@Perfection said:
It's sad that so many of the top CAC coins are being cracked and upgraded. So wrong. Also it makes the CAC pops incorrect as many upgrades are not reported. Therefore CAC coins are worth even more. When will this end?
It will end when it's not profitable.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
@Perfection said:
It's sad that so many of the top CAC coins are being cracked and upgraded. So wrong. Also it makes the CAC pops incorrect as many upgrades are not reported. Therefore CAC coins are worth even more. When will this end?
The pops don't matter as much as the coin to me.
I think one thing that is driving upgrades with respect to CAC is that there are numerous examples of coins that green CAC at lower grade and then reCAC at a higher grade. I thought this wasn't supposed to happen, but if you can get a grade bump and still CAC, I think the upgrades are going to be hard to stop.
@Catbert said:
With having duplicate sets, Hansen acts as a vacuum cleaner on the high end market. This makes me wonder if it has a depressing effect on fellow whales.
It must be having an effect. If it didn't, Laura wouldn't have written that Hot Topics article a while back.
@Clackamas1 said:
All right I have no Idea who this Hansen guy is - I get it I was out of the loop for a decade+ and just jumped back in. I have a bunch of coins he needs/wants and what I wonder is that why I get calls from Heritage and emails all the time? - it is annoying - Why does he just not call? It is weird IMO. Most of mine are not for sale (I don't need the money) - but trades are possible - I also have on some moderns - all/most/some of the top POPS for certain coins but only publish 1. I also have some POP1's that are not important and not in sets - I just like to have them and would trade.
Unfortunately the yellow pages don't really help anymore.
Give me a call at 800-776-0560. I'll make it easy...and if you want to trade, that's even better!
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
A couple days ago you saw a PCGS POP 1/0 1863 Indian Cent MS67, from the Jasper Mantooth All-Time finest PCGS Registry set. This was the only POP 1/0 purchased, but not the only coin. As stated before, as many as eight coins were purchased in the Heritage Auction from this collection. As you can see from the screenshot below, Mr. Hansen replaced ten coins in a recent update and as stated, eight can be confirmed to be from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The 1864 CN, MS66+ is not from the collection and was not purchased from the Heritage. I think this was an earlier purchase and just getting updated in the set now. The 1909 MS67RD was purchased in the Heritage sale, but does not appear to be from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The coin does carry the Eagle Eye sticker which leads me to believe it was consigned by Rick Snow.
Let’s take a quick look at the eight coins purchased in the Heritage Auction from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The total realized for the eight coins was $178,200.
With this purchase, The D.L. Hansen Collection of Indian Cents moves up to eighth placed on the PCGS All-Times Finest list. If this collection ever reaches the finest, it will be the hard way. The opportunity to purchase the top set entirely has now passed. This does not mean that Mr. Hansen is not well on the way. The set grade rating for the Hansen set is 67.617. The set has the sole finest 1863 and adds four tied for finest to the previous three. The set is a work in progress with a long ways to still go to meet the Hansen standard.
1901 Indian Cent, RD MS67+ RD, Ex: Jasper Mantooth Collection
The coin is one of two finest certified by PCGS. This upgraded turned out to be a pretty good replacement for the D.L. Hansen Collection. The coin replaces a MS66+ RD, Cert 84104792, POP 27/23. It is a nice coin, but is an under-grade for working in the Hansen Collection. For the two MS67+ specimens, both were available in auction the past two months. The first coin was offered in Legend’s Regency 42 Auction held on 12/3/2020. The CAC Approved coin was described as: Tied for FINEST and a simply STUNNING example! One look at this SUPERB 1901 cent and you will scream "WOW!" Everything about this jewel is 100% off the charts--both in terms of technical and aesthetic qualities! You really cannot beat this coin! PCGS has graded 2 in 67+ RD and NONE FINER. The current PCGS Price Guide value is $42,500 and neither example has ever sold in auction. A real prize for the most quality focused and demanding of Registry Set collectors. Get ready to rock-n-roll if you are looking to add this to your set! The coin set an Auction Record when realizing $30,550. It appears Mr. Hansen passed on this coin.
As you know, the new Hansen coin appeared in the Heritage Auction just a little over a month later. The coin was highlighted as: 1901 Cent, MS67+ Red, Tied with One Other at PCGS, None Finer. The rarity of the coin was described by Heritage: Nearly 80 million Indian Head cents were struck in 1901, up considerably from the 66.8 million coins produced the year before. Unsurprisingly, this is a fairly collectible issue with hundreds of examples available in MS64 Red and MS65 Red. Premium Gems in that color category begin to pose a challenge, but the 1901 is only genuinely elusive in MS67 Red. Just three examples boast a Plus designation: two at PCGS and one at NGC.
This coin is also a very nice specimen. The coin appearance is described by Heritage as: Copper-orange surfaces glow with swirling cartwheel luster. The fields exhibit significant die fatigue but post-production flaws are practically unseen. Only the date and shield are noticeably incomplete. The remaining devices are strong. This coin does not carry the CAC sticker, but did break the Auction Record that was set less than two months before. Mr. Hansen winning bid was $33,600. '
The eight Jasper Mantooth specimens purchased in the Heritage Sale does certainly improve the D.L. Hansen Collection. I am sure we will be watching this series for more updates in the future. In the meantime, I don’t sense Stuart should have any fears of being overtaken by the D.L. Hansen Collection. If the other four PCGS POP 1/0 specimens went to one owner, then Stuart could be knocked off the top perch once again.
Provenance: Jasper Mantooth; Eagle Eye Rare Coins; FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), Lot 3994, realized $33,600, D.L. Hansen Collection.
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
All the time. Any MS 1851 or 52 dollar is worth more than the equivalent proof (for example). Closer to home, same for the 1877 cent
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
@Clackamas1 said:
All right I have no Idea who this Hansen guy is - I get it I was out of the loop for a decade+ and just jumped back in. I have a bunch of coins he needs/wants and what I wonder is that why I get calls from Heritage and emails all the time? - it is annoying - Why does he just not call? It is weird IMO. Most of mine are not for sale (I don't need the money) - but trades are possible - I also have on some moderns - all/most/some of the top POPS for certain coins but only publish 1. I also have some POP1's that are not important and not in sets - I just like to have them and would trade.
Heritage has a feature where you can designate coins you purchased in auction as available. You would then be contacted if someone inquires about obtaining the coin. You just need to go to your heritage account and change a setting.
Based on his post, I thought he might already be being contacted
@amwldcoin said:
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
It looks to me as if you're agreeing with him that the business strikes tend to sell for more than the Proofs. So what's with the "Au Contraire!"?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Hmmm, He says he has no comprehension an MS coin can be more valuable than a Proof of the same grade. I take that to mean he thinks the Proofs are worth more.
@Clackamas1 said:
All right I have no Idea who this Hansen guy is - I get it I was out of the loop for a decade+ and just jumped back in. I have a bunch of coins he needs/wants and what I wonder is that why I get calls from Heritage and emails all the time? - it is annoying - Why does he just not call? It is weird IMO. Most of mine are not for sale (I don't need the money) - but trades are possible - I also have on some moderns - all/most/some of the top POPS for certain coins but only publish 1. I also have some POP1's that are not important and not in sets - I just like to have them and would trade.
Heritage has a feature where you can designate coins you purchased in auction as available. You would then be contacted if someone inquires about obtaining the coin. You just need to go to your heritage account and change a setting.
Based on his post, I thought he might already be being contacted
@amwldcoin said:
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
It looks to me as if you're agreeing with him that the business strikes tend to sell for more than the Proofs. So what's with the "Au Contraire!"?
i have always found it to be an anomaly that a mint coin of the same grade as a proof coin could possibly sell for 3x the price of a proof of the same grade as was the Hansen 1901 @ $33,600 vs. $7,500 for the PR67.5. Registry set competition????
But this1901 PR67+CAM (Pop1/0) sold for $49,938 in Legend Regency Auction 36........
I understand that it was not CAM when it sold and was later upgraded by PCGS.
But I am a little confused as it appears to be the same coin the CoinFacts said sold for $7,500 in 2019.
There is a very plausible reason. Proofs were saved and survive in much higher numbers than their companion Mint State examples. While I like Proofs, I don't collect them and appreciate and respect a high grade business strike much more than I do a Proof.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
i have always found it to be an anomaly that a mint coin of the same grade as a proof coin could possibly sell for 3x the price of a proof of the same grade as was the Hansen 1901 @ $33,600 vs. $7,500 for the PR67.5. Registry set competition????
But this1901 PR67+CAM (Pop1/0) sold for $49,938 in Legend Regency Auction 36........
I understand that it was not CAM when it sold and was later upgraded by PCGS.
@Perfection said:
It's sad that so many of the top CAC coins are being cracked and upgraded. So wrong. Also it makes the CAC pops incorrect as many upgrades are not reported. Therefore CAC coins are worth even more. When will this end?
It won’t. That’s why I will no longer do sets...just a box of 20 of coins where the grade on the holder doesn’t create their value
I agree. I've taken another approach. I've concentrated my federal purchases to OGH CAC and OGH Gold CAC where the value is on the "total package" rather then what's on a spanking new label. It adds a layer of mystery and ambiguity. It sure has kept my purchases to a minimum but I'm loving how it's shaping up.
My other two interests skull tokens/ medals and ancients ( raw) are not effected and I'm all about that
m
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......
@amwldcoin said:
Hmmm, He says he has no comprehension an MS coin can be more valuable than a Proof of the same grade. I take that to mean he thinks the Proofs are worth more.
@Clackamas1 said:
All right I have no Idea who this Hansen guy is - I get it I was out of the loop for a decade+ and just jumped back in. I have a bunch of coins he needs/wants and what I wonder is that why I get calls from Heritage and emails all the time? - it is annoying - Why does he just not call? It is weird IMO. Most of mine are not for sale (I don't need the money) - but trades are possible - I also have on some moderns - all/most/some of the top POPS for certain coins but only publish 1. I also have some POP1's that are not important and not in sets - I just like to have them and would trade.
Heritage has a feature where you can designate coins you purchased in auction as available. You would then be contacted if someone inquires about obtaining the coin. You just need to go to your heritage account and change a setting.
Based on his post, I thought he might already be being contacted
@amwldcoin said:
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
It looks to me as if you're agreeing with him that the business strikes tend to sell for more than the Proofs. So what's with the "Au Contraire!"?
The very post to which you replied “Au Contraire” included an example where a business strike had sold for far more than a Proof.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@amwldcoin said:
Hmmm, He says he has no comprehension an MS coin can be more valuable than a Proof of the same grade. I take that to mean he thinks the Proofs are worth more.
@Clackamas1 said:
All right I have no Idea who this Hansen guy is - I get it I was out of the loop for a decade+ and just jumped back in. I have a bunch of coins he needs/wants and what I wonder is that why I get calls from Heritage and emails all the time? - it is annoying - Why does he just not call? It is weird IMO. Most of mine are not for sale (I don't need the money) - but trades are possible - I also have on some moderns - all/most/some of the top POPS for certain coins but only publish 1. I also have some POP1's that are not important and not in sets - I just like to have them and would trade.
Heritage has a feature where you can designate coins you purchased in auction as available. You would then be contacted if someone inquires about obtaining the coin. You just need to go to your heritage account and change a setting.
Based on his post, I thought he might already be being contacted
@amwldcoin said:
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
@OldIndianNutKase said:
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
It looks to me as if you're agreeing with him that the business strikes tend to sell for more than the Proofs. So what's with the "Au Contraire!"?
The very post to which you replied “Au Contraire” included an example where a business strike had sold for far more than a Proof.
The last couple postings were Indian Cents from the Jasper Mantooth All-Time finest PCGS Registry set. I thought the Indian Cent would end there. I saw this new Indian Cent added to collection a few days ago. I thought it was worthy of mentioning and showing. This is a branch mint coin from the San Francisco Mint. The new coin is a top pop 1908-S MS67 Pop 6/0.
Expert Jaime Hernandez Comment: The 1908-S Indian cent is the third lowest mintage circulation strike coin in the Indian cent series. The only two other lower mintage circulation strike coins in the series are the 1877 and the 1909-S, with the latter being the lowest mintage in the entire series. In circulated grades, most 1908-S Indian cents survive in Fine to XF grades. Because of its low mintage and it being the first San Francisco Mint struck cent, it has always been a very popular coin. The majority of uncirculated 1908-S Indian cents exist in MS64 grades. In uncirculated grades, there are more coins in existence containing Red Brown surfaces than there are with Brown or Red surfaces. There are more uncirculated coins displaying complete Red surfaces than there are in Brown. Regardless of surface color, in MS65 grade, the 1908-S Indian cents are considered somewhat scarce with approximately 350 total examples in existence in this grade.
There are six MS67RD coins tied for the finest known. The D.L. Hansen Collection now has one of them. This is the twelfth upgrade in last few days. This update replaces a nice MS66+RD, Cert# 34866165, POP 20/6. The D.L. Hansen Indian Cents Basic Circulation Strikes (1859-1909) Set is still in eighth spot on the All-Time ranking.
1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD, PCGS POP 6/0
The 1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD is interesting; being only one coin has appeared in auction. The sale took place just a few days ago in a Heritage FUN sale. The coin is cert# 38480049. It was described as: The quality of this Superb Gem is extraordinary. Although it shows areas of strike softness on the feathertips, forecurls, and wreath ribbon (the second A in AMERICA is nearly illegible), it is immaculately preserved with radiant copper-orange color. Vibrant mint luster swirls over each side. The MS67RD coin realized $21,600, which is an auction record for date and mint.
The Hansen coin was purchased from David Lawrence Rare Coins. I think by direct sale, and not an auction, but I am not 100% confident. I was able to see the coin through a DLRC listing via eBay. The description provided: Popular and scarce S-mint Indian cent. Especially desirable in full red, this gorgeous example is tied for finest known at PCGS with just six other pieces. Satiny luster illuminates the distraction free surfaces. Needle sharp detail can be seen throughout the design elements and is highlighted by beautiful golden-orange coloration. A registry quality piece worthy of even the most discerning collector! The ask price was $36,400 and listing closed on 1/26/2021 due to: This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available. The PCGS Price Guild value is $52,500, but the auction record is just $21,600. Therefore, I would think some serious negotiations took place.
I am going to end Indian Cent updates with this coin. We have seen about 20% of the set improved the past few days. I'm sure there will be more to come. We will continue to watch, especially to see if some serious movement is made toward the leader board. I do have a couple more early coppers to show before moving on to something new. Stay Tuned.
Provenance: Purchased in Private Transaction (DLRC 1/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD PCGS POP 6/0, Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS Certification #40575943, PCGS #2234 PCGS Price Guide: $52,500 / Ask $36,400
I will continue the run of copper updates with an 1822 Proof Large Cent. The 1822 is interesting from the standpoint there are 12-15 known specimens. More interesting, there are at least five varieties, identified by the Newcomb numbers. Presently, at least a couple of them are considered unique. This coin is described in a 2015 Stacks Bowers Auction as: Extremely Rare Proof 1822 Newcomb-6. The listing went on to say: Two coins are listed in Denis Loring’s Census of Proof large cents for this variety. The first one has been variously called Proof-63 and Proof-60 by EAC standards, by different experts. However, in his cataloguing of the Ted Naftzger Collection of Middle Dates, Part II, in February 2009, Bob Grellman disagreed with other experts and offered that coin as Mint State. PCGS is in agreement and has graded the coin as MS-63BN. That leaves the present coin as the only example of the variety called Proof by Denis Loring and graded by a major grading service as Proof. Should PCGS be correct on both accounts, the present coin would stand as the unique example of the variety in Proof.
Whether or not the specimen is unique or extremely rare, the coin is a rare proof that is a new addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection. At this point in time, I would call the D. L. Hansen. Large Cent Proof (1817-1857) set as being under development. Currently, the set is 58.82% complete, with a weighted GPA of 64.518. The coin is a PCGS 1/0 tied with one other unattributed specimen. There are two PR64BN specimens of a different variety grade finer. The superstar is a PR64RD example with a Newcomb 10 variation.
1822 Large Cent N6, PR63BN, Ex: Naftzger-Twin Leaf
This coin appeared in The Collection a few days ago. There is not much online auction history other than the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale. The coin does have a rich provenance. The pedigree on the label just contributes to the Twin Leaf Collection. The pedigree given as PCGS Coin Information indicates Naftzger-Twin Leaf. In the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale, the coin was headlined as, Ex W.F. Morgan, 1932.
In the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale, the coin was described as: Exceptionally attractive light golden tan blended with olive and accented by generous rosy red, blue and violet iridescence. Reflectivity throughout the fields accentuates the eye appeal and gives the piece a glistening presence. A short cut following the jawline is noted as a useful identifier, as is a small patch of microporosity on the cheek left of the ear, possibly a planchet defect, as made, but its exact nature is difficult to ascertain. The eye appeal is excellent, as the surfaces are quite a bit lighter in tone than seen on many Proofs. A nice early state strike with the inner circle of the obverse nicely pronounced where it is present. It is sharp around stars 2 through 8, and below the final two digits of the date, to star 13. A small remnant is seen between stars 1 and 2. However, the inner circle is slightly less complete than that seen on the Mint State coin in the lot to follow. The coin realized $30,550.
It appears the D.L. Hansen team purchased the coin by an eBay transaction with Hannigan’s Rare Coins. Hannigan’s Rare Coins is not a company that I have connected the D.L. Hansen Collection to before. That is not to say this is the first purchase, but may the first significant enough to catch my eye. The company is located in Royal Palm Beach, FL, and offers this as a bio: We are one of the largest coin dealers in copper coins and large cents and an industry leader. It is our passion for rare coins which has driven us to become one of the largest in the world. We have enjoyed doing this for the past decade. We have bought and sold coins for more than $1.3 million dollars and have been featured on the front cover of Coin World Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. We hope you can join us as we continue to grow and fill our heart’s passion for rare coins & currency. Will we hear more from this company?
The coin was headlined as: 1822 Matron Head Cent. N-6. Rarity-8+ as a Proof. Noyes Die State A/A. Proof-63 BN PCGS. only one of this type and variety. R8+ UNIQUE. We discussed the possibility of this coin being unique. I don’t think we can say with absolute certain until all the known examples have been attributed with a Newcomb designation. If you would like to read more from Hannigan on this specific coin, please take a few minutes the read information given in this link:
The coin sold January 21st for $34,000. PCGS price guide values the coin at $55,000. I have one other copper to show you before we move on to other coins. The last coin is truly Legendary by all sense of the word. You should see the posting in a couple days, so stay tuned.
Provenance: William Festus Morgan, (J.C. Morgenthau 6/1932), Lot 199; Alvin J. Fink, December 1944; T. James Clarke; Roy E. Naftzger, Jr.; Eric Streiner, July 2002; Twin Leaf Collection of United States Large Cents, (Stacks Bowers 7/2015), Lot 2096, realized $30,550, Tyler Hannigan/Greg Hannigan; Chris Parent (2/2016); Hannigans Rare Coins (eBay Transaction), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1822 Large Cent N6, PR63BN PCGS, POP 1/0, Overall POP 2/4 Certification #35988116, PCGS #533809 PCGSPG: $55,000 / Sold $34,000 Ex: Naftzger-Twin Leaf
“This is the finest known specimen of the rarest half cent.”— Louis Eliasberg, 1956
Million Dollar: Half Cents - CoinWeek November 16, 2016
This is an article written by Greg Reynolds about four years ago. A lot can change in a little more than four years. For one, we don’t get to read thought provoking articles from Greg. I hope he comes back one day. Another to note, the half cent market has changed a lot in five years. So, let’s see what the environment was around five years ago according to Greg: A majority of the 20 most valuable half cents have recently spirited into the limelight after being in the shadows for many years. In January 2014, the Goldbergs, in association with Chris McCawley and Bob Grellman, auctioned the all-time greatest set of half cents, the Tettenhorst-Missouri Collection. I then provided extensive coverage of this collection. In February 2016, the 18th-century half cents of the Pogue set were auctioned by Stack’s-Bowers, in association with Sotheby’s. This group included a few that the Pogues had acquired at the Tettenhorst-Missouri sale on January 26, 2014. It also included early half cents that had not traded publicly for a long time.
We have seen a similar round of activity recently with ESM Collection liquating half cents. We have seen some great selections being offered from Collections of Oliver Jung and Bob Simpson. There will be a nice half cent grouping coming up in an April Heritage Sale with the offering from the Donald G. Partrick Collection. Is the current market strong for half cents? Well, I guess that could be debatable. In reality, we have not seen any half cents sell for million dollars for a few years now.
The Reynolds article focuses on four legendary half cents, describing them as possible million dollar coins. I reached out to a copper specialist that is well known in our community. I asked him for his 2021 response to the article. He replied: I agree with his pick for top 4 half cents. However prices have reached the new level. That being said, I don’t believe there is any half cent worth a million dollars. I agree with the response. I will add that I believe one of the 1793 half cents should be the fifth coin on the list. There is a 1793 MS66BN that realized $920,000 in a 2014 Goldberg Auction. For this exercise, we will stick with the four coins from the article. If you have time, it could add a little perspective to read the article. I have provided a link.
Weinberg-Tettenhorst-Pogue 1794 Half Cent
This half cent last appeared in the Brent Pogue Auction in 2016 realizing $940,000. The coin peaked on January 26, 2014, when realized $1,150,000. The present location of this coin is unknown to me. It has not appeared in auction since the Pogue sale. Would the coin bring million dollars if offered today? In the article, Reynolds stated: It is fair to figure that this coin has a current retail value above $1 million now? I believe so. I agree with my specialist friend, I don’t think so, but I could be wrong.
Blay 1796 ‘With Pole’ Half Cent
Greg Reynolds called this coin a “sleeper”. At the time he wrote the article, the coin had not appeared in auction. There is a little mystery around this coin. In the article, the coin was called the “Blay Half Cent”. The coin appeared in 2018 ANA WIFOM auction from “The Red headed Copper Collection”. The coin is considered the finest known and realized $630,000. This is considerably short of the one million dollar mark.
The Tettenhorst-Pogue 1811
I am not sure where to start with this coin. It was offered in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin is one of five coppers offered from The Oliver Jung Collection. This coin has been in a free fall. Mr. Reynolds writes: The Tettenhorst-Pogue 1811 brought $1,121,250 on January 26, 2014, an auction record for any 19th century half cent. McGuigan relates: “[That] price in 2014 was extremely strong. I did not think of it as a million dollar coin”. This was a great prediction by McGuigan. In the D. Brent Pogue sale in 2017, the coin realized $998,750. Almost, but was not able to repeat one million mark. The latest sale just a few days ago, the coin realized only $336,000, with a PCGS Price Guide value of $1,150,000. That value is obvious a little off the mark. It does not appear Mr. Hansen had any interest of catching this falling star even at this bargain price. Also, the coin as of today has not shown up in the #1 Half Cent registry set, Jim McGuigan Collection. I find it a little interesting that the top registry players showed little interest in the one time million dollar coin.
The Eliasberg-Pogue ‘No Pole’ 1796
This coin has never sold for a million dollars. That could be because there is another pretty good coin that has sold for almost a million dollars. Comment from Jim McGuigan: The Eliasberg-Pogue 1796 ‘No Pole’ half cent is “considerably more eye appealing” than the Tettenhorst-Missouri 1796 ‘No Pole’ half cent. For half cent collectors, the 1796 ‘No Pole’ is the queen. These are likely to be the two best. The Tettenhorst-Missouri specimen sold for $891,250 in 2014. In the 2016 Pogue Sale the Eliasberg coin sold for $763,750. The thought was next time the coin came to auction, it could the break the million dollar mark, but that did not happen. Mr. Hansen was able to acquire the specimen for $780,000. This coin did increase in value where the others we have seem to fallen. I will highlight this amazing new purchase.
1796 Half Cent “C-1 No Pole”, MS67RB, Ex: Atwater/Eliasberg/Pogue/Jung
This coin may be one of the four or five most valuable Half Cents. It will be the centerpiece of the D.L. Hansen Half Cents. The coin joins a hand full of other six figure coins in the half cent collection including the 1796 With Pole, MS65BN specimen PCGS values at $385,000 and 1793 MS65BN specimen PCGS values at $315,000. According to auction sites, The Eliasberg-Pogue ‘No Pole’ 1796 coin is Legendary. The coin was purchase a few days ago in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. Heritage announced total sales exceeded $90 Million Dollars and the auction offered five early coppers from The Oliver Jung Collection. This legendary coin was one of the five. There is so much that can be written on this coin, that it is no way my short blog will do any justice, but let’s give it a shot anyway starting with the Atwater Sale.
As many of you know, I have a fondest of the William Cutter Atwater Collection. This great collection was offered by B. Max Mehl in 1946. Several of great specimens from this collection ended up in the Eliasberg Collection. This coin is one of them. In the 1946 sale, the coin was referenced as “Brilliant Semi-Proof” and at the same time, noting as a conservative description. Earlier in a 1912 sale of the Earle Collection, the description given by Henry Clapman was simply “Proof”. Today, we know the coin is a not a true proof, but is still as amazing as ever with a PCGS grade of MS67RB!
The next major appearance of this masterpiece was the Louis E. Eliasberg Collection hosted by Bowers and Merena in 1996. It was later described in a Stack Bower sale: The ultimate example of the ultimate half cent, this was the first example of the smallest American denomination to sell at auction for over a half million dollars. Sold in 1996 after 50 years spent in the Eliasberg Collection, this is its first public offering since and only its third since 1912. The Earle-Atwater-Eliasberg-Pogue 1796 No Pole half cent has captured the imagination of some of numismatics’ most notable catalogers and connoisseurs, nearly all of whom have given it first rank atop the census of all known specimens of this famous rarity. The coin was first half cent to break the half million mark, but still have not broken the million dollar mark. I contribute timing as one reason the coin never broke the mark. The coin was not offered in auction between 1996 and 2016, therefore missed the so called peak for half cents. It would certainly be curious to know the negotiated price by D. Brent Pogue in the private purchase of the coin in the 2002 timeframe. Maybe the sale was not a million dollars, but could have been close.
In 2016, D. Brent Pogue sells the coin in a Stack's Bowers Auction for $763,750. The coin was headlined as: The Legendary Earle-Atwater-Eliasberg 1796 No Pole Half Cent, Former World Record Holder, and The Finest Known. All true. SBG Auctions provided a long and detail description. I will only share the comments on the appearance of the coin. I would recommend looking up the coin in SBG archives and read more. Its visual appeal is superb, with light golden brown toning showing rich remaining vestiges of mint color around LIBERTY, the date, and around central devices. Some faded mint color expresses faint pastel highlights of sea green and blue in proper light, particularly noticeable above Liberty’s cap. The fields are lightly reflective and boldly lustrous, with profound cartwheel present on both sides. A few wispy hairlines above TY of LIBERTY are visible only under certain lighting conditions, and another above E of that word is even more difficult to see. Two ancient parallel scratches above Liberty’s head are crossed by a fainter one that disappears under R of LIBERTY. A tiny raised speck adheres to the field surface near the juncture of Liberty’s nose and forehead, while the merest surface granularity in the lower left obverse periphery and near the top of the reverse wreath is found only with a glass. The overall visual impact, as indicated by the grade assigned, is that of an absolute superb survivor, one of the most remarkable of all early American copper coins.
The coin has resided since the Pogue sale in the greatest and finest type set ever assembled by Oliver Jung. The coin represented the Liberty Cap Right, Half Cent (1795-1797) type, which is the third slot in the 133 piece set. The coin is a POP 4/0 for the type, but is POP 1/0 for the year 1796. Mr. Jung placed his set on the market for private sale in mid-2019. We heard the coin was going into a specialty set of 18th Century Type (1792-1799) being assembled by Bruce Morelan. We learned later that Mr. Morelan abandoned this project to pursue other interests. The coin with few others of Mr. Jung’s remaining coins was offered in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction.
Heritage headlined the coin as: 1796 No Pole Half Cent, MS67 Red and Brown, The Finest Known Cohen-1, Breen-1, A Legendary Numismatic Rarity. Legendary is a very fitting word for this coin. Before closing, let me share one last comment for this coin provided by the Heritage Auctioneer. In an extremely long description of the coin, only a very brief description of the coin’s appearance was given. Almost as if that coin really doesn’t need a description. The mirrored surfaces are light chestnut-brown with traces of original mint red in the protected areas including the date numerals, letters on both sides, and the leaves of the wreath. The strike is full and well-centered, showing a full and complete border details. Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. summed up this piece in 1956: "This is the finest known specimen of the rarest half cent." In the sale, Mr. Hansen was able to purchase the coin for $780,000. This is short of the $891,250 realized in a 2014 Goldberg Auctioneers sale of a MS65 specimen from The Missouri Cabinet. The coin currently resides in the High Desert Collection.
This coin joins the legendary the 1793 Wreath, Strawberry Leaf, Large Cent, the finest known specimen. We have been able to witness some significant activities in the D.L. Hansen copper collection. If the early copper coin market is really experiencing some softness as a few suggest, then this could be a great opportunity for Mr. Hansen to continue making improvements. Only time will tell for sure, so stay tune.
Provenance: George H. Earle, Jr. Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1912), lot 3609, which realized $400; Colonel James W. Ellsworth; Knoedler Galleries (privately in 1923); Wayte Raymond and John Work Garrett (sold privately); William Cutler Atwater Collection, via M. Knoedler & Co. and Wayte Raymond, by sale, 1923; William Cutler Atwater Estate, February 1940; William C. Atwater (B. Max Mehl, 6/1946), lot 129, which realized $1,125; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection; Richard A. Eliasberg, by descent, 1976; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 407, which realized $506,000; Warren Trepp Collection, by sale, via Spectrum Numismatics; Paul Nugget (Spectrum), by sale, December 2002; D. Brent Pogue Collection (Stack's Bowers, 2/2016), lot 3008, which realized $763,750; Oliver Jung Collection (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 3978, realized $780,000, D.L. Hansen Collection
1796 Half Cent “C-1 No Pole”, MS67RB PCGS, POP 1/0, Sole Finest “No Pole” Certification #04498526, PCGS #35096 PCGSPG: $775,000 / realized $780,000 Ex: Atwater/Eliasberg/Pogue/Jung
I believe the 1794 67 R/B Weinberg
half cent would not bring $500,000
In today’s market . I would also add neither 1793 half cent graded ms 66
Would bring more than the Eliasberg
1796 no pole half cent that DL Hanson just won in auction.
I know factually that Brent Pogue
Paid $1,500,00 for the coin in 2002
from Greg Robert’s through David Akers.It is without question the most valuable half cent .
Upgrade from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III Sale
The first three parts of the Simpson sale hosted by Heritage Auctions have realized $44 Million. Part III which was held January 20th realized the best results. There were four coin that realized seven figures including the 1804 Plain 4 Proof eagle, $5,280,000, The other three was the 1792 Judd-1, One Cent, SP67 ($2,520,000), the 1885 Amon Carter Trade Dollar ($2,100,000) and the 1796 Stars, MS65 Quarter Eagle ($1,380,000). Four coins realized $11.3 Million which is not too shabby.
The D.L. Hansen Collection was not a player in those coins, but did pick a nice upgrade for the Indian Head Half Eagle, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929) set. This issue is described by PCGS as: In 1908 the transition was made from the long-lived $5 Liberty series (1839-1908) to the radically designed $5 Indian. Both the $5 and $2 1/2 Indian gold pieces were introduced in 1908, and both carried the incuse design, never seen before (or since) on a United States coin. The $5 Indian series is filled with rarities. In fact, 15 of the 24 dates have a population of seven or less in MS65! Two of the 24 dates are unknown in MS65 or better, or at least uncertified. PCGS has graded well over 40,000 $5 Indians in all dates and grades, but barely 300 have qualified as MS65 or better. Key dates of the series in any mint state grade include the 1908-S, 1909-O, 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-D, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, and 1929. The description list ten key dates. The set registry boils the ten down to three with a weight of eight, indicating the toughest date. The three dates are 1909-O, 1911-D and 1913-S.
The best of the registry is a set named, The Jim O’Neal Ultra Premier Set of Indian Half Eagles. The set is amazing in all ways conceivable. The top three keys dates were sole finest certified by PCGS. Along with those three coins, there were three others totaling six sole finest by PCGS. There were five others tied for finest certified by PCGS. All together, there were 21 of 24 coins that I would call as being PCGS Condition Census Top Five. In relativity, The Jim O’Neal Ultra Premier Set is in a league of its own, even out pacing the Price and Duckor sets by a considerable margin.
The D.L. Hansen is not in a league with these historical great sets “yet”. This upgrade lifts the set to fifth place on the All-Time PCGS Registry Top Five Leaderboard. To be honest, this was helped by the breakup of the Simpson set. The Simpson set was number #1 all-time as early as 2015 before the publishing of the Jim O’Neal Set. The Simpson set was not retired, so it lost its ranking in the registry.
The new Hansen upgrade is one of the top three keys dates, but is not the Jim O’Neal Sole finest Specimen, Ex: Eliasberg/ Price. For this key date, The Hansen coin lands at #5 on the CoinFacts Condition Census report. I actually believed the coin with the current MS64+ grade to be number seven. In a 2016 Heritage sale, there were six known GEM coins listed in a Roster of Top Six 1909-O Half Eagles.
1 - MS66 PCGS. J.C. Mitchelson (6/1909); John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 623, $30,800; David Hall and Gordon Wrubel; Auction '83 (Paramount, 7/1983), lot 404, $46,750; Texas Collector; Auction '89 (David Akers, 7/1989), lot 1405, $71,500; Dr. Thaine B. Price (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 21, $374,000; "Stellar Collection"; Jim O'Neal #1 All-Time Finest Collection of Indian Half Eagles / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2011), lot 5138, where it brought $690,000.
2 - MS65 PCGS. Bowers and Ruddy (2/1978), lot 1315; Auction '79 (RARCOA, 7/1979), lot 1279; Robert Kruthoffer (Paramount, 9/1981), lot 6; Dr. Steven Duckor; Auction '90 (David Akers, 7/1990), lot 1803; David Hall Rare Coins; Private Collection.
3 - MS65 NGC. Denver Signature Sale (Heritage, 8/2006), lot 5524; Heritage Internet (12/2006), lot 23749.
4 - MS65 NGC. James A. Stack, Sr. (Stack's, 10/1994), lot 1279, $99,000; Great Lakes Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/1998), lot 4010, $178,500.
5 - MS65 NGC. Superior (1/2004), lot 911.
6 - MS65. Smithsonian Institution
Doug Winter describes the coin as: The 1909-O half eagle is the final gold coin produced at the New Orleans mint. It is the only Indian Head half eagle to be struck at this mint. It is not an especially scarce coin in circulated grades but it is exceedingly popular due to its status as a one-year type. In recent years, the level of demand for this coin has soared and it now ranks as one of the most popular New Orleans issues of any denomination. David Akers describes coin as: This is one of the major rarities of 20th-century gold, especially in gem or near gem condition. _ He adds some commentary around his thoughts on the top specimens: _In terms of overall rarity, this is the premier issue of the series although it is just marginally more rare than the 1911-D. (The 1911-D is more rare in MS-64 or better condition, however.) Even in MS-60 to 63 condition, the 1909-O is seldom available and above that level, there are probably fewer than 10 specimens in all. Two specimens stand out above all the rest, the Lilly coin impounded in the Smithsonian Institution and the Eliasberg specimen, now in a prominent Texas collection. Both are MS-65+ coins, the Lilly coin perhaps even a bit better than that. The Kruthoffer coin, now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor, and a similar quality example in the Dr. Thaine Price Collection are high end MS-64 pieces and I have seen two or three others of similar quality. David Akers dub The Eliasberg/Price/O'Neal specimen as "THE COIN." The coin holds the auction record of $690,000 realized in 2011.
1909-O Indian Half Eagle. MS64+ PGGS, CAC Approved, Ex: Bob Simpson
The new Hansen coin is the only MS64+ graded by both leading TPG companies. The CAC population for this date is one in 64 (Hansen’s), and one finer, a MS65 PCGS Specimen that appeared in a 2016 Goldberg Auction. The Hansen coin does not have a rich pedigree as the Eliasberg/Price/O'Neal specimen and in fact, the only pervious appearance that I can find is a Bowers and Merena in 2006. The coin was graded MS64 PCGS and realized $165,000. In the 2006 sale or some point after, the coin ended up in the Bob Simpson Collection.
The coin was purchased by Mr. Hansen in The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III Sale hosted at Heritage January 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction. In this sale that featured a great selection of Simpson masterpieces, the coin realized the #10 spot for price realized in the sale. The coin sold for $240,000 for a coin headlined as: 1909-O Indian Half Eagle, MS64+, Low-Mintage Branch Mint Key, Only O-Mint Indian Five. In addition, the coin is CAC Approved and has a great appeal as described by the auctioneer: The present coin is a Plus-graded Choice example that ranks comfortably in the Condition Census for the issue. PCGS has graded only four finer coins, three in MS65 and a single example in MS66, while NGC lists no coins finer than MS64 (12/20). The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and the mintmark is unusually bold on this example. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces are impeccably preserved and vibrant mint luster radiates from both sides. Overall eye appeal is terrific for this important branch mint key.
As stated early, this is the coin that gets the D.L. Hansen Collection of Indian Half Eagles on the PCGS leaderboard. The coin is a very nice and appealing addition even not being a Condition Census Top Five coin. The coin has a PCGS value of $185,000. It appears Mr. Hansen was willing to chase this coin a little with placing a winning bid of $240,000. Will the coin someday be a GEM? Only time will tell.
Provenance: Baltimore Auction (Bowers and Merena, 3/2006 as MS64 PCGS), lot 2331, realized $175,375; The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021 as MS64+ CAC), lot 3045, realized $240,000, D. L. Hanse Collection.
1909-O Indian Half Eagle. MS64+ PCGS POP 1/4, CAC Approved Certification #40276064, PCGS #8515 PCGS Coin Guide Value: $185,000 / Realized $240,000 Ex: Bob Simpson
@RedCopper said:
I believe the 1794 67 R/B Weinberg
half cent would not bring $500,000
In today’s market . I would also add neither 1793 half cent graded ms 66
Would bring more than the Eliasberg
1796 no pole half cent that DL Hanson just won in auction.
I know factually that Brent Pogue
Paid $1,500,00 for the coin in 2002
from Greg Robert’s through David Akers.It is without question the most valuable half cent .
I dont think thats the case in todays market, its more a type market today than a half cent variety set market.
The 1794 half Cent brought 1 Million in the same sale the 1796 brought 760k, and by the way, the 1796 had no underbidder, it was against the reserve of Stacksbowers.
For a weekend treat, or maybe just a change, I am posting a modern coin. Mitch, this is for you. As you may know, the Hansen Quest was to expand the Eliasberg Collection another 50 years. In doing so, Mr. Hansen is keeping his set update to current issues. That goal for registry set is completed except for two early half eagles. He has expanded that coin set to include major varieties which how this coin fits into the goal of the collection. The set that I am describing here can be best seen with this PCGS Registry Set: U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1792-present). The set currently requires 4496 coins to complete. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take many years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? The Hansen set is 98.67% with a GPA rating of 61.68. I estimate the PGCS value of this set to be in the excess of a $100 Million Dollars.
The new 2000-P SAC$1 "Cheerios" Dollar is the newest addition on the post 1964 side of the set. The coin is described by Jaime Hernandez: In 1999 the Mint had to provide General Mills 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars for an agreed promotion. In the promotion General Mills would place 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars inside every 2,000th box of Cheerios. In 2005, collector Tom DeLorey discovered that some of these 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars had a special detailed design on the reverse of the coin. This different design had detailed veins in the eagles' tail feathers. Uncirculated and including Proof coins lacked these fine details on the eagles feathers. After the initial discovery the hunt was on and collectors searched to see if they had this scarce design referred to as the Cheerios Dollars since the coins were only being found inside Cheerios boxes. After several years only several dozen examples were actually found. Who knows how many are still out there, but finding one would definitely be an incredible find.
Current PCGS Population Report indicates 127 coins have been certified. There are 53 certified MS68 PCGS Cheerios with one sole specimen at MS68+. The sole finest specimen has not appeared in auction and the value has not been determined. The auction record is $29,900 for a MS68 PCGS specimen sold in a Heritage 2008 Signature Auction. Is this the MS68+ specimen, I cannot be sure. It appear the peak for this coin was in 2008 when two sales of the MS68 Cheerios broke the $20K mark. The previous mentioned at $29,900 and one other at $23,000. The value for a MS 68 coin has settled in current sales to around $6000 to $10,000. I think Mr. Hansen paid a premium for his recent purchase.
2000-P SAC$1 "Cheerios" Dollar “FS-902” MS68 PCGS
The coin was purchased in Heritage 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction. It was headlined as: 2000-P 'Cheerios' Dollar, MS68, Significant Modern Variety Rarity. The lot came with an example of a one cent that also found in a Cheerios box. I believe the one cent was uncertified. The auctioneer described the lot as: A beautifully preserved example of the so-called "Cheerios" dollar, among the finest pieces certified and conditionally scarce as such. The fine detailing on the eagle's tailfeathers distinguishes this piece from the common circulation coins issued in 2000. This piece was among the coins distributed in boxes of Cheerios breakfast cereal as a promotional give-away. Also included in the promotion was a newly struck 2000 Lincoln cent, although the "Cheerios" cents have no distinguishing feature to differentiate them from the masses of ordinary coins struck for circulation. The "Cheerios" dollar, however, stands as an important variety for the Sacagawea dollar collector and is the undisputed key to the series. This piece is fully struck and practically pristine, showing satiny golden surfaces. Includes the Lincoln cent from the cereal promotion as well.
I am not sure why Mr. Hansen chased this coin to $15,000. The PCGS price guide valued the coin at $8,000. By looking hard, I feel a specimen could be found for less. There may be something special that Mr. Hansen and his team see in this particular specimen. It is a really nice coin that now can be tucked away in this great collection.
Provenance: FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), lot 4408, realized $15,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
I had heard of these Cheerios dollars, but did not have the background. "detailed veins in the eagle's tail feathers". $15,000. Indeed. We are an odd bunch of ducks.
“I am not sure why Mr. Hansen chased this coin to $15,000. The PCGS price guide valued the coin at $8,000. By looking hard, I feel a specimen could be found for less.”
Agreed. An exuberant price in today’s market, but not even the cost of a buyer’s premium on many coins being added to this collection regularly.
Wondercoin
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
This coin is a different twist. This is one of the key coins found in the Gold Commemoratives 13 Piece Circulation Strikes (1903-1926) set. With this purchase, the second set in the Hansen Collection is completed. To complete one set is an achievement, but two is over achieving. The two Hansen sets are #2 and #5 on the All-Time Registry Leaderboard. With this update the Hansen Top Set moves in the current #1 spot and second all-time. The set is described by PCGS as: The gold commemorative set includes nine gold dollars, two quarter eagles, and two $50 gold pieces. Because of the prohibitive cost of the $50 pieces, the set is usually collected as an 11-piece set comprising the smaller issues. The 1905 Lewis & Clark gold dollar and the Sesqui $2 1/2 are usually the toughest coins to find in gem (MS65/better) condition. This series has proved to be extremely popular with collectors, as it is one of the few gold series that can be completed in gem condition. Several of the gold commemoratives were issued in proof.
The All-Time leading set was assembled by Paul Denby. The set was retired in 2015 after leading the registry for nine years. The set had no PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. 1915-S Pan-Pac Round was certified MS64 which ties the Hansen MS64 Specimen. The 1915-S Pan-Pac Octagonal was a GEM MS65 which is tick better than Hansen’s MS64+. This is a beautiful little set of coins.
1915-S $50 Pan-Pac Round MS64
This is truly a beautiful coin by all meaning of the word. There are some folks that say the octagon example is more appealing, but truthfully, they both are remarkable in their own way. Our friend Ron Guth wrote: In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific Exposition to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal. To commemorate the event, the United States mint struck a variety of coins in silver and gold, including a Half Dollar, Gold Dollar, $2-1/2 Gold, $50 Gold Octagonal, and $50 Gold Round. The coins were sold at the Exposition individually or in a variety of combinations and/or sets. Apart from Patterns and semi-official Territorial gold coins, the United States had never issued a $50 gold piece. Not sure of how many they could sell, Mint officials struck 1,509 Octagonal and 1,510 Round versions. Because of the high cost of the coins and the sets, very few coins actually sold. Of the 1,510 $50 Rounds, 10 were set aside for assay purposes, 483 were sold to the public, and the remaining 1,017 coins were destroyed. The Panama-Pacific $50 Round ranks as one of the great numismatic rarities of the Twentieth Century. It would be nice if we could go back in time and purchase few of these before 1,017 were destroyed. At $150,000 per coin, that would equate to $152.5 Million Dollars! Well, naturally, they may not be worth that much if all had survived.
This is the second round specimen obtained for the Hansen Collection. They are both MS64 PCGS CAC Approved specimens. The first was obtained sometime 2-3 years ago from an unknown source. The certification number is 34703429 and not much additional history can be found. Also, that coin is CAC Approved. The only other detail known on the coin is that it went through the 2019 branding initiative and now is housed with a D.L. Hansen label. Both coins are very nice.
The new coin was purchased in Heritage’s 2021 January FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin was headlined as 1915-S Panama-Pacific Fifty, MS64, Important Round Format Survivor. In reviewing the Heritage sale, five round specimens were offered in the five-day auction that took placed January 20-24. The grades were AU58, MS64, MS65, MS65+ and MS66. The price realized ranged from $57,600 to $186,000 for the MS66 specimen. As can be seen, the opportunity for Mr. Hansen to upgrade his prior MS64 was there. The only other caveat, which could be a big one, the coin was from The Bob R. Simpson Collection.
PCGS described this Ex-Simpson Specimen as: A Choice Mint State example struck in the Round format, this piece has a bold and beautiful appearance in brilliant yellow-gold, with impressive textured surfaces. Close inspection reveals the almost-microscopic abrasions that prevent a higher grade assignment. PCGS has certified a mere 41 submissions that numerically exceed this lovely piece. I do find it a little interesting with four other coins offered in the sale, Mr. Hansen chose to go after the Simpson coin. The coin realized $120,000 which is not a bad price. The current PCGS price guide value is $130,000. This coin is a little outside the core objective of the collection, but is a very nice addition from a very famous collection.
Provenance: The Bob R. Simpson Collection / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), lot 3052, realized $120,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
Is eye appeal not EVERYTHING? Contrast on this coin is perfect for a coin that is 106 years old. I would much rather own this coin than a MS66 that has the bleached look.......
I thought I would share my reason for pursuing the Pan Pac. I looked at numerous pictures from past auctions and found it to be so beautifully toned for a gold coin. It is more pleasing to the eye than either of the higher grades in the collection.
No artificial toning but owl and pine cones on the reverse it is an art piece I believe.
The Cheerio dollar was total impulse after having lost it twice in other bids. The are rarer than most think
Thank you for your analysis Mr. Currin. I always come away more educated on the history and nuances of a great coins history. Dell Loy
@DLHansen It would be nice if you could find a way to employ Currin, perhaps to write a book on your collection. Given the expanse and time it will take to complete your collection, it would take years to finish so it would be great to start now!
Catbert. Ron would be a perfect historian. I collect for fun and joy of the hunt. I enjoy seeing a large number of collectors succeed. It is less a competition and more a team sport were a number of people enjoy the beauty in The Quest. We all only hold these coin temporarily and find joy in seeking do that which is best. I honestly do not feel bad when someone gains a coin that I was seeking. Knowing that someone has found something that means a lot to them is also a joy.
I really enjoy peoples criticics as we examine coins relative to other coins. That helps me a lot. Any advice is always appreciated
DellLoy Sometimes the voice recording says different words and I’m really saying so you may have to correct this post.
@DLHansen said:
Catbert. Ron would be a perfect historian. I collect for fun and joy of the hunt. I enjoy seeing a large number of collectors succeed. It is less a competition and more a team sport were a number of people enjoy the beauty in The Quest. We all only hold these coin temporarily and find joy in seeking do that which is best. I honestly do not feel bad when someone gains a coin that I was seeking. Knowing that someone has found something that means a lot to them is also a joy.
I really enjoy peoples criticics as we examine coins relative to other coins. That helps me a lot. Any advice is always appreciated
DellLoy Sometimes the voice recording says different words and I’m really saying so you may have to correct this post.
Great post. I appreciate your perspective on collecting. I would like to meet you some day and chat about coins.
@DLHansen said:
Catbert. Ron would be a perfect historian. I collect for fun and joy of the hunt. I enjoy seeing a large number of collectors succeed. It is less a competition and more a team sport were a number of people enjoy the beauty in The Quest. We all only hold these coin temporarily and find joy in seeking do that which is best. I honestly do not feel bad when someone gains a coin that I was seeking. Knowing that someone has found something that means a lot to them is also a joy.
I really enjoy peoples criticics as we examine coins relative to other coins. That helps me a lot. Any advice is always appreciated
DellLoy Sometimes the voice recording says different words and I’m really saying so you may have to correct this post.
Nice post especially the ending which snuck in there!
This little gold dollar is from the Dahlonega Mint. It is written on a popular online site: The Dahlonega Mint was a former branch of the United States Mint built during the Georgia Gold Rush to help the miners get their gold assayed and minted, without having to travel to the Philadelphia Mint. It was located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, the Dahlonega Mint was seized by the Confederates. It is believed that after the Confederates took over the mint in 1861, that some gold dollars and half eagles were minted under the authority of the Confederate States Government. The exact number of 1861-D gold dollars produced is unknown, while approximately 1,597 1861-D half eagles were struck. Because of their relatively low mintage, all Dahlonega-minted gold coins are rare. It is generally accepted that gold coins estimated to exceed $6 million were minted here. After the end of the Civil War, The United States Government decided against reopening the mint.
There are 58 coin required for the Dahlonega Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) Set. PCGS describes that set as: This is one of the most historic of all coin sets, covering the Trail of Tears through the early days of the Civil War when Rebel forces captured the Dahlonega Mint. The gold dollar set features the 1861-D, a rarity with an unknown mintage that was struck after the Confederacy took charge of the Mint. The quarter eagles include the ultra-rare 1856-D, with only 874 pieces struck. The $3 gold piece of 1854-D is the only Dahlonega Mint $3 issued. The $5 pieces are rounded out by the classic 1861-D. Everything is here to remind us of an era that is gone forever. Magnificent rarities and a huge and passionate collector base add up to a great set.
There are additional dozen coins needed if you desire to complete the set with Major Varieties. The D.L. Hansen Collection has a complete 70 piece set. If you appreciate only GEM coins as Bruce and Oliver, then this set is not for you. I don’t know for sure, but the total GEM count in all denominations is extremely low. One of the best graded sets of All-Times, The Green Pond Collection, the best coins were MS64 specimens. Eliasberg, Newcomer, and Pittman Collections did not have any GEMs. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection best coins are estimated grade MS63s. The only MS65 GEM that I can find in the registry is from the Harry Bass Collection, 1845-D $5 MS65 PCGS Certification purchased from the Norweb collection auction conducted by Bowers and Merena in October, 1987. I know there are a few other Dahlonega Mint GEMs in NGC holders. The highest graded coin in the D.L. Hansen Collection is the "king" of the gold dollars, 1861-D G$1 MS64+ specimen purchased in September 2020 from the Bob Simpson Sale for $180,000.
Although the Hansen Collection does not contain any GEM Dahlonega specimens, the collection does have a few really nice coins. With this upgrade, the collection has four PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. There is another six tied for finest certified by PCGS. A total 30 of the coins are Condition Census PCGS Top Five.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+
This is as best grade that you will find in a PCGS certified holder. Doug Winter wrote: Like the 1855-D, the 1856-D is a date whose rarity has been widely overstated. In his 1965 gold dollar monograph, Breen estimated that “fewer than a dozen” examples existed. While the actual number is substantially greater, this is still a very scarce coin. The 1856-D gold dollar is a scarce coin. It is most often seen in Very Fine and lower end Extremely Fine. It is rare in Extremely Fine-45 and very rare in the lower About Uncirculated grades. In About Uncirculated-55 and About Uncirculated-58, it is extremely rare. In properly graded Mint State, this remains one of the rarest Dahlonega gold issues.
This is the first appearance for a MS62+ coin. The coin does not appear to be the Green Pond specimen which some specialists consider the finest. As appeared in a 2004 Heritage sale, We can account for four or five Uncirculated coins, of which the Green Pond Collection example is unquestionably the finest. I believe this statement was provided by Doug Winter. If this new Hansen coin at some point is proven not to be the finest, it still should remain high in the condition census report.
The coin was won by Mr. Hansen in David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction. The auction was Super Sunday Sale that took place the Sunday which was a week before the Super Bowl. David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) concluded its first DLRC Super Sunday Sale on the evening of January 31st with record-breaking results. The first offering of this special auction event included a fantastic array of Scarce US Gold issues along with their next offering of coins de-accessioned from the greatest collection of U.S. Coins, the D.L. Hansen Collection. With a total of 181 lots offered, over 110 coins found new homes with collectors, realizing over $500,000 from the special event. The 1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+ was the top seller realizing $87,500, a new Auction Record.
DLRC described the coin as: The sole finest known example of this elusive issue from an original mintage of only 1,460 coins. This stunning specimen is well struck but shows the characteristic weakness at the U of UNITED and the 5 of the date. Satiny, clean surfaces are aglow with bright luster and ideal warm yellow-golden color. An incredibly preserved survivor worthy of the discerning branch mint collector. PCGS+ grade for premium quality at the top of end of the assigned grade.
There was no additional pedigree information that I could find on this coin. It does make for a great upgrade to a great collection.
Provenance: Super Sunday Sale (DLRC 1/2021), DLRC Inventory 2225977, realized $87,500, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+, PCGS POP 1/0 Certification #41489655, PCGS #7543 PCGSGV: $90,000 / realized $87,500
The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set was offered by Heritage Auction including the four gold issues. More specifically, they were offered in 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction and divided into five lots. The first lot was a Five-Piece Proof Set, PR65 to PR67 PCGS. This lot contains the minor coins from a carefully assembled nine-coin 1915 proof set, with the coins individually holdered and assigned consecutive certification numbers. The gold proofs are also offered elsewhere in this sale, likewise certified in individual lots. The five piece set realized $12,000. The four gold pieces were offered separately. The grade on the spectacular gold specimens ranged from PR65+ to PR67. The D.L. Hansen Collection was the successful bidder for the spectacular 1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65+ Specimen.
The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set was not in the PCGS registry, but it could have. The D.L. Hansen Collection 1915 Proof Set is the best in the registry. All the Hansen coins are finer than the Spectacular Set, except for the Eagle and Double Eagle. The Spectacular Set PR66+ PCGS Eagle would certainly improve the Hansen PR65. Mr. Hansen was not successful with this coin or at least he has not published it in any of his sets.
The previous Hansen Double Eagle was a remarkable PR65 PCGS POP 1/2 specimen. The certification number for the coin is 09747916. This short lived coin is a CoinFacts top five condition census specimen. Expert David Akers wrote: Fewer proofs were minted in 1915 than in any other year of this design but they do not seem to be appreciably rarer than the earlier Saint-Gaudens proofs from 1909-1914. Approximately 20-25 specimens exist. The coin was purchased from Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. a couple years ago. I don’t have much additional information except the coin was branded with the D.L. Hansen Collection pedigree. The coin has a PCGS Price Guide value of $130,000.
This coin exceeds the meaning of “Spectacular”. My research leads me to believe this coin is from the Richmond Collection. The Richmond Collection, Part I sale was the gold portion of the collection. The coin sold in the 2004 sale as a NGC PR65. It was described in the catalog as: “Slighter paler in color than the 1913 and 1914 Proofs, with perhaps the lightest yellow color of them all. A very clean and attractive example, the only flaw being a tiny, natural void at the tip of the uppermost feather on the eagle’s left wing. Of comparable rarity with the 1914 Proof, despite a mintage of only 50 pieces. A true prize for the connoisseur in this highly specialized area of collecting. The fabulous Matte Proofs are truly the rarest of the rare. As you can see, the Hansen coin has the small void in the wing tip. Also, I verified the pedigree with the two spots on the reverse rim at 8:00. In the Richmond sale, the coin realized $55,200.
As discussed earlier, the coin was recently offered in The Spectacular 1915 Proof sale by Heritage. The coin was described as: “Key to the Matte Proof Series”. The St. Gaudens Proof series is only eight coins. PCGS describes the eight coins as: Want to get famous? Put together a set of these amazing, gorgeous, incredible, remarkable, indescribable, sensational coins! The ultimate in coin design, issued in Matte and Roman Finish Proof. The highest mintage coin in the set is only 167 pieces (!) and at present only one set can be assembled in PR65 or better condition. Don't worry, though, as a PR64 set or a mixture of PR64 and PR65/better coins would also be nothing short of spectacular. There is that word again, spectacular.
The Hansen set is a work in progress with three coins missing, 1910, 1911, and 1913. It is interesting how Mr. Hansen is assembling this great collection. He is not just looking for missing coins, but replacing some really nice coins along the way. As an example, here he replaces the amazing PR65 PCGS POP 1/2 specimen.
In the Heritage Auction, the coin described: A heavier sand grain was used on 1915 proof twenties, resulting in the coarser surface seen on this piece. Every minute strike detail is completely brought up on both sides. There are no mentionable or noticeable contact marks present. This is a rarely offered opportunity to acquire this low-mintage key to the series of proof Saint-Gaudens twenties. The minting process for this coin really produces a “Spectacular” coin. This upgrade was not needed, but certainly the new specimen is remarkable.
Provenance: Richmond Collection, Part I, (David Lawrence 7/2004 as PR65 NGC) lot 2446, realized $55,200, The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021 as PR65+ PCGS) lot 4127, realized $150,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65+ PCGS POP 2/0, Tied with One Other as Finest at PCGS Certification #40892342, PCGS #9212 PCGS Coin Guide Value: $150,000 / Realized $150,000 Ex: Richmond Specimen / The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set
Comments
It will end when it's not profitable.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Not likely as new owners want more fees. I wonder if they know what is what? -:)
The pops don't matter as much as the coin to me.
I think one thing that is driving upgrades with respect to CAC is that there are numerous examples of coins that green CAC at lower grade and then reCAC at a higher grade. I thought this wasn't supposed to happen, but if you can get a grade bump and still CAC, I think the upgrades are going to be hard to stop.
What shareholder wouldn't want more revenue if the future revenue isn't harmed?
It must be having an effect. If it didn't, Laura wouldn't have written that Hot Topics article a while back.
Unfortunately the yellow pages don't really help anymore.
Give me a call at 800-776-0560. I'll make it easy...and if you want to trade, that's even better!
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
Indian Cent Upgrade Part II
A couple days ago you saw a PCGS POP 1/0 1863 Indian Cent MS67, from the Jasper Mantooth All-Time finest PCGS Registry set. This was the only POP 1/0 purchased, but not the only coin. As stated before, as many as eight coins were purchased in the Heritage Auction from this collection. As you can see from the screenshot below, Mr. Hansen replaced ten coins in a recent update and as stated, eight can be confirmed to be from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The 1864 CN, MS66+ is not from the collection and was not purchased from the Heritage. I think this was an earlier purchase and just getting updated in the set now. The 1909 MS67RD was purchased in the Heritage sale, but does not appear to be from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The coin does carry the Eagle Eye sticker which leads me to believe it was consigned by Rick Snow.
Let’s take a quick look at the eight coins purchased in the Heritage Auction from the Jasper Mantooth Collection. The total realized for the eight coins was $178,200.
1861 MS67 PCGS POP 16/1, Cert 34351205, CAC, realized $18,600, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1863 MS67 PCGS POP 1/0, Cert 25674993, Eagle Eye, realized $20,400, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1864 Bronze No L, MS67 Red, PCGS 4/0, Cert 35764613, realized $13,200, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1893 MS67 Red, PCGS 3/0, Cert 36890662, realized $28,800, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1901 MS67+ Red, PCGS 2/0, Cert 38478264, realized $33,600, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1902 MS67+ Red, PCGS 3/1, Cert 37151192, realized $38,400, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1904 MS67 Red, PCGS 10/1, Cert 84330934, realized $11,400, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
1905 MS67 Red, PCGS 4/0, Cert 84296272, realized $13,800, Ex: Jasper Mantooth
With this purchase, The D.L. Hansen Collection of Indian Cents moves up to eighth placed on the PCGS All-Times Finest list. If this collection ever reaches the finest, it will be the hard way. The opportunity to purchase the top set entirely has now passed. This does not mean that Mr. Hansen is not well on the way. The set grade rating for the Hansen set is 67.617. The set has the sole finest 1863 and adds four tied for finest to the previous three. The set is a work in progress with a long ways to still go to meet the Hansen standard.
1901 Indian Cent, RD MS67+ RD, Ex: Jasper Mantooth Collection
The coin is one of two finest certified by PCGS. This upgraded turned out to be a pretty good replacement for the D.L. Hansen Collection. The coin replaces a MS66+ RD, Cert 84104792, POP 27/23. It is a nice coin, but is an under-grade for working in the Hansen Collection. For the two MS67+ specimens, both were available in auction the past two months. The first coin was offered in Legend’s Regency 42 Auction held on 12/3/2020. The CAC Approved coin was described as: Tied for FINEST and a simply STUNNING example! One look at this SUPERB 1901 cent and you will scream "WOW!" Everything about this jewel is 100% off the charts--both in terms of technical and aesthetic qualities! You really cannot beat this coin! PCGS has graded 2 in 67+ RD and NONE FINER. The current PCGS Price Guide value is $42,500 and neither example has ever sold in auction. A real prize for the most quality focused and demanding of Registry Set collectors. Get ready to rock-n-roll if you are looking to add this to your set! The coin set an Auction Record when realizing $30,550. It appears Mr. Hansen passed on this coin.
As you know, the new Hansen coin appeared in the Heritage Auction just a little over a month later. The coin was highlighted as: 1901 Cent, MS67+ Red, Tied with One Other at PCGS, None Finer. The rarity of the coin was described by Heritage: Nearly 80 million Indian Head cents were struck in 1901, up considerably from the 66.8 million coins produced the year before. Unsurprisingly, this is a fairly collectible issue with hundreds of examples available in MS64 Red and MS65 Red. Premium Gems in that color category begin to pose a challenge, but the 1901 is only genuinely elusive in MS67 Red. Just three examples boast a Plus designation: two at PCGS and one at NGC.
This coin is also a very nice specimen. The coin appearance is described by Heritage as: Copper-orange surfaces glow with swirling cartwheel luster. The fields exhibit significant die fatigue but post-production flaws are practically unseen. Only the date and shield are noticeably incomplete. The remaining devices are strong. This coin does not carry the CAC sticker, but did break the Auction Record that was set less than two months before. Mr. Hansen winning bid was $33,600. '
The eight Jasper Mantooth specimens purchased in the Heritage Sale does certainly improve the D.L. Hansen Collection. I am sure we will be watching this series for more updates in the future. In the meantime, I don’t sense Stuart should have any fears of being overtaken by the D.L. Hansen Collection. If the other four PCGS POP 1/0 specimens went to one owner, then Stuart could be knocked off the top perch once again.
Provenance: Jasper Mantooth; Eagle Eye Rare Coins; FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), Lot 3994, realized $33,600, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1901 Indian Cent MS67+ Red, PCGS POP 2/0
Certification #38478264, PCGS #2210
PCGS Price Guide: $42,500 / Realized $33,600
Ex: Jasper Mantooth Collection (PCGS Registry)
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The 1901 MS67+RD Pop 2/0 is far from a pop2/0 when PR examples are factored onto the mix. The MS67+ at a value of $33,600 could be compared to this coin.......
This coin is 67.5 PR RD and sold for $11,750.00 in Legend Auction March 2019.
Or my 1901 PR66 RD-CAC.......
Hansen had to swallow very hard to pay $33,600 for a MS67.5.
i have no comprehension that a MS coin can be more valuable than a PR coin of the same grade.
OINK
All the time. Any MS 1851 or 52 dollar is worth more than the equivalent proof (for example). Closer to home, same for the 1877 cent
Au Contraire! The majority of high grade 19th century business strikes are worth multiples of their counterpart proofs save some of the early years.
Cool Indian Head Cents...
My YouTube Channel
Based on his post, I thought he might already be being contacted
It looks to me as if you're agreeing with him that the business strikes tend to sell for more than the Proofs. So what's with the "Au Contraire!"?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Hmmm, He says he has no comprehension an MS coin can be more valuable than a Proof of the same grade. I take that to mean he thinks the Proofs are worth more.
i have always found it to be an anomaly that a mint coin of the same grade as a proof coin could possibly sell for 3x the price of a proof of the same grade as was the Hansen 1901 @ $33,600 vs. $7,500 for the PR67.5. Registry set competition????
But this1901 PR67+CAM (Pop1/0) sold for $49,938 in Legend Regency Auction 36........
I understand that it was not CAM when it sold and was later upgraded by PCGS.
But I am a little confused as it appears to be the same coin the CoinFacts said sold for $7,500 in 2019.
OINK
There is a very plausible reason. Proofs were saved and survive in much higher numbers than their companion Mint State examples. While I like Proofs, I don't collect them and appreciate and respect a high grade business strike much more than I do a Proof.
I agree. I've taken another approach. I've concentrated my federal purchases to OGH CAC and OGH Gold CAC where the value is on the "total package" rather then what's on a spanking new label. It adds a layer of mystery and ambiguity. It sure has kept my purchases to a minimum but I'm loving how it's shaping up.
My other two interests skull tokens/ medals and ancients ( raw) are not effected and I'm all about that
m
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......
The very post to which you replied “Au Contraire” included an example where a business strike had sold for far more than a Proof.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
So! Had nothing to do with the opinions stated!
I'm gonna allow the "au contraire" to stand sorry Mark
Indian Cent Upgrade Part III
The last couple postings were Indian Cents from the Jasper Mantooth All-Time finest PCGS Registry set. I thought the Indian Cent would end there. I saw this new Indian Cent added to collection a few days ago. I thought it was worthy of mentioning and showing. This is a branch mint coin from the San Francisco Mint. The new coin is a top pop 1908-S MS67 Pop 6/0.
Expert Jaime Hernandez Comment: The 1908-S Indian cent is the third lowest mintage circulation strike coin in the Indian cent series. The only two other lower mintage circulation strike coins in the series are the 1877 and the 1909-S, with the latter being the lowest mintage in the entire series. In circulated grades, most 1908-S Indian cents survive in Fine to XF grades. Because of its low mintage and it being the first San Francisco Mint struck cent, it has always been a very popular coin. The majority of uncirculated 1908-S Indian cents exist in MS64 grades. In uncirculated grades, there are more coins in existence containing Red Brown surfaces than there are with Brown or Red surfaces. There are more uncirculated coins displaying complete Red surfaces than there are in Brown. Regardless of surface color, in MS65 grade, the 1908-S Indian cents are considered somewhat scarce with approximately 350 total examples in existence in this grade.
There are six MS67RD coins tied for the finest known. The D.L. Hansen Collection now has one of them. This is the twelfth upgrade in last few days. This update replaces a nice MS66+RD, Cert# 34866165, POP 20/6. The D.L. Hansen Indian Cents Basic Circulation Strikes (1859-1909) Set is still in eighth spot on the All-Time ranking.
1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD, PCGS POP 6/0
The 1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD is interesting; being only one coin has appeared in auction. The sale took place just a few days ago in a Heritage FUN sale. The coin is cert# 38480049. It was described as: The quality of this Superb Gem is extraordinary. Although it shows areas of strike softness on the feathertips, forecurls, and wreath ribbon (the second A in AMERICA is nearly illegible), it is immaculately preserved with radiant copper-orange color. Vibrant mint luster swirls over each side. The MS67RD coin realized $21,600, which is an auction record for date and mint.
The Hansen coin was purchased from David Lawrence Rare Coins. I think by direct sale, and not an auction, but I am not 100% confident. I was able to see the coin through a DLRC listing via eBay. The description provided: Popular and scarce S-mint Indian cent. Especially desirable in full red, this gorgeous example is tied for finest known at PCGS with just six other pieces. Satiny luster illuminates the distraction free surfaces. Needle sharp detail can be seen throughout the design elements and is highlighted by beautiful golden-orange coloration. A registry quality piece worthy of even the most discerning collector! The ask price was $36,400 and listing closed on 1/26/2021 due to: This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available. The PCGS Price Guild value is $52,500, but the auction record is just $21,600. Therefore, I would think some serious negotiations took place.
I am going to end Indian Cent updates with this coin. We have seen about 20% of the set improved the past few days. I'm sure there will be more to come. We will continue to watch, especially to see if some serious movement is made toward the leader board. I do have a couple more early coppers to show before moving on to something new. Stay Tuned.
Provenance: Purchased in Private Transaction (DLRC 1/2021), D.L. Hansen Collection
1908-S Indian Cent, MS67RD
PCGS POP 6/0, Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS
Certification #40575943, PCGS #2234
PCGS Price Guide: $52,500 / Ask $36,400
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Dang that 08-S is beautiful!
My YouTube Channel
Proof Half Cent New Addition, Possible Unique
I will continue the run of copper updates with an 1822 Proof Large Cent. The 1822 is interesting from the standpoint there are 12-15 known specimens. More interesting, there are at least five varieties, identified by the Newcomb numbers. Presently, at least a couple of them are considered unique. This coin is described in a 2015 Stacks Bowers Auction as: Extremely Rare Proof 1822 Newcomb-6. The listing went on to say: Two coins are listed in Denis Loring’s Census of Proof large cents for this variety. The first one has been variously called Proof-63 and Proof-60 by EAC standards, by different experts. However, in his cataloguing of the Ted Naftzger Collection of Middle Dates, Part II, in February 2009, Bob Grellman disagreed with other experts and offered that coin as Mint State. PCGS is in agreement and has graded the coin as MS-63BN. That leaves the present coin as the only example of the variety called Proof by Denis Loring and graded by a major grading service as Proof. Should PCGS be correct on both accounts, the present coin would stand as the unique example of the variety in Proof.
Whether or not the specimen is unique or extremely rare, the coin is a rare proof that is a new addition to the D.L. Hansen Collection. At this point in time, I would call the D. L. Hansen. Large Cent Proof (1817-1857) set as being under development. Currently, the set is 58.82% complete, with a weighted GPA of 64.518. The coin is a PCGS 1/0 tied with one other unattributed specimen. There are two PR64BN specimens of a different variety grade finer. The superstar is a PR64RD example with a Newcomb 10 variation.
1822 Large Cent N6, PR63BN, Ex: Naftzger-Twin Leaf
This coin appeared in The Collection a few days ago. There is not much online auction history other than the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale. The coin does have a rich provenance. The pedigree on the label just contributes to the Twin Leaf Collection. The pedigree given as PCGS Coin Information indicates Naftzger-Twin Leaf. In the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale, the coin was headlined as, Ex W.F. Morgan, 1932.
In the 2015 Stacks Bowers sale, the coin was described as: Exceptionally attractive light golden tan blended with olive and accented by generous rosy red, blue and violet iridescence. Reflectivity throughout the fields accentuates the eye appeal and gives the piece a glistening presence. A short cut following the jawline is noted as a useful identifier, as is a small patch of microporosity on the cheek left of the ear, possibly a planchet defect, as made, but its exact nature is difficult to ascertain. The eye appeal is excellent, as the surfaces are quite a bit lighter in tone than seen on many Proofs. A nice early state strike with the inner circle of the obverse nicely pronounced where it is present. It is sharp around stars 2 through 8, and below the final two digits of the date, to star 13. A small remnant is seen between stars 1 and 2. However, the inner circle is slightly less complete than that seen on the Mint State coin in the lot to follow. The coin realized $30,550.
It appears the D.L. Hansen team purchased the coin by an eBay transaction with Hannigan’s Rare Coins. Hannigan’s Rare Coins is not a company that I have connected the D.L. Hansen Collection to before. That is not to say this is the first purchase, but may the first significant enough to catch my eye. The company is located in Royal Palm Beach, FL, and offers this as a bio: We are one of the largest coin dealers in copper coins and large cents and an industry leader. It is our passion for rare coins which has driven us to become one of the largest in the world. We have enjoyed doing this for the past decade. We have bought and sold coins for more than $1.3 million dollars and have been featured on the front cover of Coin World Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. We hope you can join us as we continue to grow and fill our heart’s passion for rare coins & currency. Will we hear more from this company?
The coin was headlined as: 1822 Matron Head Cent. N-6. Rarity-8+ as a Proof. Noyes Die State A/A. Proof-63 BN PCGS. only one of this type and variety. R8+ UNIQUE. We discussed the possibility of this coin being unique. I don’t think we can say with absolute certain until all the known examples have been attributed with a Newcomb designation. If you would like to read more from Hannigan on this specific coin, please take a few minutes the read information given in this link:
http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=132721779850&t=1532883707000&category=11949&seller=hannigans_rare_coins&excSoj=1&excTrk=1&lsite=0&ittenable=true&domain=ebay.com&descgauge=1&cspheader=1&oneClk=2&secureDesc=0&oversion=774b6205
The coin sold January 21st for $34,000. PCGS price guide values the coin at $55,000. I have one other copper to show you before we move on to other coins. The last coin is truly Legendary by all sense of the word. You should see the posting in a couple days, so stay tuned.
Provenance: William Festus Morgan, (J.C. Morgenthau 6/1932), Lot 199; Alvin J. Fink, December 1944; T. James Clarke; Roy E. Naftzger, Jr.; Eric Streiner, July 2002; Twin Leaf Collection of United States Large Cents, (Stacks Bowers 7/2015), Lot 2096, realized $30,550, Tyler Hannigan/Greg Hannigan; Chris Parent (2/2016); Hannigans Rare Coins (eBay Transaction), D.L. Hansen Collection.
1822 Large Cent N6, PR63BN
PCGS, POP 1/0, Overall POP 2/4
Certification #35988116, PCGS #533809
PCGSPG: $55,000 / Sold $34,000
Ex: Naftzger-Twin Leaf
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
“This is the finest known specimen of the rarest half cent.”— Louis Eliasberg, 1956
Million Dollar: Half Cents - CoinWeek November 16, 2016
This is an article written by Greg Reynolds about four years ago. A lot can change in a little more than four years. For one, we don’t get to read thought provoking articles from Greg. I hope he comes back one day. Another to note, the half cent market has changed a lot in five years. So, let’s see what the environment was around five years ago according to Greg: A majority of the 20 most valuable half cents have recently spirited into the limelight after being in the shadows for many years. In January 2014, the Goldbergs, in association with Chris McCawley and Bob Grellman, auctioned the all-time greatest set of half cents, the Tettenhorst-Missouri Collection. I then provided extensive coverage of this collection. In February 2016, the 18th-century half cents of the Pogue set were auctioned by Stack’s-Bowers, in association with Sotheby’s. This group included a few that the Pogues had acquired at the Tettenhorst-Missouri sale on January 26, 2014. It also included early half cents that had not traded publicly for a long time.
We have seen a similar round of activity recently with ESM Collection liquating half cents. We have seen some great selections being offered from Collections of Oliver Jung and Bob Simpson. There will be a nice half cent grouping coming up in an April Heritage Sale with the offering from the Donald G. Partrick Collection. Is the current market strong for half cents? Well, I guess that could be debatable. In reality, we have not seen any half cents sell for million dollars for a few years now.
The Reynolds article focuses on four legendary half cents, describing them as possible million dollar coins. I reached out to a copper specialist that is well known in our community. I asked him for his 2021 response to the article. He replied: I agree with his pick for top 4 half cents. However prices have reached the new level. That being said, I don’t believe there is any half cent worth a million dollars. I agree with the response. I will add that I believe one of the 1793 half cents should be the fifth coin on the list. There is a 1793 MS66BN that realized $920,000 in a 2014 Goldberg Auction. For this exercise, we will stick with the four coins from the article. If you have time, it could add a little perspective to read the article. I have provided a link.
https://coinweek.com/coins/million-dollar-items/million-dollar-coins-part-3-half-cents/
Weinberg-Tettenhorst-Pogue 1794 Half Cent
This half cent last appeared in the Brent Pogue Auction in 2016 realizing $940,000. The coin peaked on January 26, 2014, when realized $1,150,000. The present location of this coin is unknown to me. It has not appeared in auction since the Pogue sale. Would the coin bring million dollars if offered today? In the article, Reynolds stated: It is fair to figure that this coin has a current retail value above $1 million now? I believe so. I agree with my specialist friend, I don’t think so, but I could be wrong.
Blay 1796 ‘With Pole’ Half Cent
Greg Reynolds called this coin a “sleeper”. At the time he wrote the article, the coin had not appeared in auction. There is a little mystery around this coin. In the article, the coin was called the “Blay Half Cent”. The coin appeared in 2018 ANA WIFOM auction from “The Red headed Copper Collection”. The coin is considered the finest known and realized $630,000. This is considerably short of the one million dollar mark.
The Tettenhorst-Pogue 1811
I am not sure where to start with this coin. It was offered in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin is one of five coppers offered from The Oliver Jung Collection. This coin has been in a free fall. Mr. Reynolds writes: The Tettenhorst-Pogue 1811 brought $1,121,250 on January 26, 2014, an auction record for any 19th century half cent. McGuigan relates: “[That] price in 2014 was extremely strong. I did not think of it as a million dollar coin”. This was a great prediction by McGuigan. In the D. Brent Pogue sale in 2017, the coin realized $998,750. Almost, but was not able to repeat one million mark. The latest sale just a few days ago, the coin realized only $336,000, with a PCGS Price Guide value of $1,150,000. That value is obvious a little off the mark. It does not appear Mr. Hansen had any interest of catching this falling star even at this bargain price. Also, the coin as of today has not shown up in the #1 Half Cent registry set, Jim McGuigan Collection. I find it a little interesting that the top registry players showed little interest in the one time million dollar coin.
The Eliasberg-Pogue ‘No Pole’ 1796
This coin has never sold for a million dollars. That could be because there is another pretty good coin that has sold for almost a million dollars. Comment from Jim McGuigan: The Eliasberg-Pogue 1796 ‘No Pole’ half cent is “considerably more eye appealing” than the Tettenhorst-Missouri 1796 ‘No Pole’ half cent. For half cent collectors, the 1796 ‘No Pole’ is the queen. These are likely to be the two best. The Tettenhorst-Missouri specimen sold for $891,250 in 2014. In the 2016 Pogue Sale the Eliasberg coin sold for $763,750. The thought was next time the coin came to auction, it could the break the million dollar mark, but that did not happen. Mr. Hansen was able to acquire the specimen for $780,000. This coin did increase in value where the others we have seem to fallen. I will highlight this amazing new purchase.
1796 Half Cent “C-1 No Pole”, MS67RB, Ex: Atwater/Eliasberg/Pogue/Jung
This coin may be one of the four or five most valuable Half Cents. It will be the centerpiece of the D.L. Hansen Half Cents. The coin joins a hand full of other six figure coins in the half cent collection including the 1796 With Pole, MS65BN specimen PCGS values at $385,000 and 1793 MS65BN specimen PCGS values at $315,000. According to auction sites, The Eliasberg-Pogue ‘No Pole’ 1796 coin is Legendary. The coin was purchase a few days ago in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. Heritage announced total sales exceeded $90 Million Dollars and the auction offered five early coppers from The Oliver Jung Collection. This legendary coin was one of the five. There is so much that can be written on this coin, that it is no way my short blog will do any justice, but let’s give it a shot anyway starting with the Atwater Sale.
As many of you know, I have a fondest of the William Cutter Atwater Collection. This great collection was offered by B. Max Mehl in 1946. Several of great specimens from this collection ended up in the Eliasberg Collection. This coin is one of them. In the 1946 sale, the coin was referenced as “Brilliant Semi-Proof” and at the same time, noting as a conservative description. Earlier in a 1912 sale of the Earle Collection, the description given by Henry Clapman was simply “Proof”. Today, we know the coin is a not a true proof, but is still as amazing as ever with a PCGS grade of MS67RB!
The next major appearance of this masterpiece was the Louis E. Eliasberg Collection hosted by Bowers and Merena in 1996. It was later described in a Stack Bower sale: The ultimate example of the ultimate half cent, this was the first example of the smallest American denomination to sell at auction for over a half million dollars. Sold in 1996 after 50 years spent in the Eliasberg Collection, this is its first public offering since and only its third since 1912. The Earle-Atwater-Eliasberg-Pogue 1796 No Pole half cent has captured the imagination of some of numismatics’ most notable catalogers and connoisseurs, nearly all of whom have given it first rank atop the census of all known specimens of this famous rarity. The coin was first half cent to break the half million mark, but still have not broken the million dollar mark. I contribute timing as one reason the coin never broke the mark. The coin was not offered in auction between 1996 and 2016, therefore missed the so called peak for half cents. It would certainly be curious to know the negotiated price by D. Brent Pogue in the private purchase of the coin in the 2002 timeframe. Maybe the sale was not a million dollars, but could have been close.
In 2016, D. Brent Pogue sells the coin in a Stack's Bowers Auction for $763,750. The coin was headlined as: The Legendary Earle-Atwater-Eliasberg 1796 No Pole Half Cent, Former World Record Holder, and The Finest Known. All true. SBG Auctions provided a long and detail description. I will only share the comments on the appearance of the coin. I would recommend looking up the coin in SBG archives and read more. Its visual appeal is superb, with light golden brown toning showing rich remaining vestiges of mint color around LIBERTY, the date, and around central devices. Some faded mint color expresses faint pastel highlights of sea green and blue in proper light, particularly noticeable above Liberty’s cap. The fields are lightly reflective and boldly lustrous, with profound cartwheel present on both sides. A few wispy hairlines above TY of LIBERTY are visible only under certain lighting conditions, and another above E of that word is even more difficult to see. Two ancient parallel scratches above Liberty’s head are crossed by a fainter one that disappears under R of LIBERTY. A tiny raised speck adheres to the field surface near the juncture of Liberty’s nose and forehead, while the merest surface granularity in the lower left obverse periphery and near the top of the reverse wreath is found only with a glass. The overall visual impact, as indicated by the grade assigned, is that of an absolute superb survivor, one of the most remarkable of all early American copper coins.
The coin has resided since the Pogue sale in the greatest and finest type set ever assembled by Oliver Jung. The coin represented the Liberty Cap Right, Half Cent (1795-1797) type, which is the third slot in the 133 piece set. The coin is a POP 4/0 for the type, but is POP 1/0 for the year 1796. Mr. Jung placed his set on the market for private sale in mid-2019. We heard the coin was going into a specialty set of 18th Century Type (1792-1799) being assembled by Bruce Morelan. We learned later that Mr. Morelan abandoned this project to pursue other interests. The coin with few others of Mr. Jung’s remaining coins was offered in Heritage’s January 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction.
Heritage headlined the coin as: 1796 No Pole Half Cent, MS67 Red and Brown, The Finest Known Cohen-1, Breen-1, A Legendary Numismatic Rarity. Legendary is a very fitting word for this coin. Before closing, let me share one last comment for this coin provided by the Heritage Auctioneer. In an extremely long description of the coin, only a very brief description of the coin’s appearance was given. Almost as if that coin really doesn’t need a description. The mirrored surfaces are light chestnut-brown with traces of original mint red in the protected areas including the date numerals, letters on both sides, and the leaves of the wreath. The strike is full and well-centered, showing a full and complete border details. Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. summed up this piece in 1956: "This is the finest known specimen of the rarest half cent." In the sale, Mr. Hansen was able to purchase the coin for $780,000. This is short of the $891,250 realized in a 2014 Goldberg Auctioneers sale of a MS65 specimen from The Missouri Cabinet. The coin currently resides in the High Desert Collection.
This coin joins the legendary the 1793 Wreath, Strawberry Leaf, Large Cent, the finest known specimen. We have been able to witness some significant activities in the D.L. Hansen copper collection. If the early copper coin market is really experiencing some softness as a few suggest, then this could be a great opportunity for Mr. Hansen to continue making improvements. Only time will tell for sure, so stay tune.
Provenance: George H. Earle, Jr. Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1912), lot 3609, which realized $400; Colonel James W. Ellsworth; Knoedler Galleries (privately in 1923); Wayte Raymond and John Work Garrett (sold privately); William Cutler Atwater Collection, via M. Knoedler & Co. and Wayte Raymond, by sale, 1923; William Cutler Atwater Estate, February 1940; William C. Atwater (B. Max Mehl, 6/1946), lot 129, which realized $1,125; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection; Richard A. Eliasberg, by descent, 1976; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 407, which realized $506,000; Warren Trepp Collection, by sale, via Spectrum Numismatics; Paul Nugget (Spectrum), by sale, December 2002; D. Brent Pogue Collection (Stack's Bowers, 2/2016), lot 3008, which realized $763,750; Oliver Jung Collection (Heritage, 1/2021), lot 3978, realized $780,000, D.L. Hansen Collection
1796 Half Cent “C-1 No Pole”, MS67RB
PCGS, POP 1/0, Sole Finest “No Pole”
Certification #04498526, PCGS #35096
PCGSPG: $775,000 / realized $780,000
Ex: Atwater/Eliasberg/Pogue/Jung
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Quite the upgrade from the VG10.
I believe the 1794 67 R/B Weinberg
half cent would not bring $500,000
In today’s market . I would also add neither 1793 half cent graded ms 66
Would bring more than the Eliasberg
1796 no pole half cent that DL Hanson just won in auction.
I know factually that Brent Pogue
Paid $1,500,00 for the coin in 2002
from Greg Robert’s through David Akers.It is without question the most valuable half cent .
Upgrade from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III Sale
The first three parts of the Simpson sale hosted by Heritage Auctions have realized $44 Million. Part III which was held January 20th realized the best results. There were four coin that realized seven figures including the 1804 Plain 4 Proof eagle, $5,280,000, The other three was the 1792 Judd-1, One Cent, SP67 ($2,520,000), the 1885 Amon Carter Trade Dollar ($2,100,000) and the 1796 Stars, MS65 Quarter Eagle ($1,380,000). Four coins realized $11.3 Million which is not too shabby.
The D.L. Hansen Collection was not a player in those coins, but did pick a nice upgrade for the Indian Head Half Eagle, Circulation Strikes (1908-1929) set. This issue is described by PCGS as: In 1908 the transition was made from the long-lived $5 Liberty series (1839-1908) to the radically designed $5 Indian. Both the $5 and $2 1/2 Indian gold pieces were introduced in 1908, and both carried the incuse design, never seen before (or since) on a United States coin. The $5 Indian series is filled with rarities. In fact, 15 of the 24 dates have a population of seven or less in MS65! Two of the 24 dates are unknown in MS65 or better, or at least uncertified. PCGS has graded well over 40,000 $5 Indians in all dates and grades, but barely 300 have qualified as MS65 or better. Key dates of the series in any mint state grade include the 1908-S, 1909-O, 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-D, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, and 1929. The description list ten key dates. The set registry boils the ten down to three with a weight of eight, indicating the toughest date. The three dates are 1909-O, 1911-D and 1913-S.
The best of the registry is a set named, The Jim O’Neal Ultra Premier Set of Indian Half Eagles. The set is amazing in all ways conceivable. The top three keys dates were sole finest certified by PCGS. Along with those three coins, there were three others totaling six sole finest by PCGS. There were five others tied for finest certified by PCGS. All together, there were 21 of 24 coins that I would call as being PCGS Condition Census Top Five. In relativity, The Jim O’Neal Ultra Premier Set is in a league of its own, even out pacing the Price and Duckor sets by a considerable margin.
The D.L. Hansen is not in a league with these historical great sets “yet”. This upgrade lifts the set to fifth place on the All-Time PCGS Registry Top Five Leaderboard. To be honest, this was helped by the breakup of the Simpson set. The Simpson set was number #1 all-time as early as 2015 before the publishing of the Jim O’Neal Set. The Simpson set was not retired, so it lost its ranking in the registry.
The new Hansen upgrade is one of the top three keys dates, but is not the Jim O’Neal Sole finest Specimen, Ex: Eliasberg/ Price. For this key date, The Hansen coin lands at #5 on the CoinFacts Condition Census report. I actually believed the coin with the current MS64+ grade to be number seven. In a 2016 Heritage sale, there were six known GEM coins listed in a Roster of Top Six 1909-O Half Eagles.
1 - MS66 PCGS. J.C. Mitchelson (6/1909); John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 623, $30,800; David Hall and Gordon Wrubel; Auction '83 (Paramount, 7/1983), lot 404, $46,750; Texas Collector; Auction '89 (David Akers, 7/1989), lot 1405, $71,500; Dr. Thaine B. Price (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 21, $374,000; "Stellar Collection"; Jim O'Neal #1 All-Time Finest Collection of Indian Half Eagles / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2011), lot 5138, where it brought $690,000.
2 - MS65 PCGS. Bowers and Ruddy (2/1978), lot 1315; Auction '79 (RARCOA, 7/1979), lot 1279; Robert Kruthoffer (Paramount, 9/1981), lot 6; Dr. Steven Duckor; Auction '90 (David Akers, 7/1990), lot 1803; David Hall Rare Coins; Private Collection.
3 - MS65 NGC. Denver Signature Sale (Heritage, 8/2006), lot 5524; Heritage Internet (12/2006), lot 23749.
4 - MS65 NGC. James A. Stack, Sr. (Stack's, 10/1994), lot 1279, $99,000; Great Lakes Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/1998), lot 4010, $178,500.
5 - MS65 NGC. Superior (1/2004), lot 911.
6 - MS65. Smithsonian Institution
Doug Winter describes the coin as: The 1909-O half eagle is the final gold coin produced at the New Orleans mint. It is the only Indian Head half eagle to be struck at this mint. It is not an especially scarce coin in circulated grades but it is exceedingly popular due to its status as a one-year type. In recent years, the level of demand for this coin has soared and it now ranks as one of the most popular New Orleans issues of any denomination. David Akers describes coin as: This is one of the major rarities of 20th-century gold, especially in gem or near gem condition. _ He adds some commentary around his thoughts on the top specimens: _In terms of overall rarity, this is the premier issue of the series although it is just marginally more rare than the 1911-D. (The 1911-D is more rare in MS-64 or better condition, however.) Even in MS-60 to 63 condition, the 1909-O is seldom available and above that level, there are probably fewer than 10 specimens in all. Two specimens stand out above all the rest, the Lilly coin impounded in the Smithsonian Institution and the Eliasberg specimen, now in a prominent Texas collection. Both are MS-65+ coins, the Lilly coin perhaps even a bit better than that. The Kruthoffer coin, now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor, and a similar quality example in the Dr. Thaine Price Collection are high end MS-64 pieces and I have seen two or three others of similar quality. David Akers dub The Eliasberg/Price/O'Neal specimen as "THE COIN." The coin holds the auction record of $690,000 realized in 2011.
1909-O Indian Half Eagle. MS64+ PGGS, CAC Approved, Ex: Bob Simpson
The new Hansen coin is the only MS64+ graded by both leading TPG companies. The CAC population for this date is one in 64 (Hansen’s), and one finer, a MS65 PCGS Specimen that appeared in a 2016 Goldberg Auction. The Hansen coin does not have a rich pedigree as the Eliasberg/Price/O'Neal specimen and in fact, the only pervious appearance that I can find is a Bowers and Merena in 2006. The coin was graded MS64 PCGS and realized $165,000. In the 2006 sale or some point after, the coin ended up in the Bob Simpson Collection.
The coin was purchased by Mr. Hansen in The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III Sale hosted at Heritage January 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction. In this sale that featured a great selection of Simpson masterpieces, the coin realized the #10 spot for price realized in the sale. The coin sold for $240,000 for a coin headlined as: 1909-O Indian Half Eagle, MS64+, Low-Mintage Branch Mint Key, Only O-Mint Indian Five. In addition, the coin is CAC Approved and has a great appeal as described by the auctioneer: The present coin is a Plus-graded Choice example that ranks comfortably in the Condition Census for the issue. PCGS has graded only four finer coins, three in MS65 and a single example in MS66, while NGC lists no coins finer than MS64 (12/20). The design elements are sharply detailed throughout and the mintmark is unusually bold on this example. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces are impeccably preserved and vibrant mint luster radiates from both sides. Overall eye appeal is terrific for this important branch mint key.
As stated early, this is the coin that gets the D.L. Hansen Collection of Indian Half Eagles on the PCGS leaderboard. The coin is a very nice and appealing addition even not being a Condition Census Top Five coin. The coin has a PCGS value of $185,000. It appears Mr. Hansen was willing to chase this coin a little with placing a winning bid of $240,000. Will the coin someday be a GEM? Only time will tell.
Provenance: Baltimore Auction (Bowers and Merena, 3/2006 as MS64 PCGS), lot 2331, realized $175,375; The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part III / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021 as MS64+ CAC), lot 3045, realized $240,000, D. L. Hanse Collection.
1909-O Indian Half Eagle. MS64+
PCGS POP 1/4, CAC Approved
Certification #40276064, PCGS #8515
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $185,000 / Realized $240,000
Ex: Bob Simpson
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I dont think thats the case in todays market, its more a type market today than a half cent variety set market.
The 1794 half Cent brought 1 Million in the same sale the 1796 brought 760k, and by the way, the 1796 had no underbidder, it was against the reserve of Stacksbowers.
@privaterarecoincollector Now you two get to fight it out for the next gold rarity in a month.
Just got this email.
Landmark 1822 Half Eagle to be Offered in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries March 2021 Auction
Took me a minute to decode TDNs message above. Guess he beat me to it.
Yes, would be interesting, me against Hanson
The only problem is thats an AU coin and I rather have Gems.
You, Hansen and the RESERVE........which will certainly be record setting?
OINK
New Specimen for the Modern Varieties
For a weekend treat, or maybe just a change, I am posting a modern coin. Mitch, this is for you. As you may know, the Hansen Quest was to expand the Eliasberg Collection another 50 years. In doing so, Mr. Hansen is keeping his set update to current issues. That goal for registry set is completed except for two early half eagles. He has expanded that coin set to include major varieties which how this coin fits into the goal of the collection. The set that I am describing here can be best seen with this PCGS Registry Set: U.S. Coins Complete Set with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes (1792-present). The set currently requires 4496 coins to complete. PCGS describes the set as: Every U.S. coin in Circulation Strike from 1792 to present, every date, every Mintmark, every major variety, this set is the ultimate challenge. A collection of this size could take many years to assemble. The collector who completes this set in high grade would make numismatic history. Are you up to the challenge? The Hansen set is 98.67% with a GPA rating of 61.68. I estimate the PGCS value of this set to be in the excess of a $100 Million Dollars.
The new 2000-P SAC$1 "Cheerios" Dollar is the newest addition on the post 1964 side of the set. The coin is described by Jaime Hernandez: In 1999 the Mint had to provide General Mills 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars for an agreed promotion. In the promotion General Mills would place 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars inside every 2,000th box of Cheerios. In 2005, collector Tom DeLorey discovered that some of these 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars had a special detailed design on the reverse of the coin. This different design had detailed veins in the eagles' tail feathers. Uncirculated and including Proof coins lacked these fine details on the eagles feathers. After the initial discovery the hunt was on and collectors searched to see if they had this scarce design referred to as the Cheerios Dollars since the coins were only being found inside Cheerios boxes. After several years only several dozen examples were actually found. Who knows how many are still out there, but finding one would definitely be an incredible find.
Current PCGS Population Report indicates 127 coins have been certified. There are 53 certified MS68 PCGS Cheerios with one sole specimen at MS68+. The sole finest specimen has not appeared in auction and the value has not been determined. The auction record is $29,900 for a MS68 PCGS specimen sold in a Heritage 2008 Signature Auction. Is this the MS68+ specimen, I cannot be sure. It appear the peak for this coin was in 2008 when two sales of the MS68 Cheerios broke the $20K mark. The previous mentioned at $29,900 and one other at $23,000. The value for a MS 68 coin has settled in current sales to around $6000 to $10,000. I think Mr. Hansen paid a premium for his recent purchase.
2000-P SAC$1 "Cheerios" Dollar “FS-902” MS68 PCGS
The coin was purchased in Heritage 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction. It was headlined as: 2000-P 'Cheerios' Dollar, MS68, Significant Modern Variety Rarity. The lot came with an example of a one cent that also found in a Cheerios box. I believe the one cent was uncertified. The auctioneer described the lot as: A beautifully preserved example of the so-called "Cheerios" dollar, among the finest pieces certified and conditionally scarce as such. The fine detailing on the eagle's tailfeathers distinguishes this piece from the common circulation coins issued in 2000. This piece was among the coins distributed in boxes of Cheerios breakfast cereal as a promotional give-away. Also included in the promotion was a newly struck 2000 Lincoln cent, although the "Cheerios" cents have no distinguishing feature to differentiate them from the masses of ordinary coins struck for circulation. The "Cheerios" dollar, however, stands as an important variety for the Sacagawea dollar collector and is the undisputed key to the series. This piece is fully struck and practically pristine, showing satiny golden surfaces. Includes the Lincoln cent from the cereal promotion as well.
I am not sure why Mr. Hansen chased this coin to $15,000. The PCGS price guide valued the coin at $8,000. By looking hard, I feel a specimen could be found for less. There may be something special that Mr. Hansen and his team see in this particular specimen. It is a really nice coin that now can be tucked away in this great collection.
Provenance: FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), lot 4408, realized $15,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
2000-P SAC$1 "Cheerios" Dollar “FS-902” MS68 PCGS
PCGS POP 53/1
Certification #40756595, PCGS #147231
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $8,000 / Realized $15,000
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
I had heard of these Cheerios dollars, but did not have the background. "detailed veins in the eagle's tail feathers". $15,000. Indeed. We are an odd bunch of ducks.
“I am not sure why Mr. Hansen chased this coin to $15,000. The PCGS price guide valued the coin at $8,000. By looking hard, I feel a specimen could be found for less.”
Agreed. An exuberant price in today’s market, but not even the cost of a buyer’s premium on many coins being added to this collection regularly.
Wondercoin
Maybe Mr. Hansen also got the box of Cheerios with the coin ?
New $50 Pan-Pac Gold
This coin is a different twist. This is one of the key coins found in the Gold Commemoratives 13 Piece Circulation Strikes (1903-1926) set. With this purchase, the second set in the Hansen Collection is completed. To complete one set is an achievement, but two is over achieving. The two Hansen sets are #2 and #5 on the All-Time Registry Leaderboard. With this update the Hansen Top Set moves in the current #1 spot and second all-time. The set is described by PCGS as: The gold commemorative set includes nine gold dollars, two quarter eagles, and two $50 gold pieces. Because of the prohibitive cost of the $50 pieces, the set is usually collected as an 11-piece set comprising the smaller issues. The 1905 Lewis & Clark gold dollar and the Sesqui $2 1/2 are usually the toughest coins to find in gem (MS65/better) condition. This series has proved to be extremely popular with collectors, as it is one of the few gold series that can be completed in gem condition. Several of the gold commemoratives were issued in proof.
The All-Time leading set was assembled by Paul Denby. The set was retired in 2015 after leading the registry for nine years. The set had no PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. 1915-S Pan-Pac Round was certified MS64 which ties the Hansen MS64 Specimen. The 1915-S Pan-Pac Octagonal was a GEM MS65 which is tick better than Hansen’s MS64+. This is a beautiful little set of coins.
1915-S $50 Pan-Pac Round MS64
This is truly a beautiful coin by all meaning of the word. There are some folks that say the octagon example is more appealing, but truthfully, they both are remarkable in their own way. Our friend Ron Guth wrote: In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific Exposition to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal. To commemorate the event, the United States mint struck a variety of coins in silver and gold, including a Half Dollar, Gold Dollar, $2-1/2 Gold, $50 Gold Octagonal, and $50 Gold Round. The coins were sold at the Exposition individually or in a variety of combinations and/or sets. Apart from Patterns and semi-official Territorial gold coins, the United States had never issued a $50 gold piece. Not sure of how many they could sell, Mint officials struck 1,509 Octagonal and 1,510 Round versions. Because of the high cost of the coins and the sets, very few coins actually sold. Of the 1,510 $50 Rounds, 10 were set aside for assay purposes, 483 were sold to the public, and the remaining 1,017 coins were destroyed. The Panama-Pacific $50 Round ranks as one of the great numismatic rarities of the Twentieth Century. It would be nice if we could go back in time and purchase few of these before 1,017 were destroyed. At $150,000 per coin, that would equate to $152.5 Million Dollars! Well, naturally, they may not be worth that much if all had survived.
This is the second round specimen obtained for the Hansen Collection. They are both MS64 PCGS CAC Approved specimens. The first was obtained sometime 2-3 years ago from an unknown source. The certification number is 34703429 and not much additional history can be found. Also, that coin is CAC Approved. The only other detail known on the coin is that it went through the 2019 branding initiative and now is housed with a D.L. Hansen label. Both coins are very nice.
The new coin was purchased in Heritage’s 2021 January FUN U.S. Coins Signature Auction. The coin was headlined as 1915-S Panama-Pacific Fifty, MS64, Important Round Format Survivor. In reviewing the Heritage sale, five round specimens were offered in the five-day auction that took placed January 20-24. The grades were AU58, MS64, MS65, MS65+ and MS66. The price realized ranged from $57,600 to $186,000 for the MS66 specimen. As can be seen, the opportunity for Mr. Hansen to upgrade his prior MS64 was there. The only other caveat, which could be a big one, the coin was from The Bob R. Simpson Collection.
PCGS described this Ex-Simpson Specimen as: A Choice Mint State example struck in the Round format, this piece has a bold and beautiful appearance in brilliant yellow-gold, with impressive textured surfaces. Close inspection reveals the almost-microscopic abrasions that prevent a higher grade assignment. PCGS has certified a mere 41 submissions that numerically exceed this lovely piece. I do find it a little interesting with four other coins offered in the sale, Mr. Hansen chose to go after the Simpson coin. The coin realized $120,000 which is not a bad price. The current PCGS price guide value is $130,000. This coin is a little outside the core objective of the collection, but is a very nice addition from a very famous collection.
Provenance: The Bob R. Simpson Collection / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021), lot 3052, realized $120,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
1915-S $50 Pan-Pac Round MS64 PCGS
PCGS POP 98/48
Certification #40276139, PCGS #7451
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $130,000 / Realized $120,000
Ex: Bob Simpson
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Is eye appeal not EVERYTHING? Contrast on this coin is perfect for a coin that is 106 years old. I would much rather own this coin than a MS66 that has the bleached look.......
OINK
Maybe it was a wash with the PanPac?
Love the look of that Pan Pac sure looks nice for a 64
I thought I would share my reason for pursuing the Pan Pac. I looked at numerous pictures from past auctions and found it to be so beautifully toned for a gold coin. It is more pleasing to the eye than either of the higher grades in the collection.
No artificial toning but owl and pine cones on the reverse it is an art piece I believe.
The Cheerio dollar was total impulse after having lost it twice in other bids. The are rarer than most think
Thank you for your analysis Mr. Currin. I always come away more educated on the history and nuances of a great coins history. Dell Loy
I love when you react on impulse Dell Loy.
@DLHansen It would be nice if you could find a way to employ Currin, perhaps to write a book on your collection. Given the expanse and time it will take to complete your collection, it would take years to finish so it would be great to start now!
Catbert. Ron would be a perfect historian. I collect for fun and joy of the hunt. I enjoy seeing a large number of collectors succeed. It is less a competition and more a team sport were a number of people enjoy the beauty in The Quest. We all only hold these coin temporarily and find joy in seeking do that which is best. I honestly do not feel bad when someone gains a coin that I was seeking. Knowing that someone has found something that means a lot to them is also a joy.
I really enjoy peoples criticics as we examine coins relative to other coins. That helps me a lot. Any advice is always appreciated
DellLoy Sometimes the voice recording says different words and I’m really saying so you may have to correct this post.
Great post. I appreciate your perspective on collecting. I would like to meet you some day and chat about coins.
Nice post especially the ending which snuck in there!
Upgrade from the Dahlonega Mint
This little gold dollar is from the Dahlonega Mint. It is written on a popular online site: The Dahlonega Mint was a former branch of the United States Mint built during the Georgia Gold Rush to help the miners get their gold assayed and minted, without having to travel to the Philadelphia Mint. It was located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, the Dahlonega Mint was seized by the Confederates. It is believed that after the Confederates took over the mint in 1861, that some gold dollars and half eagles were minted under the authority of the Confederate States Government. The exact number of 1861-D gold dollars produced is unknown, while approximately 1,597 1861-D half eagles were struck. Because of their relatively low mintage, all Dahlonega-minted gold coins are rare. It is generally accepted that gold coins estimated to exceed $6 million were minted here. After the end of the Civil War, The United States Government decided against reopening the mint.
There are 58 coin required for the Dahlonega Gold Basic Circulation Strikes (1838-1861) Set. PCGS describes that set as: This is one of the most historic of all coin sets, covering the Trail of Tears through the early days of the Civil War when Rebel forces captured the Dahlonega Mint. The gold dollar set features the 1861-D, a rarity with an unknown mintage that was struck after the Confederacy took charge of the Mint. The quarter eagles include the ultra-rare 1856-D, with only 874 pieces struck. The $3 gold piece of 1854-D is the only Dahlonega Mint $3 issued. The $5 pieces are rounded out by the classic 1861-D. Everything is here to remind us of an era that is gone forever. Magnificent rarities and a huge and passionate collector base add up to a great set.
There are additional dozen coins needed if you desire to complete the set with Major Varieties. The D.L. Hansen Collection has a complete 70 piece set. If you appreciate only GEM coins as Bruce and Oliver, then this set is not for you. I don’t know for sure, but the total GEM count in all denominations is extremely low. One of the best graded sets of All-Times, The Green Pond Collection, the best coins were MS64 specimens. Eliasberg, Newcomer, and Pittman Collections did not have any GEMs. The Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection best coins are estimated grade MS63s. The only MS65 GEM that I can find in the registry is from the Harry Bass Collection, 1845-D $5 MS65 PCGS Certification purchased from the Norweb collection auction conducted by Bowers and Merena in October, 1987. I know there are a few other Dahlonega Mint GEMs in NGC holders. The highest graded coin in the D.L. Hansen Collection is the "king" of the gold dollars, 1861-D G$1 MS64+ specimen purchased in September 2020 from the Bob Simpson Sale for $180,000.
Although the Hansen Collection does not contain any GEM Dahlonega specimens, the collection does have a few really nice coins. With this upgrade, the collection has four PCGS POP 1/0 sole finest specimens. There is another six tied for finest certified by PCGS. A total 30 of the coins are Condition Census PCGS Top Five.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+
This is as best grade that you will find in a PCGS certified holder. Doug Winter wrote: Like the 1855-D, the 1856-D is a date whose rarity has been widely overstated. In his 1965 gold dollar monograph, Breen estimated that “fewer than a dozen” examples existed. While the actual number is substantially greater, this is still a very scarce coin. The 1856-D gold dollar is a scarce coin. It is most often seen in Very Fine and lower end Extremely Fine. It is rare in Extremely Fine-45 and very rare in the lower About Uncirculated grades. In About Uncirculated-55 and About Uncirculated-58, it is extremely rare. In properly graded Mint State, this remains one of the rarest Dahlonega gold issues.
This is the first appearance for a MS62+ coin. The coin does not appear to be the Green Pond specimen which some specialists consider the finest. As appeared in a 2004 Heritage sale, We can account for four or five Uncirculated coins, of which the Green Pond Collection example is unquestionably the finest. I believe this statement was provided by Doug Winter. If this new Hansen coin at some point is proven not to be the finest, it still should remain high in the condition census report.
The coin was won by Mr. Hansen in David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction. The auction was Super Sunday Sale that took place the Sunday which was a week before the Super Bowl. David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) concluded its first DLRC Super Sunday Sale on the evening of January 31st with record-breaking results. The first offering of this special auction event included a fantastic array of Scarce US Gold issues along with their next offering of coins de-accessioned from the greatest collection of U.S. Coins, the D.L. Hansen Collection. With a total of 181 lots offered, over 110 coins found new homes with collectors, realizing over $500,000 from the special event. The 1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+ was the top seller realizing $87,500, a new Auction Record.
DLRC described the coin as: The sole finest known example of this elusive issue from an original mintage of only 1,460 coins. This stunning specimen is well struck but shows the characteristic weakness at the U of UNITED and the 5 of the date. Satiny, clean surfaces are aglow with bright luster and ideal warm yellow-golden color. An incredibly preserved survivor worthy of the discerning branch mint collector. PCGS+ grade for premium quality at the top of end of the assigned grade.
There was no additional pedigree information that I could find on this coin. It does make for a great upgrade to a great collection.
Provenance: Super Sunday Sale (DLRC 1/2021), DLRC Inventory 2225977, realized $87,500, D.L. Hansen Collection.
1856-D Gold One Dollar MS62+, PCGS POP 1/0
Certification #41489655, PCGS #7543
PCGSGV: $90,000 / realized $87,500
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set
The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set was offered by Heritage Auction including the four gold issues. More specifically, they were offered in 2021 FUN US Coins Signature Auction and divided into five lots. The first lot was a Five-Piece Proof Set, PR65 to PR67 PCGS. This lot contains the minor coins from a carefully assembled nine-coin 1915 proof set, with the coins individually holdered and assigned consecutive certification numbers. The gold proofs are also offered elsewhere in this sale, likewise certified in individual lots. The five piece set realized $12,000. The four gold pieces were offered separately. The grade on the spectacular gold specimens ranged from PR65+ to PR67. The D.L. Hansen Collection was the successful bidder for the spectacular 1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65+ Specimen.
The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set was not in the PCGS registry, but it could have. The D.L. Hansen Collection 1915 Proof Set is the best in the registry. All the Hansen coins are finer than the Spectacular Set, except for the Eagle and Double Eagle. The Spectacular Set PR66+ PCGS Eagle would certainly improve the Hansen PR65. Mr. Hansen was not successful with this coin or at least he has not published it in any of his sets.
The previous Hansen Double Eagle was a remarkable PR65 PCGS POP 1/2 specimen. The certification number for the coin is 09747916. This short lived coin is a CoinFacts top five condition census specimen. Expert David Akers wrote: Fewer proofs were minted in 1915 than in any other year of this design but they do not seem to be appreciably rarer than the earlier Saint-Gaudens proofs from 1909-1914. Approximately 20-25 specimens exist. The coin was purchased from Numismatic Financial Corporation, Inc. a couple years ago. I don’t have much additional information except the coin was branded with the D.L. Hansen Collection pedigree. The coin has a PCGS Price Guide value of $130,000.
”Spectacular” 1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65+, Ex: Richmond Specimen
This coin exceeds the meaning of “Spectacular”. My research leads me to believe this coin is from the Richmond Collection. The Richmond Collection, Part I sale was the gold portion of the collection. The coin sold in the 2004 sale as a NGC PR65. It was described in the catalog as: “Slighter paler in color than the 1913 and 1914 Proofs, with perhaps the lightest yellow color of them all. A very clean and attractive example, the only flaw being a tiny, natural void at the tip of the uppermost feather on the eagle’s left wing. Of comparable rarity with the 1914 Proof, despite a mintage of only 50 pieces. A true prize for the connoisseur in this highly specialized area of collecting. The fabulous Matte Proofs are truly the rarest of the rare. As you can see, the Hansen coin has the small void in the wing tip. Also, I verified the pedigree with the two spots on the reverse rim at 8:00. In the Richmond sale, the coin realized $55,200.
As discussed earlier, the coin was recently offered in The Spectacular 1915 Proof sale by Heritage. The coin was described as: “Key to the Matte Proof Series”. The St. Gaudens Proof series is only eight coins. PCGS describes the eight coins as: Want to get famous? Put together a set of these amazing, gorgeous, incredible, remarkable, indescribable, sensational coins! The ultimate in coin design, issued in Matte and Roman Finish Proof. The highest mintage coin in the set is only 167 pieces (!) and at present only one set can be assembled in PR65 or better condition. Don't worry, though, as a PR64 set or a mixture of PR64 and PR65/better coins would also be nothing short of spectacular. There is that word again, spectacular.
The Hansen set is a work in progress with three coins missing, 1910, 1911, and 1913. It is interesting how Mr. Hansen is assembling this great collection. He is not just looking for missing coins, but replacing some really nice coins along the way. As an example, here he replaces the amazing PR65 PCGS POP 1/2 specimen.
In the Heritage Auction, the coin described: A heavier sand grain was used on 1915 proof twenties, resulting in the coarser surface seen on this piece. Every minute strike detail is completely brought up on both sides. There are no mentionable or noticeable contact marks present. This is a rarely offered opportunity to acquire this low-mintage key to the series of proof Saint-Gaudens twenties. The minting process for this coin really produces a “Spectacular” coin. This upgrade was not needed, but certainly the new specimen is remarkable.
Provenance: Richmond Collection, Part I, (David Lawrence 7/2004 as PR65 NGC) lot 2446, realized $55,200, The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set / FUN US Coins Signature (Heritage 1/2021 as PR65+ PCGS) lot 4127, realized $150,000, D. L. Hansen Collection
1915 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, PR65+
PCGS POP 2/0, Tied with One Other as Finest at PCGS
Certification #40892342, PCGS #9212
PCGS Coin Guide Value: $150,000 / Realized $150,000
Ex: Richmond Specimen / The Spectacular 1915 Proof Set
My 20th Century Gold Major Design Type Set ---started : 11/17/1997 ---- completed : 1/21/2004
Who's hanson? THKS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
blitzdude, no disrespect intended sir but are you serious or...........
Looking at the TV, my first reaction was why "only" 65? Methinks the grading standards for these are strict.