Coins We Love - February 21
This week we’ve been preparing for our next upcoming show in Baltimore, Maryland. We’re hoping that the snow storm fizzles out and that everyone makes it to the event this year. This tends to be an issue for the Spring show on occasion, but it’s one of the benefits for us being so close! We’ll be in the same table location as always, right near the front, so if you have any coins from our CWL or from browsing our website that you’d like us to bring, just let us know, and we’ll add it to the traveling team. Of course, we can’t bring everything that we have (over 8,000 items!), but we’ll bring whatever is requested.
I’ve also been toying around with the idea to add a comment once a month regarding the Hansen Collection that we’ve been working on for our partner. As many of you know, Dell Loy Hansen set out three years ago to buy one of each standard issue coin ever made by the Untied States. Dubbed the “Eliasberg Quest” we’re seeking to not only eclipse Louis Eliasberg, the King of Collectors, in quality, but also by adding on an additional 55 years. See, Mr. Eliasberg stopped collecting with the year 1964 and the goal of the Hansen Quest is to go from 1792-Present. So, there are a TON of moderns included.
This week we also had the pleasure of placing two rarities into the collection as well as one of the most elusive modern pieces. The surprisingly rare modern item was a 1993-P Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, this was the last nickel needed to complete an entire set of Nickels produced by the United States. Not only was it the last nickel, it was the last non-gold issue needed for the entire set of Copper, Nickel, and Silver coins made from 1792-Present. While this much has probably never been written about a 1993-P Nickel, I thought it was worthwhile…Where did the last coin come from you ask? Well, we’ve searched for one (seriously!) for two years. So, minding the fact that we couldn’t find one that was already certified, we recently bought a group of mint sets from one of our favorite customers, Bill in Paso Robles, California and decided to simply send the coin in for grading. While it wasn’t a very exciting find as the grading cost more than the perceived value of the coin, it was still the last item for this momentous occasion. So, thanks Bill!
To add a bit more color to the background, PCGS states that there are 3,676 coins in this Registry Set compilation to acquire the full U.S. issue set. Well, now we have 12 left. The more notable additions this week were a 1797/5 $5 PCGS AU50 (Large Eagle) and a 1797 $2 ½ PCGS/CAC XF40 (with Stars). It may be asked where does one go when the last 12 are found? Well, I can’t answer that fully, but I’d suggest, there are still a lot of Major Varieties and Proofs to go...and one can always upgrade right?
That being said, we want to congratulate Mr. Hansen on what he’s done so far. It’s been an impressive and exciting journey!
Sincerely,
John Brush and Your Friends at DLRC
Why we love it: The Battle Born collection was a legendary collection of Carson City coins that were dispersed via auction several years ago. This fresh piece that hails from this collection is a popular and scarce Carson City Minted Liberty Double Eagle from a mintage of just 18,402 with only a couple others graded finer. Surprisingly nice for the issue with limited contact marks and a strong strike make this a beautiful, choice uncirculated piece of true registry quality. The eye appeal is fantastic between the golden color and fully original stunning luster with some obverse copper spots that give it some unique character.
Value: With high estimates from the PCGS Price Guide and CPG of $52,500 and $48,400 respectively, we are proud to offer our NGC graded example in this week’s auction at the generously low reserve amount of just $37,500. We find this price point for this rare, beautiful Double Eagle to be an amazing value at five figures below both price guides for a piece graded by NGC.
Why we love it: A rare first year of issue matte proof for the Indian Half Eagle Series from a minuscule mintage of just 167 coins struck. This near-gem proof is beautiful, unique and as blemish-free as a coin can get in a 64 holder. Its bronze tinted coloring on these pristine, silky surfaces give it such a one of a kind, captivating look.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide Value for this coin comes in at $22,500 while the CPG Value is a bit high for our liking at $26,600. Our near-gem example of this rare Indian Half Eagle Proof is available for bidding in this week’s auction with a reasonable reserve of just $22,500.
Why we love it: The 1920-S $10 is a desirable 20th century rarity from a lower mintage of 126,500 in which only just over a hundred are estimated to have survived. This choice AU example offers some subtle remaining luster, little visible wear and lovely, original color and surfaces. This piece is so attractive and lacking in wear that the CAC approval comes as no surprise and seeing it climb a step up the AU ladder would not be shocking either.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide Value for this coin is accurate at $37,500 if the coin was not CAC approved, while the CPG Value at $41,100 is a better representation for a piece that boasts the coveted sticker. Our choice AU CAC approved example of this rare Indian $10 is available in this week’s auction with a fair reserve of $37,000 that has already been met.
Why we love it: A scarce date in the Indian Gold Eagle Series that becomes especially rare in mid to high Mint State grades. It comes from a mintage of only 59,000, in which just 11 of those have been graded finer than our piece by PCGS. This near-gem has so much to offer aside from the rarity with its intriguing coloring, frosty luster and high-quality surfaces that earned it CAC approval.
Value: The most recent sale of this same date and PCGS-grade combination with a CAC sticker came in auction in 2016 when that piece brought $28,200. With that sale and an even higher PCGS Price Guide Value of $31,000, we are offering ours at a fair value as it has already met the reserve and will find a new home on Sunday!
Why we love it: A scarce and popular New Orleans Mint Issue Three-Dollar Gold Piece from a low mintage of just 24,000 coins struck. This nearly uncirculated example shows no noticeable signs of wear, which combined with its fully original yellow-gold color and great luster, creates ideal eye appeal for the grade.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide and CPG Value are somewhat comparable with estimates of $19,500 and $20,600 respectively. Our NGC graded example of this desirable, rare issue is available in this week’s auction with a reserve set thousands below both price guide evaluations at just $15,750.
Why we love it: A gorgeous gem example of this popular Denver Mint Issue Barber Half Dollar Type Coin that is bested by just one finer example at PCGS. This CAC approved stunner is completely pristine and could easily pass for a 67. The light toning and blazing underlying luster shining through makes this piece truly registry-quality.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide has this D-mint Barber Half valued at $3,500 in MS66; however, this coin has a plus grade launching it up to a $6,750 estimation. Our lightly toned lustrous gem example of this Barber Half Dollar is available via Make Offer for just $4,500. It is even CAC approved and if it were to reach a 67 holder the estimate would double to $13,000.
Why we love it: A perfect later date issue ready for a seat in an impressive and exclusive Indian Cent Type Set. This ultra-gem will rival any coin from this series in terms of eye appeal as the luster is absurdly strong and the surfaces are blazing bright red. Its flawless fields and crisply struck devices also add to the look and back up the high grade in which only one other piece was graded finer by PCGS.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide sits at $9,500 and the two most recent sales in 2018 of the same date and grade combination were $6,000 and $7,200 respectively. Our stunning red gem example is available in this week’s auction reserved reasonably at the far lower end of that range at just $6,500.
Why we love it: This gorgeous piece, known as America’s Most Beautiful Coin, is greatly desired among all collectors. This slightly more affordable, nearly uncirculated example has attractive surfaces and color that, combined with its fantastic design, make for stunning eye appeal. The tremendous eye appeal and surfaces of this coin were recognized by CAC as they approved it as a high-end example of the grade.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide reflects a value of $15,500 without counting in any CAC sticker premium. Our beautiful and more affordable example of America’s Most Beautiful Coin with CAC approval is available on our website for just $13,250 through our Make Offer function.
Why we love it: The 1911-D is a famously known date and mintmark combination across all Indian Gold denominations. As far as Eagles go, this is one of the most desirable issues in the series coming from such a low mintage of 30,100 pieces struck. This bright yellow-gold choice uncirculated example displays plenty of luster and no detracting spots or marks.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide at $27,500 and the CPG Value at $27,200 are extremely comparable which should assure bidders since the estimations are so close. Our lustrous, choice example of this key date is available in this week’s auction with a reserve set a few thousand below both price guides at just $24,500.
Why we love it: The last year of regular proof issues for the Morgan Dollar Series in which this is a slightly scarcer than average date from a tiny mintage of just 650 pieces with just 13 graded finer by PCGS. Pretty gem proof Morgan with lovely toning and nice eye appeal. The obverse and reverse toning consists of rose-gold in the center with blue and green highlights around the rim.
Value: The most recent sale of this same date and PCGS-grade combination came in an auction in 2018 when that piece brought $6,600. With that sale and an even higher PCGS Price Guide Value of $7,750, we are offering ours at an excellent value of just $6,000 via the Make Offer function.
Why we love it: This historic Shipwreck piece from the famous “Ship of Gold”, the S.S. Central America, displays pristine gem surfaces with gorgeous yellow-gold coloring and plenty of luster. This example is just one of the few coins found from the shipwreck in high-grade gem condition with most known examples being 64s. There are only eight other pieces known graded finer by PCGS.
Value: The CPG Value for this coin is set quite accurately at $33,900 while the PCGS Price Guide Value is simply too high in our eyes at $37,000. Our gem example of this historic numismatic shipwreck treasure is available for outright purchase at an incredibly low best price of just $28,500 via the Make Offer function.
Why we love it: In this lovely, original choice uncirculated condition with a CAC sticker, this is truly the ideal type coin for the Capped Bust Quarter Series. This piece has it all including natural toning, lustrous surfaces that are high-end for the grade in terms of blemishes, and clean, strong strike. These characteristics give the coin nice eye appeal that should help it find a home in an exciting type set quickly.
Value: The CPG Value has this incredible type coin valued fairly at $4,380 without even factoring in any premium for the CAC approval as the coin nearly doubles in value just a grade finer. Our nicely toned choice CAC approved example of this desirable Bust Quarter is reserved in this week’s auction under the price guide at just $4,100.
Why we love it: One of the better key dates in the Indian Half Eagle Series that becomes a complete rarity in Mint State grades. The eye appeal is almost as exciting as its extreme rarity as this piece is frosty and lustrous as well as maintaining its original yellow-gold coloring. The notable absence of marks for this grade point makes the idea of a possible plus grade realistic.
Value: The most recent sale of this same date and PCGS-grade combination came in a 2017 auction which brought $32,900. With that sale and an even higher PCGS Price Guide Value of $38,500, we are offering ours at an excellent value as it is reserved at just $30,000 in this week’s auction.
Why we love it: This lightly toned ultra-gem is one of the most popular Classic Commemorative issues. It has a lower mintage of just 100,058 coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of Illinois joining the Union. This single year of issue piece has lovely rim toning mostly on the obverse with bright white luster shining through giving fantastic eye appeal.
Value: The CPG Value for this coin is set at $2,060 while the PCGS Price Guide Value we feel is a bit more realistic at $1,850. Our gorgeous ultra-gem example of this popular commemorative is available for purchase at a reasonable best price of just $1,700 via our Make Offer function.
Why we love it: The Clark Gruber is a popular and rare Pioneer gold issue struck immediately before the Civil War from gold in Colorado. Most examples did not survive outside of circulation, so uncirculated pieces are difficult to locate making this lustrous MS61 piece that much more desirable. There are only 11 others graded finer by NGC.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide Value has this Mint State Clark Gruber valued at $13,500, which we are proudly offering our example for over $3,000 less. Our pretty, lustrous yellow-gold example of this scarce and desirable territorial gold issue is available for purchase at just $10,250 via Make Offer.
Why we love it: A scarce proof Civil War Date Liberty Seated Half Dollar from a low mintage of just 550 coins struck. Its proof surfaces consist of pristine, stunning fields and light bluish-gray rim tones. This near-gem is high-end for the grade as the CAC approval and lack of blemishes show.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide has Civil War Date Seated Halves valued at $2,750 without factoring in any premium for the CAC sticker as this coin doubles in value if it were to reach PR65. Our toned near-gem example is available for purchase at that same $2,750 via the Make Offer function even with CAC approval.
Why we love it: An extraordinarily lustrous gem example of this popular Eisenhower Dollar Issue. The overall look and surface quality match the grade well. For a more common modern coin there are surprisingly just 12 other examples of the issue graded finer by PCGS and only one over MS66+.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide Value and the CPG Value for this coin are ironically set at the exact same amount of $325, which should bring much assurance on the estimation since both reputable sources agree. Our pretty gem is available for the low best price of just $225 via the Make Offer function.
Check out all of the available "Coins We Love" from past newsletters