Proof 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars are extremely rare...and confusing. - Ron Guth
The term “confusing” is an understatement. This is a case where specialists have opinions, and they don’t always agree. Also, history show advance collectors have acquired prooflike coins as proofs, and how do you go back and fix? Also some legendary collectors bought uncirculated coins and turned them into proofs. It is so confusing, let’s just jump into a roster of the known coins.
Most auction rosters will list eight to nine different examples, although one or more can be discounted as prooflike business strikes. Due to the uncertainly in proofs vs prooflike, my list is not complied by grade, rather I have listed the undisputed Kaufman Specimen first, with the three only certified PCGS coins next.
1. Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC, Cert #1898957-054 Phil Kaufman Collection / Milwaukee ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1785, realized $276,000 (Auction Record); Scott Rudolph Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2009), lot 3766, realized $230,000; The Greensboro Collection, Part IV / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2013), lot #5592, realized $141,000
2. Black Cat Specimen, PR64 PCGS, CAC, Cert #03391169 Jim O'Neal Collection of U.S. Type, Part V / FUN US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 1/2018, lot 4830, realized $66,000. Note: Coin #8 below is possible the same coin.
3. Merkin / Goldman Specimen, PR64 PCGS, CAC, Cert #07436474 R.F. Batchelder to Don Jensen, privately at the 1966 ANA Convention (per Walter Breen); Lester Merkin's Sale (June 1968), lot 291; 55th Anniversary Sale (Stack's 10/1990), lot 1638; Kenneth Goldman; Julian Leidman; 1853 Collection / Winter 2014 Baltimore Auction (Stacks Bowers 11/2014), lot 10021, realized $64,625.
4. D.L. Hansen Specimen, PR63 PCGS, Cert #42287603 Auction '80 (Stack's, 8/1980), lot 1184; Auction '90 (Stack's, 8/1990), lot 143; Stack's (5/1992), lot 2659; Superior (6/1999), lot 2099; Pre-Long Beach (Superior 10/2000), lot 4360; realized $25,300; Fairchild Family Trust (Goldberg Coins 5/2001), lot 561; realized $31,050; Pre-Long Beach Auction (Superior 1/2004), lot 2354; realized $26,738; US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 3183, realized $39,750; The Gibney Family Collection / Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/2021 as PR63 PCGS Cert #07425417), lot 5023, realized $28,800; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers 6/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
I like the Kaufman example in the top spot. The Kaufman Specimen appeared in auction in 2007 and 2009 with no prior history known. When Heritage offered the Kaufman Specimen in 2007, the auctioneer stated this piece does not match any previous known coins. Ron Guth comment on this coin: Some are stone-cold, undisputed Proofs, such as the Kaufman NGC PR66CAM that once sold for $276,000.
A pair of PR64 PCGS specimens are shown next on the list. I am not sure they are “stone-cold, undisputed Proofs”, but one can be traced back more than fifty years, although the current location of this coin is not known. The other PR64 is in the Black Cat Registry set which may be disputable. It is the former Jim O’Neal coin and provenance prior to the 2018 sale is not known. The Heritage auctioneer offered this comment: Housed in a previous generation blue label holder with barcode on the back and CAC endorsed, the coin may have been struck from the same obverse die as the Norweb specimen, which has not appeared at auction since the Norweb sale in 1988. Comparison of the current coin to the Norweb plates is inconclusive. Both PR64 PCGS coins have low certification numbers and are probably in early generation holders.
The Hansen specimen has been around the block a few times. In the past 40 years, the coin has appeared in auction no less than nine times. The Hansen specimen was cert #07425417 in the most recent April 2021 auction. Prior to the recent retail offer, the coin has been recertified with the Cert #42287603. From this, I concluded the three PCGS coins were certified decade or more ago. Other than no additional recent certifications, I am not sure what I make of it.
The next grouping is the uncertified National Numismatic Collection specimen in Smithsonian Institution and the remainder of the NGC coins. Heritage wrote in the Jim O’Neal sale: There is no question that only a few 1853 Arrows and Rays quarters are decidedly "like proofs," and fewer still are certified as proofs by either service. The issue is essentially unknown with prooflike surfaces as regular circulation strikes. Almost inevitably, they are frosted with strong cartwheel luster when in high Uncirculated grades. NGC population report has five coins certified as proof 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars. The Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC listed above is one, with four additional specimens. There have been strong suggestions from some specialist that a few of these are prooflike.
5. Possible Finest Specimen, PR67 NGC, Cert #1723001-002, Baltimore ANA Signature (Heritage, 7/2008), lot 1640; Milwaukee Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2010), lot 2087, realized $166,750.
6. Eliasberg Specimen, PR65 NGC, J.M. Clapp (acquired as "Uncirculated") at an early date, probably before 1894; John H. Clapp; Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1454; Heritage (1/1998), lot 6782; David Lawrence (3/2005), lot 1522; unknown intermediaries; (CSNS) US Coin Auction (Heritage 4/2009), lot 2353. Passed at $149,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 9/2012 as Cert #1869634-001, deleted), lot 3860, realized $94,000.
7. Pittman Specimen, PR64 NGC, Jerome Kern Collection (B. Max Mehl, 5/1950), lot 1445; John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1325; Bowers and Merena (8/1999), lot 141; Goldberg Coins (2/2002), lot 704; Superior (1/2004), lot 287.
8. Norweb Specimen, MS64, prooflike, Thomas L. Elder; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 3/1988), lot 1594.
The PR67 NGC specimen appeared in public auction about ten years ago. There is not much prior information available on the coin. Heritage wrote in the 2010 auction: The present specimen, different than any of the following, which means it does not match any of the other coins on the roster. If the coin reappears in auction, maybe some additional details will surface on the interesting piece.
Another interesting piece with proof designation is the Eliasberg piece. In the Eliasberg catalog, Dave Bowers described this piece as MS64, prooflike, noting "possibly a candidate for 'proof' attribution." Since the time of that sale, it has been certified as a proof. Also Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. purchased the piece as "Uncirculated". John Jay Pittman Specimen continues the confusion. Ron Guth wrote: Even David Akers had trouble with the Pittman example because it was Proof on the obverse, but not Proof within the shield stripes on the reverse (Akers ended up calling the Pittman coin a Proof; NGC concurred by calling it a PR64). Maybe the most interesting is the Norweb Specimen. Dave Bowers cataloged this as a prooflike business strike in the Norweb catalog, but a decade later Dave Akers included it in his census of proofs. The Norweb coin may now be in a PCGS PR64 holder in the Black Cat Collection. In the Jim O’Neal sale, Heritage stated: Norweb specimen has not appeared at auction since the Norweb sale in 1988 and comparison of the “Black Cat” to the Norweb images are inconclusive. Due to not knowing with certainty, it is on my roster as two coins. The Smithsonian Proof Specimen rounds out the 8-9 coin list.
1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollar, PR63 PCGS
The mintage for 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars is usually given to be five examples. This number was first provided by Walter Breen: He suggests that five proofs were coined on March 3, 1853, part of four-piece proof sets that contained the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar. His report of the mintage date for the proofs was based on the comments of Harold Newlin, the 19th century half dime collector who stated that the 1853 proof half dimes were coined on that date: "Newlin claimed in his 1883 book on half dimes that the new coins with arrowheads were first made March 3, 1853. As the first delivery of production coins with arrowheads took place April 29, these March 3 coins must have been proofs: five sets in all." If only five were minted, then almost twice the number somehow survived.
PCGS estimate that five proofs survived with only one in GEM (PR65 or higher). The sole GEM survivor in the PCGS condition census report is the PR67 NGC, Cert #1723001-002 specimen. I would tend to lean toward the Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC, Cert #1898957-054 as a sure fire GEM survivor. If there was five minted, there have been only three certified by PCGS in the past 35 years. I am not sure there has been any certified in last decade. The Hansen coin is the lowest PCGS grade specimen of the three and is the lowest by both certification companies. As for PCGS condition census, it is in the top five, POP 1/2.
As stated earlier, the new Hansen coin has appeared in auction no less than nine times in the past 40 years. There is not a big name associated with coin, like Kaufman, Eliasberg, Norweb, or Pittman. The coin does have a unique look. As described in the Heritage March 2021 sale: The specialist will recognize the importance of this piece as an extremely rare pre-1858 proof coin and as a one-year type coin with Arrows at the date and Rays on the reverse. PCGS estimates only seven to eight survivors. This Select proof has a sharp strike and displays attractive dappled powder-blue, rose-red, and peach-gold patina. A thin horizontal line below the date will aid in tracking the provenance. Housed in a green label holder. Unfortunately, the coin is not in the OGH now. The coin was from The Gibney Family Collection.
The Gibney Family Collection offered 177 coins in Heritage Central States US Coins Signature Auction held April 2021 in Dallas, TX. The collection offered a gambit coins from colonial to tokens. The best coin sold was the 1833 $5 Large Date PR61 NGC piece realizing $240,000. The collection had seven coins reaching six figures. There were 54 proof coins including the new Hansen 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars, PR63 PCGS specimen. The coin realized a modest $28,800.
I am not sure why Mr. Hansen would pass on the coin in Heritage sale for $28,800 and purchase a few months later in a private transaction from Rare Coin Wholesalers. The ask price on RCW website was $59,500 with CU Value of $65,000. It has since decrease in value. The coin was described only as: MINTAGE OF ONLY 5 COINS. THIS IS ALSO A ONE YEAR TYPE COIN. A TREASURE FOR 19TH CENTURY PROOF TYPE COIN BUYERS. This is another purchase that expands the D.L. Hansen Proof Collection.
Provenances: See #4 above.
1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollar, PR63 PCGS PCGS POP 1/2, Only Five Minted per Walter Breen Certification #42287603, PCGS #5548 PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Unknown
@Boosibri said:
Nice coin! Those European bank hoards would scare me if I was still collecting rare date half eagles.
So if you were still collecting rare date half eagles, any ideas on how you would go forward with the possibility of European bank hoards? Thanks
Carefully.
We have no idea how many more unsold coins are in the Fairmont Collection nor do we know how many more future Fairmont hoards may still be sitting in bank vaults. The origins of the Fairmont Collection and how Stacks acquired it are a mystery to at least me.
@Boosibri said:
Nice coin! Those European bank hoards would scare me if I was still collecting rare date half eagles.
So if you were still collecting rare date half eagles, any ideas on how you would go forward with the possibility of European bank hoards? Thanks
Well, thus far most of the rare dates have remained rare. The 1862 $5 had seven I think examples in a single Kuenker auction in 2018-19 which was the tip off to me that something big was up…and then Fairmont was announced. What was the available population before 60-70? That’s 10% (and nice coins!) of the population in one auction!
I think great pieces are still good value but I would avoid the conditional rarities and “jump grades”.
I posted in another thread that the population of 1858-S $5’s in 58 went from 2 to 7 in the last two years. Prices accordingly have dropped. A great EF piece still makes tons of sense to me to collect but a $20k 58 is now a $8-10k coin perhaps.
”I did not know this coin existed. I thought the highest graded coin was a 63. I don't know it's provenance at all. That is a real find”. – Early Quarter Eagle PCGS Registry Specialist
Late last year, we saw an update in Hansen’s Early Quarter Eagles. That coin was a spectacular prooflike 1831 from the Bob Simpson Collection. Today you will see another spectacular upgrade. A complete collection of Early Quarter Eagles from 1796 to 1839 is only 31 coins. Let’s focus on the heart of this 31-piece Early Quarter Eagles with “Cap Bust Series”. This 12-piece series runs from 1808 to 1834. The run consists of three types. First the one year only type, Large Bust. According to John W. Dannreuther, This date/variety/type has been popular for as long as there have been collectors of US coins. The quarter eagles do not reappear until 1821 with a new designed, Large Dentils Type. The mint produce coins five years between 1821 -1827. There were no quarter eagles minted with dates 1822 and 1823. After a one-year break in 1828, the third type, Small Dentils was produced from 1829 to 1834. Coins were produced in each of the six years.
There is a PCGS Registry set that represents this 12-piece gold collection, Capped Bust $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1808-1834). Only four sets represent the All-Time Finest, and two that are current. The Harry Bass Collection is not represented because a couple of his coins were proofs. Brett Pogue had some great quarter eagles, but I believe his quarter eagle set was incomplete. It appears to me, the Pogue set had an amazing GPA of 62.78 with two coins missing, 1832 and 1834 Capped Bust in mint state. That leave these four collectors to represent the series.
The D.L. Hansen Collection leads the way with the top set. I have to say that Tony’s earlyAurum set is starting to cook. The set is missing only three coins and has an outstanding GPA of 61.88. earlyAurum leads off with the 1808 MS63 PCGS Jung Specimen and concludes with one of the two 1834 Capped Bust MS63 PCGS Specimens. The 1834 is tied with one other coin for the finest by PCGS. I can see this set as #1 All-Time at some point in the very near future.
The present strength in the Hansen set is the type three, Small Dentils portion of the set. You may recall on April 4, 2019, I reported a new upgraded, 1830 Quarter Eagle MS66, PCGS POP 1/0. The coin was valued at $195,000 and was purchased in a private transaction from David Lawrence Rare Coins. Then last fall, Mr. Hansen purchased a quarter eagle out of the Bob Simpson Collection. The 1831 MS66+ Prooflike PCGS coin was purchased in the sale for $240,000. Now, we see Mr. Hansen replaces his 1832 with another six-figure coin.
1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65
David Akers describe the 1832 Quarter Eagle as: The head of Liberty was slightly modified in 1832. The relief is higher and, therefore wear shows more quickly. Due to this higher relief, it is also much more difficult to obtain fully struck specimens of 1832, 1833, or 1834 than it is of the first three years of this type. Choice uncirculated specimens of this date are occasionally available, but even these are usually not as sharply struck as are those of 1829, 1830 or 1831. According to mint records, 4400 were produced. PCGS estimated 122 survived with approximately 22 in mint state. Most all specimens are MS62 or below. Previously, the top two finest known specimens were a MS63 PCGS followed by the Ohringer MS64 NGC Specimen. In addition, let us mention the Harry Bass Specimen.
According to Jon W. Dannreuther writings in his Early US Gold Coin book, The single Bass example of this date/variety is a proof, although ever the conservative about even his own coins, Bass questioned its status. The coin remains in the core collection found in The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection. The coin is cataloged as HBCC #3029 and described as: The head of Liberty was very slightly modified for this coinage issue, giving her a slightly stronger, more matronly appearance. 4,400 circulation strikes were minted along with a small number of Proofs. Containing very light hairlines on Liberty’s cheek, this example is one of four Proofs enumerated by Walter Breen. The Proof from the “Memorable Collection,” sold by Abe Kosoff’s Numismatic Gallery in 1948, was described as “Brilliant Proof. Faint cheek lines.” Although not plated by Kosoff in that catalogue, it is possible that this is the Memorable specimen. I don’t believe there to be four proofs, but it is possible another could turn up. If the Bass coin ever goes to market as a 1832 Quarter Eagle Proof, it would certainly shatter all records. In the PCGS registry, the coin is listed as a PR63.
Excluding the Bass Sole Proof Specimen, this is my roster of the top five 1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagles.
5. Garrett / earlyAurum Specimen, MS62 PCGS, CAC, earlyAurum Registry Set Other Contenders: Five: MS63 NGC, Six: MS62 PCGS, and Six: MS62 NGC
I listed Tony’s CAC Approved Garrett Specimen in the fifth spot with the knowledge that could be debatable. With the new purchase, Mr. Hansen has two coins in the top four. The Ohringer MS64 NGC Specimen has the Auction Record and I placed second followed by the MS63 PCGS Specimen.
This 1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65 came out of thin air. I could not find any information on the coin, so I reached out to John Brush. He said the coin was “acquired from another wholesale dealer”. He added the coin was “fresh to the market” and “from a collection someone purchased raw”. Amazingly after 35 years of certification, there are sole finest early gold coins still in the “raw”. Interesting, he added “I didn’t purchase it for Mr. Hansen, but the coin was perfect for him, so he bought it”. I can see how this coin is perfect for the Hansen Gold Collection. PCGS has already placed a value on the coin at $175,000. If the coin has never sold in auction, how do they do that? We may never know what Mr. Hansen paid in a private transaction, but I think I can safely say this coin is worth six-figures. It is an exceedingly difficult coin to acquire in high graded, and Brett Pogue did not find a suitable specimen for his collection.
Provenance: See #1 above.
1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65 PCGS PCGS POP 1/0, Sole finest by Two Points Certification #41962088, PCGS #7672 PCGS Value Guide: $175,000 / Unknown Ex: Collection Purchased Raw
Very cool addition indeed. Thanks to Currin for sharing the information and the honorable mention.
I have no idea where this coin came from. Perhaps @BestGerman can help us out here with his excellent detective work. Very unusual to see a new top pop coin appear especially one that is a full two grades higher for a rare date
@earlyAurum said:
Very cool addition indeed. Thanks to Currin for sharing the information and the honorable mention.
I have no idea where this coin came from. Perhaps @BestGerman can help us out here with his excellent detective work. Very unusual to see a new top pop coin appear especially one that is a full two grades higher for a rare date
I certainly hope to complete my set one day.
Thanks for the shout-out. Unfortunately, I'm drawing a blank on this one. You are right -- it's such a remarkable condition rarity that it most likely has shown up or was noticed before. Certainly, it's something to keep us researchers on our toes.
@WinLoseWin said:
Regarding the 1821 Large Cents, I had tracked the 7 hoard coins recently and have some additional info.
-Under number "7. Fitzgerald Specimen", the note "Possible link to Pre-Long Beach (Superior Galleries 5/2003 as PCGS MS63RB) Lot 663, realized $14,088 (Not Confirm)." actually applies to "8. Hansen Duplicate Specimen" as the 2003 coin was lot 62 in the 1981 auction. This can be seen in the catalog posted by the Newman Numismatic Portal:
However, it did make a different auction appearance not listed above. It was in Goldberg's June 2013 Long Beach Coin Auction but was withdrawn. When looking at the auction on their website there is no photo or lot description, only the words WITHDRAWN and UNSOLD by the lot number 405. I did find that the description would show up if doing a search for 1821 within the sale and did a screen capture of that shown below. It even has a photo on the cover of the catalog. So all seven have since appeared in an auction catalog after 1981 if not actually auctioned.
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-Looks like a typo within "6. Hansen Registry Set Specimen". The grade at the "American Numismatic Rarities, 1/2006" was PCGS-63 RB rather than MS64RB.
-Not sure if the auction record price for RD is accurate. Under "4. Dr. Charles Link Registry Set Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS-63 RD PCGS, CAC Approved, Cert #02348115" it shows "Keusch, Snow, & Del Zorro Collections Sale, (Stack's 11/2008), lot 3074, realized $70,000 (Auction Record)". That is what CoinFacts shows also. The problem is that the paper prices realized for the catalog omit it which should mean it was unsold yet Stack's Bowers online archives show it bringing $80,500 (that would be a $70,000 hammer price which is what CoinFacts shows along with a mysterious grade of NG0). So it is unclear whether Stack's paper PR or the Stack's Bowers website is the correct one. Also not sure where the $70,000 came from as both the paper PR and website include the buyers fee; possibly a reserve hammer that was not met got reported somewhere? Maybe Stack's Bowers can verify if it sold or not.
-The 5. Arizona Registry Set Specimen sold for $18,150 at the listed ANA Sale (Heritage, 8/1996), lot 6526. It also shows $30,550 on Golderg's site for Pre-Long Beach Auction #98 U.S. Coins (Goldberg Auctioneers 6/2017) Lot 54 rather than the price you show. Got the opportunity to see this one long ago and it was quite nice.
-The 2. Fitzgerald / Ahumada Specimen, 1821 N-1, MS64RD PCGS, Cert #83244991 shows on Golderg's site as UNSOLD for the Pre-Long Beach Auction #98 U.S. Coins (Goldberg Auctioneers 6/2017) Lot 53 appearance rather than the $38,188 that CoinFacts shows. The Prices Realized for the auction also omit it. Also the (Bowers & Merena 8/9/1999) lot 22 auction appearance brought $10,925 as a raw MS-60. Here is a link to the page showing this lot:
The NuTilt luster in motion views on this coin (the new 6. Hansen Registry Set Specimen) were what I chanced across just before they announced NuTilt. I thought this one came out especially well with the reverse showing how red it is and the toning spot by the F in OF looking far less distracting to me than still photos indicate.
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Here is some of the info from the 1981 catalog, which also included four 1804 Unc Half Cents in the hoard - one is now PCGS-64+ RD and brought $117,500 in 2017. That Half Cent lot states "This coin and the previous three lots were recently discovered during the razing of one of the historic buildings in Boston’s financial district...".
Wonder who had access to original Unc Half Cents minted 17 years earlier unless possibly all the coins were supplied by a bank with old stock on hand. Or possibly they came from two different parts of the same building constructed at different times. Don't recall seeing definitve answers about that.
The 1981 prices realized for the 1821 Large Cents:
Lot 58 $4,675 = the above "2. Fitzgerald / Ahumada Specimen, 1821 N-1, MS64RD PCGS, Cert #83244991"
Lot 59 $6,050 = the above "7. Fitzgerald Specimen, 1821 N-1, MS63+RB PCGS, Cert #26634175"
Lot 60 $4,950 = the above "6. Hansen Registry Set Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS64RB PCGS, Cert #36087812"
Lot 61 $6,050 = the above "3. Fitzgerald / Byrd Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS64RD PCGS, Cert #37128539"
Lot 62 $2,310 = the above "8. Hansen Duplicate Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS63RB PCGS, Cert #60110319"
Lot 63 $3,960 = the above "1. High Desert Registry Set Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS64RD PCGS, Cert #13053257"
Lot 64 $7,700 = the above "4. Dr. Charles Link Registry Set Specimen, 1821 N-2, MS-63 RD PCGS, CAC Approved, Cert #02348115"
”I did not know this coin existed. I thought the highest graded coin was a 63. I don't know it's provenance at all. That is a real find”. – Early Quarter Eagle PCGS Registry Specialist
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Excluding the Bass Sole Proof Specimen, this is my roster of the top five 1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagles.
Amandeep Jassal and I had the pleasure of purchasing this coin and placing it in the collection. It's certainly a fantastic match for the set and the coin is just as amazing in-hand!
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
The famous "AMERICAI" variety that derives its name from a vertical reverse die break that connects to the eagle's sinister claw immediately following the final A in AMERICA. - Stacks Bowers Auctions
Today marks the midpoint of 2021. The first half of year has gone by fast and furious. We have seen Mr. Hansen’s collection expand in 2021, primarily in the Proof portion. With the fabulous purchase of Pete Miller’s Early America Cooper Proofs, we have seen the Collection expand and complete the copper proofs. In addition, we have seen some great upgrades to the US Mint State portion. Several outstanding sets have been purchased including, Bob Forsythe’s Liberty Head Nickels.
Other than yearly releases, we have not seen much “expansion” in the US Mint State issues. The countdown in the Eliasberg Quest remains at 13. The last addition was in March 2020 with the purchase of Brett Pogue’s 1854-S Half Eagle. I am not sure when we will see another. If you recall in 2020, we were tracking the Major Varieties pretty hard. As so, we witnessed a large focus placed on them. Many missing copper pieces were purchased in the two EMS sales, and several gold Half Eagles varieties in the McCory sale. The countdown started in April 2020 with 40 coins. The year ended with only 19 left. Then dead silence. The last addition was November 2020 with the purchase of Lord St. Oswald’s 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar “Overton 126a Small Head”, MS63, finest known specimen. The coin was purchase in the second Bob Simpson Mega sale offered by Heritage Auctions.
This new addition reduces the countdown to only 18 remaining. This is by no means compare to the half million 1795 Hair Half Dollar, but just the same, it reduces the number needed by one. If you are true collector, then you can understand the meaning.
Coin Facts places the survival for this variety at 25 with only one or two in mint grade. The finest known is the Amon G. Carter, MS63 Specimen sold by Stack's 1/1984, lot 228, and realizing $9,900. This coin could also be the sole PCGS mint state, PCGS MS62+ specimen, but I cannot confirm. The list for uncirculated coins ends there. There are single AU53 and AU58 specimens, but neither of these coins have appeared in auction since the Carter Specimen in 1984. These top three or four coins are followed by three AU50 examples. The new Hansen coin is one of these three. All three of them have appeared in auction starting with the Cardinal/Cheek/Hesselgesser Specimen. The coin realized $11,500 in a 2012 Goldberg sale. Could this coin be one of the better PCGS AUs? A second AU50 specimen realized $5,875 in a 2014 Heritage sale. The third AU50 specimen is the new Hansen coin. The coin realized $9,000 in a March, 2021 Stacks Bower sale.
The auctioneer described the coin as: Outstanding quality and eye appeal for this scarce, conditionally challenging and extremely popular variety of the 1799 dollar. Lovely pearl-gray and olive patina blankets both sides, the surfaces revealing soft pinkish-lilac and powder blue undertones as the coin dips into a light. Sharply defined for a lightly circulated early dollar with uniformly denticulated borders and appreciable mint luster. Making its first appearance in the modern numismatic market, this significant About Uncirculated example qualifies for inclusion in Q. David Bowers' (2013) list of "Notable Specimens" for the BB-191 die marriage, which includes coins that range in grade from EF-45 to MS-62. Really an impressive piece, and sure to see spirited bidding among advanced early dollar enthusiasts. BB Die State II.
Theses varieties certainly do not appear in auction often, only 21 times in the last 15 years mostly ranging from NC0 to VF45. Mr. Hansen did not purchase the coin in the March Stacks Bowers auction rather a couple months later from David Lawrence Rare Coins. Will we see more Major Varieties come off of this list in the second half of 2021?
Provenance: U.S. Coins Part 3, (Stacks Bower 3/2021), lot 5207, realized $9,000; Private Transaction, (David Lawrence Rare Coins 4/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
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. The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 18 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.
Top 10
1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)
Last 8
1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)
1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)
The last detail update on the Three Cent Copper Nickels was about a year ago. I know this is not a limelight series but does have a rather nice little following of about 35 active sets with about half of them more than 50% completed. PCGS even describes these coins as “overlooked”. This is what is said about the 22 piece set: The three cent nickel is a popular 19th century set, but most sets are put together in proof, with the circulation strikes being somewhat overlooked. This set is a great challenge, as there are numerous problems with poor strikes, subdued luster, heavily clashed dies and other negative characteristics. A complete set of gem quality is a challenge, indeed! An interesting point to this set, there are 11 coins in the 22 coin set that are PCGS Pop 1/0 specimens. 50% of the required coins are unique in grade. Is that usual? Let’s just say that is not common.
Along with the introduction from a year ago, I made a second point on the possibility for Mr. Hansen to be able advance. Last year, the Hansen set was in 5th place in the all-time list, and it appears the 4th place Lyons Set was pre-registry and retired around 2000-2001. The 3rd place set, Bruce Scher/Legend, was created approx. 2002 and retired in 2005. This set received the Hall of Fame honors even though all four of the POP 1/0 specimens were from the Lyons Set. Next came the Law set in 2006. In the comments field it is stated that 21 of the coins were from the Scher set with only one purchase from Legend. The set retired in 2008, with also being award PCGS Hall of Fame. The present collector in number one spot is tompet38 and he have all the POP 1/0 specimens from the previous HOF sets, plus few additions. Last year at this time, the tompet38 set had eight of the 12 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. With changes in the population report, the set now has six of the of the 11 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. The current set is rated 67.86 and a drop from the all-time high of 68.20 on 4/12/2018. I once said with the current rules and the bonus points given; the set is “locked” in first place. That may not be as solid as it once was a year ago.
This pair of upgrades moves the Hansen set up one spot to #4 All-Time. The set still have only one POP 1/0 specimen, the 1883 MS67+. The two new coins are replacements for the key dates 1884 and 1885. The 1885 MS66+, Cert #25383974 replaces a MS66, CAC specimen, POP 14/3. Expect Ron Guth describes the 1885 as: The 1885 Three-Cent Nickel has the lowest mintage of any date in the series. Because of this, prices for high-end examples are what I like to call "insane." As a result, the occasional Proof is offered as Mint State, so authenticion (preferably certification) is mandatory. Though this date is not as rare as the 1884, it is definitely the most popular in the series. The coin has a PCGS price guide value of $25,000. Both coins were acquired in a private transaction with David Lawrence Rare Coins.
1884 Three Cent Copper Nickel MS66, POP 3/1
I believe this coin is currently the most valuable MS Three Cent Copper Nickel in the Hansen Collection with PCGS value of $42,500. The second most is the 1883 MS67+, POP 1/0, PCGS value $40,000, and the third the new 1885 MS66+ valued at $25,000. Here is what our expert Ron Guth had to say about the 1884: The 1884 Three-Cent Nickel has the second lowest circulation-strike mintage of any date in the series (second only to the 1885). Even better, it has the fewest number of Mint State examples of any date in the PCGS Population Report...by far. PCGS has certified only 39 1884 Three-Cent Nickels in all grades, compared to 85 for the 1885. MS-64 and MS-65 are the most populous Mint State grades (though only 2 of each can hardly be considered momentous). The finest example certified by PCGS is a single PCGS MS67. Circulated examples can be found in a wide range of grades between VF-20 and AU-58.. The MS67 remains the sole finest PCGS coin.
Both the new upgrades were acquired from David Lawrence Rare Coins. The 1884 was described on the DLRC website as: Outstanding gem example of this rare, low mintage issue of only 1700 coins struck. The design elements are exceedingly well-struck and standout against bright golden-grey surfaces overlaid in patches of coppery-orange toning. The eye appeal is wonderful! Bested by only a single PCGS piece, this would make a fantastic acquisition for the advanced registry collector.
The top MS67 PCGS coin is a mystery. It could be in a top type registry set, but I cannot verify. The three MS66 specimens are known. The last one to sale at auction was from the Seattle Collection offered by Legend Auctions March 2020. The price realized for the MS66, CAC Specimen was Auction Record of $42,300. The second specimen is in the TOMPET38 Registry Collection. The coin is the lesser toned of the three coins and is pedigreed to the TDP Collection. Also, I believe the coin is from the Bruce Scher #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set. The third coin is the new Hansen MS66 Specimen. John Brush describes purchase of the 1884 and 1885 coins as: fresh to the market that I acquired from another wholesale dealer. I didn’t purchase it for Mr. Hansen… but he bought them.. Another example of fresh coins going into the D.L. Hansen Collection.
1884 Three cent Copper Nickel, MS66 PCGS POP 3/1 Certification #85198389, PCGS #3752 PCGS Value Guide: $42,500 / Unknown
A few days ago, I discussed Three Cent Copper Nickels Circulating Strike set. I described in detail the difficulty of the set for Mr. Hansen to be able advance to the top spot. For the proof set, the story is completely different. The Three Cent Nickels Basic, Proof (1865-1889) set requires 25 coins. PCGS describes the set as: Proof three cent nickels seem to enjoy a greater popularity than their mint state counterparts. This series is slightly longer than the business strike one, and, despite significantly lower mintages, there are far more high-quality proofs on the market than business strikes. The earliest dates of the series are the rarest, with the 1865 being significantly more expensive than the other issues.
There is an entertaining competition at the top for this set. Currently, the two top collections (Hansen & tompet38) have created a separation from the remainder in the pact. There are 15 current collectors participating in the registry. Six of them are 100% completed. The tompet38 Collection of Three Cent Copper Nickel Proof set was created 6/1/2015. If I may add, just in time to get the 2014 top set award. Prior to 2020, the tompet38 set had been in first place continuously since 2014. Since last year, there has been a little going back and forth. The tompet38 set had reestablished the lead, but this new upgrade placed the D.L. Hansen set back in first place to receive the annual best in the registry award.
On 6/20/2021, the Hansen set move back into first place with a purchase from The Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. I have not confirmed if the coin was purchase directly by Mr. Hansen from NFC, or purchased wholesale by David Lawrence Rare Coins. According to the internet, the coin was sold by NFC on or about Jun 17, 2021.
With this purchase, the 25-piece set has six PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens, plus three others tied as finest. There are five coins with only one PCGS coin certified finer. Mr. Hansen replaced a beautiful PR67CAM, CAC Approved, Cert #25768704 specimen to get the points for the top spot. Sometimes tough choices have to be made.
Expert Ron Guth describes the coin as: The 1873 Closed 3 Three-Cent Nickel is a relatively common coin in Proof condition. The reported mintage of 1,100+ is based on the number of complete Proof sets sold in that year, plus an unknown number of "Minor" Proof sets (three-piece sets that contained only the Cent, Three-Cent Nickel, and Nickel). Considering that PCGS had certified 537 examples as of November 2011, the true mintage figure should probably be much higher, say in the 1,500-2,000 coin range. The Closed 3 is the only Proof version of the 1873 Three-Cent Nickels. No "Open 3" Three-Cent Nickels are known to exist in Proof. On the Closed 3 version, the loops of the 3 were placed so close together that it is easy to mistake the 3 for an 8 at a casual glance. Treasury official noticed this early in 1873 and asked the Mint to correct the problem by "opening" the loops of the 3. This was done for virtually all coin types in 1873. Though the 1873 Closed 3 Three-Cent Nickel is easy to locate in Proof condition, it is decidedly scarcer (by about half) than many of the dates in the 1880's (which have low circulation-strike mintages, but relatively high Proof mintages. Cameo Proofs make up less than 20% of the existing population, at least according to the PCGS Population Report, but this percentage may be understated because PCGS has not always designated Proofs as Cameos or non-Cameos. On the other hand, Deep Cameos are either extremely rare or non-existent, as PCGS has certified none to date. Superb Proofs are very rare. PCGS has graded 10 non-Cameo Proofs in PR-66 (and none finer), only a single PR67 Cameo, and, as already mentioned, no Deep Cameo Proofs. The Population Report has change a little since Ron wrote this summary. I would rank the top coins in the order by grade this way.
1. Hansen / Gardner Specimen, MS67+ PCGS, Cert #39820261, Ex: Purchased from David Lawrence (12/2010); Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 9/2013 as PCGS PR67, Cert #27980284), lot 6262, realized $7,050; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection of US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 6/2014), lot as PCGS PR67, Cert #2798028430136, realized $5,287.50; Douglas C. Kaselitz Collection (Stacks Bower 7/2015), lot 5064, realized $3,818.75; FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 1/2016 as PCGS PR67, Cert #25666892), lot 4725, realized $4,230; U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 12/2018), lot 3192, realized $3,720; U.S. Coins Part 1 - Numismatic Americana and Early American Coins (Stacks Bowers 6/2020) lot 375, realized $3,360; Private Transaction (Numismatic Financial Corporation 6/2021 as PCGS PR67+, Cert #39820261), D.L. Hansen Collection
2. Scher / Poole Specimen, PR67CAM Cert #16545208, Ex. R. Iskowitz; The Bruce Scher #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set (Heritage 2/2005 as PCGS PR67CAM, Cert #21765480), lot 4033, realized $9,775 (Auction Record); The David Poole Collection of Three Sent Nickels (Legend 5/2018), lot 400, realized $9,400; Current PCGS Registry Sets: This cert is currently in a user's private Set Registry Inventory.
As you can see the new Hansen POP 1/0 specimen has been around the block a few times. Earlier tracing shows the coin originating from a 2010 purchase from David Lawrence. After a decade in and out of collections including Eugene H. Gardner, the coin makes a new home in the D.L. Hansen Collection. The earliest auction that I can trace to is when Heritage offered the coin at the 2013 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin was described as: Light pastel toning, in several colorful hues, provides this Superb Gem example with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. The few abrasions present are minor.
In the 2014 Eugene H. Gardner sale, the coin was described as: Light pastel toning in variegated hues provides this Superb Gem proof with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at the center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. Finally in the 2020 Stacks sale, the description evolved into: Light pastel toning in variegated hues provides this Superb Gem proof with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at the center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. The coin realized $3,360.
This coin was marketed by Numismatic Financial Corporation with a very brief description: Pop of just 1 with none finer! Gorgeous lavender, orange and lime green toning; spectacular eye appeal!. With the POP 1/0 grade, the coin ask was $9,400 with is a nice improvement to the $3,360 amount the coin realized the year before. PCGS valued the coin at $7,500. This collection now has the finest certified PR67+ specimen along with the tied for finest PR67CAM as a backup. The CAM carries for superior value at $10,500, but the PR67+ carries more weight in the PCGS registry. In the D.L. Hansen Collection, the simple way to decide is to buy both!
1873 “Closed” Three Cent Copper Nickel PR67+ PCGS POP 1/0 Certification #39820261, PCGS #3769 PCGS Value Guide: $7,500 / Ask $9,400 Provenance: Eugene H. Gardner
The Braided Hair half cents boast some of the lowest mintages of any U.S. coin types. Some collectors, especially those who have an affinity for this denomination, believe they are among the best values, as well. From 1840 to 1849, only proof examples were struck, thus the first circulation strikes did not appear until 1849. The highest mintage of the series is the mere 147,672 half cents made in 1851; most other mintages are around 50,000 coins or less. Apart from the Proofs, all dates can be found with ease, often in high grade. Full Red examples are very scarce. 1852 half cents are known only in proof condition and the so-called "Originals" of this date are exceedingly rare. The Proof-only half cents of 1840-1849 are found as "Originals" (Large Berries), "First Restrikes" (Small Berries), and "Second Restrikes" (Small Berries, different reverse). In 1857, the half cent denomination was officially abolished. - Ron Guth
When it comes to Proof Half Cents, there is still no collection better than The Missouri Cabinet. The collection was broken up and sold off a year or two before Mr. Hansen was an active collector. The collection still rains on top for completeness and quality. The highest the set was rated was 67.36 on 4/5/2015. There have been some new coins graded by PCGS as well as upgrades that have reduced the rating to currently 66.13. A prime example is the new 1854 Half Cent, PR65RD that was recently purchased by Mr. Hansen. The coin was crossed from NGC to PCGS after the Donald G. Partrick sale earlier this spring. The coin is now on top of the registry which affects all other 1854 proof half cents with a PCGS certification. In comparison, the Jim McGuigan Collection rates 65.72, but he is missing the key 1851. With this upgrade, The D.L. Hansen set moves up to 66.14 and so slightly (1/100th) ahead of The Missouri Cabinet set. Rounding out the registry top five is incomplete sets of Louis Eliasberg at 64.68 and John Jay Pittman at 64.23.
As many of you are aware, Mr. Hansen purchased the Peter Miller Collection this spring. Included in that purchase was the Hansen/ESM Specimen, 1854 PR64RB PCGS, Cert #21672396. I rank the coin as #4 on my list below. As nice as the coin is, the Donald G. Partrick coin is the best. Let’s take a look at the new purchase.
1854 Half Cent, PR65RD, Ex: Donald G. Partrick
The mintage usually given for the 1854 Proof half cent is 30. In the recent Donald G. Partrick sale, Heritage described the coin this way: Perhaps 10 to 15 proof 1854 half cents are known today although NGC has only certified five including this, the only Red example they have examined. PCGS has certified nine proofs, but none are designated as red. As of today, there are 15 examples certified by both TPG companies. PCGS now has ten proof certified specimens, and NGC has five. I can confirm two of the NGC are in duplicate holders (#1 and #3 below). I believe the known number is 10-13. My top six specimens are as follows and in this order: I am leading with sole Red Proof, then RB by grade, and will complete the top six with the two of finest BN specimens known from The Missouri Cabinet.
1. Hansen/Partrick Specimen, PR65RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #42287184, duplicate NGC Cert #5747066-016, Ex: Lester Merkin (3/1968), lot 160; Donald G. Partrick / Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/21 as PR65 Red NGC, Cert # 5747066-016), lot 3781, realized $9,600; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 6/2021 as PCGS PR65RD, CAC), D.L. Hansen Collection.
2. McGuigan/Eliasberg Specimen, PR65RB PCGS, Cert #06597216 Ex: Henry Blair Collection; Charles Steigerwalt (10/1896); J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 478; Eugene H. Gardner Collection II / U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 10/2014), lot 98017, realized $10,575; Jim McGuigan Registry Set.
3. Oliver Specimen, PR65RB NGC, Cert #3673977-004, duplicate NGC, Cert #1816798-001, Ex: (CSNS) Signature Auction (Heritage, 4/2006), lot 237, realized $8,050; The Oliver Collection / Chicago Signature US Coin & Platinum Night Auction (Heritage, 8/2011), lot 3037, realized $9,200; ANA National Money Show US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 2/2014 as PR65 NGC, Cert # 1816798-001), lot #3703, realized $7,931.25; Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 2/2015 as PR65 NGC, Cert #3673977-004), lot 3007, realized $7,343.75.
4. Hansen/ESM Specimen, PR64RB PCGS, Cert #21672396 Ex: Classics Sale (Stack’s & American Numismatic Rarities 6/2004 as PR64RB NGC), Lot 2135, realized $6,900; Peter Miller (ESM HOF Registry Set), Private Purchase of Peter Miller EAC Half and Large Cent Proofs (David Lawrence Rare Coins 4/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
5. Missouri Cabinet Specimen, PR66BN PCGS, Cert #27383270, Ex: Philip M. Showers, Stack's 1969 (privately; Willis Harrington DuPont; Fred S. "Freddy" Werner (Superior Stamp and Coin Company, Inc. 2/1976); Joe Flynn and Son Rare Coins, Inc. (Joseph S. Flynn, Jr. 4/20/1976) (privately); R. Tettenhorst; Eric P. Newman Collection; Missouri Cabinet / Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctioneers 1/2014), Lot 213, realized $12,075 (Auction Record); Currently in a user's private PCGS Set Registry Inventory.
6. Missouri Cabinet Duplicate Specimen, PR65BN PCGS, Cert #27383269, Ex Harlan P. Smith (Samuel Hudson and Henry Chapman 5/8/1906) Lot 1233, Realized $2.00; Hillyer Cooper Ryder (2/11/1928); Ryder Estate (5/5/1945 privately); Wayte W. Raymond (New Netherlands Coin Co. 6/23/1954) Lot 336, realized $57.50, unknown (Chevy Chase Coin Company); Harold "Hal" Webber (8/23/1973); R. Tettenhorst; Eric P. Newman Collection; Missouri Cabinet / Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctioneers 1/2014), Lot 212, realized $9,487.50.
I have not been able to confirm the Pittman Specimen by image. The coin fits the timeline for the Hansen/ESM PR64RB PCGS Specimen. I place that possibility as being one in four. Also, it could be a coin not in the above list. It is possible the coin could be in a NGC holder as PR64RB. There is a PCGS PR63RB that is also a possibility. Lastly, the coin could still be uncertified as it appeared in the 1997 sale. I would applicate if anyone could investigate and help determine the proper placement of the Pittman Specimen, Ex. Allenburger; Mehl (1948); John Jay Pittman I (David Akers, 10/1997 as PR64RB NGC), lot #161, realize $7,150.
The Hansen/Partrick PR65RD PCGS, CAC, Specimen appeared in the Donald G. Partrick sale in Central States US Coins Signature Auction hosted by Heritage in April 2021. The coin was offered in a NGC PR65RD Holder with no CAC Approval. It was described simply as: This impressive Gem has fiery orange mint color with cameo contrast and a small toning spot on the reverse border at 7 o'clock. The only additional provenance offered in the listing was the coin was previously the Lester Merkin specimen sold in 1968. This would indicted the coin was off the market for more than 50 years. Surprisingly, the coin did not generate the interest that I would have expected. The coin only realized $9,600 which was short of the $12,075 auction record set by one of the Missouri Cabinet Brown Specimen.
Between the Partrick sale on April 22, 2021 and the Hansen purchase a few weeks ago, the coin was straight crossed to a PCGS holder and then a CAC Approved sticker was added. Rare Coin Wholesales offered the coin for $54,500 on their website. The coin was headlined as: 1854 BRAIDED HAIR 1/2C PR65 Red with a short description: AMAZING RED SURFACES. ONLY 30 STRUCK. ONLY ONE WITH A RED DESIGNATION. MOST LIKELY FINEST KNOWN. CAC. The top Missouri Cabinet Brown Specimen is a PR66BN, so technically it is finer. According to the way the registry awards one additional point for RB, and two points for RD, plus two points being sole finest POP 1/0, the Hansen coin is rated at 69. With a weight of 4 for the 1854 specimen, the total points for the coin are 276! It appears Mr. Hansen may have bought this coin with a private transaction with RCW, but I did not verify to be sure. I have a feeling this will not be the last update in the set.
Provenance: See #1 above
1854 Half Cent, PR65RD PCGS POP 1/0 PCGS, Only RD at both TPG services Certification #42287184, PCGS #1325 PCGS Price Guide $32,500 / Unknown private transaction Ex: Donald G. Partrick
If you are one of the 434 active collectors of Lincoln Cents Basic Circulation Strikes (1909-1958) Set, then this update is for you. It has been about 12 month’s since my last update. D.L. Hansen has a very nice collection of Lincolns. PCGS describes the set as: This ultra-popular set is broken down into several different collections for the PCGS Set Registry. The first category covers the "Wheatback" era, with its magic key dates of the 1909-S V.D.B. and 1914-D, the always intriguing and sometimes controversial 1922 "Plain," and the newly recognized condition rarity 1926-S, among many others. From the childhood days of the blue coin boards (or albums) when rolls and rolls of Lincoln cents were searched looking for "anything that was old" until today, the early date Lincoln cents magnify the joys of coin collecting and bring back a rush of memories.
As you can see, the Hansen Collection has a strong set in the Lincolns with a fairly significant lead.
1952 Lincoln Cent, MS67+ RD
With a mintage of 186,775,000 coins, there should be plenty of 1952 Lincoln Cent examples to fill the need of the collectors. Just to expand that line of thought a little more, PCGS has graded over 2000 coins and NGC has graded more than 1600. Actually, Coin Facts estimate about 5000 coins have survived in RED. With the registry game, the need is for the best graded. This means the number gets pretty low. PCGS have graded only 36 MS67RD with four of them MS67+ RD. With the number are active registry sets, they are in high demand. I have created a roster of the four MS67+ RD examples and two noteworthy MS67 specimens.
1. D.L. Hansen Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #39689460, Purchased in Private Transaction (7/2021), Currently in the Set Registry inventory of D.L. Hansen.
2. Stonebarger Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #38475458, The GL & SL Stonebarger Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 6/2021), Lot #3360, realized $4,320; Current not found in the PCGS Set Registry inventory.
3. Southlake83 Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #25222416, CAC, CSNS US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/2015), lot 3389, realized $6,462.50 (Sole Finest at PCGS at time of sale); Currently in the Set Registry inventory of southlake83.
4. Dubuc’s Redlincolns Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #39320799, CAC, Currently in the Set Registry inventory of cdubuc.
5. D.L. Duplicate Specimen, MS67RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #81333357, CAC Online Auction (Great Collections, 4/2018), Item #56117, realized $2,260.12; Currently in the Set Registry inventory of D.L. Hansen.
6. The Ehreth Registry Set Specimen, MS67RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #03543319, CAC Internet Auction # 199 (David Lawrence Auctions, 11/2007), lot 8138, realized $9,775 (Auction Record); The Davis Conway Collection / US Coin Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2008), lot 447, realized $6,325; Internet Auction # 398 (David Lawrence Auctions, 8/2009), DLRC Inventory #287687, realized $5,290; Currently in the Set Registry inventory of jcehreth.
The #2 specimen that sold in a 6/2021 Heritage sale is currently not actively used in a registry set, therefor could be available for purchase. I listed the Hansen MS67 CAC specimen as #5 and the auction record MS67RD specimen as #6. I wonder if this coin is still in an Old Green Holder. There are 32 MS67 PCGS total, so for this exercise I picked two. If you are Lincoln collector, then you may find this breakdown of interest.
1952 Lincoln Cent, MS67+ RD POP 4/0, CAC Approved Certification #39689460, PCGS #2797 PCGS Coin Guide Value: $8,500 / Unknown
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Great coin. If there is a POP 1/0, 1916-D MERC, this coin would certainly be my choice. It is from the Pogue/Joshua collections. The coin holds the auction record from 2010, at 207,000. It sold again last year for $204,000. If offered in auction today in POP 1/0 holder, I think it would break the record again. The community has recognized this 16-D as the best for more than a decade (per auction results). It is good to see the coin has the top grade to boot. Thanks Keyman64 for sharing.
Obviously Hansen's stated goal involves exceeding the Eliasberg collection. However, I was reading the bio section of collectors in the book the 100 Greatest Coins and a couple quotes made me think of Hansen. "Rather than focus on major rarities, [this collector] acquired coins that were esoteric, rare and undervalued. Some of his favorite areas included scarce proof material....[this collector] was also extremely careful in how and when he acquired coins....he decided not to particpate extensively in the auction for the Worlds greatest collections he felt that he could acquire some of the coins for substantially less at a later time. He was correct...."
The collector....John Jay Pittman. I know there are differences (ie pittman was relatively of modest wealth, pittman did not collect everything, etc) but there are similarities. The biggest being that both did not feel obligated to chase any particular coin the first time it comes up and also the interest in lesser known rare coins (i.e a proof gold coin with a mintage of 10) rather than a focus on the major rarities. Just a thought...
@Gazes said:
Obviously Hansen's stated goal involves exceeding the Eliasberg collection. However, I was reading the bio section of collectors in the book the 100 Greatest Coins and a couple quotes made me think of Hansen. "Rather than focus on major rarities, [this collector] acquired coins that were esoteric, rare and undervalued. Some of his favorite areas included scarce proof material....[this collector] was also extremely careful in how and when he acquired coins....he decided not to particpate extensively in the auction for the Worlds greatest collections he felt that he could acquire some of the coins for substantially less at a later time. He was correct...."
The collector....John Jay Pittman. I know there are differences (ie pittman was relatively of modest wealth, pittman did not collect everything, etc) but there are similarities. The biggest being that both did not feel obligated to chase any particular coin the first time it comes up and also the interest in lesser known rare coins (i.e a proof gold coin with a mintage of 10) rather than a focus on the major rarities. Just a thought...
On some level Hansen's greatest success will come from being himself and not a better version of someone else.
"If either the ex: Bass specimen or the ex: Old West specimen were to appear in an auction anytime soon (say, in the early 2020s), the existing price record [for the 1884-CC eagle issue] will topple. Indeed, market participants now have a much better understanding of how elusive 1884-CC eagles are in such high grades. These two coins' current value probably hovers in the $75,000 to $100,000 region." – Stacks Bowers August 2021
It appears Stacks Bowers underestimated the value of this coin. Before we discuss the coin, let me say my last update was more than a month ago. That is a long time for me. Why, I am not sure, exactly. The updates I post are found publicly in the Hansen Registry Sets. The reason for the lull could be number of reasons. Here are a few:
A- Mr. Hansen took some time off in purchasing.
B- The person/group that updates the sets were interrupted.
C- Mr. Hansen was waiting for specific coins (or ANA Auctions)
D- Some other unknown reason
Whatever the reason, it appears the Hansen Machine in back in full swing. There are already updates in registry from the Stacks Bowers sale, along with some other purchases. The first that I will post is an upgrade in 179-piece Liberty Head $10 Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1907) Set. From a registry standpoint, the Hansen Collection of Liberty Head Eagles stand heads above the other sets, including Eliasberg and Bass. There is no other current registry set in competition. The best Set of Eagles without doubt, belongs to that other guy. His Ex: Old West 1884-CC is a PCGS MS62 compared to Mr. Hansen’s new PCGS MS62+, with only one PCGS graded coin better, the for mentioned Harry W. Bass PCGS MS63 specimen.
1884-CC Eagle PCGS MS62+
The new coin replaces an MS61 Certification #02778774, POP 4/3 that Mr. Hansen purchased in a Heritage Auction in 2018. This is the coin that carries the D.L. Hansen pedigree. According to Heritage, Only Six Mint State PCGS Submissions. With the new “Recent Find” Hansen coin, there are now seven. Stacks Bowers auctioneer states: The final CC-Mint ten struck prior to 1890, the 1884-CC has a mintage of 9,925 pieces and likely suffered attrition predominantly through domestic circulation in the American West with limited numbers of coins (mostly worn) finding their way to Europe in later years. The example offered here is a notable exception for, while it is a recent repatriation, it was shipped to Europe in Mint State condition. It has come down to us today still fresh and Uncirculated. Writing in the new (2020) reference The Confident Carson City Coin Collector, CC-Mint expert Rusty Goe identifies the Bass specimen in PCGS MS-63 as the finest 1884-CC eagle extant. The CC#2 in the Goe census is the Nevada Collection-Old West Collection coin in PCGS MS-62, although the author was not aware of the present example at the time of his publication. And rightly so, for this coin is making its first appearance in the numismatic market.
The Ex: Nevada Collection-Old West Collection specimen is described in a Tyrant summary as: Mintage of 9,925 for the year, and this is one of the two finest seen of this famed Carson City issue. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are probably at the top end of the grade assigned. Rich greenish gold color, abundant luster and a lot of appeal. Interesting “cancelled die” marks cross Liberty as this obverse may have been cancelled at the Mint, then pressed into service for coinage.
The new find specimen made its first appearance in a Stacks Bowers August Auction in an MS62+ PCGS Holder. In this sale, SBG states PCGS Population as one; with a single MS-63 finer. The appearance of the coin is described as: This phenomenal offering is for a fresh, new-to-market 1884-CC eagle that has skyrocketed to CC#2 for the issue based on the noteworthy MS-62+ grade assigned by PCGS. It is a lovely coin in all regards - original golden-wheat surfaces with a tinge of pale apricot, fully struck design elements, and complete mint luster in a soft satin texture. Exceptionally smooth in hand for both the issue and the assigned grade, a shallow scuff at the end of Liberty's bust truncation is mentioned solely as an identifier to track this highly significant rarity through future market appearances. The previous auction record was the Tyrant specimen in the August 2006 American Numismatic Rarities sale of the The Old West Collection realizing $46,000. The new Hansen coin realized $132,000.
Say what! Yes, $132,000 was the winning bid. I have been watching the Hansen Team and their strategy for a while. This winning bid surprises me, a little. I don’t think Stacks Bowers expected this result. They actually states per Rusty Goe: These two coins (Tryant & Bass specimens) current value probably hovers in the $75,000 to $100,000 region. SBG go on to say: These observations are just as applicable to the present example, its offering in this sale likely to topple the existing price record for the issue, as Rusty Goe predicts. The coin is valued at $50,000 in PCGS price guide. With all said and done, I am a little surprised by price realized, but not surprised in the purchase. What a big way to get back into action after 30 days off.
Provenance: A Recent Find; Rarities Night /ANA Auction, (Stacks Bowers 8/2021), Lot 4235, realized $132,000, D.L. Hansen Collection
1884-CC Eagle PCGS MS62+ PCGS POP 1/1 Certification #39280940, PCGS #8704 PCGS Value Guide: $50,000 / Realized $132,000
Recently, D.L. Hansen and Team purchased a nice small acquisition of Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles from Doug Winter. I have often viewed the Hansen Collection of Dahlonega Mint Gold as one of his weaker sets based on grade or GPA. In terms of the registry, the Harry W. Bass Collection still is #1 in the ranking. I personally think the set to beat is from Green Pond Collection with a GPA ranking of 61.44. The finest possible set rating is 64.536, so obviously there is still plenty room for improvement. As you can see, the D.L. Hansen set currently has a better rating than both the Smithsonian National Numismatic and the Louis Eliasberg Collection,
In recent days, there have been seven upgrades: Two gold dollars, one quarter eagle and the four half eagles from Doug Winter. PCGS describes the 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.
The four half eagle coins were purchased in a private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins. I am not certain of the details of the acquisition but the purchase certainly provided amazing upgrades the collection. I will feature two of the amazing coins. First the 1849-D MS63+, CAC, and the 1860-D Medium D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC Specimens.
1849-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC, Ex: Doug Winter / Green Pond
Listed on raregoldcoins.com website as: EXCEPTIONAL PCGS/CAC MS63+ 1849-D, UNDISPUTED SECOND FINEST KNOWN - While generally regarded as a common date, the 1849-D is actually scarce in any grade above AU55 and it is very rare in Uncirculated with just five or six known. The finest is the NGC MS65 Duke’s Creek piece (also graded MS63 by PCGS) but the present example is clearly the second best and a case can be made for calling it the finest. This is a remarkable coin with an appearance unlike any other 1849-D half eagle. This date is usually frosty but the present example is semi-prooflike with a number of raised die striations in the fields, as made. It is likely that this is among the very first pieces made from this die pair and the strike is uncommonly bold with nearly full detail at the centers. Both sides are very clean and vibrant and show a natural hazy golden hue which is very pleasing, in my opinion. A few small marks on the obverse appear to be as made and the overall visual appeal of this remarkable coin is exceptional. The aforementioned Duke’s Creek example has never sold at auction; this piece has a long auction history which is recounted below. An exceptional piece of Dahlonega gold and by far the best 1849-D half eagle which I have handled. CAC has approved one in this grade and none finer.
The PCGS POP 1/0 coin was offered for $42,500 on the website. PCGS values the coin at $50,000. It was purchased in a four-coin acquisition. The coin has a rich history.
Provenance: Dr. Arthur Montgomery Collection via Hancock and Harwell, (Auction ’84), Lot 1341, realized $17,600; Winthrop Carner; Ed Milas Collection, (Stack’s 5/95) lot 477, realized $18,700; New World Rarities; New York Gold Mart (Ron Karp); Numisma ’95, (Akers, Stack's, RARCOA, Superior, 11/1995), lot 1464, realized $13,200; Long Beach / Doug Winter and William Miller Collection, (Heritage 2/99), lot 6266, realized $19,800; (FUN) Platinum Night / Green Pond collection via Douglas Winter Numismatics, (Heritage Auctions, 1/04,), Lot 1052, realized $20,700: Public Auction Sale, (Stacks Auction, 11/04), lot 822, realized $25,300 (Auction Record); Baltimore Auction, (Bowers and Merena, 2/08) Lot 2544, realized $24,150; Private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins from Doug Winter (8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1849-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+ PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved Certification #25620060, PCGS #8242 PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Private Transaction Ex: Doug Winter / Green Pond
Courtesy of Doug Winter (raregoldcoins.com website)
.
. 1860-D Medium D, Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC, Ex: Doug Winter
Listed on raregoldcoins.com website as: SUPERB, FRESH PCGS/CAC 1860-D HALF EAGLE GRADED MS63+, Medium D, - The 1860-D is the second-to-last half eagle made at this mint before it closed for good in 1861. Of the 14,635 struck, there are an estimated 225-275 known including as many as 10-12 in Uncirculated, including two in NGC MS64. This wonderful example, the finest 1860-D half eagle that I have ever owned, has an interesting backstory. It walked into a coin shop–raw–in the South and after it was purchased, it was graded by NGC at a “walkthrough” event at their Sarasota office. I acquired it at a recent auction (see below) in an NGC MS64 holder and decided to downcross it to a PCGS MS63+. I don’t disagree with the original NGC grade at all and I think this is backed up by the price I paid for it. The coin itself is wonderfully frosty with glowing natural orange-gold color in similar hues on the obverse and the reverse. It is well detailed with the exception of the centers which show characteristic weakness, especially on the neck feathers. There is a tiny obverse mark opposite star eleven and a fine, old scratch on the side of Liberty’s face which is hard to notice. All in all, this is a superb coin for the date and grade with oodles of eye appeal. The auction record for this date in MS64 is $74,750 set by an NGC coin offered as Stacks Bowers 2011 ANA: 7684; the exact same coin sold as Stacks 1/10: 3534 in a PCGS MS63 holder. The Duke’s Creek coin is graded MS64 by NGC (and PCGS as well) and it brought $49,500 all the way back in May 1995. It is not often that a Dahlonega half eagle of any date is offered for sale in the MS63 to MS64 range and even less often with the eye appeal which this coin displays. CAC has graded just this one example in MS63 or MS63+ and none higher.
The PCGS POP 1/1 certified, and POP 1/0 CAC Approved coin was offered for 55,000 on the website. PCGS values the coin at $50,000. It was purchased in a four-coin acquisition.
Provenance: FUN US Coins Signature Auction, (Heritage Auctions 1/2016 as NGC MS64), lot 5588, realized $48,175; Private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins from Doug Winter (8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1860-D Medium D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+ PCGS POP 1/1, POP 1/0 CAC Approved Certification #29709157, PCGS #8286 PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Private Transaction Ex: Doug Winter
Nice coins and an interesting comparison to the Duke’s Creek Collection. Has there been any thought to acquiring coins from the Duke's Creek collection?
The Duke’s Creek Collection was carefully assembled over many years by the late Jack Hancock and Bob Harwell with the choicest pieces from three significant collections of Dahlonega gold. It comprises a complete set of Dahlonega Mint issues, and virtually every coin is the finest known or nearly so.
Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries,in association with Hancock & Harwell, first handled the Duke's Creek Collection in 2004. The entire collection was certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and the one dollar through three dollar pieces were subsequently sold individually at auction. The half eagles remained intact,however, and were purchased by a serious collector.
This collector has now selected Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries to handle the sale of the 27 half eagles from the Duke's Creek Collection.
Hansen’s Three Dollar Gold Proof Set is certainly a work in progress. On the other hand, the world class and possibly will always be the finest set every assembled is from the Tom Bender Collection. This PCGS Hall of Fame Set is maybe the only current complete set in existence outside of a museum. The Harry W. Bass Core Collection consists of a complete run of $3 proofs coins from the first year of issue (1854) to the last (1889). The collection is on display in a special gallery housed at the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum. The set is given a weighted GPA of 65.81 by PCGS Registry. In the Bass description, the 1862 coin is said to be: We cannot imagine a finer example than this. The Bass set is second only to the HOF Tom Bender Set.
The HOF Tom Bender Set is described by PCGS as: Another new set, taking away both a Gold Star award as well as a Hall of Fame win in its first year! And no wonder…. With a Set Rating of 66.27 and a completion rate of 100%, it’s a mind boggling assemblage of some of the rarest U.S. coins. Containing pieces from such collections as Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter and with no fewer than fifteen absolute finest knowns (pop 1, none higher) this set leaves even the most experienced numismatists speechless. In 2011, Tom added an 1855-S to his Major Variety Set, and so that set is included as a HOFer. Well done Tom!
The All-Time Registry roster contains only seven sets, Bender and Bass setting at #1 and #2. It shows four completed sets all-time: HOF Bender, Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter. Louis Eliasberg had one of the more impressive sets with all-times GPA of 65.06, but it was not 100% complete. According to the registry, the set was missing the tough 1855 date and the 1870. Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection set was even more impressive (GPA of 65.50), but also incomplete. The collection is missing the 1855 and 1856. The Ed Trompeter and Garrett sets were 100% complete but does not meet the GEM (PR65) GPA mark. The D.L. Hansen set is currently a GPA of 64.41, so it does not appear to be competitive for the top spots if completed.
PCGS describes the set as: Rare! That’s a word that describes the $3 gold series in proof. There’s the possibly unique 1855-S that is graded and authenticated by PCGS. There’s the extremely rare 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857 1858...the highest population of any of these coins is four, and that includes all proof grades! The $3 gold series in proof is rarely collected, due to the price. But what a set it is! Even the most common coin in the series (did we say “common?”) has a population of only 48 coins in Proof 65 or better. Therefor, simply completing the set at any grade level would be a great accomplishment. It will be interesting to see if this set continues to grow.
1862 Three Dollar, PCGS PR64+DCAM
The published mintage for this Civil War era date is 35. The PCGS POP report list 10 certified, with the known specimens listed as 16-20 specimens. There are only four certified PCGS DCAM with Hansen’s specimen being POP 1/2. There are two PCGS PR65DCAM with one currently in the Tom Bender Collection and other possibly remains in the Bob R. Simpson Collection. The POP reports list one other PCGS DCAM as a PR64, but no information is known on the coin. David Akers: The 1862 is actually the most common date in proof of the 1860's, a fact which may be surprising to some since the reported proof mintage of 35 is substantially less than the proof mintages of 1864 or 1867. According to the PCGS Auction information, the coin has appeared in auction about 24 times since 1990. That would be less than once per year. For a PCGS DCAM, the appearances are much less.
The Hansen coin appeared in a Heritage Auction in 12/2019. The coin was offered as PR64 Deep Cameo, Deeply Frosted Early Strike, CAC. The auction offered: According to recent research by John Dannreuther, 1862 three dollar proofs exist in small number, with only 14 to 16 pieces known. Most 1862 proofs lack Deep Cameo contrast, prompting Dannreuther to note: "This date seems to either have little frost, or qualifies for Deep Cameo, as the dies were heavily frosted, but lost this feature after only a dozen or so of the 35 coins were struck." Interestingly, five of the top six proofs known are Deep Cameo examples (including the present coin), seemingly representing the earliest proofs made. This rich, yellow-gold example is CAC-endorsed, with impressively frosted devices that that contrast boldly with flashy and well-mirrored, jet-black fields. A loupe reveals some minute graininess in the left obverse field -- referred to as an "aura" by Q. David Bowers, who observed similar traits on other 1862 proofs -- and the coin has a few widely scattered wisplike hairlines, accounted for in the assigned grade. A distinct wire rim encircles the pinpoint-sharp strike on both sides.
Since the sale in 2019, the coin has picked up a PR64+DCAM grade and retain it’s CAC Approve sticker. The coin most recently appeared in a Great Collections Auction held on June 20, 2021. The coin was listed as: 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece PCGS Proof-64 DCAM, CAC, therefore this sale was before the bump in grade. The coin realized $64,687.50 as PR64DCAM. It is currently valued at $77,000 in the PCGS Price guide for a PR64+DCAM. It was purchased in a private acquisition by David Lawrence Rare Coins. The price Mr. Hansen paid is not known. This coin makes a very nice addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Gold Proofs.
Provenance: US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 12/2019 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC), lot 3279, realized $54,000; Internet Auction (Great Collections 6/2021 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC), Item ID: 995132, realized $64,687.50; Private Acquisition (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1862 Three Dollar, PCGS PR64+ DCAM PCGS POP 1/2, CAC Approved PCGS Coin #38144905, PCGS #98025 PCGS Price Guide Value $77,000 / Unknown
Double Eagle Proofs are beautiful coins by all accounts. Last posting we saw a new addition to the D.L. Hansen $3 Proof set. In this second update in Hansen’s proof sets, I will focus the discussion on the new 1896 Proof Double Eagle. Hansen made the purchase in the Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction - Rarities Night sale a couple weeks ago. Mr. Hansen was represented by David Lawrence Rare Coins. This coin makes a great addition to the Liberty Head $20 Gold Proof (1859-1907) Set.
The run from 1859 to 1907 is collectable but is described as incredible challenge in both time and money. The general description by PCGS Registry: Talk about rare! Any coin in this series is going to cost over $50,000 in Proof 65 condition, and that's not counting the ultra-rarities, if you can find them at any price. Both the 1883 and 1884 are "Proof-only" issues, meaning that no pieces were struck for circulation. The 1859 is a major rarity, with only one piece certified (and that's a lightly circulated Proof 55 coin). The incredible challenge in both time and money is more than offset by the reward. This set covers the pre-Civil War years of 1859-60 through much of the first decade of the 20th century. History, rarity, beauty, value...it's all here!
Has this set been completed other than the National Numismatic Collection in Smithsonian? I am not sure. The PCGS Registry gives credit to Garrett Collection for being 91.84% (missing only four coins in the 49-piece set). Is the most completed set by private collectors? Can anyone confirm or deny? Louis Eliasberg and Harry W. Bass both tapped out at 83.67% (missing eight coins). Mr. Hansen just pushed past the halfway mark (53.06%). The great AWA Collection only was 10.20% complete. This is a series that acquiring one coin is a great accomplishment.
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM
This 1896 Double Eagle Proof is a “fairly rare” lady even with the mintage for the date is given to be 128. Coin Facts gives the survival estimates at about 50 coins. David Akers comments: Proofs of this date are rare but they are the most common proof Double Eagles to this point. At least 30 specimens exist and the actual number of survivors could be as high as 35. As stated, PCGS Coin Facts have bumped the estimate up to 50.
Assuming no duplicates (which I don’t think we can), the POP Report indicates 38 have been certified by PCGS. Only 18 of them are DCAM with the sole PCGS finest is a PR67+DCAM. Stacks Bowers Auctioneer described the rarity as: After having gone nearly a decade without handling a Proof 1896 double eagle, we have been extremely fortunate to present two different specimens in three offerings beginning with our November 2020 Auction, including two offerings in the present sale. This is a little strange twist. Of the coins offered, the other coin was a Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CAC. This coin realized $228,000, with is an overachiever for PR66DCAM valued at $200,000. It was from the Castle Pines Collection. The new Hansen coin is a Proof-66+ Deep Cameo (PCGS), but not carrying a CAC sticker. The coin realized $180,000 and came up short on the PCGS value of $225,000 (recently decrease to $210,000).
This is the second appearance of the Hansen coin in as many years. It first appeared in Stacks Bowers November 2020 Auction - Rarities Night Sale. The coin realized $210,000 which was an action record until the Castle Pines Specimen set a new record a couple weeks ago at $225,000. In the 2020 Auction, the auctioneer stated: For advanced gold enthusiasts, especially specimen type collectors, the search for a single extraordinary Proof Liberty Head double eagle could end with the acquisition of this Gem 1896 through aggressive bidding. One of just 128 Proofs originally struck for the date, only 30 to 50 of which are believed extant (per John W. Dannreuther, 2018). One would be hard pressed to find a more attractive example of the type irrespective of date.
Mr. Hansen appeared to have got a bargain on the coin. It sold in 2020 for $210,000 and one year later, Mr. Hansen purchased the coin for $180,000. The coin was described as: Simply put, this is a beautiful coin that really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. The fields are deeply reflective at direct viewing angles, but "go black" under indirect lighting to form alternative contrasts with frosty design elements. When observed with a loupe, the fields reveal the distinctive "orange peel" texture of U.S. Mint Proof gold coinage from the late 19th century that advanced collectors find so appealing. The same close scrutiny under magnification reveals just how close to pristine the surfaces are. The strike is full and the coin displays vivid deep orange-gold patina. This delightful premium Gem would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet. This is a nice addition to Mr. Hansen starter set of Liberty Head $20 Gold Proof.
Provenance: Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 11/2020 as PCGS Cert #06591649 PR66+DCAM), lot 9218, realized $210,000; Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 11/2020), lot 4264, realized $180,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM PCGS POP 1; 2 finer (Proof-67+ Deep Cameo finest) Certification #42469586, PCGS #99112 PCGS Price Guide Value $210,000 / Realized $180,000
This new addition is in the St. Gaudens proof set. Describing these proof coins as beautiful is an understatement. A couple days ago, we saw a new addition to the D.L. Hansen Liberty Head Double Eagle Poofs. In this third update in Hansen’s proof sets, I will focus the discussion on the new 1913 St. Gaudens Proof Double Eagle. Hansen made the purchase in the Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction - Rarities Night sale a couple weeks ago. Mr. Hansen was represented by David Lawrence Rare Coins. This coin makes a great addition to the St. Gaudens $20 Gold Basic Proof (1908-1915) Set.
The run is only eight coins from 1908 to 1915. All are collectable, but a few collectors are up for this challenge. Currently the PCGS Registry only has two active collectors, D.L. Hansen and Driftwoood. This set started more that 15 years with one coin and no activity since. The description by PCGS Registry: Want to get famous? Put together a set of these amazing, gorgeous, incredible, remarkable, indescribable, sensational coins! The ultimate in coin design, issued in Matte and Roman Finish Proof. The highest mintage coin in the set is only 167 pieces (!) and at present only one set can be assembled in PR65 or better condition. Don't worry, though, as a PR64 set or a mixture of PR64 and PR65/better coins would also be nothing short of spectacular.
The collections that are in the registry are big names starting with National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian. Others include Louis Eliasberg, Sam Bloomfield, Garrett Collection, Waldo Newcomer and Ed Trompeter. I know there have been some other sets assembled but with a mixture of PCGS and NGC certified coins. With this new addition, the Hansen Collection is now 75% PCGS complete. It is missing two coins, dates 1910 and 1911. The grade range of the six existing coins are between PR63 and PR66. The average GPA is 64.57. Completion and maintaining this average would place the Hansen Collection in the fifth spot all times.
1913 St. Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65
David Akers comments: Proofs of 1913 are very rare; at most 20-25 are known. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 40. There were 58 recorded as being minted, so that is a very possible number. Assuming no duplicates (which I don’t think we can), the POP Report indicates 27 have been certified by PCGS. The NGC POP Report shows 50!. I find that number hard to believe without duplicates. The new Hansen coin is just outside of PCGS Condition Census Top Five at a POP of 5/5.
Stacks Bowers Auctioneer described the rarity as: Seldom do multiple examples of this rare Sandblast Proof double eagle issue appear in the same sale. This handsome Proof-65 specimen is exceptionally well preserved with a smooth and inviting appearance to both sides. The undisturbed sandblast finish exhibits myriad sparkling facets when examined with the aid of a loupe. Fully defined and gorgeous to examine. Perhaps most significantly, this is the second finest certified example to receive approval from CAC, testifying to its overall superior quality. Sure to sell for a strong premium to a discerning Proof gold enthusiast. The other coin mention in this description is Proof-66 (PCGS), CAC Specimen from the Castle Pines Collection. The coin realized $336,000 with $197,500 PCGS Price Guide Value at the time. Was Mr. Hansen the underbidder? Maybe.
The Hansen Proof-65 (PCGS), CAC Specimen was acquired at less than half the cost of the coin one grade point higher. The auctioneer described the coin as “Remarkable”. The coin is Ex: RLS Collection specimen that sold in August 2013 at the Chicago ANA Auction. As stated before, the PCGS Population is five, with five finer (all Proof-66). A little more interesting, the CAC Population is one, with one finer, the $336,000 coin. Another very nice proof addition to this amazing collection. There are still a couple to go, so keep watching.
Provenance: RLS Collection / Chicago ANA (Stacks Bowers, 8/2013, Cert #5398582), lot 4613, realized $79,312.50; Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 8/2021), lot 4276, realized $144,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
@Perfection said:
If it were me I would have purchased the other 66 in the same for 48k more.
Not sure why DLH chose not to.
Since the 66CAC example brought $45,000 more, how do you know it could have been bought for just $3000 over the winning bid? Even if it that was the case, perhaps it was thought that the 66+ represented better value.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
You are indeed correct . The CAC example could have kept going if. DLH bid. We will never know.
The coin DLH purchased is probably a CAC 65. We would need to research the prices difference
of CAC 65 and 66's. More often than not a non CAC coin sells for more than a CAC that is a grade lower. 67 Saints are an example. CAC are 30k, non CAC are about 15K which I believe is absurd. 66+ are about 6k. I often think about cracking my 66+ and getting some 67's.
This fourth update in Hansen’s proof sets in as many postings. Keep in mind, they are not upgrades, all four have been expansion to the Gold Collection. This is a new 1911 in the half eagle Indian proof set. The six-figure coin is not the most expensive of the recent additions but is very significant by its own merits. Hansen made the purchase in Heritage’s August 2021 ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Sale. This coin is the final coin needed to complete the Indian Head $5 Gold Proof (1908-1915) Set.
The run is only eight coins from 1908 to 1915. All are collectable, and a very popular series among the gold proof collectors. Although, evidence from the PCGS Registry certainly contradicts the statement. Other than D.L. Hansen, there are no other interesting parties in the registry. That is not to say, there could be some collectors that may be assembling a set outside the registry.
The description by PCGS Registry: The $5 Indian series in proof is comprised of only eight coins, with mintages ranging from a low of 75 pieces for the 1915 to a high of 250 coins for the 1910. Obviously, all are rare. This series is similar to the $2 ½ Indians, being issued in matte and Roman finish proofs. In Proof 65 or better condition, the rarest coins are the 1914 and 1915, with only seven coins of each date certified in Proof 65 or better. The 1909 and 1910 are also especially difficult to locate in gem condition.
With Mr. Hansen’s completion, there are nine famous and historic collections represented. The previously leader was Sam Bloomfield. He had great proof sets in all four of classic gold series, Indian 2½, 5, and 10, and the St. Gaudens Double Eagles. The Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation Collection was offered to the public by Sothebys, NY in December 1996. For what is worth, according to the registry ranking, the D.L. Hassen slips pass the Bloomfield set by only .05 points. Rounding out the top three is a set from the Childs Family Collection.
All coins in the Hansen set are proof GEMs, with the lowest graded coin is the 1910 PR65+ PCGS. The finest coin the Indian Head $5 Gold Proof Collection is the 1914 PR68 PCGS. This quarter million-dollar coin was purchase in the early days of the D.L. Hansen Collection. It was purchased in late 2017 in a private transaction. The average GPA is 66.47. This is second completed PCGS all-time top proof gold set in the collection with the first belonging to the One Dollar Proof set. The collection has a complete PCGS Indian Head $2-1/2 Gold, Proof set that ranks number two in the registry.
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67
Our fiend and expert Ron Guth made these comments: The Matte Proof 1911 $5 is a very rare and desirable coin with a most unusual finish. According to Akers, the finish on the 1911 $5 is different than any other in the series. The difference resulted from the various experiments the Mint conducted in the early 20th century with finishes on Proof coins. The Mint produced the Matte Finish by sand-blasting the surfaces of the coins after they were struck. The texture of the finish varied depending on the size of the grit used to sand-blast the coin. Customers, who were used to the brilliant and cameo finishes of earlier years, either bought the Matte Proof coins begrudgingly or shied away from them completely. As a result, mintages were small and, even then, not all of the coins produced were sold. Fortunately, the collectors who had the foresight to purchase these unusual coins also took good care of them. Thus, the quality of the surviving population is excellent. The PCGS Condition Census consists entirely of PR66 and better examples, and it tops out at PR68. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 80 with a mintage of 139. Assuming no duplicates, the POP Report indicates 37 have been certified by PCGS. The NGC POP Report shows 55. The new Hansen coin is a PCGS Condition Census Top Five at a POP of 5/2.
The Heritage Auctioneer described the coin as: The Indian design half eagles, along with quarter eagles, eagles, and double eagles from the 1908 to 1915 period were all struck in a matte or sandblast finish. The Mint in Philadelphia experimented with different types of finish for proof coins of the various denominations, including cents and nickels. Silver proofs of this same period retained the brilliant, deeply mirrored appearance. The so-called "Roman Gold" finish from 1909 and 1910 has a satiny and lustrous appearance. In 1911, the finish reverted to the previous sandblast surface seen on 1908 proof gold. The mintage for the 1911 proof half eagle was limited to 139 coins, with an estimated 80 to 100 survivors in all grades.
Heritage describes the coin as: This example is fully struck, as are nearly all matte proof gold issues. The surfaces have a grainy appearance with thousands of tiny bright gold facets when examined under magnification. Virtually as struck, the surfaces are void of any blemishes or imperfections other than a couple minute spots. This half eagle has a perfect pedigree marker in the form of a tiny dark spot hidden within the space to the right of the horizontal fasces, located just below the eagle's tail. This spot is clearly visible in the plate of our 1994 ANA Signature, the 2003 New York Signature, and the 2004 Pittsburgh Signature appearance. Do you see the pedigree marker?
This is a very nice specimen for the Hansen Collection. This coin does not have the CAC Approved sticker but is in an Old Green Holder. If you had a PR68 Gold Proof, would you rather have a Plus Grade, CAC sticker, or OGH?
Provenance: ANA Signature (Heritage 7/1994), lot 7496; November Signature (Heritage, 11/2003), lot 7639, realized $52,900; Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 8/2004), lot 7412, realized $63,250; ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2021), realized $99,000; D.L. Hansen Collection.
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67 PCGS POP 5/1, Old Green Holder Certification #02574692, PCGS #8542 PCGS Price Guide Value $115,000 / Realized $99,000
Gold proofs are a very rare and collectable that is way beyond the reach of the average coin collector. Their value is respected as being significantly more than their respective business strikes.
More commonly collected series, like Indian Cents, the business strikes sell for much more than the proofs. The business strikes cannot come close to the quality of proof specimens, yet they sell for more. I have been told that this is just market preference.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
Gold proofs are a very rare and collectable that is way beyond the reach of the average coin collector. Their value is respected as being significantly more than their respective business strikes.
More commonly collected series, like Indian Cents, the business strikes sell for much more than the proofs. The business strikes cannot come close to the quality of proof specimens, yet they sell for more. I have been told that this is just market preference.
So, why are gold proofs so valuable?
OINK
Because they are very rare and gold…? Indian Head cents are generally very available in proof and are often rarer as high-grade business strikes than as proofs. Gold proofs often have mintages in the double digits. Pretty straightforward stuff.
Proof coins are coins that were created specifically for collecting. They are uncirculated, but may not be perfect due to bag wear or improper mishandling. They are defined by their shiny, mirrored backgrounds. - nationwidecoins.com
This fifth and last update in Hansen’s proof sets in as many postings. This proof quarter eagle has a little wear (or defect) and may be surprising to find its way into the D.L. Hansen Collection of Proof Gold. Just looking at the past four additions from last couple weeks, we find the following:
1862 Three Dollar, PR64+ DCAM, PCGS POP 1/2, CAC, PCGS Price Guide Value $77,000
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM, PCGS POP ½, PCGS Price guide Value $210,000
1913 Double Eagle, PR65, PCGS POP 5/5, CAC, PCGS Price Guide Value $170,000
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67, PCGS POP 5/1, OGH, PCGS Price Guide Value $115,000
It does make you wonder how a PR58 POP 3/7 coin can slip into this amazing collection. We know Mr. Hansen is not shy when it comes to upgrading his collection. Also, his main representative has stated that if three conditions are met: 1- The coin is available, 2- If it improves the collection, and 3- If offered a fair price, then good odds a deal can be made. It appears the coin was made available in a private offer from Minshull Trading. Coinweek described the company bio as: Lee Minshull has been in the coin business for over 40 years. In 1992 he founded Lee Minshull R.C., Inc., which is now Minshull Trading. Over the last 22 years we have been a leader in the numismatic industry and have grown into a formidable market maker, garnering the respect of every major market player. In the second requirement, the Collection did not have a 1867 Proof Gold Quarter Eagle, so it does improves the collection from completion standpoint. The third requirement, fair price, we need to assume this took place for the coin to be in the collection. Maybe, more importantly, the collection is one more coin closer to having a complete run of proof gold proofs from 1859 to Present. With the last five additions, this is now how the overall set appear.
The run is quickly approaching 75% complete. The D.L. Hansen Collection has two sets that are All-Time PCGS #1, the One Dollar and Indian Head Half Eagle. The remaining 88 coins are collectable but are expensive and difficult to find at a fair price.
1867 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, PR58
David Akers commented: Despite the higher mintage, proofs of this date are almost as rare as the proofs of 1863, 1865, or 1866. High mintage is 50!. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 27. The PCGS POP Report indicates 16 have been certified by PCGS, with three as AU58. The NGC POP Report shows 11.
It does not appear this coin has appeared in auction in recent years. PCGS does not list a value on the coin. It has Certification #38474960, PCGS #7893, and the POP is POP 3/7. The coin does not have an image and very little additional information is currently known. It would be nice if a image of the PR58 specimen could be posted.
Do we suspect that the smudge on the eagle's shield caused this coin to be just a 58?? Perhaps this is on the coin, but could also be from the holder. Hard to believe this coin was ever in circulations considering that it is a proof specimen. Definitely should be submitted for a regrade.
Comments
Historic One Year Type Proof Coin
Proof 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars are extremely rare...and confusing. - Ron Guth
The term “confusing” is an understatement. This is a case where specialists have opinions, and they don’t always agree. Also, history show advance collectors have acquired prooflike coins as proofs, and how do you go back and fix? Also some legendary collectors bought uncirculated coins and turned them into proofs. It is so confusing, let’s just jump into a roster of the known coins.
1853 Arrows Proof (& Prooflike) Seated Quarter Roster
Most auction rosters will list eight to nine different examples, although one or more can be discounted as prooflike business strikes. Due to the uncertainly in proofs vs prooflike, my list is not complied by grade, rather I have listed the undisputed Kaufman Specimen first, with the three only certified PCGS coins next.
1. Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC, Cert #1898957-054 Phil Kaufman Collection / Milwaukee ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1785, realized $276,000 (Auction Record); Scott Rudolph Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2009), lot 3766, realized $230,000; The Greensboro Collection, Part IV / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2013), lot #5592, realized $141,000
2. Black Cat Specimen, PR64 PCGS, CAC, Cert #03391169 Jim O'Neal Collection of U.S. Type, Part V / FUN US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 1/2018, lot 4830, realized $66,000. Note: Coin #8 below is possible the same coin.
3. Merkin / Goldman Specimen, PR64 PCGS, CAC, Cert #07436474 R.F. Batchelder to Don Jensen, privately at the 1966 ANA Convention (per Walter Breen); Lester Merkin's Sale (June 1968), lot 291; 55th Anniversary Sale (Stack's 10/1990), lot 1638; Kenneth Goldman; Julian Leidman; 1853 Collection / Winter 2014 Baltimore Auction (Stacks Bowers 11/2014), lot 10021, realized $64,625.
4. D.L. Hansen Specimen, PR63 PCGS, Cert #42287603 Auction '80 (Stack's, 8/1980), lot 1184; Auction '90 (Stack's, 8/1990), lot 143; Stack's (5/1992), lot 2659; Superior (6/1999), lot 2099; Pre-Long Beach (Superior 10/2000), lot 4360; realized $25,300; Fairchild Family Trust (Goldberg Coins 5/2001), lot 561; realized $31,050; Pre-Long Beach Auction (Superior 1/2004), lot 2354; realized $26,738; US Coins & Platinum Night FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 3183, realized $39,750; The Gibney Family Collection / Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/2021 as PR63 PCGS Cert #07425417), lot 5023, realized $28,800; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers 6/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
I like the Kaufman example in the top spot. The Kaufman Specimen appeared in auction in 2007 and 2009 with no prior history known. When Heritage offered the Kaufman Specimen in 2007, the auctioneer stated this piece does not match any previous known coins. Ron Guth comment on this coin: Some are stone-cold, undisputed Proofs, such as the Kaufman NGC PR66CAM that once sold for $276,000.
A pair of PR64 PCGS specimens are shown next on the list. I am not sure they are “stone-cold, undisputed Proofs”, but one can be traced back more than fifty years, although the current location of this coin is not known. The other PR64 is in the Black Cat Registry set which may be disputable. It is the former Jim O’Neal coin and provenance prior to the 2018 sale is not known. The Heritage auctioneer offered this comment: Housed in a previous generation blue label holder with barcode on the back and CAC endorsed, the coin may have been struck from the same obverse die as the Norweb specimen, which has not appeared at auction since the Norweb sale in 1988. Comparison of the current coin to the Norweb plates is inconclusive. Both PR64 PCGS coins have low certification numbers and are probably in early generation holders.
The Hansen specimen has been around the block a few times. In the past 40 years, the coin has appeared in auction no less than nine times. The Hansen specimen was cert #07425417 in the most recent April 2021 auction. Prior to the recent retail offer, the coin has been recertified with the Cert #42287603. From this, I concluded the three PCGS coins were certified decade or more ago. Other than no additional recent certifications, I am not sure what I make of it.
The next grouping is the uncertified National Numismatic Collection specimen in Smithsonian Institution and the remainder of the NGC coins. Heritage wrote in the Jim O’Neal sale: There is no question that only a few 1853 Arrows and Rays quarters are decidedly "like proofs," and fewer still are certified as proofs by either service. The issue is essentially unknown with prooflike surfaces as regular circulation strikes. Almost inevitably, they are frosted with strong cartwheel luster when in high Uncirculated grades. NGC population report has five coins certified as proof 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars. The Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC listed above is one, with four additional specimens. There have been strong suggestions from some specialist that a few of these are prooflike.
5. Possible Finest Specimen, PR67 NGC, Cert #1723001-002, Baltimore ANA Signature (Heritage, 7/2008), lot 1640; Milwaukee Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2010), lot 2087, realized $166,750.
6. Eliasberg Specimen, PR65 NGC, J.M. Clapp (acquired as "Uncirculated") at an early date, probably before 1894; John H. Clapp; Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1454; Heritage (1/1998), lot 6782; David Lawrence (3/2005), lot 1522; unknown intermediaries; (CSNS) US Coin Auction (Heritage 4/2009), lot 2353. Passed at $149,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 9/2012 as Cert #1869634-001, deleted), lot 3860, realized $94,000.
7. Pittman Specimen, PR64 NGC, Jerome Kern Collection (B. Max Mehl, 5/1950), lot 1445; John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1325; Bowers and Merena (8/1999), lot 141; Goldberg Coins (2/2002), lot 704; Superior (1/2004), lot 287.
8. Norweb Specimen, MS64, prooflike, Thomas L. Elder; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 3/1988), lot 1594.
9. Smithsonian Proof Specimen,.National Numismatic Collection; Smithsonian Institution.
The PR67 NGC specimen appeared in public auction about ten years ago. There is not much prior information available on the coin. Heritage wrote in the 2010 auction: The present specimen, different than any of the following, which means it does not match any of the other coins on the roster. If the coin reappears in auction, maybe some additional details will surface on the interesting piece.
Another interesting piece with proof designation is the Eliasberg piece. In the Eliasberg catalog, Dave Bowers described this piece as MS64, prooflike, noting "possibly a candidate for 'proof' attribution." Since the time of that sale, it has been certified as a proof. Also Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. purchased the piece as "Uncirculated". John Jay Pittman Specimen continues the confusion. Ron Guth wrote: Even David Akers had trouble with the Pittman example because it was Proof on the obverse, but not Proof within the shield stripes on the reverse (Akers ended up calling the Pittman coin a Proof; NGC concurred by calling it a PR64). Maybe the most interesting is the Norweb Specimen. Dave Bowers cataloged this as a prooflike business strike in the Norweb catalog, but a decade later Dave Akers included it in his census of proofs. The Norweb coin may now be in a PCGS PR64 holder in the Black Cat Collection. In the Jim O’Neal sale, Heritage stated: Norweb specimen has not appeared at auction since the Norweb sale in 1988 and comparison of the “Black Cat” to the Norweb images are inconclusive. Due to not knowing with certainty, it is on my roster as two coins. The Smithsonian Proof Specimen rounds out the 8-9 coin list.
1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollar, PR63 PCGS
The mintage for 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars is usually given to be five examples. This number was first provided by Walter Breen: He suggests that five proofs were coined on March 3, 1853, part of four-piece proof sets that contained the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar. His report of the mintage date for the proofs was based on the comments of Harold Newlin, the 19th century half dime collector who stated that the 1853 proof half dimes were coined on that date: "Newlin claimed in his 1883 book on half dimes that the new coins with arrowheads were first made March 3, 1853. As the first delivery of production coins with arrowheads took place April 29, these March 3 coins must have been proofs: five sets in all." If only five were minted, then almost twice the number somehow survived.
PCGS estimate that five proofs survived with only one in GEM (PR65 or higher). The sole GEM survivor in the PCGS condition census report is the PR67 NGC, Cert #1723001-002 specimen. I would tend to lean toward the Kaufman Specimen, PR66 Cameo NGC, Cert #1898957-054 as a sure fire GEM survivor. If there was five minted, there have been only three certified by PCGS in the past 35 years. I am not sure there has been any certified in last decade. The Hansen coin is the lowest PCGS grade specimen of the three and is the lowest by both certification companies. As for PCGS condition census, it is in the top five, POP 1/2.
As stated earlier, the new Hansen coin has appeared in auction no less than nine times in the past 40 years. There is not a big name associated with coin, like Kaufman, Eliasberg, Norweb, or Pittman. The coin does have a unique look. As described in the Heritage March 2021 sale: The specialist will recognize the importance of this piece as an extremely rare pre-1858 proof coin and as a one-year type coin with Arrows at the date and Rays on the reverse. PCGS estimates only seven to eight survivors. This Select proof has a sharp strike and displays attractive dappled powder-blue, rose-red, and peach-gold patina. A thin horizontal line below the date will aid in tracking the provenance. Housed in a green label holder. Unfortunately, the coin is not in the OGH now. The coin was from The Gibney Family Collection.
The Gibney Family Collection offered 177 coins in Heritage Central States US Coins Signature Auction held April 2021 in Dallas, TX. The collection offered a gambit coins from colonial to tokens. The best coin sold was the 1833 $5 Large Date PR61 NGC piece realizing $240,000. The collection had seven coins reaching six figures. There were 54 proof coins including the new Hansen 1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollars, PR63 PCGS specimen. The coin realized a modest $28,800.
I am not sure why Mr. Hansen would pass on the coin in Heritage sale for $28,800 and purchase a few months later in a private transaction from Rare Coin Wholesalers. The ask price on RCW website was $59,500 with CU Value of $65,000. It has since decrease in value. The coin was described only as: MINTAGE OF ONLY 5 COINS. THIS IS ALSO A ONE YEAR TYPE COIN. A TREASURE FOR 19TH CENTURY PROOF TYPE COIN BUYERS. This is another purchase that expands the D.L. Hansen Proof Collection.
Provenances: See #4 above.
1853 Arrows & Rays Quarter Dollar, PR63 PCGS
PCGS POP 1/2, Only Five Minted per Walter Breen
Certification #42287603, PCGS #5548
PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
That '53 is one of my favourite coins. Too bad about the underscore but a beauty nonetheless.
Smitten with DBLCs.
Nice coin! Those European bank hoards would scare me if I was still collecting rare date half eagles.
Latin American Collection
So if you were still collecting rare date half eagles, any ideas on how you would go forward with the possibility of European bank hoards? Thanks
Carefully.
We have no idea how many more unsold coins are in the Fairmont Collection nor do we know how many more future Fairmont hoards may still be sitting in bank vaults. The origins of the Fairmont Collection and how Stacks acquired it are a mystery to at least me.
Well, thus far most of the rare dates have remained rare. The 1862 $5 had seven I think examples in a single Kuenker auction in 2018-19 which was the tip off to me that something big was up…and then Fairmont was announced. What was the available population before 60-70? That’s 10% (and nice coins!) of the population in one auction!
I think great pieces are still good value but I would avoid the conditional rarities and “jump grades”.
I posted in another thread that the population of 1858-S $5’s in 58 went from 2 to 7 in the last two years. Prices accordingly have dropped. A great EF piece still makes tons of sense to me to collect but a $20k 58 is now a $8-10k coin perhaps.
Latin American Collection
Spectacular “RAW” Capped Bust Quarter Eagle Upgrade
”I did not know this coin existed. I thought the highest graded coin was a 63. I don't know it's provenance at all. That is a real find”. – Early Quarter Eagle PCGS Registry Specialist
Late last year, we saw an update in Hansen’s Early Quarter Eagles. That coin was a spectacular prooflike 1831 from the Bob Simpson Collection. Today you will see another spectacular upgrade. A complete collection of Early Quarter Eagles from 1796 to 1839 is only 31 coins. Let’s focus on the heart of this 31-piece Early Quarter Eagles with “Cap Bust Series”. This 12-piece series runs from 1808 to 1834. The run consists of three types. First the one year only type, Large Bust. According to John W. Dannreuther, This date/variety/type has been popular for as long as there have been collectors of US coins. The quarter eagles do not reappear until 1821 with a new designed, Large Dentils Type. The mint produce coins five years between 1821 -1827. There were no quarter eagles minted with dates 1822 and 1823. After a one-year break in 1828, the third type, Small Dentils was produced from 1829 to 1834. Coins were produced in each of the six years.
There is a PCGS Registry set that represents this 12-piece gold collection, Capped Bust $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1808-1834). Only four sets represent the All-Time Finest, and two that are current. The Harry Bass Collection is not represented because a couple of his coins were proofs. Brett Pogue had some great quarter eagles, but I believe his quarter eagle set was incomplete. It appears to me, the Pogue set had an amazing GPA of 62.78 with two coins missing, 1832 and 1834 Capped Bust in mint state. That leave these four collectors to represent the series.
The D.L. Hansen Collection leads the way with the top set. I have to say that Tony’s earlyAurum set is starting to cook. The set is missing only three coins and has an outstanding GPA of 61.88. earlyAurum leads off with the 1808 MS63 PCGS Jung Specimen and concludes with one of the two 1834 Capped Bust MS63 PCGS Specimens. The 1834 is tied with one other coin for the finest by PCGS. I can see this set as #1 All-Time at some point in the very near future.
The present strength in the Hansen set is the type three, Small Dentils portion of the set. You may recall on April 4, 2019, I reported a new upgraded, 1830 Quarter Eagle MS66, PCGS POP 1/0. The coin was valued at $195,000 and was purchased in a private transaction from David Lawrence Rare Coins. Then last fall, Mr. Hansen purchased a quarter eagle out of the Bob Simpson Collection. The 1831 MS66+ Prooflike PCGS coin was purchased in the sale for $240,000. Now, we see Mr. Hansen replaces his 1832 with another six-figure coin.
1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65
David Akers describe the 1832 Quarter Eagle as: The head of Liberty was slightly modified in 1832. The relief is higher and, therefore wear shows more quickly. Due to this higher relief, it is also much more difficult to obtain fully struck specimens of 1832, 1833, or 1834 than it is of the first three years of this type. Choice uncirculated specimens of this date are occasionally available, but even these are usually not as sharply struck as are those of 1829, 1830 or 1831. According to mint records, 4400 were produced. PCGS estimated 122 survived with approximately 22 in mint state. Most all specimens are MS62 or below. Previously, the top two finest known specimens were a MS63 PCGS followed by the Ohringer MS64 NGC Specimen. In addition, let us mention the Harry Bass Specimen.
According to Jon W. Dannreuther writings in his Early US Gold Coin book, The single Bass example of this date/variety is a proof, although ever the conservative about even his own coins, Bass questioned its status. The coin remains in the core collection found in The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection. The coin is cataloged as HBCC #3029 and described as: The head of Liberty was very slightly modified for this coinage issue, giving her a slightly stronger, more matronly appearance. 4,400 circulation strikes were minted along with a small number of Proofs. Containing very light hairlines on Liberty’s cheek, this example is one of four Proofs enumerated by Walter Breen. The Proof from the “Memorable Collection,” sold by Abe Kosoff’s Numismatic Gallery in 1948, was described as “Brilliant Proof. Faint cheek lines.” Although not plated by Kosoff in that catalogue, it is possible that this is the Memorable specimen. I don’t believe there to be four proofs, but it is possible another could turn up. If the Bass coin ever goes to market as a 1832 Quarter Eagle Proof, it would certainly shatter all records. In the PCGS registry, the coin is listed as a PR63.
Excluding the Bass Sole Proof Specimen, this is my roster of the top five 1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagles.
1. Hansen Specimen, MS65 PCGS, Cert #41962088 Collection Purchased Raw (2021); Private Transaction, (David Lawrence Rare Coins 6/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
2. Ohringer Specimen, MS64 NGC, Cert # 596102-001, St. Louis, MO (CSNS) Signature Auction (Heritage 5/2005), Lot #8422, realized $30,000; Ohringer Family Trust Holdings (Goldbergs 9/2008) lot 1229, realized $48,875 (Auction Record)
3. CSNS Specimen, MS63 PCGS, Cert #09871719, 2000 CSNS Signature Sale (Heritage 5/2000), lot 7556, realized $11,500.
4. Hansen Duplicate Specimen, MS62+, Cert #39179507 U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 10/2019) lot 3200, realized $26,400; Private Transaction, (Rare Coin Wholesalers 9/2020), D.L. Hansen Collection
5. Garrett / earlyAurum Specimen, MS62 PCGS, CAC, earlyAurum Registry Set
Other Contenders: Five: MS63 NGC, Six: MS62 PCGS, and Six: MS62 NGC
I listed Tony’s CAC Approved Garrett Specimen in the fifth spot with the knowledge that could be debatable. With the new purchase, Mr. Hansen has two coins in the top four. The Ohringer MS64 NGC Specimen has the Auction Record and I placed second followed by the MS63 PCGS Specimen.
This 1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65 came out of thin air. I could not find any information on the coin, so I reached out to John Brush. He said the coin was “acquired from another wholesale dealer”. He added the coin was “fresh to the market” and “from a collection someone purchased raw”. Amazingly after 35 years of certification, there are sole finest early gold coins still in the “raw”. Interesting, he added “I didn’t purchase it for Mr. Hansen, but the coin was perfect for him, so he bought it”. I can see how this coin is perfect for the Hansen Gold Collection. PCGS has already placed a value on the coin at $175,000. If the coin has never sold in auction, how do they do that? We may never know what Mr. Hansen paid in a private transaction, but I think I can safely say this coin is worth six-figures. It is an exceedingly difficult coin to acquire in high graded, and Brett Pogue did not find a suitable specimen for his collection.
Provenance: See #1 above.
1832 Capped Bust Quarter Eagle MS65 PCGS
PCGS POP 1/0, Sole finest by Two Points
Certification #41962088, PCGS #7672
PCGS Value Guide: $175,000 / Unknown
Ex: Collection Purchased Raw
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Now that’s an interesting addition!
Latin American Collection
Very cool addition indeed. Thanks to Currin for sharing the information and the honorable mention.
I have no idea where this coin came from. Perhaps @BestGerman can help us out here with his excellent detective work. Very unusual to see a new top pop coin appear especially one that is a full two grades higher for a rare date
I certainly hope to complete my set one day.
Coins like the 1832 are where it helps to have contacts. Amazing addition
Holy crap!
Thanks for the shout-out. Unfortunately, I'm drawing a blank on this one. You are right -- it's such a remarkable condition rarity that it most likely has shown up or was noticed before. Certainly, it's something to keep us researchers on our toes.
Ron Guth, Chief Investigator
The Numismatic Detective Agency
Phenomenal research!
Ron Guth, Chief Investigator
The Numismatic Detective Agency
>
Amandeep Jassal and I had the pleasure of purchasing this coin and placing it in the collection. It's certainly a fantastic match for the set and the coin is just as amazing in-hand!
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Major Varieties – Countdown 18
The famous "AMERICAI" variety that derives its name from a vertical reverse die break that connects to the eagle's sinister claw immediately following the final A in AMERICA. - Stacks Bowers Auctions
Today marks the midpoint of 2021. The first half of year has gone by fast and furious. We have seen Mr. Hansen’s collection expand in 2021, primarily in the Proof portion. With the fabulous purchase of Pete Miller’s Early America Cooper Proofs, we have seen the Collection expand and complete the copper proofs. In addition, we have seen some great upgrades to the US Mint State portion. Several outstanding sets have been purchased including, Bob Forsythe’s Liberty Head Nickels.
Other than yearly releases, we have not seen much “expansion” in the US Mint State issues. The countdown in the Eliasberg Quest remains at 13. The last addition was in March 2020 with the purchase of Brett Pogue’s 1854-S Half Eagle. I am not sure when we will see another. If you recall in 2020, we were tracking the Major Varieties pretty hard. As so, we witnessed a large focus placed on them. Many missing copper pieces were purchased in the two EMS sales, and several gold Half Eagles varieties in the McCory sale. The countdown started in April 2020 with 40 coins. The year ended with only 19 left. Then dead silence. The last addition was November 2020 with the purchase of Lord St. Oswald’s 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar “Overton 126a Small Head”, MS63, finest known specimen. The coin was purchase in the second Bob Simpson Mega sale offered by Heritage Auctions.
This new addition reduces the countdown to only 18 remaining. This is by no means compare to the half million 1795 Hair Half Dollar, but just the same, it reduces the number needed by one. If you are true collector, then you can understand the meaning.
1800 Draped Bust Dollar, B-11 BB-191, “Americai Wide Date, Low 8”, AU50
Coin Facts places the survival for this variety at 25 with only one or two in mint grade. The finest known is the Amon G. Carter, MS63 Specimen sold by Stack's 1/1984, lot 228, and realizing $9,900. This coin could also be the sole PCGS mint state, PCGS MS62+ specimen, but I cannot confirm. The list for uncirculated coins ends there. There are single AU53 and AU58 specimens, but neither of these coins have appeared in auction since the Carter Specimen in 1984. These top three or four coins are followed by three AU50 examples. The new Hansen coin is one of these three. All three of them have appeared in auction starting with the Cardinal/Cheek/Hesselgesser Specimen. The coin realized $11,500 in a 2012 Goldberg sale. Could this coin be one of the better PCGS AUs? A second AU50 specimen realized $5,875 in a 2014 Heritage sale. The third AU50 specimen is the new Hansen coin. The coin realized $9,000 in a March, 2021 Stacks Bower sale.
The auctioneer described the coin as: Outstanding quality and eye appeal for this scarce, conditionally challenging and extremely popular variety of the 1799 dollar. Lovely pearl-gray and olive patina blankets both sides, the surfaces revealing soft pinkish-lilac and powder blue undertones as the coin dips into a light. Sharply defined for a lightly circulated early dollar with uniformly denticulated borders and appreciable mint luster. Making its first appearance in the modern numismatic market, this significant About Uncirculated example qualifies for inclusion in Q. David Bowers' (2013) list of "Notable Specimens" for the BB-191 die marriage, which includes coins that range in grade from EF-45 to MS-62. Really an impressive piece, and sure to see spirited bidding among advanced early dollar enthusiasts. BB Die State II.
Theses varieties certainly do not appear in auction often, only 21 times in the last 15 years mostly ranging from NC0 to VF45. Mr. Hansen did not purchase the coin in the March Stacks Bowers auction rather a couple months later from David Lawrence Rare Coins. Will we see more Major Varieties come off of this list in the second half of 2021?
Provenance: U.S. Coins Part 3, (Stacks Bower 3/2021), lot 5207, realized $9,000; Private Transaction, (David Lawrence Rare Coins 4/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1800 Draped Bust Dollar, B-11 BB-191, “Americai Wide Date, Low 8”, AU50 PCGS
PCGS, POP 3/3, (Survival est. 25)
Certification ##41433499, PCGS #40081
PCGSVG: $9,000 / realized unknown
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The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 18 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.
Top 10
1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)
Last 8
1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)
1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Pair of Key Three Cent Copper Nickel Upgrades
The last detail update on the Three Cent Copper Nickels was about a year ago. I know this is not a limelight series but does have a rather nice little following of about 35 active sets with about half of them more than 50% completed. PCGS even describes these coins as “overlooked”. This is what is said about the 22 piece set: The three cent nickel is a popular 19th century set, but most sets are put together in proof, with the circulation strikes being somewhat overlooked. This set is a great challenge, as there are numerous problems with poor strikes, subdued luster, heavily clashed dies and other negative characteristics. A complete set of gem quality is a challenge, indeed! An interesting point to this set, there are 11 coins in the 22 coin set that are PCGS Pop 1/0 specimens. 50% of the required coins are unique in grade. Is that usual? Let’s just say that is not common.
Along with the introduction from a year ago, I made a second point on the possibility for Mr. Hansen to be able advance. Last year, the Hansen set was in 5th place in the all-time list, and it appears the 4th place Lyons Set was pre-registry and retired around 2000-2001. The 3rd place set, Bruce Scher/Legend, was created approx. 2002 and retired in 2005. This set received the Hall of Fame honors even though all four of the POP 1/0 specimens were from the Lyons Set. Next came the Law set in 2006. In the comments field it is stated that 21 of the coins were from the Scher set with only one purchase from Legend. The set retired in 2008, with also being award PCGS Hall of Fame. The present collector in number one spot is tompet38 and he have all the POP 1/0 specimens from the previous HOF sets, plus few additions. Last year at this time, the tompet38 set had eight of the 12 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. With changes in the population report, the set now has six of the of the 11 PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. The current set is rated 67.86 and a drop from the all-time high of 68.20 on 4/12/2018. I once said with the current rules and the bonus points given; the set is “locked” in first place. That may not be as solid as it once was a year ago.
This pair of upgrades moves the Hansen set up one spot to #4 All-Time. The set still have only one POP 1/0 specimen, the 1883 MS67+. The two new coins are replacements for the key dates 1884 and 1885. The 1885 MS66+, Cert #25383974 replaces a MS66, CAC specimen, POP 14/3. Expect Ron Guth describes the 1885 as: The 1885 Three-Cent Nickel has the lowest mintage of any date in the series. Because of this, prices for high-end examples are what I like to call "insane." As a result, the occasional Proof is offered as Mint State, so authenticion (preferably certification) is mandatory. Though this date is not as rare as the 1884, it is definitely the most popular in the series. The coin has a PCGS price guide value of $25,000. Both coins were acquired in a private transaction with David Lawrence Rare Coins.
1884 Three Cent Copper Nickel MS66, POP 3/1
I believe this coin is currently the most valuable MS Three Cent Copper Nickel in the Hansen Collection with PCGS value of $42,500. The second most is the 1883 MS67+, POP 1/0, PCGS value $40,000, and the third the new 1885 MS66+ valued at $25,000. Here is what our expert Ron Guth had to say about the 1884: The 1884 Three-Cent Nickel has the second lowest circulation-strike mintage of any date in the series (second only to the 1885). Even better, it has the fewest number of Mint State examples of any date in the PCGS Population Report...by far. PCGS has certified only 39 1884 Three-Cent Nickels in all grades, compared to 85 for the 1885. MS-64 and MS-65 are the most populous Mint State grades (though only 2 of each can hardly be considered momentous). The finest example certified by PCGS is a single PCGS MS67. Circulated examples can be found in a wide range of grades between VF-20 and AU-58.. The MS67 remains the sole finest PCGS coin.
Both the new upgrades were acquired from David Lawrence Rare Coins. The 1884 was described on the DLRC website as: Outstanding gem example of this rare, low mintage issue of only 1700 coins struck. The design elements are exceedingly well-struck and standout against bright golden-grey surfaces overlaid in patches of coppery-orange toning. The eye appeal is wonderful! Bested by only a single PCGS piece, this would make a fantastic acquisition for the advanced registry collector.
The top MS67 PCGS coin is a mystery. It could be in a top type registry set, but I cannot verify. The three MS66 specimens are known. The last one to sale at auction was from the Seattle Collection offered by Legend Auctions March 2020. The price realized for the MS66, CAC Specimen was Auction Record of $42,300. The second specimen is in the TOMPET38 Registry Collection. The coin is the lesser toned of the three coins and is pedigreed to the TDP Collection. Also, I believe the coin is from the Bruce Scher #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set. The third coin is the new Hansen MS66 Specimen. John Brush describes purchase of the 1884 and 1885 coins as: fresh to the market that I acquired from another wholesale dealer. I didn’t purchase it for Mr. Hansen… but he bought them.. Another example of fresh coins going into the D.L. Hansen Collection.
1884 Three cent Copper Nickel, MS66
PCGS POP 3/1
Certification #85198389, PCGS #3752
PCGS Value Guide: $42,500 / Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Three Cent Copper Nickel Proof Upgrade
A few days ago, I discussed Three Cent Copper Nickels Circulating Strike set. I described in detail the difficulty of the set for Mr. Hansen to be able advance to the top spot. For the proof set, the story is completely different. The Three Cent Nickels Basic, Proof (1865-1889) set requires 25 coins. PCGS describes the set as: Proof three cent nickels seem to enjoy a greater popularity than their mint state counterparts. This series is slightly longer than the business strike one, and, despite significantly lower mintages, there are far more high-quality proofs on the market than business strikes. The earliest dates of the series are the rarest, with the 1865 being significantly more expensive than the other issues.
There is an entertaining competition at the top for this set. Currently, the two top collections (Hansen & tompet38) have created a separation from the remainder in the pact. There are 15 current collectors participating in the registry. Six of them are 100% completed. The tompet38 Collection of Three Cent Copper Nickel Proof set was created 6/1/2015. If I may add, just in time to get the 2014 top set award. Prior to 2020, the tompet38 set had been in first place continuously since 2014. Since last year, there has been a little going back and forth. The tompet38 set had reestablished the lead, but this new upgrade placed the D.L. Hansen set back in first place to receive the annual best in the registry award.
On 6/20/2021, the Hansen set move back into first place with a purchase from The Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. I have not confirmed if the coin was purchase directly by Mr. Hansen from NFC, or purchased wholesale by David Lawrence Rare Coins. According to the internet, the coin was sold by NFC on or about Jun 17, 2021.
With this purchase, the 25-piece set has six PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens, plus three others tied as finest. There are five coins with only one PCGS coin certified finer. Mr. Hansen replaced a beautiful PR67CAM, CAC Approved, Cert #25768704 specimen to get the points for the top spot. Sometimes tough choices have to be made.
Hansen's Duplicate: 1873 3CN CLOSED 3, CAM PR67CAM CERT #25368704, PCGS #83769
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1873 “Closed” Three Cent Copper Nickel PR67+
Expert Ron Guth describes the coin as: The 1873 Closed 3 Three-Cent Nickel is a relatively common coin in Proof condition. The reported mintage of 1,100+ is based on the number of complete Proof sets sold in that year, plus an unknown number of "Minor" Proof sets (three-piece sets that contained only the Cent, Three-Cent Nickel, and Nickel). Considering that PCGS had certified 537 examples as of November 2011, the true mintage figure should probably be much higher, say in the 1,500-2,000 coin range. The Closed 3 is the only Proof version of the 1873 Three-Cent Nickels. No "Open 3" Three-Cent Nickels are known to exist in Proof. On the Closed 3 version, the loops of the 3 were placed so close together that it is easy to mistake the 3 for an 8 at a casual glance. Treasury official noticed this early in 1873 and asked the Mint to correct the problem by "opening" the loops of the 3. This was done for virtually all coin types in 1873. Though the 1873 Closed 3 Three-Cent Nickel is easy to locate in Proof condition, it is decidedly scarcer (by about half) than many of the dates in the 1880's (which have low circulation-strike mintages, but relatively high Proof mintages. Cameo Proofs make up less than 20% of the existing population, at least according to the PCGS Population Report, but this percentage may be understated because PCGS has not always designated Proofs as Cameos or non-Cameos. On the other hand, Deep Cameos are either extremely rare or non-existent, as PCGS has certified none to date. Superb Proofs are very rare. PCGS has graded 10 non-Cameo Proofs in PR-66 (and none finer), only a single PR67 Cameo, and, as already mentioned, no Deep Cameo Proofs. The Population Report has change a little since Ron wrote this summary. I would rank the top coins in the order by grade this way.
1. Hansen / Gardner Specimen, MS67+ PCGS, Cert #39820261, Ex: Purchased from David Lawrence (12/2010); Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 9/2013 as PCGS PR67, Cert #27980284), lot 6262, realized $7,050; The Eugene H. Gardner Collection of US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 6/2014), lot as PCGS PR67, Cert #2798028430136, realized $5,287.50; Douglas C. Kaselitz Collection (Stacks Bower 7/2015), lot 5064, realized $3,818.75; FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 1/2016 as PCGS PR67, Cert #25666892), lot 4725, realized $4,230; U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 12/2018), lot 3192, realized $3,720; U.S. Coins Part 1 - Numismatic Americana and Early American Coins (Stacks Bowers 6/2020) lot 375, realized $3,360; Private Transaction (Numismatic Financial Corporation 6/2021 as PCGS PR67+, Cert #39820261), D.L. Hansen Collection
2. Scher / Poole Specimen, PR67CAM Cert #16545208, Ex. R. Iskowitz; The Bruce Scher #1 All-Time PCGS Registry Set (Heritage 2/2005 as PCGS PR67CAM, Cert #21765480), lot 4033, realized $9,775 (Auction Record); The David Poole Collection of Three Sent Nickels (Legend 5/2018), lot 400, realized $9,400; Current PCGS Registry Sets: This cert is currently in a user's private Set Registry Inventory.
3. Hansen Duplicate Specimen, PR67CAM, Cert #25368704, Ex: US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 12/2013), lot 3197, realized $3,819; Private Transaction, (Pinnacle 2/2017), D.L. Hansen Collection
4. TOMPET38 Specimen, PR67CAM Cert #16545208, Current PCGS Registry Set: TOMPET38 Registry Set.
5. Pair of PCGS PR67 NON-CAM
As you can see the new Hansen POP 1/0 specimen has been around the block a few times. Earlier tracing shows the coin originating from a 2010 purchase from David Lawrence. After a decade in and out of collections including Eugene H. Gardner, the coin makes a new home in the D.L. Hansen Collection. The earliest auction that I can trace to is when Heritage offered the coin at the 2013 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin was described as: Light pastel toning, in several colorful hues, provides this Superb Gem example with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. The few abrasions present are minor.
In the 2014 Eugene H. Gardner sale, the coin was described as: Light pastel toning in variegated hues provides this Superb Gem proof with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at the center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. Finally in the 2020 Stacks sale, the description evolved into: Light pastel toning in variegated hues provides this Superb Gem proof with lovely eye appeal. The obverse features shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. The reverse displays bright pastel yellow color at the center, with splashes of pink, green, and orange near the rims. The coin realized $3,360.
This coin was marketed by Numismatic Financial Corporation with a very brief description: Pop of just 1 with none finer! Gorgeous lavender, orange and lime green toning; spectacular eye appeal!. With the POP 1/0 grade, the coin ask was $9,400 with is a nice improvement to the $3,360 amount the coin realized the year before. PCGS valued the coin at $7,500. This collection now has the finest certified PR67+ specimen along with the tied for finest PR67CAM as a backup. The CAM carries for superior value at $10,500, but the PR67+ carries more weight in the PCGS registry. In the D.L. Hansen Collection, the simple way to decide is to buy both!
1873 “Closed” Three Cent Copper Nickel PR67+
PCGS POP 1/0
Certification #39820261, PCGS #3769
PCGS Value Guide: $7,500 / Ask $9,400
Provenance: Eugene H. Gardner
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Braided Hair Proof Half Cent Upgrade
The Braided Hair half cents boast some of the lowest mintages of any U.S. coin types. Some collectors, especially those who have an affinity for this denomination, believe they are among the best values, as well. From 1840 to 1849, only proof examples were struck, thus the first circulation strikes did not appear until 1849. The highest mintage of the series is the mere 147,672 half cents made in 1851; most other mintages are around 50,000 coins or less. Apart from the Proofs, all dates can be found with ease, often in high grade. Full Red examples are very scarce. 1852 half cents are known only in proof condition and the so-called "Originals" of this date are exceedingly rare. The Proof-only half cents of 1840-1849 are found as "Originals" (Large Berries), "First Restrikes" (Small Berries), and "Second Restrikes" (Small Berries, different reverse). In 1857, the half cent denomination was officially abolished. - Ron Guth
When it comes to Proof Half Cents, there is still no collection better than The Missouri Cabinet. The collection was broken up and sold off a year or two before Mr. Hansen was an active collector. The collection still rains on top for completeness and quality. The highest the set was rated was 67.36 on 4/5/2015. There have been some new coins graded by PCGS as well as upgrades that have reduced the rating to currently 66.13. A prime example is the new 1854 Half Cent, PR65RD that was recently purchased by Mr. Hansen. The coin was crossed from NGC to PCGS after the Donald G. Partrick sale earlier this spring. The coin is now on top of the registry which affects all other 1854 proof half cents with a PCGS certification. In comparison, the Jim McGuigan Collection rates 65.72, but he is missing the key 1851. With this upgrade, The D.L. Hansen set moves up to 66.14 and so slightly (1/100th) ahead of The Missouri Cabinet set. Rounding out the registry top five is incomplete sets of Louis Eliasberg at 64.68 and John Jay Pittman at 64.23.
As many of you are aware, Mr. Hansen purchased the Peter Miller Collection this spring. Included in that purchase was the Hansen/ESM Specimen, 1854 PR64RB PCGS, Cert #21672396. I rank the coin as #4 on my list below. As nice as the coin is, the Donald G. Partrick coin is the best. Let’s take a look at the new purchase.
1854 Half Cent, PR65RD, Ex: Donald G. Partrick
The mintage usually given for the 1854 Proof half cent is 30. In the recent Donald G. Partrick sale, Heritage described the coin this way: Perhaps 10 to 15 proof 1854 half cents are known today although NGC has only certified five including this, the only Red example they have examined. PCGS has certified nine proofs, but none are designated as red. As of today, there are 15 examples certified by both TPG companies. PCGS now has ten proof certified specimens, and NGC has five. I can confirm two of the NGC are in duplicate holders (#1 and #3 below). I believe the known number is 10-13. My top six specimens are as follows and in this order: I am leading with sole Red Proof, then RB by grade, and will complete the top six with the two of finest BN specimens known from The Missouri Cabinet.
1. Hansen/Partrick Specimen, PR65RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #42287184, duplicate NGC Cert #5747066-016, Ex: Lester Merkin (3/1968), lot 160; Donald G. Partrick / Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/21 as PR65 Red NGC, Cert # 5747066-016), lot 3781, realized $9,600; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers, 6/2021 as PCGS PR65RD, CAC), D.L. Hansen Collection.
2. McGuigan/Eliasberg Specimen, PR65RB PCGS, Cert #06597216 Ex: Henry Blair Collection; Charles Steigerwalt (10/1896); J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 478; Eugene H. Gardner Collection II / U.S. Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 10/2014), lot 98017, realized $10,575; Jim McGuigan Registry Set.
3. Oliver Specimen, PR65RB NGC, Cert #3673977-004, duplicate NGC, Cert #1816798-001, Ex: (CSNS) Signature Auction (Heritage, 4/2006), lot 237, realized $8,050; The Oliver Collection / Chicago Signature US Coin & Platinum Night Auction (Heritage, 8/2011), lot 3037, realized $9,200; ANA National Money Show US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 2/2014 as PR65 NGC, Cert # 1816798-001), lot #3703, realized $7,931.25; Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 2/2015 as PR65 NGC, Cert #3673977-004), lot 3007, realized $7,343.75.
4. Hansen/ESM Specimen, PR64RB PCGS, Cert #21672396 Ex: Classics Sale (Stack’s & American Numismatic Rarities 6/2004 as PR64RB NGC), Lot 2135, realized $6,900; Peter Miller (ESM HOF Registry Set), Private Purchase of Peter Miller EAC Half and Large Cent Proofs (David Lawrence Rare Coins 4/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
5. Missouri Cabinet Specimen, PR66BN PCGS, Cert #27383270, Ex: Philip M. Showers, Stack's 1969 (privately; Willis Harrington DuPont; Fred S. "Freddy" Werner (Superior Stamp and Coin Company, Inc. 2/1976); Joe Flynn and Son Rare Coins, Inc. (Joseph S. Flynn, Jr. 4/20/1976) (privately); R. Tettenhorst; Eric P. Newman Collection; Missouri Cabinet / Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctioneers 1/2014), Lot 213, realized $12,075 (Auction Record); Currently in a user's private PCGS Set Registry Inventory.
6. Missouri Cabinet Duplicate Specimen, PR65BN PCGS, Cert #27383269, Ex Harlan P. Smith (Samuel Hudson and Henry Chapman 5/8/1906) Lot 1233, Realized $2.00; Hillyer Cooper Ryder (2/11/1928); Ryder Estate (5/5/1945 privately); Wayte W. Raymond (New Netherlands Coin Co. 6/23/1954) Lot 336, realized $57.50, unknown (Chevy Chase Coin Company); Harold "Hal" Webber (8/23/1973); R. Tettenhorst; Eric P. Newman Collection; Missouri Cabinet / Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctioneers 1/2014), Lot 212, realized $9,487.50.
I have not been able to confirm the Pittman Specimen by image. The coin fits the timeline for the Hansen/ESM PR64RB PCGS Specimen. I place that possibility as being one in four. Also, it could be a coin not in the above list. It is possible the coin could be in a NGC holder as PR64RB. There is a PCGS PR63RB that is also a possibility. Lastly, the coin could still be uncertified as it appeared in the 1997 sale. I would applicate if anyone could investigate and help determine the proper placement of the Pittman Specimen, Ex. Allenburger; Mehl (1948); John Jay Pittman I (David Akers, 10/1997 as PR64RB NGC), lot #161, realize $7,150.
The Hansen/Partrick PR65RD PCGS, CAC, Specimen appeared in the Donald G. Partrick sale in Central States US Coins Signature Auction hosted by Heritage in April 2021. The coin was offered in a NGC PR65RD Holder with no CAC Approval. It was described simply as: This impressive Gem has fiery orange mint color with cameo contrast and a small toning spot on the reverse border at 7 o'clock. The only additional provenance offered in the listing was the coin was previously the Lester Merkin specimen sold in 1968. This would indicted the coin was off the market for more than 50 years. Surprisingly, the coin did not generate the interest that I would have expected. The coin only realized $9,600 which was short of the $12,075 auction record set by one of the Missouri Cabinet Brown Specimen.
Between the Partrick sale on April 22, 2021 and the Hansen purchase a few weeks ago, the coin was straight crossed to a PCGS holder and then a CAC Approved sticker was added. Rare Coin Wholesales offered the coin for $54,500 on their website. The coin was headlined as: 1854 BRAIDED HAIR 1/2C PR65 Red with a short description: AMAZING RED SURFACES. ONLY 30 STRUCK. ONLY ONE WITH A RED DESIGNATION. MOST LIKELY FINEST KNOWN. CAC. The top Missouri Cabinet Brown Specimen is a PR66BN, so technically it is finer. According to the way the registry awards one additional point for RB, and two points for RD, plus two points being sole finest POP 1/0, the Hansen coin is rated at 69. With a weight of 4 for the 1854 specimen, the total points for the coin are 276! It appears Mr. Hansen may have bought this coin with a private transaction with RCW, but I did not verify to be sure. I have a feeling this will not be the last update in the set.
Provenance: See #1 above
1854 Half Cent, PR65RD
PCGS POP 1/0 PCGS, Only RD at both TPG services
Certification #42287184, PCGS #1325
PCGS Price Guide $32,500 / Unknown private transaction
Ex: Donald G. Partrick
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Lincoln Cent Upgrades
Ultra-Popular Set - PCGS Registry
If you are one of the 434 active collectors of Lincoln Cents Basic Circulation Strikes (1909-1958) Set, then this update is for you. It has been about 12 month’s since my last update. D.L. Hansen has a very nice collection of Lincolns. PCGS describes the set as: This ultra-popular set is broken down into several different collections for the PCGS Set Registry. The first category covers the "Wheatback" era, with its magic key dates of the 1909-S V.D.B. and 1914-D, the always intriguing and sometimes controversial 1922 "Plain," and the newly recognized condition rarity 1926-S, among many others. From the childhood days of the blue coin boards (or albums) when rolls and rolls of Lincoln cents were searched looking for "anything that was old" until today, the early date Lincoln cents magnify the joys of coin collecting and bring back a rush of memories.
As you can see, the Hansen Collection has a strong set in the Lincolns with a fairly significant lead.
1952 Lincoln Cent, MS67+ RD
With a mintage of 186,775,000 coins, there should be plenty of 1952 Lincoln Cent examples to fill the need of the collectors. Just to expand that line of thought a little more, PCGS has graded over 2000 coins and NGC has graded more than 1600. Actually, Coin Facts estimate about 5000 coins have survived in RED. With the registry game, the need is for the best graded. This means the number gets pretty low. PCGS have graded only 36 MS67RD with four of them MS67+ RD. With the number are active registry sets, they are in high demand. I have created a roster of the four MS67+ RD examples and two noteworthy MS67 specimens.
1. D.L. Hansen Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #39689460, Purchased in Private Transaction (7/2021), Currently in the Set Registry inventory of D.L. Hansen.
2. Stonebarger Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #38475458, The GL & SL Stonebarger Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 6/2021), Lot #3360, realized $4,320; Current not found in the PCGS Set Registry inventory.
3. Southlake83 Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #25222416, CAC, CSNS US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 4/2015), lot 3389, realized $6,462.50 (Sole Finest at PCGS at time of sale); Currently in the Set Registry inventory of southlake83.
4. Dubuc’s Redlincolns Registry Set Specimen, MS67+ RD PCGS, Cert #39320799, CAC, Currently in the Set Registry inventory of cdubuc.
5. D.L. Duplicate Specimen, MS67RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #81333357, CAC Online Auction (Great Collections, 4/2018), Item #56117, realized $2,260.12; Currently in the Set Registry inventory of D.L. Hansen.
6. The Ehreth Registry Set Specimen, MS67RD PCGS, CAC, Cert #03543319, CAC Internet Auction # 199 (David Lawrence Auctions, 11/2007), lot 8138, realized $9,775 (Auction Record); The Davis Conway Collection / US Coin Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2008), lot 447, realized $6,325; Internet Auction # 398 (David Lawrence Auctions, 8/2009), DLRC Inventory #287687, realized $5,290; Currently in the Set Registry inventory of jcehreth.
The #2 specimen that sold in a 6/2021 Heritage sale is currently not actively used in a registry set, therefor could be available for purchase. I listed the Hansen MS67 CAC specimen as #5 and the auction record MS67RD specimen as #6. I wonder if this coin is still in an Old Green Holder. There are 32 MS67 PCGS total, so for this exercise I picked two. If you are Lincoln collector, then you may find this breakdown of interest.
1952 Lincoln Cent, MS67+ RD
POP 4/0, CAC Approved
Certification #39689460, PCGS #2797
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $8,500 / Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Did you see this Mercury Dime news?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1060319/vegas-show-news-biggest-news-for-mercury-dimes-in-quite-some-time
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
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Great coin. If there is a POP 1/0, 1916-D MERC, this coin would certainly be my choice. It is from the Pogue/Joshua collections. The coin holds the auction record from 2010, at 207,000. It sold again last year for $204,000. If offered in auction today in POP 1/0 holder, I think it would break the record again. The community has recognized this 16-D as the best for more than a decade (per auction results). It is good to see the coin has the top grade to boot. Thanks Keyman64 for sharing.
In the MS67FB CAC Holder
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I have honestly never seen a condition census of a 1952 Lincoln cent before…
Obviously Hansen's stated goal involves exceeding the Eliasberg collection. However, I was reading the bio section of collectors in the book the 100 Greatest Coins and a couple quotes made me think of Hansen. "Rather than focus on major rarities, [this collector] acquired coins that were esoteric, rare and undervalued. Some of his favorite areas included scarce proof material....[this collector] was also extremely careful in how and when he acquired coins....he decided not to particpate extensively in the auction for the Worlds greatest collections he felt that he could acquire some of the coins for substantially less at a later time. He was correct...."
The collector....John Jay Pittman. I know there are differences (ie pittman was relatively of modest wealth, pittman did not collect everything, etc) but there are similarities. The biggest being that both did not feel obligated to chase any particular coin the first time it comes up and also the interest in lesser known rare coins (i.e a proof gold coin with a mintage of 10) rather than a focus on the major rarities. Just a thought...
You still haven't, but you knew that
On some level Hansen's greatest success will come from being himself and not a better version of someone else.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
What...no new posts here in over a week?
Currin, are you okay?
Ron Guth, Chief Investigator
The Numismatic Detective Agency
Liberty Head Eagle Upgrade
"If either the ex: Bass specimen or the ex: Old West specimen were to appear in an auction anytime soon (say, in the early 2020s), the existing price record [for the 1884-CC eagle issue] will topple. Indeed, market participants now have a much better understanding of how elusive 1884-CC eagles are in such high grades. These two coins' current value probably hovers in the $75,000 to $100,000 region." – Stacks Bowers August 2021
It appears Stacks Bowers underestimated the value of this coin. Before we discuss the coin, let me say my last update was more than a month ago. That is a long time for me. Why, I am not sure, exactly. The updates I post are found publicly in the Hansen Registry Sets. The reason for the lull could be number of reasons. Here are a few:
A- Mr. Hansen took some time off in purchasing.
B- The person/group that updates the sets were interrupted.
C- Mr. Hansen was waiting for specific coins (or ANA Auctions)
D- Some other unknown reason
Whatever the reason, it appears the Hansen Machine in back in full swing. There are already updates in registry from the Stacks Bowers sale, along with some other purchases. The first that I will post is an upgrade in 179-piece Liberty Head $10 Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1907) Set. From a registry standpoint, the Hansen Collection of Liberty Head Eagles stand heads above the other sets, including Eliasberg and Bass. There is no other current registry set in competition. The best Set of Eagles without doubt, belongs to that other guy. His Ex: Old West 1884-CC is a PCGS MS62 compared to Mr. Hansen’s new PCGS MS62+, with only one PCGS graded coin better, the for mentioned Harry W. Bass PCGS MS63 specimen.
1884-CC Eagle PCGS MS62+
The new coin replaces an MS61 Certification #02778774, POP 4/3 that Mr. Hansen purchased in a Heritage Auction in 2018. This is the coin that carries the D.L. Hansen pedigree. According to Heritage, Only Six Mint State PCGS Submissions. With the new “Recent Find” Hansen coin, there are now seven. Stacks Bowers auctioneer states: The final CC-Mint ten struck prior to 1890, the 1884-CC has a mintage of 9,925 pieces and likely suffered attrition predominantly through domestic circulation in the American West with limited numbers of coins (mostly worn) finding their way to Europe in later years. The example offered here is a notable exception for, while it is a recent repatriation, it was shipped to Europe in Mint State condition. It has come down to us today still fresh and Uncirculated. Writing in the new (2020) reference The Confident Carson City Coin Collector, CC-Mint expert Rusty Goe identifies the Bass specimen in PCGS MS-63 as the finest 1884-CC eagle extant. The CC#2 in the Goe census is the Nevada Collection-Old West Collection coin in PCGS MS-62, although the author was not aware of the present example at the time of his publication. And rightly so, for this coin is making its first appearance in the numismatic market.
The Ex: Nevada Collection-Old West Collection specimen is described in a Tyrant summary as: Mintage of 9,925 for the year, and this is one of the two finest seen of this famed Carson City issue. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are probably at the top end of the grade assigned. Rich greenish gold color, abundant luster and a lot of appeal. Interesting “cancelled die” marks cross Liberty as this obverse may have been cancelled at the Mint, then pressed into service for coinage.
The new find specimen made its first appearance in a Stacks Bowers August Auction in an MS62+ PCGS Holder. In this sale, SBG states PCGS Population as one; with a single MS-63 finer. The appearance of the coin is described as: This phenomenal offering is for a fresh, new-to-market 1884-CC eagle that has skyrocketed to CC#2 for the issue based on the noteworthy MS-62+ grade assigned by PCGS. It is a lovely coin in all regards - original golden-wheat surfaces with a tinge of pale apricot, fully struck design elements, and complete mint luster in a soft satin texture. Exceptionally smooth in hand for both the issue and the assigned grade, a shallow scuff at the end of Liberty's bust truncation is mentioned solely as an identifier to track this highly significant rarity through future market appearances. The previous auction record was the Tyrant specimen in the August 2006 American Numismatic Rarities sale of the The Old West Collection realizing $46,000. The new Hansen coin realized $132,000.
Say what! Yes, $132,000 was the winning bid. I have been watching the Hansen Team and their strategy for a while. This winning bid surprises me, a little. I don’t think Stacks Bowers expected this result. They actually states per Rusty Goe: These two coins (Tryant & Bass specimens) current value probably hovers in the $75,000 to $100,000 region. SBG go on to say: These observations are just as applicable to the present example, its offering in this sale likely to topple the existing price record for the issue, as Rusty Goe predicts. The coin is valued at $50,000 in PCGS price guide. With all said and done, I am a little surprised by price realized, but not surprised in the purchase. What a big way to get back into action after 30 days off.
Provenance: A Recent Find; Rarities Night /ANA Auction, (Stacks Bowers 8/2021), Lot 4235, realized $132,000, D.L. Hansen Collection
1884-CC Eagle PCGS MS62+
PCGS POP 1/1
Certification #39280940, PCGS #8704
PCGS Value Guide: $50,000 / Realized $132,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Dahlonega Mint Liberty Head Half Eagle Upgrades
Recently, D.L. Hansen and Team purchased a nice small acquisition of Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles from Doug Winter. I have often viewed the Hansen Collection of Dahlonega Mint Gold as one of his weaker sets based on grade or GPA. In terms of the registry, the Harry W. Bass Collection still is #1 in the ranking. I personally think the set to beat is from Green Pond Collection with a GPA ranking of 61.44. The finest possible set rating is 64.536, so obviously there is still plenty room for improvement. As you can see, the D.L. Hansen set currently has a better rating than both the Smithsonian National Numismatic and the Louis Eliasberg Collection,
In recent days, there have been seven upgrades: Two gold dollars, one quarter eagle and the four half eagles from Doug Winter. PCGS describes the 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.
The four half eagle coins were purchased in a private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins. I am not certain of the details of the acquisition but the purchase certainly provided amazing upgrades the collection. I will feature two of the amazing coins. First the 1849-D MS63+, CAC, and the 1860-D Medium D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC Specimens.
1849-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC, Ex: Doug Winter / Green Pond
Listed on raregoldcoins.com website as: EXCEPTIONAL PCGS/CAC MS63+ 1849-D, UNDISPUTED SECOND FINEST KNOWN - While generally regarded as a common date, the 1849-D is actually scarce in any grade above AU55 and it is very rare in Uncirculated with just five or six known. The finest is the NGC MS65 Duke’s Creek piece (also graded MS63 by PCGS) but the present example is clearly the second best and a case can be made for calling it the finest. This is a remarkable coin with an appearance unlike any other 1849-D half eagle. This date is usually frosty but the present example is semi-prooflike with a number of raised die striations in the fields, as made. It is likely that this is among the very first pieces made from this die pair and the strike is uncommonly bold with nearly full detail at the centers. Both sides are very clean and vibrant and show a natural hazy golden hue which is very pleasing, in my opinion. A few small marks on the obverse appear to be as made and the overall visual appeal of this remarkable coin is exceptional. The aforementioned Duke’s Creek example has never sold at auction; this piece has a long auction history which is recounted below. An exceptional piece of Dahlonega gold and by far the best 1849-D half eagle which I have handled. CAC has approved one in this grade and none finer.
The PCGS POP 1/0 coin was offered for $42,500 on the website. PCGS values the coin at $50,000. It was purchased in a four-coin acquisition. The coin has a rich history.
Provenance: Dr. Arthur Montgomery Collection via Hancock and Harwell, (Auction ’84), Lot 1341, realized $17,600; Winthrop Carner; Ed Milas Collection, (Stack’s 5/95) lot 477, realized $18,700; New World Rarities; New York Gold Mart (Ron Karp); Numisma ’95, (Akers, Stack's, RARCOA, Superior, 11/1995), lot 1464, realized $13,200; Long Beach / Doug Winter and William Miller Collection, (Heritage 2/99), lot 6266, realized $19,800; (FUN) Platinum Night / Green Pond collection via Douglas Winter Numismatics, (Heritage Auctions, 1/04,), Lot 1052, realized $20,700: Public Auction Sale, (Stacks Auction, 11/04), lot 822, realized $25,300 (Auction Record); Baltimore Auction, (Bowers and Merena, 2/08) Lot 2544, realized $24,150; Private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins from Doug Winter (8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1849-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+
PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved
Certification #25620060, PCGS #8242
PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Private Transaction
Ex: Doug Winter / Green Pond
Courtesy of Doug Winter (raregoldcoins.com website)
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1860-D Medium D, Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+, CAC, Ex: Doug Winter
Listed on raregoldcoins.com website as: SUPERB, FRESH PCGS/CAC 1860-D HALF EAGLE GRADED MS63+, Medium D, - The 1860-D is the second-to-last half eagle made at this mint before it closed for good in 1861. Of the 14,635 struck, there are an estimated 225-275 known including as many as 10-12 in Uncirculated, including two in NGC MS64. This wonderful example, the finest 1860-D half eagle that I have ever owned, has an interesting backstory. It walked into a coin shop–raw–in the South and after it was purchased, it was graded by NGC at a “walkthrough” event at their Sarasota office. I acquired it at a recent auction (see below) in an NGC MS64 holder and decided to downcross it to a PCGS MS63+. I don’t disagree with the original NGC grade at all and I think this is backed up by the price I paid for it. The coin itself is wonderfully frosty with glowing natural orange-gold color in similar hues on the obverse and the reverse. It is well detailed with the exception of the centers which show characteristic weakness, especially on the neck feathers. There is a tiny obverse mark opposite star eleven and a fine, old scratch on the side of Liberty’s face which is hard to notice. All in all, this is a superb coin for the date and grade with oodles of eye appeal. The auction record for this date in MS64 is $74,750 set by an NGC coin offered as Stacks Bowers 2011 ANA: 7684; the exact same coin sold as Stacks 1/10: 3534 in a PCGS MS63 holder. The Duke’s Creek coin is graded MS64 by NGC (and PCGS as well) and it brought $49,500 all the way back in May 1995. It is not often that a Dahlonega half eagle of any date is offered for sale in the MS63 to MS64 range and even less often with the eye appeal which this coin displays. CAC has graded just this one example in MS63 or MS63+ and none higher.
The PCGS POP 1/1 certified, and POP 1/0 CAC Approved coin was offered for 55,000 on the website. PCGS values the coin at $50,000. It was purchased in a four-coin acquisition.
Provenance: FUN US Coins Signature Auction, (Heritage Auctions 1/2016 as NGC MS64), lot 5588, realized $48,175; Private acquisition from David Lawrence Rare Coins from Doug Winter (8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1860-D Medium D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63+
PCGS POP 1/1, POP 1/0 CAC Approved
Certification #29709157, PCGS #8286
PCGS Price Guide Value: $50,000 / Private Transaction
Ex: Doug Winter
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Very nice additions to the Dahlonega collection @Currin @DLHansen @JBatDavidLawrence !
Nice coins and an interesting comparison to the Duke’s Creek Collection. Has there been any thought to acquiring coins from the Duke's Creek collection?
https://www.raregold.com/pages/page/view?id=63
Those Dahlonega $5’s are exceptional
Latin American Collection
Very nice group of Dahlonega half eagles. Unfortunately, they are NGC. Mr. Hansen is exclusive PCGS at this time.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
New Three Dollar Proof Addition
Hansen’s Three Dollar Gold Proof Set is certainly a work in progress. On the other hand, the world class and possibly will always be the finest set every assembled is from the Tom Bender Collection. This PCGS Hall of Fame Set is maybe the only current complete set in existence outside of a museum. The Harry W. Bass Core Collection consists of a complete run of $3 proofs coins from the first year of issue (1854) to the last (1889). The collection is on display in a special gallery housed at the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum. The set is given a weighted GPA of 65.81 by PCGS Registry. In the Bass description, the 1862 coin is said to be: We cannot imagine a finer example than this. The Bass set is second only to the HOF Tom Bender Set.
The HOF Tom Bender Set is described by PCGS as: Another new set, taking away both a Gold Star award as well as a Hall of Fame win in its first year! And no wonder…. With a Set Rating of 66.27 and a completion rate of 100%, it’s a mind boggling assemblage of some of the rarest U.S. coins. Containing pieces from such collections as Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter and with no fewer than fifteen absolute finest knowns (pop 1, none higher) this set leaves even the most experienced numismatists speechless. In 2011, Tom added an 1855-S to his Major Variety Set, and so that set is included as a HOFer. Well done Tom!
The All-Time Registry roster contains only seven sets, Bender and Bass setting at #1 and #2. It shows four completed sets all-time: HOF Bender, Bass, Garrett, and Trompeter. Louis Eliasberg had one of the more impressive sets with all-times GPA of 65.06, but it was not 100% complete. According to the registry, the set was missing the tough 1855 date and the 1870. Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection set was even more impressive (GPA of 65.50), but also incomplete. The collection is missing the 1855 and 1856. The Ed Trompeter and Garrett sets were 100% complete but does not meet the GEM (PR65) GPA mark. The D.L. Hansen set is currently a GPA of 64.41, so it does not appear to be competitive for the top spots if completed.
PCGS describes the set as: Rare! That’s a word that describes the $3 gold series in proof. There’s the possibly unique 1855-S that is graded and authenticated by PCGS. There’s the extremely rare 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857 1858...the highest population of any of these coins is four, and that includes all proof grades! The $3 gold series in proof is rarely collected, due to the price. But what a set it is! Even the most common coin in the series (did we say “common?”) has a population of only 48 coins in Proof 65 or better. Therefor, simply completing the set at any grade level would be a great accomplishment. It will be interesting to see if this set continues to grow.
1862 Three Dollar, PCGS PR64+DCAM
The published mintage for this Civil War era date is 35. The PCGS POP report list 10 certified, with the known specimens listed as 16-20 specimens. There are only four certified PCGS DCAM with Hansen’s specimen being POP 1/2. There are two PCGS PR65DCAM with one currently in the Tom Bender Collection and other possibly remains in the Bob R. Simpson Collection. The POP reports list one other PCGS DCAM as a PR64, but no information is known on the coin. David Akers: The 1862 is actually the most common date in proof of the 1860's, a fact which may be surprising to some since the reported proof mintage of 35 is substantially less than the proof mintages of 1864 or 1867. According to the PCGS Auction information, the coin has appeared in auction about 24 times since 1990. That would be less than once per year. For a PCGS DCAM, the appearances are much less.
The Hansen coin appeared in a Heritage Auction in 12/2019. The coin was offered as PR64 Deep Cameo, Deeply Frosted Early Strike, CAC. The auction offered: According to recent research by John Dannreuther, 1862 three dollar proofs exist in small number, with only 14 to 16 pieces known. Most 1862 proofs lack Deep Cameo contrast, prompting Dannreuther to note: "This date seems to either have little frost, or qualifies for Deep Cameo, as the dies were heavily frosted, but lost this feature after only a dozen or so of the 35 coins were struck." Interestingly, five of the top six proofs known are Deep Cameo examples (including the present coin), seemingly representing the earliest proofs made. This rich, yellow-gold example is CAC-endorsed, with impressively frosted devices that that contrast boldly with flashy and well-mirrored, jet-black fields. A loupe reveals some minute graininess in the left obverse field -- referred to as an "aura" by Q. David Bowers, who observed similar traits on other 1862 proofs -- and the coin has a few widely scattered wisplike hairlines, accounted for in the assigned grade. A distinct wire rim encircles the pinpoint-sharp strike on both sides.
Since the sale in 2019, the coin has picked up a PR64+DCAM grade and retain it’s CAC Approve sticker. The coin most recently appeared in a Great Collections Auction held on June 20, 2021. The coin was listed as: 1862 Three-Dollar Gold Piece PCGS Proof-64 DCAM, CAC, therefore this sale was before the bump in grade. The coin realized $64,687.50 as PR64DCAM. It is currently valued at $77,000 in the PCGS Price guide for a PR64+DCAM. It was purchased in a private acquisition by David Lawrence Rare Coins. The price Mr. Hansen paid is not known. This coin makes a very nice addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Gold Proofs.
Provenance: US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 12/2019 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC), lot 3279, realized $54,000; Internet Auction (Great Collections 6/2021 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC), Item ID: 995132, realized $64,687.50; Private Acquisition (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1862 Three Dollar, PCGS PR64+ DCAM
PCGS POP 1/2, CAC Approved
PCGS Coin #38144905, PCGS #98025
PCGS Price Guide Value $77,000 / Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Can @JBatDavidLawrence assist?
I’d guess PCGS wouldn’t mind having some Duke’s Creek.
Double Eagle New Proof Addition
Double Eagle Proofs are beautiful coins by all accounts. Last posting we saw a new addition to the D.L. Hansen $3 Proof set. In this second update in Hansen’s proof sets, I will focus the discussion on the new 1896 Proof Double Eagle. Hansen made the purchase in the Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction - Rarities Night sale a couple weeks ago. Mr. Hansen was represented by David Lawrence Rare Coins. This coin makes a great addition to the Liberty Head $20 Gold Proof (1859-1907) Set.
The run from 1859 to 1907 is collectable but is described as incredible challenge in both time and money. The general description by PCGS Registry: Talk about rare! Any coin in this series is going to cost over $50,000 in Proof 65 condition, and that's not counting the ultra-rarities, if you can find them at any price. Both the 1883 and 1884 are "Proof-only" issues, meaning that no pieces were struck for circulation. The 1859 is a major rarity, with only one piece certified (and that's a lightly circulated Proof 55 coin). The incredible challenge in both time and money is more than offset by the reward. This set covers the pre-Civil War years of 1859-60 through much of the first decade of the 20th century. History, rarity, beauty, value...it's all here!
Has this set been completed other than the National Numismatic Collection in Smithsonian? I am not sure. The PCGS Registry gives credit to Garrett Collection for being 91.84% (missing only four coins in the 49-piece set). Is the most completed set by private collectors? Can anyone confirm or deny? Louis Eliasberg and Harry W. Bass both tapped out at 83.67% (missing eight coins). Mr. Hansen just pushed past the halfway mark (53.06%). The great AWA Collection only was 10.20% complete. This is a series that acquiring one coin is a great accomplishment.
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM
This 1896 Double Eagle Proof is a “fairly rare” lady even with the mintage for the date is given to be 128. Coin Facts gives the survival estimates at about 50 coins. David Akers comments: Proofs of this date are rare but they are the most common proof Double Eagles to this point. At least 30 specimens exist and the actual number of survivors could be as high as 35. As stated, PCGS Coin Facts have bumped the estimate up to 50.
Assuming no duplicates (which I don’t think we can), the POP Report indicates 38 have been certified by PCGS. Only 18 of them are DCAM with the sole PCGS finest is a PR67+DCAM. Stacks Bowers Auctioneer described the rarity as: After having gone nearly a decade without handling a Proof 1896 double eagle, we have been extremely fortunate to present two different specimens in three offerings beginning with our November 2020 Auction, including two offerings in the present sale. This is a little strange twist. Of the coins offered, the other coin was a Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CAC. This coin realized $228,000, with is an overachiever for PR66DCAM valued at $200,000. It was from the Castle Pines Collection. The new Hansen coin is a Proof-66+ Deep Cameo (PCGS), but not carrying a CAC sticker. The coin realized $180,000 and came up short on the PCGS value of $225,000 (recently decrease to $210,000).
This is the second appearance of the Hansen coin in as many years. It first appeared in Stacks Bowers November 2020 Auction - Rarities Night Sale. The coin realized $210,000 which was an action record until the Castle Pines Specimen set a new record a couple weeks ago at $225,000. In the 2020 Auction, the auctioneer stated: For advanced gold enthusiasts, especially specimen type collectors, the search for a single extraordinary Proof Liberty Head double eagle could end with the acquisition of this Gem 1896 through aggressive bidding. One of just 128 Proofs originally struck for the date, only 30 to 50 of which are believed extant (per John W. Dannreuther, 2018). One would be hard pressed to find a more attractive example of the type irrespective of date.
Mr. Hansen appeared to have got a bargain on the coin. It sold in 2020 for $210,000 and one year later, Mr. Hansen purchased the coin for $180,000. The coin was described as: Simply put, this is a beautiful coin that really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. The fields are deeply reflective at direct viewing angles, but "go black" under indirect lighting to form alternative contrasts with frosty design elements. When observed with a loupe, the fields reveal the distinctive "orange peel" texture of U.S. Mint Proof gold coinage from the late 19th century that advanced collectors find so appealing. The same close scrutiny under magnification reveals just how close to pristine the surfaces are. The strike is full and the coin displays vivid deep orange-gold patina. This delightful premium Gem would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet. This is a nice addition to Mr. Hansen starter set of Liberty Head $20 Gold Proof.
Provenance: Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 11/2020 as PCGS Cert #06591649 PR66+DCAM), lot 9218, realized $210,000; Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 11/2020), lot 4264, realized $180,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM
PCGS POP 1; 2 finer (Proof-67+ Deep Cameo finest)
Certification #42469586, PCGS #99112
PCGS Price Guide Value $210,000 / Realized $180,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Another Double Eagle New Proof Addition
This new addition is in the St. Gaudens proof set. Describing these proof coins as beautiful is an understatement. A couple days ago, we saw a new addition to the D.L. Hansen Liberty Head Double Eagle Poofs. In this third update in Hansen’s proof sets, I will focus the discussion on the new 1913 St. Gaudens Proof Double Eagle. Hansen made the purchase in the Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction - Rarities Night sale a couple weeks ago. Mr. Hansen was represented by David Lawrence Rare Coins. This coin makes a great addition to the St. Gaudens $20 Gold Basic Proof (1908-1915) Set.
The run is only eight coins from 1908 to 1915. All are collectable, but a few collectors are up for this challenge. Currently the PCGS Registry only has two active collectors, D.L. Hansen and Driftwoood. This set started more that 15 years with one coin and no activity since. The description by PCGS Registry: Want to get famous? Put together a set of these amazing, gorgeous, incredible, remarkable, indescribable, sensational coins! The ultimate in coin design, issued in Matte and Roman Finish Proof. The highest mintage coin in the set is only 167 pieces (!) and at present only one set can be assembled in PR65 or better condition. Don't worry, though, as a PR64 set or a mixture of PR64 and PR65/better coins would also be nothing short of spectacular.
The collections that are in the registry are big names starting with National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian. Others include Louis Eliasberg, Sam Bloomfield, Garrett Collection, Waldo Newcomer and Ed Trompeter. I know there have been some other sets assembled but with a mixture of PCGS and NGC certified coins. With this new addition, the Hansen Collection is now 75% PCGS complete. It is missing two coins, dates 1910 and 1911. The grade range of the six existing coins are between PR63 and PR66. The average GPA is 64.57. Completion and maintaining this average would place the Hansen Collection in the fifth spot all times.
1913 St. Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65
David Akers comments: Proofs of 1913 are very rare; at most 20-25 are known. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 40. There were 58 recorded as being minted, so that is a very possible number. Assuming no duplicates (which I don’t think we can), the POP Report indicates 27 have been certified by PCGS. The NGC POP Report shows 50!. I find that number hard to believe without duplicates. The new Hansen coin is just outside of PCGS Condition Census Top Five at a POP of 5/5.
Stacks Bowers Auctioneer described the rarity as: Seldom do multiple examples of this rare Sandblast Proof double eagle issue appear in the same sale. This handsome Proof-65 specimen is exceptionally well preserved with a smooth and inviting appearance to both sides. The undisturbed sandblast finish exhibits myriad sparkling facets when examined with the aid of a loupe. Fully defined and gorgeous to examine. Perhaps most significantly, this is the second finest certified example to receive approval from CAC, testifying to its overall superior quality. Sure to sell for a strong premium to a discerning Proof gold enthusiast. The other coin mention in this description is Proof-66 (PCGS), CAC Specimen from the Castle Pines Collection. The coin realized $336,000 with $197,500 PCGS Price Guide Value at the time. Was Mr. Hansen the underbidder? Maybe.
The Hansen Proof-65 (PCGS), CAC Specimen was acquired at less than half the cost of the coin one grade point higher. The auctioneer described the coin as “Remarkable”. The coin is Ex: RLS Collection specimen that sold in August 2013 at the Chicago ANA Auction. As stated before, the PCGS Population is five, with five finer (all Proof-66). A little more interesting, the CAC Population is one, with one finer, the $336,000 coin. Another very nice proof addition to this amazing collection. There are still a couple to go, so keep watching.
Provenance: RLS Collection / Chicago ANA (Stacks Bowers, 8/2013, Cert #5398582), lot 4613, realized $79,312.50; Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 8/2021), lot 4276, realized $144,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1913 Double Eagle, PR65
PCGS POP 5/5, CAC Approved
Certification #39481425, PCGS #9210
PCGS Price Guide Value $170,000 / Realized $144,000
Ex: RLS Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
That 1896 is jaw dropping. An amazing coin.
Successful BST with BustDMs , Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino (CBH's - 35 Die Marriage's)
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
I don't know what's more amazing! This coin or that there are 2 graded higher!
It looks gorgeous. Congrats @DLHansen !
If it were me I would have purchased the other 66 in the same for 48k more.
Not sure why DLH chose not to.
I’m confused- is it a 64+ or a 66+?
Cert lookup says 66+ DCAM
It’s a 66+ according to the cert verification. The subsequent mention of “64+“ was apparently a typo.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Since the 66CAC example brought $45,000 more, how do you know it could have been bought for just $3000 over the winning bid? Even if it that was the case, perhaps it was thought that the 66+ represented better value.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Proof saint grading confounds me.
I'd give it PR68
My Saint Set
You are indeed correct . The CAC example could have kept going if. DLH bid. We will never know.
The coin DLH purchased is probably a CAC 65. We would need to research the prices difference
of CAC 65 and 66's. More often than not a non CAC coin sells for more than a CAC that is a grade lower. 67 Saints are an example. CAC are 30k, non CAC are about 15K which I believe is absurd. 66+ are about 6k. I often think about cracking my 66+ and getting some 67's.
Another Proof Addition, Half Eagle
This fourth update in Hansen’s proof sets in as many postings. Keep in mind, they are not upgrades, all four have been expansion to the Gold Collection. This is a new 1911 in the half eagle Indian proof set. The six-figure coin is not the most expensive of the recent additions but is very significant by its own merits. Hansen made the purchase in Heritage’s August 2021 ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Sale. This coin is the final coin needed to complete the Indian Head $5 Gold Proof (1908-1915) Set.
The run is only eight coins from 1908 to 1915. All are collectable, and a very popular series among the gold proof collectors. Although, evidence from the PCGS Registry certainly contradicts the statement. Other than D.L. Hansen, there are no other interesting parties in the registry. That is not to say, there could be some collectors that may be assembling a set outside the registry.
The description by PCGS Registry: The $5 Indian series in proof is comprised of only eight coins, with mintages ranging from a low of 75 pieces for the 1915 to a high of 250 coins for the 1910. Obviously, all are rare. This series is similar to the $2 ½ Indians, being issued in matte and Roman finish proofs. In Proof 65 or better condition, the rarest coins are the 1914 and 1915, with only seven coins of each date certified in Proof 65 or better. The 1909 and 1910 are also especially difficult to locate in gem condition.
With Mr. Hansen’s completion, there are nine famous and historic collections represented. The previously leader was Sam Bloomfield. He had great proof sets in all four of classic gold series, Indian 2½, 5, and 10, and the St. Gaudens Double Eagles. The Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation Collection was offered to the public by Sothebys, NY in December 1996. For what is worth, according to the registry ranking, the D.L. Hassen slips pass the Bloomfield set by only .05 points. Rounding out the top three is a set from the Childs Family Collection.
All coins in the Hansen set are proof GEMs, with the lowest graded coin is the 1910 PR65+ PCGS. The finest coin the Indian Head $5 Gold Proof Collection is the 1914 PR68 PCGS. This quarter million-dollar coin was purchase in the early days of the D.L. Hansen Collection. It was purchased in late 2017 in a private transaction. The average GPA is 66.47. This is second completed PCGS all-time top proof gold set in the collection with the first belonging to the One Dollar Proof set. The collection has a complete PCGS Indian Head $2-1/2 Gold, Proof set that ranks number two in the registry.
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67
Our fiend and expert Ron Guth made these comments: The Matte Proof 1911 $5 is a very rare and desirable coin with a most unusual finish. According to Akers, the finish on the 1911 $5 is different than any other in the series. The difference resulted from the various experiments the Mint conducted in the early 20th century with finishes on Proof coins. The Mint produced the Matte Finish by sand-blasting the surfaces of the coins after they were struck. The texture of the finish varied depending on the size of the grit used to sand-blast the coin. Customers, who were used to the brilliant and cameo finishes of earlier years, either bought the Matte Proof coins begrudgingly or shied away from them completely. As a result, mintages were small and, even then, not all of the coins produced were sold. Fortunately, the collectors who had the foresight to purchase these unusual coins also took good care of them. Thus, the quality of the surviving population is excellent. The PCGS Condition Census consists entirely of PR66 and better examples, and it tops out at PR68. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 80 with a mintage of 139. Assuming no duplicates, the POP Report indicates 37 have been certified by PCGS. The NGC POP Report shows 55. The new Hansen coin is a PCGS Condition Census Top Five at a POP of 5/2.
The Heritage Auctioneer described the coin as: The Indian design half eagles, along with quarter eagles, eagles, and double eagles from the 1908 to 1915 period were all struck in a matte or sandblast finish. The Mint in Philadelphia experimented with different types of finish for proof coins of the various denominations, including cents and nickels. Silver proofs of this same period retained the brilliant, deeply mirrored appearance. The so-called "Roman Gold" finish from 1909 and 1910 has a satiny and lustrous appearance. In 1911, the finish reverted to the previous sandblast surface seen on 1908 proof gold. The mintage for the 1911 proof half eagle was limited to 139 coins, with an estimated 80 to 100 survivors in all grades.
Heritage describes the coin as: This example is fully struck, as are nearly all matte proof gold issues. The surfaces have a grainy appearance with thousands of tiny bright gold facets when examined under magnification. Virtually as struck, the surfaces are void of any blemishes or imperfections other than a couple minute spots. This half eagle has a perfect pedigree marker in the form of a tiny dark spot hidden within the space to the right of the horizontal fasces, located just below the eagle's tail. This spot is clearly visible in the plate of our 1994 ANA Signature, the 2003 New York Signature, and the 2004 Pittsburgh Signature appearance. Do you see the pedigree marker?
This is a very nice specimen for the Hansen Collection. This coin does not have the CAC Approved sticker but is in an Old Green Holder. If you had a PR68 Gold Proof, would you rather have a Plus Grade, CAC sticker, or OGH?
Provenance: ANA Signature (Heritage 7/1994), lot 7496; November Signature (Heritage, 11/2003), lot 7639, realized $52,900; Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 8/2004), lot 7412, realized $63,250; ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2021), realized $99,000; D.L. Hansen Collection.
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67
PCGS POP 5/1, Old Green Holder
Certification #02574692, PCGS #8542
PCGS Price Guide Value $115,000 / Realized $99,000
Image by Heritage Auctions, HA.com
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Gold proofs are a very rare and collectable that is way beyond the reach of the average coin collector. Their value is respected as being significantly more than their respective business strikes.
More commonly collected series, like Indian Cents, the business strikes sell for much more than the proofs. The business strikes cannot come close to the quality of proof specimens, yet they sell for more. I have been told that this is just market preference.
So, why are gold proofs so valuable?
OINK
Because they are very rare and gold…? Indian Head cents are generally very available in proof and are often rarer as high-grade business strikes than as proofs. Gold proofs often have mintages in the double digits. Pretty straightforward stuff.
Gobrecht's Engraved Mature Head Large Cent Model
https://www.instagram.com/rexrarities/?hl=en
PR58 Proof Quarter Eagle
Proof coins are coins that were created specifically for collecting. They are uncirculated, but may not be perfect due to bag wear or improper mishandling. They are defined by their shiny, mirrored backgrounds. - nationwidecoins.com
This fifth and last update in Hansen’s proof sets in as many postings. This proof quarter eagle has a little wear (or defect) and may be surprising to find its way into the D.L. Hansen Collection of Proof Gold. Just looking at the past four additions from last couple weeks, we find the following:
1862 Three Dollar, PR64+ DCAM, PCGS POP 1/2, CAC, PCGS Price Guide Value $77,000
1896 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM, PCGS POP ½, PCGS Price guide Value $210,000
1913 Double Eagle, PR65, PCGS POP 5/5, CAC, PCGS Price Guide Value $170,000
1911 Indian Half Eagle, PR67, PCGS POP 5/1, OGH, PCGS Price Guide Value $115,000
It does make you wonder how a PR58 POP 3/7 coin can slip into this amazing collection. We know Mr. Hansen is not shy when it comes to upgrading his collection. Also, his main representative has stated that if three conditions are met: 1- The coin is available, 2- If it improves the collection, and 3- If offered a fair price, then good odds a deal can be made. It appears the coin was made available in a private offer from Minshull Trading. Coinweek described the company bio as: Lee Minshull has been in the coin business for over 40 years. In 1992 he founded Lee Minshull R.C., Inc., which is now Minshull Trading. Over the last 22 years we have been a leader in the numismatic industry and have grown into a formidable market maker, garnering the respect of every major market player. In the second requirement, the Collection did not have a 1867 Proof Gold Quarter Eagle, so it does improves the collection from completion standpoint. The third requirement, fair price, we need to assume this took place for the coin to be in the collection. Maybe, more importantly, the collection is one more coin closer to having a complete run of proof gold proofs from 1859 to Present. With the last five additions, this is now how the overall set appear.
The run is quickly approaching 75% complete. The D.L. Hansen Collection has two sets that are All-Time PCGS #1, the One Dollar and Indian Head Half Eagle. The remaining 88 coins are collectable but are expensive and difficult to find at a fair price.
1867 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, PR58
David Akers commented: Despite the higher mintage, proofs of this date are almost as rare as the proofs of 1863, 1865, or 1866. High mintage is 50!. PCGS Coin Facts estimate survival at 27. The PCGS POP Report indicates 16 have been certified by PCGS, with three as AU58. The NGC POP Report shows 11.
It does not appear this coin has appeared in auction in recent years. PCGS does not list a value on the coin. It has Certification #38474960, PCGS #7893, and the POP is POP 3/7. The coin does not have an image and very little additional information is currently known. It would be nice if a image of the PR58 specimen could be posted.
Provenance: Private Transaction (Minshull Trading 8/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Found a pic of the 1867 PF58
https://finestknown.com/product/1867-p-gold-2-50-liberty-head-pcgs-pr58/
Do we suspect that the smudge on the eagle's shield caused this coin to be just a 58?? Perhaps this is on the coin, but could also be from the holder. Hard to believe this coin was ever in circulations considering that it is a proof specimen. Definitely should be submitted for a regrade.