A Welcome to You from Dave Bowers
Welcome to our brand-new Coin Collector. On the pages of this is¬ sue you will find many new purchases (sonic so new We haven’t had time to fully catalogue them, .. call for details), . gieat values, and other coins — all carefully se¬ lected by tits for . their quality, aiyl, Wnthlhatin -g: mind, priced to be good valtdcs. I invite you to order the coins you would like to owm. Before you know it, a package will arrive in your mailbox. And, your complete satisfaction is guaranteed. If any coin is tiot 100% what you hope it to be, and more, just return it for an instant refund!
Discover Bowers and Merena,-A'« and you will discover die secret of our success, m building America’s most succcssfiil rare coin business. Our secret is simple; provide quality coins, priced'^j to be good values at their qtialitv levels,-#-- and provide good service — an^_ cus-^,^ tomers will keep coming back. Gener-^' ally, once someone tries iis, they willj^ stay foreverl We reaHy enjoy coins our^ selves, and we do every thir^ possible -0 make numismatics live up tothe'dcsig ' nation, 1^‘the world's greatest hobby And, if I -call help you wkh a tpiestio.n
or anythine else, 1 anj at your service.
^ ^ ^ ^
It U 3«imt«erii*n^^nd
... , ,* -.g--
wishing you and yours vacatioi^ and taking-it-easy time,^rifio^fit0y^ at least 3 week or two or three. Add
joynient to your iSsure by buyin^la few ifiiaerestttig
S . _ _
fe^)* ft iffiiy experiehet^^hat al couple hundred dollarsspent os useful .books will repay, you in datai^nUs dollars ofadded pleasure with t£e. coins'^* you already ownor are seeking.^
-fiS sr
Business hss been j^eat, Aiti o behalf of everyone here l<;hahk|fdu ytai’ve setfi: an ordfer or two or feve^ in tiur auctions) for making ally fine year to date. Betty Gordon Wrubel, and Mirk Bolrev^J '' arc on the other end ot our toll*$fc to take your toin order from in® of The Coin Collector, and Maw Tocci is standing by to take care of book orders. Enjoy the summer and enjoy numis-f matics.
Thank you so much.
Dave Bowers President Bowers and Merena Galleries.
Bowers and Merena Galleries
A Collectors Uiiimse Comjmy (niisdiiq: ckt)
July 15, 2002 { Wolfeboro, NH
CC Issue #132 ^ 800-222-5993
21)02 Bowers and Merena (lalleries
ISSN 1073-9580 $3
Suggestions for Forming a Collection —
Some Thoughts by Q.D.B.
In a recent issue of Numismatic News editor David Harper commented that “patience is not a modern virtue.” The thrust of his message was that a lot of coin buyers want to acquire items immediately, do not have much patience when it comes to not having a desired piece on hand within a matter of days or a week or so, and if a dealer of other agent is out looking for coins for a customer, frequent reports should be given to the customer. And, sometimes if a dealer does not fill a “want list” very, very quickly, the person becomes disappointed.
David Harper went onto state that the “laws of scarcity” cannot be repealed by Numismatic News or anyone else, and that today the goal “perfonn or perish” seems to be the “motto of the age.” However, “scarcity is a given, and if you can find any coin at the drop of a hat, what would be the point of collecting?”
I Want It Right Now!
This brings up an interesting point. It has been my owtr experience that very few true col¬ lectors want instant gratification for everything they seek. Those who stay with numismatics for the longest time are those who experience a challenge in assembling a set or seeking particu¬ lar coins. Those who do not need such a chal¬ lenge can simply collect modem Mint issues which are available on the Internet or anywhere else, and within a week have a fliU, “instant col¬ lection” of gem Proof and Mint State coins. However, once this is done, there is apt to be a very empty feeling unless the collector goes onto something else that does have a challenge.
Somewhat similarly, I am a fan of Will Shortz and his crossword puzzles in the New York Times. To my way of thinking, the tougher the puzzle is, tire more interesting it is. Will Shortz has “graded” his puzzles so that the Monday puzzle is easy enough for just about anyone, after wliich they progress in dif¬ ficulty so that Thursday is about par for an ex¬ perienced puzzle solver, Friday becomes diffi¬
cult, and Saturday — well — sometimes I can scarcely make a beginning!
To me, such challenges are wonderful, and 1 eagerly look forward to each puzzle. So far as a rate of accomplishment goes, these are done with wife Christie, and for the Sunday puzzle — which many present readers probably do — ^we complete about 50% of the puzzles, do perhaps 85% to 99% of another 25% of the puzzles each weekend, and then do, perhaps, 70% to 85% of the remainder. We have a little house rule not to look anything up, consult anyone else, or do anything other than solve puzzles off the top of our heads. I’ve been doing the Times puzzles ever since I was in college and hope to be doing them for a long time to come.
Although I haven't met Will Shortz in per¬ son, we have corresponded, he once sent me a book in exchange for one that I sent him, and he certainly must be denominated as one of the great assets of the company that pub¬ lishes the Times.
A few months ago he wrote an article about liis experiences as puzzle editor. His favorite clue from a past puzzle is “Turns into a different
An original series Lazy $2 note from Concord, New Hampshire. (From the iVayne. S. Rich Collection)
story.” The answer is SPIITAL STAIRCASE. On the other hand he received complaint letters when a clue something like, “Taking it easy,” needed the answ'er RANDR (R and R; rest and recreation), sort of a zinger, many thought.
For me, the challenge is super important. I usually will not do an airline magazine puzzle for they are too simple. At the same time 1 re¬ alized that if one rated puzzle solvers, like Scrabble and chess players are rated, I might be in the top 30%, but not the top 10%.
I rather imagine (but do not know) that Jesse Lipka, who runs a highly successful currency grading service, is a good puzzle solver. A couple of years ago he visited Wolfeboro and we had an early morning Scrabble game at the local Wolfeboro Inn, and he beat me hands- down. 1 was impressed and also delighted (re¬ ally). And, I think I lost a $10 bet!
The Challenge of Collecting Currency
Returning to numismatics, in my coOection of obsolete currency and National Bank notes of the state of New Hampshire, I realize tliat completion is impossible, and many notes do not exist at all.
Thus, I have the curious situation that I have spent quite a bit of time doing research on the Weare Bank of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, which operated from 1854 to 1862, and which issued a lot of currency, and I do not own a single note.
If offered a piece that was ragged, partly missing, or whatever, I would be a very ea¬ ger buyer. At the same time, I would prob¬ ably yawn at a Proof-70 coin made at the Mint last week. Of course, there is some¬ thing for everyone — that is one of the nice things about numismatics — and a person buying an ultra grade modern Mint coin would probably not give two cents for a ragged New Hampshire bank note, or might not even accept it as a gift!
(continued on page 10)
Bowers and Merena
Box 1224
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #65 BRUNSWICK, ME 04011
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2_ The Coin Collector Q July 1 5, 2002
UNITED STATES GOLD COINS
GOLD DOLLARS
Choice 1851 Gold Dollar 1851 MS-64 (PCGS). Sharply struck with green¬
ish gold lustre . 1,795
1853 MS-62 (PCGS) . 475
1853-0 AU-55 (PCGS) . ' 345
1854 Type I. MS-63 (PCGS) . 995
1854 Type II. AU-58 (NGC). Lustrous yellow
gold with a hint ot pinkish rose toning. ... 1,295 1854 Type II. AU-50 . 595
1854 Type II. EF-40 (PCGS) . 539
1855 AU-55 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with con¬ siderable lu stre . 1,175
1855 AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold with
deep orange toning . 965
1856 Slanted 5. MS-64 (PCGS). Fully lustrous
with brilliant yellow gold surfaces . 1,295
1857 AU-58 (PCGS) . 295
1859-S EF-40 (PCGS) . 579
1862 MS-62 . 395
1870 AU-55 (PCGS) . 595
Gem 1889 Gold Dollar 1889 MS-66 (PCGS). An outstanding example with briUiant light yellow gold lustre. Pristine and frosty . 2,750
QUARTER EAGLES ($2.50 GOLD)
Lustrous 1836 Quarter Eagle Head of 1835
1836 Head of 1835, Script 8. Breen-6143. AU-
58 (PCGS). An exceptional example for the grade with virtually complete lustre and vibrant yellow gold surfaces. You will be pleased with the qual¬
ity of this example . 1,750
1845 AU-58 (NGC) . 639
1845EF-45 (PCGS) . 365
Important 1846-0 Quarter Eagle Set Registry™ Quality
1846-0 AU-58 (PCGS). This is a wonderful ex¬ ample with bright yellow gold lustre and excep¬ tional surface quality. Only a few faint hairlines are noted. A depression in Liberty’s cheek appears to be as struck. An important opportunity for the specialist. PCGS has only graded nine finer ex¬ amples from MS-60 to MS-64 . 3,375
Desirable 1847 Quarter Eagle
1847 AU-55 (NGC). An exceptional example for the grade with sharp design elements and nearly complete lustre. Satiny in appearance with slightly prooflike fields. Pale orange toning is primarily limited to the reverse . 1,495
1851 MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant and lustrous. "Very
sharply struck. A great coin! . 795
1852 AU-55 (PCGS) . 299
Choice Mint State 1853 Quarter Eagle
1853 MS-63 (PCGS). This is a wonderful example with lustrous yellow gold surfaces and sharp de¬ sign features. Although considered by some to be a “common date,” this is hardly plentiful when compared to later dates of this design type. An important opportunity for the date or type collec¬
tor . 1,795
1853 MS-60 (NGC) . 369
1853 AU-55 (NGC) . 269
Important High-Grade 1855-D $2.50 Set Registry'''” Quality
1855-D AU-55 (PCGS). For the specialist in southeastern mint gold coinage, this represents an extremely important opportunity. Deep orange- gold with minor blemishes. Natural planchet lamination is present at upper obverse, with light blue toning in this area. Just 1,123 examples were minted, one of the lowest Dalilonega Mint pro¬ ductions among all quarter eagles. In fact, the mintage is second only to 1856-D. Walter Breen noted that this issue is not verified in Mint State, and although three MS-60 examples appear on the PCCS Population Report, we doubt that these represent more than one coin. Author Douglas Winter noted that this date is unknown in Mint State with just five or six AU grade coins surviv¬ ing . 31,750
1857-SEF-45 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with extremely sharp design features. A first glance su^ests this example is undergraded, with only a few minor hairlines keeping this from the higher AU grade level. Despite a moderate mint¬ age of 69,200 coins, this issue is quite elusive in high grade. In fact, PCGS has only graded five examples MS-60 or finer . 589
Finest Quality 1862/1 Quarter Eagle Set Registry''” Quality
1862/1 MS-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck with rich, frosty orange-gold lustre. Every detail is needle sharp with the overdate features boldly visible. A lovely coin and an extremely important opportu¬ nity for the speciahst. This is tied with one other example for finest certified by PCGS, and may be one of the single finest known examples identi¬ fied today. The exact number known today has not been precisely determined, however, we be¬ lieve that only a couple dozen exist. Tliis overdate variety was discovered by Aubrey Bebee in 1962. Walter Breen suggested that only about 12 ex¬ amples were known when he pubhshed his Com¬ plete Encyclopedia . 14,750
Mint State 1871 Quarter Eagle 1871 MS-61 (PCGS). This is a very scarce issue from a mintage of just 5,300 circulation strikes. Sharply struck with frosty yellow gold lustre and hints of pale orange toning. In all grades, PCGS has certified only 20 Mint State examples of this
date . 2,650
1869 AU-53 (NGC) . 895
Mint State 1876 Quarter Eagle Set Registry''” Quality
1876 MS-61 (PCGS). An important opportu¬ nity for the quarter eagle specialist. This lovely example has bright yellow gold lustre with outstanding aesthetic appeal. Just 4,170 circu¬ lation strikes were coined, and from this total PCGS has only graded seven as MS-60 or
finer . 4,350
1878-S AU-58 (PCGS). Outstanding quality with lustrous yellow gold surfaces . 365
Mint State 1881 Quarter Eagle Rarity 1881 MS-62 (NGC). Sharply struck with shghtly reflective yellow gold lustre. A few very minor abrasions are consistent with the grade. We can¬ not overemphasize the importance of this offer¬ ing, with the present example ranking among the very finest survivors from an original mintage of just 640 circulation strikes. With another 51 Proofs recorded, the total mintage of this issue remains at less than 700 coins. Considering both PCGS and NGC combined, just 20 examples of this issue have been certified in all Mint State grades. Of this total, just six examples have been graded MS-62 with only two finer coins. 1 6,875
1886 AU-58 (NGC). A lovely example with lus¬
trous yellow gold surfaces. An ideal combination of quality and price . 725
1887 AU-50 (PCGS) . 389
1894 MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,795
1896 MS-63 (PCGS). Sharply struck with green¬ ish gold lustre . 765
Gem 1900 Quarter Eagle Set Registry'” Quality
1900 MS-66 (PCGS). An absolutely incredible gem with sharp design elements and outstanding yellow gold lustre. This issue has the second low¬ est mintage of any regular issue quarter eagle from 1 900 to 1929. The only lower mintage issue is the
1911-D rarity . 2,850
1900 MS-65 (PCGS) . 1,650
1900 MS-64 (PCGS) . 965
1904 MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant yellow gold with
faint orange peripheral toning . 945
1905 MS-66 (PCGS) . 2,195
Gem 1908 Indian $2.50 1908 MS-66 (PCGS). Exceptional quality with deep orange toning over brilHant yellow gold lus¬
tre . 7,150
1908 MS-64 (PCGS). Light yellow gold with sharp
design elements . . . 1,495
Choice 1909 Quarter Eagle
1909 MS-64 (PCGS). Sharply struck with satiny
deep yellow gold lustre . 1 ,895
1909 MS-60 (NGC) . 289
1910 MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,195
1910 MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant . 469
1911 MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,125
1911 MS-63 (NGC). Highly lustrous with frosty
yellow gold surfaces . 1,075
1911 AU-53 . 199
Desirable 1911-D Quarter Eagle
1911-D AU-58 (NGC) . 2,575
1913 MS-63 (PCGS). Brilliant . 1,275
1913 AU-58 . 259
Mint State 1914 $2.50
1914 MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow
gold . 1,495
1914EF-45 (PCGS). Pleasing fight yellow gold. An affordable example of this scarce issue . 239
1915 MS-64 (PCGS) . 1,595
1915 MS-63 (PCGS). Attractive fight yellow gold
lustre . 1,175
1915 MS-62 (PCGS) . 495
Gem 1925-D Quarter Eagle 1925-D MS-65 (PCGS). An outstanding gem with
frosty lustre . 3,195
1925-D MS-63 (PCGS) . 845
Sensational 1926 Quarter Eagle 1926 MS-65 (PCGS). This frosty gem has fully brilliant yellow gold lustre and exceptional aes¬ thetic appeal . 3,675
1926 MS-64 (PCGS). Frosty yellow gold with a
hint of pink . 1,075
1926 MS-61 (PCGS) . 295
Gem Quality 1927 Quarter Eagle 1927 MS-65 (PCGS). A delightful gem example
with frosty yellow gold lustre . 3,295
1927 MS-63 (NGC) . 819
1928 MS-63 (PCGS). A superb example with
slightly reflective yellow gold lustre . 845
1929 MS-65 (PCGS) . 3,995
1929 MS-63 (PCGS) . 845
1929 MS-61 (PCGS) . 295
THREE-DOLLAR GOLD
1854 MS-64 (PCGS) . 6,750
1854 AU-55 (PCGS) . 1,275
1854 AU-55 (NGC). A lovely type coin with sat¬ iny greenish gold lustre . 1,275
1855 AU-58 (PCGS) . 1,650
1855 AU-55 (PCGS). Brilliant surfaces. A lovely example of the second date of the $3 series. 1 ,295 1860 EF-45 (NGC). 'Very fight yellow gold with a Irint of green. A pleasing example with just a few very minor surface marks, not unusual for the
grade. A scarce coin by any evaluation. ... 1,195
1874 AU-55 . 995
Choice Mint State 1878 $3 1878 MS-63 (NGC). Absolutely delightful with frosty fight yellow gold lustre. “As you like it,” and more! Exceptional for the type collector. .. 4,795 1878 AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous with faint pink ton¬ ing . 1,295
1878 AU-58 (NGC). Very fight yellow gold. 1,275 1878 Breen-6391. VF-25 (ANACS). Pleasing fight yellow gold surfaces with a touch of very pale orange. This is Walter Breen’s so-called overdate variety, however, we have our doubts and are
pricing it as a “regular” 1878 . 659
Lustrous 1880 $3 Gold 1880 AU-58 (NGC). Pale yellow gold with reflec¬ tive, prooflike fields . 2,875
FOUR DOLLAR STELLA
Desirable 1879 $4 Gold Stella 1879 Proof-58 (PCGS). An attractive and desirable example of this famous rarity . 48,000
Almost Uncirculated 1800 Half Eagle 1800 Breen-l-D. AU-55 (PCGS) . 6,250
Lustrous 1809/8 HalfEagle 1809/8 Overdate. B-IA. AU-58 (PCGS). This is an outstanding example for the grade. Frosty fight yellow gold lustre is accented by a very faint greenish hue. Light abrasions are consistent with the grade. Only this single overdate die marriage has been identified for the half eagle coinage of 1809. An outstanding example of this popular
variety, ideal for your type set! . 4,695
1837 B-6512. AU-55 (NGC). Highly lustrous with fight greenish yellow gold surfaces. A scarce date and one of our favorites in this series. 1,295 1837 AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous deep green gold
with considerable eye appeal . 1,195
1838 AU-50 (PCGS) . 925
Liberty Head Half Eagles
splendid 1839 HalfEagle
First Year of Issue
1839 MS-61 (NGC). This is an amazing example of the first Liberty half eagle issue. Highly lustrous greenish yellow gold with splashes of pale rose toning. This example is sharply struck with full obverse and reverse design elements, save for
slight weakness among the obverse stars. Y oti will be absolutely thrilled to have this in your collec¬
tion. We guarantee it! . 4,950
1839C AU-58 (PCGS) . 12,750
Mint State 1840 HalfEagle Narrow Mill
1840 Narrow MiU. MS-61 (NGC). This is a lovely Mint State example with extremely sharp design elements and brilliant greenish gold lustre. A few very fight surface marks are consistent with the grade. An extremely important opportunity for the specialist to acquire a high quality example of this early Liberty half eagle. In Ifis Complete Encyclopedia, Walter Breen noted this issue is “very rare above EF.” Today, we would characterize tlfis as “very rare in Mint State.” The Bass Collection auctions yielded 12 different 1840 Narrow Mill half eagles, with 1 1 grading AU and a single MS-60! . 4,650
Lovely 1840 HalfEagle Narrow Mill
1840 Narrow Mill. AU-58 (PCGS). A wonder¬ ful example of this early Liberty half eagle with lustrous yellow gold surfaces. A hint of green along with faint rose toning adds to the aesthetic appeal. We are sure you will like this one. 2,650
1844 AU-53 (PCGS). Light greenish gold lustre
with extremely sharp design features. An attractive example with very minor surface marks . 495
1845 MS-60 (PCGS) . 1,775
1848 AU-58 (NGC). An exceptional example for
the grade with fight yellow gold surfaces and strong central details. While not a rarity, this is a very dif¬ ficult issue to locate in higher grades . 795
1851 AU-58 (NGC). Lustrous greenish yellow gold surfaces with exceptional eye appeal. .. 895
1851 EF-40 (NGC) . 239
Lovely 1851-C HalfEagle
1851-C AU-50 (PCGS). An outstanding example with lovely greenish gold surfaces . 3,195
1853 AU-58 (NGC). Sharply struck with virtually
complete lustre and attractive rose toning at lower obverse and upper reverse . 595
1854 AU-53 (PCGS). This attractive example has
considerable lustre with fight yellow gold surfaces. Walter Breen noted this issue is “very rare above EF.” . 595
1854 AU-53 (NGC). Bright yellow gold lustre
with faint pinkish toning . 595
1857C AU-53 (PCGS) . 3,475
1857-0 AU-58 (PCGS) . 9,451)
1861 AU-58 (NGC). A delightful example with virtually contplete lustre and shaip design features.
Attractive yellow gold surfaces . 795
1867 AU-55 (PCGS) . 4,25i)
1873 Closed 3. AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with considerable aesthetic appeal. A
scarce issue in higher grades . 495
1879-S AU-55 (PCGS) . 299
1882 MS-60 (PCGS) . 229
1882 AU-58 (PCGS) . 209
1882-CC EF-45 . 595
1884-S MS-61 (PCGS). Extremely sharp with outstanding eye appeal. Deep orange-gold lustre with satiny surfaces. A scarce issue at a modest price. An important opportunity for the special¬
ist to acquire this date . 495
1884- S EF-45 (PCGS) . 229
1885- S MS-64 (PCGS) . 1,250
1885-S MS-61 (PCGS) . 285
1885-S AU-58 (PCGS) . 195
Mint State 1890-CC HalfEagle
1890- CC MS-61 (NGC). Light yellow gold with
frosty lustre. An outstanding candidate for the specialist, or for the Carson City Mint type col¬ lector . 1,650
1891 AU-58 (PCGS) . 339
1891- CC AU-55 (PCGS). An attractive example
with lustrous fight yellow gold surfaces . 595
1891- CC AU-50 (PCGS). Rich yellow gold lus¬ tre with faint pinkish toning . 560
1892- S AU-58 (PCGS) . 429
Mint State 1893-CC HalfEagle
1893- CC MS-60 (NGC). Lustrous greenish yel¬
low gold with faint pink toning. A lovely example of the final Carson City half eagle . 1 ,495
1893-CC AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous orange gold . 975
1893-CC AU-50 (NGC). Very fight yellow gold with considerable remaining lustre. Last year of coinage operations at the Carson City Mint. Just 60,000 half eagles were coined . 725
1894 AU-55 (NGC) . 179
Choice 1897 HalfEagle 1897 MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant with fight yellow
gold lustre . i. 1,795
1897 MS-62 (PCGS) . 339
1897 M.S-60 . 259
1897-S AU-53 (PCGS) . 259
1898 MS-63 (PCGS). Brilliant. ; . 699
Gem 1900 HalfEagle 1900 MS-65 (PCGS). Exceptional eye appeal with sharp design features and lovely orange gold lus¬ tre . 2,995
The Coin Collector © July 15, 2002_ 3
This & That
1868-0 SHIELD NICKELS? What might have been but wasn’t. House of Representa¬ tives Ex. Doc. No. 100, January 15, 1868, relates comments from Mint Director Henry R. Linderman and Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch desiring the authorization of “fivfe-cent nickel-copper pieces at the Branch Mint, New Orleans. ” However, no such coinage ever materialized.
©® ©
IN JULY 1886 in the Granite Monthly, Samuel Abbott Green, M.D., a numismatist of renown, published newspaper clippings he had located about Groton. Mass., in earlier days. The Massachusetts Gazette (Boston), November 28, 1 768, told of a break-in at the store of Jonas Cutler, here adapted, describing certain items now of numismatic interest; “On the 1 9 th or 20th night of November the shop of the subscriber was broken open in Groton, and from thence was stolen a large sum of cash, viz. four half johannes, two guineas, two half guineas, one pistole milled, nine crowns, a considerable number of dollars, with a consider¬ able number of small silver and copper coins.” Today in 2002 few numismatists know of Johannes ttnd pistoles.
©©@
AMOS TLICK Is prominent in the history of the Republican party, with regard to its founding era in the 1850s. He was also prominent in the world of finance. The Business School at Dartmouth College is named after him. In one of your editor’s little byways of obscure research we encountered the notation that circa 1 858 Amos Tuck was president of the tiny and now largely forgotten Weare Bank in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. A search on Goo^e on die Internet brought up lots of Tuck references, and in our library we have lots more, but nothing combining Tuck with the Weare Bank. Might a reader have more Informatibn?
© © ©
TRADITIONS “I share with you a certain disappointment over the apparent demise of personal letter writing! Maybe some of it will come back. 1 enjoyed your article in the June 3, 2002, Coin Collector.” B.F. (who sent this message in a highly ornate calligraphic letter!)
©©©
INTERESTING LOGIC: Spewing of Jesse Ventura, the Minnesota governor who announced he would not run for re-election. The Economist noted: “He became a classic ‘celebrity’ well-known only for being well-known.”
' @®®
GOLD DOLLARS? NOT YET: On March 12, 1846, Mr. Hungerford, from the Committee of Ways and Means, House of Representatives, a group that was “directed to inquire into the expediency of providing,..for the coinage of gold pieces of the value of one dollarj” gave this report: “They have had the subject under consideration... and have come to the conclusion that it is inexpedient to authorize such coinage.” However, in 1849 such a coinage did occur, circumstances being different then, with the great influx of gold from California.
1900 MS-63 (PCGS) . 675
19U0AU-58(PCGS) . 189
Lovely Gem 1903-S Half Eagle 1903-S MS-65 (PCGS). This e.xceptional gem example has sharp design features and pristine surfaces. Lustrous bright yellow gold is accented by traces ofiridescent rose toning. Although con¬ sidered plentifiil in lower grades, this issue is quite
elusive in gem preservation . 3,295
190.3-SAU-58 . 195
1904 MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant . 299
Choice Mint State 1905 $5
1905 MS-64 (PCGS) Brilliant and lustrous. Far
above average in quality . 1 ,225
1905- S MS-60 (PCGS) . 495
1906- S AU-58 (PCGS) . 229
1907 MS-63 (PCGS) . 569
1907- D MS-65 (PCGS) . 3,295
1908 Liberty. MS-64 (PCGS). A lovely example with lustrous yellow gold surfaces and sharp de¬ sign features. A popular issue representing a tran¬ sitional year between the Liberty and Indian
designs . 1,175
1908-D MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,395
Indicni Half Eagles
1908 Indian. MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,495
1908- D MS-63 (PCGS). Brilliant and satiny lus¬ tre . 1,195
1909- D AU-55 . 299
Scarce 1909-0 Half Eagle
1909- 0 EF-40 (PCGS). Pleasing light yellow gold with excellent surfaces. An elusive issue. . 1,495
1910- S AU-58 (NGC). Lustrous hght yellow gold
with sharp design elements . 725
1911 MS-62 (PCGS). Virtually choice quality with outstanding rich yellow gold lustre . 615
1911 MS-62 (NGC) . 629
1912 MS-63 (PCGS). Satiny greenish gold lus¬ tre . 1,295
1912-S AU-53 (NGC). Light yellow gold with considerable lustre. A scarce issue . 495
1912- S EF-45 (PCGS) . 369
1913 MS-63 (PCGS) . 1,425
1913 MS-62 (PCGS) . 575
1913 MS-62 (PCGS). This is a splendid example
with delightful yellow gold lustre and sharp de¬ sign elements . 575
Mint State 1913-S Half Eagle Rarity
1913- S MS-61 (NGC). A wonderful example of
this important issue, featuring sharp design defi¬ nition and rich yellow gold lustre. Subliminal orange toning . 2,295
1914 Au-58 (PCGS) . 299
1914- D MS-62 (PCGS). Brihiant and frosty with
attractive yellow gold lustre and wisps of orange toning . 795
1914-D MS-61 (NGC). Light yellow gold with hints of pink toning . 435
Mint State 1914-S $5
1914- S MS-61 (PCGS). A lovely example of this
key-date with pale yellow gold lustre . 2,395
1915- S AU-58 (NGC). An attractive example of
this scarce issue with satiny yellow gold lustre. Slightly worn only on the very highest design points . 1,050
1915- S EF-45 (PCGS) . 459
1916- S MS-61 (NGC). Sharply struck and lustrous
with hght yellow gold surfaces . 725
1916-S AU-58 (NGC). Greenish yellow gold with wisps of pinkish orange toning . 435
$10 GOLD EAGLES
Liberty Head Gold Eagles
1840 EF-45 (PCGS). An appealing example with light, even wear and considerable lustre for the grade. A few very minor blemishes are expected.
From a low mintage ofjust 47,338 coins. ... 775
1847-0 AU-50 (PCGS) . 595
Lovely 1849-0 Eagle
1849-0 AU-55 (PCGS) . 6,750
1853 AU-50 (PCGS) . 5.39
1853 EF-45 (PCGS) . -385
1853-0 AU-50 (PCGS) . 895
Near Mint State 1856-S Eagle Set Registry Quality
1856-S AU-58 (PCGS). Sharply stnick with satiny light yellow gold lustre. A scarce date that is vir¬ tually impossible to locate in higher grades than that offered here. In fact, PCGS has only graded six Mint State coins in all grades from MS-60 through MS-63. This will be an important addi¬ tion to the specialist’s collection . 3,750
1868 EF-45 (NGC). This is one of the few survi¬ vors from a mintage ofjust 10,800 circulation strikes. Lightly abraded with pale yellow gold sur¬ faces and hints of pinkish toning. An attractive example that is sure to please . 1 , 1 50
Impressive 1871-CC Eagle Set Registry™ Quality
1871-CC AU-53 (PCGS). An extremely impor¬ tant opportunity for the specialist. This lovely coin has exceptional lustre and very pleasing sur¬ faces. Sharply defined. A few very light abrasions are expected. This is an extremely rare issue, re¬ gardless of grade. Just 8,085 examples were minted with a very small percentage of survivors. Most are low-grade with even an EF example being highly unusual. This attractive Almost Uncirculated e.xample is sure to start your heart racing! . 16,500
Important 1880-0 Eagle
1880-0 AU-58 (PCGS). An extremely important opportunity for the specialist to acquire this scarce date. Sharply struck with greenish gold lustre . 4,950
1880- S AU-58 (PCGS) . 345
1881- 0 EF-40 (ICG). Very light yeUow gold with
hints of green. Microscopic hairlines are noted. Just 8,350 examples were minted . 875
1881- S MS-62 (PCGS) . 595
1882 MS-63 (PCGS) . 995
Important 1882-0 Eagle Virtually Mint State
1882- 0 AU-58 (NGC). An exceptional example of this rare date with virtually complete greenish gold lustre and reflective surfaces. Very sharply stnick with outstanding aesthetic appeal. This is an extremely important opportunity for the spe¬ cialist to acquire this rare date, from a mintage of just 10,820 coins. This example is almost certainly
among the top 10 for the date . 3,250
1883 MS-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck with lovely yellow gold lustre . 595
1888 AU-58 (NGC). A sharply struck example with deep yellow gold lustre and satiny sur¬ faces . 525
1889-S MS-62 (PCGS) . 595
1891- CC MS-60 (SEGS) . 795
1892- CCVF-30 . 465
1893 MS-61 (PCGS) . 319
1893- S MS-61 (PCGS) . 595
1894 MS-63 (PCGS) . 619
1894 AU-58 (PCGS) . 235
1894-0 AU-55 (PCGS). Full brilliance and excel¬ lent lustre. Another carefully selected example that exhibits fewer than expected abrasions for the grade. Despite a mintage exceeding 100,000 coins, few examples survive in AU or Mint State
grades . 539
1895-0 MS-61 (PCGS) . 775
Choice Mint State 1896-S Eagle Set Registry Quality
1896- S MS-63 (PCGS). A choice Mint State ex¬
ample of this rarity; an extremely important op¬ portunity for the specialist. Brilliant yellow gold surfaces, slightly fighter along the borders. PCGS has graded just three examples (including this) with a single finer MS-65 coin . 10,500
1897- S AU-55 (PCGS). A bright and lustrous ex¬
ample. An affordable choice for the type collec¬ tor . 429
Choice Mint State 1900-S Eagle
Set Registry'^” Quality
1900-S MS-63 (PCGS). An outstanding example of this condition rarity, having highly lustrous light gold surfaces. The San Francisco Mint issued 81,000 of these coins with most survivors either circulated or very low Mint State quality. Inter¬ estingly, PCGS has certified just six examples at this grade level with a single finer coin, an MS- 67. We wouldn’t even want to guess how that coin would be priced! . 4,450
Extraordinary 1901 Liberty Eagle
1901 MS-66 (NGC). Sharply struck and highly lustrous with outstanding yellow gold surfaces. This impressive gem is truly a coin for the con¬
noisseur . 5,495
1901 MS-62 . 275
1901-S AU-50 . 235
1901-S MS-65 (PCGS) . 3,250
1901 MS-62 (PCGS). Highly attractive with satiny
lustre . 369
Gem Mint State 1902 Eagle Finest Certified by PCGS Set Registry Quality
1902 MS-65 (PCGS). For the specialist attempting
a gem quality set, this is an opportunity not to be missed. This gem example is the ONLY such coin certified by PCGS. Highly lustrous with bril¬ liant yellow gold surfaces and extremely sharply stnick . 10,750
1903 MS-63 (NGC). An exceptional example
with reflective fields and lustrous yellow gold surfaces . 1,225
1903- 0 MS-62 (PCGS) . 675
1904- 0 MS-62 (PCGS). This scarce issue fea¬
tures soft frosty yellow gold lustre with sharp details . 875
1905 MS-63 (NGC) . 995
1906-D MS-62 (PCGS). Soft yellow gold lustre. A lovely example of the first Denver Mint is¬ sue . 395
1906- O AU-58 (PCGS) . 379
19()6-S AU-53 (PCGS) . 299
1907 Liberty. MS-62 (PCGS) . . . .379
1907- S MS-61 (ANACS). An attractive e.xample
with minimal abrasions. Just 210,500 were struck in San Francisco . 695
Indian Gold Eagles
1907 No Motto. MS-62 (PCGS) . 695
1907 No Motto. MS-61 (PCGS). A pleasing ex¬ ample with fight yellow gold lustre . 595
1907 No Motto. AU-58 (PCGS). Light yellow
gold with a hint of green . 519
1908 No Motto. MS-61 (PCGS). Brilliant and
lustrous with frosty light yellow gold surfaces. A scarce issue from a mintage ofjust 33,500 coins . 950
Choice Mint State 1908-D Eagle No Motto Rarity Set Registty’’'” Quality
1908-D No Motto. MS-64 (PCGS). An ex¬ ceptional example with rich orange-gold sur¬ faces. Highly lustrous and extremely attractive. An important rarity among Indian eagles. Just 17 examples have been graded with only five finer . 8,450
Mint State 1908-D Eagle
1908-D No Motto. MS-62 (PCGS). A pleasing example of this scarce and desirable issue. 1,450
1908- D No Motto. AU-55 (PCGS). An attractive example with very fight pinkish gold lustre. 585
Stunning Gem 1908 ’With Motto Eagle Set Registry™ Quality
1908 With Motto. MS-66 (PCGS). This is an absolutely spectacular example with rich, satiny yellow gold lustre. An example that is certain to please the connoisseur. PCGS has graded just 22 at this level and only five finer . 8,950
Mint State 1908 $10
1908 With Motto. MS-64 (PCGS). This lovely example has very fight yellow gold lustre. 2,650
1908 With Motto. MS-62 (PCGS). Pleasing fight
yellow gold . 575
1909 MS-62 (NGC). Highly lustrous with rich
yellow gold surfaces . 635
1909- D MS-62 (PCGS). A pleasing example with
attractive, lustrous surfaces . 1,195
1909-D MS-61 (NGC). An attractive example with rich yellow gold lustre and few minor abra¬ sions. This ranks among the scarcer Indian eagles, from a mintage ofjust 121,540 coins . 795
1909-D MS-60 (NGC). An outstanding example, highly lustrous and sharply struck . 725
1909-S MS-62 (PCGS) . 1,195
1910 MS-63 (PCGS). Rich yellow gold lustre. 1,095
1910 MS-63 (NGC). A lovely example with bril¬ liant fight yellow gold lustre . 1,075
1910 MS-62 (PCGS). Outstanding quality for
the grade with lustrous fight yellow gold sur¬ faces . 595
Attractive 1910-D Indian Eagle
1910-D MS-64 (PCGS). Delightful quality with pinkish gold lustre and exceptional aesthetic ap¬ peal . 1,850
1910-D MS-62 (PCGS). A sharply struck example with lustrous fight yellow gold surfaces . 569
1910- S MS-62 (PCGS). Attractive quality with
frosty yellow gold lustre . 1 ,195
1911 MS-63 (PCGS). Rich greenish gold lustre provides plenty of eye appeal . 1,150
1911 MS-63 (NGC). A delightful example with frosty surfaces and a hint of green lustre. . 1,075
1911 MS-62 (PCGS) . 825
1911 MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant with fight yellow gold lustre . 575
1911 MS-62 (NGC). This is an exceptional ex¬
ample with outstanding fight yellow gold lus¬ tre . 549
Important 191 1-D Rarity
1911- D MS-62 (PCGS). This is an important
opportunity for the specialist. Lustrous light yellow gold with splashes of darker toning, a pristine example. From a mintage ofjust 30,100 coins with only very few certified by PCGS as Mint State. Just 82 e.xamples have been certi¬ fied MS-60 or better by the West Coast grad¬ ing service . 6,950
1912 MS-63 (NGC). Lustrous and sharply struck
with frosty yellow gold surfaces. An ideal candi¬ date for your type set . 1 ,095
1912 MS-62 (PCGS). Highly attractive with fight yellow gold lustre . 575
1912 MS-62 (NGC). Fully brilliant with fight yel¬ low gold lustre . 549
Lovely 1912-S Indian Eagle
1912- S MS-63 (NGC). An exceptional e.xample of
this scarce issue with rich yellow gold lustre. </