Hansen watch.

tradedollarnut · August 23, 2019 8:54PM

@Zoins said:
Pretty exciting now that it’s down to 6 coins remaining!

To do what?

dbldie55 · August 24, 2019 8:25AM

Complete a PCGS defined set that I am sure many never thought we would see even close to being completed.

tradedollarnut · August 24, 2019 8:27AM

@dbldie55 said:
Complete a PCGS defined set that I am sure many never thought we would see even close to being completed.

Agree. But not accomplish the stated goal of besting eliasberg

Zoins · August 24, 2019 10:11AM

But it’s still a great accomplishment! The 6 coins was mentioned just a few posts above so it should have be easy to understand the context.

If one is training to qualify for the Boston Marathon, do we discount previous marathon finishes leading up to that?

Or if one is training for an Olympic gold medal, do we ignore silver Olympic and gold World Championships beforehand?

Generally they are not ignored but celebrated as well. Why should this be any different?

Imagine saying to an Olympic athlete, your silver medal doesn't matter because your stated goal was gold.

yosclimber · August 24, 2019 2:07PM

I like the marathon analogy, but the PCGS registry completion is more like a waypoint than a medal.
A non-gold medal says you finished well but did not win.

I'd say this is more like the 20 mile point in the (26.2 mile) marathon.
Based on distance, you are getting close.
But it's often said that the true marathon begins at mile 20 when some of your controlling muscles are not functioning,
you going slow, and it is taking a lot of effort for each stride!

Of course all the cool upgrades don't fit the marathon analogy.

Zoins · August 24, 2019 2:34PM

The question is whether we can celebrate other accomplishments or not. I think it will be great accomplishment too, like how he has many #1 sets already. This is a journey to enjoy, and I'm hoping he'll continue to improve the set even if he does attain every coin that Eliasberg had.

Currin · August 24, 2019 4:15PM

@tradedollarnut said:

@dbldie55 said:
Complete a PCGS defined set that I am sure many never thought we would see even close to being completed.

Agree. But not accomplish the stated goal of besting eliasberg

I agree Bruce. Although, JB stated the “set (as defined by PCGS) has been a focus since early on”. I believe there is a difference of an end result goal and what is being presently focused on. I think the “goal of besting Eliasberg (in completeness)” is a longer term challenge than what they are working on presently. As you know, even completing the registry set will require the purchase of the Pogue coins. Will and can that happen, I don’t know. Also, Mr. Hansen has stated several times that he do not think he can obtain all the coins due to availability. A prime example is the 1870-s Three Dollar Gold.

blitzdude · August 25, 2019 4:44AM

Coins with details (outside of a quick dip to remove the nasty from a silver) should NEVER EVER straight grade period.

Perfection · August 25, 2019 5:02AM

Forgetting. the completion issue, it should be noted that Jb and dlh are continually buying
MANY great coins as upgrades to the collection. Many are even CAC.
The buying is constant. The blog shows some of them. I think we would all be interested in
seeing or reading about more of the purchases. It has only been three years. If they keep buying there is no telling what the set could look like years from now.
Forget the Indian. He bought it because it was available. If a non derails one appears I assume they will buy that as well.

jerseycat101 · August 25, 2019 5:52AM

.

Currin · August 25, 2019 4:14PM

1829 “Large Size” Business Strike Addition Half Eagle

This upgrade articulates the essence of this collection. Presently, Hansen views the heart of the collection as being the 2821 piece U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes (1792-1964) Set. He is only 6 coins from completing the set. JB discussed the additions in the last few days that have reduced the set from needing about 10 pieces for meeting the requirement to now just 6. This posting will show one of these additions. If you recall, we discussed the 1875 Eagle a few days ago. The coin is one of the six coins that is still required for the registry set, but Hansen has the 1875 $10 in proof. Therefore, the proof meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof). Don’t matter; if Hansen wants a complete registry set per PCGS standards as they are required today, he is required to purchase the business strike specimen as well. Same rational with this coin, Hansen had the unique proof coin in his collection, but now has one of the finest business strikes too.

The new addition is a rare icon. The 1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle is an extremely difficult coin. 1829 Large Size Half Eagles have only seven examples known: one Proof, a one-sided Proof, and five business strikes. Of the five business strikes, The Josiah K. Lilly, Jr. Specimen is permanently impounded in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. Byron Reed Specimen is in The Omaha City Library/Western Heritage Museum. The third is a low-grade example that was once used in jewelry. The last two known business strike examples are the Harry Bass, Jr. Specimen and the Eliasberg-Pogue Specimen. Hansen recently purchased the Eliasberg-Pogue Specimen which is widely believed to be the better grade of the two available coins. This purchase places this TOP POP coin in The Great Collection with the only known, fully (both sides) proof coin. Hansen did not need to purchase this coin to have a the 1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle example, but he now have both business strike and proof specimens.

Extremely Rare 1829 Large Planchet Half Eagle, Finest Known, Eliasberg - Pogue Coin

The description from Stacks Bowers, D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV Sale on May 24, 2016: A majestic gem, the Eliasberg-D. Brent Pogue 1829 Large Diameter half eagle is swathed in subtle, elegant toning: mottled coppery orange behind and above Liberty's head, flecks of pastel blue and violet inside the rims, pale blue and steel mingled across the reverse fields. The dominant undertone is an ideal deep sunset yellow, covering surfaces alive with frost and satiny luster. The strike is better than superb; it's complete, with full details on both obverse and reverse. Slightly reflective character in the left obverse field serves to highlight some trivial lines there, but no significant marks are seen. A glass finds a jogging abrasion on Liberty's cheek, under the end of her hair curl, and a single contact point near the base of her chin. The reverse is positively pristine, with only a single short line under the final A in AMERICA noted. A few natural planchet chips, really depressions caused by detritus on the die face, are seen in the field between star 4 and Liberty's eye and in a small group near the bust truncation, the largest placed above the space between 18. The obverse is perfect, while the reverse shows cracks that have advanced since its prior use in 1828. The crack that connects the bases of 5 and D now intersects the denticles to the left of 5, and another crack joins the tops of NITE in UNITED. The interior of the shield has been lapped, showing a texture that is neither bright and lustrous nor especially frosty, though it is closer in appearance to frost.

The coin realized $763,750. I am not aware of the buyer at the Pogue sale. I have not been able to find out much information on the coin for the last three years. I believe the coin was purchased by Hansen privately, but cannot be certain. No doubt, it was a great addition. PCGS coin value place a price tag of $850,000 on the coin. The coin history is well documented and traces back to Harlan P. Smith Collection.

Provenance: Harlan P. Smith Collection - S.H. & H. Chapman 5/1906:218, $240 - J.M Clapp Collection - John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact in 1942 - Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection - Bowers & Ruddy 10/1982:387, $82,500 - Marvin Browder Collection - RARCOA, sold privately in 9/1987 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4036, $763,750 - Purchased by D.L. Hansen 8/2019.

1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle MS66+ CAC (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #8139 / PCGS Serial #31530059 / POP 1/0
Ex: Eliasberg-Pogue
PCGS Value $850,000

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Just as an extra bonus, I thought you may want to see Hansen’s Proof Specimen. I hope no one calls this beauty an impaired proof.

The Proof 1829 Large Date Half Eagle is the first coin of this denomination to sell for over one million dollars at auction. The coin is the only full proof coin of the issue, one coin is known with a proof obverse and a circulation reverse. PCGS has graded this unique coin Proof-64. The coin sold for $1,380,000 at the January, 2012 FUN Sale by Heritage Auctions. The series of Half Eagles 1813 to 1829 struck on large planchets contains some of the most desired coins in the hobby. Such rarities as the 1815, 1819, 1822, 1825 over 4, 1828 over 7, 1828 and the 1829 Large Date are in this group. While the 1822 is the most famous and rarest of this group with only one known outside the Smithsonian it was the Proof 1829 Large Date specimen which will always be remembered as the coin that broke the million dollar mark. In the nineteenth century this coin’s pedigree included Joseph J. Mickley, W. Elliot Woodward, William Sumner Appleton and the Garrett Family of Baltimore. (Comments by P. Scott Rubin)

Provenance: Joseph J. Mickley Collection - W. Elliot Woodward - William Sumner Appleton Collection- W. Elliot Woodward, sold privately in 1/1883 - T. Harrison Garrett Collection - Robert Garrett Collection - John Work Garrett Collection - Johns Hopkins University Collection - Bowers & Ruddy 11/1979:471 - Stack's 10/1988:82 - Bowers & Merena 8/1989:548 - Michael I. Keston Collection - Superior 1/1996:120 - Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection - Heritage 1/2012:4681, $1,380,000

1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle PR64
PCGS Coin #8149 / PCGS Serial #20962900 / POP 1/0
Ex: Mickley – Garrett
PCGS Value $1,825,000

tradedollarnut · August 25, 2019 4:17PM

Gorgeous

PhilLynott · August 25, 2019 4:45PM

Absolutely love both of those, honestly two of my favorites in this entire thread all things considered.

amwldcoin · August 25, 2019 5:18PM

Some powerful additions!

GoBust · August 25, 2019 5:34PM

These 1829 Half eagles are exquisite and represent the direction of this collection headed up into the stratosphere!

Zoins · August 25, 2019 5:42PM

@Currin said:
1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle PR64
PCGS Coin #8149 / PCGS Serial #20962900 / POP 1/0
Ex: Mickley – Garrett
PCGS Value $1,825,000

Great coin and great post @Currin

Of note, the proof is also CAC (green).

Boosibri · August 25, 2019 5:52PM

@Zoins said:

@Currin said:
1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle PR64
PCGS Coin #8149 / PCGS Serial #20962900 / POP 1/0
Ex: Mickley – Garrett
PCGS Value $1,825,000

Great coin and great post @Currin

Of note, the proof is also CAC (green).

Pop 1, only full proof known. Put whatever stickers you want on that coin it’s sweet regardless

golden · August 25, 2019 6:00PM

Holy crap!

Zoins · August 25, 2019 6:14PM

@Boosibri said:

@Zoins said:

@Currin said:
1829 “Large Size” Half Eagle PR64
PCGS Coin #8149 / PCGS Serial #20962900 / POP 1/0
Ex: Mickley – Garrett
PCGS Value $1,825,000

Great coin and great post @Currin

Of note, the proof is also CAC (green).

Pop 1, only full proof known. Put whatever stickers you want on that coin it’s sweet regardless

Unique or not, it's still good to know it hasn't been messed with

logger7 · August 26, 2019 3:56AM

CNN covered the Hansen purchase of the 94-s dime, bought by Hansen: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/rare-dime-auction-trnd/index.html

Currin · August 26, 2019 5:29PM

Linda Gail Collection Purchase

In the last couple weeks, we have witnessed the purchase of some rare and expensive classic coins. There are more that I will post in the upcoming days. Today, I thought I would take a break and share a modern collection that Hansen recently purchased. If you recall, Hansen told us last fall that he would be working to “clean up” some of his modern sets. In the months since the announcement, he has really made significant impact on some of them. March of 2018, Hansen had a complete Eisenhower Dollars Basic Set, and he was only ranked 12th on the All-Times list. Since March of 2018, he has replaced 16 of 19 coins that makeup the set. Nine coins were replaced with the purchase of the Linda Gail Collection. He now has All-Time #1 rank in ALL of Eisenhower Dollars - Major Sets and Eisenhower Dollars - Specialty Sets. This is a total of nine sets that he holds the ranking of #1 All-Time. This may be the first series where he has swept all the sets. It some point, I may try to verity if there are any other series with this dominance.

Larry Shapiro Rare Coins listed the set as "The All-Time Finest Complete Eisenhower Dollar PCGS Registry Set w/Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes ("Linda Gail")" The set was listed for $134,995.

Here is the #1 Eisenhower Dollar Set w/Major Varieties (Linda Gail: Ike MS set) which includes the single finest graded 1972 (T3; 66+ CAC), 1974 (67 CAC), and 1976-S (68+ CAC) as well 14 others tied for finest graded and 17 of the 23 CAC Approved. Set Rating: 67.529/GPA with Top Bonuses: 67.529/GPA Weighted 66.660.

1971: MS66+ (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1971-D: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1971-S Silver: MS68 (Tied for finest) 1972 Type 1: MS65 (CAC) 1972 Type 2: MS66 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1972 Type 3: MS66+ (Finest, none higher) (CAC) 1972-D: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1972-S Silver: MS69 (Tied for finest) 1973: MS66+ (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1973-D: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1973-S Silver: MS69 (Tied for finest) 1974: MS67 (Finest, none higher) (CAC) 1974-D: MS67+ (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1974-S Silver: MS68 (CAC) 1976 Type I: MS66 (CAC) 1976 Type II: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1976-D Type I: MS66+ (CAC) 1976-D Type II: MS67 1976-S Silver: MS68+ (Finest, none higher) (CAC) 1977: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC) 1977-D: MS66+ 1978: MS67 (Tied for finest) 1978-D: MS67 (Tied for finest) (CAC)

As stated, the set was recently offered for sale as a complete registry set by Larry Shapiro Rare Coins. From Hansen updates to his sets, it appears he purchased this collection in entirely, and used most the coins in his top two sets. He used nine in his top set that replaces Linda Gail as #1 in the registry.

This is a great set to purchase that really complements the Hansen Modern Collection of Eisenhower Dollars. His collection is complete with the exception of two coins. He needs the 1971-S SILVER “DDO FS-801” Proof for the Complete Variety Set. The other would be the unique 1976 No S Eisenhower Dollar, Type 2, Proof. The coin is so rare that is only required in Top 100 Modern Coins Set.

Three Linda Gail TOP POP coins

1972 $1 Type 3 MS66+ Certification #37651808, PCGS #7409, PCGS Price Guide Value: $5,000

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1974 $1 MS67 Certification #37651814, PCGS #7415, PCGS Price Guide Value: $18,500

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1976-S $1 Silver MS68+ Cert #37651821, PCGS #7422, PCGS Price Guide Value: Not Listed

golden · August 26, 2019 6:09PM

Super!

Aotearoa · August 26, 2019 6:48PM

I never thought I would say this but... those are really nice Ikes!

Zoins · August 26, 2019 6:56PM

Beautiful looking Ikes! Great seeing so many top pops in the series.

cameonut2011 · August 27, 2019 3:49AM

Given all of the top pop moderns he has been buying in recent months, I wonder if Hansen's secondary goal is to complete as many #1 PCGS registry sets as possible.

Justacommeman · August 27, 2019 3:54AM

He’s going to need a bigger vault

m

neildrobertson · August 27, 2019 11:21AM

@cameonut2011 said:
Given all of the top pop moderns he has been buying in recent months, I wonder if Hansen's secondary goal is to complete as many #1 PCGS registry sets as possible.

I think that follows from having the best overall set. You could conceivably have the best complete US set without having the best set in many of the subsections. It seems clear that he also values having his coins be some of the best examples available in each of the respective subsets. I think the spending on moderns reflects that he truly values everything, which is a little different from the bias for the classics that many high end collectors have.

golden · August 27, 2019 1:30PM

Looks like Hansen has picked up an 1817/4 Half Dollar in PCGS VF -20!

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD · August 27, 2019 1:42PM

Go baby, go baby, go!!!!

Catbert · August 27, 2019 2:15PM

Geez, look at that strike on the 1974 Ike!

GoBust · August 27, 2019 3:30PM

I was very happy and excited to see that John and Del picked up the classic key 1817/4 for his Lettered Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar set. It shows they valued what might have been the last key coin Eliasberg added to the set when he bought a 1817/4 from Al Overton. Congratulations gentleman!

Currin · August 28, 2019 4:03PM

Anthony J. Taraszka Purchase

If you have been plugged into the news from the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago, I am sure you have heard about the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection. I will provide an excerpt from Numismatic News website (Please visit the site for the full story):

A milestone in early American numismatics was realized at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction at the ANA World’s Fair of Money, where the incredible Anthony J. Taraszka Collection of 1795 to 1804 $10 Gold Eagles was sold to a standing-room audience on the evening of Thursday, August 15. The catalog featured 41 coins, comprising every known variety from 1795 through 1804. When the auctioneer’s hammer fell on the final lot, the collection had realized over $3.2 million. (All prices include the buyer’s premium.) Each coin in the Taraszka Collection was certified by PCGS, and all but one piece were awarded grades of About Uncirculated or Mint State. Included among the Choice Mint State pieces was the fabled 1795 9 Leaves $10 found in lot 4004. Graded MS-63 by PCGS, it realized $630,000 after intense bidding.

After giving a couple weeks to let the dust settle, we know for sure that Hansen purchased 5 coins from this fabulous collection. In review of the PCGS registry, there is only one other coin registered to a set other than Hansen. There are 5-6 coins that are registered in PCGS user inventory but not to registry sets. The remainder of the 41 coins is not registered at PCGS.

There is not a registry set that represents the 41 specimens needed for Dannreuther Die Varieties. We are able to see the five coins that Hansen updated in his 14-piece “Early $10 Gold with Major Varieties” set. We have no way of knowing if some, or if any, of the coins registered in PCGS user inventory were purchased by Hansen. At this point, all we can do is make an assumption that he acquired only the five coins listed in his 14-piece set. Hopefully at some point, PCGS will create a Dannreuther Die Varieties set so we will be able to see if Hansen purchased any additional varieties from the fabulous collection. In the meantime, maybe JB can address the question.

Of the five known coins that Hansen purchased, the total realized was $988,200. This is about 30% of the $3.2 Million sale. The total that Hansen spent could be even more if Hansen purchased any additional die varieties. I do not think these new coins provide any improvement to Hansen’s 10-piece basic set where he is ranked 4th on PCGS All-Time list behind: D. Brent Pogue, Smithsonian, and Harry W. Bass. The purchase did improve his ranking on the 14-piece major varieties set. He moved up one spot from #3 All-Time to #2 spot jumping over the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection. The top spot for this set is Harry W. Bass Collection. For a nearly $1 Million purchase, there were very little movement is set rankings. Guys, this is the big league.

1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. BD-3, Taraszka-3. Rarity-6. 9 Leaves. MS-63 (PCGS)
Rarest and Most Famous of the Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle Die Varieties

This coin is the highlight of the purchase. Most significantly, the coin is not an upgrade to existing coins as were the other four. The 1795 9 leaves variety was missing from the Great Collection. The coin is not a countdown for the Eliasberg Quest because Eliasberg did not have one, but Hansen needed one to better Eliasberg.

Expert Ron Guth made these comments about the coin: The 1795 BD-3 $10 gold piece is a wonderful rarity among early U.S. gold coins. The BD-3 variety represents the entire mintage of the 1795 9 Leaves $10 gold piece, itself one of the most important major varieties. Previous estimates of the surviving population of this variety were as low as nine pieces. Dannreuther suggested that as many as 15-20 pieces were known, and the latest research shows that perhaps as many as two dozen exist. Surprisingly, there may be as many as eight examples that grade MS60 or better, which is an astounding percentage of the known population. Among these, the finest is a PCGS MS63+ example which is a full point-and-a-half better than the next best.

Stacks Bowers describe the coin as: This is a beautiful coin with subtle green-gold undertones to dominant medium gold patina. The obverse is semi-prooflike, the reverse close to fully prooflike. Both sides exhibit only wispy, inconspicuous handling marks; a few minuscule planchet voids in the left obverse field the only useful identifying features. The reverse is particularly attractive with no scratches, and the eagle's breast and legs are free of planchet adjustment marks. Overall superior in eye appeal than some higher graded examples.

This coin is a half grade below the D. Brent Pogue Collection PCGS MS63+ Specimen that is considered to be the finest known on the PCGS Condition Census report. The Pogue coin sold by Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's in 2015 for $1,057,500. But wait, maybe not the finest, the Harry W. Bass specimen is shown as an estimated MS64. I assume this coin is still in the Bass Foundation holdings. Anyone willing to shed more light of this, please feel free to chime in.

Provenance: From the Anthony J. Taraszka Collection. Earlier ex Mike Brownlee; Superior's May 29, 30, 1995 Auction, lot 3684. The plate coin for the die variety in the book United States Ten Dollar Gold Eagles: 1795-1804 by Anthony J. Taraszka, and also pictured on the front cover of Superior's May 1995 auction catalog.

In an Eliasberg comparison, the registry indicates that Eliasberg example for the 1795 Eagle was a 13 Leaves specimen and he never acquired a 9 leaves specimen.

1795 Eagle “BD-3 9 Leaves” MS63 (Gold Shield)
Certification #36674524, PCGS #45714, PCGS POP 2/1
PCGS Price Guide Value: $650,000
PCGS Pedigree: Taraszka-3

tradedollarnut · August 28, 2019 4:11PM

There’s just something about 1795 eagles that makes my heart go pitter patter

golden · August 28, 2019 4:16PM

Another wow!

Unknown · August 28, 2019 4:38PM

This content has been removed.

SmEagle1795 · August 28, 2019 4:59PM

Beautiful, beautiful coin.

OldIndianNutKase · August 28, 2019 5:12PM

What is not to LOVE about that 1795 Eagle........

yosclimber · August 28, 2019 6:05PM

Nice coin.
Four years ago (in the leadup to the sale of the Pogue example),
I did a study of the 1795 9 leaves Eagle using online auction photos, and traced about 16 different examples:
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/949678/1795-quot-9-leaves-quot-eagle-16-specimens-and-price-graph

We had fun in that thread discussing how it seemed that there were objects stuck to the die which yielded identical struck-through voids on different coins.

I did not see the Taraszka / Brownlee MS-63 example, as it sold in 1995 at Superior before online auction photos were archived.
The Bass coin is also missing from the above graph, as I didn't have a price for it, but it is mentioned in the thread.

You can view nice photos of the Bass example:
http://hbrf.org/coin-collection/coin/hbcc-3171/

I think we can safely conclude that the Brownlee / Taraszka / Hansen MS-63 is in the top 3 known coins for this variety.

Currin · August 29, 2019 4:40PM

Count Down 16 – The Little Princess

4th coin in last Box of 20…… Present Box Value = $2,042,800

The Little Princess is shredded in controversy. The purpose of this posting is not to dive too far into this pool. The bottom line is the disagreement on production of these coins. Were they produced as proofs or business strikes? The three or four top condition coins are considered proofs. That much is pretty much in agreement by all the experts. After these top specimens, the debate is “are they impaired proofs or business strikes”. After much study given, PCGS determine them to be business strikes. If you have time and would like to learn more, this 2012 PCGS publication is a good read.

https://www.pcgs.com/pdf/PCGS_1941QuarterEagleBooklet.pdf.

Greg Reynolds contributed a series of articles in CoinWeek in 2012. If you would like some addition information on the 1841 Quarter Eagle debate, this too is a good read. The new Hansen coin was discussed in the article. Mr. Reynolds calls this Hansen specimen the “The Phillips 1841”. He dedicated a section to the coin. This was his final conclusion and expert opinion in 2012: At a confidence level of 75%, I maintain that the proper certification for this coin is Proof-53. Some lack of detail that appears to be striking weakness is really wear and some of this wear is uneven, partly due to mistreatment. My impression is that this coin was struck twice with heavily polished dies. Imperfections in the production process caused minor defects. I theorize that it HAD full strong mirrors, very smooth surfaces, mostly squared outer devices, and excellent, though not perfect, detail. While it was not the best made Proof 1841 Quarter Eagle, there is a 75% chance that it is a Proof. If it is not a Proof, it may be a Special Striking. My guess is there is only a fifteen percent chance that it is a business strike.

PCGS Expert Ron Guth shared this: The 1841 Quarter Eagle, also known as the "Little Princess" is one of the rarest of all United States coins, with 16 examples known. The 1841 Quarter Eagle was long considered a Proof-only issue, but the large number of circulated examples implied that a small quantity was minted for circulation. Unfortunately, Mint Reports give no indication that such a mintage occurred, however, this is also true for coins such as the 1870-S Half Dime, the 1870-S Silver Dollar, and others. On February 28, 2012, PCGS announced it would distinguish between circulation strike and Proof 1841 Quarter Eagles. This decision, while not unanimous among numismatic experts, represented a major policy shift, with profound implications for value and desirability of an already famous U.S. coin.

The Hansen coin is one of the better graded specimens in a business strike holder. The finest being the Norweb Family 1841 that was NGC certified ‘Proof-61 Ultra Cameo’ that is now a PCGS MS61. With the way Hansen is building his sets, he will need one of the four proof specimens at some point. This is especially true if his long term goal is to take his proof set as far to completion as possible. Let’s now look at Hansen’s “business strike” specimen.

1841 Little Princess Quarter Eagle AU58

In the publication produced by PCGS in 2012, they have Hansen’s coin as #6. The four PCGS graded proofs as being 1-4. The fifth being the Norweb MS61 specimen previously mention and Hansen purchase follows in sixth. The coin was offered by Rare Coin Wholesalers a few weeks ago. There was not much of a description given. The coin was offered for $472,500. We have no idea of the price Hansen offered for the coin. PCGS value for an AU58 is $400,000.

The Hansen coin last sold at auction in 2009 at Heritage’s Los Angeles, CA US Coin Auction #1128. The coin appeared as 1841 Quarter Eagle, The Illustrious 'Little Princess’ PR58 NGC. Heritage described the coin as: The present example is only moderately circulated, with only minor loss of high point definition, and there are a few slight contact marks, most of which are located on the obverse. The fields retain almost all of their mirrored effect. The surfaces are orange-gold color, and the precise strike, squared-off inner and outer rims, and detailed articulation, on both Liberty's curls and beaded hair cord and the eagle's feathers throughout, are as expected from a proof striking. A tiny spot of dark toning over the last S in STATES serves as a pedigree identifier. This example should provide another opportunity for "exciting bidding," as collectors compete for one of the most desirable--and mystifying--of all U.S. coin issues. The coin realized $132,250 in 2009.

Provenance: MARCG 5/1985:1223, $21,000 - Superior Galleries “Heifetz” 10/1989:3995, $25,300 (as NGC XF45) - Akers “Auction ‘90” 8/1990:1841 (as NGC XF45), $23,000 (plate-matched to the following) - The R.M. Phillips Limited Partnership Collection, Heritage 7/2009:1230 (as NGC AU58), $132,250 - Rare Coin Wholesalers sold 8/2019 to D. L. Hansen.

In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, his specimen is the PCGS grade PR64 that was sold by Bowers & Ruddy 1982 for $82,500. This is the Harry Bass coin was acquired at one time by B.G. Johnson as part of a full gold 1841 Proof set (including a quarter eagle, half eagle, and eagle).

1841 Little Princess Quarter Eagle AU58
PCGS Coin #87720 / PCGS Serial #15544272 / POP 1/1

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There are 16 remaining coins in the Eliasberg Quest. The 11 coins that are not listed in “U.S. Coins Complete Basic, Circulation Strikes Set” are Bold below. The remaining 5 coins plus the 1875 $10 in Business Strike is needed to complete the registry set. Hansen has a proof specimen 1875 $10 which meets the Eliasberg set definition (either business strike or proof counts), therefor is not shown on this list

Top 10
1870-S Half Dime (Unique Coin in Tom Bender PCGS Registry Collection)
1873-CC "No Arrows" Dime (Unique Coin in an anonymous collection)
1870-S Three Dollar Only (Unique Coin owned by the Bass Foundation displayed at the ANA)
1866 "No Motto" Dollar Proof Only (2 Minted, Unique Private Coin in Simpson Collection)
1822 Half Eagle (Survival 3, Unique Private Owned Coin in the Pogue Collection)
1933 Double Eagle (Known Survival 16, Unique Legally Owned Coin - anonymous collection)
1854-S Half Eagle (Survival 4, Two known in private: 1-Pogue AU58+; 2- XF45 sold July 2018)
1798 "Small Eagle" Half Eagle (Survival 7, Only 2 maybe 3 examples could be privately purchased)
1913 Liberty Head Nickel Proof Only (5 Minted, 3 private owned)
1838-0 Half Dollar BM Only (Survival 9, six known for private purchase)

Last 6
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Coiled Hair) Proof Only (Survival 8)
1827 "Original" Quarter Dollar Proof Only (Survival 9)
1819 Half Eagle (Survival for “No Variety” 7, for “5D/50” 17)
1880 Four Dollar Gold "Stella’s" (Flowing Hair) Proof Only (Survival 24)
1839 Gobrecht Dollar Proof Only (Survival 60-75)
1798 Quarter Eagle (Survival 80)

Note: DLH was a partner in the purchase of the 1854-S XF45 Half Eagle being that he's a partner with DLRC, but after purchasing the coin, DLHC reported the specimen was sold to an undisclosed client

Boosibri · August 29, 2019 5:23PM

Glad to see he bought the 1841 $2.5

lava · August 29, 2019 10:46PM

Currin, thank you for your latest post. I think that goes a long way in clearing the air on the 33. The coin is in a genuine holder. No one is being misled. It’s not for everyone, but it is a heck of a gap filler. Good luck with the future newps.

golden · August 30, 2019 10:18AM

Mr. Hansen has now reached 60% of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins! Eliasberg had 59%.

tradedollarnut · August 30, 2019 1:02PM

@golden said:
Mr. Hansen has now reached 60% of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins! Eliasberg had 59%.

At least 9 coins that Eliasberg owned aren’t entered into his set. I see another 3 or 4 that I don’t know if he owned or not but are possibilities.

Insider2 · August 30, 2019 1:38PM

@golden said:
Mr. Hansen has now reached 60% of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins! Eliasberg had 59%.

Is that book an opinion of the authors or are the coins picked absolutely the 100 greatest coins as acknowledged by the vast majority of successful professional numismatists, researchers, etc?

It seems to me that eventually, anyone with enough money, time, and the ability to accumulate enough coins now privately held after some folks die before he does, Mr. Hansen or his family should eventually reach the goal he has set. I hope he is around to see it done.

Currin · August 30, 2019 7:21PM

@tradedollarnut said:

@golden said:
Mr. Hansen has now reached 60% of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins! Eliasberg had 59%.

At least 9 coins that Eliasberg owned aren’t entered into his set. I see another 3 or 4 that I don’t know if he owned or not but are possibilities.

I agree with you Bruce. I wish PCGS Registry would fix the Eliasberg sets. Several sets are missing coins. As for the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins, getting 60 is a great feat and should be celebrated. Although, if you look at the top 25, Eliasberg had 17 coins and presently Hansen has 12. I think Hansen will get there, but will take time for coins to come available. When he hits 18 of the top 25, now that will be something special.

And complete the Famous 10.

tradedollarnut · August 30, 2019 7:27PM

That will indeed be an accomplishment as I see only 17 that are likely to be available

cameonut2011 · August 31, 2019 10:38AM

@tradedollarnut said:

@golden said:
Mr. Hansen has now reached 60% of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins! Eliasberg had 59%.

At least 9 coins that Eliasberg owned aren’t entered into his set. I see another 3 or 4 that I don’t know if he owned or not but are possibilities.

A lot of the grades listed in Eliasberg's set are also outdated so those comparing the two sets are tilting at wind mills if relying only on the registry. It possible to "beat" Eliasberg's set by rebuilding it completely as many of the coins are now in higher graded plastic.

Currin · August 31, 2019 4:13PM

Linda Gail Peace Dollar Purchase

Just a few days ago, I shared the posting of Mr. Hansen purchase of the Linda Gail Collection of Eisenhower Dollars. Today, I will share another purchase from this collection, The Peace Dollar Collection. This collection was also marketed by Larry Shapiro Rare Coins. I believed the Linda Gail Peace Set was date only set. Also different than the Eisenhower Dollars Collection, this set was broken by LSRC and sold individually. Hansen was able to cherry pick some of the finer specimens without purchasing the entire set. In all, he purchased six coins that improved his Peace Dollar set. Of the six coins, four were tied for the finest known specimens. The Linda Gail set ranked #3 on the All-Time list for a date set, but did not contain any PCGS POP 1/0 specimens.

As with most private sales, we have no way for knowing the final negotiation price. By using the PCGS Value Guide, the value for the six coins is $571,000. The most valuable coin in the lot is 1927-D MS66+ POP 3/0 valued at $175,000. The next on the list is the 1921 $1 High Relief, MS67 POP 7/0 valued at $150,000 and the last coin on the list valued over $100K is the 1934-S $1 MS66+ POP2/0 valued at $125,000. It appears the coins range from lightly toned to blast white.

With these six upgrades, Hansen moves up in the 24-coin Peace Dollars, Circulation Strikes (1921-1935) Set from #9 in the registry to currently #3 on the All-Time. He is snugged up to the #2 retired W. Michael Gilley Collection, and approx. half point behind the top retired HOF set, California 1. There are at least five coins that graded POP 1/0 by PCGS. Hansen does not have any of them in his set. I don’t see them in any registry sets, so I would assume some very high graded Peace Sets are not in the registry. On the bright side, 11 of 24 of Hansen’s coins are tied for PCGS finest including the fore mention 1934-S MS66+ that is POP 2/0.

1927-D Peace Dollar PCGS MS66+ CAC

I thought I would highlight the 1927-D MS66+ because not only the coin was the most valued in the lot, but also it carries a CAC sticker. The owner of the Peace set had them re-holder and sequenced the certification numbers. This makes the coin history difficult to trace. By reviewing auction pictures, I believe this coin appeared in a Legend Rare Coin Regency Auction 31 earlier this year. The coin realized 176,250. At that time, LRCA estimated the value at $75,000 - 85,000. The coin sold for a premium. I wonder the odds that Hansen was the under bidder.

LRCA described the coin as: No question this coin is a MS66.9+! We have never seen an example of this date in such a great state of preservation. They went on to add: Remarkable surfaces are a tough graders delight. There are no problems. We do see a small frost break on the neck and tick which in our opinion are all that keep this piece from full MS67 designation. The surfaces also have a smooth appearance. A full cartwheel like luster beams from all over. Typically, 27D's come with a flat, no radiant luster. Both sides are GEM original white color. There are NO spots. Miss Liberty and the detail are sharply struck and frosty. The eye appeal is gorgeous! PCGS has possibly graded 3 in MS66+ (we think this coin is 2x) with NONE higher. It took 32 years for this coin to be graded! The current Collectors Universe Value is $135,000. It’s not so crazy. If there ever was an MS67 PCGS CAC piece we can only imagine the total bidding war that would erupt sending it close to $250,000! Since listing this coin in the sale, interest has been amazingly strong. This coin could end up with a world record price-which is fitting for the quality! Good luck! WOW, who wrote that?

Provenance: Legend Rare Coin Regency Auction 31, 3/21/2019, $176,250 - Linda Gail Collection - Larry Shapiro Rare Coins private purchase 8/2019, D. L. Hansen

In comparing to Eliasberg’s specimen, I was a little amazed when I looked up Eliasberg’s Peace Dollars. At first I thought I may have typed something incorrectly. His Peace Dollars are ranked #228! His 1927-D specimen is an estimated grade MS60 with POP 62/5114. The Peace Dollars were not sold individually, rather by Bowers & Merena April '97 as part of a large lot #2327. It appear he may not had much appreciation for the Peace Dollars. I hear so much talk about how great the Eliasberg coins were, that sometimes I wonder if people have really looked at his collection beyond the famous coins that it contained. Many of the common coins were not cherry picked for the best coins. It appears his 1 927-D Peace specimen was just a coin randomly picked from mint set.

1927-D Peace Dollar PCGS MS66+ CAC
PCGS Coin #7371 / PCGS Serial #37652380 / POP 3/0
PCGS Value = $175,000

tradedollarnut · August 31, 2019 5:07PM

Peace dollars were moderns to Eliasberg. And nobody gave a crap about needing gems then...

amwldcoin · August 31, 2019 6:29PM

Can't say that now with all the modern collectors.

@tradedollarnut said:
Peace dollars were moderns to Eliasberg. And nobody gave a crap about needing gems then...

Hansen watch.

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