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

Gem Proof 1869 $10

An Incredible Rarity

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1514     1869 Proof-65 (PCGS). A lovely specimen with rich gold surfaces. Frosty devices give the piece a cameo-like effect, as do the significantly basined field, somewhat of an anachronism, a return to the earlier years of the decade.

The Proof mintage was a paltry 25 pieces, of which fewer than half are believed to exist today, again with the considerations that some are institutionalized and others are damaged. As to the number of splendid gems mounting a challenge to the Bass Collection coin, might there be three or four? In any event, the number is very small, it may be years until we offer another specimen at auction.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (Proof-66).

Date logotype lightly into the die, somewhat to the left, and ever so slightly high (with regard to the first digit). On the head of Miss Liberty some markers serve to identify the die, including a rust spot resembling a tiny earring beneath the lobe, and several scattered rust spots to the left of the lowest left curl.

On the reverse the "white" shield stripes are quite curious and irregular, the Proof surface being interrupted many times.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1078.

High-Grade 1869-S $10

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1515     1869-S EF-45. Medium yellow gold. A high-grade example of this "Very rare" (Breen) issue, the same writer adding: "Prohibitively rare EF." Some lustre is still seen in protected areas.

Date logotype lightly impressed into the die and slightly high.

Reverse with tiny S mintmark boldly impressed into the die, left of and about even with the lowest feather tip. For a change, the left side of the ribbon is sharply defined.

Purchased from N.K.S., November 15, 1967.

Another Scarce 1869-S $10

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1516     1869-S Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-50, some scratches on the face, which have mostly blended color-wise into the surface. Scarce, and one of the nicest seen.

Logotype deeply punched into the die and slightly low.

Reverse with small S mintmark, deep into the die, slightly low, with the upper right being beneath the feather tip. Left side of motto ribbon weak.

Impressive Proof 1870 $10

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1517     1870 Proof-64 (PCGS). A splendid Proof from a mintage of only 35 pieces. It is likely that no more than a dozen remain, some of which are institutionalized and others of which are impaired. The present coin brings to market the finest Proof purchased by Harry Bass in three decades, a fantastic coin that will attract a lot of attention.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Lustrous 1870 Eagle

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1518     1870 Breen-6961. Repunched 0. AU-50 (PCGS). A bright golden example with ample mint lustre in the protected areas. Quite attractive.

From Heritage’s sale of October 1995, Lot 6352.

1519     1870 Breen-6961. Repunched 0. EF-40. Light gold with traces of lustre. A scratch is noted on Miss Liberty’s cheek.

From Rarcoa’s sale of January 1973, Lot 251.

Exceedingly Important 1870-CC Eagle

Carson City Rarity

Key to the Series

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1520     1870-CC EF-40 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with traces of lustre in the peripheries. A splendid example, one of the finer known pieces of this landmark Carson City issue. The only competitor rarity-wise to the 1870-CC is the 1879-CC, but the 1870-CC takes top honors.

Regarding this, David Akers noted: "The 1870-CC is one of the two rarest Carson City Mint eagles, comparable in overall rarity to the lower mintage 1879-CC. However, if one takes condition rarity into account as well as overall rarity, then the 1870-CC would have to be rated the rarest eagle from this mint. In fact, only the famous double eagle of the same date surpasses the 1870-CC eagle as the rarest of all Carson City gold coins. Basically, the only specimens available (and there are really not that many) grade Fine to VF…"

As to the number known of the 1870-CC, no accounting has been made in the past or could easily be made now. Perhaps an educated guess would be somewhere between 20 and 30.

Similar to the other early Carson City Mint coins, the 1870-CC eagle seems to have been distributed primarily in the region in which it was minted. Few if any were exported at or near the time of issue, and any that were shipped overseas in later years were apt to already show extensive signs of wear. The Bass Collection coin is incredibly important as an absolute rarity, but further significant for its high grade. Indeed, this is the finest Harry Bass was able to locate in over 30 years of searching.

PCGS Population: 6; 3 finer (AU-50 finest).

Purchased from Rarcoa, August 24, 1973.

Exceptional-Grade 1870-S Eagle

High Condition Census

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1521     1870-S AU-53 (PCGS). Reflective very light yellow gold lustre with sharp design details. One of the very finest in existence. Indeed, when David Akers wrote his text on $10 gold coins he noted that he had never seen one higher than EF grade. Allowing for "condition inflation" perhaps the present piece could have been called "very high level EF" in David Akers’ time of study. Or, equally likely, this piece may not have been available for him to view, as it was purchased significantly before he began his research. However, the specimen we sold in the Eliasberg Collection, 1982, was described by us as Choice AU. With this as a background, we state that the Bass Collection specimen is one of the very finest known, and at the AU-53 level is indeed in extraordinary preservation.

Not only is the 1870-S a condition rarity in the grade here offered, but the absolute mintage, only 8,000 (Guide Book) or 9,000 (Breen) pieces, ranks it as one of the most-difficult-to-find coins of this denomination. By several angles and aspects of evaluation, the present 1870-S is a landmark.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (AU-58 finest).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 15, 1967.

Incredibly Important Proof 1871 $10


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1522     1871 Proof-64 (PCGS). Bright, light gold coloration perfectly frames the frosted devices. With a business strike mintage of only 1,790 pieces and a Proof mintage of just 30 pieces, this date is rare in any format. Breen estimates that "possibly 10 to 12 Proofs survive."

Of the few surviving Proofs, several are institutionalized or are impaired. The appearance of the present coin is indeed one of the most important opportunities in this offering. Recall our earlier comment that of all areas of Proof coinage, high-grade eagles of the Liberty Head design are especially difficult to locate, more so than denominations above or below.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

From Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976.

A Second 1871 Business Strike $10

Impressive Rarity

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1523     1871 AU-55 (PCGS). Prooflike, as are most, if not all. Sharply struck and attractive. An outstanding specimen, Condition Census quality. Only 1,790 business strikes were minted, and of that number probably no more than 40 to 75 pieces exist today. Coin for coin, year for year, issue for issue, $10 pieces are generally rarer than any other denominations, including the larger double eagle. The specialist will recognize this as a landmark opportunity. A second business strike specimen, probably purchased by Harry Bass simply to take advantage of what he considered to be an extraordinary opportunity, as he already was comfortable with the ownership of the piece listed above.

PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (MS-60).

Purchased from Paramount, February 13, 1968.

A Third Business Strike 1871 Eagle

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1524     1871 EF-45. A well-struck example with ample mint lustre remaining in the recesses. Light golden color. A third and final opportunity to purchase an 1871 $10 from this auction.

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, December 16, 1971.

High-Grade 1871-CC Rarity

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1525     1871-CC AU-50 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with moderate abrasions, the surfaces slightly subdued as a result. Light greenish gold with very faint traces of orange toning. Traces of mint lustre are visible, particularly on the reverse. The 1870-CC is one of the scarcest of all Carson City issues, combining as it does an early date and the situation that most if not all pieces were distributed regionally rather than internationally. Of the surviving examples, nearly all are in grades lower than the present coin. In fact, the Eliasberg specimen was EF-40, itself a notable piece, but not a match for the Bass coin offered here.

PCGS Population: 4; 5 finer (AU-58 finest).

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2303.

Another Important 1871-CC $10

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1526     1871-CC EF-45. This is another wonderful specimen of the scarce and highly prized 1871-CC $10. Pleasing surfaces with traces of lustre remaining. Light golden lustre. Some evidence of a light cleaning long ago.

Purchased from Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, February 18, 1971.

High-Grade 1871-S Rarity

"Prohibitively Rare"

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1527     1871-S AU-50 (PCGS). A wonderful example with considerable lustre and very minor surface marks. A small mark below the eagle’s beak provides a convenient pedigree marker. Extremely rare above Very Fine condition. Traces of mint lustre are seen on both obverse and reverse. Breen states: "Prohibitively rare above VF." Here is an important purchase opportunity.

PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (AU-55 finest).

1528     1871-S VF-35. Light coloration with hints of reddish gold in the recesses. An interesting, squarish "island" appears in the obverse field near the third star. It may be that a chip of the obverse die became detached leaving the raised area. Another example of this elusive issue. Just 16,500 were coined. Unlike double eagles, which were widely exported, most eagles remained stateside. When gold was called in by the government in 1933 and 1934, the majority of pieces went to the melting pot.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 31, 1967.

Delightful Proof 1872 $10

Incredible Rarity


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1529     1872 Proof-64 (PCGS). A very impressive specimen with the fully reflective fields highlighting the devices. A tiny, circular white area is noted in the left obverse field between Liberty’s jaw and the second star.

Only 30 Proofs were coined this year, but probably no more than 15 to 20 were sold, of which an estimated 10 to 12 exist today. Considering that several pieces are in permanent museum collections and certain other pieces are impaired, the offering of the present coin represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire an exceptional rarity.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (Proof-66 finest).

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 1973.

Extremely Rare 1872 $10

Notable Quality

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1530     1872 AU-55 (PCGS). A nicely struck specimen with abundant mint lustre remaining. In 1988 Walter Breen estimated that only about 10 to 12 specimens survive from the original business strike mintage of 16,620 pieces, a dramatic commentary which indicates that business strikes are in the same category as Proofs! Considering that 1,630 business strikes were produced, and that perhaps a typical double eagle of this era would have a present survival rate in the range of 5% to 10% of the coinage, it can be seen that for the eagle, the survival rate is less than 1%!

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

Throughout the present offering the method of distribution of eagles should be kept in mind, noting that survival rates tend to be very low in all areas.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2197.

Low-Mintage 1872-CC $10

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1531     1872-CC Breen-6971. Doubled Reverse Die. EF-45 (PCGS). Light yellow gold. A scrape in the left reverse field stands out. Slightly doubled reverse die with the doubling plainly visible at STA, this being designated as Breen-1671 and mentioned only casually–as the aspect, while curious, does not measurably add to the value.

In their reference on Carson City coinage, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler commented that "the 1872-CC is one of the most underrated and undervalued coins struck at the Carson City Mint." Indeed, with a low mintage to begin with, and a low survival ratio, the comment stands. One of many important opportunities in the present sale.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA Sale, August 1968, Lot 1026.

Another Important 1872-CC $10

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1532     1872-CC VF-35 (PCGS). Medium gold with splashes of reddish gold at the date. An evenly worn specimen with a pleasing overall appearance. Another opportunity to compete to purchase a Carson City eagle that rarely crosses the auction block.

Purchased from N.K.S., August 21, 1968.

1533     1872-S EF-45. Generous amounts of mint lustre are noted in the recesses. An attractive specimen without any serious edge abrasions that are usually the case. Another scarce issue of the period with just 17,000 pieces struck.

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

1534     1872-S EF-45. A particularly well-struck example with lustre still remaining in the recesses. A pleasing example of this rarity.

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, December 16, 1971.

1535     1872-S EF-40. Hints of mint lustre remain in the deepest recesses. A third specimen of this date and mint.

1536     1872-S VF-35. A heavily bagmarked example with some mint lustre in the recesses.

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, April 7, 1969.

Extraordinary 1873 Proof $10

Classic Rarity


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1537     1873 Closed 3. Proof-64 (PCGS). Light golden over fully reflective fields. This date is rare in both formats with just 25 Proofs struck and 800 pieces issued for circulation. Regarding Proofs, of this small number, it is estimated that no more than a dozen survive. Deduct the usual institutionalized and damaged pieces and the net number in private hands is apt to be about four to six. The present piece, the finest Harry Bass was able to locate in many years of searching, is thus exceedingly important. And, as if that were not enough, in business strike grades the issue is an incredible rarity as well.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

From Paramount’s auction of July 1979, Lot 336.

Finest Graded 1873-CC $10

Incredible Rarity


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1538     1873-CC Closed 3. AU-53 (PCGS). Closed 3 in date as are all known survivors from the mintage of 12,000 coins. An attractive example that is quite well struck, which is unusual. Winter and Cutler stated that the 1873-CC eagle is "unknown above Extremely Fine-45." Obviously, they were not familiar with this example, which has been off the market for a long time. A couple of other pieces are reported at the AU level, but how resubmissions and grading inflation factor, we do not know. In any event, the present piece stands high as one of the most important Carson City offerings of our era.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 707.

Another Memorable 1873-CC $10

Exceptional Quality

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1539     1873-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Medium gold with some mint lustre in the deepest recesses. A high-grade example of this rarity that has a pleasing overall appearance. A second and exceedingly important opportunity to acquire an exceptional 1873-CC $10, a coin combining exceptional quality and exceptional rarity.

PCGS Population: 7; 4 finer (AU-53 finest).

Purchased from William Donner, February 20, 1968.

Condition Census 1873-S $10

Rare in All Grades

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1540     1873-S Closed 3. AU-53 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with considerable lustre. Sharply struck including central lines in most stars. A few very minor contact marks and hairlines are noted. Prohibitively rare EF according to Breen. One of the finest specimens we have seen. Walter Breen notes that this variety is "prohibitively rare EF," which says it all. Just a handful of finer coins exist.

The present brings to market one of the finest of an estimated several hundred pieces remaining from a mintage of 12,000 coins. Another important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (AU-58 finest).

Purchased from N.K.S., July 21, 1968.

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1541     1873-S Net VF-30; lightly polished. Another opportunity to purchase an example of this rarity.

Purchased from Dr. Edward W.W. Lewis, September 4, 1968.

Fantastic Proof 1874 Eagle

A Landmark Rarity


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1542     1874 Proof-64. Some hairlines on the obverse keep this from a higher grade. A notable, indeed fantastic specimen of one of the great classic rarities of the Proof eagle series. Just 20 pieces were struck, from which Walter Breen estimates that only eight to 10 exist today. Deduct institutionalized and damaged specimens and what do we have? A good guess is four or five quality pieces in private hands. All eagles of this era are exceedingly rare, and of these, the 1874 is one of the rarest.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

From Superior’s sale of September 1988, Lot 5566.

Memorable Mint State 1874 $10

High Condition Census


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1543     1874 MS-64 (PCGS). A high Condition Census specimen that is fully lustrous and extremely desirable. Breen lists this date and mint as "extremely rare above EF." Here is an important opportunity to purchase a specimen that combines exceptional beauty with extreme rarity.

PCGS Population: 10; 1 finer (MS-65).

Walter Breen notes that most of the bullion obtained to coin these pieces was restruck from metal obtained from earlier-dated gold dollars and quarter eagles.

Purchased from Stack’s sale of the Bartle Collection, October 26, 1984, Lot 1121.

Nice Liberty Head Eagle Grouping

1544     Large grouping of Liberty Head eagles including several New Orleans pieces and other interesting coins, nearly all of which are brilliant and have excellent lustre. A nice group with which to begin a specialized cabinet of this somewhat elusive denomination: I 1874 AU-50 I 1881-S AU-55 I 1882 AU-50 I 1886-S AU-58 I 1888-O AU-55 I 1888-S AU-50 I 1889-S AU-55 I 1891 AU-55 I 1891-CC AU-50, cleaned I 1892 MS-60 I 1892-CC VF-30 I 1892-O AU-55 I 1892-S AU-50 I 1893 MS-60 I 1893-S AU-50 I 1894 MS-62 I 1894-O AU-53 I 1894-S EF-40 I 1895 MS-60 I 1895-O MS-60. Mostly brilliant with nice lustre. (Total: 20 pieces)

Another Grouping of Liberty Head Eagles

1545     Large and interesting group of Liberty Head eagles, nearly all AU to Mint State, virtually all brilliant, and all with much lustre. Another highly desirable, attractive, interesting run: I 1874 EF-45 I 1881-S AU-55 I 1882 EF-45, lightly toned I 1886-S AU-50 I 1888-O AU-50 I 1888-S AU-50 I 1889-S AU-55 I 1891-CC AU-50 I 1892 AU-58 I 1892-O AU-50 I 1893 AU-58 I 1894 MS-62 I 1894-O AU-53 I 1895 MS-60 I 1895-O MS-60 I 1896 AU-58 I 1896-S EF-45, lightly toned I 1897 MS-62 I 1897-S AU-55 I 1897-O AU-58. Brilliant and lustrous unless otherwise noted. (Total: 20 pieces)

A Further Desirable Liberty Head $10 Group

1546     Large group of Liberty Head eagles, comprising different date and mintmark varieties including examples from Philadelphia, Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Mostly brilliant, and all with mint lustre ranging from slight to extensive. A very pleasing selection: I 1874 EF-45 I 1879 EF-45, numerous small surface dents I 1880 EF-40 I 1880-S EF-40, obverse scratch I 1881 AU-55 I 1881-S AU-55 I 1882 AU-50 I 1883 AU-50 I 1886-S MS-60 I 1887-S AU-55 I 1888-O AU-55 I 1888-S AU-58 I 1889-S AU-58 I 1891 MS-60 I 1891-CC AU-50 I 1892 MS-60 I 1892-CC EF-40 I 1892-O AU-55 I 1892-S AU-55 I 1893 MS-62. Mostly brilliant with attractive original mint lustre. A pleasing selection. (Total: 20 pieces)

Memorable 1874-CC $10

Condition Rarity

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1547     1874-CC AU-53 (PCGS). A lovely example of this rare issue with considerable reflective bright yellow gold lustre and generally sharp design details, slightly weak at central obverse and reverse, typical as are nearly all authentic pieces. An important opportunity to acquire a high-grade example of this notable rarity. "Prohibitively rare above VF," notes Walter Breen. The present piece is way above VF!

PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (AU-55 finest).

Purchased from Stack’s, May 19, 1971.

Another Beautiful 1874-CC $10

High-Grade Rarity

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1548     1874-CC AU-50 (PCGS). A rare issue, especially with a sharp mintmark as offered here. Lustrous light yellow gold. A far above average strike, which puts it in a truly exceptional class. One of the nicest we have ever seen!

PCGS Population: 5; 5 finer (AU-55 finest).

From Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of May 1968, Lot 168.

"Prohibitively Rare" 1874-S $10

Condition Rarity

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1549     1874-S AU-50 (PCGS). A lovely example with sharp design details and considerable lustre. Bright yellow gold. A very high-grade example of this rarity, worthy of your serious consideration, especially in view of Walter Breen’s comment, "Prohibitively rare above VF." Somewhat similar to our earlier comment for the 1874-CC, the present 1874-S is way above VF! We advise a liberal bid.

PCGS Population: 7; 3 finer (AU-55 finest).

Another High-Grade 1874-S $10

Condition Seldom Seen

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1550     1874-S EF-45 (PCGS). A sharply struck specimen in light yellow gold. Another exceptionally high-grade 1874-S, a lovely EF-45 coin of a variety for which VF would be the norm.

From Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of May 1968, Lot 168.