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

Choice Proof 1868 $20 Rarity

Condition Census


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1790     1868 Proof-63 (PCGS). A lovely specimen in rich yellow gold. Some surface toning or haze on the obverse and reverse may mask surfaces that are of a significantly higher technical grade. As is the case on other $20 pieces the coin bespeaks quality and eye appeal. All in all it is a very handsome, very desirable example of this major rarity.

Regarding Proofs, the mintage records suggest that 25 were struck, but it is highly unlikely that more than 10 or 15 were made. Years ago David Akers commented, "certainly fewer than 10 Proofs still exist, the actual number is probably only seven or eight." In the same vein, Walter Breen was able to track only eight specimens, one possibly representing a duplication. Of these two were in museums (Smithsonian Institution and American Numismatic Society) and at least two others were impaired.

For the connoisseur and specialist this coin represents an incredible opportunity.

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

In Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Proof Coins 1722 -1989 the author related the following: "One of the gold sets was immediately added to a silver minor set and delivered (for $65.50 in greenbacks, equivalent to $43.54 specie) from the coiner to the curator of the Mint Cabinet. It is now in the Smithsonian. A second complete set is in ANS. I would be curious to know if the complete aluminum set in original presentation case, offered in the Numismatic Gallery Monthly, May 1950, page 3, at $850, is still intact..."

The reference to $65.50 to greenbacks reflects the continuing situation at the time–gold coins were not available at par in Uncle Sam’s currency, and in order to obtain them a strong premium had to be paid. This situation was to continue until December 17, 1878, and would make the ordering of Proof gold coins as well as obtaining business strikes a somewhat difficult procedure.

Date logotype high and close to the neck truncation.

From New England’s sale of the Mocatta Collection, July 1979, Lot 450.

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1791     1868 AU-50. Somewhat prooflike. An attractive example. Fairly scarce in high grades.

Date logotype very high and grazing the truncation. First two digits measurably double punched, fourth digit less so, scarcely noticeable on the third digit (indicating that the third digit was the pivot point). On the reverse, dentils long in certain areas and leaning left (this characteristic is seen in certain other coins of this era and will not be noted henceforth in our descriptions).

Purchased from Lester Merkin, January 22, 1968.

1792     1868 EF-40. Prooflike surfaces.

Date high and grazing the truncation.

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

1793     Pair of 1868 double eagles: I 1868 VF-35 I 1868-S EF-40. (Total: 2 pieces)

Date centered.

1794     1868-S AU-50. A very pleasing coin with much lustre, especially on the reverse. Quite scarce.

Date quite high, about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils below; positioned to the right, with the last digit ever so slightly to the left of center of the lowest curl. Where to put the date on double eagle dies was hardly standardized at the Mint, and when the logotype was placed to the right, as here, the date was much less crowded. When the date is far to the left, the first digit is very close to the truncation above and the dentils below. Reverse with small S mintmark (apparently as always).

From Stack’s sale of February 1972, Lot 920.

Incredible Proof 1869 $20

High Condition Census

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1795     1869 Proof-64 (PCGS). A magnificent specimen struck in bright yellow gold. Frosted devices against deep mirror fields give this an exquisite cameo effect. A lovely combination of high numerical grade and all important eye appeal come together to make this coin incredibly important. Beyond this, there is the aspect of rarity!

Only 25 examples were struck of the 1869 $20, but such pieces were difficult to order, and it is highly unlikely that more than a dozen or so actually found buyers. Today the number of different specimens is not known, but Walter Breen’s estimate of 10 or 12 pieces is likely correct. In terms of availability in the market, the pieces held by the Smithsonian Institution and the American Numismatic Society must of necessity be subtracted, and no doubt a few others are impaired. Thus, this Bass Collection coin represents a particularly important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (Proof-66).

It seems to be popular for certain graders–and this comment has no reference whatever to PCGS–to elevate the grades of certain rarities. Thus, it would not at all surprise us if the present coin, a great rarity and graded by PCGS as Proof-64, might be "re-evaluated" by some more liberal grading entity, and called a higher number. It is to be remembered that with very few exceptions, Bass Collection coins are among the very finest of their kind–and thus, all things being equal, pieces are more apt to be "high end" than "low end" in quality. In today’s market, most sophisticated buyers go beyond numbers and look at aesthetic appeal as well. However, there still are quite a few who worship numbers only, without looking at or considering anything else.

Obverse with date logotype large, and positioned too high, grazing the neck truncation.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1225.

Breathtaking 1869 $20

Business Strike

High Condition Census

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1796     1869 MS-63 (PCGS). Described in Harry Bass’s notes as the "finest(?)" he had encountered up to that time. Indeed, the quality of this piece is simply breathtaking, outstanding. The bagmarks are minimal, resulting in a coin that displays nearly all its original prooflike surface, blending to lustre at the borders on the obverse. The reverse on its own is nearly entirely prooflike. This coin, from a date not known to have been represented in any hoards, will be a great attraction as it crosses the block.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-65).

Date logotype large this year. On the present coin it is placed high and close to the neck truncation.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 2222.

1797     1869 AU-55. Highly lustrous, not far from full Mint State, this being particularly true of the reverse.

Date high and slightly right. Repunching at the base of 1. Reverse with hairline crack connecting the tops of UNITE.

Purchased from I. Kleinman, October 10, 1971.

1798     1869 EF-45. Another nice specimen of this Philadelphia Mint issue.

Date high and slightly right. Repunching at the base of 1.

Purchased from N.K.S., May 14, 1968.

1799     1869-S AU-55. Nearly fully lustrous. A cut on the cheek should be mentioned, although the grade number takes care of it from a technical viewpoint. A handsome example of an issue which is typically seen in lower grades.

Date high and fairly close to truncation. Reverse with small S (apparently as always). Hairline crack at TAT (STATES).

Source not stated; probably purchased in the late 1960s.

1800     1869-S AU-50. Fairly extensively bagmarked, not unusual for the grade, but somewhat unusual for a Bass Collection coin. Perhaps this is a piece that saw several decades in international trade.

Date very high and almost touching truncation.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, June 19, 1968.

Splendid Proof 1870 $20

Solo Finest Graded by PCGS

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1801     1870 Proof-64 (PCGS). Similar to the preceding Proof 1869, the present 1870 is a lovely cameo, with frosted devices set off by deep mirror fields. Quality such as this is seldom seen for any Proof $20 date, much less for the rare 1870.

Mintage figures relate that 35 pieces were struck, but distribution seemed to have remained low, and again Walter Breen estimates that possibly just 10 to 20 Proofs exists. Deducting institutionally held pieces as well as impaired examples, it may may be the case that only five or six truly choice specimens are privately held. Thus, the present opportunity–representing the finest coin that Harry Bass could locate in many years of collecting–is not likely to be repeated anytime soon.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Date logotype about three times closer to the neck of Miss Liberty than to the dentils, this being noted by the position of the first digit.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1238.

1802     1870 AU-50. Bright and somewhat prooflike, particularly on the reverse.

Date about centered.

Purchased from William Donner, February 20, 1968.

1803     1870 EF-40. Bright yellow gold.

Date about centered.

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

Famous 1870-CC $20 Rarity

First Carson City Issue

Far and Away the Rarest "CC" $20

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1804     1870-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold. Some surface marks as usual for the grade and issue. A splendid specimen to obtain, a numismatic landmark and showpiece. David Akers’ words are relevant; "Without question this is one of the rarest and most famous of all double eagles. It is by far the rarest Carson City Mint $20..."

The number of different specimens known has been the subject of various estimates, but most agree that fewer than three dozen pieces can be accounted for. Most of these are at lower grade levels.

The rarity of this piece is explained by two considerations. First, only 3,789 were struck. More important, it is our belief that $20 pieces of the early 1870s were not widely exported but, instead, saw circulation in and around Nevada and the American West. In time, most became abraded and worn, and further most were melted. Thus, the survival rate is extremely low, seemingly less than 1% of the production quantity.

PCGS Population: 5; 3 finer (AU-50 finest).

Obverse with logotype high and close to the neck of Miss Liberty, but distinctly separated from it. Reverse with CC mintmark positioned with the first mint letter over the right side of the upright of N (TWENTY). In their excellent book, Gold Coins of the Old West: The Carson City Mint 1870-1893, Douglas Winter and Lawrence E. Cutler, M.D., devote extensive space to this particular issue, notably observing that there are two die varieties–one being the variety offered here in the Bass Part II sale, called "2B". Their description follows: "The first (2-B) has a small rather compact mintmark which is placed high and near to the tail feathers of the eagle and is located over the space between the NT in TWENTY. A few pieces show minor doubling on the reverse lettering. The second variety (1-A) has the mintmark placed over the right upright stroke of the N in TWENTY and the date placement is lower than on obverse 2."

The same writers suggest that possibly 35 to 45 specimens exist, this number being a bit more liberal than seen elsewhere. The highest class according to Winter-Cutler grade Extremely Fine, of which either nine to 10 are known.

For the record, Don Taxay in The Comprehensive Catalogue and Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins, 1971, placed his estimate of the known pieces as 13 to 30. As is the case with virtually all American rarities, certification data are largely useless, as valuable coins such as the 1870-CC $20 are apt play tag or musical chairs and be submitted and resubmitted to various services, thus ballooning the number beyond any reasonable estimate of the actual quantity of different pieces extant.

Before placing the Winter-Cutler volume back on the table, we quote their general comments about the 1870-CC: "The 1870-CC is, by a large margin, the rarest Carson City double eagle. While the overall rarity has been somewhat exaggerated in the past, it is still one of the rarest of all Liberty Head $20s and it is probably the most famous and desirable gold coin struck at the Carson City Mint.

"The quality of strike for this issue is not very good. The obverse is always weaker than the reverse. The stars, especially those at the left, are flat while Liberty’s hair is blunt. On the reverse, the wing feathers tend to show reasonably good detail while the borders are weaker. The tail feathers are always very blunt, as are the stars which encircle the motto. Every 1870-CC double eagle we have ever seen is very heavily abraded. The fields nearly always show deep, detracting gouges while many pieces have conspicuous bumps on the rims from mishandling. This is an issue which obviously went directly into circulation and stayed there for quite some time. The lustre on those few higher grade pieces which exist is somewhat prooflike. The coloration tends to be a medium orange-gold shade. Many survivors have been cleaned and the concept of ‘eye appeal’ is alien when it comes to this date.

"The reason for the uneven wear pattern seen on the 1870-CC double eagle seems to be the result of technical difficulties at the Carson City Mint. When these coins were struck, they were not properly centered within the collar. As a result, the left obverse rim and the corresponding reverse are narrower and more weakly impressed than the rims at the right side of the coin. This characteristic is seen on all examples of this date and it is a good test for the authenticity of any 1870-CC double eagle."

With regard to the authenticity, we recall the consternation a few years ago when well known Beverly Hills dealer Jerry Cohen sought to acquire an 1870-CC $20 that had been well pedigreed to a famous American cabinet, and was one of the best-recorded pieces. There was one problem: upon close inspection he found it to be a counterfeit! While forgeries of the 1870-CC are few and far between, they are mentioned by Cutler-Winter and Breen, stated "authentication recommended."

Thus concludes our commentary on this lovely 1870-CC, a splendid specimen of a splendid rarity.

From our sale of the King of Siam Collection, October 1987, Lot 2054.

1805     1870-S EF-45. Highly lustrous, particularly on the reverse.

Date very high and almost touching truncation. Reverse with small mintmark (apparently as always; mintmark variations are not particularly significant after the 1860s, and henceforth we will not note their size unless something unusual catches our eye). Crack links tops of ATES and, separately, OF. Although San Francisco Mint double eagles of the 1870s are sometime seen with die cracks, the situation is not nearly as prevalent as for the 1850s and 1860s.

Purchased from Parke-Bernet Galleries’ sale of May 1968, Lot 40.

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1806     1871 AU-50. Light yellow gold, much mint lustre remains, particularly on the reverse.

Date high. In logotype 7 and 1 are close (as usually seen), but a variety does exist with these digits spaced widely.

Purchased from William Donner, February 17, 1968.

1807     1871 EF-40. Bright lustrous fields with somewhat pale orange highlights. Areas of the reverse exhibit light hairlines from brushing in the past.

Date fairly high. Minor repunching at lower left of 1; 7 and 1 closely spaced.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA Sale, August 1968, Lot 1079.

Elusive 1871-CC $20

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1808     1871-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Small bump on left obverse rim. Medium yellow gold. A very pleasing example of the date and variety, a scarcity from early in the series. An important coin for the specialist.

Date logotype large this year. About evenly centered.

As noted under Lot 1804, it has been our long-standing opinion that the distribution of Carson City gold coins in the early 1870s was conducted quite different from that of later years. In the later expanse of the series, mid-1870s onward, many Carson City gold coins were shipped to San Francisco (sometimes after having been lightly circulated in Nevada), and from San Francisco were exported–including to Europe and South America. In sharp contrast, double eagles of the early 1870s seemed to have stayed closer to home, and to have circulated extensively on the West Coast, particularly in Nevada and in other inland areas. Thus, for all early Carson City gold coins such grades as VF and EF are par for the course and are extremely desirable, with Mint State pieces being virtually nonexistent. Toward the end of the double eagle series, the opposite is largely true–high-grade coins such as EF and AU are the rule, not the exception, and scattered Mint State coins are seen.

Purchased from Fred Sweeney, April 14, 1972. At the time Harry Bass had expended some effort looking for a "nice" 1871-CC, and had turned down a lesser piece offered in December 1971 by New York City dealer Ed Shapiro.

Important Mint State 1871-S $20

None Finer Graded

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1809     1871-S MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous with somewhat satiny frost. Deeply basined dies. A nice example of this popular San Francisco issue, one which is common in lower grades, but which is elusive in Mint State.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

On the logotype the figures are bold, with 18 and 71 more closely spaced than the central 87, though Walter Breen raises the possibility, "May exist with 71 apart."

Purchased from Jimmy Hayes, August 18, 1972.

1810     1871-S AU-50. Bright and somewhat prooflike, particularly on the reverse.

Date logotype heavily punched into die and about centered. 7 and 1 close. Stray bar or ridge in field to left of base of 7. Tiny S mintmark is not much more than a little blob and would have been better suited for use on a half dime!

Purchased from N.K.S., May 14, 1968.

1811     1872 AU-50. Bright and lustrous, a very beautiful coin.

Date centered. Boldly impressed into working die.

Purchased from I. Kleinman, October 10, 1971.

Pleasing EF 1872-CC $20

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1812     1872-CC EF-45. Light yellow gold. A lovely specimen of this somewhat scarce and extremely popular issue.

Date deeply punched into working die and well positioned. Reverse with widely spaced letters in mintmark. Two tiny die ridges are seen from the border at R (AMERICA), one to the left of the letter and one piercing the letter.

From Glendining’s sale of October 16, 1970, Lot 1049, to Rowe & Brownlee.

1813     1872-CC VF-35. Another nice specimen of this popular mintmark variety.

Date high and close to truncation. Deeply punched into die. Reverse with mintmark more closely spaced than on preceding.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2493.

1814     1872-S AU-50. Lustrous medium gold surfaces. The reverse is very close to Mint State.

Date slightly above center. Medium depth of punch into working die, slightly deeper toward the end of the date.

Purchased from I. Kleinman, November 31, 1971.

Incredible Rare 1873 Proof $20

Closed 3

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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1815     1873 Closed 3. Proof-63 (PCGS). Another Bass Collection Proof $20, this coin, like its predecessors in this sale, was hand selected for quality. This specimen is rich yellow gold, with cameo-like devices set against deep mirror fields, making it as pretty as the proverbial picture.

Only 25 Proofs were struck, but most of these have either disappeared or were not distributed to begin with, yielding no more than a dozen known today, possibly as few as 10. Of these at least two are in museum collections, and others are impaired. O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y comes to the fore.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Obverse with Closed 3 as on all Proofs. On the $20 denomination the balls of the 3 are not as close together as on certain other denominations. Still, they are closer than on the later Open 3 issue. Date logotype ever so slightly closer to the bust than to the dentils.

Purchased from Rarcoa, April 1972.

1816     1873 Closed 3. AU-50. Lightly brushed.

Date well centered.

The 1873 Closed 3 and Open 3 issues in the $20 series are not as distinctive in appearance as they are on other denominations. However, as a quick rule of thumb, the Open 3 has spacing between the upper and lower knob of the 3 about equal to the entire width of the upper knob, while the Closed 3 has a significantly smaller spacing. Still, on the Closed 3 the knobs are not so close that they can be mistaken for the 8 (as they can be on certain other issues such as the cent and five-cents).

Purchased from J.C. Nash, April 28, 1978.

1817     1873 Closed 3. EF-45. The reverse has nearly full original lustre.

Date well centered.

Purchased from Rarcoa, December 28, 1971.

1818     1873 Open 3. AU-58. Highly lustrous.

Date slightly high.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of January 22, 1968, Lot 267.

Offering of Liberty Head $20s

1819     Selection of lustrous Philadelphia Mint double eagles: I 1873 Open 3. AU-50 I 1874 EF-45 I 1890 AU-53 I 1893 MS-60 I 1894 AU-58 I 1895 AU-58 I 1897 MS-60 I 1898 AU-55. All are lustrous and pleasing. (Total: 8 pieces)

Eight Different Philadelphia $20s

1820     Grouping of Philadelphia Mint Liberty Head double eagles: I 1873 Open 3. AU-50 I 1875 AU-50 I 1876 AU-50 I 1877 EF-45 I 1878 AU-55 I 1879 AU-50 I 1880 EF-45 I 1888 AU-50. Most are brilliant and all have pleasing original mint lustre. (Total: 8 pieces)

Eight Different Philadelphia $20s

1821     Grouping of eight different Philadelphia Mint double eagles: I 1873 Open 3. AU-50 I 1876 EF-40 I 1878 AU-58 I 1879 VF-35, cleaned I 1880 EF-40 I 1888 AU-50 I 1889 AU-50 I 1890 AU-58. Mostly brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 8 pieces)

Lustrous 1873-CC Closed 3 $20

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1822     1873-CC Closed 3. AU-55 (PCGS). A nice example of the date, variety, mintmark, and grade–about what one might expect. Popular as an essential part of the Carson City gold series. The year 1873 represents the first year for which Carson City double eagles could be reasonably expected to be found in EF grade on a regular basis and occasionally AU.

Date logotype high. Closed 3 as always seen, but with the knobs of the 3 not quite as close as on certain other denominations.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 2235.

1823     1873-CC Closed 3. VF-20. Smooth, even wear. Pale gold surfaces. Ever-popular Carson City issue.

Closed 3 in date, as always for Carson City issues (these dies having been made up early in the year and sent to the West). Date high. Reverse with mint letters fairly closely spaced.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.

1824     1873-S Closed 3. AU-55. Bright and brilliant. The reverse is nearly full Mint State.

Date well centered. Closed 3 (as most often seen among San Francisco issues).

Purchased from I. Kleinman, October 1, 1971.

Eight Different San Francisco $20s

1825     Grouping of San Francisco Mint Liberty double eagles: I 1873-S Closed 3. EF-40 I 1874-S EF-40 I 1896-S AU-55 I 1897-S AU-55 I 1898-S AU-55 I 1899-S AU-53 I 1900-S AU-53 I 1901-S AU-55. All with nice lustre for the assigned grade. (Total: 8 pieces)

Another San Francisco $20 Group

1826     Grouping of San Francisco Mint Liberty Head double eagles: I 1873-S Closed 3. EF-40 I 1874-S VF-35 I 1893-S AU-55 I 1895-S AU-58 I 1896-S AU-55 I 1898-S AU-58 I 1899-S MS-60 I 1900-S AU-58. All with nice lustre for the assigned grade. (Total: 8 pieces)

1827     Pair of 1873-S $20, both graded EF-45: I Closed 3 I Open 3. (Total: 2 pieces)

Date logotype high. Reverse with minute crack through TES (STATES). S mintmark is centered over upper right tip of N (TWENTY).

1828     1873-S Open 3. AU-50. Brilliant and with much lustre. An attractive example of this rare variety.

The 1873-S Open 3 $20 has been known to specialists for some time, is mentioned in David Akers’s 1982 study, and merits a separate number and the description rare in Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins. However, it was only recently (the new 53rd Edition dated 2000) that the variety was listed in the Guide Book of United States Coins. No doubt this appearance will result in an increased demand for the issue. How rare the 1873-S Open 3 is in relation to the usually seen 1873-S Closed 3 remains to be seen, but it is probably several times more elusive (although you would not know it from the pieces we present here as part of the Harry W. Bass Collection!).

Date logotype high. Reverse with minute crack through TES (STATES). S mintmark is centered over upper right tip of N (TWENTY).

From Lester Merkin’s sale of October 1966, Lot 419.

1829     1873-S Open 3. AU-50. Much lustre still remains, particularly on the reverse.

Date logotype high. Reverse with minute crack through TES (STATES). S mintmark is centered over upper right tip of N (TWENTY).

From Glendining’s sale of October 16, 1970, to Rowe & Brownlee, to Harry W. Bass.

1830     Trio of double eagles: I 1873-S Open 3. EF-45. Highly lustrous for the grade, particularly on the reverse. The overall appeal is substantially finer than the assigned grade implies I 1874 AU-58. Brilliant and lustrous. The reverse is especially frosty and could grade at least MS-60 if judged independently I 1874-S EF-45. (Total: 3 pieces)

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1831     1874-CC AU-50. Bright yellow gold. Obverse with some mentionable scratches before the face, largely taken care of by the grade number, but worthy of notation in any event. About average for a Carson City double eagle of this era.

Date high. Logotype punched into die at medium depth. On the reverse the mint letters are widely spaced. Raised ridge from border pierces R (AMERICA).

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

1832     1874-CC EF-45. Much lustre remains on the reverse.

Date high and lightly impressed into working die. Reverse with mintmark letters widely spaced. Ridge from border pierces R (AMERICA).

Purchased from Paramount, December 15, 1968.

1833     1874-S AU-55. Highly lustrous, particularly on the reverse.

Date high. Crack through bases of 18, intermittently extending left through stars one and two.

Reverse with bottom right of S mintmark missing, possibly due to relapping. Certain low-relief details are light. Crack begins at U (UNITED) and continues clockwise to E (AMERICA). Another crack is seen through the bases of ENTY (TWENTY). Apparently a much used die by the time that this particular coin was struck.

Purchased from I. Kleinman, October 1, 1971.

Quintette of 1874-S Double Eagles

1834     Five 1874-S Liberty double eagles: I AU-53 I AU-50 (4). All are brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 5 pieces)

Fabulous Proof 1875 $20

A Classic Rarity

High Condition Census


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1835     1875 Proof-63 (PCGS). A stunningly beautiful, fabulously rare issue in the gold Proof series. For many years the Proofs dated 1875–with a mintage of just 20 coins in each denomination–have been considered the crème de la crème of the decade. Only at widely spaced intervals do examples come on the market, with the high denomination $10 and $20 being the most elusive of all. Typically, a period of many years elapses between auction offerings. The present coin, the second of the two finest graded by PCGS, is an American numismatic landmark. A strong bid is indicated, with the assurance that few equals exist anywhere.

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

We are quite aware that PCGS is sometimes on the conservative side, and it would not surprise us to have some other entity grade this coin at a higher level.

From the mintage of 20 specimens, Walter Breen estimates that no more than 10 to 12 exist. Of these, at least two, possibly three, are in institutions, and a few others are nicked and scratched. Thus, the present coin is one of just a handful of really beautiful pieces.

From Superior’s Auction ’85 sale, July 1985, Lot 978.

1836     1875 MS-61. Brilliant and lustrous. The reverse, if graded separately, would be a couple of points higher.

Date low and deeply punched into die.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, April 19, 1969.

1837     1875 Breen-7254. "Cancelled J.B.L". MS-60. Brilliant and highly lustrous. The reverse particularly so. An interesting variety that is neither widely known nor widely collected, but is certainly worthy of study. This piece will be of importance to the advanced specialist.

Obverse with, per Breen, "Cancelled J.B.L. Rare. A heavy die file mark obliterates Longacre’s initials. Petty spite?" The only problem with this analysis is that the initials would have been recessed and on a slant into the die and would be rather difficult to file, although it certainly could be done. Whatever the reason, filing or otherwise, spite or otherwise, there is no trace of the designer’s initials, an anomaly.

The date is deeply punched and is slightly low. On the reverse a crack begins at U (UNITED) and continues clockwise to the final S (STATES). Another crack connects OF. Another connects the tops of MERI.

Purchased from Lester Merkin’s sale of October 1969, Lot 471.

Sparkling 1875-CC $20

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1838     1875-CC MS-62 (PCGS). Slightly prooflike on the obverse. Pleasing light yellow gold, a very attractive piece overall. A nice representative of the variety and the grade.

Date logotype slightly low. On the reverse the CC mintmark is mostly filled.

The formation of a collection within a collection is always a popular pursuit. In the double eagle specialty, a particularly interesting challenge is to obtain one each of the various dates 1870-1893 for which Carson City struck pieces. As a general guide to collecting, the 1870-CC is the rarity of rarities, the most formidable coin, although the existence of several dozen pieces takes it out of the "impossible" class. The 1871-CC and 1872-CC are typically seen in lower grades, VF being par, EF being a bit unusual, and anything finer being remarkable. For 1873 and later, EF coins become a regular possibility, AU pieces exist for several of the different varieties, and toward the later end of the series it is even possible to obtain Mint State coins. The Bass Collection sale provides the opportunity to add to or to begin such a specialty.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 6, 1972.

Mint State 1875-CC $20

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1839     1875-CC MS-60. An affordable Mint State coin, a piece that is within the reach of just about every double eagle specialist.

Dies similar to preceding.

Another Mint State 1875-CC $20

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1840     1875-CC MS-60. Brilliant and lustrous. A highly attractive example of this Carson City issue, a piece with a great deal of eye appeal.

Date logotype deeply punched and slightly low. Some die striae can be seen, perhaps indicating that this is an early impression. On the reverse the mintmark letters are fairly closely spaced and are filled. A light crack is seen from T (UNITED) clockwise to the first T (STATES). An almost invisible crack connects the tops of M and E (AMERICA). Another barely discernible crack is at the bottom connecting TY (TWENTY) and the adjacent D. Perhaps the doubled die reverse, conforming somewhat to Breen-7258, however the mint letters on the present piece (and that to follow) are closely spaced. Delicate crack connects D (UNITED) with adjacent S; another from final S (STATES) to O (OF); another through the tops of MER.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, July 29, 1973.

1841     1875-CC AU-58. Brilliant and lustrous. A nice mate to the preceding and from the same die pair.

Die state similar to the preceding.

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

1842     1875-CC AU-55. Lustrous and frosty.

Date logotype deeply punched and slightly low. Placed slightly farther right than usually seen.

Reverse with closely spaced CC. Delicate crack connects final S (STATES) with adjacent O. Delicate tracery of cracks intermittently at MERICA.

Purchased from Arnold Rosing, June 21, 1967.

Trio of Carson City Mint $20s

1843     Threesome of Carson City Mint double eagles: I 1875-CC (2). EF-40 and VF-35 I 1890-CC EF-40, obverse graffiti. Each with nice lustre for the grade. (Total: 3 pieces)

1844     1875-S AU-58. Very lustrous and frosty, just as nice as some pieces called full Mint State.

Date centered. Reverse with S mintmark centered over upper right tip of N (TWENTY).

From Superior’s sale of 1973, Lot 911.

1845     1875-S AU-58. The reverse can be graded full MS-60.

Date about centered. Reverse with mintmark over right upright of N (TWENTY). Cracks around most of the periphery and also, separately, at the top of the rays.

Purchased from W.F. Betz, June 6, 1967.

1846     1875-S AU-55. Some marks on the obverse keep this from a higher grade. The reverse on its own merits the designation AU-58 or MS-60.

Date centered. Reverse with S mintmark over upper right serif of N (TWENTY). Delicate intermittent cracks around the border from U (UNTIED) clockwise to C (AMERICA).

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

Selection of Double Eagles

1847     Selection of eight different Liberty Head double eagles: I 1875-S AU-50 I 1876-S AU-53 I 1877-S AU-55 I 1878-S AU-50 I 1880-S EF-45 I 1881-S EF-45 I 1882-S AU-50 I 1883-S AU-58. Mostly brilliant with some degree of original mint lustre remaining. (Total: 8 pieces)

Grouping of San Francisco $20s

1848     Selection of eight different Liberty Head double eagles from the San Francisco Mint: I 1875-S EF-45 I 1876-S AU-50 I 1877-S AU-55 I 1878-S AU-50 I 1879-S EF-45 I 1880-S AU-50 I 1881-S AU-50 I 1882-S AU-53. All brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 8 pieces)

San Francisco Mint Octet

1849     Attractive selection of Liberty Head double eagles from the San Francisco Mint: I 1875-S VF-35 I 1876-S AU-50 I 1877-S AU-58, light abrasions across Miss Liberty’s cheek I 1878-S AU-55 I 1879-S AU-53 I 1880-S AU-50 I 1881-S AU-55 I 1882-S AU-58. All brilliant with nice lustre for the assigned grade. (Total: 8 pieces)