Hanson's Proof 1827 Large Cent For Sale On Ebay!!!
Rittenhouse
Posts: 677 ✭✭✭✭
I am currently working with John Dannreuther on the US copper series for his upcoming book on proofs. A bit of searching revealed that Hanson's Proof 1827 large cent, PCGS PR64BN, cert 13590226, is for sale on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/318324275216.
I am a bit surprised as Hanson's piece is the only 1827 I consider to be an actual proof struck in 1827. It has all of the characteristics that Eckfeldt developed during his experiments to make proofs (or Master Coins, as they were called at the time) in 1817 through 1820. In particular I note it is fully strike, especially on the stars and dentils, form freshly prepared dies and the fields are very carefully and finely polished to remove most of the lapping lines seen on fresh circulation strike dies.
As to the N-1s traditionally accepted as proofs, evidence strongly supports the contention that these pieces were struck very late in the year or, more likely 1828, as a test of the new Rush-Muhlenberg screw press which was put in service circa Dec, 1827. In particular I note the dies are in the latest state with the reverse dentils heavily worn and mushy from striking circulation strikes. While the 27 N-1s are still arguably master coins since they were struck with intention, they are functionally experimental pieces.
Further the N-1s share a collar with the 1828 proofs, strongly suggesting they were struck concurrently with that issue as a test of the new press. This is quite similar to the Proof JR-10 dime for which Eckfeldt used late state, previously used dies (JR-9 obv. and JR-7 rev.), lathe-cut a small rim in the dies, and then struck several experimental master coins (or proofs, as is preferred today).
So, if you have the pocket and are so inclined, here's a chance to purchase what I think is demonstrably the only 1827 large cent deliberately struck in early 1827 as a master coin.
Here's a link to the PCGS photo of Hansen's coin. Uploading it will not do it justice: https://www.pcgs.com/cert/13590226.
Comments
Based on the PCGS photo, the coin looks 1) like a no-brainer Proof and 2) gorgeous!
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Beautiful coin. I’m surprised it’s selling on eBay.
Edited to add: possibly eBay is but one of a number of selling venues.
Smitten with DBLCs.
Do you think it wouldn’t cross to CACG and he sold it to someone?
Gorgeous piece. Let me withdraw from my Scrooge McDuck vault real quick.
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I doubt anyone who'd buy a rare proof such as this would care. If I bought it, not only would I not care, I wouldn't bother as it would add nothing . It's a unicorn.
It's listed on their site as well, for the same $39k. That suggests that they'd drop the price if bought directly, since they'd bypass eBay fees. I just saved you a few bucks!
https://tangibleinvestmentsinc.com/product/1827-1c-coronet-head-cent-pcgs-pr64bn-newcomb-7/
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Yeah, was aware. I was just kinda surprised they listed on eBay. But hey, I guess advertising is advertising.
Are you.connected to Hanson?
Any chance someone could talk him into selling me back my 1914-s Barber Quarter I had to sell in 2012.... its a missing piece of me.
J
I thought Hanson might care since he is transferring his coins to CACG. Maybe they wouldn’t call it a proof or he doesn’t care about that variety.
Depending on payment method, it might be cheaper for them to sell it on eBay.
For me to sell a $39,000 coin on eBay has $1065 in eBay fees or 2.73%. Cheaper than PayPal or many credit cards, especially the high points cards.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I wonder how many coins are seen on eBay and then purchased off that dealer's website thus avoiding the eBay fees. And, financially cutting out the source that allowed you to (easily) find the coin is ethical.
A lot. I tell people who ask that my off eBay price is the same as the eBay price. It's not like they want to split the 9% (or less) in eBay fees with me. They want the whole 9% or more for screwing eBay and removing my seller protections.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
No, if I was connected to Hansen, I would have explained why selling the piece is a mistake. Better to keep it and get rid of any 27N1 MCs he owns. Yeah, they're master coins, but since experimental, I think a cut lower. They certainly do not look nearly as good. I throw-up in my mouth a little every time I look at that worn reverse. I realize Eckfeldt wanted to see if the press would "make a silk purse out of a sow's ear," a la the JR10 dime, but Geeze Louise, I wish he'd have picked a different reverse.
The coin is understandably important. Because of that it deserves better slab photos that help determine in hand appearance. Easier selling tactic.
Axial lighting is great glamour but not always representational.
A lot of dealers both big and small use eBay mostly to advertise their coins. Some people will buy directly from eBay, knowing they have the most protection, and some people will either find the dealers website or Instagram account and buy the coin privately. The coin is almost always cheaper privately and the purchase price is an all in price, ie. sales tax is not added (or it’s built into the purchase price).
By any measure, this is a great (& important) coin….
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