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| Lot # | Date | Variety | Rarity | Grade | Description | Number of Bids | High Bid | Maximum Bid | Total Price | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1805 | O.104a, T-10 | R.6 | PCGS XF 45 | Last offered as NGC AU 53 in Stack’s-Bowers March 2018 sale of the Sutton Court Collection, lot 3403. It appeared earlier in Bowers and Merena's sale of June 1985, lot 1971. Stack’s-Bowers touted the coin as the finest survivor from this late die state by a significant margin, overlooking the Overton Plate coin, graded MS 63 by NGC in 1993. (Don Parsley, owner of the Overton Collection, had settled on AU 55.) The Nomura coin is No. 2 in the Condition Census for the subvariety. Charlton Meyer’s PCGS VF 30 example is next in line. The Meyer coin sold for $6,750 in July 2008. It brought $5,500 when Dr. Charles Link consigned it to MB 53 (lot 65) a year ago. The `05-104a is a rare and charismatic die pair. A massive cud encases the outer points of stars 9-11, foretelling an early demise of the obverse die. A network of die breaks connects the peripheral devices, obverse and reverse. The coin is untoned and softly lustrous throughout, just what we expect of a choice XF coin. A few surface marks are from short term circulation, nothing significant. A splash of light toning bisects the eagle’s right wing, hallmarking the coin for future generations. The NGC AU 53 insert accompanies the lot. Estimate: $5,000 and up |
3 |
$5,400
Reserve met |
$5,603 | $5,940 |
|
| 2 | 1805 | O.105a, T-12 | R.6 | PCGS F.12 CAC | A charming companion to the preceding 1805 O.104a. This time the impressive cud is on the reverse. Natural antique grey toning, even wear and minimal surface marks earned this R.6- rarity a CAC sticker. Steve found the coin in Heritage’s Nov. 2017 sale. (Lot 17091 @ $2,880). A lesser quality, later die state, brought $3,840 two months later when Heritage offered the Loma Linda Collection. (Jan. 2018, lot 8249, PCGS VG 10.) Yes, collectors DO covet early bust halves with retained cuds. Estimate: $2,200 to $3,000 |
15 |
$3,400
Reserve met |
$3,400 | $3,740 |
|
| 3 | 1805 | O.106, T-13 | R.4- | PCGS XF 40 CAC | Well struck early die state with handsome, original toning. Thin, high rims are razor sharp. Complete dentils, obverse and reverse. The obverse die is famous: it was overdated and used in 1806 [1806/5 O.104]. No other half-dollar obverse die was used in successive years, a surprise in view of the number of overdates to be found in the series. As a date, 1805 is far scarcer than its companions from 1806 and 1807. Here is a wonderful coin for the date collector. From MB 43, Aug. 2016, lot 3 @ $2,421. Estimate: $2,000 to $2,500 | 1 |
$1,900
Reserve met |
$2,600 | $2,090 |
|
| 4 | 1806/5 | O.101, T-6 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Hints of pastel gold blend with lustrous, largely untoned surfaces. Choice AU examples of draped bust half-dollars are always in demand – especially overdates and Red Book varieties. This example was last offered by Legend in its July 2017 sale, lot 189. Steve snagged it at $4,818, sixteen months after Heritage sold it for $5,640 in March 2016. PCGS’ Price Guide now suggests $6,000. Estimate: $4,500 to $5,500 | 4 |
$4,400
Reserve met |
$4,600 | $4,840 |
|
| 5 | 1806/5 | O.103, T-8 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Silver-grey toning, matching Floyd Farley’s definition of “grey dirt,” an indisputable marker of originality. Luster glows in the fields and sparkles around the stars and legend. Light friction on the high points. The surfaces are essentially free of marks. The CAC sticker supports those who might argue for a higher grade. It took $4,320 to win the coin in Heritage’s October 2020 sale, lot 3375. PCGS now pegs the value at $4,750 while the Greysheet suggests a range of $4,300 to $5,380. Estimate: $4,000 to $4,750 | 4 |
$3,600
Reserve met |
$5,007 | $3,960 |
|
| 6 | 1806 Knob 6, No Stem | O.108a, T-2 | R.8 | PCGS VG 08 | The Holy Grail of draped bust half dollars. There are but 7 examples known of the die pair; only two feature the massive rim cud atop UNITE. Don Frederick found the coin in Hawaii in 1976. About the same time another example showed up in Brooklyn, NY (the Friedman-Schertz-Meyer-Link-Sharfman coin). Frederick was a keen student of the draped bust series. He knew that only one of the (then) 3 other specimens came from the terminal die state. He negotiated a purchase in January 1977. For thirty years Don resisted all efforts to pry the coin loose from his collection. Then, in July 2008, he consigned his early half-dollars to Heritage. This was lot 439 in the Baltimore ANA sale. Heritage properly noted the coin’s defects: the surfaces were lightly wiped and display scratches under a deep, original grey patina. Yet the coin is attractive. The toning shields its defects and is clearly of ancient origin, reminiscent of Grandma’s unpolished silver. Frederick was profoundly disappointed when the coin sold to a dealer for $25,300. In short order the coin was submitted to PCGS for grading and sold to Dr. Link for an undisclosed sum. When Dr. Link acquired the somewhat nicer Friedman-Schertz-Meyer PCGS F.15 1806 O.108a he consigned this coin to my Aug. 2017 Mail Bid Sale No. 45 (lot 50). Steve Nomura prevailed at $60,500. Dr. Link later sold the aforementioned F.15 example to Howard Sharfman via private treaty. Legend auctioned Sharfman’s stunning collection of bust half-dollars in Sept. 2021. I expected lot 22, the 1806 O.108a PCGS F.15, to race by the $100,000 level. When the bidding slowed at $90,000 I stepped in, winning the coin for $96,938. Early this year a Florida collector wrested the coin from my inventory, assuring me that it will remain in his collection for a long while. The charisma, rarity and value of the “1806 Knob 6, No Stem” is usually compared to its capped bust equivalent, the 1817/4. Both coins are Red Book varieties. When my interest in the bust half series developed there were 5 known `06-108s and 7 known 1817/4s. Forty years later the numbers are 7 and 11. Each of these rarities appears in distinct die states: the 1817/4 comes with and without a bisecting obverse die break [O.102 and 102a]; the 1806 Knob 6, No Stem comes with and without a reverse rim cud [Tompkins die states 1-3 and 4-5]. This is the most important coin in the sale, hands down. Congratulations to the new owner. Estimate: $70,000 and up |
0 |
$0
|
$0 | Not Sold |
|
| 7 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.114a, T-16 | R.4 | PCGS AU 53 | A sharply struck example of this scarce die pair. Note Liberty’s curls and drapery and the eagle’s wing feathers. A heavy die break adds sex appeal to the variety as it traverses the reverse, bisecting the coin from 9:30 to 3:30. Pale gold toning glows with luster. The coin spent little time in circulation and stands at 5th or 6th place in the Condition Census. Another important coin from the Nomura Collection. From Heritage’s Jan. 2013 FUN Show auction, lot 4263 @ $4,406. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 | 2 |
$3,500
Reserve met |
$3,879 | $3,850 |
|
| 8 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.118a, T-24 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | The latest state of these dies (T-2/6). Prominent die breaks and chipping of the reverse die explain internal cuds across cloud 7, under OF. Despite a terminal die state, the central devices are generally well struck. Some weakness appears at the lowest part of the eagle’s left wing, extending into the shield. Luster, toning and eye appeal are first rate! CAC is notoriously stingy in awarding stickers to flowing hair and draped bust half dollars. I doubt there was a moment’s hesitation when this lovely coin arrived in Bedminster. From Heritage’s sale of the Eagle One Collection, June 2016, lot 4503 @ $5,052. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 |
3 |
$4,700
Reserve met |
$5,100 | $5,170 |
|
| 9 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.121, T-29 | R.4 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | No. 6 in the Condition Census. The obverse die, in its 6th and final appearance, is cracked and worn. Most O.121s lack any semblance of eye appeal. Here is a wonderful exception – the only O.121 to ever receive a CAC sticker! Lovely toning encases the obverse and reverse. Circulation ticks are minimal. Soft luster highlights the central and peripheral devices. In short, an O.121 to die for. Steve Nomura found this prize in the Nov. 2017 Stack’s/Bowers sale of Catherine Bullowa-Moore’s collection, lot 3105 @ $3,960. Catherine was 97 when she died in May 2017. As a youngster I bought circulated Barber quarters and halves from David Bullowa, Catherine’s first husband. David died in 1953, only 2 years after their marriage. Catherine took over his coin business and became a prominent dealer, joining Abe Kosoff in founding PNG in 1955. She conducted periodic mail bid sales under the name CoinHunter. Her sales were invariably punctuated by sparkling rarities, many having been squirreled away in the 1940s. I would not be surprised if this 1806 O.121 was among that coveted cache. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,500 | 3 |
$3,600
Reserve met |
$3,850 | $3,960 |
|
| 10 | 1806 E/A | O.124, T-22 | R.5+ | PCGS VF 30 | The “E over A” is a charismatic rarity; it was discovered between the publication of Al Overton’s 1st and 2nd editions (1967/1970) and carried an R.8 rarity rating until Don Parsley issued his 1990 revision (3rd ed.) when just over a dozen pieces were known. It is a sad fact that most examples are scratched, damaged or improperly cleaned. Low grades are the norm. Tompkins could find none above XF 40. The current example is a breath of fresh air. It appeared in Legend’s Feb. 2016 (Regency XVI) Sale, lot 215, bringing $5,875. The gold and copper toning is a bit uneven, a testament to originality. Striking weakness at the eagle’s head and the left portion of the motto is a hallmark of the die pair. It is listed at #5 in Tompkins’ Condition Census. Red Book, Registry Set and die variety collectors will vie for this important coin. From MB 49, Aug. 2019, lot 2 @ $5,500. Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000 | 4 |
$4,727
Reserve met |
$5,125 | $5,200 |
|
| 11 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.126,T-26 | R.7- | PCGS AU 53 | But for lot 6, the 1806 Knob 6, No Stem, this would be the most important coin in the sale. Pre-turb specialist Paul Munson discovered the variety (on a holed specimen) in the 1970s, after Overton published his 2nd edition. If your BHNC membership number is lower than 70 you remember the variety as “1806 PM-1.” The Meyer coin is head and shoulders above other examples. Curt Biebel’s lovely XF appeared in MB 17 (May 1996), bringing $18,150; it remains second in line. Another nine or ten examples range from VG to VF. De Olden’s PCGS VF 20, ex Michael Summers, is considered third finest known. It brought $11,500 in Heritage’s 2008 FUN sale (lot 1397). The Meyer “Wonder Coin” comes with a great story. It surfaced at one of Art Kagin’s auctions in the mid-1970s, not long after Munson identified the variety. Kagin reserved it too high and the coin did not sell. He tried again: same reserve, same result. He offered it a third time, on January 25, 1979. A cynical group of die variety collectors, anticipating another unrealistic reserve, boycotted the auction. Meyer, however, persisted – giving his agent a bid that was four times the bargain price at which he won the lot. It hammered at $1,150! His BHNC colleagues were slack-jawed and green with envy. The coin was dipped to full brilliance 40 or 50 years ago. It has retained its flash while donning a delicate silver patina. The semi-prooflike surfaces show modest signs of brief circulation, and the coin is weakly struck along the left wing and ribbon, a characteristic of the die pair. PCGS probably docked the coin a few grading points for these peccadilloes. The Overton Collection lacked the 1806 O.126. When Don Parsley prepared the 1990 3rd edition of Overton’s standard reference he looked elsewhere for a plate coin. Charlton Meyer was happy to help. The photo was reused in the 4th and 5th editions. After Meyer passed away I offered the coin in MB 34, Aug. 2009, lot 4, where Chris Merrill prevailed at $19,600. Merrill consigned his notable die variety collection to Heritage in early 2018. Heritage offered it in its Central States auction, April 26, 2018. Lot 4254 inexplicably sold for $9,600, barely double the price of a generic 1806. Steve Nomura was dumbfounded and thrilled. Estimate: $15,000 and up |
6 |
$16,100
Reserve met |
$16,500 | $17,710 |
|
| 12 | 1807 | O.108, T-1 | R.4- | PCGS AU 50 | A marvelous, original draped bust half-dollar. Caky, antique grey toning sparkles with underlying luster. The surfaces are virtually free of contact marks. Tompkins determined this die pair to be the first in the 1807 emission order. Note the crisp, well defined dentils. The workhorse reverse die was first used in 1806, on the 1806 O.121 and 117. It was later married to obverse dies of the 1807 O.109 and 110. A connoisseur’s coin for the date or type collector. A private treaty acquisition in April 2020 from Eye Appealing Coins at $4,600. Estimate: $3,000 to $4,000 | 1 |
$2,900
Reserve met |
$3,100 | $3,190 |
|
| 13 | 1805/4 | O.102, T-5 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 | One cannot imagine a more wholesome example. The balanced strike, pleasing surfaces and original antique-grey toning befit Tim’s practiced eye. Luster brightens the devices. In all, a paradigm of the choice XF designation. From David Lawrence, privately, in March 2010. Estimate: $4,000 to $4,500 | 5 |
$5,700
Reserve met |
$6,000 | $6,270 |
|
| 14 | 1806/9 | O.111a, T-11 | R.3 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | Another Red Book variety that is simply “perfect for grade.” Light to medium grey toning bespeaks originality. Die state 2/4 in Tompkins, with a magnificent rim cud over TED in UNITED. Tim found this charming coin in Heritage’s Feb. 2013 Long Beach Sale, lot 3467. Weaknesses at the lowest drapery lines and tip of right wing are standard for the issue. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 |
3 |
$4,307
Reserve met |
$5,600 | $4,738 |
|
| 15 | 1809 | O.106 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Soft luster abounds beneath a cloak of antique grey toning. Subtle hints of gold contribute to the eye appeal. The soft left wing is a common feature of the die pair – and most other 1809s. From Stack’s/Bowers Aug. 2011 ANA Sale. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 9 |
$1,200
Reserve met |
$1,525 | $1,320 |
|
| 16 | 1810 | O.108a | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Exceptionally smooth surfaces radiate luster. The iridescent copper toning is infused with silver-grey, providing a smorgasbord of color. As with many early half-dollars, the left wing displays weakness – a shortcoming we are happy to forgive on an otherwise attractive 1810. Tim plucked this one from my bourse case during the Aug. 1996 ANA Convention in Denver. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,000 | 4 |
$1,836
Reserve met |
$2,500 | $2,020 |
|
| 17 | 1811 Large 8 | O.104a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | Luster runs deep under a protective blanket of grey toning. Devotees of originality will enter the chase for this Red Book variety. Tim awarded the coin an “A” for eye appeal after acquiring it from me at the Aug. 1999 ANA Convention in Chicago. CAC agreed. Enough said. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,000 | 11 |
$2,450
Reserve met |
$2,450 | $2,695 |
|
| 18 | 1811 Small 8 | O.111a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Pale gold throughout, with virtually full cartwheel luster. Shallow, indistinct dentils proclaim the late die state. The central devices, however, retain most of their detail. A pretty coin! Gleaned from my bourse offerings at the 1996 ANA Convention in Denver. Estimate: $1,100 to $1,400 | 27 |
$2,600
Reserve met |
$2,600 | $2,860 |
|
| 19 | 1812 | O.107 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | Raucous copper, aqua, turquoise and gold toning captures the eye. Luster flares under the multicolored patina. OK … the left wing is soft. This early date will nonetheless be a centerpiece of your collection. Tim pried the coin loose from Charlton Meyer, Jr., a fellow Louisianan, in Feb. 1991. Estimate: $1,000 and up | 21 |
$2,500
Reserve met |
$2,500 | $2,750 |
|
| 20 | 1813 | O.106a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Blinding luster showcases this 1813. Well struck central devices contrast with weakness at the lower drapery and the legend and scroll opposite. An unquestioned “AU 58” but for this weakness. I doubt that the coin saw a day’s circulation. A private treaty acquisition in July 2008. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500 | 3 |
$1,000
Reserve met |
$1,400 | $1,100 |
|
| 21 | 1813 | O.109 | R.3 | PCGS OGH AU 50 | Another barely circulated 1813 that was docked grading points because it was struck from worn, broken and clashed dies. Boisterous cartwheel luster is unbroken save for a touch of friction on the cheek. Brian Greer passed the coin to Tim in June 1994. It remains in its original holder, sporting an old green label. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 11 |
$1,250
Reserve met |
$2,500 | $1,375 |
|
| 22 | 1817 | O.105 | R.R.6+ | PCGS XF 45 | Beauty and rarity fuse in this remarkable coin. The “105” is scarce in all die states. The obverse die (also found on the 1817 Punctuated Date) generally appears with a swirl of die breaks and a distinct central bulge. Most are low grade. Here is a miraculous survivor of the early die state, with a diminutive (use your loupe) die break at star 9. Tim found the coin in my bourse case during the Jan. 1997 FUN Show. It stood out, not as a rarity, but as one of the prettiest coins on display. It was encapsulated and graded AU 50 by NGC. (The NGC label accompanies the lot.) Sunset colors flicker through silver-grey toning. Abundant luster argues for an AU designation. In short, a prize for the knowledgeable collector of bust half-dollars. Ponder, if you will, the $18,800 it took to capture Rex and Cindy Phillips’ PCGS AU 55 “prime” 1817 O.105 in August 2017. (Heritage’s Denver ANA Sale, lot 3970.) Estimate: $2,000 and up | 16 |
$7,200
Reserve met |
$12,000 | $7,920 |
|
| 23 | 1817 | O.113a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | A brilliant, untoned 1817 with terrific “flash.” Later die state but decently impressed throughout. A short drift mark (planchet imperfection) appears on the left wing. In hand, it is easily overlooked. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 14 |
$1,551
Reserve met |
$2,500 | $1,706 |
|
| 24 | 1818 | O.107 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 CAC | Pearl grey obverse, the reverse with enticing hues of gold and aqua. Both sides feature caky, unbroken luster. A bold strike and pleasing surfaces complete the picture, making it easy for CAC to affix its coveted green bean. The PCGS label notes the Overton variety and provenance, Dr. Charles Link. Two other CAC approved PCGS MS 62 1818 O.107s were offered at auction in 2014 and 2016. Both brought $4,700. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,500 | 4 |
$3,612
Reserve met |
$8,000 | $3,973 |
|
| 25 | 1818 | O.109a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | Brilliant, untoned with virtually full cartwheel luster. Note also the sharply struck dentils and central devices. From Dave Olmstead of Alpine Numismatics in July 2001. Estimate: $850 to $1,250 | 19 |
$1,451
Reserve met |
$1,800 | $1,596 |
|
| 26 | 1822 | O.111 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Don Frederick. A silver-grey patina kisses the surface of this fully lustrous 1822. Nicely impressed, with all 13 stars displaying center-points. Friction confined to Liberty’s cheek and breast. Lot 3050 in Heritage’s April 2010 sale of the Frederick Collection. Tim prevailed at $1,035. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,300 | 14 |
$2,000
Reserve met |
$2,000 | $2,200 |
|
| 27 | 1822 | O.112 | R.4+ | PCGS AU 50 | Ex Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. and Keith Davignon. A distinctly scarce die pair, recently elevated from R.4 to R.4+. Tim acquired the coin from Keith Davignon in Feb. 2012. Davignon’s notes trace the provenance to Charlton Meyer, Jr. The only AU 50 offered at auction over the past 10 or more years is an NGC graded piece that brought $1,410 in Heritage’s Feb. 2015 Dallas auction. Muted luster, stronger in protected areas, lies beneath a natural grey patina. Estimate: $800 to $1,200 | 13 |
$1,375
Reserve met |
$1,450 | $1,513 |
|
| 28 | 1823 | O.108 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 CAC | Sharply struck early die state. Steel grey with impressive, deep luster. Not a hint of friction. From Troy Nelson’s “Allgood Collection,” lot 3679 in Heritage’s Jan. 2011 FUN Show Sale @ $1,840. Worth more today. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,300 | 20 |
$4,200
Reserve met |
$6,800 | $4,620 |
|
| 29 | 1825 | O.117 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Remarkably smooth, mark-free surfaces bless this lightly circulated offering. The O.117 is a genuinely scarce die pair. Light to medium auburn toning is unquestionably original. Tim worked a trade with Dr. Charles Link in June 2013 to acquire the coin. Estimate: $1,500 to $1,800 | 7 |
$1,704
Reserve met |
$6,800 | $1,874 |
|
| 30 | 1826 | O.102 | R.1 | PCGS OGH AU 50 | The Old Green Label dates to Oct. 1989, when Tim won the coin in a Teletrade auction. Teletrade was inaugurated in 1986 by Bernard Rome as a vehicle for bidding on certified coins using a telephone touchpad. In 2013 it was acquired by the Spectrum Group and merged with Stack’s-Bowers. This untoned 1826 sports luster that will do justice to today’s AU 58s. A bit of friction on the cheek and minuscule, scattered hairlines kept the coin away from an MS designation. Estimate: $450 to $600 | 24 |
$933
Reserve met |
$3,300 | $1,026 |
|
| 31 | 1826 | O.108 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 | The scarce early die state, with die lines alongside the date and no die break at stars 2-7. Iridescent gold toning through the stars and legend provides an eye-catching frame for the antique grey centers. The surfaces are virtually free of contact marks. From David Kahn, privately, in Nov. 2009 as “rare prime R.5.”. Estimate: $1,300 to $1,600 | 4 |
$2,300
Reserve met |
$3,300 | $2,530 |
|
| 32 | 1826 | O.110a | R.4 | PCGS AU 58 | A flashy, untoned AU 58. Friction confined to the cheek and breast. Later die state but plenty of detail in the central devices. From Alpine Numismatics in July 2001. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 12 |
$1,300
Reserve met |
$2,200 | $1,430 |
|
| 33 | 1826 | O.118a | R.1 | PCGS OGH AU 58 | Dusky grey obverse. The reverse is untoned with booming luster. I fail to see any signs of circulation, obverse or reverse. From Alpine Numismatics in May 1994 and still sporting the pale green label of that era. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 7 |
$900
Reserve met |
$3,800 | $990 |
|
| 34 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.105 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Intense luster throughout. Hard to figure why this is only a “53.” Most would opt for “55.” Well struck, as usual for this die pair. The halo of darker toning contributes to the eye appeal. A nifty coin for the date collector. Estimate: $450 to $600 | 11 |
$582
Reserve met |
$1,200 | $640 |
|
| 35 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.116 | R.4 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A fantastic coin. Original to its core. My favorite coin in the Osborne consignment. The O.116 was a mid-level R.5 for many years. Quality examples such as this are supremely rare. The immaculate surfaces and antique toning are to die for. The coin lay in a New England Museum for decades, surfacing in Stack’s/Bowers’ May 2013 New Orleans National Money Show sale (lot 337) along with a few other stunning bust half-dollars. Tim found the coin irresistible and was happy to land it at $5,140! If you are coming to FUN don’t fail to preview this coin. Estimate: $3,500 and up | 7 |
$5,500
Reserve met |
$5,500 | $6,050 |
|
| 36 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.122 | R.5 | PCGS OGH AU 55 | Jerry Schertz consigned his nearly complete Capped Bust Half-Dollar die variety set to me in 1994. Tim found this AU 1827 O.122 on my May 1994 Fixed Price List. The coin remains at the low end of the Condition Census, tied with another similarly graded example. Soft luster radiates beneath antique grey patina. A toning spot under S1 is a modest interruption. The worn obverse die is found on two R.4s and an R.5: O.121, 122 and 123. A quick key for cherry pickers is the unusually wide space between S1 and the drapery. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,500 | 5 |
$3,525
Reserve met |
$4,400 | $3,878 |
|
| 37 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.123 | R.4+ | PCGS OGH AU 58 | A grey-dirt masterpiece! Every bit as nice as the CAC approved AU 58 Sharfman coin in MB 51, lot 61 at $3,300. There is no break in the vibrant cartwheel luster save for cabinet friction on Liberty’s cheek. Eye appeal, originality and rarity mingle in this important offering. The old green PCGS label dates to March 1991 when Tim found the coin in my bourse case during the Dallas Mid-Winter ANA Convention. Estimate: $3,000 to $4,000 | 1 |
$2,800
Reserve met |
$4,400 | $3,080 |
|
| 38 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.144 | R.5 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Elton Dosier, Gehring Prouty and Keith Davignon. OMG! What a pedigree. Elton Dosier cherried it in the distant past. With Elton’s passing in 1997 the coin found its way to the Prouty Collection. Gehring later purchased the Wonder Coin for this die pair, an ethereal MS 64. To my knowledge, no other UNCs are known. Keith Davignon was next in line for the Dosier-Prouty coin, offered here. Tim worked a trade for the coin in Jan. 2010. The obverse is richly toned in iridescent shades of crimson, aqua and turquoise. The reverse is more subdued. The “O.144” remains a killer R.5. Attractive, high-grade examples are caviar to the advanced collector. Steve Herrman records a private treaty sale of a PCGS AU 55 in Feb. 2019 at $9,500. Howard Sharfman’s PCGS AU 58 brought $12,595 in Aug. 2021 – MB 52, lot 93. Expect competition for this prize. (Don’t need an AU? Check out upcoming lot 92.) Estimate: $4,500 to $5,500 | 3 |
$5,400
Reserve met |
$10,000 | $5,940 |
|
| 39 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.145 | R.5 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Elton Dosier and Gehring Prouty. Another of Elton’s voluminous cherry picks and a delightful companion to the preceding O.144. How nice it would be to keep the coins together. Gehring Prouty acquired both coins in 1997 when I granted his request for “first shot” at Elton’s coins. Tim put this coin in his “Top-10” list at the 2000 ANA Convention in Philadelphia where I displayed and offered the Prouty Collection. It was “raw” when Tim bought it. It graded AU 58 when he sent it to NGC. It crossed to PCGS as AU 55. (The NGC label accompanies this lot.) Little wear is seen on the coin. Even, steel-grey toning blankets the exceptionally smooth, lustrous surfaces. Estimate: $3,000 to $3,500 | 4 |
$3,800
Reserve met |
$6,800 | $4,180 |
|
| 40 | 1828 Curl 2, No Knob | O.105 | R.5 | PCGS MS 62 | Tied with Stew Witham’s PCGS MS 62 for finest known. Tim quietly added it to his collection in July 1991 when Houston dealer Sonny Toupard discovered it. This is its first appearance at auction. Cartwheel luster spins under iridescent auburn and gold toning. The `28-105 is a long-established rarity. For 40 years fortune has passed me by. I’ve never cherried an example. The Witham coin brought $6,325 when Heritage offered it at its 2010 ANA Sale in Boston, lot 3152. The handsome PCGS AU 58 from MB 53, lot 106 sold for $4,621 last January. Estimate: $5,000 to $6,000 | 1 |
$4,500
Reserve met |
$12,000 | $4,950 |
|
| 41 | 1828 Sq. Base 2, Sm. 8s, Lg. Lets. | O.116 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 | Ex Elton Dosier. One for the “grey-dirt” aficionados. Soft luster smolders under the ancient patina. Elton cherished well struck, naturally toned coins. Tim found this one in my bourse case during the January 1998 FUN Show. Estimate: $400 to $550 | 19 |
$1,161
Reserve met |
$1,800 | $1,277 |
|
| 42 | 1829 | O.104 Prime | R.5 | PCGS AU 50 | A die-state rarity. Most 104s come with die chips in A1 and A2, filling the area above the crossbar. Herrman lists only 1 other AU, the Jules Reiver coin, NGC AU 55. Dr. Charles Link’s PCGS XF 45 brought $963 in my MB Sale No. 50 at the Jan. 2020 FUN Show sale, lot 83. Dave Kahn discovered this coin and sold it to Tim in Oct. 2009. Original light to medium grey toning and soft luster grace the surfaces. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 12 |
$1,550
Reserve met |
$2,200 | $1,705 |
|
| 43 | 1829 | O.108a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Last offered in MB 24, lot 183. I described it this way: thick antique grey-gold toning – 100% original. Nice, smooth surfaces, the sole exception being a thin hairline through Liberty’s cap and upper cheek. I doubt that you will spot this minor blemish without a loupe. The original look of the coin outshines all else. Estimate: $550 to $750 | 2 |
$420
Reserve met |
$555 | $462 |
|
| 44 | 1829 Large Letters Reverse | O.110 | R.3 | PCGS MS 61 | Not a hint of friction. Full luster. A protective silver-grey crust has developed over time. A few contact marks, none significant, account for the conservative grade. This is the only Large Letters reverse of 1829. The die made its debut on the 1828 O. 118a which was also struck in 1829. From the Davignon Collection, MB 39, lot 58, Aug. 2014 @ $1,762. Earlier in MB 32, lot 100 as NGC MS 62 @ $1,198, part of the De Olden Collection. Estimate: $1,300 to $1,700 | 7 |
$2,400
Reserve met |
$3,300 | $2,640 |
|
| 45 | 1829 | O.111a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Stewart P. Witham – BHNC #1. A top end AU 55, with full luster and delicate gold toning. Heritage sold a major portion of the Witham Collection in August 2010. This was lot 9456. Estimate: $550 to $700 | 18 |
$950
Reserve met |
$6,600 | $1,045 |
|
| 46 | 1829 | O.115 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Tim aptly describes this coin as “a white blazer.” It was professionally dipped some decades ago without impairing the luster. Cabinet friction on the cheek but no sign of actual circulation. Plucked from my bourse case during the Jan. 2001 FUN Show. Estimate: $500 to $650 | 1 |
$440
Reserve met |
$471 | $484 |
|
| 47 | 1830 Small 0 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | From MB 35, lot 29, April 2012: “A light crust of natural grey toning protects the deep underlying luster. Well struck and virtually no friction on the high points.” Estimate: $700 to $900 | 5 |
$832
Reserve met |
$1,100 | $915 |
|
| 48 | 1830 Small 0 | O.106 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 | Another of Tim’s “white blazers.” The razor-sharp strike is a welcome bonus. From John Crowley’s nearly complete die variety set, presented during the 2001 ANA Convention in Atlanta. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 9 |
$1,075
Reserve met |
$2,200 | $1,182 |
|
| 49 | 1830 Large 0 | O.121 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Lightly circulated but nearly free of contact marks. Friction confined to the high points. Strong, unbroken luster for the assigned grade. Acquired from your cataloguer at the Jan. 2010 FUN Show. Estimate: $375 to $475 | 14 |
$521
Reserve met |
$1,200 | $573 |
|
| 50 | 1831 | O.102 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Dr. Charles Link . Even, light grey toning. Just a hint of weakness in the motto. Full luster, though not as vibrant as we like for our “58s.” From Dr. Charles Link, privately, in January 2019. Estimate: $700 to $850 | 3 |
$650
Reserve met |
$1,600 | $715 |
|
| 51 | 1831 | O.104 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Bold luster brightens an ancient patina of pale auburn and gold. Weakness in the motto finds compensation in the originality of this charming 1831. From David Lawrence in January 2013. Estimate: $900 to $1,100 | 1 |
$800
Reserve met |
$2,200 | $880 |
|
| 52 | 1831 | O.116 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Dr. Charles Link . Archetypical grey dirt toning. Primeval and, of course, original. Caky luster rolls beneath the surface. The rims and central devices are beautifully impressed. Here is a first rate 1831. From Dr. Link in January 2013. Estimate: $900 to $1,100 | 6 |
$1,525
Reserve met |
$3,300 | $1,678 |
|
| 53 | 1833 | O.104 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Colorful iridescence provides a halo for Ms. Liberty and her surrounding stars. The reverse is lightly toned. Superior eye appeal earned a CAC sticker. Estimate: $850 to $1,000 | 9 |
$1,450
Reserve met |
$2,800 | $1,595 |
|
| 54 | 1833 | O.109 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Luster is the watchword for this handsome 1833. Iridescent toning decorates the obverse. The reverse is more modest, relying on the coin’s garish luster. Estimate: $1,300 to $1,600 | 4 |
$2,350
Reserve met |
$4,200 | $2,585 |
|
| 55 | 1833 | O.112 | R.2 | PCGS OGH AU 58 CAC | Here is a mint state coin, demoted because it was struck from worn dies. Intense, unbroken luster overlays the smooth surfaces. Aside from weak peripheries the coin is essentially without faults. From Bowers & Merena in November 1997, still sporting PCGS’ Old Green Label. Estimate: $850 to $1,100 | 4 |
$1,075
Reserve met |
$2,200 | $1,182 |
|
| 56 | 1836 | O.109 | R.4- | PCGS AU 55 | Colorful toning with a splash of silver on the obverse. The coin bespeaks originality. Good luster with little, if any, friction in the fields. Estimate: $450 to $550 | 14 |
$1,177
Reserve met |
$1,800 | $1,295 |
|
| 57 | 1806 Pt. 6, Lg. Stars | O.110 | R.6- | PCGS Genuine, VF Details | If you collect the pre-turbs you know this die pair, usually appearing with an obverse die break, rim to Liberty’s lips. In the 1980s Richard Pugh liked to call it the Elephant Trunk 1806, a moniker that we old-timers recall. It is the only pointed-6 1806 with Large Stars. The dark toning almost – but not quite – hides hairlines from an ancient cleaning. View this blemish as a blessing: without it the coin would sell for $5,000 or more. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,500 | 0 |
$0
|
$0 | Not Sold |
|
| 58 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.115 | R.R.1 | PCGS AU 53 | An attractive veneer of pale bold toning catches the eye while concealing a smattering of hairlines. Luster, bolder on the lightly toned reverse, suits the assigned grade. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,200 | 1 |
$2,400
Reserve met |
$2,508 | $2,640 |
|
| 59 | 1807 Small Stars | O.113a | R.2 | PCGS XF 45 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Silver-grey with luster in protected areas, notably the stars and legend. Soft left wing, as usual. A faint drift mark over the eagle’s head is hardly worth mention. This is the grade level sought by most collectors. There will be competition. Last offered in Heritage’s August 2010 Boston ANA Sale, lot 4837, @ $2,984. PCGS Price Guide suggests $3,250 today. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,000 | 1 |
$2,300
Reserve met |
$8,800 | $2,530 |
|
| 60 | 1809 XXX Edge | O.102 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | An absolutely charming example of this scarce Red Book variety. Lovely pearl-grey toning sparkles with luster. The O.102 is a common die pair, but only early die states appear with the Experimental XXX Edge. The coin is everything you expect and hope for in a CAC approved AU 55. Estimate: $4,500 to $5,000 | 10 |
$5,878
Reserve met |
$7,200 | $6,466 |
|
| 61 | 1809 III Edge | O.109 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | A colorfully toned companion to the preceding lot. Iridescent hues of rose and turquoise swirl though the devices and obverse fields. Soft luster adds to the eye appeal. A comparable example appeared in Legend’s January 2022 Sale, lot 3420, bringing $5,040. PCGS suggests $3,750. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,500 | 26 |
$5,028
Reserve met |
$5,100 | $5,531 |
|
| 62 | 1809 | O.112 | R.5- | PCGS XF 40 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Pale gold toning with exceptional luster for the assigned grade. PCGS was too much influenced by the soft strike, a common feature of this rare die pair. Roughness around the date reflects impurities in the planchet, not removed during the refining process – another common occurrence in the early Mint. From Heritage’s Oct. 2018 Chicago Sale, lot 3568, bringing a modest $720. Estimate: $700 to $1,000 | 11 |
$850
Reserve met |
$1,400 | $935 |
|
| 63 | 1810 | O.107 | 4 | PCGS MS 62 | Ex Richard Pugh . Richard Pugh often held court at my Long Beach bourse table in the 1980s. He was only 46 when we lost him to brain cancer. His remarkable collection of high grade and rare bust halves went to auction at Superior Galleries in May 1992. This exquisite 1810 was lot 942 in that sale. I prevailed on behalf James Allen, a noted Pennsylvania collector of the day. Roger Solomon was also in the hunt but fell short. Beautiful iridescent toning tells us the coin was stored in a kraft envelope, perhaps also spending time in a Wayte Raymond holder. The streak in Liberty’s upper curls is a drift mark, hardly visible to the naked eye. Preview is a must! Estimate: $3,500 to $4,000 | 5 |
$3,303
Reserve met |
$8,000 | $3,633 |
|
| 64 | 1813 | O.105 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | A halo of deep blue and copper toning encases the stars. The softly impressed reverse undoubtedly cost this pretty coin some grading points. A pretty 1813! Estimate: $550 to $750 | 6 |
$850
Reserve met |
$900 | $935 |
|
| 65 | 1813 | O.107a | R.1 | PCGS OGH MS 62 | Mark-free surfaces and not a hint of friction. With more vibrant luster a Choice Mint State designation would be in order. The old green PCGS label will attract knowledgeable bidders. From the Nov. 2021 Scotsman auction, lot 611 at $3,422. Estimate: $3,200 to $4,000 | 12 |
$3,700
Reserve met |
$6,800 | $4,070 |
|
| 66 | 1813 | O.108a | R.4 | PCGS MS 62 | Richly toned with the “look” of an original bust half-dollar. A prominent double profile, common on 1813s, adds character to this remnant of the early Mint. A die break joins stars 1-7. The coin never circulated. A touch of cabinet friction on the chin probably cost it a CAC sticker. All else, eye-appeal included, bespeaks a top-drawer MS 62. Estimate: $3,200 to $4,000 | 22 |
$4,500
Reserve met |
$6,850 | $4,950 |
|
| 67 | 1814/3 | O.101a | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | You like color? You will love this coin. A rainbow of iridescent hues blankets the pretentious obverse. The more modest reverse cheerfully offers a beguiling halo of color through the legend. A generally soft impression comes with the late die state and is of secondary importance. Estimate: $1,500 to $1,800 | 26 |
$4,701
Reserve met |
$6,200 | $5,171 |
|
| 68 | 1814 Single Leaf | O.105a | R.4 | PCGS XF 45 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Handsome original toning. Luster outlines most of the stars. The surfaces are uncommonly smooth for a circulated bust half-dollar. Stewards of the coin over the past 200+ years made sure it would remain unscathed. A good percentage of 1814 Single Leaves come with problems. Not this one. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,000 | 2 |
$1,350
Reserve met |
$1,675 | $1,485 |
|
| 69 | 1814 | O.106a | R.4 | PCGS MS 63 | Ex Dr. Charles Link. Second finest known of this noted rarity. An MS 64 with CAC approval appeared last summer in the Beaver Falls Collection. Dr. Charles Link did not allow it to escape. He rewarded us with this remarkable “dupe.” The obverse strike, of course, reflects striking weakness brought on by the monstrous reverse die break. This invariably confuses the grading services. Intense luster glows under the antique toning. I have handled a pair of PCGS graded MS 62s, the Meyer coin in 2008 and the Davignon example in 2015. Both sold for just short of $7,000, testaments to the rarity of this issue. Here is a showpiece coin for the advanced collector. Estimate: $9,000 and up | 5 |
$8,851
Reserve met |
$12,000 | $9,736 |
|
| 70 | 1814 | O.107a | R.5 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | The coveted die state with a “mouse” (die chip) on Liberty’s nose. Light to medium grey toning with just enough luster to support the AU designation. The consignor found the coin, unheralded and unattributed, in the Internet session of a 2018 Heritage auction. This variety, in an earlier die state, is best known for producing the Judd 44 platinum half-dollars. Estimate: $1,200 to $1,500 | 4 |
$1,550
Reserve met |
$5,200 | $1,705 |
|
| 71 | 1814 E/A | O.108a | R.1 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | A Red Book staple with too much luster for the assigned grade. The bodacious obverse glows with sunset colors; the reverse is similar, a touch more modest because of (the usual) weakness at the eagle’s head and left wing. XF and AU examples of the “R.1” E over A are devilishly hard to find. I see but one or two a year. An old friend from MB 41, August 2015, lot 30 – reappearing in Heritage’s Feb. 2020 Long Beach Sale, lot 7319 as O.108, bringing $1,200. Estimate: $1,100 to $1,400 | 10 |
$1,870
Reserve met |
$2,800 | $2,057 |
|
| 72 | 1815/2 | O.101 | R.1 | NGC XF 40 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. “The Queen,” as my late colleague Stu Keen used to say of this date. Deeply toned with just enough meat to support the grade. Luster fights its way through the patina in a few areas. Modest striking weaknesses plague the issue. On this example the tip of Liberty’s bust and top of the left wing are forgivably shallow. Is it time to fill that gaping hole in your date set? From Heritage’s June 2018 Long Beach Sale, lot 3952 at $5,280. Estimate: $4,500 to $5,500 | 1 |
$4,200
Reserve met |
$6,100 | $4,620 |
|
| 73 | 1817/3 | O.101a | R.1 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | A scrumptious 1817/3, to be welcomed in a high-grade Red Book or die variety set. The toning and surfaces are first rate. The strike is about as good as it gets for this overdate. I just peeked at Herman’s latest AMBPR. He lists nearly 60(!) 1817/3s sold privately or at auction over the last few years. Exactly 3 carried CAC stickers! (Two AU 55s and an MS 64 that sold for $64,000 in 2014.) A highlight of this sale. Estimate: $3,000 and up | 7 |
$3,151
Reserve met |
$3,151 | $3,466 |
|
| 74 | 1817 | O.104 | R.6+ | PCGS Genuine Gd. Details | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Ex Chris Merrill. A fabled rarity, with somewhere around 20 examples known in all grades. The obverse die never reached adolescence. It bowed, bulged, cracked and died. John Cobb discovered the die pair around 1966, coining the moniker, “Moonbreak 1817.” (Most have a circular die break crossing Liberty’s cap.) Cobb proclaimed the 104 to be the greatest find of his career. Sam Nolt, BHNC member No.4, located a 2nd example in the early 1970s. He sold his coin to Dr. Gerald Schertz in 1984. Don Gunnet, another BHNC pioneer, came up with a 3rd example. He traded it to Charlton Meyer in 1977. The coin offered here is the Chris Merrill specimen. When an unfortunate family circumstance dictated the sale of his notable collection, Chris delivered his coins to Heritage. Inexplicably, the 1817 O.104 was relegated to the Internet portion of its Feb. 2018 Long Beach Sale, lot 8028. There was no description or recognition of the importance of the coin. It sold quietly for $4,560. The coin is not as bad as it might seem. Liberty’s countenance is obscured by the faulty die and ensuing tour in circulation, not by damage. The coin is evenly toned, light to medium grey. With proper light hairlines are seen, supporting the PCGS qualification, “cleaned.” The opportunity to acquire an 1817 O.104 for less than 5-figures is not to be ignored. Estimate: $4,500 and up | 0 |
$0
|
$0 | Not Sold |
|
| 75 | 1817 Single Leaf | O.106a | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Colors galore on this CAC approved Red Book variety. The luster, strike and eye appeal far exceed our expectations of an AU 50. Look carefully at the detail in Liberty’s curls and in the eagle’s wings. Remarkable! The 1817 is the more common of the recognized trio of single leaves, 1812, 1814 and 1817. But in this condition? Estimate: $1,500 to $2,500 | 10 |
$2,727
Reserve met |
$4,300 | $3,000 |
|
| 76 | 1817 | O.111 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Another glorious 1817, richly toned in colors of a tropical sunset. Vibrant luster is unbroken save for the highest points. Sweet surfaces and a balanced strike complete the picture. Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000 | 12 |
$3,850
Reserve met |
$4,000 | $4,235 |
|
| 77 | 1818 | O.109 | R.2 | PCGS OGH AU 50 | Iridescent album toning encases the stars and legend. This is an unusually handsome “AU 50,” housed (not surprisingly) in an old green label PCGS holder. The surfaces are immaculate. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 14 |
$2,281
Reserve met |
$2,281 | $2,509 |
|
| 78 | 1818 | O.111 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Glittering luster and raucous toning earned this 1818 a CAC sticker. The obverse favors crimson hues. Thereverse prefers emerald and gold. A delightful pairing. Estimate: $1,200 to $1,600 | 17 |
$2,450
Reserve met |
$3,400 | $2,695 |
|
| 79 | 1818 | O.115a | R.4 | PCGS VF 35 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. The hallmark obverse die break abruptly stops at Liberty’s ear. The coin is essentially perfect for grade. Natural grey toning surrounds the devices, lighter on the reverse. This very scarce die pair is everyone’s favorite 1818. (Put down your hand if you prefer the overdates or the pincher 8s.) Estimate: $1,200 to $1,700 | 4 |
$2,050
Reserve met |
$3,100 | $2,255 |
|
| 80 | 1818 | O.115a | R.4 | PCGS F.15 CAC | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. A second offering. The bisecting obverse crack (often mistaken for damage) reaches star 7. Naturally toned with smooth surfaces that belie the modest grade. You will even find luster poking through crevices in the stars and legend. This must be the first opportunity I’ve had to present two 1818-115s in the same auction. Estimate: $400 to $700 | 8 |
$1,000
Reserve met |
$1,000 | $1,100 |
|
| 81 | 1820 Lg. Date, Sq. 2 with Knob | O.104 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. It was a surprise to see the BHNC demote the O.104 from R.4+ to R.3. I’ve had my eye on the variety ever since Don Gunnet alerted me to its true rarity in the late 1980s. (In 1987 Gunnet and Ivan Leaman presented and published the well-known Emission Order monograph for the Capped Bust series.) High grade examples are quite rare. An NGC MS 62, for example, sold for $10,620 at the Nov. 2021 Scotsman auction. Dale Friend’s PCGS MS 64 brought $16,800 at the Jan. 2019 FUN Show. The XF 45 in my May 2019 FPL drew multiple inquiries when priced at $1,575. The coin offered here was last seen in my bourse case at the Jan. 2009 FUN Show. It features auburn toning with highlights of gold and a generous helping of luster. Estimate: $1,400 to $1,800 | 8 |
$1,600
Reserve met |
$1,705 | $1,760 |
|
| 82 | 1821 | O.104a | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Gehring Prouty and Keith Davignon. Ex Stack’s June 1977 Connecticut Art Museum Sale, lot 281 as Mint State. A last-minute consignment from Keith Davignon. The coin is breathtaking, featuring a glossy crust of “museum” toning, with halos of golden iridescence. Maybe a little cabinet friction under the toning. Maybe not. Prouty and Davignon found the coin irresistible. You will too. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,500 | 4 |
$2,781
Reserve met |
$7,100 | $3,059 |
|
| 83 | 1822 | O.103a | R.4 | PCGS VF 30 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. A die break crosses star 6 to the bridge of Liberty’s nose. Keep that cherry picker’s key in mind - and please ignore the recent demotion from R.5- if you hope to place this handsome coin in your die variety set of 1822s. Original light to medium brown toning coats the fields. The surfaces are wonderful. Estimate: $350 to $500 | 14 |
$625
Reserve met |
$700 | $688 |
|
| 84 | 1822 | O.104 | R.2 | PCGS XF 45 | Ex Olin “Ole” Carter. You will be hard pressed to find a prettier XF 45. Album toning explains the colorful halo of iridescent colors. Hues of pale gold cloak the centers. Luster glows throughout. Circulation ticks, none of any consequence, confirm a short-term tour in commerce. Ole Carter assisted me at coin shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s. We lost him to a heart attack in 2005. He was a noted cherry picker, capped by his discoveries of the rare 1823 O.113 and 1825 O.118. At the request of his widow, I sold most of his coins a few years later. This `22-104 sold privately in 2008. Estimate: $300 to $400 | 27 |
$1,350
Reserve met |
$1,350 | $1,485 |
|
| 85 | 1822 | O.114 | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Luster glitters like that of a freshly minted coin lying in a mountain stream. Electric gold, turquoise and rose surround the stars and legend. In short, WOW! Stretch if you want this prize from the Davignon Collection. Estimate: $2,200 to $3,000 | 6 |
$2,401
Reserve met |
$4,800 | $2,641 |
|
| 86 | 1823 Ugly 3 | O.110a | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Broken, patched and ugly – three Red Book varieties of 1823. The first and last are especially difficult to find in high grade. Check your AMBPR for confirmation. (Email me if yours is out of date.) Here is an untoned, lustrous and flashy example of the Ugly 3. A thin band of gold runs through the dentils, nicely framing the brilliant centers. The Link provenance is noted on the PCGS label. From MB 43, lot 38, Aug. 2016 at $3,740. Estimate: $3,000 to $3,500 | 2 |
$2,900
Reserve met |
$3,350 | $3,190 |
|
| 87 | 1825 | O.107 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 | Another “choice XF” with good luster, fantastic color and the look of an AU coin. Classic album toning sets the coin apart from humdrum “45s.” Smooth surfaces offer stray hairlines but very few circulation ticks. Estimate: $300 to $400 | 21 |
$770
Reserve met |
$770 | $847 |
|
| 88 | 1826 | O.103 | R.5- | PCGS XF 45 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Here is the key to completing a set of 1826s. Luster dances under the original auburn toning. The obverse, in its 2nd use, is decently struck. The reverse is soft at the rims and left wing. Typical. Such shortcomings in strike relegate most 103s to the rear of the eye-appeal line. Not this one! You won’t go wrong stretching for this pretty coin. Jerry Zonca acquired it in a private transaction with Tim Osborne back in January 2011. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 12 |
$1,150
Reserve met |
$1,250 | $1,265 |
|
| 89 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.121 | R.4 | PCGS AU 58 | The immaculate surfaces are blessed with lustrous pearl-grey toning. A toning spot over the eagle is the sole blemish. Recall that this obverse, with S1 far from the drapery, is one to remember. It is the harbinger of scarce and rare varieties: O.121, 122 and 123. Last offered, unattributed and without comment, in Heritage’s Dec. 2021 sale of the Founding Father’s Collection, lot 91358, bringing only $660. Remarkable! Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 13 |
$1,850
Reserve met |
$2,800 | $2,035 |
|
| 90 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.129 | 4- | PCGS AU 58 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. An untoned blazer. The obverse is essentially free of abrasions or contact marks, just a trace of friction on the cheek. The reverse displays a few clash marks and a threadlike hairline under UNUM. A quality example of this moderately scarce 1827. Estimate: $700 to $900 | 1 |
$650
Reserve met |
$705 | $715 |
|
| 91 | 1827 Sq. Bse 2 | O.130 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Golden iridescence is especially prominent through the stars and legend. The “look” of the coin immediately signals original surfaces and toning. If you missed Tim Osborne’s CAC approved AU 55 in MB 53 (lot 37 at $1,733) here is a second chance for a top quality `27-130. Estimate: $1,300 to $1,700 | 9 |
$2,200
Reserve met |
$4,100 | $2,420 |
|
| 92 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.144 | R.5 | PCGS VF 35 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. A second chance at this rarity. (See lot 38 above.) Dave Finkelstein passed this one to Jerry Zonca at the April 2010 Michigan State Show. The slightly mottled charcoal and grey toning is original. The obverse is sharper than the reverse, a pleasing reversal of the usual circumstance. Smooth surfaces, save for a staple scratch at the rear of Liberty’s cap, are a plus. In all, a match for the “Founding Father’s” PCGS VF 35 sold a year ago at $960 Estimate: $750 to $900 | 2 |
$875
Reserve met |
$5,100 | $963 |
|
| 93 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.148 | R.6 | PCGS VG 10 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Ex Dr. Glenn Peterson. How many of you remember when this rarity was called the 1827 DT-1? Dan Thornhill discovered the variety, a cleaned XF, in 1971, after Overton published his 2nd Edition. Floyd Farley, BHNC #2, promptly pried it loose in a trade with Thornhill. In June 1987 Farley offered the coin to BHNC members via private auction. Charlton Meyer, of course, prevailed. Over the past 50+ years other examples have been uncovered, dropping the rarity rating from R.7 to R.6. An odd fact is that a majority of the known examples are struck over spoiled planchets, including brockages, off-center strikes and flip-over double strikes. The coin offered here was the 7th piece identified. Dr. Glenn Peterson found it in at local coin show in the late 1990s, unattributed; he did not flinch at the asking price of $39. In March 2018, after acquiring an XF, Peterson sold this coin to our consignor. It is a wholesome VG. A rim bruise under “50” on the reverse is the only blemish worth mentioning. The natural toning and generally smooth surfaces are quite pleasing. Peterson’s decision to sell came on the heels of Heritage’s sale of Chris Merrill’s PCGS F.12, lot 3883 in the Feb. 2018 Long Beach Sale. The Peterson coin, though graded 2 points shy of Merrill’s, is a far superior specimen. A visit to the Heritage web site will confirm this observation. (Merrill’s coin brought $14,400.) Estimate: $10,000 and up | 7 |
$10,600
Reserve met |
$10,920 | $11,660 |
|
| 94 | 1828 Sm. Letters Reverse | O.119 | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Ex Norweb, James Pryor and Tom Palmer. A jaw-dropping, original coin: the sort reserved for “old-time” collections. Bowers & Merena did not pinpoint the source of acquisition when it offered the Norweb Collection in Nov. 1988. We were told, however, that Emery May Norweb, nee Holden, was the daughter of Albert Fairchild Holden and that Mr. Holden was a prominent numismatist of the late 19th century and early 20th century. He was a regular at sales conducted by Henry Chapman, Thomas Elder and others. “Probably half or more of the coins in the Norweb Collection trace their pedigree to Albert Fairchild Holden and have remained off the market for the best part of a century.” The depth and quality of the Norweb Collection was remarkable. A Who’s Who of collectors and dealers filled the room at the St. Moritz Hotel on Central Park South in New York City. Jim Pryor was front and center when this coin (lot 3093) crossed the block, beating back my feeble effort and any others with ownership aspirations. (No sympathy needed. I later won the 1833 O.116 crushed lettered edge proof.) Three years later Jim succumbed to brain cancer. A tragedy. He was only 54. The Pryor family selected Bowers & Merena to sell his collection in January 1996. I attended the sale at the Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles. The Norweb `28-119 Small Letters was lot 74 in the sale. Tom Palmer was assembling his extraordinary Red Book set of bust halves and needed the coin. With George Hamilton and Gehring Prouty in the fray it was not an easy victory. But Tom prevailed. Tom retired a few years later and sold his set outright to me. This coin was placed, privately, in another important collection and makes its first appearance in my auctions. Estimate: $4,500 and up | 2 |
$4,200
Reserve met |
$6,400 | $4,620 |
|
| 95 | 1828 Sm. Letters Reverse | O.119 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Yes! Another one – also off the market for decades. This high-grade Small Letters Reverse last traded hands February 26, 1977. It comes to us from the Beaver Falls Collection. (Look for more half-dollars from the collection in my FUN bourse case. Half-dimes and dimes too!) The coin is superbly toned in iridescent shades of gold, with occasional splashes of aqua and turquoise. Strong luster and a decent, balanced strike contributed to the award of a CAC sticker. Choice, eye-appealing examples of this Red Book variety routinely put price guides to shame. You’ve been warned. Estimate: $2,000 and up | 11 |
$2,416
Reserve met |
$2,416 | $2,658 |
|
| 96 | 1829 | O.106 | R.5- | PCGS AU 58 | A showpiece coin with dazzling strike and luster! The reverse flaunts prooflike surfaces. PCGS adopted the low end of possible grades. The coin never circulated. With a loupe and some imagination, you might detect cabinet friction on the cheek. The reverse will reject such efforts. I’ve said that high-grade R.5s are caviar to advanced collectors. Here is a delightful ½ oz. helping. Estimate: $4,500 and up | 3 |
$5,200
Reserve met |
$7,500 | $5,720 |
|
| 97 | 1831 Double Edge Lettering | O.103 | R.1 | AU | Ex Stewart P. Witham and Russell Logan. Lot 2638 in B&M’s Nov. 2002 Sale of the Logan-Steinberg Collections, as AU 55. Russ Logan particularly enjoyed bust half errors, including those of “the 3rd side.” A longstanding friendship with Stew Witham led to Logan acquiring Witham’s extraordinary collection of errors en masse in 1992. This coin was in that immortal group. The planchet made two trips through the Castaing machine with the same vertical alignment. Each letter is boldly impressed – twice! You will never encounter a more vivid presentation of double edge lettering. The coin is sharply stuck, untoned and a solid AU. Russ would consider it a sin to encapsulate the coin. The auction tag and Logan’s personal insert, with notes, accompany the lot. Estimate: $700 and up | 7 |
$925
Reserve met |
$928 | $1,018 |
|
| 98 | 1830 Small 0 | O.116 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Keith Davignon Scandalous color and luster will attract a legion of bidders. This was lot 2250 in B&M’s Nov. 2007 sale of Don Willis’ memorable “Premier Collection.” With a modest R.2 rarity rating, the `30-116 has nonetheless proved elusive in high grade. Tim Osborne’s PCGS AU 58 CAC, for example, recently sold for $3,801 in MB 52, lot 43. The Davignon specimen, offered here, is a match for Tim’s coin; it arrived too late for a visit to CAC. My guess is that a green bean lies in its future. Do NOT be shy with your bid on this beauty. Estimate: $2,500 and up | 4 |
$2,650
Reserve met |
$6,800 | $2,915 |
|
| 99 | 1831 | O.120 | R.6 | PCGS VF 20 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. Don Gunnet discovered the variety in 1970, too late for Al Overton to include in his 2nd Edition. When I entered the bust-half domain a dozen years later, the “1831-DG-1” population stood at 10. It’s taken another 40 years to reach 20 or so. Heritage did not disclose its provenance when it offered this coin at the April 2018 Central States Show (lot 3445). Jerry Zonca prevailed at $9,600. The bulge in the left obverse field helps explain the early removal of the die from service and its current-day rarity. It also allows for quick attribution. The ancient, charcoal-grey patina gives way to lighter areas on the devices. Circulation and handling marks are insignificant and shrouded by the toning. A rare opportunity to acquire a very rare die marriage! Estimate: $7,500 and up | 1 |
$6,800
Reserve met |
$9,100 | $7,480 |
|
| 100 | 1833 | O.115 | R.5 | PCGS XF 40 | From the collection of Jerome Zonca. I count 4 “Supplement Coins” in this sale, probably a first in my string of 55 Mail Bid Sales. Your youth is showing if you ask, “What is a Supplement Coin.” Before 1990, when Don Parsley updated his father-in-law’s standard reference, the Bust Half Nut Club issued periodic “Supplements,” disclosing and describing die marriages that were discovered after Overton’s 1970 2nd Edition was published. (Al died in 1972.) The previously listed 1806 O.126, 1827 O.148 and 1831 O.120 are joined by this 1833 O.115. Don Frederick discovered the die pair in 1972. Over time the rarity rating dropped from R.8 to R.5, indicating that more than 30 pieces are now known. All but a handful are in grades below XF, most with problems. I’d not seen this coin before it was consigned. The glossy, smooth surfaces, even toning and decent strike (for the issue) are a joy to behold. David Kahn found the coin and offerred it to Jerry Zonca at the Jan. 2018 FUN Show. You won’t go wrong stretching for this impressive and noteworthy Supplement Coin. Estimate: $3,500 and up | 2 |
$2,800
Reserve met |
$7,500 | $3,080 |
|
| 101 | 1836/1336 | O.108a | R.1 | PCGS OGH MS 60 | A green label UNC with plenty of flash. Mostly brilliant; just a hint of golden iridescence. Full cartwheel luster. A few wispy hairlines explain the assigned grade. There are no other distractions. Superior eye-appeal and well struck. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,300 | 6 |
$1,350
Reserve met |
$1,500 | $1,485 |
|
Sheridan Downey, Numismatist
4400 Keller Ave.,
Suite 140, PMB 398
Oakland, California 94605
sdowney3@aol.com
(510) 479-1585
©2023 Sheridan Downey
