Golbrecht's Raisinet Collection 的钱币相册
C-2a, B-2b, High R.2. EAC 40. PQ. The Small Letters Edge subvariety. Evenly struck and undeniably attractive, this sharp golden-brown example boasts plentiful luster within the hair curls and wreath. A tiny obverse rim nick at 9 o'clock will be missed by most observers, and a minor gray spot precedes the U in UNITED.
C-2a, B-2b, High R.2. EAC 40. PQ. The Small Letters Edge subvariety. Evenly struck and undeniably attractive, this sharp golden-brown example boasts plentiful luster within the hair curls and wreath. A tiny obverse rim nick at 9 o'clock will be missed by most observers, and a minor gray spot precedes the U in UNITED.
1806 1/2 C Large 6, Stems MS63RB B-4, C-4, R.1. Immediately distinguishable by a large, repunched 6 with the peak affixed to the base of Liberty's bust. Much faded mint-red color remains all over the coin. Most Uncirculated representatives of this variety trace back to the hoard of 1806 B-4 Half Cents that the Chapman brothers dispersed in 1906.
1806 1/2 C Large 6, Stems MS63RB B-4, C-4, R.1. Immediately distinguishable by a large, repunched 6 with the peak affixed to the base of Liberty's bust. Much faded mint-red color remains all over the coin. Most Uncirculated representatives of this variety trace back to the hoard of 1806 B-4 Half Cents that the Chapman brothers dispersed in 1906.
1828 1/2 C 13 Stars MS64 Red. C-3, B-2, R.1. This variety is attributed by: the low 2 in the date, repunching on star 7, the second S in STATES essentially even with the tip of the highest leaf, a defect that joins the left top of H in HALF to the above leaf, and a wreath spine that extends from the leaf point above HA. Orange mint luster enlivens well preserved surfaces, and a crisp strike has emboldened the design elements. A pleasing near-Gem half cent, housed in a green-label holder. Population: 6 in 64 Red, 1 finer (2/07). EAC 63. From The Temecula Collection, Part Two.
A gorgeous fire-red near Gem type coin that has nearly mark-free surfaces. The devices are very well struck, although portions of the dentils are softly brought up. Carbon is microscopic.
S-9, B-12, R.2. Noyes VF20; tied for CC-21. EAC VF25. PQ–. Variety: Horizontal stem parallel to the date. The bow is large and rounded. The obverse appears on S-8, S-9, and NC-4. The reverse appears on S-9. Vine and Bars Edge. The S-9 is the single most common Wreath cent variety by a wide margin. Surfaces: An attractive piece with smooth, hard, glossy surfaces. Both sides have mottled golden-brown and deep steel color. A few minor handling marks are visible on the obverse, with a small reverse edge bump over the M. Light corrosion is evident, primarily on the reverse. Full obverse and reverse borders are visible, with the reverse imperfectly centered. Both sides are sharply detailed, and the obverse and reverse types stand boldly against the field. Die State VII: The reverse has die cracks through R and CA of AMERICA, and from the left stem through UNIT. A late die state, although most of the individual die defects Breen describes are faintly visible. Census: Perhaps 10 examples are known in Mint State. This piece has considerable sharpness but is downgraded for various minor imperfections. Commentary: The S-9 is clearly the most common Wreath cent variety, and the only 1793 large cent of any design with a rarity rating less than R.3. Sheldon mentioned in Early American Cents that S.H. Chapman considered this variety to represent 35% of all existing Wreath cents. From a mintage of 63,353 Wreath cents, this would imply a "mintage" of about 22,000 coins. Raw material for copper coinage at the new Mint came from a variety of local sources, none particularly ideal, generally consisting of scrap, rough ingots, or sheet. In Breen's Large Cent Encyclopedia, contributor Craig Sholley wrote: "The locally obtained scrap proved to be especially troublesome. Copper is a difficult metal to properly melt and it is far more difficult to roll than silver or gold. The Mint, lacking both experience and proper equipment, was not prepared for either of these operations." The first of the two processes required that Mint personnel melt the metal and pour it into ingot molds, while watching for retained gas bubbles or impurities. Bubbles in the metal resulted in split planchets, laminations, or other defects to the finished coins. Impurities resulted in various streaks or discoloration spots. The other process was rolling the ingots into planchet strip of the appropriate width and thickness. The Mint used horsepower-operated rollers that were apparently poorly made. Coinage of the Wreath cents was suspended after the April 19 delivery while the rollers were repaired.
S-9, B-12, R.2. Noyes VF20; tied for CC-21. EAC VF25. PQ–. Variety: Horizontal stem parallel to the date. The bow is large and rounded. The obverse appears on S-8, S-9, and NC-4. The reverse appears on S-9. Vine and Bars Edge. The S-9 is the single most common Wreath cent variety by a wide margin. Surfaces: An attractive piece with smooth, hard, glossy surfaces. Both sides have mottled golden-brown and deep steel color. A few minor handling marks are visible on the obverse, with a small reverse edge bump over the M. Light corrosion is evident, primarily on the reverse. Full obverse and reverse borders are visible, with the reverse imperfectly centered. Both sides are sharply detailed, and the obverse and reverse types stand boldly against the field. Die State VII: The reverse has die cracks through R and CA of AMERICA, and from the left stem through UNIT. A late die state, although most of the individual die defects Breen describes are faintly visible. Census: Perhaps 10 examples are known in Mint State. This piece has considerable sharpness but is downgraded for various minor imperfections. Commentary: The S-9 is clearly the most common Wreath cent variety, and the only 1793 large cent of any design with a rarity rating less than R.3. Sheldon mentioned in Early American Cents that S.H. Chapman considered this variety to represent 35% of all existing Wreath cents. From a mintage of 63,353 Wreath cents, this would imply a "mintage" of about 22,000 coins. Raw material for copper coinage at the new Mint came from a variety of local sources, none particularly ideal, generally consisting of scrap, rough ingots, or sheet. In Breen's Large Cent Encyclopedia, contributor Craig Sholley wrote: "The locally obtained scrap proved to be especially troublesome. Copper is a difficult metal to properly melt and it is far more difficult to roll than silver or gold. The Mint, lacking both experience and proper equipment, was not prepared for either of these operations." The first of the two processes required that Mint personnel melt the metal and pour it into ingot molds, while watching for retained gas bubbles or impurities. Bubbles in the metal resulted in split planchets, laminations, or other defects to the finished coins. Impurities resulted in various streaks or discoloration spots. The other process was rolling the ingots into planchet strip of the appropriate width and thickness. The Mint used horsepower-operated rollers that were apparently poorly made. Coinage of the Wreath cents was suspended after the April 19 delivery while the rollers were repaired.
1795 1C Plain Edge AU58 S-78, B-8, R.1. This is one of the most common of all Liberty Cap large cent varieties and an ideal candidate for the date or type collector. For this die pairing, the peak of the 5 in the date just touches the bust truncation. Date and LIBERTY are closely spaced. ONE CENT is centered in the wreath and widely separated. ONE CENT is high in the wreath, as the engraver avoided placing CENT within the narrow space between the lower leaves, and the E in STATES is entered high. Specialists of 1795 cents know that the two most common varieties are S-76b and S-78, both Plain Edge varieties. The Lettered Edge varieties are significantly scarcer, as indicated by Guide Book prices. While none of the three collectible Plain Edge 1795 cent die pairs can be considered more than scarce, the type is more in-demand than the supply can handle, especially for better conditions such as Choice AU.
1795 1C Plain Edge AU58 S-78, B-8, R.1. This is one of the most common of all Liberty Cap large cent varieties and an ideal candidate for the date or type collector. For this die pairing, the peak of the 5 in the date just touches the bust truncation. Date and LIBERTY are closely spaced. ONE CENT is centered in the wreath and widely separated. ONE CENT is high in the wreath, as the engraver avoided placing CENT within the narrow space between the lower leaves, and the E in STATES is entered high. Specialists of 1795 cents know that the two most common varieties are S-76b and S-78, both Plain Edge varieties. The Lettered Edge varieties are significantly scarcer, as indicated by Guide Book prices. While none of the three collectible Plain Edge 1795 cent die pairs can be considered more than scarce, the type is more in-demand than the supply can handle, especially for better conditions such as Choice AU.
1795 1C Plain Edge AU58 S-78, B-8, R.1. This is one of the most common of all Liberty Cap large cent varieties and an ideal candidate for the date or type collector. For this die pairing, the peak of the 5 in the date just touches the bust truncation. Date and LIBERTY are closely spaced. ONE CENT is centered in the wreath and widely separated. ONE CENT is high in the wreath, as the engraver avoided placing CENT within the narrow space between the lower leaves, and the E in STATES is entered high. Specialists of 1795 cents know that the two most common varieties are S-76b and S-78, both Plain Edge varieties. The Lettered Edge varieties are significantly scarcer, as indicated by Guide Book prices. While none of the three collectible Plain Edge 1795 cent die pairs can be considered more than scarce, the type is more in-demand than the supply can handle, especially for better conditions such as Choice AU.
1797 1C Reverse of 1797, Stems, S-123, B-12, R.4 MS64BN. This coin probably traces its origin back to the Nichols find, which included many Mint State examples of this scarce variety. Sheldon-123 is one of three varieties (the other two are S-119 and S-135) made collectible in Uncirculated grades due to the Nichols Find. However, a glance at third party populations confirms that quality examples are rare by the standards of most U.S. series. This is the second of the three varieties attributed to the Nichols Find, with an extremely close date, six berries in each branch, and the final 0 high. The obverse appears on S-122, S-123, NC-2, and NC-3. The reverse appears on 1796 S-119 and 1797 S-123. There is a tiny cut (die chip) on Liberty's cheek below the eye--a diagnostic feature of this S-123--which identifies this Nichols Find variety, which is usually found in or near Mint State grades. At least 10 examples of this variety are known in Mint State, and many more just miss that level, usually with full Mint State sharpness and minor deductions for slight imperfections. Considered R.4, meaning between 80 and 200 examples survive, well over half of the known examples grade AU or better. In fact, the variety would probably be a solid R.5 or perhaps even R.6 if that hoard never existed. Like nearly all coins from the Nichols Find, the surfaces of both sides are a pleasing medium brown with slightly reflective fields. This exceptionally well struck, orange-brown example has unusually smooth surfaces and excellent eye appeal.
1797 1C Reverse of 1797, Stems, S-123, B-12, R.4 MS64BN. This coin probably traces its origin back to the Nichols find, which included many Mint State examples of this scarce variety. Sheldon-123 is one of three varieties (the other two are S-119 and S-135) made collectible in Uncirculated grades due to the Nichols Find. However, a glance at third party populations confirms that quality examples are rare by the standards of most U.S. series. This is the second of the three varieties attributed to the Nichols Find, with an extremely close date, six berries in each branch, and the final 0 high. The obverse appears on S-122, S-123, NC-2, and NC-3. The reverse appears on 1796 S-119 and 1797 S-123. There is a tiny cut (die chip) on Liberty's cheek below the eye--a diagnostic feature of this S-123--which identifies this Nichols Find variety, which is usually found in or near Mint State grades. At least 10 examples of this variety are known in Mint State, and many more just miss that level, usually with full Mint State sharpness and minor deductions for slight imperfections. Considered R.4, meaning between 80 and 200 examples survive, well over half of the known examples grade AU or better. In fact, the variety would probably be a solid R.5 or perhaps even R.6 if that hoard never existed. Like nearly all coins from the Nichols Find, the surfaces of both sides are a pleasing medium brown with slightly reflective fields. This exceptionally well struck, orange-brown example has unusually smooth surfaces and excellent eye appeal.
1797 1C Reverse of 1797, Stems, S-123, B-12, R.4 MS64BN. This coin probably traces its origin back to the Nichols find, which included many Mint State examples of this scarce variety. Sheldon-123 is one of three varieties (the other two are S-119 and S-135) made collectible in Uncirculated grades due to the Nichols Find. However, a glance at third party populations confirms that quality examples are rare by the standards of most U.S. series. This is the second of the three varieties attributed to the Nichols Find, with an extremely close date, six berries in each branch, and the final 0 high. The obverse appears on S-122, S-123, NC-2, and NC-3. The reverse appears on 1796 S-119 and 1797 S-123. There is a tiny cut (die chip) on Liberty's cheek below the eye--a diagnostic feature of this S-123--which identifies this Nichols Find variety, which is usually found in or near Mint State grades. At least 10 examples of this variety are known in Mint State, and many more just miss that level, usually with full Mint State sharpness and minor deductions for slight imperfections. Considered R.4, meaning between 80 and 200 examples survive, well over half of the known examples grade AU or better. In fact, the variety would probably be a solid R.5 or perhaps even R.6 if that hoard never existed. Like nearly all coins from the Nichols Find, the surfaces of both sides are a pleasing medium brown with slightly reflective fields. This exceptionally well struck, orange-brown example has unusually smooth surfaces and excellent eye appeal.
1814 1C Crosslet 4 MS63BN S-294, B-1, R.1. Only two die marriages are known for 1814 Cents, and each receives a separate Guide Book listing due to a different logotype on the 4. Traces of faded red color surround the legends and stars, while the fields and portrait exhibit steel-brown color. This well struck Large Cent has a nearly undisturbed obverse, and the reverse is also refreshingly clean. This is a relatively common Classic cent, but always of great importance to type collectors, as these pieces become scarce in XF and better grades.
1814 1C Crosslet 4 MS63BN S-294, B-1, R.1. Only two die marriages are known for 1814 Cents, and each receives a separate Guide Book listing due to a different logotype on the 4. Traces of faded red color surround the legends and stars, while the fields and portrait exhibit steel-brown color. This well struck Large Cent has a nearly undisturbed obverse, and the reverse is also refreshingly clean. This is a relatively common Classic cent, but always of great importance to type collectors, as these pieces become scarce in XF and better grades.
1837 1C Medium Letters MS65RB. N-6, Low R.2. The 3 in the date is low, and the left foot of the N in ONE is recut. An interesting example from a year in which the cent was the only copper denomination coined, this Gem cent has considerable original orange mint color.
1859 1C MS65. This is the first year of issue for the Indian Cent design by James Barton Longacre, and it is a one-year design type. The characteristic striking weaknesses which the Mint experienced during production of the Flying Eagle Cent prompted Mint Director Colonel James Ross Snowden to order designer/engraver James Longacre to prepare other cent designs, one of which would replace the Flying Eagle as of January 1, 1859. After reviewing various pattern cents, Snowden chose the Indian/laurel wreath combination because it was in lowest relief of all the candidates, striking up better than the others. This coin became the Indian Cent, which has been immensely popular with generations of collectors. With the Indian cent design as adopted on cents from 1860 through 1909 on the obverse, and the laurel wreath reverse that was only used in this year, the 1859 has proved to be a type coin of enduring popularity. Unfortunately for the Mint as well as modern collectors, this issue proved equally difficult to strike as its Flying Eagle predecessors. Many otherwise attractive coins are limited in grade by bluntness of detail over the date, denomination, feather tips, and diamonds. Not so the present Gem. Every feature is well brought up, and the smooth surfaces are devoid of any major distractions. This example is fully lustrous and sharply struck with exquisite golden-tan coloration.The premier delivery in 1859 totaled 36.4 million pieces, and they are distinct as being the only coins in this series with a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT on the reverse. The obverse has a profile of Liberty facing to the left, wearing a headdress consisting of nine broad feathers. The band on the headdress is inscribed with the word LIBERTY, and a ribbon hangs down near the neck, containing four decorative diamonds. A small raised die chip on Liberty's cheek identifies this obverse die. The reverse consists of a laurel wreath, open at the top, and tied by a ribbon at the bottom. This wreath encloses the denomination ONE CENT. The reverse die is well-made without any die defects.
Khaki-olive color cascades across both sides of this satiny Gem. Conditionally rare and ranked as one of the finest-known representatives of the date, one is unable to locate even the the most paltry of abrasions on this coin. Eagle Eye Photo Seal approved, with card of authenticity.
1908-S 1C MS66RD. This is an outstanding, intensely bright example of the first minor (copper) coinage issue struck at a branch mint in the United States. Judging from the population data, the 1908-S and 1909-S Indian cents are about equal in rarity in high grades with full red color, and both are much, much rarer than the 1909-S VDB cent in such condition. Although the 1908-S was probably saved to some degree as the first mintmarked cent, the 1909-S Indian was saved as the last of the series (and the general collecting public saved many more 'SVDBs as a novel new design). The San Francisco cents of 1908 and 1909 were struck on lighter-colored planchets than earlier cent issues. The '08-S is a scarce (1.1 million pieces produced), semi-key issue in the Indian Head cent series at all levels of preservation. Obviously set aside shortly after delivery, this fully Red, carbon-free example of this introductory, branch-mint Indian cent displays unbelievable flash. The coin possesses full mint luster and even, orange-red coloration. Copper-gold luster adorns both sides, and the well-executed, virtually full strike is exacting throughout, resulting in crisp definition of the design features, including sharpness on the bowknot, all four diamonds, and on the tips of the feathers at the top of the Indian's headdress. Both sides are exceptionally smooth with a shimmering satin texture. Close examination reveals remarkably clean surfaces and no spots worthy of note; There are only a couple of slight, relatively unobtrusive contact marks on the cheek and neck to justify this grade, as opposed to a higher one. A magnificent example of this scarce, late-date Indian cent, this piece shows even, bright mint red color, unlike the streaky coins often seen on 1908 and especially 1909 cents. Rick Snow states "Full feathers are extremely rare" [on an '08-S] but if the strike atop the headdress feathers of this coin is not fully razor-sharp, in light of the issue's striking weakness being ever-present, this is forgivable. The Eliasberg catalog notes that 1908-S cents were struck on silver presses. The hardness of bronze compared to silver might help explain why this issue is usually found softly struck. That being said, Mr. Eliasberg held out for a sharp one, and I've been fortunate, too. The srike on this piece is exemplary. It would be difficult to imagine a more attractive example.
1909 VDB 1C MS67 Red. A magnificent example of this one-year type with the designer's initials along the lower reverse rim. Well struck with an appealing satiny glow and full mint-red coloration across both sides. Attractive copper-gold color takes on more of a brassy appearance on the reverse, and rests over highly lustrous surfaces that exhibit sharply struck design elements. Well preserved throughout, with just a few tiny obverse flecks. A fine crack runs from the base of the T in CENT to the right rim. Essentially pristine, and a Superb Gem example. singular survivor with dramatic eye appeal. Fiery reddish-orange surfaces are virtually pristine with a subtle lightening of color at the central reverse. Exquisitely detailed and carefully preserved for over a century. According to Dr. Sol Taylor's The Standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent, the designer's initials may be found in eight different varieties, from three periods to no periods (as the dies filled in with detritus), of which the rarest are those with one period. The present coin has traces of each period present. Intense mint frost radiates from each side of this blazing red Superb Gem cent. It is well struck and virtually pristine, with truly wonderful eye appeal. Unusually rich red-orange coloration blankets each side of this lustrous and well struck Superb Gem. The soft, shimmering surfaces are expertly preserved. An extremely attractive example of this important first-year issue. A seemingly immaculate straw-gold Superb Gem that has sharply struck devices and shining fields. A magnificent example of this one-year type. this well struck first-year Lincoln. This is an amazing Superb Gem with sharp design details and remarkable eye appeal. Both sides are highly lustrous with brilliant and frosty orange surfaces. In certified Gem Red condition the 1909 No VDB cent is actually much more elusive than the 1909 VDB cent, which was saved and hoarded in enormous numbers at the time of issue.
1959-D 1C MS66RD. Mintage: 1,279,760,000. A nearly immaculate Premium Gem, with exceptional quality for this first-year Memorial reverse issue. Brilliant, fiery mint-red color and stunning luster radiates from surfaces that reveal no mentionable spots or abrasions. The design elements are adequately struck.
1959-D 1C MS66RD. Mintage: 1,279,760,000. A nearly immaculate Premium Gem, with exceptional quality for this first-year Memorial reverse issue. Brilliant, fiery mint-red color and stunning luster radiates from surfaces that reveal no mentionable spots or abrasions. The design elements are adequately struck.
1864 2C Large Motto MS65RD. A fiery, very premium quality Gem of this important and widely collected odd denomination. Millions were struck of this first year issue, but full red Gems are anything but common. The surfaces of this coin display a vibrant and totally original orange-red color that barely shows just a whisper mellowing in the nearly 15 decades since its Civil War era origin. The mint red color is virtually undiminished by the passage of time, appearing today much as it did in 1864, the year Colonel Chivington massacred the Southern Cheyenne at Sand Creek. This unusual denomination was created to help fill the yawning gap in circulating coinage that resulted from the widespread hoarding of coins in the early 1860s. An historic issue designed by James Barton Longacre that is indelibly linked with the Civil War, the 1864 two cent piece is also the first U.S. coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The present example is the second and more commorn of the two varieties produced this year. The earlier Small Motto coins were prototypes and modified after only a few thousand were struck, with the motto enlarged on subsequent strikings. Far fewer of the Small Motto coins are seen today with full red color than of their Large Motto counterparts. Held back from an even higher grade only by light, scattered flyspecks, and uncommonly attractive even for the MS65 grade, this Large Motto Gem shows nearly full mint-red color. Both sides are intensely lustrous, with vivid crimson-orange color. All features show pinpoint striking definition, with with good detail to the highpoints. The lustrous and unabraded surfaces have no obtrusive contact marks, and only negligible carbon.
1862/1 3CS MS66. The left half of the 2 in the date has a faint but nearly complete 1. The underdigit is faint but clearly discernible with a magnifier. Bold die clash marks are evident on this scarce overdate variety, especially on most of the obverse shield within the III. Very sharply struck for a Type Three, this piece shows exceptionally pronounced evidence of die clashing, and that is saying a lot for a three cent silver as they are usually die clashed.
1862/1 3CS MS66. The left half of the 2 in the date has a faint but nearly complete 1. The underdigit is faint but clearly discernible with a magnifier. Bold die clash marks are evident on this scarce overdate variety, especially on most of the obverse shield within the III. Very sharply struck for a Type Three, this piece shows exceptionally pronounced evidence of die clashing, and that is saying a lot for a three cent silver as they are usually die clashed.
1862/1 3CS MS66. The left half of the 2 in the date has a faint but nearly complete 1. The underdigit is faint but clearly discernible with a magnifier. Bold die clash marks are evident on this scarce overdate variety, especially on most of the obverse shield within the III. Very sharply struck for a Type Three, this piece shows exceptionally pronounced evidence of die clashing, and that is saying a lot for a three cent silver as they are usually die clashed.
1883 No Cents MS66. Undoubtedly one of the most common type coins in all of U. S. numismatics, the 1883 No Cents nickel is easily located in all uncirculated grades, up to and including MS66. While it may be accurate to call the No Cents nickel a "common" coin, it is not often available and considering its status as a one-year type, it certainly is not overpriced in grades above MS65.
Blazing luster and light golden toning grace this unblemished Premium Gem. Well struck save for the usual blending on the left ear of corn.
Blazing luster and light golden toning grace this unblemished Premium Gem. Well struck save for the usual blending on the left ear of corn.
1913 5C Type 1, MS67. The 1913 Type One Buffalo nickel is always in great demand as a first-year-of-issue date and a one-year type coin. David Lange (2000) writes that: "The changeover to the Type 2 reverse was ordered on May 6, [1913] and coinage of the revised nickels commenced four days later." The present coin is a high-end example of this popular one-year type, strongly lustrous beneath pleasing gold and iridescent toning. Sharply struck and showing the rugged detail that makes the variety so prized, even LIBERTY and the obverse rim portray relatively nice detail, these features usually showing weakness on this issue. Each side has a pronounced matte-like texture, typical of all Type One nickels (David Lange, The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels). Noted sculptor James E. Fraser designed the Buffalo nickel. The first type, issued only in 1913, featured a textured field and a raised mound beneath the bison. Since the mound allowed the denomination to wear, it was recessed for the Type Two design, issued later in 1913. But the Mint neglected to recess the Indian's shoulder, where the date is, and well-circulated examples of either type are often dateless. This piece displays powder blue and light gold toning over vibrant luster, which combines with the finely granular surfaces to give each side a shimmering quality. The fields of all Type One Buffalo nickels, not just the proof coins, show the textured fields as on James Earle Fraser's original models, and therefore they give the coins' luster a "shimmering quality, particularly on unworn dies," according to Lange. In fact, "first strikes from unworn dies are easily mistaken for proofs and vice versa."
1938-D 5C Type 2, MS67. David Lange (2000) writes that: "The changeover to the Type 2 reverse was ordered on May 6 [1913], and coinage of the revised nickels commenced four days later." A nearly flawless specimen, this splendid example from the last year of Buffalo nickel production has virtually no flaws or detractions visible to the naked eye. The strike is bold and sharp as is normally seen on this final year issue. Mostly brilliant with a silver-gray finish and magnificent champagne and rose toning, both sides offer vibrant luster and strong detail.
Lots of detail for VF25, Old Green Holder, R.4 PQ A large question surrounding this coin is whether or not President Washington supplied the silver. Research by Joel Orosz and Carl Herkowitz published in the 2003 Amer. Journal of Numismatics cited a memorandum by John A. McAllister, Jr. who related his interview with Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt: "In conversation with Mr. Adam Eckfeldt (Apr. 9, 1844) at the Mint, he informed me that the Half Dismes...were struck, expressly for Gen. Washington, to the extent of One Hundred Dollars, which sum he deposited in Bullion or Coin, for the purpose. Mr. E. thinks that Gen. W. distributed them as presents. Some were sent to Europe, but the greater number, he believes, were given to friends of Gen. W. in Virginia. No more of them were ever coined." Eric von Klinger in a June 13, 2005 Coin World review of the article entitled "Document Details Half Disme: Confirms that G. Washington was Source of Silver," wrote: "General Washington did indeed deposit silver for the 1792 half dismes." Orosz responded in a July 4, 2005 letter to the editor that: "We never claim in our article that we have proved that President Washington provided the silver used to strike the half dismes, as both the headline and the first sentence of von Klinger's article flatly state. In our article, we conclude that while the great preponderance of the evidence points toward Washington as the silver provider, the pieces of evidence that could prove he was - Washington's diary for 1792 and Acting Chief Coiner Henry Voigt's July 1792 account book - are unavailable. Washington was a long-time diarist, but the press of his presidential duties prevented him from keeping a diary in 1792. Voigt did keep an account book, but it was lost about a century ago, and no one knows where it is, or if it even still exists. Therefore, while the authors believe that all of the available evidence points to Washington, we cannot prove he was the donor beyond the shadow of a doubt."
1795 H10C MS62. V-5, LM-8, R.3. The years 1795 and 1796 were busy and productive ones for the fledgling U.S. Mint. Director Henry DeSaussure--continuing his dual missions to produce circulating gold coinage and to improve the design of circulating silver coinage--employed the noted portraitist Gilbert Stuart in the summer of 1795 to fashion a new portrait of Liberty to replace the unpopular Flowing Hair design on silver denominations. From those sketches, artist John Eckstein prepared obverse device punches, and Chief Engraver Robert Scot prepared dies conforming to the Mint Act of 1792. The new Draped Bust, Small Eagle design was introduced first in 1795 on the silver dollar. Although no 1795 half dimes with the Draped Bust motif were coined, a 1795-dated obverse die of the new design was produced. The recorded mintage of 86,416 half dimes included both 1794- and 1795-dated pieces, but about three times as many 1795 pieces have been certified. The mintage of 1795 half dimes was divided into 10 different die marriages, most of them quite scarce. This coin is a representative of the scarce LM-8 variety. It is identifiable by the position of star 1 between curls 1 and 2 on the obverse and the wreath with no berries under the left wing of the eagle on the reverse. The LM-8 variety is one of the more available marriages, and is a popular choice with early type collectors. The number of high quality LM-8 half dimes is explained by its presence in a hoard mentioned by Walter Breen in his Proof Encyclopedia of more than 100 Mint State Flowing Hair half dimes, of this and two other varieties, discovered in the 1870s and dispersed by William Elliot Woodward around 1880, known as the Wadsworth-Rea hoard. On this variety there are seven curls, the first star points between curls 2 and 3, and the reverse shows the berries arranged 3-4 with none beneath the wings. There is no berry inside or outside of the U in UNITED, and a spike protrudes from the wreath and points between the first T and A of STATES. The bold diagnostic obverse die crack extends from the upper rim to Y in LIBERTY to the nose and then across the neck to the top of the 7 in the date. This variety is most easily attributed by the lack of berries around the lower left portion of the wreath and the relative position of the lowest outside left leaf relative to the U in UNITED. The die crack through the Y in LIBERTY also confirms this die pairing. The present example is sharper than most and centered, normally not seen on most early Bust design half dimes. No adjustment marks are apparent on either side of this coin.
1795 H10C MS62. V-5, LM-8, R.3. The years 1795 and 1796 were busy and productive ones for the fledgling U.S. Mint. Director Henry DeSaussure--continuing his dual missions to produce circulating gold coinage and to improve the design of circulating silver coinage--employed the noted portraitist Gilbert Stuart in the summer of 1795 to fashion a new portrait of Liberty to replace the unpopular Flowing Hair design on silver denominations. From those sketches, artist John Eckstein prepared obverse device punches, and Chief Engraver Robert Scot prepared dies conforming to the Mint Act of 1792. The new Draped Bust, Small Eagle design was introduced first in 1795 on the silver dollar. Although no 1795 half dimes with the Draped Bust motif were coined, a 1795-dated obverse die of the new design was produced. The recorded mintage of 86,416 half dimes included both 1794- and 1795-dated pieces, but about three times as many 1795 pieces have been certified. The mintage of 1795 half dimes was divided into 10 different die marriages, most of them quite scarce. This coin is a representative of the scarce LM-8 variety. It is identifiable by the position of star 1 between curls 1 and 2 on the obverse and the wreath with no berries under the left wing of the eagle on the reverse. The LM-8 variety is one of the more available marriages, and is a popular choice with early type collectors. The number of high quality LM-8 half dimes is explained by its presence in a hoard mentioned by Walter Breen in his Proof Encyclopedia of more than 100 Mint State Flowing Hair half dimes, of this and two other varieties, discovered in the 1870s and dispersed by William Elliot Woodward around 1880, known as the Wadsworth-Rea hoard. On this variety there are seven curls, the first star points between curls 2 and 3, and the reverse shows the berries arranged 3-4 with none beneath the wings. There is no berry inside or outside of the U in UNITED, and a spike protrudes from the wreath and points between the first T and A of STATES. The bold diagnostic obverse die crack extends from the upper rim to Y in LIBERTY to the nose and then across the neck to the top of the 7 in the date. This variety is most easily attributed by the lack of berries around the lower left portion of the wreath and the relative position of the lowest outside left leaf relative to the U in UNITED. The die crack through the Y in LIBERTY also confirms this die pairing. The present example is sharper than most and centered, normally not seen on most early Bust design half dimes. No adjustment marks are apparent on either side of this coin.
1835 H10C Small Date, Large 5C MS65. V-5, LM-8.2, R.2. Sun-gold toning is predominant, and the strike is excellent. The 1 in the date is high, and the tip of the feather is right of center of the 5 in the denomination. This late die state of this die marriage is more plentiful than the early die state.
1835 H10C Small Date, Large 5C MS65. V-5, LM-8.2, R.2. Sun-gold toning is predominant, and the strike is excellent. The 1 in the date is high, and the tip of the feather is right of center of the 5 in the denomination. This late die state of this die marriage is more plentiful than the early die state.
1835 H10C Small Date, Large 5C MS65. V-5, LM-8.2, R.2. Sun-gold toning is predominant, and the strike is excellent. The 1 in the date is high, and the tip of the feather is right of center of the 5 in the denomination. This late die state of this die marriage is more plentiful than the early die state.
1837 H10C Large Date (Curl Top 1) MS65. This is the variety with the numeral 8 tripled below. The digits 1, 3, and 7 are each doubled below. Both sides have frosty gold and ivory surfaces with intense luster. The No Stars obverse provides a glimpse at Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty design in its purest unencumbered form, free of extraneous details. From The Troy Wiseman Collection.
1837 H10C Large Date (Curl Top 1) MS65. This is the variety with the numeral 8 tripled below. The digits 1, 3, and 7 are each doubled below. Both sides have frosty gold and ivory surfaces with intense luster. The No Stars obverse provides a glimpse at Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty design in its purest unencumbered form, free of extraneous details. From The Troy Wiseman Collection.
1838 No Drapery MS65. Small Stars. V-1. "The 1838 Half Dime is found in two major varieties: Large Stars and Small Stars. Actually, the Small Stars variety started out as a Large Stars die that was subsequently ground down to remove clashmarks, thus reducing the apparent size of the stars." (Ron Guth). Described on the insert as a No Drapery piece with no mention of what appears to be the Small Stars feature, considerably scarcer than the Large Stars variety, especially in higher grades. This scarce Gem quality, first-year-type variety was created by drastically repolishing the obverse die to remove rust. But Liberty's arm is rusted, and many of the stars are attenuated from repeated, overzealous die polishing that was probably meant to lessen, if not remove the former feature. As a result, the stars were reduced in size. A considerably scarcer variety of this first year No Drapery type than the "normal" stars version, perhaps fewer than 10% of the uncirculated 1838 half dimes are the Small Stars design. V-1 specimens generally exhibit a strong strike with full head, toe and shield and the date boldly punched. Early strikes of the V-1 show a repunched first 8. The present example appears to be an early die state with the figure of Liberty only showing partial die rust, not "badly corroded" as Valentine stated. This coin seems to be an exceptionally sharp example of Al Blythe's Die State 2, with notable die rust on Liberty's arm and some doubling of the drastically lapped small stars. Later die states show die deterioration with a die crack from rim to head and Liberty’s right shoulder to the rim. The die state only refers to the obverse as the reverse is distinct from that used on examples of the V-2 die marriage. (The obverse die was used for both varieties.) The No Drapery, Stars Seated Half Dime was produced from 1838-1840. VARIETIES: V-1 with level date, centered. V-2 with low date running uphill toward base of rock. SCARCITY: V-2 far scarcer than V-1. Rarity Rating, V-1: G-VG R5, F-VF R5, EF-AU R6, MS R7.
1841 H10C MS67 V-2 Mintage: 50,000. The last 1 in the date is low and recut, and a small lunule appears between stars 10 and 11. Sharply struck, this is an extraordinarily well-preserved Superb Gem of this type, with full original luster and an exemplary strike, struck from moderately clashed dies. The surfaces emit a warm glow, with lightly toned, golden-rose centers and rich golden-brown, mauve and cobalt-blue peripheral colors about the rims. This second year of the Drapery sub-type is more available than its introductory 1840 counterpart, but relatively few pieces have been certified by PCGS in Mint State grades. Among half dime collectors the 1841 is considered a common date, but it certainly is uncommon in MS67 condition. VARIETIES: V-1 (Proof only). V-2 and V-3 represent variations of the date replacement. There is also a repunched date (RPD) variety with a repunched 1 at the top, and a reverse with heavy lettering designated V-4. The V-2 in late die states exhibits a significant die crack running diagonally from 2 to 7 o’clock. Evidencing not a hint of a crack, this piece would seem to be an example of a much earlier die state. The V-2 variety usually is strongly struck, other than minor weakness of dentils on the reverse, with a full head, shield and toe. The date and stars are boldly punched. The pendant lines up just right of the upright of the 4, and the shield points to the top of the 1.
1841 H10C MS67 V-2 Mintage: 50,000. The last 1 in the date is low and recut, and a small lunule appears between stars 10 and 11. Sharply struck, this is an extraordinarily well-preserved Superb Gem of this type, with full original luster and an exemplary strike, struck from moderately clashed dies. The surfaces emit a warm glow, with lightly toned, golden-rose centers and rich golden-brown, mauve and cobalt-blue peripheral colors about the rims. This second year of the Drapery sub-type is more available than its introductory 1840 counterpart, but relatively few pieces have been certified by PCGS in Mint State grades. Among half dime collectors the 1841 is considered a common date, but it certainly is uncommon in MS67 condition. VARIETIES: V-1 (Proof only). V-2 and V-3 represent variations of the date replacement. There is also a repunched date (RPD) variety with a repunched 1 at the top, and a reverse with heavy lettering designated V-4. The V-2 in late die states exhibits a significant die crack running diagonally from 2 to 7 o’clock. Evidencing not a hint of a crack, this piece would seem to be an example of a much earlier die state. The V-2 variety usually is strongly struck, other than minor weakness of dentils on the reverse, with a full head, shield and toe. The date and stars are boldly punched. The pendant lines up just right of the upright of the 4, and the shield points to the top of the 1.
1872-S H10C Mintmark Below MS66. The silver-gray surfaces of this Premium Gem are awash in mint luster. A nicely preserved coin that reflects a well executed strike.
1872-S H10C Mintmark Below MS66. The silver-gray surfaces of this Premium Gem are awash in mint luster. A nicely preserved coin that reflects a well executed strike.
1805 10C 4 Berries MS63 JR-2, R.2. The die crack through ERTY and star 8 and the eponymous reverse identify this instantly as an example of the JR-2 4 Berries, and this is a lovely example for the grade. While JR-2 is the more plentiful of the two known die marriages of the 1805 Draped Bust Dime, examples that have survived the passage of time with fully Mint State surfaces must be considered rare. The dimes of 1805 are known only by two die marriages that share a common obverse, with a small spine protruding from the top of the 5 in the date. The reverses show four or five olives on the olive branch clutched by the Heraldic Eagle, or berries as they are usually called, with the present 4 Berries reverse having narrow A's and leaves that are clear of the peripheral lettering. This coin shows appealing medium-gray and golden highlights on each side, with few relevant abrasions. The 1805 4 Berries will never be an uncommon die pairing, but both the 4 Berries and 5 Berries JR-1 are popular Guide Book varieties eagerly sought by collectors, and both are fairly available for a price into the lower Mint State grades. However, Select Uncirculated pieces are scarce and are sought after by both type collectors and Early Dime specialists. The 1805 JR-2 dime is the second most common Draped Bust variety behind the 1807, and both coins are ideal for collectors who want a single example of the draped bust, heraldic eagle design in type set collections. Obverse Die: The 1 nearly touches the lowest curl and the top of the 5 has a spine extending into the bust. LIB are close and BERTY are wide. Star 1 is far from the curl, star 7 is farther from L, star 8 is very close to the Y, and star 13 is close to the bust. State a. Perfect with no crack through ERTY. State b. Cracked from the rim through ERTY. Minor clash marks. State c. Cracked from the rim below star 13 into the bottom of the bust. The die is lapped, removing most of the clash marks. State d. Cracked from the rim between stars 9 and 10 into the bust, about one-third of the distance down from the base of the neck to the bottom of the bust. Reverse Die: Four berries in the branch. All letters in the legend are separated from each other and from the devices. AMER are extremely close together, with AM slightly higher than ER. The star pattern is unusual with two rows of six stars each, and a single star touching the back of the eagle's neck. Stars 1, 2, and 5, touch the clouds above. State a. Perfect. State b Minor die rust near D of UNITED.
1805 10C 4 Berries MS63 JR-2, R.2. The die crack through ERTY and star 8 and the eponymous reverse identify this instantly as an example of the JR-2 4 Berries, and this is a lovely example for the grade. While JR-2 is the more plentiful of the two known die marriages of the 1805 Draped Bust Dime, examples that have survived the passage of time with fully Mint State surfaces must be considered rare. The dimes of 1805 are known only by two die marriages that share a common obverse, with a small spine protruding from the top of the 5 in the date. The reverses show four or five olives on the olive branch clutched by the Heraldic Eagle, or berries as they are usually called, with the present 4 Berries reverse having narrow A's and leaves that are clear of the peripheral lettering. This coin shows appealing medium-gray and golden highlights on each side, with few relevant abrasions. The 1805 4 Berries will never be an uncommon die pairing, but both the 4 Berries and 5 Berries JR-1 are popular Guide Book varieties eagerly sought by collectors, and both are fairly available for a price into the lower Mint State grades. However, Select Uncirculated pieces are scarce and are sought after by both type collectors and Early Dime specialists. The 1805 JR-2 dime is the second most common Draped Bust variety behind the 1807, and both coins are ideal for collectors who want a single example of the draped bust, heraldic eagle design in type set collections. Obverse Die: The 1 nearly touches the lowest curl and the top of the 5 has a spine extending into the bust. LIB are close and BERTY are wide. Star 1 is far from the curl, star 7 is farther from L, star 8 is very close to the Y, and star 13 is close to the bust. State a. Perfect with no crack through ERTY. State b. Cracked from the rim through ERTY. Minor clash marks. State c. Cracked from the rim below star 13 into the bottom of the bust. The die is lapped, removing most of the clash marks. State d. Cracked from the rim between stars 9 and 10 into the bust, about one-third of the distance down from the base of the neck to the bottom of the bust. Reverse Die: Four berries in the branch. All letters in the legend are separated from each other and from the devices. AMER are extremely close together, with AM slightly higher than ER. The star pattern is unusual with two rows of six stars each, and a single star touching the back of the eagle's neck. Stars 1, 2, and 5, touch the clouds above. State a. Perfect. State b Minor die rust near D of UNITED.
1814 10C Large Date MS64. JR-3, R.2. The obverse has normal stars without repunching on stars 3, 4, and 5. This die variety is distinguishable by the low curl extending to the right edge of the second 1 in the date, and the lack of the period after the C of 10 C. Somewhat bluntly struck on the hair curls and stars to the right as usual; additional weakness appears on the stars to the left and on the eagle's claws. The dark surfaces are still lustrous, but beneath deep lilac and iridescent green toning. A relatively common variety with a number of Choice or Gem Mint State pieces known, and ideal for the type collector.
1814 10C Large Date MS64. JR-3, R.2. The obverse has normal stars without repunching on stars 3, 4, and 5. This die variety is distinguishable by the low curl extending to the right edge of the second 1 in the date, and the lack of the period after the C of 10 C. Somewhat bluntly struck on the hair curls and stars to the right as usual; additional weakness appears on the stars to the left and on the eagle's claws. The dark surfaces are still lustrous, but beneath deep lilac and iridescent green toning. A relatively common variety with a number of Choice or Gem Mint State pieces known, and ideal for the type collector.
1814 10C Large Date MS64. JR-3, R.2. The obverse has normal stars without repunching on stars 3, 4, and 5. This die variety is distinguishable by the low curl extending to the right edge of the second 1 in the date, and the lack of the period after the C of 10 C. Somewhat bluntly struck on the hair curls and stars to the right as usual; additional weakness appears on the stars to the left and on the eagle's claws. The dark surfaces are still lustrous, but beneath deep lilac and iridescent green toning. A relatively common variety with a number of Choice or Gem Mint State pieces known, and ideal for the type collector.
Low Mintage and Conditionally Scarce 1859 Seated Liberty Dime MS65. Just 430,000 Seated Dimes emerged from the Philadelphia Mint in 1859, and the issue is only considered common in grades below VF. A semi-prooflike Gem, both sides are noticeably reflective in the fields with some striations (as produced) evident on the obverse. Both sides are bright with minimal golden tinting and a sharp overall appearance. There are remarkably few distractions, as befits the technical grade that has been assigned.
1853 10C Arrows MS65. A Gem example of this silver type, only minted during the years 1853-55 due to the revaluation of silver as a result of the immense hoards of newfound California gold. In the early 1850s, with an excessive quantity of gold in the financial markets, the value of silver increased to the point that the metal value of silver coins was greater than the face value. This led to hoarding and mass melting of these coins. To resolve the problem, legislation was passed by Congress to reduce the weight of the half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. When the weight of silver coins was reduced in 1853, it was designated by small arrowheads placed on either side of the date to alert the general populace of this weight reduction. This caused two things to occur: first, the old (heavier) coins were widely melted, and second, the new (lighter) coins were saved in relatively large numbers because of the noticeable design alteration. This piece is a superior Gem example of this popular and short-lived, first-year Arrows design. The surfaces are smooth, the strike is razor sharp, and the devices are sharply impressed throughout. There are no significant abrasions, and the luster is thick but slightly subdued under the patina. The surfaces are bursting with a swirling mixture of orange-gold, turquiose and pale lavender toning that permeates both sides and is well balanced on each side, and highlights the central devices with peripheral halos of color. Even though a few dozen Arrows dimes have been certified by the major grading services at higher levels, it would be hard to surpass the eye appeal of this outstanding type coin. This is a simply gorgeous Gem that will endear itself to anyone who appreciates colorful, originally toned coins. Although a high mintage issue, the Arrows, Stars Obverse was only coined for three years, and examples of this exceptional quality remain scarce.
1853 10C Arrows MS65. A Gem example of this silver type, only minted during the years 1853-55 due to the revaluation of silver as a result of the immense hoards of newfound California gold. In the early 1850s, with an excessive quantity of gold in the financial markets, the value of silver increased to the point that the metal value of silver coins was greater than the face value. This led to hoarding and mass melting of these coins. To resolve the problem, legislation was passed by Congress to reduce the weight of the half dimes, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. When the weight of silver coins was reduced in 1853, it was designated by small arrowheads placed on either side of the date to alert the general populace of this weight reduction. This caused two things to occur: first, the old (heavier) coins were widely melted, and second, the new (lighter) coins were saved in relatively large numbers because of the noticeable design alteration. This piece is a superior Gem example of this popular and short-lived, first-year Arrows design. The surfaces are smooth, the strike is razor sharp, and the devices are sharply impressed throughout. There are no significant abrasions, and the luster is thick but slightly subdued under the patina. The surfaces are bursting with a swirling mixture of orange-gold, turquiose and pale lavender toning that permeates both sides and is well balanced on each side, and highlights the central devices with peripheral halos of color. Even though a few dozen Arrows dimes have been certified by the major grading services at higher levels, it would be hard to surpass the eye appeal of this outstanding type coin. This is a simply gorgeous Gem that will endear itself to anyone who appreciates colorful, originally toned coins. Although a high mintage issue, the Arrows, Stars Obverse was only coined for three years, and examples of this exceptional quality remain scarce.
1874 10C Arrows MS66. Light orange toning visits the primarily silver-white surfaces. This Premium Gem is lustrous and well struck, and both sides are splendidly unabraded. The second and final year of the Arrows, Legend Obverse subtype. Housed in a green label holder.
1874 10C Arrows MS66. Light orange toning visits the primarily silver-white surfaces. This Premium Gem is lustrous and well struck, and both sides are splendidly unabraded. The second and final year of the Arrows, Legend Obverse subtype. Housed in a green label holder.
An impressive Premium Gem, this lovely first-year Barber dime has bold and complete design elements. It is an original coin that is toned in deep iridescent shadings, well balanced on each side, with excellent underlying mint luster.
An impressive Premium Gem, this lovely first-year Barber dime has bold and complete design elements. It is an original coin that is toned in deep iridescent shadings, well balanced on each side, with excellent underlying mint luster.
1946-S 10C MS67. A highly lustrous example from the first year of issue, precisely struck and highly attractive. Roosevelt dime collectors know that the early S-mint dates are the most desirable issues in the series.
1946-S 10C MS67. A highly lustrous example from the first year of issue, precisely struck and highly attractive. Roosevelt dime collectors know that the early S-mint dates are the most desirable issues in the series.
1828 25C MS62 B-4, R.3 as a business strike, R.7 as a proof. The Narrow Date, B-4 variety has less space between the 82, relative to B-1 through B-3. This specimen is a striking and rather proof-like example of this difficult early quarter type, richly toned in sea-green, plum-red, tan-gold and cobalt-blue. The final date in the Large Diameter series of Bust quarters, and unquestionably original with rich tonal qualities, the striking details are well brought up in all areas and both sides are perfectly centered. The definition of what constitutes a proof has become more strict within past decades. Only a handful of 1828 quarters have been certified as proofs. Speculating on the possibility of it being a proof, the fields do exhibit a noticeable glimmer when held beneath a light, but the effect is somewhat dampened by the layers of toning.
1828 25C MS62 B-4, R.3 as a business strike, R.7 as a proof. The Narrow Date, B-4 variety has less space between the 82, relative to B-1 through B-3. This specimen is a striking and rather proof-like example of this difficult early quarter type, richly toned in sea-green, plum-red, tan-gold and cobalt-blue. The final date in the Large Diameter series of Bust quarters, and unquestionably original with rich tonal qualities, the striking details are well brought up in all areas and both sides are perfectly centered. The definition of what constitutes a proof has become more strict within past decades. Only a handful of 1828 quarters have been certified as proofs. Speculating on the possibility of it being a proof, the fields do exhibit a noticeable glimmer when held beneath a light, but the effect is somewhat dampened by the layers of toning.
1831 25C Small Letters MS64. B-4, R.1. Minage: 398,000. No quarters were struck in 1829 or 1830, and when the denomination resumed production in 1831, the diameter was reduced from 27 mm to 24.3 mm. The weight and alloy were unchanged, which implies that the new quarters were thicker. Half eagles also were reduced in diameter, beginning in 1829, but otherwise retained prior alloy and weight standards. These changes in diameter were made to conform to the new close collar technology introduced to the Philadelphia Mint. However, Capped Bust halves, which then dominated silver coin production, continued to be struck with lettered edges until the 1836 Reeded Edge halves were produced. This is a lustrous and brilliant silver-white example of the Capped Bust quarter dollar design. Star 7 points to lower curl, the lower right star is close to the hair, square based 2 in the denomination, eagle has long tongue, 25 C closer to eagle than dentils, 25 is high and the arrow heads are thin. There are remnants of die rust above and left of the final S in STATES. This is a later die state of the B-4 variety with a fine die crack through the C of the denomination to the stem above, and another connecting the lower left base of the A in AMERICA with the middle serif of F in OF. Repunching shows on the 5 of the denomination. This is Die State III in Walter Breen's revision of the Browning reference, apparently the most common die state of this variety. Only the barest glimpse of a golden patina accompanies this needle-sharp near-Gem. The strike is exquisite and a strong lens reveals only trivial contact. A wonderful type coin from the Age of Jackson from The Lanterman's Mill Collection.
1831 25C Small Letters MS64. B-4, R.1. Minage: 398,000. No quarters were struck in 1829 or 1830, and when the denomination resumed production in 1831, the diameter was reduced from 27 mm to 24.3 mm. The weight and alloy were unchanged, which implies that the new quarters were thicker. Half eagles also were reduced in diameter, beginning in 1829, but otherwise retained prior alloy and weight standards. These changes in diameter were made to conform to the new close collar technology introduced to the Philadelphia Mint. However, Capped Bust halves, which then dominated silver coin production, continued to be struck with lettered edges until the 1836 Reeded Edge halves were produced. This is a lustrous and brilliant silver-white example of the Capped Bust quarter dollar design. Star 7 points to lower curl, the lower right star is close to the hair, square based 2 in the denomination, eagle has long tongue, 25 C closer to eagle than dentils, 25 is high and the arrow heads are thin. There are remnants of die rust above and left of the final S in STATES. This is a later die state of the B-4 variety with a fine die crack through the C of the denomination to the stem above, and another connecting the lower left base of the A in AMERICA with the middle serif of F in OF. Repunching shows on the 5 of the denomination. This is Die State III in Walter Breen's revision of the Browning reference, apparently the most common die state of this variety. Only the barest glimpse of a golden patina accompanies this needle-sharp near-Gem. The strike is exquisite and a strong lens reveals only trivial contact. A wonderful type coin from the Age of Jackson from The Lanterman's Mill Collection.
Lustrous and Attractively Toned MS64 1839 No Drapery Quarter. Closed Claws Reverse. (The 1839 No Drapery is found both with the Closed Claws reverse of 1838, and the Open Claws reverse of 1839.) The device punches for what would become the Seated Liberty Quarter were completed by Christian Gobrecht during the summer of 1838. After 20 "specimens" were sent to Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury, regular production commenced on September 29. The Philadelphia Mint produced at least 466,000 examples this year, all of which, like their 1839 and 1840-O No Drapery counterparts, lacked obverse drapery folds at Liberty's right (facing) elbow. All three of these issues are scarce in problem-free Uncirculated preservation, and what few coins have been certified at the upper reaches of the Mint State grading scale are usually snatched up quickly by type collectors when they appear on the market. Writing in 1991, Larry Briggs says of this issue: "Head, stars, and obverse dentils are poorly struck." Many examples of this issue are poorly struck, and this piece shows noticeable softness on the upper obverse and the right (facing) quadrant, and correspondingly on the lower reverse. The delectable original toning, in shades of silver-pink and electric blue, compensates somewhat, and there are few signs of contact. Seldom seen finer. From The Palakika Collection.
1858 25C MS65. The high mintage figures for Seated quarters inaugurated by the Mint Act of February 21, 1853 continued at the Philadelphia Mint through 1858. Arrows were removed from the design in 1856 after a three-year run, although they would briefly return in 1873. Although there was no longer a need for a distinguishing feature on the obverse or reverse of the Seated Quarter, mintage figures remained high at the Philadelphia mint from 1856 through 1861. The 1857 boasts the highest total in this group with more than 9.6 million pieces delivered. As such, it is a popular representative of the No Motto type in all grades. The high mintage 1858 Quarter is also one of the few issues of the No Motto type that can occasionally be found at the Gem level. From a large mintage of 7.3 million pieces, the 1858 Seated Liberty quarter is also a popular choice for type collectors seeking a No Motto representative. However, examples are seldom encountered at the Gem level of preservation. The present coin is a magnificent Gem, with pristine, brilliant surfaces and vibrant, frosty mint luster. Both sides are sharply defined by a razor-sharp strike, including the obverse stars and the eagle's neck feathers. The incredible visual appeal of this specimen is off the chart. Richly frosted and undeniably smooth, this coin is crisply detailed in all areas.
1854 25C Arrows MS64. Delicate straw-gold patina graces this lustrous and intricately struck near-Gem. The few minor luster grazes are expected of the grade. High quality examples of the 1854 are always in demand as representatives of the briefly produced Arrows, No Rays, No Motto type.
1877 25C MS66. Type Two Reverse. The 1877 Seated Liberty quarter is more difficult to locate than the mintage of nearly 11 million pieces would suggest. Many examples were melted in 1878 to provide silver bullion for Morgan dollars. The present coin is a well-struck Premium Gem, with lustrous surfaces and gold and violet highlights. The reverse displays extensive die cracks and clash marks.
1877 25C MS66. Type Two Reverse. The 1877 Seated Liberty quarter is more difficult to locate than the mintage of nearly 11 million pieces would suggest. Many examples were melted in 1878 to provide silver bullion for Morgan dollars. The present coin is a well-struck Premium Gem, with lustrous surfaces and gold and violet highlights. The reverse displays extensive die cracks and clash marks.
1892 25C MS66. Mintage: 8,237,245. An impressive Gem with warm golden gray centers that give way to intense gold, violet, crimson, carmine, and other vibrant hues too numerous to mention. Sharply struck from a Type II reverse die with the eagle's right wing covering all but the serif of the E in UNITED. The difference between Type I and Type II quarters can be easily remembered by the mnemonic device "Now you see it, now you don't." On Type Ones, the middle serif of the E in UNITED is about halfway visible, while on Type Two quarters, the eagle's wing covers it.
1892 25C MS66. Mintage: 8,237,245. An impressive Gem with warm golden gray centers that give way to intense gold, violet, crimson, carmine, and other vibrant hues too numerous to mention. Sharply struck from a Type II reverse die with the eagle's right wing covering all but the serif of the E in UNITED. The difference between Type I and Type II quarters can be easily remembered by the mnemonic device "Now you see it, now you don't." On Type Ones, the middle serif of the E in UNITED is about halfway visible, while on Type Two quarters, the eagle's wing covers it.
1917 25C Type 2 MS67 Full Head, Mintage: 13,880,000. Partway through the year, the design of this coin type was modified with the revision labeled Type Two. Liberty no longer had an exposed breast, and three small stars were added to the reverse field below the eagle. Viewed through the macro lens of world history, the design of the Standing Liberty quarter is both ironic and prophetic. Although a few of the key-date 1916 issues were coined, only in early 1917 did the design become widely available. Liberty correctly holds the olive branch of peace in her right (left facing) hand, and in her left she holds a shield of protection and defense, from which she has removed its covering sheath. On the reverse, the eagle flies incorrectly (according to heraldic tradition) to its left, its less-honorable side. Of course 1917 was also the year that the United States entered World War I, after striving for years to maintain a position of neutrality. The present Gem example of this popular type coin has brilliant, untoned surfaces. The bold impression does not wane over either Liberty's head, the shield rivets, or the gown lines. Liberty's head boasts three full leaf sprigs and a clear ear hole. The shield lacks not even a single rivet, with full definition on the horizontal lines. On the reverse, the eagle's breast also displays pleasing overall definition. The sparkling mint frost imparts a silver-white appearance.
1917 25C Type 2 MS67 Full Head, Mintage: 13,880,000. Partway through the year, the design of this coin type was modified with the revision labeled Type Two. Liberty no longer had an exposed breast, and three small stars were added to the reverse field below the eagle. Viewed through the macro lens of world history, the design of the Standing Liberty quarter is both ironic and prophetic. Although a few of the key-date 1916 issues were coined, only in early 1917 did the design become widely available. Liberty correctly holds the olive branch of peace in her right (left facing) hand, and in her left she holds a shield of protection and defense, from which she has removed its covering sheath. On the reverse, the eagle flies incorrectly (according to heraldic tradition) to its left, its less-honorable side. Of course 1917 was also the year that the United States entered World War I, after striving for years to maintain a position of neutrality. The present Gem example of this popular type coin has brilliant, untoned surfaces. The bold impression does not wane over either Liberty's head, the shield rivets, or the gown lines. Liberty's head boasts three full leaf sprigs and a clear ear hole. The shield lacks not even a single rivet, with full definition on the horizontal lines. On the reverse, the eagle's breast also displays pleasing overall definition. The sparkling mint frost imparts a silver-white appearance.
1917 25C Type 2 MS67 Full Head, Mintage: 13,880,000. Partway through the year, the design of this coin type was modified with the revision labeled Type Two. Liberty no longer had an exposed breast, and three small stars were added to the reverse field below the eagle. Viewed through the macro lens of world history, the design of the Standing Liberty quarter is both ironic and prophetic. Although a few of the key-date 1916 issues were coined, only in early 1917 did the design become widely available. Liberty correctly holds the olive branch of peace in her right (left facing) hand, and in her left she holds a shield of protection and defense, from which she has removed its covering sheath. On the reverse, the eagle flies incorrectly (according to heraldic tradition) to its left, its less-honorable side. Of course 1917 was also the year that the United States entered World War I, after striving for years to maintain a position of neutrality. The present Gem example of this popular type coin has brilliant, untoned surfaces. The bold impression does not wane over either Liberty's head, the shield rivets, or the gown lines. Liberty's head boasts three full leaf sprigs and a clear ear hole. The shield lacks not even a single rivet, with full definition on the horizontal lines. On the reverse, the eagle's breast also displays pleasing overall definition. The sparkling mint frost imparts a silver-white appearance.
1958 25C MS66. John Flanagan owes his numismatic fame less to artistic merit than to the fact that he was a man in the man's world of the early 20th century. In 1931, the Treasury Department decided to follow in the footsteps of the Lincoln cent and issue a circulating coin honoring the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. After an open competition that the Treasury conducted in association with the Washington Bicentennial Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, judges chose Laura Gardin Fraser's masterful design. Even though art critics had admired Fraser's work since the introduction of the Oregon Trail commemorative half dollar in 1926, Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon's male chauvinism prejudiced the design selection process from the start. His choice, the design by John Flanagan, was confirmed as the winner and upheld even after Ogden L. Mills succeeded to the post of Treasury Secretary in early 1932. While Fraser's superior design remains unknown to all but a handful of numismatic scholars, Flanagan's obviously inferior workmanship can still be admired (albeit in slightly modified form for the state quarter program) on the quarters of today. This piece is a beautiful Superb Gem whose fully lustrous surfaces display pastel antique-gold and soft powder-blue iridescence drifting over the shimmering obverse. The reverse is untoned save for a crescent of tan-russet color near the rim between 9 and 3 o'clock. The underlying mint frost radiates through both sides and both sides are free of even the most inconspicuous bagmark. The design features are well impressed and the above average striking quality completes the tantalizing eye appeal.
1958 25C MS66. John Flanagan owes his numismatic fame less to artistic merit than to the fact that he was a man in the man's world of the early 20th century. In 1931, the Treasury Department decided to follow in the footsteps of the Lincoln cent and issue a circulating coin honoring the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. After an open competition that the Treasury conducted in association with the Washington Bicentennial Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, judges chose Laura Gardin Fraser's masterful design. Even though art critics had admired Fraser's work since the introduction of the Oregon Trail commemorative half dollar in 1926, Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon's male chauvinism prejudiced the design selection process from the start. His choice, the design by John Flanagan, was confirmed as the winner and upheld even after Ogden L. Mills succeeded to the post of Treasury Secretary in early 1932. While Fraser's superior design remains unknown to all but a handful of numismatic scholars, Flanagan's obviously inferior workmanship can still be admired (albeit in slightly modified form for the state quarter program) on the quarters of today. This piece is a beautiful Superb Gem whose fully lustrous surfaces display pastel antique-gold and soft powder-blue iridescence drifting over the shimmering obverse. The reverse is untoned save for a crescent of tan-russet color near the rim between 9 and 3 o'clock. The underlying mint frost radiates through both sides and both sides are free of even the most inconspicuous bagmark. The design features are well impressed and the above average striking quality completes the tantalizing eye appeal.
1795 50C 2 Leaves AU55. O-102, R.4. This piece is an intermediate die state, the obverse meeting Overton's requirements for O-102a and the reverse perfect as an O-102. It is also one of the finest known examples of the die marriage. In the fourth edition of Overton, Don Parsley recorded the Condition Census as 55, 45, 40, 30, 30. The finest examples to appear in recent auctions (and the only AU grade coins) are an AU55 ANACS piece that Heritage sold in November 2003 and an uncertified AU50 sold by Stack's in May 2001. Each side has a few minor scuffs and abrasions, but the overall eye appeal of this example is excellent. Satiny pale gray surfaces exhibit sharp design features with nearly full luster, accented by delightful gold and iridescent toning.
1795 50C 2 Leaves AU55. O-102, R.4. This piece is an intermediate die state, the obverse meeting Overton's requirements for O-102a and the reverse perfect as an O-102. It is also one of the finest known examples of the die marriage. In the fourth edition of Overton, Don Parsley recorded the Condition Census as 55, 45, 40, 30, 30. The finest examples to appear in recent auctions (and the only AU grade coins) are an AU55 ANACS piece that Heritage sold in November 2003 and an uncertified AU50 sold by Stack's in May 2001. Each side has a few minor scuffs and abrasions, but the overall eye appeal of this example is excellent. Satiny pale gray surfaces exhibit sharp design features with nearly full luster, accented by delightful gold and iridescent toning.
O-102 Low R.6. The rarest regular-issue US silver coinage design and solid for the grade. The Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dollar is one of the most difficult type coins to obtain, arguably the most difficult silver type coin, but not as rare as the 1796 No Stars quarter eagle or the 1808 quarter eagle. These half dollars, bearing the dates 1796 or 1797, come from a paltry mintage of 3,918 pieces, about 250 of which have survived the ravages of time. Half dollars of 1796-1797 are one of the rarest U.S. type coins and certainly one of the most expensive in virtually all levels of preservation. Even the most advanced collections often lack this rarity, and when present, it is usually in the low to middle grade levels, as here, and/or impaired, unlike this original, problem-free piece. There are four varieties of Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dollar. The first 1796 variety (Overton-101) displays 15 obverse stars, while the second has 16 stars (O-102). The two 1797-dated varieties (O-101 and O-102) share the same obverse but have different reverses, differentiated by the alignment of the peripheral lettering in relation to the central devices. The reverse of the 1797 Overton-101 variety was originally paired with the 1796 15 stars and 1796 16 stars obverses. During its use with the latter obverse, the reverse die developed a crack from the tip of the palm leaf below the base of the F in OF through the right side of O to the milling. This reverse developed even more cracks shortly after it was paired with the 1797 obverse die (O-101) and soon began to break up (O-101a). The breakup of the reverse die used in the 1797 Overton 101 and 101a varieties resulted in the employment of a new reverse die. The O-102 reverse differs from the old reverse in that the peripheral lettering is slightly offset in relation to the wreath.
1806 50C Pointed 6, Stem MS63. O-120a, R.4. A huge mintage of 839,576 Draped Bust half dollars was achieved in 1806, with 28 die varieties known for the date. A collection of 1806 die varieties and states would provide a monumental challenge. The O-120 reverse is one of those few numismatic situations where virtually every surviving coin could be considered a slightly different die state. This scarce variety is most easily identified by the die crack above the hair of Liberty on the obverse, and especially on the reverse by the broken patch on the shield, which gives the coin a special character not found on other varieties. Known as the Broken Shield variety, in its intermediate and late die states this variety is instantly recognized by (and popular for) the unusual, heavy die break, or "cud." A large piece broke out of the die right across the shield on the reverse, atop the fourth vertical stripe of the shield its earliest stages of progression. In later die states, this cud eventually extends across the shield until only the first vertical stripe is unaffected. This example is an intermediate state and is much earlier than that plated in the Parsley/Overton book. The shield die break encompasses all or part of three vertical stripes. The die break extends from pale 2 of gule 3 to a point midway between gules 5 and 6. Another break joins the left part of the first two horizontal shield stripes. Two die cracks join the border to the right ribbon end below M of AMERICA. These start at the same point on the border, with one crack following the right diagonal of the A, the other curving through M, with the area between these just beginning to sink into a retained cud. An additional crack extends through the tops of UNITE to the border over D. Many diagnostic die cracks are evident, including the crack across the tail feathers and the crack from the leaf to the base of RI. A couple light scratches in the right obverse fields serve to mark the pedigree of this piece, an intricately struck half dollar that lacks consequential abrasions. The actual design elements on each side of this lovely Draped Bust half dollar are boldly defined, within the context of the design type, with a well-centered impression and full obverse and reverse border details. The strike is crisp and full, with clear details even on the eagle's breast feathers, although a few of the upper hair details are weakly defined, as nearly always. The dusky grayish-silver colored obverse has considerable underlying mint luster, with iridescent tones of gold, pastel pink, sky blue and sea green circling the borders. The reverse has similar toning throughout and shimmering luster, swirling atop exceptional surfaces with none of the scratches mentioned for the obverse. This Select Mint State coin is a phenomenal example of this scarce variety, and one of the two or three finest known of the die state.
1806 50C Pointed 6, Stem MS63. O-120a, R.4. A huge mintage of 839,576 Draped Bust half dollars was achieved in 1806, with 28 die varieties known for the date. A collection of 1806 die varieties and states would provide a monumental challenge. The O-120 reverse is one of those few numismatic situations where virtually every surviving coin could be considered a slightly different die state. This scarce variety is most easily identified by the die crack above the hair of Liberty on the obverse, and especially on the reverse by the broken patch on the shield, which gives the coin a special character not found on other varieties. Known as the Broken Shield variety, in its intermediate and late die states this variety is instantly recognized by (and popular for) the unusual, heavy die break, or "cud." A large piece broke out of the die right across the shield on the reverse, atop the fourth vertical stripe of the shield its earliest stages of progression. In later die states, this cud eventually extends across the shield until only the first vertical stripe is unaffected. This example is an intermediate state and is much earlier than that plated in the Parsley/Overton book. The shield die break encompasses all or part of three vertical stripes. The die break extends from pale 2 of gule 3 to a point midway between gules 5 and 6. Another break joins the left part of the first two horizontal shield stripes. Two die cracks join the border to the right ribbon end below M of AMERICA. These start at the same point on the border, with one crack following the right diagonal of the A, the other curving through M, with the area between these just beginning to sink into a retained cud. An additional crack extends through the tops of UNITE to the border over D. Many diagnostic die cracks are evident, including the crack across the tail feathers and the crack from the leaf to the base of RI. A couple light scratches in the right obverse fields serve to mark the pedigree of this piece, an intricately struck half dollar that lacks consequential abrasions. The actual design elements on each side of this lovely Draped Bust half dollar are boldly defined, within the context of the design type, with a well-centered impression and full obverse and reverse border details. The strike is crisp and full, with clear details even on the eagle's breast feathers, although a few of the upper hair details are weakly defined, as nearly always. The dusky grayish-silver colored obverse has considerable underlying mint luster, with iridescent tones of gold, pastel pink, sky blue and sea green circling the borders. The reverse has similar toning throughout and shimmering luster, swirling atop exceptional surfaces with none of the scratches mentioned for the obverse. This Select Mint State coin is a phenomenal example of this scarce variety, and one of the two or three finest known of the die state.
1832 50C Small Letters MS64 PCGS. O-106, R.1. Mintage: 4,797,000. Star 1 is recut, instantly identifying this variety, and a tiny dotlike hole is seen at the lower shield vertex. The 5 in the denomination has a short, thick top. Line 1 of stripe 2 and line 2 of stripe 4 extend upward through two horizontal shield lines. The Draped Bust half dollar yielded to the perennially popular Capped Bust motif in 1807. In 1807 the Mint introduced a new half dollar design that collectors today have come to call the Turban Head or Capped Bust variety. This lovely near-Gem is highly lustrous with radiant silver-white surfaces and a bold strike. The coin is just a couple of trivial cheek abrasions away from full Gem status. Extremely high-end for the grade, and eye-appealing as well.
1832 50C Small Letters MS64 PCGS. O-106, R.1. Mintage: 4,797,000. Star 1 is recut, instantly identifying this variety, and a tiny dotlike hole is seen at the lower shield vertex. The 5 in the denomination has a short, thick top. Line 1 of stripe 2 and line 2 of stripe 4 extend upward through two horizontal shield lines. The Draped Bust half dollar yielded to the perennially popular Capped Bust motif in 1807. In 1807 the Mint introduced a new half dollar design that collectors today have come to call the Turban Head or Capped Bust variety. This lovely near-Gem is highly lustrous with radiant silver-white surfaces and a bold strike. The coin is just a couple of trivial cheek abrasions away from full Gem status. Extremely high-end for the grade, and eye-appealing as well.
1832 50C Small Letters MS64 PCGS. O-106, R.1. Mintage: 4,797,000. Star 1 is recut, instantly identifying this variety, and a tiny dotlike hole is seen at the lower shield vertex. The 5 in the denomination has a short, thick top. Line 1 of stripe 2 and line 2 of stripe 4 extend upward through two horizontal shield lines. The Draped Bust half dollar yielded to the perennially popular Capped Bust motif in 1807. In 1807 the Mint introduced a new half dollar design that collectors today have come to call the Turban Head or Capped Bust variety. This lovely near-Gem is highly lustrous with radiant silver-white surfaces and a bold strike. The coin is just a couple of trivial cheek abrasions away from full Gem status. Extremely high-end for the grade, and eye-appealing as well.
1837 50C MS64. The 1837 is one of only two issues of Christian Gobrecht's Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS Reverse Half Dollar. The Reeded Edge half dollars with "50 CENTS" on the reverse were the first U.S. regular-issue coin series struck on a steam press. The second and final year of the 50 CENTS reverse design, type collectors naturally gravitate to the 1837 since the 1836 is a famous, low mintage rarity, and technically a pattern issue. A paltry 1,200 pieces were struck the first year, and a more generous 3,629,820 coins in 1837, making this issue an important and desirable one for type collectors. The production of more than 3.6 million pieces appears generous, however, Uncirculated survivors are scarce, and only a slender portion of these pieces achieve status as a Gem. This near-Gem is a most impressive specimen, as its original surfaces give off glowing luster and medium intensity steel-gray toning. A few unobtrusive handling marks do not detract in the least. The design elements are evenly and fully struck in all areas, with 50 CENTS and all of stars fully impressed, enhancing the coin's outstanding eye appeal. A lack of consequential abrasions further contributes to the eye appeal.
A two-year type coin with the Capped Bust obverse, reeded edge, and HALF DOL. denomination, superseded in 1839 by the Seated Liberty half dollar. This piece shows generous luster over the silver-gold surfaces, with a sharp strike (save for star 12, often seen weak) and some striations near the obverse rim from 4 to 6 o'clock and correspondingly on the reverse, a phenomenon also frequently seen on this issue. Scattered traces of die rust appear, without in the least detracting from the premium appeal of this near-Gem half dollar.
A two-year type coin with the Capped Bust obverse, reeded edge, and HALF DOL. denomination, superseded in 1839 by the Seated Liberty half dollar. This piece shows generous luster over the silver-gold surfaces, with a sharp strike (save for star 12, often seen weak) and some striations near the obverse rim from 4 to 6 o'clock and correspondingly on the reverse, a phenomenon also frequently seen on this issue. Scattered traces of die rust appear, without in the least detracting from the premium appeal of this near-Gem half dollar.
PQ. A solidly struck and highly lustrous near-Gem from the Civil War years. Only a few stray marks appear on the cream-tinted surfaces. An uncommonly appealing No Motto piece.
1874 50C Arrows MS63. Sharply struck and highly lustrous with frosty silver surfaces. Both sides are attractive with full brilliance and no trace of toning. Minor surface marks and abrasions keep this from the Choice category. An important type coin.
1894 50C MS65. For the connoisseur seeking a Gem quality example of this issue, consider this brilliant example. The surfaces of this Gem are nearly perfect, with soft, frosty silver luster. It is sharply struck with nearly full details on both sides. An extraordinary Gem.
1894 50C MS65. For the connoisseur seeking a Gem quality example of this issue, consider this brilliant example. The surfaces of this Gem are nearly perfect, with soft, frosty silver luster. It is sharply struck with nearly full details on both sides. An extraordinary Gem.
1894 50C MS65. For the connoisseur seeking a Gem quality example of this issue, consider this brilliant example. The surfaces of this Gem are nearly perfect, with soft, frosty silver luster. It is sharply struck with nearly full details on both sides. An extraordinary Gem.
1941 50C MS67. The entry issue into the widely collected 1941 to 1947 short set. The 1941 and 1943 are generally regarded as the best-produced coins in this short series for use as a type coin, even though the 1946-D is more available. This is an absolutely splendid example. A spectacular common date Walker, exhibiting dazzling, untoned surfaces that offer razor sharp detail and an almost total absence of noticeable blemishes. Even minuscule marks are hard to locate. While Mint State survivors of this high mintage wartime issue from the Philadelphia mint abound in today's market, few can compete with the technical merits of this Superb Gem. A simply lovely coin irrespective of date, the surfaces are fully lustrous with a bright, frosty sheen. Untoned and virtually blemish-free, both sides are fully brought up in all areas.
1958-D 50C MS66 Full Bell Lines. This was the final year that the Mint issued mint sets in cardboard holders with lots of sulphur to tone the coins. Tomaska noted: "Beautifully toned MS66 FBL and MS67 FBL 1958-D Franklins are usually among the most captivating coins in a top Franklin set. The colors are often dramatic - shimmering iridescent 'Peter Max' rainbows on the most spectacular pieces." A nearly perfect strike, practically flawless surface preservation, and attractive, slightly understated toning combine to make this Franklin half dollar an ideal type coin. One of the best preserved and prettiest mint set Franklins one of likely to set eyes on, this is a Premium Gem Franklin with likely mint set origins of this difficult late-series issue. This outstanding example is sharply detailed with a thin arc of colorful splashes of marvelous rose, orange, and lime-green iridescence captivating the viewer and enlivening both the obverse and the reverse rims. Vibrant, satiny, cartwheel mint luster illuminates the clean, colorful surfaces, and the strike is quite bold. Superbly defined, the excellent strike transcends the Full Bell Lines to include the lettering on the bell. Even among the normally well preserved mint set half dollars from this year, probably the source of this coin, only a small number of survivors could compete with the technical merits of this exceptional piece. The 1958-D Franklin Half dollar is the most available date of the series in Superb (MS67) Gem condition, because of its typically sharp strike. Still, Superb Gems with Full Bell Lines are quite rare. I'm happy with a well struck and magnificently preserved Premium (MS66) Gem that has spectacular eye appeal due to its vivid toning. A lovely specimen of this first year of the type issue.
1958-D 50C MS66 Full Bell Lines. This was the final year that the Mint issued mint sets in cardboard holders with lots of sulphur to tone the coins. Tomaska noted: "Beautifully toned MS66 FBL and MS67 FBL 1958-D Franklins are usually among the most captivating coins in a top Franklin set. The colors are often dramatic - shimmering iridescent 'Peter Max' rainbows on the most spectacular pieces." A nearly perfect strike, practically flawless surface preservation, and attractive, slightly understated toning combine to make this Franklin half dollar an ideal type coin. One of the best preserved and prettiest mint set Franklins one of likely to set eyes on, this is a Premium Gem Franklin with likely mint set origins of this difficult late-series issue. This outstanding example is sharply detailed with a thin arc of colorful splashes of marvelous rose, orange, and lime-green iridescence captivating the viewer and enlivening both the obverse and the reverse rims. Vibrant, satiny, cartwheel mint luster illuminates the clean, colorful surfaces, and the strike is quite bold. Superbly defined, the excellent strike transcends the Full Bell Lines to include the lettering on the bell. Even among the normally well preserved mint set half dollars from this year, probably the source of this coin, only a small number of survivors could compete with the technical merits of this exceptional piece. The 1958-D Franklin Half dollar is the most available date of the series in Superb (MS67) Gem condition, because of its typically sharp strike. Still, Superb Gems with Full Bell Lines are quite rare. I'm happy with a well struck and magnificently preserved Premium (MS66) Gem that has spectacular eye appeal due to its vivid toning. A lovely specimen of this first year of the type issue.
1958-D 50C MS66 Full Bell Lines. This was the final year that the Mint issued mint sets in cardboard holders with lots of sulphur to tone the coins. Tomaska noted: "Beautifully toned MS66 FBL and MS67 FBL 1958-D Franklins are usually among the most captivating coins in a top Franklin set. The colors are often dramatic - shimmering iridescent 'Peter Max' rainbows on the most spectacular pieces." A nearly perfect strike, practically flawless surface preservation, and attractive, slightly understated toning combine to make this Franklin half dollar an ideal type coin. One of the best preserved and prettiest mint set Franklins one of likely to set eyes on, this is a Premium Gem Franklin with likely mint set origins of this difficult late-series issue. This outstanding example is sharply detailed with a thin arc of colorful splashes of marvelous rose, orange, and lime-green iridescence captivating the viewer and enlivening both the obverse and the reverse rims. Vibrant, satiny, cartwheel mint luster illuminates the clean, colorful surfaces, and the strike is quite bold. Superbly defined, the excellent strike transcends the Full Bell Lines to include the lettering on the bell. Even among the normally well preserved mint set half dollars from this year, probably the source of this coin, only a small number of survivors could compete with the technical merits of this exceptional piece. The 1958-D Franklin Half dollar is the most available date of the series in Superb (MS67) Gem condition, because of its typically sharp strike. Still, Superb Gems with Full Bell Lines are quite rare. I'm happy with a well struck and magnificently preserved Premium (MS66) Gem that has spectacular eye appeal due to its vivid toning. A lovely specimen of this first year of the type issue.
1964 50C MS66. Mintage: 273,300,000. Brilliant and flashy with a bold strike, the clean silver-white surfaces are free of noticeable abrasions. A gorgeous and nearly flawless first-year Kennedy half dollar.
B-5, BB-27. R-1. An absolutely lovely coin, the visual appeal of which easily transcends its numerical grade. Delicately varying shades of golden toning aptly accent assertively struck, fully vibrant underlying surfaces. The fields exhibit an exceptionally atypical degree of reflectivity that only further heighten a bold strike. In fact, this extraordinary luster causes the viewer to look twice in case they have somehow confused this outstanding example with a Morgan dollar! Its visual allure surpasses most mint state survivors of this type.
B-5, BB-27. R-1. An absolutely lovely coin, the visual appeal of which easily transcends its numerical grade. Delicately varying shades of golden toning aptly accent assertively struck, fully vibrant underlying surfaces. The fields exhibit an exceptionally atypical degree of reflectivity that only further heighten a bold strike. In fact, this extraordinary luster causes the viewer to look twice in case they have somehow confused this outstanding example with a Morgan dollar! Its visual allure surpasses most mint state survivors of this type.
Top: PR58, Bot: PR45; 1839 PS$1 Name Omitted, Judd-104 Original, Pollock-116, R.3 Silver. Reeded Edge. Die Alignment IV, "original" issue of 1839. Mostly untoned. A bright and gleaming specimen whose mirrored luster seems poised to detonate like a Fourth of July skyrocket; and there is a touch of faint friction on the high points accounting for the conservative grade. More than adequately struck for the Type, these tend to show razor-sharpness on the shield, on Liberty's gown and hair, as well as on the eagle's body. A representative example of Gobrecht's artistic silver dollar masterpiece. As of April 2009, out of a PCGS population of only 18, these are two of just six 1939 proof silver dollars that PCGS has judged to be both original and "impaired" (i.e., circulated) proofs. The head of Liberty is nearly opposite the F in OF, and therefore is in Die Alignment IV orientation. A full figure of Liberty, with shield and Phrygian (“Liberty”) cap on a pole, is the main design element on the obverse. The 26 stars that had been placed on the reverse of the 1836 dollars have now been removed, and 13 stars are now seen around the figure of Liberty on the obverse. A majestic flying eagle (symbolizing the United States) adorns the reverse surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination: ONE DOLLAR. All of the 1839 dollars made in 1839 are thought to have been deposited into the US banking system. Therefore, by default, the Gobrecht dollars issued in 1839 are regular issued coins (even though they were struck in proof format). All Gobrecht dollars are assigned Judd numbers, suggesting that these coins are patterns. But this conclusion is not correct. In fact, the Gobrecht dollars made in 1836, 1837, and 1839 are regular issued coins, and therefore are not patterns. Nevertheless, for historical reasons, it appears that these coins will continue to be incorrectly identified as patterns. The only real Gobrecht dollar pattern coins are the Judd-58 (name below base) and the J-84 (1838 dollar). Gobrecht dollars represent a short, 3-year series, with two different "types" of coins. The first type consists of the issue of 1836 with the no-star obverse design, and the second type includes the 1838 and 1839 dollars with obverse stars but no reverse stars. Another interesting observation is that Gobrecht dollars are the only Proof coins intentionally made for general distribution. Gobrecht dollars are one of the most fascinating and yet confusing series of silver dollars ever made by the US Mint.
Top: PR58, Bot: PR45; 1839 PS$1 Name Omitted, Judd-104 Original, Pollock-116, R.3 Silver. Reeded Edge. Die Alignment IV, "original" issue of 1839. Mostly untoned. A bright and gleaming specimen whose mirrored luster seems poised to detonate like a Fourth of July skyrocket; and there is a touch of faint friction on the high points accounting for the conservative grade. More than adequately struck for the Type, these tend to show razor-sharpness on the shield, on Liberty's gown and hair, as well as on the eagle's body. A representative example of Gobrecht's artistic silver dollar masterpiece. As of April 2009, out of a PCGS population of only 18, these are two of just six 1939 proof silver dollars that PCGS has judged to be both original and "impaired" (i.e., circulated) proofs. The head of Liberty is nearly opposite the F in OF, and therefore is in Die Alignment IV orientation. A full figure of Liberty, with shield and Phrygian (“Liberty”) cap on a pole, is the main design element on the obverse. The 26 stars that had been placed on the reverse of the 1836 dollars have now been removed, and 13 stars are now seen around the figure of Liberty on the obverse. A majestic flying eagle (symbolizing the United States) adorns the reverse surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination: ONE DOLLAR. All of the 1839 dollars made in 1839 are thought to have been deposited into the US banking system. Therefore, by default, the Gobrecht dollars issued in 1839 are regular issued coins (even though they were struck in proof format). All Gobrecht dollars are assigned Judd numbers, suggesting that these coins are patterns. But this conclusion is not correct. In fact, the Gobrecht dollars made in 1836, 1837, and 1839 are regular issued coins, and therefore are not patterns. Nevertheless, for historical reasons, it appears that these coins will continue to be incorrectly identified as patterns. The only real Gobrecht dollar pattern coins are the Judd-58 (name below base) and the J-84 (1838 dollar). Gobrecht dollars represent a short, 3-year series, with two different "types" of coins. The first type consists of the issue of 1836 with the no-star obverse design, and the second type includes the 1838 and 1839 dollars with obverse stars but no reverse stars. Another interesting observation is that Gobrecht dollars are the only Proof coins intentionally made for general distribution. Gobrecht dollars are one of the most fascinating and yet confusing series of silver dollars ever made by the US Mint.
1878-S T$1 MS64+. The 1878-S Trade dollar enjoyed a large mintage of 4.1 million pieces, and the date is readily available in most grades today. However, examples in Choice condition are scarce, and higher-grade pieces are rare. The present coin displays nice toning, with an iridescent violet and golden-brown patina, and ample frosty mint luster and sharply detailed devices.
1878-S T$1 MS64+. The 1878-S Trade dollar enjoyed a large mintage of 4.1 million pieces, and the date is readily available in most grades today. However, examples in Choice condition are scarce, and higher-grade pieces are rare. The present coin displays nice toning, with an iridescent violet and golden-brown patina, and ample frosty mint luster and sharply detailed devices.
The key to the Indian-head quarter eagle set with a tiny (relative to the rest of the series) mintage of 55,680 coins. This coin has bright golden color, lots of luster and a razor sharp strike as well, with virtually full detail in the bust, chest and upper wing of the eagle. An AU-58 according to numismatic author Q. David Bowers is correctly described as MS-63 with rub, and that certainly characterizes this little beauty, a wonderful coin that is solid for the grade. Moreover, the coin has the normal D mintmark, easily visible, not the nearly invisible mintmark so often encountered. As far as I know, PCGS is the only grading company that designates "Weak D" on the plastic holder. The normal D, as on this coin, has no designation regarding the mintmark. Weak D variants, far more common than the normal D, are woth less than the normal D examples. The $2.50 Indian gold series is the only date run of gold coins that is possible to complete without spending a king's ransom!
The key to the Indian-head quarter eagle set with a tiny (relative to the rest of the series) mintage of 55,680 coins. This coin has bright golden color, lots of luster and a razor sharp strike as well, with virtually full detail in the bust, chest and upper wing of the eagle. An AU-58 according to numismatic author Q. David Bowers is correctly described as MS-63 with rub, and that certainly characterizes this little beauty, a wonderful coin that is solid for the grade. Moreover, the coin has the normal D mintmark, easily visible, not the nearly invisible mintmark so often encountered. As far as I know, PCGS is the only grading company that designates "Weak D" on the plastic holder. The normal D, as on this coin, has no designation regarding the mintmark. Weak D variants, far more common than the normal D, are woth less than the normal D examples. The $2.50 Indian gold series is the only date run of gold coins that is possible to complete without spending a king's ransom!
Slight leg flatness from stacking or would be MS64. High Reliefs were struck in 3 blows of the dies on a medal press in the Philadelphia Mint. The first two strikings were made utilizing a plain collar, presumably to prevent the raised edge lettering from being disfigured from successive strikings. It was only during the third striking that the plain collar was replaced by the lettered collar to produce a complete High Relief Double Eagle with Lettered Edge. Due to the work-hardening of metal that results from the pressures of the striking process, the as yet incomplete coin was removed from the press after the first and second strikings to be annealed, or softened by heating. It is fairly well known that Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the "American Michelangelo," based his design for the double eagle on the winged goddess of Victory that forms part of the General William Tecumseh Sherman statue at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in New York City. The winged goddess of Victory leads Sherman's horse. She wears a headdress and strides purposefully forward, her right arm stretched out before her, giving the entire monument a rhythmic, driving propulsion. Her eyes are depthless blanks, her expression simultaneously tragic and inscrutable. Similar to the traditional olive sprig in Liberty's left hand on the coin, Victory bears a palm branch in her left hand. One of Saint-Gaudens' great gifts--one that he shared with Michelangelo--was to be able to sculpt figures on a heroic scale, and yet imbue them with personality in the most human dimensions. It is perhaps less well known that Saint-Gaudens based the statue of Victory on the likeness of his mistress, Davida Clark. The General Sherman Monument, commissioned by the New York Chamber of Commerce in 1892, was the last large-scale work of Saint-Gaudens' cancer-shortened life. The final completed monument was installed in 1903. In the evolution from winged Victory to wingless Liberty, Saint-Gaudens managed to strip the nonessential from the female figure, while maintaining both her goddesslike grandeur and heroism as well as her powerfully human femininity. Removal of the wings and headdress allowed room for the de rigueur inscription above, focused more attention on the center of the coin, permitted Liberty's hair to blow freely in the breeze, and made more space beneath for the Capitol building.