@Zoins said:
Just found out that @DLHansen is the owner of the top condition Strawberry Leaf Cent!
Did Eliasberg have a Strawberry Leaf cent? The 4 specimens covering 2 varieties on CoinFacts don't list Eliasberg in any of the provenances.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Wreath Cent, VG10 BN PCGS POP 2/1/0 Certification #12952855, PCGS #35483 PCGS Price Guide Value $775,000 / Realized $660,000 Ex. Lorin Gilbert Parmelee, Virgil Michael Brand
Wow. Thats a great addition.
Has anyone ever mentioned that the grading label reads “Parmelle” instead of “Parmelee”?
I noticed that, but I'm not sure if it's the first time it's been mentioned
Since you’re not sure, I’d appreciate it if you’d spend a few minutes (or years) reading through all of the threads here, in order to confirm.😉
I'll put it on the list but I'm too busy adding various incarnations of the Strawberry Leaf cent to multiple threads! What a great coin with a rich history!
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 1
I just like beautiful coins. Beautiful coins that when you walk by you say “wow, that’s a beautiful coin.” Some of them can be more white, some can be more toned, but just the beautiful luster that comes out there. - Howard Sharfman, CoinWeek Interview (August 20, 2021)
Howard Sharfman PCGS Sets never reached the top spot for the early half dollar sets due to another current collector with solid lock on many of the top PCGS coins. CW contributor, Charles Morgan still referenced to the collection as “incredible” which I would certainly agree. Mr. Morgan wrote: On September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ (LRCA) Regency Auction 47 will be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sale contains 395 hand-selected lots of certified US coins in all denominations, including multiple condition-census and CAC-certified examples. With lot pre-sale estimate values ranging from a few hundred dollars to $200,000 or more, there are ample collection building opportunities for collectors of all budgets.
It appears of the 395 lots offered, 120 of them were Early Half Dollars from the Chicago Collection. The focus of the Chicago Collection has been in the Early Half Dollar Series (1794-1839). Mr. Sharfman’s Collection contained eleven Registry Sets for the half dollars with all of them in the All-Time Five ranking. It appears he is in early development of an Early Five Dollar Gold set. Could this be his new direction?
In a press release by Coin World, this statement was provided: According to Legend, “This incredible collection features over 30 coins that are at least tied for finest-known honors at PCGS, including an astounding 25 that are the single finest-known at the service.” In Legend news article appearing in a Graysheet: Overall, this stellar collection is worth well over $3,000,000 according to PCGS Value. In addition to the 101 coins that comprise the registry set, the collection also features several additional interesting varieties that add to the appeal of the collection. “This collection is extremely fresh to the market,” echoed Matthew Bell, CEO of LRCA. “Going through the coins, it is amazing how many incredibly eye appealing coins have been assembled. We are truly honored to have been chosen to bring this collection to auction.” Some twelve highlights that I will call feature coins were provided:
1794 PCGS AU58 CAC, the single finest known example at PCGS 1796 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only coin graded AU58+ and third finest known at PCGS 1803 LARGE 3. 12 ARROWS. PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known example at PCGS 1806 POINTED 6, STEM. PCGS MS64, single finest known example at PCGS
1805 PCGS MS62, single finest known example at PCGS 1806/5 LARGE STARS. PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1810 PCGS MS65 CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1814 PCGS MS66 CAC, single finest known at PCGS 181.7 PUNCTUATED DATE PCGS MS64+, single finest known at PCGS
1817/4. PCGS F15, one of only eleven examples known of that overdate.
1824 PCGS MS66+ CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1828 CURL BASE 2. KNOB. PCGS MS65+ CAC, single finest known
The D.L. Hansen Collection added five of the featured coins as can be seen by the bold highlights above. The Hansen sets were updated in the last couple days. Of the 120 Chicago coins offered, it appears Mr. Hansen was successful with 25 of his bids. There is no way to be sure how many coins he was interested in acquiring. With this success, he was able to replace ten coins in the 42-piece Early Half Dollars Basic Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1839). An additional 13 coins plus the 10 basics were replaced in the 101-piece Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1839). Lastly, there were two additional coins added in the variety set 86-piece Capped Bust Half Dollars Classic Circulation Strikes Set (1807-1839). We will start the discussion today with the highest value coin realized in the Legend sale, the is the 1797 Half Dollar. I am a little mystified why the coin is not one of the highlights on Laura Sperber list. I like it better than some of the single finest known examples.
1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman
Let’s start with the star of the Legend Rare Coin Auction’s Regency 47 sale. The 1797 Half Dollar realized $270,250, the highest in the sale. Described by Legends Auction as: An unbelievably attractive example of this RAREST silver type coin in the entire federal coinage series. The entire Draped Bust, Small Eagle type was struck for just two years, 1796 and 1797, and only 3,918 were struck for both years combined with 2,984 being those dated 1797. Needless to say, these are VERY RARE in any grade, especially so in high grade. This beautiful AU53 is totally original and has a great pedigree, being ex. Colonel Green and Eric P. Newman Collections.
Expert David Hall quoted: Of the 2984 1797 half dollars minted, probably less than 200 survive today in all grades. There are two specimens that are truly superb examples, one graded MS66 by PCGS and another with an estimated grade in the MS65/66 range. This coin certainly is not on the same playing surface as these GEMs. They would probably bring almost ten times more (in the two-million-dollar plus range).
For variety collectors, this coin is more difficult than some of the other die pairs. Legend’s writes: Two die pairs were used to strike 1797 half dollars, this one is O-102, which is listed as Low Rarity-6, with perhaps 25-30 known in all grades. This coin is among the FINEST KNOWN, clearly in the Tompkins Condition Census for the variety which is listed 61,53,40,35,30 and is the 3rd highest grade listed as sold in the Spring 2021 Revision of Stephen Herrman's AMBPR. In Heritage’s 2017 Eric P. Newman Collection Part IX US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas, the coin was described as: Second Finest Certified O-102 Variety, Ex: Green-Johnson-Newman The coin replaces Hansen 1797 XF40 Cert #14655242 Specimen. He has a third coin in the collection, Cert #02569822 F15 PCGS. This F15 coin is the specimen that can be found in one of his Pedigree holders.
Legends fondly describes the coin as: Very high end for an AU53, this visually impressive example coin offers superb technical quality and bold eye appeal. Coppery, golden-brown patina dominates while splashes of subtle color mingles in areas as do areas of untoned, original antique silver. A bold luster remains in the fields, protected by the sharply struck up devices, and is quite brilliant under the toning when rotated in a light. Most details show a fine strike with sharp definition seen throughout the design types. The only area that lacks crispness is the eagle's breast which is almost always flat on this type; otherwise, Liberty's hair and drapery are crisply struck up. A prominent die crack is seen at star 2 to Liberty's curls. The wear is problem free and quite light, limited to the lightest friction. While a strong glass will aid in the location of some very minor ticks, none have any impact on this CHOICE AU's visual allure.
Even though the coin is not Condition Census for the year, the coin does have rich history as stated by Legends: Off the market for many decades until 2017, this coin is ex. Colonel E.H.R. Green; Col. Green Estate; sold to St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co (partnership between Eric P. Newman and B.G. Johnson); Eric Newman purchased this coin out of the partnership for $300; Newman Numismatic Education Society Collection, Heritage, November 2017, lot 15090, as NGC AU55; Legend Numismatics, sold to our consignor in May 2019. They estimated the coin would realize $180,000 to $220,000. The coin overachieved by about $50,000. Their description for bidding was spot on: The last PCGS AU53 was sold by Stack's in November 2008 for $160,000. The present example is sharper and more original than the PCGS AU55+ sold in April 2018 for $168,000. Today, the PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $220,000 and the CAC CPG value is $207,000. PCGS has graded just eight 1797 half dollars finer, and few survivors have anywhere close to the eye appeal as this high end piece. We expect that early half dollar specialists will be in contention for this one, but remember, many type sets are missing an example of this VERY RARE type, as most have an issue that would preclude grading, and high grade pieces are few and far between! We expect this coin to bring a very strong bid, so if you are planning to bid, be prepared. Do not let this very important opportunity pass you by!
Mr. Hansen exceed the Legend’s estimated for this CAC Approved coin by about 20%. He wanted the coin for his collection and was willing pay for this one. Congratulations on a nice upgrade.
Provenance: Colonel E.H.R. Green; Col. Green Estate; sold to St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co (partnership between Eric P. Newman and B.G. Johnson); Eric Newman purchased this coin out of the partnership for $300; Newman Numismatic Education Society Collection (Heritage, 11/2017 as NGC AU55), lot 15090, realized $168,000; Private Transaction (Legend Numismatics, 5/2019), Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021 as PCGS AU53, CAC), lot 12, realized $270,250, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1797 Half Dollar, AU53 PCGS POP 3/8, CAC Approved Certification #34401236, PCGS #6060 PCGS Price Guide $220,000 / Realized $270,250 Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
@Zoins said:
Just found out that @DLHansen is the owner of the top condition Strawberry Leaf Cent!
Did Eliasberg have a Strawberry Leaf cent? The 4 specimens covering 2 varieties on CoinFacts don't list Eliasberg in any of the provenances.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Wreath Cent, VG10 BN PCGS POP 2/1/0 Certification #12952855, PCGS #35483 PCGS Price Guide Value $775,000 / Realized $660,000 Ex. Lorin Gilbert Parmelee, Virgil Michael Brand
Wow. Thats a great addition.
Has anyone ever mentioned that the grading label reads “Parmelle” instead of “Parmelee”?
I noticed that, but I'm not sure if it's the first time it's been mentioned
Since you’re not sure, I’d appreciate it if you’d spend a few minutes (or years) reading through all of the threads here, in order to confirm.😉
I'll put it on the list but I'm too busy adding various incarnations of the Strawberry Leaf cent to multiple threads! What a great coin with a rich history!
BTW, I'm hoping Parmelee's name will be spelled correctly when it gets reslabbed with @DLHansen's insert.
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 2
Though it consists of only ten coins, two are examples of America's rarest silver type coin! The incredibly rare Draped Bust Small Eagle half of 1796-97 had a combined mintage of fewer than 4,000 pieces, of which perhaps just under 300 survive in all grades. The vast majority of these are well worn, making the acquisition of a Mint State piece difficult and quite costly to say the least. - PCGS Registry
The D.L. Hansen Collection was fortunate to acquire both Draped Bust Small Eagles in Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection Specimens in the September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 47 held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are not the ultra-rare Mint State pieces described by PCGS in the opening banner, but they are very nice original about uncirculated examples without problems. For the 1796 date, Coin Facts gives the survival estimated around eight with only one of them in GEM condition, the Pogue MS66 Specimen. For the 1797 date, Coin Facts gives the survival estimated little more with only two of them GEMs, the Bland-Pogue MS66, and the Norweb-Jung MS65+ Specimens. The values of these coins are at least a couple million dollars each. Brett Pogue Collections had the sole finest for both key dates.
With successful bids on both coins, the ten-piece D. L. Hansen Collection of Early Half Dollars moves up one place in the registry, from sixth to fifth. Mr. Hansen’s Collection makes the top five leaderboard for the first time. He would have quite a bit of work to do to reach the fourth spot held by Louis Eliasberg. The third spot would be a harder reach, and the top two, including the current finest set by Jim O’Neal and the top retired set by Brett Pogue is certainly out of reach in foreseeable future.
The Hansen Collection replaced three of its ten with coins from of the Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection. I discussed the Second Finest 1797 certified O-102 Variety, Ex: Green-Johnson-Newman Specimen a couple days ago. That coin was the most realized in the sale at $270,250. This 1796 15 STARS, PCGS AU58+, only coin graded AU58+ and third finest known at PCGS realized the second most in the sale at $258,500. Only one other coin that broke the $200K mark was the1817/4 PCGS F15, realizing $211,500. Mr. Hansen already have a higher grade, VF20 coin in his collection. Without any more delays, we will start the discussion today with the second highest value coin realized in the Legend sale, the 1796, 15 Stars Half Dollar.
1796 15 STARS, PCGS AU58+, Ex: Horatio Morgan / Chicago Collection
In the Legend Rare Coin Auction’s Regency 47 sale, the 1796 15 STARS Half Dollar realized $258,500. Described by Legends Auction as: One of the RAREST type coins in the entire pantheon of American numismatics. All Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are RARE with problem free examples being particularly difficult to find, and high grade examples, such as this borderline Mint State piece, are EXTREMELY RARE. Only 934 were reported struck for both 1796 15 Star and 16 Star varieties combined. About 75-100 examples are known in all grades, most being low grade or with serious flaws, or both! In the earliest days of the U.S. mint, a star would be added to the obverse for each time a new state joined the union. After a number of half dollars with 15 stars were struck, a 16th was added to commemorate the addition of Tennessee.
A PCGS expert wrote: Mintage for the 15 stars is estimated at 569 while mintage for the 16 stars variety is estimated at 365. However, both seem to appear equally as often at auction. There was only a single AU58 for several years, which I owned multiple times. Another AU58 appeared on the market in 2008 which was sold by Heritage. There are at most a hand full of mint state examples. This is one of the most beautiful and short lived designs.
Legends describes this coin as having only four coins graded better: Just four Mint State pieces have graded finer. This coin brought $228,000 in November 2019 and the current Collectors Universe value is listed at $270,000. The Small Eagle, Draped Bust type is listed as #56 in Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. The present "GEM" AU example is a fabulous coin for type or date purposes for sure! We expect strong bidding for this impressive and beautiful rarity. Coin Facts indicates more than four have been graded higher, but PCGS indicates the POP to be 1/ 4. The coin replaces Hansen 1796 15 STARS, VF30 Cert #06994077 Specimen. The Auction Record occurred in a Heritage’s February 2008 Signature Coin Auction in Long Beach, CA. The 1796, 15 Stars MS63 NGC specimen from The Southwest Collection realized $373,750.
Legends fondly describes the coin as: A wonderful example of this extremely rare type coin. Avidly sought and difficult to acquire in any grade, this borderline Mint State 1796 half dollar is particularly impressive. Showing just the slightest touch of high point friction, this exceptional coin retains boldly defined devices, rendered from a well-centered and precision blow from the dies. Struck from the typical state of the obverse die with a pronounced die crack from the rim, into the lower drapery fold at the bust line; it then forks, a branch going to the left stops in the drapery fold above the 6. The crack forks to the right as well, connecting Stars 14-16 and into the rim. Another crack reaches up into the the neck. As seen on many early silver coins, particularly half dollars and dollars, there are some minor planchet adjustment marks. A strong glass will reveal a couple of very minor traces of contact and a light scratch or two on Liberty's chin. Richly toned in pleasing hues of olive-gold, rose, and lilac, these are particularly vibrant when viewed in a light. The eye appeal is wonderful, especially on a classic rarity that rarely comes nice.
The PCGS grade of AU58+ is as close to mint state as a coin can get. It sold for $228,000 in the Stack's Bowers November 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction, the E. Horatio Morgan Collection of U.S. Half Dollars. It was described as: Exceptional near-Mint quality for this elusive and eagerly sought design type in the early half dollar series. Displaying only the lightest friction to the high points and in the open fields, this coin retains overall sharp definition from an expertly centered strike. A concentration of light adjustment marks (as made) over the eagle's head, breast, left leg and talon, and the right (facing) cloud explains the softness of detail to those features. Star 8 and the adjacent border area on the obverse are also a bit blunt, but otherwise we note sharp to full definition throughout the design. The surfaces are smooth in hand with a hard satin to softly frosted texture. Pleasingly toned, as well, both sides are layered in warm olive-gold, salmon pink and lilac-blue, the most vivid colors evident with the aid of direct lighting. Handling marks are few and far between, provenance concerns alone compelling us to mention a trio of faint pin scratches behind Liberty's chin and at the top of the neck. Visually appealing with superior surface preservation for a Small Eagle Draped Bust half dollar, this is a highly significant coin for advanced type purposes that is sure to see spirited bidding at auction. Tompkins Die Stage 5/2.
Provenance: James “Jakes” Kelly (Numismatic Association of Southern California Convention Auction Sale 2/1964), lot 241; Moreira Collection Sale, Part III, (Superior Gallery 1/1989), lot 4417; E. Horatio Morgan Collection / Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction (Stack's Bowers 11/2019), lot 7040, realized $228,000; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection of Half Dollars / The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 10, realized, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1796 15 STARS, Half Dollar, AU58+ PCGS POP 1/4 Certification #37836865, PCGS #39261 PCGS Price Guide $270,000 / Realized $258,500 Ex: Kelly / Morgan (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 3
The 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar is extremely rare in Mint State, with only five examples certified thus far by PCGS. The finest example certified by PCGS is a single MS-64. - Ron Guth (February 2012)
There were three coins purchased in the Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale that went into the D.L. Hansen 10-piece Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Basic Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1807). As with Howard Sharfman PCGS Set, the D.L. Hansen more than likely will never reach the top of registry. As first stated, a week ago, the ten-piece D. L. Half Dollar Set moves up one place in the registry, from sixth to fifth with successful bids of the three replacement coins. Mr. Hansen’s Collection makes the top five leaderboard for the first time. He would have quite a bit of work to do to reach the fourth spot held by Louis Eliasberg. The third spot would be a harder reach, and the top two, including the current finest set by Jim O’Neal and the top retired set by Brett Pogue is certainly out of reach in foreseeable future.
1 - 1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman, realized $270,000
2 – 1796, 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only graded AU58+, third finest known at PCGS, realized $258,500
10 - 1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS, realized $85,187.50
The total realized for the three coins that went unto this set was $614,537.50. He purchased an additional 22 other half dollars from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale. The coin focused today is third coin, 1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC. It realized $85,187.50. Let’s look a little deeper into this coin.
1803 Half Dollar, Large 3, 12 Arrows, MS63, CAC, Ex: D. Brent Pogue Collection
This is a rare coin with a fabulous pedigree. The 1803, Overton-101, Half Dollar realized $85,187.50, the tenth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: A classic antique toned CHOICE Mint State example. Both sides possess a rich, pearly-silver and pewter-gray patina that is wonderfully blended with shades of gold, orange, and pastel blue. Many of the hues are subtle, but when you rotate the satiny lustrous surfaces the mélange of color really pops in a light. The strike is bold with crisp details on both sides (only a few minor spots of very minor softness). A strong glass reveals a few very scattered ticks and minor traces of contact that account for the assigned grade. This is an unbelievably attractive specimen of this important early date/type.
For variety collectors, the Overton-101 is listed as a Rarity-3 in Overton. Legend’s writes: In 1803, the mint utilized four die marriages, two obverse dies matched with three reverse dies. Obverse 1 featured the large 3 punch, and was seen on O-101, O-102, and O-103. In Stacks Bowers 2015, The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I Sale, the coin was described as: Very Rare Mint State 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar from the Hain Collection, 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar. Overton-101. Rarity-3. Large 3. MS-63 (PCGS). Rarity was described as: There are not many of these in high grade. The finest is a single MS-64 (PCGS), apparently the piece sold as an NGC MS-64 in the July 2004 Heritage sale; no MS-64 now appears on the NGC Census. This example is tied right behind that one with the Eliasberg coin, which last sold in 2006 for $115,000, and another that has not been traced. As noted by Ron Guth at PCGS CoinFacts, “The 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar is extremely rare in Mint State, with only five examples certified thus far by PCGS (as of February 2012),” a number that increased by one with the submission of this piece. When Russell Logan surveyed 25 major Draped Bust half collections in the mid 1990s, he found 67 1803 half dollars, but not one of them was graded Mint State.
Mr. Hansen was able to purchase the coin below the Legend estimate of $90,000 - $100,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $120,000. An Ex: Pogue coin with CAC is a little surprising at this price. It appears Mr. Hansen ended up with a coin that he wanted, and at a bargain price.
Provenance: Hain Family Collection (Stack's, sold privately in 1/1990); Hain Family Collection / Americana Sale (Stack's 1/2002), lot 1220, realized $25,300; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I (Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2015) lot 1107, realized $76,375; (Legend Rare Coin Auctions 7/2017), lot 188, not sold; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021 as PCGS AU53, CAC), lot 16, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1803 Half Dollar, Large 3, 12 Arrows, MS63 PCGS POP 2/2, CAC Approved Certification #21085076, PCGS #39270 PCGS Price Guide $120,000 / Realized $85,187.50 Ex: Ex: Hain Family / D. Brent Pogue (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
Excellent upgrades and the images illustrate very well the details of Robert Scot's engraving of the first Draped Bust half dollars along with the Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle reverses. The 1803 is a sleeper in high grades, and the O.101/T-1 and O.102/T-2 are the last usage of the small star reverse, the remaining 1803-1807 Heraldic Eagle half dollars used large stars on the reverse. Most 1803 half dollars were delivered throughout 1804 - Early United States Half Dollars Volume 1 1794-1807 by Steve Tompkins has exact delivery records.
It is good to see DLH sell his duplicates back to collectors (I have a few). I also like that he keeps his sets open to share with others.
Robert Scot: Engraving Liberty - biography of US Mint's first chief engraver
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 4
Actually, there were two different 1805/4 overdated dies, both of which have 4's clearly visible beneath the 5, even to the naked eye. Apparently, dies were prepared in 1804 for an anticipated coinage of half dollars which never materialized. Thus, in 1805, the engravers took the two leftover 1804 dies and punched a 5 over the 4. All of the 1805/4 Half Dollars are scarce and at least one of the die varieties (O-103) is rare (and its die states are even rarer still). Based on the PCGS Population Report, the 1805/4 overdated half dollar is approximately two to three times as rare as the normal 1805 half dollar. Mint State examples of both types are exceedingly rare and the finest examples certified by PCGS thus far (as of May 2011) are a pair of MS65 examples. - Ron Guth
In this update, we will talk about another purchase that is in the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Series (1794-1807). This coin did not end up in the 10-piece basic set, rather it can be found in the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars with Major Varieties Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1807). PCGS describes this set as: If the basic set of Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Halves wasn't tough enough, try including all the major varieties! This set adds a second 1796 Small Eagle Reverse (both 15 and 16 stars) and the extremely rare 1806 Knob 6, No Stems variety, of which there are perhaps half a dozen known, all circulated. Add in the 1794, and in this fairly small set of 23 coins, you have a good share of five and six figure coins. Oddly, one of the varieties may have been remove, because the set now has only 22 coins.
The new 1805/4 half dollar is a MS62 PCGS POP 1/3, CAC. The existing coin in the basic set is the 1805 MS62 PCGS POP 4/1, CAC. By pairing the coins up, the year 1805 has a nice one, two punch. Of the 25 coins purchased, seven are from the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Series (1794-1807).
1795 A/E IN STATES, PCGS AU55, Ex Link, realized $27,025
1796 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only graded AU58+, third finest known at PCGS, realized $258,500
1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman, realized $270,000
1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS, realized $85,187.50
1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, EX Gardner / Link, realized $79,312
1806 POINTED 6, NO STEM. PCGS MS64, One of the very FINEST KNOWN O-109s, realized $41,125
1806/5 LARGE STARS. PCGS MS63 CAC, Ex Garrett / Pogue, single finest at PCGS, realized $76,375
The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. He purchased an additional 18 Capped Bust Half Dollars from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale. The coin focused today is 1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC. It realized $79,312. Let’s look a little deeper into this coin.
1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, EX Gardner
The 1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, Half Dollar realized $79,312, the twelfth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: An exceptionally CHOICE and HIGH END Condition Census O-101, the THIRD FINEST KNOWN, and second highest graded at PCGS. Pearlescent, satiny brilliant underlying luster glows under a layer of richly toned and totally original surfaces. Iridescent lilac, rose, and gold are suffused over the the soft gray undertone. This is not a lackluster coin or AU58 housed in a Mint State holder, this coin is all there and then some. The strike is sharp with crisp hair and feather details. Only a touch of the slightest weakness, typical of the type are noted in spots, but the major design elements are exacting in their definition. There are no serious marks, lines, or ticks noted anywhere, even with the aid of a strong glass.
For variety collectors, Legend’s writes the overdates: In 1803, the mint utilized four die marriages, two obverse dies matched with three reverse dies. Obverse 1 One of the most popular collecting areas of the entire early half dollar series, (and all early series) are the overdates. While overdates exist since 1796 for the half dime and half eagle denominations, the first half dollar overdate was not struck until 1805. On the O-101 the underlying 4 is bold and crisp. Two distinct 1804 obverses were prepared, but unused, as no 1804 half dollars were coined. These were then repunched with a 5, creating the 5/4, with little to no effort made to remove the 4. The O-101 and O-102 are listed as Rarity-3, while the O-103 is a rarity with several distinctive and collectible die states.
The auctioneers states: The finest known 1805/4 O-101 are as follows:
1) PCGS MS65. Louise E. Eliasberg Collection; Bowers & Merena's sale of the Eliasberg Collection, April 1997, lot 1681; Heritage, August 1998, lot 6598; Stack's Bowers/Sotheby's Sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I, May 2015, lot 1109.
2) NGC MS65 CAC. Col. E.H.R. Green Collection; Col. Green Estate; St. Louis Stamp & Coin (B.G. Johnson and Eric P. Newman partnership); Eric Newman Collection; Eric P. Newman Educational Society, Heritage, November 2013, lot 33423; Oliver Jung Collection; Heritage August 2014, lot 5583; "An Important New York Collection", Heritage, June 2018, lot 3949; Jim O'Neal Collection, Heritage, April 2019, lot 3719.
3) PCGS MS62 CAC; Ex. Stack's March 1998, lot 487; Eugene Gardner Collection, Part II, Heritage, October 2014, lot 98462; Dr. Charles Link Collection; to our consignor.
Mr. Hansen paid a little more than the Legend estimate of $65,000 - $75,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $80,000. Legend states: This coin sold for $70,500 nearly seven years ago. Today the published Price Guides are priced at $80,000 and $82,500 (PCGS and CAC CPG respectively). The MS65 Eliasberg/Pogue example realized $111,625 in May 2015. This CONDITION CENSUS overdate will be a focal point of any Mint State Draped Bust, Large Eagle half dollar collection, and will see very strong bidding for sure.
Provenance: Ex. Stack's (3/1998), lot 487, realized $33,000: Eugene Gardner Collection, Part II (Heritage 10/2014) lot 98462, realized $70,500; Dr. Charles Link Collection; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 18, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 5
The Basic set of Capped Bust Halves is a popular set, requiring only 33 coins. Only a few are moderately scarce; the 1815/2, the 1839-O and the 1807. However none of these will present a major challenge as just over a dozen Set Registry participants have completed this set.- PCGS Registry
In this update, we will talk about the Capped Bust Halves Series. The PCGS set that represent the basic category requires 33 coins. With purchases from the Chicago Collection, the Hansen Collections moved up two places in the All-Time Finest list. The Hansen Collection purchased seven Basic Capped Bust Half Dollar coins from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars. They are the seven listed here:
1807 “O-113a Sm Stars”, MS65+, POP 1/0, Cert #31694547, realized $108,687.50
1811 “Large 8”, MS65+, POP 1/0, Cert #40275012, realized $42,300
1817 “Overton 106”, POP 1/0, Cert #31694522, realized $32,900
1818 “Overton 107”, MS66, POP 1/0, Cert #83953971, realized $30,500
1823 “Patched 3”, MS65, POP 2/0, CAC, Cert #34907583, realized $36,425
1831 “Overton 109”, MS66, CAC, POP 1/0, Cert #31914881, realized $24,675
1839 Capped Bust, MS65, POP 3/1, Cert #13568487, realized $34,075
These seven coins realized a total for Capped Bust Halves Basic coins of $309,562.50. The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. The first 14 coins realized $1,147,377. The Hansen team purchase nine additional coins that was placed in the Capped Bust Halves Major Varieties. This brings the number to 23, with the last coins were purchased for the Classic Set.
1807 “O-113a Small Stars”, MS65+, Ex: Pogue
This coin is one of the best, if not the best Capped Bust Half coin purchased in D.L. Hansen 25-coin lot. The coin realized $108,687.50, the sixth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: A fantastic O-113a, tied for FINEST KNOWN, and a truly stunning GEM! The first year of the Capped Bust series, designed by John Reich, is famous for having four different die pairings, each representing a distinct Red Book variety. The O-111 which marries a cracked obverse with the 50/20 reverse is known as the Beareded Goddes; the O-112 is the Large Stars obvese with 50/20 reverse; the O-113 is the Small Stars, and O-114 is the Large Stars. This GEM from the Byers and Pogue Collections is a Condition Census topper and PCGS TOP POP!
For variety collectors, Legend’s writes about the coin: The Small Stars name needs to be clarified. When John Kraljevich was cataloging this coin in the Pogue sale, noted, "overlays of the stars on this variety and others from 1807 reveal that the same punch set was used on this variety as on its Large Stars brethren. The stars appear slightly smaller by virtue of either lapping, a polishing of the die, or the depth of the initial strike of the star punch into the die face. Their relative size may be an optical illusion created by the smaller and more refined denticles and the greater distance between those smaller denticles and the stars themselves. Used only in the Overton-113 die marriage, the Small Stars obverse has been recognized as a major variety in the Guide Book for decades, and in Wayte Raymond’s Standard Catalogue for decades before that." Regardless, the O-113 variety was so rare that Walter Breen once remarked, "None seen Uncirculated."
Mr. Hansen paid a 35% premium over the Legend estimate of $75,000 - $85,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $80,000. Legend states: In its last appearance, this GEM sold for $76,375 on an estimate of $50,000-$75,000 and today the PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $80,000. With NONE FINER, this is a real prize for anyone working on a first year of type set, date set of Capped Bust half dollars, or any other collection of really neat, sexy coins! Bid accordingly! The bidding was more than accordingly for this coin, but at the end of the sale, Mr. Hansen walked away with the coin in his hand.
According to Legend’s description, the coin is amazing: In an unbelievable state of preservation for an early Capped Bust half dollar. By this point in American financial history the half dollar was the largest silver denomination in circulation. Most of the mintages were used in commercial channels, and in the earlier dates, GEM Mint State pieces are exceptionally RARE. The present coin has a bold satiny luster under a rich, multi-layered original patina. Shades of gray, gold, olive, russet, rose, and slate-blue really come out when rotated in a light. The devices are generally very well struck, especially on the obverse that shows full, crisp definition to all of Liberty's hair curls, drapery folds, stars and dentils. The reverse is a touch more blunt in the center with the junction of the left wing and shield being somewhat soft. The later die state is defined by the die crack that connects the legend and the denomination on the left side of the reverse. The eye appeal is truly magical, especially on a type that rarely is seen above AU.
Provenance: Stuart Levine, sold privately; Martin Haber; Auction '89 (Superior's Auction 7/1989), lot 612; Rarities Sale, (Bowers & Merena 8/2001), lot 184; George "Buddy" Byers; George "Buddy" Byers' Collection, (Stack's 10/2006), lot 1014, realized $51,750; Richard Burdick; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II, (Stack's Bowers/ Sotheby's, 9/2015), lot 2002; realized $76,375; Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc; Howard Sharfman, via private purchase, August 2018; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 31, realized $108,687.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1807 “O-113a Small Stars”, MS65+ PCGS Overall POP 2/1, POP 1/0 Certification #31694547, PCGS #39360 PCGS Price Guide $80,000 / Realized $108,687.50 Ex: Pogue (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 6
It’s not enough for you to build the basic set? You want more of a challenge? Good! You now get to collect both major varieties of the 1796, the rare 1795 3 Leaf, the RARE 1806 Knob 6 No Stem, the ultra-ultra-rare 1817/4 and dozens of other fun and interesting varieties. When you finish this set you might want to try every Overton variety in existence! Collectors love this series with a passion and we fully expect you to join the crowd.- PCGS Registry
In this final update for the Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, we will look at one of the coins that went into the Major Varieties Collection. As you know, the D.L. Hansen Collection purchased 25 half dollars in the September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ (LRCA) Regency Auction 47 held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have previously introduced you to 14 of the coins purchased, these are the last 11.
1809 “Overton 102 XXX Edge”, MS63, CAC, Cert #39522015, POP 2/1, realized $44,650
181.7 “Punctuated Date”, MS64+, Cert #84006440, POP 1/0, realized $35,250
1812/1 “Large 8”, XF45, Cert #32443380, POP 6/5, realized $31,725
1814 “O-105a Single Leaf”, AU50, Cert #34743428, POP 3/7, realized $5,522.50
1820 “Sq. 2, Lg Date, Knob 2”, MS64, Cert #80624313, POP 4/2, realized $18,800
1827/6, MS64+, Cert #83573441, POP 2/1, realized $11,162.50
1830 “O-114 Large Letters Small 0”, AU55, Cert #27646360, POP 2/3, realized $34,075
1832 “Large Letters”, MS64, CAC, Cert #37644742, POP 8/1, realized $8,518.75
1836 “50/00, Lettered Edge”, CAC, MS63, Cert #41879081, POP 4/2, realized $6,756.25
1836/1336 “O-108 Lettered Edge”, MS64, Cert # 36529240, POP 1/0, realized $9,106.25
1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, Cert #81456119, POP 1/3, realized $85,187.50
These eleven coins realized a total for Capped Bust Halves Major Varieties of $290,753.75. As previous reported, the seven Capped Bust Halves Basic coins realized $309,562.50. The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. The 25 coins realized $1,438,170.75. The priciest coin from the major variety lot is most circulated (worn). The 1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, realized $85,187.50.
This may the most significant coin purchased in the sale. With this coin, Mr. Hansen completes Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1839) Set. It will be recorded in history that it took about five years to complete this 101-piece set. It places the Hansen Collection of Early Half Dollars as #2 on the All-Time list. This will be the final focus coin for the sale.
1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, Ex: Southland Collection
This very worn VF25 coin realized $85,187.50, the 11th highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: One of the RAREST coins in this world class cabinet, the 1839 Reeded Edge with Small Letters reverse is a rarity in the truest sense of the word. The GR-1, which is a Low Rarity-7, is a "transitional" variety, which paired the Capped Bust obverse die with a reverse that was intended for the new Seated Liberty type introduced later in 1839, sometimes referred to as the "reverse of 1840." There are now 12 examples accounted for; as of Dick Graham's publication of the Reeded Edge half dollar die marriages in 2015, there were 11 examples reported. In November 2019, another, graded XF40 by PCGS and approved by CAC turned up in the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, sold by Stack's Bowers. While not specifically listed in their listing, this VF25 would land about the mid-point grade wise in their listing, between places 6 a PCGS VF35 and 7 a PCGS VF20.
Expert Gordon Wrubel writes: “In 1838 The lower reverse legend on Reeded Edge Capped Bust half dollars was changed from "50 Cents" to "Half Dol." It is believed this change was made to conform to the designations on other denominations being produced at the time. This "Type II" reverse would appear on all coinage through the end of Liberty Seated series in 1891. 1839 marked the last appearance of the Bust obverse which was replaced later in the year by the Liberty Seated die. One of the Capped Bust 1839 varieties has a unique, pattern(?) reverse die known as "Small" Letters. This extremely rare variety was first recognized by New York numismatist, Maurice Rosen, in 1972. With its unique reverse, this coin designated GR-1,(Graham-Reiver) is highly coveted by die variety and Red Book collectors alike. To die variety collectors, GR-1 is the "Holy Grail" of the Reeded Edge half dollar series, rivaling the the "proof" 1838-O in rarity. The 2012 Graham-Reiver book traces only 10 specimens, with one in Mint State. This piece was graded MS-63 by PCGS in 1997. The obverse die of GR-1 was used on the first four varieties of 1839. The reverse show some distinctive differences. The size of the eagle is smaller than on any to follow. The eagles talons are more closed. The "Small" letters are tall, thinner and spaced AWAY from the rim due to having more room because of the SMALLER size eagle. The "Large" letters are from different style punches; squat, thick and very CLOSE to the rim because of the lack of space due to the LARGER eagle. Be that as it may, there is a telltale feature of the die that is DIAGNOSTIC. One only has to look at the BOTTOM ARROW FEATHER that shows below the STEM of the olive branch. On the 'Small" Letters only the VERY TIP shows below the stem. On all other 1839 Capped coins, the reverses show about ONE THIRD of the bottom feather below the stem as well as a significant portion of the ARROW SHAFT.
Mr. Hansen paid a 70% premium over the Legend estimate of $45,000 - $55,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $45,000. Legend states: The current PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $45,000. The most recent auction appearance was the PCGS/CAC XF40 mentioned above that sold for $90,000 in November 2019. Even in Good-4, the Merrill Collection coin sold for $17,400 in February 2018. Ownership of an 1839 Small Letters Capped Bust half dollar automatically puts you into rarified company, very few, even the most serious of collectors have been able to add one to their collections. Good luck!
According to Legend’s description: Moderate wear is evenly dispersed across both sides of this classic rarity. The obverse is sharply impressed, and the details are generally bold. Some scattered marks at the rims are appropriate for the assigned grade. There is some "dirt" clinging to the obverse rim and surrounding the eagle and in the reverse legend. An important rarity missing from most collections.
Provenance: Southland Collection, (Heritage, 5/2007), lot 2131; unknown intermediaries; Matt Kleinstuber, via private treaty (4/2019), realized $50,000, Howard Sharfman; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 118, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
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 17 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 7
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)
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)
Memorable for its quality, memorable for its rarity. This is one of the most important double eagles auctioned in our time. No superlative could be excessive in the description of this wonderful coin. As a date the 1885 is prohibitively rare and in proof format rarer yet. In ultra Gem proof grade with the CAC imprimatur, there is nothing left to be desired. Here indeed is a rarity to be remembered for a long time. - Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers (2011).
With the purchase of the 1885 PR66+ DCAM Double Eagle, the completion level of the 49-piece Liberty Head $20 Gold, Proof (1859-1907) set is 55.10%. Has the set been completed by a private collector; I am not certain? Of course, the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is 100% complete, but have there been others? According to information provided by the PCGS registry, The Garrett Collection was 91.84%, Louis Eliasberg and Harry Bass were 83.67%. To complete the set is a huge task.
PCGS describes the set as: 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!
It has taken Mr. Hansen five years to reach 55.10%. It will require continued dedication to complete this set in the next five years. Garrett, Eliasberg and Bass Collections comprised of decades, not one. Can this 49-piece set be completed in one decade? Hansen is on track, but only time will tell.
In a recent Great Collections Auction, the PR66+ PCGS, CAC coin was headlined as: The single finest example graded by PCGS with CAC approval. A decade ago at August 2011 Chicago ANA, the PR66 PCGS, CAC coin was headlined in a Stacks Bowers Auction as: Population: 1; none finer within any designation. As for the condition census of this coin, not much changed in the past ten years except the coin is not a POP 1. Stacks Bower described the coin as: An impressive beauty with intensely frosted motifs and deeply reflective mirror fields that offer a stark "black and white" contrast when viewed head-on. An exceptional rarity in all grades, a date that saw proof production of just 78 pieces, with perhaps just 15 or so examples traceable today. Indeed, 1885 is a rarity across the board, as just 751 circulation strikes were produced. The present coin is numerically finer than Bass: 1895 (October 1999), and is cited there as being finer in that lot's PCGS Population Report information. It isn't often that a writer is able to pen the term "finer than the Bass specimen," but here that opportunity presents itself. Whether you seek the rarest of the rare or the finest of the fine, the present beautiful DCAM double eagle rarity fits the bill. Don't be shy -- bid as though you mean to own this prize.
The coin realized $230,000 in the 2011 sale. The coin appeared in several earlier Stack’s sales including Treasures from the S.S. New York in July of 2009 realizing $160,000 and Stack'’s "The Keusch, Snow & Del Zorro Collections" in November of 2008 realizing $150,000.
The coin is no longer the finest certified, but as stated by Great Collection: The single finest example graded by PCGS with CAC approval. There are two other PR67 DCAM PCGS, but neither has sold in auction. There have been two NGC PR67 that appeared in auction in 2012. One of them holds the auction record from the April 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night CSNS Signature Heritage Auction. The specimen was from The William D. Plumley Collection, Ex: Robert Swan and Rod Sweet Collections. The coin realized $241,500 and held the record until the new Hansen coin sold in the Great Collection Auction. Being the PCGS Auction History does not track Great Collections Auctions, the new auction sum of $394,999.88 is not recognized as a new auction record.
The coin is valued at $300,000 in the PCGS Price Guide. The PR67 DCAM Specimen is value at $425,000. At a price tag of $395,000, did Mr. Hansen pay too much? I do not think so. I don’t see a $125,000 difference between a PR66+DAM with a CAC and PR67DCAM without. You have different thoughts?
Provenance: Highland Collection / ANA Las Vegas (Bowers & Merena 11/2005), lot 7643, realized $163,300; The St. Louis Rarities Sale (Bowers & Merena 5/2007), lot 414, realized $189,750; The Keusch, Snow & Del Zorro Collections (Stack's 11/2008) lot 4564, realized $150,000; Treasures from the S.S. New York (Stack's 7/2009 as PR66DCAM), lot 1527, realized $160,000; Chicago ANA - Rarities Night (Stack's/Bowers 8/2011), lot 7777, realized $230,000; Online Auction (Great Collections 9/2021), GC Item ID: 1039600, realized $394,999.88 (Auction Record), D.L. Hansen Collection.
I have the other CAC one. but it's NGC, Great coins.
The 67 Non Cac's are of course not worth more. Sure someone might pay more to say they own a 67 but it is really at most a 66 CAC in disguise if they are lucky. -:)
WOW!!!! But at only $394.999.88 I think it was a steal. Perhaps not a Top POP, but very hard to find any flaws that reveal themselves in that TV picture. Let us see if DLH would buy one of the 67's without CAC if presented that opportunity.
This extremely challenging 22-coin date set is filled with rarities and distinctive type coins. The 1837 No Stars is a classic that many consider to be an artistic masterpiece as well as a numismatic treasure. Additional types in this series are the With Drapery and Arrows at Date pieces. The Proofs struck in 1854 and later are more readily available but are still considered to be quite rare. - PCGS Registry
For those of you that has been on this three and half-year journey with me will know, this is not our first look at this little 22-piece set. It has been a while however, the last addition occurred in August of 2020. That addition was the 1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime. The PCGS POP 1/0 PR66+ is a six-figure coin purchased from Rare Coin Wholesalers. That coin was the 16th coin in 22-piece set. This new addition now brings the set to 17 coins with five to go.
In a posting about two years ago, fellow community member posted great research on this set.
@yosclimber said:
For the 1837-1857 Proof LS Half Dimes (the rare ones),
I feel the PCGS Set Registry comparison to historic collections is incomplete,
because it only includes the Pittman collection.
(Although the Pittman set is a good choice if you only have time to construct one list).
It is missing the Eliasberg, Kaufman, and Gardner sets.
So I made my own comparison, above.
I tried to extend all the examples to the most current slabbed grades.
It is a mix of PCGS and NGC grades, but the count is fairly clear.
[Edited - added colors to show provenance from Pittman, Eliasberg, Kaufman and Gardner collections, add cam, dcam, *, +.]
.
Great information that hopefully YOSCLIMBER will have time to update his research. Couple requests, can the table be expanded to the 22-piece set? This would include both 1840 dates. According to the registry, J.J. Pittman owned both: 1840 No Drapery (PR65) and 1840 Drapery (PR64). Also, it would be nice to added color to show provenance for Hansen only coins.
1846 H10C PR64+, CAC Approved
Most references indicate about 11 specimens are known for the proof date. The most recent PCGS population revels only three certified examples. One PR64, one PR64+, and the finest one, a PCGS PR65. Interesting, there are eight specimens in NGC holders ranging from PR63 to PR67. Are some of them duplicates? Would any of them be considered proof like and not readily cross to PCGS? Interesting questions. NGC has certified seven examples finer that Hansen’s new PR64+, including two PR65, four PR66, and finest being the Phil Kaufman specimen graded NGC PR67. In PCGS, the Hansen coin is POP 1/1.
The coin was offered in Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction. Marque as: Magnificent Proof 1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime Rarity. The coin described as: This elegant specimen is fully original with iridescent undertones of reddish-gold, steel-lilac and powder blue to rich olive-gray patina. Reflective fields support satiny, smartly impressed design elements. Free of even trivial distractions, this is a premium Choice example of a date in the half dime series that is rare in both Proof and circulation strike format.
Certifying early proof coins can be tricky. It appears to me, the leading grading services today are more conservative in labeling a coin proof, especially PCGS. This could explain why NGC has eight coins certified and PCGS only three. Prior to the existence of TPG, many of the famous sets had proof like coins mixture. The JJ Pittman set may have thought to be complete proof set at some point, but since then, two coins (1851 &1853) have been graded MS by Akers. This was also true for some of Louis Eliasberg early proof specimens.
The auctioneer shared this perspective for the coin: Since the United States Mint did not start recording the number of Proof silver coins struck each year until 1859, there is no way for today's numismatists to know how many half dimes were produced in this format in 1846. There could not have been many, for sure, since numismatics as a hobby had yet to gain widely popularity in this country. Writing in his 2016 Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins, Q. David Bowers estimates the mintage at 10 to 20 pieces, and we suspect that the total number extant is no greater than 15 coins. This is our first offering for the issue since 2013. If one were to own just one Proof Liberty Seated half dime from the 1840s, they should unhesitatingly pick the 1846. Some might be rarer, but the reputation of the 1846 as the key date of the decade, based upon the elusive quality of circulation strikes (just 27,000 pieces struck), gives it a special cachet. The present piece is outstanding, and we expect a lot of competition when it crosses the block.
The coin realized $21,600 as a PCGS PR64 CAC. The coin was marketed by Rare Coin Wholesalers in days after the Stacks Bowers sale as an 1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime, Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC. They described the coin as GEM SURFACES WITH LOVELY SEAGREEN AND LIGHT AMBER TONING. ONLY 20 COINS ORIGINALLY STRUCK. SECOND FINEST GRADED AT PCGS. CAC. The listing was removed in late August. The ask price was $32,950. This is where it gets fuzzy, but it appears the Hansen team purchased the coin as a PR64, CAC and had it upgraded to PR64+ CAC. This is not something that I normally see from the Hansen team, so was there an unknown intermediary, like DLRC? The coin carries a PCGS value of $27,500 as a PR64+. By retaining the CAC sticker, it may value even more.
The only other pedigree known for the coin was provided by Stacks Bower: From our (Stack's) June Sale of 1973, lot 992. Lot tag included. Was this coin off the market for 50 years? I have not been able to connect it with any other recent sales. With five coins to go, this makes an interesting set to watch.
Provenance: June Sale (Stack's 6/1973), lot 992; Rarities Night ANA Auction (Stacks Bowers 8/2021 as PCGS PR64, CAC), lot 4051, realized $21,600; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers 8/2021 as PCGS PR64, CAC), Upgrade to PCGS PR64+, CAC, D.L. Hansen Collection
Nice work as always!
Here is the updated 1837-1857 half dime proof collection comparison.
The 1846 V-2 proof half dime is proof only for this obverse die,
so I doubt there is a problem with crossing as proof from NGC to PCGS.
Making a roster is difficult because of the lack of good photos for the older auctions.
Here is the roster I made for the 1846 attribution guide prior to the appearance of the Hansen coin in the recent auction.
I might be able to do a little better by using the roster in the Kaufman sale description.
One interesting thing about the 1846 V-2 proof is that it is more available than MS examples of the V-1.
(1846 only has 2 die varieties - V-1 business strike only and V-2 proof only).
There are only 3 known MS V-1s, and 2 were in the Gardner collection.
For example, the Simpson collection had an AU-53.
There are around 10 known AUs.
YOS,
Super Update. One inconsistency, Coin Facts have Kaufman owning a 1840 PF65 WD. From your research, do you think CF has it incorrect? I am wondering if Kaufman had 20 coins as Pittman. This is a screenshot.
Yes, the above PCGS CoinFacts census for 1840 WD is incorrect.
You can see it copies coins which are correctly in the 1840 ND census.
The only 1840 proof half dime in the Kaufman sale was lot 1779 and it is ND (Hansen has it now).
Similarly, the Pittman lot 460 was eventually bought by Gardner, and that is also ND.
So if your census was based on the above, Pittman did not have an 1840 WD proof,
and I have corrected the chart.
Only one 1840 WD (V-7) proof exists in relatively recent auctions that I know of.
Gem PR, 1998-5-5, Stack's, lot 365, $7700, Hawn/Miller/Globus
as shown in PCGS Auction Prices: https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1840-drapery-pr/4416
I don't know where this coin has been since 1998.
Given that it's a pre-1858 proof, where quality varies, there is also the risk that
this single example is no longer considered a proof by most graders.
Including it in the proof half dime registry set could make completion extremely difficult.
I think I see what happened, though.
Based on the census that showed 4 "With Drapery" examples, the person who constructed
the registry set list thought it looked as collectible as the others.
Usually the "ultra rarities" like the 1870-s half dime get left out of registry sets,
because many collectors don't want to start a set that they can't complete.
With respect to both mintage and frequency of appearance, the 1867 is of almost identical rarity to the 1866. The known business strikes of this date are almost always well worn and VF or EF specimens are typical. I have seen a couple of AU pieces but never one with any legitimate claim to mint state although the photo of the 1963 Bell coin indicates that it may have been uncirculated as it is graded - David Akers (1975/88)
In the past few weeks, D.L. Hansen and Team have acquired a few nice Mint State Half Eagles. The 201-piece set including the 1854-S has been the subject of discussion many times. PCGS describes the set as: There is no other set of coins that features specimens from seven U. S. Mints—Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans and San Francisco. This long-lived set includes one of the greatest rarities in numismatics, the 1854-S $5 gold piece. How many has PCGS graded? Zero! There are many sets-within-sets in this series, as most collectors focus on the coins from one particular Mint. It’s a long and challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it.
The D.L Hansen Collection completed the set in March of 2020 with the purchase of the 1854-S. The set rating at the time was 59.751. The collection could have stopped there, but not the case. Since the completion of the set about a year and half ago, there have been about 30 coins upgraded bring the current set rating to 61.100. The top five sets of all-times are:
From time to time, I will take an unofficial stab at trying to estimate the value of a set using PCGS published values. The value that I would place on this set using that method is a little over eight million dollars. The lowest grade coin the set is the 1866-S Motto, F12 valued at $1400. Of course, the most valuable coin the set is the 1854-S AU58+ valued more than $2 Million. The highest-graded coin is the 1908 MS68, CAC. There are about 32 PCGS POP 1/0 certified specimens. This new upgrade is one of those finest certified at PCGS.
1867 Liberty Head Half Eagle MS64
Most certainly the statement made by David Akers is a little outdated. The mint state rarity still applies more than 30 years later. NGC has certified just three: two MS61 and the finest NGC MS62. PCGS has certified seven: one MS60, four MS61 and one MS62. Only one coin has been graded mint state choice or better, the Hansen MS64. Coin Facts estimate MS60 or better survival at only three. Can we safely assume a few of the coins in the POP reports are resubmits? According to Doug Winter, Yes!
In a CoinWeek article dated April 26, 2021, Mr. Winter submitted a piece titled: Half Eagles of the Reconstruction: Philadelphia. He stated: The $5 gold half eagles struck at the Philadelphia Mint from 1866 through 1877 include a number of low-mintage issues that, while undeniably rare, are curiously underappreciated. I regard some of the issues as among the best values in all of the rare date gold market. As for the 1867 issue, he said: The 1867 is a scarcer coin than the 1866 despite having a slightly higher mintage of 6,870. I estimate that there are around 80 to 90 known, with EF45 to AU53 being the grade range in which this issue is most often seen. Properly graded AU55 to AU58s are very rare and this date is extremely rare in Uncirculated with just two or three known to me. The single-finest business strike 1867 half eagle I am aware of is a PCGS MS61 (also graded MS62 by NGC), which I sold to a collector for $30,000 a few years back. PCGS has graded a single coin MS62 but I haven’t seen it.
Less than six months ago, this gold expert was not aware of a choice issue for this date. Then where did this coin come from? I would expect the coin to be one of the three of four MS62 that is now in a MS64 holder. Amazingly, the auction record is $16,450 for a MS61 PCGS coin sold in the September 2014 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction.
PCGS values the Hansen PCGS MS64 specimen at $100,000. I cannot find any information or history on this coin. I would think it was acquired via David Lawrence Rare Coins, but no information is available to confirm. The PCGS POP 1/0 specimen replaces a AU58+ PCGS POP 1/7 specimen. This is a nice upgrade for a coin that did not exist in the certification world until a few months ago.
1867 Liberty Half Eagle MS64 PCGS POP 1/0 Certification #41789761, PCGS #8313 PCGS Price Guide Value: $100,000 / Private Transaction
From a standpoint of rarity according to average grade, the 1870-CC ranks number one in the entire 300 coin Half Eagle series. I have seen fewer of this date than any other Carson City Half Eagle although the 1878-CC has had five fewer auction appearances in my survey. The 1870-CC is very rare in any condition and when available, the typical example is only Fine or VF. I have seen several EF's and one I graded full AU but none that could reasonably be called uncirculated. Strike characteristics of this issue are difficult to be certain of because most specimens are so worn. However, I would say that, when they were made, most 1870-CC Half Eagles were probably well struck. - David Akers (1975/88)
I reported a few weeks ago that D.L. Hansen and Team purchased a nice small acquisition of Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles from Doug Winter. The four half eagle coins were purchased in a private acquisition via David Lawrence Rare Coins. I am not certain of the details of the acquisition, but the purchase certainly provided amazing upgrades the collection.
Since the Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles purchase, two or three more half eagles have been added including the PCGS POP 1/0 1867 MS64 that I reported a couple days ago. Today, the upgrade goes into the 1870-CC subset. This subset is only six coins, but I can not think any subset that has more numismatic nostalgic. PCGS stated: The Carson City mint holds a special place in the hearts and minds of U.S. numismatists, conjuring up (largely accurate) images of a small "wild west" town where gold and silver were king. In operation from 1870…. The opening year of 1870 is clearly the key to this fairly short set with few pieces extant, nearly all of which are well-circulated.
With three silver coins, and three gold, it appears fairly easy to assembly. The statement may be true, but it is very difficult in high grade PCGS certified specimens. With this updated, the Collection replaces another well-circulated coin. The new upgrade is an 1870-CC Half Eagle AU58 with a Pop of 4/1. The coin replaces a recent purchased VF25, Cert #21625523 that was purchased earlier this year from Heritage Auctions. The previous coin is a F12, CAC Approved, Cert #84687877 purchased earlier in the Collection, maybe 2017 timeframe. The current PCGS value on the #3 coin is $22,500. It could make a very nice future coin for someone.
1870-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle AU58, Ex: Midwestern Collection
In the Heritage Auction’s 1/2003, (FUN) Signature Sale, the coin was headlined as Very Rare 1870-CC Half Eagle--AU58--The #5 Coin On The Condition Census. It was described as: Winter 1-A. Die State II. An original coin that shows the usual softness of strike known on this die state; that is, weakness on Liberty's hair as well as blurry, indistinct feather definition on the eagle's head and neck. Nice light yellow-gold and rose colors rest on lightly marked surfaces. Unlike some higher grade 1870-CC Half Eagles, this piece has not been cleaned or over-dipped and it shows superb overall eye appeal. An important Condition Census example of this rare and desirable first year of issue Carson City Five Dollar. Of the 7,675 pieces originally struck, an estimated 50 to 60 are known today. This includes around seven to nine in About Uncirculated and another four in Uncirculated. This is the only 1870-CC gold issue that is sometimes seen in relatively high grades and it appears that a small number may have been saved as souvenirs.
The Condition Census for the 1870-CC Half Eagle is as follows (HA 1/2003):
1. Nevada Collection. Graded Mint State 61 by PCGS.
2. Private collection, Ex: Bowers and Merena 7/02: 607 ($77,625, as NGC MS61). Presently graded MS62 by NGC.
3. Jay Parrino, Ex: Bowers and Merena 10/99: 1170 ($69,000, as PCGS AU58); Harry Bass; NERCA 1979 ANA: 182. PCGS MS61.
4. Private collection, Ex: Charley Tuppen collection; Heritage 12/88: 1142. Graded MS61 by NGC.
5. The Hansen Specimen, Ex: Midwestern Collection. Graded AU58 by PCGS.
Currently, only one of the top coins is graded uncirculated by PGGS, the Ex: Nevada/Battle Born Specimen that sold for $102,000 in Stacks Bowers 8/2012 ANA World's Fair of Money Auction. There is currently one in the NGC POP Report, the MS62. Oddly, two of the four previously certified uncirculated specimens are no longer in graded holders. Stacks Bowers wrote: The 1870-CC half eagle is obtainable in Mint State. It is exceedingly rare at that level, however, the title of finest known held by the Battle Born specimen certified MS-61 by PCGS that realized $105,750 in our August 2012 sale of that fabulous collection. The only other Mint State example known, ranked CC#2 for the issue, is the coin that has most recently been certified MS-62 by NGC. What happened to the other two MS graded NGC specimens?
Recently the Midwestern Specimen reappeared in an 8/2021 Stacks Bowers Auction on Rarities Night at the ANA. This time it was described as: Offered is one of the finest known survivors of this historic and popular, yet also rare and conditionally challenging Carson City Mint gold issue. A beautiful coin drenched in vivid rose-apricot color, both sides retain nearly complete mint luster in a soft satin texture. The persistent viewer aided by direct lighting will also see modest semi-reflective qualities in the fields - highly attractive. The strike is commensurate with the Winter Die State II attribution, the central obverse high points above and below Liberty's ear a bit soft and the top of the shield and the eagle's head and neck quite blunt in the center of the reverse. Otherwise we note razor sharp striking detail to all design elements. Impressively smooth in hand for a lightly circulated early date CC-Mint gold coin, there are no sizeable or otherwise individually distracting marks. For provenance purposes only we mention four tiny nicks in the left obverse field that one will need a loupe to discern: one before Liberty's mouth, two midway between star 4 and the bridge of Liberty's nose, and one between stars 4 and 5. Far better preserved and infinitely more attractive than the vast majority of survivors from this challenging issue, this coin is destined for inclusion in a high quality half eagle cabinet or collection of Carson City Mint coinage.
The coin has a PCGS value of $110,000. The AU58 without a CAC sticker realized $150,000. I am not certain that Mr. Hansen purchased the coin in auction, if he did, then certainly this is a coin the Mr. Hansen paid up to obtained.
1870-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle AU58 PCGS POP 1/1, Condition Census Top Five Certification #06660596, PCGS #8320 PCGS Price Guide Value: $110,000 / Realized $150,000 in 8/2021 Auction Ex: Midwestern Collection
I wanted to share a moment I had with my Dad, D. L. Hansen, tonight.
I found some of his first coin sets from when he was a child while helping him move out of his home of 30+ years.
When we looked through the Whitman books we realized from some of his notes that he started these sets around 1964! He would have been around 11 years old (possibly younger) when he started building these sets. In one of his type sets he had a 1884 & 1887 Morgan, 1922 peace dollar, 1926 standing liberty quarter, 1914 liberty head, and a 1900 barber quarter He really has been an avid collector since childhood.
Building the D. L. Hansen collection has been a lifelong dream of his. He helped me build my first collection, a set of Lincoln’s, when I was a child. Working alongside my Dad again with his collection has been an amazing experience.
PS- Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the “Hansen Watch”. I have learned so much from your posts!
Sincerely,
Diana
Ps again… edited & hopefully I caught all my date errors 😂
@DLR87 said:
I wanted to share a moment I had with my Dad, D. L. Hansen, tonight.
I found some of his first coin sets from when he was a child while helping him move out of his home of 30+ years.
When we looked through the Whitman books we realized from some of his notes that he started these sets around 1964! He would have been around 11 years old (possibly younger) when he started building these sets. In one of his type sets he had a 1822 & 1844 Morgan, 1922 peace dollar, 1926 standing liberty quarter, 1914 liberty head, and a 1900 barber quarter He really has been an avid collector since childhood.
Building the D. L. Hansen collection has been a lifelong dream of his. He helped me build my first collection, a set of Lincoln’s, when I was a child. Working alongside my Dad again with his collection has been an amazing experience.
PS- Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the “Hansen Watch”. I have learned so much from your posts!
Sincerely,
Diana
Welcome, Diana and thanks so much for posting that.
I'm probably not the only one who's wondering, so will ask - do you recall what denomination the 1822 and 1844 coins were? (as with those dates, they couldn't be Morgan dollars).
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@DLR87 said:
I wanted to share a moment I had with my Dad, D. L. Hansen, tonight.
I found some of his first coin sets from when he was a child while helping him move out of his home of 30+ years.
When we looked through the Whitman books we realized from some of his notes that he started these sets around 1964! He would have been around 11 years old (possibly younger) when he started building these sets. In one of his type sets he had a 1822 & 1844 Morgan, 1922 peace dollar, 1926 standing liberty quarter, 1914 liberty head, and a 1900 barber quarter He really has been an avid collector since childhood.
Building the D. L. Hansen collection has been a lifelong dream of his. He helped me build my first collection, a set of Lincoln’s, when I was a child. Working alongside my Dad again with his collection has been an amazing experience.
PS- Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the “Hansen Watch”. I have learned so much from your posts!
Sincerely,
Diana
Welcome, Diana and thanks so much for posting that.
I'm probably not the only one who's wondering, so will ask - do you recall what denomination the 1822 and 1844 coins were? (as with those dates, they couldn't be Morgan dollars).
I must have mistyped since I wrote it on my phone. I should have known this group would catch any errors 😂 Hopefully my photos show up this time. Here’s photos from one of his childhood type sets.
@DLR87 said:
I must have mistyped since I wrote it on my phone. I should have known this group would catch any errors 😂 Hopefully my photos show up this time. Here’s photos from one of his childhood type sets.
Awesome! The dates are almost irrelevant. Just shows the passion your dad has had his whole life for coins. Thanks for sharing with us!
@DLR87 said:
I must have mistyped since I wrote it on my phone. I should have known this group would catch any errors 😂 Hopefully my photos show up this time. Here’s photos from one of his childhood type sets.
It's heartwarming to see you post about your collecting experiences with your dad.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@DLR87 These old albums are so amazing and a part of history now. It's great to see that your father was collecting these great coins at 11 years old!
It would be amazing if a TPG would encapsulate and certify entire pages. It would be great for PCGS to do it but perhaps ATS since they do GSA and Ike softpacks?
Do you still have your cent collection today and to you still collect?
@Zoins said: @DLR87 These old albums are so amazing and a part of history now. It's great to see that your father was collecting these great coins at 11 years old!
It would be amazing if a TPG would encapsulate and certify entire pages. It would be great for PCGS to do it but perhaps ATS since they do GSA and Ike softpacks?
Do you still have your cent collection today and to you still collect?
I would like to find a way to display this original collection.
I still have my original cent collection. I didn’t really start collecting again until the last 4-5 years alongside my dad. I have been helping my dad with organizing his collection the past few years. While doing that I have been building a few of my own sets. It’s been a unique experience and I am still very much a novice collector 🙂
Having followed this thread for years I thought for fun I would clear up some of the mystery behind the “Diana” collection that I read about in some past posts on here. Quick introduction 🙂 I am Diana L, D L Hansen’s daughter. I collected with my dad when I was younger and got back into collecting about four years ago. I have been helping organize and manage my dads collection. Learning from my dad and our partner, John Brush, has been such an amazing opportunity. I myself am a novice collector and have built a few of my own sets along the way. I hope to include my own children with this endeavor just like my dad has with me.
The photos that go along with this post are: some more of my dads childhood collection, John Brush and I setting up a display at the Utah Capitol, and my son hanging out with me while I work on the collection (he was only interested in the chocolate coins I keep at the office).
Hi Gazes,
No, not busy all all. The thread is based “watching” the additions to the D.L Hansen Collection. We have not seen much activity in his sets in the past 3-4 months? What I have seen is not significant. He has either stop buying or not updating his sets. I will post a new addition if I see one. Currin
@Currin said:
Hi Gazes,
No, not busy all all. The thread is based “watching” the additions to the D.L Hansen Collection. We have not seen much activity in his sets in the past 3-4 months? What I have seen is not significant. He has either stop buying or not updating his sets. I will post a new addition if I see one. Currin
After a three-month break, I must confess to being a little rusty. Enough said. As many know, the new 2022 year is kicked off with the Annual FUN show. This year the show was tabbed as 67th Annual FUN Convention: January 6 - 9, 2022 - Orange County Convention Center, North/South Bldg Hall NB Orlando, Florida. The show was promoted as: The show in January is renowned for being the bellwether event on the numismatic calendar. With over 1500 dealers, Heritage Auctions, exhibitors and over 10,000+ of the most avid collectors, the FUN show kicks off the year on a high note. Make your plans early to attend this monumental numismatic event! The sale was described in a Heritage news release as: By the time the hammer fell for the final time in each auction, the numbers told the story: seven lots produced seven-figure results, records fell, tying the record for the most seven-figure lots ever in a Heritage auction. The three events amassed $74,275,280 in total sales; the US Coins auction brought $65,422,650, the Currency event $6,995,178 and the World Paper Money sale $1,857,462. D.L. Hansen was the successful bidder on one of the lots that sold for seven-figure. I will cover that coin in a future update.
After watching Mr. Hansen sit on the sidelines for a few months, he has started off the new year in a big way. As far as I am aware, the seven-figure single coin purchase in this sale was the first million-dollar coin since the purchase of the Pogue 1854-S Half Eagle in the March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction. He had come close during this timeframe, for example the 1793 Strawberry Left Cent purchased in August of 2020. Also, he has purchased multi-million-dollar collections. This sale breaks the ice on a 3-4 month pause overall and a 22 month dry spell for purchasing a single coin for more the $1,000,000.
Let’s start the discussion for 2022 with the new D.L. Hansen purchase of a beautiful GEM Proof Quarter Eagle from The Cody Brady Collection. There not much information publicly found on this collector, but CoinWeek describes his collection as: The Cody Brady Collection features 553 coins ranging all the way from large cents to gold, with over 40% of the offering consisting of Morgan dollars. The vast majority of the collection is graded by PCGS, with numerous examples certified by CAC. Many of the coins are in older holders, including numerous first generation holders. Of the purchases that Mr. Hansen has made public from FUN sale, we know he purchased at least two Proof Gold coins from Brady Collection. Today, you will see the quarter eagle, but first, let’s recap Mr. Hansen’s progress.
With the purchase of the 1870 PR65DCAM Quarter Eagle, the completion level of D.L. Hansen’s 49-piece Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, Proof (1859-1907) set is 91.84%. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is 97.96% complete (missing the 1907). According to information provided by the PCGS registry, there has been two private owned completed sets, Harry Bass and Ed Trompeter. The Louis Eliasberg set was 97.96% complete (missing the 1886). The Hansen Collection is missing the 1861, 1862, 1874, and 1877. With the purchase of these four missing coins, the Hansen Set has a very good chance of being All-Time Finest in the PCGS Registry.
PCGS describes the set as: The mintage figures for the $2½ Liberty Proofs jumped dramatically in 1859, with 80 pieces struck (if the Mint records are correct). That doesn’t mean that this date (and many others as well) is lacking in rarity, as just a few examples are known of some of the coins. Key issues include the Proof-only 1863, the classic 1875 and many other dates. Some of the issues come with magnificent cameo contrast and a few have been preserved in superb condition.
In the Heritage Auction, January 2022 FUN US Coins Signature Sale in Orlando, Fl, this PR65DCAM PCGS, CAC, coin was headlined as: 1870 Quarter Eagle, PR65 Deep Cameo, Only 35 Proofs Struck, with an Estimated 10 to 12 Pieces May Remain. The auctioneer described the coin as: The single die pair used to strike the 35 proofs of this year was also used to strike the 4,520 strikes for circulation. This is an unusual occurrence on larger denomination proof gold, the obvious exception being the gold dollar. The proof gold dollar was used extensively in jewelry in the 1880s, making it more or less irrelevant how such "high mintage" proofs of 1,000 or so pieces turned out. Higher denomination proof gold coins had much smaller mintages and collectors noticed when quality was substandard. The Mint made sure this did not happen, however, and even in years when proof dies were reused from a previous year, the dies were repolished. Also, how long the dies were immersed in the acid bath determined how contrasted the devices were with the fields.
As for the condition census of this coin, the description concluded: The decades-long research John Dannreuther put into his 2018 two-volume reference on proof gold coins yielded minutiae about proof gold that JD had recorded in notes from, in some cases, decades ago, but there are also generalized statements -- some may seem obvious but they are not, except to the most knowledgeable specialist. Here is one passage under the 1870 quarter eagle that virtually all numismatists can file away for future reference: "All numismatists learn that Proof gold coins before 1870 are rare, but few know that some of the dates in the 1870s and early 1880s are even rarer than many of those from the 1860s. The 1870 quarter eagle is such a coin, as there are fewer Proofs known this year than for several dates in the 1860s. They almost never appear in auction or on the floors of major conventions."
The description given for the coin: On this particular coin, the devices are noticeably contrasted on each side. The surfaces display an even reddish patina, and the devices are fully struck throughout. A tiny planchet void is noted in the field below star 9, a convenient pedigree identifier. The rarity of this offering is obvious to all collectors. PCGS POP reports only seven coins with finest a PR66DCAM. The Hansen purchase ties for number two in the PCGS POP report with one other coin.
The coin realized $96,000! The current PCGS Value is $75,000. The CAC coin required a nice little premium for Hansen to bring back to Salt Lake. The previous auction record was $72,000 for the finest PR66DCAM realized in a Stack’s Bowers, March 2021 Auction. The POP 1/0 coin did not have the CAC Approved sticker.
The coin does make a great addition to the collection of quarter eagles. The coin was pricy but may be a bargain for the CAC. You have different thoughts?
Provenance: Cody Brady Collection / FUN US Coins Signature, (Heritage 1/2022), realized $96,000 (Auction Record), Private Transaction from David Lawrence Rare Coins to D.L. Hansen Collection.
@Zoins said:
I'll put it on the list but I'm too busy adding various incarnations of the Strawberry Leaf cent to multiple threads! What a > great coin with a rich history!
.
did you read the eac authentication of these in the dan holmes catalog? at the time, it was a highlight read for me!
Comments
Just found out that @DLHansen is the owner of the top condition Strawberry Leaf Cent!
Did Eliasberg have a Strawberry Leaf cent? The 4 specimens covering 2 varieties on CoinFacts don't list Eliasberg in any of the provenances.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Wreath Cent, VG10 BN
PCGS POP 2/1/0
Certification #12952855, PCGS #35483
PCGS Price Guide Value $775,000 / Realized $660,000
Ex. Lorin Gilbert Parmelee, Virgil Michael Brand
Wow. Thats a great addition.
www.paradimecoins.com - Specializing in Top Pop Type PCGS CAC coins. Subscribe To Our NEWPs Mailing List
Has anyone ever mentioned that the grading label reads “Parmelle” instead of “Parmelee”?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I noticed that, but I'm not sure if it's the first time it's been mentioned!
Since you’re not sure, I’d appreciate it if you’d spend a few minutes (or years) reading through all of the threads here, in order to confirm.😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I'll put it on the list but I'm too busy adding various incarnations of the Strawberry Leaf cent to multiple threads! What a great coin with a rich history!
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 1
I just like beautiful coins. Beautiful coins that when you walk by you say “wow, that’s a beautiful coin.” Some of them can be more white, some can be more toned, but just the beautiful luster that comes out there. - Howard Sharfman, CoinWeek Interview (August 20, 2021)
Howard Sharfman PCGS Sets never reached the top spot for the early half dollar sets due to another current collector with solid lock on many of the top PCGS coins. CW contributor, Charles Morgan still referenced to the collection as “incredible” which I would certainly agree. Mr. Morgan wrote: On September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ (LRCA) Regency Auction 47 will be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sale contains 395 hand-selected lots of certified US coins in all denominations, including multiple condition-census and CAC-certified examples. With lot pre-sale estimate values ranging from a few hundred dollars to $200,000 or more, there are ample collection building opportunities for collectors of all budgets.
It appears of the 395 lots offered, 120 of them were Early Half Dollars from the Chicago Collection. The focus of the Chicago Collection has been in the Early Half Dollar Series (1794-1839). Mr. Sharfman’s Collection contained eleven Registry Sets for the half dollars with all of them in the All-Time Five ranking. It appears he is in early development of an Early Five Dollar Gold set. Could this be his new direction?
In a press release by Coin World, this statement was provided: According to Legend, “This incredible collection features over 30 coins that are at least tied for finest-known honors at PCGS, including an astounding 25 that are the single finest-known at the service.” In Legend news article appearing in a Graysheet: Overall, this stellar collection is worth well over $3,000,000 according to PCGS Value. In addition to the 101 coins that comprise the registry set, the collection also features several additional interesting varieties that add to the appeal of the collection. “This collection is extremely fresh to the market,” echoed Matthew Bell, CEO of LRCA. “Going through the coins, it is amazing how many incredibly eye appealing coins have been assembled. We are truly honored to have been chosen to bring this collection to auction.” Some twelve highlights that I will call feature coins were provided:
1794 PCGS AU58 CAC, the single finest known example at PCGS
1796 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only coin graded AU58+ and third finest known at PCGS
1803 LARGE 3. 12 ARROWS. PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known example at PCGS
1806 POINTED 6, STEM. PCGS MS64, single finest known example at PCGS
1805 PCGS MS62, single finest known example at PCGS
1806/5 LARGE STARS. PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1810 PCGS MS65 CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1814 PCGS MS66 CAC, single finest known at PCGS
181.7 PUNCTUATED DATE PCGS MS64+, single finest known at PCGS
1817/4. PCGS F15, one of only eleven examples known of that overdate.
1824 PCGS MS66+ CAC, single finest known at PCGS
1828 CURL BASE 2. KNOB. PCGS MS65+ CAC, single finest known
The D.L. Hansen Collection added five of the featured coins as can be seen by the bold highlights above. The Hansen sets were updated in the last couple days. Of the 120 Chicago coins offered, it appears Mr. Hansen was successful with 25 of his bids. There is no way to be sure how many coins he was interested in acquiring. With this success, he was able to replace ten coins in the 42-piece Early Half Dollars Basic Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1839). An additional 13 coins plus the 10 basics were replaced in the 101-piece Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1839). Lastly, there were two additional coins added in the variety set 86-piece Capped Bust Half Dollars Classic Circulation Strikes Set (1807-1839). We will start the discussion today with the highest value coin realized in the Legend sale, the is the 1797 Half Dollar. I am a little mystified why the coin is not one of the highlights on Laura Sperber list. I like it better than some of the single finest known examples.
1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman
Let’s start with the star of the Legend Rare Coin Auction’s Regency 47 sale. The 1797 Half Dollar realized $270,250, the highest in the sale. Described by Legends Auction as: An unbelievably attractive example of this RAREST silver type coin in the entire federal coinage series. The entire Draped Bust, Small Eagle type was struck for just two years, 1796 and 1797, and only 3,918 were struck for both years combined with 2,984 being those dated 1797. Needless to say, these are VERY RARE in any grade, especially so in high grade. This beautiful AU53 is totally original and has a great pedigree, being ex. Colonel Green and Eric P. Newman Collections.
Expert David Hall quoted: Of the 2984 1797 half dollars minted, probably less than 200 survive today in all grades. There are two specimens that are truly superb examples, one graded MS66 by PCGS and another with an estimated grade in the MS65/66 range. This coin certainly is not on the same playing surface as these GEMs. They would probably bring almost ten times more (in the two-million-dollar plus range).
For variety collectors, this coin is more difficult than some of the other die pairs. Legend’s writes: Two die pairs were used to strike 1797 half dollars, this one is O-102, which is listed as Low Rarity-6, with perhaps 25-30 known in all grades. This coin is among the FINEST KNOWN, clearly in the Tompkins Condition Census for the variety which is listed 61,53,40,35,30 and is the 3rd highest grade listed as sold in the Spring 2021 Revision of Stephen Herrman's AMBPR. In Heritage’s 2017 Eric P. Newman Collection Part IX US Coins Signature Auction in Dallas, the coin was described as: Second Finest Certified O-102 Variety, Ex: Green-Johnson-Newman The coin replaces Hansen 1797 XF40 Cert #14655242 Specimen. He has a third coin in the collection, Cert #02569822 F15 PCGS. This F15 coin is the specimen that can be found in one of his Pedigree holders.
Legends fondly describes the coin as: Very high end for an AU53, this visually impressive example coin offers superb technical quality and bold eye appeal. Coppery, golden-brown patina dominates while splashes of subtle color mingles in areas as do areas of untoned, original antique silver. A bold luster remains in the fields, protected by the sharply struck up devices, and is quite brilliant under the toning when rotated in a light. Most details show a fine strike with sharp definition seen throughout the design types. The only area that lacks crispness is the eagle's breast which is almost always flat on this type; otherwise, Liberty's hair and drapery are crisply struck up. A prominent die crack is seen at star 2 to Liberty's curls. The wear is problem free and quite light, limited to the lightest friction. While a strong glass will aid in the location of some very minor ticks, none have any impact on this CHOICE AU's visual allure.
Even though the coin is not Condition Census for the year, the coin does have rich history as stated by Legends: Off the market for many decades until 2017, this coin is ex. Colonel E.H.R. Green; Col. Green Estate; sold to St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co (partnership between Eric P. Newman and B.G. Johnson); Eric Newman purchased this coin out of the partnership for $300; Newman Numismatic Education Society Collection, Heritage, November 2017, lot 15090, as NGC AU55; Legend Numismatics, sold to our consignor in May 2019. They estimated the coin would realize $180,000 to $220,000. The coin overachieved by about $50,000. Their description for bidding was spot on: The last PCGS AU53 was sold by Stack's in November 2008 for $160,000. The present example is sharper and more original than the PCGS AU55+ sold in April 2018 for $168,000. Today, the PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $220,000 and the CAC CPG value is $207,000. PCGS has graded just eight 1797 half dollars finer, and few survivors have anywhere close to the eye appeal as this high end piece. We expect that early half dollar specialists will be in contention for this one, but remember, many type sets are missing an example of this VERY RARE type, as most have an issue that would preclude grading, and high grade pieces are few and far between! We expect this coin to bring a very strong bid, so if you are planning to bid, be prepared. Do not let this very important opportunity pass you by!
Mr. Hansen exceed the Legend’s estimated for this CAC Approved coin by about 20%. He wanted the coin for his collection and was willing pay for this one. Congratulations on a nice upgrade.
Provenance: Colonel E.H.R. Green; Col. Green Estate; sold to St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co (partnership between Eric P. Newman and B.G. Johnson); Eric Newman purchased this coin out of the partnership for $300; Newman Numismatic Education Society Collection (Heritage, 11/2017 as NGC AU55), lot 15090, realized $168,000; Private Transaction (Legend Numismatics, 5/2019), Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021 as PCGS AU53, CAC), lot 12, realized $270,250, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1797 Half Dollar, AU53
PCGS POP 3/8, CAC Approved
Certification #34401236, PCGS #6060
PCGS Price Guide $220,000 / Realized $270,250
Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Wonder which wreath picture is more in line with an in hand view?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
BTW, I'm hoping Parmelee's name will be spelled correctly when it gets reslabbed with @DLHansen's insert.
cc: @JBatDavidLawrence
Both spellings were mentioned in the same post earlier in this thread (August 8, 2020).
Both spellings are also seen in the PCGS press release from August 10, 2020.
Neither of those sources pointed out the typos, even though they repeated it.
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 2
Though it consists of only ten coins, two are examples of America's rarest silver type coin! The incredibly rare Draped Bust Small Eagle half of 1796-97 had a combined mintage of fewer than 4,000 pieces, of which perhaps just under 300 survive in all grades. The vast majority of these are well worn, making the acquisition of a Mint State piece difficult and quite costly to say the least. - PCGS Registry
The D.L. Hansen Collection was fortunate to acquire both Draped Bust Small Eagles in Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection Specimens in the September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 47 held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They are not the ultra-rare Mint State pieces described by PCGS in the opening banner, but they are very nice original about uncirculated examples without problems. For the 1796 date, Coin Facts gives the survival estimated around eight with only one of them in GEM condition, the Pogue MS66 Specimen. For the 1797 date, Coin Facts gives the survival estimated little more with only two of them GEMs, the Bland-Pogue MS66, and the Norweb-Jung MS65+ Specimens. The values of these coins are at least a couple million dollars each. Brett Pogue Collections had the sole finest for both key dates.
With successful bids on both coins, the ten-piece D. L. Hansen Collection of Early Half Dollars moves up one place in the registry, from sixth to fifth. Mr. Hansen’s Collection makes the top five leaderboard for the first time. He would have quite a bit of work to do to reach the fourth spot held by Louis Eliasberg. The third spot would be a harder reach, and the top two, including the current finest set by Jim O’Neal and the top retired set by Brett Pogue is certainly out of reach in foreseeable future.
The Hansen Collection replaced three of its ten with coins from of the Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection. I discussed the Second Finest 1797 certified O-102 Variety, Ex: Green-Johnson-Newman Specimen a couple days ago. That coin was the most realized in the sale at $270,250. This 1796 15 STARS, PCGS AU58+, only coin graded AU58+ and third finest known at PCGS realized the second most in the sale at $258,500. Only one other coin that broke the $200K mark was the1817/4 PCGS F15, realizing $211,500. Mr. Hansen already have a higher grade, VF20 coin in his collection. Without any more delays, we will start the discussion today with the second highest value coin realized in the Legend sale, the 1796, 15 Stars Half Dollar.
1796 15 STARS, PCGS AU58+, Ex: Horatio Morgan / Chicago Collection
In the Legend Rare Coin Auction’s Regency 47 sale, the 1796 15 STARS Half Dollar realized $258,500. Described by Legends Auction as: One of the RAREST type coins in the entire pantheon of American numismatics. All Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars are RARE with problem free examples being particularly difficult to find, and high grade examples, such as this borderline Mint State piece, are EXTREMELY RARE. Only 934 were reported struck for both 1796 15 Star and 16 Star varieties combined. About 75-100 examples are known in all grades, most being low grade or with serious flaws, or both! In the earliest days of the U.S. mint, a star would be added to the obverse for each time a new state joined the union. After a number of half dollars with 15 stars were struck, a 16th was added to commemorate the addition of Tennessee.
A PCGS expert wrote: Mintage for the 15 stars is estimated at 569 while mintage for the 16 stars variety is estimated at 365. However, both seem to appear equally as often at auction. There was only a single AU58 for several years, which I owned multiple times. Another AU58 appeared on the market in 2008 which was sold by Heritage. There are at most a hand full of mint state examples. This is one of the most beautiful and short lived designs.
Legends describes this coin as having only four coins graded better: Just four Mint State pieces have graded finer. This coin brought $228,000 in November 2019 and the current Collectors Universe value is listed at $270,000. The Small Eagle, Draped Bust type is listed as #56 in Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. The present "GEM" AU example is a fabulous coin for type or date purposes for sure! We expect strong bidding for this impressive and beautiful rarity. Coin Facts indicates more than four have been graded higher, but PCGS indicates the POP to be 1/ 4. The coin replaces Hansen 1796 15 STARS, VF30 Cert #06994077 Specimen. The Auction Record occurred in a Heritage’s February 2008 Signature Coin Auction in Long Beach, CA. The 1796, 15 Stars MS63 NGC specimen from The Southwest Collection realized $373,750.
Legends fondly describes the coin as: A wonderful example of this extremely rare type coin. Avidly sought and difficult to acquire in any grade, this borderline Mint State 1796 half dollar is particularly impressive. Showing just the slightest touch of high point friction, this exceptional coin retains boldly defined devices, rendered from a well-centered and precision blow from the dies. Struck from the typical state of the obverse die with a pronounced die crack from the rim, into the lower drapery fold at the bust line; it then forks, a branch going to the left stops in the drapery fold above the 6. The crack forks to the right as well, connecting Stars 14-16 and into the rim. Another crack reaches up into the the neck. As seen on many early silver coins, particularly half dollars and dollars, there are some minor planchet adjustment marks. A strong glass will reveal a couple of very minor traces of contact and a light scratch or two on Liberty's chin. Richly toned in pleasing hues of olive-gold, rose, and lilac, these are particularly vibrant when viewed in a light. The eye appeal is wonderful, especially on a classic rarity that rarely comes nice.
The PCGS grade of AU58+ is as close to mint state as a coin can get. It sold for $228,000 in the Stack's Bowers November 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction, the E. Horatio Morgan Collection of U.S. Half Dollars. It was described as: Exceptional near-Mint quality for this elusive and eagerly sought design type in the early half dollar series. Displaying only the lightest friction to the high points and in the open fields, this coin retains overall sharp definition from an expertly centered strike. A concentration of light adjustment marks (as made) over the eagle's head, breast, left leg and talon, and the right (facing) cloud explains the softness of detail to those features. Star 8 and the adjacent border area on the obverse are also a bit blunt, but otherwise we note sharp to full definition throughout the design. The surfaces are smooth in hand with a hard satin to softly frosted texture. Pleasingly toned, as well, both sides are layered in warm olive-gold, salmon pink and lilac-blue, the most vivid colors evident with the aid of direct lighting. Handling marks are few and far between, provenance concerns alone compelling us to mention a trio of faint pin scratches behind Liberty's chin and at the top of the neck. Visually appealing with superior surface preservation for a Small Eagle Draped Bust half dollar, this is a highly significant coin for advanced type purposes that is sure to see spirited bidding at auction. Tompkins Die Stage 5/2.
Provenance: James “Jakes” Kelly (Numismatic Association of Southern California Convention Auction Sale 2/1964), lot 241; Moreira Collection Sale, Part III, (Superior Gallery 1/1989), lot 4417; E. Horatio Morgan Collection / Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction (Stack's Bowers 11/2019), lot 7040, realized $228,000; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection of Half Dollars / The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 10, realized, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1796 15 STARS, Half Dollar, AU58+
PCGS POP 1/4
Certification #37836865, PCGS #39261
PCGS Price Guide $270,000 / Realized $258,500
Ex: Kelly / Morgan (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 3
The 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar is extremely rare in Mint State, with only five examples certified thus far by PCGS. The finest example certified by PCGS is a single MS-64. - Ron Guth (February 2012)
There were three coins purchased in the Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale that went into the D.L. Hansen 10-piece Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Basic Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1807). As with Howard Sharfman PCGS Set, the D.L. Hansen more than likely will never reach the top of registry. As first stated, a week ago, the ten-piece D. L. Half Dollar Set moves up one place in the registry, from sixth to fifth with successful bids of the three replacement coins. Mr. Hansen’s Collection makes the top five leaderboard for the first time. He would have quite a bit of work to do to reach the fourth spot held by Louis Eliasberg. The third spot would be a harder reach, and the top two, including the current finest set by Jim O’Neal and the top retired set by Brett Pogue is certainly out of reach in foreseeable future.
1 - 1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman, realized $270,000
2 – 1796, 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only graded AU58+, third finest known at PCGS, realized $258,500
10 - 1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS, realized $85,187.50
The total realized for the three coins that went unto this set was $614,537.50. He purchased an additional 22 other half dollars from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale. The coin focused today is third coin, 1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC. It realized $85,187.50. Let’s look a little deeper into this coin.
1803 Half Dollar, Large 3, 12 Arrows, MS63, CAC, Ex: D. Brent Pogue Collection
This is a rare coin with a fabulous pedigree. The 1803, Overton-101, Half Dollar realized $85,187.50, the tenth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: A classic antique toned CHOICE Mint State example. Both sides possess a rich, pearly-silver and pewter-gray patina that is wonderfully blended with shades of gold, orange, and pastel blue. Many of the hues are subtle, but when you rotate the satiny lustrous surfaces the mélange of color really pops in a light. The strike is bold with crisp details on both sides (only a few minor spots of very minor softness). A strong glass reveals a few very scattered ticks and minor traces of contact that account for the assigned grade. This is an unbelievably attractive specimen of this important early date/type.
For variety collectors, the Overton-101 is listed as a Rarity-3 in Overton. Legend’s writes: In 1803, the mint utilized four die marriages, two obverse dies matched with three reverse dies. Obverse 1 featured the large 3 punch, and was seen on O-101, O-102, and O-103. In Stacks Bowers 2015, The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I Sale, the coin was described as: Very Rare Mint State 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar from the Hain Collection, 1803 Draped Bust Half Dollar. Overton-101. Rarity-3. Large 3. MS-63 (PCGS). Rarity was described as: There are not many of these in high grade. The finest is a single MS-64 (PCGS), apparently the piece sold as an NGC MS-64 in the July 2004 Heritage sale; no MS-64 now appears on the NGC Census. This example is tied right behind that one with the Eliasberg coin, which last sold in 2006 for $115,000, and another that has not been traced. As noted by Ron Guth at PCGS CoinFacts, “The 1803 Large 3 Half Dollar is extremely rare in Mint State, with only five examples certified thus far by PCGS (as of February 2012),” a number that increased by one with the submission of this piece. When Russell Logan surveyed 25 major Draped Bust half collections in the mid 1990s, he found 67 1803 half dollars, but not one of them was graded Mint State.
Mr. Hansen was able to purchase the coin below the Legend estimate of $90,000 - $100,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $120,000. An Ex: Pogue coin with CAC is a little surprising at this price. It appears Mr. Hansen ended up with a coin that he wanted, and at a bargain price.
Provenance: Hain Family Collection (Stack's, sold privately in 1/1990); Hain Family Collection / Americana Sale (Stack's 1/2002), lot 1220, realized $25,300; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I (Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2015) lot 1107, realized $76,375; (Legend Rare Coin Auctions 7/2017), lot 188, not sold; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021 as PCGS AU53, CAC), lot 16, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1803 Half Dollar, Large 3, 12 Arrows, MS63
PCGS POP 2/2, CAC Approved
Certification #21085076, PCGS #39270
PCGS Price Guide $120,000 / Realized $85,187.50
Ex: Ex: Hain Family / D. Brent Pogue (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Excellent upgrades and the images illustrate very well the details of Robert Scot's engraving of the first Draped Bust half dollars along with the Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle reverses. The 1803 is a sleeper in high grades, and the O.101/T-1 and O.102/T-2 are the last usage of the small star reverse, the remaining 1803-1807 Heraldic Eagle half dollars used large stars on the reverse. Most 1803 half dollars were delivered throughout 1804 - Early United States Half Dollars Volume 1 1794-1807 by Steve Tompkins has exact delivery records.
It is good to see DLH sell his duplicates back to collectors (I have a few). I also like that he keeps his sets open to share with others.
we need a video of Hansen cracking that Parmelle slab with bolt cutters
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 4
Actually, there were two different 1805/4 overdated dies, both of which have 4's clearly visible beneath the 5, even to the naked eye. Apparently, dies were prepared in 1804 for an anticipated coinage of half dollars which never materialized. Thus, in 1805, the engravers took the two leftover 1804 dies and punched a 5 over the 4. All of the 1805/4 Half Dollars are scarce and at least one of the die varieties (O-103) is rare (and its die states are even rarer still). Based on the PCGS Population Report, the 1805/4 overdated half dollar is approximately two to three times as rare as the normal 1805 half dollar. Mint State examples of both types are exceedingly rare and the finest examples certified by PCGS thus far (as of May 2011) are a pair of MS65 examples. - Ron Guth
In this update, we will talk about another purchase that is in the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Series (1794-1807). This coin did not end up in the 10-piece basic set, rather it can be found in the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars with Major Varieties Circulation Strikes Set (1794-1807). PCGS describes this set as: If the basic set of Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Halves wasn't tough enough, try including all the major varieties! This set adds a second 1796 Small Eagle Reverse (both 15 and 16 stars) and the extremely rare 1806 Knob 6, No Stems variety, of which there are perhaps half a dozen known, all circulated. Add in the 1794, and in this fairly small set of 23 coins, you have a good share of five and six figure coins. Oddly, one of the varieties may have been remove, because the set now has only 22 coins.
The new 1805/4 half dollar is a MS62 PCGS POP 1/3, CAC. The existing coin in the basic set is the 1805 MS62 PCGS POP 4/1, CAC. By pairing the coins up, the year 1805 has a nice one, two punch. Of the 25 coins purchased, seven are from the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Half Dollars Series (1794-1807).
1795 A/E IN STATES, PCGS AU55, Ex Link, realized $27,025
1796 15 STARS. PCGS AU58+, only graded AU58+, third finest known at PCGS, realized $258,500
1797 Half Dollar, AU53, CAC, Ex: Colonel Green / Eric P. Newman, realized $270,000
1803 LARGE 3,12 ARROWS, PCGS MS63 CAC, single finest known at PCGS, realized $85,187.50
1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, EX Gardner / Link, realized $79,312
1806 POINTED 6, NO STEM. PCGS MS64, One of the very FINEST KNOWN O-109s, realized $41,125
1806/5 LARGE STARS. PCGS MS63 CAC, Ex Garrett / Pogue, single finest at PCGS, realized $76,375
The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. He purchased an additional 18 Capped Bust Half Dollars from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars Sale. The coin focused today is 1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC. It realized $79,312. Let’s look a little deeper into this coin.
1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, EX Gardner
The 1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC, Half Dollar realized $79,312, the twelfth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: An exceptionally CHOICE and HIGH END Condition Census O-101, the THIRD FINEST KNOWN, and second highest graded at PCGS. Pearlescent, satiny brilliant underlying luster glows under a layer of richly toned and totally original surfaces. Iridescent lilac, rose, and gold are suffused over the the soft gray undertone. This is not a lackluster coin or AU58 housed in a Mint State holder, this coin is all there and then some. The strike is sharp with crisp hair and feather details. Only a touch of the slightest weakness, typical of the type are noted in spots, but the major design elements are exacting in their definition. There are no serious marks, lines, or ticks noted anywhere, even with the aid of a strong glass.
For variety collectors, Legend’s writes the overdates: In 1803, the mint utilized four die marriages, two obverse dies matched with three reverse dies. Obverse 1 One of the most popular collecting areas of the entire early half dollar series, (and all early series) are the overdates. While overdates exist since 1796 for the half dime and half eagle denominations, the first half dollar overdate was not struck until 1805. On the O-101 the underlying 4 is bold and crisp. Two distinct 1804 obverses were prepared, but unused, as no 1804 half dollars were coined. These were then repunched with a 5, creating the 5/4, with little to no effort made to remove the 4. The O-101 and O-102 are listed as Rarity-3, while the O-103 is a rarity with several distinctive and collectible die states.
The auctioneers states: The finest known 1805/4 O-101 are as follows:
1) PCGS MS65. Louise E. Eliasberg Collection; Bowers & Merena's sale of the Eliasberg Collection, April 1997, lot 1681; Heritage, August 1998, lot 6598; Stack's Bowers/Sotheby's Sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I, May 2015, lot 1109.
2) NGC MS65 CAC. Col. E.H.R. Green Collection; Col. Green Estate; St. Louis Stamp & Coin (B.G. Johnson and Eric P. Newman partnership); Eric Newman Collection; Eric P. Newman Educational Society, Heritage, November 2013, lot 33423; Oliver Jung Collection; Heritage August 2014, lot 5583; "An Important New York Collection", Heritage, June 2018, lot 3949; Jim O'Neal Collection, Heritage, April 2019, lot 3719.
3) PCGS MS62 CAC; Ex. Stack's March 1998, lot 487; Eugene Gardner Collection, Part II, Heritage, October 2014, lot 98462; Dr. Charles Link Collection; to our consignor.
Mr. Hansen paid a little more than the Legend estimate of $65,000 - $75,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $80,000. Legend states: This coin sold for $70,500 nearly seven years ago. Today the published Price Guides are priced at $80,000 and $82,500 (PCGS and CAC CPG respectively). The MS65 Eliasberg/Pogue example realized $111,625 in May 2015. This CONDITION CENSUS overdate will be a focal point of any Mint State Draped Bust, Large Eagle half dollar collection, and will see very strong bidding for sure.
Provenance: Ex. Stack's (3/1998), lot 487, realized $33,000: Eugene Gardner Collection, Part II (Heritage 10/2014) lot 98462, realized $70,500; Dr. Charles Link Collection; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 18, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1805/4, PCGS MS62, CAC
PCGS POP 1/3, CAC Approved
Certification #06564972, PCGS #6070
PCGS Price Guide $80,000 / Realized $79,312
Ex: Gardner (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 5
The Basic set of Capped Bust Halves is a popular set, requiring only 33 coins. Only a few are moderately scarce; the 1815/2, the 1839-O and the 1807. However none of these will present a major challenge as just over a dozen Set Registry participants have completed this set.- PCGS Registry
In this update, we will talk about the Capped Bust Halves Series. The PCGS set that represent the basic category requires 33 coins. With purchases from the Chicago Collection, the Hansen Collections moved up two places in the All-Time Finest list. The Hansen Collection purchased seven Basic Capped Bust Half Dollar coins from the Chicago Collection of Half Dollars. They are the seven listed here:
1807 “O-113a Sm Stars”, MS65+, POP 1/0, Cert #31694547, realized $108,687.50
1811 “Large 8”, MS65+, POP 1/0, Cert #40275012, realized $42,300
1817 “Overton 106”, POP 1/0, Cert #31694522, realized $32,900
1818 “Overton 107”, MS66, POP 1/0, Cert #83953971, realized $30,500
1823 “Patched 3”, MS65, POP 2/0, CAC, Cert #34907583, realized $36,425
1831 “Overton 109”, MS66, CAC, POP 1/0, Cert #31914881, realized $24,675
1839 Capped Bust, MS65, POP 3/1, Cert #13568487, realized $34,075
These seven coins realized a total for Capped Bust Halves Basic coins of $309,562.50. The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. The first 14 coins realized $1,147,377. The Hansen team purchase nine additional coins that was placed in the Capped Bust Halves Major Varieties. This brings the number to 23, with the last coins were purchased for the Classic Set.
1807 “O-113a Small Stars”, MS65+, Ex: Pogue
This coin is one of the best, if not the best Capped Bust Half coin purchased in D.L. Hansen 25-coin lot. The coin realized $108,687.50, the sixth highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: A fantastic O-113a, tied for FINEST KNOWN, and a truly stunning GEM! The first year of the Capped Bust series, designed by John Reich, is famous for having four different die pairings, each representing a distinct Red Book variety. The O-111 which marries a cracked obverse with the 50/20 reverse is known as the Beareded Goddes; the O-112 is the Large Stars obvese with 50/20 reverse; the O-113 is the Small Stars, and O-114 is the Large Stars. This GEM from the Byers and Pogue Collections is a Condition Census topper and PCGS TOP POP!
For variety collectors, Legend’s writes about the coin: The Small Stars name needs to be clarified. When John Kraljevich was cataloging this coin in the Pogue sale, noted, "overlays of the stars on this variety and others from 1807 reveal that the same punch set was used on this variety as on its Large Stars brethren. The stars appear slightly smaller by virtue of either lapping, a polishing of the die, or the depth of the initial strike of the star punch into the die face. Their relative size may be an optical illusion created by the smaller and more refined denticles and the greater distance between those smaller denticles and the stars themselves. Used only in the Overton-113 die marriage, the Small Stars obverse has been recognized as a major variety in the Guide Book for decades, and in Wayte Raymond’s Standard Catalogue for decades before that." Regardless, the O-113 variety was so rare that Walter Breen once remarked, "None seen Uncirculated."
Mr. Hansen paid a 35% premium over the Legend estimate of $75,000 - $85,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $80,000. Legend states: In its last appearance, this GEM sold for $76,375 on an estimate of $50,000-$75,000 and today the PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $80,000. With NONE FINER, this is a real prize for anyone working on a first year of type set, date set of Capped Bust half dollars, or any other collection of really neat, sexy coins! Bid accordingly! The bidding was more than accordingly for this coin, but at the end of the sale, Mr. Hansen walked away with the coin in his hand.
According to Legend’s description, the coin is amazing: In an unbelievable state of preservation for an early Capped Bust half dollar. By this point in American financial history the half dollar was the largest silver denomination in circulation. Most of the mintages were used in commercial channels, and in the earlier dates, GEM Mint State pieces are exceptionally RARE. The present coin has a bold satiny luster under a rich, multi-layered original patina. Shades of gray, gold, olive, russet, rose, and slate-blue really come out when rotated in a light. The devices are generally very well struck, especially on the obverse that shows full, crisp definition to all of Liberty's hair curls, drapery folds, stars and dentils. The reverse is a touch more blunt in the center with the junction of the left wing and shield being somewhat soft. The later die state is defined by the die crack that connects the legend and the denomination on the left side of the reverse. The eye appeal is truly magical, especially on a type that rarely is seen above AU.
Provenance: Stuart Levine, sold privately; Martin Haber; Auction '89 (Superior's Auction 7/1989), lot 612; Rarities Sale, (Bowers & Merena 8/2001), lot 184; George "Buddy" Byers; George "Buddy" Byers' Collection, (Stack's 10/2006), lot 1014, realized $51,750; Richard Burdick; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II, (Stack's Bowers/ Sotheby's, 9/2015), lot 2002; realized $76,375; Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc; Howard Sharfman, via private purchase, August 2018; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 31, realized $108,687.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1807 “O-113a Small Stars”, MS65+
PCGS Overall POP 2/1, POP 1/0
Certification #31694547, PCGS #39360
PCGS Price Guide $80,000 / Realized $108,687.50
Ex: Pogue (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Major Varieties – Countdown 17
Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, Part 6
It’s not enough for you to build the basic set? You want more of a challenge? Good! You now get to collect both major varieties of the 1796, the rare 1795 3 Leaf, the RARE 1806 Knob 6 No Stem, the ultra-ultra-rare 1817/4 and dozens of other fun and interesting varieties. When you finish this set you might want to try every Overton variety in existence! Collectors love this series with a passion and we fully expect you to join the crowd.- PCGS Registry
In this final update for the Howard Sharfman’s Incredible Chicago Collection of Half Dollars, we will look at one of the coins that went into the Major Varieties Collection. As you know, the D.L. Hansen Collection purchased 25 half dollars in the September 2, 2021, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ (LRCA) Regency Auction 47 held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have previously introduced you to 14 of the coins purchased, these are the last 11.
1809 “Overton 102 XXX Edge”, MS63, CAC, Cert #39522015, POP 2/1, realized $44,650
181.7 “Punctuated Date”, MS64+, Cert #84006440, POP 1/0, realized $35,250
1812/1 “Large 8”, XF45, Cert #32443380, POP 6/5, realized $31,725
1814 “O-105a Single Leaf”, AU50, Cert #34743428, POP 3/7, realized $5,522.50
1820 “Sq. 2, Lg Date, Knob 2”, MS64, Cert #80624313, POP 4/2, realized $18,800
1827/6, MS64+, Cert #83573441, POP 2/1, realized $11,162.50
1830 “O-114 Large Letters Small 0”, AU55, Cert #27646360, POP 2/3, realized $34,075
1832 “Large Letters”, MS64, CAC, Cert #37644742, POP 8/1, realized $8,518.75
1836 “50/00, Lettered Edge”, CAC, MS63, Cert #41879081, POP 4/2, realized $6,756.25
1836/1336 “O-108 Lettered Edge”, MS64, Cert # 36529240, POP 1/0, realized $9,106.25
1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, Cert #81456119, POP 1/3, realized $85,187.50
These eleven coins realized a total for Capped Bust Halves Major Varieties of $290,753.75. As previous reported, the seven Capped Bust Halves Basic coins realized $309,562.50. The total realized for the seven pre-Capped Bust Half Dollars that went into The Hansen sets was $837,814.50. The 25 coins realized $1,438,170.75. The priciest coin from the major variety lot is most circulated (worn). The 1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, realized $85,187.50.
This may the most significant coin purchased in the sale. With this coin, Mr. Hansen completes Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1839) Set. It will be recorded in history that it took about five years to complete this 101-piece set. It places the Hansen Collection of Early Half Dollars as #2 on the All-Time list. This will be the final focus coin for the sale.
1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25, Ex: Southland Collection
This very worn VF25 coin realized $85,187.50, the 11th highest in the sale of 120 half dollars. Described by Legends Auction as: One of the RAREST coins in this world class cabinet, the 1839 Reeded Edge with Small Letters reverse is a rarity in the truest sense of the word. The GR-1, which is a Low Rarity-7, is a "transitional" variety, which paired the Capped Bust obverse die with a reverse that was intended for the new Seated Liberty type introduced later in 1839, sometimes referred to as the "reverse of 1840." There are now 12 examples accounted for; as of Dick Graham's publication of the Reeded Edge half dollar die marriages in 2015, there were 11 examples reported. In November 2019, another, graded XF40 by PCGS and approved by CAC turned up in the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, sold by Stack's Bowers. While not specifically listed in their listing, this VF25 would land about the mid-point grade wise in their listing, between places 6 a PCGS VF35 and 7 a PCGS VF20.
Expert Gordon Wrubel writes: “In 1838 The lower reverse legend on Reeded Edge Capped Bust half dollars was changed from "50 Cents" to "Half Dol." It is believed this change was made to conform to the designations on other denominations being produced at the time. This "Type II" reverse would appear on all coinage through the end of Liberty Seated series in 1891. 1839 marked the last appearance of the Bust obverse which was replaced later in the year by the Liberty Seated die. One of the Capped Bust 1839 varieties has a unique, pattern(?) reverse die known as "Small" Letters. This extremely rare variety was first recognized by New York numismatist, Maurice Rosen, in 1972. With its unique reverse, this coin designated GR-1,(Graham-Reiver) is highly coveted by die variety and Red Book collectors alike. To die variety collectors, GR-1 is the "Holy Grail" of the Reeded Edge half dollar series, rivaling the the "proof" 1838-O in rarity. The 2012 Graham-Reiver book traces only 10 specimens, with one in Mint State. This piece was graded MS-63 by PCGS in 1997. The obverse die of GR-1 was used on the first four varieties of 1839. The reverse show some distinctive differences. The size of the eagle is smaller than on any to follow. The eagles talons are more closed. The "Small" letters are tall, thinner and spaced AWAY from the rim due to having more room because of the SMALLER size eagle. The "Large" letters are from different style punches; squat, thick and very CLOSE to the rim because of the lack of space due to the LARGER eagle. Be that as it may, there is a telltale feature of the die that is DIAGNOSTIC. One only has to look at the BOTTOM ARROW FEATHER that shows below the STEM of the olive branch. On the 'Small" Letters only the VERY TIP shows below the stem. On all other 1839 Capped coins, the reverses show about ONE THIRD of the bottom feather below the stem as well as a significant portion of the ARROW SHAFT.
Mr. Hansen paid a 70% premium over the Legend estimate of $45,000 - $55,000. The PCGS Price Guide Value for the coin was $45,000. Legend states: The current PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $45,000. The most recent auction appearance was the PCGS/CAC XF40 mentioned above that sold for $90,000 in November 2019. Even in Good-4, the Merrill Collection coin sold for $17,400 in February 2018. Ownership of an 1839 Small Letters Capped Bust half dollar automatically puts you into rarified company, very few, even the most serious of collectors have been able to add one to their collections. Good luck!
According to Legend’s description: Moderate wear is evenly dispersed across both sides of this classic rarity. The obverse is sharply impressed, and the details are generally bold. Some scattered marks at the rims are appropriate for the assigned grade. There is some "dirt" clinging to the obverse rim and surrounding the eagle and in the reverse legend. An important rarity missing from most collections.
Provenance: Southland Collection, (Heritage, 5/2007), lot 2131; unknown intermediaries; Matt Kleinstuber, via private treaty (4/2019), realized $50,000, Howard Sharfman; Howard Sharfman’s Chicago Collection; The Regency Auction 47 (Legends 9/2021), lot 118, realized $85,187.50, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839 “Capped Bust, Small Letters”, VF25
PCGS Overall POP 1/3
Certification #81456119, PCGS #6180
PCGS Price Guide $45,000 / Realized $85,187.50
Ex: Southland Collection (Chicago PCGS Registry Set)
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 17 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 7
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)
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
New Double Eagle Proof Addition
Memorable for its quality, memorable for its rarity. This is one of the most important double eagles auctioned in our time. No superlative could be excessive in the description of this wonderful coin. As a date the 1885 is prohibitively rare and in proof format rarer yet. In ultra Gem proof grade with the CAC imprimatur, there is nothing left to be desired. Here indeed is a rarity to be remembered for a long time. - Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers (2011).
With the purchase of the 1885 PR66+ DCAM Double Eagle, the completion level of the 49-piece Liberty Head $20 Gold, Proof (1859-1907) set is 55.10%. Has the set been completed by a private collector; I am not certain? Of course, the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is 100% complete, but have there been others? According to information provided by the PCGS registry, The Garrett Collection was 91.84%, Louis Eliasberg and Harry Bass were 83.67%. To complete the set is a huge task.
PCGS describes the set as: 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!
It has taken Mr. Hansen five years to reach 55.10%. It will require continued dedication to complete this set in the next five years. Garrett, Eliasberg and Bass Collections comprised of decades, not one. Can this 49-piece set be completed in one decade? Hansen is on track, but only time will tell.
1885 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM, Ex: Highland Collection
In a recent Great Collections Auction, the PR66+ PCGS, CAC coin was headlined as: The single finest example graded by PCGS with CAC approval. A decade ago at August 2011 Chicago ANA, the PR66 PCGS, CAC coin was headlined in a Stacks Bowers Auction as: Population: 1; none finer within any designation. As for the condition census of this coin, not much changed in the past ten years except the coin is not a POP 1. Stacks Bower described the coin as: An impressive beauty with intensely frosted motifs and deeply reflective mirror fields that offer a stark "black and white" contrast when viewed head-on. An exceptional rarity in all grades, a date that saw proof production of just 78 pieces, with perhaps just 15 or so examples traceable today. Indeed, 1885 is a rarity across the board, as just 751 circulation strikes were produced. The present coin is numerically finer than Bass: 1895 (October 1999), and is cited there as being finer in that lot's PCGS Population Report information. It isn't often that a writer is able to pen the term "finer than the Bass specimen," but here that opportunity presents itself. Whether you seek the rarest of the rare or the finest of the fine, the present beautiful DCAM double eagle rarity fits the bill. Don't be shy -- bid as though you mean to own this prize.
The coin realized $230,000 in the 2011 sale. The coin appeared in several earlier Stack’s sales including Treasures from the S.S. New York in July of 2009 realizing $160,000 and Stack'’s "The Keusch, Snow & Del Zorro Collections" in November of 2008 realizing $150,000.
The coin is no longer the finest certified, but as stated by Great Collection: The single finest example graded by PCGS with CAC approval. There are two other PR67 DCAM PCGS, but neither has sold in auction. There have been two NGC PR67 that appeared in auction in 2012. One of them holds the auction record from the April 2012 US Coins & Platinum Night CSNS Signature Heritage Auction. The specimen was from The William D. Plumley Collection, Ex: Robert Swan and Rod Sweet Collections. The coin realized $241,500 and held the record until the new Hansen coin sold in the Great Collection Auction. Being the PCGS Auction History does not track Great Collections Auctions, the new auction sum of $394,999.88 is not recognized as a new auction record.
The coin is valued at $300,000 in the PCGS Price Guide. The PR67 DCAM Specimen is value at $425,000. At a price tag of $395,000, did Mr. Hansen pay too much? I do not think so. I don’t see a $125,000 difference between a PR66+DAM with a CAC and PR67DCAM without. You have different thoughts?
Provenance: Highland Collection / ANA Las Vegas (Bowers & Merena 11/2005), lot 7643, realized $163,300; The St. Louis Rarities Sale (Bowers & Merena 5/2007), lot 414, realized $189,750; The Keusch, Snow & Del Zorro Collections (Stack's 11/2008) lot 4564, realized $150,000; Treasures from the S.S. New York (Stack's 7/2009 as PR66DCAM), lot 1527, realized $160,000; Chicago ANA - Rarities Night (Stack's/Bowers 8/2011), lot 7777, realized $230,000; Online Auction (Great Collections 9/2021), GC Item ID: 1039600, realized $394,999.88 (Auction Record), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1885 Double Eagle, PR66+ DCAM PCGS
POP 1/2, Finest CAC Approved
Certification #21071339, PCGS #99101
Ex: Highland Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I have the other CAC one. but it's NGC, Great coins.
The 67 Non Cac's are of course not worth more. Sure someone might pay more to say they own a 67 but it is really at most a 66 CAC in disguise if they are lucky. -:)
WOW!!!! But at only $394.999.88 I think it was a steal. Perhaps not a Top POP, but very hard to find any flaws that reveal themselves in that TV picture. Let us see if DLH would buy one of the 67's without CAC if presented that opportunity.
Or maybe he will just send it in for a regrade?
OINK
Did he pay too much? Put it this way if or when the coin sells again I would be shocked if it did not go for considerably more. Great addition.
Proof Early Seated Liberty Half Dime
This extremely challenging 22-coin date set is filled with rarities and distinctive type coins. The 1837 No Stars is a classic that many consider to be an artistic masterpiece as well as a numismatic treasure. Additional types in this series are the With Drapery and Arrows at Date pieces. The Proofs struck in 1854 and later are more readily available but are still considered to be quite rare. - PCGS Registry
For those of you that has been on this three and half-year journey with me will know, this is not our first look at this little 22-piece set. It has been a while however, the last addition occurred in August of 2020. That addition was the 1843 Proof Seated Liberty Half Dime. The PCGS POP 1/0 PR66+ is a six-figure coin purchased from Rare Coin Wholesalers. That coin was the 16th coin in 22-piece set. This new addition now brings the set to 17 coins with five to go.
In a posting about two years ago, fellow community member posted great research on this set.
.
Great information that hopefully YOSCLIMBER will have time to update his research. Couple requests, can the table be expanded to the 22-piece set? This would include both 1840 dates. According to the registry, J.J. Pittman owned both: 1840 No Drapery (PR65) and 1840 Drapery (PR64). Also, it would be nice to added color to show provenance for Hansen only coins.
1846 H10C PR64+, CAC Approved
Most references indicate about 11 specimens are known for the proof date. The most recent PCGS population revels only three certified examples. One PR64, one PR64+, and the finest one, a PCGS PR65. Interesting, there are eight specimens in NGC holders ranging from PR63 to PR67. Are some of them duplicates? Would any of them be considered proof like and not readily cross to PCGS? Interesting questions. NGC has certified seven examples finer that Hansen’s new PR64+, including two PR65, four PR66, and finest being the Phil Kaufman specimen graded NGC PR67. In PCGS, the Hansen coin is POP 1/1.
The coin was offered in Stacks Bowers August 2021 ANA Auction. Marque as: Magnificent Proof 1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime Rarity. The coin described as: This elegant specimen is fully original with iridescent undertones of reddish-gold, steel-lilac and powder blue to rich olive-gray patina. Reflective fields support satiny, smartly impressed design elements. Free of even trivial distractions, this is a premium Choice example of a date in the half dime series that is rare in both Proof and circulation strike format.
Certifying early proof coins can be tricky. It appears to me, the leading grading services today are more conservative in labeling a coin proof, especially PCGS. This could explain why NGC has eight coins certified and PCGS only three. Prior to the existence of TPG, many of the famous sets had proof like coins mixture. The JJ Pittman set may have thought to be complete proof set at some point, but since then, two coins (1851 &1853) have been graded MS by Akers. This was also true for some of Louis Eliasberg early proof specimens.
The auctioneer shared this perspective for the coin: Since the United States Mint did not start recording the number of Proof silver coins struck each year until 1859, there is no way for today's numismatists to know how many half dimes were produced in this format in 1846. There could not have been many, for sure, since numismatics as a hobby had yet to gain widely popularity in this country. Writing in his 2016 Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins, Q. David Bowers estimates the mintage at 10 to 20 pieces, and we suspect that the total number extant is no greater than 15 coins. This is our first offering for the issue since 2013. If one were to own just one Proof Liberty Seated half dime from the 1840s, they should unhesitatingly pick the 1846. Some might be rarer, but the reputation of the 1846 as the key date of the decade, based upon the elusive quality of circulation strikes (just 27,000 pieces struck), gives it a special cachet. The present piece is outstanding, and we expect a lot of competition when it crosses the block.
The coin realized $21,600 as a PCGS PR64 CAC. The coin was marketed by Rare Coin Wholesalers in days after the Stacks Bowers sale as an 1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime, Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC. They described the coin as GEM SURFACES WITH LOVELY SEAGREEN AND LIGHT AMBER TONING. ONLY 20 COINS ORIGINALLY STRUCK. SECOND FINEST GRADED AT PCGS. CAC. The listing was removed in late August. The ask price was $32,950. This is where it gets fuzzy, but it appears the Hansen team purchased the coin as a PR64, CAC and had it upgraded to PR64+ CAC. This is not something that I normally see from the Hansen team, so was there an unknown intermediary, like DLRC? The coin carries a PCGS value of $27,500 as a PR64+. By retaining the CAC sticker, it may value even more.
The only other pedigree known for the coin was provided by Stacks Bower: From our (Stack's) June Sale of 1973, lot 992. Lot tag included. Was this coin off the market for 50 years? I have not been able to connect it with any other recent sales. With five coins to go, this makes an interesting set to watch.
Provenance: June Sale (Stack's 6/1973), lot 992; Rarities Night ANA Auction (Stacks Bowers 8/2021 as PCGS PR64, CAC), lot 4051, realized $21,600; Private Transaction (Rare Coin Wholesalers 8/2021 as PCGS PR64, CAC), Upgrade to PCGS PR64+, CAC, D.L. Hansen Collection
1846 PR64+ Half Dime
PCGS POP 1/1, CAC Approve
Certification #43136250, PCGS #4422
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $27,500 / Price Unknown
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Nice work as always!
Here is the updated 1837-1857 half dime proof collection comparison.
The 1846 V-2 proof half dime is proof only for this obverse die,
so I doubt there is a problem with crossing as proof from NGC to PCGS.
Making a roster is difficult because of the lack of good photos for the older auctions.
Here is the roster I made for the 1846 attribution guide prior to the appearance of the Hansen coin in the recent auction.
I might be able to do a little better by using the roster in the Kaufman sale description.
One interesting thing about the 1846 V-2 proof is that it is more available than MS examples of the V-1.
(1846 only has 2 die varieties - V-1 business strike only and V-2 proof only).
There are only 3 known MS V-1s, and 2 were in the Gardner collection.
For example, the Simpson collection had an AU-53.
There are around 10 known AUs.
YOS,
Super Update. One inconsistency, Coin Facts have Kaufman owning a 1840 PF65 WD. From your research, do you think CF has it incorrect? I am wondering if Kaufman had 20 coins as Pittman. This is a screenshot.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Yes, the above PCGS CoinFacts census for 1840 WD is incorrect.
You can see it copies coins which are correctly in the 1840 ND census.
The only 1840 proof half dime in the Kaufman sale was lot 1779 and it is ND (Hansen has it now).
Similarly, the Pittman lot 460 was eventually bought by Gardner, and that is also ND.
So if your census was based on the above, Pittman did not have an 1840 WD proof,
and I have corrected the chart.
Only one 1840 WD (V-7) proof exists in relatively recent auctions that I know of.
Gem PR, 1998-5-5, Stack's, lot 365, $7700, Hawn/Miller/Globus
as shown in PCGS Auction Prices:
https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1840-drapery-pr/4416
I don't know where this coin has been since 1998.
Given that it's a pre-1858 proof, where quality varies, there is also the risk that
this single example is no longer considered a proof by most graders.
Including it in the proof half dime registry set could make completion extremely difficult.
I think I see what happened, though.
Based on the census that showed 4 "With Drapery" examples, the person who constructed
the registry set list thought it looked as collectible as the others.
Usually the "ultra rarities" like the 1870-s half dime get left out of registry sets,
because many collectors don't want to start a set that they can't complete.
Liberty Head Half Eagle Upgrade
With respect to both mintage and frequency of appearance, the 1867 is of almost identical rarity to the 1866. The known business strikes of this date are almost always well worn and VF or EF specimens are typical. I have seen a couple of AU pieces but never one with any legitimate claim to mint state although the photo of the 1963 Bell coin indicates that it may have been uncirculated as it is graded - David Akers (1975/88)
In the past few weeks, D.L. Hansen and Team have acquired a few nice Mint State Half Eagles. The 201-piece set including the 1854-S has been the subject of discussion many times. PCGS describes the set as: There is no other set of coins that features specimens from seven U. S. Mints—Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans and San Francisco. This long-lived set includes one of the greatest rarities in numismatics, the 1854-S $5 gold piece. How many has PCGS graded? Zero! There are many sets-within-sets in this series, as most collectors focus on the coins from one particular Mint. It’s a long and challenging collection to complete, but it’s a tremendous achievement if you can do it.
The D.L Hansen Collection completed the set in March of 2020 with the purchase of the 1854-S. The set rating at the time was 59.751. The collection could have stopped there, but not the case. Since the completion of the set about a year and half ago, there have been about 30 coins upgraded bring the current set rating to 61.100. The top five sets of all-times are:
From time to time, I will take an unofficial stab at trying to estimate the value of a set using PCGS published values. The value that I would place on this set using that method is a little over eight million dollars. The lowest grade coin the set is the 1866-S Motto, F12 valued at $1400. Of course, the most valuable coin the set is the 1854-S AU58+ valued more than $2 Million. The highest-graded coin is the 1908 MS68, CAC. There are about 32 PCGS POP 1/0 certified specimens. This new upgrade is one of those finest certified at PCGS.
1867 Liberty Head Half Eagle MS64
Most certainly the statement made by David Akers is a little outdated. The mint state rarity still applies more than 30 years later. NGC has certified just three: two MS61 and the finest NGC MS62. PCGS has certified seven: one MS60, four MS61 and one MS62. Only one coin has been graded mint state choice or better, the Hansen MS64. Coin Facts estimate MS60 or better survival at only three. Can we safely assume a few of the coins in the POP reports are resubmits? According to Doug Winter, Yes!
In a CoinWeek article dated April 26, 2021, Mr. Winter submitted a piece titled: Half Eagles of the Reconstruction: Philadelphia. He stated: The $5 gold half eagles struck at the Philadelphia Mint from 1866 through 1877 include a number of low-mintage issues that, while undeniably rare, are curiously underappreciated. I regard some of the issues as among the best values in all of the rare date gold market. As for the 1867 issue, he said: The 1867 is a scarcer coin than the 1866 despite having a slightly higher mintage of 6,870. I estimate that there are around 80 to 90 known, with EF45 to AU53 being the grade range in which this issue is most often seen. Properly graded AU55 to AU58s are very rare and this date is extremely rare in Uncirculated with just two or three known to me. The single-finest business strike 1867 half eagle I am aware of is a PCGS MS61 (also graded MS62 by NGC), which I sold to a collector for $30,000 a few years back. PCGS has graded a single coin MS62 but I haven’t seen it.
Less than six months ago, this gold expert was not aware of a choice issue for this date. Then where did this coin come from? I would expect the coin to be one of the three of four MS62 that is now in a MS64 holder. Amazingly, the auction record is $16,450 for a MS61 PCGS coin sold in the September 2014 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature Auction.
PCGS values the Hansen PCGS MS64 specimen at $100,000. I cannot find any information or history on this coin. I would think it was acquired via David Lawrence Rare Coins, but no information is available to confirm. The PCGS POP 1/0 specimen replaces a AU58+ PCGS POP 1/7 specimen. This is a nice upgrade for a coin that did not exist in the certification world until a few months ago.
1867 Liberty Half Eagle MS64
PCGS POP 1/0
Certification #41789761, PCGS #8313
PCGS Price Guide Value: $100,000 / Private Transaction
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Another Liberty Head Half Eagle Upgrade
From a standpoint of rarity according to average grade, the 1870-CC ranks number one in the entire 300 coin Half Eagle series. I have seen fewer of this date than any other Carson City Half Eagle although the 1878-CC has had five fewer auction appearances in my survey. The 1870-CC is very rare in any condition and when available, the typical example is only Fine or VF. I have seen several EF's and one I graded full AU but none that could reasonably be called uncirculated. Strike characteristics of this issue are difficult to be certain of because most specimens are so worn. However, I would say that, when they were made, most 1870-CC Half Eagles were probably well struck. - David Akers (1975/88)
I reported a few weeks ago that D.L. Hansen and Team purchased a nice small acquisition of Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles from Doug Winter. The four half eagle coins were purchased in a private acquisition via David Lawrence Rare Coins. I am not certain of the details of the acquisition, but the purchase certainly provided amazing upgrades the collection.
Since the Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles purchase, two or three more half eagles have been added including the PCGS POP 1/0 1867 MS64 that I reported a couple days ago. Today, the upgrade goes into the 1870-CC subset. This subset is only six coins, but I can not think any subset that has more numismatic nostalgic. PCGS stated: The Carson City mint holds a special place in the hearts and minds of U.S. numismatists, conjuring up (largely accurate) images of a small "wild west" town where gold and silver were king. In operation from 1870…. The opening year of 1870 is clearly the key to this fairly short set with few pieces extant, nearly all of which are well-circulated.
With three silver coins, and three gold, it appears fairly easy to assembly. The statement may be true, but it is very difficult in high grade PCGS certified specimens. With this updated, the Collection replaces another well-circulated coin. The new upgrade is an 1870-CC Half Eagle AU58 with a Pop of 4/1. The coin replaces a recent purchased VF25, Cert #21625523 that was purchased earlier this year from Heritage Auctions. The previous coin is a F12, CAC Approved, Cert #84687877 purchased earlier in the Collection, maybe 2017 timeframe. The current PCGS value on the #3 coin is $22,500. It could make a very nice future coin for someone.
1870-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle AU58, Ex: Midwestern Collection
In the Heritage Auction’s 1/2003, (FUN) Signature Sale, the coin was headlined as Very Rare 1870-CC Half Eagle--AU58--The #5 Coin On The Condition Census. It was described as: Winter 1-A. Die State II. An original coin that shows the usual softness of strike known on this die state; that is, weakness on Liberty's hair as well as blurry, indistinct feather definition on the eagle's head and neck. Nice light yellow-gold and rose colors rest on lightly marked surfaces. Unlike some higher grade 1870-CC Half Eagles, this piece has not been cleaned or over-dipped and it shows superb overall eye appeal. An important Condition Census example of this rare and desirable first year of issue Carson City Five Dollar. Of the 7,675 pieces originally struck, an estimated 50 to 60 are known today. This includes around seven to nine in About Uncirculated and another four in Uncirculated. This is the only 1870-CC gold issue that is sometimes seen in relatively high grades and it appears that a small number may have been saved as souvenirs.
The Condition Census for the 1870-CC Half Eagle is as follows (HA 1/2003):
1. Nevada Collection. Graded Mint State 61 by PCGS.
2. Private collection, Ex: Bowers and Merena 7/02: 607 ($77,625, as NGC MS61). Presently graded MS62 by NGC.
3. Jay Parrino, Ex: Bowers and Merena 10/99: 1170 ($69,000, as PCGS AU58); Harry Bass; NERCA 1979 ANA: 182. PCGS MS61.
4. Private collection, Ex: Charley Tuppen collection; Heritage 12/88: 1142. Graded MS61 by NGC.
5. The Hansen Specimen, Ex: Midwestern Collection. Graded AU58 by PCGS.
Currently, only one of the top coins is graded uncirculated by PGGS, the Ex: Nevada/Battle Born Specimen that sold for $102,000 in Stacks Bowers 8/2012 ANA World's Fair of Money Auction. There is currently one in the NGC POP Report, the MS62. Oddly, two of the four previously certified uncirculated specimens are no longer in graded holders. Stacks Bowers wrote: The 1870-CC half eagle is obtainable in Mint State. It is exceedingly rare at that level, however, the title of finest known held by the Battle Born specimen certified MS-61 by PCGS that realized $105,750 in our August 2012 sale of that fabulous collection. The only other Mint State example known, ranked CC#2 for the issue, is the coin that has most recently been certified MS-62 by NGC. What happened to the other two MS graded NGC specimens?
Recently the Midwestern Specimen reappeared in an 8/2021 Stacks Bowers Auction on Rarities Night at the ANA. This time it was described as: Offered is one of the finest known survivors of this historic and popular, yet also rare and conditionally challenging Carson City Mint gold issue. A beautiful coin drenched in vivid rose-apricot color, both sides retain nearly complete mint luster in a soft satin texture. The persistent viewer aided by direct lighting will also see modest semi-reflective qualities in the fields - highly attractive. The strike is commensurate with the Winter Die State II attribution, the central obverse high points above and below Liberty's ear a bit soft and the top of the shield and the eagle's head and neck quite blunt in the center of the reverse. Otherwise we note razor sharp striking detail to all design elements. Impressively smooth in hand for a lightly circulated early date CC-Mint gold coin, there are no sizeable or otherwise individually distracting marks. For provenance purposes only we mention four tiny nicks in the left obverse field that one will need a loupe to discern: one before Liberty's mouth, two midway between star 4 and the bridge of Liberty's nose, and one between stars 4 and 5. Far better preserved and infinitely more attractive than the vast majority of survivors from this challenging issue, this coin is destined for inclusion in a high quality half eagle cabinet or collection of Carson City Mint coinage.
The coin has a PCGS value of $110,000. The AU58 without a CAC sticker realized $150,000. I am not certain that Mr. Hansen purchased the coin in auction, if he did, then certainly this is a coin the Mr. Hansen paid up to obtained.
1870-CC Liberty Head Half Eagle AU58
PCGS POP 1/1, Condition Census Top Five
Certification #06660596, PCGS #8320
PCGS Price Guide Value: $110,000 / Realized $150,000 in 8/2021 Auction
Ex: Midwestern Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I wanted to share a moment I had with my Dad, D. L. Hansen, tonight.
I found some of his first coin sets from when he was a child while helping him move out of his home of 30+ years.
When we looked through the Whitman books we realized from some of his notes that he started these sets around 1964! He would have been around 11 years old (possibly younger) when he started building these sets. In one of his type sets he had a 1884 & 1887 Morgan, 1922 peace dollar, 1926 standing liberty quarter, 1914 liberty head, and a 1900 barber quarter He really has been an avid collector since childhood.
Building the D. L. Hansen collection has been a lifelong dream of his. He helped me build my first collection, a set of Lincoln’s, when I was a child. Working alongside my Dad again with his collection has been an amazing experience.
PS- Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the “Hansen Watch”. I have learned so much from your posts!
Sincerely,
Diana
Ps again… edited & hopefully I caught all my date errors 😂
Diana - very nice post and thoughts. Welcome to the forum.
We appreciate you stopping by!!
WS
Welcome, Diana and thanks so much for posting that.
I'm probably not the only one who's wondering, so will ask - do you recall what denomination the 1822 and 1844 coins were? (as with those dates, they couldn't be Morgan dollars).
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I knew when I saw you post you would be the one calling her out on those dates!
Most Likely they are 1882 + 1884 but it really doesn't mater!
Welcome to the forums Diana! What a wonderful way to share time with your father!
I must have mistyped since I wrote it on my phone. I should have known this group would catch any errors 😂 Hopefully my photos show up this time. Here’s photos from one of his childhood type sets.
A whitman folder starts it off. How many of us have the same story?
Yeah, there is one I have had my eye one. Just trying to justify buying it to myself.
That is really cool. You should have the Whitman folder framed with some inscription plaque at the bottom as the genesis of the collection.
Awesome! The dates are almost irrelevant. Just shows the passion your dad has had his whole life for coins. Thanks for sharing with us!
It's heartwarming to see you post about your collecting experiences with your dad.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I have 115 Sets...
And I've dropped the Mighty Hansen by a ranking or two on several occasions...and no coin exists in My collection prior to 1957
All He needs to do is update a few coins to get His ranking back...but the record remains forever
My 1957-2022 Proof Set Collection Has Been Sold
@DLR87 These old albums are so amazing and a part of history now. It's great to see that your father was collecting these great coins at 11 years old!
It would be amazing if a TPG would encapsulate and certify entire pages. It would be great for PCGS to do it but perhaps ATS since they do GSA and Ike softpacks?
Do you still have your cent collection today and to you still collect?
I would like to find a way to display this original collection.
I still have my original cent collection. I didn’t really start collecting again until the last 4-5 years alongside my dad. I have been helping my dad with organizing his collection the past few years. While doing that I have been building a few of my own sets. It’s been a unique experience and I am still very much a novice collector 🙂
Having followed this thread for years I thought for fun I would clear up some of the mystery behind the “Diana” collection that I read about in some past posts on here. Quick introduction 🙂 I am Diana L, D L Hansen’s daughter. I collected with my dad when I was younger and got back into collecting about four years ago. I have been helping organize and manage my dads collection. Learning from my dad and our partner, John Brush, has been such an amazing opportunity. I myself am a novice collector and have built a few of my own sets along the way. I hope to include my own children with this endeavor just like my dad has with me.
The photos that go along with this post are: some more of my dads childhood collection, John Brush and I setting up a display at the Utah Capitol, and my son hanging out with me while I work on the collection (he was only interested in the chocolate coins I keep at the office).
@Currin the thread has been quiet for a long time. Is this intentional or just a busy time of year for you? Thanks
Hi Gazes,
No, not busy all all. The thread is based “watching” the additions to the D.L Hansen Collection. We have not seen much activity in his sets in the past 3-4 months? What I have seen is not significant. He has either stop buying or not updating his sets. I will post a new addition if I see one. Currin
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Thank you and Happy New Year
Thanks for the question and update @Gazes and @Currin!
I was wondering about that too!
Check out the competition in the Lincoln sets!
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-major-sets/lincoln-cents-major-varieties-proof-1909-present/1235
Stewart Blay was on top, then Douglas M. Wright, Jr., the back to Stewart, then Hansen, and then back to Stewart!
Will Hansen be able to reclaim the top spot again?
Of note, all are forum members!
Gold Proof Addition – Part 1 Quarter Eagle
After a three-month break, I must confess to being a little rusty. Enough said. As many know, the new 2022 year is kicked off with the Annual FUN show. This year the show was tabbed as 67th Annual FUN Convention: January 6 - 9, 2022 - Orange County Convention Center, North/South Bldg Hall NB Orlando, Florida. The show was promoted as: The show in January is renowned for being the bellwether event on the numismatic calendar. With over 1500 dealers, Heritage Auctions, exhibitors and over 10,000+ of the most avid collectors, the FUN show kicks off the year on a high note. Make your plans early to attend this monumental numismatic event! The sale was described in a Heritage news release as: By the time the hammer fell for the final time in each auction, the numbers told the story: seven lots produced seven-figure results, records fell, tying the record for the most seven-figure lots ever in a Heritage auction. The three events amassed $74,275,280 in total sales; the US Coins auction brought $65,422,650, the Currency event $6,995,178 and the World Paper Money sale $1,857,462. D.L. Hansen was the successful bidder on one of the lots that sold for seven-figure. I will cover that coin in a future update.
After watching Mr. Hansen sit on the sidelines for a few months, he has started off the new year in a big way. As far as I am aware, the seven-figure single coin purchase in this sale was the first million-dollar coin since the purchase of the Pogue 1854-S Half Eagle in the March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction. He had come close during this timeframe, for example the 1793 Strawberry Left Cent purchased in August of 2020. Also, he has purchased multi-million-dollar collections. This sale breaks the ice on a 3-4 month pause overall and a 22 month dry spell for purchasing a single coin for more the $1,000,000.
Let’s start the discussion for 2022 with the new D.L. Hansen purchase of a beautiful GEM Proof Quarter Eagle from The Cody Brady Collection. There not much information publicly found on this collector, but CoinWeek describes his collection as: The Cody Brady Collection features 553 coins ranging all the way from large cents to gold, with over 40% of the offering consisting of Morgan dollars. The vast majority of the collection is graded by PCGS, with numerous examples certified by CAC. Many of the coins are in older holders, including numerous first generation holders. Of the purchases that Mr. Hansen has made public from FUN sale, we know he purchased at least two Proof Gold coins from Brady Collection. Today, you will see the quarter eagle, but first, let’s recap Mr. Hansen’s progress.
With the purchase of the 1870 PR65DCAM Quarter Eagle, the completion level of D.L. Hansen’s 49-piece Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, Proof (1859-1907) set is 91.84%. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is 97.96% complete (missing the 1907). According to information provided by the PCGS registry, there has been two private owned completed sets, Harry Bass and Ed Trompeter. The Louis Eliasberg set was 97.96% complete (missing the 1886). The Hansen Collection is missing the 1861, 1862, 1874, and 1877. With the purchase of these four missing coins, the Hansen Set has a very good chance of being All-Time Finest in the PCGS Registry.
PCGS describes the set as: The mintage figures for the $2½ Liberty Proofs jumped dramatically in 1859, with 80 pieces struck (if the Mint records are correct). That doesn’t mean that this date (and many others as well) is lacking in rarity, as just a few examples are known of some of the coins. Key issues include the Proof-only 1863, the classic 1875 and many other dates. Some of the issues come with magnificent cameo contrast and a few have been preserved in superb condition.
1870 Quarter Eagle, PR65DCAM, Ex: Cody Brady Collection
In the Heritage Auction, January 2022 FUN US Coins Signature Sale in Orlando, Fl, this PR65DCAM PCGS, CAC, coin was headlined as: 1870 Quarter Eagle, PR65 Deep Cameo, Only 35 Proofs Struck, with an Estimated 10 to 12 Pieces May Remain. The auctioneer described the coin as: The single die pair used to strike the 35 proofs of this year was also used to strike the 4,520 strikes for circulation. This is an unusual occurrence on larger denomination proof gold, the obvious exception being the gold dollar. The proof gold dollar was used extensively in jewelry in the 1880s, making it more or less irrelevant how such "high mintage" proofs of 1,000 or so pieces turned out. Higher denomination proof gold coins had much smaller mintages and collectors noticed when quality was substandard. The Mint made sure this did not happen, however, and even in years when proof dies were reused from a previous year, the dies were repolished. Also, how long the dies were immersed in the acid bath determined how contrasted the devices were with the fields.
As for the condition census of this coin, the description concluded: The decades-long research John Dannreuther put into his 2018 two-volume reference on proof gold coins yielded minutiae about proof gold that JD had recorded in notes from, in some cases, decades ago, but there are also generalized statements -- some may seem obvious but they are not, except to the most knowledgeable specialist. Here is one passage under the 1870 quarter eagle that virtually all numismatists can file away for future reference: "All numismatists learn that Proof gold coins before 1870 are rare, but few know that some of the dates in the 1870s and early 1880s are even rarer than many of those from the 1860s. The 1870 quarter eagle is such a coin, as there are fewer Proofs known this year than for several dates in the 1860s. They almost never appear in auction or on the floors of major conventions."
The description given for the coin: On this particular coin, the devices are noticeably contrasted on each side. The surfaces display an even reddish patina, and the devices are fully struck throughout. A tiny planchet void is noted in the field below star 9, a convenient pedigree identifier. The rarity of this offering is obvious to all collectors. PCGS POP reports only seven coins with finest a PR66DCAM. The Hansen purchase ties for number two in the PCGS POP report with one other coin.
The coin realized $96,000! The current PCGS Value is $75,000. The CAC coin required a nice little premium for Hansen to bring back to Salt Lake. The previous auction record was $72,000 for the finest PR66DCAM realized in a Stack’s Bowers, March 2021 Auction. The POP 1/0 coin did not have the CAC Approved sticker.
The coin does make a great addition to the collection of quarter eagles. The coin was pricy but may be a bargain for the CAC. You have different thoughts?
Provenance: Cody Brady Collection / FUN US Coins Signature, (Heritage 1/2022), realized $96,000 (Auction Record), Private Transaction from David Lawrence Rare Coins to D.L. Hansen Collection.
1870 Quarter Eagle, PR65DCAM
POP 2/ 1, Finest CAC Approved
Certification # 14798359, PCGS # 97896
Ex: Cody Brady Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
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did you read the eac authentication of these in the dan holmes catalog? at the time, it was a highlight read for me!