Half Eagles - Lots 1206-1302
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II
Half Eagles - Lots 1206-1302
Low-Mintage 1876 $5 Rarity
Choice Mint State
Among Finest Known
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1206 1876 MS-64 (PCGS). Decidedly prooflike. Frosted pale orange-gold motifs stand boldly out from deeper orange gold mirror fields. A rare date; only 1,432 business strikes of the date and denomination were produced during our nation’s centennial year. Generally found in EF, a surprisingly high "average" grade for such a low-mintage issue. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that a small handful of Mint State pieces also exists–of which this specimen is among the finest. Here is a golden opportunity to obtain a choice Mint State specimen of a desirable, low-mintage half eagle rarity.
PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer (MS-65 finest).
As a die marker, there is a small lump on Liberty’s jawline almost directly above the 1 of the date. The date is low in the field, and the left edge of the bottom serif of the 1 is over the left edge of the dentil immediately below. Surprisingly enough, Breen gives these diagnostics for Proofs of the date, not business strikes. For business strikes, Breen notes a lump below the eye and opposite the earlobe of Liberty, with the edge of the 1 over the space between two dentils. It is entirely possible that the Proof dies, used to strike just 45 coins, were also used to produce business strikes of the date. Another alternative is that Breen simply confused the diagnostics of the two issues.
In his own notes, Harry Bass wrote, "Raised lint circle on neck is diagnostic." There are two lint marks on Liberty’s neck, one in front of the curl, and the other behind the curl. Whether Mr. Bass meant "diagnostic" for Proofs or business strikes of this date is not mentioned. For a lintmark to appear raised the lint must have adhered to the master die, not to the working die.
From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 236.
Impressive 1876-CC Half Eagle
Lowest Mintage Carson
City $5
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1207 1876-CC AU-58 (PCGS). Highly lustrous orange-gold with strong pink overtones. Prooflike in the recessed areas. Free of marks of any consequence. Only 6,887 examples were struck of the 1876-CC, registering the lowest mintage of the denomination at Carson City.
These were produced in the era in which certain Carson City pieces were widely exported, including to European banks, but the half eagle denomination was generally excluded from this. It was far more easier to ship a given amount of gold in the largest denomination, the double eagle, than it would be to have a larger number of smaller denominations. In foreign depositories, assets were counted from time to time, and the $20 pieces facilitated this.
The 1876-CC coinage no doubt was circulated primarily in the region, Nevada and California. Nearly all specimens acquired wear, with the result that today Very Fine is about the norm. Even an Extremely Fine coin would be notable, and regarding AU, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler called this High Rarity-7, suggesting that only four to six pieces were known in all of numismatics!
The present piece brings to market the finest example encountered by Harry Bass in his more than three decades of connoisseurship. We expect a great deal of attention to be paid to this coin.
PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-65).
Diagnostic raised lump at Liberty’s jawline.
Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188.
Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, August 4, 1970.
Another 1876-CC
$5 Rarity
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1208 1876-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with a decided hint of olive in the fields. At the EF-45 level the 1876-CC is a prime rarity, far finer than normally encountered for the date. The connoisseur will wish to bid liberally, in particular if the preceding lot was not obtained.
Diagnostic die lump on obverse.
Same mintmark placement as in Lot 1188.
Purchased from Coin-A-Rama City, February 16, 1968.
Low-Mintage 1876-S $5 Rarity
Condition Census
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1209 1876-S AU-58 (PCGS). A frosty golden specimen with strong lustre present. A very "high end" AU-58 that some would designate as full Mint State. Inspect it in person and make your own decision. Either way, it is a high Condition Census coin of elegant quality. The 1876 is elusive in all grades, and when found is typically Very Fine or even lower. An EF piece would be a delicacy. Regarding the present AU coin, as noted there are few pieces in this category. Here is another major opportunity for the specialist.
PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (MS-64).
Struck from lightly clashed dies.
From Paramount’s sale of the Burnheimer Collection, May 1976, Lot 1113.
Another 1876-S $5
Rarity
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1210 1876-S EF-40. Medium honey gold with some lustre remaining. Surfaces lightly brushed long ago. Another example of this seldom-seen variety.
From Stack’s sale of the Davis Collection, February 1968, Lot 393.
Important Mint State 1877 Half Eagle
Finest Certified
by PCGS
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1211 1877 MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold. A fully prooflike specimen with frosty devices and mirror fields. A prized rarity in all grades, as might be expected from the mintage of 1,132 pieces, this in an era when no numismatic attention was paid to business strikes of this denomination. In fact, the figure is so low that only the 1875 is lower among Philadelphia Mint issues of this design.
The few pieces that survive tend to be in higher grades such as EF or AU, but these are few and far between. The present piece stands high as the finest Mint State coin graded by PCGS. The connoisseur will want to bid very liberally!
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
Purchased from Jack Klausen, June 19, 1968.
Mint State 1877-CC Half Eagle Rarity
Solo PCGS Mint State
Coin
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1212 1877-CC MS-60 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous specimen with rich rose iridescence on both sides. Choice for the grade, with an overall visual appeal that approaches a higher level. From a mintage for the date of 8,680 pieces. Rare so fine; the 1870-CC, when found, is usually in VF or lower grades, as few if any were sent to foreign lands during the era of mintage.
The present coin is the only Mint State example certified by PCGS and is specifically noted in the Winter-Cutler study on the series, which called this grade "Unique," and mentioned it by pedigree.
When this comes to market the advanced collector of Carson City coins will wish to pull out all stops–from tierce to diaphone–and bid whatever the competition dictates, with the knowledge that no other opportunity may occur in his or her lifetime.
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
The mintmark placement is central in the field between the denomination and the details above. The first C is above the left upright of the V, while the second is centered above the V and E. The second C is marginally higher than the first.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, October 7, 1972.
Important Mint State 1877-S $5
The Akers Plate
Coin
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1213 1877-S MS-63. A frosty and satiny specimen with rich rose iridescence on intensely lustrous surfaces. A small reverse mark in the field below AM is the only blemish worthy of mention; save for that mark, this beauty is virtually pristine. A rarity in all grades, with VF or an occasional EF about all most collectors can hope for. Regarding the date, Akers wrote, "I have seen only a few AU pieces and just two Uncirculated specimens, one of them a gem (pictured above) that sold in Paramount’s 5/76 sale." That "gem" he mentioned is the coin offered here; he thought so highly of this coin that it was the plate coin in his reference work.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest 1877-S half eagles extant, a piece that has been called a beautiful gem in the past, and which is certainly a landmark in the series. It handily eclipses the finest specimen offered by PCGS (see Lot 1214).
From Paramount’s sale of the Burnheimer Collection, May 1976, Lot 1114.
Lustrous 1877-S $5
Tied for Finest
Graded by PCGS
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1214 1877-S AU-55 (PCGS). Bright and lustrous with rose iridescence at play in the recessed areas. A lovely specimen, not the equal of the preceding by any means, but of exceeding importance as the highest grade assigned by PCGS to a coin of this date and mint.
PCGS Population: 4; none finer.
From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 2220.
Choice Mint State
1878 $5
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1215 1878 Breen-6703. Repunched 8 in Date. MS-63. Satiny golden surfaces display creamy lustre and lively olive toning highlights. Fairly scarce in this grade.
The remnants of an erroneously punched 8 can be seen in the lower loop of the first 8 in the date.
From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 505.
Very Rare 1878-CC Half Eagle
An Important Opportunity
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1216 1878-CC AU-50 (PCGS). Bright honey gold with substantial lustre in the protected areas. One of just 9,054 examples of the date struck at Carson City. An always desirable date in any grade. David Akers wrote: "Most available specimens (there aren’t many) grade only Fine or VF."
In terms of absolute numbers surviving, the 1878-CC is considered to be the rarest date Liberty Head half eagle from the Carson City Mint, except for the 1870-CC rarity.
At the present AU level the coin is of incredible importance. The Carson City specialist will find this to be one of the most important opportunities in the present sale.
PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer (AU-55 finest).
Mintmark centered in field between denomination and feather, first C centered over V, second C over upright of E. Less than a letter’s width between both Cs.
Purchased from Paramount, February 13, 1968.
1217 1878-S MS-60. Lustrous with some prooflike reflectivity in the fields.
Purchased from John Smies, June 9, 1967.
Attractive 1879-CC Half Eagle
Condition Census
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1218 1879-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lively lustre plays on frosty golden surfaces. Nicely struck and choice for the grade. Scarce in all grades; just 17,281 examples of the date were struck. Winter and Cutler note that concerning the 1879-CC perhaps only about 20 pieces exist at the AU level. Certainly this number is exceedingly small in terms of the popularity of Carson City coinage.
PCGS Population: 6; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).
Mintmark position as in Lot 1216.
A faint obverse crack connects the bases of the date numerals.
From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 2001.
Another Lustrous 1879-CC $5
The Norweb Specimen
Condition Census
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1219 1879-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold. Abrasions and marks are at an absolute minimum on this choice specimen. A great coin with an equally great pedigree.
PCGS Population: 6; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).
Mintmark position as in Lot 1216.
A faint obverse crack connects the bases of the date numerals.
From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 902; from J.C. Morgenthau, October 11, 1935.
Luscious 1879-S Half Eagle
Condition Census
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1220 1879-S Breen-6707. Repunched Date. MS-63 (PCGS). A satiny specimen with strong lustre and a generous quotient of eye appeal. A touch of rose iridescence adds to the enchanting quality. The term "gem" springs to mind when viewing this specimen. Fairly scarce in Mint State despite its lofty mintage figure of 426,200 pieces. Quite choice for the MS-63 grade. Indeed, some observers might call this piece full Mint State.
A survey of market appearances quickly reveals that above the EF level the 1880-CC is a rarity, this despite a fairly generous mintage of 51,017 pieces.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 15, 1972.
1221 1879-S MS-60. Lustrous with attractive rose highlights.
Purchased from Don Apte, June 6, 1969.
Lustrous 1880-CC
$5 Rarity
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1222 1880-CC AU-58 (PCGS). A highly lustrous specimen with olive highlights and plenty of eye appeal. A faint diagonal toning streak runs from the first A of AMERICA to the D in the denomination. Still choice for the grade; many might call this coin Uncirculated. A rare date above EF, despite a somewhat sizeable mintage of 51,017 pieces. A Condition Rarity example of a highly popular issue. Take a close look at this lovely coin, and then bid accordingly.
PCGS Population: 6; 3 finer (MS-62 finest).
Mintmark fairly high in field, slightly to left, one C over each leg of the V below.
From Superior’s sale of the Ruby Collection, February 1975, Lot 1212.
1223 1880-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Bright and lustrous with rich rose iridescence in the recessed areas. Free of major marks. Another pleasing specimen.
Mintmark placement as in Lot 1222.
A raised die lump can be seen on Liberty’s neck near her lowest hair curl.
Purchased from Paramount, February 15, 1968.
1224 1880-CC AU-50. Lustrous honey gold with warm rose toning in the protected areas.
Mintmark placement as in Lot 1222.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of January 1967, Lot 420.
1225 1881/0 Breen-6715. Overdate. AU-50. A lustrous specimen of this scarce overdate. Somewhat reflective in the fields. Overdate details plainly evident.
On this overdate variety, the second 8 in the date is plainly repunched at the base, and the remnants of the 0 are seen around the final 1 in the date.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, December 1971.
Choice Proof 1881 Half Eagle Rarity
Mintage: 42 Pieces
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1226 1881 Proof-63 (PCGS). Brilliant and reflective orange-gold surfaces. The obverse offers a faint cameo contrast, while the reverse is more intense in that respect. A notable rarity. While 42 Proofs of the date were struck–in sets on February 19, 1881, and two additional pieces later in the year–it is doubtful if more than a dozen of those are extant today. It is not at all likely that all sets found buyers; probably they didn’t.
Of the extant specimens of the Proof 1881, a number are impaired. The present piece is one of two obtained by Harry Bass, and is among the nicest to come on the market in recent years. A Proof half eagle rarity that will no doubt elicit strong bidding response.
PCGS Population: 2; 5 finer (Proof-65 finest).
From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1186.
1227 1881 MS-64. Satiny lustrous surfaces exhibit lovely rose iridescence. Choice for the grade. The Norweb specimen. Now, finally we can offer a really beautiful Mint State coin without stating that it is a superb rarity. The 1881 is eminently collectible in this grade, multiple pieces exist, but only this specimen carries the Norweb pedigree–which certainly will be of interest to the next owner.
From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 907; ex New Netherlands Coin Company’s sale of the Peake Collection, June 1955, Lot 389.
1228 1881 MS-63. Lustrous honey gold.
The remnants of two 8s can be seen in the loops of the dominant date numerals.
Purchased from Joe Gallo, July 14, 1972.
Attractive Selection of Liberty $5 Gold
1229 Attractive selection of half eagles including some branch-mint pieces: I 1881 MS-62 I 1881 Repunched date. AU-50 I 1881-S AU-58 I 1882-S MS-62. Nearly choice I 1887-S AU-50 I 1888 AU-50 I 1890 AU-50 PL I 1891-CC AU-58 I 1892 MS-60 I 1892-CC VF-35 I 1892-S AU-58 I 1893 MS-62 I 1894 AU-58 I 1894-S EF-40. Most with pleasing lustre and brilliance. (Total: 14 pieces)
Another Interesting Group of Half Eagles
1230 Selection of 16 different Liberty half eagles: I 1881 AU-50 I 1887-S AU-50 I 1888 EF-40, harshly cleaned I 1892 AU-55 I 1892-CC VF-20. A popular yet affordable Carson City issue I 1894-S AU-50 I 1895 AU-55 I 1898-S MS-62 I 1901-S AU-58 I 1903 MS-62 I 1904 AU-53 I 1904-S AU-50 I 1905-S AU-58 I 1906-D MS-62. First year of the Denver Mint I 1907 MS-62 I 1907-D AU-58. Mostly brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 16 pieces)
Liberty Half Eagle Octet
1231 Offering of eight different Liberty half eagles: 1881 AU-50 I 1892 AU-55 I 1894-S EF-40 I 1895 AU-55 I 1901-S AU-55 I 1904 AU-53 I 1906-D MS-60 I 1907-D AU-58. Mostly brilliant with nice lustre remaining. This and related lots represent a wonderful way to begin a specialized collection of half eagles in highly affordable grades, but carrying the interesting and desirable Bass Collection pedigree. (Total: 8 pieces)
Seven Liberty Half Eagles
1232 Seven different Liberty half eagles: I 1881 AU-50 I 1901-S Repunched mintmark. AU-55, lightly cleaned I 1904 AU-53 I 1904-S AU-50 I 1905-S AU-58 I 1907 MS-62 I 1907-D AU-58. All with some original mint lustre remaining. (Total: 7 pieces)
Rare 1881-CC Half
Eagle
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1233 1881-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Highly lustrous orange-gold surfaces. A rarity in all grades, the present coin is one of only 13,886 examples of the date struck. The 1881-CC is quite difficult to locate in grades above EF. David Akers viewed the piece as distinctly underappreciated, commenting: "Fully in the same rarity class as the dates from 1871 to 1877." Winter and Cutler suggested that at the AU level perhaps six to eight are known to exist today. By any evaluation, the experts agree that here indeed is a highly important Carson City half eagle. Not many specimens of this date are known in a finer grade, and bidders are urged to respond accordingly.
PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer (MS-65 finest).
Mintmark placement at center of field, both letters tilted left, first C over space between I and V, second C over right upright of V and slightly higher than first C, very small distance between letters.
Purchased from Paramount, February 13, 1968.
1234 1881-S MS-63. A lustrous half eagle with attractive rose toning on satiny surfaces. A highly affordable specimen even in this high grade.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 22, 1968.
1235 1882 MS-64. Lustrous, satiny surfaces richly toned in rose and orange-gold. Very attractive.
A faint obverse die crack unites the bases of the final two date numerals with the back point of the bust, and from there to the 13th star, then to the rim near the star. A reverse crack unites the tops of FIVE D, then crosses the field to the bottom of the second A of AMERICA.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, March 20, 1974.
1236 1882 MS-63. Highly lustrous with attractive rose iridescence.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 10, 1973.
1237 1882-CC AU-58. A lustrous honey gold specimen of a popular Carson City issue. Scarce at the AU level.
Mintmark placement just below center of field, first C over left upright of V, second C slightly higher than first C, and over space between V and E.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 16, 1969.
1238 1882-CC AU-58. A pleasing example despite some faint hairlines in the fields. A final example of this issue.
Same mintmark placement as previous lot.
A faint die crack unites the bases of the final three date numerals.
From Rarcoa’s ANA sale of August 1970, Lot 1545.
1239 1882-S MS-64. A lustrous, satiny specimen that readily approaches the gem category for overall quality and appeal. Attractive rose highlights.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 337.
1240 1882-S MS-63. Iridescent rose highlights on lustrous honey gold surfaces. A lovely coin for the grade.
Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, July 29, 1968.
Underrated 1883-CC
Half Eagle
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1241 1883-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Warm rose iridescence on lustrous orange-gold surfaces. Nicely struck. "Very rare and underrated in all grades," according to David Akers, that statement no doubt based on the small mintage for the date of just 12,958 coins. Typically seen in grades below EF, the rarity rating soars in AU.
Again we mention that while larger denomination Carson City coins, especially the $20, found their way into export quantities, half eagles tended to stay at home. The result is that very few coins survive at the AU level for the majority of the issues.
PCGS Population: 6; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).
Breen’s "small, roundish" CC mintmark (Breen-6725), centrally placed in field.
From Stack’s sale of February 1972, Lot 752.
Another 1883-CC
Half Eagle
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1242 1883-CC AU-53 (PCGS). Medium gold with rich orange gold highlights in the recessed areas. Another attractive coin.
From Abe Kosoff’s sale of April 1968, Lot 2144.
Mint State 1883-S $5
1243 1883-S MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces display strong cartwheel lustre and attractive rose iridescence.
Purchased from John Smies, June 9, 1967.
1244 1883-S AU-58 (PCGS). Intense cartwheel lustre on bright and satiny surfaces. Lovely olive overtones. Decidedly choice for the grade.
Choice 1884 Quarter
Eagle
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1245 1884 Net MS-60; sharpness, lustre, and appeal of MS-63 or finer, but obverse field repairs can be seen near the first three stars.
Purchased from N.K.S., April 10, 1973.
Underrated 1884-CC
$5 Rarity
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1246 1884-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Satiny medium gold with strong lustre and some prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Some light hairlines are present on both sides. Just 16,402 examples of the date were coined. David Akers commented: "Very rare and underrated in all grades," a statement which is still true today. Moreover, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler called this the second rarest of the Carson City half eagles after 1878, subsidiary only the 1881-CC. A very pleasing piece which will be appreciated by the specialist and connoisseur.
Mintmark centrally placed, large or "tall" CC, first C over V, second C over upright of E.
A raised diagonal die line runs from a point near Liberty’s eye, then across her cheek to her earlobe.
From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 1033.
1247 1884-CC EF-45. Medium gold with much lustre in the recessed areas. Another example of this elusive Carson City variety.
From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2145.
1248 1884-S MS-63. Bright and lustrous with strong eye appeal.
Purchased from Steve Ivy, April 24, 1974.
1249 1885-S MS-63. Highly lustrous with satiny surfaces and attractive olive iridescence. Choice for the grade.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 22, 1968.
1250 1885-S MS-63. Satiny and lustrous with lovely rose toning.
From Stack’s sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, Lot 1059.
1251 1886-S MS-63. Lustrous, satiny surfaces.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 345.
1252 1886-S MS-63. Bright cartwheel lustre on satiny surfaces.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.
1253 1888-S MS-60. Warm golden orange surfaces show muted rose lustre. Fairly scarce in Mint State.
Purchased from Dan Brown, December 5, 1967.
Superb Gem 1889 Half Eagle
Finest Certified
by PCGS
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1254 1889 MS-67 (PCGS). A satiny golden gem of impeccable quality and extraordinary appeal. Only 7,520 business strikes of the date were produced. These were routinely put into circulation, where nearly all acquired extensive wear. In fact, a dramatic indication of the present day elusive quality of this piece in Mint State is that the next finest grade certified by PCGS is far lower, only MS-63! In this particular year, the few collectors who desired an example of this date simply purchased Proofs. As a result, the present MS-67 piece is a formidable rarity, with not the slightest bit of competition in sight!
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, November 3, 1971.
1255 1890-CC AU-58. Lustrous golden orange surfaces. Fairly scarce in high grades, yet quite affordable. Only 53,800 examples of the date were struck.
Same CC mintmark as found in Lot 1246.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 21, 1967.
Prooflike 1891 Half
Eagle
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1256 1891 MS-64 (PCGS). A satiny specimen with lovely rose highlights on warm honey gold surfaces. Moderately reflective fields and lightly frosted devices.
Purchased from Steve Ivy, December 19, 1975.
1257 1891-CC MS-62. A lustrous and satiny specimen with the overall appeal of a higher grade. A popular date in a highly collectible grade. If you have wished to add a Carson City half eagle to your type set, the 1891-CC, one of the very few issues regularly seen at this level, affords the opportunity you have been seeking.
Same CC mintmark as found in Lot 1246.
Purchased from Charles Vice, September 1973.
1258 1892-CC AU-58. From our sale of the Norweb Collection. Plenty of lustre remains on orange-gold surfaces.
Large CC mintmark, first C mainly over left upright of V, second C higher than first C, and chiefly over upright of E.
From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 931; ex New Netherlands Coin Company’s sale of the Peake Collection, June 1955, Lot 403.
1259 1892-O AU-55. Bright yellow gold with strong lustre and grand eye appeal. A rarity from our southernmost mint, especially in AU. Only 10,000 examples of the date were coined, a mintage figure that is tied with that of 1856-O for the lowest production figure of any Liberty half eagle from the New Orleans facility. The first half eagle coinage from New Orleans since the 1857-O rarity, and desirable as such.
Purchased from Arnold Rosing, June 28, 1967.
1260 1893 MS-64. Satiny iridescent rose surfaces. A scratch is noted near the date, otherwise choice for the grade.
Purchased from N.K.S., November 7, 1968.
Mint State 1893-CC $5
Condition Census
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1261 1893-CC MS-64 (PCGS). Lustrous, satiny, and definitely choice for the grade. Attractive olive iridescence graces the obverse; the reverse shows lively violet toning at the rim. Nicely struck. One of 60,000 examples of the date struck during the final year of coinage operations in Carson City. A prized rarity in Mint State. Several dozen 1893-CC half eagles are believed to exist in Mint State, but with relatively few exceptions these are clustered around the MS-60 and MS-61 categories, with some probably more properly being AU-58. The currently offered MS-62 coin is very important, as is evidenced by the fact that only four finer pieces have ever been certified by PCGS. Douglas Winter gives the date just a Rarity-4 rating in Mint State, although that rating increases considerably at the assigned grade and higher levels.
In 1893 Augustus G. Heaton commented in his Mint Marks treatise that alert collectors would be well advised to purchased current Carson City coins, such being readily available at face value. Apparently, few if any individuals heeded his advice. So far as we know, not more than two or three numismatists took notice of these coins during the year of issue.
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
Large CC mintmark tilted upward to right. First C close to talons, centered between I and V, second C equally close to feather, centered over right upright of V.
A network of faint obverse die cracks connects many of the stars and the date.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 12, 1969.
1262 1893-CC AU-55. A lustrous specimen from the final year of New Orleans Mint coinage operations.
Mintmark identical to Lot 1261.
From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 545.
Uncirculated 1893-O
$5
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1263 1893-O MS-62. Lustrous honey gold surfaces. A popular date.
From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 543.
1264 1894-O AU-58. Much mint lustre is seen. The final Liberty Head half eagle issue from the New Orleans Mint.
The next half eagle to be struck in New Orleans was the 1909-O Indian half eagle, a date that was the swan song for the facility, which struck no more coins of any denomination after that year.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 14, 1967.
1265 1894-O AU-53. Highly lustrous.
From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of November 1972, Lot 1190.
1266 1895 MS-63. Impressive rose iridescence graces satiny surfaces. A particularly choice specimen of a Mint State coin.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, October 5, 1971.
1267 1895-S AU-58. Light olive highlights on lustrous, satiny surfaces.
From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 550.
1268 1896 MS-63. Highly lustrous with lively rose iridescence on both sides. Much scarcer in choice Mint State than is generally realized.
From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 278.
1269 1896-S AU-58. Lustrous with olive highlights. Fairly scarce at the AU level or finer.
Purchased from Robert Johnson, August 8, 1967.
Choice Mint State
1897 $5
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1270 1897 MS-64. Satiny surfaces display warm olive toning. A lustrous and attractive coin, a date that is actually quite scarce in choice Mint State.
From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2015.
Delightful 1897-S $5
The Norweb Specimen
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1271 1897-S MS-63 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with rose highlights on satiny surfaces. One of the nicest we have handled. While 1897-S exists readily enough in lower grades, at the MS-63 level it is particularly desirable. The addition of the Norweb Collection pedigree and that of King Farouk can be considered a bonus, the icing on the cake.
From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 947; ex King Farouk of Egypt Collection, 1954, Lot 261.
1272 1898 MS-63. A bright and lustrous specimen. Frosty motifs and moderately reflective fields surrender a pleasing cameo contrast on the obverse; the reverse is satiny.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, October 28, 1971.
1273 1899 MS-63. Intense cartwheel lustre on satiny surfaces.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 7, 1968.
Choice Mint State
1899-S $5
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1274 1899-S MS-64. A satiny specimen with bold cartwheel lustre and exquisite eye appeal. Especially choice for the grade, and scarce so fine.
From Stack’s sale of the Heim Collection, June 1972, Lot 875.
1275 1900 MS-63. Highly lustrous with lovely rose toning highlights.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 10, 1973.
1276 1901 Proof-58 (PCGS). Reflective golden fields show some hairlines and evidence of mishandling, but the overall appearance is quite fine for the assigned grade.
From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 563.
1277 1901-S MS-64. Satiny yellow gold surfaces exhibit much cartwheel lustre. Scarce so fine.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, October 5, 1971.
1278 1902 MS-63. Strong lustre on satiny surfaces.
From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 566.
1279 1902-S MS-64. A bright orange-gold specimen with strong lustre and a generous quotient of eye appeal.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 30, 1971.
Gem Mint State 1903-S
$5
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1280 1903-S MS-65 (PCGS). A highly lustrous specimen with warm olive overtones. Sharply struck.
A fine die crack runs from the first obverse star to the point of Liberty’s bust.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, September 19, 1973.
1281 1903-S MS-64. Another pleasing Mint State example of the date. Lustrous.
From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 289.
1282 1903-S MS-63. Lustrous butterscotch surfaces. A lovely example of the date and grade.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 28, 1972.
1283 1904 MS-63. Lustrous with intimations of warm olive iridescence.
From Stack’s sale of the Heim Collection, June 1972, Lot 880.
Incredible 1904-S Half Eagle
20th-Century Gold
Classic!
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1284 1904-S MS-67 (PCGS). Intense cartwheel lustre and rich rose iridescence glow upon the satiny gem surfaces of this impressive half eagle. The 1904-S is a major rarity at any Uncirculated level–even MS-60 or MS-61–despite 97,000 having been minted. With regard to the MS-67 level, this is a dream coin, almost in an illusion, but actually a reality. It is certainly far and away the finest example ever certified by PCGS and far and away the finest we have ever seen.
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
In our February 1976 catalogue of the Montgomery Collection, Lot 2181, reads as follows: "The rarity of 1904-S was first pointed out by John Jay Ford, Jr., in New Netherlands Coin Co. catalogues in the 1950s. Since that time we’ve kept a weather eye out for top-grade 1904-S half eagles and have seen very, very few. We have not handled even a single piece which equals the present lot. The Scott Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins notes that the 1904-S is ‘rare in Uncirculated grade,’ which apparently, if anything, is an understatement." Funny how those comments still ring true after 23 years.
Today in 1999 the preceding statement is still true, except that in 1999 gold coins are more popular than any time in numismatic history.
From our sale of the Montgomery Collection, February 1976, Lot 2181.
Gem Uncirculated
1905 $5
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1285 1905 MS-65 (PCGS). A satiny golden gem with lovely rose overtones. Sharply struck and aesthetically appealing. Always desirable when so finely preserved.
From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 573.
Superb Gem Mint
State 1906 $5
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1286 1906 MS-66 (PCGS). A highly lustrous specimen with satiny surfaces and rose toning highlights. Sharply struck.
From Stack’s sale of the Heim Collection, June 1972, Lot 882.
1287 1906-D MS-64. A satiny and lustrous half eagle with somewhat prooflike fields. A splash of olive adds immeasurably to the overall beauty of the piece. Choice for the grade.
1906 was the first year the Denver Mint produced coins. The source of gold bullion included the Cripple Creek Gold District about 75 miles to the southwest of Denver, which at that time was in its glory years, the entire area having fairly close to 100,000 population. Years later, in the 1960s, the population had slumped to below 1,000. More recently, gambling has been legalized in Cripple Creek, and although we have not kept track of the population figures, we wouldn’t be surprised if it was in the multiple thousands. Gold is again being produced in Cripple Creek, not necessarily from mines, but from the pockets of tourists.
Purchased from Numismatics, Inc., February 5, 1974.
Gorgeous 1906-S
$5
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1288 1906-S MS-64. Lustrous honey gold with hints of deeper orange-gold and violet. A satiny beauty with aesthetic and physical qualities that approach the gem category. Scarce so fine. A lovely example of the "earthquake year."
From Paramount’s Auction ’85 sale, July 1985, Lot 1443.
1289 1907 MS-64. Highly lustrous honey gold surfaces. A nuance of olive iridescence graces both sides.
From New Netherlands Coin Co.’s sale, No. 61, June 1970, Lot 476.
1290 1907-D MS-63. Satiny honey gold surfaces show a high degree of lustre. The second and final Liberty half eagle issue from the Denver Mint.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 384.
Gem Uncirculated 1908 Liberty $5
Final Year of the
Design Type
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1291 1908 Liberty. MS-65 (PCGS). A glittering satiny gem with strong lustre and attractive rose highlights. A splendid specimen of the final year of this issue.
The use of the Liberty Head design on the half eagle was anachronistic, as by this year the related motif was discontinued for the quarter eagle, eagle, and double eagle.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, February 24, 1971.
1292 1908 Indian. MS-63. A satiny yellow gold specimen with strong eye appeal. Scarce in choice Uncirculated.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.
Desirable Indian Half Eagle Selection
1293 Quality starter set of Indian half eagles, mostly different dates: I 1908-D AU-58 I 1909-D MS-62 I 1910 MS-62 I 1910-D MS-60 I 1912 MS-62 I 1914 AU-58 I 1914-D MS-62 I 1914-S AU-55 I 1915-S AU-55 I 1916-S MS-60 I 1916-S AU-50. Most are brilliant and all have pleasing original mint lustre. Nice quality overall. (Total: 11 pieces)
Harry Bass was not a fan of Indian Head half eagles, as they did not include the variations in date punches that characterize the Liberty Head series. Thus, he collected them more or less casually–not too casually, for the subsequent listings include some very impressive pieces. However, we cannot but wonder what it would include had he considered these to have been a prime specialty!
The present lot gives a running start on this interesting series and is highly recommended.
Gem Uncirculated 1908-S Indian $5
Popular Low-Mintage
Date
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1294 1908-S MS-65 (PCGS). Satiny surfaces display a high degree of cartwheel lustre. A blazer, with all the attributes of a finer grade. A scarce and desirable San Francisco issue from the first year of the design type. While a handful of gem specimens of this date exist, the example offered here must certainly be among the finest known at the assigned grade.
The 1908-S is one of just three dates of the design type with a mintage figure that dips below 100,000 pieces, in this case 82,000 coins.
From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1971, Lot 1086.
Important 1909-O Half Eagle
Final New Orleans
Mint Issue
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1295 1909-O AU-58 (PCGS). Satiny golden surfaces with a hint of rose iridescence. A nice coin, free of major marks and appealing to the eye. A desirable low-mintage date; only 34,200 examples of the date were struck, the lowest production figure of the design type. Popular in all grades due to its low mintage and its status as the final gold issue from New Orleans.
Purchased from Don Wallingford, September 23, 1972.
Choice Mint State
1909-S $5
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1296 1909-S MS-64 (PCGS). Satiny and lustrous with traces of olive in the fields. A lovely coin that handily approaches gem quality. The 1909-S is typically found in VF or EF and is quite rare at any Mint State level, this despite a generous mintage of 297,700 pieces. A delightful specimen in all respects.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, May 19, 1972.
1297 1911 MS-63. Satiny olive-gold surfaces.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.
Uncirculated 1911-D
$5 Rarity
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1298 1911-D MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous golden surfaces with rich rose iridescence. From a mintage for the date of 72,500 pieces, the second lowest of the design type. A decidedly rare variety in Mint State.
Purchased from Don Wallingford, September 23, 1972.
Choice Mint State
1911-S $5
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1299 1911-S MS-63 (PCGS). Satiny and lustrous with rich rose iridescence. Quite scarce in Mint State despite a generous mintage of more than 1.4 million pieces.
Purchased from Don Wallingford, September 23, 1972.
Uncirculated 1912-S
Half Eagle
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1300 1912-S MS-64 (PCGS). A bright and lustrous specimen with some aesthetic claims to a finer grade. Lively rose iridescence graces both sides. A rare variety in choice Mint State, one that is seldom found finer than the grade assigned here.
PCGS Population: 15; 1 finer (MS-65).
Purchased from Don Wallingford, September 23, 1972.
Uncirculated 1913-S
$5
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1301 1913-S MS-62 (PCGS). Strong lustre on satiny surfaces. Pleasant rose highlights. Choice for the grade. Another popular San Francisco issue that is rare in Mint State.
Purchased from Don Wallingford, September 23, 1972.
Choice Mint State 1915 $5
Newly Discovered Variety
Doubled Die Reverse
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1302 1915 Doubled Die Reverse. MS-63. Satiny yellow gold with a blush of olive. Reverse doubling is noted in the peripheral legends, strongest at RICA and FIVE DOLLARS. Incredibly enough, this new variety was not discovered by Harry Bass, although we’re certain he would have noted it eventually, but by John Pack of our staff.
This new variety, first noticed by John Pack, is quite impressive when viewed under low magnification. As noted above, the peripheral reverse legends are doubled in nearly all areas, some places stronger than others. For instance, the P in PLURIBUS is boldly doubled, complete with notches at the serifs, while the L is only slightly doubled, and with no doubling at all on the other letters of that word. Varying degrees of doubling also show at UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the doubling there most distinct at OF and ERICA. Additional doubling is seen at the final T in TRUST. The denomination, FIVE DOLLARS, is one of the areas where the doubling is particularly prominent, leaving no doubt that this is a doubled die reverse, and not just the result of die ejection doubling.
Purchased from Julian Leidman,
February 18, 1972.
[End of Half Eagles]
