Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

Gobrecht and Liberty Seated Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1195		1836. Pattern Silver Dollar, J-60, P-65, R-3, Restrike, Silver, reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 62. Pollock die alignment IV, medal turn with the eagle flying level. This particular coin boasts gorgeous blue toning around the obverse rim, steel gray elsewhere. Boldly struck, as expected for a proof, and this coin retains abundant eye appeal. Over the decades this one has been lightly wiped with the resulting hairlines normally seen, but they are not that distracting. Given the artistic beauty of this design on the reverse, one wonders why it was not adopted for the regular issue. We note that the 8 shows slight recutting on the lower right side of the loop. An impressive example of this beautiful pattern issue. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed in his auction of May 27, 1944 for $65.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $15,525
Lot 1196		1842 Liberty Seated Dollar. EF-40. Lightly cleaned at one time, yet enough mint luster remains to justify a grade a few points higher. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $242
Lot 1197		1842 Liberty Seated Dollar. VF-25. Lightly cleaned at one time, no big deal and rather clean for the grade. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 1198		1843 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-50. Cleaned and retoned to a dark gunmetal gray blue color with some purplish hues mixed in. Sharply struck, but not well preserved currently. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1199		1845 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. Light silvery gray in color with gorgeous blue and gold toning around the periphery. Of course the devices are all boldly struck, including the stars and fine details on Liberty. Similar on the reverse, which has smoky gold around the rims, and hazy gray at the centers. Identifiable by a couple of minor spots, one located in the right obverse field near Liberty's knee, and another on the rim below the 1 in the date. Examination with a loupe will note a minor disturbance in the delicate mirror field on the left side of the obverse, near the first couple of stars, and decidedly few signs of handling elsewhere. Liberty is well frosted by the dies, and shows up with excellent contrast for an early proof issue. As to the rarity, is it estimated that 15 survive of this extremely rare early proof, of those NGC has graded 8 coins, three of which as PF-64, the other 5 are graded higher. PCGS reports they have graded 6 coins, the best of which is PR-64, and the rest in lower grades, including two mishandled specimens. The date is clearly repunched on this coin, with the 84 showing below the final punching as seen on most of the known survivors in proof. Over the decades these early proof issues (struck prior to 1858) are seldom seen. Collectors search for decades to locate an example of a particular date, and it is highly unusual to find one in very choice condition as offered here. What few are found are usually offered when famous name collections are sold, and many years can pass before certain dates are seen. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a coin worthy of a kings collection, in choice proof condition. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,000
Lot 1200		1846 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-55. Slightly prooflike in the fields and completely without toning aside from a pleasant gray hue. Boldly struck by the dies and well preserved for a large coin. A couple of trivial rim ticks noted for accuracy. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 1201		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. MS-60. Well struck by the dies with full stars on the obverse, sharp details on Liberty's head and nearly complete definition on the eagle's thigh. Examination will note moderate hairlines in the fields from an old cleaning, but these should tone over if given a chance, and this process has already begun with areas of gold starting to form in the fields. Scattered handling marks, none worthy of note, and excellent rims that show no bumps. Estimated Value $600 - 700. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source around 1945. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 1202		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-55. Gunmetal gray in color with hazy gray highlights. Sharp and probably cleaned long ago. Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $403
Lot 1203		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-53. Hazy and white, with no signs of toning. One tiny struck through lamination left of the cap on the rim. Sharp and impressive. Estimated Value $425 - 475. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1204		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-50. Steel gray and somewhat dull. Minor rim ticks visible with a glass and well struck. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $380
Lot 1205		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. EF-45. Lightly cleaned at one time, although quite lustrous for the grade, we note some rim bumps on the reverse. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details	Realized $207
Lot 1206		1850 Liberty Seated Dollar. Sharpness of EF-45 but repaired at ONE DOL. This one has been repaired along ONE DOL and these letters are quite weak. Darkly toned. Still a rare date with just 7,500 minted, and few have been found in any grade today. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Realized $690
Lot 1207		1850-O Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded EF-45. One of the scarce dates from the Seated dollar series. This one is toned a natural appearing gray color, and traces of luster can be seen in the fields. Sharply struck with full stars and details on Liberty. A perfect coin for a true collector of the series to put away to represent this date. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1208		1858 Liberty Seated Dollar. Proof 60. The proof mintage of this date has long been quoted to be 80 pieces. This number has been traced back to the Chapman's, who apparently had inside connections to the Philadelphia Mint. More recently, the number coined has been estimated at 300. Regardless of the number coined, this date has always been quite rare and always in demand by date collectors. This particular example is toned a deep smoky gray with pinkish highlights on the devices. Examination with a glass will note several tiny ticks from handling, including a minute rim tick near the fourth obverse star, and a small field scrape just above the second star, and a similar tiny scrape below the last A of AMERICA, as well as moderate hairlines. Nevertheless, this is a very rare coin that is only offered when important collections come up for sale, and will not doubt receive strong demand today as it did when it last sold in 1944. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed in his Selmier auction, lot #20, December 1, 1944 for $135.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 1209		1859 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Nearly a gem that boasts fiery gold toning in the fields, and well frosted devices. Few signs of handling anywhere to be found with faint hairlines in the fields, and no real contact marks. PCGS has graded 33 this high with 9 graded higher of the original 800 struck in Proof. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on July 9, 1945 for $32.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 1210		1860-O Liberty Seated Dollar. MS-60+. Nice fresh mint luster and almost certainly from the bag of these that turned up several decades ago. We note a small nest of light scratches near the last star in the field. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 1211		1860-O Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-55. Light gray and quite lustrous. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $529
Lot 1212		1863 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded MS-62. The obverse is toned with mottled green and gold toning over luster, and the reverse silvery gray. Moderate hairlines are seen in the fields. It is worth noting that there is some doubling on the lower reverse, including the leaves, and this coin has the appearance of a well struck proof. However, the date is centered, and the fields are more satiny than reflective, indicating a regular business strike. Dr. Benson purchased this coin as a proof from B. Max Mehl, which is quite understandable. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on July 9, 1945 for $22.00 as "Proof". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 1213		1865 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Streaky greenish gold toning on both sides, with areas of lighter silver scattered about. Rare in proof, especially in gem condition, and with a mintage of just 500 coins, there aren't many around. PCGS has graded 27 this high, with just 8 graded higher, all PR-66. An opportunity. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 1214		1865 Liberty Seated Dollar. ICG graded Proof 65. Wow! What a stunning coin! Not a late in the year striking as all of devices are sharp and crisp. This magnificent "no motto" dollar explodes with color. The surfaces on both sides exhibit a vivid blending of violet, gold and sea green iridescence. Certainly among of the most beautiful survivors from a mintage of only 500 proofs made. This prize should be viewed in person or at a minimum see our color plates. Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1215		1865 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Deep smoky gray in color and very well struck and preserved. Under a light, the surfaces come alive with iridescent blue and red hues on both sides. The fields show minor hairlines which account for the grade. Only 500 struck, this certainly one of the better ones to survive. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson Collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on June 20, 1945 for $18.00. We note that the Mehl envelope notes a lot number, #463, and this is possibly from Mehl's June 12, 1945 sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 1216		1866 Liberty Seated Dollar. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 64. Magnificent blue and rose gold toning throughout, perfectly arranged so the devices are highlighted. This is a very important coin, it is the first year of the new type with the addition of the motto "In God We Trust" on the reverse, and all but two clandestine 1866 dollars have the motto above the eagle. Close examination of the surfaces finds little to fault, the surfaces show virtually no signs of contact, and hairlines (if any) are faint at best. PCGS has graded 51 this high from the original mintage of 725, with 14 graded PR-65 above, and 2 coins graded PR-66 on top of the census. If you love toned proof coins, then this one will make a welcome addition to your collection. Estimated Value $5,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 1217		1866 Liberty Seated Dollar. With motto. AU-58. A very pleasing example, loaded with mint luster and free from noticeable problems. Only the slightest evidence of friction is discernible; all with attractive light toning. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 1218		1867 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. This one has beautiful antique blue and gold toning on both sides, which add greatly to the appeal. Well frosted devices, and free of all but a few tiny ticks and light hairlines in the fields. There is one small cloudy area in the right obverse field. An exceptional coin for the grade that drips with eye appeal. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on July 29, 1945 for $25.00 as "Brilliant Proof Gem". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1219		1867 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Hazy white in color, and boldly struck throughout. We note a trivial pin scratch on the reverse from the motto to the rim between D S of UNITED STATES, and a small scuff above the I of UNITED. Minor hairlines in the delicate fields, but frosty and well preserved otherwise. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 1220		1867 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. First off, if you love gorgeous mint state gem coins, then take a look at this! Full luster in the fields is enhanced by a delicate rose tone, with gold hints and deep ocean bay blue at the rims. The centers are silvery gray, with copious frost on the devices. As to the strike, it is just about perfect, full stars, curls on Liberty, claws on the eagle, and everywhere we look, there are no signs of weakness. If one had to find something, then perhaps some faint hairlines will do, and a couple of trivial ticks on Liberty's right arm near her elbow. We note a two toning spots which may help in tracing the pedigree, one below the U of UNITED into the wing, another at the top left of the second T of STATES. A quick review of the NGC and PCGS Population Reports will show that only 4 examples are reported as MS-65, two by each service. Neither service has graded any higher of this date. A premium coin for the date or type specialist who wants something really special for their collection. Estimated Value $15,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,950
Lot 1221		1868 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Lovely sea green and blue tones with deeper silver accenting the devices. Fully struck and quite well preserved. If you collect toned proofs, then this is a coin you will long own if you are lucky enough to purchase it. While all proof seated dollars are scarce, in higher grades the population really drops off and the known gems are seldom offered. PCGS has graded nearly a third of the entire 600 minted, but only 9 have been seen this high, with a tiny 3 graded higher. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,975
Lot 1222		1868 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Well balanced on the obverse with gold toning near the periphery, lighter gray in the fields, and frosted on the devices. The reverse has more toning which weighs in heavily on the gold side, with a few areas of darker blue near the edges. As expected, the fields show hairlines. Identifiable by a hidden mark on the ball of the 6. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on July 29, 1945 for $13.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 1223		1868 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-50. We note some hairlines on the surfaces and a few stray marks too. Medium steel gray in color and appealing. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $380
Lot 1224		1869 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Here is one for the toned coin lover, at first glance the obverse appears to be a milky gray color, but when held under a light the colors come alive and reflect back brilliant blue, gold and red hues, similar on the reverse, but the colors and toning are more mottled and include more green and red. While not the highest technical grade, this one certainly has a unique appeal for its dazzling array of colors. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on July 29, 1945 for $19.25. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370
Lot 1225		1870 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 61. Gunmetal gray in color with moderate hairlines in the fields. We note a series of small ticks above the left side of the motto. 1,000 were coined in proof, and this one is probably average of those that survive. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 1226		1870 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded MS-61. A rather brutal grade for a coin that is really pretty decent. The edges are toned with antique blue and gold at the edge, and the balance of the coin is bright and untoned. As to the surface marks, we see an average number for a large dollar sized coin, but none are really deep or distracting. Make sure to view this one before the sale and see what you think, and ignore the off-putting grade from PCGS. We're certain most collectors will love this coin. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 1227		1870 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-50. Light silvery gray in color with traces of luster. Average surfaces for the grade, and one for the date collector. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $460
Lot 1228		1870-CC Liberty Seated Dollar. VF-35. A well struck example with enough detail and some traces of mint luster to justify a full grade higher. We note scattered marks in the unprotected areas, well concealed by the medium grayish-violet toning, and minor rim bruises on both sides. One of the semi-key dates in the series. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 1229		1871 Liberty Seated Dollar. MS-60. Blue and gold toning on both sides, a bit disorganized, but still pretty. Moderate hairlines but plenty of luster remains to justify the grade. Well struck, and a good type coin for display in an album. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1230		1872 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. A truly beautiful coin for the grade, the surfaces are generally untoned and the coin is a lovely silvery gray color. Each of the devices is well frosted, and against the mirror fields we note a much stronger than usual contrast, and hence the coveted "cameo" designation from PCGS. If you want loads of eye appeal, without breaking the bank, then here is the coin for your collection. PCGS has graded 44 this high, and 14 higher. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 1231		1872 Liberty Seated Dollar. MS-60. Hazy and white, with no signs of toning really starting on this one. One spot in the upper left obverse field. Sharply struck. Estimated Value $500 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 1232		1873 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Well frosted on the devices which contrast well with the toned mirror fields. This is the final year of issue for the Seated Liberty design, and coinage was switched to the Trade Dollar design in that year. Faint hairlines that can only be seen with a strong glass. PCGS has graded 46 this high, with just 15 graded higher of this date. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on July 29, 1945 for $18.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,188
Lot 1233		1873 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. A beautifully toned specimen exhibiting uniform midnight iridescence. We note 3 or 4 small scratches in the right obverse field, well concealed by the toning, that keeps this coin from grading even higher. Last year of the Seated Liberty Dollar with only 600 proofs made. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,243
Lot 1234		1873-CC Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded AU-50. Steel gray in color and fairly eye appealing for this date. We note one mark on Liberty's body on her lower chest and a jagged scrape hidden through the E of WE and continuing up between TE of STATES at the top of the reverse, and these are typical of Carson City issues, which are known to have circulated very hard. Slightly weak on Liberty's head, as always for the date. Mintages plunged to 2,300 coins in 1873 for Carson City silver dollars, the country went into a sharp, deep depression at this time, and few were willing to let go of any silver to be used for coins. Of the few produced, virtually all circulated, and PCGS in their Population Report show only 6 graded this high, with 2 graded in each AU-53, 55 and 58 above, and a single coin graded as mint state-60 at the top. Obviously, this is one of the best around, and certain to please the specialist in the series for its steel gray color and hints of luster in the fields. It may be years before another this nice is offered. Estimated Value $15,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,400