The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II

Believed Unique Mint State 1864-S $5

Superb Gem Uncirculated

The Norweb Specimen

A Bass Collection Landmark!

Only Mint State PCGS Coin


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1150     1864-S MS-65 (PCGS). Warm orange-gold with attractive rose highlights. A satiny and lustrous gem, literally of the highest quality.

This is one of the most important, one of the most famous pieces in the Bass Collection. At our offering of the Norweb Collection over a decade ago, the piece caused a sensation and was widely discussed in the press and elsewhere. Never before had such a beautiful piece come to market. Today, in 1999, PCGS has not certified any other example of this date in a grade above AU-50!

We expect that when this coin is sold, all records will be broken, and that the new owner of this coin will be as proud of it as Harry Bass was during his lifetime. So far as we know, it has no counterpart anywhere in numismatics. It is easy to envision that this coin will be the highlight, the centerpiece of even the most advanced collection of 19th-century American gold coins!

Nicely struck, with just a touch of weakness here and there, typical for the date. From a scant mintage of 3,888 examples of the date, and seldom encountered in any grade. When found at all, Fine to VF is standard; higher than VF is chiefly a case of wishful thinking. Called "One of the real rarities of this series" by David Akers. This is the Melish specimen, mentioned by Akers as the only example of the date above EF to ever appear at auction. Price guides can be tossed to the wind when this coin crosses the auction block, as it is entirely conceivable that this half eagle rarity will have written its way into the auction record books when the bidding activity closes on this lot.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 875; ex Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Melish Collection, 1956, Lot 2122.

Rare 1864-S Half Eagle

Back to Reality

Condition Census

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1151     1864-S EF-40 (PCGS). Warm orange-gold surfaces display generous amounts of lustre for the assigned grade. A second example of this rarity, a more realistic grade, but itself a highly important rarity at this level. Only one person in the entire world can own a gem 1864-S, the piece offered in the previous lot, and not more than a handful of specialists can ever aspire to own a piece in a high grade such as EF or AU. Thus, the present opportunity must be carefully considered.

PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer (MS-65 finest).

Purchased from Steve Ivy, April 24, 1974.

Low-Mintage 1865 $5 Rarity

Finest Certified by PCGS

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1152     1865 AU-58 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with prooflike surfaces and frosty motifs. Bright orange iridescence glows in the devices, while the reflective fields emanate olive iridescence. Nicely struck. A great rarity in all grades; just 1,270 business strikes of this Civil War issue were produced, the sixth lowest production figure in the entire half eagle series. VF or EF is typical for the date, with some AU specimens also known. "At most," wrote David Akers, "one or two specimens are known in strictly Uncirculated condition." We suspect that the population in Mint State has not increased dramatically since that remark was written. For the record, PCGS has not certified a single example of this date in Mint State. This is certainly one of the finest known examples of this rarity, and bidding activity on this lot should prove to be substantial.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 925.

Another Memorable 1865 $5

High Condition Census

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1153     1865 AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange. The eye appeal is substantial for the assigned grade. The only example of this rarity graded AU-55 by PCGS; the only specimen graded finer than this coin is the coin in the previous lot! Throughout the present catalogue there are many examples of the Bass Collection being special, of which the offering of 1865 Philadelphia Mint business strike half eagles is just one instance.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (AU-58).

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1996.

Underrated 1865-S Half Eagle

An Unsung Rarity

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1154     1865-S Breen-6661. Large S Mintmark. AU-53 (PCGS). Strong lustre and rich rose toning grace this attractive coin. Although some scattered marks are noted, none are of major importance. Although the date boasts a somewhat sizeable mintage of 27,612 pieces, the typically encountered specimen is just Fine or VF. Significantly in relation to the present offering, David Akers ranked the 1865-S as the second most important coin in the entire half eagle series in importance by average grade, commenting, "I do not know of a specimen that would grade better than EF."

The present pieces is yet another testimony to the discerning eye and unyielding search for quality exemplified by Harry W. Bass, Jr.

Another variety of this date has a Medium S mintmark and, similar to the above, is quite rare in all grades.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of January 1970, Lot 1671.

Amazing 1866-S No Motto $5

Finest Certified by PCGS

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1155     1866-S No Motto. AU-58 (PCGS). A lustrous honey gold specimen of a notable rarity. Attractive pale rose iridescence is seen in the protected areas. An important date and design type, with a modest mintage of just 9,000 pieces. Walter Breen called the date: "Prohibitively rare above VF," while David Akers noted: "No specimen called AU or Uncirculated has ever been offered at public auction. I have seen one choice AU piece." Fine to VF is typical for the date, with EF rarely encountered. How rare is the date at AU-58? PCGS has certified one AU-58 coin, this specimen, with none finer. Here is one of the unsung rarities of the Liberty half eagle series, a coin without peers, a marvelous item that will no doubt take a place of prominence in an advanced cabinet of U.S. half eagles.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

While the mints at Philadelphia and San Francisco each struck 1866-dated half eagles with the new IN GOD WE TRUST reverse design, the San Francisco Mint is the only source of 1866-dated half eagles without the motto. It is believed, per Walter Breen’s estimates (which have been adopted as fact) that the San Francisco Mint’s production of 1866-S With Motto half eagles was nearly four times as large as the press run for the No Motto half eagles of the date.

Purchased from Michael G. Brownlee, August 31, 1977.

Another 1866-S No-Motto Half Eagle Rarity

Condition Census

1156     1866-S No Motto. EF-45 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with lively rose overtones. Another specimen of this rarity, a variety seldom seen in any grade. Condition Census, with only a few finer pieces registered by PCGS.

PCGS Population: 6; 3 finer (AU-53 finest).

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, October 1968, Lot 1580.

Lustrous 1866 Half Eagle

With Motto

Rare so Fine

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1157     1866 With Motto. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with rose toning highlights. No marks of major importance are noted. A low-mintage rarity from the first year of the denomination to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Just 6,700 business strikes of the date were produced, and VF to EF is all that can typically be found for the date. An occasional AU example is seen for the date, but at that level or finer, the 1866 With Motto is exceedingly rare.

PCGS Population: 8; 7 finer (AU-58).

Purchased from N.K.S., July 26, 1967.

Popular 1866-S With Motto $5

1158     1866-S With Motto. Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-50 or finer, but lightly brushed on both sides. Medium yellow gold. Typically found in VF or lower. All things considered, worthy of a glance from prospective bidders.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 475.

Incredible 1867 Half Eagle

Finest PCGS Certified

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1159     1867 MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with generous splashes of rose iridescence. Nicely struck. The fields are somewhat prooflike in appearance. A rarity in all grades; only 6,870 business strikes of the date were produced. Well-worn VF or EF specimens are typically all that are seen where this date is concerned. Not surprisingly, this is the only Mint State example of the date certified by PCGS. The appearance of this rarity at public auction for the first time in 31 years easily ranks as one of the most fortuitous opportunities of this sale. The specialist would want to bid liberally, secure in the knowledge that it may be a long time until an equivalent opportunity occurs.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 476.

Lustrous 1867 Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1160     1867 AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with delightful rose highlights. Another piece in high grade. Clearly Condition Census, and the previous lot notwithstanding, about the highest that one can reasonably expect for a business strike of this year.

PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (MS-61).

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, December 28, 1968.

1867-S Half Eagle Rarity

Among Finest Known

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1161     1867-S AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold. Much rarer than its mintage of 29,000 pieces suggests. The 1867-S is seldom seen above VF, when seen at all. David Akers poignantly noted: "Only available in circulated grades and low grades at that." As might be expected, PCGS has never certified a Mint State 1867-S. Choice AU is the highest reasonable expectation for the 1867-S, this being the finest grade obtained by Harry Bass in over three decades of connoisseurship.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (AU-55).

Purchased from N.K.S., May 21, 1969.

Elusive 1868 Half Eagle

Low-Mintage Rarity

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1162     1868 AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with lightly prooflike fields and frosty devices. Rich orange iridescence glows in the protected areas. A prized rarity from the Philadelphia Mint. Only 5,700 business strikes of the date were produced. As often seen for half eagles of the era, VF or EF is about the finest grade that can be found on the market. Another grand opportunity for the half eagle specialist.

PCGS Population: 6; 1 finer (AU-58).

From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 1017.

Low-Mintage 1868 Half Eagle

Notable Quality

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1163     1868 AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with some rose iridescence. Marks in the field keep this from a higher grade, but overall this is one of the finest 1868 business strike half eagles ever to be offered at auction.

PCGS Population: 9; 6 finer (AU-58 finest).

From Lester Merkin’s sale of January 1968, Lot 478.

1868-S Half Eagle Rarity

Merkin "Mint State"

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1164     1868-S AU-58 (PCGS). A lovely coin, a piece that was once described as Mint State by highly respected dealer Lester Merkin. Thus, we certainly invite prospective bidders to examine this piece closely and see if they agree.

By any evaluation, the present 1868-S is extraordinary. Lustrous rich gold surfaces incorporate much delicate iridescence. Although 52,000 pieces were struck, the 1862-S is scarce in all grades, and is seldom seen in EF. AU or finer coins are of extraordinary importance. Regarding this particular specimen and this particular date and mintmark, David Akers wrote: "Only the coin in Lester Merkin’s 3/69 sale was ever described as Uncirculated." The specimen offered here is the Merkin specimen written of by Akers. Careful examination shows that a strong case could still be made for this specimen in favor of a Mint State designation. A grand coin.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-61).

A reverse die crack can be seen at the tops of UNITED STA, crossing the eagle’s wing as it extends from word to word.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 309.

Scarce 1868-S Half Eagle

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1165     1868-S AU-50. Plenty of lustre remains on deep golden surfaces. Attractive rose toning adds considerably to the appearance of the piece. A few marks are noted, most prominent of those a faint scratch that runs parallel to the front curve of Liberty’s neck. A very high grade example of an 1868-S. Few equivalent pieces exist.

A reverse die crack begins in the field just after the D of UNITED, progressing from there across the tip of the eagle’s wing, then uniting the tops of STA. A second faint crack unites the bottoms of TES OF.

Purchased from N.K.S., May 21, 1969.

Stand-Alone 1869 $5 Rarity

Mint State-64

"Unobtainable Uncirculated"

A Numismatic Classic


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1166     1869 MS-64 (PCGS). Highly lustrous orange-gold with pockets of intense mint brilliance. A truly lovely and fully prooflike example of this prized rarity. Only 1,760 business strikes were produced of the date, a low-mintage figure by anyone’s reckoning. Walter Breen called this date "Unknown Uncirculated," while Akers noted that he had "Not seen a strictly Uncirculated 1869." There are some AU specimens available to the patient collector, although they are typically offered few and far between. As for Uncirculated examples of the date, this is the only Mint State specimen certified by PCGS. Off the market for 28 years, this rarity will cause a definite stir as it makes its re-entry into mainstream numismatics.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from N.K.S., June 8, 1971.

1869-S Half Eagle Rarity

Condition Census

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1167     1869-S AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous deep gold with iridescent rose highlights. Free of major marks. From a mintage for the date of 31,000 pieces. An "extraordinarily rare coin above VF," according to Akers; Breen called the date "prohibitively rare above VF." A condition rarity, with very few examples of the issue known in comparable or greater quality.

PCGS Population: 5; 3 finer (AU-58 finest).

Purchased from N.K.S., August 9, 1967.

Another 1869-S Half Eagle

Rare So Fine

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1168     1869-S AU-53 (PCGS). Satiny golden surfaces display strong lustre and lively rose iridescence. Another beautiful specimen, one of the very finest to be offered in this era or any other. How fortunate we are that Harry Bass enjoyed buying numismatic delicacies by the twos and threes!

PCGS Population: 5; 3 finer (AU-58 finest).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, May 21, 1969.

Mint State 1870 Half Eagle

Solo PCGS Mint State Coin


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1169     1870 MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous, brilliant, and decidedly prooflike. A rarity in all grades; just 4,000 business strikes of the date were produced. VF to EF specimens are about all the active collector can aspire to where this date is concerned. Incredibly rare in Uncirculated; in fact, this is probably the finest known example of the date. For the record, PCGS has certified no other 1870 half eagle at any Mint State level. A truly memorable rarity is about to cross the auction block.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2000.

Important 1870-CC Half Eagle

First Year of Mint Operations

Incredible Quality

A Carson City Classic


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1170     1870-CC AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with some attractive orange-gold highlights. A notable rarity from the first year of Carson City Mint operations. Indeed, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler called the 1870-CC "The rarest Carson City half eagle," assigning a High Rarity-7 to Rarity-8 rating at the AU level. Only 7,675 examples of the date were struck, the third lowest half eagle production figure from the facility.

When seen, which is not often, the 1870-CC is well worn, with Fine or Very Fine being typical, and EF being extraordinary. Regarding the present AU-58, this is a Carson City classic, high Condition Census, a landmark.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (MS-61 finest). How these other pieces compare to the present coin we do not know, but the one offered here is not only high grade but has excellent aesthetic quality. Perhaps it has no equal when these two considerations are brought together.

The CC mintmark is placed high, with the first C nearly touching the arrow feather above. The distance between the two Cs is about the width of one C.

The opening of the Carson City Mint in 1870 represented a step forward for the U.S. Mint. Since the advent of the Civil War and the take-over of the three southern branch mints–Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans–by the Confederacy, Philadelphia and San Francisco had been the only source of federal coinage. Of those three southern mints, only New Orleans would ever re-open again, doing so in 1879, and only producing gold coins intermittently until it closed its doors in 1909.

Carson City struck silver and gold coins from 1870 to 1885, and again from 1889 to 1893, although not all denominations were made in all years. The source of the metal was local, primarily the Comstock Lode, located scarcely more than a dozen miles distant.

It is our belief, although this is not specifically reflected in numismatic literature outside of our own publications, that Carson City gold coins for the early years of operation were primarily circulated in the Carson City region. These saw long, hard, intense use in commerce, with the result that today a usual and satisfactory grade for a half eagle or a $5, $10, or $20 piece is apt to be Fine or VF, very occasionally EF, and only rarely higher. Later Carson City issues, beginning about 1873, seem to have been circulated more widely and to have been included in some export shipments. Thus, such grades as AU and the very occasional Mint State begin to appear in citations.

The Carson City specialist will want to drop all conservatism when this coin crosses the block, realizing that it was the finest grade that Harry Bass was able to locate in three decades of searching, and that very few other specialists have ever had a comparable coin.

From NERCA’s sale of the Mocatta Collection, August 1979, Lot 182.

Rare 1870-S Half Eagle

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

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1171     1870-S AU-55 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with attractive rose iridescence on both sides. Just 17,000 examples of the date were produced in our westernmost mint. A desirable rarity in all grades, Fine to VF being the norm. Regarding the coin offered here, no finer specimen has been graded by PCGS. David Akers called this date "Generally available only in Fine or VF condition and, on rare occasions, EF." Our offering of this glittering AU-55 will rise to the occasion, and we anticipate that knowledgeable bidders will rise to the occasion accordingly.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Purchased from N.K.S., July 9, 1968.

Another Memorable 1870-S $5

Condition Census

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1172     1870-S AU-53 (PCGS). Medium honey gold with subdued lustre. Another classic offering of a desirable rarity, a coin that stands on its own merits for grade and quality. Amazing!

PCGS Population: 3; 4 finer (AU-55).

From Paramount’s Auction ’86 sale, August 1986, Lot 1921.

1871 Half Eagle Rarity

A Circulated Proof

Mintage: Just 30 Pieces

Condition Census

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1173     1871 Proof-53 (PCGS). Rich medium gold with honey gold highlights. One of just 30 Proofs of the date struck. Of that amount, Akers and Breen concur that perhaps as few as eight to 10 examples are still extant. The present coin shows light wear, as the grade indicates, but the date has one of the smallest mintages of the era. In fact, of Proof half eagles minted after 1859, David Akers considered this to be the second rarest Proof, following the 1861. Remarkably, although the present piece is called Proof-53, it is comfortably a Condition Census specimen!

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (Proof-64 finest).

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 2212.

Desirable 1871 Half Eagle

Mintage: 3,200 Business Strikes

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1174     1871 AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold surfaces exhibit some prooflike reflectivity. Choice for the grade. A low-mintage rarity; just 3,200 business strikes of the date were produced. Indeed, David Akers knew of just two examples of the date in AU, stating also that the date was probably unknown in Mint State.

PCGS Population: 4; 6 finer (MS-60 finest).

On this specimen, the first 1 in the date shows the remnants of a serif in the field immediately below the serif of the existing numeral. In his Encyclopedia, Breen notes: "Proofs have minute repunching on the first 1 (fades)." If the rare Proofs of the date all show this characteristic, and the specimen offered here is an unquestioned business strike, then it stands to reason that the die used to coin Proofs of the date was also used to strike circulating coin of the realm.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, August 1968, Lot 983.

Important 1871-CC $5

The Eliasberg Specimen

High Condition Census

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1175     1871-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Medium honey gold with olive highlights in the recessed areas. Considerably rarer than its mintage of 20,770 indicates; this date is usually found in well-worn Fine to VF. As noted in our earlier offering of the 1870-CC, coins of this era seems to have circulated more extensively than others of later dates. The 1871 is a formidable rarity at the AU level, and only a few connoisseurs have ever owned a specimen.

Regarding the present piece, it is the second finest graded by PCGS, which service has not seen a coin in Mint State. How the other coin, graded AU-58, compares to the present piece is not known–perhaps when aesthetic factors are included, the present Bass Collection coin is its equal.

The Carson City Mint specialist will find this to be an incredible opportunity, one that may not be repeated for many years.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (AU-58).

Mintmark position the same as that in Lot 1170.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 525.

Rare 1871-CC Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1176     1871-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Warm medium gold with strong lustre on both sides. Another marvelous coin, a great rarity at the Extremely Fine level. Condition Census quality all the way–a numismatic prize.

PCGS Population: 7; 5 finer (AU-58 finest).

The CC mintmark is placed high in the die, with the first C touching the arrow feather, and the second C touching the olive branch. The spacing of the two letters is essentially as in Lot 1170.

Purchased from the Old Coin Shop, April 17, 1969.

Mint State 1871-S $5

The Eliasberg Coin

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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1177     1871-S Breen-6678. Repunched Date. MS-61 (PCGS). Satiny golden surfaces display strong lustre and attractive rose highlights. Choice overall for the assigned grade, despite a scattering of tiny marks. A notable rarity in Mint State despite a modestly high mintage of 25,000 pieces. This date is typically EF or lower when available, with Mint State pieces such as this of the highest rarity. David Akers noted: "There is a very rare variety with a boldly repunched date." This example represents a numismatic one-two punch, offering, as is does, a rare variety within the context of a rare date. What could be more enticing?

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

On this rare variety, the date numerals were first punched in a slightly lower position, partly effaced, then repunched in a marginally higher position.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 526.

Rare 1871-S Half Eagle

Repunched Date Variety

Condition Census

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1178     1871-S Breen-6678. Repunched Date. AU-55 (PCGS). A glittering yellow gold specimen with strong lustre and plenty of eye appeal for the grade. Rare in all grades.

PCGS Population: 1; 4 finer (MS-61 finest).

All of the date numerals are repunched on this rare variety; the details are plainly evident under low magnification.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 2213.

Another Notable 1871-S $5

Condition Census

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1179     1871-S Breen-6678. Repunched Date. AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with warm honey and orange toning highlights.

PCGS Population: 8; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).

The market for scarce and rare gold coins has been very intense in recent times, this being accelerated by the lower price of gold bullion on world markets. This action has made common double eagles and other pieces more affordable than ever, attracting thousands of interested collectors to the field. Of course, rare date gold coins are as elusive as ever, even more so as each year passes. Thus, Condition Census quality 19th-century coins have been in particular intense demand.

Coming down the pike will be the offering of treasure coins recovered from the S.S. Central America, sunk on September 12, 1857. Many superb quality 1857-S gold coins, particularly $20 pieces, were recovered. No doubt these will meet with a very warm and enthusiastic reception once they are sold. However, just about any other San Francisco coin of the same era will be a prime rarity in comparison! Thus, it seems to us that a coin such as the present 1871-S, not represented in this or any other hoard, is on the price and demand launching pad right now in Autumn 1999.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 14, 1967.

Low-Mintage 1872 $5 Rarity

Choice Mint State

Mintage of Just 1660 Pieces

Condition Census


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1180     1872 MS-63 (PCGS). Highly lustrous medium gold with frosted devices and reflective fields. Sharply struck and fully prooflike in appearance. Despite its low mintage of just 1,660 pieces, one of the lowest in the entire half eagle series, occasional AU or Uncirculated specimens of the date have surfaced from time to time. However, few can equal the quality of the present piece.

Similar to many other pieces in the present sale, this coin has been off the market for over 30 years. Quality and aesthetic appeal come together and join rarity as a consideration, yielding yet another numismatic landmark.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (MS-64).

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1982.

Rare 1872-CC Half Eagle

High Condition Census

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1181     1872-CC AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with warm olive highlights. The fields are somewhat reflective in the protected areas. Struck from lightly clashed dies. From a mintage for the date of 16,980 pieces. A rare date that is seldom found above EF. Indeed, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler called this date, "An issue that is almost never seen in high grade," giving the date a High Rarity-7 rating in AU. David Akers noted: "I have never seen an 1872-CC that graded better than choice EF." Although 20 years have elapsed since that statement, some truth still rings in those words. Among the finest examples of the date currently known, and a numismatic prize as such. As noted in our description under 1870-CC, the early half eagles of the Carson City Mint were used extensively in regional circulation, with the result that all are rare today and that at the AU level they are formidable rarities.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (AU-58).

The placement of the CC mintmark is low in the field, about mid-way between the denomination and the arrow feather above. The first C is centered above the left upright of the V in the denomination, while the second C is slightly higher than the first, and is nearly completely over the upright of the E in FIVE. There is about one letter’s width between the two letters.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 490.

Another 1872-CC Half Eagle

Marvelous Quality

Condition Census

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1182     1872-CC AU-50 (PCGS). Medium orange-gold with some lustre in the recessed areas. Another pleasing and marvelous example of this great rarity, a coin that will attract wide attention.

PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer (AU-58 finest).

Same mintmark placement as annotated below Lot 1181.

Interestingly enough, Harry Bass’s notes regarding this particular specimen simply say "Best Seen." Perhaps he made this notation while the preceding lot was stored in a bank vault, or perhaps he considered this piece nicer than the preceding coin. Either way, his comment is evidence of the extreme importance of the presently offered coin.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 487.

Scarce 1872-S Half Eagle

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1183     1872-S AU-50 (PCGS). Much original mint lustre is still seen on the surfaces of the coin. Much scarcer than its mintage of 36,400 pieces indicates. VF or lower is the typical grade for this moderately rare date. In AU, the rarity and desirability of the date increases significantly.

PCGS Population: 8; 2 finer (AU-55).

Purchased from Dan Messer, August 14, 1971.

1184     1872-S AU-50. Lightly polished long ago.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of February 1969, Lot 317.

Grouping of Liberty Half Eagles

1185     Large offering of 14 different half eagles, some Mint State: I 1873 Closed 3. AU-58 I 1879 MS-60 I 1880 MS-60 I 1880-S MS-62 I 1881 MS-62 I 1881 Repunched date. AU-50 PL, brushed I 1881-S MS-60 I 1882-CC AU-50 I 1882-S MS-62 I 1883 MS-62 I 1885 MS-62 I 1886 MS-62 I 1887-S MS-62 I 1888 AU-58. Attractive and lustrous except where otherwise noted. (Total: 14 pieces)

Gem Mint State 1873 $5

Open 3 in Date

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS


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1186     1873 Open 3. Breen-6684. MS-65 (PCGS). A highly lustrous specimen with rich rose iridescence on satiny surfaces. Nicely struck. A natural planchet flaw can be seen in the reverse field below IN GOD.

The 1873 with Open 3 is regarded as a common grade in worn grades, but at the AU or finer level it is a significant rarity. Indeed, only one other has been certified at this grade level by PCGS!

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 489.

Mint State 1873 $5

Open 3 in Date

1187     1873 Open 3. MS-62. Lustrous honey gold with much mint brilliance in the protected areas. While this specimen is not in the rarity category of the preceding lot, still the MS-62 grade is not to be discounted, and we expect that this piece will be thoroughly enjoyed by its next owner.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 491.

Mint State 1873-CC Half Eagle

Finest Graded by PCGS

Incredibly Important, Incredibly Rare


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1188     1873-CC MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with a decided olive glow. One of just 7,416 half eagles of the date coined in Carson City, the smallest half eagle production figure from that facility except for the 1876-CC.

Today the 1873-CC is recognized as a great rarity in all grades, and for all practical purposes unobtainable in Mint State. In fact, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler noted in their book on Carson City coins, "No Mint State 1873-CC half eagles are currently known to exist."

When Harry Bass acquired coins, he kept them in bank vaults, occasionally removing them for study. The extent of his collection was not widely known to researchers, and during the past 30 years, when great advances have been made in grading and die study, the Bass coins have not been included in surveys. To an extent, old catalogue listings are useful, but there is no way that they can be read today and translated into today’s grading system. Thus, the present piece, last seen on the market in 1976, has been unavailable for 23 years, and now emerges to be assigned a modern grading number and also to play to a new audience of interested enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

As noted in our description under the 1870-CC half eagle, Carson City gold coins of the early years were circulated extensively, and today, even AU examples are apt to be extreme rarities. Mint State pieces are, well, one might as well forget about them. The Carson City specialist will want to bid very liberally for this lovely coin, knowing that it may be a long time, if ever, until another MS-62 example of the date reaches the market.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

The mintmark placement is high in the field, but still some small distance from the feather above. First C above left upright of V, second C above space between V and E. Letters less than one letter’s width apart.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1976, Lot 2998.

Another Notable 1873-CC $5

High Condition Census


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1189     1873-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with a hint of rose in the protected areas. Another notable specimen of this prime rarity, a coin which is Condition Census and ranks as one of the nicest ever to come on the market.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (MS-62 finest).

Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188.

A tale of two coins: On the small ticket that Harry Bass kept with this lot, the word "FINEST?" is written in tiny upper case letters, in blue ink. At some point after the 1976 ANA summer convention, Harry crossed out "FINEST?," in red ink, then wrote below it "ANA ’76 .." in the same red ink. Why this cryptic notation in red ink? Evidently, Harry saw Lot 2998 in Stack’s 1976 ANA sale, and deciding it was finer than the example offered in this lot (which he had owned since 1972), proceeded to bid on the lot in the ANA sale until it joined his collection. That coin, the red ink specimen, is the MS-62 (PCGS) specimen offered in Lot 1188 above. Once again, the highly trained and discriminating eye of Harry Bass had found the finest known.

From Rarcoa’s sale of April 1972, Lot 647.

Elusive 1873-CC Half Eagle

Another Amazing Coin

Condition Census

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1190     1873-CC EF-45 (PCGS). An amazing amount of lustre remains on the medium golden surfaces. Another amazing coin, a piece that in any other venue would be extraordinary. Actually, the extraordinary designation is still appropriate–and years from now many numismatists will remark upon the opportunities here presented. For the Carson City specialist this represents one of the very finest known examples of this famous rare date.

PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (MS-61).

Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188.

Purchased from N.K.S., April 4, 1968.

1191     1873-CC VG-10 (PCGS). Deep orange-gold toning in the recessed areas. Now we are in the "normal" territory for the 1873-CC, an example of this rarity in a grade typically encountered.

Mintmark placement is high in the field, each nearly touching the arrow feather and olive branch above, but still clear of those devices. Second C more heavily impressed in the die, causing it to appear fatter.

Purchased from N.K.S., April 28, 1967.

Rare 1873-S Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1192     1873-S AU-53 (PCGS). Satiny surfaces exhibit a high degree of mint lustre. Nicely struck. From a mintage of 31,000 pieces. Called "extremely rare in any condition" by David Akers, with Fine to VF examples of the date the rule of acquisition. Among the finest examples of this unsung rarity graded by PCGS. The finest piece obtained by Harry Bass, this coin will be a prize in any specialized cabinet of half eagles or of San Francisco Mint coinage. As we noted earlier, when the S.S. Central America coins come to market, certain San Francisco issues of the mid-1850s will be offered in large numbers, making all later issues very rare by comparison. Of course, the present 1873-S is already rare–future comparisons not needed.

PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (AU-58 finest).

Purchased from N.K.S., April 28, 1967.

Landmark Proof 1874 Half Eagle

Just 20 Struck

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS


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1193     1874 Proof-64 (PCGS). Rich golden orange mirror fields contrast sharply with frosty devices. Hints of rose iridescence glow in the recessed areas. An amazing rarity, certainly one of the great highlights in the present sale. Only 20 Proofs were struck, with perhaps only half that number known today. Regarding Proof issues, David Akers noted that they are "extremely rare, seemingly more so than others with comparable mintages." Walter Breen called Proofs of this date "almost a forgotten rarity," noting also that two specimens are permanently impounded in museums, one at the Smithsonian Institution, and another at the American Numismatic Society.

For the record, PCGS has only certified three Proof 1874 $5 pieces, all at the Proof-64 level. The present coin, one of two Proofs acquired by Harry Bass (the second will be showcased in our Sale III), is of extreme importance.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Accompanied by a small cardboard ticket imprinted THIS COIN IS FROM THE/PALACE COLLECTION/OF FORMER/KING FAROUK/OF EGYPT in five lines. Below that are three dotted lines, with $5 1874 written in light blue ink on the first line. The second line reads SOLD TO, with HS Bareford written in light blue script. The third line reads ATTESTED, followed by the signature of Abe Kosoff, again in light blue ink.

This particular obverse die has two "markers" which are described for the interest of specialists:

There are two tiny raised lumps, one on Miss Liberty’s cheek and a slightly smaller one on her jaw line directly below the earlobe.

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 186; ex King Farouk of Egypt.

Incredible 1874 Half Eagle Rarity

Choice Mint State

Finest Graded by PCGS


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1194     1874 MS-63 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with a distinctly prooflike character to its appearance. The mirrored fields exhibit a nuance of olive, while the lightly frosted devices show bright yellow lustre. From a small business strike mintage for the date of 3,488 pieces, with survivors from that mintage typically seen in VF or EF, when seen at all. A prized rarity in Mint State, and, at the choice Uncirculated level, is even rarer than its Proof counterparts. Indeed, this is the finest specimen of the date certified by PCGS to date. A splendid opportunity for the advanced half eagle specialist. It may be a long time, if ever, until another piece is offered.

PCGS population: 1; none finer.

On the accompanying ticket for this particular coin, Harry Bass wrote "FINEST KNOWN," then emphatically underlined the words. Nearly three decades after his purchase of this specimen, "FINEST KNOWN" probably still seems to be as accurate as ever.

Purchased from N.K.S., September 27, 1971.

Rare 1874 Half Eagle

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1195     1874 AU-50 (PCGS). Generous amounts of lustre and strong rose iridescence on medium gold surfaces. A splendid example of this rare business strike issue, one of the nicer pieces to appear in the auction venue.

Purchased from N.K.S., October 28, 1968.

Elusive 1874-CC $5 Rarity

Condition Census

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1196     1874-CC AU-58 (PCGS). Strong cartwheel lustre plays on warm honey gold surfaces. Choice and problem-free for the grade, with only the tiniest of marks present when viewed under low magnification. Another notable rarity from the Carson City Mint, one of 21,198 examples of the date struck.

The norm for the 1874-CC is a well-circulated coin, VF or EF. Anything higher is especially rare. Regarding the AU grade, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler, suggest that this is in the middle range of Rarity-7, with, perhaps, six to eight pieces known in all of the numismatic world. The present coin is the finest Harry Bass was able to locate, and will be a treasure in the cabinet of its next owner.

PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer (MS-62 finest).

Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 493.

Another Notable 1874-CC $5

Condition Census

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1197     1874-CC AU-53 (PCGS). Bright orange-gold with plenty of lustre in the recessed areas. A second pleasing example of a rare and popular date. Another memorable specimen, easily Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 1; 6 finer (MS-62 finest).

Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188. Struck from lightly clashed dies.

From Paramount’s sale of May 1966, Lot 565.

A Final 1874-CC $5

1198     1874-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Generous amounts of lustre in the recessed areas. A final specimen of this Carson City rarity, a coin which, if seen at all, is apt to be in a significantly lower grade.

Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188. Struck from clashed dies.

Purchased from Joe Flynn, September 3, 1971.

1874-S Half Eagle Rarity

High Condition Census

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1199     1874-S AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange. Rare in all grades, as is true of quite a few half eagles of this era.

At the San Francisco Mint, only 16,000 half eagles were struck, strictly for use in commerce. Today when an example is encountered it is apt to be Fine or Very Fine. Even a nice AU would be scarce, and at the AU-53 level we have a beautiful Condition Census cabinet piece.

PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (AU-58).

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2111.

Incredibly Rare 1875 Half Eagle

Just 200 Struck!

None Finer Certified by PCGS

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1200     1875 AU-53 (PCGS). An incredible business strike, one of only 200 pieces struck. Apparently, not a single example was saved for numismatic purposes!

The Bass Collection specimen is prooflike and of great beauty. Frosty devices are set against mirror fields, giving the piece a rare aesthetic quality. As noted, only 200 business strikes were made, these accompanied by 20 Proofs. Over the years, more high-grade Proofs have come to market than have high-grade business strikes. Thus, it is correct to say that the present piece is one of the very rarest of all business strike American gold coins of any denomination or date. Today, it is believed that fewer than 10 business strike pieces are known at all levels. Indeed, generations of collectors have come and gone without ever having seen an example of the date, let alone having had the opportunity to own this incredibly rare date. Perhaps the premier object of attention in the half eagle section of this catalogue, a date that adds an entire new aura of quality and importance to any cabinet it graces.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Regarding the appearance of this date at public auction, David Akers noted that the date was only offered three times in a survey of some 337 auction catalogues. He noted: "At least two of these appearances (ANA 1974 and Wolfson) were of the same coin. I have seen only one other business strike, a coin that was discovered by Paul Wittlin in Europe in the 1960s and subsequently sold to Harry Bass."

From Paramount’s sale of October 28, 1968. Earlier from Paul Wittlin, who for a number of years represented the interests of Paramount International Coin Corporation in Europe.

Rare 1875-CC Half Eagle

High Condition Census

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1201     1875-CC Breen-6694. Doubled Die Reverse. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with warm rose iridescence. Nicely struck. Only 11,828 examples of this date were struck, the typically seen specimen is just VG to VF, these being quite rare. At the EF or finer level, the 1875-CC is of incredible importance. Indeed, Winter and Cutler called this issue Rarity-8 in AU, believing that just two or three exist!

The present piece combines a high grade with excellent aesthetic features, yielding a truly landmark opportunity. How it compares from an aesthetic viewpoint with the other PCGS pieces certified is not known to us, but it would be difficult to envision one that had a nicer overall appearance.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-61).

On the obverse, a small raised lump is noted on Miss Liberty at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. On the reverse, there is distinct doubling at FIVE D and certain other letters to either side of the denomination.

Mintmark placement is basically central in the field. The first C is directly below the point of the arrow feather, and at a small distance from it. The second C is considerably lower than the first C, and is above the upright of the E in the denomination.

From Paramount’s Auction ’86, Lot 1922.

Another 1875-CC $5 Rarity

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1202     1875-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold. Another example of this prime rarity, a variety of which only a few exist at the Extremely Fine level.

This particular specimen was cited by David Akers in his listing of top-quality specimens of the date.

Mintmark placement high, with letters slightly away from feather and branch above. First C over right upright of V, second C over upright of E in denomination.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 498.

A Final Notable 1875-CC $5

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1203     1875-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Rich rose iridescence on medium gold surfaces. A strong degree of lustre remains for the assigned grade level. A final example, a memorable coin, a prime rarity.

This particular specimen was also cited by David Akers in his listing of top-quality specimens of the date.

Same mintmark placement as in previous lot.

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 234.

Landmark 1875-S Half Eagle Rarity

Choice Mint State

Finest Graded by PCGS

Solo PCGS Mint State Coin


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1204     1875-S MS-63 (PCGS). Cameo prooflike surfaces glow with rich golden orange highlights. While a few stray marks and hairlines are present, none are intrusive enough to immediately attract the viewer’s eye.

The 1875-S, with a mintage of only 9,000 pieces, is very scarce in all grades and is extremely rare at the EF and AU levels. The typically encountered grade ranges from VG to VF.

The present pieces stands high as the only Mint State coin certified at any level by PCGS. Of course, the MS-63 level, reflected by the adjective choice, is of particular desirability. This was a landmark among the pieces Harry Bass owned, and we are certain that the new owner will share the same appreciation.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of October 1994, Lot 1208. "This may be the Roach coin."

Rare 1875-S Half Eagle

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1205     1875-S AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold. Satiny surfaces show warm olive and rose iridescence. Sharply struck. A notable quality example of an issue which, when seen, is apt to be well worn. For many years, until Lot 1204 was acquired, this stood as the finest piece in the Bass Collection.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of October 1968, Lot 882.