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

Low-Mintage 1867 Eagle

A Classic Rarity

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662     1867 AU-50. Lustrous and frosty medium gold with plenty of prooflike reflectivity in the recessed areas. Some scattered field marks are noted for accuracy. From a scant mintage for the date of just 3,090 business strikes, all delivered January 11, 1867. A desirable Philadelphia Mint issue, one that is appreciated as a rarity in all grades. While EF is typical for the date, a specimen above that grade presents a grand challenge to the interested collector. To fully appreciate this and many other of the Bass Collection III eagles in grades such as EF and AU, we highly recommend that interested bidders absorb themselves for a few hours in catalogues of "name" collections from years gone by. An eye-opening experience awaits!

Date logotype nicely impressed, date somewhat low, top of 1 about twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils. On the reverse the left ribbon end is slightly weak, which seems to be the rule, not the exception, for business strikes of this era (and thus is not mentioned here except in passing).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 30, 1967.

663     1867-S EF-45. Medium honey gold with a few faint marks seen. Lightly brushed long ago, the results of which are not immediately apparent. Rare in all grades; only 9,000 business strikes were produced of the date. Another of the several dates in the Liberty eagle series that are unknown in Mint State.

Date logotype sharply and evenly impressed, top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils, 18 close, 867 more distant and evenly spaced. From the same reverse die as used for 1866-S With Motto eagles, here in a later clashed state.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 692.

664     1868 AU-50. Lustrous honey gold with plenty of reflectivity in the fields and protected areas. From a modest business strike mintage for the date of just 10,630 coins. At the risk of redundancy (something we are always at risk of where descriptions of Harry Bass’ collection are concerned), here is a rare date that is mostly found in VF to EF; AU is a highly prized grade for the date, and, not surprisingly, Mint State examples of the date are unknown to today’s collecting community. An attractive coin for the grade.

Date logotype nicely impressed, bottom of 1 twice the distance from dentils as top is from truncation, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil, 18 closest, 868 distant but evenly spaced. Reverse fairly unremarkable save for weakness at the lower left side of the ribbon with IN GOD WE TRUST upon it.

Purchased from Stack’s, November 5, 1970.

665     1868-S Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-50 or finer, but cleaned long ago. Still a highly acceptable example of this rarity.

From the same obverse die as the following lot but with no clash marks around Liberty. Tiny S mintmark differently placed, upper serif of S more distant from tip of arrow feather, distant from TEN below, well to left of upright of N, partly over the space between E and N. Left side of motto somewhat light in the die, with bottom and top of the ribbon tenuous and incomplete.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 15, 1967.

Elusive 1868-S Eagle

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666     1868-S EF-40. Attractive honey gold with strong lustre in the recessed areas. Another rarity from a decade renowned for its rare Liberty eagles. Just 13,550 examples of the date were produced, with the small number of survivors of that mintage (perhaps just 75 to 100 coins) nearly always seen at the VF level. The date was called "prohibitively rare" by Walter Breen in EF or finer. Seemingly, the 1868-S is unknown in Mint State. The present specimen is a strong example of the date and grade, and will nicely satisfy the connoisseur and is practically guaranteed a strong showing as it crosses the auction block.

Date logotype strongly impressed, date slightly high, bottom of 1 twice the distance from dentils as top is from truncation, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil, 18 close, 868 more distant and evenly spaced, light clash marks around Liberty. Tiny S mintmark, upper serif of S close to tip of arrow feather, distant from TEN below, slightly to right of left upright of N. Left side of motto somewhat light in the die, with bottom ribbon incomplete. This die also used on 1866-S With Motto eagles.

Purchased from William Donner, September 1, 1967.

1869 Business Strike Eagle

Just 1,830 Minted

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667     1869 Net VF-35; sharpness of AU-50, polished. Bright honey gold. One of only 1,830 business strikes of the date produced, a low mintage figure by any measure. An important rarity which is seldom seen in the auction venue. Admittedly, this piece is far from being high quality, but it is sharp and fairly attractive—and it will fill a niche in the cabinet of the specialist who has been searching for a long time.

Date logotype moderately impressed. Date to left, flag of 1 nearly under point of bust, 1 slightly closer to dentils than to truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. On the reverse, a raised diagonal line juts into the field from both sides of the lowest arrow point.

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 16, 1971.

Rare 1869-S Eagle

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668     1869-S Net VF-30; ; actually EF-40 or even better, well struck, but ever so slightly cleaned long ago. Warm honey gold surfaces with a trace of orange and rose toning, and subdued lustre in the recessed areas.

A very rare issue, struck to the extent of just 6,430 examples, few of which can match the sharpness of the presently offered piece. This is easily one of the finest known specimens at the assigned grade level, and a numismatic prize as such.

Date logotype moderately impressed. Date nicely centered horizontally and vertically, 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Tiny S mintmark, upper serif of S close to tip of arrow feather, distant from TEN below, slightly to right of left upright of N. Left side of motto somewhat light in the die, with bottom ribbon incomplete. This die also used on 1866-S With Motto eagles and later years, although by now it is heavily clashed around the eagle.

From Stack’s sale of February 1968, Lot 250.

669     1870 EF-40. Breen-6961. Lustrous light honey gold with much reflectivity in the recessed areas. A few scattered marks are noted, but the overall appearance is well above average for the assigned grade. An attractive survivor from a small business strike mintage for the date of just 3,990 coins. Typically found in VF or so, with EF specimens such as the present coin great rarities in their own right. This is another date in the Coronet eagle series that is unknown in Mint State. We highlight the present coin as a landmark opportunity for the alert collector or specialist. The market price of this variety is embarrassingly low, which neatly translates to opportunity.

"Repunched O. Very rare." From a late state of the die, the repunching now just a trace at the lower inside of the 0.

Date logotype moderately and evenly impressed. Base of 1 twice the distance from dentils as from truncation, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. The field around several stars on the left shows die artifacts. Two fairly prominent die polish lines extend from the rim, one of which connects to Liberty’s coronet, the other to her forehead, while other lines descend vertically from her nose into the field. Other die lines are seen at Liberty’s eye, in and around LIBERTY, and at the back of her head and neck. On the reverse, the first vertical line in the second pair of vertical shield stripes is very thin and attenuated at the top, and the left end of the ribbon above the eagle is weak; other than that, the reverse is fairly unremarkable.

Very Rare 1870-S $10

High Condition Census

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670     1870-S AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with a blush of rose iridescence. A splendid specimen, with a few marks here and there, including a scratch on the reverse, but all in all a very impressive specimen. Another prized rarity from the San Francisco Mint, one of only 8,000 examples of the date struck. VF is the usually seen grade for this elusive variety, punctuated in market appearances by an occasional EF; anything finer is exceedingly rare. The present specimen is finer than the coin we offered in Part II of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection (October 1999, Lot 1521). At AU-53, that lovely coin was called "High Condition Census;" not surprisingly, Harry’s other 1870-S eagle is the presently offered (and finer) specimen!

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

Date logotype firmly and evenly impressed, numerals fairly strong. A new reverse die is seen, one that is very similar. 1 about equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Third and fourth stars show signs of repunching, raised die lines in and around LIBERTY, a crescent-shaped die line arcs above three dentils at the outer point of the 10th star.

A new reverse die emerges here, one that is very similar to that used for the 1866-S With Motto through 1869-S, but with some subtle differences. The left end of the ribbon above the eagle is now strong and unpolished, rather than weak and missing in places. The tiny S mintmark is located in a very similar location to the previous year’s die, with the upper serif of the S close to the tip of the arrow feather and distant from TEN below, but centered directly over the first upright of the N, rather than slightly to the right of that upright, as on the dies of 1866-S through 1869-S.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 18, 1970.

1871 Philadelphia Mint Rarity

Circulated Proof

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671     1871 Proof-45. Medium gold with lively rose highlights in the recessed areas. One of only 30 Proofs of the date struck, with about one third of that number known today in all grades. This circulated Proof is written of in Harry Bass’ notes as "Obv. 1, Rev. A, as copper trial," no doubt referring to one of the copper patterns in his collection. A rarity that will fill a difficult slot in any eagle collection.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 closer to dentils than truncation (a quick way to tell the Proof die—compare to the following illustration which is a circulation strike ), left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. A tiny die lump is seen in the field at the upper right curve of the 8. The reverse die shows a thinning at the top of the two small lines that make up the second vertical shield stripe, probably the result of a centering punch or device.

In the 1870s, Proofs were sold to only a small number of numismatists. As strange as it may seem today, Proof high denomination gold coins had very little premium value for years after they were made, and it was not unusual for a Proof eagle to sell for just a dollar or two above face value a decade later. Accordingly, numismatists wishing to sell their collections of such pieces often spent them, as there was no profit in consigning or selling them to a dealer. Large numbers of 19th-century Proof coins were lost in this way, perhaps over half of the large denominations. Among smaller denominations, particularly the gold dollar, the attrition rate was much less.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 700.

Important Circulation Strike 1871 Eagle

A Classic Low-Mintage Rarity

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672     1871 AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold with some reflectivity in the protected areas. A prized rarity, a date that only saw a production run of 1,790 pieces intended for general circulation, and circulate they did! The average 1871 eagle is VF with an occasional EF available. Walter Breen called the date "Prohibitively rare above VF," and we concur with that statement wholeheartedly. One of a seemingly endless run of great rarities from the Bass Collection.

Date logotype moderately impressed. 1 essentially equidistant between truncation and dentils (placed noticeably higher than the preceding coin, as a quick comparison of the photographs will verify), left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Obverse and reverse dies otherwise unremarkable.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of August 1968, Lot 1024.

1871-CC Eagle Rarity

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673     1871-CC EF-45 (PCGS). Attractive medium gold with orange highlights in the recessed areas. Some scattered marks are present, although none are heavy enough to draw the immediate attention of the viewer’s eye. A rarity in all grades, one of only 8,085 examples of the date produced. VF is the order of the day where this date is concerned, with an occasional EF found. Anything above EF is of extreme rarity, and no Mint State examples of the date are known. It is worth noting here that not a single specimen above EF appeared in David W. Akers’ 1980 survey of auction sales. A very few AU specimens have come to light in the ensuing decades, but even the bank vaults of Europe have produced very little. A grand opportunity to attain one of the scarcest of all Carson City issues in one of the highest grades attainable for the date.

PCGS Population: 6; 7 finer (AU-53 finest).

Date logotype evenly impressed, first 1 marginally closer to truncation than to dentils. Reverse with CC mintmark high in field, both letters tilted noticeably to left, the first C under the middle talon and quite close, the second C slightly higher, the center of the letter about even with the tip of the lowest arrow feather. There is pronounced die ejection doubling on the present specimen. Breen-6967 notes "Doubled reverse die." In Gold Coins of the Old West: The Carson City Mint 1870-1893, Douglas Winter and Lawrence E. Cutler, M.D., note: "Two die varieties were listed by Breen in his Complete Encyclopedia of United States Coins. The first was distinguished by a normal reverse while the second was said to have a doubled die. After carefully studying this ‘variety’ as well as other Carson City eagles with reverse doubling, we conclude that this is machine doubling."

Purchased from Mike Brownlee, April 17, 1967.

Elusive 1871-S Eagle

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674     1871-S EF-45. Warm honey gold with pleasing rose highlights at the rims. Some scattered ticks are present, none more noticeable than might be expected for the grade. A scarce date in VF, and rare in EF and finer. Here is another San Francisco issue that is unknown in Mint State. "Most specimens are well worn, and it is not unusual to see this date in Fine or even VG," wrote David Akers. A lustrous EF coin such as the present specimen is a prize indeed.

Date logotype evenly impressed. First 1 slightly closer to dentils than truncation, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. Die artifacts around stars on left. Small S mintmark lightly impressed giving a "mushy" appearance, fairly close to tip of arrow feather, high and directly over left upright of N.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 3, 1968.

675     1871-S VF-35. Lustrous honey gold with strong prooflike tendencies in the fields. A few light marks are present, but the overall appeal bespeaks a much finer grade. Another pleasing example of a scarce and popular date.

A highly unusual obverse die break is of more than passing interest. A raised V-shaped die break, the result of a V-shaped collapse inward on the obverse field of the working die, points toward 6:30 or so on the rim. At first, the edges of the break give the outward appearance of a planchet flake, but careful examination under 30X magnification reveals that such is not the case. For sake of discussion, the V-shaped break can be said to resemble the hands of a clock, the hour hand at 10:00, the minute hand at 12:00. Each edge of the break is about the combined length of two stars. The "hour hand" edge of the break extends to the left to the lowest point of the third star, touching there before terminating in the field near the dentils; it also extends to the right of the "minute hand" break, where it forks. The uppermost fork extends nominally toward Liberty’s chin before terminating, while the lower fork curves dramatically downward before terminating opposite the second star. The "minute hand" side of the break extends vertically in the field to a point opposite Liberty’s mouth. What could cause this internal break on a die? Perhaps there was an inherent weakness in the die caused by improper annealing, or perhaps there was an air bubble beneath the surface, or there may have been another explanation. Regardless of the actual cause, most major die breaks occur at or near the edges of dies; a major break (or collapse) such as this that occurs in the field is a rarity in its own right.

Date logotype nicely impressed. First 1 marginally closer to truncation than dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. A fairly prominent raised die line arcs from Liberty’s hair, across the lower edge of her coronet, then upward across LI of LIBERTY, to the upper edge of the coronet and into Liberty’s hair above. Die artifacts around second and third stars. Some light but obvious raised lumps in field to lower left of date. Small S mintmark is distinctly repunched within its lower curve, placed in die in virtually the same position as that noted in the previous lot. Harry Bass had duly noted the repunched mintmark feature in his notes.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, March 17, 1969.

Incredible Proof 1872 $10

A Highlight of the Series

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676     1872 Proof-64 (PCGS). Deep honey gold with a whisper of orange. Frosty devices and mirror fields form a lively cameo contrast. A very impressive 1872 Proof eagle, closely approaching gem quality.

According to published Proof figures—which are sometimes erratic—only 30 Proof eagles were minted. Whatever the number, it is estimated that today only 10 to 12 exist, this including pieces in the museum collections of the American Numismatic Society and the Smithsonian Institution. Of the others, few could match the quality of the piece offered here. In addition—not that any other features are needed!—the 1872 is quite rare as a date, as few related circulation strikes were produced.

Often a span of years will elapse between market offerings of a Proof 1872 eagle. The present coin will be a landmark for the specialist and connoisseur.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Date nicely centered both horizontally and vertically, 1 marginally closer to truncation than dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil.

Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 1973.

Important 1872 Eagle

Low-Mintage Rarity

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677     1872 Net VF-30; sharpness of AU-50, surfaces lightly brushed. Medium gold with prooflike areas in the recessed regions. A definite rarity; just 1,620 business strikes of the date were produced, and perhaps just two dozen or so examples are currently known in all grades. Circulation strikes of the 1872 are certainly as elusive as the famous 1858. The present coin is a classic, and despite the light brushing the piece received in the past, it is one of the finer examples among the relatively few known to exist today.

Date logotype nicely impressed, 1 in date broad. Numerals closely spaced. 1 marginally closer to truncation than dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse fairly nondescript with regard to distinctive marks or other diagnostics.

Purchased from William Donner, October 7, 1968.

678     1872-CC VF-35. Medium orange-gold. Faintly brushed but still a decidedly attractive example of this rare date. Just 4,600 eagles of the date were coined in Carson City. This date was called "One of the most underrated and undervalued gold coins struck at the Carson City Mint" in the Winter-Cutler reference, and we agree. We suspect just four or five dozen examples are known in all grades. Worthy of in-person examination.

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals closely spaced. 1 equidistant between truncation above and dentils below, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Reverse CC mintmark high, letters well spaced and upright. First C high and close to middle talon, second C slightly lower, upper serif even with low point of arrow feather, space between CC over space between EN below. Lower left curve of ribbon over eagle incomplete, right end and curve below it also incomplete, first upright of the second pair of vertical shield stripes incomplete at top.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, February 23, 1971.

679     1872-S EF-45. Medium gold with some areas of prooflike reflectivity in the recessed areas. Another scarce San Francisco Mint eagle, this from a mintage of 17,300 coins. VF is typical for the date, while EF or finer specimens can be considered genuinely rare. A pleasing coin overall.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse S mintmark nicely formed and impressed, fairly high in field, close to and equidistant from talons and arrow feather tip, top of S above tip of arrow feather.

Purchased from William Donner, September 14, 1967.

680     1872-S VF-30. Medium honey gold with some orange-gold highlights. A second pleasing specimen of a scarce and popular issue from our westernmost mint.

From the same dies as the preceding coin.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2276.

Important 1873-CC Eagle

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS

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681     1873-CC Repunched 18. AU-53 (PCGS). Closed 3. Satiny medium gold with plenty of brilliance in the recessed areas. Some lightness of strike is usual for this date. A highly prized rarity, truly a fantastic coin—tied as the finest certified by PCGS.

Only 4,543 were struck. Winter and Cutler wrote, "An issue which is nearly impossible to locate in any grade higher than choice Very Fine." Not only is the present piece higher than this, it is much higher!

The specimen here is tied for finest certified by PCGS. As you may have guessed, the other AU-53 example of the date was Lot 1538 in our sale of Part II of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, October 1999! No one can ever point a finger and accuse the Harry Bass Collection of a shortage of rarities or opportunities.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Breen-6975. "Repunched 18, normal reverse. Extremely rare." Minor die ejection doubling can be seen at the bottom reverse legends; this variety may have been Breen’s 6976, "Repunched 18, doubled reverse die." Harry Bass’ notes regarding this piece read "Reverse double struck;" again, some confusion here as to actual die doubling and machine ejection doubling.

Date logotype nicely impressed, date numerals evenly spaced. Closed 3, 1 in date about equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil, bases of 1 and 8 lightly repunched. A horizontal die line is seen in the field over the two dentils immediately clockwise of the date. Reverse CC mintmark high, top of first C nearly touches middle talon, second C nearly a letter’s space from first C, slightly higher in die, with upper serif slightly higher than tip of arrow feather to right. This reverse die was also used for 1871-CC eagles.

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, March 1, 1968.

682     1873-S EF-40. Closed 3. Medium honey gold with a touch of orange highlights. Considerably rarer than its mintage of 12,000 pieces suggests. Called "Prohibitively rare EF" by Walter Breen. The majority of today’s survivors from the mintage for the date are found at VF or less. A nice coin for the grade.

Date logotype evenly impressed. Top of 1 slightly closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. This reverse also used on 1872-S eagles.

Purchased from Federal Brand Enterprises, February 20, 1968.

Choice Mint State 1874 Eagle Rarity

Condition Census

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683     1874 MS-64 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold with lively lustre and a touch of olive iridescence. EF is the usually seen grade for the date, and many can be found at that level. Breen lists this date as "extremely rare above EF." Here is yet another important opportunity to purchase a coin that combines exceptional beauty with extreme rarity—a definite trademark phrase where Harry Bass’ collection is concerned.

PCGS Population: 12; 2 finer (MS-65).

Walter Breen notes that much of the bullion used to coin eagles of this date was obtained from melting earlier-dated gold dollars and quarter eagles, this after some discussion in Congress in 1873 regarding gold coins and the wear they received in circulation.

Date logotype firmly impressed. 1 noticeably closer to truncation than dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Bottom of 7 slightly lower than 8, 4 slightly lower than 7. Reverse displays several diagonal die lines through EN in the denomination.

Purchased from New England Rare Coin Galleries, February 1979.

Mint State 1874 Eagle

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684     1874 MS-60. Lustrous honey gold with satiny surfaces. A second pleasing specimen of a desirable Philadelphia Mint issue.

Date logotype nicely impressed, bottoms of numerals progressively (though minutely) lower from left to right. Bottom of 1 slightly closer to dentils than top is to truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. From the same reverse die as the preceding lot.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 696.

Lustrous Formation of Eagles

685     Selection of AU-55 eagles: I 1874 I 1881-S I 1882 I 1883-S I 1888 I 1888-S I 1899-O. Each item displays lustrous surfaces. A well-matched grouping. (Total: 7 pieces)

This is a fine place to mention that a half hour spent perusing the Guide Book of United States Coins listing for Coronet Head eagles might be quite worthwhile. A review of the series from 1838 through 1907 will reveal many low-mintage rarities, but with prices that in such grades as VF are incredibly low. While some dates are rare or even extremely rare, the fame accorded most other gold series as well as copper and silver series has not reached this area of gold specialty, leaving many excellent purchase opportunities to the alert buyer.

1874-S Eagle Rarity

Elegant Quality

Finest Certified by PCGS

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686     1874-S AU-58 (PCGS). Strong lustre on orange-gold surfaces. Splashes of rose iridescence add immensely to the overall appeal. One of 10,000 examples of the date stuck, and considerably rarer in all grades than the mintage implies. Typically found at VF or EF, Walter Breen wrote "Extremely rare above EF" regarding the date. At the AU-58 level the present piece is of elegant, breathtaking quality. The specialist will want to bid as liberally as possible. Year in and year out many fine collections have been formed of gold coins, but very few have ever matched the quality of the $10 pieces in the present offering. Within the current presentation, this is one of the great highlights. Again, the piece, while extremely rare, is not necessarily extremely expensive—the current market value is in the range of just a few thousand dollars.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Date evenly placed between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif of 1 over right edge of dentil. Reverse die also used for 1873-S eagles.

From Heritage’s sale of October 1996, Lot 6375.

Exceedingly Important 1875-CC Rarity

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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687     1875-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with plenty of brightness in the protected areas. From a modest mintage for the date of 7,715 pieces, with most survivors from that mintage at VF or so. The Winter-Cutler reference calls this date "one of the rarest Carson City eagles from the standpoint of pieces known and rarity."

When seen—which is not often—the 1875-CC is apt to be in VF, occasionally EF preservation. Even a low level AU would be a major numismatic attraction. The present piece, solidly at AU-55, is one of the very finest known and will be a showpiece in the collection of its next owner.

PCGS Population: 4; none finer.

Date logotype nicely and evenly impressed, digit 1 ever so slightly closer to neck truncation than to dentils, digit 5 slightly closer to dentils than to neck; well centered horizontally. Left edge of lower serif of 1 over space between dentils. A small die lump is noted atop the upper right arm of the Y in LIBERTY. Reverse CC mintmark somewhat to right, both letters over the N in TEN. First C placed midway between talons and N, second C mostly under tip of arrow feather, letters nicely spaced.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1967, Lot 2132.

Exceedingly Important 1876-CC $10 Rarity

Condition Census

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688     1876-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with strong orange toning in the recessed areas. From a small mintage of 4,696 coins. A prized rarity in all grades, the 1876-CC—when seen, which is not often—is apt to be encountered in VF grade. The Winter-Cutler reference notes: "From the standpoint of overall rarity, the 1876-CC is among the rarest of all the eagles struck at this mint." Once the AU level is attained for this date, you have reached the zenith of the grading curve; there are no known Mint State examples.

The present coin is a beautiful Condition Census specimen of this spectacular rarity, grading a full 10 points finer than the lovely specimen we offered in the Bass III sale. A remarkable coin, a remarkable opportunity—sure to be a prized possession in an advanced cabinet of Carson City gold.

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

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals nicely centered horizontally and vertically. Left edge of lower serif of 1 over left side of dentil. Die artifacts around first few stars. Reverse CC mintmark high and lightly impressed, both letters on the same plane with nearly a letter’s space between them. First C to right of right most talon, just to right of center of space between E and N below, second C close to and nearly completely under tip of arrow feather above, just to right of center of N below.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, November 21, 1969.

689     1876-S EF-40. Lustrous honey gold with some orange highlights and prooflike reflectivity in the protected areas. A scarce date with a small mintage of just 5,000 coins. VF is typical for the date, but EF and AU examples are offered from time to time. This is one of those times.

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals well placed both horizontally and vertically, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Clash marks seen around Liberty’s portrait. Reverse with high, well-shaped S mintmark equidistant from talon and tip of arrow feather, slightly right of the space between E and N below. Upper edge of ribbon over IN very tenuous and thin.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

Incredible 1877-CC $10 Rarity

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

A Carson City Landmark

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690     1877-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with a whisper of olive and strong reflectivity in the protected areas. Another incredible coin, an American numismatic landmark, a highlight of the Carson City series, a piece so fine that few specialists have ever owned one.

Only 3,332 pieces were minted, accounting for the rarity, to which must be added the method of distribution—most were circulated in the American West and sustained extensive wear. VF is typical for the date, but occasionally higher pieces come to light, but rarely at the AU-55 level. The present specimen is an attractive coin for the grade, and is essentially as nice as the date can be found. Yet another handpicked treasure from the collection of Harry Bass.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Breen-6987 notes: "Very rare. Two varieties, low or centered date."

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals evenly spaced and nicely centered horizontally and vertically, probably Breen’s "centered" date. A tiny "dash" protrudes back from the lower right serif of the 1 in the date, while a tiny curved artifact is noted in the field after the bottom of the first 7; the line closely resembles the curve of the existing 7. Clash marks seen around Liberty’s portrait, tiny die lines around the Y in LIBERTY. Reverse with CC mintmark high and tilted noticeably left, second C higher than first. First C about a letter’s height from talons above, centered over upper left serif of E below, second C higher than first, tip of upper serif just below and very close to tip of arrow feather, letter centered over left upright of N below. Die roughness in vertical shield lines. Some die ejection doubling can be seen at portions of the peripheral legend.

Purchased from Stack’s, October 7, 1970.

Scarce 1877-S Eagle

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691     1877-S AU-50. Lustrous honey gold with plenty of brightness in the protected areas. Reflective fields and frosty motifs display a few small marks, but the overall appeal is high for the assigned grade. A scarce date in all grades, particularly in AU.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Date low, top of 1 twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif slightly left of center of dentil. Raised die lines around BER in LIBERTY. Reverse S mintmark fairly "tall" and blob-like, placed high in field, equidistant from right most talon and tip of arrow feather, tip of feather about even with center of S. Mintmark mostly over left side of N.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 16, 1970; ex B. Max Mehl, William C. Atwater.

692     1877-S EF-40. Warm honey gold with some brilliance and lustre in the protected areas.

From the same die pair as the preceding lot.

From Stack’s sale of September 1968, Lot 408.

Choice Mint State 1878 Eagle

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693     1878 MS-63. Breen-6988. A truly outstanding representative of the date and grade. Highly lustrous honey gold surfaces bespeak a much finer quality. At last, a date in the Liberty eagle series that is somewhat available in Mint State, largely due to an influx of coins from Europe in the 1990s. Despite the availability in Mint State, specimens such as that presently offered are still few and far between.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Date low, top of 1 twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. All of the stars show repunching to some degree, some with several extra points. Reverse fairly unremarkable, although the die is strong in all areas, including the ribbon above the eagle, which is sharp and complete.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, September 26, 1973.

Attractive Group of Lustrous Eagles

694     Grouping of eagles grading AU-58: I 1878 I 1880 I 1881. Splashes of pale green toning I 1882. Pale green toning I 1883. Splashes of orange toning I 1892. Splashes of reddish orange toning I 1899. Copper spots noted on both surfaces I 1901 I 1904 I 1906. Each item displays lustrous surfaces. A very attractive group. (Total: 10 pieces)

695     1878-S EF-45. Medium gold with a hint of olive. Some light marks as might be expected for the grade. A scarce date in EF.

Date logotype evenly impressed, numerals nicely spaced. Date low, top of 1 twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over middle of dentil. Reverse S mintmark small and placed high, point of upper serif near tip of arrow feather, S high over left upright of N below.

Purchased from Ed Shapiro, March 31, 1969.

696     1878-S EF-40. Honey gold with some deeper highlights. Another decent example of a popular branch mint issue.

From the same obverse die as the preceding lot. Medium reverse S mintmark nicely formed, essentially as wide as it is tall, nicely placed in field, about equidistant from talon and tip of arrow feather, centered over space between E and N.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2280.

Choice Mint State 1879 Eagle

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697     1879 MS-63. Satiny and highly lustrous with rich orange iridescence in the protected areas. Devoid of all but some trivial marks and decidedly choice for the grade. Definitely scarce when found so fine.

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals nicely centered, 1 marginally closer to truncation that to dentils, edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. A faint die crack runs clockwise from the date to the first two stars. Some faint reverse cracks can be seen at the peripheral legends.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, September 26, 1973.

698     1879 MS-62. Lustrous and satiny. A lovely coin for the grade.

From the same dies as the preceding lot.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 20, 1970.

Eight Coronet Head Eagles

699     Grouping of Liberty eagles, each with some cleaning, etc., as noted—but often better in the seeing than in the describing. We recommend that prospective purchasers view the coins in person. These pieces were acquired by Harry Bass for the study of date logotypes and other variations. I 1879 MS-60, cleaned I 1886-S AU-58, field abrasions I 1888-O Repunched Mintmark. AU-55, cleaned I 1895-O AU-58, cleaned I 1897-O AU-55, scratches I 1902 MS-60, cleaned I 1906-D AU-55, hairlines. First Denver Mint eagle I 1906-O AU-55, hairlines. Last New Orleans Mint eagle. Mintmark tilted sharply to the right—interesting! (Total: 8 pieces)

Choice Uncirculated 1879-S Eagle

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700     1879-S MS-63. Lustrous orange-gold. A satiny specimen with somewhat prooflike fields. Sharply struck in all areas. A scarce date in Mint State, and actually quite rare at MS-63 or finer.

Date logotype nicely impressed, top of 1 nearly twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, edge of lower dentil over left side of dentil. Tall, blob-like S mintmark high in die and well into space between talons and arrow feather, slightly closer to talons than feather, tilted noticeably right and mainly over N below.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 711.

701     1880 MS-62. Satiny golden orange with subdued lustre on both sides.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse die heavily cracked at tops of TEN D. and bottoms of MERICA.

Purchased from James A. Hayes, October 1972.

Scarce 1880-CC Eagle

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702     1880-CC AU-58. Lustrous yellow gold with considerable brightness in the protected areas. A popular branch mint issue, and one of but a few dates in the Carson City eagle series that is not prohibitively rare in choice AU. Nicely struck and aesthetically appealing.

Date logotype nicely impressed, date well centered both horizontally and vertically, 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right side of dentil. There is a distinct break in the dentils below the first 8. Reverse CC mintmark somewhat large and roundish ("pudgy" would be a good term), low in the die, and tilted noticeably left. First C lower, and over right side of E and space following, second C slightly higher and over center of N below, about equidistant between that letter and the tip of the arrow feather directly above. Both letters of the mintmark show die roughness within. A die crack connects all of the peripheral legends, including the denomination.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of August 1968, Lot 1035.

703     1880-CC Net AU-53; Very close to Mint State. Very lightly cleaned long ago—but not that most people would notice. Attractive yellow gold with some honey highlights. Altogether a pleasing example of this popular issue, a duplicate of the preceding.

From the same dies as the previous lot, although here the reverse die cracks are fainter.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of November 1968, Lot 931.

704     1880-CC EF-45. Warm honey gold with deep orange highlights. A third attractive example of the date.

From the same obverse die as the preceding lot. Reverse CC mintmark fairly large and rounded, and tilted noticeably to the left. First C low and over space between E and N, the right side of the letter in line with the left outer side of the first leg of the N, the second C higher and right, the back of the letter even with the tip of the arrow feather, about equidistant between that and N below.

Purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, August 4, 1967.

Lustrous 1880-O Eagle

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705     1880-O AU-58. Rich yellow gold with a touch of olive. Considerable prooflike quality present in the fields. Some scattered marks can be seen, but they are easily forgiven. From a modest mintage of just 9,200 coins. "Most 1880-O eagles grade VF to EF. In About Uncirculated grades, this issue becomes very rare," wrote Douglas Winter in New Orleans Mint Gold Coins 1839-1909.

Date logotype evenly impressed, 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Several stars show repunching. Reverse O mintmark deeply impressed, heavier on the right side, placed high and slightly right of the space between E and N, equidistant from talons and arrow feather.

Purchased from Bob Roth through Stack’s, October 11, 1967.

706     1880-O EF-40. Lustrous honey gold.

From the same dies as the previous lot.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 17, 1967.

Many Mintmarked Tens

707     Selection of Liberty eagles grading AU-58, emphasizing mintmarked varieties—a fascinating array: I 1880-S I 1881-S I 1885-S I 1888-S I 1892-O Doubled Die Reverse I 1894-O I 1903-O I 1904-O I 1907-D. Each item displays lustrous surfaces—all in all a very attractive selection that should engender some very nice bidding! (Total: 9 pieces)

Lustrous 1881-CC Eagle

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708     1881-CC AU-58. Lustrous orange-gold with satiny surfaces. A lovely specimen of one of the more plentiful Carson City eagle issues; 24,015 examples of the date were produced. Typically found in VF or EF, much less often in the AU preservation offered here.

Date logotype nicely impressed. First 1 somewhat closer to dentils than to truncation, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils. Reverse CC mintmark high in die, first C higher, mainly under right most talon, over space between E and N below, second C lower, back top of C nearly touches tip of arrow feather above, and centered over N below.

Purchased from Stack’s, May 19, 1971.

Lustrous 1881-O Eagle

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709     1881-O AU-58. Honey gold with strong lustre and brilliance in the protected areas. A popular low-mintage date, one of only 8,350 examples produced. Typically seen in VF or EF, a range within which specimens can usually be located with some ease—although on a relative basis the 1881-O is scarce. At AU or finer the date becomes a rarity. Although the term rarity is truly applicable to the 1881-O, the market has been asleep concerning its value; current price level is about midway between $1,000 and $2,000.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of first 1 slightly further from truncation than from dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse O mintmark deeply impressed, heavier on the right side, placed high and slightly left of the space between E and N, marginally closer to talons than to arrow feather.

Purchased from Paramount, April 30, 1967.

710     1881-S MS-62. Lustrous and satiny honey gold with a whisper of olive iridescence. A plentiful date at the assigned grade.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of 1 slightly further from truncation than bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. Reverse S mintmark filled and tilted slightly left, placed fairly high and equidistant from talons and arrow feather, centered just right of the space between E and N, mostly over upper left serif of N below.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of November 1972, Lot 1220.

711     1882 MS-63. Lustrous honey gold with decided olive highlights. A lovely coin for the grade.

Date logotype evenly impressed. Top of 1 slightly closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Faint hairline cracks connect several stars. Reverse fairly unremarkable, although the lower left curve of the ribbon above the eagle is now just a tiny triangular artifact in the field.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 721.

Lustrous 1882-CC Eagle

Low-Mintage Rarity

Condition Census

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712     1882-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with rich toning in the protected areas. A low-mintage rarity; just 6,764 examples of the date were struck. The 1882-CC is typically found in VF or EF, with choice AU coins such as the present piece being very elusive. Breen called the date "Prohibitively rare above EF," and our own research tends to agree with that statement. In fact, PCGS has not certified an example of the date above AU-58. An important opportunity for Carson City Mint and eagle specialists alike.

PCGS Population: 12; 4 finer (AU-58 finest).

Date logotype nicely impressed. Bottom of 1 marginally closer to dentils than top is to truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse CC mintmark somewhat large and roundish, low in the die, and tilted noticeably left. First C lower, and over right side of E and space following, second C slightly higher and over center of N below, about equidistant between that letter and the tip of the arrow feather directly above. Very similar to one of the reverse dies used for the 1880-CC eagles, but the letters of the mintmark show no roughness within, and there are no peripheral cracks.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2312.

713     1882-O AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold with prooflike reflectivity in the protected areas. A rarity in AU; just 10,820 eagles of the date were struck, with survivors from that mintage typically found in VF or EF. Douglas Winter called this date "Very underrated in comparison to many No Motto eagles from this mint."

Date numerals evenly impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil below. Reverse O mintmark lightly impressed, right side of O wider than left side, placed high, O twice the distance from talons as from arrow feather, placed just to left of left upright of N below.

From Parke-Bernet’s sale of May 1968, Lot 178.

714     1882-S MS-62. Brilliant and lustrous honey gold. Sharply struck and choice for the grade. Scarcer than its mintage of 132,000 coins indicates.

Date logotype evenly impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils. This reverse also used on 1881-S eagles.

All 1882 $10 pieces seen, from the various mints, are from the same four-digit logotype punch, with 18 closest, 88 wider, and 82 wider yet. The second 8 is lower than the first 8, and the final 2 is the lowest figure and leans to the right.

From Pine Tree Auction Co.’s sale of March 1974, Lot 247.

Elusive 1883-CC Eagle

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715     1883-CC AU-58. Lustrous yellow gold with olive overtones. From a modest mintage for the date of 12,000 pieces, with most known survivors from that production run in VF or EF. At AU the date becomes quite rare. A nice coin overall.

Date logotype evenly impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Mintmark slightly above the halfway point in the field, first C tilted slightly left, and above space between E and N, mainly over N. Second C above right upright of N and partly over the field to the right of that letter. Point of feather midway between the mintmark letters, those slightly further apart than the width of one of those letters. This mintmark fits Breen’s "Small Wide" mintmark classification.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, January 26, 1973.

Another Rare 1883-CC Eagle

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716     1883-CC AU-53. Lustrous orange-gold with plenty of brilliance in the recessed areas. Rare so fine.

From same obverse die as preceding lot. Mintmark fairly high in the field, first C upright and placed above space between E and N, about half over N. Second C lower in die and mainly right of right edge of right upright of N. Point of feather considerably closer to first C, tip of feather points to upper serif of first C. This mintmark also fits Breen’s "Small Wide" mintmark classification.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

Classic 1883-O Eagle Rarity

Incredibly Low Mintage

Remarkably High Grade

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717     1883-O AU-50. Lustrous orange-gold with strong prooflike tendencies. Sharply struck at the centers, with a touch of peripheral weakness at the stars. From a scant mintage for the date of just 800 coins. An incredible rarity in all grades, with VF and EF specimens being the preservation usually seen. At the AU level the 1883-O is sufficiently rare that most "name" cabinets have not included one.

Douglas Winter called this date "the second rarest New Orleans eagle, trailing only the 1859-O." While the specialist realizes the importance of the 1883-O and its long-standing fame, the mintage figure makes it irresistible to an even wider audience. In fact, the production figure of just 800 pieces is the lowest of any gold coin, of any denomination, from the New Orleans Mint; the lowest mintage figure for a branch mint eagle; and the third lowest mintage figure of any Liberty eagle. Add to that the overall quality of the present specimen, handpicked decades ago by Harry Bass, and the prospective bidder is confronted with a major opportunity which, if fulfilled, will yield a specimen that will be prized forever.

PCGS Population: 6; 8 finer (AU-58).

Date logotype solidly impressed. 1 slightly closer to dentils than truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse O mintmark well impressed, wider on the right side, unfinished inside. O fairly high in die, tilted slightly left, fairly well centered over space between E and N below, about equidistant between talons and arrow feather, tip of feather points midway down side of O. Faint die cracks connect the tops of UNITED and OF, that word connected to the wing tip following as well. Raised diagonal lines appear at the top of the vertical lines in the shield, and a raised die line connects the bottom of the ribbon loops below GOD and WE.

Purchased from William Donner, May 1968.

718     1884 MS-62. Lustrous honey gold with definite olive highlights. Attractive for the grade.

Date logotype lightly but evenly impressed. 1 equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. Raised diagonal lines around BERTY on the coronet. Faint reverse die crack unites the bottoms of AMERICA with the tops of TEN D and the bottoms of UNITED STATES, crossing the wing tip as it goes.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 729.

719     Selection of Mint State eagles: I 1885 MS-60 I 1888-O MS-60 I 1893 MS-61 I 1893-S MS-61 I 1894 MS-61. Interesting peripheral die crack on obverse I 1901-S MS-61 I 1902-S MS-61 I 1905 MS-60. Each displays attractive and lustrous surfaces. (Total: 8 pieces)

720     1886 MS-62. Highly lustrous orange-gold.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Digit 6 very slightly repunched. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Faint die crack at base of date extends to final star. Faint reverse die cracks unite most of the peripheral legends.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 748.

Lustrous Lineup of Eagles

721     Selection of Liberty eagles grading MS-62: I 1886-S I 1893 I 1894 I 1895 I 1899 I 1901-S I 1906-D I 1907. Attractive and lustrous surfaces displayed by all. (Total: 8 pieces)

Choice Mint State 1887-S $10

Bass: "Finest Seen"

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722     1887-S MS-63. Bright and satiny honey gold with strong lustre and a touch of olive iridescence on both sides. Sharply struck in all places. A fairly common date in average Mint State, but choice and gem Uncirculated specimens are quite scarce. A lovely coin for the assigned grade. At the time of acquisition of the present coin, Harry Bass noted "Finest seen" in his meticulous records.

Date logotype sharply impressed, numerals large and well-formed, 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse S mintmark tall and somewhat blob-like at the center, tilted noticeably left, mostly above left side of N below, fairly high, equidistant from talons and tip of arrow feather, tip of feather points to center of S.

From Paramount’s sale of November 1971, Lot 1542.

723     1888-O MS-61. Lustrous yellow gold with olive highlights. A popular New Orleans eagle issue. Nicely struck in all areas (the 1888-O is often found weakly struck, and this is an exception).

Date logotype deeply impressed, nicely centered horizontally and vertically, left edge of lower serif of 1 over center of dentil. A faint die crack connects most of the obverse stars. Reverse O mintmark nicely impressed, round and nicely shaped, fairly high, marginally closer to tip of arrow feather than to talon, tip of feather points to middle of O, mintmark over space between E and N, mostly over left side of N below. Faint die cracks connect most of the peripheral legends. Die clash marks around eagle.

Accompanying ticket simply reads "Bob Roth Set."

724     1888-S MS-62. Lustrous honey gold with satiny surfaces and generous cartwheel lustre. Well struck.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Left edge of lower serif of 1 over center of dentil. Reverse S mintmark fairly tall and well shaped, leaning noticeable left, slightly closer to tip of arrow feather than to talon, upper serif of mintmark even with point of arrow feather, S centered over space between E and N, mainly over left side of N.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 5, 1970.

Rare Proof 1889 Eagle

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725     1889 Net Proof-50; sharpness of Proof-62, obverse scratch across bottom, reaching from the first to the 12th star. Pleasing yellow gold with somewhat cloudy fields; a modest cameo effect is present. One of 45 Proofs of the date struck, with perhaps just a dozen or so specimens known to today’s collecting community. A grand opportunity to obtain a prized rarity at a good value.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 slightly closer to truncation than to dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 14, 1968.

726     1890 MS-62. Bright orange-gold with strong prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Some faint copper spots noted on both sides. Nicely struck.

Date logotype evenly impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse fairly unremarkable where diagnostics are concerned.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 15, 1971.

727     1890 MS-61. Lustrous honey gold with traces of rose iridescence in the recessed areas.

Date logotype deeply impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil.

From Stack’s sale of February 1976, Lot 844.

728     1891-CC MS-62. Lustrous and frosty medium gold surfaces. Attractive, beautiful, and distinctive as one of the relatively few Carson City Mint eagles that can be called readily available at the Mint State level—this in sharp contrast to the varieties of a decade or two earlier. Thus, the present coin appeals not only to the eagle specialist but to anyone who would like to have a very special eagle in a gold type set—a reminder of the golden era when the West was truly wild, and the Carson City Mint and the Comstock Lode were just about in the middle of such things.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of 1 nearly three times the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Die artifacts around final star. Reverse CC mintmark fairly high with letters widely spaced, more than a letter’s width between them. First C slightly to left of, but mostly over, left upright of N below, second C slightly to right of, but mostly over, right upright of N. Upper serif of first C near tip of arrow feather, both letters tipped slightly right. A faint die crack connects most of the peripheral legends.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 9, 1968.

729     1891-CC MS-61. Frosty golden orange with strong cartwheel lustre and a whisper of pale olive iridescence. An attractive coin overall. Nice coins come in pairs—or even threesomes (see next lot also).

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of 1 twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Reverse CC mintmark nicely centered with letters evenly spaced, about a letter’s width between them. First C partially over E and space following, second C centered over N below. Tip of arrow feather over center of back of second C.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 16, 1969.

730     1891-CC MS-60. Lustrous medium gold with some olive iridescence present.

Breen-7035. "Second C double-punched. Rare."

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of 1 equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil. Noticeable die cracks at final three stars. Reverse CC mintmark slightly high with letters nicely spaced, just over a letter’s width between them. First C partially over space and upper serif of N below, second C centered over right upright of N below, remnants of a previously punched C plainly evident to right of existing C. Tip of arrow feather about halfway between the letters of the mintmark.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 13, 1971.

731     1892 MS-62. Bright and lustrous honey gold. A few surface marks are consistent with the grade.

Date evenly impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over center of dentils.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 761.

732     1893 MS-63. Lustrous honey gold. A satiny beauty, choice for the grade.

Date nicely impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. The reverse shows die cracks.

The editor believes that $10 gold coins of the year 1893 were made with a three-digit logotype 189, with the fourth digit added separately. There seem to be some notable differences among 1893 eagles as to the spacing of the 9 and the 3. If any readers have any specific comments we would be pleased to receive them.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 751.

Attractive 1893-CC Eagle

Final Issue from Nevada’s Mint

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733     1893-CC AU-58. Lovely orange-gold with strong orange iridescence and much mint brilliance in the protected areas. The fields are lightly mirrored and the devices are somewhat frosty. A pleasing coin, both physically and aesthetically. Nicely struck and free of all but a few trivial marks. From the final year of Carson City Mint coinage operations.

Date logotype impressed to medium depth. 1 marginally closer at the bottom, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse CC mintmark placed nearly identically to the position on the 1891-CC eagle variety with repunched second C. Mintmark well formed, slightly more than a letter’s space between letters. First C over space before and upper left serif of the N, mainly the N, while the second C is directly over the right upright of the N. The tip of the arrow feather points to the upper serif of the first C, the second C is entirely right of the tip of the arrow feather, the feather tip virtually over the center of the space between the letters

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, October 24, 1969.

734     1894-O MS-62. Satiny honey gold with rich olive iridescence at the rims. A highly lustrous example of a popular branch mint issue, a coin that comes with a generous quotient of eye appeal. No shortage of eye appeal here, particularly where grade is concerned.

Date logotype nicely impressed. Top of 1 twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils. Reverse O mintmark round and shapely, fairly high, mostly over left upper serif of N below, equidistant from talon and tip of arrow, tip of feather points to side of O about one third down its curve.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, September 26, 1973.

735     1894-S AU-55. Lustrous honey gold. Somewhat scarce at AU or finer.

Date logotype evenly impressed. 1 noticeably repunched at base. Top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse S mintmark nicely formed, leaning slightly left, top of letter about equidistant between talons and tip of arrow feather, upper serif even with tip of arrow feather, S placed over space between E and N below, mainly over serif of N.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 494.

736     1895-O MS-62. Lustrous medium yellow gold with some prooflike reflectivity in the fields, particularly on the reverse. A pleasing coin for the grade.

Date logotype heavily impressed. 1 slightly more distant from truncation than dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils. Reverse die also used for 1894-O eagles. Minor machine doubling present on reverse legends (close observation is needed to see it), this being caused by die "chatter."

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1130.

Proof 1896 Eagle

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737     1896 Proof-60. Subdued yellow gold with strong orange highlights. The fields are somewhat cloudy, but the actual physical appeal is much finer than the grade implies. From a Proof mintage for the date of 78 pieces, with perhaps half that amount known to today’s collectors.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of December 1970, Lot 3256.

Choice Mint State 1897-O $10

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738     1897-O MS-63. Satiny yellow gold with lovely olive highlights. A fairly plentiful date in Mint State, but MS-63 or finer specimens are quite rare. A thoroughly attractive example of the date and grade.

Date logotype heavily impressed. 1 equidistant between truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over space between dentils. Reverse die also used on 1894-O and 1895-O eagles.

The present sale furnishes an excellent opportunity for the specialist to begin or to fill in a set of New Orleans Mint eagles. The grades offered are much higher than typically seen.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 778.

739     1898 MS-63. Highly lustrous honey gold with strong rose and olive iridescence present. A very attractive coin, one that probably could be called MS-64 without fear of contradiction.

Date logotype evenly impressed, date nicely centered horizontally and vertically, left edge of lower serif over center of dentil below. Reverse unremarkable.

From Stack’s sale of November 1973, Lot 2559.

740     1899 MS-64. A satiny and lustrous coin with attractive olive highlights. Choice for the assigned grade.

Date logotype evenly impressed. Top of 1 nearly twice the distance from truncation as bottom is from dentils, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. Repunching seen in upper loop of second 9. Reverse has a faint crack that joins the tops of NITED to the eagle’s wing immediately following.

Purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, May 7, 1969.

741     1900 MS-63. Lustrous honey gold. A popular date in choice Mint State.

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals evenly centered horizontally and vertically, left edge of lower serif of 1 over left side of dentil. Faint reverse die cracks noted at the tops of NITED STATE.

Purchased from Jack Klausen, June 17, 1968.

742     1901-S MS-64, or finer. Bright and lustrous yellow gold, somewhat prooflike on both sides. A pleasing example of this plentiful San Francisco issue—one of the finest we have seen from a combination of high numerical grade plus the all-important aesthetic appeal. A true winner. .

Regarding this coin, Harry Bass’ accompanying ticket reads: "Best Seen, Crazy Price." The "Crazy Price" was $600. It would be interesting to see what this piece brings at the sale. Time and again, today’s "Crazy Price" is tomorrow’s "bargain."

Date logotype evenly impressed. First 1 slightly closer to dentils than truncation, left edge of lower serif over left side of dentil. Reverse S mintmark tall, thin, well formed, and high in the die, top of S halfway above tip of arrow feather, equidistant from talon and arrow feather, mainly over left side of N below.

From Superior’s sale of March 1973, Lot 790.

743     1902-S MS-63. Lustrous orange-gold with warm rose highlights. A pleasing coin overall.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 equidistant between dentils and truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse S mintmark tall, thin, well formed, and relatively high in the die, top of S even with tip of arrow feather, equidistant from talon and arrow feather, mainly over space preceding and left side of N below.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, September 7, 1971.

744     1903-O MS-62. Highly lustrous honey gold with a trace of olive iridescence. Kept from a higher grade by some field marks. A tiny toning spot is noted on Liberty’s cheek. An attractive coin overall.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse die also used on 1894-O, 1895-O, and 1897-O eagles.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, May 26, 1971.

Choice Mint State 1904-O $10

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745     1904-O MS-64. A highly lustrous specimen of a variety which is relatively available in lower Mint State grades, but above MS-63—as offered here—it is quite scarce or even rare. Did we say plentiful? Perhaps at the lower end of the Uncirculated scale, but the date is a definite rarity in grades above MS-63.

Date logotype nicely impressed. 1 equidistant from truncation and dentils, left edge of lower serif over right edge of dentil. Reverse die also used on certain 1894-O, 1895-O, 1897-O, and 1903-O eagles.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 782.

746     1906-D MS-63. Satiny and lustrous honey gold. From the first year of Denver Mint coinage operations.

Date logotype deeply impressed, 9 and 6 closed, bottom of 1 twice as far from dentils as top is from truncation, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse D mintmark nicely impressed, letter broad and well shaped, upright of D directly under center of right most talon, equidistant from talon and tip of arrow feather. A tiny spine protrudes from the top of the D.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, October 30, 1972.

747     1907-D MS-63. Delightful honey gold surfaces. A bright and lustrous specimen from the final year of the design type. Choice for the grade.

Date logotype nicely impressed, numerals evenly spaced, top of 1 marginally closer to truncation than bottom is to dentils, left edge of lower serif over left edge of dentil. Reverse die same as previous lot, D mintmark placement identical, but spine at top no longer visible.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 1166.

Lovely Mint State 1908 Indian $10

Without Motto

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748     1908 No Motto. MS-64 (PCGS). Satiny light yellow gold with a hint of toning on the reverse. Slightly weak impression at central obverse, typical for the No Motto coins. Only 33,500 examples were minted. Relatively few exist at the level offered here. While Indian eagles were not a specialty for Harry W. Bass, Jr., he did collect a few here and there—and as even a quick glance will verify, he had an eye for quality. Thus, the present piece is very special from that viewpoint. This mintage is second lowest in the series (behind 1911-D) and fewer than 100 examples are estimated to exist in all Mint State grades.

From Stack’s sale of the Delp Collection, November 1972, Lot 841.

749     1908-D No Motto. MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny orange-gold lustre with few minor marks. An attractive example of this scarce issue, with most known Mint State examples just meeting the requirements for MS-60 or 61. This issue becomes a rarity in higher grades.

From Superior’s sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 813.

750     1910-D MS-63. Frosty light yellow gold with a few minor surface marks. This is clearly the most plentiful branch mint Indian eagle. This is a very pleasant example, one that will be a fine addition to a type set.

From Superior’s sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 823.

751     1911 MS-64. Very close to gem quality with frosty rich yellow gold lustre and minor abrasions. This is one of the common dates in the series, a candidate for the design collector.

The edge features 46 raised stars, the last year of issue to have this edge device. Beginning in 1912, newly minted coins had 48 stars on the edge.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 16, 1972.

752     1911-S AU-55. Very slightly pinkish gold with a few minor surface marks and very light traces of wear. Considerable lustre remains.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of October 1966, Lot 348.

753     1912-S MS-62. Lustrous light yellow gold with a few very minor marks. A pleasing example of this scarce issue, and perhaps more sharply struck than most. A thin hairline scratch crosses Liberty’s cheek.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 11, 1972.

754     1914-S MS-61. Frosty light yellow gold with only a few insignificant marks. Relatively few Mint State pieces are known, and thus the present piece is very desirable.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 11, 1972, via the Goliad Corporation.

Choice Mint State 1916-S $10

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755     1916-S MS-64 (PCGS). Certainly a highlight among the present offering of Indian eagles. This example has lovely satin lustre with light yellow gold surfaces and a hint of orange toning on the reverse. The 1916-S has been highly prized as an elusive issue, with the further attraction that it is the only variety of $10 coined this year.

Purchased from William Mitkoff, February 28, 1973.

A Special Private California Gold Coin

Extraordinary Mint State Baldwin & Co. $10

El Vaquero; "The Horseman"

Classic Western Rarity

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756     1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 Gold. The Horseman or Vaquero issue —perhaps the most picturesque of any California gold motif. Kagin-3. Rarity-6. MS-64 (PCGS). Lovely brilliant gold surfaces, an artistic masterpiece, a joy to behold.

The obverse devices are satiny and very sharply executed with complete definition of the finest details. The surrounding fields exhibit semi-prooflike quality with a number of raised die lines visible, as made, indicating a very early impression from the dies.

The reverse is equally well defined with sharp, frosted devices and even more prooflike character in the fields than found on the obverse. Moderately heavy crisscrossing die lines are more pronounced and numerous on the reverse. Close examination reveals a few marks here and there—precisely the reason why this piece is called MS-64 instead of, for example, MS-65.

In every way, this is certainly a special coin. It would be interesting to know the circumstances of this coin’s survival. Every once in a while a California coiner would save special pieces as collector’s items or curiosities. John Glover Kellogg did this as did Augustus Humbert. Perhaps someone associated with Baldwin, or with the engraver, Albrecht Kuner, preserved this coin as a memento.

The Horseman or Vaquero design is widely recognized and admired, even among beginning collectors, as it is a landmark in the design of private California gold. Typically, a Liberty Head motif was used, or one or another form of the eagle, but rarely an exciting "action" design such as this, with a vaquero on a spirited horse, left front leg high in the air—as if confronting a steer or other item to be lassoed—and his lariat in loops in the air, ready to be thrown.

A close examination of the die reveals a wealth of detail, including an ornate costume worn by the horseman, a decorated saddle, and many anatomical details ranging from musculature to fine details in the horse’s tail. On the base of the ground at the left is seen in prominent letters, A. KUNER, the signature of the most famous of all California die engravers—the same artist who came to California in 1849, cut dies for Moffat & Co., went on to work with other firms as well, and even created the 1862 British Columbia gold $10 and $20 dies.

Although the circumstances are not recorded, it seems likely that the Horseman motif, as beautiful as it is, was not as comfortable to use in mercantile circuits as the familiar head of Miss Liberty. Perhaps a coin such as the 1850 Baldwin $10, when received, would be scrutinized very carefully, whereas a copy of a federal Liberty Head would be passed quickly without notice. Indeed, this is probably the same reason why after 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co., the famous Denver coiners, abandoned the interesting Pikes Peak design and reverted to a copy of the federal Liberty Head—to promote the circulation of their coins. In an earlier time, Baldwin seems to have done this—with the result that later versions of Baldwin coinage, made with the date 1851, are of the standard Liberty Head motif. Similarly, other California coiners ranging from Moffat to Kellogg to nearly everyone else created copies of the Liberty Head—not artistically innovative or even beautiful, but seemingly very utilitarian.

Today, examples of the 1850 Baldwin Horseman $10 are extreme rarities, and it is believed that only about 15 to 20 exist in all grades. Most are in preservation considerably below the present example. Notably, the present coin eclipses in quality both the Garrett specimen and the Eliasberg specimen.

The present piece, selected for its beauty by Harry W. Bass, Jr. comes to market to delight a new generation of enthusiasts.

The Baldwin & Co. "Situation"
Or, who swindled whom?

The firm of Baldwin & Co. was founded on March 15, 1850, as the successor to Frederick D. Kohler & Co., California state assayer. In his time Kohler was widely respected, and there was nothing to indicate that his successors would not follow suit. However, Baldwin seems to have lacked friends in influential places, namely in the editorial offices of San Francisco newspapers. We mention this in view of what we relate below. Today, an objective analysis of l’affaire Baldwin would no doubt lead to different conclusions.

George C. Baldwin and Thomas S. Holman advertised Baldwin & Co. as assayers, refiners, and coiners who also did "all kinds of engraving." The boast, "our coin redeemable on presentation," was made. It seems that to encourage their coins to circulated they did as others had done and would do in the future: anyone with coins of their imprint who felt uncertain about them had but to present them to the firm and they would be exchanged at par for other gold coins of the holder’s preference.

Early in 1851 private coinage was conducted at a furious pace in San Francisco. The best known of all firms—Moffat & Co.—was busy implementing its new federal contract with Augustus Humbert as its assayer and was producing only $50 pieces after January. Thus, certain lesser known private firms had a field day making smaller denominations such as $5, $10, and, to a lesser extent, $20. The coinage of Baldwin was quite extensive and was second only to that of the United States Assay Office. From January 1 to March 31, 1851, it outranked the Assay Office by producing $590,000 worth of coins as compared to efforts totaling $530,000 by the latter firm. Obviously, the Baldwin coins were held in high esteem.

Then this:

On March 21, 1851, a prominent local banker who styled himself as James King of William (to differentiate himself from other James Kings) sent samples of private gold coins to Augustus Humbert, official U.S. assayer in residence at the competing firm of Moffat & Co. Transmitted were the following coins: Baldwin & Co. $20, 13 coins; $10, 10 coins; $5, 28 coins; Schultz & Co. $5, 45 coins; Dubosq $10, 7 coins; and $5, 3 coins.

It was found that the $20 pieces averaged an intrinsic value of $19.40, the $10 pieces averaged $9.74, and the $5 pieces were valued at $4.91. This seemingly unreasonable profit on the part of the coiners caused much public indignation, and from that point forward Baldwin coins were rejected by merchants. Of course, Humbert, being in the employ of a competitor, was hardly impartial. Moreover, federal gold coins minted at Philadelphia had a lower intrinsic value, significantly, than did the Baldwin pieces!

The Alta California editorially noted that the holders of Baldwin $20 gold pieces would lose 60 cents on each coin, and that the best value was received by owners of Dubosq pieces who would lose only seven cents on each $10 transaction. The result of this editorial discussion was that banking houses immediately refused to handle any coins at face value with the exception of those made by Moffat & Co. It is believed that upon disclosure of Humbert’s findings and the trial by journalism the firm ceased coinage immediately. Later the coins changed hands at a 20% discount, a figure significantly less than their metallic value, thus enriching James King of William, Moffat & Co., and others who shared the spoils.

On April 9, 1851, the Pacific News had the following commentary:

"THE GOLD COIN SWINDLE. It is perhaps a matter of no especial wonder that the community feels outraged because of the fact that nearly all of the gold coin put in circulation by the private manufacturing establishments is short of weight. A citizen last evening went to Baldwin’s establishment, and, presenting two of their own $20 gold pieces, asked their redemption in silver. These were taken, and $38 returned.

"This is about as cool and direct a piece of shaving as has come under our eye, touching the short-weight gold coin swindle. Why should the community suffer this to go on longer? Why not refuse every dollar of Baldwin’s coin as well as that of every other that is not of full value and redeemed on demand? A bank bill is worth no more than the bare paper upon which its pretty picture is printed, except from the fact that securities are pledged for its redemption. So also with Baldwin’s coin. It is worth no more than the actual value of the gold when compared with the Government standard.…"

The end of the enterprise was chronicled by the Pacific News on April 17, 1851:

"We hear a story, which is pretty well authenticated, that Messrs. Baldwin & Bagley, the manufacturers of ‘Baldwin’s coin,’ left in the steamer Panama on Tuesday for the Atlantic states. This is, of course, what might have been anticipated as the finale of so magnificent a financial operation as the coinage of one or two million of circulating medium upon which they have pocketed a profit from 10% to 15%, less the expense of manufacturing the stuff. Unable longer to impose their false tokens upon the community, an outraged public will now pocket the loss and congratulate themselves that the swindle has been exposed even this early.

"The amount of this coin in circulation is not less than $1,000,000, and is probably nearer to two. But suppose that the smaller sum be correct, the profit to the manufacturers is $100,000. Whose swindling false token establishment is next to be chronicled amongst the ‘departures for Panama’?"

In addition to Humbert’s assay, a Baldwin $10 piece of 1850 evaluated at the Philadelphia was found to have an intrinsic value of $9.96, which was not much different from a $10 of the highly acclaimed Moffat & Co. which was assayed at $9.97. A group of 100 Baldwin $20 pieces of 1851, assayed at the same institution, were found to have an average value of $19.33.

Meanwhile, San Francisco bankers continued to buy Baldwin coins at 80% of face value. For a $20 piece this mean paying $16 for a coin that had $19.33 or more worth of gold, a handsome profit and one that far exceeded any return that could be made in the normal assaying, refining, and coining business.

Seemingly, Baldwin & Co. was used a vehicle for other firms to swindle the public!

Returning to present-day numismatics, all of this "bad press" resulted in nearly all Baldwin coins being melted. Today, any Baldwin coin is a prime rarity.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, August 1984; Earlier from RARCOA’s session of Auction ‘84, July 1984, Lot 1996.