Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

$5 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1934		1795. Miller-2, Breen 1-B, Rarity-4. . M-2. Sharpness of EF-40 but the surfaces have been repaired and cleaned. The surfaces of this coin have been cleaned and likely repaired to reduce handling marks and rim ticks, and moderate hairlines are still present. Well struck and with strong detail on the devices. We note a series of surface marks on the lower half of the letters of LIBERTY, and a general layer of handling marks on both sides. Identifiable by a dull scrape from the fourth (from right) palm leaf down to the rim, and a similar one just above the top of the right wing of the eagle. Obviously a coin with some problems, and one that should be inspected by prospective buyers as all 1795 half eagles are rare. The first year of issue, and one for a type collector who wants substantial detail without a huge price. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,750
Lot 1935		1795. Miller-12, Breen 8-I, Rarity-7. . M-12. EF-40. This rare obverse is quickly identifiable by a recut letter E between BE of LIBERTY and also the I is recut of that word. On the reverse, TAT of STATES and AME of AMERICA all touch at the bottom of these letters. Lovely copper gold in color, especially near the lettering and devices. There are adjustment marks on the reverse, a few of which run through the eagle, others criss crossing in the fields. A few scattered handling marks, as expected for the grade with a few on the eagle's body which will help identify this rare coin in the future. Sharply impressed, and a rare variety for the specialist to acquire. No duplicate was offered in the Bass sales of a few years ago, which confirms its rarity as a die pairing. Estimated Value $7,500 - 10,000. From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 1936		1796 $5 Capped Bust. Small eagle, 6 over 5. . M-16. NGC graded MS-62. This is the only die combination of 1796 half eagle found. Examination will easily locate the 5 hiding beneath the 6, especially the ball of the 5 and the flag. Good luster remains and the surfaces show a few expected hairlines and scattered marks accounting for the grade. Well struck, but we not minor weakness on the high points of the eagle on the reverse, and on some elements of Liberty on the obverse. This is a thoroughly satisfying example of the issue, which is quite scarce among the small eagle early fives. While not a rare variety, this coin is needed by date, type and variety collectors alike, keeping pricing pressure high on the few that turn up. We note that this obverse die was not used to produce 1795 half eagles, but was probably prepared in 1795, not needed, and then overdated in 1796 after the new year. Miller notes that "only a few survivors near mint state", and this is borne out by the NGC Population Report which shows 2 graded as MS-62, with 5 graded higher (best MS-65). As a date, 1796 is far rarer than 1795, and this one is a lovely coin for the collector to secure. Estimated Value $70,000 - 90,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1937		1796 $5 Capped Bust. Small eagle, 6 over 5. . M-16. PCGS graded AU-53. Only a single pair of dies were used to coin these 1796 half eagles. As a date, virtually none are found in mint state, and PCGS has graded two as MS-62, and one as MS-63, with all others seen in AU grades and below. Here is a particularly nice example for this date. The surfaces show scattered handling marks on both sides, with a minor scratch on the lower bust and into the drapery above the 6. The reverse is also well struck, with full feather details on the eagle's wings although the breast on thigh show expected weakness and wear. On the obverse, there are some trivial scattered dark flecks, and these should help hallmark this coin for the future. No adjustment marks or similar distractions, and just about all a collector could hope for from this difficult early date half eagle. PCGS has graded 5 as such, with 11 in higher AU grades, and the 3 mint state coins mentioned at the top of the census. A rare opportunity. Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000. No provenance known. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $19,550
Lot 1938		1795 $5 Capped Bust. Large eagle. . M-15. NGC graded MS-61. A rare and unusual coin that was likely struck in 1798! First of all, the field of stars over the eagle on the reverse shows 16 stars, as we know, the Philadelphia Mint kept adding stars to coins as states joined the union, hence from 1794 through June 1, 1796 all silver and gold coins should show 15 stars to represent the states of the union. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee joined, making a total of 16 states, and hence 16 stars. Therefore, we know that this reverse die was engraved sometime after June of 1796. In addition, the heraldic eagle reverse design was finally adapted in 1796 at a time when the Mint had decided to stop adding stars every time a new state joined the union, as they were simply running out of room (also some of the Mint's employees seemed to have trouble counting that high, as numerous oddities in the star count occur in various denominations). Along with the 1798 small eagle reverse, this is one of the most curious die combinations to come out of the Philadelphia Mint. The circumstances for this issue may never be known, but they are regarded as some sort of emergency issue along with the 1798 small eagle reverse half eagle. Apparently no current dies were available, and these older dies were still serviceable, and hence, pressed in to service. It is now believed by experts in the half eagle series that these were struck in 1798. Always famous and in high demand, the heraldic eagle reverse 1795 half eagle has long been a coveted by numismatists. On this pair of dies, the obverse has a light crack down the back third of her cap well into her curls, and the reverse die is a fairly late die state, with a break connecting the tops of NITE and a complex break through ICA to the eagle's tail and arrows. No doubt the die was soon retired as these breaks progressed. NGC has graded just 2 this high, with 11 graded higher (best MS-63). Slightly prooflike in the protected areas, the obverse die was in good shape when this one was coined. Fully struck on both sides, with no adjustment marks. Identifiable by a short lint mark located in the field extending from the lowest feather on the right wing near the shield, and a dark spot on the right side of the first A of AMERICA. Estimated Value $60,000 - 75,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1939		1798. 14 Star Reverse, Miller-26, Breen 2-C, Rarity-6. . M-26. Sharpness of VF-25 but with extensive scratches. This coin has several scratches, including light ones on Liberty's face and into the field, and the entire rim is damaged by deep scratches through the dentils, and this continues on the reverse dentils. There is a gouge from the U of UNITED to the ribbon above. Obviously, a rare coin with some problems, so inspection is mandatory from bidders. Rare in all grades, the reverse die shattered early and only a few dozen survive in various grades. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 1940		1798. Miller-26, Breen 2-C, Rarity-6. . M-26. Sharpness of VG-10 but worn as jewelry and repaired on the edge. This coin was worn as jewelry and the edges have been smoothed, wiping out the reeding on the edge in some areas. Always popular for the fourteen star reverse, and this die shattered early, and several die cracks can be seen through the shield, and these also weakened the area around AMERICA. One for the budget minded collector who wants a rarity in a moderate grade. Estimated Value $700 - 900. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr. collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1941		1798. Miller-27, Breen 2-D, Rarity-3. . M-27. VF-25. The reeding is weak near the date and some repair work may have been done here, and we note a couple of minor scratches above Liberty's cap. This is the familiar reverse with several lumps above STATES OF. One for the type collector. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr. collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1942		1798. Miller-29, Breen 4-F, Rarity-4. . M-29. Sharpness of EF-45 but repaired in the right obverse field. The right obverse field has been repaired by buffing to remove marks or initials and all the surfaces are hairlined and this coin has been processed. Curiously, this coin was struck through several small bits of lint or other obstruction as several indented marks can be seen on either side, one on the back of the cap, another on the reverse at the left end of the ribbon into the field. Close examination reveals that this is likely a flip over double strike, as the O from OF can be seen over Liberty's cap, and the 8 of the date is located on the N of UNITED. This evidence is faint, and a strong glass is needed to see it, but it certainly is there. Multiple die cracks are present, as usual for the variety. An interesting coin for the specialist, and one that probably won't bring a huge premium. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr. collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1943		1798. Miller-30, Breen 5-G, Rarity-7. . M-30. Sharpness of VF-30 but burnished. Just a handful are known of this variety, and nearly all show rapidly progressing die breaks. This one is fairly late, with a long arcing crack from the first star out the top of Liberty's cap, another crack above from the third star to the cap, one through RT of LIBERTY to the large forecurl on Liberty (Miller obverse die state 3). The reverse with all the cracks noted in the Miller reference for Die State 4. The A of STATES is obviously over something, almost certainly an E, which is seen on other dies of the period. No duplicates offered in the massive Bass sales, giving an indication of how rare this variety is. This is the Miller plate coin, and he notes that just 6 are known of the die variety. Repaired at the sixth star on the rim and the entire coin has been burnished lightly and hairlined by past cleanings. A fascinating coin to study for the breaks are strong and so few are known in any grade. Estimated Value $1,500-UP. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1944		1799. Miller-36, Breen 3-E, Rarity-4. Large 9, imperfect stars reverse. . M-36. Sharpness of EF-40 but burnished and repaired. The surfaces show several areas that have been repaired, including around the tail of the eagle and along the rim above LIB as well as around several obverse stars, and this coin could possibly have been holed and repaired. In addition the coin was harshly cleaned so the surfaces now are pebbly in appearance. A coin to be inspected by prospective bidders as this is a filler. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 1945		1800. Miller-41, Breen-1-A, Rarity-7+. Double Struck. . M-41. AU-50. This is a most unusual coin. The reverse is entirely double struck, with a shift most noticeable on the peripheral lettering. Also on the reverse we note a thin line through the upper shield devices into the field just right of the upper right corner of the shield, where another coin was struck over this one, this perhaps a host brockage coin. On the obverse, the mystery continues where we note two points of an incuse star which is located near the rim by star three, and this is probably related to the thin line through the shield strike (the first off center strike?). Somehow this coin was improperly ejected and partial designs from other struck coins were struck into this coin on both sides. The coiner noted the problem and restruck this one eliminating most of the error strike on the obverse, but the reverse clearly shows doubling. As a variety, Miller-41 is extremely rare, only a few are known, and there were no duplicates offered in the massive Bass sales by Bowers and Merena. Perhaps the dies were damaged by the misstruck example here, and had to be replaced. We note faint clash marks below Liberty from the clouds, and minor marks from circulation. As expected the surfaces have been lightly cleaned. Rim crumbling is located above star eleven and nearly to star twelve. On the reverse, it is quickly identifiable by the last three stars which form a line, just above the ribbon and right wing. One of the most important coins in the Miller collection, and a rare early Mint error to boot! An opportunity not to be missed. Estimated Value $3,500-UP. From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 1946		1800 $5 Capped Bust. . M-42. NGC graded AU-58. Basically, a problem-free specimen, well struck with enough mint luster intact to justify the grade. An ideal example for a type set. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,255
Lot 1947		1800. Miller-42, Breen 1-B, Rarity-4. . M-42. EF-40. Excellent surfaces for the grade with natural gold color and problem free rims and fields. Faint adjustment marks on the U of UNITED weaken that letter at the top. Broken out of a PCGS slab where it was graded XF-40. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,140
Lot 1948		1800. Miller-43, Breen 1-C, Rarity-5. . M-43. Sharpness of VF-20 but repaired. The rims of this one have been filed and most of the reeding is weak or missing. One rim bump is noted over the first T of STATES and there is an old gouge in the right obverse field and a couple of small ones hidden in Liberty's hair. The surfaces are uniformly marked, possibly from a brief time as jewelry, or just improper cleaning. Inspection a must. Estimated Value $900 - 1,100. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 1949		1800 $5 Capped Bust. . M-44. NGC graded MS-64. While this is a somewhat common variety, not many are around in high mint state grades, in fact, this is tied for the finest graded with 9 others in the combined NGC and PCGS Population Reports. Gorgeous coppery gold in color, with ample mint luster and frost to dazzle the eye. Sharply impressed, and certainly a high end example of this date, and apparently tied for the finest graded with a small group. What few surface marks we could find, are widely scattered in the fields and are not detracting. No signs of adjustment marks. Identifiable by a small spot on the left side near the middle of the I in AMERICA. This is a later die state with cracks through the I of UNITED, another through the R of AMERICA through the lower shield to the arrows, and another from the arrows (possibly connected to the I in UNITED crack, but very faint) and this crack wanders up through the shield to the center of the eagle's breast. Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,700
Lot 1950		1800 $5 Capped Bust. . M-44. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty devices are present on both sides, and the fields are slightly reflective. Examination will find minor hairlines and scattered ticks from handling, but the coin is still choice. Fully struck on the stars and Liberty, as well as on the reverse, and no signs of weakness are noted. This is a later die state with a minor crack from the rim down through the R of AMERICA and another through IBER on the obverse. Perfect for the type collector. Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 1951		1800. Miller-44, Breen 1-D, Rarity-3. . M-44. Sharpness of EF-45 but slightly bent on the rim. Lovely orange gold in color and well struck for this common variety. The edge has been flattened at STAT and this gives a slight bend in that area. We note a few faint adjustment marks on the lower left obverse edge some of which may be related to the small bend on the reverse, and a rim tick over F of OF on the reverse. Die state as usual, with cracks through the lower reverse. A presentable coin for the variety. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,680
Lot 1952		1800. Miller-44, Breen 1-D, Rarity-3. . M-44. EF-45+. Here is an example that retains ample mint luster in the fields and decent eye appeal. There are a few minor rim ticks around the date, and the dentils are very weak in that area on both sides (adjustment marks possibly). Well struck otherwise and a common die pairing. Die cracks through the I of UNITED and R of AMERICA and another through the lower part of the shield as usually seen on this die pairing. This is a nice coin for the grade. Estimated Value $2,250 - 2,750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,025
Lot 1953		1802, 2 over 1. Miller-47, Breen 1-D, Rarity-3. . M-47. Sharpness of VF-20 but used as a button, buffed and polished. This one used to be a button, as there is damage at the central reverse where the solder was removed, and the entire surfaces are pebbly, as seen on jewelry pieces. The coin was then polished and buffed. Inspection a must. Estimated Value $500 - 750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 1954		1802, 2 over 1. Miller-49, Breen 1-A, Rarity-8. . M-49. VF-20. One of just 2 known according to Robert Miller, Sr., and this is the plate coin for the reverse photo in his reference book on the series. The edge has a few minor ticks, the most obvious over the O of OF on the reverse. Clean surfaces for the moderate grade, with scattered handling marks on either side. Fascinating die state, the reverse is cracked through the center of the first S of STATES down to the left corner of the shield, another crack extends from the C of AMERICA up through the right corner of the shield to the star above. Further, the reverse die is badly clashed, with parts of the date visible and Liberty's bust present too at the top of the reverse. Yellow gold in color with coppery hues near the devices. An important rarity which is seldom offered, no duplicates in the Bass Sales, and only one other example rumored to reside in a California collection, according to the author. A rare opportunity for the specialist in the series. Estimated Value $1,250-UP. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection and the reverse of this coin is plated in his book. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 1955		1802, 2 over 1. Miller-52, Breen 2-F, Rarity-5. . M-52. Sharpness of AU-50 but harshly cleaned and repaired. High overdate, imperfect T's on the reverse which are missing their right lower serif. Examination will note swirl marks in the fields near the obverse stars, and one must conclude that the surfaces have been lightly smoothed. Further, the surfaces have been cleaned but the coin has started to tone with a bit of coppery tones on Liberty's cap. This is a later die state with the crack from the arrows to the left side of the shield at the top. Well struck, but minor weakness can be seen at the rims. One to be inspected, as always with early gold. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1956		1802 $5 Capped Bust. 2 over 1. . M-54. NGC graded MS-64. Resplendent bright gold in color and very well preserved. The dies struck this one hard, enough so to bring up the stars, curls and feathers on both sides. Somehow this one was saved in magnificent condition. Examination will note how fine the surfaces remain, with few signs of handling or other grade detracting marks. NGC agrees, and awarded this their finest grade of the year, although 9 specimens have been graded this high, none have been graded higher. Although free of adjustment marks, we note some planchet roughness on the lower part of the reverse, and this is entirely mint caused, and scarcely noticeable. Through the same area, at the eagle's claw holding the arrows, a few faint adjustment marks can be detected. There are a number of early half eagles in this sale, both high grade and low grade, so there is certainly something for everyone to choose from. Such an opportunity is not likely to be repeated soon so bid accordingly. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1957		1802. 2 over 1. Miller-54, Breen 2-I, Rarity-4. . M-54. VF-25. This one was lightly cleaned some time ago, but has recovered with some toning. The surfaces show average handling marks for the grade, and this one will be quickly identifiable by a shallow scratch on Liberty's chin. We also note clash marks from the horizontal shield lines above Liberty's ear. The area of most interest is the reverse, for the die has failed with a healthy rim cud over T of UNITED, extending above the letters on either side. Of great interest to the specialist, and worth a strong bid as such. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1958		1803. 3 over 2. Miller-55, Breen 1-B, Rarity-5. . M-55. Sharpness of EF-45 but lightly polished. The surfaces have been cleaned with resulting hairlines and this one may have been polished lightly in the distant past. Two obverse rim nicks have been filed away, one below the 3, the other above BE of LIBERTY. On the reverse there are some light scratches above the arrowheads in the field. All in all, the coin retains decent eye appeal and is well struck. It is a late die state, with the crack from the U of UNITED to the E of STATES. On the reverse rim there is some evidence of light adjustment marks. One for the type collector. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1959		1803 $5 Capped Bust. 3 over 2. . M-56. NGC graded MS-62. Glistening luster on both sides and sharp on the obverse. The reverse is weak on the eagle's claw and arrows, and it is likely that adjustment marks ran through that area. We note the fields and upper devices show minor ticks from handling, expected on coin that is nearly 200 years old, even if it is mint state. This one is a later die state with cracks on the reverse as described in the Miller reference. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details	Realized $6,613
Lot 1960		1803. 3 over 2. Miller-56, Breen 1-C, Rarity-4. . M-56. Sharpness of Fine-12 but heavily repaired. This one has been holed through the L of LIBERTY and the tail and was obviously worn for years as jewelry, then repaired by an unskilled person at such matters. The tail feathers have been reengraved, and the coin may have also been mounted at the central reverse. A filler, which must be inspected by prospective buyers. Estimated Value $500 - 750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $472
Lot 1961		1803 $5 Capped Bust. 3 over 2. . M-57. NGC graded MS-64. Here is another high grade mint state half eagle. The surfaces show glorious luster in the fields, and the devices retain their original mint frost. The luster and frost combine to make this piece very appealing, and the surfaces retain their freshness as well, and don't show the usual handling ticks so often seen. NGC has only graded 5 this high, with a single coin graded higher, that at MS-66. No signs of adjustment marks or similar problems, this one is very lovely. Minor hairlines and a delight to behold. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $17,250
Lot 1962		1803. 3 over 2. Miller-57, Breen 1-D, Rarity-2. . M-57. Sharpness of AU-55 but burnished and lightly repaired. The obverse has been burnished and repaired to remove a cigarette from Liberty's mouth, and small scratches can still be seen in that area and the entire coin is hairlined. A few copper spots are present, and this is the usual die state with a few scattered die cracks on each side. One of the most common of the early half eagles. A coin for the type collector who wants a lot of detail and doesn't mind the problems mentioned. Decent rims and reeding, and well struck. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 1963		1803. 3 over 2. Miller-58, Breen 2-D, Rarity-4. . M-58. Sharpness of VF-25 but a jewelry piece which was mounted. This coin spent many years as jewelry and the devices show heavy evidence of this type of wear, the reeding on the rims is mostly gone, and we note traces of solder from the jewelry mount. Thought to have been rare but the Bass sales seemed to sort this one out where the cataloguers discovered that this obverse is frequently misattributed as the more common Breen 1 obverse. This second obverse has a perfect T (with the right base serif complete, and this is missing on the other variety) and is usually found with a die crack through the base of the date, extending nearly to the stars on either side. A coin to be inspected. Estimated Value $500 - 750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 1964		"1803". A pair of Kettle Tokens. One grades VF-30, the other F-12 but has scratches. These tokens were struck by an English gaming company to serve as gambling tokens. Most state "Kettle" right of the date, as seen on one of these, the other has had this word removed, and was gold plated likely in hopes of passing it as a half eagle. The gold plated one has several surface marks and scratches. Always popular with collectors, these tokens are part of the rich panorama and history of numismatics. Lot of 2 tokens. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details	Realized $207
Lot 1965		1804. Blundered date, Miller-59, Breen 1-A, Rarity-4+. . M-59. Sharpness of EF-40 but repaired around the rims. The surfaces have been lightly burnished and areas appear to have been repaired around the cap and the eagle's tail feathers as well as around the rims. Still a well struck coin that retains most of the original detail. Some light scratches are noted in the left obverse field. Inspection recommended, as always, as any coin with problems should be evaluated before a bid is placed. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 1966		1804 $5 Capped Bust. Small 8 over large 8. . M-59. PCGS graded MS-64. This is the finest example graded by PCGS and it is alone in this grade category. Fabulous mint bloom and copious luster in the fields. We note a hint of adjustment marks, they are short and extend from Liberty's temple into her hair. Boldly struck by the dies, with full and complete definition on all the devices. The date is wildly recut, with the 8 almost comical as the large 8 obviously has a small 8 residing on top of it. The 1 and 0 are also recut, but not as dramatically. Both dies show clash marks, and the reverse has a slight crack through the E of AMERICA. Rare and not fully appreciated by numismatists, these early half eagles are available, and mercifully can be found in nice mint state grades, as offered here, but they are somewhat expensive, as they always have been. For well over a century, a collection of early half eagles has been one of the most challenging and rewarding series to collect. Given that this coin is the finest of this variety graded by PCGS, we expect a strong price, which it richly deserves. Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1967		1804. Blundered date, Miller-60, Breen 1-B, Rarity-4. . M-60. Sharpness of VF-25 but polished and repaired. This coin has been repaired and has the appearance of a jewelry piece. The fields have been polished to reduce marks, some of which remain. A later die state with two vertical cracks on the reverse, which shattered the die into 3 pieces. Another coin to be inspected by bidders prior to the sale. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 1968		1804. Miller-63, Breen 2-C, Rarity-5. . M-63. NGC graded EF-40. Yellow gold color with orange highlights near the devices. Average handling marks, and there are light adjustment marks on the reverse. This is a later die state, with a crack through the 0 in the date, and a heavier crack over the T of UNITED to the rim. Some luster in the fields. Generally problem free, and desirable as such. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 1969		1804. Miller-63, Breen 2-C, Rarity-5. . M-63. VF-25. This coin has a pleasing, natural appearance with darker hues highlighting the lettering and devices. Moderate handling marks as expected for the grade, but no real problems of any sort. Broken out of a PCGS slab where it was graded VF-25. A moderate grade for the variety, and this particular one is an early die state with the vertical crack through the 0 in the date just forming, and a light crack at the top of T of UNITED. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,400. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 1970		1804. Miller-66, Breen 3-E, Rarity-5. . M-66. EF-40. This one has been lightly cleaned, and we note some light surface scratches encircling the entire obverse around the rims (through the stars, date etc.) Identifiable by the recut 4 in the date, and the recut T of UNITED. The obverse die is cracked from the tenth star towards Liberty's mouth, and through the 8 in the date, and the reverse is cracked through the E of AMERICA to the second feather from the bottom on the right wing of the eagle. A decent coin overall, but should still be inspected. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1971		1805. Miller-68, Breen 1-A, Rarity-6. . M-68. EF-45. This coin retains some of the original mint luster, but it has numerous chatter marks from circulation on both sides. At the time Robert Miller published his work on early half eagles, he did not have a specimen to photograph. In his description of this variety, he notes that the first star is unusually close to the curl, which it is, but it certainly doesn't nearly touch the curl. Both the 1 and the 5 in the date touch Liberty. Rim crumbling is seen past STATES on the reverse. Scarce, and seldom offered. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 1972		1805 $5 Capped Bust. . M-73. PCGS graded MS-64. A rare coin in this near gem grade, the surfaces boast a rich orange gold color and the luster is full and complete. Minor handling marks scattered on each side, none are worth much notice. Sharply impressed by the dies, with fully rounded curls on Liberty, and bold stars on the obverse and reverse. There are some minor adjustment marks on the obverse, most of these reside near the date and lower drapery folds, but a few are also seen down Liberty's hair and on the rim. A high end coin that boasts excellent mint bloom and eye appeal. PCGS has graded 12 this high, with one single coin graded a notch higher in gem. Certainly one of the finest to survive, and worthy of a superb half eagle collection. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,975
Lot 1973		1805. Miller-73, not in Breen, Rarity-4. . M-73. Sharpness of EF-45 but lightly polished. The obverse shows signs of an old polishing, with the fields still reflective and hairlines reside there. Toned with yellow and copper gold shades on both sides and quite lovely. Minor adjustment marks are present on the left side of the reverse, mostly on the rim. We note doubling on the right wing and AM nearby, and this may be in the die or simply a striking phenomenon. A scarce variety and certain to attract attention. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 1974		1805. Miller-73, Not in Breen, Rarity-4. . M-73. Sharpness of VF-20 but mounted in a bezel. The surfaces are heavily abraded after many years use as a jewelry coin, still mounted in a bezel with an intact ring at the top. Estimated Value $600 - 700. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 1975		1805. Miller-74, Not in Breen, Rarity-4+. . M-74. Sharpness of EF-45 but graffiti on the obverse and possibly mounted. Orange gold in color with coppery red highlights at the rims. Examination will locate graffiti in the left obverse field, and clusters of small ticks in Liberty's hair and below her chin. Around the obverse rim, there are some flattened areas which indicate that this coin may have been mounted. As always, inspection is a must. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 1976		1805. Miller-74, Not in Breen, Rarity-4+. . M-74. Sharpness of VF-35 but burnished. The surfaces have been burnished long ago, and the coin retains a satiny, soft appearance. Die cracks are noted through the 0 in the date and the last star both into Liberty. We note some small scratches near the fifth star on the rim, and scattered ticks on both sides. Decent enough for the grade overall. Another coin to be inspected. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 1977		1805. Miller-74, Not in Breen, Rarity-4+. . M-74. Sharpness of VF-35 but smoothed and repaired. The rims, face and fields have been smoothed and some scratches are still present. Well struck from cracked and clashed dies, with obverse radial cracks through the 0 in the date, last star and heavy clash marks above Liberty's head and around the reverse periphery too. The rims show signs of being mounted in the past, with smoothed areas seen on the edge and dentils. Another one to inspect prior to the sale to arrive at the proper bid. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1978		1805. Miller-74, Not in Breen, Rarity-4+. . M-74. Sharpness of VF-25 but worn as jewelry. Here is yet another example of this variety. This one has been damaged by being worn as jewelry for many years and all the devices and edges are worn. On the edge, we note repairs with most of the reeding now missing. A coin to inspect prior to bidding. Estimated Value $600 - 800. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 1979		1806. Pointed 6, Stars 8 X 5, Miller-75, Not in Breen, Rarity-6. . M-75. VF-30. On this die, the first star appears to have been added as an afterthought, and on the reverse, there is rim crumbling or overlapping dentils just past STATES. Cleaned in the past, and nicely recovered with coppery hues around the devices. Moderate hairlines but no other troublesome marks or bumps. Identifiable by a small rim bruise over the O in OF. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1980		1806 $5 Capped Bust. Pointed top 6. . M-75. PCGS graded MS-64. The obverse die was prepared by the proverbial "office boy". Note that the 6 is very high, with the upper point of that number well up into Liberty's drapery. In addition, the first star was obviously added as an afterthought, and seems to be stuffed into the area near Liberty's lowest curl. We can only guess, but we suspect that the obverse die was originally a twelve star, with the stars arranged 7X5, when the supervisor, or office boy engraver noticed the error, and demanded an additional star be added. One simply can't waste dies, as die steel was very expensive. Adding the additional star was overcome by lapping or filing off the lowest curl of Liberty, note how incomplete it is with broken ends appearing both at the top and bottom above the first star. Literally erasing most of this bottom curl allowed the engraver to squeeze in another star, which ended up being awkwardly placed where part of the curl used to be, with two points very nearly touching the next star. Similar corrections to dies have been noted on coins of the early period at the Federal Mint, another famous example is the 15 star reverse bust dollar (1799), where too many stars were placed over the eagle, and the two offending stars were covered over by extending the clouds over the stars. A few points of the two stars can still be seen, sticking out from the bottom of the clouds. Thus, the early days at the Mint presented many challenges, and the employees bumbled along as best they could. Splendid surfaces on this coin, with full mint bloom and few signs of handling. The central reverse has some crossing adjustment marks through the eagle, and these weaken some of the central devices. Overall, a gorgeous coin for the grade, and one with the added appeal of the "extra" star being squeezed in on the obverse. Further, this is one of the finest graded by PCGS, which notes 4 this high, with none graded higher! Certainly an opportunity for the alert numismatist, who enjoys the study of the minute details provided in such rich abundance in these early coins. Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1981		1806. Pointed 6, Stars 8 X 5. Miller-77, Breen obverse 1, Rarity-7. . M-77. Sharpness of EF-40 but there are obverse scratches. This is the obverse for Breen-1, and the reverse was not listed in his monograph. A few others were offered in the recent Bass Sales. In particular, the obverse has several long scratches outlining Liberty with a few more in the fields, a scrape on the 8, and a few more handling marks than one would expect on the obverse than the grade usually warrants. The reverse is nicer, and we note a die crack through the tops of UNITED ST, and middle of MER. Identifiable by a small rim mark above the eighth star. A rare issue that should still be considered as this variety is seldom offered. Estimated Value $1,750-UP. From the Robert W. Miller, Sr., collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,955
Lot 1982		1806 $5 Capped Bust. Pointed top 6. . M-82. VF-25. A rare coin which is seldom offered in any grade. In fact, Robert Miller considered this to be one of just 2 known, but that was before the massive Harry Bass duplicates hit the market in the past few years. In the Bass collection, 4 examples were offered of this rare die pairing. This particular example is the plate coin from the Miller reference book on half eagles. Moderate handling marks and roughness on both sides. The devices are sharply struck. Identifiable by a small edge tick just left of the date, and a minor scratch down the left side of the M in AMERICA to the fifth feather below on the eagle's wing. An important offering for the specialist. Early die state before the cud appears over the T of UNITED. Estimated Value $2,000-UP. From the collection of Robert W. Miller, Sr. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 1983		1806 $5 Capped Bust. Round top 6. . M-84. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the most common half eagles, but not in this grade! Rich gold in color with undiminished luster and clean surfaces throughout. The strike is average, with most of the stars sharp, but a few don't have full centers. Light adjustment marks on the reverse through TED of UNITED. PCGS has graded 28 this high, with a single coin graded a notch higher. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold

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