Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

Barber Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1055		1892 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Hazy gold and blue toning on both sides and simply beautiful in every way. Minor hairlines in the fields, and this one was graded rather harshly by PCGS, see what you think. A lot of eye appeal for a moderate price. Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1056		1892 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65 Premium Quality. Here is a gorgeous gem coin that boasts desirable antique gold and green toning at the periphery, hugging all the devices, the centers frosty silver gray. A few trivial mint caused lines on Liberty's face, these caused when the planchets were rolled out. Certainly a high grade coin that deserves another look at the services, as the appeal is beyond the grade assigned, as well as the technical quality too. Take a long look at this one. Estimated Value $2,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 1057		1892 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. First year of issue of the new Barber design, and some were hoarded as the first of their kind. This one is bright white with a delicate ring of gold around the obverse and reverse periphery. A couple of lines and ticks on the face, but even so, this one could grade higher as the surfaces are exceptional. PCGS has graded 52 this high, with 33 higher. Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on February 26, 1944 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 1058		1893 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. This coin is an artists palette of gold and red with several other colors mixed in at the rims. Steel gray on the devices, and exceptionally pretty. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 1059		1893 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Deep blue around the periphery of both sides, lighter at the centers, but still toned. A few lines on Liberty from a higher grade. Rare in full gem grades. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,013
Lot 1060		1893-O Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. An absolutely stunning coin! This beauty radiates with undisturbed satin mint luster overlayed with a gorgeous array of natural russet and violet tones. Definitely worthy of a premium bid. Estimated Value $900 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,140
Lot 1061		1894 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 67. A truly high end gem proof of this date. 972 were struck for the collectors that ordered one for 1894. Most are in lower proof grades. Once in a long while, a true gem turns up as seen here. The surfaces are toned with a deep crackle finish of gold and green, generally even on both sides. NGC has graded 21 this high, including their various permutations, with just 4 graded higher of the date. Outstanding quality, any way you look at it. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,255
Lot 1062		1894 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Moderate hairlines account for the grade, but toned with desirable blue and gold around the rims. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1063		1895 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Deep peripheral toning and lighter at the centers. Excellent contrast and frosty devices coupled with the mirror fields. Trivial hairlines from a higher grade. Estimated Value $1,750-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 1064		1895 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Snowy white at the center of the obverse, and toned around the rims with dark blue and gold. We note a thin hairline on the cheek, and others in the field, which apparently limited the grade. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1065		1896 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Frosty white at the center, and toned russet and blue at the edge. Moderate hairlines in the field and on Liberty's face. Loads of eye appeal without breaking the bank. Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., November 21, 1944 for $8.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1066		1897 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 66. One of the most colorful coins in this long run of Proofs, and that says a lot! Rich blue and red on Liberty's neck, with the centers a light gold, and darker hues surround in the fields. The reverse white for the most part, with reddish gold at the rims. Deeply frosted devices and as near to perfect as one could hope. Curiously, this is the "common" date in gem proof condition, as PCGS has graded 22 this high, with an astounding 20 graded higher! Nevertheless, any true numismatist who loves wildly toned coins, will certainly do well to acquire this gem. Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,800. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on April 12, 1945 for $9.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,600
Lot 1067		1897-O Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-68. Here is a wonder coin, the surfaces approach absolute perfection and the boasts hazy white toning with an arc of blue and gold at the top of the obverse. Examination will note the fields are prooflike, and this is certainly an early impression from the dies (struck soon after they were polished up). When this coin last sold at the Eliasberg Sale in 1997, it was noted that this coin is "possibly a presentation coin, or branch mint proof" to which we concur. Breen, in his Proofs Encyclopedia notes that several different dates of Barber half dollars from New Orleans are known that qualify as branch mint proofs, although he does not mention this 1897-O. Every star, claw, curl and feather is razor sharp, keeping this one in the superb category. As to the surfaces, they are nearly perfect, we see a faint chattermark on Liberty's chin, and another behind her mouth, and on the reverse there is a tiny tick on the fifth wide vertical stripe counting from the left on the shield. A few wispy hairlines can be seen when the coin is examined with a strong glass. Needless to say, this is the only coin graded this high of the date by PCGS, in fact it is likely one of the very best of the small mintage of 632,000 coins. PCGS has graded one other as high as MS-67 below this. Given the fact that this coin was purchased directly from the New Orleans Mint at the time of issue by J. M. Clapp it is conceivable that special care was taken to polish the dies and we see slight evidence of doubling on some of the letters, implying a second strike from the dies. We even note a short lint mark down from the mintmark on the reverse to the D of DOLLAR. NGC has graded one as MS-68 too, and this coin appeared in Heritage's 9/98 Long Beach sale, lot 6784, and this is a different coin than the present specimen with no mention of prooflike fields. Almost certainly tied for the finest known with 1 other example, and a rare date to boot. In an old green insert PCGS holder, which implies this one was graded some years ago. A foremost opportunity for a superb condition rarity. Estimated Value $25,000-UP. Purchased by J.M. Clapp directly from the New Orleans Mint in November 1897; John M. Clapp; John M. Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis Eliasberg, Sr., Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg II Sale, April 1997, lot 2080 to the present consignor. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $25,300
Lot 1068		1898 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Slightly mottled colors on both sides, mostly on the high points. We suspect that this coin was lacquered in the past as there are wavy areas in the mirror fields, especially around the date and first couple of stars, as well as from the left tip of the eagles wing where a lint mark resides. Minor hairlines. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., on November 21, 1944 for $8.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1069		1899 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Hot blue and gold at the rims, with good contrast. Minor hairlines in the fields and a tiny speck in the field out from Liberty's nose. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 1070		1900 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Minor hairlines in the fields and a touch dull. Pretty blue and gold toning on the obverse, tawny gold on the reverse. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1071		1900-S Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. A very well struck example with a particularly bold impression on the obverse. The surfaces are satiny with just a hint of light natural toning resting about the borders. A very elusive date in this high state of preservation. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1072		1901 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Golden hues in the fields, and frosty white on the devices. Clean surfaces that show few signs of handling, and hairlines are at a minimum. Estimated Value $750 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 1073		1901 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Somber gray and blue on the obverse, with the entire area toned over the reflective surfaces. On the reverse, the colors are more red and gold, with darker hues at the edge. Far more toning on this one than most, so check it out if you love toned proofs. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 1074		1902 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65 Premium Quality. Delightful blue and gold toning around the rims, on the obverse heavy on the top, and all around the reverse, while the centers are still satiny white. Exceptional quality for a mere "gem" grade. Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 1075		1902 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Cloudy, mottled yellow and gold toning on both sides. Minor hairlines in the fields and on the devices. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., on November 21, 1944 for $6.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 1076		1902 Barber Half Dollar. Proof 63. A few hairlines on Liberty's face, but quite nice overall for a proof coin of the era. Mintage of just 777, making these few and far between. Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details	Realized $483
Lot 1077		1903 Barber Half Dollar. Proof 65. Mottled gray and gold tones on both sides, with vibrant colors that come into view when examined under a light. Excellent surfaces that show trace hairlines, otherwise nearly perfect. Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1078		1903 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Struck in the all mirror finish style, as are all of this date. Mottled toning and minor hairlines throughout. Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $7.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 1079		1903-O Barber Half Dollar. AU-58. Just a touch of the slightest friction noted on the high points; plenty of mint luster remains. Light toning appears around the periphery. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Unsold
Lot 1080		1903-S Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-68. This is the ultimate grade awarded to any 1903-S Barber half dollar. It is the only one graded MS-68 by either grading service, and of course there are none graded higher. Anyone who is considering a superlative date and mint collection of Barber half dollars would do well to put this one away, and not miss this opportunity. We note the usual parallel planchet striae seen on most silver coins of the era, and these run north to south on both sides. Remember that when silver was delivered to the mints for coining, it was first melted, properly refined with alloys, then cast in an ingot or brick shaped lump of metal. Next, the silver ingot was drawn through roller mills, just like an old wringer used to wring out wet clothes. The rolling machine effectively squeezed the metal brick by flattening it and lengthening it as the brick was repeatedly drawn through the large metal rollers. As the silver was drawn through the metal rollers, usually fine lines from the steel were imparted on the planchet. Frequently, these lines remain on the planchet, even after the coin was struck, as seen here. After the brick was drawn to the proper thickness, that of a planchet for a half dollar in this case, the silver was ready for the planchet cutting process, then coining. The strike on this 1903-S is better than average, with all but two stars sharp to the center. Similar on the reverse, with slight weakness on the right wing of the eagle, and fine planchet lines visible through the feathers and devices. There is a fine die crack through the truncation and lower right stars. As to the surfaces, they are nearly perfect, with a with a tiny reeding mark hidden on the cap above the third leaf up from the bottom on Liberty's crown. The reverse is nearly perfect and shows only the faintest signs of any contact. Without question, an incredible coin that will always be the envy of every other collector. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $32,200
Lot 1081		1904 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Hazy gold toning and well preserved for the date. Another select example from this date set. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 1082		1904 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 61. Yellow gray toning on the obverse, milky gray on the reverse. We note hairlines and a wavy line in the right obverse field. Estimated Value $325 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 37, 1944 for $5.25 and kept in his type set. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $449
Lot 1083		1905 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. A stunning, totally white gem proof example exhibiting full cameo contrast caused by deep mirror surfaces reflecting against the raised satiny mint devices. Nothing wrong with this beauty. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1084		1905 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Gorgeous blue and gold toning on both sides, and decent surfaces. We note some slide marks accounting for the grade. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1085		1905 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Mottled and somewhat cloudy toning with a few hairlines beneath. We note two trivial specks, one near Liberty's chin in the field, and another just below the left wing of the eagle. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $7.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 1086		1906 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 66. Deep bullseye toning on the obverse, with much darker red and blue on the reverse. A few faint lines on the surfaces, otherwise just about as struck, save for the glorious toning. PCGS has graded 18 this high with only 11 graded higher. Estimated Value $2,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,565
Lot 1087		1906 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Magnificent toning of dark blue, red and gold with the centers bright. A few hairlines, and a couple of trivial slide marks on Liberty's cheek. Certainly a lot of coin for the grade, and worth a premium for its colors and surfaces. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $6.85. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,955
Lot 1088		1907 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Nice colorful toning on the obverse, a bit mottled on the reverse with some cloudy areas at the top. Examination will note some minor hairlines, but these don't seem to warrant the grade, and nothing else was found to be the least bit distracting. Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $7.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $529
Lot 1089		1907 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. A gorgeous well struck example and creamy white in appearance. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1090		1908 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 61. Moderate hairlines from a long ago cleaning, and toned back with cloudy hues on both sides. One small reeding mark near the ear of Liberty. Estimated Value $325 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased in a group of Proofs from 1859 to 1908 from James G. Macallister on October 17, 1944 for $200.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $443
Lot 1091		1909 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Resplendent green and gold toning on the obverse, the colors located at the top and bottom of the obverse, the reverse brighter and with much less toning. Close examination notes an unimportant speck at OD of GOD, and no other distracting marks. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $5.75. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 1092		1910 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Great green and gold colors on the obverse, with the center still bright and untoned, the reverse mostly white save for a peripheral ring of gold. We note minor hairlines on the surfaces, but these are not that distracting to warrant this grade. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $6.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $719
Lot 1093		1911 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68. One of the finest graded of this date, NGC in their Population Report note 5 graded this high, with none graded higher! Excellent contrast between the fields and devices, and the toning of light yellow and blue gray further enhances the ensemble. Liberty's cheek is pristine, as expected for the grade, and we anticipate a strong price when this one crosses the block. Estimated Value $8,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 1094		1911 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Pretty russet, blue and gold toning on the obverse, and similar on the reverse, while the centers are both white. A few stray hairlines on Liberty from a higher grade. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $6.75. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1095		1912 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64 Premium Quality. Mottled lilac, gold and umber tones on both sides and certainly a very colorful coin. If you love vividly toned proofs, take a look at this rainbow half. Estimated Value $1,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 1096		1912 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Hazy white toning on both sides with darker hues at the rims. Minor hairlines from a higher grade. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $6.30. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $719
Lot 1097		1913 Barber Half Dollar. Proof 66. Bright and toned with just a band of gold at the rim. PCGS has graded 10 this high and 13 higher, all PR-67. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 1098		1913 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. This one is especially nice for the grade, the only complaint would be very light hairlines in the fields. A small band of rainbow toning encircles both the obverse and reverse rim. Only 627 struck in proof, this certainly in the top twenty percent of those. Estimated Value $750 - 850. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $10.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 1099		1914 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Moderate hairlines on the surfaces, and toned with rich gold and green at the rims, with the centers hazy. A low mintage date, with 380 coined, which we note is the smallest proof issue since 1858. This one is about midway in the known population for grade. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $13.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 1100		1915 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Gold toning at the periphery of the obverse, with hazy white toning elsewhere and some small specks. Moderate hairlines in the fields. This is the final year of issue, and only 450 were coined. Estimated Value $400 - 450. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on March 10, 1945 for $21.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 1101		1915-D Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. A fully lustrous example with intense satiny mint surfaces. Light russet toning hugs the outer borders. Estimated Value $750 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834