Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's 100 Greatest US Coins book inspired me to start this set but also credit to Ian for saying to me: "you already own the hardest to get and most valuable coin on the list, the rest should be easy." 😂
@EliteCollection said:
I've wanted to coin ever since it first went up for auction in 2002, but I didn't have the means at the time. So I couldn't pass up the opportunity to own it when it became possible in 2021.
I previously had a modest Saints set with average grade of MS 62 or so and missing many of the key dates. Once I got the 1933, I decided to go all in and build the best Saints set.
This coin was ranked #60 in the first edition of the 100 Greatest US Coins book, but it is no longer included in the latest edition of the book.
This has a CACG certificate number of #0010 and is one of the first 20 coins graded first at CACG. The original owner won an essay contest held by CACG for the first 20 coins graded.
Ron Guth:
The 1851-O Silver Dollar is one of the most mysterious and little known American coins. The date does not appear in the GUIDEBOOK or in Walter Breen's "Encyclopedia", nor does it show up in Mint Reports for the period. Nevertheless, this is an authentic coin that was struck at the U.S. Mint, albeit under suspicious circumstances.
Breen believed that this coin was struck surreptitiously at the Philadelphia Mint sometime in the 1860's to 1870's by employees utilizing an 1851 Obverse and an "O"-mintmarked Reverse. He believed that whoever made this piece attempted to remove the mintmark upon discovering that they had inadvertently created a previously unknown rarity.
On October 18, 2002, I examined the coin in the offices of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. I viewed the coin with the following possibilities in mind:
Possibility #1: that this was indeed a muling of an 1851 Obverse with an "O"-mintmarked Reverse. Finding: the mintmark is clearly visible but completely flat. While there are some very fine, almost microscopic scratches in the area of the mintmark, I believe that this was an attempt to efface the already flattened mintmark, not to remove a raised mintmark.
Possibility #2: that a Silver Dollar previously struck at the New Orleans Mint was mistakenly overstruck in the process of creating an 1851 Restrike Silver Dollar. Since no Silver Dollars were struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1851, the only possibilities for the host coin were the 1846-O, 1850-O, 1859-O, and 1860-O dates.
1851-(O) $1 Restrike Over O-Mint PCGS PR 62+ (Pop 1/0)
When I repurchased the seated dollar set from The Fund, they had added this specific coin to the set. I didn’t think it real so I sold it off individually prior to reselling the set to Hansen
The 1909-S VDB ranks as one of the most popular and widely known of all the Lincoln cents and some might argue that it is one of the favorites in the entire run of United States coins. Collectors love coins with stories, and this one has a couple.
First, there's the controversy over the initials on the reverse. When Victor David Brenner created his new design, he placed his full name in tiny letters on the base of the reverse, bottom center. This was nothing new, as other designers and engravers had placed their names and/or initials on coins of the past. As part of modifications to Brenner's models, Mint Engraver Charles Barber changed the name to the artist's three initials (VDB). Once the coins were issued, some newspaper reporters took issue with the placement of the initials, arguing that the bottom of the reverse was far from inconspicuous and that the initials amounted to free, illegal advertising for the designer. Instead of placing the initials elsewhere in new dies, mint employees simply removed them entirely from the coin, and a new round of cents were produced without the VDB.
The short period of time in which the VDB coins were produced in San Francisco led to the second desirable attribute of this coin: it's low mintage. Only 484,000 Cents were issued with the VDB initials, creating an instant scarcity. It's popularity has remained high ever since.
On September 12, 1857, the steamship SS Central America sank in the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina, on the way to New York with treasure fresh from the California gold rush. On board was an incredible quantity of gold bars, gold dust, and silver coins, and more than 12,000 gold coins. Unfortunately, nearly 600 people were also making the trip home from the land of opportunity. When the ship sank below the waves, 425 lives were lost. The story of the SS Central America is one the most heart-wrenching episodes of bravery and courage in U.S. history. Because of a Herculean effort on the part of the passengers and crew, 153 passengers survived the ravages of the storm.
The ship and her golden bounty lay on the ocean floor in 7,200 feet of water for the next 130 years. In 1985, a group of explorers and investors formed the Columbus-America Discovery Group to locate the treasure. The wreck was found in September 1986. It was one of the largest discoveries of treasure ever found. Over the next few years, the artifacts were brought to the surface. A legal battle ensued with insurance companies over the ownership of the find. A settlement was reached, and the gold was finally brought to market. The California Gold Marketing Group, headed by Dwight Manley, was formed to marker the rare coins and gold bars.
Nearly all of the 1857-S double eagles from the SS Central America are pristine in appearance, and some very choice examples of a few earlier issues-notably 1856-S-were found as well. Prior to the find, double eagles from the 1850s were nearly impossible to locate in higher states of preservation. Now, for a relatively small investment, one can own a tangible piece of this incredibly important chapter of U.S. history.
1857-S $20 SS Central America PCGS MS 67+ CAC (Pop 1/0)
@tradedollarnut said:
When I repurchased the seated dollar set from The Fund, they had added this specific coin to the set. I didn’t think it real so I sold it off individually prior to reselling the set to Hansen
Of course it’s real. Whether it belongs in the top 100 list or in a Seated Dollar registry set is another matter, and I’m sure we would agree about those issues.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
@tradedollarnut said:
When I repurchased the seated dollar set from The Fund, they had added this specific coin to the set. I didn’t think it real so I sold it off individually prior to reselling the set to Hansen.
When I saw Proof "Restrike" over another coin, my immediate thought was why the Mint would strike a PR over another coin? Then, what condition was the other coin? Did it have any "mirror". It is definitely of mint quality, so it had to be done at A U.S. MINT. Something interesting going on here.
All 1798 $10 gold pieces are overdates. Two varieties comprise the entire mintage for the year and both share the same reverse die. The difference between the two varieties is the placement of the stars: one has four on the right side of the obverse (BD-1); the other has six stars on the right side (BD-2). BD-1 is relatively common, though any coin with an estimated population of 100 pieces is a classic, American rarity. Mint State examples of this variety are very rare, and are led by a Gem example that was once in the Garrett Collection and which now resides in the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation Permanent Collection of U. S. Gold, Patterns and Currency.
David Akers:
This is one of the rarest of the early Eagles but, despite the similarity in the mintages of this and the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars, the 1798/7, 9x4 Stars is not nearly as rare as the 7x6. In fact, based on the auction appearances, this issue is not really as rare as generally believed and has appeared with the same frequency as the 1804 and less often than the underappreciated 1797 Small Eagle. Most known specimens grade from VF to AU but several strictly uncirculated examples are also known.
Really enjoying this thread Elite! Its great to see a top shelf collector really dig into the history with a strong effort to learn in depth about each and every coin in your historic set. You really are becoming a card carrying, solid numismatist at a very brisk pace, which isn't the case for many deep-resouced collectors. Would love to hear a bit of your history and the impetus to dive into the "Hobby of Kings" with such drive and fevor and enjoyment. I have between 10 and 20 coins on the greatest 100 list such as the Eliasberg 1817/4 and 1838-O halves (I started my collecting focus in the capped half dollar arena). I've stayed focused on early silver, patterns and fugio cents (pre-1840) from the list for the most part. But what you're doing really is both historic and astounding!
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held in San Francisco, California from in 1915 to commemorate the completion and opening of the Panama Canal, and also to celebrate the city’s rise from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake. A commemorative series was authorized by the United States Congress to be struck at the San Francisco Mint: a silver 50C, a gold $1, a gold $2.5, an Octagonal $50 Gold Piece, and a Round $50 Gold Piece.
@yosclimber said:
The 20c 1876-CC is not only extremely rare, but it has one of the most dramatic DDOs on US coins.
(Maybe only surpassed by the 1c 1955 DDO).
Unfortunately, it's one of those varieties that is not going to be possible to cherry pick on ebay!
there are quite a few dramatic doubled dies for 1876cc coins
This is another of the major rarities in the Half Eagle series. Only six specimens are known, two of them permanently impounded in the Smithsonian Institution including the Lilly specimen which is a plugged VF formerly in the Jenks Collection. A third specimen, EF, is in the Eliasberg Collection and a fourth is in the Byron Reed Collection. The fifth specimen is the uncirculated Farouk Coin (Ex Col. Green). The sixth and final known specimen was at the 1977 ANA Convention in Atlanta in the possession of dealer Chuck Varner. The coin, a nice EF, reportedly traded hands at the convention for approximately $26,000.
Very cool coin.
For coins with a very small roster like many in the Top 100 list, I like looking at the roster/provenance for the handful of known coins.
The roster from the Heritage Bass sale of this coin is an improvement on the Akers list.
Roster of 1832 12 Stars, BD-2 Half Eagles
Thanks to Ron Guth (Numismatic Detective Agency) and Saul Teichman for their help in compiling this roster.
1. MS63 PCGS. George Seavey, exhibited at the February 4, 1869 meeting of the Boston Numismatic Society; Seavey Descriptive Catalog (William Strobridge, 1873), lot 514; Seavey's entire collection was purchased intact by millionaire Boston collector Lorin G. Parmelee before the Strobridge auction took place; Parmelee Collection (New York Coin & Stamp, 6/1890), lot 1013; Byron Reed; City of Omaha; Durham Western Heritage Museum; Byron Reed Collection (Christie's and Spink America, 10/1996), lot 120, realized $297,000; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV (Stack's Bowers and Sotheby's, 5/2016), lot 4043, realized $822,500; D.L. Hansen Collection.
2. AU53 PCGS. William Cutler Atwater Collection (B. Max Mehl, 6/1946), lot 1650; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate; United States Gold Coin Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 393, realized $44,000; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Harry Bass Core Collection, on display at ANA Headquarters in Colorado Springs until 2022 (HBCC #3160). The present coin.
3. XF45 NGC. Royal Coins of Houston, reportedly purchased over the counter in the 1970s; Chuck Varner; Mike Brownlee; Dr. Robert C. Wynsen Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 375, realized $159,500.
4. VF, holed and plugged, uncertified. Matthew Stickney Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1907), lot 674, holed above the head, realized $50, to "Iron", a.k.a. John Story Jenks; John Story Jenks Collection (Henry Chapman, 12/1921), lot 5772, still holed; possibly "Colonel" E.H.R. Green, as the F.C.C. Boyd appraisal of his collection indicates he owned a holed 1832 half eagle, in addition to his primary coin; Stack's in 1943; Clifford T. Weihman; Josiah K. Lilly in 1954, via Stack's, now with hole plugged; Lilly Estate, donated intact to the National Numismatic Collection in exchange for a $5.5 million tax credit, National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, ID #68.159.0203 and pictured on the Smithsonian website.
5. Uncirculated. William H. Woodin, exhibited at the 1914 ANS Exhibition; Waldo Newcomer, imaged on the Newcomer plates; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green, imaged on Stack's "Colonel" Green plates; King Farouk; Palace Collections of Egypt (Sotheby's, 2/1954), part of lot 247.
Additional Appearances
A. Very Fine. H.O. Granberg Collection (B. Max Mehl, 7/1913), lot 1023, realized $515; Waldo Newcomer, listed in the Newcomer Inventory as #124, with a grade of "Ex. fine" and a value of $515. Possibly the coin in number 2 or 3 above.
B. Extremely Fine, traces of mint luster. H.E. Rawson Collection (B. Max Mehl, 12/1922), lot 114, realized $1,310. Possibly the coin in number 2 or 3 above.
Note: Walter Breen reported a sixth example in the National Numismatic Collection, because the Mint Cabinet Acquisition Book indicates an 1832 half eagle was purchased on 2/24/1883, for $20. However, that coin was a 13 Stars, BD-1 example.
First thing every morning, run to the computer to see what Trophy coin you posted. Your accomplishments are amazing and doing this in so few years is incredible. Super excited to see future additions.
The 1841 is generally considered to be the most desireable of all Liberty Head quarter eagles. There is no official record of this date having been struck, but obviously a small number were minted. Most numismatists and cataloguers feel that this is a proof-only date and that all known specimens were originally struck in proof for inclusion in presentation sets. This seems unlikely to me and I am not convinced that the 1841 is a proof-only date. First of all, there are far too many specimens known when compared to other proof quarter eagles (or proof gold of any other denomination) of the same period. Less than five proofs are known of every other quarter eagle from 1840 to 1848, and yet I would estimate that at least twelve and possibly as many as fifteen 1841's are known. Only a few of them are clearly and unequivocally proofs, such as the coin in the Smithsonian Institution, the piece in Louis Eliasberg's collection, the Davis/Graves coin, and perhaps one or two others. Most of the others are well circulated and, in fact, grade from VG to EF. More importantly, the supposedly "impaired proofs" just don't look like impaired proofs. Consider for example the Wolfson specimen, which was subsequently in the Shuford Sale and then in the 1974 NASC Sale conducted by the American Auction Association. Although barely circulated, it has almost no trace of a proof surface and few of the other characteristics of a genuine proof (such as a square edge), although it does appear to have been struck from the same dies as the proofs.
As you can see, this coin poses many interesting questions and for that reason, it is for me one of the most intriguing and enigmatic of all United States gold coins.
Another incredible coin! I am a huge early Proof fan. The debate will continue whether all of the 1841 quarter eagles were struck as Proofs. 1841 is an interesting year for Proof half cents and large cents with many more coins produced than any other year in the 1840's. Just begs one to ask the question, why?
1796 Half Cents are known on planchets made from rolled copper strips or cut-down U.S. Large Cents, with the latter being extremely rare. This was the only use of the obverse die. The reverse die of this variety was also used on the 1796 Cohen 1. Most examples seen of this variety are in circulated condition, although a number of choice Mint State examples are known.
NGC Coin Explorer:
The second of only two die marriages known for the rare 1796 half cent, this one includes the pole which supports Liberty's cap, a design element that was hand punched into each working die. In addition, numeral 9 in the date is faintly doubled. The central device of Liberty's bust and cap were either lightly impressed or diminished through lapping of the die, with the result that these features wore quite rapidly on this variety. Like its companion No Pole variety, the With Pole marriage is also quite scarce, but it is the one more often seen. The number of collectors seeking both varieties is rather small, so the value of this coin is determined more by date collectors.
@EliteCollection - The 1796 Half cent (w/Pole) is absolutely incredible! Clearly finer than the Missouri and Pogue cabinet examples and those guys were out for the best of the best! I always felt that the 1796 w/pole should be ranked higher than #59 based on rarity, fame and just coolness.
Because of World War II, the U.S. Government was in dire need of copper in order to produce ammunition for the ongoing war. Consequently, in 1942 the Mint seized producing copper cents and by 1943, the U.S. Mint began producing steel cents for the first and only time in it's entire history.
During the transition from 1942 to 1943, there were several copper planchets left over from 1942 and the Mint accidentally struck some of these copper planchets with 1943 dated dies. In return, it struck one of America’s most coveted coins, the 1943 Copper Cents.
Despite the great stories of the 1943 Copper Cents, the truth is that the coin is not worth a million dollars or anywhere close to that figure. At least not in the year 2009, or any other time before that. There are some who feel the 1943 Copper Cent will definitely be a million dollar coin someday but before that happens, many other coins would have to fetch a million dollars first, including some in the Lincoln cent series.
Due to the high value of a genuine 1943 Copper Cent, tens of thousands of 1943 cents have been re-plated or different cents from the 1940's have been altered to make them appear as a genuine 1943 Copper Cent. A regular 1943 steel cent even if coated in copper will stick to a magnet. If a 1943 cent appears to be copper and it does not stick to a magnet, it should be sent in to PCGS for authentication. It is estimated that there are only about 20 examples known of the 1943 Copper Cents, therefore, making it a truly rare coin.
This collection is absolutely fantastic! I like the way you have focused on the Top 100 rather than trying to accumulate everything, which would lead to owning a lot of common coins. Each coin blows me away, and the next coin even moreso. And thank you very much for sharing your collection with other collectors!!!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Another great coin EliteCollection. Brings back memories as a kid (early 1960's) in my grandfather's grocery store looking through all of the coins in the cash register drawer. A customer told me he had one and I offered him $100 for it. Never happened. We all had a copper plated steel 1943 cent to show off for fun.
@earlyAurum said:
Just an amazing collection and unbelievable goal. Are there any that you will not be able to acquire?
He answered this back on May 9:
I made a dent but it's nowhere 100% complete as that's impossible. Many of the top 100 greatest US coins exists only in museums. And many of them never show up for decades.
For the 1943 bronze cent, I previously mistakingly wrote "This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher." The pop report shows that it's single finest but it only accounts for RB coins and not BN or RD. There are actually 2 BN graded 62 and a RD graded 63. So I've fixed the post to correct this.
Now this is getting very exciting - less than 50 spots left with 15 spots in the top 20 left..........
Also, 18 left that are pre 1840! Can't wait to see what's next.......
Regarding the 1792 half disme, a single set of dies was used to complete the entire mintage of approximately 1,500 pieces for the 1792 half disme. The obverse features a bust of Liberty with short, curly hair, the date 1792 in small digits immediately below the curved truncation of the bust. The legend LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY is around the border, an abbreviation of "Liberty, parent of science and industry." On the reverse, a small eagle with spread wings faces to the left with the denomination HALF DISME and a single star below. The legend UNI. STATES OF AMERICA encircles most of the reverse periphery. All 1792 half dimes except for the unique copper impression (Judd-8) are struck in silver with a diagonally reeded edge. The coins were struck with medallic alignment.
In addition to its historical significance as the first regular issue coin struck under authority of the United States Mint, the 1792 half disme enjoys such strong demand among advanced collectors due to a couple of popular stories attached to this issue. The first has it that George Washington himself provided some of his own silverware to be melted down and coined into these half dismes -- this from the Memorandum was picked up by the newspaper Philadelphia Dispatch in 1853. Another story suggests that the portrait of Liberty used on the obverse of these coins is a likeness of Washington's wife Martha. Neither has yet been proven, but have become a part of the mythology of our numismatic history.
Regarding the 1792 half disme, a single set of dies was used to complete the entire mintage of approximately 1,500 pieces for the 1792 half disme. The obverse features a bust of Liberty with short, curly hair, the date 1792 in small digits immediately below the curved truncation of the bust. The legend LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY is around the border, an abbreviation of "Liberty, parent of science and industry." On the reverse, a small eagle with spread wings faces to the left with the denomination HALF DISME and a single star below. The legend UNI. STATES OF AMERICA encircles most of the reverse periphery. All 1792 half dimes except for the unique copper impression (Judd-8) are struck in silver with a diagonally reeded edge. The coins were struck with medallic alignment.
In addition to its historical significance as the first regular issue coin struck under authority of the United States Mint, the 1792 half disme enjoys such strong demand among advanced collectors due to a couple of popular stories attached to this issue. The first has it that George Washington himself provided some of his own silverware to be melted down and coined into these half dismes -- this from the Memorandum was picked up by the newspaper Philadelphia Dispatch in 1853. Another story suggests that the portrait of Liberty used on the obverse of these coins is a likeness of Washington's wife Martha. Neither has yet been proven, but have become a part of the mythology of our numismatic history.
In the 1985 jimmy Hayes auction, your half disme example was reportedly owned by Rittenhouse family for about a century. David Rittenhouse was the US Mint Director in 1792. This example is one of the best struck Half Disme and it was believed to be double struck as its so well struck. I always felt that the Dr Judd/Jimmy Hayes coin wasn't struck for circulation but struck as a presentation piece for David Rittenhouse, himself and the Rittenhouse family preserved it as such. This should be graded as a specimen (maybe proof) in my humble opinion and not mint state. This coin is truly an American treasure and part of US history. There are a few coins that I remember well in lot viewing and this is one of them. You should be proud to own this coin. Congratulations! One day, I dream to own a half disme and a disme........
The 1794 silver dollar was the first coin of this denomination ever issued by the United States. Ever since numismatics became popular, beginning in the 1850s, the 1794 silver dollar has been recognized as a great rarity. Researchers have closely studied the population of known 1794 silver dollars for years. New examples surface from time to time. Currently, it is estimated that between 135 and 150 examples survive from the original mintage.
The story of the silver dollar began around 1792, when the U.S. government deliberated its first coin-age system. After careful consideration, the silver dollar and the gold eagle were made the pillars of the new system, with all other denominations being either fractions or multiples of these two.
Unfortunately, large amounts of silver were simply not available at the time, and the Mint had no funds with which to purchase any. Instead, the Mint relied on depositors who were willing to bring raw silver or foreign silver coins to the Mint for conversion into U.S. silver coins. This meant that each batch of silver had to be processed individually, sometimes more than once. From melting, to refining, to rolling out the ingots into sheets of silver, to punching out the blanks, to the actual coining, each batch was kept separate from all others. Eventually, the depositor would receive a parcel of U.S. coins in an amount equal to the value of the silver that he or she had contributed.
No words can describe your 1794 dollar! When you think of Trophy coins, you think of very expensive coins. When you think of special U.S. coins, you think about 1804 and 1794 dollars along with several other coins. When you think of Special Trophy coins within this group, your 1794 dollar is right at the top. This special coin has a known pedigree going back to 1794 and has pedigrees including Lord St Oswald and Brent Pogue. Also, your 1794 dollar & 1792 half disme were from the Jimmy Hayes type set and you are reuniting then together again. How cool is that!
You are demonstrating to the numismatic world that its an special time to collect coins. These coins typically stay in coin cabinets for many life times and in a very short period, you are assembling a coin cabinet that takes generations to do.
If I can offer a suggestion and I tend to be a traditionalist- I would reholder the coin to show the Lord St Oswald/Pogue pedigree on the label to designate the many years of custodianship. Simpson owned the coin for a max of 6 years. Each one of them including Simpson had very special cabinets and have a place in numismatic history.
Comments
Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's 100 Greatest US Coins book inspired me to start this set but also credit to Ian for saying to me: "you already own the hardest to get and most valuable coin on the list, the rest should be easy." 😂
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Thanks!
Here is my 1851 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar Restrike Over O Mint CACG Proof-62+. This coin is the single finest known as it is unique.
This coin was ranked #60 in the first edition of the 100 Greatest US Coins book, but it is no longer included in the latest edition of the book.
This has a CACG certificate number of #0010 and is one of the first 20 coins graded first at CACG. The original owner won an essay contest held by CACG for the first 20 coins graded.
Ron Guth:
The 1851-O Silver Dollar is one of the most mysterious and little known American coins. The date does not appear in the GUIDEBOOK or in Walter Breen's "Encyclopedia", nor does it show up in Mint Reports for the period. Nevertheless, this is an authentic coin that was struck at the U.S. Mint, albeit under suspicious circumstances.
Breen believed that this coin was struck surreptitiously at the Philadelphia Mint sometime in the 1860's to 1870's by employees utilizing an 1851 Obverse and an "O"-mintmarked Reverse. He believed that whoever made this piece attempted to remove the mintmark upon discovering that they had inadvertently created a previously unknown rarity.
On October 18, 2002, I examined the coin in the offices of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. I viewed the coin with the following possibilities in mind:
Possibility #1: that this was indeed a muling of an 1851 Obverse with an "O"-mintmarked Reverse. Finding: the mintmark is clearly visible but completely flat. While there are some very fine, almost microscopic scratches in the area of the mintmark, I believe that this was an attempt to efface the already flattened mintmark, not to remove a raised mintmark.
Possibility #2: that a Silver Dollar previously struck at the New Orleans Mint was mistakenly overstruck in the process of creating an 1851 Restrike Silver Dollar. Since no Silver Dollars were struck at the New Orleans Mint in 1851, the only possibilities for the host coin were the 1846-O, 1850-O, 1859-O, and 1860-O dates.
1851-(O) $1 Restrike Over O-Mint PCGS PR 62+ (Pop 1/0)
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When I repurchased the seated dollar set from The Fund, they had added this specific coin to the set. I didn’t think it real so I sold it off individually prior to reselling the set to Hansen
Here is my 1909-S Lincoln Cent V.D.B. PCGS MS-67 RD (CAC Green). This coin is one of the finest known with a population of 17 with no coins graded higher. It is in a PCGS old green holder.
This coin is #47 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
Ron Guth:
The 1909-S VDB ranks as one of the most popular and widely known of all the Lincoln cents and some might argue that it is one of the favorites in the entire run of United States coins. Collectors love coins with stories, and this one has a couple.
First, there's the controversy over the initials on the reverse. When Victor David Brenner created his new design, he placed his full name in tiny letters on the base of the reverse, bottom center. This was nothing new, as other designers and engravers had placed their names and/or initials on coins of the past. As part of modifications to Brenner's models, Mint Engraver Charles Barber changed the name to the artist's three initials (VDB). Once the coins were issued, some newspaper reporters took issue with the placement of the initials, arguing that the bottom of the reverse was far from inconspicuous and that the initials amounted to free, illegal advertising for the designer. Instead of placing the initials elsewhere in new dies, mint employees simply removed them entirely from the coin, and a new round of cents were produced without the VDB.
The short period of time in which the VDB coins were produced in San Francisco led to the second desirable attribute of this coin: it's low mintage. Only 484,000 Cents were issued with the VDB initials, creating an instant scarcity. It's popularity has remained high ever since.
1909-S 1C VDB PCGS MS 67 RD CAC (Pop 17/0)
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Here is my 1857-S Liberty Gold Double Eagle Spiked Shield S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch) PCGS MS-67+ (CAC Green). This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher.
This coin is #97 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
100 Greatest Unites States Coins 6th Edition:
On September 12, 1857, the steamship SS Central America sank in the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina, on the way to New York with treasure fresh from the California gold rush. On board was an incredible quantity of gold bars, gold dust, and silver coins, and more than 12,000 gold coins. Unfortunately, nearly 600 people were also making the trip home from the land of opportunity. When the ship sank below the waves, 425 lives were lost. The story of the SS Central America is one the most heart-wrenching episodes of bravery and courage in U.S. history. Because of a Herculean effort on the part of the passengers and crew, 153 passengers survived the ravages of the storm.
The ship and her golden bounty lay on the ocean floor in 7,200 feet of water for the next 130 years. In 1985, a group of explorers and investors formed the Columbus-America Discovery Group to locate the treasure. The wreck was found in September 1986. It was one of the largest discoveries of treasure ever found. Over the next few years, the artifacts were brought to the surface. A legal battle ensued with insurance companies over the ownership of the find. A settlement was reached, and the gold was finally brought to market. The California Gold Marketing Group, headed by Dwight Manley, was formed to marker the rare coins and gold bars.
Nearly all of the 1857-S double eagles from the SS Central America are pristine in appearance, and some very choice examples of a few earlier issues-notably 1856-S-were found as well. Prior to the find, double eagles from the 1850s were nearly impossible to locate in higher states of preservation. Now, for a relatively small investment, one can own a tangible piece of this incredibly important chapter of U.S. history.
1857-S $20 SS Central America PCGS MS 67+ CAC (Pop 1/0)
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Nice even rose gold throughout!
Really like the way this collection is coming together. Some beautiful coins represented with great pedigrees.
Of course it’s real. Whether it belongs in the top 100 list or in a Seated Dollar registry set is another matter, and I’m sure we would agree about those issues.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
When I saw Proof "Restrike" over another coin, my immediate thought was why the Mint would strike a PR over another coin? Then, what condition was the other coin? Did it have any "mirror". It is definitely of mint quality, so it had to be done at A U.S. MINT. Something interesting going on here.
Amazing coin BUT: Your coin is a credit to the PCGS SLAB because it has kept it from spotting" all these years!
Here is my 1798/7 Capped Bust Gold Eagle Stars 9x4 BD-1 PCGS MS-63. This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher. The coin is pedigreed to Harry W. Bass, Jr.
This coin is #52 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
Ron Guth:
All 1798 $10 gold pieces are overdates. Two varieties comprise the entire mintage for the year and both share the same reverse die. The difference between the two varieties is the placement of the stars: one has four on the right side of the obverse (BD-1); the other has six stars on the right side (BD-2). BD-1 is relatively common, though any coin with an estimated population of 100 pieces is a classic, American rarity. Mint State examples of this variety are very rare, and are led by a Gem example that was once in the Garrett Collection and which now resides in the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation Permanent Collection of U. S. Gold, Patterns and Currency.
David Akers:
This is one of the rarest of the early Eagles but, despite the similarity in the mintages of this and the 1798/7, 7x6 Stars, the 1798/7, 9x4 Stars is not nearly as rare as the 7x6. In fact, based on the auction appearances, this issue is not really as rare as generally believed and has appeared with the same frequency as the 1804 and less often than the underappreciated 1797 Small Eagle. Most known specimens grade from VF to AU but several strictly uncirculated examples are also known.
1798/7 $10 Stars 9x4 PCGS MS 63 (Pop 1/0)
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Thats a Beaut!
That restrike is fascinating. Do we know its pedigree?
Coin Photographer and Videographer
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@EliteCollection - this quest and this thread is amazing. You acquired so many Trophy coins that its mindblowing......
The best ones are yet to come. 😲
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This is great, thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming!
Really enjoying this thread Elite! Its great to see a top shelf collector really dig into the history with a strong effort to learn in depth about each and every coin in your historic set. You really are becoming a card carrying, solid numismatist at a very brisk pace, which isn't the case for many deep-resouced collectors. Would love to hear a bit of your history and the impetus to dive into the "Hobby of Kings" with such drive and fevor and enjoyment. I have between 10 and 20 coins on the greatest 100 list such as the Eliasberg 1817/4 and 1838-O halves (I started my collecting focus in the capped half dollar arena). I've stayed focused on early silver, patterns and fugio cents (pre-1840) from the list for the most part. But what you're doing really is both historic and astounding!
Here is my 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 Gold, Round CACG MS-67. This coin is one of the finest known with a population of only 2 with no coins graded higher.
This coin is #37 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held in San Francisco, California from in 1915 to commemorate the completion and opening of the Panama Canal, and also to celebrate the city’s rise from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake. A commemorative series was authorized by the United States Congress to be struck at the San Francisco Mint: a silver 50C, a gold $1, a gold $2.5, an Octagonal $50 Gold Piece, and a Round $50 Gold Piece.
1915-S $50 Pan-Pac Round CACG MS 67 (Pop 2/0)
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there are quite a few dramatic doubled dies for 1876cc coins
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
That Pan-Pac $50… I don’t think “Like” is superlative enough. Where’s the “Dayum!” button?
Empty Nest Collection
Here is my 1832 Capped Head Gold Half Eagle 12 Stars BD-2 PCGS AU-53. This coin has a population of 1 with only 1 coin graded higher at MS 63. The coin is pedigreed to Harry W. Bass, Jr.
This coin is #94 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
David Akers:
This is another of the major rarities in the Half Eagle series. Only six specimens are known, two of them permanently impounded in the Smithsonian Institution including the Lilly specimen which is a plugged VF formerly in the Jenks Collection. A third specimen, EF, is in the Eliasberg Collection and a fourth is in the Byron Reed Collection. The fifth specimen is the uncirculated Farouk Coin (Ex Col. Green). The sixth and final known specimen was at the 1977 ANA Convention in Atlanta in the possession of dealer Chuck Varner. The coin, a nice EF, reportedly traded hands at the convention for approximately $26,000.
1832 $5 12 Stars PCGS AU 53 (Pop 1/1)
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Very cool coin.
For coins with a very small roster like many in the Top 100 list, I like looking at the roster/provenance for the handful of known coins.
The roster from the Heritage Bass sale of this coin is an improvement on the Akers list.
from
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-eagles/half-eagles/1832-5-12-stars-bd-2-high-r7-au53-pcgs-pcgs-519951-/a/1353-11054.s
The rosters on PCGS CoinFacts (by Ron Guth) are also generally excellent and only slightly out of date:
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1832-5-12-stars/8155
First thing every morning, run to the computer to see what Trophy coin you posted. Your accomplishments are amazing and doing this in so few years is incredible. Super excited to see future additions.
Here is my 1841 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle PCGS Proof-64 CAMEO (CAC Green). This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher. The coin is pedigreed to Harry W. Bass Jr and D. Brent Pogue.
This coin is #95 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
David Akers:
The 1841 is generally considered to be the most desireable of all Liberty Head quarter eagles. There is no official record of this date having been struck, but obviously a small number were minted. Most numismatists and cataloguers feel that this is a proof-only date and that all known specimens were originally struck in proof for inclusion in presentation sets. This seems unlikely to me and I am not convinced that the 1841 is a proof-only date. First of all, there are far too many specimens known when compared to other proof quarter eagles (or proof gold of any other denomination) of the same period. Less than five proofs are known of every other quarter eagle from 1840 to 1848, and yet I would estimate that at least twelve and possibly as many as fifteen 1841's are known. Only a few of them are clearly and unequivocally proofs, such as the coin in the Smithsonian Institution, the piece in Louis Eliasberg's collection, the Davis/Graves coin, and perhaps one or two others. Most of the others are well circulated and, in fact, grade from VG to EF. More importantly, the supposedly "impaired proofs" just don't look like impaired proofs. Consider for example the Wolfson specimen, which was subsequently in the Shuford Sale and then in the 1974 NASC Sale conducted by the American Auction Association. Although barely circulated, it has almost no trace of a proof surface and few of the other characteristics of a genuine proof (such as a square edge), although it does appear to have been struck from the same dies as the proofs.
As you can see, this coin poses many interesting questions and for that reason, it is for me one of the most intriguing and enigmatic of all United States gold coins.
1841 $2.5 PCGS PR 64 CAM CAC (Pop 1/0)
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Another incredible coin! I am a huge early Proof fan. The debate will continue whether all of the 1841 quarter eagles were struck as Proofs. 1841 is an interesting year for Proof half cents and large cents with many more coins produced than any other year in the 1840's. Just begs one to ask the question, why?
Here is my 1796 Liberty Cap Half Cent With Pole PCGS MS-66+ RB (CAC Green). This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher, but there is a 1796 1/2C No Pole coin graded MS 67.
This coin is #59 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
Ron Guth:
1796 Half Cents are known on planchets made from rolled copper strips or cut-down U.S. Large Cents, with the latter being extremely rare. This was the only use of the obverse die. The reverse die of this variety was also used on the 1796 Cohen 1. Most examples seen of this variety are in circulated condition, although a number of choice Mint State examples are known.
NGC Coin Explorer:
The second of only two die marriages known for the rare 1796 half cent, this one includes the pole which supports Liberty's cap, a design element that was hand punched into each working die. In addition, numeral 9 in the date is faintly doubled. The central device of Liberty's bust and cap were either lightly impressed or diminished through lapping of the die, with the result that these features wore quite rapidly on this variety. Like its companion No Pole variety, the With Pole marriage is also quite scarce, but it is the one more often seen. The number of collectors seeking both varieties is rather small, so the value of this coin is determined more by date collectors.
1796 1/2C With Pole PCGS MS 66+ RB CAC (Pop 1/0)
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@EliteCollection - The 1796 Half cent (w/Pole) is absolutely incredible! Clearly finer than the Missouri and Pogue cabinet examples and those guys were out for the best of the best! I always felt that the 1796 w/pole should be ranked higher than #59 based on rarity, fame and just coolness.
Here is my 1943 Lincoln Cent Bronze PCGS MS-61 RB (CAC Green). This coin has a population of 1 with only 3 coins graded higher.
This coin is #19 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
Jaime Hernandez:
Because of World War II, the U.S. Government was in dire need of copper in order to produce ammunition for the ongoing war. Consequently, in 1942 the Mint seized producing copper cents and by 1943, the U.S. Mint began producing steel cents for the first and only time in it's entire history.
During the transition from 1942 to 1943, there were several copper planchets left over from 1942 and the Mint accidentally struck some of these copper planchets with 1943 dated dies. In return, it struck one of America’s most coveted coins, the 1943 Copper Cents.
Despite the great stories of the 1943 Copper Cents, the truth is that the coin is not worth a million dollars or anywhere close to that figure. At least not in the year 2009, or any other time before that. There are some who feel the 1943 Copper Cent will definitely be a million dollar coin someday but before that happens, many other coins would have to fetch a million dollars first, including some in the Lincoln cent series.
Due to the high value of a genuine 1943 Copper Cent, tens of thousands of 1943 cents have been re-plated or different cents from the 1940's have been altered to make them appear as a genuine 1943 Copper Cent. A regular 1943 steel cent even if coated in copper will stick to a magnet. If a 1943 cent appears to be copper and it does not stick to a magnet, it should be sent in to PCGS for authentication. It is estimated that there are only about 20 examples known of the 1943 Copper Cents, therefore, making it a truly rare coin.
1943 1C Bronze PCGS MS 61 RB CAC (Pop 1/0)
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This collection is absolutely fantastic! I like the way you have focused on the Top 100 rather than trying to accumulate everything, which would lead to owning a lot of common coins. Each coin blows me away, and the next coin even moreso. And thank you very much for sharing your collection with other collectors!!!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
A dream collection of dream coins! I'm in awe. Thanks for sharing it with us all
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Another great coin EliteCollection. Brings back memories as a kid (early 1960's) in my grandfather's grocery store looking through all of the coins in the cash register drawer. A customer told me he had one and I offered him $100 for it. Never happened. We all had a copper plated steel 1943 cent to show off for fun.
Your collection is amazing and thanks for posting and taking the time to answer questions.
Just an amazing collection and unbelievable goal. Are there any that you will not be able to acquire?
Drum roll for the 1804 $1 😎
1913 Liberty head nickel and 1894-S dime
He answered this back on May 9:
Example: 1849 $20 (# 5).
Ooh, the big 3!
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For the 1943 bronze cent, I previously mistakingly wrote "This coin is the single finest known with no coins graded higher." The pop report shows that it's single finest but it only accounts for RB coins and not BN or RD. There are actually 2 BN graded 62 and a RD graded 63. So I've fixed the post to correct this.
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My favourite of them all (I mean all US coins) is the 1894-S dime & then the 1794 dollar.
The 61 RB copper Lincoln sure looks nice for a 61 (at least from the photos). Thanks for sharing the collection.
Is the strawberry cent in the top 100 I would imagine so?
Yes, #73.
Now this is getting very exciting - less than 50 spots left with 15 spots in the top 20 left..........
Also, 18 left that are pre 1840! Can't wait to see what's next.......
Here is my 1792 Flowing Hair Half Dime/Half Disme PCGS MS-66 (CAC Green). This coin has a population of 3 with only 2 coins graded higher. The coin is pedigreed to Dr. J. Hewitt Judd and Jimmy Hayes.
This coin is #14 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
Stacks Bowers Auctions:
Regarding the 1792 half disme, a single set of dies was used to complete the entire mintage of approximately 1,500 pieces for the 1792 half disme. The obverse features a bust of Liberty with short, curly hair, the date 1792 in small digits immediately below the curved truncation of the bust. The legend LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY is around the border, an abbreviation of "Liberty, parent of science and industry." On the reverse, a small eagle with spread wings faces to the left with the denomination HALF DISME and a single star below. The legend UNI. STATES OF AMERICA encircles most of the reverse periphery. All 1792 half dimes except for the unique copper impression (Judd-8) are struck in silver with a diagonally reeded edge. The coins were struck with medallic alignment.
In addition to its historical significance as the first regular issue coin struck under authority of the United States Mint, the 1792 half disme enjoys such strong demand among advanced collectors due to a couple of popular stories attached to this issue. The first has it that George Washington himself provided some of his own silverware to be melted down and coined into these half dismes -- this from the Memorandum was picked up by the newspaper Philadelphia Dispatch in 1853. Another story suggests that the portrait of Liberty used on the obverse of these coins is a likeness of Washington's wife Martha. Neither has yet been proven, but have become a part of the mythology of our numismatic history.
1792 H10C PCGS MS 66 CAC (Pop 3/2)
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FANTASTIC!!!!!!!
In the 1985 jimmy Hayes auction, your half disme example was reportedly owned by Rittenhouse family for about a century. David Rittenhouse was the US Mint Director in 1792. This example is one of the best struck Half Disme and it was believed to be double struck as its so well struck. I always felt that the Dr Judd/Jimmy Hayes coin wasn't struck for circulation but struck as a presentation piece for David Rittenhouse, himself and the Rittenhouse family preserved it as such. This should be graded as a specimen (maybe proof) in my humble opinion and not mint state. This coin is truly an American treasure and part of US history. There are a few coins that I remember well in lot viewing and this is one of them. You should be proud to own this coin. Congratulations! One day, I dream to own a half disme and a disme........
"Liberty, Parent of Science and Industry" is a superlative national motto.
Great addition to the thread @EastonCollection
Here is my 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar B-1 BB-1 PCGS MS-66+ (CAC Green). This coin has a population of 1 with only 1 coin graded higher at CACG 67. The coin is pedigreed to Bob Simpson.
This coin is #6 in my set "Elite's 100 Greatest U.S. Coins".
100 Greatest Unites States Coins 6th Edition:
The 1794 silver dollar was the first coin of this denomination ever issued by the United States. Ever since numismatics became popular, beginning in the 1850s, the 1794 silver dollar has been recognized as a great rarity. Researchers have closely studied the population of known 1794 silver dollars for years. New examples surface from time to time. Currently, it is estimated that between 135 and 150 examples survive from the original mintage.
The story of the silver dollar began around 1792, when the U.S. government deliberated its first coin-age system. After careful consideration, the silver dollar and the gold eagle were made the pillars of the new system, with all other denominations being either fractions or multiples of these two.
Unfortunately, large amounts of silver were simply not available at the time, and the Mint had no funds with which to purchase any. Instead, the Mint relied on depositors who were willing to bring raw silver or foreign silver coins to the Mint for conversion into U.S. silver coins. This meant that each batch of silver had to be processed individually, sometimes more than once. From melting, to refining, to rolling out the ingots into sheets of silver, to punching out the blanks, to the actual coining, each batch was kept separate from all others. Eventually, the depositor would receive a parcel of U.S. coins in an amount equal to the value of the silver that he or she had contributed.
1794 $1 PCGS MS 66+ CAC (Pop 1/1)
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No words can describe your 1794 dollar! When you think of Trophy coins, you think of very expensive coins. When you think of special U.S. coins, you think about 1804 and 1794 dollars along with several other coins. When you think of Special Trophy coins within this group, your 1794 dollar is right at the top. This special coin has a known pedigree going back to 1794 and has pedigrees including Lord St Oswald and Brent Pogue. Also, your 1794 dollar & 1792 half disme were from the Jimmy Hayes type set and you are reuniting then together again. How cool is that!
You are demonstrating to the numismatic world that its an special time to collect coins. These coins typically stay in coin cabinets for many life times and in a very short period, you are assembling a coin cabinet that takes generations to do.
If I can offer a suggestion and I tend to be a traditionalist- I would reholder the coin to show the Lord St Oswald/Pogue pedigree on the label to designate the many years of custodianship. Simpson owned the coin for a max of 6 years. Each one of them including Simpson had very special cabinets and have a place in numismatic history.