Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

Trade Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1235		1873 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Nearly perfect in the toning department, this one boasts iridescent blue at the rims, coupled with rich gold predominating in a perfectly even fashion over the reflective fields and frosty devices. Boldly struck on each device and well preserved by time and collectors. We note ever present hairlines in the fields, but they are expected for the grade. A most impressive example of this first year of issue of the Trade dollar. PCGS has graded 38 as such, with 27 graded higher. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 1236		1873 Trade Dollar. ANACS graded Net Proof 60, Artificially Toned. The artificial toning is steel gray with lilac highlights in the fields. Fully struck throughout, with a few trivial handling ticks on both sides, and a couple of small recessed areas sometimes seen on these large proofs. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $621
Lot 1237		1873-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded EF-45. Medium gray and evenly toned on both sides for this scarce issue. Only 124,500 were struck, most of which have been lost, melted or chop marked over the years. Perhaps a few hundred remain nice, and this is one of them. One minor dark stain in Liberty's lap, and a streak is noted from the branch to Liberty's face. Any collector will appreciate this coin. Estimated Value $400 - 450. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 1238		1873-S Trade Dollar. MS-60. Satiny white luster in the fields and quite appealing, with hints of toning starting to form. One small planchet flaw is located to the left of the date, not affecting the devices. Of the 703,000 struck, most entered circulation, many overseas in fact (where they were intended to circulate) to China where many were chop marked by local merchants. Nice for the grade, with minor hairlines and handling ticks that are not too distracting. Estimated Value $500 - 600. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483
Lot 1239		1874 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Smoky gray toning with lighter areas at the center of the obverse and reverse, and hints of gold and blue in the fields. As to the quality, this one is head and shoulders above most, the fields remain quite fresh, and show none of the heavy hairlines which often demolish the grade on these. While the toning on this one may not be as colorful as often seen on the Benson coins, this one is nevertheless quite desirable for its mint fresh surfaces and seductive silver appeal. PCGS notes only 11 graded this high, with just 2 graded higher (both PR-66), making this one of the best around for the date. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 1240		1874 Trade Dollar. ANACS graded Net Proof 60, Artificially Toned. This one is toned a very dark gray, and likely has hairlines in the fields beneath the toning. The strike is sharp save for the eagle's thigh and breast, each of which show weakness on some feathers. Inspection recommended, as this one may or may not suit your tastes. Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $805
Lot 1241		1874-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63 Premium Quality. A rare date in this grade, this one flashy and untoned coupled with satiny mint luster throughout. Well struck too, with full centers on the stars and all devices. Examination will note some minor hairlines, and lighter than the usual tickmarks from handling. PCGS in their Population Report shows only 30 graded this high, with just 10 graded higher. An important coin for the specialist. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,255
Lot 1242		1874-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. Most of the original luster is present, and the surfaces show light scuffs from handling and circulation. Well struck and a good representative of this date and mint. Estimated Value $300 - 400. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1243		1874-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded AU-55. Rose and gold toning and clean for the grade. We note trivial hairlines from circulation, but no other problems. Boldly struck and choice for the grade. Estimated Value $190 - 220. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $322
Lot 1244		1875 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Watery reflective fields provide an excellent foundation for the gold and blue toning, while the devices are piled high with mint frost. Light hairlines expected for the grade. Overall, a very choice coin for the grade. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,900. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,955
Lot 1245		1875-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded AU-55. Typical of most "CC" coinage, this one has moderate scuffs and handling ticks from even limited circulation. Apparently, coins that entered circulation from this Wild West Mint were jostled about, unlike their counterparts in the gentile east, which seldom show the rough and tumble handling. This particular one was preserved long before most, and the surfaces show good luster and medium gold toning on both sides. Estimated Value $200 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details	Realized $322
Lot 1246		1875-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. Rich gold toning over the lustrous fields, with virtually all of the mint frost intact. Normal surface marks from handling, and no real wear to speak of. Don't miss this one. Estimated Value $200 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 1247		1875-S Trade Dollar. A nice pair for the Trade dollar date collector. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $506
Lot 1248		1876 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. An America entered its centennial year, a wave of patriotism swept the nation. In response, the Philadelphia Mint coined more than the usual number of proof coins, taking extra care to produce especially well struck pieces of the current 1876 coinage. This is no exception, and the strike is second to none. Further, this one has carefully handled since it was struck, receiving only a couple of tiny signs of contact since it was struck, and precious few hairlines. In the color department, this one shines too, with resplendent blue and gold perfectly balanced on each side. A coin that no collector will ever want to part with. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 1249		1876 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 63 Cameo. A lovely cameo proof that boasts great contrast between the fields and frosty devices, with light peripheral toning. Minor hairlines in the fields account for the grade, but this one remains very attractive. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1250		1876-CC Trade Dollar. SEGS graded MS-61 "Toned". Deep gray and blue toning on both sides of this rare coin. The strike is decent, but the high points show slight weakness. A scarce coin in mint state, few were saved and most entered circulation and stayed there long before their rarity was recognized and commanded a premium. Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1251		1876-CC Trade Dollar. VF-20. Cleaned and wiped with an abrasive cloth resulting in hairlines in the fields and on the devices. Retoned a medium gray color. Estimated Value $100 - 125. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details	Realized $109
Lot 1252		1876-S Trade Dollar. MS-60. Moderate hairlines in the fields, but this one retains the original luster in the fields. Starting to tone with gold in the fields and on some of the devices. Fully struck, and one of the more common dates of this series. Estimated Value $275 - 325. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 1253		1877 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Bright and deep frost on the devices is well contrasted with the golden toning around the periphery. Excellent surfaces and well struck by the dies. One tiny speck has been removed from beneath the first 7 of the date. There remains some confusion over the original proof mintage for 1877, records suggest only 510 were struck, which would be the lowest proof mintage aside from the 1884 and 1885 Trade dollars. PCGS has graded 43 this high, with just 20 graded higher. An impressive example of this rare date, and a coin that would easily fit in a gem collection for its eye appeal and seductive toning. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 1254		1877-CC Trade Dollar. MS-63. Creamy white luster and well struck by the dies. Many of the reported mintage were melted as demand was not as high as expected. We note minor hairlines in the fields, and a few handling ticks which account for the grade, but this is still an appealing coin for the date specialist. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 1255		1877-CC Trade Dollar. VF-20 but Cleaned. Cleaned long ago, with heavy hairlines on both sides. Steel gray and starting to retone. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details	Realized $196
Lot 1256		1877-S Trade Dollar. MS-60. Flashy luster in the fields and toned with delicate gold hues and areas of blue and red near the date. Both sides show some blotchy areas, which are not too distracting. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 1257		1877-S Trade Dollar. PCI graded AU-55 "Cleaned". We note that this coin was also retoned, and the reverse is pitted. Our net grade EF. This coin is sharply struck, but the surfaces are hairlined and it is darkly toned with mauve and gray hues. Estimated Value $100 - 115. View details	Realized $81
Lot 1258		1877-S Trade Dollar. AU-50. Cleaned and retoned. Estimated Value $125 - 175. View details	Realized $98
Lot 1259		1878 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Coinage of Philadelphia issue 1878 Trade dollars stopped on a dime this year, only 900 were struck in proof and that's it. Throw away the bid sheet if you want to acquire this coin, for it boasts superb blue and gold toning in the fields contrasting with highly frosted devices. Well preserved with few signs of handling, and minimal hairlines. PCGS has graded 69 this high, with 18 graded higher in various grades. An absolute "keeper". Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 1260		1878-CC Trade Dollar. VF-20 cleaned. Sharpness of a higher grade, but cleaned with an abrasive which resulted in heavy hairlines and surfaces that appear to have been polished. Nevertheless, this is a very rare coin, and the key date to the regular issue Trade dollars. A few rim bumps around the lower obverse. Estimated Value $400 - 500. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 1261		1878-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. As you like it. Resplendent toning which will virtually take your breath away, and undisturbed luster and frost throughout. Yes, there are some minor handling marks in the fields, this is a normal business strike issue, and it bounced around in a bag for at least a few years before being set aside by a collector. There is no need to argue the finer points of grading here, this is simply a gorgeous coin that boasts all the eye appeal and then some. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on March 28, 1944 for $2.50 (can you imagine!). View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 1262		1878-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. A conservative grade for this delightful coin. We note a tiny scuff near Liberty's knee which will serve to identify the coin. Layered in pretty gold toning, some of which appears to have been caused by an ancient fingerprint on the reverse. Great luster and color throughout, with some blue at the edges. Sharp and desirable. PCGS has graded 50 this high, with 26 graded higher. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,290
Lot 1263		1878-S Trade Dollar. One grades AU-55 and is toned, the other AU-58 and is bright and lustrous. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $506
Lot 1264		1879 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Issued only in the proof format, the 1879 Trade dollar was a victim of the massive outpouring of Morgan dollars from every mint starting in 1878. 1,541 Trade dollars were struck in 1879, and this one remains choice despite very minor hairlines. Toned with natural gold in the fields, and quite appealing. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,955
Lot 1265		1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Good color and eye appeal but there are a few trivial hairlines in the fields. Starting to tone around the periphery, and great contrast between the fields and devices. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 1266		1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Good contrast with frosty devices floating on a glassy sea of mirror fields, surrounded by a touch of gold toning at the edge. 1,987 were struck, most of which were probably mishandled or lost. This choice one boasts clean surfaces for the grade, minimal hairlines and great color. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 1267		1880 Trade Dollar. Proof 60+. Smoky toning on the obverse, gray at the bottom, and darker up towards the upper right, the reverse with pretty shades of blue and pink, with lighter areas on the eagle. Minor hairlines, but quite presentable for this proof only issue. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 1268		1881 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. A superb gem of this date, only 960 were coined in proof, and most were mishandled. The strike is especially sharp on this, and the frost is piled high on the devices, and this may qualify as a "cameo" next time around. In the color department, this one is a winner, the edges show a rich tapestry of blue and gold towards the stars, while the fields are mostly a deep mirror gray. In their population report, PCGS notes just 38 have been graded this high, with 13 graded higher. One for the perfectionist, who must have the grade and the eye appeal. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200
Lot 1269		1882 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Cameo in appearance with white frost on the devices and lettering, and mirror black reflective fields. Examination will locate a fine array of hairlines, but they are far lighter than usually encountered. Sharply struck with full stars and head on Liberty. Outstanding quality for the grade. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,613
Lot 1270		1883 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. Right on for the grade, this one has moderate hairlines and is generally untoned on the obverse, with some darker gray on the reverse. Sharply struck, including the obverse stars. 979 were coined, at least half of which survive in decent grades. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on June 8, 1944 as part of a Proof Trade dollar set for $120.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323