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Sale 59
Lot 2416
Marcus Junius Brutus, d. 42 BC. Gold Aureus (8.07 g), struck at a traveling mint in Macedonia or Western Asia Minor, summer/autumn 42 BC. With moneyer, P. Servilius Casca Longus. Bare head right of Brutus with short beard, BRVTVS IMP on either side, all within laurel wreath. Reverse: Combined military and naval trophies, with prows and shields at base; a small L to left of trophy; CASCA LONGVS on either side. Fr-24 (this coin); Craw 507/1b; BMCRR 62; Syd. 1297; Vagi 94; Kent-Hirmer 99. Faint double striking at back of head, otherwise a splendid likeness, in high relief. Lustrous and sharp! One of the most historic of Roman issues, gold or silver! Excessively rare. Probably the finest of only 8 recorded specimens. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated.
After Julius Caesar, the second most recognizable name of the imperatorial era is Marcus Junius Brutus. Was he the last guardian of the Republican age or only an infamous and most vile assassin of Caesar? Born about 85 BC, Brutus was thrust into the political realm and early became a follower of Cato, a staunch Republican. Later, Brutus built a fortune by lending money at usurious rates and eventually became a Roman senator. What did Brutus really want? Like Edward G. Robinson in Key Largo, "More"?
There grew a great friendship between Caesar and Brutus, but during the Civil War it was clear that Caesar would never return to the former Republican government. Instead, Caesar was swayed by his many victories and public adulation, ultimately accepting the title "dictator for life." Caesar's portrait graced many coin issues, and his likeness was the first of a living person to be depicted upon the specie we now revere. It is ironic to also find the portrayal of Brutus on Coinage.
The ensuing struggle, the loss of life and of ideals, and the change of government are witnessed and related on this wonderful coin. Shakespeare (perhaps one in the same with Francis Bacon) gave us the perfect glimpse into the stage as life; Joseph Mankiewiez and John Houseman created a magnificent vision in their 1953 film Julius Caesar. With Marlon Brando, James Mason, John Gielgud, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr and other stellar actors, it is a movie to view and view again. The next time you see it, ponder this aureus and the previous denarius.
Estimated Value $400,000 - 500,000.
Ex John Whitney Walter Collection, Stack's-Berk Auction (11-29-90), lot 7; ex NFA Auction XXII (06-01-89), lot 23; ex Leu Auction 22 (05-08-79), lot 184. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 30. Ex Millennia, Lot 75.
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Lot 964
1795. Two Leaves. B-2, BB-20. Rarity 3. NGC graded MS-64. A brilliant untoned frosty white mint example. Some softeness in the centers as made on a problem free planchet.
Flowing hair in six prominent curls with the lowest curl pierced and separated by the innermost point of star 1, and the curl is continued upwards to almost close its loop. Wide date, the 95 closer together than the other figures. This obverse occurs on BB-19 and BB-20. The reverse has two leaves under each wing. A leaf ends directly below center of first S in STATES and another leaf ends just under left corner of upright of E in STATES. The wreath is delicate, leaves small, berries large. 19 berries arranged nine left, 10 right.
The Flowing Hair design was used on silver coinage in 1794 and 1795. The design is found on half dimes, half dollars, and silver dollars and displays a youthful Liberty facing right with free-flowing hair. (The subsequent Type would have a hair ribbon at the back.)
Since the Coinage Act of 1792 which established the standards for America's coinage has as its centerpiece the silver dollar, the edge lettering on these reads HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT. The value exists nowhere else on the coin.
Between spring and late summer that year, 17 die marriages of 1795 flowing hair dollars were prepared and used to strike silver dollars. Employed were two bust punches, two separate wreath punches, and two different eagle punches. The mint struck a fairly large number of dollars in 1795: 160,295 to be exact, of which several thousand (according to the Bowers reference book on bust dollars) are believe to survive.
The present specimen is remarkable for its fresh color and frosty surfaces on both sides. It sits squarely atop the assigned grade classification and has lovely silvery brightness. Any marks are held to a minimum. Better still, there appear to be no adjustment lines on either side, a noteworthy observation which qualifies for special mention. The satiny surfaces are aglow with silvery color, devices sharper than on some, but lacking completeness on the eagle's wings and chest feathers, which, as often occurs, is softly brought up. High grade flowing hair silver dollars are the dominant theme among serious, advanced early dollar collectors, with comparatively few Mint States sold in any calendar year. Bowers (1993) estimated only four to six pieces remain in MS64 or better grades. Look for this beautiful MS64 coin to realize a strong price after much spirited bidding. Pop 1, finest graded 2 leaves at NGC. The NGC population also breaks down the various varities and reports two BB-20 examples in 65.
Estimated Value $140,000 - 175,000.
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Lot 661
1804 S-266c R2. PCGS graded AU-55. Glossy olive and dark bluish steel brown with frosty tan and light brown faded down from mint color in protected areas on both sides. Smooth surfaces, void of any hint of roughness or verdigris. The only marks are a nick on the neck and two tiny pinpricks on the bust, plus some microscopic ticks scattered over both sides. Sharply struck LDS, Breen state IV, showing strong cud breaks at RTY and MERI. Only very light friction on the highest points of the design from mint state. Excellent eye appeal for the grade. One of the nicest 1804 large cents to come to the market in decades. The only nicer one is the PCGS MS63 Brown we sold in our sale of the Dan Holmes collection (7 Sept 2009, lot 531, which established a record price for an 1804 large cent: $661,250). Our grade is consistent with the slab grade. Pop 3; 1 finer in MS63BN. Note the PCGS Population Report is wrong. Should show MS63 not MS62 (PCGS # 1504) .
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
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Lot 1779
1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-67. An absolutely superb gem specimen with immaculate satiny mint surfaces throughout.The Flat Rim variety High Relief is harder to find than the Wire Rim. An issue that needs little introduction among numismatists, this coin is at the upper end of the Superb Gem grade level. The luster flows smoothly, evenly over both sides like molten lava flowing across Hawaii's Kilauea crater pool, and so too does the gorgeous, original, yellow-gold color flow evenly. The outward appearance brightens the entire coin as the viewer tilts the coin into a light. The strike is razor-sharp for a high relief coin that was given five blows from the dies. The surfaces are undeniably smooth with no outwardly noticeable handling marks, no copper spotting, and certainly nothing that would seem to preclude an even finer grade assessment. This is one of the most beautiful High Relief Twenties that this firm has ever sold, and it is destined to find a place of honor in an advanced U.S. gold collection. This exquisite gem should stir plenty of bidder excitment. Pop 12; 5 finer, 2 in 67 star, 2 in 68, 1 in 68 star.
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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Lot 1664
1887 $10 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. Star. Only 80 Proofs struck. Nice light golden toning. The finest graded 1887 Proof $10 Gold. The year 1887 was one where the Philadelphia Mint was devoting full attention in minting minor coinage and silver dollars. Regarding the 1887 Eagle, the Breen Proof Encyclopedia lists these characteristics: "Date slants up, 7 much farther from border than 1, left base of 1 about over left edge [of a dentil]; four stripes thin, feathers attenuated below second. (On business strikes date is centered and level.)"
As is known, the 1887 Proof mintage consists of 80 coins (presumably sold in gold Proof sets as well as a few pieces sold individually). Possibly 15 to 20 survive. Another 53,600 business strikes were produced, a small mintage in and by itself.
The present incredible PR67 Ultra Cameo specimen clearly shows the "Star" criteria points: fields are deep in their incredible reflectivity, plus there is a full overlay of mint frost on the devices. Strike is needle-sharp, and well defined in all areas. There are no flaws noted on this remarkable 1887 Proof. No coppery stains. Only gleaming "orange peel" originality and brilliance. This example is without argument the finest graded and the only PR67 per the listed census which follows. Deserves illustration in all the popular numismatic publications as the epitome of 19th century Proof beauty! Pop 1; none finer at either service. Recently added to the census (PCGS # 98827) .
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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Lot 3098
Great Britain. Five Guineas, 1688. S-3397A; Fr-292 (158); KM-460.1. 41.62 grams. James II, 1685-1688. Second Bust. QVARTO on edge. Laureate head left. Reverse: Crowned cruciform arms, with alternating scepters at angles. Trivial weakness at one shield and date, and a few adjustment marks hidden within the hair, otherwise choice strike, with prooflike fields and softly cameo devices. Remarkable preservation. Very rare thus. NGC graded MS-64 Prooflike.
James was the third son of Charles I, the brother of Charles II, and as the Duke of York he was successor to the throne of England. The return of Charles II as king was met with apprehension by many Englishmen. And their misgivings were certainly fulfilled on his part by his absolutist leanings, his lack of responsiveness to Parliament, his favoring and promoting of alliances with the Catholic powers in Europe, and at home his toleration of Catholic dissent. A Parliamentary party arose in opposition to Charles, and more so to continued Stuart succession. And yet, civil war as a once again option never arose. The populace would rather have a monarchy, even with its faults, than return to the "republicanism" of the Commonwealth. Also, Charles was somewhat lazy and lackadaisical as a ruler, although surprisingly tolerant in many ways and occasionally he even showed a sharp political savvy. This certain degree of flexibility prevented the disaffected from acquiring pivotal political backing against him. James, on the other hand, was decidedly different from his brother.
James, converting to Roman Catholicism probably around 1668, was stiff and humorless compared to his brother, yet a staunch, even ardent, supporter of his faith. Initially his accession was greeted with some enthusiasm, since his brother had left him the legacy of a strong executive office, with the added bonus of a loyal Tory-dominated Parliament. Opinion soon changed when in the first few months of his reign he was faced with a Protestant rebellion. The rebels were speedily put down, but in a particularly harsh and bloody manner. After this, James worked diligently to enlarge and strengthen the "royal prerogative" of old. Also he meddled extensively in local and town governments, interfering with the courts, all with the purpose of re-installing to positions of influence and power as many Catholics as possible in an attempt to turn England back to the Catholic faith. Topping off matters, his second wife provided him with a male heir, which could now interfere with Parliament's wish that James's Protestant daughter, Mary, succeed to the throne upon the death of her father. Within three years, both the old nobility and the emerging commercial class had been totally alienated by him. Likewise the Whig opposition of old now found themselves with ample Tory allies who had become disgusted with James. Seven Whig and Tory leaders sent an invitation to the Dutch prince William of Orange and his consort, Mary (Protestant daughter of James), to come to England. William landed at Torbay in Devonshire with an army. James's forces, under John Churchill (later duke of Marlborough), deserted him. James fled, was captured, and then was allowed to flee to France in December of 1688. James's flight was eventually termed an "abdication," and Mary and her husband were installed as the new sovereigns. In retaliation, James rallied together some Irish forces (which were supported by French troops provided by Louis IX), but they were soundly defeated by William's forces. Thereafter James lived the remainder of his life in France, dying in 1701.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
Ex Millennia, Lot 335.
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Lot 961
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar Rarity 4. . BB-1, B-1. NGC graded Fine-15. A very pleasing example for the grade with a nice full date and free from defects and major flaws. We note some normal weakness about the left side stars and corresponding portions on the reverse. A nice even light lilac-grey tone further enhances its appearance. Always in great demand as our regular First Silver Dollar. Pop 5.
Historic note: The dies for the 1794 dollar are almost certainly the work of Robert Scot, a medalist and die sinker. On November 23, 1793, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was in charge of the affairs of the Mint, wrote to Robert Scot and sent him a commission to be engraver at the Mint. To Scot fell the task of cutting the dies for coinage, including the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar. In November 1794, John Smith Gardner was hired as his assistant, but by this time the initial delivery of silver dollars had been accomplished. Probably, Gardner worked on some of the 1795 and later dies.
To prevent filing and clipping by the public to reduce a minted coin's weight, it was desired to ornament the edge. In this way, the removal of silver could be detected. For the silver dollar, lettering was applied by a machine which rolled the finished planchet (but before striking by the dies) between two parallel steel bars, upon each of which was half of the edge lettering inscription: HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT and ornamentation between words.
Per the Bowers encyclopedia: "Known silver dollars dated 1794 are from a single pair of dies and are believed to have been made to the extent of, perhaps, 2,000 coins (Walter H. Breen's estimate), of which 1,758 pieces were considered to be satisfactory delivered by the coiner on October 15, 1794. The remaining impressions, possibly amounting to 242 coins, rejected as being too weak, probably were kept on hand for later use as planchets. Supporting this theory is the existence of at least one 1795 silver dollar (BB-14) plainly overstruck on a 1794 dollar."
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
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Lot 3081
Great Britain. Lion Spur-Ryal of 15 Shillings, ND. S.2634; N-2109; Fr-240. James I, 1603-1625. Third Coinage (1619-1625). Mint mark, Spur-rowel (a 6-pointed star, 1619-1620). Crowned lion supporting Royal shield and holding sceptre, value X - V in field. IACOBVS D G MAG BRIT FRA ET HI REX. Reverse: Rose on spur rowel. ADNO: FACTVM EST ISTVD ET EST MIRABI: Very rare, and especially in this grade. Unlike the Millennia specimen that had the vertical flan crinkle this specimen is extremely well made. Fully lustrous on a full, round flan, sharply struck in all quarters. One of the finest in existence. Choice Uncirculated.
Estimated Value $60,000-UP.
Ex Bridgewate House Collection, 15th June 1972, Lot 86.
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Lot 1090
1895 Morgan Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68. A superb gem specimen exhibiting alternating areas of multi-color iridescent toning on each side. Only 880 minted for this key date Proof-only year. Rarest of the rare in the Morgan series, held by all to be the King of the Morgan Dollars and for understandable reasons, only Proofs were minted. Business strikes are unknown. It is from these few specimens that tens of thousands of collectors, if not hundreds of thousands of collectors, must struggle over ownership of the small supply on the market at any one time.
The coin is, in words of one syllable, a knock-out. Viewed under a magnifying glass, but also visible in the photographs, are deep original iridescent shades of color acquired in its years spent in the original tissue wrapper. Where later Proof coins were packaged in either cellophane (1930s-1950s) or flat-pack plastic by the mint, all pre-1916 coinage was shipped in simple jeweler's tissue paper. The tissue was made using sulfur. And it is this naturally occurring element which imparts the marvelous colors you see on the few gem Proofs. This glittering 1895 turns head and draws stares of disbelief. Faithful to every detail from a solid blow by the dies, the hair is finely detailed down to the tiniest hair strand. This includes the sometimes weak curls above the ear; included also in this description of a full blow by the dies is a resplendent eagle, proud and assured, with full-featured wings and a nice feather-encrusted chest projecting from the central part of this side of the design. The coin, grading Proof 68, is housed in NGC holder 1743100-014 and will forever remind us how spectacular these early Morgan dollars were in Proof condition at the time of issue. Don't let the current market disturbance sway you from bidding. As seems inevitable whenever a great rarity like a Superb Gem Proof 1895 Morgan dollar changes hands, the interest and value only increases, year by year. Pop 3; none finer (PCGS # 7330) .
Historic note: At the time this Proof only Dollar was minted in 1895, the executive branch of the American republic was being led by a beefy, 300-pound gentle giant of a President, Stephen Grover Cleveland (1837-1908). As politicians go, Mr. Cleveland was somewhere in-between when it came to the usual foibles and job peddling associated with his profession. He had a conservative philosophy, though, which surfaced in his clashes with followers of the colorful William Jennings Bryan. Cleveland believed a gold standard was the only honest standard for a nation's money. And woe to anyone who should drive this country to socialism by doing away with it! Unfortunately, soon after he attained office, the economy crashed into depression. Throughout his 1892-1896 tenure in office he had to deal with the pain and suffering of his constituents. Although this short look back doesn't affect who buys this silver dollar or not, it is helpful for numismatists to bring together the events surrounding the issuance of such a coin; it gives meaning to a coin.
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
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Lot 1568
1842-C $5 Liberty. Small date. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck and lustrous exhibiting rich mint bloom colors on both sides. Certainly among the finest known. Interesting over-lapping of metal on the rim at 12 o'clock. An incredible rarity and The Key "C" mint to the Half Eagle series.
Extremely choice surfaces and broad, framing rims with nearly complete dentils (only those at the lower left obverse lack detail). A satiny beauty from the Charlotte Mint and a prize for the collector of C-mint half eagles. Nicely detailed in all places. What is important about a rarity like this is that so few are traced in high conditions. This attractive Mint State can be identified by a small mark at star 2, a thin hairline left of the date and another equally miniscule hairline extending from the upper arrow point into the field. Perhaps no more than five or six individual Mint State examples of the date are known in all grades. One of the most celebrated Charlotte Mint rarities in this sale. Pop 1; 1 finer in 63 (PCGS # 8208) .
Walter Breen attributes a mintage of 4,595 pieces to the 1842 Small Date variety and 23,589 to the Large Date variety, indicating that the ratio was approximately 1 to 4. Douglas Winter estimates that 35 to 40 are known of the Small Date and 65 to 70 of the Large Date, a more conservative assessment. Concerning the date, during this post-Jacksonian period in our history, date sizes were in flux at the Philadelphia Mint, and certain denominations in the years 1842-1846 are found with variable sized date punches (as well as mintmark punches).
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
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