Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

Liberty Seated Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 491		1837 Liberty Seated Dime. No stars, large date. PCGS graded MS-66. Stunning white luster with a hint of blue and gold around the rims. Undiminished by time or handling, this coin is virtually as nice as the day it was coined. This is an example of the shattered obverse die, with two cracks extending up towards the center from approximately 4:00 and 7:00. Gorgeous luster and pristine surfaces combine to keep this coin in one of the finest grade categories. PCGS in their Population Report notes that just 7 have been graded this high, with a single coin graded higher of the date (and type for that matter!). Certain to be a highlight of whatever collection it graces. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May, 1944 for $4.50 as "uncirculated". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,125
Lot 492		1837 Liberty Seated Dime. No stars, large date. EF-45. Delicate blue and gold peripheral toning and nicely struck. There is one small flaw in the right obverse field, near the cap, and some surface marks in that area. Frosty luster at the centers. Professionally cleaned decades ago, and recovering nicely thanks to 56 years of storage in a National Pages album. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $7.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $426
Lot 493		1838 Liberty Seated Dime. Large stars. PCGS graded AU-58. Deep steel gray and gold in color with mint fresh luster beneath. We note a minor disturbance in the field inside of stars ten and eleven. This one is truly on the edge of mint state, and exudes exceptional quality. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 494		1839 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-65. Stunning golden gray in color over lustrous fields. A knock-out gem that will entice any collector for its original color and pristine surfaces. One of 10 so graded by PCGS, with 9 graded higher (MS-67 best). We note a light die crack down from the top of the rim into the middle of Liberty's head through her ear lobe, another through the last three stars. Well struck throughout. One trivial dark toned area below the D of DIME. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 495		1840 Liberty Seated Dime. No drapery. PCGS graded MS-65. Crackling fresh luster beneath the tawny gold toning on the obverse, more vibrant rose and gold on the reverse. PCGS notes only 3 graded as such, with 6 graded higher (MS-67 best). Worth examining with a strong glass, as no fault will be found, the surfaces are remarkably clean. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 496		1841 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-65. One of the finest known of this date, PCGS has graded only 4 this high, and none are graded higher! Faint repunching at the base of 184 confirms that this is the "double date", or Breen-3234, noted to be very rare. Bold luster with blue and gold toning on both sides. Another stunning example for the connoisseur who demands pristine material. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 497		1842 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Deep blue and green around the periphery of the obverse, brighter on the reverse with just a touch of gold at the edges. Nicely struck and well preserved. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 498		1843 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Gorgeous blue toning around the rims, white at the center of the obverse, a bit of gold on the reverse rims, white otherwise. Good luster and highly appealing. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 499		1844 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Lovely blue and gold peripheral toning on the obverse, with less toning on the reverse. One of the finest graded of this scarce date, PCGS has seen only 1 graded as AU-55, and 3 graded higher (best MS-65). Fully struck by the dies and a spectacular example of this low mintage date (72,500). Decades ago this date was hoarded by a hack writer from Kansas City named Frank C. Ross (Breen), who then fed specimens from his hoard into the market at much higher prices. Ross is credited with bestowing the name "Orphan Annie" on the date, although no one is certain why this name was used. Whatever the cause, the result was higher prices for 1844 dimes, and this is certainly reflected in the price Dr. Benson paid for this coin, which was more than 10 times as expensive as surrounding dates, and even double the price of the rarer 1846, purchased at the same time! Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,700. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $40.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 500		1845 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Deep blue and russet tones on the obverse, the reverse lighter with russet around the periphery only. Sharp throughout, and this is an example of the double date variety. Good luster despite limited circulation. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 501		1846 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-53. This is the lowest mintage date of the Seated Liberty dimes with stars obverse, with 31,300 struck. In particular, this one has silvery gray tones on the obverse, with gold and blue on the reverse. Boldly impressed. Several of the left obverse stars show lumps near the end of their points. PCGS has graded 3 as AU-53, with just 2 graded higher, one as AU-55 and the finest apparently as MS-63. A rarity in any high grade, and this one is certain to command considerable attention. Identifiable by a tiny tick in the field below the last star. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,700. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $20.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,565
Lot 502		1847 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Gorgeous blue toning around the periphery with frosty white luster at the centers. Sharp stars and devices. Estimated Value $225 - 275. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $12.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 503		1848 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Surrounded by a deep blue ring through the stars, the centers remain untoned and frosty. The reverse similar, but the ring is a light gold. If only all coins looked like this…. Estimated Value $100 - 120. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $7.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 504		1849 Liberty Seated Dime. AU-50. Delightful blue toning on both sides around the periphery, white at the centers. One faint die crack through the D of UNITED to the top of the I of DIME on the reverse. Nicely struck and well preserved, although this one was probably cleaned decades ago with minor hairlines resulting. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $3.00. View details	Realized $127
Lot 505		1850 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Vibrant gold and blue on the obverse, with an off-center white center dot towards the right side of the obverse, more golden and white on the reverse. Briefly circulated, and downright gorgeous. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.00. View details	Realized $242
Lot 506		1851 Liberty Seated Dime. AU-50. Matching gold, blue and yellow toning on both sides, with white centers. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.50. View details	Realized $115
Lot 507		1852 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-63. Magnificent gold and blue toning on both sides, and nicely struck for the date. We note two minor dark specks, one below the first star, the other on Liberty's heel of her left foot. Don't expect a bargain when this one comes up for bidding, quality like this is never cheap. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 508		1853 Liberty Seated Dime. No arrows. PCGS graded MS-66 Premium Quality. A mind boggling example of this low mintage date (95,000). The luster is mint fresh, and the toning is gorgeous with deep blue surrounding the date, bright at the top of the obverse, and matching on the reverse. Fully struck, and virtually without signs of handling. One of the most magnificent coins in the Benson collection, and worthy of a very strong price. PCGS has graded 6 this high, with 5 graded higher (best MS-68). The discovery of gold in California in 1848 changed America's coinage. By 1853 Congress had to reduce the silver content in order to keep coins in circulation as the price of silver was now much higher than the price of gold (dropping because of the golden flood arriving from the California gold mines). Hence silver coins were worth more than face value, and few entered circulation. In order to get coins back in circulation, the amount of silver in each denomination had to be reduced. This was done in March of 1853, and the slightly smaller, but worth less than face value, coinage was denoted with "arrows" at the date on all except the silver dollar, whose silver content remained unchanged, perhaps due to tradition. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $7.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 509		1853 Liberty Seated Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-66. Snowy white luster and with just a hint of gold toning on the reverse. Boldly struck and with full stars and minute details on the wreath show complete details. A scarce type issue, with few seen in grades even approaching this. PCGS has graded 25 this high, with just 16 graded higher. The arrows were added to reflect the slight reduction in the silver content of these from prior issues, in an attempt to get small silver coins circulating again after the disruptions of the California gold rush drove down the price of gold, making silver more valuable, relatively. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 510		1853 Liberty Seated Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. A glowing example that will delight the collector who loves toned coins. Deep blue at the edge, with fiery rose and gold next, fading to a sunset glow at the centers. An outstanding example for the grade, and the surfaces show few signs of contact, even with a strong glass. Estimated Value $800 - 900. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 511		1853 Liberty Seated Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded AU-58 Premium Quality. Gold around the edge, with a bright area near the rim to the cap. This one must have circulated for just a few minutes. An opportunity. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on March 31, 1944 for $1.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $403
Lot 512		1854 Liberty Seated Dime. NGC graded MS-64. Gold and gray toning on both sides over decent luster in the fields. Sharply struck, with a curious die break at the center of the obverse on Liberty. The with arrows variety is scarce, and a short-lived type. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 513		1854 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-62. Satiny gray toning over luster, with flecks of deeper gold and russet on the devices. Nicely impressed and much better than one would expect for the moderate grade assigned. A scarce and desirable type coin. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 514		1855 Liberty Seated Dime. AU-50. Lightly toned with gold and cloudy gray touches. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.00. View details	Realized $161
Lot 515		1856 Liberty Seated Dime. Large date. PCGS graded AU-55. A classic example of "Benson" toning, deep blue peripheries, fiery red and bright at the centers. As to the grade, well, take a look and see what you think. This one will bring a strong price, which it heartily deserves. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $2.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 516		1856 Liberty Seated Dime. Small date. PCGS graded AU-58. Abundant luster and vibrant peripheral colors on both sides. Sharply struck on the stars and devices, but the dentils are weak, as struck. Another that will defy the grade assigned by bringing a strong price for the quality offered. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $5.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 517		1857 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-64. Iridescent tones of yellow and gold on the obverse, silvery gray on the reverse offset by deeper blue at the rims. Good luster beneath, but not quite as pretty as some of the other Benson coins. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on February 20, 1945 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 518		1857 Liberty Seated Dime. EF-45. Deeply toned. Estimated Value $25 - 30. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 27, 1944 for 85¢ as Extremely Fine. View details	Realized $35
Lot 519		1857-O Liberty Seated Dime. NGC graded MS-65. A gorgeous gem specimen with an array of rich rainbow colors evenly distributed on both sides. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 520		1858 Liberty Seated Dime. NGC graded Proof 65. It appears that about 100 of these were coined, with most survivors in lower grades. This particular gem coin boasts watery fields and good contrast between the devices and fields. A few stray marks are noted in the fields, and identifiable by a small tick on Liberty's left arm, just below her wrist. Essentially untoned, with frosty white surfaces, and just a bit of gold and blue starting at the rims, moreso on the reverse. NGC has graded 13 this high, with 11 graded higher, while PCGS has graded just 7 this high with 2 higher. This one has the characteristics noted in Breen's Proof Encyclopedia, confirming its obvious status as a proof coin. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 521		1858 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS-64. A gorgeous example from the Benson collection that boasts deep blue at the rims and russet shades at the centers. Boldly struck throughout, and worthy of a gem collection. Struck from lightly clashed dies on the obverse. Throw the sheets away if you want to own this coin. Estimated Value $800 - 900. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 522		1858 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. An average strike and toned an even deep gray color on both sides. Estimated Value $90 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on November 22, 1944 for $9.50. View details	Realized $178
Lot 523		1858 Liberty Seated Dime. EF-45. Cleaned long ago with the usual hairlines in the fields, and now retoned with lovely blue at the rims. Sharply struck. Estimated Value $25 - 30. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on March 22, 1944 for $1.25. View details	Realized $35
Lot 524		1859 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. This one has snowy deep frost on the devices, and well mirrored fields surrounding. Deep blue at the rims, fading to gold then to white. Some very minor hairlines must account for the conservative grade. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 525		1860 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deeply frosted on the devices and well mirrored fields surround. Offset even further by deep blue at the rims, and golden fields while the centers remain white. Fully struck, and superb quality for the grade. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 526		1861 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 63. Sparkling white at the center, deepening to blue and gold at the rims. Minor hairlines from a higher grade. Good color and surfaces for the grade assigned. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 527		1862 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 62. Deep gold and blue in color, with some scattered handling ticks and hairlines as usual. Only 550 proofs struck of this date. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details	Realized $345
Lot 528		1863 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. Ocean deep blue at the rims, then red to gold, while the centers are frosty white on this one. Minor hairlines but downright nice for the grade. Boldly struck and outstanding quality. Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 529		1864 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 63. Good color and clean surfaces, with moderate hairlines expected for the grade. Sharply struck and problem-free. Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 530		1865 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 63. Rose gold and blue toning on the obverse, more golden on the reverse. Frosty white centers. A scarce date with 500 proofs stuck for the year. Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $719
Lot 531		1866 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 65. Stunning deep blue, gold, rose and yellow toning on both sides of this gem. Fully struck by the dies, and the devices are well frosted. PCGS has only graded 16 this high, with just 2 graded higher. If you love toned coins, then take a long look at this gem. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,565
Lot 532		1867 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 65. Magnificent toning of deep blue at the rims and bright gold towards the white center. The reverse is also toned, but the colors are not nearly so vibrant. Slightly doubled date, as often seen. PCGS has graded 11 this high, with a single coin graded higher, making this certainly one of the finest of just 625 struck. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 533		1868 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 65. Electric blue rims with deep gold in the fields combine to further enhance the deeply frosted devices. This dazzling array of color is the result of nearly 60 years of storage in the famous Wayte Raymond cardboard coin pages. As noted, most of these proofs were purchased in 1944, put in the albums, and stayed there until they were brought to our offices by Dr. Benson. The toning that resulted is simply awe inspiring and must be seen to be appreciated. We note trivial faint hairlines keeping this coin just short of perfection. PCGS has graded 18 this high, with 3 graded higher (all PR-66). Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,485
Lot 534		1869 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 63. Superb toning and well preserved throughout. We note minor hairlines, although they are not readily apparent. Weakness is noted on the upper left of the wreath on a few of the wheat grains. As with virtually all of the Benson coins, we would not be surprised to see this resubmitted to the grading services for a higher grade. Only 600 were struck, and few look as pretty as this little jewel. Estimated Value $275 - 325. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 535		1870 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. Slightly speckled toning on both sides with deep blue at the rims and frosty gold at the centers. Identical strike to the 1869, with slight weakness on a few of the wheat grains on the left top of the wreath. PCGS noted 35 graded as such with 22 graded higher. A stunning coin that will please even the most advanced collector. Estimated Value $400 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on March 30, 1946 for $7.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 536		1871 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deep blue gray toning on both sides and nicely struck on the obverse, with just a touch of weakness on the high points of the reverse. PCGS has graded 31 as such, with 19 graded higher. A couple of ticks on the devices, and one over the O in ONE on the reverse. Estimated Value $400 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details	Realized $443
Lot 537		1872 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. Frosty and white at the centers surrounded by resplendent blue and gold tones at the edges. Minute hairlines in the fields, and there are virtually no signs of handling. Scarce this nice, and worth a premium from a date collector. Estimated Value $400 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details	Realized $690
Lot 538		1872 Liberty Seated Dime. PCGS graded Proof 62. This coin is a bit on the dull side probably from an ancient cleaning. Now toned with deep gold and umber shades from a fingerprint, with a splash of blue at the date. The reverse is deep blue. The usual weakness at the upper left of the wreath, and we note hairlines beneath the toning. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on March 22, 1944 for $3.00. View details	Realized $322
Lot 539		1873 Liberty Seated Dime. No arrows, closed 3. PCGS graded Proof 63. Quite unusual for a Benson coin, this one is generally untoned, with a bit of gold near the rims. The fields remain reflective and show minor hairlines, and the devices are well frosted. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details	Realized $322
Lot 540		1873 Liberty Seated Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded Proof 65. Bright golden and blue on the obverse, with frosted devices, the reverse a deep blue and red with well mirrored fields. Trivial hairlines, but stunning by any grading standards. PCGS has graded 15 this high, with 6 graded higher (all PR-66). We see a tick in the right field near Liberty's knee, but that shouldn't account for the conservative grade, the reverse shows no sign of contact with other coins. A stellar example of this short-lived type coin, and one that is extremely rare in gem grades. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from James Macallister on March 31, 1944 as part of a set from 1858 to 1915 for $195.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200

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