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Hansen watch.

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  • Landon6Landon6 Posts: 157 ✭✭✭

    hi

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 31, 2020 2:49PM

    @DLHansen said:
    Currin the 1834 “Capped Bust Plain 4 “ is now in the Collection If my understanding is right that would make it number 29 on your countdown. It did not enter the set until recently and I think it is now visible for your study. Let me know if you need more information. Your countdown does create a challenge and I do think I will be able to add one more this week.

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    Thanks Mr. Hansen. It has been exciting to watch all the new additions in the Large Cent and Early Half Eagle sets. Great progress.. I hope you can get the coins in correct holders so you can finish the updates. It is nice to hear that one more is coming later this week.

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 29 & 30

    Two 1831 Half Eagles Rarities (or Three!)

    I explained a couple days ago the dilemma with the Early $5 Gold with Major Varieties & 1797 Large Eagles, Circulation Strikes (1795-1838) set. If you recall, the registry set requires three coins for 1830 & 1831 dates, and in reality, there are only two varieties for this date. I will not bore you with the details again, but if you need a refresher, review the 1830 Half Eagle posting from two days ago. Very same situation.

    According to PCGS set registry, the set requires a basic coin, AND one each of the Small and Large 5D varieties. In other words, three coins, instead of two! The basic coin will always be a duplicate of one of the two varieties. This situation exists for both the 1830 and 1831 Half Eagle dates. As with the 1830 date, Mr. Hansen purchased the two varieties, and has a duplicate prior purchase as good measure.

    Upgraded Basic Coin

    1831 $5 Unattributed BD-2, MS64 PCGS, CAC Approved, from the McCoy Collection

    In the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction of The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles, Mr. Hansen purchased the 1831 $5 Large 5D, BD-2, MS64 PCGS, CAC Approved specimen. This coin is in a PCGS #8153 Basic 1831 holder. The coin is graded PCGS POP 1/0, and as you can see above, the 1831 slot has this POP 1/0 coin with all the bonus points. This coin sold in prior Heritage 2017 FUN US Coins Signature Auction in Fort Lauderdale, FLA. In the 2017 sale, the coin’s variety attribution was given as “Small Diameter, Large 5D, BD-2 Variety”. The coin is not in a holder that matches the attribution; in both the 2017 and recent 2020 sale, the coin is a basic PCGS #8153.

    Coin is described in the 2017 Heritage listing as: The present coin is a delightful Choice specimen, with vivid orange-gold surfaces that show only minor signs of contact. The design elements are sharply detailed in most areas, but the reverse shows some loss of detail on the shield stripes, arrow fletchings, and eagle's claws, due to lapping. There is a faint die crack through the lower point of star 5 on the obverse, and a more advanced crack from OF, through the wingtip, and the letters in AMERIC on the reverse. Vibrant satiny mint luster radiates from both sides, with hints of prooflike reflectivity in selected areas. Overall eye appeal is terrific. This remarkable coin was last publicly offered 26 years ago. It will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early gold die varieties. The updated 2020 Heritage is: The present coin is a delightful Choice specimen that exhibits the "glow" seen on certain high quality, original gold coins from this era. It is well struck for the issue with almost no weakness in the centers or on the stars, and both sides display dazzling, unbroken mint frost. There are just enough shallow marks to remove this lovely piece from Gem classification, but it has the strongest eye appeal of any of the 1830s half eagles in the remarkable McCoy Family Collection. This would be a perfect coin for the type collector who seeks a single Capped Head Left reduced diameter half eagle. CAC has approved this single coin in MS64 with none finer.

    The coin realized $216,000. When sold in 2017, the coin realized $211,500, the value has maintained price consistency. Mr. Hansen needs to send one of his two BD-2 coins to PCGS for variety attribution. I would recommend for him to leave this PCGS POP 1/0 alone, and send his other PCGS #8153 in for consideration. We will talk little more about that coin later.

    Provenance: L.A. Collection of U.S. Type Coins; 55th Anniversary Collection (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 1682; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2017), lot 5880, where it brought $211,500; Douglas Winter Numismatics; The McCoy Family Collection / US Coins Signature Auction, (Heritage, 8/2020), lot 4005, realized $216,000; The D.L. Hansen Collection.

    Countdown 30
    1831 Half Eagle, MS63 PCGS, CAC Approved
    PCGS, POP 1/0, Ex: L.A. Collection/McCoy
    #06719025, PCGS #8153
    PCGV: $220,000 / realized $216,000


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    Bass-Dannreuther 1. 1831 Small 5D

    1831 $5 Small 5D, BD-1, MS61 PCGS, from the McCoy Collection

    The number of known specimens is 14 to 18 specimens according to John W. Dannreuther. Expert David Akers describes the coin as: The relative rarity of the two varieties of the 1831 is exactly reversed from the 1830. With the 1831, the Small 5D is much more rare than the Large 5D. Almost all 1831 Half Eagles I have seen were the Large 5D variety and I would say that the Small 5D variety is 3-4 times as rare as the Large 5D variety and also more rare than the 1830 Large 5D, the 1834 Crosslet 4, or even the 1832 Square Base 2, 13 Stars.

    According to the PCGS POP report and the Condition Census report, presently there are only two PCGS certified coins carrying this variety attribution. One the new Hansen/McCoy MS61 and the other Eliasberg/Pogue MS67 PCGS graded superstar. The coin realized $646,250 in the 2016 Pogue sale. There may be other “Small 5D, BD-1” coins in the basic holder. The Harry Bass Foundation has an example, but his is not that that impressive. This 1831 half eagle with Small 5D reverse is from the same coinage die as HBCC-3157. A very small percentage of the 140,594-coin mintage survives, with very few of those in higher quality. The quoted mintage figure includes examples of both varieties, including HBCC-3159. Clearly less than 200 examples of both varieties survive. This example is from the Gilhousen Collection and was acquired by Harry Bass from the 1973 auction of that collection. Unfortunately, the reverse has been repaired. In the John W. Dannreuther reference book, he stated, Oddly, both coin in the Smithsonian Institution are of this variety (Small 5D), while the more readily available variety is not represented in that Museum.

    The Hansen coin realized $114,000 in the Heritage August 2020 sale. I think as the rarity of this MS61 specimen is better understood, the value could swing either way.

    Provenance: Sold by Howard Newlin to T. Harrison Garrett on April 28, 1883; Johns Hopkins University; Garrett Collection, Part I (Bowers and Ruddy, 11/1979), lot 474; Abner Kreisberg Corporation sale to The Beverly Hills Collection, January 18, 1980, for $19,500; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2005), lot 7789, where it brought $55,200; Donald Bently Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2014), lot 5436, where it sold for $82,250; The McCoy Family Collection / US Coins Signature Auction, (Heritage, 8/2020), lot 4004, realized $114,000; The D.L. Hansen Collection.

    Countdown 29
    1831 Half Eagle Small 5D, BD-1, MS61 PCGS. CAC Approved
    PCGS, POP 1/1, Ex: Garrett /McCoy
    Certification #32231489, PCGS #519948
    PCGV: $107,000 / realized $114,000


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    Bass-Dannreuther 2. 1831 Large 5D

    The number of known specimens is 22 to 30 specimens according to John W. Dannreuther. According to the PCGS POP report and the Condition Census report, presently there are only one PCGS certified coin carrying this variety attribution, the lone example is the Kaufman/Pogue MS65+ PCGS GEM. The coin realized $235,000 in the 2016 Pogue sale. The Harry Bass Foundation is said to have one of finest example known: This example with large denomination on the reverse is from the identical die used to produce the 1830 coinage as displayed at HBCC-3156. Only a small number of survivors exist, perhaps in the range of 30 to 35, including two Proofs. This Bass Collection coin is one of the finest circulation strikes known. This design type is essentially the same design created by John Reich in 1813. William Kneass made minor modifications to the design during the period from 1828 to 1834.

    As stated, Hansen purchased the 1831 $5 Unattributed BD-2, MS64 PCGS, CAC Approved specimen from the McCoy Collection. Also, Mr. Hansen has an existing 1831 Unattributed BD-2, MS61 POP 2/3, Specimen #34246760. I have no history when coin was purchased, so I think it has been in the collection for several years. As stated, I would suggest that Mr. Hansen send this MS61 coin in for variety attribution and leave the POP 1/0 specimen as is. It is nice to have choices, and certainly Mr. Hansen does. Either case, he will have the second certified BD-2, POP 1/1. Total investment in the Hansen 1831 trio is $114,000 for the McCoy “Large 5D”, $220,000 for McCoy “Small D”, and the duplicate base coin is valued at $97,500. To fill the three slots, Mr. Hansen has $431,500 invested.
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    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set in The D. L. Hansen Collection. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 29 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1853-D Half Eagle "Medium D" (Survival est. 15 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1793 Chain Large Cent "Periods" (118 PCGS Certified w/ 3 Mint State)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Large Letters" (Survival est. 32 w/ 20 Mint State)

    Last 9
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)
    1833 Half Eagle "Large Date" (Survival est. 37 w/ 19 Mint State)
    1834 Half Eagle "Capped Bust, Plain 4" (Survival est. 37 w/ 19 Mint State)
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1794 Large Cent "Starred Reverse" (Survival est. 60 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1807/6 Large Cent "Small 7" (Survival est. 100 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    New Leader in Two Cent Proofs

    We will take a short break from the Large Cent brownies and the golden Early Eagles and look at some red coins. If you are a lover of red coins, then you should love this update. We talked a few days ago about the significance that I feel the proofs will play in the historical greatest of the D.L. Hansen Collection. If true, then upgrades like this is a small indication of what to come.

    As you may know, one of my passions is studying the great collectors from the past. One of my favorite is William Cutter Atwater. He almost completed set of US issues from 1792 to 1920. B. Max Mehl is quoted in saying “only three of four exceptions”. I think it was a few more than that. Unlike what Hansen is doing today, in Atwater’s day, many of the US issues were of no or little significance or importance. In the back section of his 1946 Catalog; Part IV section is called “Minor Coins”. It contained small cents from 1856, two cents, nickel three cents and five cent pieces. A “choice” Flying Eagle Cent realized $165.00. The next most valuable coin from this section was the rare 1877 nickel in “beautiful perfect proof” that soared to $77.50. To get to the point, he sold his 10-piece two-cent bronze proofs in separate lots. The range realized for the coins was from 85c to $24.50. The latter is the “Scarce” 1871, brilliant proof. Total realized for the 10 coins was $60.10! I don’t think Atwater had the 1864 Small Motto proof specimen in his collection. Just in comparison, that coin alone is six figures for a top grade specimen. I think one of the driver for the way these coins are now viewed and valued is a direct result of the registry era.

    With that said, PCGS describes the present day registry set as: This set is sometimes put together with ten coins (one of each date), eleven coins (both varieties of the 1873) or twelve coins (including the EXPENSIVE and rare 1864 Small Motto). Any one of the three ways makes for a great set. In addition, the set can be assembled in Brown, Red & Brown or Red. The more color you seek, the rarer the coin and the greater the price. The Hansen Collection has three of these proof sets including two with the EXPENSIVE and rare 1864 Small Motto. He has a brown and red example. To go for a trio, he would need a RB specimen.

    This is the leaderboard for the Shield Two Cents with Major Varieties, Proof (1864-1873) set. This is the 12 piece set. Mr. Hansen replaced six coins in his set on 8/13 and jumped from fourth place to first! He purchased six of the top coins from “at that time” number one set, The Prestwick Collection. This is a specialty collector that only had the two-cent proof sets listed in the registry. He wrote this about his set: The Prestwick Collection is a full set of proof 2c pieces. The set current contains 6 pieces graded PR 66 RD CA or better, including the finest know 1871 piece in PR 67 RD CA.

    Mr. Hansen added two of the finest PCGS certified Pop 1/0 specimens, 1867 and 1871. He added these coins with two previous PCGS certified Pop 1/0 specimens, 1866 and 1873 Closed 3. Also, he added one tied for finest, 1864 Large Motto POP 4/0, with three other PCGS specimens. Previously he had one other tied for finest, 1873 Open 3. Six out of the twelve coins are the finest or tied for the finest. As stated, he jumped over not only the newly retired Prestwick Collection, also two Simpson sets! One was retired in 2014, and I am guessing we will be seeing the other one retire soon. The coin that I will feature is not one of the POP 1/0 upgrades rather the rare 1864 Small Motto PR 66RD, POP 1/ 2. Before a couple day’s age, I did not realize a six figure two-cent coin actually existed.

    1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece, PR66 Red, Sole Finest Certified Example (Heritage 6/2014)

    The PCGS value guide list this coin for $120,000. The overall POP given in the set confuses me a little. It indicates POP 1/0, and 1/ 2 overall (see above). The PCGS POP reports clearly shows the finest certified for 1864 2C Small Motto is a lone PR66RD. So, what is going on with the set, I have no clue.

    The coin has appeared in auction three times since 2000. First on a Superior Auction is 2000, then the Heritage 2014 sale of The Eugene H. Gardner Collection. The coin realized $105,750. This fall short of the record paid for a PR65RB CAC, in a 2014 Stack's Bowers Auction. The Auction Record is $112,125. The last public appearance for the new Hansen coin was 2015 Heritage where the coin realized $94,000. Amazing.

    In the last auction, the coin was described as: The present coin is the single-finest Small Motto proof certified with the Red designation. Housed in a green label holder, this specimen exhibits rich golden-red color throughout. The strike is exacting, producing a strong degree of design definition, with the shield in particular displaying outstanding details. The well-preserved surfaces are brightly reflective, further adding to the visual appeal. This coin should find a home in the finest collection or Registry Set.

    This amazing 1864 2C Small Motto (which I think to be a POP 1/0 coin) and the other five upgrades are great additions to Mr. Hansen’s proof set. It very interesting to watch all the work taking place with the the Early Half Eagles, the Hansen team shifted gears on a dime (or two-cent) and pick these great coins for “Minor US Issues” sets . They are not minor anymore. The Registry has changed that. I think maybe forever.

    Provenance: Pre-Long Beach Auction (Superior 10/2000), lot #4165, realized $74,759; Eugene H. Gardner Collection (Heritage 6/2014) lot #30105, realized $105,750; FUN US Coins Signature Auction (Heritage 1/2015), lot #1216, realized $94,000; Prestwick Collection (PCGS Registry) private sale 8/2020, D.L. Hansen Collection

    1864 Two-Cent, Small Motto, PR66RD
    POP 1/0, Overall 1/2?
    Certification #02575127, PCGS #3626
    PCCS Value Guide: $120,000 / Unknown, purchased in six coin group

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 33,811 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 21, 2020 2:48AM

    1864 Two-Cent, Small Motto, PR66RD
    POP 1/0, Overall 1/2?, Ex: Gardner, Prestwick
    Certification #02575127, PCGS #3626
    PCCS Value Guide: $120,000 / Unknown, purchased in six coin group

    Great to see a Gardner coin :)

    Prestwik still has a lot of great blazers:

    https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset/71277

  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 11,841 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 21, 2020 5:44AM

    The 1853-D medium D $5 doesn’t exist and are just misattributed large D’s. Winter evens notes as much in his recent book.

    The 1840-D Small D does exist. I cherry picked one off of eBay in an N40 holder ten years ago. Very easy to identify with a bisecting die crack through the mintmark.

  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 21, 2020 2:43PM

    Thank you for posting Doug Winter's latest reference on the (no longer thought to exist) 1853-D Medium D.
    It looks like this has been partially but not completely removed from the PCGS database.
    I posted it to the 1853-D thread:
    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12690253/#Comment_12690253

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Boosibri said:
    The 1853-D medium D $5 doesn’t exist and are just misattributed large D’s. Winter evens notes as much in his recent book.

    The 1840-D Small D does exist. I cherry picked one off of eBay in an N40 holder ten years ago. Very easy to identify with a bisecting die crack through the mintmark.

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    Interesting information..

    Thanks for info Boosibri and yosclimber. This is a very interesting controversy. I have been following for the past few weeks. Being this is a Major Variety countdown coin, I am planning to do an update on the coin (9/1, I think). It is interesting how Mr. Hansen and his team handled the controversy. Hang on and watch out for the Hansen Coin update. Just as a tidbit to wet your whisle, I think the Hansen team may agree with you.

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2020 5:09PM

    Actually there are 5 die varieties of Chain cents:

    Description Sheldon Breen PCGS
    AMERI. Reverse 1 1 AMERI.
    Widest date 2 2 AMERICA
    Close date and LIBERTY 3 4 AMERICA
    Periods after date and LIBERTY 4 5 Periods
    Widest LIBERTY NC-1 3 AMERICA

    https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/half-cents/flowing-hair-large-cent/type-1-chain-cent-1793/656

    I think what you are saying is that of the 5, there are 3 "major" varieties represented in this PCGS Registry Set.

  • AotearoaAotearoa Posts: 1,355 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 22, 2020 5:13PM

    The good stuff is finally coming through!

    Smitten with DBLCs.

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @yosclimber said:
    Actually there are 5 die varieties of Chain cents:

    I think what you are saying is that of the 5, there are 3 "major" varieties represented in this PCGS Registry Set.

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    Yes, that is correct. The three major varieties were the focus for Hansen at the time. It appear to me that he “dabbles” in the minor and die varieties. I can not say they are a priority, or anywhere close to being, although he has started a few Sheldon Varieties registry sets. How serious will they become is yet to be determined. If he does get serious, I could see him adding the forth Sheldon variety in your table. The last and fifth, I think would be a long shot for Hansen to have any interest. Can the “not collectible” be found in any registry sets? As we know, Sheldon’s “not collectible” do not necessarily mean the coin can not be obtained. I briefly mentioned the point in one of my recent posting.

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 27

    1833 Early Gold Rarity, Finest Graded at PCGS

    I will continue the Early Half Eagles series updates with the 1833. Who knew in 1833 that one hundred years later would be the end of the golds coins being issued in the US? The Major Varieties registry set requires two 1833 varieties. They are the 1833 “Large Date” and the “Small Date”. Expert David Akers describes the 1833 Half Eagle as: Although the 1833 is a very rare coin, particularly in gem condition, it is possibly the commonest coin of this type unless one combines the varieties of 1830 or 1834. There are two different sized dates for 1833 but the differences are rather slight and past cataloguers have generally made no distinction between the date sizes over the years. Almost all known examples are AU or Unc as the auction data clearly shows.

    According to the information compiled by John W. Dannreuther in the book, Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, there are three die varieties. There are two dies varieties for the Small Date variety. All varieties are rare, the “BD-3, Small date” is the rarest with fewer than five known specimens. The most common variety has between 22 and 45 known specimens. Let’s take a quick look at them.

    Bass-Dannreuther 1. 1833 Wide, Large Date

    According to Mr. Dannreuther reference book, the number of known specimens is 35 to 45. The PCGS POP report show there are 19 certified basic coins with only two certified as BD-1. There are no GEM 1833 Wide, Large Date Half Eagles certified by PCGS. I am not sure there is a specimen that qualifies as a GEM. This is written about the Harry Bass coin: The Bass Collection coin is a lovely Mint-State example, and clearly qualifies as one of the finest known. Mr. Hansen purchased his example in the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was from The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles. In the PCGS POP report, the Hansen MS64+ coin is POP 1/0. The MS64+ is the finest circulated strike certified, and may be the finest that exist. I will feature this coin today.

    Bass-Dannreuther 2. 1833 Close, Small Date, Distant Period

    The number of known specimens is 22 to 28. The PCGS POP report show there are eight certified. The finest is a lone MS65 GEM specimen. The GEM specimen is the Benson Collection coin. The last appearance in action is 2005 American Numismatic Rarities Auction where the coin realized $150,000. The Pogue Coin is a PCGS MS64+. The coin in Mr. Hansen’s collection is a MS63, POP 2/4. We don’t know when Mr. Hansen obtained his MS63, but we do know the last public auction was the Heritage 2017 FUN US Coins Signature Sale in Fort Lauderdale, FLA. The coin was from The Hutchinson Collection and realized $111,625.

    Bass-Dannreuther 3. 1833 Close, Small Date, Close Period

    The number of known specimens is three, maybe four, really? PCGS has not certified an 1833 BD-3 variety. The whereabouts of the three to four known specimens are a little fuzzy. The one of the two coins that we know for certain is in The Harry Bass Foundation Collection catalog number HBCC 3162. The Foundation Collection provide this interesting note: This example has a small date on the obverse and period close to 5D on the reverse. In his Complete Encyclopedia, Walter Breen described this as a “reported variety” and suggested it may be unique. Oddly, in Mr. Dannreuther reference book, he does not identify any additional known specimens. PCGS does not have any certified specimens, although a BD-3 was recently sold in a Heritage April 2017 CSNS U.S. Coins Signature Auction in Chicago, IL. The sale listed the complete roster at only two specimens. The coin sold in this sale was 1833 Small Date, BD-3 Variety Half Eagle, and PCGS MS61. The coin was described as possibly unique in private hands. This Ex: Norweb specimen may be the only possible coin that can be purchase. The coin was offered in sale of the Hutchinson Collection after being off the market for more than two decades.

    1833 Capped Bust Half Eagle, BD-1 Large Date MS64+

    This coin is the finest known for the large date variety. As stated earlier, Mr. Hansen purchased the coin in the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was from The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles. The Heritage description does not describe the coin as finest: This is likely the second finest known business strike 1833 Large Date half eagle and it is a cosmetically appealing borderline Gem with rich natural yellow-gold color that is accented by some darker contrasting hues mostly on the obverse and most notable from 7 to 10 o'clock. The strike is sharp for the issue with almost no weakness seen in the centers. About the only thing that keeps this lovely coin from a Gem grade are a few small ticks in the lower-right obverse field. This statement is a little puzzling and there no reference to the finer large date coin. The finest certified by NGC is a pair of MS63. This lead me to believe the general censuses is the Harry Bass Foundation specimen is a GEM, finest known.

    The heritage description is rather short for this coin. The only appearance description is given in my quote above. As usual, in the 2016 Stacks Bowers Auction of the Pogue Collection, the description was more detailing: Though struck from the same dies and exhibiting nearly the same level of preservation, this half eagle could not be more different in appearance from the Proof that precedes it. The surfaces are deeply frosty, displaying satiny luster that spins across the fields like a farm of windmills driven by the same breeze. Tinted with the precious light green often seen on United States gold coins of this vintage, the toning is an even light yellow, just a bit darker inside the obverse rim. The strike is good, with only modest softness in the usual central regions, and the fields are free of any significant impacts. Some light hairlines are seen on both sides, along with trivial abrasions and a few lines on Liberty's cheek. A short thin scratch is noted between her throat and star 1. Artifacts of the phenomenon long termed "planchet chips," likely caused by microscopic debris that clung to the die face at the moment of striking, is widespread around the obverse periphery, atop the date, and throughout the reverse fields, most concentrated above the denomination. All Pogue coins are masterpieces, and Mr. Hansen added this one to his collection for $144,000. A discount of $50,000 from PCGS value Guide!

    Provenance: David Akers private treaty (9/1990); Pogue Collection (Stack's Bowers, 5/2016), lot 4045, realized $129,250; Doug Winter Numismatics; The McCoy Family Collection (Heritage 8/9/2020), lot 4007, realized $144,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.

    1833 Capped Bust Half Eagle, BD-1 Large Date MS64+
    PCGS, POP 1/0
    Certification #32916367, PCGS #519952
    PCGSVG: $190,000 / realized $144,000
    Ex: Pogue/McCoy


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    .
    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set in The D. L. Hansen Collection. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 27 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1853-D Half Eagle "Medium D" (Survival est. 15 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Large Letters" (Survival est. 32 w/ 20 Mint State)
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)

    Last 7
    1834 Half Eagle "Capped Bust, Plain 4" (Survival est. 37 w/ 19 Mint State)
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1794 Large Cent "Starred Reverse" (Survival est. 60 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1807/6 Large Cent "Small 7" (Survival est. 100 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • JBatDavidLawrenceJBatDavidLawrence Posts: 500 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Currin said:

    @Zoins said:
    A big thanks to @JBatDavidLawrence for speaking at the Newman Portal Symposium:

    Surpassing Eliasberg: The Story of D.L. Hansen and the Greatest US Coin Collection

    .
    .
    I registered for event. It will interesting to hear what John Brush has to say. He is doing a really great job with the Hansen Collection and his fast growing company. It don’t appear that COVID will cause any impact on the either the collection or business. John is a really busy man, and it great to see that he still can take time to present at a symposium. I will be watching

    I plan to watch John Dannreuther too. It should be a great John and John show.

    JD’s will certainly be impressive! I volunteered to do this early on in the NNP Symposium program as I thought that it was an excellent opportunity to share some of the fun I’ve had with the collection. Now that I know who else is presenting over the weekend, I feel completely out of place as these folks are true scholars!
    I’m sure it’ll be fun nonetheless, but if you have any questions, email them in advance or throw them into the chat box of the presentation. It’s primarily going to be a Q and A from my perspective, so I can’t promise anything but my opinions...I’m looking forward to 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
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 26

    1834 Early Capped Bust, “Plain 4” MS63

    I will continue the Early Half Eagles series of updates with the 1834 specimens. This is the last year of the Capped Bust coinage. This has been a very interesting series to study. Also, this is the last of the Early Half Eagles countdown coins. Maybe. I think I previous told you that Mr. Hansen purchased eight Capped Bust Half Eagle countdown coins from The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles. I did miss one that was not very obvious. He not only purchased countdown coins, but few upgrades and a few others just because he wanted them. In total, I believed he purchased 14 of the McCoy 24 coins that were offered in the Heritage sale. That was not bad for a night’s work. If I am not mistaking, it was Mr. Hansen placing the bids from his home in Utah, and not John Brush in this case.

    The 1834 Half Eagles make an interesting year. I will limit this discuss to the Capped Head Half Eagles only. Maybe you are aware, a new series stated in 1834 with the Classic Half Eagles. If you combine the two types, it is about 13 different die varieties. I will be referencing Capped Head Half Eagles from this point on.

    Expert David Akers describes the 1834 Half Eagle as: This is the final year of this very rare type. As a date, i.e. with both varieties lumped together; the 1834 is possibly the most common date of the type, despite the fact that the mintage is at most 40% of the mintages for 1830-1833. This merely goes to show that mintages, particularly of early U.S. gold coins which experienced wide scale melting in 1834-1836, can be unreliable in determining rarity. The Plain 4 variety of the 1834 Motto is more often available than the Crosslet 4 variety. Gem quality coins are almost unobtainable and even AU or average uncirculated coins are not seen with any regularity.

    According to the information compiled by John W. Dannreuther in the book, Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, there are four die varieties. There are two dies varieties for the “Plain 4” variety and two for the “Crosslet 4”. For each major variety, one die type is common, and the other is extremely rare. For BD-4, the coin is unique. Let’s take a quick look at them.

    Bass-Dannreuther 1. 1834 Motto Plain 4

    According to Mr. Dannreuther reference book, the number of known specimens is 30 to 40. The PCGS POP report show there are 33 certified. This seems large with the number estimating surviving at only 40. There could be some resubmissions in the POP report. There is no GEM 1834 Half Eagles certified by PCGS. Yes, none in any variety. The Bass Foundation website offers no grade or condition for the Bass specimen. The Pogue BD-1 Specimen was a MS64 condition coin. Mr. Hansen purchased his example in the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction. The coin was from The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles. In the PCGS POP report, the Hansen MS63 coin is POP 3/3. This is stated in the Heritage sale: It is likely that four or five coins exist in MS63 with another two or three in MS64. NGC has graded one piece MS65 but most serious collectors believe that the finest are the tiny handful known in MS64. The best we have seen is the Gilhousen/Pogue PCGS MS64 that brought $152,750 in May 2016. Mr. Hansen paid $90,000 for his MS63, POP 3/3 Specimen.

    Bass-Dannreuther 2. 1834 Motto, Crosslet 4

    The number of known specimens is 45 to 55. The PCGS POP report show there are 13 certified. I am not sure how to explain the significant difference in the POP reports for the two types. The finest grade for PCGS is a pair of MS63+ specimens. Mr. Hansen purchased one of them in the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction of from The McCoy Family Collection. He replaced a PCGS MS63 coin that has a POP of 2/2. He has two of the top four PCGS coins in his collection. I will feature this coin in this posting.

    Bass-Dannreuther 3. 1834 Motto, Plain 4

    The number of known specimens is three, at the most five. PCGS has not certified an 1834 BD-3 variety. The whereabouts of the three of known specimens are given. The one that we know for certain is a coin in The Harry Bass Foundation Collection catalog number HBCC 3167. The description given by HBCC: This example is a second variety of 1834 with plain 4 in the date with a different reverse die than HBCC-3165. This reverse is the same die used to produce the 1834 Crosslet 4 example displayed at HBCC-3166, but in a later die state with this obverse. In an Heritage Auction of a BD-3, AU58 NGC specimen in 2017, the auctioneer offered this roster of three known specimens:

    Roster of Known 1834 BD-3 Half Eagles
    1- MS64 NGC. Pre-Long Beach Auction (Goldbergs, 9/2008), lot 1258 (misattributed as BD-1); ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2010), lot 3495, realized $41,688.
    2- AU58 NGC. Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Superior, 9/1996), lot 2265. The Hutchinson Collection (Heritage 4/2017), lot 4262, realized $49,350.
    3- Ungraded. Jonathan Rosen Collection (Stack's, 9/1968), lot 340; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection; ANA Money Museum

    Bass-Dannreuther 4. 1834 Motto, Crosslet 4 (Unique)

    This is a unique variety that Mr. Dannreuther believes is a lone survivor. Harry Bass has the only known example now located in the Bass Foundation Collection. Mr. Dannreuther writes this tribute pertaining to this unique issue: It is ironic, poignant, and fitting tribute to the legacy of Harry Wesley Bass Jr. that the final variety of half eagles, his favorite early gold denomination, is unique and is a member of the Bass Collection. Bass was a unique numismatist and his collecting passion for early gold was unsurpassed in the annals of numismatics.

    1834 Capped Bust Half Eagle, BD-2 Motto, Crosslet 4, MS63+

    I know this is a little unusual for me to have a countdown posting for the 1834 “Plain 4”, but I am featuring a different coin. Is there anything usual about Mr. Hansen and his Collection? It may be rubbing off on me. He did purchase two 1834 Half Eagles in the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction from The McCoy Family Collection. The best coin was the 1834 Capped Bust Half Eagle, BD-2 Motto, Crosslet 4, MS63+. There are two of these coins that are graded MS63+. This new Hansen coin, and the other, you guessed it: The Pogue coin! The Pogue coin is a real beauty. In the 2016 Pogue sale, the coin brought $129,250. Mr. Hansen had to pay a little more for his specimen, but it is worth it.

    Expert David Akers describes the coin as: This is one of the rarest coins of this type. It appeared at auction as infrequently in all grades as the highly touted 1832 13 Stars and actually had fewer appearances in Unc than the 1832 13 Stars. It is more rare than the 1830 Small 5D, 1831 Large 5D, 1833 or 1834 Plain 4, and is of almost the same rarity as the 1830 Large 5D. Unlike some dates of this type which are often weakly struck on the eagle, the 1834 Crosslet 4 Half Eagles I have seen (the 1834 Plain 4 coins also) have almost always been well struck. From a 2007 Heritage description: Although the 1979 photograph makes plate matching difficult, we are quite certain that this example piece is from the famous Garrett Collection, sold on behalf of Johns Hopkins University by Bowers and Ruddy in a series of four sales from 1979 to 1981. A tiny rim bruise directly above star 7 appears to match the photo of the Garrett coin. Despite a few insignificant abrasions, this is a lovely example with bright greenish yellow-gold color and full prooflike surfaces. The obverse has a die crack joining stars 9 through 13. John Dannreuther described to different die cracks for his die state b, but the other crack from the rim to cap at the right side of star 6 is not visible on this piece. The reverse has a crack through MERICA and the denomination.

    In a more recent 2020 Heritage sale, the auctioneer described the coin as: This coin presents an exceptionally bold impression in bright greenish-gold and the centers show nearly full definition on both sides. There are a few wispy lines in the left obverse field and some very small marks in the fields. A small rim bump at 12 o'clock on the obverse serves as an identifier. This coin was last offered for sale in 2007 as an NGC MS64, and we can see why this coin was graded as such as it is really quite choice.

    In the Heritage 2020 US Coins Signature Auction of The McCoy Family Collection of Capped Head Half Eagles, the 1834 MS63+, Crosslet 4, BD-2 specimen realized $138,000. The coin replaces a MS63, Pop 2/2 specimen. The new MS63+ coin is valued at $145,000 by PCGS. Mr. Hansen has a nice pair of 1834 Capped Head Half Eagles. This POP 2/0 specimen is the nicer of the two.

    Provenance: 69th Sale (Haseltine, 6/1883); T. Harrison Garrett; Johns Hopkins University; Garrett Collection, Part I (Bowers and Ruddy, 11/1979), lot 477; Freedom Collection; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2007), where it brought $109,250; Dallas Signature (Heritage, 4/2007), lot 1699, where it sold (as NGC MS64) for $103,500; The McCoy Family Collection (Heritage 8/9/2020), lot 4009, realized $138,000, D.L. Hansen Collection.

    1834 Capped Bust, BD-2, With Motto, Crosslet 4 MS63+
    PCGS, POP 2/0
    Certification #32231490, PCGS #519956
    PCGSVG: $145,000 / realized $138,000
    Ex: Garrett/McCoy


    .
    .
    1834 Capped Bust, BD-1, With Motto, Plain 4 MS63
    PCGS, POP 3/3
    Certification #32231516, PCGS #519955
    PCGSVG: $117,000 / realized $90,000
    Ex: Husky/McCoy


    .
    .
    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set in The D. L. Hansen Collection. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 26 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1853-D Half Eagle "Medium D" (Survival est. 15 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Large Letters" (Survival est. 32 w/ 20 Mint State)
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)

    Last 6
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1794 Large Cent "Starred Reverse" (Survival est. 60 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1807/6 Large Cent "Small 7" (Survival est. 100 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • carabonnaircarabonnair Posts: 1,387 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Currin said:
    Major Varieties – Countdown 26

    Last 6

    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)

    That "sole mint state example" of 1795 Overton-126a Tompkins-22 is the Lord St. Oswald coin, also ex Pogue and Simpson, and up for auction this November. Interesting to see if Mr. Hansen pursues it...

  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Currin said:
    Countdown 34
    1795 Reeded Edge, BN G4BN
    PCGS, POP 2/1, Ex: Newcomb-Hines-ESM
    Certification #19252679, PCGS #1383
    PCGV: $325,000 / realized $132,000

    well color me astonished. i saw that coin in the ngc fine details holder shortly after it was graded. now it resides in a prob-free pcgs g4. man the journey some of these coins take in grade and price(s) realized. from $431k f-details to this.

    was the ex-holmes/husak $1mm s-79 not a candidate? it did sell later for around $650k? it has a far better look than this one. considerably less money for this one though. you did say hansen isn't focusing as much with varieties and there are far better 1795 large cents out there by condition.

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    P> @carabonnair said:

    @Currin said:
    Major Varieties – Countdown 26

    Last 6

    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)

    That "sole mint state example" of 1795 Overton-126a Tompkins-22 is the Lord St. Oswald coin, also ex Pogue and Simpson, and up for auction this November. Interesting to see if Mr. Hansen pursues it...

    .
    ,
    This is certainly a coin to watch, but the real coin I will be watching is near the top of the list.

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • earlyAurumearlyAurum Posts: 718 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Currin said:
    P> @carabonnair said:

    @Currin said:
    Major Varieties – Countdown 26

    Last 6

    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)

    That "sole mint state example" of 1795 Overton-126a Tompkins-22 is the Lord St. Oswald coin, also ex Pogue and Simpson, and up for auction this November. Interesting to see if Mr. Hansen pursues it...

    .
    ,
    This is certainly a coin to watch, but the real coin I will be watching is near the top of the list.

    it might be the 1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known). - This coin is really amazing and will come up for sale at Fun.

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 24 & 25

    Large Cents with Major Varieties

    This is the final update for the Large Cent additions. The D. L. Hansen Collection is one coin away from completing the 67 piece Large Cents, Major Varieties (With the four Ultra Rarities), Circulation Strikes (1793-1814) set. As a collector, you may have experienced being in this place many times yourself. It is a very happy and pleasing time, or a very frustrating time. At this point, I think it would be a very pleasing time for Mr. Hansen. He just experienced bidding successfully in the ESM sale. He purchased six great coins that are not seen often. He was able to seize the opportunity.

    1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Chain Reverse. S-4. Rarity-3. AMERICA, With Periods. AU-55 (PCGS).
    1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Wreath Reverse. NC-3. Rarity-8-. Strawberry Leaf. VG-10 (PCGS).
    1795 Liberty Cap Cent. S-79. Rarity-7-. Reeded Edge. Good-4 (PCGS).
    1795 Liberty Cap Cent. S-80. Rarity-5+. Jefferson Head, Plain Edge. VF-20 (PCGS).
    1796 Draped Bust Cent. S-112. Rarity-4+. Reverse of 1794. MS-63 BN (PCGS).
    1807/6 Draped Bust Cent. S-272. Rarity-4+. Small 7, Blunt 1. Fine-12 (PCGS).

    The six Large Cents realized $1,162,800. More importantly, they filled some big slots in the collection. Hopefully, Mr. Hansen will not have a long wait to fill that last slot in the box, although the last one is a very difficult coin, 1795 “Jefferson” Lettered Edge. With High Desert now having the most desirable specimen, PCGS VF-30, the opportunities are very limited. With PCGS having only certified three specimens, the High Desert coin and a poor condition FR-2, there is only one coin that I would consider desirable. The last coin is a VF-15 that last appeared in a 2009 auction of the Dan Holmes Collection. If this coin is not available, then it could be a very long and frustrating wait.

    Mr. Hansen has an opportunity to join an elite group that has assembled a complete PCGS registry set of Large Cents. The Who’s Who of this exclusive club is High Desert, R.E. (Ted) Naftzger Jr, Dan Holmes, and Peter Miller. Mr. Hansen is knocking on the door. With the finest Strawberry Leaf specimen, he is holding a nice calling card.

    Countdown 25

    1807/6 Draped Bust Cent, S-272, Small 7, Blunt 1. Fine-12 BN

    StacksBowers describes this major variety as: Unknown in Mint State, the 1807/6 Small 7, Blunt 1 (a.k.a. Small Overdate) has long been popular with collectors and ranks among the most famous of all large cent rarities. Only 100 or so examples are believed extant, most of which are well worn, if not also significantly impaired. In fact, fewer than half a dozen coins are known that grade better than Fine on the EAC scale. The ESM specimen is not far below that level, graded VG-8 as it was in Superior's 1986 sale of the Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection. With overall bold detail, including a full date and clear underdigit, this coin is sure to find many willing buyers among advanced large cent enthusiasts.

    The coin is worn without doubt. The surfaces are described as: Dark steel-brown patina throughout, the obverse with a few swirls of olive-rose. The obverse is microporous with a tiny flan flaw on Liberty's forehead, a couple of light nicks in the field before the nose, and several wispy pin scratches in the lower left field behind the portrait. The reverse is rough and granular, yet free of significant marks. The coin is a little darker than I prefer. I am sure Mr. Hansen feels the same.

    This coin serves nice slot filler. There are nicer coins, including the Naftzger/Pogue AU55 specimen that sold for $305,500 in 2017. That coin is now in the High Desert Registry set. There a few other nice AU graded specimens out there. The coin did not come cheap; the F12BN ESM coin realized $38,400, but does fill the slot nicely.

    Provenance: Ray Chatham; Abe Kosoff, 1958; Herman Engelhardt (Montrose Coin Gallery); Ralph Brown, August 19, 1959; Darwin B. Palmer, Jr.; Del Bland, 1973; Robinson S. Brown, Jr.; Superior's sale of the Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection, September-October 1986, lot 399; ESM Collection (StacksBowers 8/2020, lot 1053, realized $38,400, The D.L. Hansen Collection.

    Countdown 35
    1807/6 Large Cent “S-272 Small 7”, F12BN
    PCGS, POP 3/11, Ex: Chatham - R.S. Brown, Jr.
    Certification #21842871, PCGS #1525
    PCGV: $11,250 / realized $38,400


    .
    .
    Countdown 24

    1794 Large Cent Starred Reverse, Fine-15 BN

    This last countdown coin was not purchased from the ESM Collection. Before we dig into that, let’s look at the coin, 1794 “Starred Reverse” Large Cent. Expert Denis Loring commented: The Starred Reverse is the most famous of all the 1794's. According to Sheldon, "Collectors mention it with religious awe." About 50-60 are known in all grades. Early in its life, the reverse die buckled in a straight line from 10:00 to 4:00, accounting for the scarcity of the variety. Because of the buckle, the upper right reverse wears away quickly and the lower left lingers. Low-grade examples are known showing only a few stars at 7:00. The coin does appear to show some stars around the clock, but it appear to me some are missing. The weakest area is from 1:00 to 5:00.

    StacksBowers describes this major variety as: S.H. Chapman called the Starred Reverse an R.6 variety in a scale from 1 to 8, with R.8 being unique. Although he didn't further define his rarity scale, it seems that perhaps 10 to 20 examples were known to him. Two decades later, Dr. William Sheldon retained the R.6 rarity rating in Early American Cents, published in 1949, with the interesting comments: "At one time I owned nine of them, and I have seen nearly thirty, so it is likely that if a complete census were taken in the outlying numismatic bogs and hamlets, more than thirty, at any rate, could be turned up. ... To list the Hays 8 as an R-5 would be too much of a shock to the old-time collectors." He continued the R.6 myth in Penny Whimsy, published nine years later, noting the collectors "mention it with religious awe." Many more have been located in the last half century, and today the famous Starred Reverse is approaching a High R.4 rarity rating. There are probably about 70 examples known, including the present piece, apparently one of the more recent discoveries, and an exceptional example.

    Same as the coin before, the coin is heavily worn. The surfaces are described as: Both sides have deep steel-brown fields with lighter chocolate-brown devices. Minor surface roughness is consistent with the grade. A tiny obverse rim bruise at 9 o'clock will help track the pedigree, although we are unable to find any others with that feature prior to this coin's first known appearance in 2012. Most important about this piece is the nearly complete reverse border with at least 70 of the 94 stars visible. The existing sharpness is equivalent to the PCGS grade, and deductions are minor. The cataloger's net grade places this splendid specimen among the dozen finest examples. Our EAC grade VG8. For me, to be an old early copper, this coin is a little more appealing than the coin before.

    Mr. Hansen purchased this coin in the Heritage August 2020 U.S. Coins Signature Auction in Dallas, TX. If you recall, this is the auction that Mr. Hansen purchased the convocation of Half Eagles. The sale was two days before the StacksBowers sale of ESM Collection. PCGS has graded nine coins as finer. One of the nine was sold two days later in the ESM sale. The ESM specimen was a lovely VF-30 (PCGS) that realized $156,000. Mr. Hansen had the opportunity to upgrade, but to upgrade a coin two days after purchased was maybe even too soon for even someone like Mr. Hansen to seriously consider. The top specimen is a PCGS AU50 Naftzger/ Husak specimen that realized $632,500 in 2008.

    It is obvious that Mr. Hansen is happy with this coin in his collection. The 1794 Large Cent Starred Reverse is not cheap in any certifiable grades. Even a poor coin is five figures. The Hansen coin realized $49,200 in the Heritage sale. PCGS Price guide values the coin at $77,500. I am sure the price was pleasing to Mr. Hansen as well.

    Provenance: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 3033, realized $74,750; Gene Heard Collection, (Goldberg 6/2017) lot 98, realized $44,063; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4090, realized $52,800; U.S. Coins Signature (Heritage, 8/2020), lot 3907, realized $49,200, The D.L. Hansen Collection.

    1794 Large Cent Starred Reverse, Fine-15 BN
    PCGS, POP 1/9, Ex: Gene Heard
    Certification #34179930, PCGS #1374
    PCGV: $77,500 / realized $49,200


    .
    .
    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set in The D. L. Hansen Collection. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 24 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1853-D Half Eagle "Medium D" (Survival est. 15 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Large Letters" (Survival est. 32 w/ 20 Mint State)
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)

    Last 4
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 23

    1820 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Square Base 2, Large Letters, BD-2, MS63+

    This update will conclude the updates for the Early Half Eagles purchased in the McCoy Family Heritage sale. I did not cover all of them, rather the most significant purchases. This is the only five figure Ex: McCoy Specimen that was featured, All the others were six figured. The reason for featuring is the coin count downs toward the completion for the Major Variety set. This new purchased in not used in the set at this time. Before getting into those details, let’s look at the 1820 half eagle coins. According to John W. Dannreuther, there are nine die varieties known for the 1820 half eagle with several of these rare. David Akers comment: All 1820 Square Base 2 Half Eagles have Large Letters on the reverse. This variety is of approximately equal rarity to the Curved Base 2 varieties when the Large Letters and Small letters varieties are combined. (Separately, the Large Letters and Small letters varieties of the 1820 Curved Base 2 are more rare than the 1820 Square Base 2.) It is more rare than the 1813 and more rare from a standpoint of total number of specimens known than the 1814/3 or 1818. As is the case with the 1820 Curved Base 2 varieties, the 1820 Square Base 2 Half Eagle is normally encountered in AU or better condition. To simplify this complex date, the following major varieties exist:

    Square Base 2, Large Letters (BD-1, BD-2, BD-3, BD-4)
    Curved Base 2, Large Letters (BD-5, BD-7, BD-9
    Curved Base 2, Small Letters (BD-6, BD-8)

    This obviously shows us that there are three Major Varieties, with the Square Base 2 variety the most common. According to PCGS POP report, the coin has been 65 certified 1820 half eagles. Of these, 53 are the Square Base 2 variety (or at least in holders designating). The scarcest is the Curved Base 2, Small Letters currently has only three PCGs certified. Understand, I am not referencing Die Varieties; these numbers are for Major Varieties.

    Early in certification history, I do not think PCGS was concerned about the Major Varieties of the 1820 Half Eagles. It appears to me in the distant past, PCGS certified many of the 1820 Half Eagles in the standard holder for PCGS number 8125. I make this statement because the number for square base is 53 of the 65 certified coins. In upholding the point, The Collection has one of these miss attributed coins. The coin is a very appearing MS64 (Now MS64+) specimen from the Hutchinson Collection. In fall of 2019, I had spoken about rebranding effort for this coin. About 600 coins was pedigreed including several for reconsidering for upgrade. This coin was one that passed the test. Prior, the coin was a MS64. Let me show you a prior image.

    As you can see from 2017 Heritage image, the coin is in an 8125 holder for 1820 Square Base 2. Look at the coin; it is clearly not a square base. I don’t show you the reverse of the coin but the coin is an 1820 $5 Curl Base 2, Large Letters, PCGS #8127. To be more specific, I can vouch that the coin is BD-5, PCGS #519926. The coin will have a POP of 1/2 in the BD-5, PCGS #519926 holder (no change in POP). For the Collection to get the credit for this coin in the registry set, the coin will need to be sent to PCGS to get the PCGS number corrected.

    Countdown 23

    1820 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Square Base 2, Large Letters, BD-2, MS63+, EX: McCoy

    This coin is not yet seen in the Major Variety set due to the issue I described with the 1820 base coin. As I previously indicated, this is the most common of the three varieties. According to Mr. Dannreuther reference book, the number of known for BD-2 Die Variety is 25 to 30. The most common is BD-3 known to have 50 to 65. BD-4 is extremely rare at 2 or maybe 4 at the most. The PCGS POP report show there is only one certified for the BD-2 Die Variety. You guessed it; the one coin is the new specimen added to The Collection. By no mean am I implying the MS63+ specimen is the top coin. The auctioneer wrote: There are around 100 total pieces known of the Square Base 2 with fewer than half of these in Uncirculated, mostly in the MS60 to MS62 range. Examples graded MS63 are scarcer than the seemingly inflated population of 17 pieces at PCGS, and the same can likely be said for the PCGS population of 10 in MS64. Gems are very rare with the single finest graded by this service an MS65+. According to the POP report, there are a dozen coins in base holders graded higher. Just a guess, but I would think 50% or more is the common BD-3. We know that one of the 12 is this miss attributed MS64+ coin. So, just doing the math, I would think in reality, there may be 2 to 4 BD-2 specimens that may grade higher than this BD-2 MS64+ specimen.

    In the Heritage sale, they list a coin that is comparable: The other PCGS-certified MS63+ 1820 Square Base 2 Large Letters half eagle is a CAC-approved piece that sold for $56,400 as part of the Blue Moon Collection (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 2328. It appears these coins do not come to market often. This piece has been off the market for 14 years and it represents one of the nicer examples of this variety to have been offered in some time. The 2006 appearance was an American Numismatic Rarities.

    The coin was described by the auctioneer as: This example is notable for its natural appearance that features attractive dusky green-gold hues on both sides. The obverse is well-detailed while there is some slight weakness seen on the reverse at the inner feathers on the right wing. The luster is excellent with a nice satiny texture, and there are just a few shallow scuffs seen in the left obverse field.

    I hope the attribution issues can be fixed. The set has this coin and two others: 1830 Large 5D, and the 1831 Large 5D that are missing. These coins show as gaping holes in the set and collection. In reality, they are not. As we now leave the Early Half Eagles, I think I will miss them. Hopefully, we will be back soon. The Collection needs three other Major Varieties: 1797 “Small Eagle, 15 Stars”, 1810 “Large Date, Small 5” (5 Known), and the 1820 Curl Base 2, Sm Letters. Also, the exceptional rare 1798 Small Eagle with only two acceptable graded specimens certified by PCGS is needed. Lastly, we can not forget the Pogue 1822. One of these five coins will be next. Let’s watch and see.

    Provenance: Lake Michigan and Springdale Collections (American Numismatic Rarities, 6/2006), lot 2540, where it sold for $32,200; The McCoy Family Collection (Heritage 8/9/2020), lot 3992 realized $44,400.

    1820 Capped Bust Half Eagle, Square Base 2, Large Letters, BD-2, MS63+,
    PCGS, POP 1/0 (Die Variety), POP 2/13 (Major Variety)
    Certification # 32231508, PCGS # 519921
    PCGSVG: $60,000 / realized $44,400
    Ex: McCoy Family


    .
    .
    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 23 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1853-D Half Eagle "Medium D" (Survival est. 15 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)

    Last 3
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Major Varieties – Countdown 22

    We have reached the end of this journey for counting down the Major Varieties. This may be just a break, because the destination is still to come, hopefully. For the Major Varieties, the final destination will be 2 remaining. The uncollectable coins in the National Collection are not obtainable. To reach this destination, two or three very difficult roadblocks are still in the way. First being the 1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath", this will not be an easy coin to obtain. There are only two in PCGS holders, and AU58 and the finest known, PCGS MS62. The 1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" by most accounts, only three are known. One of them is in Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation currently on loan to the Money Museum at the American Numismatic Association. Another one is the strong hands of the Tyrant. The third coin may be interesting to watch in the few months. Maybe the biggest roadblock could be the 1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" with two known. The 1861-S “Paquet” is already in The Collection, it sure would be nice to see the pairing of that coin with one of the two 1861s. The last few weeks have been very interesting watching the additions of the McCoy Family Half Eagles and Peter Miller’s Large Cents, but maybe the most fun is yet to come. Let’s watch and see.

    1853-D Liberty Head Half Eagle “Medium D”, AU53

    I am not sure we could call this coin interesting or a better phase would be controversial. Being PCGS requires this coin in the registry sets; I cannot help but dragged 1853-D “medium D” into the discussion.

    At this point, the last countdown coin I am aware that is added to The Collection is this 1853-D Liberty Head Half Eagle “Medium D” Specimen. The slot needs to be filled by buying a coin. If you recall, I explained the set require having three 1830 & 1831 Half Eagles, even though there is only two varieties of each that exist. How was this crazy requirement handled? , The Collection added duplicate coins. End of story. How is the 1853-D “Medium D” controversy handled? The set now has a coin that PCGS recognizes. End of story. The Major Variety set is now one more toward completion.

    I am certainly not as conversant in this debate as some of you. I don’t try to be. There is a thread that was mention a few days ago by yosclimber contains a vast amount of details on this coin. Actually this new coin was discussed in the thread a year ago before the recent purchase. My takeaway is there are three camps on this debate. The first camp spearheaded by Doug Winter does not think the coin actually exists. This may the majority view. Then there is another camp. They believe the 1853-D Medium D does exist. They follow the belief that Medium D is “Reverse W”. The coins that PCGS certifies are not “Reverse W”. PCGS uses “Reverse V” as the Medium D. The third camp would agree that PCGS has it right. It appears to me there are very few experts that are in the PCGS camp. Guys, if I don’t have the explained correctly, bail me out.

    So with the information in hand, and the debate that been going on for more than 12 months, I asked about the reasoning on purchasing this controversial coin and thoughts of the debate. The response was: This is one of those weird coins where things pop up. Truth be told, I don't think there is a Medium D issue, but this will have to hold the place until PCGS fixes their issue one day. A place holder coin is an interesting way to look at this issue. O

    It appears the coin purchased off of an eBay listing on July 15, 2020. We cannot be certain how much was paid for the coin, but the listing indicated a $9500 sale price. The coin had the best offer option available. The coin was advertised as it indicates on the coin holder “1853-D (Medium D) $5 CAC Approved. Rare Condition Census, Population 2 with only 2 finer in AU55.” Yes, the coin is CAC Approved. I guess that certification has no interest if the coin is really a Medium or not. According to the PCGS value guide, the coin is priced at $5000.

    This coin gets The Collection one step closer to completing the Major Varieties. The 1853-D “Large D” is a condition census MS64 specimen. The coin is identified as Reverse U. So, The Collection has two of the die types, Reverse V and Reverse U. If the coin is determined in the future not to be Medium D, I don’t this it will be that concerning. The coin is serving a purpose today. The unusual coin could be one of the many conversational pieces in this collection. The Collection will have a coin that doesn’t exist!

    1853-D Liberty Head Half Eagle “Medium D”, AU53
    PCGS, POP 2/2 (Die Variety), CAC Approved
    Certification #20908213, PCGS #98255
    PCGSVG: $5000 / realized $9500?
    Ex: Winchester1873


    .
    .
    The Major Varieties Set is an expansion of the PCGS Basic Set. To complete, this set would require the 2821 basic coins plus an additional 439 Major Varieties Coins. With this addition, there are 22 remaining coins in this quest. The first two coins are not collectable, so the completion of this set would be 99.94%. PCGS describes this set as: Every classic U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 through 1964, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take decades to assemble in high grade.

    Top 10
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 15 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1797 Half Eagle "Large Eagle, 16 Stars" (1 Known – Permanently in Smithsonian) Uncollectable
    1861 Double Eagle "Paquet" (2 Known)
    1804 Eagle "Plain 4 Proof" (3 Known)
    1849-C Gold Dollar "Open Wreath" (4 Known w/ one defective)
    1958 Small Cent "Doubled Die Obverse” (3 Known)
    1795 Large Cent "Jefferson, Lettered Edge" (5 Known w/ VF Finest Known)
    1810 Half Eagle "Large Date, Small 5" (5 Known w/ AU Finest Known)
    1842 Half Dollar "Small Date, Rev of 1839" (Survival est. 10 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1804 Quarter Eagle "13 Star Reverse" (Survival est. 11 w/ AU Finest Known)

    Next 10
    1797 Half Cent "Gripped Edge" (Survival est. 13 w/ VG Finest Known)
    1797 Half Eagle "Small Eagle, 15 Stars" (Survival est. 20 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1820 Half Eagle "Curl Base 2, Sm Letters" (Survival est. 14 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1800 Dollar "Wide Date, Low 8, AMERICAI" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1840-D Half Eagle "Small D" (Survival est. 25 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1798/7 Eagle "7X6 Stars" (Survival est. 25 w/ 3 Mint State)
    1812/1 Half Dollar "Large 8" (Survival est. 35 w/ AU Finest Known)
    1839 Half Dollar "Receeded Edge, Small Letters” (Survival est. 50 w/ 4 Mint State)
    1798 Quarter Eagle "Wide Date" (Survival est. 50 w/ 8 Mint State)
    1798 Dollar "Large Eagle, Knob 9, 4 Lines" (Survival est. 125 w/ 2 Mint State)

    Last 2
    1795 Half Dollar "Small Head" (Survival est. 450 w/ 1 Mint State)
    1887/6 Three Cent CN (Survival est. 800 w/ 750 Mint State)

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It appears that Reverse W (with true Medium D) was used in other years, but not in 1853.
    So Doug Winter removed it from 1853 in the latest edition of his book.
    There are a few slabs with Reverse V which are misattributed as Medium D.
    Reverse V is still a legit die variety.
    Ultimately, PCGS should remove 1853-D Medium D from the Registry Sets,
    or it could be relabelled as Reverse V.
    But in the meantime, having this slab in the collection continues the progress toward 100% completion.

    Here is my post to the 1853-D thread, with photo comparisons:
    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12677093/#Comment_12677093

  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 4, 2020 3:54AM

    I really like that Kaufman 1843 proof half dime - triple punched date and great colors.
    This variety (V-10) made it into the list of 8 "Great but Too Rare for the Top 100" list.
    https://sites.google.com/view/clintcummins/half-dime-attribution-guide

    The price seems to vary a lot, depending on whether there are 2 bidders that want it!

  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice Little Gold Upgrade

    This is an upgrade to the 136 piece Liberty Head $2-1/2 Gold Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1840-1907). A complete set of half eagles running from 1796 to 1929 is only 182 pieces. So, about 75% of an Quarter Eagle set would be the Liberty Heads. PCGS describes the 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!

    In comparison to half eagles, I feel the quarter eagles are underappreciated. PCGS describes the quarter eagles as: The $2.50 gold piece, or Quarter Eagle was the smallest gold coin specified in the original Mint Act of 1792. The half dimes through dollars were silver; the cent and half cent were copper. First coined in 1796 (a year after the Half Eagle and Eagle) the initial design lacked stars on the obverse. It is a one year type, and with a miniscule mintage of only 963 pieces, perhaps 10% or so survive. The only ultra-rarity in this series is the 1854-S. Only about a dozen or so remain from the original mintage of 246 pieces, and all are circulated. Other key dates include the 1796 With Stars, the 1797 and the 1808, also a one year type coin. Some controversy surrounds the 1841 Quarter Eagle, nicknamed the "Little Princess." Originally thought to be a Proof-only issue, it is now believed some Circulation Strikes were made, although no mint records exist. As of now, it is included only in the Set Registry as a Proof.

    1898 $2.50 MS67+, PCGS POP 2/0, CAC Approved

    This coin is at the top of the PCGS Condition Census report (with one other) for the date. David Akers described the coin as underrated: A moderately scarce date that is usually seen in Unc. or proof. Decidedly underpriced and underrated and actually more rare as a date than the popular 1911-D. (The 1911-D is, however, much more rare in uncirculated condition than the dates of the late 1890's since, although the dates from 1896 to 1899 are generally seen in choice condition, the majority of 1911-D quarter eagles are circulated.) Of the sixteen PCGS specimens graded MS67, this and one other coin has the PCGS + grade. NGC has graded 38 at MS67 and a lone MS68. The other MS67+ CAC specimen was sold in a Legend’s Auction 1/30/2020. In the Legend sale the coin was described as: TIED FOR FINEST GRADED of this low mintage date. This pristine SUPERB GEM is tied with just one other for ABSOULTE FINEST graded. There was no mention of the NGC MS68. The Legend coin realized $8,225. In a recent Heritage sale of a NGC MS67, they place the census at: 38 in 67 (4 in 67+, 4 in 67★), 0 finer (1/20). I not sure if the MS68 coin was graded after the February 2020 Heritage sale. There is a little mystery around the MS68 coin.

    The new Hansen coin was recently offered by Witter Coins. The coin was described as: A Top Pop Quarter Eagle with a PCGS Pop of 1 and approved by CAC. Superb luster, sharp strike, and near perfect surfaces make this such a special coin. The ask on the coin was $12,500. They asked $13,500 in an eBay posting. This listing was back in June 2020 timeframe. After viewing some past auction imagines, the coin last appeared in Heritage June 2018 Expo US Coins Signature Auction in Long Beach, CA. In the 2018 description, the coin was described as: The upper reaches of the grading scale eludes all but a few exceptional Superb Gem examples, such as this immaculate 1898 quarter eagle in MS67. The mintage was 24,000 pieces -- about average for the late 1890s -- but there is nothing else average about the coin. Gleaming wheat-gold color radiates mint luster in rose and olive-gold hues. A razor-sharp strike defies the late die state. Neither PCGS nor NGC report a numerically finer example. With no provenance given, the coin realized $4,080.

    Great Collections has become a strong pipeline for coin coming into the collection. The coin sold in a Sunday, September 6, 2020 auction, with no fanfare. The coin realized $9,562.50 with only one bid. The auction record is $22,000 in a 1/28/1990 Superior Galleries sale for a NGC MS66 specimen. There is no coin before or since that has broken this $10,000 mark. This is where the story ends for this little lady.

    Provenance: (Heritage, 6/2018), Lot #4105, realized $4,080; (Great Collections, 9/2020), Item ID: 872193, realized $9,562.50; D.L. Hansen Collection.

    1898 MS67+ Half Eagle, CAC Approved
    Certification #35925361, PCGS #7850
    PCGSGV: $11,000 / realized $9,562.50

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 11,841 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Beautiful coin

  • goldengolden Posts: 9,018 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I love that coin!

  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,717 ✭✭✭✭✭

    His set's are now closed, at least the ones I checked. Guess I can't check what slots have been upgraded.

    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 33,811 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice to see @DLHansen pick up some of Bob's coins. They found a good home!

    I'm really curious to see what happens with @tradedollarnut's sale!

  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks like someone kicked sand, took his toys and hid them. :D

    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • CurrinCurrin Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Zoins said:

    I'm really curious to see what happens with @tradedollarnut's sale!

    .
    .
    I am too. There seem to be more focus of late with the early US coinage. Hopefully that will translate to the early dollars. The set could use a little sprucing up.

    My 20th Century Type Set, With Type Variations---started : 9/22/1997 ---- completed : 1/7/2004

    My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
  • CatbertCatbert Posts: 6,549 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @dbldie55 said:
    His set's are now closed, at least the ones I checked. Guess I can't check what slots have been upgraded.

    Will this put a crimp in Currin's review of his quest?

    "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
  • CatbertCatbert Posts: 6,549 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Glad you are continuing. Must be a labor of love to catalogue this! Thank you.

    "Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
  • ReadyFireAimReadyFireAim Posts: 1,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 22, 2020 6:06PM

    OMG...His saint pictures are gone... :s

    I enjoyed clicking through his set during breakfast.
    There were a few I used for wallpaper so I still have them.

  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 22, 2020 6:25PM

    For a number of reasons, I wasn't really a fan of the accumulation prior to the recent news. I tried to keep an open mind but the more I learned about the person and the collection, I realized it wasn't for me. In light of recent news, I'm really not a fan now. I can't be supportive like others are. I might be the only one that is outspoken about it but I (and others I know) can't support DLRC with business as long as there is a relationship with someone that has so many terrible allegations against them from so many different sources. At least I know the MLS (among others) feels the same way. I know Twitter was on fire with the news. Will the lack of my business and a few others be enough to impact DLRC? No, absolutely not. I'm sure the compensation and business from a billionaire is far greater. Greed is good for some. For me, some things are just more important than money. It will be a good day when this accumulation is sold. I feel that morals are far more important. As far as Currin's continued support, he is either well compensated or genuinely loves expensive coins that he does not own more than anyone else out there, regardless of any possible questionable morality. Since PCGS is a publicly traded company, it will be interesting to see how many articles they write about the accumulation moving forward or if they carefully distance themselves from the person.

    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:

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