Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

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

Shield Nickels

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 195		1866 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. The mintage of this first year of issue has long been controversial, for many years it was estimated that 125 were struck, now the figure has been revised to 300 as more accurate counts have been completed. This one is a satiny gem that boasts toning and haze free surfaces, and no value diminishing spots or problems. Several design elements show recutting, as always seen on these proofs. PCGS has graded 96 this high, with 54 graded higher. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,105
Lot 196		1866 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. This is the first year of the issue and a short two year type coin. Research has shown that the initial strikes from the polished proof dies sometimes produced a cameo effect. This means that the devices are especially frosty and the fields well mirrored, as seen on this gem. PCGS reports that 101 have been graded this high, but we suspect that few of those are "cameo" examples. One for the type or date collector who demands abundant eye appeal and well preserved surfaces. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 197		1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. PCGS graded MS-64. Fresh and original, with nice luster and clean surfaces for the grade. A bold strike, with sharp details on the shield and wreath above. Estimated Value $600 - 700. From the Benson Collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed, March 20, 1944 at a cost of $7.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 198		1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. MS-60+. Nice on the obverse, but there is a raised corrosion lump on the upper right rim and another on the rim left of the date, on the reverse, there are some hairlines around the periphery from a past cleaning and a couple of spots on CENTS from improper storage. Perhaps the corrosion can be removed, and experts should examine this before anything is attempted. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $265
Lot 199		1867 Shield Nickel. No rays. PCGS graded Proof 63. Bold and well preserved, with hints of nickel blue in the mirror fields and excellent surfaces. One faint spot on the N of CENT apparently accounts for the moderate grade, as the coin has no other problems that we noted. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $276
Lot 200		1868 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. This one has very light toning on both sides and is free of problems aside from faint hairlines. Not an easy date to locate in choice proof. Estimated Value $425 - 500. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $529
Lot 201		1869 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 63. This one has minor mottled tones on the lower obverse where raised toning areas reside near the rim. We also note light hairlines on the reverse. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $253
Lot 202		1870 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. Fresh and original, with a faint layer of toning starting to settle in. One small speck on the lower left reverse, and trivial hairlines. Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1921 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $403
Lot 203		1871 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 63. Spot-free and clean for the grade, with the devices outlined by haze. Downright fresh. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $311
Lot 204		1872 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. This is the double die obverse, with minor doubling noted on the cross and annulet below (not all that rare on the proofs, see Breen-2492 in his Encyclopedia). Nearly a gem, and perfect for a collector. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $403
Lot 205		1873 Shield Nickel. Closed 3. PCGS graded Proof 65. A few scattered specks on the reverse, but this one is clearly a gem. Housed in an old green insert PCGS holder, and seldom found this nice. PCGS has graded 76 this high, with just 8 higher of the date. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $661
Lot 206		1873 Shield Nickel. Closed 3. PCGS graded Proof 64. This one was struck from a lapped obverse die, as the left arrow feathers are very shallow. Nicely struck and preserved, with clean fields and devices that are untoned, aside from a bit of haze. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details	Realized $322
Lot 207		1874 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. Choice surfaces and color, with bright frost on the devices and nicely mirrored fields. Spot and toning free. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 208		1875 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 63. Faint hairlines and light haze, otherwise fresh from the dies, and obviously original. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details	Realized $299
Lot 209		1876 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. Hazy white tones surround the devices and well struck by the dies. Nearly a gem of this centennial year issue. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $299
Lot 210		1877 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. The key date to the series, only 510 were struck in proof, and no business strikes were coined. Of those, PCGS has graded 135 this high, with 41 graded higher. If you want a bright, fresh gem from an old time collection, then go after this splendid coin. Estimated Value $1,600 - 2,000. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,013
Lot 211		1878 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. Bright and fresh, with a hint of haze and a couple of tiny flecks of dark specks when viewed with a strong glass. Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 212		1879/8 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. Frosty and bright on the obverse, the reverse with a touch of haze and a scattering of hairlines. Sharply struck from deeply engraved dies and quite nice for the grade. As to the overdate feature, its about as sharp as ever seen, with remnants of the underlying 8 visible within the lower part of the 9. Scarce and always popular with collectors as overdate proofs of any denomination are a delight to ponder. Estimated Value $600 - 700. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 213		1880 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. This is the "dropped 8" variety that shows strong repunching within the second 8, which was cut very low and corrected. No other digits show repunching, so the engraver likely lapped off other traces prior to striking these proofs. Bright and flashy, with light haze mostly on the reverse, and well struck throughout. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details	Realized $414
Lot 214		1881 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. Clean surfaces for the grade, with no signs of handling or spots. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $449
Lot 215		1881 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 64. Flashy and well struck, with minor haze on the reverse. One speck on the N of UNITED, which could probably be removed. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $299
Lot 216		1882 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. This is one of the "filled 2" varieties, with some mispunchings noted under than digit. Nice and bright, with frosty devices and clean mirror fields. A sparkling jewel. Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483
Lot 217		1883 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. A true beauty that boasts glowing frost and reflective fields. On the obverse there is a hint of rose toning, and a single tiny speck below the 5 on the reverse. The final year of issue of the Shield Nickel series. Estimated Value $400 - 450. Purchased by Dr. Benson on March 31, 1944 from James G. Macallister for $2.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 218		1883 Shield Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 63. This one has a bit of haze and light streaks of color, especially on the reverse. We also note hairlines and the fields are starting to cloud over. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson Collection and purchased on March 8, 1944 from Ira S. Reed in a set of nickels from 1866 to 1912 for $335.00. View details	Realized $242