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| Lot # | Date | Variety | Rarity | Grade | Description | # of Bids * | Hammer Price | Maximum Bid | Total Price | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1801 | O.101, T-2 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 | A wonderful coin with a magnificent provenance. Jim Pryor found it in Stack’s session of Auction `80, July 1980, where lot 1282 was plated and described as “very choice XF…with excellent surfaces [and] superb russet toning with pale iridescence on its periphery…vastly underrated in this condition.” The Pryor provenance is noted on the PCGS label. Dale Friend was front and center at the January 1996 Bowers & Merena sale of Pryor’s unparalleled collection of half-dollars. This coin was lot 4 in the sale. My notes echoed Mark Borckardt’s description, “Slightly prooflike [with] pale blue and golden rose luster.” Gehring Prouty had his eye on the coin and commissioned me to bid for him. Alas, Dale Friend prevailed at a then sturdy $3,520. When Dale located a PCGS AU 53 specimen of the date he parted with the Pryor coin allowing Buddy Byers to add it to his cabinet, alongside such rarities as the Eliasberg 1817/4 and the F.C.C. Boyd proof 1838-O half-dollars. In October 2006 Stack’s offered Byer’s assemblage of rare and high grade bust halves. This was lot 1003: “An exemplary coin for the grade, with traces of prooflike reflectivity which survived brief circulation.” It brought $8,500. During the August 2011 ANA Convention Steve Nomura spotted the coin in the bourse case of Joe O’Connor. Negotiations were brief and fruitful. Estimate: $8,000 to $10,000 | 4 | $6,400 | $6,500 | $7,040 |
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| 2 | 1802 | O.101, T-1 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 CAC | A charming companion to the preceding 1801. Antique auburn toning heralds a coin with original surfaces. The 1801 and 1802 are of comparable rarity. Most seen have been “played with.” Here is a nice exception. Even wear, with flickers of luster in protected areas, and a balanced strike mark this coin for a high-grade set. A comparable CAC-approved PCGS XF 45 sold last December in Legend’s Las Vegas auction, lot 108. It brought $13,513. PCGS, CAC and Greysheet price guides suggest $11,000+. From Heritage’s 2017 FUN Show sale, lot 4157 at $8,225. Estimate: $9,000 to $11,500. | 6 | $11,200 | $11,700 | $12,320 |
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| 3 | 1803 Large 3 | O.101, T.1 | R.3 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | A well struck, especially handsome 1803. Soft luster illuminates the stars and pale grey obverse fields. The surfaces are absolutely first rate. Here is a coin without faults, worth a hefty premium over the typical “XF” 1803. Estimate: $3,200 to $4,000 | 2 | $2,600 | $3,600 | $2,860 |
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| 4 | 1803 Small 3 | O.104, T-4 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 CAC | Subdued luster underlies pale grey toning, darker at the rims. Evenly impressed, with surfaces free of distractions. Four die pairs were employed to strike half-dollars in 1803. Only the O.104 features a small 3, accounting for its relative scarcity. CAC agreed that this well struck, choice XF is a cut above those usually seen. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,000 | 5 | $3,603 | $3,603 | $3,963 |
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| 5 | 1805/4 | O.101, T-4 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | Enticing auburn and gold toning encase this softly lustrous overdate. A splash of iridescent turquoise highlights the obverse. The Nomura 1805s, lacking only the O.114, display remarkable eye-appeal. This one fits the mold. The eagle’s head is a tad soft. Other devices are bold. Any AU 1805 deserves attention. An AU 1805/4 is a cause for celebration. Estimate: $9,000 to $11,000 | 5 | $7,350 | $10,500 | $8,085 |
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| 6 | 1805/4 | O.102, T-5 | R.3 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | A magnificent, original coin. Antique grey toning radiates luster, befitting a 45 or 50 designation. The surfaces are immaculate. Truly a “wow” coin for the grade; one of my favorites in the Nomura collection. From a Dec. 2015 Heritage sale where lot 4362 was hotly and justifiably contested, bringing $6,169. It would be no surprise to one day see the coin in an AU capsule. Estimate: $5,000 to $6,000 | 2 | $6,250 | $7,000 | $6,875 |
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| 7 | 1805/4 | O.103a, T-11 | R.5+ | PCGS XF 40 CAC | The glamour die marriage of 1805, featuring heavy obverse die breaks and a triangular retained cud at stars 1-2. This was lot 138 in my April 8, 1998, Mail Bid Sale No. 21, described as follows: “… recently uncovered in Central Pennsylvania …. Here is an original, problem-free example of the charismatic ‘wide date five over four.’ The antique grey toning is lightly iridescent, with hints of russet…. The surfaces have no marks worth mention. The strike is well balanced, especially for the issue…. [In all], a simply wonderful coin, ready to decorate a first-rate collection.” Chuck De Olden prevailed at $4,000. When Heritage sold Chuck’s collection in January 2008, I was the happy buyer of lot 2855 at $11,500. I later passed the coin to a collector via private treaty. It last appeared in Stack’s April 2016 Central States Sale where Steve Nomura corralled it for $10,575 and sent it off to CAC for approval. PCGS’s price guide suggests a current value of $15,000. Estimate: $10,000 to $15,000 | 2 | $8,500 | $9,000 | $9,350 |
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| 8 | 1805 | O.108, T-9 | R.4+ | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Soft luster throughout. Silver centers, darker at the rims, suggesting album storage. Retired from circulation early in life. The surfaces are virtually free of marks. Do not be lulled by the number of XF and AU 1805 halves in the Nomura collection. The date is far, far tougher to locate in high grade than those of 1806 and 1807. PCGS puts the value of a common variety 1805 in AU 50 at $5,500, only $3,250 for those dated 1806 and 1807. Estimate: $4,000 to $4,500 | 5 | $3,600 | $4,300 | $3,960 |
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| 9 | 1805 | O.110, T-6 | R.5 | PCGS VF 35 CAC | The allure of iridescent album toning will excite bidders. Turquoise, russet and gold dominate. Late die state with reverse die cracks mentioned in Tompkins’ Early U.S. Half-Dollars. Luster sparkles in recesses of the devices. This is a rare die pair. No example better than XF is known. I last saw the coin in 1995 when I offered the nearly complete die variety set of Robinson S. “Robbie” Brown. The coin was in an NGC VF 35 capsule with the “Brown” provenance noted on the label. Nomura acquired the coin in 2018 and crossed it to PCGS. Brown, of course, is best known for having twice assembled a complete set of Large Cents by Sheldon varieties. He was CEO of Brown-Forman Corp. A tip of the hat and sip of Jack Daniels go to the winning bidder. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,000 | 20 | $3,851 | $9,000 | $4,236 |
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| 10 | 1805 | O.111, T-3 | R.2 | PCGS XF 45+ CAC | A bow of gratitude to the stewards of this half-dollar over the past 217 years. The surfaces are extraordinary for a lightly circulated half-dollar, virtually pristine. A protective blanket of antique toning remains undisturbed. Luster proudly frames the stars and legend. A battle royale ensued when Heritage offered this prize in its October 2020 auction (lot 18165 from the Maurice Storck Collection). When the dust settled Steve Nomura prevailed at $3,960, stark confirmation of the demand for quality in early half-dollars. Estimate: $3,000 to $4,000 | 15 | $4,400 | $4,400 | $4,840 |
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| 11 | 1806/5 | O.103, T-8 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Silver-grey toning, reminiscent of Floyd Farley’s “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, lot 3375. PCGS now pegs the value at $4,750 while the Greysheet suggests a range from $4,350 to $5,380. Estimate: $4,000 to $4,750 | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 12 | 1806 Knob 6, Small Stars | O.106, T-4 | R.4 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | A rainbow of vibrant, iridescent toning sets this coin apart from the ordinary. Softness at the lowest drapery lines (and clouds opposite) is routine for the issue. The little dimple near star 13 is unobtrusive and was there from the beginning, either a strike-through or an indentation in the planchet. A very pretty coin! Last offered at Heritage’s August 2014 ANA Sale, lot 4395 at $1,763 – without a CAC sticker. Estimate: $1,700 to $2,200 | 12 | $1,800 | $2,001 | $1,980 |
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| 13 | 1806 Pt. 6, Large Stars | O.110, T-10 | R.6 | PCGS F.15 | This was lot 94 in my August 2013 MB 37. Then raw, I graded it VF 25/30. Well, shame on me. Or maybe PCGS (note the detail in Liberty’s lower curls and the eagle’s wing feathers). I will stick by my description: This was Al Overton’s set piece though not plated in any of the 4 [now 5] editions. Paul Munson loaned Overton his high grade (but cleaned) example for the 1st and 2nd editions. Richard Pugh provided the choice XF coin seen in the 3rd and 4th [and 5th] editions. The rarity rating of this charismatic 1806 has not budged in the 30 years [make that 40 years] I’ve enjoyed studying early half-dollars. I doubt that more than 20 pieces are known. The die pair is readily identified. First by the exceptionally large, flat stars crowding one another and nearly reaching the rim. [The sole 1806 Pointed 6 with Large Stars.] Second, in most instances, the “elephant trunk” die break from Liberty’s nose to the rim between stars 10 and 11 is a dead giveaway. Very early die states lack the die break. Only 2 or 3 are known. The obverse die experienced a short and troubled life. It was unable to provide Miss Liberty with a decent strike; her ribbon, top hair curls and drapery lines are traditionally weak. I grade the reverse 5 points higher simply because it displays more detail. Don Parsley liked the coin enough to call it XF 45. The coin has attractive toning from storage in a kraft envelope. Hairlines may be seen under the toning but are of little consequence. This is a rare and important coin. The Overton provenance is noted on the PCGS holder. The coin brought only $5,082 in 2014. Nomura acquired it via private treaty 2 years later. As I said … a VERY important bust half-dollar. Estimate: $5,000 and up |
1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,400 |
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| 14 | 1806 Over Inverted 6 | O.112, T-12 | R.4 | PCGS XF 40 CAC | This charming example of a popular Red Book variety was unknown to collectors until Heritage auctioned The Property of a Lady in its February 2018 auction (lot 4552 @ $6,600). The iridescent gold and turquoise toning is both original and a feast for the eyes. The late die state, with impressive vertical and horizontal die breaks, contributes to the charisma of the issue. Tompkins notes that no uncirculated examples from this die pair are known. The advanced collector will do well to place this one in his or her cabinet. Discard standard price guides when a coin of this caliber surfaces. Estimate: $5,000 to $7,000 | 14 | $7,155 | $7,555 | $7,871 |
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| 15 | 1806 Pt. 6, Stem | O.115a, T-17 | R.1 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | If your date or type set requires an AU draped bust, large eagle half-dollar your ship has arrived. Luster, toning, strike and surfaces are all first rate. This AU 53 will eclipse most AU 58s in quality and eye appeal. When it debuted as lot 4046 in Stack’s/Bowers August 2014 ANA Sale it took $7,637.50 to bring it home. There will be Ohs and Ahs when the coin is brought out for preview at the upcoming ANA. Estimate: $4,500 to $5,500 | 12 | $6,100 | $6,525 | $6,710 |
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| 16 | 1806 Pt. 6, Stem | O.122, T-25 | R.6 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | In April 2002 I offered a newly discovered `06-122, graded AU 55 by PCGS. (Mail Bid Sale No. 27, lot 158 @ $12,870.) There were then but 14 known examples. I stuck out my neck to proclaim, “This new discovery should forever head the [Condition Census].” Oops. Seventeen years later a wonder coin appeared in Heritage’s January 2019 FUN Show auction, graded MS 62 by NGC. It brought $10,200. I was the unhappy underbidder. Steve Nomura pilfered the coin when it showed up again in a Stack’s/Bowers sale of August 2020, lot 1198, this time in an MS 62+ NGC holder. It brought a pitiful $7,500. Blame it on the cancellation of the Pittsburgh ANA, when COVID kept everyone home. The S/B auction was Internet only, with limited opportunities for lot preview. Steve sent the coin off to PCGS for crossover. It came back AU 58 and was quickly sanctified with a green CAC sticker. Is it AU 58 or MS 62? An honest answer ... who cares? What’s a little cabinet friction among friends? The coin is lovely. I detect hints of prooflike surfaces under the ancient, tobacco-hued toning. The coin is head and shoulders above any other 1806 O.122. (Behind the aforementioned PCGS AU 55 lies a lowly XF 40.) Dare I repeat myself and suggest that it will forever head the Condition Census? Estimate: $10,000 and up | 1 | $8,500 | $8,500 | $9,350 |
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| 17 | 1807 | O.105, T-4 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Scintillating luster was the watchword when I offered this coin in Mail Bid Sale No. 48 at the January 2019 FUN Show. It brought $6,325, a testament to the quality and eye appeal of the coin. (PCGS now suggests $7,250 for this quality.) Here is how I described the coin: Bold luster oozes from this remarkable survivor of the early Mint. A pale ring of russet toning encases the stars and legend. The strike will be a major selling point. Few draped bust half-dollars display the detail found on this coin. Note, esp., Liberty’s lower curls and drapery lines. The eagle’s wing and breast feathers are equally sharp. A trace of friction crosses the bust. I doubt that the coin ever saw circulation. In all, a magnificent specimen that should draw serious bids from those working on a high-grade date or type set. Estimate: $5,500 to $6,500 |
0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 18 | 1807 | O.115, T-10 | R.7+ | PCGS VF 20 | A consummate rarity with a great story behind it. It is the nicer of 4 known specimens. The hitherto unknown die variety came to light in June 2004. It sports a new obverse married to a known reverse (found on the 1807 O.103 and 104). To my knowledge, the sharp-eyed collector who found it still owns the discovery piece. A month later Dr. Glenn Peterson, author of The Ultimate Guide to Attributing Bust Half Dollars, decided to check the attribution of his 1807 O.104. Good news, bad news. He’d blown the attribution. It was not an O.104. But it was the 2nd known example of the O.115! Glenn brought his coin to the Pittsburgh ANA in hopes of cashing it in for enough to buy John Tidwell’s R.8 1827 O.149 that I was handling. Bingo! His 1807 O.115 sold privately to Charlton Meyer and he landed the 149 at $57,640. Three months later another 1807 O.115 appeared. This one was dug from the ground in upstate New York, near the Mohawk Valley. It was damaged. Still, it was a “quick sell.” I helped the owner place that coin in the Overton Collection. The Peterson/Meyer coin is lovely. Luster sparkles around the devices, especially the reverse legend. The generally soft strike induced a conservative grade from PCGS. Many will agree with Meyer’s grade of VF 30. The Meyer coin failed to sell in July 2008 when I offered it in a sale of “Selected Rarities” from his collection. I later arranged a private sale to the consignor of the coin at Heritage’s January 2010 FUN Show Sale. The coin brought $24,150. Chris Merrill was the winning bidder. Merrill consigned his advanced die variety collection to Heritage in 2017. His `07-115, the coin offered here, appeared in Heritage’s February 2018 Long Beach Sale, lot 3872. Steve Nomura was thrilled to win the coin at $19,200, significantly less than he was prepared to pay. One other 1807 O.115 has appeared at auction. I offered a PCGS F.12 as part of Mail Bid Sale 34 in August 2009. Lot 159 brought $17,133. Estimate: $20,000 to $30,000 |
3 | $17,500 | $21,600 | $19,250 |
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| 19 | 1808 | O.108a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Soft luster throughout, stronger around the devices. The antique toning is assuredly original. A handsome 1808 for the discerning collector. Tim found it in a Bowers & Merena auction back in August 1999. Estimate: $1,700 to $2,000 | 1 | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,540 |
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| 20 | 1809 | O.102a | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Full luster beneath a gloss of golden toning. The coin may have been stored in a kraft envelope. Unusually well-struck for an 1809. Only the left wing displays a hint of weakness. Note, especially, Liberty’s curls, the eagle’s talons and 13 stars with center-points. Minimal signs of contact. Estimate: $1,600 to $2,000 | 4 | $1,535 | $1,535 | $1,689 |
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| 21 | 1809 III Edge | O.109a | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | Another 1809 with pale gold toning and strong luster for the grade. Pleasing surfaces and superior eye appeal earned this one a CAC sticker. The III edge feature is reasonably common, but deserves a modest premium. Acquired in a trade with Dr. Charles Link during the January 2012 FUN Show. Estimate: $1,250 to $1,500 | 4 | $1,250 | $1,357 | $1,375 |
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| 22 | 1811 Small 8 | O.108 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Extravagant cartwheel luster rolls across the brilliant, untoned surfaces. The central devices are generally well-struck. A flashy coin for a high-grade date or Red Book set. From a September 2008 Heritage auction, lot 2056. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,300 | 8 | $2,265 | $2,265 | $2,492 |
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| 23 | 1811 Small 8 | O.109 | R.3 | PCGS OGH AU 58 CAC | A connoisseur’s coin. Iridescent hues of copper, gold and turquoise encase the smooth surfaces. A heavy reverse die break contributes to the mystique of early half-dollars and hallmarks this die pair. Tim has enjoyed the coin since he found it at the Dallas Midwinter ANA Show in March 1991. Estimate: $2,250 to $3,000 | 15 | $4,200 | $7,100 | $4,620 |
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| 24 | 1813 | O.102 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Floyd Farley A scarce variety and necessary evil for die variety collectors. Ms. Liberty, the surrounding stars and dentils are always weak. The obverse die was first used on the 1813 50/UNI O.101 and shows its age. The reverse die is new and nicely detailed, grading 5 or more points higher than the obverse. Tim acquired the coin from Floyd Farley, BHNC #2, in December 1992. The somewhat irregular toning is a product of storage in a kraft envelope. In the 1960s, Floyd dipped his coins. After he met Tom Bay (another early BHNC member) and viewed his collection, Floyd adopted Tom’s practice of storing his bust halves in brown kraft envelopes. A wise choice. Estimate: $700 to $1,000 | 2 | $775 | $775 | $853 |
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| 25 | 1813 | O.107 | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Ex Gehring Prouty Blinding luster and smooth surfaces assure us that this coin never circulated. The obverse strike and detail are a marvel. Tim was Gehring Prouty’s closest friend in the BHNC. He chose this coin and 20 more when the Prouty Collection was dispersed at the 2000 summer ANA Convention in Philadelphia. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,000 | 4 | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,630 |
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| 26 | 1817 | O.103a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Ex Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. A conservative grade. Frosty luster is unbroken in the fields of this exciting coin. A whisper of friction crosses Liberty’s cheek. Charlton Meyer won the coin in a July 1976 New Netherlands Coin Company auction (lot 178), then run by Charles Wormser and John J. Ford, pillars of the numismatic world from the 1940s until 1988. The coin was understandably offered as “uncirculated.” After I sold the Meyer collection in 2008-2009, Tim found the coin in a January 2010 Heritage auction, lot 3438. The Meyer provenance is noted on the PCGS label. Estimate: $1,200 to $1,500 | 21 | $1,990 | $2,126 | $2,189 |
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| 27 | 1817 | O.104a | R.6+ | VF 30+ | Ex Charles Erb and Stephen Herrman Charles “Chuck” Erb was an early BHNC member and cherry-picker par excellence. Steve Herrman will have to tell us when and how he pried this coin loose from Chuck. Tim advises that he acquired the coin in January 2010, after Steve picked up an even nicer example. The coin was lightly wiped but is otherwise free of distractions. No one will quarrel with the choice VF sharpness designation. A thin obverse die break extends from star 5, across the cap, to star 10. John Cobb is generally thought to have discovered the variety in the late 1960s, conferring the moniker “Moonbreak” 1817. Sam Nolt located another example not long after Cobb announced his find. Sam is the sole surviving co-founder of the Bust Half Nut Club, holding membership #4. It would be no surprise to see this coin in a PCGS holder. The cleaning lines are distinct but unobtrusive. They do not impair the luster readily seen around the stars and legend. I won’t tout the rarity of this offering. If you collect by die variety, you know that the `17-104 stands alongside the 1827 O.137 and 1831 O.120 as a major obstacle in the road to 453 capped bust die marriages. Estimate: $9,000 to $12,000 | 11 | $17,100 | $17,600 | $18,810 |
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| 28 | 1818 | O.105 | R.4+ | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Another “55” with luster and surfaces befitting a “58” or “62” bust half. Brilliant and untoned save for a thin streak at the front of Liberty’s cap. (NOT a drift mark.) Despite his distaste for dipped coins, John Albanese (CAC Owner) had to award this enticing piece a green sticker. Tim acquired it at a January 1999 Stack’s sale. Estimate: $1,200 to $1,500 | 23 | $1,905 | $2,500 | $2,096 |
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| 29 | 1818 | O.115a | R.4 | PCGS AU 50 | Everybody’s favorite 1818! The heavy, bisecting obverse die break mimics damage and has led more than one collector astray. High grade pieces are rare. Herrman posts a Condition Census that includes but one mint state coin, with an AU 53 at #5. Here is a pretty AU. For once the obverse is the favored side, blessed with a halo of iridescent turquoise toning. Dave Kahn passed this important coin to Tim at the 2012 FUN show. Estimate: $4,000 and up | 11 | $6,150 | $6,560 | $6,765 |
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| 30 | 1819 | O.109 | R.3 | PCGS OGH AU 53 | Attractive silver-grey toning with luster dancing through the stars, date and legend. Housed in a PCGS generation 3.0 holder with green label, used between 1990 and 1993. Tim found it at the 1994 FUN Show. Estimate: $600 to $800 | 10 | $850 | $900 | $935 |
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| 31 | 1819 | O.112 | R.4 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Ex Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Another acquisition from the 1994 FUN Show, then in an NGC capsule noting its provenance: Robinson S. Brown, Jr. (see lot 9). The coin sports attractive antique grey toning with abundant underlying luster. Estimate: $550 to $800 | 17 | $1,000 | $1,107 | $1,100 |
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| 32 | 1821 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | A CAC sticker is the coin’s reward for flaunting virtually unbroken cartwheel luster, unusual for the assigned grade. A thin halo of (likely) album toning frames the well-struck centers. I was happy to place the coin in Tim’s collection during the 1999 FUN Show. Estimate: $600 to $900 | 11 | $841 | $900 | $925 |
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| 33 | 1825 | O.102 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Elton Dosier Elton was my principal mentor when I entered the world of bust halves. He and his Santa Cruz, CA sidekick, Henry Hilgard, astounded me with their knowledge of the series. Elton’s widow, Dorothy Dosier, allowed me to sell Elton’s coins, including an 1817/4, after “ED” passed away in the spring of 1997. This coin was in my case at the January 1998 FUN Show. Tim went home with it, undoubtedly drawn to the coin’s original surfaces and natural grey toning. Elton did not care for slabbed coins. He liked to play with his coins. Plastic got in the way. I’m nearly certain the coin was “raw” when Tim spotted it. Estimate: $450 to $550 | 4 | $858 | $1,101 | $944 |
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| 34 | 1825 | O.104 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Ex Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Schertz A simply stunning example of this very scarce die marriage. See that little raised dot in the field, left of the left wing? That’s your key to cherry picking the variety. Creamy luster, unbroken in the fields, runs deep under the attractive toning. The surfaces are immaculate. By today’s standards the coin is a solid AU 58. Tim acquired it in May 1994 when I was selling Jerry Schertz’ nearly compete die variety set of capped bust halves. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500 | 18 | $1,450 | $1,559 | $1,595 |
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| 35 | 1827 Sq. Base 1 | O.110 | R.4- | PCGS AU 53 | Silver-grey toning with unusual “flash” and luster for the assigned grade. A quality example of this moderately scarce die pair. Estimate: $500 to $600 | 6 | $500 | $586 | $550 |
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| 36 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.120a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Caky luster, a bold strike and nearly mark-free surfaces earned this one a CAC sticker. Steel-grey toning. Heavy die lines beneath the drapery make the obverse easy to spot. That is important because the die also appears on the ultra-rare 1827 O.149. When you see this obverse, never fail to turn the coin over. If the bases of AT in STATES are joined, buy the coin! In the meantime, enjoy this handsome O.120a. From Alpine Numismatics in August 2001. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 3 | $900 | $900 | $990 |
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| 37 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.138 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | A majestic coin, original through and through. The crust of antique grey toning is infused with iridescent gold, russet and copper. The R.4 rarity is well deserved and a nifty bonus. Unless you are chasing choice to gem uncirculated bust halves there will be no need to seek a finer example of this 1827-138. From Brian Greer, January 1999. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500 | 9 | $1,400 | $1,555 | $1,540 |
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| 38 | 1828 Curl 2 with Knob | O.107 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | A mere R.1, but under great pressure from Red Book collectors. Of 23 die pairs in the year only this and the rare 1828 O.106 feature a curl and knobbed 2. Not a suggestion of friction is found on this uncirculated coin. The luster and strike are first rate. It is remarkable that three 1827 O.107s in this grade appeared last year. The Scotsman, Stack’s/Bowers and I were the lucky purveyors. Prices ranged from $2,760 to over $3,500. From Alpine Numismatics in March 1996. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,000 | 8 | $2,650 | $2,851 | $2,915 |
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| 39 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8s, Lg. Let. | O.113 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Spot-on for the grade, with all the luster one expects of an AU coin. Light to medium silver-grey toning. From Heritage’s September 2008 auction, lot 2092, as NGC AU 58 at $748. Estimate: $550 to $700 | 11 | $632 | $633 | $695 |
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| 40 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8s, Lg. Let. | O.114 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Tim gave this one an “A+” for eye appeal after he purchased it from Alpine Numismatics in July 2001. The toning is electric! And, yes, original. Copper, turquoise, aqua and teal dominate the pallet. Be sure to preview the lot. You won’t bid enough unless you’ve seen it! Estimate: $600 to $900 | 16 | $1,310 | $1,310 | $1,441 |
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| 41 | 1829 | O.116 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | The beguiling crust of golden-grey toning glows with luster. Another original bust half, worth a significant premium as such. Early halves of this quality are a joy to behold. Estimate: $650 to $800 | 17 | $933 | $1,600 | $1,026 |
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| 42 | 1830 Sm. 0 | O.105 | R.4 | PCGS AU 50 | Last seen in Mail Bid Sale No. 34, August 2009, lot 157: A lustrous example of this tough R.4. Dipped a few decades back, now with light grey toning. If you’ve been looking to complete a set of AU 1830s, you know how difficult it is to find this die pair. Tim won the coin for $847. The `30-105 remains a tough die marriage. Note the paucity of listings in Herrman’s AMBPR. Estimate: $500 to $700 | 5 | $630 | $630 | $693 |
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| 43 | 1830 Sm. 0 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS OGH AU 55 | Another friend from Mail Bid Sale No. 34, this one with colorful toning, housed in an older (green label) PCGS capsule. The description of lot 92 was short and to the point: Album toning, light gold centers. Balanced strike. Another pretty one. From the collection of Paul Bakke. It brought $726. Estimate: $600 to $800 | 18 | $1,301 | $1,302 | $1,431 |
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| 44 | 1830 Sm. 0 | O.117 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Just a trace of friction on Liberty’s cheek and the top of the eagle’s left wing. Handsome and original antique toning. If you covet “grey dirt” coins, this one deserves attention. In the 192 years since it was hammered by, and ejected from the screw press, no one has tried to “improve” it. Most unusual. How refreshing! Estimate: $600 to $800 | 4 | $675 | $705 | $743 |
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| 45 | 1831 | O.106 | R.3 | PCGS OGH AU 58 | A truly spectacular 1831! Blinding, unbroken luster; graded AU out of fright. Where’s the rub? The strike is equally impressive. In all, a coin that will suit fastidious date or type collectors. One of Tim’s early acquisitions (note the green PCGS label), from Superior Galleries September 1988 Sale, lot 4379. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,300 | 12 | $1,350 | $1,600 | $1,485 |
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| 46 | 1831 | O.114 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Schertz Hints of golden toning from a kraft envelope. Full, frosty luster. This was lot 87 in my July 1994 sale of Jerry Schertz’ coins. I noted a hairline from star 3 to bust. I needed a loupe to find it in 2022! Dr. Schertz acquired the coin in 1984 from Tom Denley, a well-known currency dealer in Boston (also friend and fishing companion of the noted bust half collector Jim Brilliant). Estimate: $500 to $600 | 6 | $610 | $610 | $671 |
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| 47 | 1831 | O.118 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Schertz Probably dipped in the 1950s, now with a light crust of silver-grey toning. Even, unbroken luster throughout, though a bit subdued for the grade. Traces of friction on the high points. From the Schertz collection in May 1994. Estimate: $700 to $850 | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 48 | 1832 | O.112 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Eye-catching peripheral toning frames the silver-grey centers. This is the “dash date” variety, better known for its appearance on the R.7+ (6 known) 1832 O.123, a proof-only issue. The coin was earlier in the collections of John Tidwell, as NGC AU 58, and large cent specialist Dan Holmes. Tim acquired it from me in January 2021. The NGC label accompanies the lot. Estimate: $500 to $650 | 12 | $675 | $739 | $743 |
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| 49 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.115 | R.1 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Robbie Brown acquired this coin in my February 1992 Mail Bid Sale No.8. It appeared again in my August 1995 Mail Bid Sale No. 15 that featured Part 3 of the Brown Collection. Here is the brief description of lot 68, then in an NGC AU 58 capsule: Frosty cartwheel luster. Later die state, with shallow dentils and drawn stars. Motto weak at PLU. Tim prevailed at $380. There is too much luster for a “53.” Perhaps the PCGS graders did not understand or care for the soft rims that hallmark a late die state. Estimate: $400 to $550 | 6 | $480 | $518 | $528 |
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| 50 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.118 | R.1 | PCGS OGH AU 58 | Intense luster enlivens the vivid and colorful toning. I note iridescent shades of rose and cobalt among other rainbow hues. This is a classic AU 58: uncirculated but for friction on Liberty’s cheek. From Alpine Numismatics in March 1997. Overton referred to this as the laced-lips variety. A short, vertical die line runs from Liberty’s upper lip to chin. It is readily seen on high grade coins. Estimate: $900 to $1,200 | 7 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,100 |
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| 51 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.120 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Elton Dosier A second acquisition from the Dosier Collection at the Jan. 2008 FUN Show. (See lot 33.) Tim saved the brown kraft envelope on which Elton noted his grade (AU) and the variety, O.120 – No Tail Feathers. A pretty coin with antique grey toning, decent luster and well-struck for this often softly impressed die pair. Estimate: $400 to $550 | 17 | $1,051 | $1,800 | $1,156 |
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| 52 | 1832 Sm. Lets | O.122 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | A blazer! Brilliant and untoned, with luster we expect on a late-date Franklin half-dollar. It is a challenge to find any friction on the coin. From Alpine Numismatics, August 2001. Estimate: $850 to $1,000 | 3 | $800 | $951 | $880 |
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| 53 | 1833 | O.103 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Don Frederick Don Frederick carried this handsome coin as Uncirculated on his BHNC census. I won’t quarrel. Luster runs deep and unbroken across the devices. The silver-grey toning has protected the coin for decades. Lot 3295 in Heritage’s April 2010 sale of the Frederick Collection. Provenance noted on the PCGS label. Estimate: $600 to $700 | 4 | $750 | $827 | $825 |
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| 54 | 1833 | O.107 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Smooth surfaces and virtually full luster grace this lightly toned 1833. I suspect a kraft envelope is responsible for the pastel orange patina. Tim found this one back in October 1991. Estimate: $500 to $600 | 1 | $460 | $460 | $506 |
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| 55 | 1834 Lg. Dt., Sm. Lets. | O.107 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Traces of friction are confined to the high points. A veneer of ancient toning will appeal to grey-dirt enthusiasts. We may count John Albanese (CAC) among them. Immaculate surfaces. From Dave Kahn, November 2008. Estimate: $500 to $600 | 4 | $550 | $727 | $605 |
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| 56 | 1836 | O.117 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Donald Frederick Provenance noted on the PCGS label. Simply too much luster for a “53.” Brilliant and untoned, with cabinet friction on the cheek. Treat this one as a choice AU. You won’t be disappointed. Lot 3363 in the April 2010 Heritage sale of the Frederick Collection. Estimate: $400 to $500 | 14 | $688 | $756 | $757 |
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| 57 | 1836 Bar Dot | O.118 | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Another untoned, lustrous AU. The mysterious “bar dot” adjoins the lower loop of the 6 in the date. Wispy hairlines fail to interrupt the cartwheel luster. Acquired in a trade with Dr. Charles Link in January 2013. Link found the coin some years earlier in a Bowers & Merena auction. Estimate: $400 to $500 | 15 | $635 | $635 | $698 |
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| 58 | 1836 | O.119 | R.4- | PCGS AU 53 CAC | “Smoky, pearl grey toning,” is how Tim portrays this scarce 1836. Luster animates the natural patina. Remarkably smooth surfaces. From my FPL in October 1996. Estimate: $450 to $550 | 9 | $635 | $640 | $698 |
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| 59 | 1836 Bar Dot | O.122 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | Attractive russet and copper toning persuaded Tim to purchase the coin from Dave Kahn in August 2012 and to award it an “A” for eye appeal on his private inventory. Soft luster complements the toning. The assigned grade is exactly what we expect. Estimate: $550 to $700 | 16 | $1,011 | $1,011 | $1,112 |
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| 60 | 1836 | O.123 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Floyd Farley and Al Overton A private acquisition from Floyd Farley in October 1992. Floyd purchased it directly from Al Overton. Flamboyant luster underlies the kraft toning. The surfaces, though gently wiped, are virtually free of contact marks, suggesting that the coin never entered circulation. Estimate: $500 to $700 | 4 | $639 | $700 | $703 |
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| 61 | 1805/4 | O.102, T-5 | R.3 | PCGS XF 45 | Time to review the Terms of Sale and consider using the One-Lot-Only option. What’s your pleasure, lot 6 or this one? Both are exemplary presentations of this popular and important overdate. Luster frolics around all the devices. Natural grey toning pleases the eye. The surfaces are first-rate save for a couple of primordial contact marks below Liberty’s neck. From Legend’s July 2018 sale, lot 308, at $5,053. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 62 | 1805/4 | O.103a, T-11 | R.5+ | PCGS VG 08 | The favored die state, featuring a triangular retained cud from stars 1-2 to Liberty’s curls. Evenly worn with a few spots but no significant marks. Natural antique grey toning with copper hues on the reverse. Prices on this rare and dramatic overdate skyrocket in higher grades. This modest example last appeared in Heritage’s June 2012 sale, lot 8627, bringing $2,530 in an NGC VG 8 capsule. Estimate: $2,000 to $2,500 | 7 | $2,131 | $2,131 | $2,344 |
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| 63 | 1807 50/20 | O.112 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | If you’ve spent time with capped bust half-dollars, you have noticed that luster and striking detail were recurring problems in this first year of John Reich’s design. The screw press was a fussy tool. It needed frequent adjustments to avoid shallow strikes and vapid luster. Striking pressure was just right on this nearly unscathed survivor of the early Mint. Though the die was worn at the rims, the obverse stars and Ms. Liberty are boldly impressed. Equally important, the coin retains vibrant luster. A pleasing halo of gold surrounds the brilliant centers. Estimate: $3,000 to $4,000 | 7 | $3,105 | $3,115 | $3,416 |
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| 64 | 1807 Large Stars | O.114 | R.3 | XF 40+ | Ex R.E. Cox A gorgeous coin, still encased in the Art Craft holder that R.E. Cox used to display his world-class collection of half-dollars. The holders were individually prepared. Each shows the date and denomination along with the Beistle attribution, the common name of the variety, if any, and a word or two about characteristics of the die pair. Cox purchased this coin from B. Max Mehl on January 2, 1958. A page from his inventory ledger shows the cost, $50 plus $4.75 for the Art Craft holder. Cox graded the coin “XF.” On the holder he notes that this is Beistle’s variety 12-J, the Large Stars 1807, and that it may be identified by “Small lumps die defect below ‘7.’” The coin is beautiful though lightly wiped. After 64 years in cardboard the obverse has acquired otherworldly hues of iridescent cobalt, blue and russet. The reverse is more lightly toned, featuring subtle shades of auburn and a half-moon of iridescence through the right-side periphery. Luster dances across both sides, suggesting a grade of XF 45 in today’s parlance. When offering the Cox Collection in April 1962 Stack’s provided a terse, uninspiring description of lot 1777: 1807 B.12J. Large Stars. Extremely Fine. Quite scarce. It sold for $45. From Mail Bid Sale No. 41, January 2016, lot 87 at $3,520. Lot 88 in that sale was another “encased” coin from the Cox collection, an AU 1813 O.107. They are the only 2 coins that I’ve encountered in their original Art Craft holders. Estimate: $3,500 and up |
0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 65 | 1808/7 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Henry Hilgard The strike is exceptional on this early die state. I note hints of prooflike surfaces under the attractive silver-grey toning. Luster befits the assigned grade. Wonderfully smooth surfaces are another bonus. The consignor acquired the coin in July 1996 directly from my long-time friend and bourse-table assistant, Henry Hilgard. Henry had a keen eye for quality. Our joint mentor, Elton Dosier, taught us to be on the lookout for coins that were well struck with original surfaces. This 1808/7 is a classic example. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,000 | 14 | $4,881 | $6,200 | $5,369 |
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| 66 | 1808 | O.103 | R.2 | PCGS XF 45 | Antique grey, lighter on the reverse. The stars and most of the legend are highlighted by iridescent album toning. Soft luster throughout. A pretty 1808. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 13 | $1,261 | $1,350 | $1,387 |
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| 67 | 1808 | O.104 | R.3 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Similar look to the preceding 1808 O.103 but with stronger luster. Pleasing eye appeal earned the coin a green CAC sticker. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,300 | 9 | $1,100 | $1,200 | $1,210 |
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| 68 | 1808 | O.104a | R.5 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A “WOW” coin from the Beaver Falls Collection that excited collectors at the March Baltimore and April 2022 Central States Shows. (More from this collection coming in August, at the ANA.) Dazzling luster combines with exquisite, iridescent toning to earn this R.5 subvariety an A+ for eye appeal. Forty-four years ago, at the July 1978 ANA Convention in Houston, the consignor found this little gem in Julian Leidman’s bourse case. Estimate: $4,000 and up | 11 | $5,200 | $7,100 | $5,720 |
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| 69 | 1809 III Edge | O.111a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Dr. Tom Sears From Mail Bid Sale 51, featuring the top-rated Registry Set collection of Dr. Tom Sears. This was lot 13. Iridescent rose and turquoise blend with antique grey, a beguiling combination. Softly struck at the rims, typical of the die state. Registry Set competitors will love the grade, quality and eye appeal of this Red Book variety. It brought $3,968 in the sale. The PCGS Price Guide now suggests $4,750. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,000 | 7 | $4,111 | $4,111 | $4,522 |
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| 70 | 1811/10 | O.102 | R.R.4 | PCGS AU 58 | A Condition Census piece, far less common than the R.1 1811/10 O.101. A gossamer blanket of pale gold toning showcases full cartwheel luster. The surfaces display no marks to indicate the coin ever circulated. I share the consignor’s understanding that this is a new entrant to the scant population of high-grade O.102s. Its quality and importance will not be overlooked by advanced die variety collectors. Estimate: $5,500 and up | 4 | $6,200 | $7,311 | $6,820 |
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| 71 | 1811 Sm. 8 | O.108a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55+ | Raucous obverse toning immediately grabs the eye. The reverse, awash in clash marks, with a magnificent swirling die break, is lighter. I suspect that PCGS awarded a + grade to account for its superior eye appeal. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 20 | $2,300 | $2,300 | $2,530 |
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| 72 | 1811 Sm. 8 | O.113 | R.5 | PCGS VF 30 | A wonderful example of this established rarity. Natural, medium grey toning, lighter on the devices. Mark-free surfaces are especially refreshing on an O.113. The “rim pinch” over Liberty’s cap is the result of the. planchet failing to complete a full rotation in the Castaing machine. (The edge lettering device was also responsible for raising a rim on blank planchets.) The Sears-Osborne XF 40 in MB 51, lot 20 brought $2,815 last year. We should expect this one to bring at least half of that. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500 | 10 | $1,300 | $1,356 | $1,430 |
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| 73 | 1812 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Antique toning accounts for the aura of originality that accompanies this charming 1812. Luster bounces from the smooth surfaces to further enliven the patina. Nice coin! Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 21 | $2,128 | $2,128 | $2,341 |
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| 74 | 1813 | O.103 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | Light silver-grey toning, with an even distribution of soft luster. An 1813 without problems. You will have no quarrel with the grade. Estimate: $450 to $600 | 16 | $829 | $922 | $912 |
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| 75 | 1813 | O.108 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Delicious iridescent toning fails to obscure the coin’s vibrant luster. If you enjoy bust halves you will love this 1813. Struck from clashed dies, the surfaces are free of circulation ticks. A double profile at Liberty’s nose adds character. My only question: why not a gold CAC sticker? Estimate: $1,200 to $1,500 | 13 | $2,319 | $2,333 | $2,551 |
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| 76 | 1814 | O.107 Prime | R.7? | PCGS XF 45 | An important coin for the die state enthusiast. High rims, crisp dentils and squared-off devices announce an early die state. Distinct recutting of the 4 and the first 1 in the date provide confirmation. Note, also, the absence of the ubiquitous die chip in N of UNITED. Herrman identifies but two auction offerings and suggests an R.7 rarity rating. The untoned coin exhibits luster in protected areas. The surfaces were gently wiped. I have not seen or handled a prime 1814 O.107 since 2007. It is worth remembering that this die pair, in a later die state, was used to strike the platinum half-dollars of 1814. Estimate: $ ???? | 6 | $1,701 | $1,752 | $1,871 |
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| 77 | 1814 E/A | O.108 Prime | R.? | PCGS AU 58 | A 2nd die-state rarity. Check out your 1814 E/A. Is the eagle’s head weakly struck? Are there die breaks on the obverse and reverse? Your answer is probably yes. (And your coin is probably not AU 58!) This offering comes with a fully struck eagle’s head, no clash marks and no die breaks, a consummate rarity as such. The coin is brilliant and untoned. Herrman notes the appearance of but two 1814 E/As (in all die states) graded AU 58 by PCGS over the past 4 years. They brought $5,520 and $8,225. (An NGC AU 58 sold for $4,560 in 2019.) You may be certain that the striking characteristics of those coins were no match for this offering. Estimate: $5,500 and up | 10 | $8,200 | $8,451 | $9,020 |
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| 78 | 1818/7 Sm. 8 | O.102a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Ex Dr. Tom Sears A highlight of Dr. Sears’ Registry Set, offered in Mail Bid Sale No. 51. This was lot 30: Undisturbed cartwheel luster rolls beneath a veneer of pale gold toning. Signs of actual circulation are missing. The small 8 variety is considered tougher to find than either of the large 8 varieties, O.101 and O.103. The O.102 die was almost certainly prepared by Robert Scott (no notch in star 13). It brought $4,620. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 | 9 | $4,813 | $5,250 | $5,294 |
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| 79 | 1818 | O.108 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | Ex Tim Osborne So-called pincher-8 variety because of gaps in the top loops of the 8s. Luster glows beneath sumptuous, original toning. Golden iridescence flashes through peripheries of the obverse and reverse. A first-rate coin for the assigned grade. It probably deserves a gold CAC sticker. From Mail Bid Sale 43, August 2016, Lot 29, featuring selections from the collection of Tim Osborne, bringing $920. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 24 | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,760 |
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| 80 | 1818 | O.110 | R.4 | PCGS XF 45 | The O.115 and O.110 die marriages are keys to completing a die-variety set of 1818s. High grade examples are rare. The O.110, as a stepchild to the charismatic O.115, is often undervalued. (Though an AU 55 brought $4,320 in Heritage’s recent “Founding Father’s” sale.) Both die pairs appear in this auction. (See lot 29.) This untoned O.110 has too much luster for a 45. And the strike is far better than most. The surfaces, however, are a tad busy, accounting for the modest grade. Last offered in my Fixed Price List of April 2018. Estimate: $500 to $750 | 10 | $775 | $810 | $853 |
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| 81 | 1818 | O.111 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Ex Louis Eliasberg Ex J.M. Clapp, Louis Eliasberg, Russ Logan, Dick Graham, Keith Davignon Eliasberg provenance noted on the PCGS label. Last offered in MB 52, lot 100, landing at $9,075, to end a battle among several collectors. Strictly uncirculated with immaculate surfaces, a strong candidate for “upgrade.” Beautifully toned: the smooth blanket of iridescent grey sparkles with green and gold undertones. The strike is first rate. Russ Logan purchased the coin at the Eliasberg II Sale, April 1997, lot 1754 as MS 63. Logan’s tag notes an earlier provenance: J.M. Clapp, M.A. Brown and the Chapman Bros. Dick Graham purchased the coin from your cataloguer shortly after I acquired it at the Nov. 2002 Logan Sale, lot 2354. Keith Davignon became the next owner in January 2010, via private treaty. Graham’s, Logan’s and my personal tags accompany the lot along with the B&M tag from the Logan Sale. In short, a marvelous coin with a peerless provenance. Estimate: $5,000 and up | 5 | $5,200 | $6,000 | $5,720 |
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| 82 | 1820 Sq. 2, Lg. Dt., No Knob | O.108 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 | Ms. Liberty and her adjoining fields are painted with dramatic colors of a tropical sunset. A halo of iridescent toning completes the picture. The reverse is pale gold, infused with opalescent hues of turquoise. Smooth surfaces and a decent strike make this low mintage offering a special coin for date or variety collectors. Estimate: $3,500 to $4,000 | 15 | $7,000 | $8,251 | $7,700 |
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| 83 | 1821 | O.103 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Dr. Tom Sears An 1821 with lovely peripheral toning. The few signs of contact suggest a day or two in circulation, nothing more. Cartwheel luster is unimpaired. The coin is perfectly centered with all devices decently struck. From Tom Sears’ Registry Set, offered in MB 51, lot 41 where it brought $1,162. Estimate: $1,600 to $2,000 | 2 | $1,550 | $1,550 | $1,705 |
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| 84 | 1822/1 | O.102 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Charlton E. Meyer, Jr. The `22-102 is an extreme rarity in high grade. This example is among the top 5 or 6 known. The Condition Census is headed by the incomparable Norweb coin, NGC MS 63 CAC, offered as part of George Hamilton’s collection in Heritage’s 2016 Anaheim ANA sale. It brought $15,275. I am familiar with two others graded PCGS AU 58. Don Parsley’s example (with obverse die break) appeared in my June 2000 MB 25, lot 16, selling to George Hamilton for $5,506. (Yes, George had the #1 and #2 CC coins.) It brought $8,510 at Heritage’s 2016 ANA sale. Stewart P. Witham also owned a choice AU, graded “58” by PCGS. It brought over $10,000 in Heritage’s auction of August 2010, lot 4881. The early history of the current offering is recounted in the description that appeared in my January 2014 FUN Show sale, MB 38, lot 37. This is Charlton Meyer’s set piece (noted on the PCGS label), acquired from Julian Leidman by private treaty at the 1988 ANA Convention in Cincinnati. The coin appears to have been stored in a Wayte Raymond album before it was dipped some decades back. A pastel halo of golden iridescence frames the lightly toned, lustrous centers. The coin saw little circulation as the fields still reward us with a complete cartwheel. The coin was consigned to MB 38 by Keith Davignon. He purchased it at my 2008 ANA Convention sale of the Meyer Collection. The winning bidder at $4,235 was another BHNC stalwart, Howard Sharfman. When Howard disposed of his No.1 rated Everyman Registry Set of Bust Half-Dollars, he consigned the coin to Mail Bid Sale No. 51 where lot 45 sold for $4,895 in February 2021. Estimate: $4,000 to $5,000 |
1 | $3,500 | $5,000 | $3,850 |
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| 85 | 1824/1 | O.101a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Glorious "target toning" frames the lightly toned centers. The strike, surfaces and eye-appeal are worthy of the sought-after AU 58 designation. This is the coin's 3rd appearance in my auctions. It sold for $3,031 in MB 51 (lot 52, Feb. 2021), an improvement from the $1,760 it brought in MB 49, Lot 60, part of the Doug Noblet Collection. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,200 | 7 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,475 |
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| 86 | 1824/4 | O.109 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Rich antique toning will appeal to knowledgeable collectors. The surfaces are a delight to behold. Luster sets fire to the iridescent patina. This unquestionably original coin earns an A double plus for eye appeal. The CAC sticker was added after the photo was taken. Estimate: $1,500 to $2,000 | 5 | $1,450 | $1,757 | $1,595 |
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| 87 | 1824 | O.111 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Mostly brilliant, the reverse with mildly irregular silver-grey toning. Bold luster throughout. The coin walked into a Central Valley California coin shop some years ago. “A family heirloom,” said the owner, as she reluctantly parted with it. PCGS agreed with the shop-owner’s assessment that the coin had never circulated, being carefully preserved in a felt bag over the years. Estimate: $1,400 to $1,900 | 6 | $1,850 | $1,850 | $2,035 |
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| 88 | 1825 | O.115 | R.2 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | Caky luster glows beneath the frosty, silver-gray obverse. The reverse shows reddish-gold and lilac highlights. The surfaces, befitting the grade, are immaculate. Originality is the watchword for this offering, a notion confirmed by the green CAC sticker. The coin brought $3,240 when last offered in Heritage’s January 2018 FUN Show sale, lot 3680. Estimate: $2,800 to $3,200 | 5 | $2,700 | $3,277 | $2,970 |
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| 89 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.112 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | An extraordinary coin for the grade. It is sharply struck with indescribably beautiful toning. The surfaces lack any signs of actual circulation. This one has it all. Bid accordingly! Estimate: $800 to $1,200 | 14 | $1,201 | $1,201 | $1,321 |
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| 90 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.124 | R.5 | PCGS XF 40 | Ex Troy Nelson One of several “stoppers” in the daunting quest to complete a die variety set of 1827’s. This die pair started life as “R.8” in Overton’s early editions. Over the last 50+ years, the rarity rating dropped to R.5. It takes but one hand to count the number of high-grade pieces. CAC-approved examples are exceedingly rare. I recall handling only one other, a PCGS XF 45 in 2019 that sold for $3,3630. This is Troy Nelson’s (Allgood Collection) set piece, offered by Heritage in January 2011, lot 3703 at $2,185. The coin is lightly toned, free of significant marks and sports a fair amount of luster. A quality coin for a first-class die variety collection. Estimate: $2,000 and up | 10 | $1,800 | $1,900 | $1,980 |
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| 91 | 1828 Curl 2 with Knob | O.107 | R.1 | PCGS OGH MS 62 | Housed in a 1st generation PCGS “rattler” capsule. You will have to choose between this MS 62 and Tim Osborne’s similarly graded example, lot 38. A perfect time to acquaint yourself with the one-lot-only feature in my auctions. This sharply-struck specimen engages the eye with an iridescent halo of turquoise around pale gold centers. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,000 | 7 | $3,250 | $4,250 | $3,575 |
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| 92 | 1829/7 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Lightly toned and well-struck for the issue. I’ve never seen an example with all folds in Liberty’s cap. The cartwheel luster is unbroken across the central devices. Smooth surfaces befit a higher grade. From Heritage’s August 2010 ANA auction, lot 4922 at $2,760. Estimate: $2,200 to $2,700 | 8 | $2,300 | $2,651 | $2,530 |
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| 93 | 1830 Sm. 0 | O.115 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 | An 1830 with exceptional eye-appeal. The toning is similar to the earlier 1828 O.107, lot 91. Strong luster and pleasing surfaces deserve mention as well. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,000 | 5 | $1,900 | $2,953 | $2,090 |
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| 94 | 1832 Large Letters | O.101a | R.1 | PCGS MS 63 | Startling, iridescent hues of aqua and gold blaze with vibrant luster. The devices are intricately detailed. The reverse die break, hallmark of the Large Letters variety, is in full flower. A truly captivating coin. Estimate: $2,500 to $3,000 | 3 | $2,300 | $2,701 | $2,530 |
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| 95 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.111 | R.1 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | Another date from the 1830s with sumptuous toning. The garish, yet beguiling, obverse showcases electric splashes of crimson, blue, and gold. The less ostentatious reverse bears a coat of gold-leaf. I expect numerous bidders to join the fray for this exciting coin. Estimate: $500 to $800 | 10 | $1,350 | $3,100 | $1,485 |
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| 96 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.117 | R.4+ | PCGS AU 58 CAC | An important coin from the Beaver Falls Collection. Herrman’s latest AMBPR shows a Condition Census of 60, 58, 58, 58 and 55. Here is a new entrant to that lofty group. A diaphanous blanket of golden toning is original and eye-catching. The rarity of this die pair is known to bust half intelligentsia but often ignored by major auction companies. This CAC-approved example is well struck and essentially without faults. Estimate: $2,000 and up | 3 | $1,950 | $2,500 | $2,145 |
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| 97 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.120a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Late die state of the No Tail Feathers variety. A horizontal die break bisects the obverse. (Compare the Osborne/Dosier example, an early die state, lot 51.) The smooth, steel-grey surfaces are blessed with full cartwheel luster. A delightful coin and great conversation piece. Estimate: $600 to $900 | 2 | $525 | $525 | $578 |
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| 98 | 1835 | O.104 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 | Blinding luster, pristine surfaces and a full strike earmark this coin for a high-grade date set. Die variety collectors will note the R.4- rarity rating, assuring a battle for this brilliant beauty. Estimate: $1,200 to $1,500 | 18 | $1,805 | $1,996 | $1,986 |
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| 99 | 1836 | O.109 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 | Luster glistens on this untoned, moderately scarce 1836. The obverse displays faint wipe-lines. The reverse is pristine. Friction is confined to Liberty’s cheek. Estimate: $800 to $1,000 | 7 | $901 | $1,200 | $991 |
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| 100 | 1818 | O.106a | R.4 | NGC MS 62 | A late but irresistible addition to the sale. Rococo turquoise and rose toning graces the surfaces. Well struck for the die state. Note, especially, 13 stars with center-points and the detail in the eagle’s wing and talons. Undisturbed cartwheel luster earned the coin a Mint State designation. Estimate: $1,800 to $2,500 | 14 | $2,952 | $3,103 | $3,247 |
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Sheridan Downey, Numismatist
4400 Keller Ave.,
Suite 140, PMB 398
Oakland, California 94605
sdowney3@aol.com
(510) 479-1585
©2024 Sheridan Downey
