Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

The Benson Collection of U.S. Coins, Part 2

Half Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 332		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-64. As we start with the Half Dimes from this famous collection, we simply want to say that this is one of the finest collections of half dimes ever auctioned. Many coins have illustrious pedigrees, and the quality is superb. Most dates and major types are included, and this collection will long be remembered for its spectacular toning and outstanding quality. This 1794 is perhaps the finest known of the variety, is it a point better than the lovely coin auctioned by Bowers and Merena in the Eliasberg Sale, 5/96:885 listed as MS-63. The strike is typically weak for the variety, with localized softness on the lower curls of Liberty and above the left wing of the eagle, while the balance of the coin is sharp. Deep blue and gray toning around the periphery, with glowing red rose hues at the centers. Blazing luster in the fields, and we note minor hairlines which are scarcely visible, even with a glass. This coin is simply stunning, and the surfaces are outstanding. PCGS has graded 7 this high, with 6 graded higher, of the date. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. From the Benson Collection and purchased on February 8, 1945 for $66.00 from Macallister. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $31,050
Lot 333		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-65. This is certainly one of the finest known of this date, PCGS has graded 8 this high with just 5 graded higher, the better ones all MS-66. Well struck by the dies, but with localized weakness on a couple of the curls. We note satiny luster in the fields which combines with delicate blue and gold shades to present an old time type coin in wondrous condition. Free of adjustment marks or any post mint problems, the surfaces are simply pristine in every way. Certainly one of the most important and valuable coins in the Benson Collection, and worthy of the finest collection of half dimes. Although a common variety, few survive in full gem condition, and precious few survive even in mint state. As a variety, this die pairing also has the dubious distinction of being counterfeited by the spark erosion process. The counterfeits can be discovered by a telltale pit at the top of the 7 and are normally found in circulated grades. This coin is obviously an original, and has been held in Dr. Benson's collection for many decades. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. Purchased by Dr. Benson on March 30, 1946 for $50.00 likely from Ira Reed or James Macallister. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $46,000
Lot 334		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. This one slipped in to circulation for a brief time, just long enough to get a few tiny handling marks on the fields and devices. We note lovely blue shades around the periphery while the centers are silvery-white. Expect this one to bring a premium for it's superb National Pages album colors and clean surfaces. The strike is typical, weak on the hair curls and the left wing of the eagle. Familiar and common die state with the obverse die cud through TY of LIBERTY and star 9. One for the type collector. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the Dr. Benson Collection and likely purchased in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,428
Lot 335		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime. AU-55. We note several minor scratches on this coin, including some light ones beneath RTY and behind the head. Examination with a strong glass will note tiny scratches atop the letters of LIBERTY, and other minor surface problems can be found. Early die state as the obverse cud has not yet developed. Deep blue and gold colors throughout, and a decent coin despite it's problems. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. Purchased by Dr. Benson on April 3, 1944 from Macallister for $15.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 336		1796 Draped Bust Half Dime. "LIHERTY" error. PCGS graded VF-30. For the lover of toned coins, this one boasts splendid blue, green and gold circles of vibrant hues around the periphery, while the centers remain silvery white. This coin was obviously housed in a National Pages album for many years, and sent off to PCGS prior to this sale. As to the surfaces, they are free of the usual handling problems such as scratches or adjustment marks, and present an opportunity as such. 1796 half dimes come well struck as a rule, and this coin is no exception. Curiously the reverse die was rotated about 20 degrees counter clockwise when this one was struck. As a type coin, the draped bust small eagle coins were struck in just two years, and this has long been one of the more difficult type coins to locate in high grade. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. Purchased by Dr. Benson on December 26, 1944 from Hollinbeck Coin Company for $16.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,680
Lot 337		1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. 15 stars. EF-45. Here is another delightfully toned coin that boasts rich yellow, red, blue, gold and green shades on the obverse, and similar bold colors around the reverse periphery. As frequently seen on this type, there are shallow pin scratches in the right obverse field and an even lighter one on her face. Other handling marks are less noticeable, as well as the usual hairlines. As always seen, the central design elements are weakly struck, especially the fine feather details on the eagle. Certainly worth a strong premium for the superb color and strong hair detail on Liberty. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased May, 1944 from Ira S. Reed for $25.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,255
Lot 338		1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. 15 stars. PCGS graded VF-30. It is apparent that this coin was cleaned in the distant past, as the surfaces show myriad lines from cleaning with a light abrasive. Over the last 57 years the coin has toned back with magnificent rainbow colors around the periphery of each side, while the centers are still untoned. Minor surface scratches can be seen with a glass and there are some tiny pits at the center of the obverse. Struck from clashed dies, as are all, with minor weakness on the eagle. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. Purchased by Dr. Benson on February 22, 1945 from Ira S. Reed for $20. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 339		1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. 16 stars. PCGS graded AU-55. First of all, this coin is extraordinary, the surfaces don't show wear and we would not at all be surprised to see this coin graded higher in the future, and well it should. As to the strike, we note full curls on Liberty's upper head, but ever-present weakness is located at the center below Liberty's ear. Sharp on the stars, date and periphery. On the reverse, we see clashed dies, which show fine wavy lines above the eagle from Liberty's hair, and the outline of her bust on the upper right of the reverse. The eagle has the usual mushy strike, with most of the wing feathers clear, but the breast and thigh feathers flat. However, the eagle does have a nice head, with a strong tongue and partial eye visible. If you love toned coins, then take a look at this one, the periphery is alive with dark gold, red and blue shades over the lustrous fields and devices, while the centers are still white. There is a trivial dark area on the palm leaves below the M of AMERICA and this will help serve to identify this coin in the future. This pair of dies clashed very early and both the obverse and reverse show strong clash marks, further the reverse die cracked through the E of UNITED when it was paired with a 15 star obverse earlier, so all coins of this variety have that particular die crack on the reverse. Further, the reverse die shows rust around the periphery, an indication of improper storage (not enough grease) in the humid Philadelphia air. This is a fairly early die state for this variety. Over the years, a great many coin auction sales have taken place, few can stand the test of time as truly historic memorable collections. The collection, or perhaps "hoard", of F.C.C. Boyd was one of those truly memorable events. His collection was catalogued and sold by Numismatic Gallery in several parts, and this part of the auction took place in May, 1945. Most of the coins were separated long ago from their pedigrees, but a few of the coins in this collection were purchased directly at the sale by Ira S. Reed, acting as agent for Dr. Benson, and the original auction paper envelope is included with the coins confirming this illustrious pedigree. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. From the Dr. Benson Collection, and purchased by his agent Ira S. Reed at the World's Greatest Collection Sale, Numismatic Gallery, May 12, 1945, for $31.00 with envelope flip included. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,800
Lot 340		1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. 13 stars. Sharpness of VF-35 but porosity on the obverse and with a bend on the rim. This particular coin boasts well struck devices and even breast feathers on the eagle. However, the surfaces have been cleaned, and we note an area of porosity up from the rim at the date through most of Liberty, and this is likely some sort of post minting damage. There is a mark on Liberty's cheek, and the edge is slightly bent along the lower right of the obverse. We also see a minor tick between the AT of STATES on the reverse. A coin that could be retoned and made to look more natural. Rare and seldom offered in high grades, this one should be carefully viewed by prospective buyers. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. From Superior Stamp & Coin Company's Steinberg Sale, September 1996, lot 378. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 341		1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-63. This is the commonest variety of 1800 half dime. Frosty luster in the fields which boasts rich blue and gold shades on both sides. Note the splashes of gold on the left and right side of the obverse, while the central area remains a beautiful shade of blue. As to the strike, it is full and complete on the obverse, with strong stars and sharp curls on Liberty. Similar on the reverse, with strong device detail on the eagle and lettering, and the only weakness is on the upper right clouds and a couple of the stars, as usually seen on this variety. The dies both show light clash marks. One tiny scratch is seen from the left side of the first T of STATES down to the star below, and there is a minor planchet line below Liberty's bust, likely where something was on the planchet when it was struck. A magnificent coin that will certainly be the highlight of an advanced half dime collection. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from the"World's Greatest Collection", Numismatic Gallery, May 11, 1945, lot 198 with envelope included. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $15,525
Lot 342		1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-58. This one is nearly mint state, and has deep blue toning with bright silver at the center in the shape of an eye on both sides. The surfaces are clean, with no problem marks or blemishes. One tiny scrape past the last A of AMERICA and another touching the top two arrowhead into the field above will serve to identify this stunning coin. Boldly struck and well balanced, the dies show minor clash marks, and the luster is abundant throughout. Not a particularly rare coin, but certain to please the specialist in early silver. A lot of flash for the cash. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the Benson collection and probably purchased in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,900
Lot 343		1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. "LIBEKTY" error. PCGS graded AU-55. Deep blue, green and yellow toning on the obverse, lighter on the reverse, where the coin is white save for peripheral blue shades. Nicely struck by the dies, with full stars and curls on the obverse, and the usual die flaw on the reverse below the eagle's beak. Minor hairlines from handling and circulation, with a faint cluster left of the date. Excellent luster and surfaces, and worth a strong bid for the colorful toning and curious broken "R" punch on the obverse. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the Benson collection and probably purchased in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 344		1801 Draped Bust Half Dime. AU-55. This coin is stunning for the grade. We note a minor planchet flaw from the rim to the third star, which does not affect the reverse. Naturally, such flaws are common on early coinage, and are reminders of the primitive equipment and difficult times facing the Mint, especially so in 1801 when the Senate nearly voted it out of existence! In the toning department, this one has beautiful golden-gray shades with blue luster throughout, and lighter shades at the center of the reverse. Few marks are worthy of note, the most obvious identifier is the planchet flaw, and we also note a hidden scrape on the inside of stars ten and eleven, and a few very minor handling marks on Liberty's head and curls. On the reverse we note a tiny horizontal scratch right of the shield in the eagle's wing, and another small tick below and right of the scroll end below the ME of AMERICA. There are scattered handling marks and hairlines, none of consequence. An early die state, struck soon after the obverse die clashed with the reverse, leaving the shield lines above the back of Liberty's head, and long before the obverse die cracked. Slightly off-center, with areas of the dentils weak, others very sharp, as the dies were probably not quite lined up in perfect horizontal fashion in the press. Mint-fresh luster and a coin that will dazzle the advanced numismatist for many decades to come. Much research has been done over the last decade on 1801 half dimes. Valentine probably knew of only one variety, although he reported two, it now appears to be a case of a heavily lapped obverse die. An intense study of dozens of 1801 half dimes was been conducted by Jules Reiver and Ed Price, who have concluded that both Valentine-1 and Valentine-2 were struck with the same pair of dies, and thus are the same variety, but vastly different die states. Their findings were published in the John Reich Journal, and copies would happily be provided to the buyer of this lot. A third variety, Valentine-3 (LM-1) has been well documented and remains very rare with just a few specimens known. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the Benson collection and likely purchased in the 1940s although no specific pedigree information was found with this particular coin. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 345		1805 Draped Bust Half Dime. AU-50. As a date, the 1805 half dime is highly desirable. The reported mintage of 15,600 leaves precious few for collectors today. To find a high grade example is nearly impossible. In particular, this coin has frosty luster, deep blue and gold toning around the rims, and has the typical strike (weak on Liberty's bust). One tiny drill mark is noted on the second T of STATES, but this is not too distracting, and microscopic in size. We also note two minor scratches below the lower curl of Liberty, left of the date. On the edge of the coin, we note reeding on the left side of the obverse, none on the right side, perhaps the coin was not aligned in the Castaing machine when the edge reeding was applied, and only half the coin lined up on the edge die. Irregular reeding is not that uncommon on these early small silver coins. As a date, 1805 is difficult to obtain above EF condition, and the opportunity to purchase such a wonderful toned example of this rare date should not be missed. In a review of the PCGS Population Report, the finest 1805 half dime graded is AU-58, and only a total of 3 coins have been graded as high as AU-50! The significance of this lustrous AU coin can not be overstated. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from Macallister on March 17, 1945 as "Uncirculated" for $220, and previously in a Wayte Raymond Sale, lot 501. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,060
Lot 346		1805 Draped Bust Half Dime. VG-8. Medium steel gray in color and decent for the moderate grade assigned. A few stray surface marks, and weakly struck on the bust and eagle, as always seen. Estimated Value $600 - 700. From Stack's sale, June 1989, Lot 1217. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 347		1829 Capped Bust Half Dime. . Val-12. NGC graded Proof 64. After 24 years half dime production resumed in 1829, and several proofs were struck from various dies. This particular variety is not reported in Breen's Encyclopedia on Proofs, but is noted in the recent Logan-McCloskey variety reference work as being represented by proof and business strike coins. Toned a very deep blue in color with clean surfaces and excellent eye appeal. Identifiable by a small lint mark that extends up from the front tip of the headband curling back above the cap towards the rim. This one did not come with a pedigree, and we've found these early proofs extremely difficult to trace to prior sales, as photography and printing have both advanced substantially, as well as values, in the last few decades. In NGC holder #259896-015. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. Possibly one of 2 offered in Heritage's FUN sale, 1/99:6382, 6383. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,683
Lot 348		1829 Capped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-58. This is a very scarce die variety that is seldom available in any grade. Note that this is an early die state and the crack through the third and fourth star has barely started. Minor circulation marks in the fields, and delightful deep blue around the rims fading to bright gold at the centers. Lustrous and well preserved, a true variety collector will certainly appreciate the condition and rarity of this coin. Currently in the top half dozen known of the variety, and well worth a premium as such. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased April 3, 1944 from James G. Macallister as Uncirculated for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 349		1829 Capped Bust Half Dime. EF-45. Probably cleaned years ago, as we see minor hairlines in the fields, but now toned with desirable and lovely deep blue and gold around the periphery of the obverse and reverse. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection, and purchased on November 22, 1944 from B. Max Mehl for $1.45 as "Uncirculated". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $184
Lot 350		1830 Capped Bust Half Dime. . Val-5. NGC graded Proof 66. An extremely rare coin in Proof, only a few are known, and to find one in such superlative condition is simply amazing. Only 3 have been graded by the two grading services, this is the finest seen, with PCGS having one as PR-65, and NGC has another as PF-64. The surfaces are bright and flashy, with a touch of gold to show some age, and each of the devices is well frosted. Perhaps traceable by a tiny speck at the rim just left of the date, and a bit more golden toning on the reverse. In NGC holder #564264-004. Deeply mirrored fields provide the contrast which makes these proofs so distinctive, and this coin boasts abundant eye appeal. Curiously, these early proofs were hit or miss. Some years, like 1829, quite a few were coined, PCGS estimates 30, then in 1830 mintages really tailed off, with perhaps 10 struck at most. Dies were simply polished up and a proof coin or two was stamped out. In this case, the reverse die already showed signs of wear when this proof was coined, with the tops of S1 and S2 both filled, as well as the left side of the M, and rim crumbling is noted near the arrowheads. The obverse die appears to be an early die state, and Liberty herself is well frosted and shows faint die lines that would soon be worn away as more coins were struck. Well mirrored fields and a true connoisseurs coin. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,173
Lot 351		1830 Capped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-62. Not only is this a beautiful coin, but the die state is fascinating. Bright luster is enhanced by vibrant peripheral shades of blue and gold, while the centers are white. Minor handling marks, expected for the grade. As to the die state, the obverse die has a light crack through Liberty's head and up above her cap (as seen on LM-2), and the reverse has several cracks, with die sections loose through MER and above IC in AMERICA. We also note a healthy lump (sinking in the die) on the eagle's wing below CA, which is very similar in appearance to the 1855 "knob ear" large cent. Truly one for the collector to enjoy and study. Estimated Value $300 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 352		1831 Capped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Good luster, color and surfaces. Both dies show clash marks, but are fairly early die states. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for a $1.45 as "uncirculated". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $259
Lot 353		1832 Capped Bust Half Dime. AU-50. Cleaned long ago, but still lustrous and mostly white. One small surface disturbance near the denomination by the rim on the reverse. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $1.25. View details	Realized $132
Lot 354		1833 Capped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. An average strike with minor weakness on the eagle, but nice color at the rims. Minor handling marks expected from circulation. Estimated Value $160 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased in a large group of half dimes from J. G. Macallister on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $265
Lot 355		1834 Capped Bust Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-63. This choice coin is prooflike in the fields and is toned with magnificent deep gray, green, gold and blue. Minor handling marks from a higher grade, but certain to please. These dies produced proof examples, and this coin is from an early die state, so the dies retained some of their proof mirroring when this was struck, especially on the reverse. This one has enough mirror finish to possibly be a proof, so inspection recommended. Estimated Value $500-UP. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 356		1835 Capped Bust Half Dime. Large date and 5c. MS-60+. Toned with deep and questionable gray colors on both sides, although the luster seems undisturbed. Perhaps this one was exposed to a few too many Philadelphia summers in the past. Nicely struck, with sharp stars and curls on Liberty. A scarce die marriage, and probably could be improved. Estimated Value $200 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister for $1.50 around 1944. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $311
Lot 357		1835 Capped Bust Half Dime. Small date, large 5c. PCGS graded AU-58. Nearly mint state, with dark peripheral toning and luster in the fields. Struck from clashed dies. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister for $1.50 probably around 1944. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $311
Lot 358		1836 Capped Bust Half Dime. Small 5c. NGC graded Proof 66. This coin is simply stunning to behold. The head of Liberty is toned a light silvery gray, while the surrounding fields are varying hues of blue, green and rich gold colors, as you near the rim. Similar toning on the reverse, with deeper colors near the rim, mottled gold at the centers and on the eagle. As to the strike, it is extremely sharp, and the fields are well mirrored including between the shield lines on the reverse. The only part of the field that is not mirrored is a small area which extends up from the left wing of the eagle to the scroll below the first U of PLURIBUS, and this part of the reverse die has clashed with the obverse, the shape of area is from Liberty's bust. Bowers and Merena, when they catalogued the fabulous Louis Eliasberg Collection in 1996, noted that this coin was a "possible proof" and graded it MS-65, prooflike. They also noted that Walter Breen, in his Proof Encyclopedia, noted that he had examined this coin and considered it to be a proof. NGC agreed, and they have graded it as PF-66. As to the rarity, both PCGS and NGC have each graded 1 coin, both as PR-66 (possibly the same coin, although we have no information to back this up). Regardless of the grade, this is a fantastic coin which will surely delight the most advanced specialist for its superlative surfaces, strong strike and alluring color. As a die state, this early reverse use is quite rare. The reverse die has cracked through the T of UNITED to the scroll, and another crack extends between the D and S from the scroll. Thus, despite these cracks this is an early reverse die state, and precious few are known. Soon after this coin was struck, this section of the die became loose, and formed a retained cud. In one of those curious events, more 1835 half dimes were struck after this retained cud formed, as well as more 1836 half dimes, proving once again that the Mint didn't always pay attention to the dates on dies, but simply used them until they fell apart or the design changed. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. From Bowers & Merena's Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., collection, Part 1, May 1996, lot 934. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,173
Lot 359		1836 Capped Bust Half Dime. Small 5c. PCGS graded AU-50. Deep smoky blue-gray toning throughout, and one spot below the last star. Probably cleaned decades ago, with resulting hairlines on the surfaces. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from J.G. Macallister for $1.50 around 1944. View details	Realized $178
Lot 360		1836 Capped Bust Half Dime. 3 over inverted 3. PCGS graded AU-55. Minor circulation marks, and a tiny pit on Liberty's cheek, but wonderful toning on both sides. Early die state, but a touch weak on the curl over Liberty's ear and on the left wing of the eagle. If you like toned coins, you'll love this piece, otherwise you should collect something else altogether! Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from J.G. Macallister at $1.50, around 1944. View details	Realized $276
Lot 361		1837 Capped Bust Half Dime. Large 5c. AU-50. Lovely peripheral toning of deep blue and gold, with the centers bright and untoned. Probably cleaned decades ago, like everything else, but not enough to harm it. Nicely struck. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased on November 7, 1944 in a large group of half dimes from J. G. Macallister for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $230