@Catbert said:
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!
For some of the sets I watch, he has two complete sets, so once he upgrades the number one set, that coin goes to the number 2 set which then leaves at "triplicate". I was hoping he would just donate some of these as they would improve my set. (I did tell John at the ANA I would like to get a Liberty Nickel in one of the Hansen holders. Hoping for one in an upcoming sale)
Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
Currin how fantastic!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
mark
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
@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.
In most respects I very much admire what Hansen in accomplishing. But his vault reminds me of a tool crib at a manufacturing plant. I would have thought a display like the Bass Collection at the ANA might be more reflective of his accomplishment.
The Lighthouse boxes are certainly more impressive than plastic boxes, but they still don't allow you to view more than one coin at a time. So at the risk of beating a dead horse, here are pics of the custom-made trays I use for my own collection. I put two trays in a clamshell box, which allows easy viewing of 18 coins at a time, and I keep the boxes in a SDB. However, imagine a custom cabinet, or wall of cabinets, each with many sliding drawers, and a number of the trays placed next to each other - NOT stacked - in each drawer. Now THAT would be impressive!
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I appreciate the glimpse into the collection. The vault is very nicely put together. I think all of the extra boxes on top don't appear to be part of the core collection. It very much has the appearance of the collection being a work in progress that's continually growing.
I wonder about the safety of the collection in wood boxes and wood cases. All wood emits gas which has the potential to discolor coins. As we know, slabs are not completely air tight. The Lighthouse boxes are not made of mahogany, rather they have a “mahogany finish.” I don’t know what kind of wood they use.
As far as the cabinets, if they are mahogany, they are probably safe. Nothing is 100%.
While plastic boxes are ugly, there is a reason they are popular.
I would consider discussing upgrading storage boxes to archival materials if they are to provide long-term safe storage. Even if they don’t necessarily look as nice.
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
Since he has the money to buy the coins and build the cabinets, it is a good bet that he can control the temperature in his "Vault" located underground in a nondescript building somewhere in Utah.
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
Stewart, If you check out Hansen's IHC Registry set you will find that it is described as a "toned" set, but he has a few RD and RB coins mixed in for the registry points. He is probably hoping that the Salt air in SLC will tone those RD coins Blue in their holders........
In my discussion with Mr. Hansen, he was plain is saying that he does not want his collection to become a hoard. All of his coins will have a purpose and be meaningful to his collection. He does not plan to keep coins for the purpose of hoarding. We may in the near future, see more aggressive selling of coins he no longer desire.
In my discussion with Mr. Hansen, he was plain is saying that he does not what his collection to become a hoard. All of his coins will have a purpose and be meaningful to his collection. He does not plan to keep coins for the purpose of hoarding. We may in the near future, see more aggressive selling of coins he no longer desire.
No buried treasure hunts in the future? Now that would have been fun!
In my discussion with Mr. Hansen, he was plain is saying that he does not what his collection to become a hoard. All of his coins will have a purpose and be meaningful to his collection. He does not plan to keep coins for the purpose of hoarding. We may in the near future, see more aggressive selling of coins he no longer desire.
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
I assumed the coins were stored by DLRC on the East Coast.
In my discussion with Mr. Hansen, he was plain is saying that he does not want his collection to become a hoard. All of his coins will have a purpose and be meaningful to his collection. He does not plan to keep coins for the purpose of hoarding. We may in the near future, see more aggressive selling of coins he no longer desire.
I just got an idea for a new set. One example from each famous collection. Eliasberg and Hansen definitely have some ‘affordable’ examples but there definitely many collections that would have a 5 figure entry level.
The Hansen watch thread reached 125K views yesterday. This is pretty good being the thread is just 18 months old. The last update, at 100K, occurred on July 17th, about three months ago. A lot of activities have taken place in the past three months. The most exciting to me, was the trip out to Utah. I consider this to be a Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind. If you have read about the astronomer and UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek, you would know that he describes the fifth kind involves direct communication between aliens and humans, in addition to boarding the alien ship. Being able to enter “The Vault” and have direct communications with Mr. Hansen was an out of this world experience. I did not leave the experience with feeling that Mr. Hansen was not anything other than a great guy. He was extremely gracious and thanked me for making the effort to come such a long way. Amazing.
Eliasberg Quest (classic style)
The Eliasberg Quest is D.L. Hansen attempt to match or exceed Louis Eliasberg. If you have watched for a while now, you may recall a great deal of discussion around what success would look like. If success is that Hansen must match Eliasberg on having a specimen of every year and mint US issue coin, then I have provided what I call the countdown list. The Hansen Collection has 15 coins left. A complete collection have not been achieved but once before by Louis Eliasberg. In the first 9 ½ months this year, Mr. Hansen have added nine coins. At a rate of one per month, we can predict the set to be completed around year-end of 2020. This could be a tough or near impossible goal because the difficulty level increases with each count down. Can he be down to 12 by 12/31/2019? Let’s watch and see.
Countdown #23 - 1885 Trade Dollar Ex: Atwater-Eliasberg (Heritage FUN Auction 1/2019)
Countdown #22 - 1796 Quarter Eagle “Stars” (RARCOA FUN show private auction, 1/2019)
Countdown #21 - 1797 Half Eagle “Large Eagle, 15 Stars” (private transaction in Mid-Feb. 2019)
Countdown #20 - 1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20 (private transaction in Mid-Aug 2019)
Countdown #19 - 1894-S Barber Dime, PR63BM CAC, ex: Dr. Jerry Buss (Stack's/Bowers 8/2019)
Countdown #18 - 1854-D Quarter Eagle AU53, Ex: Maurice Snow Specimen (Stack's/Bowers 8/2019)
Countdown #17 - 1933 Indian Eagle PCGS Genuine, Ex: Poulos Family (Heritage 8/2019)
Countdown #16 - 1841 Little Princess Quarter Eagle AU58 (private transaction in Late Aug 2019)
Countdown #15 - 1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle, Ex: Newcomer - Pogue (private transaction)
Hansen Challenge
As stated last time, it appear to me, Hansen is on a mission to collect every date, mint mark, major variety, and proof in the US issues from 1793-Present (or as close to every coin as possible). With the 2018 & 2019 issues, we are talking about exceeding 6300 coins. The Hansen Collection master set reached 93.4% as of today. This is a massive effort that maybe no one has ever made a serious attempt to achieve before. PCGS has a registry set that represents this effort.
This colossal set is approx. 6300 coins that increase every year. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike and Proof from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? Hansen continues to chip away at this overall set. He added 77 new coins in the last three months. I think the set could be completed to approx. 99.9%. It is going to interesting to watch and see how close he can meet the Hansen Challenge.
. Breakdown of the Hansen Challenge
CS Pre 1964 Basic – 5 coins left (down 5 from last update)
CS Pre 1964 Major Varieties - 46 coins left (down 5 from last update)
CS Modern (including Major Varieties) – 39 coins left (down 59 from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 (including Major Varieties) – 329 coins left (down 8 from last update)
Proof Modern (including Major Varieties) – 1 coin left, 1975 "No S" Roosevelt proof dime
Total – approx. 415 coins left of 6270. Roughly – 93.4%. (Added approx. 77 coins since the last update, 7/18/2019)
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
Does anyone know , or a guess
How many coins from the Eliiasberg
Collection are presently part of the
D L Hansen Collection ?
No, I don’t think so. We know he has several of the big boys, sorry, I mean big ladies, like the 1885 TD Proof. But it would take cataloging work to determine a more precise number. I think he will one day, but that that may not be far up his priority list yet.
I wish I knew the meaning of Legendary Coins. Some of you have been critical by saying Mr. Hansen does not have Legendary Coins. I cannot dispute if he does, because I do not know the definition. This purchase that I am about to show is very special. You tell me if the coin qualifies as Legendary.
1795 $1 “B-15 BB-52” Draped Bust MS66, Ex: Pogue - Jung Pop 1/0 for “Centered Variety, CAC Approved
This 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is from the Oliver Jung Type Collection. I would assume the coin was purchase by Mr. Hansen in a private transaction. The coin is POP 1/0 for the die variety known as the “Centered Bust” . For date, the coin is tied certified top pop with two other PCGS MS66 specimens. One of the other PCGS MS66 is an “Off-Center” variety in the Bruce Morelan Collection. The Morelan Specimen carries the Clapp - Eliasberg pedigree. I am unable to identify the third 1795 PCGS MS66 Bust Dollar in the POP report. Any help out there?
Ron Guth provides good description of this variety of 1795 Bust Dollar: "Centered Bust" on the 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle Dollar refers to the positioning of the bust of Liberty within the field of the die. The alternative is the "Off-Center Bust", on which the bust of Liberty is shifted toward the left. The difference between the two can be seen best on the position of the bow behind Liberty's head. On the Centered Bust, the bow is well away from the stars; on the Off-Center Bust, the bow comes close to the fifth star (but does not touch it). Among the 39 major varieties of the Draped Bust type, the Centered Bust is one of the least rare (ranking 36th), but it is nowhere near as common as the 1798 Large Eagle, 1799 Normal Date, and the 1800 Normal Date. In Mint State, this variety is very scarce, with only 21 examples certified by PCGS (as of June 2011). The Condition Census is amazingly high for an early Silver Dollar, ranging from a low of MS-64 to a high of a unique MS-66.
This coin appeared in Stacks Bowers, The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV Auction held May 24, 2016 at Sotheby's in New York. The coin headlines as: Toned Gem 1795 Centered Bust Silver Dollar, Tied for Finest Certified of the Date by PCGS. According to the auction site, the coin was estimated to close at estimated price of $275,000-$375,000. The coin realized $646,250.
Stacks Bowers described the coin as: This lushly toned gem is the finest recorded example of the 1795 Centered Bust variety and stands among the finest 1795 dollars of any type or variety. Both sides are boldly lustrous, the reverse perhaps even more so than the obverse, with some subtly reflective texture apparent in the fields. Autumnal gold and amber shades radiate from the deep violet and olive toning that embraces the devices. Hints of champagne gold and other highlights separate the heaviest toning from the more subtle coloration seen in the fields. Despite some very minor roundness of detail at the extreme central obverse and on the eagle's forward leg, most design elements are extremely bold. Each star has its center, the detail within the hair is exquisite, and the internal details of the eagle and the leaves that surround him are likewise sharp. No digs or nicks of even minimal consequence are seen on either side, just a curvy hairline above ERT of LIBERTY and a single straight hairline in the field behind Liberty's hair bow. From its adjustment-free planchet to its lustrous surfaces, the preservation and overall quality of this piece are stunning.
We don’t know the final sale price in the negotiation of this coin. PCGS price guide value the coin at $675,000. Do you agree this to be a Legendary Coin? Let me know your thoughts.
Provenance: L.A. United States Type Collection - Stack’s 10/1990:1659 - Andy Lustig - Superior Galleries 5/1991:700 - Foxfire Collection (Claude E. Davis, M.D.), sold intact in 10/2004 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4014, $646,250 (cert-matched) - Oliver Jung Collection, Purchased 10/2019 in private transaction – D. L. Hansen Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, we discussed he had the “Off – Center” variety in PCGS MS66.
1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Bowers Borckardt-52, Bolender-15, Mint State-66 PCGS Coin #39995 / PCGS Serial #32189886 / CAC Approved PCGS POP 1/0 in “Centered Variety” / POP 3/0 for Date
He doesnt want the best example for early coins, only for moderns.
This is an incorrect statement. Alas a large percentage of his coins are the finest for the grade (excluding moderns).
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
@golden said:
Holy cow! Have you stopped drooling yet ? What was for dinner?
I had a fish sandwich! It was a low-key dinner but a private outing which was the best part.
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
@Catbert said:
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!
Well, one thing that's hard to understand is that the duplicates and triplicates are from the 3rd and 4th set sometimes...We're working on getting all of those organized!
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
>
For some of the sets I watch, he has two complete sets, so once he upgrades the number one set, that coin goes to the number 2 set which then leaves at "triplicate". I was hoping he would just donate some of these as they would improve my set. (I did tell John at the ANA I would like to get a Liberty Nickel in one of the Hansen holders. Hoping for one in an upcoming sale)
I'm working on it!
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
@OldIndianNutKase said:
In most respects I very much admire what Hansen in accomplishing. But his vault reminds me of a tool crib at a manufacturing plant. I would have thought a display like the Bass Collection at the ANA might be more reflective of his accomplishment.
OINK
Wow. A bit harsh, but I'll live with it. This was the collection in its most raw state (as Currin stated).
If you saw it in its organized state, I'd suggest you'd be pleasantly surprised.
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
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
There's a LOT that you don't see in these pictures.
Machinery, silica gel, intercept shield stuff, etc...but great points!
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
@STEWARTBLAYNUMIS said:
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
I assumed the coins were stored by DLRC on the East Coast.
That would make my life easier! Occasionally they make a pit stop here though.
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
Comments
For some of the sets I watch, he has two complete sets, so once he upgrades the number one set, that coin goes to the number 2 set which then leaves at "triplicate". I was hoping he would just donate some of these as they would improve my set. (I did tell John at the ANA I would like to get a Liberty Nickel in one of the Hansen holders. Hoping for one in an upcoming sale)
Currin how fantastic!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I'm surprised he is so open in today's world. With allowing you to post this information I hope he has Real Security Guards!
In most respects I very much admire what Hansen in accomplishing. But his vault reminds me of a tool crib at a manufacturing plant. I would have thought a display like the Bass Collection at the ANA might be more reflective of his accomplishment.
OINK
U.S. COINS COMPLETE SET WITH MAJOR VARIETIES, CIRCULATION STRIKES AND PROOF (1792-PRESENT)
6270 coins
That's 126 Lighthouse 50 coin boxes
Of course I'd probably spend all my time on the last box in drawer #8 if I'm reading that note correctly
My Saint Set
His mail carrier must be the most honest one in the nation.
Those are certainly amazing pictures.
Later, Paul.
@Currin
Great hi-res pics! I can also read most of those labels!
The Lighthouse boxes are certainly more impressive than plastic boxes, but they still don't allow you to view more than one coin at a time. So at the risk of beating a dead horse, here are pics of the custom-made trays I use for my own collection. I put two trays in a clamshell box, which allows easy viewing of 18 coins at a time, and I keep the boxes in a SDB. However, imagine a custom cabinet, or wall of cabinets, each with many sliding drawers, and a number of the trays placed next to each other - NOT stacked - in each drawer. Now THAT would be impressive!
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I appreciate the glimpse into the collection. The vault is very nicely put together. I think all of the extra boxes on top don't appear to be part of the core collection. It very much has the appearance of the collection being a work in progress that's continually growing.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Vault map implied by the photos?
Looks very cool!
Liking the diagram of the layout, of course, this is all conjecture.
Narrower or there is a desk/something in the middle. Notice someone sitting (blue shirt) seemingly in the middle (or against the opposite wall.
I wonder about the safety of the collection in wood boxes and wood cases. All wood emits gas which has the potential to discolor coins. As we know, slabs are not completely air tight. The Lighthouse boxes are not made of mahogany, rather they have a “mahogany finish.” I don’t know what kind of wood they use.
As far as the cabinets, if they are mahogany, they are probably safe. Nothing is 100%.
While plastic boxes are ugly, there is a reason they are popular.
I would consider discussing upgrading storage boxes to archival materials if they are to provide long-term safe storage. Even if they don’t necessarily look as nice.
I thought they were now.
Anyway...What about seismic activity like plate tectonics, volcanos & temporal distortion bubbles?
Probably better I should look after his dup saints just in case something happens to drawer #8
Never can be too careful.
My Saint Set
If he cracked them all and put them in Whitman folders, this would take an awful lot less space.
One has to take into account the
Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City
MAY have an atmospheric effect
On the coins in the vault .
I do not see any silica gel packets
Or any atmospheric climate controls.
Skip the folders and put them loose in a purple Crown Royal bag and they'd take even less space.
Gollly it's fun to be in the peanut gallery! 😉
Spectacular collection, history in the making, we're all fortunate to be witness to small or large degree.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
It’s great to see coins being enjoyed this way. Much more than a set of SDBs and definit something to aspire too.
To take it to the next level, imagine some old world coin cabinets?
Since he has the money to buy the coins and build the cabinets, it is a good bet that he can control the temperature in his "Vault" located underground in a nondescript building somewhere in Utah.
He only has 12 years to enjoy!
Stewart, If you check out Hansen's IHC Registry set you will find that it is described as a "toned" set, but he has a few RD and RB coins mixed in for the registry points. He is probably hoping that the Salt air in SLC will tone those RD coins Blue in their holders........
OINK
@Catbert
I think it is now 11 years and 6 months.
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All Of Us
Good thinking. After they are all raw, put them in a treasure chest and bury in a safe place.
The Hansen Treasure Hoard!
In my discussion with Mr. Hansen, he was plain is saying that he does not want his collection to become a hoard. All of his coins will have a purpose and be meaningful to his collection. He does not plan to keep coins for the purpose of hoarding. We may in the near future, see more aggressive selling of coins he no longer desire.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
No buried treasure hunts in the future? Now that would have been fun!
You might want to proof read your post! Looks like a finger was out of line with your keyboard as well as a quick post!
I assumed the coins were stored by DLRC on the East Coast.
I just got an idea for a new set. One example from each famous collection. Eliasberg and Hansen definitely have some ‘affordable’ examples but there definitely many collections that would have a 5 figure entry level.
... maybe one day.
Thank you for "inviting in" all of us to view this wonderful collection/endeavor.
The Hansen watch thread reached 125K views yesterday. This is pretty good being the thread is just 18 months old. The last update, at 100K, occurred on July 17th, about three months ago. A lot of activities have taken place in the past three months. The most exciting to me, was the trip out to Utah. I consider this to be a Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind. If you have read about the astronomer and UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek, you would know that he describes the fifth kind involves direct communication between aliens and humans, in addition to boarding the alien ship. Being able to enter “The Vault” and have direct communications with Mr. Hansen was an out of this world experience. I did not leave the experience with feeling that Mr. Hansen was not anything other than a great guy. He was extremely gracious and thanked me for making the effort to come such a long way. Amazing.
Eliasberg Quest (classic style)
The Eliasberg Quest is D.L. Hansen attempt to match or exceed Louis Eliasberg. If you have watched for a while now, you may recall a great deal of discussion around what success would look like. If success is that Hansen must match Eliasberg on having a specimen of every year and mint US issue coin, then I have provided what I call the countdown list. The Hansen Collection has 15 coins left. A complete collection have not been achieved but once before by Louis Eliasberg. In the first 9 ½ months this year, Mr. Hansen have added nine coins. At a rate of one per month, we can predict the set to be completed around year-end of 2020. This could be a tough or near impossible goal because the difficulty level increases with each count down. Can he be down to 12 by 12/31/2019? Let’s watch and see.
Countdown #23 - 1885 Trade Dollar Ex: Atwater-Eliasberg (Heritage FUN Auction 1/2019)
Countdown #22 - 1796 Quarter Eagle “Stars” (RARCOA FUN show private auction, 1/2019)
Countdown #21 - 1797 Half Eagle “Large Eagle, 15 Stars” (private transaction in Mid-Feb. 2019)
Countdown #20 - 1840-D Quarter Eagle VF20 (private transaction in Mid-Aug 2019)
Countdown #19 - 1894-S Barber Dime, PR63BM CAC, ex: Dr. Jerry Buss (Stack's/Bowers 8/2019)
Countdown #18 - 1854-D Quarter Eagle AU53, Ex: Maurice Snow Specimen (Stack's/Bowers 8/2019)
Countdown #17 - 1933 Indian Eagle PCGS Genuine, Ex: Poulos Family (Heritage 8/2019)
Countdown #16 - 1841 Little Princess Quarter Eagle AU58 (private transaction in Late Aug 2019)
Countdown #15 - 1819 Normal Reverse Half Eagle, Ex: Newcomer - Pogue (private transaction)
Hansen Challenge
As stated last time, it appear to me, Hansen is on a mission to collect every date, mint mark, major variety, and proof in the US issues from 1793-Present (or as close to every coin as possible). With the 2018 & 2019 issues, we are talking about exceeding 6300 coins. The Hansen Collection master set reached 93.4% as of today. This is a massive effort that maybe no one has ever made a serious attempt to achieve before. PCGS has a registry set that represents this effort.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/complete-sets/master-sets/u-s-coins-complete-set-major-varieties-circulation-strikes-proof-1792-present/3072
This colossal set is approx. 6300 coins that increase every year. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike and Proof from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? Hansen continues to chip away at this overall set. He added 77 new coins in the last three months. I think the set could be completed to approx. 99.9%. It is going to interesting to watch and see how close he can meet the Hansen Challenge.
.
Breakdown of the Hansen Challenge
CS Pre 1964 Basic – 5 coins left (down 5 from last update)
CS Pre 1964 Major Varieties - 46 coins left (down 5 from last update)
CS Modern (including Major Varieties) – 39 coins left (down 59 from last update)
Proof Pre 1964 (including Major Varieties) – 329 coins left (down 8 from last update)
Proof Modern (including Major Varieties) – 1 coin left, 1975 "No S" Roosevelt proof dime
Total – approx. 415 coins left of 6270. Roughly – 93.4%. (Added approx. 77 coins since the last update, 7/18/2019)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Does anyone know , or a guess
How many coins from the Eliiasberg
Collection are presently part of the
D L Hansen Collection ?
No, I don’t think so. We know he has several of the big boys, sorry, I mean big ladies, like the 1885 TD Proof. But it would take cataloging work to determine a more precise number. I think he will one day, but that that may not be far up his priority list yet.
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Legendary Coin or Not?
I wish I knew the meaning of Legendary Coins. Some of you have been critical by saying Mr. Hansen does not have Legendary Coins. I cannot dispute if he does, because I do not know the definition. This purchase that I am about to show is very special. You tell me if the coin qualifies as Legendary.
1795 $1 “B-15 BB-52” Draped Bust MS66, Ex: Pogue - Jung
Pop 1/0 for “Centered Variety, CAC Approved
This 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is from the Oliver Jung Type Collection. I would assume the coin was purchase by Mr. Hansen in a private transaction. The coin is POP 1/0 for the die variety known as the “Centered Bust” . For date, the coin is tied certified top pop with two other PCGS MS66 specimens. One of the other PCGS MS66 is an “Off-Center” variety in the Bruce Morelan Collection. The Morelan Specimen carries the Clapp - Eliasberg pedigree. I am unable to identify the third 1795 PCGS MS66 Bust Dollar in the POP report. Any help out there?
Ron Guth provides good description of this variety of 1795 Bust Dollar: "Centered Bust" on the 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle Dollar refers to the positioning of the bust of Liberty within the field of the die. The alternative is the "Off-Center Bust", on which the bust of Liberty is shifted toward the left. The difference between the two can be seen best on the position of the bow behind Liberty's head. On the Centered Bust, the bow is well away from the stars; on the Off-Center Bust, the bow comes close to the fifth star (but does not touch it). Among the 39 major varieties of the Draped Bust type, the Centered Bust is one of the least rare (ranking 36th), but it is nowhere near as common as the 1798 Large Eagle, 1799 Normal Date, and the 1800 Normal Date. In Mint State, this variety is very scarce, with only 21 examples certified by PCGS (as of June 2011). The Condition Census is amazingly high for an early Silver Dollar, ranging from a low of MS-64 to a high of a unique MS-66.
This coin appeared in Stacks Bowers, The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV Auction held May 24, 2016 at Sotheby's in New York. The coin headlines as: Toned Gem 1795 Centered Bust Silver Dollar, Tied for Finest Certified of the Date by PCGS. According to the auction site, the coin was estimated to close at estimated price of $275,000-$375,000. The coin realized $646,250.
Stacks Bowers described the coin as: This lushly toned gem is the finest recorded example of the 1795 Centered Bust variety and stands among the finest 1795 dollars of any type or variety. Both sides are boldly lustrous, the reverse perhaps even more so than the obverse, with some subtly reflective texture apparent in the fields. Autumnal gold and amber shades radiate from the deep violet and olive toning that embraces the devices. Hints of champagne gold and other highlights separate the heaviest toning from the more subtle coloration seen in the fields. Despite some very minor roundness of detail at the extreme central obverse and on the eagle's forward leg, most design elements are extremely bold. Each star has its center, the detail within the hair is exquisite, and the internal details of the eagle and the leaves that surround him are likewise sharp. No digs or nicks of even minimal consequence are seen on either side, just a curvy hairline above ERT of LIBERTY and a single straight hairline in the field behind Liberty's hair bow. From its adjustment-free planchet to its lustrous surfaces, the preservation and overall quality of this piece are stunning.
We don’t know the final sale price in the negotiation of this coin. PCGS price guide value the coin at $675,000. Do you agree this to be a Legendary Coin? Let me know your thoughts.
Provenance: L.A. United States Type Collection - Stack’s 10/1990:1659 - Andy Lustig - Superior Galleries 5/1991:700 - Foxfire Collection (Claude E. Davis, M.D.), sold intact in 10/2004 - D. Brent Pogue Collection - Stack's/Bowers & Sotheby's 5/2016:4014, $646,250 (cert-matched) - Oliver Jung Collection, Purchased 10/2019 in private transaction – D. L. Hansen Collection
In an Eliasberg comparison, we discussed he had the “Off – Center” variety in PCGS MS66.
1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Bowers Borckardt-52, Bolender-15, Mint State-66
PCGS Coin #39995 / PCGS Serial #32189886 / CAC Approved
PCGS POP 1/0 in “Centered Variety” / POP 3/0 for Date
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Wow, love it
I, also, do not know the meaning of a Legendary Coin. But, if this coin was in my collection it would be Legendary and the only one so designated.
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All Of Us
Very nice coin. In the words of Joe O’Connor, I grade it $50k less than the eliasberg coin.
Btw - Hansen wrote the foreword in the newest edition of the 100 Greatest US Coins
Here’s the 3rd 66 for the date
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1795-1-off-center-dr-bust/96859
So Pogue had all 3, wow.
The SP-66 looks very flashy and "grades $300k" above the others.
Sweet. That's something I'd love to read.
The newest Greysheet has an article on him November issue
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This is an incorrect statement. Alas a large percentage of his coins are the finest for the grade (excluding moderns).
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
I had a fish sandwich! It was a low-key dinner but a private outing which was the best part.
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
Well, one thing that's hard to understand is that the duplicates and triplicates are from the 3rd and 4th set sometimes...We're working on getting all of those organized!
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
I'm working on it!
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
Wow. A bit harsh, but I'll live with it. This was the collection in its most raw state (as Currin stated).
If you saw it in its organized state, I'd suggest you'd be pleasantly surprised.
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
There's a LOT that you don't see in these pictures.
Machinery, silica gel, intercept shield stuff, etc...but great points!
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
That would make my life easier! Occasionally they make a pit stop here though.
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