|
Sale 84
January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach
| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 1926 |
 |
1807. Bust Left. BD-8, Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-63. Two die varieties are known for John Reich's new Bust Left half eagle design that made its first appearance in mid-1807. The BD-8, offered here, is plentiful in all grades, while the BD-7 is considered a rarity with perhaps only 30-40 pieces known. The obverse of this example features some subtle clash marks in the hair and around the ear from the horizontal and vertical shield lines. Examples of this variety are known in all grades, including Mint State grades up to and including MS-67, and are prime candidates for type collectors. This piece has sharp details overall. Both sides are frosty and brilliant with bright green-gold surfaces. Certainly a desirable type coin. Pop 39; 29 finer, 1 in 63+, 22 in 64, 4 in 65, 2 in 67. (PCGS # 8101) .
Estimated Value $21,000 - 22,000.
View details and enlarged photos
Check results on similar lots
| Unsold |
Lot 1927 |
 |
1809, 9 over 8. BD-1, High Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck with lovely golden-orange toning at selected design areas. A well struck frosty mint Gem on a problem-free planchet. The frosty surfaces glow with intense mint luster. A total of 33,875 pieces were minted, but rarely have we seen an 1809/8 half eagle as crisp and pleasing to the critical eye of the grading service; and to think it was released from to the Treasury for distribution over two hundred years ago. The design, the depth of strike, like the luster, is outstanding, in fact, exceptional. A well-made example with needle-sharp details. There are no bothersome abrasions, adjustment marks, or spots. This is one of the nicest specimens of this date we have seen, a coin that will be admired by those who view it. A short mark below the eagle's lower beak serves as an identifier; dutiful searching with a glass reveals little else other than a stray line or minor change in the color of the toning here and there. A great example in Gem Mint State compared to lesser quality early gold pieces that may be technically Mint State; we hesitate to call it "world class" quality but where in the world would you find a finer specimen? A coin for a true connoisseur.
Die note: One interesting feature about this piece that Dannreuther mentions in his die variety guide is the large 9 punch employed on this die. It is much larger than the other digits, possibly from the punch set that was used for the Large Date varieties in 1810. The partial numeral under the 9 does not seem to match the curve of an 8 or this 9. As with many other early gold issues, one sometimes has to draw the best conclusion that can be found from the existing examples. Traditionally, all 1809 half eagles are described as 1809/8. As with the other dies made during the employ of John Reich at the mint, star 13 has a small notch out of one point (that which is closest to the rim dentils). Some believe this is his "secret signature" as such an anomaly could not be explained otherwise. (Reich worked at the mint from 1807 until 1817). Pop 5; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 8104) .
Estimated Value $100,000 - 120,000.
View details and enlarged photos
Check results on similar lots
| Unsold |
Lot 1928 |
 |
1809, 9 over 8. BD-1, High Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-63. The only die pairing. One interesting feature about this piece that John Dannreuther mentions in his die variety guide is the large 9 punch employed on this die. It is much larger than the other digits, possibly from the punch set that was used for the Large Date varieties in 1810. The partial numeral under the 9 does not seem to match the curve of an 8 or this 9. As with many other early gold issues, one sometimes has to draw the best conclusion that can be found from the existing examples. Traditionally, all 1809 half eagles are described as 1809/8. As with the other dies made during the employ of John Reich at the mint, star 13 has a small notch out of one point (that which is closest to the rim dentils). Some believe this is his "secret signature" as such an anomaly could not be explained otherwise. (Reich worked at the mint from 1807 until 1817.).
A nice frosty coin with lovely rich golden toning and only a few tiny marks visible at the center of the obverse. A decidedly attractive piece that has radiant golden originality. Struck with systematic exactness throughout the stars and main design elements, there is little reason to ignore the central part of the reverse where, on some dates in the Capped Bust Left series, a severe rounded impression is often left by the dies. This coin is decidedly bold in the centers and elsewhere. One of only 33,875 pieces struck. Pop 22; 34 finer, 25 in 64, 3 in 64+, 5 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8104) .
Estimated Value $22,000 - 23,000.
View details and enlarged photos
Check results on similar lots
| Unsold |
Lot 1929 |
 |
1820. Square Base 2 NGC graded AU Details. BD-2, High Rarity 5. Improperly Cleaned. Square Base 2, star 1 is distant from Liberty's bust, while star 13 is recut and firmly touches the curl (the only Square 2 with this feature); large reverse letters with a tiny lump where the rear talon usually hangs over the branch. A very scarce variety, it is still the second most available Square Base 2 die pairing and for the year, as the five varieties of curved base 2 are all rare to exceedingly rare. It is estimated that 20 to 25 BD-2s are known in various grades, mainly circulated to low-end Mint State.
An important example of this highly sought after type. This is a lightly circulated representative that has been lightly cleaned at one time. Both sides exhibit some hairlines and just a few small nicks and marks from handling -- nothing serious. The dominant color is a yellow-gold with some orange color here and there on the obverse with a dark brown area on part of the reverse. Well struck throughout. This lot will attract attention from type collectors that are on a budget, as this coin will prove to be a rare opportunity (PCGS # 8125) .
Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000.
View details and enlarged photos
Check results on similar lots
| Unsold |
|
|