Lot 482
1833 Capped Bust Dime. . R-2. NGC graded Proof 66. Here is an extremely rare coin in Proof, perhaps one of just three known struck in the Proof format from this die pairing. This date was missing from the extensive proof collection offered in the Eliasberg collection, giving an indication of its true rarity. Further, this is a rare die variety, the obverse die cracked very early, possibly with the first proof coin struck (see the Bowers and Merena Brooks Collection, June 1989, lot 90), as those known all show the nearly bisecting crack from between the date and the last star up to Liberty's cap. Later business strikes show further cracks from the rim through the first star to meet the main die crack just below Liberty's ear. Once the second crack appeared and was noticed by the coiner, the obverse die was replaced and this die pairing remains quite elusive.
Many of the early Philadelphia Mint proofs are hard to categorize, with characteristics of both proof and mint state specimens. Some coins are literally one-sided proofs. Not so here, the fields are well mirrored, and the strike is full and sharp on even the highest devices, such as the claws over the branch and minute details on the arrowheads and leaves, as well as the curls on Liberty. Hence, this coin easily qualifies as an early proof issue, specially struck by polished dies on a polished blank. We note that the reflective mirroring is included between the shield stripes, but not within the letters of LIBERTY, which is identical to the similar proof offered in Stack's fabulous Floyd T. Starr Sale in October, 1992, lot 357.
Regarding the minute details, we note a short lint mark hanging down from inside the eagle's upper beak (not that this is also seen on Brooks coin, and probably on the Starr coin too, but it can not be seen in the photo. This particular one also has a lint mark from the left side of the eagle's neck, just above the shield edge and located above the center dot.
Turning now to the population reports, NGC reports 2 as PF-65, and 2 as PF-66; while PCGS reports one in each PR-64, 65 and 66. It is likely that some duplication exists in these reports, and we were only able to trace 3 distinct specimens rather than the 7 reported by the combined Population Reports. A coin worthy of the finest collection, and certainly tied as one of the finest known of this rare issue.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000.
1). The present coin: Ex. Cleneay Collections; S. H. and H. Chapman 12/1890:1509; Allenburger Collection; B. Max Mehl 3/1948:896 at $16.75; John Jay Pittman; David Akers 10/1997:569 $18,700.
2). Bowers and Merena's Brooks Collection Sale, 6/1989:90 at $66,000.
3). Will W. Neil Collection; B. Max Mehl 6/1947:1233; Floyd T. Starr Collection, Stack's 10/1992:357 at $21,000.
Other appearances: New Netherlands Coin Co., 52nd Sale, 12/1958:432, not plated; J.C. Morgenthau & Co. 2/1945:556 and Numismatic Gallery's World's Greatest Collection Sale, 2/1945:489 not plated.
|
| |
| Unsold |
