@MathandBikes said:
I think it is about that time again that I start from page 1. See you in a month!
@Currin I really hope your plan is to turn this into a book some day. Your efforts and information are amazing. The greatest collection of all time is being documented in the greatest thread of all time.
@Currin said: 1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7852 / PCGS Serial #25382885 / POP 1/0
The sold prices on PCGS Cert Verification are really off for this coin. It lists a Price Guide value of $7,500 and last sold value of $70,195, but clicking through to DLRC the actual sold price is $9,900. HA auctions have a similar discrepancy.
I feel honored to have two of my former coins now part of Dell's collection:
1970-D PCGS MS66+ Jeff 5c &
1981-S PCGS MS66+ SBA $1.
Both coins QA- approved.
@Stooge said:
Hansen just added this clad pop (1/0) monster.
MS68FB
That is a lovely 26 year old dime. Great detail.
He is collecting every date and every mintmark. Cant blame him for wanting the best example when possible regardless of whether it is a modern coin.
Admittedly, my initial comment could be read as tongue in cheek. Please be assured that it was not. Personally, I would never give much thought to a clad dime. The design looks better in silver, but this example has excellent detail. It was nice to look at. Kudos to @Stooge for posting it to this celebration thread, which focuses on the heavy hitter coins.
What Im really missing in Hansens collection is legendary coins. What really makes a legendary collection for me is a few legendary coins in there. > @Gazes said:
After a few weeks of not seeing any significant activity in the proof series of the Hansen Collection, there has been a pair of really nice Liberty Head Quarter Eagles recently added. The quarter eagle proof series is not for the faint of heart. Mr. Hansen is the only current PCGS registry collector attempting this series. The overall proof series have a date run from 1840 to 1907. The registry set is divided in two parts, the early gold proofs (1840-1858), and the “collector” proofs (1859-1907). Mr. Hansen has not registered a set for 1840-1858 set, and there are no current sets registered. To describe the toughness, The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is only 75% completed. For private sets, Eliasberg was 25% completed, and Bass was only 12.50% completed. When Mr. Hansen decides to start this set, he has a really great coin for starters, in the 1848 PCGS PR64 POP 1/0 with CAC approval.
Mr. Hansen’s 49-piece (1859-1907) set is now 81.63% completed. He is missing nine coins. Mr. Hansen is the only active participate in the registry set. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection set is at the top of the registry. There are five other private sets that were assembled by the who’s who of numismatics collectors, Bass, Trompeter, Eliasberg, Garrett, and Pittman. Only two is listed as complete, Bass and Trompeter. This is the description given by PCGS: The mintage figures for the $2½ Liberty Proofs jumped dramatically in 1859, with 80 pieces struck (if the Mint records are correct). That doesn’t mean that this date (and many others as well) is lacking in rarity, as just a few examples are known of some of the coins. Key issues include the Proof-only 1863, the classic 1875 and many other dates. Some of the issues come with magnificent cameo contrast and a few have been preserved in superb condition.
As stated, the additions are a very nice pair of Cameo Liberty Head Quarter Eagles Gems. They were both purchased in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction on Sept. 22nd 2019. Oddly enough, both coins realized $58,550 and both set auction records.
1860 Quarter Eagle PR65CAM PCGS POP 3/1 for CAM, CAC Approved
This 1860 quarter eagle cameo specimen has appeared in three auctions since 2012. The first appearance was in Heritage’s Oct 2012 ANA Signature Auction in Dallas. The coin realized $38,188. They described the coin as: The present Gem PCGS example is a delightful specimen with sharply detailed design elements and reflective orange-gold surfaces that show only minimal signs of contact. The fields show a trace of the orange-peel texture often associated with 19th century proofs, but the effect is subtle. This coin is the only example graded PR65 by PCGS with none finer in the designation, although there are two specimens graded PR65 Cameo and a single coin in PR66 Cameo. The coin was stated as being from The Nottingham Collection. The next appearance was the Feb. 2013 Goldberg Auction. The auction was billed as Pre-Long Beach Auction #72 U.S. Coins and the coin realized $37,950. In this auction, the coin was stated as “CAC Approved”. They describe the coin this way: The present Gem PCGS example is a resoundingly beautiful specimen with keen-edged and detailed design elements. The reflective orange-gold surfaces show only minimal signs of contact. The fields include a trace of the wonderful orange-peel texture often associated with 19th century Proofs, however the effect is subtle. Last week, the coin was sold in in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction for $58,500. DLRC offered this description: Beautiful yellow-gold surfaces and brilliant cameo mirrors. Despite a healthy mintage of 112 pieces, the 1860 is really quite rare. An estimated 20-25 exist in all grades, of which only a handful are graded finer by PCGS. A razor sharp example with stunning fields, only 3 pieces are graded as such by PCGS, with a single Proof 66 Cameo and a single Proof 66 Deep Cameo graded finer. CAC approved for quality. The coin was also recently listed on Witter Coins website. The webpage has been taken down, so the information is limited. The coin was listed for $59,500. PCGS Price Guide places a value of $52,500 on the coin.
1865 Quarter Eagle PR65CAM PCGS POP 1/0 for CAM
The 1865 quarter eagle cameo has appeared in two auctions in the past couple months. The first appearance was a Great Collection’s Aug. 2019 Auction. The coin realized $47,822.62 with buyer’s fee. Just a few days later, the coin sold in David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction for $58,500. Without a description from the Great Collection 2019 Auction, DLRC described the coin as: A beautiful rose-gold example of this rare Civil War Proof issue. Only 25 examples were produced in Philadelphia as the War Between the States came to a close. While four Deep Cameo examples (65,65, 66, 66+) have survived in finer grades, no example in any grade has sold in the past 7 years. Numismatic researches estimate that the surviving population in all is fewer than 15 coins. This piece displays amazing rose-gold tints and lovely cameo fields with an incredibly sharp strike. A few very minor marks are noticeable, accounting for the grade, but it certainly appears nicer than the grade. I cannot find mention of a pedigree and this coin does not appear to be CAC approved. PCGS Price Guide places a value of $47,500 on the coin.
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he had an 1860 estimated graded PR64CAM specimen. The coin was an Ex. Mills Collection; Chapman (1904); Clapp Collection (1942). The coin was sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $7,700. His 1865 was an estimated graded PR65CAM specimen. The coin was an Ex. Mills Collection; Chapman (1904); Clapp Collection (1942). The coin was sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $10,450. I cannot find where either of these coins have shown up in auction since the 1982 Eliasberg sale.
1860 Liberty Quarter Eagle PR65CAM (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #87886 / PCGS Serial #06583005 / POP 3/1 for CAM, CAC Approved Ex: The Nottingham Collection
.
. 1865 Liberty Quarter Eagle PR65CAM (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #87891 / PCGS Serial #37805388 / POP 1/0 for CAM
The 1827 quarter comes from a famous Western US collector, who apparently decided the coin was too modern for his current focus. Could be a very nice addition to the Hansen collection no doubt. 1827/3 quarters at one time were as famed as the 1804 silver dollar.
Missed the post a few months ago where @DLHansen showed up. That was nice to have him comment on this thread. I absolutely love that photo of him looking over his coins with Eliasberg's pipe.
When I saw that auctioned off, I was hoping it would somehow make it's way to him.
Even if it was only for this one photo op.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Just a couple days ago, we saw Mr. Hansen upgraded his set with a truly remarkable 1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+. Well here is another PCGS MS67+ POP 1/0 upgrade. As some of you know, from time to time I will comment on my observations and past discussions made by John Brush and D.L. Hansen. From some of follower’s comments that are being made and have been made recently, it is my observation that some of you have no clue the method being used to assemble this collection. It is pretty clear and obvious to me; the collection is being upgrade by coins that are “finding” their way to Mr. Hansen. Now, he has told us himself, there are coins that he is “diligently” looking for. The last example was the 1819 $5 Gold. He did not have one. I think to the disappointment of many, specific upgrades are not something he is diligently looking for. If the coin comes to him, by private treaty or auction, he likes the coin, and it will improve his collection, then he may buy it. We have seen this with these quarter eagles in last couple weeks.
This leads me to another point, since 9/4/2019 (30 days ago), Mr. Hansen has improved his 100% completed Liberty Head $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1840-1907) from a rating of 59.752 to 60.271. This is about a half point improvement in a 136 coin set. He is now only about a quarter point from catching registry all-time leader Harry W. Bass. I don’t think he is actively seeking to overcome Bass, he just buys great coins when they come available to him. This may be the last Liberty quarter eagle upgrade for now. Or another truly remarkable coin could come available tomorrow. We will need to wait and see.
The 1893 Quarter Eagle is described by David Akers as “relatively common”. As can be seen, a PCGS MS67+, CAC approve specimen is not “relatively common”. Mr. Akers added this to his comments: Relatively common in all grades, including gem uncirculated. It is obvious that most examples of this date, and the later dates as well, saw very little circulation since almost every specimen encountered is AU or Unc., with choice examples predominating. As this upgrade relates this the quarter eagle set, the 1893 is the eighth PCGS POP 1/0 specimen, with two being added in the past couple weeks. PCGS describes this set as: 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!
1893 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ Pop 1, CAC, finest graded at PCGS
This coin has appeared in two auctions in the last year and half. The coin first appeared in the April 2018 Heritage’s CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $22,800, which may have been a bargain. Heritage described the coin as 1893 Quarter Eagle, MS67+, The Sole Finest Example Known There were no pedigree or provenance given for the coin. Heritage continued the description as: The 1893 quarter eagle boasts a mintage of 30,000 pieces, one of the highest production totals for quarter eagles of the 1890s, which were all struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Nonetheless, Uncirculated examples are only plentiful through MS64. Gems are scarce, and this issue is rare in MS66. PCGS and NGC combined report only nine grading events in MS67, and of these the present coin is the only Plus-designated piece, making it the sole finest 1893 quarter eagle known. Frosty luster and razor-sharp devices are luminous and undisturbed. Rich orange-gold and peach hues encompass each side. Eye appeal excels.
It appears Mr. Hansen purchased the coin in Legend’s Regency 34 Auction held on 9/26/2019. The coin realized $27,025. Legend described the coin as: No question this is the FINEST 1893 $2.5 gradedThis coin is just incredible. We believe this coin left the bank and was NEVER touched for 126 years! Remarkable surfaces are flawless. They easily survive the powerful glass test. The texture is satiny smooth. A bold glowing luster beams from all over. Both sides are a totally original yellow gold color with hints of pinkish gold. Miss Liberty and the details are frosty and fully struck. The eye appeal is boldly impressive! This is the lone MS67+ graded. There are NO coins graded higher. This coin last sold in auction for $22,000 in April 2018. The owner of the coin is shifting his collecting direction. We are thrilled he chose us to sell his beloved rarity. Wildly better PCGS CAC gold like this is impossible to find these days. Opportunity knocks loud here! The auctioneer estimated the coin would bring $20,000 - $22,000. So, it appear Mr. Hansen was willing to pay a 20-25% premium for the coin. PCGS Price Guide now values the coin at $27,500.
Provenance: Unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own an 1893 mint state quarter eagle specimen. His example was a Gem Proof Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). The coin sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $6,050. In addition to this MS67+ specimen, The Hansen Collection also has an 1893 Proof Quarter Eagle, PR65DCAM.
1893 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7845 / PCGS Serial #35288358 / POP 1/0
This has been a fun day. Mr. Hansen invited me out the see his collection. One word, amazing. I spent the morning with John Brush in “The Vault”. I have often wondered how does someone store such a massive collection. John was re-organizing the vault today, so I would not call it being in presentation form. I saw it in raw form, and it was still amazing. It is true, Mr. Hansen has a box of 20. The one box is truly amazing, and then there is several thousand other coins. I am not at liberty to say how many coins are in the vault, but is way more than I have.
Tonight, I was invited to have dinner with Mr. Hansen and John. Just the three of us was more that I would have expected. I can tell you for certain that Mr. Hansen has a real passion for his collection. He knows his collection from the top coins to the duplicates. It been a long but fun day, so I will cut it short and show some pictures of the coins in “The Box”
What a wonderful thing for you, Dell Loy and John. Your Chronicle of the Collection has been wonderful throughout. That's just a crazy box of twenty with really famous coins now beginning to seed a variety of sets within the vast collection. Really hats off to Dell Loy and John for inviting you!
I'm patiently awaiting @tradedollarnut 's invitation so I can lounge at his pool, sip martini's, and have a private showing of his type collection and silver dollars.
@Stooge said:
Congrats! What a neat thing to see his collection.
Question, does he have every coin reslabbed or just choice favorite coins?
I think the desire that Mr. Hansen is looking for is a nice consistent look when displaying sets. To be honest, there was so much to see this week, I really didn’t pay much attention to the slabs. I do think that at some point, you will see his “core coins” is a Hansen holders. If I recall, the plan is not to reslab any modern coins after 1999. Don’t hold me to that. When you say every coin, that includes a lot. For example, I don’t think there are any plans for bullion, comm, duplicates, etc.
@JBatDavidLawrence said:
I have a one day stop in Utah coming up this week if anyone would like to see any pictures of coins or would like me to ask any questions to Mr. Hansen...
I would be curious to learn how Hansen is cataloguing and documenting his own collection. I'd also be curious to hear what storage methods he prefers. Also, has he ever answered the question as to why he has duplicate sets for some series?
I not answering this for John, he can add much more to your questions than I can, but here go...
Mr. Hansen catalogue and document everything in PCGS inventory database. Can you imagine trying to keep two databases undated and in sync with a collection this size. Using the inventory database for this size collection has caused problems for PCGS, but they have responded with fixes and upgrades.
The vault is as amazing as the collection. I imagined the vault to be dark and gloomy. Mr. Hansen has turned it into a really nice private museum. He store his core collection in wooden 50 count lighthouse boxes. This is one of my favorite box set. It is early half eagles. I could look at these coins all day.
Mr. Hansen had 5 matching wood “cabinets” crafted with six drawers in each that was designed to store the lighthouse boxes. The front panel is bottom hinged that allows the lighthouse boxes to easily slide out. There are three cabinets on the back wall and two cabinets on front wall left of the vault door. The cabinet has a large bottom storage drawer and a marble top. The cabinets have display shelves on top. Due to the work going on the day I visited, the display shelves were not being used.
On the short wall on the opposite of the vault door, there is a matching custom made shelf (book case style) that is used to store duplicates and extra sets. They are stored in normal coin storage boxes as you can see in the picture.
Comments
Hansen just added this clad pop (1/0) monster.
MS68FB
Later, Paul.
Okkkkkk.
That is a lovely 26 year old dime. Great detail.
Kudos to Currin for sure but seri> @JBN said:
That dime is probably still living with its parents
Latin American Collection
The sold prices on PCGS Cert Verification are really off for this coin. It lists a Price Guide value of $7,500 and last sold value of $70,195, but clicking through to DLRC the actual sold price is $9,900. HA auctions have a similar discrepancy.
Update: the issue seems to be fixed now. Not sure what was happening.
I feel honored to have two of my former coins now part of Dell's collection:
1970-D PCGS MS66+ Jeff 5c &
1981-S PCGS MS66+ SBA $1.
Both coins QA- approved.
He is collecting every date and every mintmark. Cant blame him for wanting the best example when possible regardless of whether it is a modern coin.
Admittedly, my initial comment could be read as tongue in cheek. Please be assured that it was not. Personally, I would never give much thought to a clad dime. The design looks better in silver, but this example has excellent detail. It was nice to look at. Kudos to @Stooge for posting it to this celebration thread, which focuses on the heavy hitter coins.
Wonder when he is going to list these in his 1792-date set (they are in the 1792-1964 set)
1795 $5 Large Eagle
1819 $5
1828 $5
What Im really missing in Hansens collection is legendary coins. What really makes a legendary collection for me is a few legendary coins in there. > @Gazes said:
He doesnt want the best example for early coins, only for moderns.
Pair of Cameo Liberty Head Quarter Eagles Gems
After a few weeks of not seeing any significant activity in the proof series of the Hansen Collection, there has been a pair of really nice Liberty Head Quarter Eagles recently added. The quarter eagle proof series is not for the faint of heart. Mr. Hansen is the only current PCGS registry collector attempting this series. The overall proof series have a date run from 1840 to 1907. The registry set is divided in two parts, the early gold proofs (1840-1858), and the “collector” proofs (1859-1907). Mr. Hansen has not registered a set for 1840-1858 set, and there are no current sets registered. To describe the toughness, The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection is only 75% completed. For private sets, Eliasberg was 25% completed, and Bass was only 12.50% completed. When Mr. Hansen decides to start this set, he has a really great coin for starters, in the 1848 PCGS PR64 POP 1/0 with CAC approval.
Mr. Hansen’s 49-piece (1859-1907) set is now 81.63% completed. He is missing nine coins. Mr. Hansen is the only active participate in the registry set. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection set is at the top of the registry. There are five other private sets that were assembled by the who’s who of numismatics collectors, Bass, Trompeter, Eliasberg, Garrett, and Pittman. Only two is listed as complete, Bass and Trompeter. This is the description given by PCGS: The mintage figures for the $2½ Liberty Proofs jumped dramatically in 1859, with 80 pieces struck (if the Mint records are correct). That doesn’t mean that this date (and many others as well) is lacking in rarity, as just a few examples are known of some of the coins. Key issues include the Proof-only 1863, the classic 1875 and many other dates. Some of the issues come with magnificent cameo contrast and a few have been preserved in superb condition.
As stated, the additions are a very nice pair of Cameo Liberty Head Quarter Eagles Gems. They were both purchased in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction on Sept. 22nd 2019. Oddly enough, both coins realized $58,550 and both set auction records.
1860 Quarter Eagle PR65CAM PCGS POP 3/1 for CAM, CAC Approved
This 1860 quarter eagle cameo specimen has appeared in three auctions since 2012. The first appearance was in Heritage’s Oct 2012 ANA Signature Auction in Dallas. The coin realized $38,188. They described the coin as: The present Gem PCGS example is a delightful specimen with sharply detailed design elements and reflective orange-gold surfaces that show only minimal signs of contact. The fields show a trace of the orange-peel texture often associated with 19th century proofs, but the effect is subtle. This coin is the only example graded PR65 by PCGS with none finer in the designation, although there are two specimens graded PR65 Cameo and a single coin in PR66 Cameo. The coin was stated as being from The Nottingham Collection. The next appearance was the Feb. 2013 Goldberg Auction. The auction was billed as Pre-Long Beach Auction #72 U.S. Coins and the coin realized $37,950. In this auction, the coin was stated as “CAC Approved”. They describe the coin this way: The present Gem PCGS example is a resoundingly beautiful specimen with keen-edged and detailed design elements. The reflective orange-gold surfaces show only minimal signs of contact. The fields include a trace of the wonderful orange-peel texture often associated with 19th century Proofs, however the effect is subtle. Last week, the coin was sold in in a David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction for $58,500. DLRC offered this description: Beautiful yellow-gold surfaces and brilliant cameo mirrors. Despite a healthy mintage of 112 pieces, the 1860 is really quite rare. An estimated 20-25 exist in all grades, of which only a handful are graded finer by PCGS. A razor sharp example with stunning fields, only 3 pieces are graded as such by PCGS, with a single Proof 66 Cameo and a single Proof 66 Deep Cameo graded finer. CAC approved for quality. The coin was also recently listed on Witter Coins website. The webpage has been taken down, so the information is limited. The coin was listed for $59,500. PCGS Price Guide places a value of $52,500 on the coin.
1865 Quarter Eagle PR65CAM PCGS POP 1/0 for CAM
The 1865 quarter eagle cameo has appeared in two auctions in the past couple months. The first appearance was a Great Collection’s Aug. 2019 Auction. The coin realized $47,822.62 with buyer’s fee. Just a few days later, the coin sold in David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auction for $58,500. Without a description from the Great Collection 2019 Auction, DLRC described the coin as: A beautiful rose-gold example of this rare Civil War Proof issue. Only 25 examples were produced in Philadelphia as the War Between the States came to a close. While four Deep Cameo examples (65,65, 66, 66+) have survived in finer grades, no example in any grade has sold in the past 7 years. Numismatic researches estimate that the surviving population in all is fewer than 15 coins. This piece displays amazing rose-gold tints and lovely cameo fields with an incredibly sharp strike. A few very minor marks are noticeable, accounting for the grade, but it certainly appears nicer than the grade. I cannot find mention of a pedigree and this coin does not appear to be CAC approved. PCGS Price Guide places a value of $47,500 on the coin.
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he had an 1860 estimated graded PR64CAM specimen. The coin was an Ex. Mills Collection; Chapman (1904); Clapp Collection (1942). The coin was sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $7,700. His 1865 was an estimated graded PR65CAM specimen. The coin was an Ex. Mills Collection; Chapman (1904); Clapp Collection (1942). The coin was sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $10,450. I cannot find where either of these coins have shown up in auction since the 1982 Eliasberg sale.
1860 Liberty Quarter Eagle PR65CAM (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #87886 / PCGS Serial #06583005 / POP 3/1 for CAM, CAC Approved
Ex: The Nottingham Collection
.
.
1865 Liberty Quarter Eagle PR65CAM (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #87891 / PCGS Serial #37805388 / POP 1/0 for CAM
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Dell Loy Hansen has become a Legend even without legendary coins.
His collection is legendary
There’s really only one Legend...
...if this was posted from your tablet, while floating the backyard lazy-river; cocktail in hand...then that Legend is you
Two great additions!
@tradedollarnut Hey Bruce, how's that lazy-river? Drop any cool coins in there? I'll bring my scuba diving gear when you invite me.
There is a great 1827 Original Quarter in the next Legend Auction!
The 1827 quarter comes from a famous Western US collector, who apparently decided the coin was too modern for his current focus. Could be a very nice addition to the Hansen collection no doubt. 1827/3 quarters at one time were as famed as the 1804 silver dollar.
I figured he just upgraded it. Doesn't look like there are any restrikes in the auction.
Missed the post a few months ago where @DLHansen showed up. That was nice to have him comment on this thread. I absolutely love that photo of him looking over his coins with Eliasberg's pipe.
When I saw that auctioned off, I was hoping it would somehow make it's way to him.
Even if it was only for this one photo op.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
He literally just acquired a coin that disproves your assertion:
1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield) PCGS Coin #7852 / PCGS Serial #25382885 / POP 1/0
I believe PRC is referring to Bust Coinage as "Early"
Andrew Blinkiewicz-Heritage
True. Everything until 1839.
I’m thankful his attention is elsewhere
Eh... my collection is better.
My YouTube Channel
My YouTube Channel
Does anyone know what the plans are when this incredible collection is complete? How will it be displayed?
Another Unbelievable Liberty Quarter Eagle
Just a couple days ago, we saw Mr. Hansen upgraded his set with a truly remarkable 1900 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+. Well here is another PCGS MS67+ POP 1/0 upgrade. As some of you know, from time to time I will comment on my observations and past discussions made by John Brush and D.L. Hansen. From some of follower’s comments that are being made and have been made recently, it is my observation that some of you have no clue the method being used to assemble this collection. It is pretty clear and obvious to me; the collection is being upgrade by coins that are “finding” their way to Mr. Hansen. Now, he has told us himself, there are coins that he is “diligently” looking for. The last example was the 1819 $5 Gold. He did not have one. I think to the disappointment of many, specific upgrades are not something he is diligently looking for. If the coin comes to him, by private treaty or auction, he likes the coin, and it will improve his collection, then he may buy it. We have seen this with these quarter eagles in last couple weeks.
This leads me to another point, since 9/4/2019 (30 days ago), Mr. Hansen has improved his 100% completed Liberty Head $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1840-1907) from a rating of 59.752 to 60.271. This is about a half point improvement in a 136 coin set. He is now only about a quarter point from catching registry all-time leader Harry W. Bass. I don’t think he is actively seeking to overcome Bass, he just buys great coins when they come available to him. This may be the last Liberty quarter eagle upgrade for now. Or another truly remarkable coin could come available tomorrow. We will need to wait and see.
The 1893 Quarter Eagle is described by David Akers as “relatively common”. As can be seen, a PCGS MS67+, CAC approve specimen is not “relatively common”. Mr. Akers added this to his comments: Relatively common in all grades, including gem uncirculated. It is obvious that most examples of this date, and the later dates as well, saw very little circulation since almost every specimen encountered is AU or Unc., with choice examples predominating. As this upgrade relates this the quarter eagle set, the 1893 is the eighth PCGS POP 1/0 specimen, with two being added in the past couple weeks. PCGS describes this set as: 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!
1893 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+
Pop 1, CAC, finest graded at PCGS
This coin has appeared in two auctions in the last year and half. The coin first appeared in the April 2018 Heritage’s CSNS Signature Auction in Chicago. The coin realized $22,800, which may have been a bargain. Heritage described the coin as 1893 Quarter Eagle, MS67+, The Sole Finest Example Known There were no pedigree or provenance given for the coin. Heritage continued the description as: The 1893 quarter eagle boasts a mintage of 30,000 pieces, one of the highest production totals for quarter eagles of the 1890s, which were all struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Nonetheless, Uncirculated examples are only plentiful through MS64. Gems are scarce, and this issue is rare in MS66. PCGS and NGC combined report only nine grading events in MS67, and of these the present coin is the only Plus-designated piece, making it the sole finest 1893 quarter eagle known. Frosty luster and razor-sharp devices are luminous and undisturbed. Rich orange-gold and peach hues encompass each side. Eye appeal excels.
It appears Mr. Hansen purchased the coin in Legend’s Regency 34 Auction held on 9/26/2019. The coin realized $27,025. Legend described the coin as: No question this is the FINEST 1893 $2.5 graded This coin is just incredible. We believe this coin left the bank and was NEVER touched for 126 years! Remarkable surfaces are flawless. They easily survive the powerful glass test. The texture is satiny smooth. A bold glowing luster beams from all over. Both sides are a totally original yellow gold color with hints of pinkish gold. Miss Liberty and the details are frosty and fully struck. The eye appeal is boldly impressive! This is the lone MS67+ graded. There are NO coins graded higher. This coin last sold in auction for $22,000 in April 2018. The owner of the coin is shifting his collecting direction. We are thrilled he chose us to sell his beloved rarity. Wildly better PCGS CAC gold like this is impossible to find these days. Opportunity knocks loud here! The auctioneer estimated the coin would bring $20,000 - $22,000. So, it appear Mr. Hansen was willing to pay a 20-25% premium for the coin. PCGS Price Guide now values the coin at $27,500.
Provenance: Unknown
In an Eliasberg comparison, the PCGS registry indicates that he did not own an 1893 mint state quarter eagle specimen. His example was a Gem Proof Ex. U.S. Mint; Clapp Collection (1942). The coin sold by Bowers & Ruddy Oct '82 price realized $6,050. In addition to this MS67+ specimen, The Hansen Collection also has an 1893 Proof Quarter Eagle, PR65DCAM.
1893 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS67+ (Gold Shield)
PCGS Coin #7845 / PCGS Serial #35288358 / POP 1/0
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I think it very cool that he’s doing both Philly types - proof and business strikes.
Just wow!
I wonder if anyone else attempted to do both? Is Hansen the first to try?
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
This has been a fun day. Mr. Hansen invited me out the see his collection. One word, amazing. I spent the morning with John Brush in “The Vault”. I have often wondered how does someone store such a massive collection. John was re-organizing the vault today, so I would not call it being in presentation form. I saw it in raw form, and it was still amazing. It is true, Mr. Hansen has a box of 20. The one box is truly amazing, and then there is several thousand other coins. I am not at liberty to say how many coins are in the vault, but is way more than I have.
Tonight, I was invited to have dinner with Mr. Hansen and John. Just the three of us was more that I would have expected. I can tell you for certain that Mr. Hansen has a real passion for his collection. He knows his collection from the top coins to the duplicates. It been a long but fun day, so I will cut it short and show some pictures of the coins in “The Box”
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Holy cow! Have you stopped drooling yet ? What was for dinner?
Wow Currin, you’ll remember that for a looooong time. Such an awesome experience!
Collector of randomness. Photographer at PCGS. Lover of Harry Potter.
Amazing experience @Currin ! Sounds like a great time with great people and great coins!
Way cool!
Great experience
Congrats on your experience Currin! Also, what a class act Mr. Hansen is. Wonderful post!
What a wonderful thing for you, Dell Loy and John. Your Chronicle of the Collection has been wonderful throughout. That's just a crazy box of twenty with really famous coins now beginning to seed a variety of sets within the vast collection. Really hats off to Dell Loy and John for inviting you!
That is incredible what an amazing gesture. Mr. Hansen seems like a top notch guy what an asset to this community.
Seems to make all of this time you have put into this thread worthwhile.
So fun and what an honor!
I'm patiently awaiting @tradedollarnut 's invitation so I can lounge at his pool, sip martini's, and have a private showing of his type collection and silver dollars.
@Currin I am happy for you. You deserved that experience!
Very cool!
My YouTube Channel
Congrats! What a neat thing to see his collection.
Question, does he have every coin reslabbed or just choice favorite coins?
Later, Paul.
I think the desire that Mr. Hansen is looking for is a nice consistent look when displaying sets. To be honest, there was so much to see this week, I really didn’t pay much attention to the slabs. I do think that at some point, you will see his “core coins” is a Hansen holders. If I recall, the plan is not to reslab any modern coins after 1999. Don’t hold me to that. When you say every coin, that includes a lot. For example, I don’t think there are any plans for bullion, comm, duplicates, etc.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
isnt he trying to get a business strike and proof for every date in every series?
WOW! Must have been an amazing experience to see his collection but also be able to see "the box."
Kind Regards,
Skylar
I not answering this for John, he can add much more to your questions than I can, but here go...
Mr. Hansen catalogue and document everything in PCGS inventory database. Can you imagine trying to keep two databases undated and in sync with a collection this size. Using the inventory database for this size collection has caused problems for PCGS, but they have responded with fixes and upgrades.
The vault is as amazing as the collection. I imagined the vault to be dark and gloomy. Mr. Hansen has turned it into a really nice private museum. He store his core collection in wooden 50 count lighthouse boxes. This is one of my favorite box set. It is early half eagles. I could look at these coins all day.
Mr. Hansen had 5 matching wood “cabinets” crafted with six drawers in each that was designed to store the lighthouse boxes. The front panel is bottom hinged that allows the lighthouse boxes to easily slide out. There are three cabinets on the back wall and two cabinets on front wall left of the vault door. The cabinet has a large bottom storage drawer and a marble top. The cabinets have display shelves on top. Due to the work going on the day I visited, the display shelves were not being used.
On the short wall on the opposite of the vault door, there is a matching custom made shelf (book case style) that is used to store duplicates and extra sets. They are stored in normal coin storage boxes as you can see in the picture.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I see he has a “triplicate” box next to the “duplicate” box. Organizing and evaluating all the chaff looks to be a big hill to climb!