refocus my collection of XF coins, instead of trying for higher grades. I realized that I don’t have the funds to compete with the high end players, so I cut my own path.
That Mormon gold is extremely cool!
My YouTube Channel
I don't expect these large collection builders to change what they do to accomodate the small guys. I think one of the big drivers for the collection is to be better than all others. If it makes you feel any better, I often am more interested in sets other than Hansen's when I click the registry. You probably have a very deep knowledge of the series that exceeds that of Hansen. That is not always reflected in the registry.
Some of these sets lower in the registry are built very well. There is something to be said for a collection that is well built rather than one that is assembled.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Bullion!!!
I have seen activities in other areas, Commemoratives, Bullion, etc. I have seen several First Spouse $10 MS and Proof examples coming into the collection recently. Just a few days ago, The Collection added the difficult Grace Coolidge and Letitia Tyler specimens. They came from Justin (Monstercoinmart) via eBay. When all is said and done, I am not sure that I expect to see much change in Mr. Hansen’s focus in 2021, which is his fifth year of working on the mega collection. Currin 1/1/2021
I wrote this in my first posting of 2021. The comment was from what I was seeing and no inside information at that time. I have seen a greater increase of activity in some of these other areas for about four or five months now. It was starting to pick up around or just before Thanksgiving. In first two months of 2021, it has increased even more. I mentioned the First Spouse $10 MS and Proof set specifically. The last I looked, only two coins were needed to complete the 84-piece set. Maybe, I will discuss that set in the future if I get any positive responses from this posting. The set that will be the focus today is the Gold Eagles.
Gold Eagles Complete Set, Circulation Strikes and Proof (1986-present)
This is currently a 299-piece mega set. The set has drawn the interest of 35 collectors. There are two collectors that have completed the set, Goldminer's Collection and psc. The latter set has retired leaving the Goldminer's Collection set as the only current complete set. The set currently #2 is the Captain William V. Davis Collection with completion of 68.92%.
The Gold Eagles set being assembled as part of the D.L. Hansen Collection is greater than 50% completion as of this week. The set was first published on 1/24/2021 with 145 coins. The number has jumped to 168 as of yesterday. Listed here are just the most recent updates.
PCGS describes the set as: The complete set of Uncirculated and Proof American Eagle Bullion Coins is rather large set, consisting of nearly 250 coins. While there are no great rarities, there is a lot of bullion value here, so completing the set will require some outlay of funds. Among the tougher issues will be the 1999-W 1/10 and 1/4 oz. Uncirculated coins, which were struck with unpolished Proof dies. To date, only two collectors have managed to complete this set, and another couple are close.
What is meant by “the set will require some outlay of funds”? Well I did the numbers on the set. As of today, it requires 9.876 lbs. of 22 Karat Gold. Let’s break it down.
72) $5.00 Gold Eagles 1/10th of an oz. total 7.2 oz.
72) $10.00 Gold Eagles 1/4 of an oz. total 18 oz.
72) $25.00 Gold Eagles 1/2 of an oz. total 36 oz.
83) $50.00 Gold Eagles 1.0 oz. total 83 oz.
This is a total of 144.2 ounces. Current bullion price is $1736.28 per ounce. Just at bullion value, the cost would be close to $250,000. I would estimate the average values of MS70 and PR70DCAM PCGS certified coins would at least be a factor of two (maybe a little more). That would place a good ballpark estimate at Half Million Dollars for a set.
2020-W $50 Gold Eagle PR70DCAM - v75 Privy 1 of 1945 Struck First Strike
I picked this recent release coin as the feature specimen for today. The coin is not valued in PCGS Price Guide, but one of same sold in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction for $12,600. The coins was headlined as: 2020-W One-Ounce Gold Eagle, v75 Privy World War II 'Commemorative', First Strike, PR70 Deep Cameo. The auctioneer continued to describe the coin as: From a numismatic perspective, this coin represents one of the rarest and most coveted modern issues to ever come out of the U.S. Mint, and it is part of one of the most widely collector modern bullion coin series. From a historical perspective, this is a commemorative issue of profound meaning and symbolism, celebrating the surrender of Nazi Germany in May 1945, and the end of World War II. The small v75 privy mark in the field is flanked by the olive branch of peace, held by Liberty, symbolizing the rebirth of peace in the world that followed the end of the second Great War. This coin is fully struck and flawless in its technical and visual merits. Liquidlike fields starkly contrast against the frosted devices, and the eye appeal is stunning.
This week, I asked John Brush if he could comment on the increase of modern coins being purchased. He confirmed what I expected; the coins were being purchased by Mr. Hansen himself. He enjoys “hunting” and “building” his sets. How many billionaires would spend time searching websites and buying these coins himself? I think he enjoys the hobby as I do and maybe you too. I really enjoy the “hunt”. It is sad to say, but I enjoy the “hunt” more that observing the coins. If you know Mr. Hansen, he is a builder by nature. I think that is one of the reasons that you see him building so many sets. It is fun and what he likes to do. Me too. The difference is his budget is thousand times more than mine. I think what we are seeing recently; he is spending a lot more of this leisure time with his collection. Mr. Hansen once said, he wants to be and do things different than what have been done before. I think this is one of them.
Let me know if you like to see posting on modern coin on occasions
2020-W $50 Gold Eagle PR70DCAM
v75 Privy 1 of 1945 Struck First Strike
Certification #41441528, PCGS #819295
Recent Auction Result Estimated Value Realized $12,600
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I do like seeing modern coins!
This is a coin I was hoping to have in common with Dell Loy but the Mint website froze on me so I wasn't even able to get this one!
I was able to get a silver though!
Aarrgghh...
Smitten with DBLCs.
Agree. I’ve been trying to buy one piece of Mormon gold for years and boom this. Now I’m depressed.
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Agree 100%. These coins are fascinating!
In case anyone missed it, here's a recent thread on Mormon gold:
Mormon Gold: The Deseret Mint and its Mint Master John Moburn Kay
Liberty Head Half Eagle Upgrades
Without keeping tabs, I have a feeling that Liberty Head Gold has been the most discussed series. As a total view, all four of the Liberty Head gold denominations have been very active for Mr. Hansen. He leads the all-time PCGS Registry in all four. The best series is the Double Eagles that have a GPA of 62.90. The core of this fabulous collection of Double Eagles was the purchase of the remarkable AWA Collection. Current the only series that has a GPA less than 60 is the Eagles. With a GPA of 59.14, the set is still #1 in the Set Registry leading the Bob Simson set (58.44). The quarter eagles have the second highest GPA of 60.80. The set has a slight lead over the Harry W. Bass Collection.
With the updates shared today, the Half Eagle set has now surpassed the milestone grade of 60. In comparison, the Bass Half Eagles grades at 59.77 and the Louis Eliasberg was only 53.01. I will agree, you should include grade inflation when comparing the current grades against historical. The Hansen set now has a GPA of 60.01 for a set that PCGS describes as: There is no other set of coins that features specimens from seven U. S. Mints—Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans and San Francisco. This long-lived set includes one of the greatest rarities in numismatics, the 1854-S $5 gold piece. How many has PCGS graded? Zero! There are many sets-within-sets in this series, as most collectors focus on the coins from one particular Mint. It’s a long and challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it.
Without trying to brag on the Hansen Collection, I do agree with PCGS writer that it is a challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it. I think another amazing on-going achievement is the upgrades. The set was completed about twelve months ago with the purchase of the last coin, the Pogue 1854-S. If the set was packed up and tucked away, the set would be a tremendous achievement. That was not what a happen. Since the purchase of the 1854-S specimen, 22 coins have been upgraded. The last three that were upgraded this week have PCGS POPs of 2/0, 2/0 and 1/1.
The first was obtained in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction held January 31, 2021. The 1863-S Half Eagle PCGS MS61 (cert #25662095) specimen was described as: This stunning specimen is tied for finest known example of this very tough Civil War era gold piece struck at the San Francisco mint. This boldly lustrous example has a semi-reflective quality to the fields giving a beautiful backdrop for the crisply rendered devices to standout against. The eye appeal is phenomenal with no perceptible signs of wear. This rare Mint State survivor is certainly worthy of the advanced collector. The coin realized an auction record of $56,500. This coin replaces an AU58 POP 5/2, cert # 38396096.
The other two coins were from the Heritage Auction February 2021, US Coins Signature. The first coin was headlined as: 1865-S Five Dollar, MS62, Second Finest Example Known, A Major Rarity in Mint State. The description stated: Only seven coins are designated Mint State. Five are in MS61 NGC (a number that may include duplications as well), one is MS62 PCGS, and the last is MS64 PCGS (1/21). We have not handled an Uncirculated example of this issue since 2007, and we have never seen a coin graded finer than MS61. This piece represents an incredible opportunity for the advanced San Francisco gold collector. Honey-gold luster lightens to peach-yellow in the centers, while the outer peripheries deepen to amber-gold. Light abrasions define the grade, but the originality of the surfaces balances the eye appeal. Slight strike softness is only seen on the hair curls around Liberty's face and on the reverse fletchings. The coin realized $38,400. This coin replaces an AU55 POP 5/4, Cert # 33931719. The last coin is also from the Heritage Auction and the feature coin today.
1845-O Half Eagle PCGS MS63, Tied with One Other at PCGS
The new coin replaces an 1845-O AU58, Certification #81252595, POP 6/8. David Akers describes the coin as: The 1845-O is many times more rare than the 1844-O and is in the same rarity class as the two varieties of 1843-O. Most known specimens grade only VF or EF and even AU examples are quite rare. Strictly uncirculated examples are extremely rare and the superb Gilhousen specimen purchased by Harry Bass for $2000 is the only real gem I have ever seen. If the Gilhousen specimen is currently in a MS62 PCGS Holder, then today that coin is third on the Condition Census report with two coin grading finer at choice MS63. Doug Winter added a little different twist: The 1845-O is a more available coin than the 1846-O and 1847-O half eagles but it is still a hard coin to locate. In fact, it is considerably scarcer than many of the more heralded Charlotte and Dahlonega half eagles of this era.
As stated earlier, this coin was purchased in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was headlined as: 1845-O Half Eagle, MS63, Condition Census Rarity. The auctioneer described the coin as: Variety 1, as always for this issue. The 18 in the date is repunched. As a date the 1845-O half eagle is a great rarity in Uncirculated condition. The finest pieces certified are two MS63s at PCGS and two also at NGC (one of which at the latter service is Star designated) (1/21). The present offering is an absolute Condition Census example. We have not handled a piece in this grade since the year 2000, making the current example an incredible opportunity for the collector who has long waited for a chance to acquire a Condition Census example of this New Orleans issue.
It appears Mr. Hansen had great interest to add this specimen to his collection. PCGS price guide valued the coin at $35,000. CDN Greysheet likes to coin for $50,000 and $65,000 for a CAC Approved specimen. CDN CPG® (Retail) like this coin a little better by valuing a MS63 specimen as $60,000 and $78,000 for CAC Approved coin. The coin is not CAC Approved, but the bidding was intense. The coin realized $60,000, a new auction record.
As for pedigree, not much is known. The coin did land in a place where future pedigree will be remembered. This and the other two are nice additions to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Liberty Head Half Eagles.
Provenance: US Coins Signature, (Heritage 2/2021), lot 13763, realized $60,000; (Auction Record), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1845-O Half Eagle PCGS MS63
PCGS POP 2/0, Tied for Finest by PCGS
Certification #50204848, PCGS #8225
PCGS Value Guide: $35,000 / Realized $60,000
Image provided in Heritage’s February 2021, US Coins Signature Auction
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I am beginning to concentrate on my $20 Liberty Collection. Competing with Hanson is impossible. I have to be content with being #2. I do have an outside chance of completing someday. I will need to find 1854-O , 1856-O, 1870 CC in a grade that I can afford.