Coins We Love: Southern Mint Gold
This week’s offerings are very heavy on Charlotte and Dahlonega gold issues as we’re pleased to offer the Southern Mint Gold Collection. Highlighted by a complete set of Dahlonega $5 Half Eagles, this fantastic collection has a little bit of everything in it for all forms of collectors. From high-end CAC-stickered coins to collector-level items under $2,000, it’s an opportunity that we’re very pleased to feature in this Sunday’s auction.
Meanwhile, at DLRC this week, there’s not a lot of new things to report. We’re still doing our best to stay within the requirements of the local governmental authorities and we’re working from home as much as possible. So, if you have a package that you expect to be going out with the typical DLRC-speed, give us a little bit of grace as we work to get it out as soon as possible. Like the rest of the country, we’re doing our best to protect our co-workers at DLRC and we won’t be operating at full capacity for quite some time. That being said, we’re just glad that we’re still able to offer so many exciting coins for collectors of all levels. Even if you don’t find something of interest below, we hope that you’ll check out our website for all of our other offerings!
Why we love it: A very popular and rare Charlotte Mint issue, this half eagle was among the last coins struck at Charlotte. It comes from a mintage of just 6,879, and the reverse die crack through AMERI tells us it was one of the later pieces struck. This indicates that this coin might have been one of the 887 examples struck while the mint was under Confederate control. While this numismatic theory cannot be confirmed, it is popular amongst serious collectors as a possible Confederate strike! A pleasing XF with plenty of detail, this coin is steeped in history.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $11,500, and the CPG is at $11,900. We’re starting things off at $12,000. With the last coin selling in auction in 2016 for $11,456, we think that it’s an ideal level for a truly interesting coin. The die crack makes this example even more intriguing than an average piece, and it has fantastic eye appeal for the grade.
Why we love it: Another coin that may have been produced while the mint was under control of the Confederacy, this rarity comes from an even smaller mintage of just 1,597. With less than 100 pieces believed to survive, this is a delightful mid-grade example. It has remarkably few abrasions for an issue that’s notorious for significant marks, and blue and violet toning highlight the devices. Incredibly scarce with the coveted CAC sticker, this coin is ideal for the advanced collector.
Value: The price guides are widely varied on this coin with both trailing the actual wholesale market value. The CPG seems to be the most accurate with a value of $39,300. With a starting bid set at just $38,000, it is a rare opportunity to capture this historic Civil War coin. A VF35 example from either grading company hasn’t come up for auction since 2005, so it’s anyone’s guess where this coin might land. The last PCGS XF40 example sold in 2012 for $41,125!
Why we love it: A widely collected major variety in the Lincoln cent series, the 1922 no D was created when the D wore off a die at the Denver Mint. Denver was the only place to mint cents in 1922, making it a particularly fascinating variety. This example has a strong reverse and is an even brown with hints of red. The obverse die was overused, meaning all examples have mushy obverse details.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $8,500, and the CPG is at $7,750. We’re making it available for $8,500 via Make Offer, right on par with PCGS. CAC examples have always sold for a premium as the coin typically does not come with eye appeal. CAC approved and high-end for the grade, this piece is sure to be a highlight of your Lincoln cent collection.
Why we love it: The first year of the small-size quarter, this gem comes from a collection that was put together in the early 1900s and wasn’t graded until recently. Remarkably well preserved and amazingly original, this stalwart survivor is a fantastic “put away” coin, as they simply don’t come this way. With a population of nine and only one finer, this is a stunning example with light dappled toning near the rims. It’s one of the plate coins on PCGS CoinFacts and is sure to draw some attention as a fresh-to-market specimen.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide puts this coin at $42,500, but we’re offering this coin with a starting bid of $40,000 in this Sunday’s auction. This is the first gem example we’ve had the pleasure to offer, and it’s perfectly in-line with recent sales as the only other PCGS MS66 example with a CAC sticker to sell recently was a $41,125 result in December. This one is not to be missed.
Why we love it: This high AU early dollar has aspirations of being uncirculated with very light wear only on the high points of Liberty’s hair. Aside from a few spots of toning, it’s an even light gray with some original luster in protected areas. Approved by CAC, this piece is on the very top of its assigned grade.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $17,500, and the CPG is at $18,200. We’re making it available for much less – only $15,750 via Make Offer. The last example sold in 2009 for $20,125, so this is a truly phenomenal deal that won’t last long.
Why we love it: The North Georgia Collection was at the time, the finest set of Dahlonega gold coins that was ever assembled. Pieced together over a 25 year period for a collector in Georgia, this set was sold in 1995 to a private collector who later dispersed the collection via wholesale channels and public auction. This lovely specimen comes from a small mintage of just 2,935 pieces, making it one of the rarest Dahlonega issues of the series. With very little rub, this coin is incredibly lustrous for an AU example. It’s well-struck for the issue with no individually distracting marks, offering exceptionally strong eye appeal for a rare date. While several pieces are currently graded finer, this coin is certainly one of the nicest for the grade that we have seen for any date, let alone the 1854-D.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $7,250, and the CPG is at $7,190. We are offering in this week’s auction as part of the Southern Mint Gold Collection with a starting bid in auction at just $6,850. The last PCGS-graded example of an AU55 to sell at auction realized $8,050 in 2005; it’s been quite a while since a comparable piece was offered. Don’t let this great coin pass you by!
Why we love it: Another fantastic offering from the Southern Mint Gold Collection, this low-mintage Dahlonega piece comes from an original mintage of only 1,811 coins. To add to its desirability, it’s the only D-Mint Type II Gold Dollar ever struck. This particular example is wonderfully struck for the issue with sharp details and very light rub on the high points. Satiny surfaces and caramel-gold luster combine to create a gorgeous coin, destined for a high-end collection. Approximately 80 or so examples exist of this date and mint in all grades, making it one of the holy grails of a Dahlonega Gold set.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide comes in at $55,000, and the CPG suggests $45,400. Based on the most recent auction record of $49,200 in September, we are privileged to offer this lovely coin with a starting bid of just $52,500.
Why we love it: With an incredible amount of luster for the grade, this quarter eagle is one of the more common dates for the type, making it a fantastic type coin. Light adjustment marks are visible around the date and across Liberty’s hair, but there’s only a hint of wear and the coin has an undeniable eye appeal.
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $32,750, the PCGS Price Guide is at $27,500, and the CPG recommends $27,800. We’re making this blazingly lustrous example available for only $20,000 via Make Offer, a significant step below any of the guides.
Why we love it: A wonderful choice for type collectors, the 1829 is a very popular date as the first year of the new style. Though very similar to the previous type, 1829 saw a smaller diameter and thicker planchet than previous issues, as well as some minor design changes. This example is well-struck with satiny lemon-gold surfaces and strong eye appeal.
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $22,350, the PCGS Price Guide is at $24,000, and the CPG recommends $22,400. We’re willing to let it go for just $19,000, making it a great fit for a type collector not wanting to break the bank.
Why we love it: With a survival estimate of only 200, the 1839-D is one of the key dates of the Classic Head Quarter Eagle series. It was also the first year that Dahlonega struck quarter eagles, adding to its desirability. The obverse mintmark location makes it an ideal type coin for an advanced set. This example is problem free with wear expected for the grade, pleasing color, and no distracting marks.
Value: The wholesale Greysheet price comes in at $5,000 even, the PCGS Price Guide recommends $5,500, and the CPG is at $6,250. With the lack of recent auction records, in this grade range, we think that the starting bid price in this week’s auction is right on the money, coming in at $5,250.
Why we love it: A relatively common coin to find in VF20 to XF40, this MS62 stunner offers an incredible opportunity to a discerning collector! The details are strong and the coin displays even, vividly gold surfaces almost bordering on orange. Somewhat prooflike, this beauty is approved by CAC and has a population of just four with only four graded higher. One of the highlights, grade-wise to the Southern Mint Gold Collection, this coin is sure to delight someone who appreciates quality!
Value: The lack of CAC-stickered coins on the market from the Dahlonega issues suggests that this stunning piece likely should outperform all of the price guides. While the PCGS Price Guide recommends $12,500, and the CPG is at $11,200, it is being offered in this Sunday’s auction with a starting bid of just $12,000, which is an incredible bargain for such a high-end example.
Why we love it: The 1938-D is a popular type coin for those in search of a half eagle with an obverse mintmark, though that’s not to say it’s a common piece – from an original mintage of over 20,000, less than 300 are believed to survive. This example is a nicely lustrous AU with very minimal rub and excellent detail.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $22,500, and the CPG recommends a value of $23,000. With the wholesale Greysheet bid level coming in at $19,000 and the last public auction record coming in 2017 for $18,213, we’re not shocked that this piece has already met the starting bid and has jumped to $19,000 as of the time of this writing. This coin is an excellent opportunity at what is currently a wholesale level for the serious collector of Southern Gold coins!
Why we love it: The rarest collectible coin from the Charlotte Mint, the 1842-C Half Eagle had a mintage of just 4,595. This piece has sharp details for the grade and original golden-yellow surfaces. With particularly strong eye appeal for an XF40, this is a relatively affordable example of this coveted key date.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide and the CPG both place this piece at $18,500. Though they may agree, this coin is being offered with a starting bid of just $16,750 to leave plenty of room for bids. This is the first XF40 example that’s come up for public auction from either grading company since 2015, so don’t miss out while it’s available.
Why we love it: With only four graded finer at either NGC or PCGS, this is a wonderfully appealing example of the Dahlonega Half Eagle. It’s incredibly well struck with great detail on both sides, and even, frosty luster across the prooflike fields. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive example!
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $20,000, the PCGS Price Guide is at $22,000, and the CPG recommends $16,900. We’re starting it off much lower than any of them at just $14,500, which presents a phenomenal opportunity to claim such an attractive piece for a bargain!
Why we love it: This is a lovely example of the scarce Newcomb 7 variety. It has well-struck devices with incredible detail and only minor wear. It’s an even dark chocolate with no distracting marks or abrasions. This example has very high eye appeal for the grade and will fit in well with any set of high-grade circulated large cents.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide doesn’t give a value for this exact grade of the Newcomb 7, but it suggests $975 in XF45. We’re offering it for just $650 via Make Offer, a great deal for such an uncommon variety.
Why we love it: This registry quality gem is virtually flawless. With smooth, deep mirrors and even, red surfaces, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a nicer example. A total of 14 are graded higher across both services, and with a massive jump in price to PR69, this one is a bargain.
Value: The NGC Price Guide puts this piece at $450, the PCGS Price Guide suggests $250, and the CPG stops at PR67. We’ll let this one go for just $225, below even the lower PCGS suggestion. Don’t miss out on this beauty while it’s here!
Why we love it: Another registry quality gem from 1953, this nickel is also bordering on flawless with deep, reflective mirrors. Only eight are graded finer across both grading services, all at NGC. If you’re looking to put together a 1953 proof set, this coin and the previous one will give you a fantastic start!
Value: The NGC Price Guide suggests $600, and the PCGS Price Guide is at $800. We’re offering this stunning proof for just $450 via Make Offer. It’s the first PF69 of the date that we’ve had the pleasure to offer.
Why we love it: A solid XF example of the Overton 102a, this piece has plenty of remaining detail and a particularly pleasing reverse. Mainly toned a brown-gray, this coin has minimal wear, as you would expect for the grade. Light spots on the obverse give it some personality, making it a charmingly distinctive piece.
Value: The PCGS Price Guide suggests $675, and the CPG is at $715. We’re willing to go quite a bit lower and will part with this coin for $550 via Make Offer. Bust half collectors, don’t let this one get away!
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Check out all of the available "Coins We Love" from past newsletters