We’re already past hump day this week as I write this at the end of Wednesday, but the week has been a whirlwind so far. Monday was action-packed with fantastic auction results and an incredibly busy website over the weekend, while Tuesday involved a LOT of catching up from Monday. However, today was interesting as we received something like 12 double row boxes (each box holding approximately 66 coins) to review from dealers throughout the country. We sorted through these for coins that we could use and added the coins on top of the six double rows of coins we received from collectors during the earlier part of the week. We hear that other dealers are struggling for inventory, and I know for a fact that it’s true, but by not painting ourselves into a corner and trying to support collectors of all levels, we get the best of the affordable coins under $100 as well as the best of the mega-rarities. Some of these end up with the Hansen Collection, but most do not, and it allows us to offer some fascinating material. I feel like a broken record, but every day really is different. And that’s what makes this place exciting. I wouldn’t want it to happen any other way. In this week’s auction, we have a handful of neat Franklin Halves in the auction as well as our usual assortment of material. There’s certainly something for all levels of collectors, but it’s not bombarding you with a Webster’s Dictionary-sized assortment. We don’t believe in overwhelming the auctions and by curating every sale and reviewing every coin from multiple angles, it allows us to take pride in our offerings. We hope that you find something interesting this week and for further musings from our downtime during the virus, don’t forget to check out our blog here. If you have a question I can use next week, please email me! Otherwise you may have to read about my recollection of the 1995 World Series win by the Atlanta Braves or the 1998 National Champion University of Tennessee football team… Please stay safe, have a wonderful week, and let us know how we can help you and your collection!
Why we love it: This stunner comes from one of the smallest mintages of Franklin halves and is truly remarkable. With a population of three and none finer, the smooth surfaces are bathed in tones of orange, olive, magenta, and pale blue. CAC approved with a plus grade, it simply does not get better than this.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this coin at $13,000, and this specific example last sold in December 2019 for $10,575. We’re starting the bidding at just $9,425 ending this Sunday in auction; significantly lower than the last auction record! Don’t miss out on this amber beauty.
Why we love it: The key date of the Flying Eagle series, this coin is strong for the grade with a sharp strike and even surfaces. Complete with the Eagle Eye Seal of Approval, there are no grounds to question the quality of this example. From a mintage of just 1,500 pieces, this is a chance to own a stunning first small cent.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $21,000, and the CPG is at $20,000. We’re making it available today for just $16,750 via Make Offer. The last public auction for a PR64 example realized $18,600 in February of this year, making this a fantastic deal that won’t last long.
Why we love it: This nicely original XF piece has strong details for the grade and features evenly colored surfaces with light wear on the high points. The 1802 half is one of the rarer issues of the series and only two are known to exist in MS grades. This is a very appealing example in a strong grade, approved by CAC.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $5,500, and the CPG is at $5,250. We’ll let this one go for $5,500 via Make Offer. It is high-end for the grade with great detail and no distracting marks, making this an excellent deal.
Why we love it: The 1850-C is a fairly common date for Charlotte Mint half eagles, making this a popular coin. With fewer than 20 surviving in MS60 or better, an AU58 is the highest reasonably priced grade available. This piece has just the slightest hint of rub on the highest points but offers sharp detail and no distracting marks.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $6,500, and the CPG is at $5,380. We’re starting the bidding at $4,350, well below either guide, with the auction closing this Sunday! If you’re in search of a representative branch mint coin, this lovely AU will be a great addition to your collection.
Why we love it: Covered in delicate tones of rose, lilac, blue, and gold, this is a boldly struck issue. With only seven graded finer, this is a phenomenal example of this key date, ready to compliment any collection. It was part of the Pogue Collection, known for coins with strong eye appeal.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $10,000, and the CPG is at $12,100. We’ll let this gem go for $10,000 via Make Offer, right on par with PCGS, which doesn’t account for any premium for CAC. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a stunning piece from one of the most famous collections in numismatic history!
Why we love it: This is a truly phenomenal piece. Last seen in 1996 as part of the Eliasberg Sale where it was sold raw, this beauty has never been offered for sale certified. The surfaces are a pristine chocolate brown with gentle highlights of reddish-rose around LIBERTY on the obverse. Red luster is still easily seen in the protected areas, particularly on the reverse, and the devices are sharp and clear. This incredibly special large cent hasn’t been on the market in decades and is guaranteed to be a highlight of just about any collection.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $135,000, and the CPG is at $96,800. We believe (and John Albanese of CAC agrees!) that this coin is much more special than the grade suggests, and we’re offering it for $150,000 via Make Offer. This is still a steal for such a jaw-dropping piece, and we’re sure you’ll agree.
Why we love it: Recovered from the legendary “Ship of Gold”, the S.S. Central America, this double eagle is glistening with frosty light luster. One of the most readily available double eagles in MS grades thanks to the S.S. Central America discovery, this coin is not only collectible for its numismatic value, but its historical ties as well.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $8,500, and the CPG recommends $7,250. We’re following the CPG’s suggestion and starting the bidding at $7,250, ending this Sunday. Don’t miss out on this beautiful piece of history!
Why we love it: This is a gorgeous example for the grade, making it incredibly appealing for the budget-conscious collector. It has fantastic overall luster with mirrored fields rarely seen on low-MS examples. A popular Dahlonega issue with a low mintage, this is a date in high demand and a great opportunity to get a quality piece for a low price.
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $10,000, the PCGS Price Guide is at $9,500, and the CPG recommends $10,600. We’ll undercut them all by quite a bit by offering this beauty for just $8,250 via Make Offer. With only six finer at NGC, this one is sure to turn some heads!
Why we love it: With only three graded finer, this brightly lustrous piece has just the slightest hints of gold and lavender toning, creating an enchanting coin. One of the rarer Philadelphia Mint buffalos in gem grades, this one is not to be missed.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this piece at $6,750, and the CPG recommends $6,000. We’re willing to let it go for just $6,250 via Make Offer. The last public auction of an MS67 realized $6,600 in April, preceded by another example that sold for $6,300 in February. We are offering ours below both, making it quite the bargain.
Why we love it: The most common Type 1 double eagle until the recovery of the S.S. Central America brought thousands of 1857-S pieces to the market, this is a great type coin for the series. CAC approved and with a strong strike and eye appeal for the grade, this Civil War example is dripping in frosty luster.
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $5,225, the PCGS Price Guide is at $4,750, and the CPG recommends $4,750. We’re starting the auction at $4,500, ending Sunday, May 17th. High-end for the grade with great eye appeal, this one is sure to draw a few eyes!
Why we love it: With a plus grade and CAC approval, this piece is very high-end for the grade. With only two graded higher, that puts this one among the finest surviving. The virtually flawless surfaces are highlighted by a crescent of gold and russet toning on both sides.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this coin at $6,000. We’re making it available for just $4,750 via Make Offer, well below the price guide value. We haven’t been able to offer any examples of this date above MS66 FBL before, making this a great opportunity to snap up a registry quality piece.
Why we love it: With a population of two in RB and none finer regardless of color designation, this large cent is one of the best examples of this key date remaining. The plate coin on CoinFacts, this beauty is almost entirely red with a few scattered spots accounting for the RB designation. Crisp and well-struck, this is a coin perfectly suited for a registry set.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this piece at $50,000, and the CPG suggests $51,400. We’re offering it today for just $40,000 via Make Offer. With no recent auction records, this is a great opportunity to own a top pop rarity.
Why we love it: Very scarce in gem grades, this early buffalo glows with highlights of golden-yellow, lavender, and blue. Well struck, CAC approved, and full of luster, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a nicer example.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $3,500, and the CPG is at $4,500. We’re offering this gem for $3,750 via Make Offer. We last sold an MS66 example in 2015 which realized $5,475, so this one is an absolute steal.
Why we love it: This is a nice mid-grade example of a popular key date in the Indian Head series. With only an estimated 6,000 pieces surviving, the 1872 is always in high demand. This coin is a great grade for those looking for nice examples on a budget. It offers plenty of detail and nice chocolate surfaces without breaking the bank.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $400, and the CPG is at $422. We’re willing to give you a great deal on this one at just $315 via Make Offer. Perfect for the Indian Head collector on a modest budget, this one will fill that gap in your set quite nicely.
Why we love it: Scarce in gem grades, this is a wonderfully red brown example. Red luster and deeper tones are mottled across both sides, creating dark centers with bright rims. Approved by CAC, this handsome coin is strong for the grade with a great strike.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $1,150, and the CPG is at $1,220. We’ve decided to offer it for just $950 via Make Offer. This example last appeared on the market in 2013 when it sold for $1,116.
Why we love it: This first year of issue is a great type coin as the most common no drapery quarter. This example has great detail, little noticeable rub, and toning that highlights the obverse devices. Sure to complement any type set or Seated Liberty Quarter set, this is a great opportunity to own an attractive example in a solid grade.
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $465, the PCGS Price Guide is at $600, and the CPG recommends $546. We’re willing to undercut them all and are offering this one for just $450 via Make Offer. The last NGC graded XF45 to sell at auction realized $528 in 2018, so this is a deal you won’t want to overlook.