Outstanding Wurt Collection of Morgan Dollars, Part 4
One thing I love about @DLHansen's collecting is that he collects all eras of US coins.– Zoins (August 5, 2022)
As the Hansen Collection starts to reach maturity or puberty, I am not sure which, we will slow our focus on individual coins, and dive deeper in The Collection of Sets. The current Hansen set count in the PCGS Registry is 1908. That is too big to tackle. So, how do the Morgan Dollars stand? Today, we will see the significance that the Hansen Morgan Set has in his Collection of Silver (Large) Dollars. You will see that the 21 coins purchased from the Outstanding Wurt Collection of Morgan Dollars really helps to bring the Morgan’s in greater alignment with the Hansen’s other dollar sets.
As Zoins stated, it is true that Mr. Hansen collects all eras, but also all US Issus by denominations. It even goes further that that. Since the Hansen Collection purchase of Dr. Charles Link’s Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties (1794-1807) set a few months ago, I had the pleasure to read most the public writings that Dr. Link has shared the past four decades working on his collecting. As I have stated once before, he wrote: My set goals have always gravitated towards completing entire sets, compared to some collectors content with high grade coins whom avoid some true rarities that can only be obtained in lower grade. This two word phase “Entire Sets” have stuck with me. In studying the Links Sets, I believe in his great collection, it refers to this formula for collecting early US issues.
Basic + Major Variety + Proof = Entire Set
In Mr. Hansen’s public statements, he talks mostly about his Basic - Hall of Fame Set from 1793 to Present. In his recently NNP interview, he seemed focus on the basic set. In the past, I have thought this HOF basic set as the core of the collection and the rest of the collection (thousands of coins) as supplemental. As of late based on success in recent acquisitions, there is an apparent focus is on the “entire collection”, which consist of the core, including major varieties and proofs. For the first time, I have looked at a denomination, i. e., the Silver (Large) Dollar Collection as an entirety. The findings are interesting.
The D.L. Hansen Entire Collection of Silver (Large) Dollars
The tables consist of an “Entire Collection” of Large Dollars 1794-1978. Including Major Varieties, the entire set consist of 262 Mint Strike and 102 Proof Finish, totaling 364 coins. The Collection of Dollars is only missing nine coins, with Mint State Set only missing one. I will save the discussion on the Proof Finish sets for another day, and focus on the Mint Strike, consisting of six sets loosely based on PCGS Registry Major Varieties Sets. What I mean by loosely, I have added a couple important missing coins. Let’s look at them in detail.
Early Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1803)
This set requires 36 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: This is one of the "Dream Sets" of American numismatics, with the classic 1794 rarity, the two 1795 types (Flowing Hair and Draped Bust), the transitional coins of 1798, and lots (and lots!) of important varieties. The silver dollar is perhaps the most popular of all numismatic collectibles, and the Bust Dollars rival the large cents as the most popular of the early coins. Return with us to the days of Washington, Adams and Jefferson and enjoy building this historic set! The Hansen Set is currently second in ranking following the retired Miller Collection Set. The Hansen Set is missing the 1798 Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines. Once the coin is added to the set, I have confidence the Hansen Set will be Registry #1.
Liberty Seated Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1840-1873)
This set requires 44 Coins and there are no Major Varieties required. PCGS describes the set as: This is one of the most challenging of all 19th century silver sets. The coins are big and heavy, leading to lots of bagmarks on most surviving mint state examples. In addition, rare dates abound, including the ultra-rare 1870-S, the tough Carson City issues, the rare dates in the early 1850s-the list could continue. Collectors usually choose to buy two examples of this series, one "No Motto" and one "With Motto." A complete set? A great joy and an even greater challenge! The Hansen Set is currently #1 All-Time Registry Set. DLH purchased the HOF Bruce Morelan Collection of Mint State Seated Liberty Dollars in the early 2018 timeframe. I refer to this set as a “Masterpiece Set”, due to 100% of the coins are Condition Census Top Five, including 86% of the set is Sole Finest or tied for PCGS Finest. Since the 2018 Morelan purchase, the Hansen Team have replaced four of 44 coins, improving three coins to sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimens and the fourth a POP 2/0.
Trade Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1873-1878)
This set requires 18 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: A short but extremely challenging series that is LOADED with condition rarities. In fact, none of the coins can be called "common." The stoppers of the series include the 1875, 1876-CC, 1877-CC, and 1878-CC, but many other dates could be added to the list depending on the condition. This is one of America's most historic and interesting coins, and in gem condition it is beautiful as well. The Hansen Set is currently #3 All-Time Registry Set, but actually the two top sets are one and the same. This top set is the HOF Legend Set that was assembled by HOF(er) Bruce Morelan. The set was sold intact to another collector in the late 2018 timeframe. Oddly, this set has 17 coins out of the 18 required coins PCGS certified as Pop 1/0 sole finest. The HOF “Masterpiece Set” set have 15 of the 18! This leaves very little for the Hansen Team to work with, although the Hansen Set have six coins that could be upgrade to at least Condition Census. The Hansen Team continues to work with the set upgrading two specimens in recent months.
Morgan Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
This set requires 117 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: What is it about Morgan silver dollars that brings out the demand for the best? Is it the romance of the Old West? Is it the memory of going to the bank to get a silver dollar to rattle around in your pocket? Is it the challenge of finding big, heavy coins that aren't peppered with marks and abrasions? Whatever the reasons, there have been some fantastic sets of Morgan dollars assembled in recent years, filled with coins of amazing quality and rarity. The rarest dates of the series in top condition include the 1884-S, 1886-O, 1889-CC, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1894-O, 1895-O, and 1896-O. The Hansen Set with the Wurt Morgan Dollars purchased is now #2 All-Time Registry Set, snuggling in behind the Illinois Set. This has been our feature set in past few days. With the Wurt purchase, the set has improved to approx. 75% Condition Census, with 32.5% being Top Pop PCGS. With two additions from Wurt, the set have eleven PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest Morgan Dollars. On the downside, 25% of the set is still non-condition census specimens that are itching for replacement.
Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
This set requires 24 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: Silver dollars may forever be the most collected United States coins. Though not as popular as its Morgan dollar predecessor, the Peace dollar is still extremely popular with collectors. The series is relatively short, especially when compared to the Morgan series. This is not say that the series is an easy one to complete. The keys to the series in MS65 or better are the 1924-S, 1925-S, 1923-S, 1927-S, and 1928-S. Peace dollars were often poorly struck, and combined with a lower-relief design there are far fewer high grade examples than one might expect. In gem quality the Peace dollar is a beautiful coin! The Hansen Set is the #3 All-Time Registry Set, trailing PCGS HOF California 1 set. Since the retirement of California in 2015, the Hansen Set and M. E. Lesniewski set has been having a little back and forth battle for #2. Currently, Lesniewski has a slight upper hand placing Hansen in third. They both still has a way to go to close in on the California 1 Set. The Hansen Set has two coins that are not condition census, 1924-S MS65+ PCGS POP 13/6 and 1926-D MS66+ PCGS POP 51/13. This set could be the next Hansen “Masterpiece Set”.
Eisenhower Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
This set requires 23 Coins. Sadly, the large dollars ends with this series. PCGS describes the set as: I like Ike! The political buttons of the 1950s became the coin collectors' cry of the 1970s, and it's still true today. This popular series remembers the U. S. president and military general on the obverse and commemorates the moon landing and/or the bicentennial on the reverse. Examples were struck in copper-nickel clad and silver clad. The Hansen Set is currently #1 All-Time Registry Set. DLH purchased the Linda Gail Set in the mid 2019 timeframe. Currently, 18 of the 23 coins in the Hansen Set has a Linda Gail pedigree. The set has 15 of the 23 coins tied for finest known (65%) and 95% of the set is Condition Census. The only coin that is not Condition Census is the 1974-S Silver MS68+, PCGS POP 10/8. If this set could pick up one or two PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest, and upgrade the 1974-S Silver to MS69, the set could certainly be a “Masterpiece Set of Ike’s”
1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65, CAC, Ex: Wayne Miller Plate Coin
This coin has come and gone in vogue(est) a few times. The MS65 specimen has the greatest PCGS Price Guide Value of all the two dozen coins in the Hansen – Wurt purchase. PCGS Registry weight this coin as “eight” which places the coin in solid top 12 for 117 piece set. Q. David Bowers wrote: Apparently, high-grade Mint State coins were not always considered to be rare, and in 1982 Wayne Miller, who had recently purchased 80 fully-struck Uncirculated coins, called the issue "the most over-rated of the rare date Uncirculated Morgans," further noting that the "enthusiasm for this date has approached hysteria in recent years." It appear to be back in vogue.
The last 1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65 sold in auction was a Heritage Sale, February 2022 Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature. Heritage described the date as: The New Orleans Mint concentrated all its resources on striking Morgan dollars in 1886, when a huge mintage of more than 10.7 million pieces was accomplished. The coins were delivered in large batches throughout the year, with a steady stream of 900,000-1 million pieces produced every month. Unfortunately, the 1886-O was not a well-made issue. The dies were often spaced too far apart, in order to reduce die wear during the enormous press runs, and many survivors are softly struck in consequence. Insipid mint luster and excessive surface marks also plague this issue. A number of coins (probably 2-4 million examples) were released into circulation at the time of issue, and the 1886-O is easily located in circulated grades today. The majority of the mintage was held in government storage and most of those coins were probably melted in 1918, under the provisions of the Pittman Act. A few bags were paid out in the 1950s, but they attracted little attention and were quickly absorbed in the market. The 1886-O was not well-represented in the Treasury releases of the 1960s, alerting collectors and dealers to its elusive nature in high grade for the first time. Third-party grading has established the 1886-O as a leading condition rarity in the series over the last 35 years. PCGS has graded only three coins in MS65 (one of those in 65+), with a single MS67 Deep Mirror Prooflike example finer, while NGC has graded no specimens finer than MS64 (1/22). The non CAC specimen realized $156,000.
Since January, the MS65 POP has ballooned from two to six, with no change in the top two coins. I wrote extensively about the Stacks Bowers November 2020 Auction of The Larry H. Miller Collection of Morgan Dollars. In that sale, the Hansen Collection had the opportunity to obtain the top coin, Jack Lee MS-67 DMPL (PCGS). CAC, a coin Wayne Miller described as "The Most Spectacular Morgan Dollar Now Known". I am a sure the Hansen Team chased the coin, but it finally sold for Auction Record of $780,000. The second finest, MS65+ CAC, is an Ex: Eliasberg / Coronet / Illinois Specimen that last appeared in auction in 2015. The coin is currently available on Barry Stuppler’s website with an ask price of $450,000. Mr. Hansen has added several of Illinois Specimens to his collection, but passed on this one. Was he waiting for the Wurt CAC Specimen? We do not know the price paid for this MS65 CAC, but I am sure the team was excited about having the opportunity to pick up Condition Census 1886-O Morgan last week.
Provenance: Wayne Miller Plate Coin, Wurt Collection (PCGS Set Registry), David Lawrence acquired at American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money in offering by Mike's Coin Chest; D.L. Hansen Collection.
1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65 PCGS POP 6/2, CAC Approved Certification #43830711, PCGS #7168 PCGS Value Guide: $285,000 / Purchased Shaun Bobb of Mike's Coin Chest Ex: Wayne Miller Plate Coin / Wurt PCGS Registry Set
Currin,
One thing to correct about the purchases of the Wurt coins. We didn't buy them on the floor. I bought them prior to the show from Shaun Bobb of Mike's Coin Chest.
And to comment on the 1886-O, the Wurt coin (CAC'd) is night and day different than the other examples we've seen. Unfortunately the TrueView doesn't do the coin's luster justice.
And one more thing to add: week 2 of the ANA (the auctions) were exhausting. We did pick up a nice group of new pieces, but we'll let Currin share the good news in the coming days/weeks!
John Brush President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com email: John@davidlawrence.com 2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Oh absolutely on the price difference between the CAC and non-cac price. I was just pointing out that one sold the night before since you reported the last one to sell was Feb 2022.
Rare and beautiful! How rare? PCGS has only certified one example of many of the dates and zero examples of a few others! Starting with the incredibly pretty 1837 No Stars and continuing on for two decades, this set has only two coins that are relatively easy to locate (1856 and 1857) and even those are great rarities when compared to most U. S. coins. It might take a lifetime to complete this set, but what an accomplishment it would be! - PCGS Registry
There are not many swimmers in this pool. In fact, only two: Dell Loy Hansen and Jason Feldman. To some of the Early Collectors, coins after 1837 are “modern”. The Early Seated Liberty proofs are somewhat a lost era, because they are not really early coinage, but for proofs, they really were not produced for collectors until 1858 and after. The prior years were limited to mint officials, friends, politicians, presentations and a handful of influence people in the Philadelphia area. Mint records are not truly known for many of the issues during this era. The rarity of these coins really limits the number of collectors chasing the very few coins available. For most collectors, to have one coin represented would suffice for their collection.
The Proof Dime set requires 20 coins with all examples appearing to be collectable. The Feldman Set is currently in the top spot with 85% of the set complete compared to 75% for Hansen. With the Feldman set being closed, a direct comparison is not possible. We can tell that Hansen has more bonus points, in comparison, 1.09 for Hansen and 0.29 for Feldman. The Hansen set has six coins that are PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest and three other tied for finest. The five missing coins are as follows:
The 1838 No Drapery in Proof Finish is first of the missing coins. Currently, the coin has no PCGS certified specimens. The coin is likely unique, with the only widely acceptable example, the Kaufman Specimen. Last sold in the 2014 Eugene H. Gardner Collection II US Coins Signature Auction hosted by Heritage, the PR67 Cameo NGC certified coin realized $164,500 that remains the Auction Record.
The 1841 Dime in Proof Finish is too an interesting and difficult coin that can be found “with” or “without Drapery”. Only two examples are known for 1841 No Drapery Dime: a circulated PCGS PR50, formerly PR53 NGC (Ex: F.C.C. Boyd) example and the much finer NGC PR67+ (Ex: Newman / Gardner) specimen. The 1841 with Drapery is unique as a proof. The sole example is PCGS PR63 Cameo, CAC that appeared in the Heritage 2021 Central States US Coins Signature Auction where it realized $52,800. The Ex: Kaufman / Gardner coin is currently in the Jason Feldman Collection. For D.L. Hansen to obtain an example, he would have to settle for the PR50 or if seeking a quality specimen would need to cross the NGC PR67+ to PCGS. The Auction Record is $305,500 realized in Heritage’s Jan 2022 FUN US Coins Signature Auction for the PR67+ NGC, CAC, No Drapery, Ex: Green-Newman-Gardner Specimen.
The 1845 Dime in Proof Finish is a little easier to obtain. CoinFacts est. 5-7 specimens are known, although only two have been certified by PCGS in 35 years of service. First being an 1845 Liberty Seated Dime, PCGS Proof-61 last appearing in Stacks Bowers August 2012 ANA Auction. The coin currently resides in the Jason Feldman Collection. The other PCGS certified coin is a little mysterious, being it has not appeared in auction yet. Actually, the last auction appearance for any 1845 Proof Dime was 2015. In a dated auction roster, it listed five NGC certified GEMS: PR66 NGC, Kaufman specimen; PR65 Cameo NGC, Stickney / Eliasberg Specimen; PR65 Cameo NGC. Bowers and Merena; PR65 NGC, Lovejoy / Kaufman Specimen; PR65, Starr Specimen. One of these is probably the PCGS PR65 Specimen. The Auction Record is $71,300 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
The 1847 Dime in Proof Finish has an estimated 4-6 known of specimens, with three in certified PCGS holders with a single PR65 and a pair of PR66. The coin does not appear publicly often. The last auction appearance was the Heritage 2014 Eugene H. Gardner Sale where a PCGS PF66 Ex: Floyd Starr Specimen was sold. The Auction Record is $56,350 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
The 1848 Dime in Proof Finish should be the easiest to obtain a nice specimen. CoinFacts gives for known specimens, 8 to 10. PCGS POP Report has graded six specimens, including three GEM PR65, two PR64 and a circulated PR55. The last auction appearance was for the sale of the PR55 specimen. The coin was described as: This recently discovered PR55 example displays razor-sharp design elements with just a trace of friction on the high points. The last appearance for a GEM Proof was Stacks Bowers 2016 ANA Rarities Sale where the Proof-65 (PCGS) Eliasberg, / Gardner Specimen was sold. Also, the Auction Record is $39,100 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
Also, as you can see, we should see at least 2-3 more additions to this set. Due to the 1838 No Drapery in Proof Finish is likely unique, only one of these master collectors will be able to obtain 100% complete set. At this point, Feldman remains two coins ahead, although Hansen did close the gap a little with this addition.
This coin was quietly added to the collection during all the excitement surrounding the recent auctions. The coin was purchase in a private transaction between David Lawrence Rare Coins and Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. (NFC Coins). Naturally the detail of this transaction is confidential to us. At the end of the day, this is a great addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection that was facilitated by DLRC.
This coin does have a story to share. First, it is the finest of all known 1853 “Arrow” Proof Dimes. The coins first appeared in Heritage’s December 2014 Money Show US Coins Signature Auction in Houston. The coin was described as: Undoubtedly the finest known 1853 proof Arrows dime, this coin from the Kaufman Collection (and later from the exceptional Eugene H. Gardner Collection) has exceptional mirrors and amazing eye appeal, a treat for the connoisseur. While the number of proofs and the timing of the proof strikes has long been debated, it is generally agreed just five proofs of the Arrows dimes were made plus two proofs of the No Arrows variant. The PCGS POP reports four certified, the Sole finest PR66+, the next two are a PR64 and PR65, with an imperfect PR55 as #4. The Heritage Description states there are two No Arrows proof variants. If this is the case, then PCGS have not certified either. The coin realized $52,875 in the 2014 sale.
Let me share the last known auction generated roster (1853 Arrows Proof Dime Roster - Heritage 2015):
Hansen Specimen, PR66+ PCGS. CAC, Ex: Kaufman Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1784; Greensboro Collection, Part 1 / ANA National Money Show (Heritage, 10/2012), lot 3951; Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part 1 (Heritage, 6/2014 as PR66 NGC), lot 30290; Houston Money Show (Heritage, 12/2014), lot 3519. D.L. Hansen Collection.
Jason Feldman Specimen, PR65 PCGS, CAC. John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 10/1997), lot 615; Bob Simpson; unknown intermediaries; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2015), lot 4072; Regency Auction XIV (Legend, 10/2015), lot 245.
Pittman Specimen PR65 NGC, Superior (10/2000), lot 4345.
Norweb Specimen, PR63 NGC. Hollinbeck Coin Co. (6/1953), lot 1997; Norweb Collection (Bowers 10/1987), lot 484; Lovejoy Collection (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 270.
Ahwash Specimen, Choice Proof. Kamal Ahwash (8/1981); unknown; Stack's (3/1996), lot 276.
The coin spent a couple years in unhappy homes, appearing in auction three times in as many years. In a December 2015 Heritage’s Houston Money Show US Coins Signature Auction when coming back to Houston again, the coin dropped from favor. It only realized $37,600 in late 2015. Making an appearance for the third time in a Heritage Auction, this time at the 2016 ANA US Coins Signature Auction in Anaheim. Again, the coin was out of favor by realizing another drop to $32,900. The Coin carried the CAC Approval sticker at all these sales. The description for the coin was brief. The coin appeared quiet and off the radar since 2016. Maybe in a good home or maybe not. During this time, the coin has been to steadily appreciate.
As stated early, we don’t know what was paid for the coin, but we do know the PCGS Price Guide for the coin is $90,000. The early proofs are really fun to research and very fun to watch, but for now, I would like to see what pieces that I can find in the Hansen sets from last week’s auctions. More proofs? Maybe.
I'm fantasizing about being the only kid who supports dad's crazy coin fort and getting it all in the end, like a test of loyalty. My parents have a giant collection of porcelain chickens and crap. Life ain't fair.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender Seated Liberty Dimes (1 of 2)
Week 2 of the ANA (the auctions) were exhausting. We did pick up a nice group of new pieces.– John Brush, President of David Lawrence Rare Coins (August 26, 2022)
In review of the recent updates, the auctions may have been exhausting for DLRC, but their acquiring quality upgrades appear to be very successful. There were several great collections and sets offered. For starters, Part 1 of Tom Bender Collection was auctioned by Heritage. From this collection, the Hansen focus was on the Seated Liberty Dimes, Gold One Dollars, and a couple classic Half Dimes. The Gold Rush sale hosted by Stack's Bowers Galleries proved to be a great success. The Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Mint Coinage: 1838-1861 will be presented in a stand-alone catalog as part of our August Global Showcase Auction. This world class collection is offered by the John O. Sykes Family and will cross the block on August 23, 2022, at Griffin Studios in our Costa Mesa, California headquarters. - Stack Bowers. DLRC was successful in picking up several nice upgrades. We cannot forget the McGuigan Half Cent auction. Hansen improved both his circulating strike and proof half cents, moving the proof set to #1. The Hansen Team was success in getting a handful of high-end gold proofs from the Bob Simpson Collection. On top of all this gold, there was even more gold. The Virginian Collection of Classic Head Gold Quarter Eagles were offered, which the Hansen Team did very well, acquiring seven specimens. The results from Hansen success in these sales improved several sets, including moving a couple to the top of their ranking. We will see some of those sets in the coming posts. How much did these coins realized? Also, how many were purchased? I am not sure (yet), but by time we finish these series of posts, maybe we will have a better idea.
Let’s start with the Bender Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Tom Bender Set was not in the #1 spot in the PCGS Registry, but that was not because he didn’t have the finest set. His set was not complete (2 missing coins) which keep the top spot out of reach. His GPA is currently 63.90 and still remains best in the registry (Note: Currently Hansen is 63.12). Bender's set contained nearly 40 coins graded finest by PCGS with 14 sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 Specimens.
The Bender Family Collection, Part I hosted by Heritage Auction on Aug 24, 2022, offered 47 Seated Dimes from the 121-piece set. There were eighteen Bender coins in Part 1 offering that would upgrade the Hansen set (38%). Assuming the Hansen bided on all 18, and they were successful in acquiring 11, with a success rate was 61%. In this sale, Bender offered seven PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest Specimens. In addition, the sale offered eight specimens tied for PCGS Finest. DLH was successful in picking up five of POP 1/0 specimens with another four tied for finest. I am assuming there will be more Seated Liberty Dimes offered in future sales.
Overall, the Hansen Team appeared to have had pretty success in acquiring upgrades. Some additional minor coins may have been purchase, but if the coins are not upgrading the top set, they become difficult for me to track. I will start this series with the best in the purchase. This is for ALL coins purchased, including gold and proofs. I believe the highest realized price for a Hansen purchased was a Seated Liberty Dime, which was the amazing 1873-CC Dime. The coin replaced an AU50 PCGS POP 3/2 Hansen Specimen. As seen in chart below, this aligns nicely with the 100% PCGS Condition Census Top Five Carson City Set of Dimes. I assume that the Hansen Team was out bided on the 1872-CC, MS63 Sole Finest. The Ex: Battle Born / Gardner coin realized $480,000. As you can see for the very next Carson City lot, the Team kept their foot on the pedal for the 1873-CC all the way to $552,000!
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime MS65, CAC, Ex: Norweb / Battle Born / Bender PCGS Registry Set
Starting with the best first, the 1873-CC Dime realized $552,000 which was the most received for a Bender Dime in Part 1 Sale. The coin was headlined as: Ex: Norweb-Battle Born-Bender, The Finest of Three Confirmed Mint State Survivors. The coin immediately took center stage as the top coin in the D.L. Hansen 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: The 1873-CC With Arrows Dime is one of the most popular dates in the series, but it sits in the shadows of its big "brother" the Unique 1873-CC No Arrows Dime. Nevertheless, there are plenty of collectors who delight in the coins of the Carson City Mint, and this is a favorite because of its small mintage and great rarity in high grades. Those collectors looking for certified examples face stiff competition. PCGS shows 80 grading events as of this writing (July 2014), and the true number is doubtless lower because of resubmissions. PCGS has graded only one Mint State example -- an MS65 from the Norweb Collection that sold for $276,000 in 2012. More recently, the Eugene Gardner example in NGC MS65 sold for $199,750 in 2014. These are significant increases over their face value of 10 Cents! The best that collectors can hope for with this date is a nice, clean, original and unimpaired example. Good luck with that. As stated early, the Hansen Collection already had an AU PCGS POP 3/2, but this coin is certainly a huge improvement, and is probably Hansen’s best purchase in the 2022 ANA Auctions.
From The Norweb catalog (10/1987), succinctly describes the coin: "A gem specimen, sharply struck, with brilliant surfaces overlaid with just a suggestion of light gray toning. Possibly the finest known example of this prize rarity, a coin that is not listed in grades above EF40 in the Guide Book of United States Coins. One of the most foremost prizes in this sale, this coin will elicit spirited bidding from connoisseurs and specialists."
From the Numisma '95 catalog suggests the actual number of surviving 1873-CC Arrows dime is speculative, but the small number of Mint State examples was clear even then (27 years ago): "The actual number of surviving 1873-CC Arrows dimes is unknown. Of the 18,791 struck, only a handful can be traced today. Possibly as few as two exist in mint state; the coin offered here, and the example mentioned by Breen. In addition, Breen quotes Newcomb as stating that of the six examples known to him, all were "from circulation." If Breen is accurate, that means as few as eight total examples of this coin are known. Rare in any condition, and prohibitively rare above VF, this coin's appearance is unquestionably one of the highlights of this sale -- a sale already replete with many rarities."
From a more recent (8/2012), The Battle Born catalog: "The Norweb-Battle Born specimen is widely regarded as the finer of the known Mint State 1873-CC Arrows dimes, ranking it as finest known for the issue. Virtually pristine surfaces yield very little in the way of useful pedigree markers, although close scrutiny of the reverse does reveal a minuscule toning spot in the field below the left foot of the letter M in DIME that is also apparent in coin's image in our Norweb Collection catalog."
Lastly from the Bender Sale (8/2022), Heritage cataloger writes: A diagnostic die crack runs prominently through the mintmark on the lower obverse, just as it does on the No Arrows issue. Well defined in all areas, we see no obvious abrasions, with high-quality surfaces that suggest a finer-than-Gem grade. Each side is covered in dappled blue-gray patina with strong underlying mint luster. As one of the key issues in the dime series as well as one of the most formidable Carson City issues, the offering of this piece presents a very rare opportunity. Frosted mint luster exists in abundance throughout both sides. The smooth, finely grained fields reveal a freckling of translucent, golden-gray toning that gathers along the margins and imparts a stately originality to brightly lustrous fields and lightly frosted devices. The surfaces are seemingly immaculate, with nary a mark visible under a strong loupe. Short fingers of deep-umber toning reach up from the rim to the right (facing) ribbon end near the mintmark, one of the few markers useful for pedigree purposes. This coin has an undeniable mint-fresh look that provides exceptional eye appeal. CAC endorsement supports the MS65 PCGS grade. This is without question one of the key issues in the dime series, as well as one of the most formidable Carson City issues in any denomination, and as such the availability of this piece presents a rare opportunity for architects of a great collection.
I don’t know if much more need to be said. The history of this coin speaks for itself. As we explore in detail, I think we will see this coin helped elevate the D.L. Hansen Set to the top of the 117-piece Seated Liberty Dime Registry Set.
Provenance: Ex: Numismatic Gallery (Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg); Imperial Coin Company (Ben Stack); to the Norwebs on July 29, 1954; Norweb Collection, Part I (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 537, realized $61,600; Rusty Goe (3/1993); Waldo E. "Pat" Bolen, Jr.; Numisma '95 Sale (David W. Akers, RARCOA Inc., Stack's, 11/1995), lot 2142, Realized $68,200; Waldo E. Bolen, Jr. Collection of 1873-CC Coinage (Heritage, 4/1999), lot 5927, Realized $71,875; The Battle Born Collection (Stack's Bowers, 8/2012), lot 11105, Realized $276,000; The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3542, Realized $552,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime MS65 PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #24098683, PCGS #4666 PCGS Value Guide: $325,000 / Realized $552,000 Ex: Norweb / Battle Born / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender Seated Liberty Dimes (2 of 2)
This set is filled with key dates and tremendous condition rarities. It is also filled with wonderful values, as many low population rarities in MS65 or better can be purchased for a few thousand dollars. - PCGS Registry
PCGS Registry provides only this short description for the massive 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. In a very few words, it says a lot about the dynamics of this set. This difference in rarities and values can be seen in the eleven upgrades in the D.L. Hansen Collection. On the top end of the set, we saw a couple days ago, the amazing Classic Rarity 1873-CC Arrows Dime that realized $552,000. Today, I will feature The Stellar-Bender 1860-O MS67 Seated Dime that realized $192,000. The top two Hansen Seated Liberty Dime purchases totaled $744,000!
As the PCGS description stated, the set is “also filled with wonderful values”. The nine other coins that was purchased by Hansen realized only a total of $211,200. They are all great PCGS Condition Census Top Five Specimens, with three PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest and four others tied for finest. As an example, it appear the 1845 date is a “wonderful value”. The PCGS MS66, CAC, POP 3/1 only realized $4,080. The bottom nine upgrades are shown in the chart below.
As I write this post (8/31/2022), the D.L. Hansen Set is in the top registry spot for the Seated Liberty Full Set of Dimes. I am expecting that could very well change. There is a very tight race between Dell Loy Hansen and Jason Feldman. I cannot imagine Mr. Feldman did not win a few of the Bender Dimes. The lead that Mr. Hansen has is razor thin. In fact for GPA, he trails by 0.02 points. The Hansen Set leads by bonus points, with Hansen having 0.51 points to Feldman 0.23. It going to be very interesting to see how much the Feldman set improves, if any. The set is closed from public view, but I wondering if he out bided the Hansen Team on the 1872-CC, MS63 Sole Finest Specimen. This may become one of the most completive sets in the Hansen Collection. Now that Bender is out, the next biggest player in this series is the Seated Liberty Specialist Gerry Fortin. He may have very well have been a big bidder on some of the Bender rarities. There may be other high end collectors, which are not in the PCGS Registry. Currently, the only fish in the Mint State Seated Liberty Dime pool are Hansen, Feldman, and Fortin.
I will wrap up the Seated Liberty Dime discussion with The Stellar-Bender Coin 1860-O MS67. But before that, let me say the Hansen Collection has made a tremendous progress with the Seated Liberty Dime Set, but it still has some work to do. As Ron Guth said about the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime, “it sits in the shadows of its big "brother" the Unique 1873-CC No Arrows Dime”. That could be said about all the other 121 coins in this set. Also, the set still is below the “Hansen Standard” for his core sets. The set is only 36% for finest PCGS grade and only 73% of the set PCGS Condition Census Top Five. The set has 32 coins that is non PCGS Condition Census. There should be future opportunities to improve the set. We will have to wait and see if Part 2 of Tom Bender Collection Auction has any Seated Liberty Dimes.
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime MS67, CAC, Ex: Stellar / Bender PCGS Registry Set
In the Bender Part 1 sale, there were 47 Seated Liberty Dimes sold. The three top coins were the 1873-CC, 1872-CC, and 1874-CC, realizing $552,000, $480,000, $216,000. The fourth and non-CC was the 1860-O. This 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime graded PCGS MS67 is the finest certified by far. The coin becomes the third six-figure coin in the Hansen set. It realized $192,000. It is and will probably always be one of the top five coins in the D.L. Hansen 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: In a survey of the members of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, published in the March 2008 issue of the Gobrecht Journal, the 1860-O Dime was ranked second among the Ten Greatest New Orleans Seated Coins: "This is the rarest New Orleans dime with a mintage of 40,000 pieces and examples are very rare in mint state. The finest known example is the Lovejoy specimen that has been graded NGC MS-67. This coin was sold by Stack's for $50,000 in the Lovejoy sale in October 1990. Another mint state example is the Eliasberg specimen that has been graded MS-64. This piece brought $44,850 when it appeared in the DLRC auction of the Richmond Collection in March 2005. While only 18% of the respondents placed this issue among their top two choices, it received strong support from the majority of members with 52% placing it among their top five coins.". The Hansen Collection had a circulated XF45 POP 6/9. The MS67 coin is certainly a huge improvement. This coin had not appeared in auction more than twenty five years, so an opportunity like this does not come frequently.
Gerry Fortin explains the low, 40,000-piece mintage is only partially the challenge of this low-survival date: "This date is scarce in the lower circulated grades and often comes porous due to examples being dug out of the ground. Rare in problem free EF-AU and becomes extremely rare in Mint State. One of the key dates to the Liberty Seated Dime series. Overall rarity: G-VG R.4-, F-VF R.4+, EF-AU R.6-, MS R.7+."
August G. Heaton said in 1893: "The 1860-O dime is a very small issue, exceedingly rare, and a great prize." A Heritage cataloger added: _Despite that perceptive observation, the rare 1860-O often remains underappreciated, even though it has long been confirmed as a key issue not only in the Seated dime series, but among all Seated coinage. Circumstances make it highly sought in circulated grades, because the 1860-O is extremely rare in Mint State. In the Seated dime series, it is exceeded in rarity only by the 1872-CC, 1874-CC Arrows, and the unique 1873-CC No Arrows when Uncirculated.
In the Bender Sale, Heritage described the coin as: The surfaces of this coin are no less impressive than the obvious numismatic importance of the piece. The coin is satin-smooth and supremely lustrous, but these attributes are not immediately apparent at first glance. What one first notices is the lovely, light-golden patina that covers both sides, freckled with blue, red, and deep-umber accents around sharp devices and tiny openings of vivid-blue, especially at the reverse margins. Mint luster backlights the splendid original patina, illuminating the coin's overall surfaces. The strike is exceptionally sharp on both sides, with none of the weaknesses often seen on coins from the Southern Mint. Notably, the wreath is fully formed and sharply brought up throughout its entire circumference. Magnification reveals only a couple of faint, tiny marks that are barely seen amid the toning, in the left obverse field out from UN(ITE)D, and a short nick on Liberty's shin. These marks are mentioned for pedigree purposes only, they do not detract in the slightest from the beauty of the coin.
This is another rare Seated Liberty Dime that speaks for itself. This completes the updates from the Bender Part 1 Sale of Seated Liberty Dimes. The last words from Heritage on this dime: Numismatic importance of this piece would be difficult to overstate. Heritage has sold this coin two times -- so long ago it precedes our pictured archives -- in 1995 and 1996. Each time the coin realized over $50,000, still the auction record for the issue. We wonder what it will bring now, some 25 years later, the sole-finest known example, certified MS67 PCGS with CAC endorsement. Seated dime collectors will immediately grasp its significance, but anyone who appreciates 19th century rarities will also be impressed by the singular opportunity to acquire this key Seated dime issue.
Provenance: Possibly Allen Lovejoy Collection (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 319; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/1995), lot 6020, Realized $50,600; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/1996), lot 6145; Stellar Collection; purchased from John Albanese through Legend Numismatics; The Tom Bender Collection. The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3762, Realized $192,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime MS67 PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #45430810, PCGS #4632 PCGS Value Guide: NA / Realized $192,000 Ex: Stellar / Bender PCGS Registry Set
... Now that Bender is out, the next biggest player in this series is the Seated Liberty Specialist Gerry Fortin. He may have very well have been a big bidder on some of the Bender rarities.
Yes, Gerry wrote this in his blog:
In terms of the Tom Bender Family Heritage auction and my targeted Seated dime lots, I won two out of five and was the under bidder on the three lost lots. My primary target was the finest known 1868 dime which hammered at $24,000. Yes, it is shades of 2004 all over again....
I did manage to win the 1869 and 1888-S dimes as yet another incremental step in the core collection's improvement journey.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (1 of 3)
I knew Jim for 30 years. He was an indirect mentor, and I admired/respected a heck of a lot more about him than his magnificent collection. Chatting with him during a flight delay on the way home from the 2004 EAC Convention in the San Diego airport. Walking with him from the Port Authority Terminal in New York City to Stack's old offices on 57th Street to view auction lots. Watching the man in action at an auction when he really, really wanted something, AND MORE! It's a shame that he will not be there when his collection is sold, but Jim wasn't one to leave hardly anything to chance.– halfcentman (March 12, 2022)
I cannot do justice with a tribute James R. McGuigan and his half cent collection. He is remembered as “Jim was a serious numismatic enthusiast”. I think what he was able accomplished in his lifetime was remarkable. He passed away on March 10, 2022, and is remembered as a Professor at a State University School of Business. His family fondly called him Coin Pappy. I hope he was able to find great joy in his historic collection. I did not know him, but I knew his collection for many years. He was a PCGS Registry Collector that allowed for his coins to be open for everyone to enjoy. Thank You Mr. McGuigan and you will be missed in the community.
Heritage Auction Press Release - August 29, 2022
The (Simpson) 1927-D Double Eagle was not the only coin in the sale to reach seven figures. Between 300 and 400 examples of the 1793 B-3, C-3 Half Cent, MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC are believed to have survived, one of which also cracked seven figures when it sold for $1.005 million. It is one of 235 lots in the auction from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection, which yielded 14 other lots that brought more than $100,000. Included among the other highlights from the collection:
#2 - A 1796 B-1a, C-1 Half Cent, MS63 Brown PCGS. CAC, which drew 39 bids before it sold for $552,000. No more than 30 examples are believed to remain in existence.
#3 - A 1795 B-5b, C-5b Half Cent, MS66 Red and Brown PCGS, from an estimated remaining population of 80-120, sold for $444,000
#4 - A 1795 B-1, C-1 Half Cent, MS67 Brown PCGS. CAC, from a population estimated between 450 and 1,500, brought a winning bid of $408,000
#5 - A 1794 B-9, C-9 Half Cent, MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC: $408,000Note: Purchased for The D.L. Hansen Collection
The 235 lots had a large range of half cents from an 1856 B-1, C-1 Half Cent, MS64+ Brown that realized $900 to the Million Dollar 1793. From the selection of lots, David Lawrence Rare Coins acquired for the Hansen Collection two lots that brought over $100,000, plus another nine lots ranging from $9,000 to $96,000. DLRC placed seven upgrades in Hansen’s Half Cent Circulating Strike Set and four in the proof. Note: The proofs will be featured in the next post.
The sale did offer five sole finest coins, and four tied for finest. The Hansen Team was not able to acquire any of the McGuigan’s PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest Specimens. Although the team was not success with the sole finest, they were able to nab three out four of the coins tied for finest. Overall, there was 23 McGuigan that could provide great updates for Hansen. They were successful in acquiring seven (30%). The competition was high on the coins. I am not sure what the Hansen Team goal, but they were successful in landing one of the top five McGuigan coins, 1794 Half Cent, C-9 High Relief Head, BN Specimen.
The top three 1794 Liberty Cap High Relief Head is a trio of Red/Brown. I will lead off the discussion with a Ron Guth comment on the top coin: The very first Half Cent to sell for over one million dollars was the remarkable MS67 Red & Brown example illustrated below. Not only is this a rare variety, but it is the finest, reddest (is that a word?) of any Liberty Cap Half Cent. In January 2014, this coin sold in the Goldbergs sale of the Missouri Cabinet for $1.15 million. To give you an idea of how prices have advanced, this coin could have been bought in 1977 for $22,000 (the lowest price asked by Fred Weinberg in one of his ads). I remember seeing the coin back then, wishing I had the money to buy it, and regretting the missed opportunity, especially after seeing its value today. Fred Weinberg purchased this coin in Basel Switzerland in 1975. How this coin ended up in Switzerland is unknown, but it is not such a remarkable occurrence. In fact, many of the very best early Half Cents and Large Cents (and other U.S. coins) have been discovered in Europe. Apparently, America had quite a few visitors from Europe who brought coins back with them when they returned home.
As an update to this earlier writing, there still is no full red examples of this variety. The information on the Red-Brown examples I find confusing. Mr. Guth indicates only Red-Brown example is the PCGS MS65RB coin from the Missouri Cabinet. The CoinFacts Condition Census now has three. The top High Relief coin is a 1794 C-7 PCGS graded MS-67 Red & Brown, CAC Approved. In a 2014 Goldberg Auction, it realized $1,150,000. Two years later in 2016, Stack's/Bowers offered the coin from The D. Brent Pogue Collection. This sale the coin realized $940,000. The coin currently resides in the Bruce Kernan Collection. The #2 coin is the 1794 C-9 PCGS graded MS66 Red & Brown. The coin last appeared in 2016 Stack's/Bowers Auction which offered the coin from The D. Brent Pogue Collection. This sale the coin realized $258,500. The #3 coin (Last RB) is a 1794 C-9 PCGS graded MS-65 Red & Brown, CAC Approved. In a 2014 Goldberg Auction, it realized $402,500. Mr. McGuigan 1794 High Relief example was a MS66BN. I think the same coin that was mentioned by Mr. Guth. Let’s take a closer look at this coin.
1794 Half Cent, High Relief Head, PCGS MS66 Brown, CAC
Once again, our community Expert Ron Guth provided these comments on the Brown Coin: 1794 Cohen 9 is one of three die varieties with unusually heavy hair on the obverse. The relief of the hair is medallic and three-dimensional in appearance and is known, simply, as the High Relief Hair subtype. Of the three die varieties, Cohen 9 is the least rare, thus collectors often choose this one for their type sets. As with most early Half Cents, high-grade Cohen 9's are quite difficult to locate. The finest grade on a 1794 Cohen 9 is MS66BN and the highest (and only) Red-Brown example is the PCGS MS65RB coin from the Missouri Cabinet. That particular coin sold for $402,500 in 2014, so one can only guess what then MS66BN might bring (which is more important -- color or technical grade)? No Full Red examples of this variety are known.
This comment must be dated before the two finer R/B examples hit the market. The Hansen/McGuigan 1794 PCGS MS66 Brown example shows in the registry PGCS POP 1/0 Sole Finest for Brown and POP 1/3 overall. It appears the registry considers all three of the R/B coins finer, including the PCGS MS65RB. That’s OK, The Hansen MS66B is a solid Condition Census Top Five. This top five coins fits well in his collection. As for MS condition, the PCGS POP report for Brown lists 1) MS60BN, 1) MS62BN, 1) MS63BN and then jumps to MS66DN for the Hansen/McGuigan coin.
As commentary from the Heritage (8/2022) Sale: Perhaps a dozen Mint State 1794 B-9 half cents are known, including 11 examples that were recorded in the Breen-Hanson Condition Census in 1983. This Jim McGuigan Collection coin is among those pieces. The finest known to us is the MS66 Red and Brown PCGS example from the St. Oswald, Foxfire, and Pogue Collections that Stack's Bowers sold in 2016. The Missouri Cabinet MS65 Red and Brown example and the Partrick MS64 Red and Brown coin are other top examples. It is our opinion that the McGuigan coin is the second or third finest 1794 C-9 half cent. Frank Wilkinson, a long-time observer of the half cent scene who provided the cataloger with his thoughts, considers this piece to be equal to the finest known. Why is the 1794 C-7 PCGS graded MS-67 Red & Brown, CAC Approved is not mentioned as finest in several descriptions? I must have it wrong, because I cannot believe Heritage would document it incorrectly. According to the POP report, the C-7 is a High Relief Head. Little puzzled and may need clarification from the Chief Investigator at the Numismatic Detective Agency.
Mr. McGuigan described the High Relief Head coin as: Superb medium brown with original mint red in the protected areas around the devices and lettering on the obverse and reverse. Intermediate die state (M2.0) with a crack from the rim near 9:30 through the cap to the hair and a crack through the tops of "IBERTY" of LIBERTY. Among the half dozen finest known examples of the variety. The surfaces are described as: This pristine Premium Gem half cent is amazing with a high degree of aesthetic appeal. Both sides are nearly flawless chocolate-brown with splashes of mint red around the devices and other design elements.
This is a nice upgrade that ranks #4 in the D.L. Hansen 54- piece Set of Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). These are the four coins stands at the top of the set, the 1796 No Pole MS67RB leading the way with a PCGS Price Guide Value of $850,000.
1796 No Pole MS67RB PCGS POP 1/0
1793 MS65BN POP 5/3
1796 With Pole MS65BN POP 1/7
1794 High Relief Head MS66BN POP 1/3
Provenance: Possibly Ex: Thomas L. Elder (5/1923), lot 2310; Ex: John Freet; John Foreman (1/1982); The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1794 Half Cent, High Relief Head, PCGS MS66 Brown PCGS POP 1/3, CAC Approved Certification #30451173, PCGS #35063 PCGS Value Guide: Unknown / Realized $408,000 Ex: McGuigan PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (2 of 3)
The half cent was one of the first denominations struck at the new United States Mint. This coin was first made in 1793, only months after the large cents were introduced. It is a series filled with rarities, including both major varieties of 1796. Full red examples are almost impossible from the early years, and it’s not until the 1828 issue that the first MS65RD specimen still survives. Many dates of this series exist in a proof-only format, but some collectors include those issues with their mint state collection.– PCGS Registry
Before staring the McGuigan updates, let’s break down this PCGS set description as it pertains to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Half Cents. Starting with the comment “a series filled with rarities” is really true. In today’s feature, a coin was added to the collection that “only five PCGS submissions are identified. Two of those submissions are certified as AG3, and the others grade Good 6, VG8, and VG10. A Heritage cataloger continued the rarity discussion by adding: High R.6 suggesting that 13 to 18 examples survive. The Bowers-Whitman Guidebook places the survival at 12 to 15 coins and Eckberg suggests that 15 pieces are known. As recently as 1998, the 1797 Gripped Edge was rated Low R.7 per Manley. With this coin, the Hansen Set has all the “rarities and 100% completed in entirety”. In PCGS set description: “including both major varieties of 1796”. The Hansen Set has the crown jewel Superb GEM 1796 “No Pole”, MS67RB, PCGS POP 1/0, Ex: D. Brent Pogue Collection. The coin referred to as “A Legendary Numismatic Rarity” and was purchased in 2021. The other 1796 rarity, “With Pole” is a MS65BN POP 1/0 for Brown. PCGS states: ”Full red examples are almost impossible from the early years, and it’s not until the 1828 issue that the first MS65RD specimen still survives”. The Hansen Collection has one of two of the 1828 “13 STARS”, MS65RD Specimens. Finally, the PCGS concluded by stating: Many dates of this series exist in a proof-only format, but some collectors include those issues with their mint state collection. As for proof only, the Hansen Collection has an Entire Proof Half Cent Set. I will discuss the proof set more in detail in the next post.
In the previous post, I showed a screenshot of the seven circulated/mint state coins obtained in the McGuigan purchase. In addition. I featured the 1794 MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC Specimen. Today, I will share the details of the other six. As seen in the chart below, six of the seven coins are CAC Approved. None of the coins are overall sole finest, but two are PCGS POP 1/0 for coin number. The 1825, 1832 and 1848 is ties for overall finest. All the coins are PCGS Condition Census Top Five. If needed, refer back to the screenshot from a couple days ago. According to published Auction results, the seven upgrades in the Hansen set realized $588,600.
Prior to the McGuigan Half Cent Auction, the Hansen set was missing one coin, the 1797 1/2C C-3c Gripped Edge, BN. The last coin required in the set did not improve the set ranking. As can be seen in the ranking screenshot, the Hanson remains in the All-Time #4 spot.
The High Desert Sets are the King of EAC circulating strikes. As you can see, Mr. Hansen still has work to do to start climbing in ranking. More than that, the Hansen EAC Sets are not at same standard established for his Core Collection. Currently, the Hansen Core Collection comprises of about 41% PCGS Finest examples and approx. 84% PCGS Condition Census Top Five coins. Even after this purchase, Early Copper Half Cents (1793-1857) Set is only 16.7% and 53.7%. The set has two sole finest, the 1796 No Pole, MS67RB and the 1806 Small 6 Stems, MS64BN. His sole finest standard for a set this size would about eight. It has only nine coins in the set that are PCGS finest, the standard is 27! Also, approx. half the set in not in PCGS Top Five, which is below the current standard of the Collection. Although there is still work to do, these upgrades from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection and the one coin that completes the set, is a huge accomplishment. Let’s see more on the final coin that completed this set.
This coin is one of the nicer additions acquired in the sale. Also, this coin is now the lowest PCGS graded specimen in the Hansen’s 4560-piece US Mint Strike Issues (Core Sets). Previously, two coins shared that distinguish honor, 1823/2 Quarter Dollar PCGS G4 and 1795 Large Cent. Reeded Edge, G4BN, PCGS POP 2/1. Having the honor of the lowest grade is not to be ashamed of because the rarity of the coin. A couple years ago, I wrote this unpublished summary on the 1797 Gripped Edge. The coin is an extremely rare variety, with just over a dozen known, most of which are in low grade. The finest known example is VG10 PCGS grade. Before this purchase, it was the only coin missing in the 54-piece Hansen Collection of Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). The all-time registry had three collections listed that are 100% completed High Desert, Missouri Cabinet, and Jim McGuigan. With this purchase, D.L. Hansen becomes the 4th collector in the registry. The known examples are very limited, and my roster is:
1- The VG10 PCGS grade coin appears to be the finest. The history and current location of this coin is not known.
2- The VG8 VG8BN CERT #26217205 grade coin appears to be the 2nd finest. This coin is currently in the High Desert Collection. The appearance of the coin is brownish and appealing for grade.
3 - The VG8 NGC CERT # 5747077-015 grade coin appears to be the 3rd finest. According to the Breen-Hanson Condition Census, the coin is ranked 4th, this important piece still ranks high among known examples. None are known certified higher than Very Good. The coin was offered in Heritage April 2021 Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Donald G. Partrick), lot 3631, realizing $102,000. The appearance of the coin is brownish and appealing for grade. Ex: David O. Hughes Collection; Hughes Estate (Stack's, 4/1948), lot 43; Walter Breen Collection (4/24/1967); Jon Hanson.
4- The VG6 PCGS CERT #19448625 grade coin appears to be the 4th finest. The coin from the ESM collection sold in Stack's Bowers March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction realizing $90,000. The coin is very dark and appears to be corroded. Not as appealing as some other examples. Ex: Loyd Whiteneck, August 1973; Sam Ungar, November 29, 1982; Ira & Larry Goldberg's sale of the Davy Collection of Half Cents, Part II, September 2011, lot 183.
5 Tied - The AG3BN CERT #30451197 grade coin appears to be the tied for one other as 5th finest. This Jim McGuigan example, which purchased in 8/2020 by D.L. Hansen realizing $84,000 in auction. Ex: Roger S. Cohen, Jr.; R. Tettenhorst (10/1987).
5 Tied - The AG3BN, CERT #27343266, the second-grade coin appears to be the tied for one other as 5th finest. This coin was purchased unattributed by Richard S. Shimkus - Don Valenziano, Jr. - Early American Coppers Sale 5/1986:62 - Jack H. Robinson Collection - Superior 1/1989:1891 - R. Tettenhorst Collection - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 97.3c.4) - Goldbergs 1/2014:48, $55,200
There are others that are not certified, including maybe finest technically, fine details example, tooled (Jon G. Hanson, who discovered it unattributed at a White Plains, New York, coin show in early 1967 - R. Tettenhorst Collection - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 97.3c.2) - Goldbergs 1/2014:47, $103,500). As you can see, the choices for obtaining a 1797 half cent Gripped Edge is very limited. Ron Guth comments: The 1797 Gripped Edge Half Cent is an extremely rare variety, with just over a dozen known, most of which are in low grade. The dies used to strike the Gripped Edge are the same used on the 1797 Low Head (Cohen 3a) and 1797 Lettered Edge (Cohen 3b) Half Cents. Ron Manley thinks the Gripped Edge Half Cents were struck later than the Lettered Edge Half Cents, but later than the Low Heads. The "gripping" consists of what appear to be a series of irregular indentations on the edge of the coin. The purpose of the gripping is unknown, but it is similar to experimental "gripped" edges on 1797 Large Cents. According to Roger Cohen (1981), the first appearance of a 1797 Gripped Edge Half Cent was in the 1907 sale of the Matthew Stickney Collection. Today, this variety ranks as one of the rarest and most desirable of all Half Cent varieties.
As commentary from the Heritage Sale: The grip marks or indentations on the edge appear to be randomly placed. We are unaware of the origin of these edge marks. In 1981 (Penny-Wise, Vol. XV, No. 6, p. 304), Walter Breen stated: "Gripping on the edge of the 1797 large cents and half cents was the result of the technique to stamp out the blanks, not from a deliberate attempt to imprint a design on the edge." More study of these coins might suggest how the grip marks were placed on the planchets, or that study may indicate that some sort of collar was used when the coins were struck. If the grip marks are truly placed at random and are in different positions relative to the design from one coin to the next, then they would have been placed on the edge before the coins were struck. Alternatively, if the grip marks are identical in relation to the obverse and reverse design elements, then some sort of collar was employed at the time they were struck.
Mr. McGuigan described the coins as: Attractive glossy light brown planchet. Like most low-grade examples of this sub-variety, the reverse is weaker than the obverse. The obverse exhibits the head of Liberty, the date and most of the letters in LIBERTY. Most of the right half of the reverse is worn smooth, with only the ribbon, the leaves on the left branch of the wreath, and a few letters on the left still visible. Identifiable by a small reverse rim nick at 7:30. The surfaces are described as: An exceptionally pleasing example given the low numerical grade. Both sides have smooth light brown surfaces with scattered marks that are consistent with a higher grade. An area of steel-brown toning partially surrounds the cap. The obverse has a full date and partial LIBERTY with the central device mostly outlined. About half of the reverse design is visible with a small identifying mark on the rim at 7:30.
The coin may be an AG3, but it adds a lot of significance to the Collection. For one, it competes the 54- piece Set Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). Also, The Major Varieties Countdown has only 12 coins left. Lastly with the purchase, the Hansen Entire EAC sets (Half and Large Cents) are completed except for one remaining coin, the ultra-rare1795 Jeff, Lettered Edge Large Cent. We will save that for another day.
Provenance: Ex: Roger S. Cohen, Jr.; R. Tettenhorst (10/1987); James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), #3049, realized $84,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1797 Half Cent, Gripped Edge, AG3 Brown PCGS POP 2/3, CAC Approved Certification #30451197, PCGS #35116 PCGS Value Guide: $72,500 / Realized $84,000 Ex: Tettenhorst / (McGuigan 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 12 remaining collectable coins in this quest. Two coins in The Major Varieties Set are not collectable, 1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" and 1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars", 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
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)
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)
Last 2
1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (3 of 3)
We know of four examples of the 1852 Large Berries proof half cents - Heritage Auctions (8/2022)
The first half cent proofs started with the 1831 Classic Head Half Cent. Ron Guth wrote: The first proof half cents were made in 1831 and restrikes were made later of both the 1831 and 1836 dates. The 1837 "half cent" is a token issued privately as part of the Hard Time Token series. Also, PCGS has graded one PCGS SP63BN. The coin is not required in the PCGS Registry Set. PCGS has certified 89 Brown Classic Head Half Cent, 54 in Red Brown and 11 in Red. The Braided Hair Half Cent is very interesting. Ron Guth writes: From 1840 to 1849, only proof examples were struck, thus the first circulation strikes did not appear until 1849. The Proof-only half cents of 1840-1849 are found as "Originals" (Large Berries), "First Restrikes" (Small Berries), and "Second Restrikes" (Small Berries, different reverse). In 1857, the half cent denomination was officially abolished.
This unusually mintage makes for an odd collection, but Dell Loy Hansen with john Brush, David Lawrence Rare Coins, have assembled one of the best PCGS Registry sets of All-Times. As we have seen in the two previous posts, the Hansen Team purchase seven mint strike coins from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. I think more exciting for Mr. Hansen, they were able to obtain four proof half cents that was enough to move to the #1 spot in the All-Time Registry.
The ranking for the top three All-Time Sets is razor thin. The McGuigan Set has a GPA of 65.97, only 0.01 better than the historic set from The Missouri Cabinet. With the four McGuigan upgrades, the Hansen set improved to a GPA of 65.89. More importantly, the Hansen Set has 0.47 in bonus points. These points accelerated the Hansen Set into the lead. As good and renowned as the Louis Eliasberg Collection was in its day, the Eliasberg set is incomplete, substantial lower GPA, and is a distance fourth. Maybe not as important, but you can see that Mr. Hansen has a 2nd set that has cracked the leader board. We can see many of his brown and RB replacement coins are landing in this set.
The purchase contained one Red Proof, 1834 PCGS PR65RD. The coin realized $96,000, just an increment short if six figures. The coin replaced a PR65BN. The next coins were two Red-Brown Specimens. First, the 1845 Res 1/2C Reverse of 1856, in RB that realized $60,000. The coin replaced a finer graded PR66+ BN. This coin makes a very cool 2nd set coin. The 1848 2nd Restrike, Rev of 1840 PR66RB. This coin realized $20,400 and replaces PR65BN. All three of these coins were significant upgrades, but the big purchase was the 1852 Large Berries graded PR64+ BN. This was the only proof coin missing the Hansen’s Entire EAC Collection of Proofs. The coin was once in another great collection that was assembled by Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.
As shown, the Entire EAC Collection of Proofs consist of two registry sets. The Hansen Collection have #1 All-Time Sets in both the Half Cent and Large Cent PCGS Registry. The entire collection requires 75 proof coins. Amazingly, the 52% of the collection is PCGS Finest. In addition, 92% of the collection is PCGS Condition Census Top Five. In the Hansen / Miller Large Cent Set, 75% of the coins are PCGS Finest. In addition, 100% of the set is PCGS Condition Census Top Five. I used Hansen / Miller to refer to the Large Cent Proof Set. The Peter Miller set was purchased in 2021, with 39 coins required in the Half Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1831-1857) Set, 21 were replaced with Miller Specimens. The total success of this collection was only made possible with the winning bid on the 1852 Large Berries. As you will see in the feature today, the opportunities to obtain one of these coins is all most impossible.
This coin can certainly be referred to as an ultra-rare Major Variety Proof. P. Scott Rubin comments: The 1852 Proof Original Half Cent is one of the most controversial issues in the whole Half Cent series. The 1852 Half Cents are a proof-only issue; however, a few different reverse dies were used with a single obverse die to create Half Cents of this year. While Proof Half Cents of earlier years, especially those of 1840’s, all have reverse dies with Large Berries used to strike those believed to be Originals (or coins struck in the year of the coins date), the 1852 Large Berry issue has been a questionable issue. Walter Breen believed that the 1852 Proof Large Berry issue from the die state of the dies is a restrike. Yet in his argument he believed that the 1852 Original Half Cents would weigh very close to the standard 84 grains that they should weigh and that it would not matter what the restrikes weigh since they were only made after their date of issue from planchets not necessarily made to mint specifications. To Breen and many other well-known Numismatists, the very rare 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent is a restrike. However, because of the fact mentioned above about the earlier Large Berry Proof Half Cents being Originals, it has been a tradition to refer to the 1852 Large Berry Half Cent as an Original. The one problem with this is that no one has been able to find an issue of 1852 that meets all the criteria of an Original. Add to this the fact that in the most recent auction of an 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent, the Goldbergs (Grellman-McCawley) sale of the Missouri Cabinet Collection on January 26, 2014, lot 204, the coin offered graded Proof-65 Red by PCGS weighed 83.8 grains. While the three specimens of what is known as First Restrikes struck with a Small Berry Reverse weighed 82.7, 78.4 and 82.0 grains. These coins were graded Proof-66 Brown, Proof-66 Brown and Proof-64 Red Brown by PCGS, respectively. The following lot was also an 1852 Proof Small Berry Reverse called a Second Restrike and weighed 97.6 grains and was graded Proof-65 Brown by PCGS. This goes to show that on one hand the 1852 Large Berry Half Cent appears to be a Restrike (its die state, according to Breen) yet on the other hand it is a closer match to an Original (its weight is within tolerance for the issue). At the afore-mentioned most recent sale, the coin sold for $603,750 under the heading of Original, yet in the description it was also described as a Breen Restrike Series VII. There are only five known (one damaged) examples of the 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent which is considered one of the classic rarities in U.S. Coinage. The controversy over this issue may never go away but many consider the 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent to be the Original.
This was a lengthy comment, but I hope you gave time to read. It is helpful to understand the complexity and rarity surrounding this coin. In Heritage Headline: Possibly an Original Strike. If the coin is an original, 1st restrike, or even something else, the coin is rare. The recent Heritage Auction of the McGuigan Half Cent offers a latest and best source for understanding the roster for the coin. The list including three certifiable, one damaged, and one that has not resurfaced for several years. The following is the roster:
1 - PR65 Red PCGS. R. C. W. Brock Collection; University of Pennsylvania; Phillip H. Ward Jr.; C. J. Dochus; Harry J. Foreman; R.L. Miles, Jr. (Stack's, 4/1969), lot 69; Q. David Bowers; Spink & Son, Ltd.; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 128; R. Tettenhorst; Missouri Cabinet (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2014), lot 204; D. Brent Pogue Collection (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 5087. The Missouri Cabinet cataloger called that piece an "Original/Breen Restrike Series VII," writing: "Logic dictates that any original strikes of this date, if any were ever struck, would have used the small berries reverse." Three years later, the Pogue cataloger described the same coin as an 1852 Original half cent. That cataloger wrote: "The price realized at the Eliasberg sale revealed what many half cent scholars had suspected for some time, an opinion that is now widely held as fact: that the extremely rare 1852 Large Berries Proof half cents are Originals that were coined in 1852."
2 - PR64 RB NGC. George W. Rice Collection (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co., 4/1906), lot 1271; William Forrester Dunham Collection (B. Max Mehl, 6/1941); Charles Williams Collection (A. Kosoff and A. Kreisberg, 11/1950); Joseph Brobston Collection (Stack's, 1963 FPL); Loye L. Lauder Collection (William Doyle Galleries, 12/1983), lot 316; Jon Hanson; Donald G. Partrick (Heritage Auctions, 4/2021), lot 3779. The present cataloger described the Partrick coin a "Large Berries Restrike," but also observed: "Most of today's collectors consider this variety to be the 1852 Original proof half cent."
3 – Hansen PR64+ BN PCGS. The present specimen. John G. Mills Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904; J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 476; James R. McGuigan. The Eliasberg cataloger called this example an "Erstwhile Original," cataloging the coin as a "Large Berries Restrike" The divergent opinions were noted in that catalog.
4 - VG, Damaged. F.R. Alvord Collection (S. H. Chapman, 6/1924), lot 218; F.C.C. Boyd; unknown provenance; Craig Whitford Auctions, (11/2002), lot 1638.
5 - (not confirmed)- The Breen-Hanson Condition Census records a fifth example that was in the James A. Stack Collection, but that piece has apparently not resurfaced, if it was in fact this variety.
As commentary from the Heritage Sale: The discussion about these pieces being original strikes or restrikes continues. Walter Breen stated in his Half Cent Encyclopedia that 1852 Original half cents had a small berries reverse, suggesting that the reverse die was different from the other small berries dies, although that was conjecture on his part as no examples were known. Breen continued to list a variety that he labeled B-4, using the same Large Berries reverse that appeared on the 1840 to 1849 Original proofs. He described the coins as "Series VII Restrikes" and devoted two full pages of discussion to the variety. He wrote: "This variety has been controversial for over a century."
Mr. McGuigan described the coin as: So-called Large Berries "Original." Choice iridescent bluish-brown mirror surfaces, with traces of mint red around the devices and lettering on the obverse. The surfaces are described as: A few of the leaves in the wreath are weakly detailed on this Choice proof. Both sides combine bright gold and pale blue toning with hints of mint red on the obverse. A dark toning spot right of the date identifies the Eliasberg provenance of this lovely piece.
The eleven coins from The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection made substantial improvements to the Hansen Collection. The Hansen Team was out bided on 70% of the desirable circulating strikes upgrades. The Proof results were a little better, winning 44% of the desirable upgrades. With all the many opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions, these may be the results they were planning for. The #1 spot in the registry was achieved.
Provenance: Ex: John G. Mills Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904); J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 476; James R. McGuigan Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers & Merena 5/1996) Lot 476, realized $78,100; James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), Lot 3160, realized $192,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1852 Half Cent, Large Berries (Restrike), PR64+ BN PCGS POP 1/1, CAC Approved Certification #30451354, PCGS #91317 PCGS Value Guide: Uknown / Realized $192,000 Ex: Eliasberg / (McGuigan PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender One Dollar Gold (1 of 2)
There are very few collectors who will ever master the PCGS Registry Sets to the extent Tom Bender has. His various sets span the US numismatic universe -- most of which are the very finest known. His unrelenting focus on quality transcends PCGS, with over 90% of his coins receiving the blessing of CAC.– Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
We started the coverage of the 2022 ANA Auctions with Seated Liberty Dimes. Well, we are circling back to the Bender Family Sale. This time, we will explore the Tom Bender One Dollar Gold offering. In Part 1 of the Bender Sale, there were 317 coins offered. from a variety of series. Surprisingly, there was not a coin to break the seven figure mark. The top coin, 1876-CC Twenty Cent PCGS MS65 specimen realized $870,000. The #2 coin born the same year and place, 1876-CC Half Eagle PCGS MS66 CAC specimen realized $780,000. In a posting a few days ago, the third coin in the sale, 1873-CC Dime Arrows, PCGS MS65 CAC was purchased by the D.L. Hansen Collection.
The Bender Collection consist of more than just Dimes and One Dollar Gold pieces. Heritage the seller of the collection stated: The Bender Family collection will be offered by Heritage in a series of sales being this August and continuing into 2023. This site is dedicated to posting the upcoming schedule and results of these sales -- so check back from time to time to see the current offerings and the most recent prices realized. Like so many of us, Tom's passion for collecting started in his childhood and got reignited later in life -- in his case, when he was rummaging through his late father's personal coin collection. That ignited a quest that now includes of collection the finest PCGS Registry Set of Carson City coinage, the finest complete certified $3 Gold Proof set ever assembled, an Indian Cents Basic Proof set that is ranked No. 2 all-time finest in the PCGS Set Registry and a Lincoln Basic Circulation Strike set that is ranked No. 3 current finest, and No. 5 all time. In addition, his Seated half-dimes and dimes will remain legendary for generations. Tom Bender is a beloved figure with an important collection that is known throughout the numismatic community. He has a well-earned reputation as someone who actively pursued the very best in numismatics.
You may notice as well as I did, there was no mention of the One Dollar Gold. In Part 1 of the Action, the following coins were offered.
Small Cents (72)
Half Dimes (20)
Dimes (55)
Quarters and Twenty Cents (32)
Half Dollars (11)
Silver and Related Dollars (24)
Gold Dollars (49)
Half Eagles (19)
Eagles (18)
Double Eagles (17)
From this offering, I thought the Legendary Half Dimes and Dimes would be a focus, which it was proven true. I was surprised with the success and priority that the Hansen Team placed on the One Dollar Gold offering. The Hansen Collection obtained #1 in the registry in May 2018, and received Best in Registry awards for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The set should receive the award for fifth straight later this year.
The ANA Auction provided an opportunity to make the gold dollar set better, and the Hansen Team was successful. With the upgrades from the past couple weeks, the 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) Set is currently 80% Condition Census Top Five. With three PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest added, and four other Condition Census specimens, the set improves to 38% finest with 14 sole finest! Today, I will feature the 1875 which is Ex: Duckor/Akers/Bass-Bender. This is a nice lineage for Dell Loy Hansen to add his name to.
1875 Gold Dollar MS66, CAC, Ex: Duckor / Akers / Bass / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The Heritage catalog writes: This example is from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass was a fan of the 1875 gold dollar and owned three different pieces graded MS65 PCGS, and one graded PR66 PCGS. When this coin was last sold in 2015, Doug Winter commented on Steve Duckor's gold dollars. Here is part of what he wrote then: "The 1875 is not the rarest Type Three dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (that honor belongs to the 1863) but it is the best known, on account of its incredibly low mintage of only 400 business strikes. There are an estimated 60-80 survivors known, many of them grading in the lower-to-middle Uncirculated range. As with all business strikes of this date, the surfaces are nearly fully prooflike. This was one of Steve's favorite coins, and it is destined to become a centerpiece of another important collection of gold dollars."
The coin may not qualify as a centerpiece in the D.L. Hansen Collection of Gold Dollars, due to other masterpieces like the 1863 MS68 POP 1/0, 1861-D MS64+ POP 1/0, and 1849 “Open Wreath” MS69 POP 1/0, but it is a great upgrade. The Hansen team must have really liked this coin chasing it to $168,000, The 2022 ANA Auctions had many shocking results with some more that this one. The Finest Certified Example 1875 Gold Dollar, MS66+ PCGS. CAC Specimen sold less than a year ago in Heritage’s September 2021 Bob R. Simpson Sale, Part I. The Ex: Longfellow / Simpson MS66+ realized $72,000! Both are CAC Approved. A half point finer, and almost a 100 grand lesser. WOW!
You may be thinking, what makes the coin so special. There may be a hint in this Heritage description: A short projection or thorn from the bottom of the chin is considered a hallmark of circulation strike 1875 gold dollars. There are no clash marks or other die imperfections noted on this piece, which shows a minute polished area below Liberty's ear. David Akers discovered the distinctive die feature more than 40 years ago, describing the appearance in his 1975 book on gold dollars. Before that time, and even after publication of his book, the deeply mirrored circulation strike coins were often sold as proofs. Fortunately, the practice was stopped with the advent of PCGS and NGC certification. This beautiful Premium Gem is fully prooflike. The rich orange-gold surfaces contrast against delicate blue overtones and exhibit excellent field-to-device contrast. A few scattered marks, mostly planchet flakes of Mint origin, prevent a higher grade for this sharply defined example.
In conclusion, Expert David Akers (1975/88) adds some additional content: With a total issue of only 420 pieces, the 1875 has one of the lowest mintages of any regularly issued U.S. gold coin. With so low a mintage, essentially all specimens are "first strikes" and therefore invariably have full proof-like surfaces. This has given rise to the false notion that the 1875 gold dollar is more common in proof than it is in uncirculated condition. Most cataloguers have mistakenly called Uncs. "proofs" over the years. Actually, the Uncs are readily distinguishable from the proofs because all uncirculated 1875 gold dollars have a small thorn-like projection from the throat into the field. This projection is seen only on the Uncs, not on the proofs, and no matter how much a particular 1875 may look like a proof, if it has the projection from the throat into the field, it is an Unc. Hopefully, auction cataloguers, dealers, and collectors alike will now put the myth of how much rarer an Unc.1875 is than an 1875 proof to rest once and for all.
Provenance: Bowers and Ruddy (privately, 2/28/1973); Harry W. Bass, Jr. (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 194, realized $25,300; Purchased from David Akers; The Duckor Family Collection of Gold Dollars / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015), lot 4276, where it realized $76,375; The Bender Family Collection, Part I / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 8/2022), lot 3841, realized $168,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1875 Gold Dollar MS66 PCGS POP 2/1, CAC Approved` Certification ##24463231, PCGS #7576 PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $168,000 Ex: Duckor / Akers / Bass / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender One Dollar Gold (2 of 2)
This long-lived series is composed of three different types and includes rarities from such romantic Mints as Dahlonega, Charlotte, and New Orleans as well as San Francisco and Philadelphia. These small coins are rich in history, and many issues were minted in extremely small quantities. Some of the low-mintage dates were hoarded in Gem condition, most notably those of 1879-89, while others are unknown in Mint State 65 or better. This is another series that is filled with rarities, but it makes a magnificent set when completed. - PCGS Registry
In the previous post, I described the makeup of the Hansen’s 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) Set. The #1 Registry Set of All-Time is only missing the ultra-rare 1849-C Open Wreath. The set is more than two points ahead of the #2 All-Time Set from the Harry Bass Collection. Just because the set is #1, the Hansen Team don’t seem to be letting their foot of the gas. As we will see, the team upgraded eight coins in the last couple weeks as shown in the screenshot below.
The upgrades includes five coins from the Bender Family Sale, two Dahlonega coins from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection and one coin purchase in a private transaction after 2022 ANA Auctions week. The private purchase is the 1854-S Gold Dollar graded MS64+ PCGS POP 1/ 2. The coin appeared in Heritage December 2021 US Coins Signature Auction realizing $17,400. In the past several months, the coin has appeared on a couple websites, including Northern Nevada Coin and Park Avenue Numismatics. Either Hansen was out bided or passed on the Tom Bender 1854-S Gold Dollar which is one of the two finest. The Bender 1854-S G$1 MS65+ realized $48,000. By missing the Bender coin, it appear the team decided to pick up the market available coin. The other finest 1854-S is the Pittman / Duckor Specimen that realized $51,600 in the November 2020 - Bob R. Simpson Sale.
The 1850-D and 1857-D upgrades are from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection. This collection will be featured in the upcoming posts. For now, let’s learn a little more about the remaining five coins from the Bender Family Sale. The 1875 MS66 Specimen was featured in the previous post.
In the five Bender gold dollar purchases, three are PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest. The 1853-D MS65+ POP 1/0 will be today’s feature coin. The 1852-C MS65 POP 1/0 realized $52,800 (Auction Record). Pedigree was not given. The third POP 1/0 Sole Finest, 1872 MS68 realized $28,800. With the PCGS Price Guide Value is $40,000, this coin was a bargain. This coin is pedigree to the Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2015), lot 1843. The final coin, 1873 “Open 3’ MS67 has only one coin finer, which is the David Akers / Duckor MS68 Specimen. The 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) is 16 coins short of being 100% PCGS Condition Census Set. As previously stated, coin missing is the 1849-C Open Wreath.
1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+, CAC Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
Doug Winter wrote: The 1853-D is ranked fourth of the six Type One Dahlonega gold dollars from the standpoint of overall rarity. It is one of the rarest of all the Type One Dahlonega gold dollars in Mint State grades. The 1853-D gold dollar is usually seen in grades ranging from Extremely Fine-40 to About Uncirculated-50. It is rare in About Uncirculated-55, very rare in About Uncirculated-58 and extremely rare in Mint State. Two superb gems are known to exist. This upgrade must be one of them.
Doug Winer shares an interesting story that I will include here: There are two truly superb 1853-D gold dollars known. It is believed that these coins – and scores of others – were originally stolen over 130 years ago from a local bank and then buried. The hoard was later found in Jackson, Tennessee during construction of a parking lot. A frenzy ensued and a number of workers stuffed their pockets with various coins, ranging from gold dollars to eagles. Unfortunately, no full inventory of this hoard was possible, but it is known that these coins primarily date from the 1850’s. Does the D.L. Hansen Collection have a coin that was once stolen, which makes an interesting thought to ponder. In the 2022 ANA Auctions, we will never know how many of the auction coins have been stolen at some time in the last 100-200 years. If only they could talk and tell us their story.
It does not appear the second 1853-D GEM has made a public auction. In addition, there now may be three GEMs. The PCGS POP report has the Simpson / Bender / Hansen MS65+ on the top of the condition census with two other PCGS certified MS65. In the Heritage February 2010 Long Beach, Signature US Coin Auction, the Bender / Hansen Specimen was offered as a MS66 in a NGC holder. The cataloger wrote: Before the appearance of this Premium Gem, the finest 1853-D gold dollar that we had ever offered in our auctions graded just MS64. In fact, this is the only piece that is certified as MS66, with none finer. Behind this coin are two PCGS MS65s and two NGC MS64s. In the second edition of his reference, Doug Winter records the existence of two different MS66 NGC coins, both from a Jackson, Tennessee hoard, although only one piece currently appears in the NGC Census Report. No illustrations of the two coins in Winter's Census exist, as far as we know. The piece that Winter lists first is described as prooflike and may be this example’
After 12 years, some thigs do not change (or that much). In last year’s Simpson Sale, the cataloger wrote: Although the 1853-D half eagle has a mintage of nearly 90,000 pieces, its gold dollar counterpart has a much smaller production. Only 6,583 pieces were struck, and most survivors are in XF to AU grades. Gems are extremely rare, and the present lot is single finest at PCGS (11/20). The typically encountered Dahlonega example has an indifferent strike, but this coin has a full head, with all hair detail present and accounted for. Most of the reverse is sharp as well, save for a portion of the wreath near the D in DOLLAR. The semiprooflike apricot-gold surfaces are virtually unabraded, though a mint-made narrow vertical lamination rests between stars 4 and 5.
One year later, Heritage offers the coin again: Mint State coins seldom appear at auction, and just a handful of examples are known in Gem condition. The former Simpson coin, offered here, is the single finest example at PCGS (7/22). Heritage described the coin as: This is the second time we have handled this specific piece, and both times it has been a highlight of a truly historic collection of gold dollars. It is the only 1853-D gold dollar we have seen finer than MS63 in more than a decade, which attests to its tremendous rarity in this grade as well as its importance to advanced collectors of gold dollars and Dahlonega coinage alike. When it comes to acquiring the best possible example of this date, the Simpson-Bender specimen has no equal. Counting the Heritage February 2010 Long Beach Sale when the coin appeared in a NGC holder, I believe it’s the third time they (Heritage Auctions) have handled this specific piece. According to the current plans that D.L. Hansen and his family have for this collection, the coin could be off the market for many years.
This completes the updates from the Bender Part 1 Sale of Gold Dollars. It very fitting to end the Bender updates with a Dahlonega Gold Dollar, but is it the last Bender update from the Bender Part 1 Sale? There are other series, so we will have to wait and see. In looking ahead, the next series will be from Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins. The Bender / Hansen 1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+ makes a great prelude for that sale. The Gold Rush Collection 1853-D Gold Dollar was MS-62 (NGC). In the upcoming days, you going to see some great Gold Rush coins.
Provenance: The Longfellow Collection / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2010), lot 1385, realized $74,750; Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 3035, realized $78,000; The Bender Family Collection. The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3816, Realized $108,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+ PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved Certification #40276275, PCGS #7523 PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $108,000 Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (1 of 5)
The Georgia Gold Rush Collection, offered by the John O. Sykes Family, represents a pinnacle of numismatic achievement for the Dahlonega Mint gold series. Containing a complete date and major variety set of the coinage of this branch mint, it also includes multiple examples of many issues. The result is that among the 150 coins that comprise this outstanding collection can be found famous Condition Census rarities in Choice and Gem Mint State alongside more affordable, yet still scarce and highly desirable coins in EF and AU grades. Highlights include an 1861-D gold dollar graded MS-63 (PCGS) CAC, an 1861-D Liberty Head half eagle graded MS-63 (PCGS), and an 1854-D three-dollar gold piece graded MS-62 (PCGS) CAC. - Stack Bowers (8/2022)
I have a confession. I am pretty much PCGS exclusive. In being so, I am an unaware of some amazing collections, especially if they are not PCGS certify, and in most cases, if they are not in the registry. The Georgia Gold Rush Collection is one of those collections. Before the Stacks Bowers Sale, I did not know of this collection. The complete Dahlonega Gold Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) requires 70 coins. Therefore, with 150 lots offered, it certainly “includes multiple examples of many issues”. The grading service breakdown is 118 PCGS coins and 32 NGC coins. In an interesting fun fact, ten PCGS lots realized six-figures, with the top coin, the Finest Known 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece, MS-62 (PCGS) CAC, realized $528,000. There was only one NGC coin, Finest Known 1840-D Quarter Eagle MS-62 (NGC) realized $144,000. This will be the last mention of the NGC coins.
The 118 PCGS coins have opportunities galore. This is the breakdown of the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega PCGS Coins: (Note: Do you know the meaning of four Three-Dollar Gold Pieces?)
Out of the 118 coins, I identified only 15 coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen 70-piece Dahlonega set. The Hansen Team were high bidder on 11, which is a success rate of 73%. This looks like the aggressiveness of the old Hansen; does he have his groove back?
Over the course of updates since the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Collection has upgraded 14 coins in the Dahlonega Gold Set with Major Varieties. Eleven of then are Georgia Gold Rush specimens. We discussed a few days ago the 1853-D G$1, MS65+ that came from the Tom Bender Collection. I am assuming that David Lawrence is actively purchasing additional Dahlonega upgrades. Two coins, the 1851-D G$1 MS62+ and the 1848-D $5 MS63 appears to have been purchased privately in the past couple weeks. As discussed earlier, the eleven coins from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection were some of the best coins that were offered. As we continue this series, you will see just how good the Georgia Gold Rush coins purchased in this auction are.
Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this coin realized the fourth highest out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one-year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
There is a pair of PCGS MS63. The other top coin is the plate coin in Doug Winter’s third edition of “Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861”. It last appeared in auction in 2011 Heritage auction realizing $57,500. The coin was from The Milford Collection and currently resides in the billsnotes registry collection. CoinFacts reports the rarity and survival estimate to be 275 coins out of a mintage of 20,583. Both PCGS and NGC has two MS63 grades specimens each. CoinFacts estimate ten coins are mint state. David Akers describes the rarity as: The 1838-D is the third rarest date of this type after the 1834 Crosslet 4 and 1838-C. It is known in a wide range of grades, but VF and EF are the grades one is most likely to encounter. I have seen only a few that by strict grading standards could be called uncirculated (the finest was Pine Tree 6/75) and not many more that were legitimately AU.
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: This issue garners interest from several different quarters. Type collectors seek it out as the only Dahlonega Mint Classic Head half eagle. Dahlonega specialists require examples to complete date runs, and those who pursue first year of issue coins cherish the 1838-D as the first half eagle of the Dahlonega Mint. Those groups compete for the small number of high grade 1838-D half eagles extant, and demand pressure is heightened by the propensity of Southern gold enthusiasts to collect multiple specimens. This was one of several fine 1838-D half eagles in the famous Duke's Creek Collection. Chosen as the second finest example in that cabinet, it was sold as a duplicate under the name "Chestatee Collection" in Heritage's August 1999 American Numismatic Association sale. The front-line Duke's Creek coin is ranked CC#2 in Doug Winter's 2013 Condition Census and CC#1 in Daryl J. Haynor's 2020 listing, while the present example was accorded the ranking of CC#3 in the former and CC#2 in the latter. This coin is tied with one other, the Milford Collection specimen last sold in January 2011, as the finest ever certified by PCGS. Let’s just call it a draw and let it end there.
Heritage describes the coin as: One of the finest known specimens of the only Classic Head $5 issue struck at the Dahlonega Mint, this exquisite Choice Mint State 1838-D half eagle retains profound cartwheel within the obverse and reverse peripheries. Well struck and appealingly bright, this coin shows even yellow-gold color, perhaps a bit deeper on the reverse than obverse. The obverse is quite satiny, while the reverse is more matte-like at center, where some light natural granularity is visible under magnification. The eye appeal is outstanding. A slightly blurry planchet streak (as made) around two tiny planchet laminations is noted below the lower ribbon behind Liberty's hair, and a vestige of a slightly darker toning area remains above the wing at left; both features are mentioned solely as identifiers for tracking this coin's appearance in future market appearances.
Later, we will explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Half Eagles. For now, you going to have to settle with enjoying the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle.
Provenance: Duke's Creek Collection; Chestatee Collection (Duke's Creek Collection duplicate) / Chicago ANA Signature Auction , (Heritage, August 1999), lot 7665; Andrew Nugget, September 2000; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bowers, May 2016), lot 4059, Realized $94,000; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6077, Realized $228,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63 PCGS POP 2/0, Tied Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #32916358, PCGS #8178 PCGS Value Guide: $135,000 / Realized $228,000 Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
Always interesting how these mega top pop coins get valued. Obviously both are fantastic coins but I'd much rather own the 1853-D $1 than the 1875 $1 and it went for 65% of the cost.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (2 of 5)
Liberty Head $2-1/2 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1840-1907)
This is one of the longest-lived series in all of numismatics, beginning more than two decades before the Civil War and lasting into the 20th century. It is a challenging but not impossible set, with the ultra-rare 1854-S being the number one key. Charlotte and Dahlonega gold coins are sprinkled throughout the set, adding greatly to the appeal. Of course, there are some tough-to-locate pieces from New Orleans, San Francisco and Philadelphia, too. A few collectors have completed this set in the past and now it’s your turn! On February 28, 2012, PCGS announced that after two years of research it has been determined that the Philadelphia Mint struck both circulation strikes and proofs in 1841. Up until this point it was thought that only the 1841s were minted. This set includes not only the rare 1854-S, but the ultra-rare 1841. By adding the varieties in this set, it’s even longer (more coins) and tougher to complete. The 1843-C Small Date is always scarce and popular, as are the reverse varieties of 1859, 1860 and 1861 and the ultra-famous and historic 1848 CAL. If you’ve gone far enough to complete the basic set you'll definitely want to add these significant varieties! - PCGS Registry
Almost three years ago, the D.L. Hansen Quarter Eagle Liberty Head Set move into first place in the PCGS registry in the October of 2019 and have not looked back. According to my count, approx. 40 – 45 coins has been upgraded since reaching the top spot. Besides being in #1 spot and 100% complete, some of the other key indicators in the 147-piece set are:
14 Coins PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest, including 1842-C, PCGS MS65, CAC
26 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1862 PCGS MS64+, CAC, POP 2/0
31 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1865 PCGS MS61, POP 1/1
47 Coins PCGS Condition Conesus Top Five, including 1854-S, CAC PCGS VF35, POP 2/2
The set is 80.3% PCGS Condition Census, with 27.2% Finest PCGS. The set still have 29 quarter eagles that are not condition census which makes prime candidates for upgrading. The lowest graded and highest POP coin in the set is the 1841-D PCGS VF35, POP 4/47. The Georgia Gold Rush Auction offered the Pittman Specimen of the 1841-D Quarter Eagle, MS-61. Would be a great condition census coin for the Hansen Collection. The major problem, it is graded MS61 by NGC. It appears the Hansen Team save this upgrade for another day.
When viewing the PCGS Registry All-Time ranking, a couple things are obvious. Three of the top five sets are historic, including Harry W. Bass Hall of Fame Gold Collection. Also, you can see the numismatic icon Louis Eliasberg has a set listed, and 150+ year old Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. In completing the top five all-time, you will find two D.L. Hansen sets. Amazingly, the second Hansen set has passed the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and have sights on the Louis Eliasberg set. The Hansen second is astounding. The key indicators in the 147-piece second set are:
2 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1902 PCGS MS68, POP 2/0 (Hansen has both)
6 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1854-C PCGS MS62, POP 5/1 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0, CAC)
29 Coins PCGS CC Top Five, including 1855-C PCGS MS64+, POP 5/3 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0, CAC)
38 Coins PCGS CC Top Ten, including 1855-D PCGS AU55, POP 8/7 (Hansen – MS60 POP 2/1)
We are getting close to being able to establish a trajectory of overall quality of the second sets. Currently, the set has 51% of the coins in the PCGS Top Ten, and 25% PCGS Condition Census Top Five, the sights are set fairly high. Can the Hansen second set catch the Harry Bass set, anything possible?
The D.L. Hansen Collection upgraded three quarter eagles. First, the 1839-D Classic Head that is the feature coin today. In addition to the exquisite 1839-D, the Hansen Team obtained two other upgrades for the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles set. They were both AU58 specimens with only one PCCGS coin graded finer. The 1840-D PCGS AU58, POP 2/1, realized $45,600. The only PCGS certified coin finer is a MS61. 1846-D/D PCGS AU58, CAC, POP 7/1, realized $25,400. Also, this coin has one finer, PCGS MS61. This was a nice little upgrade from Georgia Gold Rush Collection. Also, David Lawrence Rare Coins has upgraded two other Liberty Head quarter eagles in the past couple weeks, including 1848 PCGS MS62, POP 3/2 and 1851-D PCGS MS62+, POP 1/1. I am guessing we will see more in the upcoming weeks.
Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle MS64, Ex: James Stacks / Georgia Gold Rush
Just a couple days ago, you saw the historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue specimen added to the D.L. Hansen Collection. Today’s feature coin is not quite this impressive, but it can certainly carry its weight in gold and maybe some more. There were seven 1839-D Gold Rush Dahlonega Quarter Eagles offered in the sale, and this was by far the most impressive and the most desired. The grades range was VF-20 (PCGS) to MS-64 (PCGS), CAC. The second best was the Green Pond Specimen MS-61 (PCGS) specimen that realized $33,600. When I think of Green Pond, I usually don’t think there is anything better. In this case, the Hansen upgraded, an “exquisite choice uncirculated” 1839-D Quarter Eagle is one of only three graded at this level by PCGS. The coin is an ex: James A. Stack, Sr. Specimen, so that tells you something there. The PCGS POP reports three for this graded, but the Hansen upgrade is finest seen by CAC. One of the other MS64 Specimens is the D. Brent Pogue Specimen that sold in 2015, realizing $105,750. The Pogue coin established the auction record until it was shattered by the Hansen purchase of the Georgia Gold Rush specimen.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this quarter eagle coin realized #7 out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1839-D is popular due to its status as the only Classic Head quarter eagle struck at the Dahlonega Mint. It is also the only Dahlonega mint issue of this denomination with the mintmark located on the obverse. The 1839-D quarter eagle is generally seen in Very Fine and Extremely Fine grades. About Uncirculated examples are scarce but are more plentiful than once believed. This date is rare in the higher About Uncirculated grades and it is very rare in Mint State. One superb Uncirculated coin is known. The 1839-D quarter eagle is one of five one year only issues from the Dahlonega mint (the others are the 1855-D gold dollar, the 1854-D three-dollar gold piece, the 1838-D half eagle and the 1839-D half eagle). This has always made it an immensely popular coin. The James Stack coin, now owned by a prominent western collector, is by far the best I have seen. It brought a then-remarkable $55,000 when auctioned in 1994.
According to the PCGS report, there is a trio of PCGS MS63 examples. The Hansen Upgrade is one, the fore mentioned Pogue specimen is the second, and the third appear to be the Dr. Robert W. Swan/Rod Sweet specimen that was last seen in 2004 in Bowers & Merena Sale. The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines the Hansen upgrade coin as: A lustrous and sharply struck deep rose-orange example with soft honey shades visible under a light. The strike is sharp throughout save for on the very highest point of Liberty's hair curls and at the eagle's dexter shoulder where it meets the shield. Lustrous and frosty with impressively smooth surfaces that border on Gem Mint State quality. Clearly this is a high Condition Census example that would serve with distinction in even the finest Southern gold cabinet. Doug Winter (2003) describes it as "by far the best I have seen" for the 1839-D quarter eagle.
There are two die varieties for this coin. We may look a little closer at the varieties in the future, but I will add this Stacks Bowers comment: The slightly scarcer of the two known die varieties of this issue, HM-1 is attributable by a strong branch stem and the presence of a berry between the upper and middle leaf clusters. Additionally, the first letter A in AMERICA is repunched. All known examples from this die pairing display several peripheral cracks on the reverse, the most prominent of which originates at the upper border, bisects the first letter T in STATES, and continues to eagle's head.
Later, we will explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Quarter Eagles. For now, you going to have to settle for enjoying this Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle.
Provenance: James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, (Stack's October 1994), lot 859, realized $55,000; Stellar Collection; our (Bowers and Merena, March 2004), lot 2517; our Americana Sale (Stacks Bowers January 2013), lot 13291, realized $105,750; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6017, Realized $168,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle MS64 PCGS POP 3/0, Finest Seen by CAC Certification #05974084, PCGS #7700 PCGS Value Guide: $150,000 / Realized $168,000 Ex: James A. Stack, Sr. / Georgia Gold Rush
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (3 of 5)
Liberty Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908)
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. 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 basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment, and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series! - PCGS Registry
It has been two half years since the March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction, which was not held in Baltimore. Due the country experiencing the early stages of the pandemic, many live events were either cancel or held with limit number of attendees. This was the situation when the auction of the 1854-S Half Eagle was offered by the family of Brett Pogue. John Brush was able to attend the sale, closed the deal on the 1854-S, and completed the D.L. Hansen’s 201-piece Liberty Head $5 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908). On 11/20/2020 which was a few months later, Mr. Hansen was able to complete the entire 220-piece set including major varieties. The last coin needed was the 1840-D Liberty Head Half Eagle “Small D”. I am not certain how this coin was obtained, but it seems to have happened with a private purchase via David Lawrence Rare Coins.
As we saw with the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles, Mr. Hansen as continued to improve his set with upgrades. According to my count, approx. 75 coins has been upgraded since the historic day in March 2020. Last posting we saw similar progress with Liberty Head quarter eagles, but I thank it safe to say that Mr. Hansen has been twice as aggressive in upgrading half eagles. If you were impressed with numbers on the quarter eagles, then a look at these. Key indicators in the 220-piece set are:
34 Coins PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest, including 1854-S PCGS AU58+, CAC
42 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1861-D PCGS MS63, POP 4/0
45 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1875 PCGS AU55, POP 1/1
62 Coins PCGS Condition Conesus Top Five, including 1864-S PCGS AU55, POP 1/2
The massive set is 83.2% PCGS Condition Census, with 34.5% Finest PCGS. The set still have 37 half eagles that are not condition census which makes prime candidates for upgrading. The lowest grade coin in the set is the 1847-O PCGS VF25, POP 4/40 and the highest POP coin is the 1853-C PCGS XF45, POP 35/96. Upgrading these coins may be just a matter of time.
When viewing the PCGS Registry All-Time Finest ranking, you would quickly notice that it is identical to the quarter eagle ranking. Such as, three of the top five sets are historic, including Harry W. Bass Hall of Fame Gold Collection. Also, you can see Louis Eliasberg has a set listed, and 150+ year old Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. As with the quarter eagles, you will find two D.L. Hansen sets. Again, the second Hansen set has passed the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and have sights on the Louis Eliasberg set. The Hansen second is astounding. The key indicators in the 220-piece second set are:
2 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1870-S PCGS MS58, POP 3/0 (Hansen Other is CAC)
6 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1876-S PCGS MS60 (Hansen – MS61 POP 1/0, CAC)
29 Coins PCGS CC Top Five, including 1842-C, Small Date, AU58 POP 7/2 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0)
38 Coins PCGS CC Top Ten, including 1874-CC PCGS AU58, POP 9/5 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/1)
I am getting close to being able to establish a trajectory of overall quality goal of the second sets. Currently the set has 40.9% of the coins in the Top Ten for PCGS. This is noticeable below what we saw for the quarter eagles (51%). The set PCGS Condition Census Top Five comes in at 20.4%, again, below the quarter eagle set. Let’s watch a see if there are improvements in the numbers in the upcoming months.
The D.L. Hansen Collection upgraded five quarter eagles. I featured the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue specimen a few days ago. The 1839-D Liberty Head is the feature coin today. In addition, the 1838-D Classic Head and 1839-D Liberty Head, the Hansen Team obtained three other upgrades for the Liberty Head Half Eagles set. One is the 1843-D $5 Small D, AU58, POP 4/4. It just squeaks in as a PCGS Condition Census. The next coin is 1859-D $5 Medium D, MS61 with POP of 5/9. This coin is not a PCGS Condition Census Top Five. It is a good upgrade due the fact it replaces a high POP AU55. The long-term fate of the coin may be landing in the second set. The last coin is one of the finest PCGS certified 1861-D. I am sure we will see this coin in a later feature, but for today, let’s see the 1839-D Liberty Head PCGS MS62.
Historic 1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS62, Ex: Duke's Creek / Green Pond
There we go, throwing out that term historic again. Stacks Bower refers to the coin as Historic First Year Liberty Head Issue.
Just a couple days ago, you saw the Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle MS64, Ex: James Stacks specimen added to the D.L. Hansen Collection. Today’s feature coin is as equally impressive. There were four 1839-D Gold Rush Dahlonega Half Eagles offered in the sale. The grades range was VF-45 (PCGS) to MS-62 (PCGS). The second best was a MS-60 (PCGS) specimen that realized $52,800. As for the MS62 upgrade, the PCGS POP reports two with none finer.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this half eagle coin realized the #3 out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1839-D is a very important and distinct one year type coin. After Mint Engraver William Kneass was incapacitated in 1838, he was replaced by Christian Gobrecht. The new design for the three circulating gold coins of this era can be first seen on the 1838 eagle and, in 1839, on the quarter eagle and half eagle. The Liberty head motif on the 1839-D half eagle is significantly different from that found on the 1840-1861 issues. On the 1839-D, the neck truncation is distinctly curved and it is positioned so that the back of the right side is far from the thirteenth star. On the redesigned head of 1840, the neck truncation is less curved and the back of the neck is closer to the thirteenth star. In addition, the top of Liberty’s bun is closer to the tenth star on the 1840-D than it is on the 1839-D. Most importantly, the mintmark is found on the obverse as on the 1838-D; beginning in 1840, it is found on the reverse. The 1839-D half eagle is most often seen in Very Fine to Extremely Fine grades. It is quite rare in About Uncirculated-50 and it is very rare in the higher About Uncirculated grades. Mint State 1839-D half eagles are extremely rare. The Mint Engraver illness presents an interesting twist on possible reason why the type did not change for both the quarter and Half eagle in the same year.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: An extraordinary example of the issue that offers superior technical quality, strong eye appeal and an impressive provenance to some of the most significant Southern gold cabinets of the last quarter century. Intense color in vivid reddish orange shines forth from lustrous, satiny surfaces. Modest semi-reflectivity in the fields enhances the coin’s appearance. Striking detail is razor sharp to full throughout, and the level of preservation is superior both for the issue and the assigned grade. Ranked CC#1 in the 2013 Winter Condition Census, this exceptionally attractive example would serve as a focal point in any collection.
There are two die varieties for this coin. Stacks Bowers comment: The more frequently encountered variety of this issue in numismatic circles, Winter 2-A is identifiable by the position of the D mintmark over the digits 39 in the date. On the rarer 1-A coins the mintmark is directly over the 3.
This is an interesting coin from the perspective of how far the Hansen Team was willing to chase. The PCGS Price Value for MS62 specimen is $55,000. This coin has caught fire of late. The pre-2022 Auction Record was $30,550 for an AU58 specimen Stacks Bowers sold in Jun-2017. Ironically, D.L Hansen was the winner of the coin. The record stood until May-2022 when in a Heritage Auction, a PCGS AU55 realized $36,000. A couple months later July 2022 in Heritage Auction at the Long Beach Expo, a PCGS MS61 sold for $43,200 setting a new auction record. One month later, the record was broken again. In an August 24th, 2022, Heritage Auction, an NGC MS62 POP 2/0 coin realized $52,800. This Auction Record stood one day. In the Georgia Gold Rush sale, the PCGS MS62 POP 2/0 realized another Auction Record when the Hansen Team gave the final bid of $252,000. A couple observations. Fact One, the coin is not CAC. Fact Two, the coin ranked CC#1 in the 2013 Winter Condition Census. Fact Three, the PCGS holder is an older Gen 4 (2004-2005). It is obvious that more bidders than Mr. Hansen wanted this coin. We will need to see if the coin will one day get the designation as sole finest 1839-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle.
Provenance: Leon Farmer; Hancock and Harwell; Duke's Creek Collection; Chestatee Collection (Duke's Creek Collection duplicates) / Chicago ANA Signature Auction, (Heritage, August 1999), lot 7666; realized $19,550; Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Sale (Heritage, January 2004), lot 1039; realized $28,750; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, September 2004), lot 7543; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6017, Realized $252,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS62 PCGS POP 2/0, CC#1 by Winter Certification #50243350, PCGS #7700 PCGS Value Guide: $55,000 / Realized $252,000 Ex: Duke's Creek / Green Pond / Georgia Gold Rush
@Currin just an appreciation note for the incredible research, time spent, and skill involved in sharing this information here. As a small time and humble collector, it’s fascinating to become aware of the finest numismatic tier and to begin understand a bit about this level of collecting. Thank you so much.
Seated Half Society member #38 "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
@Catbert said: @Currin just an appreciation note for the incredible research, time spent, and skill involved in sharing this information here. As a small time and humble collector, it’s fascinating to become aware of the finest numismatic tier and to begin understand a bit about this level of collecting. Thank you so much.
I totally agree- I so look forward to your Hansen updates and enjoy them all- and the time you must spend researching and putting them together is impressive!
@Currin. I also truly appreciate the information. Mr. Hansen does not collect what I do and therefore his collection is outside of the realm of what I am pursuing and normally am interested in. But, I have found your reports to be so informative and educational, it is what I seek out every time I am reading the forums.
Currin this is the only blog on the PCGS website that i always read when it updates. The astounding Del Loy Hansen Collection journey is being recorded in real time. I think peoplec will use it 100 years from now when researching His pedigree. Congrats on your efforts!
Thanks for the kind words. I do this because I enjoy the study. It is not just about the Hansen Collection (although it is the primary focus), but also community of the finest coins and collections. Many of you are an active part of that community. Many of you are like me and can only watch. I never had the talent to start for a D1 football team, but I still enjoyed watching a couple games today. I enjoy the coins the same way. You don’t have to own the finest to enjoy learning about them.
Very good collections are appearing more and more frequently. For example, Northern Lights of Vermilion. I have never heard of the collection before the coins were offered by Heritage. I have enjoyed studying the coins being offered. The collection has a couple dozen of really nice coins. Will Hansen buy any coins from this collection; I will have to wait and see as everyone else.
Lastly, I did a lot of research on 2022 ANA Auctions and sharing what I learned. We have a lot more to see and will take most of September for cover. So, keep watching and let others know what they are missing.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (4 of 5)
This is one of the most historic of all coin sets, covering the Trail of Tears through the early days of the Civil War when Rebel forces captured the Dahlonega Mint. The gold dollar set features the 1861-D, a rarity with an unknown mintage that was struck after the Confederacy took charge of the Mint. The quarter eagles include the ultra-rare 1856-D, with only 874 pieces struck. The $3 gold piece of 1854-D is the only Dahlonega Mint $3 issued. The $5 pieces are rounded out by the classic 1861-D. Everything is here to remind us of an era that is gone forever. Magnificent rarities and a huge and passionate collector base add up to a great set. - Green Pond Registry Set
After retiring almost 20 years ago (2003), the Green Pond set is still the GPA registry leader for the Dahlonega Coins. With a GPA of 61.25, the set is more than two points better that both Hansen and Bass. The Green Pond, Doug Winter wrote in February 2004: On January 7, 2004, Heritage Numismatic Auctions sold the Green Pond collection of Dahlonega gold coinage at auction. This was a complete set of Dahlonega issues, with many of the coins ranking high in the Condition Census. The final price realized for the 66 lots was $1.7 million dollars (an average of $25,575 per lot!), which is around 10 to 15% higher than I anticipated. Looking more closely at the lots gives the collector a good idea of the current market for high-end Dahlonega coinage. When a Green Pond specimen shows up in auction, of course it will receive some attention. It makes a great opportunity to improve just about any Dahlonega set.
The major flaw in the Green Pond set, and the other top PCGS registry sets is the incompleteness when considering entire set of coins (Twelve coins are missing in registry set). According to the Stacks Bowers news release, The Georgia Gold Rush Collection, offered by the John O. Sykes Family, represents a pinnacle of numismatic achievement for the Dahlonega Mint gold series. Containing a complete date and major variety set of the coinage of this branch mint. The issue with Gold Rush is the NGCs prevents it from participating in the PCGS registry. I would love to see where it ranks all-time. Personally, as a side note, I don’t think it would be able to compete with the Hansen Dahlonega set, because I identified only 15 Gold Rush coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen 70-piece Dahlonega set.
As for the PCGS All-Time Top Five, you can see the impressive list. From D.L. Hansen at the top to Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection at #5, with impressive collections like, Bass, Great Plains, and Green Pond sandwiched between. A couple great names are just out of the top five, like Louis Eliasberg at #6 and J.J. Pittman at #7. Are there other great Dahlonega sets assembled or being assembled, possibly? It is a fact; the John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush set should be one to remember. I am sure Mr. Hansen was excited to pick up several nice pieces for his collection. The Historic Final Year 1861-D Half Eagle is one of the best acquired. It should be remembered that this remarkable coin comes into the Hansen Collection by the way of the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins.
Historic Final Year 1861-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: Farouk / Norweb / Bass
Today’s feature is a magnificent piece that at one time was part of the famous Green Pond set, which is a very impressive registry set. The coin was also in the Palace Collection of King Farouk of Egypt. If that is not enough, it spent three decades in Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb Collection. Let’s not forget the world class gold collection of Harry W. Bass, Jr. In more recent times, the coin found its way into the Green Pond Collection, along with others as the John O. Sykes Family collection.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, 1861-D MS63 Liberty Head Half Eagle realized the #2 highest closing bid out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1861-D is the rarest and most numismatically interesting half eagle struck at the Dahlonega Mint. It is known that on December 19, 1860, two obverses dated 1861 were shipped to Dahlonega from Philadelphia. These were received on January 7, 1861, and sometime between that date and April 8, 1861, a total of 1,597 1861-D half eagles were produced. On April 8, 1861, rebel forces seized the Dahlonega Mint. A small number of 1861-D half eagles (probably in the neighborhood of 1,000-2,000 coins) were then made by the Confederacy. There is not way to positively distinguish between the Union and Confederate strikings. The 1861-D half eagle is a rare coin in any grade, although its overall level of rarity has been overstated. It is usually seen in Very Fine to low end Extremely Fine grades. It is very rare in About Uncirculated and many pieces offered as such are overgraded. In Uncirculated, the 1861-D half eagle is an extremely rare coin.
CoinFacts estimates nine coins survived in mint state. PCCS has already certified a dozen submissions, with 4-MS63, 3-MS62, 3-MS61, and 2-MS-60. Have some of these been resubmitted and are counted more than once in the POP report? probably. NGC has another four certified including 1-MS61, 2-MS62 and 1-MS64. If the NGC MS64 still exist, then it has the honor of the highest third party graded specimen. If there ever a PCGS Sole finest GEM surface, the auction results of that coin would be shattering.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: From the final year of coinage operations at this facility, and as an issue with an indelible link to the Southern Confederacy, the 1861-D is the most numismatically significant and desirable Dahlonega Mint half eagle. The offered coin, pedigreed to some of the most important numismatic cabinets ever formed, is one of the finest examples of the issue, and almost certainly the most famous. Visually appealing, the color is bright orange-gold with satiny luster throughout. Overall smooth surfaces as expected for the Choice Mint State grade, with strong eye appeal and a pleasing quality to the fields and design elements. The strike is better than average although diagnostic softness is evident on the hair curls over Liberty's brow, the eagle's left talon and the uppermost arrow feather. For identification there is a tiny diagonal nick on the bridge of Liberty's nose and trivial marks on the obverse between stars 5 and 6, on the reverse in the field below the arrowheads.
Stacks Bowers concluded by stating: This Mint State 1861-D half eagle rarity was once part of the Farouk, Norweb, and Bass cabinets, as well as the Green Pond Collection in more modern times. It is a beautiful and superior quality Dahlonega Mint $5 irrespective of date, and an extraordinary example of this historic and eagerly sought Southern gold issue.
The Hansen Team acquired this coin to replace the AU58, Cert# 34717493, PCGS POP 5/13. There are three other MS63 1861-D half eagles that Mr. Hansen could have tried to find, but none with the historic provenance of this coin. The coin is suitable for a King.
Provenance: King Farouk of Egypt; The Palace Collection, (Sotheby's, June 1954), lot 254; Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb; The Norweb Collection, Part I, (Bowers and Merena's October 1987), lot 868, Realized $48,400; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999 as MS61 PCGS MS61), lot 1137;Relized $48,300; Doug Winter and Lee Minshull, (November 1999); Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Auction / The Green Pond Collection / (Heritage, January 2004 as PCGS MS62), lot 1065, Realized $74,500; Eliasberg and Krause Collections, (Stack's, March 2010), lot 1565; Realized $160,000;Chicago ANA Auction of (Stacks Bowers, August 2011), lot 7686, Realized $143,750; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6159, Realized $336,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1861-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63 PCGS POP 4/0, Winter Plate Coin 2nd Edition Certification #15113451, PCGS #8290 PCGS Value Guide: $325,000 / Realized $336,000 Ex: Farouk / Norweb / Bass / Green Pond / Georgia Gold Rush
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (5 of 5)
The present 1854-D $3 reflects the care of selection that makes the D. Brent Pogue Collection so special. It is believed that fewer than a half dozen examples of this rarity can accurately be called Mint State today, and of those pieces, the Pogue Collection coin is the finest seen by PCGS. NGC lists a solitary Mint State-62 coin in their Census. - Stacks Bowers (2/2016)
I hope you have enjoyed the past few posts where we dug deeper in the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins. There were several masterpieces in the 150 coins that were offered for sale. Of course, a selected set can have only one centerpiece, and this coin served that role in the Gold Rush Dahlonega Collection. The 1854-D $3 is not the centerpiece in the D.L Hansen Gold Collection, but it certainly does rightfully occupy the position in the D.L. Hansen 40-piece Three Dollar Gold Mint State Set as it did in the Gold Rush Set. .
In this final posting for the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins, we will get one last look at the eleven coins purchased by Mr. Hansen for his core collection. The purchase had a clear upper and lower tier. The upper tier consisted of the finest certified by PCGS, with one sole finest, the 1954-D. All the upper tier coins realized six-figures. The six coins in the lower tier were all five-figures with 1843-D $5 Small D AU58 squeaking in at $10,800. All coins are PCGS condition census except two, 1857-D G$1 and 1859-D $5 Medium D. The eleven coins realized a total $1,682,400. With easy math, the average cost per coin is slightly more than $150,000.
The Three Dollar Gold Set is not that large in coin count. Without counting the unique 1870-S, the set requires only 40 coins. PCGS describes the set as: The $3 gold piece was first issued in 1854, and the series lasted until 1889. While several dates were hoarded to a limited extent, most $3 gold issues are rare in any mint state grade, let alone in MS65 or better. It is a series filled with tiny mintages. In 1883, for instance, only 900 business strikes were made. The mintage for 1881 is 500. In 1885 there were 801 pieces struck. For 1873 the mintage is believed to be 100 coins. Key dates? There are lots of them, including 1854-D, the only Dahlonega Mint $3 gold piece. PCGS has graded only four examples mint state. Then there’s the 1854-O, the only New Orleans $3 gold piece. PCGS has graded hundreds of specimens, but only two in mint state. For the 1855-S, PCGS has graded two coins mint state. In these three cases, the highest grade is only MS-62!
There are several ways that numismatics has assembled these sets. One way is to assemble a 40-coin circulating strikes set as described in the PCGS Registry. Another more historical method was to assemble a set of proofs for the Philadelphia issues and added high graded Branch Mint circulating strike coins. The later was Harry Bass’ method. For the Hansen Collection, it appears he is assembling an entire set that will contain both the mint strike and proof finish coins. Either way, a nice group of Branch Mint Three Dollar gold coins are required. The requirement is only six coins, but they are anything but easy. D.L. Hansen Collection has a pretty PCGS condition census six-piece set. Without the 1870-S, the 1854-D is the center piece for this set as well.
The Gold Rush 1854-D is the only sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimen. As an interesting fact, the Harry Bass grading event made a significant change to the Hansen subset of six coins. Prior to the event, 1854-O MS62 and 1855-S MS62+ were sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, 1860-S MS62 was tied with one other coin as finest. The bidding on the Bass sole finest coins could be interesting to watch. Will Hansen try to get the POP 1/0 bonus back on those coins?
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece realized the highest closing bid out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1854-D three-dollar gold piece is an extremely popular issue due to the fact that it is the only date of this denomination which was struck at the Dahlonega Mint. With a tiny mintage of 1,120 coins, it is rare. But it is more available than generally acknowledged, especially in lower grades. The 1854-D three-dollar gold piece is a scarce and popular issue which is most often seen in Very Fine and low end Extremely Fine grades. It becomes very scarce in properly graded Extremely Fine-45 and it is a rare coin in About Uncirculated. It is very rare at the About Uncirculated-55 level and it is currently extremely rare in full Mint State.
CoinFacts estimates twelve coins survived in mint state. PCCS have certified four specimens, with 1-MS60, 2-MS61, and 1-MS-62. NGC has another eight certified including 3-MS61, 5-MS62. There is no choice GEM graded by a third party. In the recent Harry Bass Foundation grading event, the Bass specimen was graded AU58. This CAC Pogue may be as good as it will ever get.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: The offered 1854-D is a pleasing, deep yellow-gold specimen of this highly respected rarity. Lively luster shines forth throughout, especially among the design motifs and sheltered surface areas. The satiny surfaces are somewhat frosty and very attractive for the assigned grade. No marks of any consequence can be seen with the unaided eye, and even low magnification brings forth not a solitary mark that warrants individual description. Struck from clashed dies with evidence of the reverse wreath present at Liberty's neckline while, at the center of the reverse wreath, a reversed impression of Liberty's portrait is seen. The overall impression from the dies is crisp on both sides, especially so for the date. The tops of the feathers of Liberty's headdress are nearly complete, as are the hair details. On the reverse Longacre's wreath design is bold with even the tiniest details present.
In gauging the significance in having a nice 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece Stacks Bowers wrote: Advanced cabinets of Indian Princess $3 gold pieces are often judged by the overall quality of the 1854-D issue. A Chapman brothers listing at lot 334 in their December 1897 sale noted: "1854. Dahlonega Mint. Very Fine. Extremely rare. Probably not over six known." Among the most famous $3 Indian Princess collections to cross the auction block was the Richard Jewell Collection, offered by us (American Numismatic Rarities) in May 2005. The Richard Jewell 1854-D was a PCGS AU-58 coin that still ranks among the finest examples of the date extant. The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, that we (Bowers and Merena) sold in October 1999, offered a pleasing PCGS AU-55 (duplicate) for this issue. The Bass AU58 Specimen will be auctions late this year or early 2023.
Stacks Bowers concluded by stating: The Pogue specimen offered here is far and away the most widely heralded 1854-D $3 gold coin. It was part of the legendary collection formed by Ed Milas and sold in RARCOA's session of Auction '81, in which it was unequivocally declared the "Finest Known" for the issue. It retains that title today, sitting alone at the top of the PCGS Population Report and also the only certified Mint State 1854-D approved by CAC. It is believed that fewer than a half dozen examples can accurately be called Mint State today, and this is the finest.
Mr. Hansen paid a half million dollars to get this coin in his collection. It was not because he had a need to replace a bad, coin. The coin he replaced was a mint state 1854-D PCGS MS61, POP 2/1. I would assume this coin will find its way into the second set or maybe on the market in the future. The Hansen duplicate Cert #30132476 is valued at $250,000! The eleven Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins found a great home in The Hansen Cabinet.
Provenance: Ed Milas; RARCOA's Auction '81, July 1981, lot 386; Mid-American's, January 1987, lot 1814; George Elliott; Kevin Lipton; Winthrop Carner; Piedmont Sale,(Superior's, January 1996 as PCGS MS61), lot 2277, Realize $72,600; Larry Hanks; Great Lakes Collection; Larry Hanks, October 2005; D. Brent Pogue Collection; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III, (Stacks Bowers, February 2016 as PCGSMS62), lot 3090; Realized $188,000; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6072, Realized $528,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1854-D Three-Dollar Gold, PCGS MS62 PCGS POP 1/0, Single Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #32219421, PCGS #7970 PCGS Value Guide: $525,000 / Realized $528,000 Ex: Milas / Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Simpson / Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes
Capped Bust Half Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1829-1837)
Coinage of half dimes was resumed in July 1829 after a 24-year hiatus. The then-current Capped Bust design by William Kneass (after an earlier design by John Reich) was adopted. Issued for only nine years, this series is a bit unusual in that there are no real "better dates." There are, however, several varieties that are a bit scarcer than the average date. The last dates (1835-37) each have both a Large 5C and Small 5C variety, and the 1835 comes with both a large and small date. None of these varieties are particularly rare and while the 1837 Small 5C is a bit better, it remains quite affordable. - PCGS Registry
I started this series of updates a few weeks ago with the Bender Seated Liberty Dimes. Also, we reviewed a few nice Bender Gold Dollars. With this post, we will take a quick look at the sale of the Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes. The sale offered a great grouping coin that was once owned by Bob Simpson. The Simpson set remains the all-time finest in the PCGS Registry. The set had six PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. There are two others tied for PCGS finest grade, and another four with only one coin graded finer. In the Bender sale, there are five of Simpson’s POP 1/0 sole finest specimens offered in a group of fifteen coins. The Bender set did not have the Simpson’s 1834 POP 1/0 Specimen. I am not sure why? Maybe, Mr. Bender did not buy the coin and a couple others.
In a comparison of the Bender offering to the Hansen set, there was the opportunity to upgrade 10 of the 14 of Hansen’s coins. The purchase of this entire lot of 10 coins for the Hansen 14-coin set would certainly be very appealing. They are less expensive than coins from several of the ANA Sales, especially the gold coins. Although, the Hansen Team did not bid as aggressive in this sale, they were able to obtain only two of the ten desirable coins.
With just two upgrades, the Hansen 14-piece Capped Bust Half Dime set moved up the PCGS All-Time ranking from seventh spot to fourth. The top current set is The Early American Silver Set that is being assembled by Dr. Charles Link. He has top current Capped Bust sets in half dimes, dimes, quarter dollars and half dollars. The half dime is very close to closing the deal. This composite set requires 154 coins, and both Hansen and Link is complete. The Link sets are much higher in quality and are mostly likely the finest ever assembled. You could say that Mr. Link is “King of Capped Bust”.
The Hansen Collection has eleven coins in the condition census coin in the upper tier of the set. With the Bender upgrade, the set how has its first PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimen. This adds to the existing one tied for PCGS finest. As you can see, the meat of the set is five coins with one PCGS coin finer. This set is an unusual set that has a high ratio of POP 1/0 specimens. In this 14-piece set, there are eleven coins that are PCGS POP 1/0 (78% of the set). With D.L. Hansen having one, the opportunity is there to pick up a few more, but I think the Link set may have four or five of them.
In the lower tier, that are three non-condition census coins. The Hansen Team missed the opportunity to upgrades these coins. For the pair of 1835’s, the Bender sale had two POP 1/0. For the 1837, a POP 5/1 was available. Three big missed opportunities, for now.
The Hansen Team purchased the two coins, the 1830 MS68, realizing $78,000. The other was the 1837 H10C Small 5C, MS64, and realizing $9,600. The latter coin is a PCGS POP 6/1. In today feature, let’s look at this 1830 MS68.
In this sale, the 1832, MS68+ set the sale record for the Capped Bust Half Dimes, realizing $93,000. According the PCGS Auction site, this coin is now in the finest cabinet of Capped Bust Half Dime, owned by Dr. Charles Link. The $93,000 is not just the auction record for date, but also for the for the Capped Bust Half Dime series. There has never been a six-figure coin, but the 1832 PCGS MS68+ came close. The coin is the only PCGS MS68+ specimen making it the sole finest for type. The coin is certainly the centerpiece in the Link Capped Bust Half Dime set and would hold that honor in any cabinet.
The Hansen 1830 MS68 upgrade realized the second highest price in the 15 Simpson / Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes, realizing $78,000. The coin was headlined as: Ex Simpson-Bender, None Finer at PCGS. The coin joins Hansen’s existing 1832 MS68 creating a pair of top coins in the D.L. Hansen 14-piece Capped Bust Half Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1829-1837). Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: Most dates in the Capped Bust Half Dime series are of equal rarity. The only exceptions are 1836 and 1837, which have lower certified populations than the other dates. Thus, the 1830 is just as good a choice for a type of coin as any other date in this series. Among the certified Mint State survivors, the most common grade is MS-63, followed by MS-62 and MS-64. In grades above MS-66, the 1830 Half Dime is very rare, and the finest example certified by PCGS (as of January 2012) is a single, amazing PCGS MS-68. The Hansen Collection had an MS66+ POP 11/7 which results in a nice improvement to the set.
From the Bender Sale, Heritage cataloger writes: The half dime denomination resumed in 1829 after an absence of more than two decades from U.S. coinage, having not been struck since 1805. This spectacular 1830 example represents the LM-14 variety, a die pair that produced a handful of remarkably high-grade circulation strikes, but none finer than this sparkling Superb Gem coin. It is, in our opinion, inarguably the finest half dime certified for the date, and one of only a half dozen half dimes to achieve the MS68 PCGS grade level for the entire Capped Bust half dime series. The lightly toned, pearlescent surfaces are needle-sharp and essentially flawless. Faint iridescence imparts colorful accents, subtle yet sublime. This is a coin worthy of the finest half dime set. The coin did not end up in the finest half dime set, instead, the coin is part of one of the finest US Issues Collections ever assembled.
Provenance: Ex: Bob R. Simpson; Tom Bender; The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot # 3725, Realized $78,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1830 Capped Bust Half Dime, MS68 PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #06666540, PCGS #4277 PCGS Value Guide: $50,000 / Realized $78,000 Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (1 of 4)
One of the most significant collections of Classic Head gold coinage ever formed – the Virginian Collection – was assembled by Daryl J. Haynor and includes some of the finest Classic Head quarter eagles and half eagles known. The cabinet features Condition Census examples of the 1838-C, 1839-C and 1839-O quarter eagles and both the HM-1 and HM-2 varieties of the historic 1838-C half eagle. Virtually all die varieties among circulation strike issues in this series are represented, including the rare 1835 HM-5 and 1836 HM-9 half eagles. - Stack Bowers (8/2022)
The sale provided opportunities for a several of firsts. As an example, this is the first time that I have posted a Hansen Second Set. On the September 12 post, we saw the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush. The MS63 specimen went into the Hansen Top set. In the same 2022 ANA Auction week, The Hansen Team purchased a second 1838-D Classic Head Half example. The second (duplicate) specimen was added in Hansen’s second The Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838) set.
As you can see, the second set is 75% complete, missing the 1835 and 1838. Including the Hansen top set, there are currently three complete sets in the Registry. The JD's Classic Head $5 set is a borderline mint state set and the labelman87 is a solid about-uncirculated set. If completed, the second Hansen set should be third behind JD's Classic set. The new 1838-D Half Eagle, MS62 is by far the best second set coin.
I first noticed the Virginian set a few years ago while reading US Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839. This book was well done. I have a signed copy of the book by Daryl Haynor. As an enthusiast of finest lists, I really liked Haynor’s Finest Known sections. I noticed the Virginian Collection specimens were mentioned throughout as top five. I did not put the connection of the book author with the Virginian Collection. For this posting, I reread his bio in the book. He discussed that he collected all his life and describes his passion. He also described how his passion led to Classic Gold about twelve years ago. He stated My goal was to put together the finest collection of Classic Gold ever known. Later he concludes by stating Well, after 12 years of dutiful collecting, recent gratitude to a family name Pogue who decided to part with their collection – goal accomplish! The finest known set was completed.
In this 2020 book release, he goes on to say, And now, the next goal is to assemble the first ever complete collection of Classic Gold quarter eagles and half eagles by die marriage. I am not a specialist of die series, and I am not sure he accomplished his goal. In the Heritage press release, they state: Virtually all die varieties among circulation strike issues in this series are represented. I know the meaning of virtually is almost or nearly. I wish the historic die set could somehow be created in the registry. There are no sets for Classic Gold die varieties, so the Virginian set could be the standard for future collectors. Does anyone have the pull that could make that happen?
In the 2020 Haynor reference book, he identifies 28 die marriages for quarter eagles and 34 die marriages for half eagles. The total requirement would be 62 coins. The auction offered 58 lots, so certainly at least six of the die marriages are missing from the sale. The grading service breakdown is 56 PCGS coins and two ungraded coins. The 58 lots sale consisted of 26 quarter eagles and 30 half eagles and two “circulating contemporary counterfeit”. The top two coin in the sale was the 1838 Classic Head Half Eagle and 1838-C Classic Head Half Eagle that both realized $264,000. The two coins plowed the path where we saw six Classic Head Coins realizing six-figures. The six coins consisted of two quarter eagles and four half eagles.
In this sale, I have identified only twelve coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen’s two major varieties Classic Gold that requires 19 coins total. The Hansen Team were high bidder on seven of the twelve, which is a success rate of 58%. This was a very successful auction for the Hansen Collection. There were several significant gold collections offered 2022 ANA auctions. As we saw, the Hansen team fared very well with the Georgia Gold Rush sale and you will see in the next several post, they also did well in the sale of the Virginian Collection.
Important Mint State 1838-D Half Eagle, MS62, Ex: Green Pond / Virginian Collection
This coin is an official Hansen duplicate. Even so, of all the Classic Gold coins sold in the Haynor Virginian Auction, this coin realized the sixth highest out of 58 lots. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, He ranks the top five 1838-D Half Eagle as follows:
1 - Duke’s Creek Specimen - NGC MS63, Cert #1720159-037.
2 - Hansen / Pogue Specimen – PCGS MS63, cert #32916358, purchased in Gold Rush Sale.
3 - Milford Specimen – PCGS MS63, Cert #18214890, housed in billsnotes registry set.
4 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS62, Cert #50109812, purchased in the Virginian Sale.
5 - Michigan Specimen - PCGS MS62, Cert #32231546, housed in labelman87 registry set.
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: One of the most significant offerings from the extraordinary Virginian Collection, this is the CC#4 for the issue in the 2020 Haynor listing and the CC#6 coin in the 2013 Winter listing. Haynor further observes that it is the finest known early die state 1838-D half eagle, with no die polishing to semi-prooflike surfaces. This is a remarkable strike and condition rarity for the first Dahlonega Mint half eagle and the only one of the brief Classic Head design type. Destined for another advanced gold cabinet, where it will serve as a leading highlight. The Hansen cabinet is truly amazing. This coin is going to an advanced gold cabinet, but as a duplicate.
Heritage describes the coin as: In keeping with the fact that the 1838-D is a better struck issue than its 1838-C counterpart, this piece exhibits razor sharp to full detail to virtually all design elements. The reverse border is soft from 10 to 5 o'clock, however, but this does not interfere with appreciation of the focal features. Exceptionally well preserved for both the issue and the assigned grade, both sides display only wispy hairlines and other, equally light marks from collector handling. Outstanding luster quality ranges from frosty over the design elements to semi-prooflike in the fields. Bright olive-gold color adds to the appeal of this beautiful coin.
Earlier I promised that we would explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Half Eagles. Well, you have seen the first one. It only gets better from here, so keep watching.
Provenance: FUN Signature / North Georgia Collection, Heritage, (January 1999), lot 7674, Realized $40,250; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, June 1999), lot 6518, Realized $33,350; Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Sale (Heritage, January 2004), lot 1038, Realized $29,900; Private collector, via Doug Winter; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5056, Realized $114,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle, MS62 PCGS POP 6/2, HM-1, Winter 1-A Certification #50109812, PCGS #765270 PCGS Value Guide: $60,000/ Realized $114,000 Ex: Green Pond / Virginian Collection
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (2 of 4)
"We have handled a small number of coins from this die pair, but the only nicer example, and marginally at that, is the coin we sold in the Fairfield Collection sale of October 1977. This coin is probably one of the two or three finest known of this variety." - Cataloged as part of Bowers and Merena's October 1999 Bass II sale
In the first update on the D.L. Hansen purchases from the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold, you saw the important mint state 1838-D Half Eagle formerly from the Green Pond Collection. In this update, you will see the third MS65 GEM that is added to the small eight coin Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838) Set. In the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Team purchase four Classic Head $5 Gold coins with three from Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection and one from John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush Collection. As you saw last posting, the 1838-D Half Eagle MS62 specimen went into the Hansen’s second set.
Doug Winter wrote on the set: A basic set of Classic Head half eagles contains eight coins: six issues from Philadelphia (the 1834 is found with a Plain 4 and a Crosslet 4), and one each from Charlotte and Dahlonega. None of these is rare from the standpoint of overall availability, but the two branch mint coins are very scarce in higher grades as is the 1834 Crosslet 4. As a rule, the Philadelphia coins (save for the Crosslet 4) can be located in all circulated grades with relative ease–although finding nice, original high-end About Uncirculated coins, even for the most common issues, can be a challenge. He added: As far as Uncirculated coins go, any Classic Head half eagle is scarce in properly graded MS63, rare in MS64, and extremely rare in MS65. It is likely that fewer than two dozen true Gems are known for the entire series and some dates (1834 Crosslet 4, 1835, 1838-C, and 1838-D) do not exist in MS65.
In the current PCGS Registry Sets for Classic Head Half Eagles, there are about a dozen sets that are more than 50% complete. Two active collectors have completed sets, D.L. Hansen and labelman87. In fact, labelman87 have two sets that are complete. For five years, from 2013 to 2017, the labelman87 set was awarded top in the registry. The top two sets now, is D.L. Hansen and a set from The Oak Collection (JD's Classic registry set). The Hansen first obtained the top spot in 2018 and received award for top in the registry for 2018 and 2019. Now, this is where things get a little interesting, the Daryl J. Haynor’s was in the PCGS registry using the name ronyahski. They received awards for top in the registry for 2020, 2021, and 2022. I will discuss the ronyahski set in a little more detail next posting when we discuss the All-Time rankings.
Mr. Hansen purchase three Classic Head Half Eagles from the Virginian Sale. All closed at six-figures. Going into the sale, there were six Virginian half eagle coins that would improve the Hansen set of eight. In successfully acquiring three, the Hansen Team batted 50/50. The three coins that got away, was the 1834 Crosslet 4 MS63 POP 1/1, the 1835 MS64 POP 13/0, and the 1838 MS66 sole finest POP 1/0. For the 1834 Crosslet 4 and 1838, The D.L. Hansen Set currently have nice PCGS condition census examples, so no big lost there. The Hansen set do need to upgrade the 1835, but Haynor coin has 13 specimens tied for finest, so that was not a big lost. The three coins won were prefect for upgrading the set. By replacing an AU50 POP 12/15, and AU58 POP 25/ 13, and a MS64 POP 16/5, they got the best bang for the buck.
High Condition Census 1836 Half Eagle, MS65, Ex: Bass / Virginian Collection
If high condition means solid top five or ranked third in Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, then this coin certain fits the description. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1836 Half Eagles as follows:
1 - Provenance Unknown – PCGS MS65, Cert #5237310. Graded March 1994.
2 - Provenance Unknown – NGC MS65+, Cert #3701893-001
3 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS65, Cert #07944497, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
4 - Belvedere Specimen – NGC MS65, Cert #449876-005
5 - Estimated 13 surviving in grade MS64(+) - Hansen second coin is MS64, Cert #25633701
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: PCGS and NGC have certified a total of four 1836 half eagles of all varieties in grades of MS-65 and higher, but inasmuch as this is the only example from the HM-8 dies, it is alone at CC#1 for the attribution. Daryl J. Haynor (2020) carries it as the #3 coin in his list of finest knowns for the issue in its entirety, confirming its Condition Census standing by that measure, as well. A prettier and more technically advanced half eagle of this date hardly exists, and this leading rarity from Virginian Collection will be perfect for another world class gold cabinet. This coin is a nice fit in D.L. Hansen World Class Classic Half Eagle Set.
Heritage describes the coin as: Wonderful surfaces are fully brilliant with frosty yellow-gold luster. The obverse is smooth enough to support an even higher Gem Mint State grade, while for the reverse minor scuffing in the field areas below the eagle's beak and right wing is noted for accuracy. An old friend of our firm, we cataloged this lovely piece as part of our (Bowers and Merena's) October 1999 Bass II sale, in which it was observed that: "We have handled a small number of coins from this die pair, but the only nicer example, and marginally at that, is the coin we sold in the Fairfield Collection sale of October 1977. This coin is probably one of the two or three finest known of this variety."
In Daryl Haynor publication US Classic Gold Coins of 1834 – 1839 he writes: The 1836 is the second most common Classic half eagle, the 1834 being the most common. An estimated 1,520 specimens survive and are readily obtained, but not in grade above MS62. The Hansen Set has two of the eight coins graded MS62. The other six coins range from MS63 to MS65+. In the next post, we will see how this set ranks in the PCGS All-Time Finest sets.
Provenance: Stack's, November 3, 1970, via private treaty; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999 as PCGS MS64 ), lot 848, Realized $29,900; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, February 2000 as PCGS MS64), lot 6682, Realized $17,538; CSNS Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2008), lot 2437, Realized $74,750; Oliver Collection / Chicago Signature US Coin & Platinum Night Auction, (Heritage, August 2011), lot 7548, Realized $74,750; CSNS Signature Auction, (Heritage, April 2015), lot 5327, Realized $67,562.50; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5049, Realized $120,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1836 Classic Head Half Eagle, MS65 PCGS POP 2/0, HM-8 Certification #07944497, PCGS #765239 PCGS Value Guide: TBD / Realized $120,000 Ex: Bass / Virginian Collection
The sheer scope of this collection continues to be absolutely staggering. One minute you are talking about census level coins for dimes, and the next it's for quarter and half eagles. Amidst all of that he's competitive on Morgan dollars, which seems to be one of the most competitive spaces in the entire hobby. It's almost difficult to comprehend. Any time I catch myself thinking, "Why didn't he go for this particular coin?" you remember that he has hundreds of other sets to service at the same time.
Seeing the scope of this collection in more detail through this thread has given me the time to think about the sheer scope and accomplishments of some of the major collections that came before his and it makes me appreciate them all the more.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (3 of 4)
Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838)
The short-lived Classic Head $5 bridged the gap between the extremely rare Capped Head Left type of 1813-1834 and the Liberty Head Half Eagle which ran from 1839 through the early part of the 20th century. Three coins stand out in this short 8-coin set: the two mintmarked issues of 1838, made at Charlotte and Dahlonega and the 1834 with the Crosslet 4. Completing this set is not terribly difficult, but doing so in full Mint State is. - PCGS Registry
The Hansen Team left behind the battle for superiority in this set for another day, although there was progress made on the battlefront. Improving the top Hansen set from the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Team upgraded three Classic Head $5 Gold coins with two from Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection and one from John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush Collection. "Rome wasn't built in a day", so it’s going to take time for D.L. Hansen and his team to generate the great effort required to assemble the set that is envision. Also, to win the battle for the Classic Head $5 Gold series, the Hansen Team will have to take down a numismatic goliath, D. Brent Pogue. The grading in the Pogue set range from MS63 to MS65+, with a GPA of 63.83. In complaining the Pogue and Hansen Sets, Mr. Hansen out gunned. With just eight coins, the Pogue set has five graded finer. The skirmish on Virginian battlefield paid off for the Hansen Collection, because previously all eight of the Pogue coins were graded better. The biggest casualty for the Hansen set in the sale was the missed opportunity to obtain the Haynor 1838 HM-2 MS66 PCGS POP 1/0. Maybe it will show up again someday.
This screenshot shows the three upgrades. The branch mint 1838-C and 1838-D specimens are tied with the Pogue Specimens. The Hansen 1836 MS65 is a half grade point better than Pogue’s MS64+. I would say the top targets for Hansen upgrades would first be the 1835 MS62 POP 24/32. The next would be 1837 MS64+ POP 2/5. Lastly, the 1834 Classic, Crosslet 4, MS62. Although, this is a nice PCGS condition census coin, it would be significant if the set was all choice GEM and above (as Pogue). With these upgrades, the Hansen set would still be short of Pogue, but it be a very nice condition census set. We will have to watch and see if the battle continues.
With the three world class upgrades, the Hansen set jumps from sixth in the ranking to third. The three sets that falls below the Hansen set is Smithsonian, JD's Oak Collection, and Harry W. Bass. The Hansen set did not pass the ronyahski (Virginian) set, but is close. The number two spot is certainly within reach.
This will be the last posting and finish our discussion for Classic Head $5 Gold set for now. The opportunity for world class coins do not come along every day, or every year, and sometimes even decades. There were great opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions. We have seen the D.L. Hansen Collection making some significant upgrades from several sales with none better that the Classic Head Quarter Eagles, as we saw a couple days ago. The Hansen Team participated on several battlefronts during the couple weeks in late August. The Classic Head Quarter Eagle set is a battle where the Hansen Team took no prisoners and the Classic Head Half Eagle set ended in a standoff.....for now.
Exquisite Choice Mint State 1838-C Half Eagle, MS63 PCGS, Ex: Bass / Pogue / Virginian
There is no coin better to end of discussion on Classic Head half eagles than this branch mint coin. I would contend this coin is now the centerpiece in the Hansen’s Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties set. Of all the Classic Gold coins sold in the Haynor Virginian Auction, this coin tied with the 1838 HM-2 MS66 PCGS POP 1/0 specimen by realizing the highest price out of 58 lots. According to PCGS Rarity and Survival Estimates, there was only 175 survived out of 17,179 minted. From that survival, only three in mint state, with no GEMs. PCGS POP reports only two graded in mint state, a MS63 and MS63+. NGC has placed a handful in MS holders, including 2-MS60, 1-MS61, and 1-MS62. There is no source for better information on finest known Classic Head Gold than Daryl Haynor publication US Classic Gold Coins of 1834 – 1839. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1838-C Half Eagles as follows:
1 - Private Collector – PCGS MS63+, Cert #38263718.
2 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS63, Cert #37203589, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
3 - North Carolina Specimen – NGC MS61, Ex: Houston Collection
4 - Vineyard Family Specimen – NGC MS60, Currently Private Collector
5 - Harry Bass Specimen – PCGS AU58, Ex: Abner Kreisberg
From this list, the two PCGS coins are clearly at the top. Of the four NGC coins on the POP report, only two exist or makes the graded. Haynor does not mention the NCG MS62 which he could not “specifically identify” as currently existing. There is no doubt, mint state 1838-D half eagles are rare. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-C half eagle is among the most popular coins produced at this mint. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employed William Kneass’ Classic Head design of 1834-1838 and its great popularity stems from the fact that it is a one-year type with first-year-of issue status. Unlike many first year coins that were saved as souvenirs (or that have misreported original mintage figures) and are, as a result, more common than on might expect, the 1838-C is an extremely rare coin in high grades. This is an interesting contrast to the 1838-D half eagle which is far more available in About Uncirculated and Uncirculated than in lower circulated grades. The 1838-C half eagle is usually found with a good deal of wear and is most often seen on the VF to EF grade range. It becomes scarce in properly graded EF45 and is very rare in any AU grade. This is among the rarest Charlotte half eagles in Uncirculated and I am aware of no more than two to four pieces that grade Mint State by today’s standards.
As with many of Hansen’s coins, they have a story to tell. It hurts when a coin has a loss of legendary status, and that what happened here. The story as told by Heritage cataloger: In modern times specialists in Southern gold have elevated this coin to legendary status, one that has earned it hushed tones of respect not only for its quality, but how much space exists between it and the third finest known example of this issue. It was singled out by David Akers in his 1979 book on half eagles as the sole Uncirculated coin he had seen; Akers added, "I have seen only one other that even graded AU-50." A June 2014 blog post by Doug Winter previewing our then-upcoming Pogue sales looked forward to the "sale of the finest known 1838-C half eagle (the Pogue collection contains a gorgeous PCGS MS63)." In our (Bowers and Merena's) Bass II, sale, the coin was lavished with a full page, described as "a lovely cameo with prooflike qualities," graded MS-63 even amidst the more conservative grading environment that characterized that time. An MS-61 (PCGS) specimen once backstopped this coin as third finest known, but following a misadventure, it no longer appears on the Population Report.
The Heritage cataloger explains how the Hansen / Haynor lost its top spot status: For years this coin held the coveted title of "Finest Known 1838-C Half Eagle." Indeed, it was ranked CC#1 in the 2008 edition of Doug Winter's reference on Charlotte Mint gold coinage. Writing more recently, however, Daryl J. Haynor (2020) was able to take advantage of the knowledge that the PCGS Population Report now lists a single MS-63+ for the 1838-C. This is not an unknown grading event or even an erroneous entry in the Population Report, but rather confirms that the CC#1 ranking for this issue has now been claimed by the specimen that, as of 2020, was owned by Doug Winter Numismatics. Formerly from our (Stack's) Spring Sale of April 1978, that coin appears to have been off the market for most of the intervening four decades, thereby remaining under the radar of those conducting Condition Census and provenance work in this series. As this newcomer is from the HM-1 dies, the Bass-Pogue-Virginian Collection specimen is still ranked CC#1 for the 1838-C HM-2 dies. It remains an extraordinary condition rarity for the issue in its entirety, of course, and will forever enjoy legendary status among those who specialize in pre-Civil War era Southern gold. Only two collectors can simultaneously claim ownership of the finest 1838-C half eagles. With an aggressive bidding strategy pursued to the utmost, the winning bidder of this lot will become the next claimant. The survival of the fittest can be brutal when you are at the top.
Heritage describes the coin as: Luster abounds on both sides, highly satiny on the obverse but cartwheeling more evenly on the reverse. The fields of both obverse and reverse show attractive reflectivity, contrasting pleasantly with the well struck devices. The freshness of the surfaces is barely diminished by the presence of light hairlines and scattered light marks. A short scratch crosses star 5, and a tiny nick is noted high on Liberty's cheekbone; on the reverse, a series of faint abrasions are seen in the field beneath the word OF. These features, trivial in the extreme on such a well preserved and visually appealing C-Mint half eagle are mentioned solely to aid in establishing this coin's provenance. Vertical polish lines on the planchet remain evident on both sides; these are as made.
I will conclude this story with a couple comments written a few years ago by Doug Winter after discovering the Stacks 1978 example: There are a number of Charlotte half eagles that are rarer than the 1838-C. But this is among the most difficult half eagles from this mint to locate in higher grades. In Uncirculated, it is exceedingly rare and this example…. Is the only unequivocally Mint State piece of which I am aware. I first saw this coin in the October 1989 Superior sale. I badly wanted to buy it but didn’t have a client for it at the time. It was purchased by dealer Andy Lustig who was never able to sell it and I think he had it in his stock for close to two years before he gave up and put it into the 8/91 Akers/Raroca sale where it went cheaply at $38,500. It was later acquired by Harry Bass via private treaty with yours truly playing a small supporting role. After Bass died, it was sold in October 1999 by Bowers and Merena auctions where it was purchased by the Pogue family for $86,250. I love this coin for a number of reasons. It is easily the finest known example of the first Charlotte half eagle. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employs the Classic Head design. Its amazingly choice for the issue. It is one of those coins that every time I think about it I say to myself “Why didn’t you buy that coin for yourself when it was cheap and only a handful of people appreciated it? Today, Classic Head Gold is more appreciated. Even though the coin is not on the top of the condition census report anymore, Stacks Bowers sale referenced it as: The Legendary Bass-Pogue-Haynor Collection Specimen. By now being part of a collection that will one day be legendary, this coin will continue to be appreciated for many years to come.
Provenance: (Stacks April 1978), lot 853; Jascha Heifetz Collection Sale, (Superior, October 1989), lot 4378, Realized $48,400; Andrew Lustig; Chicago Sale (RARCOA and David W. Akers, August 1991), lot 987, Realized $38,500; Harry W. Bass, Jr., via Goliad Corporation (Mike Brownlee); Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999), lot 866, Realized $86,250; D. Brent Pogue Collection; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bower & Sotheby, May 2016), lot 4058, Realized $235,000; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5055, Realized 264,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-C Classic Head Half Eagle, MS63 PCGS POP 1/1, HM-2 Certification #37203589, PCGS #765269 PCGS Value Guide: $235,000 / Realized $264,000 Ex: Bass / Pogue / Virginian Collection
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (4 of 4)
D.L. Hansen Entire Masterpiece Set of Classic Head Quarter Eagles
The short-lived Classic Head Quarter Eagle (struck for only six years, 1834-39) served as the bridge between the rare Capped Head type and the Liberty Head type that would last into the early 20th century. Struck at four different mints (in 1839), this short set has no extreme rarities, but the "C" and "D" mint issues will prove the toughest, particularly in Mint State. Only a handful of these dated after 1836 are known above MS-62. - PCGS Registry
There are many people past and present that collects masterpiece coins. There have been others that works hard to collect a set of coins. Even the more advance collectors will add the Major Varieties to create “Entire Sets”. Some of the elite collectors are fortunate enough to assemble sets with several masterpiece coins in their collection. Dell Loy Hansen may be unique. He doesn’t just collect coins; he collects and assembles world class sets. A few of them are “entire masterpiece sets”.
You may ask: What is an entire masterpiece set? Using the PCGS certification and registry as the constant benchmark, then my definition of an entire masterpiece set must meet these five requirements:
1 - The set must be ranked #1 in the PCGS All-Time Finest Set Registry
2 – The set must be 100% complete for required coins for Basic and Major Varieties (Entire Set)
3 – The set must have 100% PCGS Condition Census Top Five (Masterpieces)
4 – The set must have 50% or more PCGS Finest Certified (Premium Masterpieces)
5 – The set must have min of 15% (if possible) PCGS Sole Finest POP 1/0 (Elite Masterpieces)
We saw in the last posting that the Pogue’s Capped Head Half Eagle Set is an Entire Masterpiece Set for that series. As I discussed a little last posting, it will take a large effort to replace the Pogue set of masterpieces at the top of the registry. Will we ever see it happen? I am not sure. With Hansen quarter eagle purchases in the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Sale and one Georgia Gold Rush coin, he was able to create another Entire Masterpiece Set for his Collection. (Note: Hansen now have four of these sets).
As can be seen, The D.L. Hansen Entire Masterpiece Set of Classic Head Quarter Eagles is #1 in the PCGS Registry. It is 100% complete with all PCGS Condition Census specimens. The set have seven of the 11 required coins that are PCGS Finest (64%). Also, of those seven, four are PCGS Sole Finest POP 1/0 (36%). This set certainly meet the requirements of Entire Masterpiece Set. This may the biggest and most significant accomplish of all the purchases in 2022 ANA Auctions. Take a look at this improved set.
The Hansen set has four out of the seven PCGS POP 1/0 specimens, and three out of the four that are tied for PCGS finest. Can the set be improved even more? Sure. Does it need to be? Not really. There were six coins in the Virginian Sale that could have upgraded the Hansen set. The other five coins, Hansen had finer coins or at least tied. Hansen Team was successful on obtaining four of the six. They did not win one of the PCGS POP 1/0 specimens, 1837 MS65+. As you can see, Hansen has a MS64 POP 2/2 (Haynor CC#2, only Virginian finer) that he is probably satisfied with his coin. Also, he could have obtained the 1836 Script 8, MS65+, POP 2/0, but he remained with his MS64+ POP 2/2 (Haynor CC#3 with Virginian and Pogue finer).
Third, the 1834 MS65 POP 4/4 is a better specimen that seen from POP report. The coin is listed as Haynor CC#4 with pedigree Ex: Greenwick / Pogue. It has what is described as prooflike finish. Daryl J. Haynor grades the coin at MS65+ /A-. The top coin in the Haynor list is an unknown MS66 that may no longer exist. The second coin is a PCGS MS65 that Haynor (HM-1) list as MS65+/A, the third is a second a PCGS MS65+ (HM-2) that Haynor list as MS65+/A. With the beauty of the Hansen coin, it probably a long-term keeper for a masterpiece in the set.
The last, 1838 MS64 is the most questionable. The Hansen specimen is a solid PCGS Top 5 with only three PCGS coins graded finer. In the Haynor list, the MS64 graded coins as group of “other notable coins”. The top coin for this date is a Smithsonian coin that Haynor grades MS67+ /A+. The coin was graded MS68 by Garrett and Guth. The Haynor CC#2 is an Ex: Bass PCGS MS67. The Haynor CC#3 is an Ex: Oliver Jung MS66+. Then Haynor ranks four NGC coins CC#4 – CC#7, including the Ex: Eliasberg. This date was not offered in the Virginian Sale, and I could not find any mention in the reference book. This may be a case where Mr. Haynor was not able to find a specimen that met his price and taste. I would not be surprised if an opportunity at some point may come along where the Hansen Team will replace this coin. As for today, it passes the test for a PCGS Condition Census Top Five.
If the Hansen plan was to solidify his top ranking and improved his set to PCGS condition census, then the battle was won. As you can see, it has solid footing in the PCGS All-Time Finest ranking.
One interesting note, the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold did not create a quarter eagle registry set. I would contribute that to him not assembling a complete PCGS set to list, but don’t know for a fact. The collection did have four PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest coins, and at least two that I found was tied for PCGS finest. If created, it would have been a nice set.
With the five world class upgrades, the Hansen moves ahead of Harry Bass in the top spot in the ranking. There three historic sets that falls below the Hansen set. They are the Harry W. Bass, Smithsonian, and the famous Eliasberg Collection. The current set that goes by tagline: billsnotes is third, and ahead of Smithsonian and Eliasberg. This is very impressive set.
This will be the last posting and finish our discussion of the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold sale. As state earlier, Hansen results for this sale was impressive and it really made a significant improve to both Hansen Classic Gold sets. As stated before, there have been great opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions. They presented opportunities for world class coins and the Hansen Team did not let it pass by. The Classic Head Quarter Eagles was a series that the Hansen Team solidified to point that no one can ever challenge.
In this short eleven-piece set, there really is no “Stand-Alone Key Date” per say. The PCGS Registry gives the weight of 5 to the 1839-D and weight of 4 to the two Charlotte coins. I would agree that if we identify a center piece for the set, then it would be the 1839-D PCGS MS64 that realized $168,000 in the Georgia Gold Rush Sale. The coin is featured today, the exceptional 1838-C Quarter Eagle, PCGS MS64 from the Virginian Collection realized $120,000. The 1838-C and the 1839-O are the only two Classic Head Quarter Eagles that realized five figures in the sale, with both realizing $120,000. Hansen has the sole finest 1839-O by PCGS grade. In 2006, Doug Winter also gave the nod to the Haynor coin. We are not here to talk about the 1839-O, so let’s get back on track.
The Hansen / Haynor 1838-C MS64 is clearly the CC#1 coin by Haynor. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1838-C Quarter Eagles as follows:
1 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS64, Cert #37203049, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
2 - Gold Rush Specimen – PCGS MS63, Salvaged from shipwreck off of coast of North Carolina
3 - James A. Stack, Sr. Specimen – NGC MS63, Ex: Ashland City Collection
4 - Dinger Specimen – PCGS MS62, Cert #50098421.
5 - Possibly Harold Barfoot Specimen
1838-C Quarter Eagle, MS64
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: Experts in both Classic Head and Southern gold coinage are in agreement that the Virginian Collection specimen is the finest known 1838-C quarter eagle. It is ranked #1 in the lists of significant examples in both the 2020 Haynor reference on the Classic Head series and the 2008 reference Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861 by Douglas Winter. A highlight of the present cabinet, and sure to sell for a strong premium to a gold enthusiast who seeks only the best for his or her collection. The coin did bring an auction record price of $120,000.
According to PCGS Rarity and Survival Estimates, there was only 150 survived out of 7,880 minted. From that survival, only eight in mint state, with no GEMs. PCGS POP reports only six graded MS, 2-MS61, 2-MS62, 1-MS63 and the Hansen/Haynor MS64. NGC has a dozen more in their POP report, including 1-MS60, 4-MS61, 4-MS62, and 3-MS63.
Heritage describes the coin as: While the 1838-C is the less well struck of the two Charlotte Mint issues in this series, the present example belies that fact. It is a fully struck coin that surely ranks among the best produced 1838-C quarter eagles. Crisp delineation between all of the individual strands of Liberty's hair and throughout the eagle's plumage is particularly impressive, as are full radial lines to all 13 stars around the obverse border.
As I had promised, you have seen some of the best upgrades from of an esteemed collection of gold coins, the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold. I hope you have enjoyed learning about this fabulous collection as I have. I am still not completely finished with the 2022 ANA Auctions. Keep watching, I have a few more upgrades that I have discovered from these sales before we can see what happened in the Harry Bass Foundation Auction last night.
Provenance: Thomas Melish Collection, (Abe Kosoff, April 1956), lot 1130; Globus, Randals, Binder, & Ford Family Trust (Stacks, June 1994), lot 566, Realized $33,000; North Georgia Collection / FUN Signature Sale, (Heritage, January 1999), lot 7741, Realized $40,250; Long Beach Signature Sale of (Heritage, February 2000), lot 6620, Realized $34,500; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5018, Realized 120,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-C Classic Head Quarter Eagle, MS64 PCGS POP 1/0, HM-1 Certification #37203049, PCGS #764792 PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $120,000 Ex: North Georgia/ Virginian Collection
The 2022 ANA Auctions - Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction
In Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction, they offered 9,552 lots. The first participation by the Hansen Team appear to be in Session 3 - The Fairmont Collection - JBR Set (August 23rd, 2022). The JBR set was certainly not as fruitful for the D.L. Hansen Collection as was the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set that was offered in the spring. I covered that sale in a series of eight posts. In the sale, the Hansen Team purchased 16 coins realizing $972,600.
The JBR Set didn’t offer anything near those results. The Stacks Bowers press release: The incredible JBR Set of Gold Coins from the Fairmont Collection is a landmark feature of the Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction. Comprising nearly complete runs of the $5, $10, and $20 denominations beginning in 1834, the JBR Set exhibits an astounding combination of Condition Census and Everyman quality across the rarest dates and varieties of U.S. gold. The 554 coins in the set feature an overall CAC approval rate of 63% and rank among the top PCGS Registry Sets in their respective categories
I believe most of the coins were “everyman quality”. I could only find ten condition census examples in the sale that would upgrade the Hansen Set. It appear from the updates, the Hansen Team did pick up three of the condition census coins offered. Two coins were Eagles and one Double Eagle, realizing $104,400. I will not be featuring any of these coins.
The JBR Set was just a warmup to what would come later that day, Session 6 - The Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection and then Session 7 - The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage Collection. I covered both of these sales in detail, showing five feature coins from the GGR sale and four feature coins from DHVC sale. I would call both a success. Then later that night on the same day, the team participated in Session 8 - Rarities Night. There were 310 lots offered in this sale, including some selections from a couple nice collections. The most interesting was The Augustana Collection described as: contains thousands of coins from around the world accumulated over nearly five decades. The goal of the collection was to portray human progress over the last few centuries. The United States coins featured in the sale span from the extinct Charlotte and Dahlonega mints to the work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, reflecting America's emergence on the world stage. Hansen picked up one coin, 1843-C Half Eagle PCGS MS62, CAC. POP 5/5 that is just outside of condition census. The Hansen Team purchased it anyway and it does make nice replacement a MS61, POP 6/10.
From what I can come up with from the online upgrades, the coin count looks pretty low comprising only four coins. The 1843-C half eagle and two Washington MS68 quarter dollars. The big purchase was the fourth coin, 1839-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Very nice coin that I will feature today.
In the four Stacks Bowers sessions that I have located upgrades, a total of 1,072 coins were offered. The Hansen Team may have participated in some other sessions, but I was not able to locate any updates to the top sets. From my official count, the Hansen Collection upgraded 25 coins from these four 2022 ANA Stacks Bowers sales. Amazingly, 22 of the 25 coins were PCGS condition census Top Five. The 25 coins realized $2,982,000. This would result in approx. $119,280 per coin. The Hansen upgrades is getting to a point that it is not a matter of how many are upgraded, rather a matter of how much the coins realized. One last fun fact from the Stacks Bowers auctions, all the coins purchased were pretty golden coins except for the two Washington quarters.
The Most Important 1839-C Half Eagle, PCGS MS-64, Ex: Ohringer / Pogue Specimen
The finest known is a superb fully prooflike PCGS MS 64 that was last owned by an Eastern dealer and which could convincingly (in our opinion) be classified as a Specimen Strike. - Heritage Auctions (Jan 1999)
What makes a coin a Specimen Strike? They are sometimes called ‘Presentation Pieces”. In Stacks Bowers Rarities Night Auction, they referred to the coins as: “Unique Fabric, Possible Specimen Striking”. Is Unique Fabric a finite statement? It is a little unusual that Mr. Hansen would purchase a coin with controversy. In this coin, he overlooked the past twenty years or more of chatter and raise his paddle. Maybe the controversy is subsiding. This is from the Stacks Bowers cataloger: This coin has received special notice in two of the most widely consulted modern references used by half eagle specialists. Doug Winter's 1998 work on Charlotte Mint gold coins notes that author has "seen one example of this date (listed as #1 in the Condition Census) which has remarkable fully reflective surfaces. This coin also shows an exceptional strike and it is my opinion that it is some sort of presentation piece or specimen striking...it is certainly unlike any other 1839-C half eagle known." Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933 (2008) also cites this coin, remarking that "the finest examples of the date have been graded MS-64. One of these coins is deeply prooflike, and it has been speculated that the coin may be a presentation striking." As the first year of this design type, and the only year of this motif to show the mintmark on the obverse, a coin like this could have been created as demonstrative proof of how well struck the fruit of new dies could be.
The cataloger continues by stating: The field of numismatics has clumsily defined and redefined terms like Proof, Specimen, Special Striking, and related entries in our peculiar lexicon. Aside from affecting merchantability in the coin market, none of these have much meaning, nor a sound technological footing in their definition. Numismatists have long sought to classify pieces that were made with special care, but aside from mass-produced Proofs coined at the Philadelphia Mint from the mid-19th century onward, those who actually made these coins used no rigorous standards, nor did they leave much documentation of their work. The coins themselves are the only artifacts of their processes, and like any other artifacts that exist devoid of context or documentation, modern students can really only sort coins into two categories: those made by typical processes and those made with distinctive effort. This coin clearly falls into the latter class. Its strike, its surface, and its planchet all stand out against the long appreciated and well-studied backdrop of early Charlotte Mint half eagles. There is not another Charlotte Mint $5 gold piece like this anywhere in the world, of this date or any other.
I have been watching the Hansen Collection for several years. He don’t buy coins thinking they can be something that they currently are not. I don’t think he speculated on this coin, rather he wanted the best example he could find for the core set of Liberty Head Half Eagles. Surely, he did pay a premium for the best coin. There is another unknown MS64, but it a mystery what it looks like. Even though there was two PCGS MS64 in 2008, the Goldberg cataloger wrote: The unusual piece that is offered here surpasses all others that are known to us of the 1839-C Coronet five (only a handful of Mint States are recorded). When it comes to beautiful coins, the number known dwindles rapidly down to this one, the only one that shines like a beacon in the mists. This handsome MS64 sets at the standard, a subjective yet no less objective beauty whose ranking among surviving '39-C specimens puts it miles beyond anything you will ever get a chance to bid on. It was enough for Brett Pogue to buy in auction or shortly after. The coin is currently still in the Pogue labeled holder. I can’t speak for Mr. Hansen, but can only write what I think, and I think he bought this coin for this price because he fell in love with it.
The Stack’s cataloger continued the description by stating: The quality of strike is extraordinary, with the portrait of Liberty as well defined as on a Philadelphia Mint Proof, far different from a typical, or even a standard but exceptionally well struck, Charlotte Mint half eagle of this era. The strike was so forceful as to create a fin, sometimes called a "wire rim," around a portion of the obverse from 3 o'clock to near 7 o'clock, where the rim is unusually square. The reverse rim is nearly square at the lower left, and the central reverse device is as incredibly detailed as that seen on the obverse. Talons, leaf interiors, feathers, and denticles each show bold refinement. The color is a glorious deep orange-gold, as striking and beautiful as it is unusual. Some light surface hairlines are seen. A thin hairline scratch crosses Liberty's lower jaw, and a very shallow vertical abrasion is seen on the cheek. The planchet, though specially created, was still a product of Charlotte's technology and personnel, thus the fine linear lamination across the point of Liberty's coronet to star 6 is not terribly surprising. I will close with a partial description from the Goldberg cataloger: The details on the main relief features are boldly struck on either side more than you can imagine unless you view it in person. This leaves the viewer wide-mouthed and in awe at the remarkable sharpness found on Liberty's hair and hair bun, the coronet and stars. As far as the eagle's feathers go, and the shield, and elsewhere, everything duplicates the razor-sharpness found on the other side.
This posting will be a wrap on the 2022 ANA Stacks Bowers Auctions. I started the series with posts from an ANA Heritage auction. I will close with a few more Heritage posts. I cannot say I save the best for last, but I did save the biggest name for next, Bob Simpson. Just watch!
Provenance: Dorothy Gershenson; Pre-Long Beach, (Superior, September 1998), lot 2033A; Ohringer Family Trust Collection; Ohringer Family Trust Collection / Pre-Long Beach Sale, (Ira and Larry Goldberg, September 2008), lot 1259; Realized $172,500; D. Brent Pogue Collection; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bowers, May 2016), lot 4061, Realized $111,625; The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction - Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 7164, Realized $336,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (1 of 4)
Important Selections from the Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IX
I would say, I have the finest set of St. Guadens and the finest set of Ten Dollar Indian piece, in my hands… and I’m going keep those. - Bob Simpson, Heritage Interview, Sept. 17, 2020
Here we are two years later. There have been a lot of water over the dam, and many intentions can and will change over time. The coin market has taken off for the sky. I don’t know what, but something changed Mr. Simpson’s thoughts on liquidating his collection. Heritage completed the latest sale: Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IX during the 2022 August 22 - 28 US Coins Signature Auction. I have tried to find online and asked around a little to see if there has been an official announcement of Mr. Simpson’s new plans.
Certainly, his sales have exceeded the original announcement two years ago. As of the Part IX sale, Heritage Auctions have sold a total of 2046 coins from his collection. In his interview, Mr. Simpson is quoted: “Total collection about 2500 or something and selling half the collection”. If we assume his collection was 2500 as he stated in 2020, then he has sold about 80% which is more than the original plan of 50% announced. As you see in the banner above, the sale will continue for at least one more session in January of 2023. We will have to watch to see if the tenth sale is the last.
Two years ago, Heritage released this statement: Bob Simpson, a friend and valued client for over 20 years -- and who is part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, a philanthropist, and a lifelong Texas energy executive -- is nothing short of a legendary figure in the rare coin hobby as well. Mr. Simpson stands as a singularly astute numismatist. Heritage continues to be honored with the privilege to handle numerous selections from his incomparable collection, and the items offered here are no exception. We are especially pleased to bring The Bob R. Simpson Collection to the numismatic community, and to Heritage's 1.25 million+ registered bidders. Each and every coin would be a highlight in any prestigious coin auction. To see them all gathered here is breathtaking, to say the least. The collection has several installments, all of which are destined not only to make numismatic history, but to strike a responsive chord with collectors of every discipline and specialty. The depth and diversity of Mr. Simpson's collection is truly remarkable, as all who are close to the hobby are well aware. Our "Featured Lots" list of favorite coins will no doubt create debate among those viewing the catalog, who might replace our entire list with other top coins from the catalog, and not be far off the mark. It certainly has been a specular collection with tons of feature coins. The August 2022 Sale offered only 61 Simpson coins with 27 Double Eagles. He offered 21 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles from his finest set that he mentioned in his interview two years ago. In the August sale, his St. Guadens results were the real deal. There were 14 out of 21 Mint State St. Guadens that realized six-figures. The 1927-D MS66 realizing $4,440,000 is mind blowing.
The Hansen Team was not successful in winning any of the Simpson Saint-Gaudens Mint State coins. Although, Mr. Hansen is focused on completing the Proof Saint-Gaudens set. Also, Mr. Simpson has been selling his Proof Gold in the previous auctions starting with his first sale two years ago. Over the period of time, Hansen has added several Simpson proofs to his collection. Heritage offered 37 Simpson Proofs in this sale including patterns. This was the one that was needed for the Hansen Collection.
Last thoughts of the Simpson Collection, it is really not known at this time how many coins that the Hansen Team has purchased from this fabulous collection over the past two years. I would hope the information is being keep and can one day be published. History is being made with the sale of the Bob Simpson coins as well as the purchasing and assembling of the Dell Loy Hansen Collection.
I will conclude by running some numbers by you. In the nine Bob Simpson sales, the auction results are reported to be $122,000,000. With 2046 coins sold, the average price realized per coin would be $59,630. As you can see above, the 1911 Saint-Gaudens purchased by Mr. Hansen well exceeds that average. I think it can safely be said that the Hansen Collection obtained some of the Simpson high end offerings over the last couple years. Today, I will feature this condition census Saint-Gaudens.
Sandblast Finish 1911 Saint-Gaudens double eagles PCGS PR66+, Ex: Bob R. Simpson
Heritage cataloger described the proof as: The basined fields and sculptural relief of the devices made Saint-Gaudens' iconic design unsuitable for the old mirror finish that had been used on proofs in previous years. The Philadelphia Mint tried a matte proof, or sandblast, finish on the proofs in 1908, but that proved unpopular with collectors. Accordingly, they switched to a Satin, or Roman. finish for proofs in 1909 and 1910. Although many present-day collectors consider the Satin finish superior, contemporary collectors were still unhappy. In 1910, influential collector William H. Woodin wrote Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Abram Piatt Andrew his opinion of the "Roman" finish gold coins made in 1909 and 1910 and advocated for a return to the dull sandblast finish of 1908: "If any collectors objected to this finish [the sandblast finish from 1908] it was because they did not understand that the St. Gaudens designs are not adapted to the production of polished proofs. The present proofs of the St. Gaudens designs and of the Pratt designs are simply rotten. I know of no other way to express it ... "
CoinFacts estimates 55 coins survived from a mintage of 100. Of these, the estimate is 32 GEM PR65 or better. PCCS has certified 15 GEMs, with 8-PR65, 2-PRS66, 3-PR66+, 1-PR67 and the sole finest PR67+. This fines example Cert #00201911 is impounded in the matching Koessl / Elite set and is pedigreed to the Eliasberg Collection. The second finest PCGS PR67 is unknown. The Simpson coin may the finest available 1911 specimen. The Heritage cataloger added these comments: In his impressive series reference on Saint-Gaudens double eagles, Roger W. Burdette notes that 200 proof double eagles were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1911, but only 100 were actually sold. The coins were struck on two occasions, with 150 examples produced on January 16 and another 50 pieces struck on May 20. In an unusual procedure, the coins were held back by the coiner until enough orders came in to justify a delivery, and the number of coins in each delivery matched the number of coins ordered. The proofs were delivered in three batches, one of 34 coins on March 28, another of 28 examples on May 20, and a final delivery of 38 pieces on December 9. Presumably, the remaining proofs were melted for recoinage after the end of the year. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 65-75 examples in all grades today.
The cataloger gives this final description: We can find only one auction appearance of the coin offered here, in lot 956 of the United States Coins and Paper Money Auction (Stack's, 5/1997), where it realized a strong price of $42,900 (thanks to Ron Guth and the Numismatic Detective Agency for this information). It has apparently been off the market for the last 25 years. This Plus-graded Premium Gem exhibits sharply detailed design elements throughout. The impeccably preserved surfaces display a light orange color, with the myriad tiny sparkles typical of this finish. Overall eye appeal is terrific for this Condition Census example. This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set.
Provenance: United States Coins and Paper Money Auction (Stack's, 5/1997 as PR65 NGC), lot 956, realized $42,900; Bob R. Simpson Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 8/2022), lot #3420, Realized $264,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS PR66+ PCGS POP 3/2, Sandblast Finish Certification #45402553, PCGS #9208 PCGS Value Guide: $250,000 / Realized $264,000 Ex: Bob R. Simpson
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (2 of 4)
In the 2022 US Coins Signature Auction, Heritage offered 2,676 lots. There were two historic collections that the Hansen Team was razor focused on. The sale started on Aug 22 with Lot #3001 which was 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent from The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. Just a few lots later, the Hansen Team started strong with a winning bid of $408,000 for lot #3031, a 1794, PCGS MS66 Brown half cent. I guess it is important to score that first touchdown on an early lot. On lot 3017, someone scored big with a $1,005,000 winning bid for a 1793 half cent. The Hansen Team continued on to win a total of eleven coins in the McGuigan Half Cent sale from lot #3001 to lot #3235.
The other big Collection for Hansen was Part 1 of The Bender Family Collection. The collection contains multiple sets and groups. In this sale of 316 lots, included Small Cents, Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarters, Twenty Cents, Half Dollars, Silver Dollars, Gold Dollars, Half Eagles, Eagles and Double Eagles. To make it more interesting, 106 of the coins were from the Carson City mint. I previously cover purchases from the Hansen Classic half dimes, dimes, and one dollar gold. In addition, he picked up a couple other Carson City stragglers.
In addition to these two great collections, Heritage held their US Coins Signature Auction. In this sale, the Hansen Team added a very nice second finest at PCGS upgrade to his high condition Draped Bust half dollar set and completed his purchases with three gold proofs. Two were purchased from the US Coins Signature Auction and the other from Bob Simpson’s Part IX sale that you saw on last post. From my unofficial count, the Hansen Collection obtained 35 coins from Heritage’s sales. Amazingly, all 35 coins were PCGS condition census Top Five, realizing $3,109,800. This would result in approx. $88,851 per coin. The price per coin is less in the Heritage sale than what we saw in the Stacks Bowers. The obvious difference in the Heritage purchase, 26 of the 35 coins were non-gold. With 74% of the purchase non-gold, the $89K per coins is pretty darn strong.
Although the count was only four coins from this particular sale, the Hansen Team made a strong showing in the Heritage 2022 US Coins Signature Auction. If you recall the recent review of the Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction, then the total spend on the two sales was almost split with $3 Million each. Let’s take a look at the first gold proof.
1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo
About 10 to 12 Coins Extant, One Finer at PCGS - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
Any three-gold dollars proof is a special coin. The Heritage cataloger wrote in 2018: It is a daunting project but collecting Three Dollar gold piece Proofs by date is a realistic goal. The PCGS Registry lists four complete sets: Tom Bender, Harry Bass, The Garrett Family, and Ed Trompeter. I don’t know the exact number of other complete sets, but I would venture to guess at least a half dozen others have been formed since the beginning of the 20th century. There are some really rare Proof Threes, and these tend to be dates which are not as well-known as the famous Proof-only issues. In my experience, the 1855, 1856, 1857, 1861, and 1866 are all extremely rare with fewer than 10 pieces known. In fact, only the 1882-1889 issues can be termed “available” and this is due to an increase in mintage figures and a higher survival rate. After almost seven years of actively collecting, The D.L. Hansen Collection still does not have a complete set. In a set that contains an entire collection of three-dollar proofs, the requirement is 39 coins. Current, the Hansen set is missing twelve. This purchase does get the set one coin closer to completion.
This is an interesting coin being it was produced the year after the civil war ended. This is from the Heritage cataloger: Although the Civil War reached its official end in 1865, the monetary consequences of the conflict remained in effect long afterward. Gold and silver coins were essentially withdrawn from circulation in 1862, and the post-1862 mintages reflect that. For the three-dollar gold piece, just 4,000 circulation strikes were coined in 1866. Another 30 proofs were struck for collectors.
The cataloger continues by stating: Writing in The United States $3 Gold Pieces, 1854-1889 (2005), Dave Bowers comments: "Proofs are great rarities with about a dozen or so known. In recent times Proofs of this and other $3 dates have been showcased as 'trophy' coins... ." More recently, John Dannreuther has estimated 10 to 12 proofs known from this regular die pair, allowing for the possibility that two to four additional pieces may have been struck from a different reverse, as reported by Walter Breen. Dannreuther has not seen those coins, so the listing of a second die variety remains tentative. Either way, it is widely thought that less than half the original production total survives, and few of them match the incredible quality on offer here.
In a collection like D.L. Hansen’s, there are hundreds of trophy coins. The cataloger concludes by adding: This is one of three Deep Cameo Gems at PCGS, with only a single coin finer in PR66 Deep Cameo (ex: Woodin-Clapp-Eliasberg). It features clean, watery fields that show a slight orange-peel texture, while a heavy blanket of frost covers the razor-sharp devices. A few light marks occur on the cheek, and splashes of natural coppery color appear throughout.
In the next posting, we will dive a little deeper into the D.L. Hansen Collection of proofs.
Provenance: Rosemont CSNS Signature & Platinum Night US Coin Auction (Heritage April 2011 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC, Cert #07418008), lot 5365, Realized $46,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 4029, Realized $114,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection. Thanks to Ron Guth, The Numismatic Detective Agency for identifying the early provenance on this proof coin.
1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS POP 2/2, JD-1 Certification #45439906, PCGS #98029 PCGS Value Guide: $87,000 / Realized $114,000
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (3 of 4)
Before we wrap up these series of posts, let’s recap the progress the Mr. Hansen has achieved with his proof gold collection. I have detailed the eleven sets that comprise the complete collection for proof gold from 1859 to 1915. The set consists of 294 coins. As I have stated before, PCGS does not have a set that represents these coins, so this chart provides a fairly accurate representation. A future registry set would be a nice addition.
With the recent purchase of three gold proofs from the Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction, the set is now 78.2% complete. The collection requires 294 coins with only 64 remaining. As with most things in life, there are always achievements and setbacks. Since the last update on January 26, 2022, there have been improvements made. In that update, the set needed 70 coins (76.19%). By starting 2022 off with the purchase of seven gold proofs from the 2022 FUN Sale and adding six since, therefore 13 gold proofs have been added in 2022. This may not sound as that much, but proof gold is very demanding, in low supply, and extremely expensive. With the Harry Bass Part 1 sale, the proof expansion for 2022 could even be greater. With a pace of about 15 per year, the collection is about four years away from completion.
There have been what I guess could be called a setback. On 8/29/2021, the collection added the last coin needed in the Indian Head $5 Gold, Proof (1908-1915) set, which is very competitive. When the coin was added, the Hansen set became #1 All-Time Finest in the PCGS registry. The top ranking did not last very long. On 2/16/2022 of this year, a set from the Matte Proof Gold Collection was added. The set may be the finest ever assembled. The owner wrote: This has been my passion for the past 40 years - my goal was to collect the absolute finest of each coin in this series, in their original condition. I think with no doubt or agreement, that became reality.
The set was offered for sale soon after and Mr. Koessl said, “This collection was my passion; my life-long pursuit. It was a very tough decision to sell, but I am very grateful to John (Albanese) and Ian (Russell) for their high level of professionalism in the smooth transaction and for ensuring it was purchased by a passionate collector who valued it as a complete set as much as I did over the years. My hope is the set will remain intact so future generations will appreciate the desirability and rarity of original Matte Proof Gold.” Koessl added “I would like to thank all of the dealers and collectors throughout the numismatic industry that assisted me in forming this set during my relentless pursuit of the finest known specimens. Of special note, David Hall and Van Simmons - they both helped me as far back as the early 1980s. Without their wise counsel and advice, I could not have acquired some of the finest coins in my collection and Andy Lustig, who arranged a special visit for me to view the Smithsonian Collection of Matte Proof Gold.”
The 32-piece Koessl set, including $2.5, $5, $10 Indian and St. Gaudens $20 Gold Sets were displayed at the 2022 ANA’s World Fair of Money. The sets were quickly sold by John Albanese of CAC. A lot more could be written on the sale, but in short, the 32-piece set was purchased by owner of the Elite Collection. This is a very interesting collection being it also has the only private owned complete 1933 Gold set that is legal. This is the collection that purchased the Farouk / Weitzman 1933 Double Eagle specimen that sold June 2021 for $18,872,250. PCGS now values the coin at $22 Million.
As you can see, both sets are now on the PCGS registry which they are occupying the top two spots. That moves the D.L. Hansen set to #3, although the top two are the exact same set. This double listing can be applied to all four registry proof sets. In the new table shown above, the Hansen sets have a drop of two spots in all four sets since the posting in January.
1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo
Mintage of 30 Proofs, Fewer Than Half Survive - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
Two 1866 gold poof coins in one sale is something very special. A couple days ago, you saw the 1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo. Today, you will find another from the same litter. This is the companion 1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo. The PCGS certifications numbers are consecutive, so they are certainly from a recent collection that had both coins. These coins get the Hansen Collection a couple steps closer to completing the 1866 proof date set. The set is still missing the Eagle and Double Eagle.
The 1866 half eagle proofs reports a mintage of 30. CoinFacts Rarity and Survival Estimate is 20 for all grades, including five that are PR65 GEM or better. Of those five, it appear two are graded GEM+ by PCGS, 1- PR65 and the sole PCGS PR66DCAM. The finest known is a PR66DCAM PCGS from a prominent midwestern family collection that was offered by Goldberg in 2016 and realized $123,375. What would that coin bring today? The last time the PR65 was offered was in 1992. The coin auctioned by Superior Galleries realized $34,100. NGC has three graded GEM proofs, including 1- PR65 and 2- PR66. The last appearance of one of the NGC PR66 was in 2010, where the Bob Simpson PR66 ★ Ultra Cameo specimen sold by Heritage for $80,500. The last appearance for a NGC PR65 specimen was in the 2004 American Numismatic Rarities. The coin realized $57,500. The auction record holder is the Byron Reed uncertified specimen that was offered by Spink America. The coin set the auction record of $209,000 in 1996!. The last appear for 1866 half eagle proof was the finest PCGS PR66DACAM in the 2016 Goldberg sale. This may be the first opportunity for this coin since Mr. Hansen started his set.
The Heritage cataloger described the rarity of the coins as: Half eagle production at the Philadelphia Mint comprised a scant 6,700 circulation strikes and 30 proofs in 1866. Naturally, five dollar gold pieces bearing the 1866 date are highly prized in any format and in any grade, but the proofs are particularly popular. Of the 30 representatives struck, Dannreuther estimates 10 to 12 pieces extant, noting "it is unlikely 15 coins can be enumerated." The PCGS Population Report lists nine submissions in all. That includes seven in non-Cameo (one PR50, one PR58, two PR63, two PR64, and one PR65), plus two coins in Deep Cameo. This PR64 Deep Cameo example is joined by a single proof in PR66 Deep Cameo that was last offered publicly in a June 2016 Goldberg Auctions sale. The NGC Census lists another two submissions in non-Cameo, one in Cameo, and four in Ultra Cameo. The coin may not be a top five coin at both grading services PCGS and NGC. At PCGS, the coin is a POP 1/ 2, with the PR65 and the sole PR65DCAM graded finer.
In 1866, the design of the gold half eagles changed. Heritage added: The addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was authorized by the Mint Act of March 3, 1865 and first appeared on a scroll above the eagle for the 1866 five dollar issue. John Dannreuther describes the design modification as "an attempt to raise the collective conscience of the country after the devastating Civil War. It was thought that the addition of the motto might help heal the wounds of the conflict." Q. David Bowers (edited and updated by Mike Sherman) provided these comments on this type: In 1866, the Liberty Half Eagle was modified by adding the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle on the reverse. Apart from this, the motif with Liberty Head on the obverse and perched eagle on the reverse is the same used in earlier years. Mintage of the with-motto style was continuous at the Philadelphia Mint, with additional coins being made at San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans and in 1906 and 1907, at the new Denver Mint. Combined with the earlier “no motto” style, the Liberty Half eagle is the only coin to be struck at all seven of the “traditional” U.S. mints.
The cataloger continues by describing the Hansen coin as: This magnificent proof rarity showcases beautifully textured and deeply reflective fields that appear almost jet-black. They stand out in stark contrast to the thickly frosted and predictably fully struck yellow-gold devices. A few tiny planchet voids appear to be the only useful pedigree markers.
This coin may play a small part in a collection as vast as the D.L. Hansen Collection. With the gold proofs, and due to the scarcity and pricing of the coins, it just requires patience and adding coins one at the time. This 1866 proof half eagle is one of the 13 gold proofs have been added in 2022. By my count, there are 64 to go, therefor patience and picking off the coins one by one is the only viable plan. As a heads up for what to come, the Hansen Team picked up a missing GEM PR65DCAM gold proof in the Harry Bass sale this week. Watch for the posting in the next few weeks.
Provenance: US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 4054, Realized $156,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS POP 1/2, JD-1 Certification #45439907, PCGS #98461 PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $156,000
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (4 of 4)
It was exhilarating when you won, frustrating when you lost, and mind-boggling when you had to pay far more than what you anticipated for a coin. - John Brush, DLRC, Coins We Love, Sept 15, 2022
It’s official, this is the last post on the 2022 ANA Auctions. There are a lot of cool things about the Hansen Collection. For one, it covers the Entire US issue of coins from 1892 to 2022, the basic, major varieties, and proofs. Currently, the Entire US Mint Strikes require 4560 coins and the Proof Finish require 1916. Together, the Hansen core collection currently requires 6476 coins. In the one-week of 2022 ANA Auctions, coins were sold from A to Z. The entire range of the Hansen Collection, from the first day with the winning bid of $408,000 for a 1794 half cent to a 1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle proof for $264,000. The bidding took steps from start to finish with successful purchases in several series including 1/2C, H10C, 10C, 25C, 50C, G$1, $2.5, $3, $5, $10, and $20. I think that covers just about everything except 1C to 5C, 20C, and $4 dollar gold. Lastly, the purchases included every detail including five new coins that were not in the collection with another 55 upgrades. This was not easy.
In a recent David Lawrence blog by John Brush, he described his auction experience: The ANA did not have an official live auction during the show this year, but the two major firms that were hosting live auctions the following week alternated their offerings on a daily basis. With DLRC and Mr. Hansen participating in the events, this was almost more work than the actual show. Literally, from noon to midnight Monday-Friday there were auction lots closing. In the end, we spent several million dollars on various pieces including Proof Half Cents, Seated Dimes, Proof Gold issues, C and D Mint gold, and some random offerings here and there.
In case you have not followed all the posting, I will provide a listing of what I have found updated in the Registry sets. These 60 coins are not the official purchase list, so there could be some differences. Let’s start with The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection.
My unofficial total count is 60 coins from both the Heritage and Stacks Bowers sales with total realized $6,149,400. The price per coin was $102,490. This posting will be a wrap on the 2022 ANA Auctions. This fantastic story does not end here. There are other auctions on the way. Do I need to name them? We may not have seen the best yet. As a glimpse of what to come, Mr. Hansen went Bass fishing a couple days ago. Just watch!
Second Finest at PCGS, High Condition Census O-105 Example - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
I really like this coin for the Hansen Collection of half dollars. A few months ago, I posted a series Dr. Charles Link’s Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1807). If you did not read the series or need a refresher, the posts ran from June 30th to July 21st. The eleven post series highlighted 11 of the 22 coins in the set. You could consider the half dollar as the 12th coin, but it is not a Dr. Charles Link specimen. With this upgrade, the only current coin that is not a PCGS Condition Census Top Five is the 1795 “Two Leaves” MS63+, Cert #25348636. It is a very nice coin, but at POP 3/7, it is technically just short of being a PCGS Condition Census.
I wrote several posts discussing the 1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar which at the time was his weakest coin in the set. The 1807 Link specimen was not part of the purchase. The Link set had a “Solitary Gem” 1807 Large Stars Half, Mint State-66 (PCGS) that last appeared in the Sep-2015, Stack's Bowers Auction of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II. The coin has a current PCGS price guide value of $265,000. The new Hansen coin is a half grade lower and is valued at $155,000. This purchase gets the starting point for this 22-piece Hansen set to $50,000 which a nice upgrade to the set and brings all the coins in better alignment. Was the upcoming availability of this MS65+, CAC, Ex: Highland Collection coin known by the Hansen Team when they decided not to purchase the Link coin? I have no way to know. If they did know, then this chess game is being played at the grandmaster level.
The Heritage cataloger explained to the condition census of the coin: A rare, high-end type coin from the final year of the Draped Bust design. The only Draped Bust halves that are marginally available in Mint State for type collectors are the 1806 and 1807, and these are also the only dates in the series that exist in any meaningful quantity -- even if small -- at the Gem level. This Plus-graded 1807 is effectively the sole second-finest at PCGS, and it is a high Condition Census example of the O-105 die pairing. The only finer examples of the variety are an MS66 NGC coin and the D. Brent Pogue MS66 PCGS example (Stack's-Bowers, 5/2015), lot 1115, which realized a strong sum of $152,750. NGC lists one additional MS66 coin, an O-110 example that appeared in our FUN Signature sale (Heritage, 1/2016), lot 5363.
The cataloger continues by stating: This high-end MS65, however, carries the distinction of being one of only two Gems with a CAC endorsement -- something not awarded to any finer example of the variety or date. This piece is also the first PCGS-graded Gem regular-issue 1807 Draped Bust half we have ever offered at auction, even though PCGS lists seven other non-Plus-graded MS65s (7/22). This coin displays a razor-sharp, even strike that defines all peripheral stars and the central reverse eagle and stars. Liberty's portrait is equally bold. This frosty, lustrous coin showcases original mint luster. The interiors have light champagne toning, but the peripheries exhibit deep russet and gunmetal-blue hues that attractively frame the devices. Only a few trivial ticks are seen under a loupe. This die state shows both dies clashed with faint peripheral cracks. Later states of the reverse exhibit advanced deterioration, as this is that die's only use. The obverse was later employed for O-106 and O-107. An outstanding coin that is sure to attract competitive bidding when it crosses the auction block.
After 22 posts, this is a wrap on the 2022 ANA Auctions. I thought it would be fun to finish the great run with a nice old silver coin. I will be starting the Harry Bass updates soon, but I have a little surprise coin to feature first. This will be for all the dime fans in the house.
Provenance: Highland Collection / Portland ANA (Stack's Bowers, 3/2015), lot 225, Realized $129,250; CSNS US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2016), lot 4657 Realized $141,000; Central States (CSNS) US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2019), lot 3723, Realized $105,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 3929, Realized $156,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
I know we've said it before, but the breadth and quality of what's going on truely is mind boggling. It's just so crazy to be building top 5 pop says across the entire spectrum of American numismatics. I will give an "attaboy" shout out to Dell Loy and John Brush. Keep up the good work on capturiing history in real time Currin.
It is mind numbing to read these posts considering the scope of what's being undertaken. I often wonder whether Mr. Hansen can truly enjoy each individual purchase given the volume of new acquisitions.
Seated Half Society member #38 "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
The dime, in United States usage, is a ten-cent coin, one tenth of a United States dollar, labeled formally as "one dime". The denomination was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. - Wikimedia, October 2022
Now that the posts updating the 2022 ANA Auctions is officially over, I thought I would show everyone a little dime before we jump headfirst in the Bass Gold. If you recall, Mr. Hansen picked up eleven Bender Seated Liberty Dimes, including the 1860-O, MS67 realizing $192,000. That was not the big one. That honor would go to the 1873-CC Arrows, MS65 realizing $552,000. The 1873-CC Arrows is twice more valuable that all of Hansen Roosevelt dimes in his core set. In addition to the Bender dimes, David Lawrence Rare Coins picked up a nice Barber 1904-S, MS66+ specimen along the way. The last recent dime is a beautiful tone 1919-D MS66FB which will be the featured coin today.
The Entire Hansen Collection of US Issue Dimes requires 505 coins. The collection has 504 coins and missing only the 1870-CC No Arrows. I think Mr. Hansen may be the only collector that is actively assembling a high-end mint state set of US Dimes. There are a few very serious collectors that are working on several sets in the series, but the Dell Loy Hansen is the only collector working on all of them simultaneously.
Draped Bust (1796-1807)
The first series is the Draped Bust Dimes. The 16-piece entire set is not as active in the registry as the basic 10-piece set that D. Brent Pogue Collection has locks on. The Hansen entire 16-piece set is #1 followed by Jay Parrino and the Contursi Family. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 56.99. The set contains 68.75% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 18.75% finest PCGS certified coins with one coin sole finest, the 1798/7 R-2, 13 Star Reverse, MS63, ex: Pogue. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 50% complete and is fourth in the all-time registry.
Capped Bust (1809-1837)
The king of capped bust, Dr. Charles Link has this series under his lock and key with a stunning #1 set. The Hansen entire 36-piece set is #2 followed by Easton Collection and MJ Sullivan Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 63.36. The set contains 61.11% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 13.89% finest PCGS certified coins with one coin sole finest, the 1828 Small Date, MS67. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 86% complete and is seventh in the all-time registry.
Liberty Seated (1837-1891)
The 121-piece Liberty Seated dime set is very competitive at this time. Jason Feldman had commanded this series for most the past decade after creating his registry set in July of 2008. Recently after Tom Bender sale, the Hansen Collection took a razor close lead. It will be seen how long that lead will last. These top two sets are followed by the retired Tom Bender set and the Gerry Fortin Collection. With the exception of the 1870-CC No Arrows, the Hansen set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 63.13. The set contains 72.95% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 36.07% finest PCGS certified coins with 17 coins graded sole finest by PCGS. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 75.21% complete and is tenth in the all-time registry.
Barber Dimes (1892-1916)
The 76-piece Barber Dime set is another very competitive series. Stewart Blay is the king of the hill for almost two decades after creating his registry set in December of 2003. For the past couple years, there have been a little friendly cat and mouse between Blay and Hansen. With Blay’s experience and knowledge in the series, well it not hard to see who plays the role of “Tom”. These top two sets are followed by two retired sets of Bob Simpson and the Law Collection. The Hansen set is 100% complete (plus he owns an 1894-S) with GPA weighted rating of 66.80. The set contains 89.19% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 32.43% finest PCGS certified coins with seven coins graded sole finest by PCGS. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is fifth in the all-time registry.
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
The 80-piece Mercury Dime set is a no-win series for D.L. Hansen. In the early days of the collection, this was a series that Mr. Hansen had a desire to build a top set. To build a top set requires about a dozen sole finest specimens. Most of them are locked up in a collection that Laura Sperber, Legend Numismatics, is the agent. The Hansen entire 80-piece set is #2 followed by three famous retired sets: Gerald Forsythe, cmcnutt, and Joshua II Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.24. The set contains 91.25% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 47.50% finest PCGS certified coins with four-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is seventh in the all-time registry. Mr. Hansen has stated that reason he is building sets is because he enjoys it. I think the joy for Mercury Dimes left him for a while. After a year on silence in this series, we saw the first upgrade in July. Now, we have a second in August that will be featured today.
Roosevelt Dimes – Silver (1946-1964)
The 48-piece Roosevelt Dimes – Silver is unusual set from a standpoint that Mr. Hansen had the #1 set in the all-Time registry for three years (2017-2019). It is not often that we see him give up his top spot. A set from the Halcyon Collection took the top stop in 2020 and have solidified it. It has been reported by the Roosies Guys that the Halcyon set has enough bonus points that it now out of Hansen’s reach. I cannot confirm, but that does sound about right to me. The Hansen entire 48-piece set is #2 followed by Daniel D. Biddle and two retired sets: Just Having Fun, and Erasmus Hall Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.80. The set contains 97.92% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 68.75% finest PCGS certified coins with seven-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is tenth in the all-time registry.
Roosevelt Dimes – Clad (1965-Present)
Currently, the set requires 126 pieces with a couple new coins added each year. As with the silver set, the #1 Set is from the Halcyon Collection. This is not surprising because John Brush told us several years ago that they would not be chasing the sole finest specimens in modern clads. This is the only dime set that is not either #1 or #2 All-Time. The Hansen entire 126-piece set is #4 lead by Halcyon, retired Almighty Dimes, and Daniel D. Biddle. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.00. The set contains 81.75% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 51.59 finest PCGS certified coins with three-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 80.16% complete.
Summary
The Hansen Dime Collection is currently 503 pieces with the unique 1870-CC No Arrows missing. The overall set GPA weighted rating is 65.46. The dime series contains 82.77% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 46.93% finest PCGS certified coins with 47 coins sole finest. As you just saw, there is an interesting group of collectors, allies and their agents battling in the series. For most of them, they have only one battle front. For Hansen, he has seven! At this point, I would say that he is winning the battle in two, holding his own in one, and four may be a lost cause at this time. Although, there is room to dig in deeper in each battle front. To today’s feature coin was a very good reinforcement from the supply line that Hansen and his team has brought into the battle.
1919-D Mercury Dime, MS66FB, Ex: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection
The 1919-D is not the most expensive coin in the Hansen Mercury Dime set, but I would think it is in the top five. Ron Guth comment: The 1919-D Dime is common in circulated grades but it becomes one of the more elusive dates in Mint State. Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the certified Mint State examples qualify as Full Bands, and these usually fetch a hefty premium over the non-Full Bands versions. Interestingly, the 1919-D, 1927-D, and 1927-S are the only dates in the entire series which are not represented by a PCGS-graded MS67 or better example, and that applies to both non-Full Bands and Full Bands. Considering the intense demand for this series, one can only contemplate what such a coin would bring if it ever appears on the market.
I agree with Ron Guth on the MS67. The finest Mercury Dimes are under the control of the Laura Sperber, Legend Numismatics with most in one of her client’s collection that is called the Mad Hatter. She once stated that this collection had the #1 and #2 All-Time Finest sets in one collection. I know that collection currently has at least two other top pop 1919-D specimens. Being the Hansen coin was also breed in the Sperber stable (Gerald R. Forsythe), it could have also at some point been in that collection or at close connection. Due to this condition, it really makes a limited environment for upgradable Mercury Dimes. A couple years ago, this one slipped away from the ranch and somehow showed up in a recent Great Collections Auction.
I would think a great effort has been to upgrade one of the MS66 to at least to a plus graded. As of today, that has not happened yet. Is it a matter of time? Maybe. The Hansen Team was able to pick up this nice 1919-D with Full Bands in a Great Collection Auction. The price was $151,875, which seem reasonable at this time.
Provenance: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection; Great Collections 4/2020: 816113, Realized $126,562; Great Collections 8/2022: 871621, Realized $151,875, D.L. Hansen Collection
1919-D Mercury Dime, MS66FB PCGS POP 7/0 Certification #38023657, PCGS #4925 PCGS Value Guide: $175,000/ Realized $151,875 Ex: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection
@Catbert said:
It is mind numbing to read these posts considering the scope of what's being undertaken. I often wonder whether Mr. Hansen can truly enjoy each individual purchase given the volume of new acquisitions.
I think that to some degree, enjoyment for Mr. Hansen may come in the completion of a set, and from monumental acquisitions, not from every individual purchase. I know it’s that way in some of my purchases for my core collection.
Historic Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection Part I - US Coins Signature Auction (1 of 8)
One of the Greatest U.S. Gold Coin Collections Ever Assembled - American Numismatic Association Website
This revered collection certainly cannot be disputed from any standpoint of historic significance. Has anyone tried to rank the all-time greatest collections from a historic reference? I feel confidence the Harry Bass Collection would be top five or higher. This sale could be called a museum auction. The collection has been on display at the ANA for 22 years. The ANA states: The Harry W. Bass Collection was one of the most spectacular U.S. gold collections ever assembled. It was featured at the Money Museum for more than 20 years from 2001 through 2022. Of paramount importance was a set of virtually all known die varieties of early U.S. gold coin denominations in the finest condition. Also included was the only complete collection of $3 gold pieces including the unique 1870-S; a complete collection of U.S. gold coin types from 1795 to 1933; and a spectacular grouping of rare U.S. pattern coins. In 2000, the ANA was honored to have its museum selected by the Harry W. Bass Jr. Research Foundation as the perfect home for this incredible collection. After more than 20 years as a museum centerpiece, the Foundation decided to sell the collection in 2022 to support its core mission of helping non-profit organizations in the areas of youth and education with a focus on early childhood literacy.
According to the Heritage, all the sale proceeds will be going to the Harry Bass Foundation and use for charity. A statement from the ANA on the foundation: The foundation seeks to enrich the lives of the citizens of Texas by providing support to qualified organizations in the areas of education, human services, civic and community, science and research, and arts and culture. This alone could cause aggressiveness in the bidding. From most sources, the prices realized is said to be strong. In a recent Heritage press release, they reported the first Bass Collection auction realized $20.5 Million. With 106 coins sold, the average price realized per coin was $193.K. When removing the top three million dollar coins, this average drops to $120.4K. This is still a very impressive price. I am expecting this tread to continue for the remaining sales.
Ultra Rarities from the Harry Bass Core Collection Bring Astounding Prices in Heritage Sale at Long Beach - Mark Ferguson (Heritage, September 30, 2022)
Part one of one of the most complete collections of U.S. gold coins, including virtually all known die varieties of $2.50, $5 and $10 coins in the finest condition, was sold by Heritage Auctions on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Long Beach Expo. All lots were graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Formed by the late Harry W. Bass, Jr., a businessman and philanthropist from Dallas, Texas, the collection formerly resided at the American Numismatic Association's Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The board of directors of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation recently decided to deaccession the Harry Bass Core Collection (HBCC). According to executive director F. David Calhoun, "Every cent that the core collection brings at auction will go to philanthropy… This move will allow us to more than double our annual philanthropy budget." The foundation's focus is on funding Dallas-area nonprofit organizations, with specific emphasis on early childhood education and literacy programs. The first sale of the HBCC collection, valued at more than $60 million, realized $20,462,345. Just 106 lots were featured in the first sale, but the importance of the coins offered greatly outweighs the size of the sale. Prices ranged from $2,640 to $4,620,000. Numerous pattern pieces were mixed into the offering, along with the gold coins.
This first sale is just the tip of the iceberg, but there were some bigger than life coins offered in this sale, including this coin that was best described from an Heritage press release: A magnificent 1821 half eagle rode a burst of furiously competitive bidding all the way to $4.62 million, leading one of the finest collections of U.S. gold coins and related patterns ever assembled. The other multi-million coins was: A 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle, PR63 closed at $2.28 million. The 1804 Plain 4 eagle was struck for inclusion in the diplomatic presentation proof sets that also included the famous 1804 dollars. Initially collected as a regular proof of 1804, later considered a pattern, and finally recognized as a special striking, produced by the Mint to fulfill a specific government purpose, it is now one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only four specimens were struck, just three of which can be positively confirmed today. Even the great institutional collections at the Smithsonian and the American Numismatic Society do not include an example of this fabulous rarity.
The Bass II sale is schedule for January 5, 2023, as part of the FUN - US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. There were high numbers realized in the first sale. Let’s see if they can be broken. Unfortunately, the 1870-S Three Dollar gold piece will not be offered. That is a coin that everyone will have to wait get a shot at. Good luck!
First Gold Coin Sold from Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection
1849 Gold One Dollar, MS67+, CAC, No L, Ex: Groves / Bass
The first coin sold from this Historic Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection was an Original 1836 Gobrecht Dollar realizing $84,000. Then, the first gold coin was next. The Hansen Team did not blink. They came out of the box swinging and were successful in acquiring the first gold coin sold in the Bass sale for $90,000.
When talking about gold collections, the starting point is typically the little one-dollar gold pieces. The set starts with 1849 Open Wreath as the first coin required. The Hansen set has the PCGS sole finest specimen, MS69 from the Oliver Jung Collection. Usually, the second coin required is the 1849 No L. In the Harry Bass sale, the Hansen Collection was able to upgrade to PCGS sole finest MS67+ specimen. Coin Expert Ron Guth comment on the coin: In 1849, the Mint introduced a new denomination as a response to private coiners (such as the Bechtlers of Georgia) and a huge influx of gold from California. The designer of the new Gold Dollar was James Barton Longacre (better known for his Indian Head Cents). As a proud papa of the new coin, Longacre added a tiny initial "L" to the front of the coin, in the truncation line at the bottom of Liberty's bust, where everyone could see it (at least, those with good eyesight). However, the initial does not appear on all of the dies of 1849, thus creating the "No L" and the "With L" varieties of this year. A similar event occurred in 1909, when Victor David Brenner placed his initials "V.D.B." at the base of the reverse of the new Lincoln Cent. However, Brenner's placement of his initials was perceived generally as being too presumptuous, and the initials disappeared from the second round of Cents in 1909. The ommision of Longacre's initial was not the result of public outrcy, but simply an oversight. In the real world of numismatics, there are few collectors of minor die varieties in the gold series. However, because of its listing in the GUIDEBOOK and other coin catalogs, the "No L" variety remains reasonably popular. According to the PCGS Population Report (as of April 2012), the "No L" variety is a third as common as the "With L" varieties. Mint State examples of the "No L" are fairly common in grades from MS-62 to MS-64, they become scarce in MS-65, rare in MS-66, and extremely rare in MS-67 (where PCGS has certified only 2 examples). In the recent Bass grading event, there is now a sole MS67+ that is in the Hansen Collection.
The Heritage cataloger in the Harry Bass sale stated the coin was A Legacy of Recognized Quality. Harry Bass owned several of these coins. All of them except this one was sold in previous sales more than two decades ago. The finest Bass specimen was saved and placed in the ANA Money Museum. The coin was a representative in the Bass type set. The cataloger described the coin as: Harry Bass owned no less than seven different 1849 No L gold dollars. Six of these coins were offered in the Bass Collection sales of the years 1999 and 2000 by Bowers and Merena. The piece retained for the Core Collection, however, is the finest of the seven coins by a margin of more than two full grade points. Certified MS67+ with CAC approval, this piece is the single finest 1849 No L gold dollar in a PCGS holder by the margin of its Plus designation (8/22). The Stack's catalog in November 1974, where Bass acquired this piece, described it as a possible presentation strike, owing to its reflective fields, sharp definition, and sheer quality of preservation that suggests numismatic ownership since the time of its coinage. In the early 1970s, Mint State 1849 gold dollars could be acquired for just a few hundred dollars or less in most cases. This coin, however, achieved a price realized of $1,600 in its June 1973 auction, and little more than a year later realized $2,400, to Bass. A legacy of numismatic recognition and profound conditional rarity surrounds this piece. Its appearance here may well represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most advanced gold dollar specialist.
The Hansen Team took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as well as several others. The coin realized $90,000 which is well below the price per coin average in the Bass Part 1 Sale. In the Hansen purchase, this is one of only two coins that he paid less than six-figures. If this coin is A Legacy of Recognized Quality, wait to see what else in coming in future posts. Watching the Bass updates is well worth your time. Pass it on.
Provenance: Public Auction Sale (Stack's, 6/1973), lot 1052; Donald Groves Collection (Stack's, 11/1974), lot 468; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry Bass Core Collection #1001, Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part I / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 9/2022), lot 11002, realized $90,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1849 Gold One Dollar, MS67+, No L PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved Certification #46092961, PCGS #521670 PCGS Price Guide Unknown / Realized $90,000 Ex: Groves / Bass Core Collection
Comments
Outstanding Wurt Collection of Morgan Dollars, Part 4
One thing I love about @DLHansen's collecting is that he collects all eras of US coins.– Zoins (August 5, 2022)
As the Hansen Collection starts to reach maturity or puberty, I am not sure which, we will slow our focus on individual coins, and dive deeper in The Collection of Sets. The current Hansen set count in the PCGS Registry is 1908. That is too big to tackle. So, how do the Morgan Dollars stand? Today, we will see the significance that the Hansen Morgan Set has in his Collection of Silver (Large) Dollars. You will see that the 21 coins purchased from the Outstanding Wurt Collection of Morgan Dollars really helps to bring the Morgan’s in greater alignment with the Hansen’s other dollar sets.
As Zoins stated, it is true that Mr. Hansen collects all eras, but also all US Issus by denominations. It even goes further that that. Since the Hansen Collection purchase of Dr. Charles Link’s Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties (1794-1807) set a few months ago, I had the pleasure to read most the public writings that Dr. Link has shared the past four decades working on his collecting. As I have stated once before, he wrote: My set goals have always gravitated towards completing entire sets, compared to some collectors content with high grade coins whom avoid some true rarities that can only be obtained in lower grade. This two word phase “Entire Sets” have stuck with me. In studying the Links Sets, I believe in his great collection, it refers to this formula for collecting early US issues.
Basic + Major Variety + Proof = Entire Set
In Mr. Hansen’s public statements, he talks mostly about his Basic - Hall of Fame Set from 1793 to Present. In his recently NNP interview, he seemed focus on the basic set. In the past, I have thought this HOF basic set as the core of the collection and the rest of the collection (thousands of coins) as supplemental. As of late based on success in recent acquisitions, there is an apparent focus is on the “entire collection”, which consist of the core, including major varieties and proofs. For the first time, I have looked at a denomination, i. e., the Silver (Large) Dollar Collection as an entirety. The findings are interesting.
The D.L. Hansen Entire Collection of Silver (Large) Dollars
The tables consist of an “Entire Collection” of Large Dollars 1794-1978. Including Major Varieties, the entire set consist of 262 Mint Strike and 102 Proof Finish, totaling 364 coins. The Collection of Dollars is only missing nine coins, with Mint State Set only missing one. I will save the discussion on the Proof Finish sets for another day, and focus on the Mint Strike, consisting of six sets loosely based on PCGS Registry Major Varieties Sets. What I mean by loosely, I have added a couple important missing coins. Let’s look at them in detail.
Early Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1803)
This set requires 36 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: This is one of the "Dream Sets" of American numismatics, with the classic 1794 rarity, the two 1795 types (Flowing Hair and Draped Bust), the transitional coins of 1798, and lots (and lots!) of important varieties. The silver dollar is perhaps the most popular of all numismatic collectibles, and the Bust Dollars rival the large cents as the most popular of the early coins. Return with us to the days of Washington, Adams and Jefferson and enjoy building this historic set! The Hansen Set is currently second in ranking following the retired Miller Collection Set. The Hansen Set is missing the 1798 Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines. Once the coin is added to the set, I have confidence the Hansen Set will be Registry #1.
Liberty Seated Dollars Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1840-1873)
This set requires 44 Coins and there are no Major Varieties required. PCGS describes the set as: This is one of the most challenging of all 19th century silver sets. The coins are big and heavy, leading to lots of bagmarks on most surviving mint state examples. In addition, rare dates abound, including the ultra-rare 1870-S, the tough Carson City issues, the rare dates in the early 1850s-the list could continue. Collectors usually choose to buy two examples of this series, one "No Motto" and one "With Motto." A complete set? A great joy and an even greater challenge! The Hansen Set is currently #1 All-Time Registry Set. DLH purchased the HOF Bruce Morelan Collection of Mint State Seated Liberty Dollars in the early 2018 timeframe. I refer to this set as a “Masterpiece Set”, due to 100% of the coins are Condition Census Top Five, including 86% of the set is Sole Finest or tied for PCGS Finest. Since the 2018 Morelan purchase, the Hansen Team have replaced four of 44 coins, improving three coins to sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimens and the fourth a POP 2/0.
Trade Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1873-1878)
This set requires 18 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: A short but extremely challenging series that is LOADED with condition rarities. In fact, none of the coins can be called "common." The stoppers of the series include the 1875, 1876-CC, 1877-CC, and 1878-CC, but many other dates could be added to the list depending on the condition. This is one of America's most historic and interesting coins, and in gem condition it is beautiful as well. The Hansen Set is currently #3 All-Time Registry Set, but actually the two top sets are one and the same. This top set is the HOF Legend Set that was assembled by HOF(er) Bruce Morelan. The set was sold intact to another collector in the late 2018 timeframe. Oddly, this set has 17 coins out of the 18 required coins PCGS certified as Pop 1/0 sole finest. The HOF “Masterpiece Set” set have 15 of the 18! This leaves very little for the Hansen Team to work with, although the Hansen Set have six coins that could be upgrade to at least Condition Census. The Hansen Team continues to work with the set upgrading two specimens in recent months.
Morgan Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921)
This set requires 117 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: What is it about Morgan silver dollars that brings out the demand for the best? Is it the romance of the Old West? Is it the memory of going to the bank to get a silver dollar to rattle around in your pocket? Is it the challenge of finding big, heavy coins that aren't peppered with marks and abrasions? Whatever the reasons, there have been some fantastic sets of Morgan dollars assembled in recent years, filled with coins of amazing quality and rarity. The rarest dates of the series in top condition include the 1884-S, 1886-O, 1889-CC, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1894-O, 1895-O, and 1896-O. The Hansen Set with the Wurt Morgan Dollars purchased is now #2 All-Time Registry Set, snuggling in behind the Illinois Set. This has been our feature set in past few days. With the Wurt purchase, the set has improved to approx. 75% Condition Census, with 32.5% being Top Pop PCGS. With two additions from Wurt, the set have eleven PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest Morgan Dollars. On the downside, 25% of the set is still non-condition census specimens that are itching for replacement.
Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935)
This set requires 24 Coins. PCGS describes the set as: Silver dollars may forever be the most collected United States coins. Though not as popular as its Morgan dollar predecessor, the Peace dollar is still extremely popular with collectors. The series is relatively short, especially when compared to the Morgan series. This is not say that the series is an easy one to complete. The keys to the series in MS65 or better are the 1924-S, 1925-S, 1923-S, 1927-S, and 1928-S. Peace dollars were often poorly struck, and combined with a lower-relief design there are far fewer high grade examples than one might expect. In gem quality the Peace dollar is a beautiful coin! The Hansen Set is the #3 All-Time Registry Set, trailing PCGS HOF California 1 set. Since the retirement of California in 2015, the Hansen Set and M. E. Lesniewski set has been having a little back and forth battle for #2. Currently, Lesniewski has a slight upper hand placing Hansen in third. They both still has a way to go to close in on the California 1 Set. The Hansen Set has two coins that are not condition census, 1924-S MS65+ PCGS POP 13/6 and 1926-D MS66+ PCGS POP 51/13. This set could be the next Hansen “Masterpiece Set”.
Eisenhower Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1971-1978)
This set requires 23 Coins. Sadly, the large dollars ends with this series. PCGS describes the set as: I like Ike! The political buttons of the 1950s became the coin collectors' cry of the 1970s, and it's still true today. This popular series remembers the U. S. president and military general on the obverse and commemorates the moon landing and/or the bicentennial on the reverse. Examples were struck in copper-nickel clad and silver clad. The Hansen Set is currently #1 All-Time Registry Set. DLH purchased the Linda Gail Set in the mid 2019 timeframe. Currently, 18 of the 23 coins in the Hansen Set has a Linda Gail pedigree. The set has 15 of the 23 coins tied for finest known (65%) and 95% of the set is Condition Census. The only coin that is not Condition Census is the 1974-S Silver MS68+, PCGS POP 10/8. If this set could pick up one or two PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest, and upgrade the 1974-S Silver to MS69, the set could certainly be a “Masterpiece Set of Ike’s”
1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65, CAC, Ex: Wayne Miller Plate Coin
This coin has come and gone in vogue(est) a few times. The MS65 specimen has the greatest PCGS Price Guide Value of all the two dozen coins in the Hansen – Wurt purchase. PCGS Registry weight this coin as “eight” which places the coin in solid top 12 for 117 piece set. Q. David Bowers wrote: Apparently, high-grade Mint State coins were not always considered to be rare, and in 1982 Wayne Miller, who had recently purchased 80 fully-struck Uncirculated coins, called the issue "the most over-rated of the rare date Uncirculated Morgans," further noting that the "enthusiasm for this date has approached hysteria in recent years." It appear to be back in vogue.
The last 1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65 sold in auction was a Heritage Sale, February 2022 Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature. Heritage described the date as: The New Orleans Mint concentrated all its resources on striking Morgan dollars in 1886, when a huge mintage of more than 10.7 million pieces was accomplished. The coins were delivered in large batches throughout the year, with a steady stream of 900,000-1 million pieces produced every month. Unfortunately, the 1886-O was not a well-made issue. The dies were often spaced too far apart, in order to reduce die wear during the enormous press runs, and many survivors are softly struck in consequence. Insipid mint luster and excessive surface marks also plague this issue. A number of coins (probably 2-4 million examples) were released into circulation at the time of issue, and the 1886-O is easily located in circulated grades today. The majority of the mintage was held in government storage and most of those coins were probably melted in 1918, under the provisions of the Pittman Act. A few bags were paid out in the 1950s, but they attracted little attention and were quickly absorbed in the market. The 1886-O was not well-represented in the Treasury releases of the 1960s, alerting collectors and dealers to its elusive nature in high grade for the first time. Third-party grading has established the 1886-O as a leading condition rarity in the series over the last 35 years. PCGS has graded only three coins in MS65 (one of those in 65+), with a single MS67 Deep Mirror Prooflike example finer, while NGC has graded no specimens finer than MS64 (1/22). The non CAC specimen realized $156,000.
Since January, the MS65 POP has ballooned from two to six, with no change in the top two coins. I wrote extensively about the Stacks Bowers November 2020 Auction of The Larry H. Miller Collection of Morgan Dollars. In that sale, the Hansen Collection had the opportunity to obtain the top coin, Jack Lee MS-67 DMPL (PCGS). CAC, a coin Wayne Miller described as "The Most Spectacular Morgan Dollar Now Known". I am a sure the Hansen Team chased the coin, but it finally sold for Auction Record of $780,000. The second finest, MS65+ CAC, is an Ex: Eliasberg / Coronet / Illinois Specimen that last appeared in auction in 2015. The coin is currently available on Barry Stuppler’s website with an ask price of $450,000. Mr. Hansen has added several of Illinois Specimens to his collection, but passed on this one. Was he waiting for the Wurt CAC Specimen? We do not know the price paid for this MS65 CAC, but I am sure the team was excited about having the opportunity to pick up Condition Census 1886-O Morgan last week.
Provenance: Wayne Miller Plate Coin, Wurt Collection (PCGS Set Registry), David Lawrence acquired at American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money in offering by Mike's Coin Chest; D.L. Hansen Collection.
1886-O Morgan Dollar MS65
PCGS POP 6/2, CAC Approved
Certification #43830711, PCGS #7168
PCGS Value Guide: $285,000 / Purchased Shaun Bobb of Mike's Coin Chest
Ex: Wayne Miller Plate Coin / Wurt PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
An 1886 O PCGS MS65 (no cac) sold yesterday (Aug 24, 2022) and the price and link below.
$168,000 including buyer's premium.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/morgan-dollars/silver-and-related-dollars/1886-o-1-ms65-pcgs-pcgs-7168-/a/1348-3969.s?ic4=ListView-Thumbnail-071515
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_KWVk0XeB9o - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Piece Of My Heart
.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
The Morgan CACs seems to demand a higher premium.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Currin,
One thing to correct about the purchases of the Wurt coins. We didn't buy them on the floor. I bought them prior to the show from Shaun Bobb of Mike's Coin Chest.
And to comment on the 1886-O, the Wurt coin (CAC'd) is night and day different than the other examples we've seen. Unfortunately the TrueView doesn't do the coin's luster justice.
And one more thing to add: week 2 of the ANA (the auctions) were exhausting. We did pick up a nice group of new pieces, but we'll let Currin share the good news in the coming days/weeks!
President of David Lawrence Rare Coins www.davidlawrence.com
email: John@davidlawrence.com
2022 ANA Dealer of the Year, Past Chair of NCBA (formerly ICTA), PNG Treasurer, Instructor at Witter Coin University, former Instructor/YN Chaperone ANA Summer Seminar, Coin World Most Influential, Curator of the D.L. Hansen Collection
Oh absolutely on the price difference between the CAC and non-cac price. I was just pointing out that one sold the night before since you reported the last one to sell was Feb 2022.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_KWVk0XeB9o - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Piece Of My Heart
.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
Liberty Seated Dimes, Early Proof Set (1837-1857)
Rare and beautiful! How rare? PCGS has only certified one example of many of the dates and zero examples of a few others! Starting with the incredibly pretty 1837 No Stars and continuing on for two decades, this set has only two coins that are relatively easy to locate (1856 and 1857) and even those are great rarities when compared to most U. S. coins. It might take a lifetime to complete this set, but what an accomplishment it would be! - PCGS Registry
There are not many swimmers in this pool. In fact, only two: Dell Loy Hansen and Jason Feldman. To some of the Early Collectors, coins after 1837 are “modern”. The Early Seated Liberty proofs are somewhat a lost era, because they are not really early coinage, but for proofs, they really were not produced for collectors until 1858 and after. The prior years were limited to mint officials, friends, politicians, presentations and a handful of influence people in the Philadelphia area. Mint records are not truly known for many of the issues during this era. The rarity of these coins really limits the number of collectors chasing the very few coins available. For most collectors, to have one coin represented would suffice for their collection.
The Proof Dime set requires 20 coins with all examples appearing to be collectable. The Feldman Set is currently in the top spot with 85% of the set complete compared to 75% for Hansen. With the Feldman set being closed, a direct comparison is not possible. We can tell that Hansen has more bonus points, in comparison, 1.09 for Hansen and 0.29 for Feldman. The Hansen set has six coins that are PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest and three other tied for finest. The five missing coins are as follows:
The 1838 No Drapery in Proof Finish is first of the missing coins. Currently, the coin has no PCGS certified specimens. The coin is likely unique, with the only widely acceptable example, the Kaufman Specimen. Last sold in the 2014 Eugene H. Gardner Collection II US Coins Signature Auction hosted by Heritage, the PR67 Cameo NGC certified coin realized $164,500 that remains the Auction Record.
The 1841 Dime in Proof Finish is too an interesting and difficult coin that can be found “with” or “without Drapery”. Only two examples are known for 1841 No Drapery Dime: a circulated PCGS PR50, formerly PR53 NGC (Ex: F.C.C. Boyd) example and the much finer NGC PR67+ (Ex: Newman / Gardner) specimen. The 1841 with Drapery is unique as a proof. The sole example is PCGS PR63 Cameo, CAC that appeared in the Heritage 2021 Central States US Coins Signature Auction where it realized $52,800. The Ex: Kaufman / Gardner coin is currently in the Jason Feldman Collection. For D.L. Hansen to obtain an example, he would have to settle for the PR50 or if seeking a quality specimen would need to cross the NGC PR67+ to PCGS. The Auction Record is $305,500 realized in Heritage’s Jan 2022 FUN US Coins Signature Auction for the PR67+ NGC, CAC, No Drapery, Ex: Green-Newman-Gardner Specimen.
The 1845 Dime in Proof Finish is a little easier to obtain. CoinFacts est. 5-7 specimens are known, although only two have been certified by PCGS in 35 years of service. First being an 1845 Liberty Seated Dime, PCGS Proof-61 last appearing in Stacks Bowers August 2012 ANA Auction. The coin currently resides in the Jason Feldman Collection. The other PCGS certified coin is a little mysterious, being it has not appeared in auction yet. Actually, the last auction appearance for any 1845 Proof Dime was 2015. In a dated auction roster, it listed five NGC certified GEMS: PR66 NGC, Kaufman specimen; PR65 Cameo NGC, Stickney / Eliasberg Specimen; PR65 Cameo NGC. Bowers and Merena; PR65 NGC, Lovejoy / Kaufman Specimen; PR65, Starr Specimen. One of these is probably the PCGS PR65 Specimen. The Auction Record is $71,300 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
The 1847 Dime in Proof Finish has an estimated 4-6 known of specimens, with three in certified PCGS holders with a single PR65 and a pair of PR66. The coin does not appear publicly often. The last auction appearance was the Heritage 2014 Eugene H. Gardner Sale where a PCGS PF66 Ex: Floyd Starr Specimen was sold. The Auction Record is $56,350 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
The 1848 Dime in Proof Finish should be the easiest to obtain a nice specimen. CoinFacts gives for known specimens, 8 to 10. PCGS POP Report has graded six specimens, including three GEM PR65, two PR64 and a circulated PR55. The last auction appearance was for the sale of the PR55 specimen. The coin was described as: This recently discovered PR55 example displays razor-sharp design elements with just a trace of friction on the high points. The last appearance for a GEM Proof was Stacks Bowers 2016 ANA Rarities Sale where the Proof-65 (PCGS) Eliasberg, / Gardner Specimen was sold. Also, the Auction Record is $39,100 realized in 2008 Superior Galleries Long Beach Auction of The Turtle Rock Collection.
Also, as you can see, we should see at least 2-3 more additions to this set. Due to the 1838 No Drapery in Proof Finish is likely unique, only one of these master collectors will be able to obtain 100% complete set. At this point, Feldman remains two coins ahead, although Hansen did close the gap a little with this addition.
1853 Seated Liberty Dime, “Arrows” PR66+, CAC, Ex: Kaufman / Gardner
This coin was quietly added to the collection during all the excitement surrounding the recent auctions. The coin was purchase in a private transaction between David Lawrence Rare Coins and Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. (NFC Coins). Naturally the detail of this transaction is confidential to us. At the end of the day, this is a great addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection that was facilitated by DLRC.
This coin does have a story to share. First, it is the finest of all known 1853 “Arrow” Proof Dimes. The coins first appeared in Heritage’s December 2014 Money Show US Coins Signature Auction in Houston. The coin was described as: Undoubtedly the finest known 1853 proof Arrows dime, this coin from the Kaufman Collection (and later from the exceptional Eugene H. Gardner Collection) has exceptional mirrors and amazing eye appeal, a treat for the connoisseur. While the number of proofs and the timing of the proof strikes has long been debated, it is generally agreed just five proofs of the Arrows dimes were made plus two proofs of the No Arrows variant. The PCGS POP reports four certified, the Sole finest PR66+, the next two are a PR64 and PR65, with an imperfect PR55 as #4. The Heritage Description states there are two No Arrows proof variants. If this is the case, then PCGS have not certified either. The coin realized $52,875 in the 2014 sale.
Let me share the last known auction generated roster (1853 Arrows Proof Dime Roster - Heritage 2015):
Hansen Specimen, PR66+ PCGS. CAC, Ex: Kaufman Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1784; Greensboro Collection, Part 1 / ANA National Money Show (Heritage, 10/2012), lot 3951; Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part 1 (Heritage, 6/2014 as PR66 NGC), lot 30290; Houston Money Show (Heritage, 12/2014), lot 3519. D.L. Hansen Collection.
Jason Feldman Specimen, PR65 PCGS, CAC. John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 10/1997), lot 615; Bob Simpson; unknown intermediaries; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2015), lot 4072; Regency Auction XIV (Legend, 10/2015), lot 245.
Pittman Specimen PR65 NGC, Superior (10/2000), lot 4345.
Norweb Specimen, PR63 NGC. Hollinbeck Coin Co. (6/1953), lot 1997; Norweb Collection (Bowers 10/1987), lot 484; Lovejoy Collection (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 270.
Ahwash Specimen, Choice Proof. Kamal Ahwash (8/1981); unknown; Stack's (3/1996), lot 276.
The coin spent a couple years in unhappy homes, appearing in auction three times in as many years. In a December 2015 Heritage’s Houston Money Show US Coins Signature Auction when coming back to Houston again, the coin dropped from favor. It only realized $37,600 in late 2015. Making an appearance for the third time in a Heritage Auction, this time at the 2016 ANA US Coins Signature Auction in Anaheim. Again, the coin was out of favor by realizing another drop to $32,900. The Coin carried the CAC Approval sticker at all these sales. The description for the coin was brief. The coin appeared quiet and off the radar since 2016. Maybe in a good home or maybe not. During this time, the coin has been to steadily appreciate.
As stated early, we don’t know what was paid for the coin, but we do know the PCGS Price Guide for the coin is $90,000. The early proofs are really fun to research and very fun to watch, but for now, I would like to see what pieces that I can find in the Hansen sets from last week’s auctions. More proofs? Maybe.
Provenance: See Hansen Specimen above.
1853 Seated Liberty Dime, “Arrows” PR66+
PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved
Certification #30822849, PCGS #4742
PCGS Price Guide $90,000 / Private Transaction
Ex: Kaufman / Gardner
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I'm fantasizing about being the only kid who supports dad's crazy coin fort and getting it all in the end, like a test of loyalty. My parents have a giant collection of porcelain chickens and crap. Life ain't fair.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender Seated Liberty Dimes (1 of 2)
Week 2 of the ANA (the auctions) were exhausting. We did pick up a nice group of new pieces.– John Brush, President of David Lawrence Rare Coins (August 26, 2022)
In review of the recent updates, the auctions may have been exhausting for DLRC, but their acquiring quality upgrades appear to be very successful. There were several great collections and sets offered. For starters, Part 1 of Tom Bender Collection was auctioned by Heritage. From this collection, the Hansen focus was on the Seated Liberty Dimes, Gold One Dollars, and a couple classic Half Dimes. The Gold Rush sale hosted by Stack's Bowers Galleries proved to be a great success. The Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Mint Coinage: 1838-1861 will be presented in a stand-alone catalog as part of our August Global Showcase Auction. This world class collection is offered by the John O. Sykes Family and will cross the block on August 23, 2022, at Griffin Studios in our Costa Mesa, California headquarters. - Stack Bowers. DLRC was successful in picking up several nice upgrades. We cannot forget the McGuigan Half Cent auction. Hansen improved both his circulating strike and proof half cents, moving the proof set to #1. The Hansen Team was success in getting a handful of high-end gold proofs from the Bob Simpson Collection. On top of all this gold, there was even more gold. The Virginian Collection of Classic Head Gold Quarter Eagles were offered, which the Hansen Team did very well, acquiring seven specimens. The results from Hansen success in these sales improved several sets, including moving a couple to the top of their ranking. We will see some of those sets in the coming posts. How much did these coins realized? Also, how many were purchased? I am not sure (yet), but by time we finish these series of posts, maybe we will have a better idea.
Let’s start with the Bender Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Tom Bender Set was not in the #1 spot in the PCGS Registry, but that was not because he didn’t have the finest set. His set was not complete (2 missing coins) which keep the top spot out of reach. His GPA is currently 63.90 and still remains best in the registry (Note: Currently Hansen is 63.12). Bender's set contained nearly 40 coins graded finest by PCGS with 14 sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 Specimens.
The Bender Family Collection, Part I hosted by Heritage Auction on Aug 24, 2022, offered 47 Seated Dimes from the 121-piece set. There were eighteen Bender coins in Part 1 offering that would upgrade the Hansen set (38%). Assuming the Hansen bided on all 18, and they were successful in acquiring 11, with a success rate was 61%. In this sale, Bender offered seven PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest Specimens. In addition, the sale offered eight specimens tied for PCGS Finest. DLH was successful in picking up five of POP 1/0 specimens with another four tied for finest. I am assuming there will be more Seated Liberty Dimes offered in future sales.
Overall, the Hansen Team appeared to have had pretty success in acquiring upgrades. Some additional minor coins may have been purchase, but if the coins are not upgrading the top set, they become difficult for me to track. I will start this series with the best in the purchase. This is for ALL coins purchased, including gold and proofs. I believe the highest realized price for a Hansen purchased was a Seated Liberty Dime, which was the amazing 1873-CC Dime. The coin replaced an AU50 PCGS POP 3/2 Hansen Specimen. As seen in chart below, this aligns nicely with the 100% PCGS Condition Census Top Five Carson City Set of Dimes. I assume that the Hansen Team was out bided on the 1872-CC, MS63 Sole Finest. The Ex: Battle Born / Gardner coin realized $480,000. As you can see for the very next Carson City lot, the Team kept their foot on the pedal for the 1873-CC all the way to $552,000!
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime MS65, CAC, Ex: Norweb / Battle Born / Bender PCGS Registry Set
Starting with the best first, the 1873-CC Dime realized $552,000 which was the most received for a Bender Dime in Part 1 Sale. The coin was headlined as: Ex: Norweb-Battle Born-Bender, The Finest of Three Confirmed Mint State Survivors. The coin immediately took center stage as the top coin in the D.L. Hansen 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: The 1873-CC With Arrows Dime is one of the most popular dates in the series, but it sits in the shadows of its big "brother" the Unique 1873-CC No Arrows Dime. Nevertheless, there are plenty of collectors who delight in the coins of the Carson City Mint, and this is a favorite because of its small mintage and great rarity in high grades. Those collectors looking for certified examples face stiff competition. PCGS shows 80 grading events as of this writing (July 2014), and the true number is doubtless lower because of resubmissions. PCGS has graded only one Mint State example -- an MS65 from the Norweb Collection that sold for $276,000 in 2012. More recently, the Eugene Gardner example in NGC MS65 sold for $199,750 in 2014. These are significant increases over their face value of 10 Cents! The best that collectors can hope for with this date is a nice, clean, original and unimpaired example. Good luck with that. As stated early, the Hansen Collection already had an AU PCGS POP 3/2, but this coin is certainly a huge improvement, and is probably Hansen’s best purchase in the 2022 ANA Auctions.
From The Norweb catalog (10/1987), succinctly describes the coin: "A gem specimen, sharply struck, with brilliant surfaces overlaid with just a suggestion of light gray toning. Possibly the finest known example of this prize rarity, a coin that is not listed in grades above EF40 in the Guide Book of United States Coins. One of the most foremost prizes in this sale, this coin will elicit spirited bidding from connoisseurs and specialists."
From the Numisma '95 catalog suggests the actual number of surviving 1873-CC Arrows dime is speculative, but the small number of Mint State examples was clear even then (27 years ago): "The actual number of surviving 1873-CC Arrows dimes is unknown. Of the 18,791 struck, only a handful can be traced today. Possibly as few as two exist in mint state; the coin offered here, and the example mentioned by Breen. In addition, Breen quotes Newcomb as stating that of the six examples known to him, all were "from circulation." If Breen is accurate, that means as few as eight total examples of this coin are known. Rare in any condition, and prohibitively rare above VF, this coin's appearance is unquestionably one of the highlights of this sale -- a sale already replete with many rarities."
From a more recent (8/2012), The Battle Born catalog: "The Norweb-Battle Born specimen is widely regarded as the finer of the known Mint State 1873-CC Arrows dimes, ranking it as finest known for the issue. Virtually pristine surfaces yield very little in the way of useful pedigree markers, although close scrutiny of the reverse does reveal a minuscule toning spot in the field below the left foot of the letter M in DIME that is also apparent in coin's image in our Norweb Collection catalog."
Lastly from the Bender Sale (8/2022), Heritage cataloger writes: A diagnostic die crack runs prominently through the mintmark on the lower obverse, just as it does on the No Arrows issue. Well defined in all areas, we see no obvious abrasions, with high-quality surfaces that suggest a finer-than-Gem grade. Each side is covered in dappled blue-gray patina with strong underlying mint luster. As one of the key issues in the dime series as well as one of the most formidable Carson City issues, the offering of this piece presents a very rare opportunity. Frosted mint luster exists in abundance throughout both sides. The smooth, finely grained fields reveal a freckling of translucent, golden-gray toning that gathers along the margins and imparts a stately originality to brightly lustrous fields and lightly frosted devices. The surfaces are seemingly immaculate, with nary a mark visible under a strong loupe. Short fingers of deep-umber toning reach up from the rim to the right (facing) ribbon end near the mintmark, one of the few markers useful for pedigree purposes. This coin has an undeniable mint-fresh look that provides exceptional eye appeal. CAC endorsement supports the MS65 PCGS grade. This is without question one of the key issues in the dime series, as well as one of the most formidable Carson City issues in any denomination, and as such the availability of this piece presents a rare opportunity for architects of a great collection.
I don’t know if much more need to be said. The history of this coin speaks for itself. As we explore in detail, I think we will see this coin helped elevate the D.L. Hansen Set to the top of the 117-piece Seated Liberty Dime Registry Set.
Provenance: Ex: Numismatic Gallery (Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg); Imperial Coin Company (Ben Stack); to the Norwebs on July 29, 1954; Norweb Collection, Part I (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 537, realized $61,600; Rusty Goe (3/1993); Waldo E. "Pat" Bolen, Jr.; Numisma '95 Sale (David W. Akers, RARCOA Inc., Stack's, 11/1995), lot 2142, Realized $68,200; Waldo E. Bolen, Jr. Collection of 1873-CC Coinage (Heritage, 4/1999), lot 5927, Realized $71,875; The Battle Born Collection (Stack's Bowers, 8/2012), lot 11105, Realized $276,000; The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3542, Realized $552,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime MS65
PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #24098683, PCGS #4666
PCGS Value Guide: $325,000 / Realized $552,000
Ex: Norweb / Battle Born / Bender PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender Seated Liberty Dimes (2 of 2)
This set is filled with key dates and tremendous condition rarities. It is also filled with wonderful values, as many low population rarities in MS65 or better can be purchased for a few thousand dollars. - PCGS Registry
PCGS Registry provides only this short description for the massive 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. In a very few words, it says a lot about the dynamics of this set. This difference in rarities and values can be seen in the eleven upgrades in the D.L. Hansen Collection. On the top end of the set, we saw a couple days ago, the amazing Classic Rarity 1873-CC Arrows Dime that realized $552,000. Today, I will feature The Stellar-Bender 1860-O MS67 Seated Dime that realized $192,000. The top two Hansen Seated Liberty Dime purchases totaled $744,000!
As the PCGS description stated, the set is “also filled with wonderful values”. The nine other coins that was purchased by Hansen realized only a total of $211,200. They are all great PCGS Condition Census Top Five Specimens, with three PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest and four others tied for finest. As an example, it appear the 1845 date is a “wonderful value”. The PCGS MS66, CAC, POP 3/1 only realized $4,080. The bottom nine upgrades are shown in the chart below.
As I write this post (8/31/2022), the D.L. Hansen Set is in the top registry spot for the Seated Liberty Full Set of Dimes. I am expecting that could very well change. There is a very tight race between Dell Loy Hansen and Jason Feldman. I cannot imagine Mr. Feldman did not win a few of the Bender Dimes. The lead that Mr. Hansen has is razor thin. In fact for GPA, he trails by 0.02 points. The Hansen Set leads by bonus points, with Hansen having 0.51 points to Feldman 0.23. It going to be very interesting to see how much the Feldman set improves, if any. The set is closed from public view, but I wondering if he out bided the Hansen Team on the 1872-CC, MS63 Sole Finest Specimen. This may become one of the most completive sets in the Hansen Collection. Now that Bender is out, the next biggest player in this series is the Seated Liberty Specialist Gerry Fortin. He may have very well have been a big bidder on some of the Bender rarities. There may be other high end collectors, which are not in the PCGS Registry. Currently, the only fish in the Mint State Seated Liberty Dime pool are Hansen, Feldman, and Fortin.
I will wrap up the Seated Liberty Dime discussion with The Stellar-Bender Coin 1860-O MS67. But before that, let me say the Hansen Collection has made a tremendous progress with the Seated Liberty Dime Set, but it still has some work to do. As Ron Guth said about the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime, “it sits in the shadows of its big "brother" the Unique 1873-CC No Arrows Dime”. That could be said about all the other 121 coins in this set. Also, the set still is below the “Hansen Standard” for his core sets. The set is only 36% for finest PCGS grade and only 73% of the set PCGS Condition Census Top Five. The set has 32 coins that is non PCGS Condition Census. There should be future opportunities to improve the set. We will have to wait and see if Part 2 of Tom Bender Collection Auction has any Seated Liberty Dimes.
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime MS67, CAC, Ex: Stellar / Bender PCGS Registry Set
In the Bender Part 1 sale, there were 47 Seated Liberty Dimes sold. The three top coins were the 1873-CC, 1872-CC, and 1874-CC, realizing $552,000, $480,000, $216,000. The fourth and non-CC was the 1860-O. This 1860-O Seated Liberty Dime graded PCGS MS67 is the finest certified by far. The coin becomes the third six-figure coin in the Hansen set. It realized $192,000. It is and will probably always be one of the top five coins in the D.L. Hansen 121-piece Liberty Seated Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1837-1891) Set. Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: In a survey of the members of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club, published in the March 2008 issue of the Gobrecht Journal, the 1860-O Dime was ranked second among the Ten Greatest New Orleans Seated Coins: "This is the rarest New Orleans dime with a mintage of 40,000 pieces and examples are very rare in mint state. The finest known example is the Lovejoy specimen that has been graded NGC MS-67. This coin was sold by Stack's for $50,000 in the Lovejoy sale in October 1990. Another mint state example is the Eliasberg specimen that has been graded MS-64. This piece brought $44,850 when it appeared in the DLRC auction of the Richmond Collection in March 2005. While only 18% of the respondents placed this issue among their top two choices, it received strong support from the majority of members with 52% placing it among their top five coins.". The Hansen Collection had a circulated XF45 POP 6/9. The MS67 coin is certainly a huge improvement. This coin had not appeared in auction more than twenty five years, so an opportunity like this does not come frequently.
Gerry Fortin explains the low, 40,000-piece mintage is only partially the challenge of this low-survival date: "This date is scarce in the lower circulated grades and often comes porous due to examples being dug out of the ground. Rare in problem free EF-AU and becomes extremely rare in Mint State. One of the key dates to the Liberty Seated Dime series. Overall rarity: G-VG R.4-, F-VF R.4+, EF-AU R.6-, MS R.7+."
August G. Heaton said in 1893: "The 1860-O dime is a very small issue, exceedingly rare, and a great prize." A Heritage cataloger added: _Despite that perceptive observation, the rare 1860-O often remains underappreciated, even though it has long been confirmed as a key issue not only in the Seated dime series, but among all Seated coinage. Circumstances make it highly sought in circulated grades, because the 1860-O is extremely rare in Mint State. In the Seated dime series, it is exceeded in rarity only by the 1872-CC, 1874-CC Arrows, and the unique 1873-CC No Arrows when Uncirculated.
In the Bender Sale, Heritage described the coin as: The surfaces of this coin are no less impressive than the obvious numismatic importance of the piece. The coin is satin-smooth and supremely lustrous, but these attributes are not immediately apparent at first glance. What one first notices is the lovely, light-golden patina that covers both sides, freckled with blue, red, and deep-umber accents around sharp devices and tiny openings of vivid-blue, especially at the reverse margins. Mint luster backlights the splendid original patina, illuminating the coin's overall surfaces. The strike is exceptionally sharp on both sides, with none of the weaknesses often seen on coins from the Southern Mint. Notably, the wreath is fully formed and sharply brought up throughout its entire circumference. Magnification reveals only a couple of faint, tiny marks that are barely seen amid the toning, in the left obverse field out from UN(ITE)D, and a short nick on Liberty's shin. These marks are mentioned for pedigree purposes only, they do not detract in the slightest from the beauty of the coin.
This is another rare Seated Liberty Dime that speaks for itself. This completes the updates from the Bender Part 1 Sale of Seated Liberty Dimes. The last words from Heritage on this dime: Numismatic importance of this piece would be difficult to overstate. Heritage has sold this coin two times -- so long ago it precedes our pictured archives -- in 1995 and 1996. Each time the coin realized over $50,000, still the auction record for the issue. We wonder what it will bring now, some 25 years later, the sole-finest known example, certified MS67 PCGS with CAC endorsement. Seated dime collectors will immediately grasp its significance, but anyone who appreciates 19th century rarities will also be impressed by the singular opportunity to acquire this key Seated dime issue.
Provenance: Possibly Allen Lovejoy Collection (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 319; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/1995), lot 6020, Realized $50,600; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/1996), lot 6145; Stellar Collection; purchased from John Albanese through Legend Numismatics; The Tom Bender Collection. The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3762, Realized $192,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1860-O Seated Liberty Dime MS67
PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #45430810, PCGS #4632
PCGS Value Guide: NA / Realized $192,000
Ex: Stellar / Bender PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Yes, Gerry wrote this in his blog:
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (1 of 3)
I knew Jim for 30 years. He was an indirect mentor, and I admired/respected a heck of a lot more about him than his magnificent collection. Chatting with him during a flight delay on the way home from the 2004 EAC Convention in the San Diego airport. Walking with him from the Port Authority Terminal in New York City to Stack's old offices on 57th Street to view auction lots. Watching the man in action at an auction when he really, really wanted something, AND MORE! It's a shame that he will not be there when his collection is sold, but Jim wasn't one to leave hardly anything to chance.– halfcentman (March 12, 2022)
I cannot do justice with a tribute James R. McGuigan and his half cent collection. He is remembered as “Jim was a serious numismatic enthusiast”. I think what he was able accomplished in his lifetime was remarkable. He passed away on March 10, 2022, and is remembered as a Professor at a State University School of Business. His family fondly called him Coin Pappy. I hope he was able to find great joy in his historic collection. I did not know him, but I knew his collection for many years. He was a PCGS Registry Collector that allowed for his coins to be open for everyone to enjoy. Thank You Mr. McGuigan and you will be missed in the community.
Heritage Auction Press Release - August 29, 2022
The (Simpson) 1927-D Double Eagle was not the only coin in the sale to reach seven figures. Between 300 and 400 examples of the 1793 B-3, C-3 Half Cent, MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC are believed to have survived, one of which also cracked seven figures when it sold for $1.005 million. It is one of 235 lots in the auction from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection, which yielded 14 other lots that brought more than $100,000. Included among the other highlights from the collection:
#2 - A 1796 B-1a, C-1 Half Cent, MS63 Brown PCGS. CAC, which drew 39 bids before it sold for $552,000. No more than 30 examples are believed to remain in existence.
#3 - A 1795 B-5b, C-5b Half Cent, MS66 Red and Brown PCGS, from an estimated remaining population of 80-120, sold for $444,000
#4 - A 1795 B-1, C-1 Half Cent, MS67 Brown PCGS. CAC, from a population estimated between 450 and 1,500, brought a winning bid of $408,000
#5 - A 1794 B-9, C-9 Half Cent, MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC: $408,000 Note: Purchased for The D.L. Hansen Collection
The 235 lots had a large range of half cents from an 1856 B-1, C-1 Half Cent, MS64+ Brown that realized $900 to the Million Dollar 1793. From the selection of lots, David Lawrence Rare Coins acquired for the Hansen Collection two lots that brought over $100,000, plus another nine lots ranging from $9,000 to $96,000. DLRC placed seven upgrades in Hansen’s Half Cent Circulating Strike Set and four in the proof. Note: The proofs will be featured in the next post.
The sale did offer five sole finest coins, and four tied for finest. The Hansen Team was not able to acquire any of the McGuigan’s PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest Specimens. Although the team was not success with the sole finest, they were able to nab three out four of the coins tied for finest. Overall, there was 23 McGuigan that could provide great updates for Hansen. They were successful in acquiring seven (30%). The competition was high on the coins. I am not sure what the Hansen Team goal, but they were successful in landing one of the top five McGuigan coins, 1794 Half Cent, C-9 High Relief Head, BN Specimen.
The top three 1794 Liberty Cap High Relief Head is a trio of Red/Brown. I will lead off the discussion with a Ron Guth comment on the top coin: The very first Half Cent to sell for over one million dollars was the remarkable MS67 Red & Brown example illustrated below. Not only is this a rare variety, but it is the finest, reddest (is that a word?) of any Liberty Cap Half Cent. In January 2014, this coin sold in the Goldbergs sale of the Missouri Cabinet for $1.15 million. To give you an idea of how prices have advanced, this coin could have been bought in 1977 for $22,000 (the lowest price asked by Fred Weinberg in one of his ads). I remember seeing the coin back then, wishing I had the money to buy it, and regretting the missed opportunity, especially after seeing its value today. Fred Weinberg purchased this coin in Basel Switzerland in 1975. How this coin ended up in Switzerland is unknown, but it is not such a remarkable occurrence. In fact, many of the very best early Half Cents and Large Cents (and other U.S. coins) have been discovered in Europe. Apparently, America had quite a few visitors from Europe who brought coins back with them when they returned home.
As an update to this earlier writing, there still is no full red examples of this variety. The information on the Red-Brown examples I find confusing. Mr. Guth indicates only Red-Brown example is the PCGS MS65RB coin from the Missouri Cabinet. The CoinFacts Condition Census now has three. The top High Relief coin is a 1794 C-7 PCGS graded MS-67 Red & Brown, CAC Approved. In a 2014 Goldberg Auction, it realized $1,150,000. Two years later in 2016, Stack's/Bowers offered the coin from The D. Brent Pogue Collection. This sale the coin realized $940,000. The coin currently resides in the Bruce Kernan Collection. The #2 coin is the 1794 C-9 PCGS graded MS66 Red & Brown. The coin last appeared in 2016 Stack's/Bowers Auction which offered the coin from The D. Brent Pogue Collection. This sale the coin realized $258,500. The #3 coin (Last RB) is a 1794 C-9 PCGS graded MS-65 Red & Brown, CAC Approved. In a 2014 Goldberg Auction, it realized $402,500. Mr. McGuigan 1794 High Relief example was a MS66BN. I think the same coin that was mentioned by Mr. Guth. Let’s take a closer look at this coin.
1794 Half Cent, High Relief Head, PCGS MS66 Brown, CAC
Once again, our community Expert Ron Guth provided these comments on the Brown Coin: 1794 Cohen 9 is one of three die varieties with unusually heavy hair on the obverse. The relief of the hair is medallic and three-dimensional in appearance and is known, simply, as the High Relief Hair subtype. Of the three die varieties, Cohen 9 is the least rare, thus collectors often choose this one for their type sets. As with most early Half Cents, high-grade Cohen 9's are quite difficult to locate. The finest grade on a 1794 Cohen 9 is MS66BN and the highest (and only) Red-Brown example is the PCGS MS65RB coin from the Missouri Cabinet. That particular coin sold for $402,500 in 2014, so one can only guess what then MS66BN might bring (which is more important -- color or technical grade)? No Full Red examples of this variety are known.
This comment must be dated before the two finer R/B examples hit the market. The Hansen/McGuigan 1794 PCGS MS66 Brown example shows in the registry PGCS POP 1/0 Sole Finest for Brown and POP 1/3 overall. It appears the registry considers all three of the R/B coins finer, including the PCGS MS65RB. That’s OK, The Hansen MS66B is a solid Condition Census Top Five. This top five coins fits well in his collection. As for MS condition, the PCGS POP report for Brown lists 1) MS60BN, 1) MS62BN, 1) MS63BN and then jumps to MS66DN for the Hansen/McGuigan coin.
As commentary from the Heritage (8/2022) Sale: Perhaps a dozen Mint State 1794 B-9 half cents are known, including 11 examples that were recorded in the Breen-Hanson Condition Census in 1983. This Jim McGuigan Collection coin is among those pieces. The finest known to us is the MS66 Red and Brown PCGS example from the St. Oswald, Foxfire, and Pogue Collections that Stack's Bowers sold in 2016. The Missouri Cabinet MS65 Red and Brown example and the Partrick MS64 Red and Brown coin are other top examples. It is our opinion that the McGuigan coin is the second or third finest 1794 C-9 half cent. Frank Wilkinson, a long-time observer of the half cent scene who provided the cataloger with his thoughts, considers this piece to be equal to the finest known. Why is the 1794 C-7 PCGS graded MS-67 Red & Brown, CAC Approved is not mentioned as finest in several descriptions? I must have it wrong, because I cannot believe Heritage would document it incorrectly. According to the POP report, the C-7 is a High Relief Head. Little puzzled and may need clarification from the Chief Investigator at the Numismatic Detective Agency.
Mr. McGuigan described the High Relief Head coin as: Superb medium brown with original mint red in the protected areas around the devices and lettering on the obverse and reverse. Intermediate die state (M2.0) with a crack from the rim near 9:30 through the cap to the hair and a crack through the tops of "IBERTY" of LIBERTY. Among the half dozen finest known examples of the variety. The surfaces are described as: This pristine Premium Gem half cent is amazing with a high degree of aesthetic appeal. Both sides are nearly flawless chocolate-brown with splashes of mint red around the devices and other design elements.
This is a nice upgrade that ranks #4 in the D.L. Hansen 54- piece Set of Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). These are the four coins stands at the top of the set, the 1796 No Pole MS67RB leading the way with a PCGS Price Guide Value of $850,000.
1796 No Pole MS67RB PCGS POP 1/0
1793 MS65BN POP 5/3
1796 With Pole MS65BN POP 1/7
1794 High Relief Head MS66BN POP 1/3
Provenance: Possibly Ex: Thomas L. Elder (5/1923), lot 2310; Ex: John Freet; John Foreman (1/1982); The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1794 Half Cent, High Relief Head, PCGS MS66 Brown
PCGS POP 1/3, CAC Approved
Certification #30451173, PCGS #35063
PCGS Value Guide: Unknown / Realized $408,000
Ex: McGuigan PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
EAC net fine 12
Major Varieties – Countdown 12
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (2 of 3)
The half cent was one of the first denominations struck at the new United States Mint. This coin was first made in 1793, only months after the large cents were introduced. It is a series filled with rarities, including both major varieties of 1796. Full red examples are almost impossible from the early years, and it’s not until the 1828 issue that the first MS65RD specimen still survives. Many dates of this series exist in a proof-only format, but some collectors include those issues with their mint state collection.– PCGS Registry
Before staring the McGuigan updates, let’s break down this PCGS set description as it pertains to the D.L. Hansen Collection of Half Cents. Starting with the comment “a series filled with rarities” is really true. In today’s feature, a coin was added to the collection that “only five PCGS submissions are identified. Two of those submissions are certified as AG3, and the others grade Good 6, VG8, and VG10. A Heritage cataloger continued the rarity discussion by adding: High R.6 suggesting that 13 to 18 examples survive. The Bowers-Whitman Guidebook places the survival at 12 to 15 coins and Eckberg suggests that 15 pieces are known. As recently as 1998, the 1797 Gripped Edge was rated Low R.7 per Manley. With this coin, the Hansen Set has all the “rarities and 100% completed in entirety”. In PCGS set description: “including both major varieties of 1796”. The Hansen Set has the crown jewel Superb GEM 1796 “No Pole”, MS67RB, PCGS POP 1/0, Ex: D. Brent Pogue Collection. The coin referred to as “A Legendary Numismatic Rarity” and was purchased in 2021. The other 1796 rarity, “With Pole” is a MS65BN POP 1/0 for Brown. PCGS states: ”Full red examples are almost impossible from the early years, and it’s not until the 1828 issue that the first MS65RD specimen still survives”. The Hansen Collection has one of two of the 1828 “13 STARS”, MS65RD Specimens. Finally, the PCGS concluded by stating: Many dates of this series exist in a proof-only format, but some collectors include those issues with their mint state collection. As for proof only, the Hansen Collection has an Entire Proof Half Cent Set. I will discuss the proof set more in detail in the next post.
In the previous post, I showed a screenshot of the seven circulated/mint state coins obtained in the McGuigan purchase. In addition. I featured the 1794 MS66 Brown PCGS. CAC Specimen. Today, I will share the details of the other six. As seen in the chart below, six of the seven coins are CAC Approved. None of the coins are overall sole finest, but two are PCGS POP 1/0 for coin number. The 1825, 1832 and 1848 is ties for overall finest. All the coins are PCGS Condition Census Top Five. If needed, refer back to the screenshot from a couple days ago. According to published Auction results, the seven upgrades in the Hansen set realized $588,600.
Prior to the McGuigan Half Cent Auction, the Hansen set was missing one coin, the 1797 1/2C C-3c Gripped Edge, BN. The last coin required in the set did not improve the set ranking. As can be seen in the ranking screenshot, the Hanson remains in the All-Time #4 spot.
The High Desert Sets are the King of EAC circulating strikes. As you can see, Mr. Hansen still has work to do to start climbing in ranking. More than that, the Hansen EAC Sets are not at same standard established for his Core Collection. Currently, the Hansen Core Collection comprises of about 41% PCGS Finest examples and approx. 84% PCGS Condition Census Top Five coins. Even after this purchase, Early Copper Half Cents (1793-1857) Set is only 16.7% and 53.7%. The set has two sole finest, the 1796 No Pole, MS67RB and the 1806 Small 6 Stems, MS64BN. His sole finest standard for a set this size would about eight. It has only nine coins in the set that are PCGS finest, the standard is 27! Also, approx. half the set in not in PCGS Top Five, which is below the current standard of the Collection. Although there is still work to do, these upgrades from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection and the one coin that completes the set, is a huge accomplishment. Let’s see more on the final coin that completed this set.
1797 Half Cent, Gripped Edge, AG3 Brown, CAC Approved
This coin is one of the nicer additions acquired in the sale. Also, this coin is now the lowest PCGS graded specimen in the Hansen’s 4560-piece US Mint Strike Issues (Core Sets). Previously, two coins shared that distinguish honor, 1823/2 Quarter Dollar PCGS G4 and 1795 Large Cent. Reeded Edge, G4BN, PCGS POP 2/1. Having the honor of the lowest grade is not to be ashamed of because the rarity of the coin. A couple years ago, I wrote this unpublished summary on the 1797 Gripped Edge. The coin is an extremely rare variety, with just over a dozen known, most of which are in low grade. The finest known example is VG10 PCGS grade. Before this purchase, it was the only coin missing in the 54-piece Hansen Collection of Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). The all-time registry had three collections listed that are 100% completed High Desert, Missouri Cabinet, and Jim McGuigan. With this purchase, D.L. Hansen becomes the 4th collector in the registry. The known examples are very limited, and my roster is:
1- The VG10 PCGS grade coin appears to be the finest. The history and current location of this coin is not known.
2- The VG8 VG8BN CERT #26217205 grade coin appears to be the 2nd finest. This coin is currently in the High Desert Collection. The appearance of the coin is brownish and appealing for grade.
3 - The VG8 NGC CERT # 5747077-015 grade coin appears to be the 3rd finest. According to the Breen-Hanson Condition Census, the coin is ranked 4th, this important piece still ranks high among known examples. None are known certified higher than Very Good. The coin was offered in Heritage April 2021 Central States US Coins Signature Auction (Donald G. Partrick), lot 3631, realizing $102,000. The appearance of the coin is brownish and appealing for grade. Ex: David O. Hughes Collection; Hughes Estate (Stack's, 4/1948), lot 43; Walter Breen Collection (4/24/1967); Jon Hanson.
4- The VG6 PCGS CERT #19448625 grade coin appears to be the 4th finest. The coin from the ESM collection sold in Stack's Bowers March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction realizing $90,000. The coin is very dark and appears to be corroded. Not as appealing as some other examples. Ex: Loyd Whiteneck, August 1973; Sam Ungar, November 29, 1982; Ira & Larry Goldberg's sale of the Davy Collection of Half Cents, Part II, September 2011, lot 183.
5 Tied - The AG3BN CERT #30451197 grade coin appears to be the tied for one other as 5th finest. This Jim McGuigan example, which purchased in 8/2020 by D.L. Hansen realizing $84,000 in auction. Ex: Roger S. Cohen, Jr.; R. Tettenhorst (10/1987).
5 Tied - The AG3BN, CERT #27343266, the second-grade coin appears to be the tied for one other as 5th finest. This coin was purchased unattributed by Richard S. Shimkus - Don Valenziano, Jr. - Early American Coppers Sale 5/1986:62 - Jack H. Robinson Collection - Superior 1/1989:1891 - R. Tettenhorst Collection - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 97.3c.4) - Goldbergs 1/2014:48, $55,200
There are others that are not certified, including maybe finest technically, fine details example, tooled (Jon G. Hanson, who discovered it unattributed at a White Plains, New York, coin show in early 1967 - R. Tettenhorst Collection - Missouri Cabinet (Mocab 97.3c.2) - Goldbergs 1/2014:47, $103,500). As you can see, the choices for obtaining a 1797 half cent Gripped Edge is very limited. Ron Guth comments: The 1797 Gripped Edge Half Cent is an extremely rare variety, with just over a dozen known, most of which are in low grade. The dies used to strike the Gripped Edge are the same used on the 1797 Low Head (Cohen 3a) and 1797 Lettered Edge (Cohen 3b) Half Cents. Ron Manley thinks the Gripped Edge Half Cents were struck later than the Lettered Edge Half Cents, but later than the Low Heads. The "gripping" consists of what appear to be a series of irregular indentations on the edge of the coin. The purpose of the gripping is unknown, but it is similar to experimental "gripped" edges on 1797 Large Cents. According to Roger Cohen (1981), the first appearance of a 1797 Gripped Edge Half Cent was in the 1907 sale of the Matthew Stickney Collection. Today, this variety ranks as one of the rarest and most desirable of all Half Cent varieties.
As commentary from the Heritage Sale: The grip marks or indentations on the edge appear to be randomly placed. We are unaware of the origin of these edge marks. In 1981 (Penny-Wise, Vol. XV, No. 6, p. 304), Walter Breen stated: "Gripping on the edge of the 1797 large cents and half cents was the result of the technique to stamp out the blanks, not from a deliberate attempt to imprint a design on the edge." More study of these coins might suggest how the grip marks were placed on the planchets, or that study may indicate that some sort of collar was used when the coins were struck. If the grip marks are truly placed at random and are in different positions relative to the design from one coin to the next, then they would have been placed on the edge before the coins were struck. Alternatively, if the grip marks are identical in relation to the obverse and reverse design elements, then some sort of collar was employed at the time they were struck.
Mr. McGuigan described the coins as: Attractive glossy light brown planchet. Like most low-grade examples of this sub-variety, the reverse is weaker than the obverse. The obverse exhibits the head of Liberty, the date and most of the letters in LIBERTY. Most of the right half of the reverse is worn smooth, with only the ribbon, the leaves on the left branch of the wreath, and a few letters on the left still visible. Identifiable by a small reverse rim nick at 7:30. The surfaces are described as: An exceptionally pleasing example given the low numerical grade. Both sides have smooth light brown surfaces with scattered marks that are consistent with a higher grade. An area of steel-brown toning partially surrounds the cap. The obverse has a full date and partial LIBERTY with the central device mostly outlined. About half of the reverse design is visible with a small identifying mark on the rim at 7:30.
The coin may be an AG3, but it adds a lot of significance to the Collection. For one, it competes the 54- piece Set Half Cents with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1793-1857). Also, The Major Varieties Countdown has only 12 coins left. Lastly with the purchase, the Hansen Entire EAC sets (Half and Large Cents) are completed except for one remaining coin, the ultra-rare1795 Jeff, Lettered Edge Large Cent. We will save that for another day.
Provenance: Ex: Roger S. Cohen, Jr.; R. Tettenhorst (10/1987); James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), #3049, realized $84,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1797 Half Cent, Gripped Edge, AG3 Brown
PCGS POP 2/3, CAC Approved
Certification #30451197, PCGS #35116
PCGS Value Guide: $72,500 / Realized $84,000
Ex: Tettenhorst / (McGuigan PCGS Registry Set
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The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 12 remaining collectable coins in this quest. Two coins in The Major Varieties Set are not collectable, 1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" and 1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars", 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
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)
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)
Last 2
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
The 2022 ANA Auctions – The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection (3 of 3)
We know of four examples of the 1852 Large Berries proof half cents - Heritage Auctions (8/2022)
The first half cent proofs started with the 1831 Classic Head Half Cent. Ron Guth wrote: The first proof half cents were made in 1831 and restrikes were made later of both the 1831 and 1836 dates. The 1837 "half cent" is a token issued privately as part of the Hard Time Token series. Also, PCGS has graded one PCGS SP63BN. The coin is not required in the PCGS Registry Set. PCGS has certified 89 Brown Classic Head Half Cent, 54 in Red Brown and 11 in Red. The Braided Hair Half Cent is very interesting. Ron Guth writes: From 1840 to 1849, only proof examples were struck, thus the first circulation strikes did not appear until 1849. The Proof-only half cents of 1840-1849 are found as "Originals" (Large Berries), "First Restrikes" (Small Berries), and "Second Restrikes" (Small Berries, different reverse). In 1857, the half cent denomination was officially abolished.
This unusually mintage makes for an odd collection, but Dell Loy Hansen with john Brush, David Lawrence Rare Coins, have assembled one of the best PCGS Registry sets of All-Times. As we have seen in the two previous posts, the Hansen Team purchase seven mint strike coins from the James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. I think more exciting for Mr. Hansen, they were able to obtain four proof half cents that was enough to move to the #1 spot in the All-Time Registry.
The ranking for the top three All-Time Sets is razor thin. The McGuigan Set has a GPA of 65.97, only 0.01 better than the historic set from The Missouri Cabinet. With the four McGuigan upgrades, the Hansen set improved to a GPA of 65.89. More importantly, the Hansen Set has 0.47 in bonus points. These points accelerated the Hansen Set into the lead. As good and renowned as the Louis Eliasberg Collection was in its day, the Eliasberg set is incomplete, substantial lower GPA, and is a distance fourth. Maybe not as important, but you can see that Mr. Hansen has a 2nd set that has cracked the leader board. We can see many of his brown and RB replacement coins are landing in this set.
The purchase contained one Red Proof, 1834 PCGS PR65RD. The coin realized $96,000, just an increment short if six figures. The coin replaced a PR65BN. The next coins were two Red-Brown Specimens. First, the 1845 Res 1/2C Reverse of 1856, in RB that realized $60,000. The coin replaced a finer graded PR66+ BN. This coin makes a very cool 2nd set coin. The 1848 2nd Restrike, Rev of 1840 PR66RB. This coin realized $20,400 and replaces PR65BN. All three of these coins were significant upgrades, but the big purchase was the 1852 Large Berries graded PR64+ BN. This was the only proof coin missing the Hansen’s Entire EAC Collection of Proofs. The coin was once in another great collection that was assembled by Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.
As shown, the Entire EAC Collection of Proofs consist of two registry sets. The Hansen Collection have #1 All-Time Sets in both the Half Cent and Large Cent PCGS Registry. The entire collection requires 75 proof coins. Amazingly, the 52% of the collection is PCGS Finest. In addition, 92% of the collection is PCGS Condition Census Top Five. In the Hansen / Miller Large Cent Set, 75% of the coins are PCGS Finest. In addition, 100% of the set is PCGS Condition Census Top Five. I used Hansen / Miller to refer to the Large Cent Proof Set. The Peter Miller set was purchased in 2021, with 39 coins required in the Half Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1831-1857) Set, 21 were replaced with Miller Specimens. The total success of this collection was only made possible with the winning bid on the 1852 Large Berries. As you will see in the feature today, the opportunities to obtain one of these coins is all most impossible.
1852 Half Cent, Large Berries (Restrike), PR64+ BN, CAC, Ex: Eliasberg / (McGuigan
This coin can certainly be referred to as an ultra-rare Major Variety Proof. P. Scott Rubin comments: The 1852 Proof Original Half Cent is one of the most controversial issues in the whole Half Cent series. The 1852 Half Cents are a proof-only issue; however, a few different reverse dies were used with a single obverse die to create Half Cents of this year. While Proof Half Cents of earlier years, especially those of 1840’s, all have reverse dies with Large Berries used to strike those believed to be Originals (or coins struck in the year of the coins date), the 1852 Large Berry issue has been a questionable issue. Walter Breen believed that the 1852 Proof Large Berry issue from the die state of the dies is a restrike. Yet in his argument he believed that the 1852 Original Half Cents would weigh very close to the standard 84 grains that they should weigh and that it would not matter what the restrikes weigh since they were only made after their date of issue from planchets not necessarily made to mint specifications. To Breen and many other well-known Numismatists, the very rare 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent is a restrike. However, because of the fact mentioned above about the earlier Large Berry Proof Half Cents being Originals, it has been a tradition to refer to the 1852 Large Berry Half Cent as an Original. The one problem with this is that no one has been able to find an issue of 1852 that meets all the criteria of an Original. Add to this the fact that in the most recent auction of an 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent, the Goldbergs (Grellman-McCawley) sale of the Missouri Cabinet Collection on January 26, 2014, lot 204, the coin offered graded Proof-65 Red by PCGS weighed 83.8 grains. While the three specimens of what is known as First Restrikes struck with a Small Berry Reverse weighed 82.7, 78.4 and 82.0 grains. These coins were graded Proof-66 Brown, Proof-66 Brown and Proof-64 Red Brown by PCGS, respectively. The following lot was also an 1852 Proof Small Berry Reverse called a Second Restrike and weighed 97.6 grains and was graded Proof-65 Brown by PCGS. This goes to show that on one hand the 1852 Large Berry Half Cent appears to be a Restrike (its die state, according to Breen) yet on the other hand it is a closer match to an Original (its weight is within tolerance for the issue). At the afore-mentioned most recent sale, the coin sold for $603,750 under the heading of Original, yet in the description it was also described as a Breen Restrike Series VII. There are only five known (one damaged) examples of the 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent which is considered one of the classic rarities in U.S. Coinage. The controversy over this issue may never go away but many consider the 1852 Proof Large Berry Half Cent to be the Original.
This was a lengthy comment, but I hope you gave time to read. It is helpful to understand the complexity and rarity surrounding this coin. In Heritage Headline: Possibly an Original Strike. If the coin is an original, 1st restrike, or even something else, the coin is rare. The recent Heritage Auction of the McGuigan Half Cent offers a latest and best source for understanding the roster for the coin. The list including three certifiable, one damaged, and one that has not resurfaced for several years. The following is the roster:
1 - PR65 Red PCGS. R. C. W. Brock Collection; University of Pennsylvania; Phillip H. Ward Jr.; C. J. Dochus; Harry J. Foreman; R.L. Miles, Jr. (Stack's, 4/1969), lot 69; Q. David Bowers; Spink & Son, Ltd.; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 128; R. Tettenhorst; Missouri Cabinet (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2014), lot 204; D. Brent Pogue Collection (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 5087. The Missouri Cabinet cataloger called that piece an "Original/Breen Restrike Series VII," writing: "Logic dictates that any original strikes of this date, if any were ever struck, would have used the small berries reverse." Three years later, the Pogue cataloger described the same coin as an 1852 Original half cent. That cataloger wrote: "The price realized at the Eliasberg sale revealed what many half cent scholars had suspected for some time, an opinion that is now widely held as fact: that the extremely rare 1852 Large Berries Proof half cents are Originals that were coined in 1852."
2 - PR64 RB NGC. George W. Rice Collection (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co., 4/1906), lot 1271; William Forrester Dunham Collection (B. Max Mehl, 6/1941); Charles Williams Collection (A. Kosoff and A. Kreisberg, 11/1950); Joseph Brobston Collection (Stack's, 1963 FPL); Loye L. Lauder Collection (William Doyle Galleries, 12/1983), lot 316; Jon Hanson; Donald G. Partrick (Heritage Auctions, 4/2021), lot 3779. The present cataloger described the Partrick coin a "Large Berries Restrike," but also observed: "Most of today's collectors consider this variety to be the 1852 Original proof half cent."
3 – Hansen PR64+ BN PCGS. The present specimen. John G. Mills Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904; J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 476; James R. McGuigan. The Eliasberg cataloger called this example an "Erstwhile Original," cataloging the coin as a "Large Berries Restrike" The divergent opinions were noted in that catalog.
4 - VG, Damaged. F.R. Alvord Collection (S. H. Chapman, 6/1924), lot 218; F.C.C. Boyd; unknown provenance; Craig Whitford Auctions, (11/2002), lot 1638.
5 - (not confirmed)- The Breen-Hanson Condition Census records a fifth example that was in the James A. Stack Collection, but that piece has apparently not resurfaced, if it was in fact this variety.
As commentary from the Heritage Sale: The discussion about these pieces being original strikes or restrikes continues. Walter Breen stated in his Half Cent Encyclopedia that 1852 Original half cents had a small berries reverse, suggesting that the reverse die was different from the other small berries dies, although that was conjecture on his part as no examples were known. Breen continued to list a variety that he labeled B-4, using the same Large Berries reverse that appeared on the 1840 to 1849 Original proofs. He described the coins as "Series VII Restrikes" and devoted two full pages of discussion to the variety. He wrote: "This variety has been controversial for over a century."
Mr. McGuigan described the coin as: So-called Large Berries "Original." Choice iridescent bluish-brown mirror surfaces, with traces of mint red around the devices and lettering on the obverse. The surfaces are described as: A few of the leaves in the wreath are weakly detailed on this Choice proof. Both sides combine bright gold and pale blue toning with hints of mint red on the obverse. A dark toning spot right of the date identifies the Eliasberg provenance of this lovely piece.
The eleven coins from The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection made substantial improvements to the Hansen Collection. The Hansen Team was out bided on 70% of the desirable circulating strikes upgrades. The Proof results were a little better, winning 44% of the desirable upgrades. With all the many opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions, these may be the results they were planning for. The #1 spot in the registry was achieved.
Provenance: Ex: John G. Mills Collection (S.H. & H. Chapman, 4/1904); J.M. Clapp; John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 476; James R. McGuigan Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers & Merena 5/1996) Lot 476, realized $78,100; James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 8/2022), Lot 3160, realized $192,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1852 Half Cent, Large Berries (Restrike), PR64+ BN
PCGS POP 1/1, CAC Approved
Certification #30451354, PCGS #91317
PCGS Value Guide: Uknown / Realized $192,000
Ex: Eliasberg / (McGuigan PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender One Dollar Gold (1 of 2)
There are very few collectors who will ever master the PCGS Registry Sets to the extent Tom Bender has. His various sets span the US numismatic universe -- most of which are the very finest known. His unrelenting focus on quality transcends PCGS, with over 90% of his coins receiving the blessing of CAC.– Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
We started the coverage of the 2022 ANA Auctions with Seated Liberty Dimes. Well, we are circling back to the Bender Family Sale. This time, we will explore the Tom Bender One Dollar Gold offering. In Part 1 of the Bender Sale, there were 317 coins offered. from a variety of series. Surprisingly, there was not a coin to break the seven figure mark. The top coin, 1876-CC Twenty Cent PCGS MS65 specimen realized $870,000. The #2 coin born the same year and place, 1876-CC Half Eagle PCGS MS66 CAC specimen realized $780,000. In a posting a few days ago, the third coin in the sale, 1873-CC Dime Arrows, PCGS MS65 CAC was purchased by the D.L. Hansen Collection.
The Bender Collection consist of more than just Dimes and One Dollar Gold pieces. Heritage the seller of the collection stated: The Bender Family collection will be offered by Heritage in a series of sales being this August and continuing into 2023. This site is dedicated to posting the upcoming schedule and results of these sales -- so check back from time to time to see the current offerings and the most recent prices realized. Like so many of us, Tom's passion for collecting started in his childhood and got reignited later in life -- in his case, when he was rummaging through his late father's personal coin collection. That ignited a quest that now includes of collection the finest PCGS Registry Set of Carson City coinage, the finest complete certified $3 Gold Proof set ever assembled, an Indian Cents Basic Proof set that is ranked No. 2 all-time finest in the PCGS Set Registry and a Lincoln Basic Circulation Strike set that is ranked No. 3 current finest, and No. 5 all time. In addition, his Seated half-dimes and dimes will remain legendary for generations. Tom Bender is a beloved figure with an important collection that is known throughout the numismatic community. He has a well-earned reputation as someone who actively pursued the very best in numismatics.
You may notice as well as I did, there was no mention of the One Dollar Gold. In Part 1 of the Action, the following coins were offered.
Small Cents (72)
Half Dimes (20)
Dimes (55)
Quarters and Twenty Cents (32)
Half Dollars (11)
Silver and Related Dollars (24)
Gold Dollars (49)
Half Eagles (19)
Eagles (18)
Double Eagles (17)
From this offering, I thought the Legendary Half Dimes and Dimes would be a focus, which it was proven true. I was surprised with the success and priority that the Hansen Team placed on the One Dollar Gold offering. The Hansen Collection obtained #1 in the registry in May 2018, and received Best in Registry awards for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The set should receive the award for fifth straight later this year.
The ANA Auction provided an opportunity to make the gold dollar set better, and the Hansen Team was successful. With the upgrades from the past couple weeks, the 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) Set is currently 80% Condition Census Top Five. With three PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest added, and four other Condition Census specimens, the set improves to 38% finest with 14 sole finest! Today, I will feature the 1875 which is Ex: Duckor/Akers/Bass-Bender. This is a nice lineage for Dell Loy Hansen to add his name to.
1875 Gold Dollar MS66, CAC, Ex: Duckor / Akers / Bass / Bender PCGS Registry Set
The Heritage catalog writes: This example is from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass was a fan of the 1875 gold dollar and owned three different pieces graded MS65 PCGS, and one graded PR66 PCGS. When this coin was last sold in 2015, Doug Winter commented on Steve Duckor's gold dollars. Here is part of what he wrote then: "The 1875 is not the rarest Type Three dollar from the Philadelphia Mint (that honor belongs to the 1863) but it is the best known, on account of its incredibly low mintage of only 400 business strikes. There are an estimated 60-80 survivors known, many of them grading in the lower-to-middle Uncirculated range. As with all business strikes of this date, the surfaces are nearly fully prooflike. This was one of Steve's favorite coins, and it is destined to become a centerpiece of another important collection of gold dollars."
The coin may not qualify as a centerpiece in the D.L. Hansen Collection of Gold Dollars, due to other masterpieces like the 1863 MS68 POP 1/0, 1861-D MS64+ POP 1/0, and 1849 “Open Wreath” MS69 POP 1/0, but it is a great upgrade. The Hansen team must have really liked this coin chasing it to $168,000, The 2022 ANA Auctions had many shocking results with some more that this one. The Finest Certified Example 1875 Gold Dollar, MS66+ PCGS. CAC Specimen sold less than a year ago in Heritage’s September 2021 Bob R. Simpson Sale, Part I. The Ex: Longfellow / Simpson MS66+ realized $72,000! Both are CAC Approved. A half point finer, and almost a 100 grand lesser. WOW!
You may be thinking, what makes the coin so special. There may be a hint in this Heritage description: A short projection or thorn from the bottom of the chin is considered a hallmark of circulation strike 1875 gold dollars. There are no clash marks or other die imperfections noted on this piece, which shows a minute polished area below Liberty's ear. David Akers discovered the distinctive die feature more than 40 years ago, describing the appearance in his 1975 book on gold dollars. Before that time, and even after publication of his book, the deeply mirrored circulation strike coins were often sold as proofs. Fortunately, the practice was stopped with the advent of PCGS and NGC certification. This beautiful Premium Gem is fully prooflike. The rich orange-gold surfaces contrast against delicate blue overtones and exhibit excellent field-to-device contrast. A few scattered marks, mostly planchet flakes of Mint origin, prevent a higher grade for this sharply defined example.
In conclusion, Expert David Akers (1975/88) adds some additional content: With a total issue of only 420 pieces, the 1875 has one of the lowest mintages of any regularly issued U.S. gold coin. With so low a mintage, essentially all specimens are "first strikes" and therefore invariably have full proof-like surfaces. This has given rise to the false notion that the 1875 gold dollar is more common in proof than it is in uncirculated condition. Most cataloguers have mistakenly called Uncs. "proofs" over the years. Actually, the Uncs are readily distinguishable from the proofs because all uncirculated 1875 gold dollars have a small thorn-like projection from the throat into the field. This projection is seen only on the Uncs, not on the proofs, and no matter how much a particular 1875 may look like a proof, if it has the projection from the throat into the field, it is an Unc. Hopefully, auction cataloguers, dealers, and collectors alike will now put the myth of how much rarer an Unc.1875 is than an 1875 proof to rest once and for all.
Provenance: Bowers and Ruddy (privately, 2/28/1973); Harry W. Bass, Jr. (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 194, realized $25,300; Purchased from David Akers; The Duckor Family Collection of Gold Dollars / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015), lot 4276, where it realized $76,375; The Bender Family Collection, Part I / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 8/2022), lot 3841, realized $168,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1875 Gold Dollar MS66
PCGS POP 2/1, CAC Approved`
Certification ##24463231, PCGS #7576
PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $168,000
Ex: Duckor / Akers / Bass / Bender PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Tom Bender One Dollar Gold (2 of 2)
This long-lived series is composed of three different types and includes rarities from such romantic Mints as Dahlonega, Charlotte, and New Orleans as well as San Francisco and Philadelphia. These small coins are rich in history, and many issues were minted in extremely small quantities. Some of the low-mintage dates were hoarded in Gem condition, most notably those of 1879-89, while others are unknown in Mint State 65 or better. This is another series that is filled with rarities, but it makes a magnificent set when completed. - PCGS Registry
In the previous post, I described the makeup of the Hansen’s 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) Set. The #1 Registry Set of All-Time is only missing the ultra-rare 1849-C Open Wreath. The set is more than two points ahead of the #2 All-Time Set from the Harry Bass Collection. Just because the set is #1, the Hansen Team don’t seem to be letting their foot of the gas. As we will see, the team upgraded eight coins in the last couple weeks as shown in the screenshot below.
The upgrades includes five coins from the Bender Family Sale, two Dahlonega coins from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection and one coin purchase in a private transaction after 2022 ANA Auctions week. The private purchase is the 1854-S Gold Dollar graded MS64+ PCGS POP 1/ 2. The coin appeared in Heritage December 2021 US Coins Signature Auction realizing $17,400. In the past several months, the coin has appeared on a couple websites, including Northern Nevada Coin and Park Avenue Numismatics. Either Hansen was out bided or passed on the Tom Bender 1854-S Gold Dollar which is one of the two finest. The Bender 1854-S G$1 MS65+ realized $48,000. By missing the Bender coin, it appear the team decided to pick up the market available coin. The other finest 1854-S is the Pittman / Duckor Specimen that realized $51,600 in the November 2020 - Bob R. Simpson Sale.
The 1850-D and 1857-D upgrades are from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection. This collection will be featured in the upcoming posts. For now, let’s learn a little more about the remaining five coins from the Bender Family Sale. The 1875 MS66 Specimen was featured in the previous post.
In the five Bender gold dollar purchases, three are PCGS POP 1/0 Sole Finest. The 1853-D MS65+ POP 1/0 will be today’s feature coin. The 1852-C MS65 POP 1/0 realized $52,800 (Auction Record). Pedigree was not given. The third POP 1/0 Sole Finest, 1872 MS68 realized $28,800. With the PCGS Price Guide Value is $40,000, this coin was a bargain. This coin is pedigree to the Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2015), lot 1843. The final coin, 1873 “Open 3’ MS67 has only one coin finer, which is the David Akers / Duckor MS68 Specimen. The 81-piece One Dollar Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1849-1889) is 16 coins short of being 100% PCGS Condition Census Set. As previously stated, coin missing is the 1849-C Open Wreath.
1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+, CAC Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
Doug Winter wrote: The 1853-D is ranked fourth of the six Type One Dahlonega gold dollars from the standpoint of overall rarity. It is one of the rarest of all the Type One Dahlonega gold dollars in Mint State grades. The 1853-D gold dollar is usually seen in grades ranging from Extremely Fine-40 to About Uncirculated-50. It is rare in About Uncirculated-55, very rare in About Uncirculated-58 and extremely rare in Mint State. Two superb gems are known to exist. This upgrade must be one of them.
Doug Winer shares an interesting story that I will include here: There are two truly superb 1853-D gold dollars known. It is believed that these coins – and scores of others – were originally stolen over 130 years ago from a local bank and then buried. The hoard was later found in Jackson, Tennessee during construction of a parking lot. A frenzy ensued and a number of workers stuffed their pockets with various coins, ranging from gold dollars to eagles. Unfortunately, no full inventory of this hoard was possible, but it is known that these coins primarily date from the 1850’s. Does the D.L. Hansen Collection have a coin that was once stolen, which makes an interesting thought to ponder. In the 2022 ANA Auctions, we will never know how many of the auction coins have been stolen at some time in the last 100-200 years. If only they could talk and tell us their story.
It does not appear the second 1853-D GEM has made a public auction. In addition, there now may be three GEMs. The PCGS POP report has the Simpson / Bender / Hansen MS65+ on the top of the condition census with two other PCGS certified MS65. In the Heritage February 2010 Long Beach, Signature US Coin Auction, the Bender / Hansen Specimen was offered as a MS66 in a NGC holder. The cataloger wrote: Before the appearance of this Premium Gem, the finest 1853-D gold dollar that we had ever offered in our auctions graded just MS64. In fact, this is the only piece that is certified as MS66, with none finer. Behind this coin are two PCGS MS65s and two NGC MS64s. In the second edition of his reference, Doug Winter records the existence of two different MS66 NGC coins, both from a Jackson, Tennessee hoard, although only one piece currently appears in the NGC Census Report. No illustrations of the two coins in Winter's Census exist, as far as we know. The piece that Winter lists first is described as prooflike and may be this example’
After 12 years, some thigs do not change (or that much). In last year’s Simpson Sale, the cataloger wrote: Although the 1853-D half eagle has a mintage of nearly 90,000 pieces, its gold dollar counterpart has a much smaller production. Only 6,583 pieces were struck, and most survivors are in XF to AU grades. Gems are extremely rare, and the present lot is single finest at PCGS (11/20). The typically encountered Dahlonega example has an indifferent strike, but this coin has a full head, with all hair detail present and accounted for. Most of the reverse is sharp as well, save for a portion of the wreath near the D in DOLLAR. The semiprooflike apricot-gold surfaces are virtually unabraded, though a mint-made narrow vertical lamination rests between stars 4 and 5.
One year later, Heritage offers the coin again: Mint State coins seldom appear at auction, and just a handful of examples are known in Gem condition. The former Simpson coin, offered here, is the single finest example at PCGS (7/22). Heritage described the coin as: This is the second time we have handled this specific piece, and both times it has been a highlight of a truly historic collection of gold dollars. It is the only 1853-D gold dollar we have seen finer than MS63 in more than a decade, which attests to its tremendous rarity in this grade as well as its importance to advanced collectors of gold dollars and Dahlonega coinage alike. When it comes to acquiring the best possible example of this date, the Simpson-Bender specimen has no equal. Counting the Heritage February 2010 Long Beach Sale when the coin appeared in a NGC holder, I believe it’s the third time they (Heritage Auctions) have handled this specific piece. According to the current plans that D.L. Hansen and his family have for this collection, the coin could be off the market for many years.
This completes the updates from the Bender Part 1 Sale of Gold Dollars. It very fitting to end the Bender updates with a Dahlonega Gold Dollar, but is it the last Bender update from the Bender Part 1 Sale? There are other series, so we will have to wait and see. In looking ahead, the next series will be from Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins. The Bender / Hansen 1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+ makes a great prelude for that sale. The Gold Rush Collection 1853-D Gold Dollar was MS-62 (NGC). In the upcoming days, you going to see some great Gold Rush coins.
Provenance: The Longfellow Collection / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2010), lot 1385, realized $74,750; Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 3035, realized $78,000; The Bender Family Collection. The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot #3816, Realized $108,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1853-D Gold Dollar MS65+
PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved
Certification #40276275, PCGS #7523
PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $108,000
Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (1 of 5)
The Georgia Gold Rush Collection, offered by the John O. Sykes Family, represents a pinnacle of numismatic achievement for the Dahlonega Mint gold series. Containing a complete date and major variety set of the coinage of this branch mint, it also includes multiple examples of many issues. The result is that among the 150 coins that comprise this outstanding collection can be found famous Condition Census rarities in Choice and Gem Mint State alongside more affordable, yet still scarce and highly desirable coins in EF and AU grades. Highlights include an 1861-D gold dollar graded MS-63 (PCGS) CAC, an 1861-D Liberty Head half eagle graded MS-63 (PCGS), and an 1854-D three-dollar gold piece graded MS-62 (PCGS) CAC. - Stack Bowers (8/2022)
I have a confession. I am pretty much PCGS exclusive. In being so, I am an unaware of some amazing collections, especially if they are not PCGS certify, and in most cases, if they are not in the registry. The Georgia Gold Rush Collection is one of those collections. Before the Stacks Bowers Sale, I did not know of this collection. The complete Dahlonega Gold Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) requires 70 coins. Therefore, with 150 lots offered, it certainly “includes multiple examples of many issues”. The grading service breakdown is 118 PCGS coins and 32 NGC coins. In an interesting fun fact, ten PCGS lots realized six-figures, with the top coin, the Finest Known 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece, MS-62 (PCGS) CAC, realized $528,000. There was only one NGC coin, Finest Known 1840-D Quarter Eagle MS-62 (NGC) realized $144,000. This will be the last mention of the NGC coins.
The 118 PCGS coins have opportunities galore. This is the breakdown of the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega PCGS Coins: (Note: Do you know the meaning of four Three-Dollar Gold Pieces?)
Gold Dollars (14)
Quarter Eagles (38)
Three-Dollar Gold Pieces (4)
Half Eagles (62)
Out of the 118 coins, I identified only 15 coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen 70-piece Dahlonega set. The Hansen Team were high bidder on 11, which is a success rate of 73%. This looks like the aggressiveness of the old Hansen; does he have his groove back?
Over the course of updates since the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Collection has upgraded 14 coins in the Dahlonega Gold Set with Major Varieties. Eleven of then are Georgia Gold Rush specimens. We discussed a few days ago the 1853-D G$1, MS65+ that came from the Tom Bender Collection. I am assuming that David Lawrence is actively purchasing additional Dahlonega upgrades. Two coins, the 1851-D G$1 MS62+ and the 1848-D $5 MS63 appears to have been purchased privately in the past couple weeks. As discussed earlier, the eleven coins from the Georgia Gold Rush Collection were some of the best coins that were offered. As we continue this series, you will see just how good the Georgia Gold Rush coins purchased in this auction are.
Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this coin realized the fourth highest out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one-year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
There is a pair of PCGS MS63. The other top coin is the plate coin in Doug Winter’s third edition of “Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861”. It last appeared in auction in 2011 Heritage auction realizing $57,500. The coin was from The Milford Collection and currently resides in the billsnotes registry collection. CoinFacts reports the rarity and survival estimate to be 275 coins out of a mintage of 20,583. Both PCGS and NGC has two MS63 grades specimens each. CoinFacts estimate ten coins are mint state. David Akers describes the rarity as: The 1838-D is the third rarest date of this type after the 1834 Crosslet 4 and 1838-C. It is known in a wide range of grades, but VF and EF are the grades one is most likely to encounter. I have seen only a few that by strict grading standards could be called uncirculated (the finest was Pine Tree 6/75) and not many more that were legitimately AU.
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: This issue garners interest from several different quarters. Type collectors seek it out as the only Dahlonega Mint Classic Head half eagle. Dahlonega specialists require examples to complete date runs, and those who pursue first year of issue coins cherish the 1838-D as the first half eagle of the Dahlonega Mint. Those groups compete for the small number of high grade 1838-D half eagles extant, and demand pressure is heightened by the propensity of Southern gold enthusiasts to collect multiple specimens. This was one of several fine 1838-D half eagles in the famous Duke's Creek Collection. Chosen as the second finest example in that cabinet, it was sold as a duplicate under the name "Chestatee Collection" in Heritage's August 1999 American Numismatic Association sale. The front-line Duke's Creek coin is ranked CC#2 in Doug Winter's 2013 Condition Census and CC#1 in Daryl J. Haynor's 2020 listing, while the present example was accorded the ranking of CC#3 in the former and CC#2 in the latter. This coin is tied with one other, the Milford Collection specimen last sold in January 2011, as the finest ever certified by PCGS. Let’s just call it a draw and let it end there.
Heritage describes the coin as: One of the finest known specimens of the only Classic Head $5 issue struck at the Dahlonega Mint, this exquisite Choice Mint State 1838-D half eagle retains profound cartwheel within the obverse and reverse peripheries. Well struck and appealingly bright, this coin shows even yellow-gold color, perhaps a bit deeper on the reverse than obverse. The obverse is quite satiny, while the reverse is more matte-like at center, where some light natural granularity is visible under magnification. The eye appeal is outstanding. A slightly blurry planchet streak (as made) around two tiny planchet laminations is noted below the lower ribbon behind Liberty's hair, and a vestige of a slightly darker toning area remains above the wing at left; both features are mentioned solely as identifiers for tracking this coin's appearance in future market appearances.
Later, we will explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Half Eagles. For now, you going to have to settle with enjoying the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle.
Provenance: Duke's Creek Collection; Chestatee Collection (Duke's Creek Collection duplicate) / Chicago ANA Signature Auction , (Heritage, August 1999), lot 7665; Andrew Nugget, September 2000; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bowers, May 2016), lot 4059, Realized $94,000; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6077, Realized $228,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63
PCGS POP 2/0, Tied Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #32916358, PCGS #8178
PCGS Value Guide: $135,000 / Realized $228,000
Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Always interesting how these mega top pop coins get valued. Obviously both are fantastic coins but I'd much rather own the 1853-D $1 than the 1875 $1 and it went for 65% of the cost.
Yes! Dahlonega gold!
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The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (2 of 5)
Liberty Head $2-1/2 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1840-1907)
This is one of the longest-lived series in all of numismatics, beginning more than two decades before the Civil War and lasting into the 20th century. It is a challenging but not impossible set, with the ultra-rare 1854-S being the number one key. Charlotte and Dahlonega gold coins are sprinkled throughout the set, adding greatly to the appeal. Of course, there are some tough-to-locate pieces from New Orleans, San Francisco and Philadelphia, too. A few collectors have completed this set in the past and now it’s your turn! On February 28, 2012, PCGS announced that after two years of research it has been determined that the Philadelphia Mint struck both circulation strikes and proofs in 1841. Up until this point it was thought that only the 1841s were minted. This set includes not only the rare 1854-S, but the ultra-rare 1841. By adding the varieties in this set, it’s even longer (more coins) and tougher to complete. The 1843-C Small Date is always scarce and popular, as are the reverse varieties of 1859, 1860 and 1861 and the ultra-famous and historic 1848 CAL. If you’ve gone far enough to complete the basic set you'll definitely want to add these significant varieties! - PCGS Registry
Almost three years ago, the D.L. Hansen Quarter Eagle Liberty Head Set move into first place in the PCGS registry in the October of 2019 and have not looked back. According to my count, approx. 40 – 45 coins has been upgraded since reaching the top spot. Besides being in #1 spot and 100% complete, some of the other key indicators in the 147-piece set are:
14 Coins PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest, including 1842-C, PCGS MS65, CAC
26 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1862 PCGS MS64+, CAC, POP 2/0
31 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1865 PCGS MS61, POP 1/1
47 Coins PCGS Condition Conesus Top Five, including 1854-S, CAC PCGS VF35, POP 2/2
The set is 80.3% PCGS Condition Census, with 27.2% Finest PCGS. The set still have 29 quarter eagles that are not condition census which makes prime candidates for upgrading. The lowest graded and highest POP coin in the set is the 1841-D PCGS VF35, POP 4/47. The Georgia Gold Rush Auction offered the Pittman Specimen of the 1841-D Quarter Eagle, MS-61. Would be a great condition census coin for the Hansen Collection. The major problem, it is graded MS61 by NGC. It appears the Hansen Team save this upgrade for another day.
When viewing the PCGS Registry All-Time ranking, a couple things are obvious. Three of the top five sets are historic, including Harry W. Bass Hall of Fame Gold Collection. Also, you can see the numismatic icon Louis Eliasberg has a set listed, and 150+ year old Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. In completing the top five all-time, you will find two D.L. Hansen sets. Amazingly, the second Hansen set has passed the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and have sights on the Louis Eliasberg set. The Hansen second is astounding. The key indicators in the 147-piece second set are:
2 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1902 PCGS MS68, POP 2/0 (Hansen has both)
6 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1854-C PCGS MS62, POP 5/1 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0, CAC)
29 Coins PCGS CC Top Five, including 1855-C PCGS MS64+, POP 5/3 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0, CAC)
38 Coins PCGS CC Top Ten, including 1855-D PCGS AU55, POP 8/7 (Hansen – MS60 POP 2/1)
We are getting close to being able to establish a trajectory of overall quality of the second sets. Currently, the set has 51% of the coins in the PCGS Top Ten, and 25% PCGS Condition Census Top Five, the sights are set fairly high. Can the Hansen second set catch the Harry Bass set, anything possible?
The D.L. Hansen Collection upgraded three quarter eagles. First, the 1839-D Classic Head that is the feature coin today. In addition to the exquisite 1839-D, the Hansen Team obtained two other upgrades for the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles set. They were both AU58 specimens with only one PCCGS coin graded finer. The 1840-D PCGS AU58, POP 2/1, realized $45,600. The only PCGS certified coin finer is a MS61. 1846-D/D PCGS AU58, CAC, POP 7/1, realized $25,400. Also, this coin has one finer, PCGS MS61. This was a nice little upgrade from Georgia Gold Rush Collection. Also, David Lawrence Rare Coins has upgraded two other Liberty Head quarter eagles in the past couple weeks, including 1848 PCGS MS62, POP 3/2 and 1851-D PCGS MS62+, POP 1/1. I am guessing we will see more in the upcoming weeks.
Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle MS64, Ex: James Stacks / Georgia Gold Rush
Just a couple days ago, you saw the historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue specimen added to the D.L. Hansen Collection. Today’s feature coin is not quite this impressive, but it can certainly carry its weight in gold and maybe some more. There were seven 1839-D Gold Rush Dahlonega Quarter Eagles offered in the sale, and this was by far the most impressive and the most desired. The grades range was VF-20 (PCGS) to MS-64 (PCGS), CAC. The second best was the Green Pond Specimen MS-61 (PCGS) specimen that realized $33,600. When I think of Green Pond, I usually don’t think there is anything better. In this case, the Hansen upgraded, an “exquisite choice uncirculated” 1839-D Quarter Eagle is one of only three graded at this level by PCGS. The coin is an ex: James A. Stack, Sr. Specimen, so that tells you something there. The PCGS POP reports three for this graded, but the Hansen upgrade is finest seen by CAC. One of the other MS64 Specimens is the D. Brent Pogue Specimen that sold in 2015, realizing $105,750. The Pogue coin established the auction record until it was shattered by the Hansen purchase of the Georgia Gold Rush specimen.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this quarter eagle coin realized #7 out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1839-D is popular due to its status as the only Classic Head quarter eagle struck at the Dahlonega Mint. It is also the only Dahlonega mint issue of this denomination with the mintmark located on the obverse. The 1839-D quarter eagle is generally seen in Very Fine and Extremely Fine grades. About Uncirculated examples are scarce but are more plentiful than once believed. This date is rare in the higher About Uncirculated grades and it is very rare in Mint State. One superb Uncirculated coin is known. The 1839-D quarter eagle is one of five one year only issues from the Dahlonega mint (the others are the 1855-D gold dollar, the 1854-D three-dollar gold piece, the 1838-D half eagle and the 1839-D half eagle). This has always made it an immensely popular coin. The James Stack coin, now owned by a prominent western collector, is by far the best I have seen. It brought a then-remarkable $55,000 when auctioned in 1994.
According to the PCGS report, there is a trio of PCGS MS63 examples. The Hansen Upgrade is one, the fore mentioned Pogue specimen is the second, and the third appear to be the Dr. Robert W. Swan/Rod Sweet specimen that was last seen in 2004 in Bowers & Merena Sale. The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines the Hansen upgrade coin as: A lustrous and sharply struck deep rose-orange example with soft honey shades visible under a light. The strike is sharp throughout save for on the very highest point of Liberty's hair curls and at the eagle's dexter shoulder where it meets the shield. Lustrous and frosty with impressively smooth surfaces that border on Gem Mint State quality. Clearly this is a high Condition Census example that would serve with distinction in even the finest Southern gold cabinet. Doug Winter (2003) describes it as "by far the best I have seen" for the 1839-D quarter eagle.
There are two die varieties for this coin. We may look a little closer at the varieties in the future, but I will add this Stacks Bowers comment: The slightly scarcer of the two known die varieties of this issue, HM-1 is attributable by a strong branch stem and the presence of a berry between the upper and middle leaf clusters. Additionally, the first letter A in AMERICA is repunched. All known examples from this die pairing display several peripheral cracks on the reverse, the most prominent of which originates at the upper border, bisects the first letter T in STATES, and continues to eagle's head.
Later, we will explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Quarter Eagles. For now, you going to have to settle for enjoying this Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle.
Provenance: James A. Stack, Sr. Collection, (Stack's October 1994), lot 859, realized $55,000; Stellar Collection; our (Bowers and Merena, March 2004), lot 2517; our Americana Sale (Stacks Bowers January 2013), lot 13291, realized $105,750; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6017, Realized $168,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle MS64
PCGS POP 3/0, Finest Seen by CAC
Certification #05974084, PCGS #7700
PCGS Value Guide: $150,000 / Realized $168,000
Ex: James A. Stack, Sr. / Georgia Gold Rush
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (3 of 5)
Liberty Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908)
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. 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 basic set of this series is a monumental accomplishment, and this variety set is that and more. If you’re going to tackle this long and challenging collection, though, why not go all the way? Then add Tall Dates and Small Dates and over-mintmarks and other varieties and you’ll have a lifetime of enjoyment from a single series! - PCGS Registry
It has been two half years since the March 2020 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction, which was not held in Baltimore. Due the country experiencing the early stages of the pandemic, many live events were either cancel or held with limit number of attendees. This was the situation when the auction of the 1854-S Half Eagle was offered by the family of Brett Pogue. John Brush was able to attend the sale, closed the deal on the 1854-S, and completed the D.L. Hansen’s 201-piece Liberty Head $5 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1839-1908). On 11/20/2020 which was a few months later, Mr. Hansen was able to complete the entire 220-piece set including major varieties. The last coin needed was the 1840-D Liberty Head Half Eagle “Small D”. I am not certain how this coin was obtained, but it seems to have happened with a private purchase via David Lawrence Rare Coins.
As we saw with the Liberty Head Quarter Eagles, Mr. Hansen as continued to improve his set with upgrades. According to my count, approx. 75 coins has been upgraded since the historic day in March 2020. Last posting we saw similar progress with Liberty Head quarter eagles, but I thank it safe to say that Mr. Hansen has been twice as aggressive in upgrading half eagles. If you were impressed with numbers on the quarter eagles, then a look at these. Key indicators in the 220-piece set are:
34 Coins PCGS POP 1/0, Sole Finest, including 1854-S PCGS AU58+, CAC
42 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1861-D PCGS MS63, POP 4/0
45 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1875 PCGS AU55, POP 1/1
62 Coins PCGS Condition Conesus Top Five, including 1864-S PCGS AU55, POP 1/2
The massive set is 83.2% PCGS Condition Census, with 34.5% Finest PCGS. The set still have 37 half eagles that are not condition census which makes prime candidates for upgrading. The lowest grade coin in the set is the 1847-O PCGS VF25, POP 4/40 and the highest POP coin is the 1853-C PCGS XF45, POP 35/96. Upgrading these coins may be just a matter of time.
When viewing the PCGS Registry All-Time Finest ranking, you would quickly notice that it is identical to the quarter eagle ranking. Such as, three of the top five sets are historic, including Harry W. Bass Hall of Fame Gold Collection. Also, you can see Louis Eliasberg has a set listed, and 150+ year old Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. As with the quarter eagles, you will find two D.L. Hansen sets. Again, the second Hansen set has passed the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection and have sights on the Louis Eliasberg set. The Hansen second is astounding. The key indicators in the 220-piece second set are:
2 Coins PCGS Tied for Finest Certified, including 1870-S PCGS MS58, POP 3/0 (Hansen Other is CAC)
6 Coins PCGS Certified One Finer, including 1876-S PCGS MS60 (Hansen – MS61 POP 1/0, CAC)
29 Coins PCGS CC Top Five, including 1842-C, Small Date, AU58 POP 7/2 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/0)
38 Coins PCGS CC Top Ten, including 1874-CC PCGS AU58, POP 9/5 (Hansen – MS63 POP 1/1)
I am getting close to being able to establish a trajectory of overall quality goal of the second sets. Currently the set has 40.9% of the coins in the Top Ten for PCGS. This is noticeable below what we saw for the quarter eagles (51%). The set PCGS Condition Census Top Five comes in at 20.4%, again, below the quarter eagle set. Let’s watch a see if there are improvements in the numbers in the upcoming months.
The D.L. Hansen Collection upgraded five quarter eagles. I featured the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue specimen a few days ago. The 1839-D Liberty Head is the feature coin today. In addition, the 1838-D Classic Head and 1839-D Liberty Head, the Hansen Team obtained three other upgrades for the Liberty Head Half Eagles set. One is the 1843-D $5 Small D, AU58, POP 4/4. It just squeaks in as a PCGS Condition Census. The next coin is 1859-D $5 Medium D, MS61 with POP of 5/9. This coin is not a PCGS Condition Census Top Five. It is a good upgrade due the fact it replaces a high POP AU55. The long-term fate of the coin may be landing in the second set. The last coin is one of the finest PCGS certified 1861-D. I am sure we will see this coin in a later feature, but for today, let’s see the 1839-D Liberty Head PCGS MS62.
Historic 1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS62, Ex: Duke's Creek / Green Pond
There we go, throwing out that term historic again. Stacks Bower refers to the coin as Historic First Year Liberty Head Issue.
Just a couple days ago, you saw the Exquisite 1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle MS64, Ex: James Stacks specimen added to the D.L. Hansen Collection. Today’s feature coin is as equally impressive. There were four 1839-D Gold Rush Dahlonega Half Eagles offered in the sale. The grades range was VF-45 (PCGS) to MS-62 (PCGS). The second best was a MS-60 (PCGS) specimen that realized $52,800. As for the MS62 upgrade, the PCGS POP reports two with none finer.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, this half eagle coin realized the #3 out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1839-D is a very important and distinct one year type coin. After Mint Engraver William Kneass was incapacitated in 1838, he was replaced by Christian Gobrecht. The new design for the three circulating gold coins of this era can be first seen on the 1838 eagle and, in 1839, on the quarter eagle and half eagle. The Liberty head motif on the 1839-D half eagle is significantly different from that found on the 1840-1861 issues. On the 1839-D, the neck truncation is distinctly curved and it is positioned so that the back of the right side is far from the thirteenth star. On the redesigned head of 1840, the neck truncation is less curved and the back of the neck is closer to the thirteenth star. In addition, the top of Liberty’s bun is closer to the tenth star on the 1840-D than it is on the 1839-D. Most importantly, the mintmark is found on the obverse as on the 1838-D; beginning in 1840, it is found on the reverse. The 1839-D half eagle is most often seen in Very Fine to Extremely Fine grades. It is quite rare in About Uncirculated-50 and it is very rare in the higher About Uncirculated grades. Mint State 1839-D half eagles are extremely rare. The Mint Engraver illness presents an interesting twist on possible reason why the type did not change for both the quarter and Half eagle in the same year.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: An extraordinary example of the issue that offers superior technical quality, strong eye appeal and an impressive provenance to some of the most significant Southern gold cabinets of the last quarter century. Intense color in vivid reddish orange shines forth from lustrous, satiny surfaces. Modest semi-reflectivity in the fields enhances the coin’s appearance. Striking detail is razor sharp to full throughout, and the level of preservation is superior both for the issue and the assigned grade. Ranked CC#1 in the 2013 Winter Condition Census, this exceptionally attractive example would serve as a focal point in any collection.
There are two die varieties for this coin. Stacks Bowers comment: The more frequently encountered variety of this issue in numismatic circles, Winter 2-A is identifiable by the position of the D mintmark over the digits 39 in the date. On the rarer 1-A coins the mintmark is directly over the 3.
This is an interesting coin from the perspective of how far the Hansen Team was willing to chase. The PCGS Price Value for MS62 specimen is $55,000. This coin has caught fire of late. The pre-2022 Auction Record was $30,550 for an AU58 specimen Stacks Bowers sold in Jun-2017. Ironically, D.L Hansen was the winner of the coin. The record stood until May-2022 when in a Heritage Auction, a PCGS AU55 realized $36,000. A couple months later July 2022 in Heritage Auction at the Long Beach Expo, a PCGS MS61 sold for $43,200 setting a new auction record. One month later, the record was broken again. In an August 24th, 2022, Heritage Auction, an NGC MS62 POP 2/0 coin realized $52,800. This Auction Record stood one day. In the Georgia Gold Rush sale, the PCGS MS62 POP 2/0 realized another Auction Record when the Hansen Team gave the final bid of $252,000. A couple observations. Fact One, the coin is not CAC. Fact Two, the coin ranked CC#1 in the 2013 Winter Condition Census. Fact Three, the PCGS holder is an older Gen 4 (2004-2005). It is obvious that more bidders than Mr. Hansen wanted this coin. We will need to see if the coin will one day get the designation as sole finest 1839-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle.
Provenance: Leon Farmer; Hancock and Harwell; Duke's Creek Collection; Chestatee Collection (Duke's Creek Collection duplicates) / Chicago ANA Signature Auction, (Heritage, August 1999), lot 7666; realized $19,550; Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Sale (Heritage, January 2004), lot 1039; realized $28,750; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, September 2004), lot 7543; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6017, Realized $252,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS62
PCGS POP 2/0, CC#1 by Winter
Certification #50243350, PCGS #7700
PCGS Value Guide: $55,000 / Realized $252,000
Ex: Duke's Creek / Green Pond / Georgia Gold Rush
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
@Currin just an appreciation note for the incredible research, time spent, and skill involved in sharing this information here. As a small time and humble collector, it’s fascinating to become aware of the finest numismatic tier and to begin understand a bit about this level of collecting. Thank you so much.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I totally agree- I so look forward to your Hansen updates and enjoy them all- and the time you must spend researching and putting them together is impressive!
@Currin. I also truly appreciate the information. Mr. Hansen does not collect what I do and therefore his collection is outside of the realm of what I am pursuing and normally am interested in. But, I have found your reports to be so informative and educational, it is what I seek out every time I am reading the forums.
Visit USPatterns.com
Currin this is the only blog on the PCGS website that i always read when it updates. The astounding Del Loy Hansen Collection journey is being recorded in real time. I think peoplec will use it 100 years from now when researching His pedigree. Congrats on your efforts!
Thanks for the kind words. I do this because I enjoy the study. It is not just about the Hansen Collection (although it is the primary focus), but also community of the finest coins and collections. Many of you are an active part of that community. Many of you are like me and can only watch. I never had the talent to start for a D1 football team, but I still enjoyed watching a couple games today. I enjoy the coins the same way. You don’t have to own the finest to enjoy learning about them.
Very good collections are appearing more and more frequently. For example, Northern Lights of Vermilion. I have never heard of the collection before the coins were offered by Heritage. I have enjoyed studying the coins being offered. The collection has a couple dozen of really nice coins. Will Hansen buy any coins from this collection; I will have to wait and see as everyone else.
Lastly, I did a lot of research on 2022 ANA Auctions and sharing what I learned. We have a lot more to see and will take most of September for cover. So, keep watching and let others know what they are missing.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I second all the comments. I also look forward to your posts. Thanks!
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (4 of 5)
This is one of the most historic of all coin sets, covering the Trail of Tears through the early days of the Civil War when Rebel forces captured the Dahlonega Mint. The gold dollar set features the 1861-D, a rarity with an unknown mintage that was struck after the Confederacy took charge of the Mint. The quarter eagles include the ultra-rare 1856-D, with only 874 pieces struck. The $3 gold piece of 1854-D is the only Dahlonega Mint $3 issued. The $5 pieces are rounded out by the classic 1861-D. Everything is here to remind us of an era that is gone forever. Magnificent rarities and a huge and passionate collector base add up to a great set. - Green Pond Registry Set
After retiring almost 20 years ago (2003), the Green Pond set is still the GPA registry leader for the Dahlonega Coins. With a GPA of 61.25, the set is more than two points better that both Hansen and Bass. The Green Pond, Doug Winter wrote in February 2004: On January 7, 2004, Heritage Numismatic Auctions sold the Green Pond collection of Dahlonega gold coinage at auction. This was a complete set of Dahlonega issues, with many of the coins ranking high in the Condition Census. The final price realized for the 66 lots was $1.7 million dollars (an average of $25,575 per lot!), which is around 10 to 15% higher than I anticipated. Looking more closely at the lots gives the collector a good idea of the current market for high-end Dahlonega coinage. When a Green Pond specimen shows up in auction, of course it will receive some attention. It makes a great opportunity to improve just about any Dahlonega set.
The major flaw in the Green Pond set, and the other top PCGS registry sets is the incompleteness when considering entire set of coins (Twelve coins are missing in registry set). According to the Stacks Bowers news release, The Georgia Gold Rush Collection, offered by the John O. Sykes Family, represents a pinnacle of numismatic achievement for the Dahlonega Mint gold series. Containing a complete date and major variety set of the coinage of this branch mint. The issue with Gold Rush is the NGCs prevents it from participating in the PCGS registry. I would love to see where it ranks all-time. Personally, as a side note, I don’t think it would be able to compete with the Hansen Dahlonega set, because I identified only 15 Gold Rush coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen 70-piece Dahlonega set.
As for the PCGS All-Time Top Five, you can see the impressive list. From D.L. Hansen at the top to Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection at #5, with impressive collections like, Bass, Great Plains, and Green Pond sandwiched between. A couple great names are just out of the top five, like Louis Eliasberg at #6 and J.J. Pittman at #7. Are there other great Dahlonega sets assembled or being assembled, possibly? It is a fact; the John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush set should be one to remember. I am sure Mr. Hansen was excited to pick up several nice pieces for his collection. The Historic Final Year 1861-D Half Eagle is one of the best acquired. It should be remembered that this remarkable coin comes into the Hansen Collection by the way of the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins.
Historic Final Year 1861-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: Farouk / Norweb / Bass
Today’s feature is a magnificent piece that at one time was part of the famous Green Pond set, which is a very impressive registry set. The coin was also in the Palace Collection of King Farouk of Egypt. If that is not enough, it spent three decades in Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb Collection. Let’s not forget the world class gold collection of Harry W. Bass, Jr. In more recent times, the coin found its way into the Green Pond Collection, along with others as the John O. Sykes Family collection.
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, 1861-D MS63 Liberty Head Half Eagle realized the #2 highest closing bid out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1861-D is the rarest and most numismatically interesting half eagle struck at the Dahlonega Mint. It is known that on December 19, 1860, two obverses dated 1861 were shipped to Dahlonega from Philadelphia. These were received on January 7, 1861, and sometime between that date and April 8, 1861, a total of 1,597 1861-D half eagles were produced. On April 8, 1861, rebel forces seized the Dahlonega Mint. A small number of 1861-D half eagles (probably in the neighborhood of 1,000-2,000 coins) were then made by the Confederacy. There is not way to positively distinguish between the Union and Confederate strikings. The 1861-D half eagle is a rare coin in any grade, although its overall level of rarity has been overstated. It is usually seen in Very Fine to low end Extremely Fine grades. It is very rare in About Uncirculated and many pieces offered as such are overgraded. In Uncirculated, the 1861-D half eagle is an extremely rare coin.
CoinFacts estimates nine coins survived in mint state. PCCS has already certified a dozen submissions, with 4-MS63, 3-MS62, 3-MS61, and 2-MS-60. Have some of these been resubmitted and are counted more than once in the POP report? probably. NGC has another four certified including 1-MS61, 2-MS62 and 1-MS64. If the NGC MS64 still exist, then it has the honor of the highest third party graded specimen. If there ever a PCGS Sole finest GEM surface, the auction results of that coin would be shattering.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: From the final year of coinage operations at this facility, and as an issue with an indelible link to the Southern Confederacy, the 1861-D is the most numismatically significant and desirable Dahlonega Mint half eagle. The offered coin, pedigreed to some of the most important numismatic cabinets ever formed, is one of the finest examples of the issue, and almost certainly the most famous. Visually appealing, the color is bright orange-gold with satiny luster throughout. Overall smooth surfaces as expected for the Choice Mint State grade, with strong eye appeal and a pleasing quality to the fields and design elements. The strike is better than average although diagnostic softness is evident on the hair curls over Liberty's brow, the eagle's left talon and the uppermost arrow feather. For identification there is a tiny diagonal nick on the bridge of Liberty's nose and trivial marks on the obverse between stars 5 and 6, on the reverse in the field below the arrowheads.
Stacks Bowers concluded by stating: This Mint State 1861-D half eagle rarity was once part of the Farouk, Norweb, and Bass cabinets, as well as the Green Pond Collection in more modern times. It is a beautiful and superior quality Dahlonega Mint $5 irrespective of date, and an extraordinary example of this historic and eagerly sought Southern gold issue.
The Hansen Team acquired this coin to replace the AU58, Cert# 34717493, PCGS POP 5/13. There are three other MS63 1861-D half eagles that Mr. Hansen could have tried to find, but none with the historic provenance of this coin. The coin is suitable for a King.
Provenance: King Farouk of Egypt; The Palace Collection, (Sotheby's, June 1954), lot 254; Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb; The Norweb Collection, Part I, (Bowers and Merena's October 1987), lot 868, Realized $48,400; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999 as MS61 PCGS MS61), lot 1137;Relized $48,300; Doug Winter and Lee Minshull, (November 1999); Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Auction / The Green Pond Collection / (Heritage, January 2004 as PCGS MS62), lot 1065, Realized $74,500; Eliasberg and Krause Collections, (Stack's, March 2010), lot 1565; Realized $160,000;Chicago ANA Auction of (Stacks Bowers, August 2011), lot 7686, Realized $143,750; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6159, Realized $336,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1861-D Liberty Head Half Eagle MS63
PCGS POP 4/0, Winter Plate Coin 2nd Edition
Certification #15113451, PCGS #8290
PCGS Value Guide: $325,000 / Realized $336,000
Ex: Farouk / Norweb / Bass / Green Pond / Georgia Gold Rush
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Awesome coin there!
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The 2022 ANA Auctions – Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins (5 of 5)
The present 1854-D $3 reflects the care of selection that makes the D. Brent Pogue Collection so special. It is believed that fewer than a half dozen examples of this rarity can accurately be called Mint State today, and of those pieces, the Pogue Collection coin is the finest seen by PCGS. NGC lists a solitary Mint State-62 coin in their Census. - Stacks Bowers (2/2016)
I hope you have enjoyed the past few posts where we dug deeper in the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins. There were several masterpieces in the 150 coins that were offered for sale. Of course, a selected set can have only one centerpiece, and this coin served that role in the Gold Rush Dahlonega Collection. The 1854-D $3 is not the centerpiece in the D.L Hansen Gold Collection, but it certainly does rightfully occupy the position in the D.L. Hansen 40-piece Three Dollar Gold Mint State Set as it did in the Gold Rush Set. .
In this final posting for the Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins, we will get one last look at the eleven coins purchased by Mr. Hansen for his core collection. The purchase had a clear upper and lower tier. The upper tier consisted of the finest certified by PCGS, with one sole finest, the 1954-D. All the upper tier coins realized six-figures. The six coins in the lower tier were all five-figures with 1843-D $5 Small D AU58 squeaking in at $10,800. All coins are PCGS condition census except two, 1857-D G$1 and 1859-D $5 Medium D. The eleven coins realized a total $1,682,400. With easy math, the average cost per coin is slightly more than $150,000.
The Three Dollar Gold Set is not that large in coin count. Without counting the unique 1870-S, the set requires only 40 coins. PCGS describes the set as: The $3 gold piece was first issued in 1854, and the series lasted until 1889. While several dates were hoarded to a limited extent, most $3 gold issues are rare in any mint state grade, let alone in MS65 or better. It is a series filled with tiny mintages. In 1883, for instance, only 900 business strikes were made. The mintage for 1881 is 500. In 1885 there were 801 pieces struck. For 1873 the mintage is believed to be 100 coins. Key dates? There are lots of them, including 1854-D, the only Dahlonega Mint $3 gold piece. PCGS has graded only four examples mint state. Then there’s the 1854-O, the only New Orleans $3 gold piece. PCGS has graded hundreds of specimens, but only two in mint state. For the 1855-S, PCGS has graded two coins mint state. In these three cases, the highest grade is only MS-62!
There are several ways that numismatics has assembled these sets. One way is to assemble a 40-coin circulating strikes set as described in the PCGS Registry. Another more historical method was to assemble a set of proofs for the Philadelphia issues and added high graded Branch Mint circulating strike coins. The later was Harry Bass’ method. For the Hansen Collection, it appears he is assembling an entire set that will contain both the mint strike and proof finish coins. Either way, a nice group of Branch Mint Three Dollar gold coins are required. The requirement is only six coins, but they are anything but easy. D.L. Hansen Collection has a pretty PCGS condition census six-piece set. Without the 1870-S, the 1854-D is the center piece for this set as well.
The Gold Rush 1854-D is the only sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimen. As an interesting fact, the Harry Bass grading event made a significant change to the Hansen subset of six coins. Prior to the event, 1854-O MS62 and 1855-S MS62+ were sole finest PCGS POP 1/0 specimens. In addition, 1860-S MS62 was tied with one other coin as finest. The bidding on the Bass sole finest coins could be interesting to watch. Will Hansen try to get the POP 1/0 bonus back on those coins?
1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece, PCGS MS62, Ex: Milas / Pogue Specimen
Of all the gold Dahlonega Mint coins sold in the Georgia Gold Rush Auction, 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece realized the highest closing bid out of 150 coins. Doug Winter comments: The 1854-D three-dollar gold piece is an extremely popular issue due to the fact that it is the only date of this denomination which was struck at the Dahlonega Mint. With a tiny mintage of 1,120 coins, it is rare. But it is more available than generally acknowledged, especially in lower grades. The 1854-D three-dollar gold piece is a scarce and popular issue which is most often seen in Very Fine and low end Extremely Fine grades. It becomes very scarce in properly graded Extremely Fine-45 and it is a rare coin in About Uncirculated. It is very rare at the About Uncirculated-55 level and it is currently extremely rare in full Mint State.
CoinFacts estimates twelve coins survived in mint state. PCCS have certified four specimens, with 1-MS60, 2-MS61, and 1-MS-62. NGC has another eight certified including 3-MS61, 5-MS62. There is no choice GEM graded by a third party. In the recent Harry Bass Foundation grading event, the Bass specimen was graded AU58. This CAC Pogue may be as good as it will ever get.
The Stacks Bowers cataloger defines this coin as: The offered 1854-D is a pleasing, deep yellow-gold specimen of this highly respected rarity. Lively luster shines forth throughout, especially among the design motifs and sheltered surface areas. The satiny surfaces are somewhat frosty and very attractive for the assigned grade. No marks of any consequence can be seen with the unaided eye, and even low magnification brings forth not a solitary mark that warrants individual description. Struck from clashed dies with evidence of the reverse wreath present at Liberty's neckline while, at the center of the reverse wreath, a reversed impression of Liberty's portrait is seen. The overall impression from the dies is crisp on both sides, especially so for the date. The tops of the feathers of Liberty's headdress are nearly complete, as are the hair details. On the reverse Longacre's wreath design is bold with even the tiniest details present.
In gauging the significance in having a nice 1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece Stacks Bowers wrote: Advanced cabinets of Indian Princess $3 gold pieces are often judged by the overall quality of the 1854-D issue. A Chapman brothers listing at lot 334 in their December 1897 sale noted: "1854. Dahlonega Mint. Very Fine. Extremely rare. Probably not over six known." Among the most famous $3 Indian Princess collections to cross the auction block was the Richard Jewell Collection, offered by us (American Numismatic Rarities) in May 2005. The Richard Jewell 1854-D was a PCGS AU-58 coin that still ranks among the finest examples of the date extant. The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, that we (Bowers and Merena) sold in October 1999, offered a pleasing PCGS AU-55 (duplicate) for this issue. The Bass AU58 Specimen will be auctions late this year or early 2023.
Stacks Bowers concluded by stating: The Pogue specimen offered here is far and away the most widely heralded 1854-D $3 gold coin. It was part of the legendary collection formed by Ed Milas and sold in RARCOA's session of Auction '81, in which it was unequivocally declared the "Finest Known" for the issue. It retains that title today, sitting alone at the top of the PCGS Population Report and also the only certified Mint State 1854-D approved by CAC. It is believed that fewer than a half dozen examples can accurately be called Mint State today, and this is the finest.
Mr. Hansen paid a half million dollars to get this coin in his collection. It was not because he had a need to replace a bad, coin. The coin he replaced was a mint state 1854-D PCGS MS61, POP 2/1. I would assume this coin will find its way into the second set or maybe on the market in the future. The Hansen duplicate Cert #30132476 is valued at $250,000! The eleven Georgia Gold Rush Collection of Dahlonega Coins found a great home in The Hansen Cabinet.
Provenance: Ed Milas; RARCOA's Auction '81, July 1981, lot 386; Mid-American's, January 1987, lot 1814; George Elliott; Kevin Lipton; Winthrop Carner; Piedmont Sale,(Superior's, January 1996 as PCGS MS61), lot 2277, Realize $72,600; Larry Hanks; Great Lakes Collection; Larry Hanks, October 2005; D. Brent Pogue Collection; The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part III, (Stacks Bowers, February 2016 as PCGSMS62), lot 3090; Realized $188,000; The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot #6072, Realized $528,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1854-D Three-Dollar Gold, PCGS MS62
PCGS POP 1/0, Single Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #32219421, PCGS #7970
PCGS Value Guide: $525,000 / Realized $528,000
Ex: Milas / Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Simpson / Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes
Capped Bust Half Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1829-1837)
Coinage of half dimes was resumed in July 1829 after a 24-year hiatus. The then-current Capped Bust design by William Kneass (after an earlier design by John Reich) was adopted. Issued for only nine years, this series is a bit unusual in that there are no real "better dates." There are, however, several varieties that are a bit scarcer than the average date. The last dates (1835-37) each have both a Large 5C and Small 5C variety, and the 1835 comes with both a large and small date. None of these varieties are particularly rare and while the 1837 Small 5C is a bit better, it remains quite affordable. - PCGS Registry
I started this series of updates a few weeks ago with the Bender Seated Liberty Dimes. Also, we reviewed a few nice Bender Gold Dollars. With this post, we will take a quick look at the sale of the Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes. The sale offered a great grouping coin that was once owned by Bob Simpson. The Simpson set remains the all-time finest in the PCGS Registry. The set had six PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. There are two others tied for PCGS finest grade, and another four with only one coin graded finer. In the Bender sale, there are five of Simpson’s POP 1/0 sole finest specimens offered in a group of fifteen coins. The Bender set did not have the Simpson’s 1834 POP 1/0 Specimen. I am not sure why? Maybe, Mr. Bender did not buy the coin and a couple others.
In a comparison of the Bender offering to the Hansen set, there was the opportunity to upgrade 10 of the 14 of Hansen’s coins. The purchase of this entire lot of 10 coins for the Hansen 14-coin set would certainly be very appealing. They are less expensive than coins from several of the ANA Sales, especially the gold coins. Although, the Hansen Team did not bid as aggressive in this sale, they were able to obtain only two of the ten desirable coins.
With just two upgrades, the Hansen 14-piece Capped Bust Half Dime set moved up the PCGS All-Time ranking from seventh spot to fourth. The top current set is The Early American Silver Set that is being assembled by Dr. Charles Link. He has top current Capped Bust sets in half dimes, dimes, quarter dollars and half dollars. The half dime is very close to closing the deal. This composite set requires 154 coins, and both Hansen and Link is complete. The Link sets are much higher in quality and are mostly likely the finest ever assembled. You could say that Mr. Link is “King of Capped Bust”.
The Hansen Collection has eleven coins in the condition census coin in the upper tier of the set. With the Bender upgrade, the set how has its first PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimen. This adds to the existing one tied for PCGS finest. As you can see, the meat of the set is five coins with one PCGS coin finer. This set is an unusual set that has a high ratio of POP 1/0 specimens. In this 14-piece set, there are eleven coins that are PCGS POP 1/0 (78% of the set). With D.L. Hansen having one, the opportunity is there to pick up a few more, but I think the Link set may have four or five of them.
In the lower tier, that are three non-condition census coins. The Hansen Team missed the opportunity to upgrades these coins. For the pair of 1835’s, the Bender sale had two POP 1/0. For the 1837, a POP 5/1 was available. Three big missed opportunities, for now.
The Hansen Team purchased the two coins, the 1830 MS68, realizing $78,000. The other was the 1837 H10C Small 5C, MS64, and realizing $9,600. The latter coin is a PCGS POP 6/1. In today feature, let’s look at this 1830 MS68.
1830 Capped Bust Half Dime, MS68, Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
In this sale, the 1832, MS68+ set the sale record for the Capped Bust Half Dimes, realizing $93,000. According the PCGS Auction site, this coin is now in the finest cabinet of Capped Bust Half Dime, owned by Dr. Charles Link. The $93,000 is not just the auction record for date, but also for the for the Capped Bust Half Dime series. There has never been a six-figure coin, but the 1832 PCGS MS68+ came close. The coin is the only PCGS MS68+ specimen making it the sole finest for type. The coin is certainly the centerpiece in the Link Capped Bust Half Dime set and would hold that honor in any cabinet.
The Hansen 1830 MS68 upgrade realized the second highest price in the 15 Simpson / Bender Capped Bust Half Dimes, realizing $78,000. The coin was headlined as: Ex Simpson-Bender, None Finer at PCGS. The coin joins Hansen’s existing 1832 MS68 creating a pair of top coins in the D.L. Hansen 14-piece Capped Bust Half Dimes with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1829-1837). Coin Expert Ron Guth comments: Most dates in the Capped Bust Half Dime series are of equal rarity. The only exceptions are 1836 and 1837, which have lower certified populations than the other dates. Thus, the 1830 is just as good a choice for a type of coin as any other date in this series. Among the certified Mint State survivors, the most common grade is MS-63, followed by MS-62 and MS-64. In grades above MS-66, the 1830 Half Dime is very rare, and the finest example certified by PCGS (as of January 2012) is a single, amazing PCGS MS-68. The Hansen Collection had an MS66+ POP 11/7 which results in a nice improvement to the set.
From the Bender Sale, Heritage cataloger writes: The half dime denomination resumed in 1829 after an absence of more than two decades from U.S. coinage, having not been struck since 1805. This spectacular 1830 example represents the LM-14 variety, a die pair that produced a handful of remarkably high-grade circulation strikes, but none finer than this sparkling Superb Gem coin. It is, in our opinion, inarguably the finest half dime certified for the date, and one of only a half dozen half dimes to achieve the MS68 PCGS grade level for the entire Capped Bust half dime series. The lightly toned, pearlescent surfaces are needle-sharp and essentially flawless. Faint iridescence imparts colorful accents, subtle yet sublime. This is a coin worthy of the finest half dime set. The coin did not end up in the finest half dime set, instead, the coin is part of one of the finest US Issues Collections ever assembled.
Provenance: Ex: Bob R. Simpson; Tom Bender; The Bender Family Collection (Heritage Auctions, 8/2022), lot # 3725, Realized $78,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Race Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1830 Capped Bust Half Dime, MS68
PCGS POP 1/0, Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #06666540, PCGS #4277
PCGS Value Guide: $50,000 / Realized $78,000
Ex: Simpson / Bender PCGS Registry Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (1 of 4)
One of the most significant collections of Classic Head gold coinage ever formed – the Virginian Collection – was assembled by Daryl J. Haynor and includes some of the finest Classic Head quarter eagles and half eagles known. The cabinet features Condition Census examples of the 1838-C, 1839-C and 1839-O quarter eagles and both the HM-1 and HM-2 varieties of the historic 1838-C half eagle. Virtually all die varieties among circulation strike issues in this series are represented, including the rare 1835 HM-5 and 1836 HM-9 half eagles. - Stack Bowers (8/2022)
The sale provided opportunities for a several of firsts. As an example, this is the first time that I have posted a Hansen Second Set. On the September 12 post, we saw the Historic 1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle MS63, Ex: D. Brent Pogue / Georgia Gold Rush. The MS63 specimen went into the Hansen Top set. In the same 2022 ANA Auction week, The Hansen Team purchased a second 1838-D Classic Head Half example. The second (duplicate) specimen was added in Hansen’s second The Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838) set.
As you can see, the second set is 75% complete, missing the 1835 and 1838. Including the Hansen top set, there are currently three complete sets in the Registry. The JD's Classic Head $5 set is a borderline mint state set and the labelman87 is a solid about-uncirculated set. If completed, the second Hansen set should be third behind JD's Classic set. The new 1838-D Half Eagle, MS62 is by far the best second set coin.
I first noticed the Virginian set a few years ago while reading US Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839. This book was well done. I have a signed copy of the book by Daryl Haynor. As an enthusiast of finest lists, I really liked Haynor’s Finest Known sections. I noticed the Virginian Collection specimens were mentioned throughout as top five. I did not put the connection of the book author with the Virginian Collection. For this posting, I reread his bio in the book. He discussed that he collected all his life and describes his passion. He also described how his passion led to Classic Gold about twelve years ago. He stated My goal was to put together the finest collection of Classic Gold ever known. Later he concludes by stating Well, after 12 years of dutiful collecting, recent gratitude to a family name Pogue who decided to part with their collection – goal accomplish! The finest known set was completed.
In this 2020 book release, he goes on to say, And now, the next goal is to assemble the first ever complete collection of Classic Gold quarter eagles and half eagles by die marriage. I am not a specialist of die series, and I am not sure he accomplished his goal. In the Heritage press release, they state: Virtually all die varieties among circulation strike issues in this series are represented. I know the meaning of virtually is almost or nearly. I wish the historic die set could somehow be created in the registry. There are no sets for Classic Gold die varieties, so the Virginian set could be the standard for future collectors. Does anyone have the pull that could make that happen?
In the 2020 Haynor reference book, he identifies 28 die marriages for quarter eagles and 34 die marriages for half eagles. The total requirement would be 62 coins. The auction offered 58 lots, so certainly at least six of the die marriages are missing from the sale. The grading service breakdown is 56 PCGS coins and two ungraded coins. The 58 lots sale consisted of 26 quarter eagles and 30 half eagles and two “circulating contemporary counterfeit”. The top two coin in the sale was the 1838 Classic Head Half Eagle and 1838-C Classic Head Half Eagle that both realized $264,000. The two coins plowed the path where we saw six Classic Head Coins realizing six-figures. The six coins consisted of two quarter eagles and four half eagles.
In this sale, I have identified only twelve coins that would improve the D.L. Hansen’s two major varieties Classic Gold that requires 19 coins total. The Hansen Team were high bidder on seven of the twelve, which is a success rate of 58%. This was a very successful auction for the Hansen Collection. There were several significant gold collections offered 2022 ANA auctions. As we saw, the Hansen team fared very well with the Georgia Gold Rush sale and you will see in the next several post, they also did well in the sale of the Virginian Collection.
Important Mint State 1838-D Half Eagle, MS62, Ex: Green Pond / Virginian Collection
This coin is an official Hansen duplicate. Even so, of all the Classic Gold coins sold in the Haynor Virginian Auction, this coin realized the sixth highest out of 58 lots. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. It is less rare than one might believe but its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles. The 1838-D is one of the more available Dahlonega half eagles but its status as a one year type coin and as a first year of issue makes it extremely popular. It is fairly easy to locate in Very Fine and Extremely Fine and lower quality About Uncirculated pieces are available. It becomes very scarce in the higher About Uncirculated grades and extremely rare in full Mint State.
In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, He ranks the top five 1838-D Half Eagle as follows:
1 - Duke’s Creek Specimen - NGC MS63, Cert #1720159-037.
2 - Hansen / Pogue Specimen – PCGS MS63, cert #32916358, purchased in Gold Rush Sale.
3 - Milford Specimen – PCGS MS63, Cert #18214890, housed in billsnotes registry set.
4 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS62, Cert #50109812, purchased in the Virginian Sale.
5 - Michigan Specimen - PCGS MS62, Cert #32231546, housed in labelman87 registry set.
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: One of the most significant offerings from the extraordinary Virginian Collection, this is the CC#4 for the issue in the 2020 Haynor listing and the CC#6 coin in the 2013 Winter listing. Haynor further observes that it is the finest known early die state 1838-D half eagle, with no die polishing to semi-prooflike surfaces. This is a remarkable strike and condition rarity for the first Dahlonega Mint half eagle and the only one of the brief Classic Head design type. Destined for another advanced gold cabinet, where it will serve as a leading highlight. The Hansen cabinet is truly amazing. This coin is going to an advanced gold cabinet, but as a duplicate.
Heritage describes the coin as: In keeping with the fact that the 1838-D is a better struck issue than its 1838-C counterpart, this piece exhibits razor sharp to full detail to virtually all design elements. The reverse border is soft from 10 to 5 o'clock, however, but this does not interfere with appreciation of the focal features. Exceptionally well preserved for both the issue and the assigned grade, both sides display only wispy hairlines and other, equally light marks from collector handling. Outstanding luster quality ranges from frosty over the design elements to semi-prooflike in the fields. Bright olive-gold color adds to the appeal of this beautiful coin.
Earlier I promised that we would explore upgrades from of the best and most complete collection of Classic Head Half Eagles. Well, you have seen the first one. It only gets better from here, so keep watching.
Provenance: FUN Signature / North Georgia Collection, Heritage, (January 1999), lot 7674, Realized $40,250; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, June 1999), lot 6518, Realized $33,350; Green Pond Collection; FUN Signature Sale (Heritage, January 2004), lot 1038, Realized $29,900; Private collector, via Doug Winter; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5056, Realized $114,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle, MS62
PCGS POP 6/2, HM-1, Winter 1-A
Certification #50109812, PCGS #765270
PCGS Value Guide: $60,000/ Realized $114,000
Ex: Green Pond / Virginian Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I love the Dahlonega coins! I have a copy of the catalog from that gold rush sale. It’s a great reference.
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The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (2 of 4)
"We have handled a small number of coins from this die pair, but the only nicer example, and marginally at that, is the coin we sold in the Fairfield Collection sale of October 1977. This coin is probably one of the two or three finest known of this variety." - Cataloged as part of Bowers and Merena's October 1999 Bass II sale
In the first update on the D.L. Hansen purchases from the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold, you saw the important mint state 1838-D Half Eagle formerly from the Green Pond Collection. In this update, you will see the third MS65 GEM that is added to the small eight coin Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838) Set. In the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Team purchase four Classic Head $5 Gold coins with three from Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection and one from John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush Collection. As you saw last posting, the 1838-D Half Eagle MS62 specimen went into the Hansen’s second set.
Doug Winter wrote on the set: A basic set of Classic Head half eagles contains eight coins: six issues from Philadelphia (the 1834 is found with a Plain 4 and a Crosslet 4), and one each from Charlotte and Dahlonega. None of these is rare from the standpoint of overall availability, but the two branch mint coins are very scarce in higher grades as is the 1834 Crosslet 4. As a rule, the Philadelphia coins (save for the Crosslet 4) can be located in all circulated grades with relative ease–although finding nice, original high-end About Uncirculated coins, even for the most common issues, can be a challenge. He added: As far as Uncirculated coins go, any Classic Head half eagle is scarce in properly graded MS63, rare in MS64, and extremely rare in MS65. It is likely that fewer than two dozen true Gems are known for the entire series and some dates (1834 Crosslet 4, 1835, 1838-C, and 1838-D) do not exist in MS65.
In the current PCGS Registry Sets for Classic Head Half Eagles, there are about a dozen sets that are more than 50% complete. Two active collectors have completed sets, D.L. Hansen and labelman87. In fact, labelman87 have two sets that are complete. For five years, from 2013 to 2017, the labelman87 set was awarded top in the registry. The top two sets now, is D.L. Hansen and a set from The Oak Collection (JD's Classic registry set). The Hansen first obtained the top spot in 2018 and received award for top in the registry for 2018 and 2019. Now, this is where things get a little interesting, the Daryl J. Haynor’s was in the PCGS registry using the name ronyahski. They received awards for top in the registry for 2020, 2021, and 2022. I will discuss the ronyahski set in a little more detail next posting when we discuss the All-Time rankings.
Mr. Hansen purchase three Classic Head Half Eagles from the Virginian Sale. All closed at six-figures. Going into the sale, there were six Virginian half eagle coins that would improve the Hansen set of eight. In successfully acquiring three, the Hansen Team batted 50/50. The three coins that got away, was the 1834 Crosslet 4 MS63 POP 1/1, the 1835 MS64 POP 13/0, and the 1838 MS66 sole finest POP 1/0. For the 1834 Crosslet 4 and 1838, The D.L. Hansen Set currently have nice PCGS condition census examples, so no big lost there. The Hansen set do need to upgrade the 1835, but Haynor coin has 13 specimens tied for finest, so that was not a big lost. The three coins won were prefect for upgrading the set. By replacing an AU50 POP 12/15, and AU58 POP 25/ 13, and a MS64 POP 16/5, they got the best bang for the buck.
High Condition Census 1836 Half Eagle, MS65, Ex: Bass / Virginian Collection
If high condition means solid top five or ranked third in Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, then this coin certain fits the description. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1836 Half Eagles as follows:
1 - Provenance Unknown – PCGS MS65, Cert #5237310. Graded March 1994.
2 - Provenance Unknown – NGC MS65+, Cert #3701893-001
3 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS65, Cert #07944497, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
4 - Belvedere Specimen – NGC MS65, Cert #449876-005
5 - Estimated 13 surviving in grade MS64(+) - Hansen second coin is MS64, Cert #25633701
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: PCGS and NGC have certified a total of four 1836 half eagles of all varieties in grades of MS-65 and higher, but inasmuch as this is the only example from the HM-8 dies, it is alone at CC#1 for the attribution. Daryl J. Haynor (2020) carries it as the #3 coin in his list of finest knowns for the issue in its entirety, confirming its Condition Census standing by that measure, as well. A prettier and more technically advanced half eagle of this date hardly exists, and this leading rarity from Virginian Collection will be perfect for another world class gold cabinet. This coin is a nice fit in D.L. Hansen World Class Classic Half Eagle Set.
Heritage describes the coin as: Wonderful surfaces are fully brilliant with frosty yellow-gold luster. The obverse is smooth enough to support an even higher Gem Mint State grade, while for the reverse minor scuffing in the field areas below the eagle's beak and right wing is noted for accuracy. An old friend of our firm, we cataloged this lovely piece as part of our (Bowers and Merena's) October 1999 Bass II sale, in which it was observed that: "We have handled a small number of coins from this die pair, but the only nicer example, and marginally at that, is the coin we sold in the Fairfield Collection sale of October 1977. This coin is probably one of the two or three finest known of this variety."
In Daryl Haynor publication US Classic Gold Coins of 1834 – 1839 he writes: The 1836 is the second most common Classic half eagle, the 1834 being the most common. An estimated 1,520 specimens survive and are readily obtained, but not in grade above MS62. The Hansen Set has two of the eight coins graded MS62. The other six coins range from MS63 to MS65+. In the next post, we will see how this set ranks in the PCGS All-Time Finest sets.
Provenance: Stack's, November 3, 1970, via private treaty; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999 as PCGS MS64 ), lot 848, Realized $29,900; Long Beach Signature Sale (Heritage, February 2000 as PCGS MS64), lot 6682, Realized $17,538; CSNS Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2008), lot 2437, Realized $74,750; Oliver Collection / Chicago Signature US Coin & Platinum Night Auction, (Heritage, August 2011), lot 7548, Realized $74,750; CSNS Signature Auction, (Heritage, April 2015), lot 5327, Realized $67,562.50; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5049, Realized $120,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1836 Classic Head Half Eagle, MS65
PCGS POP 2/0, HM-8
Certification #07944497, PCGS #765239
PCGS Value Guide: TBD / Realized $120,000
Ex: Bass / Virginian Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Thank you for the most recent updates.
The sheer scope of this collection continues to be absolutely staggering. One minute you are talking about census level coins for dimes, and the next it's for quarter and half eagles. Amidst all of that he's competitive on Morgan dollars, which seems to be one of the most competitive spaces in the entire hobby. It's almost difficult to comprehend. Any time I catch myself thinking, "Why didn't he go for this particular coin?" you remember that he has hundreds of other sets to service at the same time.
Seeing the scope of this collection in more detail through this thread has given me the time to think about the sheer scope and accomplishments of some of the major collections that came before his and it makes me appreciate them all the more.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (3 of 4)
Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1834-1838)
The short-lived Classic Head $5 bridged the gap between the extremely rare Capped Head Left type of 1813-1834 and the Liberty Head Half Eagle which ran from 1839 through the early part of the 20th century. Three coins stand out in this short 8-coin set: the two mintmarked issues of 1838, made at Charlotte and Dahlonega and the 1834 with the Crosslet 4. Completing this set is not terribly difficult, but doing so in full Mint State is. - PCGS Registry
The Hansen Team left behind the battle for superiority in this set for another day, although there was progress made on the battlefront. Improving the top Hansen set from the 2022 ANA Auctions, the Hansen Team upgraded three Classic Head $5 Gold coins with two from Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection and one from John O. Sykes’ Georgia Gold Rush Collection. "Rome wasn't built in a day", so it’s going to take time for D.L. Hansen and his team to generate the great effort required to assemble the set that is envision. Also, to win the battle for the Classic Head $5 Gold series, the Hansen Team will have to take down a numismatic goliath, D. Brent Pogue. The grading in the Pogue set range from MS63 to MS65+, with a GPA of 63.83. In complaining the Pogue and Hansen Sets, Mr. Hansen out gunned. With just eight coins, the Pogue set has five graded finer. The skirmish on Virginian battlefield paid off for the Hansen Collection, because previously all eight of the Pogue coins were graded better. The biggest casualty for the Hansen set in the sale was the missed opportunity to obtain the Haynor 1838 HM-2 MS66 PCGS POP 1/0. Maybe it will show up again someday.
This screenshot shows the three upgrades. The branch mint 1838-C and 1838-D specimens are tied with the Pogue Specimens. The Hansen 1836 MS65 is a half grade point better than Pogue’s MS64+. I would say the top targets for Hansen upgrades would first be the 1835 MS62 POP 24/32. The next would be 1837 MS64+ POP 2/5. Lastly, the 1834 Classic, Crosslet 4, MS62. Although, this is a nice PCGS condition census coin, it would be significant if the set was all choice GEM and above (as Pogue). With these upgrades, the Hansen set would still be short of Pogue, but it be a very nice condition census set. We will have to watch and see if the battle continues.
With the three world class upgrades, the Hansen set jumps from sixth in the ranking to third. The three sets that falls below the Hansen set is Smithsonian, JD's Oak Collection, and Harry W. Bass. The Hansen set did not pass the ronyahski (Virginian) set, but is close. The number two spot is certainly within reach.
This will be the last posting and finish our discussion for Classic Head $5 Gold set for now. The opportunity for world class coins do not come along every day, or every year, and sometimes even decades. There were great opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions. We have seen the D.L. Hansen Collection making some significant upgrades from several sales with none better that the Classic Head Quarter Eagles, as we saw a couple days ago. The Hansen Team participated on several battlefronts during the couple weeks in late August. The Classic Head Quarter Eagle set is a battle where the Hansen Team took no prisoners and the Classic Head Half Eagle set ended in a standoff.....for now.
Exquisite Choice Mint State 1838-C Half Eagle, MS63 PCGS, Ex: Bass / Pogue / Virginian
There is no coin better to end of discussion on Classic Head half eagles than this branch mint coin. I would contend this coin is now the centerpiece in the Hansen’s Classic Head $5 Gold with Major Varieties set. Of all the Classic Gold coins sold in the Haynor Virginian Auction, this coin tied with the 1838 HM-2 MS66 PCGS POP 1/0 specimen by realizing the highest price out of 58 lots. According to PCGS Rarity and Survival Estimates, there was only 175 survived out of 17,179 minted. From that survival, only three in mint state, with no GEMs. PCGS POP reports only two graded in mint state, a MS63 and MS63+. NGC has placed a handful in MS holders, including 2-MS60, 1-MS61, and 1-MS62. There is no source for better information on finest known Classic Head Gold than Daryl Haynor publication US Classic Gold Coins of 1834 – 1839. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1838-C Half Eagles as follows:
1 - Private Collector – PCGS MS63+, Cert #38263718.
2 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS63, Cert #37203589, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
3 - North Carolina Specimen – NGC MS61, Ex: Houston Collection
4 - Vineyard Family Specimen – NGC MS60, Currently Private Collector
5 - Harry Bass Specimen – PCGS AU58, Ex: Abner Kreisberg
From this list, the two PCGS coins are clearly at the top. Of the four NGC coins on the POP report, only two exist or makes the graded. Haynor does not mention the NCG MS62 which he could not “specifically identify” as currently existing. There is no doubt, mint state 1838-D half eagles are rare. Doug Winter comments: The 1838-C half eagle is among the most popular coins produced at this mint. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employed William Kneass’ Classic Head design of 1834-1838 and its great popularity stems from the fact that it is a one-year type with first-year-of issue status. Unlike many first year coins that were saved as souvenirs (or that have misreported original mintage figures) and are, as a result, more common than on might expect, the 1838-C is an extremely rare coin in high grades. This is an interesting contrast to the 1838-D half eagle which is far more available in About Uncirculated and Uncirculated than in lower circulated grades. The 1838-C half eagle is usually found with a good deal of wear and is most often seen on the VF to EF grade range. It becomes scarce in properly graded EF45 and is very rare in any AU grade. This is among the rarest Charlotte half eagles in Uncirculated and I am aware of no more than two to four pieces that grade Mint State by today’s standards.
As with many of Hansen’s coins, they have a story to tell. It hurts when a coin has a loss of legendary status, and that what happened here. The story as told by Heritage cataloger: In modern times specialists in Southern gold have elevated this coin to legendary status, one that has earned it hushed tones of respect not only for its quality, but how much space exists between it and the third finest known example of this issue. It was singled out by David Akers in his 1979 book on half eagles as the sole Uncirculated coin he had seen; Akers added, "I have seen only one other that even graded AU-50." A June 2014 blog post by Doug Winter previewing our then-upcoming Pogue sales looked forward to the "sale of the finest known 1838-C half eagle (the Pogue collection contains a gorgeous PCGS MS63)." In our (Bowers and Merena's) Bass II, sale, the coin was lavished with a full page, described as "a lovely cameo with prooflike qualities," graded MS-63 even amidst the more conservative grading environment that characterized that time. An MS-61 (PCGS) specimen once backstopped this coin as third finest known, but following a misadventure, it no longer appears on the Population Report.
The Heritage cataloger explains how the Hansen / Haynor lost its top spot status: For years this coin held the coveted title of "Finest Known 1838-C Half Eagle." Indeed, it was ranked CC#1 in the 2008 edition of Doug Winter's reference on Charlotte Mint gold coinage. Writing more recently, however, Daryl J. Haynor (2020) was able to take advantage of the knowledge that the PCGS Population Report now lists a single MS-63+ for the 1838-C. This is not an unknown grading event or even an erroneous entry in the Population Report, but rather confirms that the CC#1 ranking for this issue has now been claimed by the specimen that, as of 2020, was owned by Doug Winter Numismatics. Formerly from our (Stack's) Spring Sale of April 1978, that coin appears to have been off the market for most of the intervening four decades, thereby remaining under the radar of those conducting Condition Census and provenance work in this series. As this newcomer is from the HM-1 dies, the Bass-Pogue-Virginian Collection specimen is still ranked CC#1 for the 1838-C HM-2 dies. It remains an extraordinary condition rarity for the issue in its entirety, of course, and will forever enjoy legendary status among those who specialize in pre-Civil War era Southern gold. Only two collectors can simultaneously claim ownership of the finest 1838-C half eagles. With an aggressive bidding strategy pursued to the utmost, the winning bidder of this lot will become the next claimant. The survival of the fittest can be brutal when you are at the top.
Heritage describes the coin as: Luster abounds on both sides, highly satiny on the obverse but cartwheeling more evenly on the reverse. The fields of both obverse and reverse show attractive reflectivity, contrasting pleasantly with the well struck devices. The freshness of the surfaces is barely diminished by the presence of light hairlines and scattered light marks. A short scratch crosses star 5, and a tiny nick is noted high on Liberty's cheekbone; on the reverse, a series of faint abrasions are seen in the field beneath the word OF. These features, trivial in the extreme on such a well preserved and visually appealing C-Mint half eagle are mentioned solely to aid in establishing this coin's provenance. Vertical polish lines on the planchet remain evident on both sides; these are as made.
I will conclude this story with a couple comments written a few years ago by Doug Winter after discovering the Stacks 1978 example: There are a number of Charlotte half eagles that are rarer than the 1838-C. But this is among the most difficult half eagles from this mint to locate in higher grades. In Uncirculated, it is exceedingly rare and this example…. Is the only unequivocally Mint State piece of which I am aware. I first saw this coin in the October 1989 Superior sale. I badly wanted to buy it but didn’t have a client for it at the time. It was purchased by dealer Andy Lustig who was never able to sell it and I think he had it in his stock for close to two years before he gave up and put it into the 8/91 Akers/Raroca sale where it went cheaply at $38,500. It was later acquired by Harry Bass via private treaty with yours truly playing a small supporting role. After Bass died, it was sold in October 1999 by Bowers and Merena auctions where it was purchased by the Pogue family for $86,250. I love this coin for a number of reasons. It is easily the finest known example of the first Charlotte half eagle. It is the only Charlotte half eagle that employs the Classic Head design. Its amazingly choice for the issue. It is one of those coins that every time I think about it I say to myself “Why didn’t you buy that coin for yourself when it was cheap and only a handful of people appreciated it? Today, Classic Head Gold is more appreciated. Even though the coin is not on the top of the condition census report anymore, Stacks Bowers sale referenced it as: The Legendary Bass-Pogue-Haynor Collection Specimen. By now being part of a collection that will one day be legendary, this coin will continue to be appreciated for many years to come.
Provenance: (Stacks April 1978), lot 853; Jascha Heifetz Collection Sale, (Superior, October 1989), lot 4378, Realized $48,400; Andrew Lustig; Chicago Sale (RARCOA and David W. Akers, August 1991), lot 987, Realized $38,500; Harry W. Bass, Jr., via Goliad Corporation (Mike Brownlee); Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, (Bowers and Merena, October 1999), lot 866, Realized $86,250; D. Brent Pogue Collection; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bower & Sotheby, May 2016), lot 4058, Realized $235,000; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5055, Realized 264,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-C Classic Head Half Eagle, MS63
PCGS POP 1/1, HM-2
Certification #37203589, PCGS #765269
PCGS Value Guide: $235,000 / Realized $264,000
Ex: Bass / Pogue / Virginian Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold (4 of 4)
D.L. Hansen Entire Masterpiece Set of Classic Head Quarter Eagles
The short-lived Classic Head Quarter Eagle (struck for only six years, 1834-39) served as the bridge between the rare Capped Head type and the Liberty Head type that would last into the early 20th century. Struck at four different mints (in 1839), this short set has no extreme rarities, but the "C" and "D" mint issues will prove the toughest, particularly in Mint State. Only a handful of these dated after 1836 are known above MS-62. - PCGS Registry
There are many people past and present that collects masterpiece coins. There have been others that works hard to collect a set of coins. Even the more advance collectors will add the Major Varieties to create “Entire Sets”. Some of the elite collectors are fortunate enough to assemble sets with several masterpiece coins in their collection. Dell Loy Hansen may be unique. He doesn’t just collect coins; he collects and assembles world class sets. A few of them are “entire masterpiece sets”.
You may ask: What is an entire masterpiece set? Using the PCGS certification and registry as the constant benchmark, then my definition of an entire masterpiece set must meet these five requirements:
1 - The set must be ranked #1 in the PCGS All-Time Finest Set Registry
2 – The set must be 100% complete for required coins for Basic and Major Varieties (Entire Set)
3 – The set must have 100% PCGS Condition Census Top Five (Masterpieces)
4 – The set must have 50% or more PCGS Finest Certified (Premium Masterpieces)
5 – The set must have min of 15% (if possible) PCGS Sole Finest POP 1/0 (Elite Masterpieces)
We saw in the last posting that the Pogue’s Capped Head Half Eagle Set is an Entire Masterpiece Set for that series. As I discussed a little last posting, it will take a large effort to replace the Pogue set of masterpieces at the top of the registry. Will we ever see it happen? I am not sure. With Hansen quarter eagle purchases in the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Sale and one Georgia Gold Rush coin, he was able to create another Entire Masterpiece Set for his Collection. (Note: Hansen now have four of these sets).
As can be seen, The D.L. Hansen Entire Masterpiece Set of Classic Head Quarter Eagles is #1 in the PCGS Registry. It is 100% complete with all PCGS Condition Census specimens. The set have seven of the 11 required coins that are PCGS Finest (64%). Also, of those seven, four are PCGS Sole Finest POP 1/0 (36%). This set certainly meet the requirements of Entire Masterpiece Set. This may the biggest and most significant accomplish of all the purchases in 2022 ANA Auctions. Take a look at this improved set.
The Hansen set has four out of the seven PCGS POP 1/0 specimens, and three out of the four that are tied for PCGS finest. Can the set be improved even more? Sure. Does it need to be? Not really. There were six coins in the Virginian Sale that could have upgraded the Hansen set. The other five coins, Hansen had finer coins or at least tied. Hansen Team was successful on obtaining four of the six. They did not win one of the PCGS POP 1/0 specimens, 1837 MS65+. As you can see, Hansen has a MS64 POP 2/2 (Haynor CC#2, only Virginian finer) that he is probably satisfied with his coin. Also, he could have obtained the 1836 Script 8, MS65+, POP 2/0, but he remained with his MS64+ POP 2/2 (Haynor CC#3 with Virginian and Pogue finer).
Third, the 1834 MS65 POP 4/4 is a better specimen that seen from POP report. The coin is listed as Haynor CC#4 with pedigree Ex: Greenwick / Pogue. It has what is described as prooflike finish. Daryl J. Haynor grades the coin at MS65+ /A-. The top coin in the Haynor list is an unknown MS66 that may no longer exist. The second coin is a PCGS MS65 that Haynor (HM-1) list as MS65+/A, the third is a second a PCGS MS65+ (HM-2) that Haynor list as MS65+/A. With the beauty of the Hansen coin, it probably a long-term keeper for a masterpiece in the set.
The last, 1838 MS64 is the most questionable. The Hansen specimen is a solid PCGS Top 5 with only three PCGS coins graded finer. In the Haynor list, the MS64 graded coins as group of “other notable coins”. The top coin for this date is a Smithsonian coin that Haynor grades MS67+ /A+. The coin was graded MS68 by Garrett and Guth. The Haynor CC#2 is an Ex: Bass PCGS MS67. The Haynor CC#3 is an Ex: Oliver Jung MS66+. Then Haynor ranks four NGC coins CC#4 – CC#7, including the Ex: Eliasberg. This date was not offered in the Virginian Sale, and I could not find any mention in the reference book. This may be a case where Mr. Haynor was not able to find a specimen that met his price and taste. I would not be surprised if an opportunity at some point may come along where the Hansen Team will replace this coin. As for today, it passes the test for a PCGS Condition Census Top Five.
If the Hansen plan was to solidify his top ranking and improved his set to PCGS condition census, then the battle was won. As you can see, it has solid footing in the PCGS All-Time Finest ranking.
One interesting note, the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold did not create a quarter eagle registry set. I would contribute that to him not assembling a complete PCGS set to list, but don’t know for a fact. The collection did have four PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest coins, and at least two that I found was tied for PCGS finest. If created, it would have been a nice set.
With the five world class upgrades, the Hansen moves ahead of Harry Bass in the top spot in the ranking. There three historic sets that falls below the Hansen set. They are the Harry W. Bass, Smithsonian, and the famous Eliasberg Collection. The current set that goes by tagline: billsnotes is third, and ahead of Smithsonian and Eliasberg. This is very impressive set.
This will be the last posting and finish our discussion of the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold sale. As state earlier, Hansen results for this sale was impressive and it really made a significant improve to both Hansen Classic Gold sets. As stated before, there have been great opportunities in the 2022 ANA Auctions. They presented opportunities for world class coins and the Hansen Team did not let it pass by. The Classic Head Quarter Eagles was a series that the Hansen Team solidified to point that no one can ever challenge.
Exceptional 1838-C Quarter Eagle, MS64 PCGS, Ex: North Georgia/ Virginian Collection
In this short eleven-piece set, there really is no “Stand-Alone Key Date” per say. The PCGS Registry gives the weight of 5 to the 1839-D and weight of 4 to the two Charlotte coins. I would agree that if we identify a center piece for the set, then it would be the 1839-D PCGS MS64 that realized $168,000 in the Georgia Gold Rush Sale. The coin is featured today, the exceptional 1838-C Quarter Eagle, PCGS MS64 from the Virginian Collection realized $120,000. The 1838-C and the 1839-O are the only two Classic Head Quarter Eagles that realized five figures in the sale, with both realizing $120,000. Hansen has the sole finest 1839-O by PCGS grade. In 2006, Doug Winter also gave the nod to the Haynor coin. We are not here to talk about the 1839-O, so let’s get back on track.
The Hansen / Haynor 1838-C MS64 is clearly the CC#1 coin by Haynor. In Haynor’s Finest Known condition census report, he ranks the top five 1838-C Quarter Eagles as follows:
1 - Hansen / Haynor Specimen – PCGS MS64, Cert #37203049, Purchased in The Virginian Sale.
2 - Gold Rush Specimen – PCGS MS63, Salvaged from shipwreck off of coast of North Carolina
3 - James A. Stack, Sr. Specimen – NGC MS63, Ex: Ashland City Collection
4 - Dinger Specimen – PCGS MS62, Cert #50098421.
5 - Possibly Harold Barfoot Specimen
1838-C Quarter Eagle, MS64
The Heritage cataloger defines this coin as: Experts in both Classic Head and Southern gold coinage are in agreement that the Virginian Collection specimen is the finest known 1838-C quarter eagle. It is ranked #1 in the lists of significant examples in both the 2020 Haynor reference on the Classic Head series and the 2008 reference Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861 by Douglas Winter. A highlight of the present cabinet, and sure to sell for a strong premium to a gold enthusiast who seeks only the best for his or her collection. The coin did bring an auction record price of $120,000.
According to PCGS Rarity and Survival Estimates, there was only 150 survived out of 7,880 minted. From that survival, only eight in mint state, with no GEMs. PCGS POP reports only six graded MS, 2-MS61, 2-MS62, 1-MS63 and the Hansen/Haynor MS64. NGC has a dozen more in their POP report, including 1-MS60, 4-MS61, 4-MS62, and 3-MS63.
Heritage describes the coin as: While the 1838-C is the less well struck of the two Charlotte Mint issues in this series, the present example belies that fact. It is a fully struck coin that surely ranks among the best produced 1838-C quarter eagles. Crisp delineation between all of the individual strands of Liberty's hair and throughout the eagle's plumage is particularly impressive, as are full radial lines to all 13 stars around the obverse border.
As I had promised, you have seen some of the best upgrades from of an esteemed collection of gold coins, the Daryl J. Haynor’s Virginian Collection of Classic Gold. I hope you have enjoyed learning about this fabulous collection as I have. I am still not completely finished with the 2022 ANA Auctions. Keep watching, I have a few more upgrades that I have discovered from these sales before we can see what happened in the Harry Bass Foundation Auction last night.
Provenance: Thomas Melish Collection, (Abe Kosoff, April 1956), lot 1130; Globus, Randals, Binder, & Ford Family Trust (Stacks, June 1994), lot 566, Realized $33,000; North Georgia Collection / FUN Signature Sale, (Heritage, January 1999), lot 7741, Realized $40,250; Long Beach Signature Sale of (Heritage, February 2000), lot 6620, Realized $34,500; Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection / The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 5018, Realized 120,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1838-C Classic Head Quarter Eagle, MS64
PCGS POP 1/0, HM-1
Certification #37203049, PCGS #764792
PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $120,000
Ex: North Georgia/ Virginian Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions - Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction
In Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction, they offered 9,552 lots. The first participation by the Hansen Team appear to be in Session 3 - The Fairmont Collection - JBR Set (August 23rd, 2022). The JBR set was certainly not as fruitful for the D.L. Hansen Collection as was the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set that was offered in the spring. I covered that sale in a series of eight posts. In the sale, the Hansen Team purchased 16 coins realizing $972,600.
The JBR Set didn’t offer anything near those results. The Stacks Bowers press release:
The incredible JBR Set of Gold Coins from the Fairmont Collection is a landmark feature of the Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction. Comprising nearly complete runs of the $5, $10, and $20 denominations beginning in 1834, the JBR Set exhibits an astounding combination of Condition Census and Everyman quality across the rarest dates and varieties of U.S. gold. The 554 coins in the set feature an overall CAC approval rate of 63% and rank among the top PCGS Registry Sets in their respective categories
I believe most of the coins were “everyman quality”. I could only find ten condition census examples in the sale that would upgrade the Hansen Set. It appear from the updates, the Hansen Team did pick up three of the condition census coins offered. Two coins were Eagles and one Double Eagle, realizing $104,400. I will not be featuring any of these coins.
The JBR Set was just a warmup to what would come later that day, Session 6 - The Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection and then Session 7 - The Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage Collection. I covered both of these sales in detail, showing five feature coins from the GGR sale and four feature coins from DHVC sale. I would call both a success. Then later that night on the same day, the team participated in Session 8 - Rarities Night. There were 310 lots offered in this sale, including some selections from a couple nice collections. The most interesting was The Augustana Collection described as: contains thousands of coins from around the world accumulated over nearly five decades. The goal of the collection was to portray human progress over the last few centuries. The United States coins featured in the sale span from the extinct Charlotte and Dahlonega mints to the work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, reflecting America's emergence on the world stage. Hansen picked up one coin, 1843-C Half Eagle PCGS MS62, CAC. POP 5/5 that is just outside of condition census. The Hansen Team purchased it anyway and it does make nice replacement a MS61, POP 6/10.
From what I can come up with from the online upgrades, the coin count looks pretty low comprising only four coins. The 1843-C half eagle and two Washington MS68 quarter dollars. The big purchase was the fourth coin, 1839-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Very nice coin that I will feature today.
In the four Stacks Bowers sessions that I have located upgrades, a total of 1,072 coins were offered. The Hansen Team may have participated in some other sessions, but I was not able to locate any updates to the top sets. From my official count, the Hansen Collection upgraded 25 coins from these four 2022 ANA Stacks Bowers sales. Amazingly, 22 of the 25 coins were PCGS condition census Top Five. The 25 coins realized $2,982,000. This would result in approx. $119,280 per coin. The Hansen upgrades is getting to a point that it is not a matter of how many are upgraded, rather a matter of how much the coins realized. One last fun fact from the Stacks Bowers auctions, all the coins purchased were pretty golden coins except for the two Washington quarters.
The Most Important 1839-C Half Eagle, PCGS MS-64, Ex: Ohringer / Pogue Specimen
The finest known is a superb fully prooflike PCGS MS 64 that was last owned by an Eastern dealer and which could convincingly (in our opinion) be classified as a Specimen Strike. - Heritage Auctions (Jan 1999)
What makes a coin a Specimen Strike? They are sometimes called ‘Presentation Pieces”. In Stacks Bowers Rarities Night Auction, they referred to the coins as: “Unique Fabric, Possible Specimen Striking”. Is Unique Fabric a finite statement? It is a little unusual that Mr. Hansen would purchase a coin with controversy. In this coin, he overlooked the past twenty years or more of chatter and raise his paddle. Maybe the controversy is subsiding. This is from the Stacks Bowers cataloger: This coin has received special notice in two of the most widely consulted modern references used by half eagle specialists. Doug Winter's 1998 work on Charlotte Mint gold coins notes that author has "seen one example of this date (listed as #1 in the Condition Census) which has remarkable fully reflective surfaces. This coin also shows an exceptional strike and it is my opinion that it is some sort of presentation piece or specimen striking...it is certainly unlike any other 1839-C half eagle known." Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933 (2008) also cites this coin, remarking that "the finest examples of the date have been graded MS-64. One of these coins is deeply prooflike, and it has been speculated that the coin may be a presentation striking." As the first year of this design type, and the only year of this motif to show the mintmark on the obverse, a coin like this could have been created as demonstrative proof of how well struck the fruit of new dies could be.
The cataloger continues by stating: The field of numismatics has clumsily defined and redefined terms like Proof, Specimen, Special Striking, and related entries in our peculiar lexicon. Aside from affecting merchantability in the coin market, none of these have much meaning, nor a sound technological footing in their definition. Numismatists have long sought to classify pieces that were made with special care, but aside from mass-produced Proofs coined at the Philadelphia Mint from the mid-19th century onward, those who actually made these coins used no rigorous standards, nor did they leave much documentation of their work. The coins themselves are the only artifacts of their processes, and like any other artifacts that exist devoid of context or documentation, modern students can really only sort coins into two categories: those made by typical processes and those made with distinctive effort. This coin clearly falls into the latter class. Its strike, its surface, and its planchet all stand out against the long appreciated and well-studied backdrop of early Charlotte Mint half eagles. There is not another Charlotte Mint $5 gold piece like this anywhere in the world, of this date or any other.
I have been watching the Hansen Collection for several years. He don’t buy coins thinking they can be something that they currently are not. I don’t think he speculated on this coin, rather he wanted the best example he could find for the core set of Liberty Head Half Eagles. Surely, he did pay a premium for the best coin. There is another unknown MS64, but it a mystery what it looks like. Even though there was two PCGS MS64 in 2008, the Goldberg cataloger wrote: The unusual piece that is offered here surpasses all others that are known to us of the 1839-C Coronet five (only a handful of Mint States are recorded). When it comes to beautiful coins, the number known dwindles rapidly down to this one, the only one that shines like a beacon in the mists. This handsome MS64 sets at the standard, a subjective yet no less objective beauty whose ranking among surviving '39-C specimens puts it miles beyond anything you will ever get a chance to bid on. It was enough for Brett Pogue to buy in auction or shortly after. The coin is currently still in the Pogue labeled holder. I can’t speak for Mr. Hansen, but can only write what I think, and I think he bought this coin for this price because he fell in love with it.
The Stack’s cataloger continued the description by stating: The quality of strike is extraordinary, with the portrait of Liberty as well defined as on a Philadelphia Mint Proof, far different from a typical, or even a standard but exceptionally well struck, Charlotte Mint half eagle of this era. The strike was so forceful as to create a fin, sometimes called a "wire rim," around a portion of the obverse from 3 o'clock to near 7 o'clock, where the rim is unusually square. The reverse rim is nearly square at the lower left, and the central reverse device is as incredibly detailed as that seen on the obverse. Talons, leaf interiors, feathers, and denticles each show bold refinement. The color is a glorious deep orange-gold, as striking and beautiful as it is unusual. Some light surface hairlines are seen. A thin hairline scratch crosses Liberty's lower jaw, and a very shallow vertical abrasion is seen on the cheek. The planchet, though specially created, was still a product of Charlotte's technology and personnel, thus the fine linear lamination across the point of Liberty's coronet to star 6 is not terribly surprising. I will close with a partial description from the Goldberg cataloger: The details on the main relief features are boldly struck on either side more than you can imagine unless you view it in person. This leaves the viewer wide-mouthed and in awe at the remarkable sharpness found on Liberty's hair and hair bun, the coronet and stars. As far as the eagle's feathers go, and the shield, and elsewhere, everything duplicates the razor-sharpness found on the other side.
This posting will be a wrap on the 2022 ANA Stacks Bowers Auctions. I started the series with posts from an ANA Heritage auction. I will close with a few more Heritage posts. I cannot say I save the best for last, but I did save the biggest name for next, Bob Simpson. Just watch!
Provenance: Dorothy Gershenson; Pre-Long Beach, (Superior, September 1998), lot 2033A; Ohringer Family Trust Collection; Ohringer Family Trust Collection / Pre-Long Beach Sale, (Ira and Larry Goldberg, September 2008), lot 1259; Realized $172,500; D. Brent Pogue Collection; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, (Stacks Bowers, May 2016), lot 4061, Realized $111,625; The Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction - Rarities Night (Stacks Bowers, 8/2022), lot 7164, Realized $336,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1839-C Half Eagle, PCGS MS-64
PCGS POP 2/0, Unique Fabric
Certification #32916360, PCGS #8192
PCGS Value Guide: $175,000 / Realized $336,000
Ex: Ohringer / Pogue Specimen
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Those Charlotte coins are amazing!
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (1 of 4)
Important Selections from the Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IX
I would say, I have the finest set of St. Guadens and the finest set of Ten Dollar Indian piece, in my hands… and I’m going keep those. - Bob Simpson, Heritage Interview, Sept. 17, 2020
Here we are two years later. There have been a lot of water over the dam, and many intentions can and will change over time. The coin market has taken off for the sky. I don’t know what, but something changed Mr. Simpson’s thoughts on liquidating his collection. Heritage completed the latest sale: Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IX during the 2022 August 22 - 28 US Coins Signature Auction. I have tried to find online and asked around a little to see if there has been an official announcement of Mr. Simpson’s new plans.
Certainly, his sales have exceeded the original announcement two years ago. As of the Part IX sale, Heritage Auctions have sold a total of 2046 coins from his collection. In his interview, Mr. Simpson is quoted: “Total collection about 2500 or something and selling half the collection”. If we assume his collection was 2500 as he stated in 2020, then he has sold about 80% which is more than the original plan of 50% announced. As you see in the banner above, the sale will continue for at least one more session in January of 2023. We will have to watch to see if the tenth sale is the last.
Two years ago, Heritage released this statement: Bob Simpson, a friend and valued client for over 20 years -- and who is part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, a philanthropist, and a lifelong Texas energy executive -- is nothing short of a legendary figure in the rare coin hobby as well. Mr. Simpson stands as a singularly astute numismatist. Heritage continues to be honored with the privilege to handle numerous selections from his incomparable collection, and the items offered here are no exception. We are especially pleased to bring The Bob R. Simpson Collection to the numismatic community, and to Heritage's 1.25 million+ registered bidders. Each and every coin would be a highlight in any prestigious coin auction. To see them all gathered here is breathtaking, to say the least. The collection has several installments, all of which are destined not only to make numismatic history, but to strike a responsive chord with collectors of every discipline and specialty. The depth and diversity of Mr. Simpson's collection is truly remarkable, as all who are close to the hobby are well aware. Our "Featured Lots" list of favorite coins will no doubt create debate among those viewing the catalog, who might replace our entire list with other top coins from the catalog, and not be far off the mark. It certainly has been a specular collection with tons of feature coins. The August 2022 Sale offered only 61 Simpson coins with 27 Double Eagles. He offered 21 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles from his finest set that he mentioned in his interview two years ago. In the August sale, his St. Guadens results were the real deal. There were 14 out of 21 Mint State St. Guadens that realized six-figures. The 1927-D MS66 realizing $4,440,000 is mind blowing.
The Hansen Team was not successful in winning any of the Simpson Saint-Gaudens Mint State coins. Although, Mr. Hansen is focused on completing the Proof Saint-Gaudens set. Also, Mr. Simpson has been selling his Proof Gold in the previous auctions starting with his first sale two years ago. Over the period of time, Hansen has added several Simpson proofs to his collection. Heritage offered 37 Simpson Proofs in this sale including patterns. This was the one that was needed for the Hansen Collection.
Last thoughts of the Simpson Collection, it is really not known at this time how many coins that the Hansen Team has purchased from this fabulous collection over the past two years. I would hope the information is being keep and can one day be published. History is being made with the sale of the Bob Simpson coins as well as the purchasing and assembling of the Dell Loy Hansen Collection.
I will conclude by running some numbers by you. In the nine Bob Simpson sales, the auction results are reported to be $122,000,000. With 2046 coins sold, the average price realized per coin would be $59,630. As you can see above, the 1911 Saint-Gaudens purchased by Mr. Hansen well exceeds that average. I think it can safely be said that the Hansen Collection obtained some of the Simpson high end offerings over the last couple years. Today, I will feature this condition census Saint-Gaudens.
Sandblast Finish 1911 Saint-Gaudens double eagles PCGS PR66+, Ex: Bob R. Simpson
Heritage cataloger described the proof as: The basined fields and sculptural relief of the devices made Saint-Gaudens' iconic design unsuitable for the old mirror finish that had been used on proofs in previous years. The Philadelphia Mint tried a matte proof, or sandblast, finish on the proofs in 1908, but that proved unpopular with collectors. Accordingly, they switched to a Satin, or Roman. finish for proofs in 1909 and 1910. Although many present-day collectors consider the Satin finish superior, contemporary collectors were still unhappy. In 1910, influential collector William H. Woodin wrote Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Abram Piatt Andrew his opinion of the "Roman" finish gold coins made in 1909 and 1910 and advocated for a return to the dull sandblast finish of 1908: "If any collectors objected to this finish [the sandblast finish from 1908] it was because they did not understand that the St. Gaudens designs are not adapted to the production of polished proofs. The present proofs of the St. Gaudens designs and of the Pratt designs are simply rotten. I know of no other way to express it ... "
CoinFacts estimates 55 coins survived from a mintage of 100. Of these, the estimate is 32 GEM PR65 or better. PCCS has certified 15 GEMs, with 8-PR65, 2-PRS66, 3-PR66+, 1-PR67 and the sole finest PR67+. This fines example Cert #00201911 is impounded in the matching Koessl / Elite set and is pedigreed to the Eliasberg Collection. The second finest PCGS PR67 is unknown. The Simpson coin may the finest available 1911 specimen. The Heritage cataloger added these comments: In his impressive series reference on Saint-Gaudens double eagles, Roger W. Burdette notes that 200 proof double eagles were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1911, but only 100 were actually sold. The coins were struck on two occasions, with 150 examples produced on January 16 and another 50 pieces struck on May 20. In an unusual procedure, the coins were held back by the coiner until enough orders came in to justify a delivery, and the number of coins in each delivery matched the number of coins ordered. The proofs were delivered in three batches, one of 34 coins on March 28, another of 28 examples on May 20, and a final delivery of 38 pieces on December 9. Presumably, the remaining proofs were melted for recoinage after the end of the year. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 65-75 examples in all grades today.
The cataloger gives this final description: We can find only one auction appearance of the coin offered here, in lot 956 of the United States Coins and Paper Money Auction (Stack's, 5/1997), where it realized a strong price of $42,900 (thanks to Ron Guth and the Numismatic Detective Agency for this information). It has apparently been off the market for the last 25 years. This Plus-graded Premium Gem exhibits sharply detailed design elements throughout. The impeccably preserved surfaces display a light orange color, with the myriad tiny sparkles typical of this finish. Overall eye appeal is terrific for this Condition Census example. This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or Registry Set.
Provenance: United States Coins and Paper Money Auction (Stack's, 5/1997 as PR65 NGC), lot 956, realized $42,900; Bob R. Simpson Collection / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 8/2022), lot #3420, Realized $264,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PCGS PR66+
PCGS POP 3/2, Sandblast Finish
Certification #45402553, PCGS #9208
PCGS Value Guide: $250,000 / Realized $264,000
Ex: Bob R. Simpson
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I feel better about my own collecting addiction when reading this thread. It has a calming effect.
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (2 of 4)
In the 2022 US Coins Signature Auction, Heritage offered 2,676 lots. There were two historic collections that the Hansen Team was razor focused on. The sale started on Aug 22 with Lot #3001 which was 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent from The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. Just a few lots later, the Hansen Team started strong with a winning bid of $408,000 for lot #3031, a 1794, PCGS MS66 Brown half cent. I guess it is important to score that first touchdown on an early lot. On lot 3017, someone scored big with a $1,005,000 winning bid for a 1793 half cent. The Hansen Team continued on to win a total of eleven coins in the McGuigan Half Cent sale from lot #3001 to lot #3235.
The other big Collection for Hansen was Part 1 of The Bender Family Collection. The collection contains multiple sets and groups. In this sale of 316 lots, included Small Cents, Half Dimes, Dimes, Quarters, Twenty Cents, Half Dollars, Silver Dollars, Gold Dollars, Half Eagles, Eagles and Double Eagles. To make it more interesting, 106 of the coins were from the Carson City mint. I previously cover purchases from the Hansen Classic half dimes, dimes, and one dollar gold. In addition, he picked up a couple other Carson City stragglers.
In addition to these two great collections, Heritage held their US Coins Signature Auction. In this sale, the Hansen Team added a very nice second finest at PCGS upgrade to his high condition Draped Bust half dollar set and completed his purchases with three gold proofs. Two were purchased from the US Coins Signature Auction and the other from Bob Simpson’s Part IX sale that you saw on last post. From my unofficial count, the Hansen Collection obtained 35 coins from Heritage’s sales. Amazingly, all 35 coins were PCGS condition census Top Five, realizing $3,109,800. This would result in approx. $88,851 per coin. The price per coin is less in the Heritage sale than what we saw in the Stacks Bowers. The obvious difference in the Heritage purchase, 26 of the 35 coins were non-gold. With 74% of the purchase non-gold, the $89K per coins is pretty darn strong.
Although the count was only four coins from this particular sale, the Hansen Team made a strong showing in the Heritage 2022 US Coins Signature Auction. If you recall the recent review of the Stacks and Bowers 2022 Global Showcase Auction, then the total spend on the two sales was almost split with $3 Million each. Let’s take a look at the first gold proof.
1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo
About 10 to 12 Coins Extant, One Finer at PCGS - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
Any three-gold dollars proof is a special coin. The Heritage cataloger wrote in 2018: It is a daunting project but collecting Three Dollar gold piece Proofs by date is a realistic goal. The PCGS Registry lists four complete sets: Tom Bender, Harry Bass, The Garrett Family, and Ed Trompeter. I don’t know the exact number of other complete sets, but I would venture to guess at least a half dozen others have been formed since the beginning of the 20th century. There are some really rare Proof Threes, and these tend to be dates which are not as well-known as the famous Proof-only issues. In my experience, the 1855, 1856, 1857, 1861, and 1866 are all extremely rare with fewer than 10 pieces known. In fact, only the 1882-1889 issues can be termed “available” and this is due to an increase in mintage figures and a higher survival rate. After almost seven years of actively collecting, The D.L. Hansen Collection still does not have a complete set. In a set that contains an entire collection of three-dollar proofs, the requirement is 39 coins. Current, the Hansen set is missing twelve. This purchase does get the set one coin closer to completion.
This is an interesting coin being it was produced the year after the civil war ended. This is from the Heritage cataloger: Although the Civil War reached its official end in 1865, the monetary consequences of the conflict remained in effect long afterward. Gold and silver coins were essentially withdrawn from circulation in 1862, and the post-1862 mintages reflect that. For the three-dollar gold piece, just 4,000 circulation strikes were coined in 1866. Another 30 proofs were struck for collectors.
The cataloger continues by stating: Writing in The United States $3 Gold Pieces, 1854-1889 (2005), Dave Bowers comments: "Proofs are great rarities with about a dozen or so known. In recent times Proofs of this and other $3 dates have been showcased as 'trophy' coins... ." More recently, John Dannreuther has estimated 10 to 12 proofs known from this regular die pair, allowing for the possibility that two to four additional pieces may have been struck from a different reverse, as reported by Walter Breen. Dannreuther has not seen those coins, so the listing of a second die variety remains tentative. Either way, it is widely thought that less than half the original production total survives, and few of them match the incredible quality on offer here.
In a collection like D.L. Hansen’s, there are hundreds of trophy coins. The cataloger concludes by adding: This is one of three Deep Cameo Gems at PCGS, with only a single coin finer in PR66 Deep Cameo (ex: Woodin-Clapp-Eliasberg). It features clean, watery fields that show a slight orange-peel texture, while a heavy blanket of frost covers the razor-sharp devices. A few light marks occur on the cheek, and splashes of natural coppery color appear throughout.
In the next posting, we will dive a little deeper into the D.L. Hansen Collection of proofs.
Provenance: Rosemont CSNS Signature & Platinum Night US Coin Auction (Heritage April 2011 as PCGS PR64DCAM, CAC, Cert #07418008), lot 5365, Realized $46,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 4029, Realized $114,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
Thanks to Ron Guth, The Numismatic Detective Agency for identifying the early provenance on this proof coin.
1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo
PCGS POP 2/2, JD-1
Certification #45439906, PCGS #98029
PCGS Value Guide: $87,000 / Realized $114,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (3 of 4)
Before we wrap up these series of posts, let’s recap the progress the Mr. Hansen has achieved with his proof gold collection. I have detailed the eleven sets that comprise the complete collection for proof gold from 1859 to 1915. The set consists of 294 coins. As I have stated before, PCGS does not have a set that represents these coins, so this chart provides a fairly accurate representation. A future registry set would be a nice addition.
With the recent purchase of three gold proofs from the Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction, the set is now 78.2% complete. The collection requires 294 coins with only 64 remaining. As with most things in life, there are always achievements and setbacks. Since the last update on January 26, 2022, there have been improvements made. In that update, the set needed 70 coins (76.19%). By starting 2022 off with the purchase of seven gold proofs from the 2022 FUN Sale and adding six since, therefore 13 gold proofs have been added in 2022. This may not sound as that much, but proof gold is very demanding, in low supply, and extremely expensive. With the Harry Bass Part 1 sale, the proof expansion for 2022 could even be greater. With a pace of about 15 per year, the collection is about four years away from completion.
There have been what I guess could be called a setback. On 8/29/2021, the collection added the last coin needed in the Indian Head $5 Gold, Proof (1908-1915) set, which is very competitive. When the coin was added, the Hansen set became #1 All-Time Finest in the PCGS registry. The top ranking did not last very long. On 2/16/2022 of this year, a set from the Matte Proof Gold Collection was added. The set may be the finest ever assembled. The owner wrote: This has been my passion for the past 40 years - my goal was to collect the absolute finest of each coin in this series, in their original condition. I think with no doubt or agreement, that became reality.
The set was offered for sale soon after and Mr. Koessl said, “This collection was my passion; my life-long pursuit. It was a very tough decision to sell, but I am very grateful to John (Albanese) and Ian (Russell) for their high level of professionalism in the smooth transaction and for ensuring it was purchased by a passionate collector who valued it as a complete set as much as I did over the years. My hope is the set will remain intact so future generations will appreciate the desirability and rarity of original Matte Proof Gold.” Koessl added “I would like to thank all of the dealers and collectors throughout the numismatic industry that assisted me in forming this set during my relentless pursuit of the finest known specimens. Of special note, David Hall and Van Simmons - they both helped me as far back as the early 1980s. Without their wise counsel and advice, I could not have acquired some of the finest coins in my collection and Andy Lustig, who arranged a special visit for me to view the Smithsonian Collection of Matte Proof Gold.”
The 32-piece Koessl set, including $2.5, $5, $10 Indian and St. Gaudens $20 Gold Sets were displayed at the 2022 ANA’s World Fair of Money. The sets were quickly sold by John Albanese of CAC. A lot more could be written on the sale, but in short, the 32-piece set was purchased by owner of the Elite Collection. This is a very interesting collection being it also has the only private owned complete 1933 Gold set that is legal. This is the collection that purchased the Farouk / Weitzman 1933 Double Eagle specimen that sold June 2021 for $18,872,250. PCGS now values the coin at $22 Million.
As you can see, both sets are now on the PCGS registry which they are occupying the top two spots. That moves the D.L. Hansen set to #3, although the top two are the exact same set. This double listing can be applied to all four registry proof sets. In the new table shown above, the Hansen sets have a drop of two spots in all four sets since the posting in January.
1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo
Mintage of 30 Proofs, Fewer Than Half Survive - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
Two 1866 gold poof coins in one sale is something very special. A couple days ago, you saw the 1866 Three Dollar, PR65 Deep Cameo. Today, you will find another from the same litter. This is the companion 1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo. The PCGS certifications numbers are consecutive, so they are certainly from a recent collection that had both coins. These coins get the Hansen Collection a couple steps closer to completing the 1866 proof date set. The set is still missing the Eagle and Double Eagle.
The 1866 half eagle proofs reports a mintage of 30. CoinFacts Rarity and Survival Estimate is 20 for all grades, including five that are PR65 GEM or better. Of those five, it appear two are graded GEM+ by PCGS, 1- PR65 and the sole PCGS PR66DCAM. The finest known is a PR66DCAM PCGS from a prominent midwestern family collection that was offered by Goldberg in 2016 and realized $123,375. What would that coin bring today? The last time the PR65 was offered was in 1992. The coin auctioned by Superior Galleries realized $34,100. NGC has three graded GEM proofs, including 1- PR65 and 2- PR66. The last appearance of one of the NGC PR66 was in 2010, where the Bob Simpson PR66 ★ Ultra Cameo specimen sold by Heritage for $80,500. The last appearance for a NGC PR65 specimen was in the 2004 American Numismatic Rarities. The coin realized $57,500. The auction record holder is the Byron Reed uncertified specimen that was offered by Spink America. The coin set the auction record of $209,000 in 1996!. The last appear for 1866 half eagle proof was the finest PCGS PR66DACAM in the 2016 Goldberg sale. This may be the first opportunity for this coin since Mr. Hansen started his set.
The Heritage cataloger described the rarity of the coins as: Half eagle production at the Philadelphia Mint comprised a scant 6,700 circulation strikes and 30 proofs in 1866. Naturally, five dollar gold pieces bearing the 1866 date are highly prized in any format and in any grade, but the proofs are particularly popular. Of the 30 representatives struck, Dannreuther estimates 10 to 12 pieces extant, noting "it is unlikely 15 coins can be enumerated." The PCGS Population Report lists nine submissions in all. That includes seven in non-Cameo (one PR50, one PR58, two PR63, two PR64, and one PR65), plus two coins in Deep Cameo. This PR64 Deep Cameo example is joined by a single proof in PR66 Deep Cameo that was last offered publicly in a June 2016 Goldberg Auctions sale. The NGC Census lists another two submissions in non-Cameo, one in Cameo, and four in Ultra Cameo. The coin may not be a top five coin at both grading services PCGS and NGC. At PCGS, the coin is a POP 1/ 2, with the PR65 and the sole PR65DCAM graded finer.
In 1866, the design of the gold half eagles changed. Heritage added: The addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was authorized by the Mint Act of March 3, 1865 and first appeared on a scroll above the eagle for the 1866 five dollar issue. John Dannreuther describes the design modification as "an attempt to raise the collective conscience of the country after the devastating Civil War. It was thought that the addition of the motto might help heal the wounds of the conflict." Q. David Bowers (edited and updated by Mike Sherman) provided these comments on this type: In 1866, the Liberty Half Eagle was modified by adding the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon above the eagle on the reverse. Apart from this, the motif with Liberty Head on the obverse and perched eagle on the reverse is the same used in earlier years. Mintage of the with-motto style was continuous at the Philadelphia Mint, with additional coins being made at San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans and in 1906 and 1907, at the new Denver Mint. Combined with the earlier “no motto” style, the Liberty Half eagle is the only coin to be struck at all seven of the “traditional” U.S. mints.
The cataloger continues by describing the Hansen coin as: This magnificent proof rarity showcases beautifully textured and deeply reflective fields that appear almost jet-black. They stand out in stark contrast to the thickly frosted and predictably fully struck yellow-gold devices. A few tiny planchet voids appear to be the only useful pedigree markers.
This coin may play a small part in a collection as vast as the D.L. Hansen Collection. With the gold proofs, and due to the scarcity and pricing of the coins, it just requires patience and adding coins one at the time. This 1866 proof half eagle is one of the 13 gold proofs have been added in 2022. By my count, there are 64 to go, therefor patience and picking off the coins one by one is the only viable plan. As a heads up for what to come, the Hansen Team picked up a missing GEM PR65DCAM gold proof in the Harry Bass sale this week. Watch for the posting in the next few weeks.
Provenance: US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 4054, Realized $156,000, Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1866 Half Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo
PCGS POP 1/2, JD-1
Certification #45439907, PCGS #98461
PCGS Value Guide: $90,000 / Realized $156,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 2022 ANA Auctions – Heritage’s 2022 US Coins Signature Auction (4 of 4)
It was exhilarating when you won, frustrating when you lost, and mind-boggling when you had to pay far more than what you anticipated for a coin. - John Brush, DLRC, Coins We Love, Sept 15, 2022
It’s official, this is the last post on the 2022 ANA Auctions. There are a lot of cool things about the Hansen Collection. For one, it covers the Entire US issue of coins from 1892 to 2022, the basic, major varieties, and proofs. Currently, the Entire US Mint Strikes require 4560 coins and the Proof Finish require 1916. Together, the Hansen core collection currently requires 6476 coins. In the one-week of 2022 ANA Auctions, coins were sold from A to Z. The entire range of the Hansen Collection, from the first day with the winning bid of $408,000 for a 1794 half cent to a 1911 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle proof for $264,000. The bidding took steps from start to finish with successful purchases in several series including 1/2C, H10C, 10C, 25C, 50C, G$1, $2.5, $3, $5, $10, and $20. I think that covers just about everything except 1C to 5C, 20C, and $4 dollar gold. Lastly, the purchases included every detail including five new coins that were not in the collection with another 55 upgrades. This was not easy.
In a recent David Lawrence blog by John Brush, he described his auction experience: The ANA did not have an official live auction during the show this year, but the two major firms that were hosting live auctions the following week alternated their offerings on a daily basis. With DLRC and Mr. Hansen participating in the events, this was almost more work than the actual show. Literally, from noon to midnight Monday-Friday there were auction lots closing. In the end, we spent several million dollars on various pieces including Proof Half Cents, Seated Dimes, Proof Gold issues, C and D Mint gold, and some random offerings here and there.
In case you have not followed all the posting, I will provide a listing of what I have found updated in the Registry sets. These 60 coins are not the official purchase list, so there could be some differences. Let’s start with The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection.
My unofficial total count is 60 coins from both the Heritage and Stacks Bowers sales with total realized $6,149,400. The price per coin was $102,490. This posting will be a wrap on the 2022 ANA Auctions. This fantastic story does not end here. There are other auctions on the way. Do I need to name them? We may not have seen the best yet. As a glimpse of what to come, Mr. Hansen went Bass fishing a couple days ago. Just watch!
1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar, MS65+, CAC, Ex: Highland Collection
Second Finest at PCGS, High Condition Census O-105 Example - Heritage Auctions (August 2022)
I really like this coin for the Hansen Collection of half dollars. A few months ago, I posted a series Dr. Charles Link’s Early Half Dollars with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1794-1807). If you did not read the series or need a refresher, the posts ran from June 30th to July 21st. The eleven post series highlighted 11 of the 22 coins in the set. You could consider the half dollar as the 12th coin, but it is not a Dr. Charles Link specimen. With this upgrade, the only current coin that is not a PCGS Condition Census Top Five is the 1795 “Two Leaves” MS63+, Cert #25348636. It is a very nice coin, but at POP 3/7, it is technically just short of being a PCGS Condition Census.
I wrote several posts discussing the 1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar which at the time was his weakest coin in the set. The 1807 Link specimen was not part of the purchase. The Link set had a “Solitary Gem” 1807 Large Stars Half, Mint State-66 (PCGS) that last appeared in the Sep-2015, Stack's Bowers Auction of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II. The coin has a current PCGS price guide value of $265,000. The new Hansen coin is a half grade lower and is valued at $155,000. This purchase gets the starting point for this 22-piece Hansen set to $50,000 which a nice upgrade to the set and brings all the coins in better alignment. Was the upcoming availability of this MS65+, CAC, Ex: Highland Collection coin known by the Hansen Team when they decided not to purchase the Link coin? I have no way to know. If they did know, then this chess game is being played at the grandmaster level.
The Heritage cataloger explained to the condition census of the coin: A rare, high-end type coin from the final year of the Draped Bust design. The only Draped Bust halves that are marginally available in Mint State for type collectors are the 1806 and 1807, and these are also the only dates in the series that exist in any meaningful quantity -- even if small -- at the Gem level. This Plus-graded 1807 is effectively the sole second-finest at PCGS, and it is a high Condition Census example of the O-105 die pairing. The only finer examples of the variety are an MS66 NGC coin and the D. Brent Pogue MS66 PCGS example (Stack's-Bowers, 5/2015), lot 1115, which realized a strong sum of $152,750. NGC lists one additional MS66 coin, an O-110 example that appeared in our FUN Signature sale (Heritage, 1/2016), lot 5363.
The cataloger continues by stating: This high-end MS65, however, carries the distinction of being one of only two Gems with a CAC endorsement -- something not awarded to any finer example of the variety or date. This piece is also the first PCGS-graded Gem regular-issue 1807 Draped Bust half we have ever offered at auction, even though PCGS lists seven other non-Plus-graded MS65s (7/22). This coin displays a razor-sharp, even strike that defines all peripheral stars and the central reverse eagle and stars. Liberty's portrait is equally bold. This frosty, lustrous coin showcases original mint luster. The interiors have light champagne toning, but the peripheries exhibit deep russet and gunmetal-blue hues that attractively frame the devices. Only a few trivial ticks are seen under a loupe. This die state shows both dies clashed with faint peripheral cracks. Later states of the reverse exhibit advanced deterioration, as this is that die's only use. The obverse was later employed for O-106 and O-107. An outstanding coin that is sure to attract competitive bidding when it crosses the auction block.
After 22 posts, this is a wrap on the 2022 ANA Auctions. I thought it would be fun to finish the great run with a nice old silver coin. I will be starting the Harry Bass updates soon, but I have a little surprise coin to feature first. This will be for all the dime fans in the house.
Provenance: Highland Collection / Portland ANA (Stack's Bowers, 3/2015), lot 225, Realized $129,250; CSNS US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2016), lot 4657 Realized $141,000; Central States (CSNS) US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, April 2019), lot 3723, Realized $105,000; US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, August 2022), lot 3929, Realized $156,000 (Auction Record), Purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins for The D.L. Hansen Collection.
1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar, MS65+
PCGS POP 1/2, CAC Approved
Certification #25610725, PCGS #6079
PCGS Value Guide: $155,000/ Realized $156,000
Ex: Highland Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I know we've said it before, but the breadth and quality of what's going on truely is mind boggling. It's just so crazy to be building top 5 pop says across the entire spectrum of American numismatics. I will give an "attaboy" shout out to Dell Loy and John Brush. Keep up the good work on capturiing history in real time Currin.
It is mind numbing to read these posts considering the scope of what's being undertaken. I often wonder whether Mr. Hansen can truly enjoy each individual purchase given the volume of new acquisitions.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Dime Update
The dime, in United States usage, is a ten-cent coin, one tenth of a United States dollar, labeled formally as "one dime". The denomination was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. - Wikimedia, October 2022
Now that the posts updating the 2022 ANA Auctions is officially over, I thought I would show everyone a little dime before we jump headfirst in the Bass Gold. If you recall, Mr. Hansen picked up eleven Bender Seated Liberty Dimes, including the 1860-O, MS67 realizing $192,000. That was not the big one. That honor would go to the 1873-CC Arrows, MS65 realizing $552,000. The 1873-CC Arrows is twice more valuable that all of Hansen Roosevelt dimes in his core set. In addition to the Bender dimes, David Lawrence Rare Coins picked up a nice Barber 1904-S, MS66+ specimen along the way. The last recent dime is a beautiful tone 1919-D MS66FB which will be the featured coin today.
The Entire Hansen Collection of US Issue Dimes requires 505 coins. The collection has 504 coins and missing only the 1870-CC No Arrows. I think Mr. Hansen may be the only collector that is actively assembling a high-end mint state set of US Dimes. There are a few very serious collectors that are working on several sets in the series, but the Dell Loy Hansen is the only collector working on all of them simultaneously.
Draped Bust (1796-1807)
The first series is the Draped Bust Dimes. The 16-piece entire set is not as active in the registry as the basic 10-piece set that D. Brent Pogue Collection has locks on. The Hansen entire 16-piece set is #1 followed by Jay Parrino and the Contursi Family. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 56.99. The set contains 68.75% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 18.75% finest PCGS certified coins with one coin sole finest, the 1798/7 R-2, 13 Star Reverse, MS63, ex: Pogue. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 50% complete and is fourth in the all-time registry.
Capped Bust (1809-1837)
The king of capped bust, Dr. Charles Link has this series under his lock and key with a stunning #1 set. The Hansen entire 36-piece set is #2 followed by Easton Collection and MJ Sullivan Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 63.36. The set contains 61.11% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 13.89% finest PCGS certified coins with one coin sole finest, the 1828 Small Date, MS67. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 86% complete and is seventh in the all-time registry.
Liberty Seated (1837-1891)
The 121-piece Liberty Seated dime set is very competitive at this time. Jason Feldman had commanded this series for most the past decade after creating his registry set in July of 2008. Recently after Tom Bender sale, the Hansen Collection took a razor close lead. It will be seen how long that lead will last. These top two sets are followed by the retired Tom Bender set and the Gerry Fortin Collection. With the exception of the 1870-CC No Arrows, the Hansen set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 63.13. The set contains 72.95% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 36.07% finest PCGS certified coins with 17 coins graded sole finest by PCGS. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 75.21% complete and is tenth in the all-time registry.
Barber Dimes (1892-1916)
The 76-piece Barber Dime set is another very competitive series. Stewart Blay is the king of the hill for almost two decades after creating his registry set in December of 2003. For the past couple years, there have been a little friendly cat and mouse between Blay and Hansen. With Blay’s experience and knowledge in the series, well it not hard to see who plays the role of “Tom”. These top two sets are followed by two retired sets of Bob Simpson and the Law Collection. The Hansen set is 100% complete (plus he owns an 1894-S) with GPA weighted rating of 66.80. The set contains 89.19% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 32.43% finest PCGS certified coins with seven coins graded sole finest by PCGS. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is fifth in the all-time registry.
Mercury Dimes (1916-1945)
The 80-piece Mercury Dime set is a no-win series for D.L. Hansen. In the early days of the collection, this was a series that Mr. Hansen had a desire to build a top set. To build a top set requires about a dozen sole finest specimens. Most of them are locked up in a collection that Laura Sperber, Legend Numismatics, is the agent. The Hansen entire 80-piece set is #2 followed by three famous retired sets: Gerald Forsythe, cmcnutt, and Joshua II Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.24. The set contains 91.25% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 47.50% finest PCGS certified coins with four-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is seventh in the all-time registry. Mr. Hansen has stated that reason he is building sets is because he enjoys it. I think the joy for Mercury Dimes left him for a while. After a year on silence in this series, we saw the first upgrade in July. Now, we have a second in August that will be featured today.
Roosevelt Dimes – Silver (1946-1964)
The 48-piece Roosevelt Dimes – Silver is unusual set from a standpoint that Mr. Hansen had the #1 set in the all-Time registry for three years (2017-2019). It is not often that we see him give up his top spot. A set from the Halcyon Collection took the top stop in 2020 and have solidified it. It has been reported by the Roosies Guys that the Halcyon set has enough bonus points that it now out of Hansen’s reach. I cannot confirm, but that does sound about right to me. The Hansen entire 48-piece set is #2 followed by Daniel D. Biddle and two retired sets: Just Having Fun, and Erasmus Hall Collection. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.80. The set contains 97.92% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 68.75% finest PCGS certified coins with seven-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 100% complete and is tenth in the all-time registry.
Roosevelt Dimes – Clad (1965-Present)
Currently, the set requires 126 pieces with a couple new coins added each year. As with the silver set, the #1 Set is from the Halcyon Collection. This is not surprising because John Brush told us several years ago that they would not be chasing the sole finest specimens in modern clads. This is the only dime set that is not either #1 or #2 All-Time. The Hansen entire 126-piece set is #4 lead by Halcyon, retired Almighty Dimes, and Daniel D. Biddle. The set is 100% complete with GPA weighted rating of 69.00. The set contains 81.75% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 51.59 finest PCGS certified coins with three-coin sole finest. The Hansen Collection has a second set that is 80.16% complete.
Summary
The Hansen Dime Collection is currently 503 pieces with the unique 1870-CC No Arrows missing. The overall set GPA weighted rating is 65.46. The dime series contains 82.77% PCGS Condition Census Top Five specimens. It has 46.93% finest PCGS certified coins with 47 coins sole finest. As you just saw, there is an interesting group of collectors, allies and their agents battling in the series. For most of them, they have only one battle front. For Hansen, he has seven! At this point, I would say that he is winning the battle in two, holding his own in one, and four may be a lost cause at this time. Although, there is room to dig in deeper in each battle front. To today’s feature coin was a very good reinforcement from the supply line that Hansen and his team has brought into the battle.
1919-D Mercury Dime, MS66FB, Ex: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection
The 1919-D is not the most expensive coin in the Hansen Mercury Dime set, but I would think it is in the top five. Ron Guth comment: The 1919-D Dime is common in circulated grades but it becomes one of the more elusive dates in Mint State. Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the certified Mint State examples qualify as Full Bands, and these usually fetch a hefty premium over the non-Full Bands versions. Interestingly, the 1919-D, 1927-D, and 1927-S are the only dates in the entire series which are not represented by a PCGS-graded MS67 or better example, and that applies to both non-Full Bands and Full Bands. Considering the intense demand for this series, one can only contemplate what such a coin would bring if it ever appears on the market.
I agree with Ron Guth on the MS67. The finest Mercury Dimes are under the control of the Laura Sperber, Legend Numismatics with most in one of her client’s collection that is called the Mad Hatter. She once stated that this collection had the #1 and #2 All-Time Finest sets in one collection. I know that collection currently has at least two other top pop 1919-D specimens. Being the Hansen coin was also breed in the Sperber stable (Gerald R. Forsythe), it could have also at some point been in that collection or at close connection. Due to this condition, it really makes a limited environment for upgradable Mercury Dimes. A couple years ago, this one slipped away from the ranch and somehow showed up in a recent Great Collections Auction.
I would think a great effort has been to upgrade one of the MS66 to at least to a plus graded. As of today, that has not happened yet. Is it a matter of time? Maybe. The Hansen Team was able to pick up this nice 1919-D with Full Bands in a Great Collection Auction. The price was $151,875, which seem reasonable at this time.
Provenance: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection; Great Collections 4/2020: 816113, Realized $126,562; Great Collections 8/2022: 871621, Realized $151,875, D.L. Hansen Collection
1919-D Mercury Dime, MS66FB
PCGS POP 7/0
Certification #38023657, PCGS #4925
PCGS Value Guide: $175,000/ Realized $151,875
Ex: Gerald R. Forsythe Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I think that to some degree, enjoyment for Mr. Hansen may come in the completion of a set, and from monumental acquisitions, not from every individual purchase. I know it’s that way in some of my purchases for my core collection.
.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Historic Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection Part I - US Coins Signature Auction (1 of 8)
One of the Greatest U.S. Gold Coin Collections Ever Assembled - American Numismatic Association Website
This revered collection certainly cannot be disputed from any standpoint of historic significance. Has anyone tried to rank the all-time greatest collections from a historic reference? I feel confidence the Harry Bass Collection would be top five or higher. This sale could be called a museum auction. The collection has been on display at the ANA for 22 years. The ANA states: The Harry W. Bass Collection was one of the most spectacular U.S. gold collections ever assembled. It was featured at the Money Museum for more than 20 years from 2001 through 2022. Of paramount importance was a set of virtually all known die varieties of early U.S. gold coin denominations in the finest condition. Also included was the only complete collection of $3 gold pieces including the unique 1870-S; a complete collection of U.S. gold coin types from 1795 to 1933; and a spectacular grouping of rare U.S. pattern coins. In 2000, the ANA was honored to have its museum selected by the Harry W. Bass Jr. Research Foundation as the perfect home for this incredible collection. After more than 20 years as a museum centerpiece, the Foundation decided to sell the collection in 2022 to support its core mission of helping non-profit organizations in the areas of youth and education with a focus on early childhood literacy.
According to the Heritage, all the sale proceeds will be going to the Harry Bass Foundation and use for charity. A statement from the ANA on the foundation: The foundation seeks to enrich the lives of the citizens of Texas by providing support to qualified organizations in the areas of education, human services, civic and community, science and research, and arts and culture. This alone could cause aggressiveness in the bidding. From most sources, the prices realized is said to be strong. In a recent Heritage press release, they reported the first Bass Collection auction realized $20.5 Million. With 106 coins sold, the average price realized per coin was $193.K. When removing the top three million dollar coins, this average drops to $120.4K. This is still a very impressive price. I am expecting this tread to continue for the remaining sales.
Ultra Rarities from the Harry Bass Core Collection Bring Astounding Prices in Heritage Sale at Long Beach - Mark Ferguson (Heritage, September 30, 2022)
Part one of one of the most complete collections of U.S. gold coins, including virtually all known die varieties of $2.50, $5 and $10 coins in the finest condition, was sold by Heritage Auctions on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Long Beach Expo. All lots were graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Formed by the late Harry W. Bass, Jr., a businessman and philanthropist from Dallas, Texas, the collection formerly resided at the American Numismatic Association's Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The board of directors of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation recently decided to deaccession the Harry Bass Core Collection (HBCC). According to executive director F. David Calhoun, "Every cent that the core collection brings at auction will go to philanthropy… This move will allow us to more than double our annual philanthropy budget." The foundation's focus is on funding Dallas-area nonprofit organizations, with specific emphasis on early childhood education and literacy programs. The first sale of the HBCC collection, valued at more than $60 million, realized $20,462,345. Just 106 lots were featured in the first sale, but the importance of the coins offered greatly outweighs the size of the sale. Prices ranged from $2,640 to $4,620,000. Numerous pattern pieces were mixed into the offering, along with the gold coins.
This first sale is just the tip of the iceberg, but there were some bigger than life coins offered in this sale, including this coin that was best described from an Heritage press release: A magnificent 1821 half eagle rode a burst of furiously competitive bidding all the way to $4.62 million, leading one of the finest collections of U.S. gold coins and related patterns ever assembled. The other multi-million coins was: A 1804 Capped Bust Right Eagle, PR63 closed at $2.28 million. The 1804 Plain 4 eagle was struck for inclusion in the diplomatic presentation proof sets that also included the famous 1804 dollars. Initially collected as a regular proof of 1804, later considered a pattern, and finally recognized as a special striking, produced by the Mint to fulfill a specific government purpose, it is now one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only four specimens were struck, just three of which can be positively confirmed today. Even the great institutional collections at the Smithsonian and the American Numismatic Society do not include an example of this fabulous rarity.
The Bass II sale is schedule for January 5, 2023, as part of the FUN - US Coins Signature Auction in Orlando. There were high numbers realized in the first sale. Let’s see if they can be broken. Unfortunately, the 1870-S Three Dollar gold piece will not be offered. That is a coin that everyone will have to wait get a shot at. Good luck!
First Gold Coin Sold from Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection
1849 Gold One Dollar, MS67+, CAC, No L, Ex: Groves / Bass
The first coin sold from this Historic Harry W. Bass Jr. Core Collection was an Original 1836 Gobrecht Dollar realizing $84,000. Then, the first gold coin was next. The Hansen Team did not blink. They came out of the box swinging and were successful in acquiring the first gold coin sold in the Bass sale for $90,000.
When talking about gold collections, the starting point is typically the little one-dollar gold pieces. The set starts with 1849 Open Wreath as the first coin required. The Hansen set has the PCGS sole finest specimen, MS69 from the Oliver Jung Collection. Usually, the second coin required is the 1849 No L. In the Harry Bass sale, the Hansen Collection was able to upgrade to PCGS sole finest MS67+ specimen. Coin Expert Ron Guth comment on the coin: In 1849, the Mint introduced a new denomination as a response to private coiners (such as the Bechtlers of Georgia) and a huge influx of gold from California. The designer of the new Gold Dollar was James Barton Longacre (better known for his Indian Head Cents). As a proud papa of the new coin, Longacre added a tiny initial "L" to the front of the coin, in the truncation line at the bottom of Liberty's bust, where everyone could see it (at least, those with good eyesight). However, the initial does not appear on all of the dies of 1849, thus creating the "No L" and the "With L" varieties of this year. A similar event occurred in 1909, when Victor David Brenner placed his initials "V.D.B." at the base of the reverse of the new Lincoln Cent. However, Brenner's placement of his initials was perceived generally as being too presumptuous, and the initials disappeared from the second round of Cents in 1909. The ommision of Longacre's initial was not the result of public outrcy, but simply an oversight. In the real world of numismatics, there are few collectors of minor die varieties in the gold series. However, because of its listing in the GUIDEBOOK and other coin catalogs, the "No L" variety remains reasonably popular. According to the PCGS Population Report (as of April 2012), the "No L" variety is a third as common as the "With L" varieties. Mint State examples of the "No L" are fairly common in grades from MS-62 to MS-64, they become scarce in MS-65, rare in MS-66, and extremely rare in MS-67 (where PCGS has certified only 2 examples). In the recent Bass grading event, there is now a sole MS67+ that is in the Hansen Collection.
The Heritage cataloger in the Harry Bass sale stated the coin was A Legacy of Recognized Quality. Harry Bass owned several of these coins. All of them except this one was sold in previous sales more than two decades ago. The finest Bass specimen was saved and placed in the ANA Money Museum. The coin was a representative in the Bass type set. The cataloger described the coin as: Harry Bass owned no less than seven different 1849 No L gold dollars. Six of these coins were offered in the Bass Collection sales of the years 1999 and 2000 by Bowers and Merena. The piece retained for the Core Collection, however, is the finest of the seven coins by a margin of more than two full grade points. Certified MS67+ with CAC approval, this piece is the single finest 1849 No L gold dollar in a PCGS holder by the margin of its Plus designation (8/22). The Stack's catalog in November 1974, where Bass acquired this piece, described it as a possible presentation strike, owing to its reflective fields, sharp definition, and sheer quality of preservation that suggests numismatic ownership since the time of its coinage. In the early 1970s, Mint State 1849 gold dollars could be acquired for just a few hundred dollars or less in most cases. This coin, however, achieved a price realized of $1,600 in its June 1973 auction, and little more than a year later realized $2,400, to Bass. A legacy of numismatic recognition and profound conditional rarity surrounds this piece. Its appearance here may well represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most advanced gold dollar specialist.
The Hansen Team took advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as well as several others. The coin realized $90,000 which is well below the price per coin average in the Bass Part 1 Sale. In the Hansen purchase, this is one of only two coins that he paid less than six-figures. If this coin is A Legacy of Recognized Quality, wait to see what else in coming in future posts. Watching the Bass updates is well worth your time. Pass it on.
Provenance: Public Auction Sale (Stack's, 6/1973), lot 1052; Donald Groves Collection (Stack's, 11/1974), lot 468; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry Bass Core Collection #1001, Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part I / US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage, 9/2022), lot 11002, realized $90,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1849 Gold One Dollar, MS67+, No L
PCGS POP 1/0, CAC Approved
Certification #46092961, PCGS #521670
PCGS Price Guide Unknown / Realized $90,000
Ex: Groves / Bass Core Collection
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004